Managed/Edited/Published by
Bret "The Threat" Newton
Senior Photographer
w/ Art by
"Threat" Senior
Writers "Thrill" & "Threat"
Senior
Consultant H. Annibal Lecter
Featured Writers
"BC" Bob Witt
Luis "The Beast" Cadiz
Nat Gottlieb
Johnny "Flash" Ortiz
Mike "To Protect And Serve" Indri
"The Queen Of" Romina Ciuffa
"Hail" Cesar Garcia
Contributing
Writers
Damon "LatinBox" Gonzalez
Roy & Marlene Marquez
"The Sparring Partners"
Jacqui "Low Blow" Snow
Jeff "Big Bazooka" Linenfelser
Andrew "TKO" Houghton
Tommy "The Hitman" Mc Naughton
Oliver "The Ring" Richardt
Javier "Big Javi" Ramirez
Chris "Honeyboy" Adams
"Straight Shootin" Sheila Newton
"Slick" Rick Lawless
Lisa "S'Nott"
Contributing Photographers "Sugar" Ray Bailey
"Adorin" Lauren Trillo
John "Enchilada" Estrada
Donnell "DGVET" Gonzalez
Conor "Terminated" Spence
Yesenia Carrion "Luggage"
John "Let Em Fight" Pinto
Justin "Credible" Hughes
By
Oliver “The Ring“ Richardt As a
fighter Ahmet Oener didn’t earn too much recognition
worldwide. When he finished his career in February 2002
his fight record was at 16-5-2 with 11 KO’s. But now,
almost five years later, the 35-year old Turkish is
stepping back in the ring – with bigger steps than
before as a professional.
Oener returns as
Germanys third big box promoter with a huge perspective.
Said Ahmet, “When I
was young, I saw the first Rocky movies and dreamt of
being a boxer and promoter. Now I want to enter the top
level of boxing.”
Click Here For Full Report
Looks Like Kermit-Mosley is
Kaput;
Collazo To Fill In
Against Shane -
Audio
Interview
While the Shane Mosley-Kermit Cintron fight in February that
Golden Boy was trying to make appears to be getting scraped due
to legal problems in Cintron's camp, Pound4Pound has been told
that it looks like that ex-champion Luis Collazo, who had
earlier been pushing for a fight with Mosley, is poised to fill
in for Cintron.
Collazo told Pound4Pound that he was called two nights ago
by Golden Boy and asked if he still wanted to fight Shane.
Without hesitation, Collazo said yes. According to Collazo,
paperwork for the fight with Mosley is being sent to his
promoter, Don King for finalizing, and the welterweight
said he expects it to be official soon after New Year's Day.
Collazo suggested that if the fight between Sugar and
Cintron was titled “SUGAR
& SPICE”
then it better be changed to “SUGAR
MELTS”,
now that he has stepped in to fight Shane on the February 10
Las Vegas card.
Bonsante’s stalking of Vanda ends Jan. 12 in
“Bad Blood” Target Center in Minneapolis
Newly crowned Minnesota
middleweight champion Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante’s years of
stalking bitter intra-state archrival Matt “The Predator” Vanda
finally ends January 12 when they headline “Bad Blood” in the
10-round main event at The Target Center in Minneapolis. Click Here For More
El Gallo's Training Camp Notes
WBA light middleweight champion Jose Antonio Rivera
World Boxing Association light middleweight champion "El
Gallo" Jose Antonio Rivera broke his New England-based
training camp today and headed south for final preparations
leading up to his January 6 title defense against Travis
Simms fighting on Showtime live from the Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Rivera (38-4-1, 24 KOs), a three-time world champion in two
divisions, defends his WBA 154-pound title belt against the
WBA "champion in recess" Simms (24-0, 18 KOs) in the
12-round co-feature on the Samuel Peter-James Toney II card.
"I don't know if training in three places is any better or
worse," Rivera said, "but I've made the most out of it and
I'm better prepared and in better shape for this fight than
any fights during my career. I've made everything fit
comfortably into my schedule. Scully and Garcia handle the
boxing preparation and the game plan for the fight, and I do
my running and work with my personal trainer, Radovan
Serbula, on my strength and conditioning."
Click Here For More
Tickets Are On Fire For February 3rd Show!
Tickets
for Major League Boxing's Rising Stars February 3rd show at
The Augusta Expoland in Fishersville, VA are selling
extremely well. As of 12PM today the entire FIRST ROW is
sold out! We at Major League Boxing are extremely thankful
that our Rising Stars show featuring "JC Superstar" Juan
Carlos Robles vs. Derek "D-Mos" Amos and Adam "The Real
Deal" Seal vs. William "The Storm" Bailey and many,
many more has been so well received! Limited quantities of
2nd and 3rd row seats remain. As of 12PM December 29th here
is a breakdown of tickets that remain:
1st ROW -
SOLD OUT!
2nd ROW -
10 available
3rd ROW -
10 available
4th, 5th,
6th ROW - 104 available
Luis Callazo Set For Sugar On February 10th
Pound4Pound.com just spoke to Southpaw welterweight Luis
Callazo and he says he is all but signed and ready to go
for the February 10th date in Las Vegas that
was “reportedly” going to be Shane vs. Cintron.
Full
Audio with Collazo himself coming!
Mike Tyson In Trouble Again DUI, Drug
Possession, Etc. Etc.
Pound4Pound Obtains Official Arrest Report
Mike Tyson was arrested early Friday on suspicion of
driving under the influence and possession of cocaine
after police stopped him shortly after he left an
Arizona nightclub.
According to authorities, the boxer was pulled over
after his car almost
struck a sheriff's vehicle while leaving an Arizona
Night Club.
Tyson, who was alone, submitted to field sobriety tests
and upon a search drugs were found in his possession and
in his vehicle.
Tyson was booked at the Maricopa County jail, and was
set to make an initial
court appearance Friday morning.
This is not the first trip for Tyson to the Maricopa
Jail as he once was a guest of the facility as he took
time to lecture children about the dangers of drugs and
alcohol.
Clearly, Mike has become the poster child for the ,
"Don't do as I do, Do as I say", campaign.
Open To
Public Workouts At Hard Rock On Saturday
Samuel
Peter & Jose Antonio Rivera
Plus
Ring-Card Girl
Contest
The Seminole
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will host an open-to-the-public media
workout with one of the top heavyweights in the world and a
defending super welterweight world champion beginning at 1 p.m.
on Saturday. The public is invited to attend. The Hard Rock is
sponsoring a Ring-Card Girl Contest immediately after the
workouts beginning at 2 p.m. as part of their New Year's weekend
festivities. Click Here For
More
SHOWTIME Starts 2007 With A Heavyweight Rematch … At A Special
Time;
Replay Of First Peter-Toney
Slugfest Next Wednesday, Jan. 3
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins
its 21st year of televising world-class events with a
doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at 10 p.m. ET/PT
(delayed on the West Coast). The telecast will start at a
special time in order to accommodate fans tuning into the NFL
Wild Card games airing the same night. Normally, the SHOWTIME
telecasts start at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Click Here For
More
Hot Ticket! Robles vs. Amos 2 Plus Major League Boxing's Rising
Stars Selling Very Well!
The
Showdown In Shenandoah, featuring the much anticipated rematch
between Waynesboro, VA's "JC Superstar" Juan Carlos Robles and
Derek "D-Mos" Amos is the hottest ticket in town! Tickets went
on sale yesterday December 27th and many of the first, second,
and third row seats have already been sold! A large number of
the 4th, 5th, and 6th row seats, along with General Admission
tickets have been sold as well. Click Here For
More
Yory Boy Campas vs. Eduoardo Sanchez in Jan 11
Mexican legend and former
world champion Yory Boy Campas, fresh off his electrifying
November battle against John Duddy, will headline the Gotham
Boxing/DRL Promotions “Winter Heat” fight extravaganza on
Thursday night, January 11, at Roseland Ballroom in New
York City, it was announced today.
The ageless wonder who has
compiled a masterful 88 victories during an illustrious career,
including 72 by way of knockout, will square off against Eduardo
Sanchez (15-5-2, 9 KO’s) of New Orleans in the 10 round junior
middleweight main event. Click Here
For More
Pacquiao Honors Arum Contract,
Snubs Golden Boy Contract,
Nixes Finkel's Contract Renewal
Written By Philippine
Correspondent Homer D. Sayson
Legally-troubled Manny Pacquiao made two major announcements
yesterday: he will honor his contract with Bob Arum's Top Rank,
not the previous one he signed with Golden Boy Promotions, and
he is also not retaining the services of manager Shelly Finkel,
whose contract with the Filipino fighter runs out Jan. 31.
He signed two promotional contracts. One with Golden Boy
Promotions on September, and other with Top Rank on November.
Click
Here For Full Report
The Year According to "TKO" - A 25
Question Test
By Andy "TKO" Houghton
With all substantial action in the world of pugilism done and
dusted for 2006, British correspondent Andy "TKO" Houghton tests
your memory of the year
1. In January, which fighter unified three major world belts
with a 10th round stoppage win at "The Garden", New York? (Due
to politics, the unification lasted as long as an Evander
Holyfield vow of celibacy)
2. Also in January, which former world titlist returned to the
ring with a decision over Marteze Logan?
3. In February, which undefeated prospect won a WBA title
eliminator over Whyber Garcia with (surprisingly) a first round
stoppage? Click
Here For Full Report
As We Reported Last Week... Shane Mosley
Pursues Fifth World Title
Against Kermit Cintron
Saturday, February 10 at Mandalay Bay
Tickets Go On Sale Thursday, Jan. 4 at Noon
“Sugar Shane” Mosley will climb the mountain once again as he
looks to become the welterweight champion of the world for the
second time when he faces International Boxing Federation (IBF)
147-pound champion Kermit Cintron. The explosive battle,
destined to be one of the most memorable fights in 2007, will
take place Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
“SUGAR AND SPICE!,” Mosley vs. Cintron, will be presented by
Golden Boy Promotions and Bobby Bostick Promotions. The fight
will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing at 9:45 PM EST /
6:45 PM PST. Click Here For
More
Unbeatens Casal, Izquierdo Clash In Jan. 5
ShoBox Co-Feature At Southaven, Miss.
Crowd-Pleasing, Undefeated
Prospects Square Off In Co-Featured Bout
On “ShoBox: The New Generation’’
Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at 11 p.m. ET/PT
A pair of talented, unbeaten boxers with
eerily similar pro careers will collide when Nick Casal (15-0-1,
1 NC, 12 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Izquierdo (15-0-1, 13 KOs) in
an excellent co-featured attraction on Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, on
“ShoBox: The New Generation.” Click Here For
More
The Chosen Ten As
2006 draws to a close, Andy "TKO" Houghton ranks the prime
movers in the pound for pound stakes for the new pugilistic year
By Andy "TKO" Houghton
Ok guys. First the disclaimer. This is only one man's opinion.
It is not a matter of life and death, nor is it intended to be
taken as a personal affront to anyone reading. In other words,
the death threats and the anthrax through the mailbox can go to
somebody else, ok? Down to business, the top ten fighters in the
game at the moment (in my not so humble opinion) are...
1. Floyd Mayweather Junior
Age: 29
Style: Orthodox
Status: WBC welterweight champ.
Strengths: Superb technical ability, foot and hand speed,
movement, reflexes, solid chin
Weaknesses: Lack of genuine knockout power
Hall Of Fame Inductee Jose
Sulaiman Lets it All Hang Out
Interview By
William Trillo
Earlier this month the International Boxing Hall of Fame in
Canastota, New York formerly announced it’s latest inductees.
Among those in this years class is the likes of Roberto Duran,
Pernell Whitaker, Ricardo Lopez and long time WBC President Jose
Sulaiman.
While others have denigrated Sulaiman’s appointment,
Pound4Pound.com whole heartedly welcomes him to the Hall. Not
only has Sulaiman answered all our questions personally over the
years, but he has proven to be a good friend and even in the
toughest of situations Sulaiman has always been ready to speak
on behalf of his prestigious organization, and for that we thank
him. Click
Here For Full Interview
My Christmas
Presents For The Happy New Couple
By H. Annibal Lecter, Ph.d
Foto Folly: Bret "The Threat"
I was so touched by this joyous union, I was moved to
send delectably tender young Floyd and fine-aged Oscar some
presents to put under their trees. Silly me. I am given to
excess.
To Oscar I sent the following:
A complete list of all A-list fighters who will soon be free
agents so you and Dickie can get a jumpstart on everybody else,
including the promoters who have developed their careers.
Naughty boy, that Golden Boy.
To Floyd I sent the following:
A 14-carat gold Duck to commemorate yet another year in which
you managed to make millions without facing any opponent who
might beat you. Click
Here For Full Report
Mendy Meets Hanshaw In ShoBox Super Middle Tourney Finals On
Friday, Jan. 5
No BCS controversy or photo finishes here. The
two most talented fighters in the “ShoBox” super middleweight
tournament will clash for the championship when Jean Paul Mendy
faces Tony Hanshaw, Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m.
ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from the Desoto Civic Center
in Southaven, Miss. Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Round One
Entertainment will co-promote the event. Click Here For
More
Don King Denies Reports Linking Him to Pacquiao
Promoter Has Not Spoken to the Filipino Prizefighter or His
Trainer
Promoter Don King denies media reports this week claiming he has
been pursuing representation of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.
“I have not called nor have I spoken with Manny Pacquiao, his
trainer or anyone in his camp,” King said. “I have no idea
where these reports have emanated from, but I can assure
everyone the media accounts are absolutely false in their
entirety and have no merit whatsoever.”
Stories ran earlier this week, and have been repeated in
publications and Internet Web sites around the world, making
several preposterous claims directly attributed to Pacquiao’s
trainer—all of which King denies. The false allegations include
King phoning relentlessly and offering large amounts of money
attempting to become Pacquiao’s promoter.
Gary Woolcombe and Brian Magee
Added To "Payback Or Playback"
Frank Maloney has added two solid
supporting bouts to the hotly anticipated Commonwealth
Bantamweight title rematch between reigning champion Tshifhiwa
Munyai and British titlist Martin Power at Goresbrook LC in
Dagenham, England on Friday 26 January. Click Here For
More
Samuel Peter Is A Dream Come True For 100 Kids
At Deerfield Beach Boys And Girls Club
Training in Florida for rematch against James Toney on January
6, Duva Boxing’s No. 1 Contender Brings Holiday Gifts, Joy to
Youngsters
Deerfield Beach, Florida, December 22—The number one contender
for the heavyweight championship made 100 kids feel like
champions for the Christmas holiday.
Samuel Peter is known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” but he was
truly a dream come true for dozens of youngsters yesterday at
the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County in Deerfield Beach. Click
Here For More
Pacquiao/Barrera Purse Offer Suspended
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
Due to the current legal situation concerning the WBC mandatory
super featherweight contender Manny Pacquiao, the WBC has
suspended the purse offer that was scheduled for January 12,
2007, for the mandatory title defense of world champion Marco
Antonio Barrera.
The WBC is currently researching this situation and will
continue doing so until the clarification of the facts for the
free negotiations, and will keep everybody informed after the
holidays.
I take the opportunity to wish everybody the best for Christmas
and a very happy and successful 2007.
Maddalone Technical Loss Overturned
The New
York State Athletic Commission has announced that the shocking
December 15 technical decision loss suffered by fan-favorite
heavyweight Vinny Maddalone has been changed to a no decision by
virtue of opponent Julius Long having tested positive for an, as
yet, unknown illegal substance.
Click Here For More
Flores positioning himself for contender role in 2007
Unbeaten cruiserweight B.J. "El Pelogroso" Flores plans on going
from prospect to contender with an impressive winning
performance January 13 against Chris "Cold Steel" Thomas for the
WBF and NBA cruiserweight titles at Knox Arena in Olive Branch,
Mississippi. Click Here For
More
"Bad Blood" in Minneapolis
-
Bonsante vs. Vanda Jan 12
"Bad Blood" spills over January 12 in Minnesota as bitter
archrivals Anthony "The Bullet" Bonsante and Matt "The
Predator" Vanda finally meet in the ring in a Minnesota
dream match at The Target Center in Minneapolis. Click Here
For More
Antuofermo vs. Hagler I Kicks Off 2007
"Top Rank's Legends of the Ring," on Versus
Thursday, January 4, 2007, at
9 p.m. ET, VERSUS
(formerly OLN) will kickoff the
new year by televising the sixth installment of
"Fight Night: Top Rank's
Legends of the Ring,"hosted by
Michael Buffer. January's
episode will feature the rarely-seen first fight between
VITO ANTUOFERMO defending his world middleweight title
against the legendary MARVELOUS
MARVIN HAGLER, November 30, 1979, at Caesars Palace. Click Here
For More
“El Travieso” Comes To So. Cal
January Top Rank Card In Anaheim Chock Full
By “Hail” Cesar Garcia
If one was to compare a boxer to a car, you could say that Jorge
Arce would be compact car, small but strong and quick enough to
act like a muscle machine, just more reliable.
So perhaps it is appropriate enough that on January 27th, “El
Travieso” (45-3-1, 35 KO’s) will make his Southern California
debut at the Honda Center in Anaheim against little known
Argentinean Julio Roque Ler (23-1, 14 KO’s).
Click Here For Full Report
Shaws Super Middle Tourney Finals Changes Location
The finals of the Super Middleweight Tournament that is promoted
by Gary Shaw will no longer take place in Las Vegas. According
to Shaw himself, the final bout between Anthony Hanshaw and Jean
Paul Mendy, which has the IBO 168 pound belt in the balance will
now be fought in Southaven Mississippi on the same January 5th
date.
Oscar vs.
Floyd at MGM Las Vegas
Floyd Sr. To Work Oscar
Corner According To Jr.
Written By
William Trillo
Following up
on a story Lauren Trillo wrote yesterday for Pound4Pound.com in
which Floyd Mayweather Jr. told us exclusively that his father
"absolutely" will be working Oscar's corner for their May 5, we
contacted Richard Schaefer, Golden Boy CEO, who did not deny
what Floyd Jr. said, saying "It's not official yet, I am not
sure where Floyd is getting his information."
Along with telling us there are just too many variables to
consider before an official announcement is made in regard to
Floyd Sr., Schaefer also told Pound4Pound that the 100 million
dollar figure Pretty Boy threw out there last night must be his
idea of gross revenues, other than that the Golden Boy chief
once again stated, “I do not know where Floyd is getting this
information.” Click
Here For Full Report
Shane Targeting Cintron
The date and the place is set for Shane Mosley’s next fight ,
February 10, Las Vegas Nevada. The opponent is not quite set but
according to Richard Schaefer Kermit Cintron is the man they are
shooting for and trying to nail something down with. No other
name was mentioned by Schaefer and he seems to have his sights
fully set on the match up with Cintron and is working to get it
done. In the meantime other names like Luis Collazo have been
mentioned, but not by the Golden Boy CEO during this
conversation.
Team Gammer Sticks To Guns
Over Audley Harrison Rejection
British Heavyweight Champion
Scott Gammer's promoter/manager Paul Boyce confirms that he
has rejected the overtures of Audley Harrison's new promoter
Sports Network and turned down an offer to meet "A-Force" at
London's Wembley Stadium in February.
"There been a lot of talk about
Scott possibly fighting Audley Harrison," said Boyce. "But
it's probably not going to happen. We've offered the fight
to Audley twice in the past and he turned us down both
times. Now, he's got nothing to offer us back.
Click Here For More
The 12 Days of Christmas
By Duva Boxing
On the twelfth Day of Duva
Boxing:A twelve-round (or less)
beating.
Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter (27-1, 22 KOs) knows that
James Toney has been naughty for too long and when he meets him
again on January 6, Peter will give Toney his late Christmas
present: a nice long nap on the canvas while sugar plum fairies
dance in his head. Click Here For
More
Feliz Navidad Arce &
Zertuche
Photo: Chris Farina - Top Rank
Click Here For Arce/Zertuche Photo
Two-time world champion Jorge 'Travieso'
Arce, Los Mochis, Mexico and Jose Luis Zertuche, Mexico
City, MX pose together during a press conference to
announce two championship fights on Top Rank's big
championship card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Ca.,
Saturday, January 27, live on HBO. In the Main event, Super
Flyweight Arce will take on top-rated Julio Roque Ler,
Cordoba, Argentina and in a compelling middleweight
showdown, unbeaten Kelly Pavlik, Youngstown, Ohio will
battle former Mexican Olympian Zertuche. The undercard will
feature Jr. Middleweight Vanes Martirosyan, Glendale, Ca.
As Reported Here 24 Hours Ago...
DeLaHoya vs. Mayweather Super Fight
May 5 MGM Grand In Las Vegas
Floyd Mayweather let the cat out of the bag last
night in Las Vegas on the Rocky Balboa red carpet and
Pound4Pound.com let you know what today's press release is
telling you today. What the press release won't tell you is
another tidbit that Floyd Jr. gave up and that's the fact that
Floyd's Dad will be in Oscar's corner on May 5th.
Check out tthe press release sent out today and don't forget who
broke the news to you prior to the official announcement.
It will be an unprecedented super fight between
two boxing superstars and former Olympians. It will be an
event poised to shatter records many believe would never be
broken. Golden Boy Promotions is pleased to announce
six-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya will meet unbeaten,
four-division world champion Floyd Mayweather Saturday, May 5 at
MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev., in the biggest fight to hit the
sport in decades. Click
Here For More
"My First Red Carpet
Event...Rocky Balboa"
Written By Lauren Trillo
Photos By Derrrick Adabashi
With minimal interview skills and the
fact I am too young to know a lot about Rocky movies, (I
know, I'm terrible) I wondered how I got myself into being a
part of the press at this red carpet event. Yet, with my
dinky camera and notepad in hand, here I was, at the soon to
be Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, willing to put in my
best effort with the help of my photographer/boyfriend
Derrick.
The VIP Party was held at the new center
bar inside the casino and it was decorated with Rocky Balboa
signs all around the outside and pretty girls standing at
every corner wearing practically nothing but holding glasses
of Champagne to start the long night ahead. Click
Here For Full Report
Rocky Balboa Red Carpet Premiere In Las Vegas Floyd Jr. Talks Drops Bomb On Red
Carpet
From Lauren Trillo & Derek Adabashi
on the Red Carpet
Confirming what Oscar De La Hoya said last Thursday on a Los
Angeles radio broadcast, Floyd Mayweather Jr. told us the
dream match up between him and Oscar De La Hoya will take
place at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The Pretty Boy also
confirmed his Father Floyd Sr. would be working in Oscar's
corner in what he called a 100 million dollar fight!
Stay tuned to Pound4Pound.com for
complete coverage & photos of Tuesday's nights Rocky Balboa
star studded red carpet coverage!
Edwin Valero could-and should-be
the future draw of boxing
By Marshall Garvey
Almost any hardcore boxing junkie knows the pack of Venezuelan
dynamite that is Edwin Valero, thanks to bootlegging and the
ever-handy youtube.com. He’s 20-0, with all wins coming by KO
and only two ending after the first round. He’s young, having
recently turned 25 earlier this month. And, until he (hopefully)
passes medical tests in each state (being suspended due to a
failed MRI of the brain), he’s unable to tread the canvas
anywhere in the U.S. This career roadblock has kept Valero
slugging it out as best he can elsewhere, and although his cult
following is fervent, he merits widespread viewing. And if
anything, “El Inca” (or “Dinamita,” if you prefer) has the
awesome potential to bring significant popularity back to
boxing.
Click Here For Full Report
Munyai vs. Power 2 War Of Words Heats Up
The hotly anticipated
bantamweight rematch between Commonwealth titlist Tshifhiwa
Munyai and British Champion Martin Power, "Payback or
Playback", takes place on January 26 at the Goresbrook LC in
Dagenham, England.
The last time the pair met in
June of this year, Munyai, a late replacement, forced
Power's corner to pull the plug in the ninth round to save
their man from permanent damage. Click Here
For More
Duddy eyeing March 16 at MSG
IBA World middleweight title-holder "Ireland's" John Duddy, does
not have a career-threatening detached retina, contrary to an
erroneous report, and he pulled out of his scheduled January
11th fight in New York because cuts over his eyes, suffered
September 29 in his title-winning fight against Luis Ramon "Yory
Boy" Campas, haven't completely healed.
Duddy (18-0, 15 KOs),
rated No. 7 by the WBO and No. 9 by the WBA, is preparing to
headline an Irish Ropes Promotions show March 16 - St. Patrick's
Day Eve - in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden that will be
broadcast live all over the world, including on pay-per-view in
North America. Click Here
For More
Top Rank Tix On Sale Thursday
Arce & Pavlik Featured At Honda Center In Anaheim
Tickets for Top Rank's big Jorge Arce vs. Julio Ler
fight will go on sale on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Honda
Center in Anaheim.
Arce, a two-time world champion, will take on Ler in the
main event on Saturday, Jan. 27. In the opening
televised bout, unbeaten middleweight Kelly Pavlik will
face the wildly popular Jose Luis Zertuche. Both fights
are scheduled for 12 rounds.
The undercard will feature unbeaten super welterweight
Vanes Martirosyan of Glendale, Calif.
Tickets are $200, $100, $75, $50 and $30. Tickets will
be available at the Honda Center Box Office, on-line at
ticketmaster.com, by phone at 714-740-2000 and at all
Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, go to
hondacenter.com
Results From Dominican Republic -
Guzman Retains Belt
Super Featherweight Joan Guzman
decisions Antonio Davis over 12
116-110 | 118-109 | 119-108 WBO Super Featherweight Title
Middleweight Giovanni Lorenzo TKO's
Jordan Sanchez in 1
Time: 1:37
Universal Promotions
"Night Of Revenge"
Story & Photos By Luis "The Beast" Cadiz
As 2006 comes to a close, Universal Promotions decided to finish
off the year with a bang. This local promotional company has
offered boxing fans evenly matched bouts where up and coming
prospects have been able to display their talents and build a
fan base in the process. This particular event, which was held
in the Antonio R. Barceló Coliseum in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico,
consisted of 11 bouts, 6 of which were televised. Even though
it’s the month of December, the time of gift giving and
receiving, none of the boxers on the card received a gift. Each
and every one of them had to “give and take” a considerable
amount of punishment to get their decisions.
In less than three minutes on Saturday
night, Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda reminded the boxing world why he
is the uncrowned middleweight champion of the world as he
dispatched of tough Willie Gibbs in devastating fashion.
But now the Colombian bomber wants the
hardware to go with his status as the people’s champion, and in
2007, the first man on his hit list is the fighter seen as the
undisputed titlist at 160 pounds, Jermain Taylor. Click Here
For More
Written By William Trillo
Look's like boxing architect Bob Arum has huge plans for WBA
Welterweight Champ Miguel Cotto in 2007 and if all goes
according to Top Ranks blueprint, Miguel Cotto will hold two
147 pound belts and will be the pride and joy of Puerto Rico
before we ring in 2008.
For Lou DiBella, the last week has been
like a roller coaster with it's unpredictable highs and
lows. Last Saturday his top fighter Jermain Taylor retained
his Middleweight title in a harder than expected fight with
Kassim Ouma, then in a strange turn of events The WBA
stripped Jermain of his Super Champion Title. By midweek
DiBella was in Hollywood at the Rocky Balboa premier and by
the end of the week David Itskowitch, Vice President of
Boxing Operations for DiBella resigned. Throw in the fact
that Jermain's plans for 2007,( Mora? Calzaghe? Winky?), are
anything but set in stone and it's easy to see how this will
be a week that Lou won't soon forget.
Pound4Pound.com spoke to Lou on Friday
afternoon and we thought you might like to check out what
Lou had to say. Click
Here For Full Interview
Cherry-Malignaggi A Gem
By Damon "Latinbox" Gonzalez
Who would think after Paul
"Magic Man" Malignaggi (21-1, 5 KO's) lost to
Puerto Rico star Miguel Cotto in Atlantic City,
that he would be back in the ring on February
17, 2007 at the Hammerstain Ballroom in New York
against tuff young fighter Edner "Cherry Bomb"
Cherry (21-4-2, 10 KO's) who was known for what
most might say was fight of the year in 2006
against Jose Armando Santa Cruz. Malignaggi
known to be a hell of a talker should focus his
thoughts on the very dangerous Cherry who is not
taking Malignaggi for granted, Training very
hard for this fight at the Extreme Gym under
Pete Fernandez, It is clear to see that Edner is
as exiting as you can get in professional
boxing.
Campbell Has Ricky Quiles In Sight
By Damon "Latinbox" Gonzalez
Tampa- Trainer John David Jackson poses with Nate "The
Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell (29-5-1, 24 KO's) who is set
to bring in the new year with a bang on February 23,
2007. against Ricky "Showtime" Quiles (39-7-3, 8 KO's)
at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.
Quiles will be reached in the next few days for comments
about him up and coming battle with Nate Campbell, In
association with Warrior Promotions and One Punch
Productions it will clearly be a great action fight.
Campbell, comments that Quiles is my boy I got no kind
of beef with him he is a good friend, However we are
both there to give a great show and I look forward to
it and Ricky if you do read this make sure you bring the
$500 you owe me alright.
Woolcombe On Track For British Title
Unbeaten light middleweight
Gary "Hot Stuff" Woolcombe draws closer to British title
challenge.
Woolcombe will appear on the Martin Power vs. Tshifhiwa
Munyai Commonwealth Bantamweight Championship rematch at
Goresbrook LC in Dagenham, England on 26 January. Click Here For
More
Chi Victorious In Seoul, Korea
Promoter: Poongsan Promotions
Featherweight In Jin Chi decisions Rodolfo Lopez over 12
Judge: Raul Nieves 117-112 | Judge: Lou Filippo 116-112 | Judge:
Stephen Blea 116-113 WBC Featherweight Title
Super Featherweight Byung Chul Moon decisions Hee Jae Cho in
10
97-93 | 97-94 | 97-94 Korean Super Featherweight Title
Take Note 160 Pound Division
Edison Miranda’s First Round KO Speaks Volumes
Jason Litzau Upset..Maybe Exposed
Edison Miranda (27-1, 24 KOs) did something tonight
that two higher profile Middleweights could not do on
successive weekends, and that is win in spectacular
fashion. With his overpowering first round knockout over
a tough philly fighter in Willie Gibbs (20-2, 16 KOs) on
Saturday night at Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami,
Miranda sent a message loud and clear to both Jermain
Taylor & Winky Wright, not to mention the rest of the
pugs who fight at 160 pounds. The message is clear,
after busting up Arthur Abraham's jaw in his previous
bout, and now this huge first round destruction of
Gibbs, no one can deny, Edison Miranda is a force to be
reckoned with.
At the end of what was seemingly a feel out round by
both fighters Miranda uncorked a right hand to the top
of Gibbs head that spun him around like a top and sent
him face first into the corner. After that Miranda
swarmed Gibbs and the next thing Willie saw was referee
Tommy Kimmons counting him out at 2:59.
Heads up 160 pound
Champions, "The Panther" is on the prowl!
Featherweight Jason Litzau (20-1, 18 KOs) was up 68-64
on all cards over his foe Jose Hernandez (22-3, 14 KOs)
going into the eighth round and considering Litzau was
down and almost out in round one he not only got up and
fought on, but he was putting a nice tattoo job on
Hernandez who was starting to show a lot of wear and
tear. But in round 8 Litzau chose to keep on fighting
and that was a huge mistake. Obviously he didn't
remember, the right hand that had sent him to the deck
in round one because with just under a minute to go in
the round Hernandez landed a huge overhand right to the
top of Litzau's head that put the undefeated fighter
down and out at the 2:52 mark.
Hernandez showed the determination and heart that he
obviously picked up during his fine amateur career,
while Litzau, who came in as the prohibitive favorite
showed he is still pretty raw and has a whole lot to
learn. Jason can chalk up tonight's KO loss as a very
tough way to learn a lesson.
Off
TV Undercard
Welterweight contender Joel Julio (29-1, 27 KOs) was
victorious as he KO’d Francisco Campos (20-9-2, 11 KOs)
at 2:33 of round three. Julio makes a nice comeback from
his first loss as he had Campos on the deck 3 times in
the bout dropping him twice with right hands in round
two, then finishing him off with a left hook at 2:33 of
round three. Campos, of Costa Rica, is now 0-9 when
fighting in the U.S.
Super Featherweight Noe Bolanos (11-0, 7 KOs) takes an
eight round unanimous decision over Ilido Julio (33-9-1,
29 KOs). Final tally read 77-74, 78-73, 78-73.
Welterweight Juan Camilo Novoa (10-0, 9 KOs) decisions
Carlos De La Cruz (6-6) 57-55, 57-55, 58-54. De La Cruz
was down in round one.
Featherweight Dat Nguyen (7-0, 5 KOs) defeated Jeremy
Drapal (6-4) at 37 seconds of round one.
Results From Coliseo Antonio R. Barceló,
Puerto Rico
Promoter: Universal Boxing
Promotions
Full Report & Photos From Luis Cadiz to Follow
Flyweight Jose Lopez majority decisions Juan Alberto Rosas
over 12
Judge: Carlos Colon 115-113 | Judge: Nelson Vasquez 114-114
| Judge: Samuel Conde 115-113
WBC Latino Flyweight Title
WBA Fedecentro Flyweight Title
Super Bantamweight Jonathan Oquendo TKO's Alejandro Felix
Montiel in 1
Super Bantamweight Vitino Fonseca TKO's Edwin Torres in 1
Time: 1:13
Flyweight Cesar Cesa Jr. Decisions
Miguel Del Valle in 6
Lightweight Javier Perez TKO's Cecil
Martinez in 1
Time: 2:26
Welterweight Hector Rosario & Joeseph De
Los Santos battle to 4 round draw
"Merry Christmas" From Tszyu
Dear Tszyu Crew,
As I write to you and think about the year now past, I am
reminded how many different things I did and what I achieved. It
has been a very, very busy year for me. I have done lots of
traveling, including five trips to Russia from my home in Sydney
and while I have been extremely busy, I have also been very
happy.
Click Here For More
Juan
Carlos Gomez KOs Brazilian Frank
Written By Oliver
Richardt
After his one year fight break
(for having been tested positive) former WBC Cruiserweight
Champion Juan Carlos Gomez (33) came back with a knockout.
In round three the Cuban
Heavyweight KO’d his Brazilian opponent Daniel Frank. There
was a lot of work for the doctors in the “Alsterdorfer
Sporthalle” in Hamburg, Germany, because Frank went down scary
hard. But Gomez (40-1-0/ 34 KOs) wasn’t really satisfied, he
feels he didn’t really show a persuading fight. Gomez: “The
expectations had been really high and I had some problems at the
beginning, but finally I knocked him out and won. That counts, I
am back.” Click Here For
Full Report
Quick Friday Night Results
Grand Plaza, Houston, Texas
Promoter: Top Rank
Welterweight Jesus Soto Karass TKO's Luciano Perez in 6
Time: 3:00
WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title
Super Middleweight Jesus Gonzales decisions Darnell over 8
Judge: Ronnie Ralston 76-75 | Judge: Gale Van Hoy 77-74 | Judge:
Robert Bish 78-73
Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York
Promoter: Final Forum
Heavyweight Julius Long Technical Decisions Vinny Maddalone in
5
50-45 | 48-47 | 49-46
Light Heavyweight William Gill TKO's Dante Craig in 1
Time: 1:18
"Battle Zone At The Castle" Results
December 15, 2006, Boston, MA
Promoter: Alpha Omega Entertainment Group
Matchmaker: Mark Vaz
Main Event:
Patrick "El Elegante" Lopez (9-0, 7 KO), 140 lbs., Salem, NH via
Venezuela
WTKO 6 (2:54) Agustine Valez (7-2, 4 KOs), 141 lbs., Raleigh, NC
Co-Feature:
Frank Houghtaling (19-12-5, 4 KOs), 152 lbs., Albany, NY
WDEC8 (80-72, 78-74, 77-75) Jimmy "The Dream" LeBlanc (11-11-4,
3 KOs), South Boston, MA
James Clancy (9-0, 1 KO), 238 lbs., Boston, MA via Clare,
Ireland
WDEC6 (60-53, 60-53, 60-53) John Battle (14-18-1, 7 KOs), 191
lbs., Molson, NC
Enrique "El Palo" Palau (7-0, 5 KOs), 152 lbs., Worcester, MA
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54) Hollister Elliott (7-17-1, 2 KOs),
150 lbs., Dorchester, MA via Trinidad & Tobago
Mark Clancy (6-0-1, 1 KO), 194 lbs., Boston, MA via Clare,
Ireland
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54) John "House of Rain" Rainwater,
(10-14, 3 KOs), 201, Worcester, MA
Simeon Dunwell (4-0, 2 KOs), 135 lbs., Haverhill, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37) Jeff "The Hawk" Farmer (1-3), 136
lbs., Holyoke, MA
Curtis Stevens
TKO 2 Jonathan Corn Photo Gallery
Photos: "Sugar" Ray Bailey
Including:
Buddy McGirt Jr. W 8 Dennis Sharp
Gary Stark W 10 Vernie Torres
Shaun George KO 1 Roosevelt Johnson
Maureen Shea TKO 3 Rocio Vazquez Click Here
For Full Photo Gallery
Rivera relishes grand stage to fight hot dog
Simms
World Boxing Association light middleweight champion "El
Gallo" Jose Antonio Rivera hopes to eliminate the phrase
"boxing's best-kept secret" from his portfolio with an
impressive performance January 6 on Showtime live from the
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Rivera (38-4-1, 24 KOs), a three-time world champion in two
divisions, defends his WBA 154-pound title belt against the
WBA "champion in recess" Travis Simms (24-0, 18 KOs) in the
12-round co-feature on the Samuel Peter-James Toney II card. Click Here
For More
Fight Fans Vote Miguel Cotto Boxer Of The Year
For the second consecutive year, Miguel Cotto of Caguas, Puerto
Rico was named the Boxer of the Year at the Premios Fox
Sports which announced it Thursday night at the Jackie
Gleason Theater in South Miami, Florida.
The two-time world champion was in Miami to receive the award,
which is voted by fans from all over the world. Cotto, 3-0-0
this year, became the WBA welterweight champion of the world on
December 2 in Atlantic City with a sensational stoppage of
fellow countryman Carlos "El Indio" Quintana. Click Here
For More
It will be a Happy Chanukah
for
Unbeaten Brooklyn Fighter…
DMITRIY "STAR OF DAVID" SALITA
INVITED BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH AND FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH TO
ATTEND WHITE HOUSE CHANUKAH FESTIVAL CELEBRATION ON MONDAY,
DECEMBER 18
President George W. Bush and First
Lady Laura Bush have invited unbeaten Brooklyn boxing star
Dmitriy Salita to the White House to attend their annual
Chanukah Festival Celebration on Monday, December 18.
Salita, the undefeated junior welterweight, has a record of
26-0-1 with 15 KO’s, and is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
The celebration will include the annual Menorah lighting by the
President and First Lady, and it will be Dmitriy’s second visit
to the White House.
Born in Odessa, Ukraine, and now fighting out of Brooklyn after
immigrating to the United States with his parents at age nine.
Salita is a spiritual young man who practices Orthodox Judaism.
Thus, he has been dubbed "Star of David."
Anchondo W UD
8 Cordoba Photo Gallery
Photos: Bret "The Threat"
Newton
First Performance
Is February 10, 2007 at 10 p.m.
ET/PT
By Cesar
Garcia
With Photos By Mariano Alvarez
A few weeks ago I e-mailed “The Thrill” just
to commend him on his coverage lately and at the end of the
message I asked when he would budge a little and start to cover
some MMA. He e-mailed me back and simply put “Thanks and Never”.
Well, never say never because today Pro
Elite, Inc. who is spearheaded by Gary Shaw along with a
powerful executive team that includes Showtime’s Ken Hirschman,
formally announced MMA’s newest promotion, Elite Xtreme Combat,
which will have it’s first show February 10th in Mississippi’s
DeSoto Civic Center and most importantly will be aired on
Showtime. The Main Event features MMA legends Frank Shamrock and
Renzo Gracie.
Click Here For Full Report
It's Official: SHOWTIME,
Pro-Elite
To Televise EliteXC, MMA Events Live
At a jam-packed
press conference Thursday at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel,
SHOWTIME and Pro-Elite, Inc., officially announced the formation
of Elite Xtreme Combat (EliteXC).
Beginning Feb. 10, 2007, Los Angeles-based EliteXC will exploit
the growing phenomenon of mixed martial arts by staging
world-class live events on SHOWTIME. Click Here For More
Weigh in from Hamburg
From Oliver Richardt
WBC International
Championship
Heavyweight
Juan Carlos Gomez (230, 6 lbs.) vs.
Daniel Frank (262,9 lbs.)
Middleweight
Domenico Spada (157,7 lbs.) vs. Mustafa
Karagol (159,5 lbs.)
Fight night, Friday, 15th of December at
the “Alsterdorfer Sporthalle”
Weights From Boston
Patrick Lopez 140 lbs. vs. Agustin
Velez 141 lbs.
Frank Houghtaling 152 lbs. vs. Jimmy LeBlanc 152 lbs.
James Clancy 238 lbs. vs. John Battle 191 lbs.
Enrique Palau 152 lbs. vs. Hollister Elliott 150 lbs.
Mark Clancy 194 lbs. vs. John Rainwater 201 lbs.
Simeon Dunwell 135 lbs. vs. Jeff Farmer 136 lbs.
Tickets are priced at $125.00 (VIP), $75.00 (ringside), $40.00
(reserved)
and $25.00 (general admission). Doors open at 6:30 PM, first
bout at 7:30
PM.
Paez Jr. Playing Santa In Mexicali
Click Here For
Paez Jr. Photo
Jorge Paez Jr. (center) poses with a group of youngsters
Wednesday in Mexicali, Mexico.
Two days before his
first fight in Mexicali in more than a year, the
undefeated teenage sensation played Santa Claus in his
hometown, passing out hundreds of toys, provided by
Sycuan Ringside Promotions, to boys and girls.
“Because it is the
holiday season Sycuan Ringside Promotions and I
thought it would be great if I could give gifts
to the local kids,” said Paez (11-0, 7 KOs),
who faces veteran Rafael Urias Friday. “The
looks of joy on their faces is
my Christmas present.”
Duvas Congratulate “Sweet Pea”
Promoter Dino
Duva of Duva Boxing and his hall-of-fame father, Lou Duva, wish
to send their sincerest congratulations to former multiple world
champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker upon the announcement of
his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in
Canastota, New York. Click
Here For More
James Toney & Sam Peter Teleconference &
Audio
James Toney and Sam Peter participated in a national conference
call to discuss their rematch on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on
Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west
coast).
Pound4Pound.com was there and we are happy to bring you not only
the entire transcripts of the teleconference, but we have audio
highlights to share with you as well.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ undefeated teenage
sensation Jorge Paez Jr. has a new opponent, veteran Rafael
Urias, for his six-round, lightweight bout Friday, Dec. 15, in
Mexicali, Mexico. Click Here For More
Curtis
Stevens replaces Sechew Powell in the main event this Thursday
Night, December 14th
Brooklyn’s
Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (15-1, 11
KO’s) will be an 11th hour replacement for Sechew
Powell in the co-main event, when he faces veteran Jonathan
Corn (47-15-2, 26 KO’s) in a 10-round super middleweight
season finale of Broadway Boxing Presented by StubHub
this Thursday night, December 14th, at the Grand
Ballroom at the Manhattan Center. Click
Here For More
Versus
Showcases "Fight Night: Best Of Live"
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR’S MATCHES TO BE FEATURED TOMORROW
It will be a
holiday celebration of fisticuffs when VERSUS presents its Fight Night: Best of Live
telecast this Thursday night, December 14 from 9-11 p.m. ET.
This year-end special will showcase some of the great
performances televised this year as part of VERSUS’ Fight Night in
conjunction with Top Rank Boxing. Launched in July 2006, Fight Night consists
of a series of live fights promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank
group, as well as classic fights from their vast library. Fight
Night on VERSUS airs every Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET. Click
Here For More
Undefeated Heavyweight Malik Scott
Fights Thursday
In appreciation for their loyal support in
2006, boxing fans at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore,
California will be treated to a marathon event – the last
Goossen Tutor Promotions show of the year – this coming Thursday
night, December 14.
Undefeated Philadelphia heavyweight Malik
Scott will be featured on the extraordinary card, which has a
scheduled 80 rounds of boxing in 12 exciting bouts. Scott
(25-0, 10 KOs) will take on veteran Andrew Greeley (14-14-2, 7
KOs), of Monroe Louisiana in a main event contest. Click Here For
More
26 Year Old Peter Lerner "Walks The Talk"
For Retired Professional Boxers
Young Englishman from Italy Completes 24 – Hour Walk
to Raise Money for Retired Boxers in Need
An important international event occurred in Italy, inspired by
a young man who loves the sport of boxing and who wanted to do
something for the retired fighters who had fallen on hard
times. Peter Lerner (Age 26) – a young Englishman who moved to
Rome two years ago – completed a grueling 24-hour walk to show
his support for the great warriors of the Sweet Science. With
the help of his family, friends, his girlfriend, their friends
and school children, this young man made an historical
humanitarian effort on behalf of people he has never met—retired
professional boxers. Click Here For
More
New Date For Arce Announcement In Los Angeles
Opponents for Arce & Pavlik Taking Shape
There is a new date, Wednesday, Dec. 20th, for the Top Rank
press conference with the wildly popular and charismatic
two-time world champion Jorge Arce in Los Angeles.
Arce (45-3-1, 35 KOs), who will headline Top Rank's big
championship card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, will meet
the press in Los Angeles on Dec. 20, 11 am. Right now it
looks like the hard hitting Alexander Munoz (29-2, 27
KO's) is close to signing to fight Arce on the January 27th
date.
In the opening HBO televised bout, unbeaten middleweight
Kelly Pavlik (29-0, 26 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio, will be in
a 12-round fight and his foe is set. Top rated Jose Luis
Zertuche (19-3-2, 14 KO's) will glove 'em up against Pavlik
in what should be a nice middleweight scrap.
The six-bout undercard will include hard-hitting, unbeaten
junior middleweight Vanes 'Nightmare' Martirosyan, 11-0, of
Glendale, Calif.
Stay tuned to Pound4Pound.com for more on this one including
ticket sales and other bouts on the stellar card.
The “Black Panther” Is Back
Klitschko Is The Man He Wants
Hamburg, Germany
By Oliver Richardt
Cuban Juan Carlos Gomez (33) steps back in
the ring. The former WBC-Cruiserweight-Champ (39-1-0) starts his
comeback this Friday in the “Alsterdorfer Sporthalle” against
Brazilian Daniel Frank.The two fighters have met before. Four
years ago Gomez won in Berlin by TKO in the second round. Gomez
was supposed to fight in his premiere fight for his new camp,
Arena Box-Promotion, the former Cruiserweight Champ Kelvin
Davis, but the American pulled out. Click
Here For Full Report
Jermain Gets Another Gift
By Dennis Bernstein
It’s that time of year, folks. People scurrying around trying to
avoid the last minute crush for holiday shopping season. It’s
not just the average Joe that gets good tidings now; big shot
professional athletes do too.
Take undisputed middleweight champion Jermaine Taylor for
example.
Taylor defended his crown on Saturday night in his hometown
of Little Rock, Arkansas
against Kassim “The Dream” Ouma. It was his third and easiest
title defense and therein lies the problem. Click Here
For Full Report
Calzaghe/Manfredo On UK Publicity Tour
The UK publicity tour for the
April 7, 2007Joe
Calzaghe-Peter Manfredo, Jr.world super middleweight championship
fight continues today with a press conference at the
fight's host venue,
Millennium Stadium, in
Cardiff, Wales.
Yesterday, Calzaghe, boxing's current longest-reigning
world champion at nine years and counting, and Manfredo,
a finalist on season one of "The Contender," hosted a
standing room only press conference in London.
Manfredo (26-3, 12 KOs), from Providence, RI, has
proved himself quite popular across the pond, attracting
throngs of fans wherever he goes. It took Manfredo, the
WBO's No. 7-rated contender, nearly one hour to make it
through fans and autograph hounds to ringside for the
Danny Williams-Audley Harrison rumble at London's ExCel
last Saturday.
Calzaghe (42-0, 31 KOs), from Newbridge, Wales, who has
defended his championship belt 19 times since winning it
in 1997, is looking to break into the Top-Five on
boxing's all-time title defense list. Currently tied
for sixth place with strawweight champion
Ricardo López
and featherweight champion
Eusebio Pedroza, Manfredo
is all that stands between Joe and landmark defense No.
20, which would place him in a fourth-place tie with Larry
Holmes and Bernard
Hopkins, former heavyweight and middleweight
champions, respectively.
Millennium Stadium is currently scaled for more than
30,000 seats
with the ability to expand.
HBO
will broadcast the fight
live at
5 P.M. ET/2 P.M. PT
with a replay
later that evening at
10 P.M. ET
HBO Boxing After Dark Doubleheader
HBO BOXING AFTER DARK closes out its tenth season
with a hot doubleheader of up-and-coming fighters when EDISON
MIRANDA VS. WILLIE GIBBS AND JASON LITZAU VS. JOSE HERNANDEZ is
presented from the Miccosukee Resort in Miami on SATURDAY, DEC.
16 at 9:45 p.m. (ET/PT). & 8:45 p.m. CT. The HBO broadcast team
of Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman and Lennox Lewis will be ringside
for the event, which will be presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.
The ten-round main event features rising 25-year-old star Edison
Miranda (26-1, 23 KOs) of Miami in a middleweight showdown
against Willie Gibbs (20-1, 16 KOs) of Philadelphia. With 16
first-round knockouts to his credit, the powerful Miranda is the
top-rated challenger in the 160-pound division, and wants to
erase the sting of his only pro loss, a controversial decision
to middleweight titleholder Arthur Abraham on Sept. 23. Gibbs
intends to elevate himself to the top ten of this deeply
talented division.
The co-feature spotlights a ten-round battle of hard-charging
featherweights, as undefeated Jason Litzau (20-0, 18 KOs) of St.
Paul, Minn. squares off against Chicago featherweight Jose
Hernandez (21-3, 13 KOs). Making his HBO debut, the 23-year-old
Litzau is a flashy 126-pounder who is looking to fast-track
through the division. Hernandez is a solid, tough featherweight
seeking to establish himself in the national spotlight.
