Sauerland Event/Photo Wende

By Graham Houston

In a fight where more than the usual number of possible outcomes dance in one’s imagination, Russia’s huge Nikolai Valuev defends his WBA heavyweight title against Britain’s colourful David Haye in Nuremberg on Saturday. One can see Haye coming out with big punches and destroying the much bigger but much slower champion in a few rounds, a bit like Jack Dempsey wrecking Jess Willard, or perhaps chopping him down slowly and cruelly, as Max Baer did to Primo Carnera, in boxing’s most famous heavyweight-versus-giant fights. Continued »

Photo: Yenili Garcia

Former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson (49-12-2, 33 KOs) is chomping at the bit to get to current IBO light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (28-0, 17 KOs) tonight in Hartford, CT. Johnson and Dawson fought in March of 2008 where Dawson won a hard fought unanimous decision, however Johnson closed the bout extremely strong, which left the door open for a rematch. To this date, Johnson insists he won the first fight. “The fight was a very competitive fight,” the man known as the ‘Road Warrior’ told Fightnews. “However, I feel I forced the action and especially in the second half of the fight. I also had him very hurt late in the fight. To beat the champion you’re supposed to take it to them in order to win the title. I felt I did that.” Continued »

By Francisco Salazar at ringside

Junior welterweight prospect Patrick “El Elegante” Lopez (17-2, 11 KOs) took a one-sided eight round unanimous decision over Sergio “Pollero” Rivera (14-4-2, 10 KOs) on Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California. Lopez was simply too strong and too quick as he compiled a shutout 80-72 win on all three cards.
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Welterweights Pavel Miranda (18-4-1, 10 KOs) and Vardan Gasparyan (11-2-5, 5 KOs) fought to a well-fought six round majority decision draw. Both fighters had their moments in the spirited contest. Scores were 58-56 for Gasparyan, while the other judges had it 57-57.
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Lightweight Hector Serrano remained unbeaten with a six round unanimous decision over trialhorse Jaime Orrantia (11-25-5, 3 KOs). Serrano (10-0, 3 KOs) won by scores of 60-54, 60-54, and 59-55.
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Super Welterweight Alberto Herrera (6-0, 5 KOs) stopped Jesus Vallejo (3-2, 3 KOs) in the second of a scheduled six round bout. Referee Dr. Lou Moret stopped the bout at 1:06 against the protests of Vallejo.

By Bob Caico at ringside

Veteran Dorin Spivey of Portsmith, VA captured the NABA lightweight title with a four round stoppage of Meacher Major of the Bahamas. Spivey (36-6, 29 KOs) dropped Major (15-5-1), twice in round two, the second one just before the bell sounded. After a spirited third round Spivey unloaded a right hand that hurt Major and after a sworm of unanswered punches the referee rightfully called off the action at :52.
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Guillermo Sanchez of Buffalo captured the NYS super featherweight belt with an 8-round unanimous decision over Jose Guzman of the Bronz.
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Junior welterweight Nick Casal of Niagara Falls scored an 8-round unanimous decision over Christopher Fernandez of Utah.

By Jacob Chavez at ringside

Unbeaten super middleweight Donovan “DA BOMB” George (18-0-1, 16 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO over Jason Naugler (18-11-1, 11 KOs) on Friday night at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. In a good action fight, George staggered Naugler in round four with a big right hand and followed up with a barrage of hard punches that prompted referee Gino Rodriguez to wave it off. Naugler complained about the stoppage to no avail.

Photo by Chris Cozzone

By Chris Cozzone at ringside

Former junior welter and welterweight world champion Zab Judah (38-6, 26 KOs) make quick work of journeyman Ubaldo Hernandez (22-20-2, 10 KOs) on Friday night at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Judah dropped Hernandez with a body shot in round one and finished him with a barrage of punches in round two. Referee Joe Cortez waved it off after Judah put Hernandez on the deck again at the :35 mark.
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After a sluggish start, 38-year-old former two-division world champion Joel Casamayor (37-4-1, 22 KOs), who came in at a career high of 146lbs, schooled Jason Davis (11-5-1, 3 KOs) over the last three rounds to take an eight round unanimous decision. Scores were 79-73, 79-73, 79-73.
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A light heavyweight bout between Ron Johnson (11-1, 3 KOs) and Dumont Welliver (18-19-1, 6 KOs) ended in a no-contest after Welliver suffered a deep gash above and below his left eye following an accidental headbutt in round two.
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Featherweight Salvador Sanchez (17-3-2, 8 KOs) outpointed Jose Pacheco (2-9-6, 0 KOs) over six by scores of 60-54, 60-54 59-55. Sanchez is the nephew of the late, great world champion Salvador Sanchez, regarded as one of the best featherweights of all time.

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In off-TV bouts: Dayel “Toddy Jr.” Sitiwatjana (1-0) stole the show with a four-round bangfest with Brice Yeniki (0-3), winning a shutout 40-36 decision on all cards; and in the walkout bout, Joseph Judah (5-0, 1 KO) scored two knockdowns over Joel Gonzales (2-5, 1 KO) to win with scores of 39-34 twice and 39-35.

Mike Jones 146 vs Raul Pinzon 151.6
(NABA Welterweight Title)
Latif Mundy 155.8 vs Gabriel Rosado 154
Louie Leija 145.2 vs Mike Stewart 146.6
Ronald Cruz 146.2 vs Ashantie Hendrickson 147
Julio Sanchez 166.4 vs Philip Jackson Benson 166.4
Josh Mercado 147.6 vs Epi Cosme Rodriguez 147
Khalil Farah 173 vs Keith Kozlin 152
Note: Pinzon could not make the 147-pound limit. If Pinzon wins, the NABA title will be vacant. If Jones wins, he retains the NABA title.
Venue: Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City
Promoter: Peltz Boxing
Tickets remain at $75, all $50 tickets sold out. First fight 7.30 p.m.

By Felipe Leon

In what is sure to make his fans happy, a change of plans for Humberto “Zorrita” Soto’s end of the year bout has been announced.
Antonio “Cañitas” Lozada, manager of the two time world champion, announced that Soto, of Los Mochix, MX, will face the also two time world champion Jesus “Matador” Chavez on December 19th in either Soto’s home state of Sinaloa or in the state of Mexico. Continued »

Photo: Emily Harney

By Francisco Salazar

There is a saying that a boxer who can bounce back from defeat comes back a stronger fighter. In the manner that he dismantled Gabriel Rosado in his last bout, it seems that junior middleweight Alfredo Angulo can move mountains. However, he will have to clear another obstacle that can easily derail his path towards a world title. Angulo will face Harry Joe Yorgey at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on Saturday night. The bout, which will precede the Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson world title rematch bout, will be for the WBO world interim title. Both fights headline a Gary Shaw Productions card and will be televised on HBO. Continued »

Photo: Mary Ann Owen

By Butch Gottlieb/boxinginlasvegas.com

In an exclusive interview yesterday with BILV/Fightnews, former WBO super featherweight champion Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 KOs) said that he is really looking forward to his upcoming fight on November 28th for the vacant IBF lightweight title against Ali Funeka (3-2, 25 KOs) on the undercard of the Lucian Bute vs Librado Andrade rematch that will be televised on HBO. Guzman stated that, “I have not fought in almost a year and I am so ready for this fight. We have had a great training camp in Las Vegas.” Click here for more photos…

Sebastien Demers 167.2 vs Nicholson Poulard 167.11
David Lemieux 162.14 vs Alfredo Contreras 162.10
Manolis Plaitis 150.13 vs Noel Cortez 151.10
Eleider Alvarez 181.4 vs Alvaro Enriquez 177.13
Oscar Rivas 225.12 vs Ramon Hayes 262.5
Dierry Jean 139.10 vs Hugo Armenta 139.7
Venue: Montreal Casino, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Promoter: Yvon Michel

By Damrong Simakajornboon

Two-time world bantamweight champion Veerapol Sahaprom (66-4-2, 47 KOs) won a unanimous decision over ABCO #13 Alex BS on Thursday at Meanburi Market in Bangkok, Thailand. The experienced Thai fighter mostly controlled the show, attacking and weakening the Indonesian with his tough bodyshots, before he easily scored a unanimous decision in a six round non-title bout. Veerapol, 41 years old, is now aiming to challenge for the world title again, particularly against WBC 122lb title holder Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan. But he should carefully consider if any 40+ bantamweight should fight at the world championship level. Continued »

Photo: Emily Harney

By Kurt Wolfheimer

Chad Dawson 175 vs Glen Johnson 173.5
(WBC interim/IBO light heavyweight championship)
Alfredo Angulo 153.5 vs Harry Joe Yorgey 153.25
(WBO interim jr middleweight championship)
Tyrone Brunson 157 vs Jose Medina 157.5
Chris Avalos 118 vs Robert DaLuz 121.5**
Orlando Lora 148 vs Octavio Narvaez 152.75**
Michael Oliveira 160 vs Francisco Osorio 160
Emad Ali 207 vs Kelsey Arnold 241
** Overweight
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Venue: XL Center, Hartford, Connecticut
Promoter: Gary Shaw
TV: HBO
Click here for more photos…

TKO Boxing Promotions presented an action packed evening on Thursday night in Cockeysville, Maryland at the Fourth Annual Jonathan Ogden Foundation Charity Boxing Event held at Martins Valley Mansion.

In the main event, middleweight contender Peter Manfredo Jr. returned to action with a stunning stoppage of veteran Ronald Weaver. Utilizing an array of boxing skills including excellent movement and a piston like jab, Manfredo peppered Weaver throughout the first round . . . click here for more

Sauerland Event/Photo Wende

Nicolai Valuev 314.6 vs. David Haye 216.7
(WBA heavyweight championship)
John Ruiz 226 vs. Adnan Serin 214.5
Sergei Liakhovich 232.8 vs. Jeremy Bates 231.4
Robert Helenius 248.8 vs. Taras Bidenko 215.4
Alexander Frankel 193.4 vs. Kelvin Davis 196.2
Francisco Palacios 197.3 vs DeLeon Tinsley 200
Gbenga Oloukun 229.9 vs Kubrat Pulev 238.3
Venue: Versischerung Arena, Nuremberg, Germany
Promoter: Sauerland Event
TV: The broadcast is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN, DISH Network, Viewer’s Choice, Shaw PPV and Bell TV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A replay will be shown that same night at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT. World Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Col. Bob Sheridan (blow-by-blow) and former NFL player and veteran boxing announcer Benny Ricardo (color analyst) will call the action.

On December 2, VERSUS will air the light heavyweight battle between Bernard Hopkins and Enrique Ornelas, live from the Liacouras Center at Temple University in Philadelphia. VERSUS will also air same day coverage of the title bout between eight-time world champion Roy Jones Jr. and IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green taking place that day at the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia. Should they both win, Jones and Hopkins are slated to meet in a PPV showdown during the first quarter of 2010.

Panama’s DIA a DIA newspaper confirmed today that WBA bantamweight title fight between champion Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno (26-1-1, 8 KOs) of Panama and French challenger Frederic Patrac (26-7-1, 13 KOs) is now back on for December 4th in Agde, France. The bout was originally scheduled for November 7th but was postponed due to Moreno suffering a trauma to the rib cage during a sparring session.

The November 28 “Universum Champions Night” card in Oberhausen, Germany featuring the rematch between heavyweight contenders Alexander Dimitrenko and Luan Krasniqi has been cancelled after Krasniqi suffered a pulled ligament in his right foot while training. “I am very disappointed,” said Krasniqi, “but I can’t continue with my preparations and hard sparring. The doctors say I must rest completely for one week and in four weeks everything should have healed. That makes the fight impossible. I would like to become fully fit and then take on Alexander as soon as possible.” Universum General Manager Stefan Braune added, “Naturally, this is very unfortunate, but now we wish Luan a quick recovery. Of course, ticket refunds will be available where they were purchased. In the coming days we’ll announce where the undercard fights will be moved.”

Story by Chris Cozzone

Never mind the Time magazine cover, or showing his sensitive side by belting out “Sometimes When We Touch” on TV, Manny Pacquiao, on the road to legendary pound-for-pound greatness, will hit a major road block on November 14. At least, that’s what a calm, collective and categorically confident Miguel Cotto is saying.

“What everyone is saying about him, doesn’t concern me,” Cotto said yesterday in a teleconference. “I know what I can do to him – he better be focused on who is in front of him . . . Click here for more

* Catch four of the biggest fights of 2009 for the first time on free TV tomorrow night – UFC® Main Events – 9pm ET/PT on SPIKE
* UFC® Poker is here! Play for FREE right now!
* UFC.com – The Quotable Mr. Griffin Continued »

Photo: Tim Barry

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Ugandan born Australian based Jackson Asiku (25-3, 13 KOs) captured the IBO featherweight crown when he stopped Heriberto Ruiz (42-8-2, 24 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, in eight rounds at the Parramatta Leagues club, Sydney, NSW, Australia on November 6. In an action packed contest both boxers knocked chips off each other in all of the rounds but it was Asiku who slowly chopped down the game Mexican. In round seven Ruiz was in trouble when Asiku connected with power shots to the head but the bell saved the import from further punishment. In round eight Ruiz was dropped three times at which point referee Brad Griffiths crowned Asiku at 2:56. For more details and photos click here…

Freddie Roach suddenly sounded cranky and irritated when a pack of writers from the Philippines asked him about the brewing battle between him and Joe Santiago, Miguel Cotto’s taskmaster. Roach and Santiago have been trading verbal jabs lately as the excitement over the Nov. 14 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Cotto intensified further with the American strategist questioning the qualifications of his Puerto Rican counterpart. “This young coach said he wants me to put all my trophy on the line because he is the best trainer in the world. Well, we’ll see about that after the fight,” said Roach, saying that he’s been told that Santiago has been bad-mouthing him. “I have got a thousand, a million trophies from boxing and he’s never fought before. Pretty funny. He’s never fought in his life and he has no idea what it is like being in the ring. He’s got a towel on his shoulder and gives water and all of a sudden he is a coach,” said the 49-year-old former fighter. Continued »

Donovan George 168 vs. Jason Naugler 167.5
Rita Figueroa 140.5 vs. Kita Watkins 141
Antonio Avila 134 vs. Juan Gonzalez 135
Ryan Smedick 139 vs. Jeremy Marts 140
Russell Fiore 135 vs. Jose Hernandez 135.5
Venue: UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL
Promoter: 8 Count Productions

Photo: Mike Greenhill

By Gary “Digital” Williams at ringside

Smithsburg, MD lightweight Dean “Pit Bull” White battled Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough of Pittsburgh, PA to an eight-round draw tonight in the main event of the Fight Night charity boxing event at the Washington Hilton in DC.

White did a nice job of counterpunching throughout the contest, seemingly beating Kimbrough to the punch. Kimbrough suffered a cut that was directly between his right eye and the bridge of his nose. White stepped up the pace in the last three rounds but it apparently was not enough to sway the judges completely. Judge Tammye Jenkins saw the bout 77-75 for White while Judge David Jordan scored the contest 77-75 for Kimbrough. Judge Paul Wallace saw the draw at 76-76. The Fightnews.com card scored the bout for White, 78-74. Continued »

Manny Pacquiao was about to wrap up his Thursday training session at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood when he uttered a short but meaningful statement that was within earshot of Filipino scribes who were sent to cover his every move. “Tiis lang (Sacrifice),” said Pacquiao as he was positioning himself for the stomach exercises that happen in the tailend of his workout. Implying that sacrifice is the key in relation to his upcoming megabuck match with Puerto Rican hero Miguel Cotto. With eight days before his date with destiny with Cotto, Pacquiao was in a very upbeat mood and looked as though the only thing that is preventing him from knocking the WBO welterweight crown off Cotto’s head is time. Pacquiao said everything is right on track and that while ringsiders believe that Cotto will prove to be the stronger and bigger man come fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas next week, the Filipino pound-for-pound icon is optimistic that he can get the job done. “I am ready for whatever he will bring to the ring,” said Pacquiao after the training session. Asked by a renowned fight writer about the deluge of media interviews and other similar stuff, Pacquiao stressed that “as a celebrity athlete, I have a responsibility as well to the public.” Pacquiao will continue to train at the Wild Card until Monday, the day his team departs for Sin City.

By Ron Jackson

Jasper Seroka makes the second defence of his South African junior lightweight title when he meets Sipho Taliwe at the Finetown Centre in Lenasia on Friday night. Seroka (20-2; 9) will be hoping to get his career back on track after being stopped by Mzonke Fana in July this year when they met in an IBF junior lightweight title eliminator. The only other loss on the champion’s record was back in June 2003 when he lost on points to Malcolm Klassen a former two-time IBF junior lightweight champion. Seroka who made his pro debut in April 2002 won the SA junior lightweight title in October 2008 when he outpointed Godfrey Nzimande. His first defence was a sixth round stoppage win over Wandile Mseleku in March this year. Taliwe has a reported record of 9 wins all inside the distance and only two losses on points, against Seroka and Gabriel Phakula. Even though Taliwe has power in his right hand he has not fought at the same level as the champion and never been beyond six rounds in his five year professional career. The champion must be favoured to retain his title in a hard fought contest over 12 rounds. The tournament is presented by Reggie Hilmer.

Bob Caico

By Bob Caico

Nick Casal 140 vs Chris Fernandez 138
Meacher Major 133 vs Dorin Spivey 132
(NABA Lightweight Title)
Guillermo Sanchez 130 vs Jose Guzman 129
(N.Y. State Super Featherweight Title)
Excell Holmes 230 vs. Joe Montoya 225
Lionel Thompson 176 vs Michael Montoya 176
Broderick Antoine 145 vs Geoffrey Spruiell 146
Promoter: X-Cel Worldwide
Venue: Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
More photos…

Tonight’s 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards just added a little more punch, as UFC® heavyweight contender Cain Velasquez will be in attendance at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas to join with Alicia Keys and Eva Longoria to salute the finest in Latin music, beginning at 8pm ET on the Univision network. Continued »

Keith Thurman 144.2 vs. Edvan Barros 147.2
Quinton Willis 156.4 vs. Khristian Geraci 158.0
Manny Woods 156.0 vs. Jason Wahr 153.4
Nick Iannuzzi 196.2 vs. Michael Alexander 199.2
Cordaro Simpkins 128.6 vs. Edgardo Rivera 129.2
Lamar Davis 231 vs. Roy Boykin 218.6
Sherali Dostiev 120.5 vs. Sergio Aguilar 120.2
Promoter: One Punch Productions
Venue: Tampa Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida

Courtesy Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee

Oleg Maskaev says he is happy that he can now see a clear path in his bid to regain the World Boxing Council heavyweight title. After considerable political manuevering, in Oleg’s view, the WBC, during his current convention, has decreed that the No. 2 ranked Maskaev (36-6, 27 KOs) will fight a title-eliminator by May 10 of 2010 against No. 1 ranked Ray Austin (28-4-4, 18 KOs), with the winner to face champion Vitali Klitschko (38-2, 37 KOs).

There are pitfalls before this can come off as scheduled. First, Maskaev must win a supposed tuneup Dec. 11 in Sacramento (Calif.), near the former Soviet fighter’s new adopted hometown. His opponent is 23-year-old Nagy Aguilera (14-2, 9 KOs), an upset-minded prospect from the Dominician Republic and fighting out of New York.

Also, Klitschko has to beat No. 6 contender Kevin Johnson in a Dec. 12 defense in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Austin, who last fought in October, is apparently standing pat until the eliminator. Continued »

Photo by Chris Cozzone

From the Palms in Las Vegas for tomorrow night’s “Road to Redemption” card promoted by Fernando Vargas’ V.E.P., American Dream Entertainment and Super Judah Promotions:

Zab Judah 145 vs. Ubaldo Hernandez 145
Joel Casamayor 146 vs. Jason Davis*
* Casamayor was three pounds over the contractual limit.
Ron Johnson 186 vs. Dumont Welliver 174*
* Welliver weighed in sweats; Johnson, at first a half pound, stripped to make weight.
Salvador Sanchez 124 vs. Jose Pacheco 124
Joseph Judah 148 vs. Joel Gonzalez 149
Toddy Junior 129 vs. Brice Yeniki 125

Cancelled bouts: Two bouts, featuring top local attractions, were scratched from the card due to lack of opponents. Las Vegas’ Sharif Bogere and Anthony Lenk will not be fighting tomorrow night.

Photo: Richard A. Esposito

Promoter Gary Shaw opened Thursday’s final Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson press conference asking for a moment of silence for Jasper Howard, the University of Connecticut football player who was stabbed to death on campus on Oct. 18. Dawson will honor Howard’s memory on Saturday night by wearing his number 6 on his trunks and on the back of his warm-up robe. Shaw then praised all four fighters – Dawson, Johnson, Alfredo Angulo and Harry Joe Yorgey–taking part in Title Night at the XL Center on Saturday as “true gentleman.” He added: “You don’t see a lot of smack talking and swearing going on with these guys. It’s all about the fight.” For more details and photos click here…

Photo: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye

Paul McCloskey and Daniel Rasilla both made weight for their up and coming bout with the European light welterweight title on the line at the Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt, tomorrow night. Both were comfortably inside the championship limit of 140 pounds with the undefeated McCloskey tipping the scales at 139.4 and the Spanish Champion Rasilla weighing in at 139 exactly.

“He’s coming from a lower division,” said WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto moments ago to reporters. “If they think they have more power than Miguel Cotto, they’re wrong!” As for any speed advantage Pacquiao has, Cotto stated “I’m prepared for anything he can bring…I’m prepared for all he can show me.” On whether he’ll KO Manny, Cotto commented, “I never come out to knock out any fighter…[but] if I hit him pretty good, I’m going for it…I’m very confident that I’m going to come out with a victory that night!” Cotto-Pacquiao takes place November 14 in Las Vegas for what is shaping up as a huge boxing pay-per-view blockbuster.

The most interested spectator Saturday in Versicherung Arena for the WBA heavyweight title fight between defending Nikolai “The Russian Giant” Valuev and challenger David “The Haymaker” Haye will be former 2-time WBA title-holder John “The Quietman” Ruiz. Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), the WBA top contender, agreed with the promoters for Valuev and Haye to “step aside” as the WBA “Official Challenger.” By defeating ex-IBU champion Adnan “Aachen Assassin” Serin (19-10-1, 7 KOs) in Saturday’s 10-round co-feature on the “David vs. Goliath” Pay-Per-View event, he is guaranteed a title bout against the Valuev-Haye winner by the end of May, 2010. Continued »

Photo: TKO Boxing Promotions

Peter Manfredo Jr. 166 vs Ronald Weaver 171.5
Lenroy Thomas 246 vs Andrew Greeley 245.5
Emmanuel Taylor 146.5 vs Joshua Beeman 150.5
Julius Kennedy 167 vs Ariel Espinal 170.5
Joseph Elegele 143 vs Keith Redding 144
Venue: Martins Valley Mansion, Cockeysville, MD
Promoter: TKO Boxing Promotions

Jr welterweight contender Victor Ortiz (24-2-1, 19 KOs) returns in a ten round matchup against comebacking veteran Antonio “Tono” Diaz (46-5-1, 29 KOs) in the co-feature on Diaz-Malignaggi II card at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, which was officially announced today. The highly regarded Ortiz is returning for the first time since his exciting KO loss to Marcos Maidana in a world championship fight in June. The 33-year-old Diaz took a nearly three year break from the ring in 2005, but he has won four in a row since returning in 2008. HBO will televise.

On the heels of his first primetime television appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live and his recognition as a 2009 Gusi Peace Prize laureate, boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao now finds himself on the cover of TIME Magazine Asia edition (see below) as part of a five page feature story on the boxing Champion that will be included in all editions (global and US market) of the magazine hitting newsstands this weekend. With the population of Asia being the largest in the world, Pacquiao is overwhelmed with the idea of so many people seeing his face on the cover of such a prestigious magazine.

“I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of TIME Magazine,” said Pacquiao. “A fighter’s dream is to win a world title and gain financial stability. But what is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life. It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring.”

Check out how “The Russian Giant” Nikolai Valuev prepared for his WBA heavyweight championship defense against David Haye, which can be seen live Saturday afternoon on pay-per-view (3PM ET/Noon PT).

Due to the official sell out of the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the November 14 Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto “FIRE POWER” mega-fight, tickets for closed circuit seating are not far behind and moving briskly as fans head to Las Vegas in droves to be part of boxing’s super fight finale of 2009. Limited seating is still available at all locations including MGM Grand Premier Ballroom, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, The Mirage, Excalibur, Monte Carlo and Circus Circus. Tickets for the closed circuit telecast are priced at $50, not including handling fees. All seats are general admission and are on sale now at MGM Grand box office, by phone with a major credit card at (800) 929-1111 or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

By Boxing Bob Newman

Boxing Bob Newman

WBC President Jose Sulaiman brought the organization’s 47th annual world convention to a premature close today in Jeju, Korea, one day early. Several members of the board of governors and ring officials have ring assignments and flights which necessitated early departures. President Sulaiman was fighting bronchitis upon his arrival to the island as well. Emotion also took over Sulaiman as he reflected upon the loss of so many members of the boxing fraternity this past year.

Sulaiman also reiterated his feelings on the state of amateur boxing and the WBC’s plans to integrate itself in the amateur version of the sport. He criticized the scoring system, and the politics involved, which he feels hurts the fighters themselves most of all.

This year’s convention hosted 597 delegates from twenty different countries. Over 100 ring officials, and nearly 40 promoters were among the attendees. Continued »

Feature story by Matt Richardson

For former light heavyweight champion Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson, the path to significant, big money fights has been a rocky one. Filled with bumps and holes, bad decisions and worse luck, the 40-year old Johnson hasn’t had an easy road to the top . . . Click here for more

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is not looking too far ahead but in the event Manny Pacquiao gets past Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14, the Hall of Fame promoter said a fight in a brand-new stadium being used by the Dallas Cowboys is a candidate to host the Filipino’s first fight in 2010. Arum said that while Las Vegas is a front-runner in staging a major boxing card, Dallas is keen in hosting a major show in its 50,000-seat venue and Pacquiao could be lined up to face Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in a third meeting there on March 13, 2010. The main supporting fight will feature Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., said Arum. But if Cotto wins against Pacquiao, Arum said the most sensible thing to do is to bring Cotto back to New York in June 2010–in time for the annual Puerto Rican Independence Day celebrations–for a huge show at Yankee Stadium.

Team Green

By Ray Wheatley–World of Boxing

Justin Manolikos (pictured above right) is the manager of IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green and will promote the Danny Green vs Roy Jones Jr bout on December 2nd in Sydney. Manolikos tells Fightnews how he first met Danny when he was eight years of age, how they won four football grand finals together, how he tried to place a bet with bookies that Green would be world champion within three years of turning professional, how professional Roy Jones has been to work with and how the 20,000 Acer Arena in Sydney is nearly sold out a month prior to the fight and how there is not much interest in an Anthony Mundine rematch. Continued »

Boxing fans, get ready to climb “Through the Ropes” with the #1 boxing news radio show hosted by award winning boxing writer Marc Lichtenfeld! This week, junior middleweight contender Harry Joe Yorgey and Fightnews Publisher Karl Freitag join host Marc Lichtenfeld on Through the Ropes. . Call or email your questions to ttropes@earthlink.net. Through The Ropes airs live coast to coast on Thursday nights from 9:00 – 10:00 ET on 75 affiliates of the Sports Byline USA Broadcast Network, including great radio stations like KSHP 1400 AM in Las Vegas and WNSR 560 AM in Nashville. The one-hour show will also be heard on American Forces Network, Sportsbyline.com and Fightnews.com. Fightnews readers can listen live by clicking here tonight at 9PM ET.

Jr lightweight Jason”The American Boy” Litzau (26-2, 21 KOs) pounded out a ten round unanimous decision over former marine Johnnie Edwards (15-5-1, 8 KOs) on Wednesday night in front of an all marine audience at the Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. After a slow start, Litzau outworked Edwards, who could have been deducted points for repeated holding. Scores were 97-93, 98-91, 99-91. With the win, Litzau claimed the NABF 130lb title. He had won the NABF crown at the lightweight limit of 135 lbs. in his previous fight, but vacated that belt to campaign in the 130 lb. division.
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Former NABF super lightweight champion Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa (20-3-1, 13 KOs) and Rasheed Holloway (11-1-2, 5 KOs) fought to a six-round draw. Scores were 58-56 Figueroa, 58-57 Holloway and 57-57.
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Jr lightweight Yaundale Evans (4-0, 3 KOs) dropped Jason Rorie (5-5-2) in rounds one and two, en route to a four-round unanimous decision. Scores were 40-34, 40-34, 39-35.

Photo by Chris Cozzone

Former champs Zab Judah (37-6, 25 KOs) and Joel Casamayor (36-4-1, 22 KOs) stated their readiness to re-launch their careers today at a press conference held at The Palms in Las Vegas. On Friday, Judah and Casamayor headline “The Road to Redemption,” promoted by V.E.P. Productions, American Dreams Promotions and Super Judah Productions. Judah will go ten with Ubaldo Hernandez (22-19-2, 10 KOs) at welter, while Casamayor takes on Jason Davis (11-4-1, 3 KOs), ten rounds at 140. The card also features an eight-round light-heavyweight match, with Ron Johnson (11-1, 3 KOs) taking on Dumont Welliver (18-19-1, 6 KOs). Pictured above, from left to right: Judah, Johnson, promoter Fernando Vargas, Joel Casamayor and Sharif Bogere, who will fight an eight-rounder.

Photo: Chris Farina-Top Rank

Six-time world champion pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao hits the mitts with trainer Freddie Roach during a huge media day at the jam-packed, standing room at the Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood on Wednesday. Pacquiao is in town preparing for his upcoming “FIREPOWER” world welterweight championship fight against three-time world champion and the pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao vs Cotto is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate, will take place, Saturday, November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be available live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Click here for more photos…

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

By Francisco Salazar at ringside

Not known for his power, the technical Leo Santa Cruz did something he had not done in almost two years: win by knockout. He did so in a dominant manner. Santa Cruz scored a one-punch knockout over Julio Valdez in front of a sold-out crowd of over 600 at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, CA. The bout headlined the professional boxing portion of the “Kardashian Knockout Charity” card, presented by TKO Boxing Promotions. For more details and photos click here…

David Martin Warr/DKP

Undefeated cruiserweight Francisco “The Wizard” Palacios (18-0, 11 KOs) will meet DeLeon Tinsley (9-4-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder on Saturday’s card headlined by WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai “Russian Giant” Valuev his title opposing David “Hayemaker” Haye in Nuremberg, Germany, at Versicherung Arena. Palacios, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is an undefeated and fast-rising cruiserweight with knockout power. He is currently ranked #3 by both the WBC and WBA. His ring exploits have already earned him a continental title, and—if he keeps up his winning ways—he will soon receive his first chance at a world championship.