Jeff Fraza killed in train accident

Sad to report the death of 34-year-old welterweight Jeff “Hell Raza” Fraza (17-3, 10 KOs), who was reportedly killed by a commuter train early Saturday morning in Haverhill, Massachusetts. According to the Haverhill Eagle Tribune, Fraza appeared to be talking on a cellphone at the time of the accident, which occurred near his home. A local attraction in New England, Jeff was best known for appearing on the TV reality show “The Contender.”

Angelo Dundee Services

By Bill Hillmann

Services for legendary trainer Angelo Dundee will take place on Friday, February 10 at Countryside Christian Center located at McMillen Booth Road in Clearwater, Florida. Viewing from 10AM followed by a noon funeral. Four-time former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali will attend.

“SuperBrawls” presser at Texas Station, Las Vegas

A press conference was held today to discuss the Warriors Boxing and Sampson Boxing ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised boxing event entitled “Superbrawls”, scheduled for tomorrow, (Friday, February 3), in the Dallas Events Center at the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas.

Superbrawls will be topped by a 10-round light heavyweight main event between Colombian powerhouse Edison “Pantera” Miranda and South Africa’s WBC #6, WBA #13, and WBO #14-rated Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba, and also feature two up-and-coming warriors in the eight-round co-main event: Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (14-0, 11 KOs) against fellow undefeated Hylon Williams Jr. (15-0, 3 KOs). (more…)

Referee Wayne Kelly passes

Sad to report the sudden passing of referee Wayne Kelly from a heart attack. He refereed many important boxing matches including Bowe-Golota I. Services Wayne for Wayne will be at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home located at 506 Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park, New York. Viewing is February 3, 2-4:30PM and 7-9:30PM and February 4, 2-4:30PM and 7-9:30PM. The service will be February 4 at 8PM At New Hyde Park Funeral Home with interment at Calverton National Cemetery.

Photo: Ed Mulholland

Legendary trainer Angelo Dundee passes at age 90

Photo: Jeff Julian

Legendary trainer Angelo Dundee passed away earlier today at the age of 90 in Tampa, Florida. “Angelo died suddenly and peacefully surrounded by family and friends,” Dundee’s friend Rachel Charles told Fightnews.com. “He was very happy he was able to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s birthday was able to attend the Boxing Hall of Fame. He still had a lot to do but led a full and extraordinary life.” Dundee trained 15 world champions including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Willie Pastrano, Jose Napoles and Carmen Basilio. Last September Angie celebrated the grand opening of the new 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach, mere steps away from where the fabled gym once stood. Angelo and his brother, Hall of Fame promoter Chris Dundee, opened the original gym in 1951.

Esquivias added to “New Blood” Ontario card Feb. 24

Southern California’s Inland Empire’s heated boxing beat just got a little hotter. Undefeated Efrain Esquivias (15-0, 9 KOs) has been added to the power packed Thompson Boxing Promotions February 24 edition of “New Blood”. The blockbuster card features Artemio “King” Reyes (14-1, 11 KOs) vs. Victor Hugo Correa (12-4, 8 KOs) in a 10-round main event welterweight war for the WBC Latino title. The card also co-features East L.A.’s Aron “Asesino” Martinez (15-1-1, 3 KOs) against Escondido’s Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson (13-4-3, 4 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout. (more…)

The “King” returns for new blood on Feb. 24 in Ontario, CA

With the New Year comes the return of Thompson Boxing Promotions “New Blood” as it re-emerges with the best prospects in the Inland Empire area including welterweight contender Artemio “King” Reyes who makes his way back to Ontario after a spectacular win on national television. The “King” along with a court of pugilists like Aron Martinez, Richard Contreras and Sindy Amador are ready to perform in 2012. (more…)

Goody Petronelli passes

By Mark Vaz

Legendary trainer Goody Petronelli if Brockton, MA passed away at his home in Bridgewater, MA on Sunday at 88. Petronelli, who trained and co-managed Marvelous Marvin Hagler throughout his career, spent 70 years in the sport, following his service in the United States Navy. Petronelli boxed professionally before opening his own gym, training his nephew Tony Petronelli during his run at the Jr. Welterweight title in the early 70′s. Goody, along with bother Pat, co-managed numerous fighters including Hagler’s brother Robbie Simms, a top middleweight in the post-Hagler era. In recent years, Petronelli continued to operate his gym in Brockton, working primarily with young amateurs, although he was also co-trainer for Kevin McBride in his winning fight over Mike Tyson.

Atlas Cops & Kids boxing program making difference in NYC

When government funding ceased three years ago for the New York City Police Athletic League (“PAL”) Cops & Kids Boxing program, The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation absorbed operational costs, expanded its reach into education, and today it is making life-changing differences for hundreds of inner-city youths between the ages of 10 and 21.

Certified by USA Boxing, the Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Program has been a knockout of a success, providing a safe place for city kids to go after school. Members not only learn how to box, some developing into team members for competitive tournaments like the famed Daily News Golden Gloves, but also build camaraderie, discipline, self-esteem and character. (more…)

Ex-Gold Medalist Sakurai Passes

By Joe Koizumi

Japan’s sole Olympic gold medalist Takao Sakurai passed away because of cancer of esophagus on Tuesday (January 10). He was seventy. Sakurai, a speedy and skillful southpaw, acquired the gold medal in Tokyo in 1964. The Chuoh University graduate turned professional under Misako Gym against strong dissuasions of our amateur federation the next year. The scientific footworker, after a winning streak of 22-0, was given an opportunity to have a shot at the world bantam throne against Australian Lionel Rose in his first defense after dethroning Fighting Harada by an upset decision. (more…)

Famed referee Eddie Eckert passes

Sad to report that famed Florida referee Eddie Eckert passed away on January 7. Eckert officiated his first pro fight in June 1961 and refereed his last fight in June 1995. In that 34-year span, some of the fighters he shared the ring with included the legendary Willie Pep (in 1965), Cleveland Williams, Jimmy Ellis, Michael Dokes, Alexis Arguello, Tim Witherspoon, Leon Spinks, Wilfredo Benitez, Vincente Rondon, Mike Quarry and Maurice “Termite” Watkins. One of the bigger fights he oversaw was the John Mugabi versus Terry Norris fight at the Sun Dome in Tampa in March 1990. Respected by his peers and by people who know and understand boxing, he was often paid the ultimate compliment a referee can receive. “You didn’t even know he was in the ring.” Eckert was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

Sympathies for the Kalin family

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Elizabeth Kalin, the wife of Fightnews Australian photographer Werner Kalin, sadly passed away on Christmas day after a long illness. Werner and daughters Melissa and Tanya were at her bedside until the end. Fightnews staff sends its condolences to the Kalin family.

Trevor Christian Passes

Report/photo by Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Former Australian light middleweight champion Trevor Christian and world championship referee sadly passed away on Sunday. Trevor refereed a IBF world title bout in Thailand in 1990 and first started as a third man in the ring in 1973 until 2002. He worked as a judge on the undercard of the IBF middleweight title bout when champion Daniel Geale defeated Eromosele Albert in Tasmania, Australia. Trevor began boxing as a professional in 1960 after a successful amateur career and captured the Australian 154 pound title by stopping George Carroll in 1963 in seven rounds. On January 28, 2008 Trevor was named in the Queens Honors List and awarded Order of Australia Medal for service to the indigenous community through Sydney Regional Aboriginal Corporation for Legal Services to the promotion of social justice and also to the sport of boxing. Trevor Christian (16-7-2,6KO’s) was 69 years of age.

Joseph Robert, Jr., founder of DC’S Fight Night, passes

By Gary “Digital” Williams

Joseph E. Robert, Jr., a Washington, DC-area billionaire who founded one of boxing’s most successful charity boxing events, passed away December 7 at his home in McLean, VA. Mr. Robert suffered from a glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Mr. Robert was 59. Mr. Robert, a native of Takoma Park, MD, turned a troubled childhood around by going into the real estate business, launching a successful real estate business in 1981. At one time, Mr. Robert estimated his net worth at one billion dollars. (more…)

Rubio faces Vanda at WBC Convention in Las Vegas

On December 16, and to coincide with the WBC Convention, Sampson Boxing in Association with Promociones del Pueblo will proudly present a night of world-class professional boxing featuring five regional title fights at the fabulous Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the night’s potentially explosive 12-round middleweight main event, WBC #1 and WBO #3-rated Marco Antonio Rubio (52-5-1, 45 KOs) of Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, will risk his lofty rankings against Saint Paul, Minnesota’s always tough Matt “The Predator” Vanda (44-13, 24 KOs). The two veterans will be vying for the vacant WBC Latino middleweight title. (more…)

Tommy DeJohn, last of the “Fighting DeJohn Boys” dies

By Boxing Bob Newman

Thomas DeJohn, the last living member of Syracuse’s “Fighting DeJohn Boys” passed away on Thanksgiving day, in his hometown of Syracuse, NY. He was 83. Born Thomas DiGianni, “Tommy” followed in the foot steps of his older brothers Johnny, Carmen, Ralph and Joey into the world of the “Sweet Science.” Stories of the “Fighting DeJohn Boys” exploits, not only in the ring, but outside of it filled the news papers, boxing magazines and saloons from the 1930s through the 1960s, as they became fixtures during Syracuse’s glory days in boxing. (more…)

Ron Lyle passes away at 70

Photo: Mary Ann Owen

Exciting former heavyweight contender Ron Lyle has unfortunately passed away at the age of 70 in Denver, Colorado, after complications from a sudden stomach ailment.

Lyle fought Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title in 1975 and his knockdown filled brawl with George Foreman the following year is considered to be one of the greatest bouts in boxing history. Possibly the hardest-punching fighter of his era, Lyle had a career mark of 43-7-1, with 31 KOs. Fightnews sends our deepest sympathies to Ron Lyle’s family and friends.

Cutman Joe Souza passes

Legendary cut man Joe Souza passed away early this week in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 77 after a long battle with prostrate cancer. Souza, one of the best cutmen in the business, saved many a fight for famous bleeders Arturo Gatti and “Jesse” James Leija, as well as working with former champions Pernell Whitaker, the Klitschko brothers, Fernando Vargas and Paulie Ayala. Fightnews staff sends deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Joe Frazier passes

By Bill Hillmann

Photo: Peter Frutkoff

We have been informed that former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier has passed away from liver cancer at the age of 67. “Smokin’ Joe was only diagnosed last month with the disease and spent his last days in a hospice in Philadelphia. He is best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1971′s “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden and compiled a career mark of 32-4-1 with 27 KOs. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Fightnews staff sends sympathies to the Frazier family. More details to come.

Trainer Amilcar Brusa dies

By Gabriel F.Cordero

Sad news from Argentina. Legendary boxing trainer Amilcar Brusa, who trained ring legend Carlos Monzon and thirteen other world champions, died Thursday in the city of Santa Fe in Argentina at the age 89 according to his family. A few days ago, Fightnews.com had reported that Brusa had been hospitalized with symptoms of acute bronchitis. Brusa was born on October 23, 1922 in Cologne Silva, a rural town in northern Santa Fe province. He had been an amateur heavyweight, but retired when he was unable to represent the country at the 1948 London Olympics. Brusa was a passionate man who contributed a lot to the sport. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. In addition to Monzon, he trained world champions like Miguel Angel Cuello, Juan Domingo Cordoba, Jorge Rodrigo Barrios, Carlos Baldomir, Miguel Lora, Sugar ‘Baby’ Rojas, Thomas Molinares, Luis Mendoza, Rafael Pineda, Francisco Tejedor, Francisco Quiroz, Antonio Esparragoza and Antonio Carlos Hernandez.

Tom McNeeley Ten Count

By Mark Vaz

Former heavyweight contender Tom McNeeley of Arlington, Massachusetts passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday in Boston. McNeeley’s boxing career spanned 8 years and 51 professional fights, racking up a record of 37-14 with 28 knockouts from 1958-1966. Gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated as a top contender, the highlight of his career was his December 1961 challenge for the world heavyweight championship against Floyd Patterson. In an all-out slugfest, McNeeley had Patterson down and nearly out before falling victim to the champ in four exciting rounds. McNeeley went on to face many outstanding heavyweights including champs Jose Torres, Willie Pastrano, Brain London and Oscar Bonavena. (more…)

Velez takes on Cooper

Sampson Boxing LLC will make their Nevada promotional debut on Sunday November 20, 2011 at the Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sampson Boxing will present a live boxing event and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Shelter of Hope. The main event is scheduled for 10 rounds, for the IBF Female, Super Bantamweight title. Miami, Florida’s (via Puerto Rico) IBF Champion, Ada Velez (19-3-3, 6 KO’s) vs. the pride of Las Vegas, Melinda “La Maravilla” Cooper (21-1, 11 KO’s). This is a rematch of their 3-31-2011 fight where Velez won the vacant tile in a very close split decision and in doing so handed Cooper the first loss of her career. (more…)

Hector Lopez passes

By Francisco Salazar

Sad news from Mexico City as former three-time world title challenger Hector Lopez passed away on Monday, Southern California matchmaker Hervi Estrada told Fightnews.com on Tuesday. Lopez was in Mexico City at the time of his death, working with the Mexican Olympic boxing team. After winning the silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles for Mexico, he turned pro less than a year later. In a span of eight years, Lopez only lost once in 27 fights, which earned a world title fight against Miguel Angel Gonzalez in 1993, losing by unanimous decision. After losing a close 10 round unanimous decision to eventual world champion Kostya Tszyu in 1994, Lopez would challenge for another world title belt a year and a half later against Sammy Fuentes. Lopez would lose a very close 12 round split-decision to Fuentes, a decision that was disputed by the media and fight fans in attendance or watching it on television. (more…)

Disaster strikes Thai boxers

The recent flooding in Thailand has devasted the country leaving thousands homeless and without electricity. Amongst those are the fighters of boxing promoter OneSongchai, whose roster includes world ranked fighters such as Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo, Pungluang Sor Singyu, Kwanpichit 13 Rien Express, and female world champion Teeraporn Pannimit to name a few. The promoter’s gym where the fighters train is no longer visible because of the flooding. (more…)

Help Team Guerrero fight cancer!

Join Team Guerrero in their effort to cure cancer with a small or large donation. Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual fundraising walk to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. Hundreds of thousands of participants raise funds for lifesaving research and patient services. Click here to donate

For more than 60 years, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been solely focused on people with blood cancers. (more…)

Ayala Hosts Public Workout

Former two-time world Champion Paulie Ayala will host a public workout this Saturday from 12:00-2:00 at the new home of his University of Hard Knocks gym in anticipation of his Saturday October 29th “Fright Night” card at the Cendera Center in Fort Worth. Fighters on the card in attendance will include former WBC Youth Champion Jose Hernandez, local favorite Miguel Buendia, former amateur sensation Manuel Rojas, Arthur Trevino and Angel Solarzano. Also scheduled to appear is Top Rank prospect Roberto Marroquin. Ayala’s new gym is located at 6913 W. Camp Bowie Blvd, Ste 141, Fort Worth, Texas.

Holyfield Meet and Greet

Four-time heavyweight champion of the world Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield will meet the fans and sign autographs inside the Fantasy Springs Special Event Center at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA during the Friday, November 4th edition of TeleFutura that is headlined by a middleweight matchup between former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora and longtime contender Jose Alfredo “Shibata” Flores. Mora vs. Flores is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Doors open at 6p PT and the first bell rings is at 7:30p PT. The TeleFutura broadcast begins at 11:30p. Tickets are $25, $35 or $45 and available at the Fantasy Springs box office (800.827.2946) or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Rafael Guzman killed

According to Mexican media outlet Marco.com, boxer Rafael Guzman of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico was murdered last night in his native Guadalajara, Mexico. Guzman was shot 8 times by a passing vehichle that was occupied by two passengers. Guzman was in the backseat of his car at the time of the shooting. Reports are that Guzman attempted to escape after the initial shots but was unable to advance more than 100 meters. When police arrived on the scene Guzman had already passed away. No official word on the reasoning for the attack or who fired the shots and if they were caught. Guzman had a record of (28-3-1, 20 KOs) with his biggest fight coming earlier this year June 4th on HBO at the Staples Center against unbeaten highly world ranked featherweight Mikey Garcia. Guzman took that fight on very short notice for the opportunity. Fightnews sends its sincerest condolences to the Guzman family.

Kevin Hargreaves passes

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Former Australian light heavyweight contender Kevin Hargreaves (22-6-5, 8 KOs) passed away at the age of 55 years after a long illness in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on Wednesday. Kevin made his professional debut in 1972 as a welterweight outpointing Mike Stocky over three rounds at Festival Hall in Melbourne. Kevin lost to Australian super middleweight champion Graham Murray but later outscored and then stopped future Australian heavyweight champion Vince Cervi in 1986. “Kevin was nature’s gentleman,” said former WBO welterweight challenger Jeff Malcolm. “He loved boxing and was respected by everyone.” Kevin will be sadly missed by his family and the Australian boxing fraternity.

Sympathies for Jorge Marron

Fightnews.com would like to express its deepest condolences for Jorge Marron in the passing of his father, Ediberto Marron. Based out of San Diego, CA, Jorge Marron is best known as Don Chargin Promotions’ chief matchmaker but has worked with every major promotional company on southern California fight cards and throughout the United States. Most recently, along with Bobby D. Presents, Marron has revived the San Diego boxing scene by presenting fight cards on a regular basis. After battling cancer like a true champion, Ediberto Marron succumbed to the tragic disease earlier today. He was 79 years old. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 12th, California Memorial, 2200 Highland Ave., National City, CA, 91950, 4:00pm.