WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm is targeting WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik for a May/June unification showdown. Sturm, who hasn’t fought since July, says he is currently at walking around at 191.8 pounds, nearly 32 pounds over the middleweight limit.
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WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck will return on March 13 at the Max Schmeling Hall in Berlin. No opponent named at this point.
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Rumble Time Promotions light heavyweight Kevin Engel has suffered an injury while preparing for his fight on January 15 at the Pageant in The Delmar Loop in St Louis. The show will go on as scheduled.
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WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan is currently visiting Pakistan. The champion, who is of Pakistani descent, stated that he would someday like to box in the country.

Fox Sports en Español and Top Rank announced today the launch of an exciting new boxing series – “Top Rank Live.” The two-hour broadcast will air live on Fox Sports en Español on Saturdays, three times per month, beginning at 10 p.m. ET. The series will debut on Saturday, January 16, 2010, from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. At least one show per month will originate directly from Mexico. Continued »

Junior middleweight contender Derek “Pooh” Ennis (19-2-1, 13 KOs), almost had his boxing career derailed on April 11th when he weighed in over the junior middleweight limit for his USBA title bout in Atlantic City against Ishmail Arvin. When an agreement between parties could not be made, the bout was canceled. It was the second time missing the limit for the rising prospect. The disappointment placed Derek Ennis at crossroads in his career on whether he could be trusted to make the junior middleweight limit in future fights. This all changed in recent months as Ennis has not only made the contracted weight in his last three bouts, but has even weighed in three pounds lighter than the junior middleweight limit. Continued »

Jose Rivera (Puerto Rico) will be the referee when WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz defends his belt against #11 ranked Ruben Acosta on Saturday night at the Bördelandhalle in Magdeburg, Germany. Judges will be Manfred Küchler (Germany), Manuel Oliver (Spain) and Eugenia Williams (USA). Supervisor is WBO President Francisco Valcarcel (Puerto Rico).
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Daniel Van de Wiele (Belgium) will be the third man in the ring for the WIBF/WBC/WBO female featherweight title fight between champion Ina Menzer and Ramona Kühne (the WIBF super featherweight champion). Judges are Esa Lehtosaari (Finland), Frank-Michael Maaß (Germany) and Sergio Silvi (Luxembourg). WIBF supervisor is Jürgen Lutz (Germany), WBC supervisor is Edward Pearson (USA), WBO supervisor is Francisco Valcárcel (Puerto Rico).

By Alexey Sukachev

For the second consecutive time the New Year starts with a (sort of) Russian invasion. In January 2009 two Russian fighters took their parts in WBO title match-ups, opening the pugilistic year in Europe, namely in Magdeburg and Dusseldorf (both Germany). The invasion was anything but successful as both Denis Inkin (the WBO 168lb champion) and Alexander Alexeev (the notorious favorite in his bout versus Victor Ramirez) lost their title bids in decisive fashion, also starting the year of pain and disappointment for boxing fans in Russia.

This time another pair of fighters from the biggest country on the Earth will try to make a different opening of the season in the different place and under different circumstances. What is common in two those events is the fact that Russian pugilists will be presented in TV openers of the year to come. On January 8, the next day after the Christmas in Orthodox tradition, Roman Karmazin will try to make another step in his historical mission of becoming the first ever Russian champion in two weight classes, while promising heavyweight Andrey Fedosov faces the biggest test of his yet short pro career in savvy veteran Lionel Butler. Both fights will be a part of the “Glendale Glory 2”, which will be co-promoted by Art of Boxing Promotions and Bash Boxing with the assistance of M-1 Global and will be aired live by ESPN2. Continued »

Attention Kamal Shalorus: To hijack a phrase from Georges St-Pierre, Dave Jansen is ‘not impressed with your performance.’ On the wrestling mat, that is. . . . Click here for more by Frank Curreri, WEC

By Jeremy Roseman

Dionisio “Mr. Knockout” Miranda (20-4-2, 18 KOs) arrived Wednesday afternoon at Los Angeles in anticipation of his IBF title eliminator this Friday with former World Champion and top-ranked middleweight contender Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin (39-3-1, 25 KOs). The winner will receive a mandatory title shot against IBF middleweight champion Sebastian Sylvester. “Mr. Knockout” graciously granted FightNews an interview to discuss his showdown with Karmazin. Continued »

Promoter Bob Arum said Wednesday night that the proposed super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a no go. Arum stated that Pacquiao wanted the fight, but Mayweather didn’t. Pacquiao will now likely challenge WBA super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman in a bid for a world title in an unprecedented eighth weight class.

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’s guests are Andre Berto and Vanes Martirosyan. 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.

By Johnny B’

A full card with eleven scheduled bouts is lined up for Friday evening January 15th at Turner Hall in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Promoters Salomon Becerra & Bob Lynch are making an effort to keep boxing alive in the Dairy State of Wisconsin. Heading the card is Rockford Illinois 21-year-old Bazooka Joe Linenfelser (8-0-1) in the eight round main event against Milwaukee’s Alonzo Scott, a veteran of six bouts, who at 38 will need to draw on his life experience to meet this challenge. Other boxers on the card in four round bouts include, Kendall Gould, Alberto Mercedes and Milwaukee light welterweight Mike Gonzalez (10-7-1). The big boys on the card are heavyweights Enobong Umohette (3-1, 2 KOs) facing warhorse Donald Tucker a veteran of 48 professional contest. For tickets and information, telephone (231) 457-7636.

Photo: Main Events Media

Romulo Quirarte, head trainer and tactician for the careers of such remarkable world champions as Raul “Jibaro” Perez, Juan Jose “Dinamita” Estrada and the legend himself, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., among others, now is in charge of preparing the interim WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs) for his champion clash against the full-fledged WBC champ Edwin Valero of Venezuela on February 6th in Monterrey, MX. After guiding the southpaw DeMarco of Tijuana, MX, by way of Los Mochis, to the interim world title last October with a win over Jose Alfaro, Quirarte feels that this is the right moment for DeMarco to face his biggest test yet. Continued »

Brooklyn’s Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin takes on Ecuador’s Fernando Zuniga in what promises to be an electrifying Super Middleweight semi-final to the highly anticipated matchup between Heavyweights Tomasz Adamek of Jersey City and Jason Estrada of Providence, RI when Main Events’ Brick City Boxing Series returns to Newark’s Prudential Center on Feb. 6th. Continued »

By Francisco Salazar

Southern California fight fans were treated to exciting action throughout 2009. On Friday night, fight fans will ring in the New Year with another stellar card for their entertainment. Roman Karmazin will take on Dionisio Miranda in a Middleweight eliminator at the Civic Auditorium in Glendale, CA. The fight will headline a “Glendale Glory II” card, presented by Art of Boxing Promotions in association with Bash Boxing. The bouts will also commence the 2010 season series of ESPN’s popular “Friday Night Fights.” This will be the second time Art of Boxing Promotions will present a card in the city of Glendale. Up until June, the city had banned boxing from taking place within its city limits for 62 years. The city council repealed the ban, which has allowed promoter Karhen Harutyunyan to promote shows in his hometown. Continued »

Boxing returns on January 21 at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland, California when Patrick Ortiz of Ringside Tickets presents a card headlined by southpaw Jose ‘El Nino’ Reynoso (9-2-2) taking on undefeated Aris Ambriz (13-0, 8 KOs) for the vacant GBU jr. welterweight Americas championship. Also bantamweight Kaliesha West puts her 11-1-0 record on the line against TBA. Tickets are $30 and $40 available at Ticketmaster and at the San Manuel Box Office. A 21-and-older age requirement to enter the casino is strictly enforced.

The WBO has called a purse bid for the mandatory title defense of WBO junior lightweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez against #1 rated Ricky Burns. The purse bid will be held on January 13 at the WBO Headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The minimum bid is $150,000.

Former NYSAC Commissioner and former CKP matchmaker Ron Scott Stevens has a new off-Broadway play that will begin running in February 4th at the Soho Theater. The play is called “The Cutting Den” and it is about a Brooklyn barbershop that is fronting for a gambling parlor. One of the main characters is being played by former WBO middleweight champion Doug DeWitt. More info here.

Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, will host another live boxing event on January 23rd. This will be the fourth boxing card Hollywood Casino and promoter Leslie Bonano have brought together since bringing boxing back to Bay St. Louis last summer. The main event will be an eight-rounder between heavyweights “Big Fred” Kassi (14-1, 7 KOs) and Byron Polley (23-10-1, 11 KOs). Also in a heavyweight six-rounder, Bobby O’Bannon (7-2, 7 KOs) will face off with Wes Taylor (7-14). Tickets are $20, $50 and $100. Call 800-229-2683. Must be at least 21 to attend.

Unbeaten Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, makes the fourth defense of his NABA welterweight title when he faces Henry Bruseles, of Gurabo, Puerto Rico, in the scheduled 10-round main event on February 27 at Bally’s Atlantic City. The Jones-Bruseles fight will be part of a two-hour portion of the show which will be televised live by Fox Sports Espanol, Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates, beginning at 10 p.m. This card, part of the Top Rank Live series on Fox Sports Espanol on Saturdays, three times a month. Continued »

Only 21 days after his professional debut, 2009 world amateur boxing champion Jack Culcay will return to the ring on Saturday in Magdeburg against Dmitrijus Sidorovicius. “To me it makes no difference who my opponent is,” says the highly regarded jr middleweight. “I’ll take on anybody in the ring.” Southpaw Sidorovicius (24) has won both of his pro fights in the Latvian capital of Riga. Culcay feels well prepared. “The sparring went well. My trainer Michael Timm was satisfied,” he said. Regarding his pro debut against Jindrich Kubin, Culcay stated “I’ve looked my first fight on video. The quickness was okay, I must still work on my defense.” Culcay also wants to pace himself better. “I can’t immediately go full throttle, I need to be a little calmer.”

For the last 20 years, Chris Middendorf has gone from managing to matchmaking fights. In the last 18 months, Middendorf has been the genius at TKO Boxing Promotions, matching up the fights and grooming an increasingly growing stable of hot, young fighters. Fightnews recently sat down to talk with Middendorf . . . Click here for more by Matt Thompson

Days after surrendering his title, Mike Brown’s lingering funk began manifesting itself as a hunger for redemption. So WEC matchmaker Sean Shelby offered the antsy former champ a Philly cheesesteak – as in a Jan. 10 date with Philadelphian Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison . . . Click here for more by Frank Curreri, WEC

Promoter Ricky Hatton’s Hatton Promotions returns on January 15 when Rob Norton and David Dolan meet in a rematch for the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles at the Altrincham Leisure Centre in Manchester, England. The pair contested a thrilling battle last year as Norton survived three knockdowns to retain his title by unanimous decision. Dolan, a former “Prizefighter” series finalist, will be seeking revenge and will hope to emulate the success he had in Manchester in 2002 as he won a Commonwealth Games gold medal. The rematch between Cello Renda and Paul Samuels may however steal the show as they meet in a ten round middleweight bout. A double knockdown was the highlight when they clashed in Stoke last November.

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Looks like WBA cruiserweight world champion Guillermo Jones has an opponent, date and location for the first defense of his title. Sources say Jones may be returning on February 27 in France against Valerie Brudov, the mandatory challenger. Apparently an agreement has been worked out between the parties involved and the WBA has called off a scheduled purse bid. It will be Jones first fight since winning the title in September 2008 by defeating Firat Arslan in Germany. Brudov has previously held the WBA interim cruiserweight belt.

Photo: José Pérez/PR Best Boxing Promotions

WBO junior featherweight champion Juan Manuel ‘Juanma’ Lopez (27-0, 24 KOs) is just a few weeks away from his January 23rd challenge of WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano (37-1-1, 15 KOs). The bout will take place at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York with HBO televising. The PR Best Boxing (Ivan & Peter Rivera) and Top Rank promoted Lopez is confident he will leave the ring with his second world title in as many divisions. “The goal is to win Luevano’s world title and that’s what I’m coming to do. I’m not coming looking for the knockout but if he presents itself I will take it,” said Lopez.

Photo: Eroll Popova

Fight fans at Elbe Park in Magdeburg, Germany, were thrilled when world champions Robert Stieglitz, Ina Menzer and Ramona Kühne engaged in a public workout in advance of their title fights on Saturday at Bördelandhalle. Also on hand was world title challenger Ruben Acosta, unbeaten heavyweight contender Denis Boytsov (pictured above), unbeaten heavyweight Manuel Charr, former heavyweight title challenger Owen Beck and highly regarded world amateur world champion “Golden Jack” Culcay. Click for more photos…

After nine hours of mediation with retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein, the proposed March 13 super fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is no closer to fruition. Among those on hand at Tuesday’s meeting in Santa Monica were Bob Arum and Todd duBoef of Top Rank, Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy and Mayweather’s manager Al Haymon. Weinstein has placed a gag order on the proceedings, so neither camp is talking although negotiations are said to be ongoing.

By Gabriel F. Cordero

On Sunday January 3, Gonzalo Rivera passed away in Puerto Ordaz, Estado de Bolivar in Venezuela. Rivera was held many positions in boxing. He was a judge in national and international fights, the president of the Fedelatin, WBA Championship Chairman, WBA Ratings Chairman, a member of the WBA International Officials Committee as well as the head of the Commission of Professional Boxing of Aragua State in Venezuela. Rivera always showed great professionalism and commitment toward his work, with love to the sport. A WBA resolution was signed by Gilberto Mendoza which read “Mr. Rivera was an inspiration of a family united by moral and ethical principles.”

ESPN Friday Night Fights invades Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA on February 12 featuring the dangerous Tyrone Harris 25-5-0, 16 KO against the highly touted Korean Puncher Ji-Hoon Kim 19-5-0, 16 KO in a 10 round jr. lightweight bout. The undercard will feature some great young talent including Russian prospect Ruslan Provodnick in a 10 round co-feature. Also on the card will be a local favorite from Temecula, welterweight Dashon Johnson 8-2-2, 4 KO in a 6 round bout. One of the United States’ top young amateurs, Garret Simon, will make his California debut in the heavyweight division in a four round bout. Legendary heavyweight champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier on hand to sign autographs and meet the fans. The show will feature a total of 6 bouts and be broadcast live on ESPN2, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The WBA has called a purse bid for a showdown between WBA super lightweight champion Amir Khan and interim titleholder Marcos Maidana. The bidding will take place at 11AM on Monday, January 18th at the WBA’s Panama office. The bidding will be directed by Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and Jose Oliver Gomez.

By Rick Scharmberg

Mike “No Joke” Stewart (44-7-2, 23 KOs), of New Castle, DE, returns to the ring on Friday, February 26 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware. Stewart will face WBF welterweight champion Brandon “The Business” Baue (12-3, 10 KOs), of Troy, Missouri in the eight-round main event. The co-feature will pit New Castle’s “Rockin’” Ryan Belasco (11-4-3, 3, 3 KOs) taking on Julias Edmunds (5-6), of Philadelphia in an interesting welterweight bout. Continued »

The IBF held a purse bid today for the IBF Mini Flyweight Championship mandatory defense between champion Raul Garcia and Nkosinathi Joyi. Branco Sports Productions won with a bid of $ 160,000 over Top Rank’s bid of $125,000. The winning bidder has 90 days to put the fight on.

Super middleweight prospect Donovan “Da Bomb” George (18-0-1, 16 KOs) will face off against Minnesota’s Phil “The Drill” Williams (11-2, 10 KOs) on January 29th in the main event at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion. “With 26 knockouts amongst their 29 victories these two should provide an all action fight from the start. They’re both very hard hitting super middleweights, it will just be a matter of who can take the other guy’s shot better, “Da Bomb or the The Drill” said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions. “This truly is a crossroads fight for both guys, for each one it’s the toughest test of their careers.” The co-main event brings the return of power punching Chicago based prospect Ivan Popoca (12-0-1, 8 KOs) in an eight round welterweight battle against impressive Michigan newcomer Federico Flores Jr. (6-3, 2 KOs). Also just added, undefeated Chicago welterweights Ryan Smedick (4-0-1, 1 KO) and Achour Esho (5-0, 4 KOs) will square off in a scheduled six rounder, the first for each prospect.

Anthony Mundine’s decision to forego a quest for the International Boxing Organization’s junior middleweight title next week in Australia is his own – and not based on undue influence or conflict from the IBO – according to its president, Ed Levine. Mundine had been scheduled to meet Robert Medley for the IBO’s vacant 154-pound championship on Jan. 11 in Sydney, but the fight – if held at all – will no longer be for the IBO belt and is more likely to be fought at middleweight, Levine said. A January 6 report in the Sydney Morning Herald cited Mundine’s displeasure with the IBO stemming from review of his May defeat of Daniel Geale for the organization’s 160-pound title – which Mundine relinquished upon requesting sanction for the 154-pound bout with Medley. Levine, however, said it’s more likely Mundine’s decision is based on other factors. “Our opinion is that Mundine’s current failure to honor his contractual obligations to the IBO and Medley are purely based on his inability to make the weight and/or his reluctance to accept two international officials and the costs attendant to putting on a world title fight,” Levine said. Continued »

Unbeaten WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev of Russia (19-0, 14 KOs) will next take on Ignacio Esparza (16-1, 12 KOs) of Mexico. The bout will take place February 22nd in Russia.

In the last 18 months, fast-growing promoter TKO Boxing has, literally, appeared out of nowhere to rack up 30 shows. During the next 12 months, there are another 30 shows in the works. Fightnews.com recently sat down with the company’s president, Chet Koerner, to discuss TKO’s future . . . Click here for more

Photo: Ray Wheatley

By Ray Wheatley–World of Boxing

Former world title challenger Robert Medley is confident of defeating Anthony Mundine next Monday at the Entertainment Center in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Medley’s trainer Graham Shaw said, “Rob has looked great in the gym in sensational sparring sessions against WBO rated 168 pounder Peter Kariuki and also his world middleweight contender Daniel Geale. He is physically and mentally 100% ready to defeat Mundine. We have the advantage of having Daniel Geale as a sparring partner. Medley and Geale have sparred each other on a regular basis for over three years. Geale defeated Mundine last May but did not get the decision. The Mundine vs Medley is now being contested at the middleweight poundage (160) instead of the originally agreed weight of 154 pounds. I knew Mundine would have trouble making that weight — he struggles to make middleweight. Next Monday, Mundine is in for one of his toughest fights against Medley who is totally focused.” Televised nationally on Foxtel Main Event Pay-Per View. Promoter: Tony Mundine Sr.

By Gabriel F. Cordero

The possibility exists that current IBF featherweight world champion Cristobal “Lacandon” Cruz of Mexico could defend his crown against countryman former WBO bantamweight champion Jhonny González. Other options for Cruz include a rematch with Ricardo “Piolo” Castillo, with whom he had a three round technical draw last December 19 in Chiapas, Mexico. Other sources mentioned February 27 as a possible date with a location to be determined, possibly again in Chiapas, Mexico.

The Association of Boxing Commissions Compliance Committee has directed Fight Fax to list all future boxing results which occur on the Isleta reservation to be listed as non-supervised fights. The ABC sent a letter to the Isleta Athletic Commission on December 16th asking their commission to prove their legal existence. No response was received by the ABC, therefore, the ABC Compliance Committee felt it necessary to take action. Continued »

Photo: Main Events Media

The interim WBC lightweight champion, Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs) of Los Mochis, MX, began his training camp mid December in his adopted hometown of Tijuana, MX, for his challenge for the full fledged WBC title of Venezuela’s Edwin Valero (26-0, 26 KOs) on February 6th in Monterrey, MX. “We had a good rest, we went home to Los Mochis and I visited my family. We got back and began training in mid December. They called us about the fight and we came back to train, it’s not such a big deal, this is our work and it is what we love to do and we are ready,” DeMarco stated after an intense training session. Continued »

By Rick Scharmberg

Former “Contender Season One” star Ahmed “Babyface” Kaddour (21-2-1, 9 KOs), of Aarhus, Denmark has signed a standard three-year deal with promoter Nedal Abuhumoud, of New Jersey. Kaddour recently returned to the ring after nearly three years with a decision over Mike Ermis on September 9, 2009 in Denmark. Nedal is also making a comeback after a year out of the sport due to the illness and subsequent passing of his father. Nedal initially brought Lebanon-born Kaddour to the USA back in 2003. Continued »

The IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion has been making headlines not for his exploits in the ring, but for the beauties he’s being seen with. According to Access Hollywood, Klitschko was spotted with “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere on New Year’s day at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach. Meanwhile in a BILD story, Klitschko spoke about his approach to women. “I am a man. And men are still hunters nowadays,” said Wlad. “I much prefer to approach women than the other way round. It is best when they reject at first. A ‘no’ is an excellent challenge. Then it starts to get fun! It is best for me if the women do not know me at all.”

Two world titles will be on the line for the first time in 2010 when the Ultimate Fighting Championship® returns to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for UFC 111: ST-PIERRE vs HARDY, Saturday, March 27th, live on Pay-Per-View and presented by TapouT. In featured bouts, one of the best fighters in the game today, UFC® welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, looks to extend his reign and his six fight winning streak against British bomber Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy, and former heavyweight champion Frank Mir looks to become only the second man in UFC history to win the championship three times when he takes on number one contender Shane Carwin for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Continued »

World Extreme Cagefighting® announced today that MusclePharm will serve as the organization’s Official Sports Nutrition Company for 2010. Considered a leader in the sports nutrition industry, MusclePharm is committed to providing the best nutritional products to athletes and general consumers. MusclePharm’s commitment to athletes, in particular mixed martial artists, made the partnership attractive to WEC officials. Continued »

Fox Sports en Español and Top Rank announced today the launch of an exciting new boxing series – “Top Rank Live.” The two-hour broadcast will air live on Fox Sports en Español on Saturdays, three times per month, beginning at 10 p.m. ET. The series will debut on Saturday, January 16, 2010, from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. At least one show per month will originate directly from Mexico. “Top Rank is thrilled to bring world-class boxing on a regular basis to cable and satellite TV viewers across the country,” said Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank. “We have found wonderful partners in the Fox Network Family. This new series will not only offer all-action cards but will allow fans to follow these fighters as they return from victories marching up the ratings toward world title shots. It’s a project Top Rank has been developing for years and Fox Sports Español is the perfect vehicle.” Continued »

Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, kicks off the new year on January 22nd with unbeaten junior welterweights “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (16-0-1, 10 KOs) and Brad Solomon (9-0, 3 KOs) battling in the 10-round main event at The Roxy in Boston’s famed Theater District. The 6-round co-feature pits intra-state rivals Chris Traietti (8-1, 5 KOs), an Iraq War veteran from Quincy, and dangerous Lawrence super middleweight Eddie Caminero (5-3, 5 KOs). Undefeated junior welterweight and 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, nearby Framingham’s Danny O’Connor (10-0, 3 KOs), meets former Canadian welterweight title challenger Darelle “Red” Sukerow (14-15-1, 5 KOs) in a 6-rounder. Continued »

Steve Smith’s Rumble Time Promotions returns on January 15 at the Pageant Delmar Loop in St. Louis, Missouri. Light heavyweights Kevin Engal (17-2, 14 KOs) and Julius Fogle (15-1, 10 KOs) meet again in what looks like a good main event. This will be a rematch of a fight in August which was stopped in the second round due to a cut. Also fighting are St. Louis area fighters Dannie Williams, Ryan David, Lamarr Harris, Jamal Parram, Tyrone Chatman, Timmy Connors, Wesley Blanks and the talented amateur Stephon Young. Tickets ($45-$250) are available through Ticketmaster, the Pageant Box Office or by calling (314) 607-9850.

Photo: www.wetterpate.de

31 wins in 31 professional fights-that is the impressive record that Arthur Abraham brings with him into the new year. And to ensure the winning streak of the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament leader carries on unabated in the new year, Sauerland Event general manager Chris Meyer has come up with a fantastic and novel surprise for coach Ulli Wegner’s pupil. He has seen to it personally that the first high pressure front of the new year – the ‘High Arthur’ – has been named after the Sauerland Team’s boxing champion. “We are firmly counting on Arthur exhilarating his fans again in the new year with his performances. Therefore, we wanted to make him smile with this gesture,” explained Meyer. The Institute for Meteorology at Berlin’s Freie University made it possible. Continued »

Photo: Eroll Popova

The first “Universum Champions Night” of 2010 is set for Saturday at Bördelandhalle in Magdeburg, Germany with two world championship fights and four interesting heavyweight showdowns. Two unbeaten world champions collide in a female super fight in the featherweight division. WBC/WIBF/WBO featherweight champion Ina Menzer (25-0, 9 KOs) will defend her three belts against reigning WIBF super featherweight champion Ramona Kühne (15-0, 4 KOs). Also WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (36-2, 22 KOs) defends against Ruben Eduardo Acosta (23-3-5, 7 KOs). Today the combatants faced off at the final press conference at the Rothenseer Autohaus. Click here for more plus more photos…

By Ray Wheatley–World of Boxing

WBO interim lightweight champion Michael Katsidis (26-2, 21 KOs) is totally focused on a bout with Juan Marquez (50-5-1, 37 KOs) for the WBO 135 pound title, but the Mexican is scheduled to be in action at the MGM Casino in Las Vegas on May 1st in an HBO pay-per-view show and the opponent could be the former world champion Ricky Hatton (45-2, 32 KOs). Hatton-who was in Sydney Australia recently as a guest of Bill Treacy stated on national television that Juan Marquez was a possible opponent in his 2010 comeback plans. Continued »

WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (36-2, 22 KOs) will now face WBO #11 rated Ruben Eduardo Acosta (23-3-5, 7 KOs) on Saturday in Magdeburg, Germany. Acosta stepped in at late notice to replace Edison Miranda, who had to pull out due to illness.