Ike Williams Rec Center Dedication Feb 15

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

The Honorable Mayor of Trenton, Tony F. Mack will present the dedication of the Ike Williams Recreation Center in Clay Street, Trenton on Wednesday , February 15, 2012 at 1pm. Guest speakers will be Lindsey E. Tucker of the International Boxing Federation, Ring 25 (Veteran Boxing Assoc), Peter Nozza, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, Henry Hascup, and New Jersey Commissioner, Aaron Davis. Fight film of Ike Williams will be shown and refreshments will follow. Ike Williams was born on August 2nd, 1923 and passed away on September 5th, 1994 He was born in Brunswick, Georgia and resided in Trenton, New Jersey. Ike won 127 fights and lost 24 with 4 draws. He scored 61KO’s. He was named Fighter of The Year in 1948. Ike stopped Juan Zurita in two rounds to capture the National Boxing Association lightweight title in 1945 and defended successfully against Enrique Bolanos, Ronnie James, Bob Montgomery, Beau Jack, Jesse Flores, Freddie Dawson. Williams lost the title to Jimmy Carter in 1951.

Ortiz-Berto rescheduled for June 30

According to Victor Ortiz’ manager Rolando Arellano, Ortiz fight with Andre Berto has been rescheduled for June 30 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. “I would like to dismiss any rumors that Victor may fight Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero first,” said Arellano. “Victor’s primary obligation is to fight Andre Berto. The fight was to have taken place this Saturday, Feb. 11, but had to be postponed because Berto suffered a training injury last week. Guerreo is a fine young man and a very good fighter and we would be pleased to fight him in what could be an entertaining match.

“However, I would suggest that Robert not wait around for Victor but restart his career that was interrupted by a training injury that required surgery. If the opportunity arises in the future to fight Guerrero, we would be happy to commence discussions. But for now, Victor Ortiz’ focus, as it has been for the past three months, is to fight and defeat Andre Berto again in a match that boxing fans the world over want to see.”

Chavez Jr: Why didn’t Rubio take the test?

July Cesar Chavez Jr. and his co-promoter Fernando Beltran have responded to the accusations of Marco Antonio Rubio about no drug test being administered after their fight on Saturday night in San Antonio.

“We are very respectful of the regulations of the sanctioning bodies and commissions and for protection of the fighter,” stated Beltran, “but in the case of Chávez Jr., he didn’t take the doping test because no one from the Texas Athletic Commission asked. At the end of the fight Julio was in his dressing room for 40 minutes after his overwhelming victory getting ready for the post-fight press conference, and after meeting with the media he went to his hotel where he did several interviews in his room with journalists and nobody remembered or asked the anti-doping test,” recalled Beltran, who added that no one from the Texas Commission or the WBC asked either Chavez or Rubio about the test. (more…)

Golovkin hits NYC

Photo: K2

Undefeated WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin has taken a three-day reprieve from training camp in Big Bear to visit New York City. Golovkin boasts a record of 22 wins with 19 KOs and is considered one of the brightest stars and biggest punchers in the sport today. It has been Golovkin’s dream to fight in Madison Square Garden and he has been invited to attend the NY Rangers game at The Garden tonight. “This is my first time in New York and it is a great city,” said Golovkin. “I love the energy of the people and I can help them celebrate the Super Bowl victory of the New York Giants. There are great boxing fans in New York – at the airport people were already asking for my autograph.” (more…)

Lewkowicz’ Panamanian Suspension Removed

The Commission of Professional Boxing of Panama has officially lifted all sanctions against promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, effective December 31, 2011. According to a letter from Commission President Albert E Guerra, Lewkowicz is now “authorized to be involved in any boxing activity in the Republic of Panama as well as be involved with Panamanian boxers.”

Lewkowicz protested the one-year suspension levelled against him in April of last year, in which he was declared “Persona Non Grata” and prohibited from having any kind of relation or contact with this commission or any Panamanian boxers. At the time, it was alleged that Lewkowicz had threatened the management of WBA Bantamweight Champion Anselmo Moreno, via email, that their contract with Moreno would be terminated by the Commission for going against the interests of their represented boxer if they didn’t persuade the fighter to sign a promotional agreement with Golden Boy Promotions. The Commission has now agreed Lewkowicz was acting in the best interests of his fighter.

Cano set for Feb 18 return

In 2011, Pablo Cesar Cano (22-1-1, 17 KOs) made the leap from prospect to contender, capping off his year with a late notice world title fight against the legendary Erik “El Terrible” Morales. Now gearing up for a title run at 135 pounds, the Tlanepantla product will make his first start of 2012 on February 18 in the Televisa main event against once beaten Francisco Contreras (16-1, 13 KOs) from The Grand Oasis Cancun in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

In the co-main event, former World Champion Gilberto Keb Baas (35-21-4, 22 KOs) meets Mario Rodriguez (12-6-4, 8 KOs) in an all-Mexico showdown scheduled for 10 rounds in the light flyweight division.

Lewis: Chisora has a chance

Dereck Chisora has been given a lift by British great Lennox Lewis ahead of his world title showdown against Vitali Klitschko. The heavy-handed Londoner takes on WBC World Heavyweight Champion Klitschko on February 18th at the Olympiahalle in Munich. Lewis, the last man to beat Vitali nearly nine years ago in a very close fight, said: “Vitali is very good but Chisora has a chance. He is a heavyweight. All it takes is one punch on the chin to win. I always say if you walk into the ring you have to get wet. If he [Klitschko] is in the fight, in the ring, and he gets punched, there is a chance that he might get hurt or knocked out. It will be an interesting fight.”

Chisora, who is finalizing preparations in London before heading to Germany on Sunday, said, “It’s good to hear those words from a great fighter like Lennox. He understands that anyone can get hurt with a good punch in the ring, no matter who you are, and one good shot is all I need to topple Klitschko. I’m going into the fight against as the underdog, just the way I like it, so when I knock him out in round eight it will be a massive shock that will be felt around the world. At the end of the day it’s me in the ring and I’ve got to go in there and do a job on him.”

Ennis sick, pulls out of FNF main event

By Kurt Wolfheimer

Former USBA junior middleweight champion Derek “Pooh” Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs) has been forced to pull out of Friday’s ESPN2 clash with undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (15-0, 10 KOs) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The IBF #9-rated Ennis caught a bad case of the flu and had a 102-degree temperature. Promoters are looking for a new foe for Andrade.

Daniel Ponce De Leon Speaks

By Miguel Maravilla

Daniel Ponce De Leon (42-4-1, 35 KOs) was ringside in attendance Saturday night at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, California for Telefutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate. Fightnews.com caught up with the power-punching former bantamweight champion as he talked about his plans for 2012. Despite not having won a fight in 2011, De Leon gave unbeaten opponents Adrien Broner (22-0, 18 KOs) and Yuriorkis Gamboa (21-0, 16 KOs) all they could handle. “Those two fights last year helped me a lot and now I look forward to 2012,” Deleon said.

In March of 2011, De Leon moved up in weight and fought Broner at jr. lightweight losing a ten round decision, and later lost an eight round technical decision to Yuriorkis Gamboa in September.

“Last year I moved in weight to 130, I accepted that fight with Broner because I knew we could beat him unfortunately that was not the outcome. I know and many others know I won that fight,” Deleon told Fightnews.com. “Against Gamboa the fight was good and we were exchanging well until we clashed heads in round eight and the fight was stopped. Once again I came up short on the cards,” De Leon said. (more…)

Homecoming for Clottey

Former world champion Joshua Clottey (36-4, 21 KOs) will fight in his native Ghana on March 6th. It will mark the first time Clottey has fought there in nearly 10 years. Clottey will face Atlanta, Georgia veteran Xavier “X-Man” Tolliver (23-8, 15 KOs). The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds and the NBA Light Middleweight title.

WBA KO Drugs in Peru?

By Gabriel F. Cordero

There is a possibility that there will be a “WBA KO Drugs Festival” on March 24 at the Coliseo Miguel Grau in Callao, Peru. The event would be presented by the WBA and feature eight female world title fights (some for interim belts). The headliner would be Peruvian world champion Kina Malpartida who would defend her WBA super featherweight world crown against an opponent to be determined. The WBA plans to do three to four “KO Drugs Festival” events this year in Mexico, Peru, Panama or other countries.

Boxing returns to Carnival City

By Ron Jackson

Branco Milenkovic of Branco Sports Productions has announced that Takalani Ndlovu will defend his IBF junior featherweight belt against Jeffrey Mathebula in a return match at Carnival City near Brakpan, South Africa, on March 24. On September 10, 2010 at Carnival City, Ndlovu 33-6; 18 and Mathebula 25-3-2; 14 fought to a highly disputed 12 round split points decision in an IBF title eliminator. The scores were 118-109 and 114-113 for Ndlovu and 114-113 for Mathebula.

Ndlovu would go on to win the IBF junior featherweight belt when he upset the highly rated Steve Molitor in March last year to avenge two previous losses against Molitor. He then made a successful defence against Giovanni Caro on October 29, 2011 in Mexico. (more…)

IBF eliminator called off

An IBF lightweight elimination bout that was scheduled to take place between John Molina Jr. and Marvin Quintero was recently called off and replaced by a junior welterweight attraction between Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. and Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez, that will take place February 17, and air on ESPN “Friday Night Fights.” The ESPN telecast will represent the first ever boxing event held at University of Texas at Arlington’s brand new College Park Center, which opened its doors this past December. The state of the art 6,200 seat stadium is home to UTA’s Mavericks men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.

In one of the other featured bouts, Shawn Estrada (13-0, 12 KOs) gets back into action after recovering from knee surgery. The 26 year-old 2008 US Olympian super middleweight faces Terrance Woods (9-3, 6 KOs)

Ayala-Camacho Jr./Lundy-Williams on March 30

On March 30th, 2012 at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s MGM Grand Theater, middleweight Elvin Ayala and lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy will put their belts – and reputations – on the line at “All In,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports and broadcasted live in front of a worldwide audience on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights.”

Ayala (24-5-1, 11 KOs) will defend his USNBC title against Hector Camacho Jr. (53-4-1, 28 KOs), the son of former four-time world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho Sr., in the 10-round co-feature while WBC #4 Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs) will defend his NABF title against No. 11-ranked “Dangerous” Dannie Williams (21-1, 17 KOs), the NABF’s No. 1 contender, in the 10-round main event.

“‘All In’ is an appropriate title, because these two ring warriors are putting everything on the line and going all in on March 30th at the beautiful MGM Grand Theater,” Burchfield said. “This is what boxing, and network television, needs – two title-holders with everything to lose willing to face anyone at any given time. (more…)

Boxing back in Tijuana

By Felipe Leon

This Saturday night sees the return of Erik “Terrible” Morales’ Box Latino to his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Box Latino have not presented an event in Tijuana since Morales’ second comeback fight back in December of 2011 when “El Terrible” earned a tough unanimous decision over late sub Francisco Lorenzo. Now Morales and company return with “Sangre y Patria (Blood and Country)”, a multi-bout fight card scheduled for the Tijuana Municipal Auditorium. The fight card will be featured on Mexico’s premier TV network Televisa on their weekly boxing series “Sabados de Corona”. Slick boxer Oscar “Finito” Gonzalez (27-1, 21KOs) will match up skills against the always tough Mario “Maka” Briones (21-1-1, 15KOs) for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight strap. (more…)

Oliveira added to Mississauga card

Undefeated middleweight prospect Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira will make his Canadian boxing debut this Saturday night (Feb. 11) on a card, presented by United Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports, at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The exciting 21-year-old Oliveira (16-0, 12 KOs), rated #14 by the WBC, will fight Sergei “Baltic King” Melis (18-7, 7 KOs) inan eight-round special middleweight attraction. Oliveira, a Brazilian native who was raised in lives in Miami, was supposed to make his Canadian debut back on December 17 in Quebec City, but he was forced to withdraw from fighting on that show due to a stomach virus, high fever, and dehydration. (more…)

Afolabi-Flores a no-go for March 3

WBO #4 cruiserweight B.J. Flores (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) says he has turned down an offer by K2 Promotions to face #1 ranked Ola Afolabi (18-2-3, 8 KOs) on March 3rd for the WBO interim world title in Germany on the Wladimir Klitschko-Jean Marc Mormeck heavyweight title card.

“I want this fight,” Flores said, “I have been very active lately and ready for this type of challenge. But on twenty-six days notice? And having to go to Germany? This is a very serious fight for a very serious title and I demand my full 45 days of preparation, especially considering I just fought last Saturday. It’s only fair. I have worked very hard for this opportunity and combine that with a very very low $25,000 offer, it doesn’t seem like they really want this fight.” (more…)

DiBella: Chavez must fight Sergio next

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defended his version of the WBC Middleweight Championship this past Saturday, February 4, and as long as Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez follows suit in his upcoming matchup against Matthew Macklin on March 17, promoter Lou DiBella expects the two to meet to determine who is the full and real WBC Middleweight Champion.

“As long as Sergio takes care business on March 17, Chavez must fight him next. Either fight him or he has to vacate his title. It’s plain and simple,” said DiBella. “We are tired of waiting for Chavez to step up to the plate. He needs to stop hiding behind his people and be a real champion. He says that he wants the fight, so then prove it. The WBC ruled in our favor at their convention in December, and the two were both permitted to have voluntary defenses. We don’t want to look past Sergio’s fight on March 17 because he is going to have his hands full with Macklin. If Sergio wins though, I expect negotiations to begin immediately for Sergio against Julio. Immediately!”

Pacquiao-Bradley announcement expected soon

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum met with Manny Pacquiao manager Michael Koncz and Bradley manager Cameron Dunkin over the weekend in San Antonio to finalize negotiations for Pacman’s fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 9 against Timothy Bradley, pending Pacquiao’s final approval. “It can be difficult dealing with a guy so many time zones away in the Philippines,” Arum told the Los Angeles Times, “but I feel very good about this and think I’ll be in a position to announce something by [Tuesday]. I just have to get all the ducks in a row. I just need a complete sign-off from Manny.” Bradley, the 140lb champion, will be moving to 147 against Pacquiao.

Jean Pascal apology

Former WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal announced on Twitter that his losing bet on New England Patriots in the Super Bowl cost him his expensive Mercedes-Benz S550.

In a follow-up statement, Pascal clarified the issue: “First and foremost I would like to apologize to anyone who was offended about my wager with my friend. As an athlete I am extremely passionate about sports and sometimes my emotions get the best of me. I really enjoyed the Super Bowl game; it was very intense! My friend and I made a friendly wager about the game. It did involve my car, but I neglected to mention that my friend would only keep my car for a month. Times are still extremely hard and different for all of us and I would never make a mockery out of these hard economic times by giving away a car. The wager I made was between a close friend of mine and it was simply that; a friendly wager. I do not condone gambling of any kind. This has definitely been a lesson for me. In the future I will be more responsible with what I choose to put on social media. Again, I apologize.”

‘King’ David Estrada’s Open Letter to Angelo

Angelo, it has been a few days since you left the world, and the past few days been a struggle for me accepting this. I know you’re in a better place and I’m happy for you but I wish I had the chance to give you one last hug, hear you crack a joke, or even have you smack me to wake me up in the fight. I had big plans for us, I wanted to get back in contention and get a big TV fight so I could have you work my corner. I wanted to finish what we started but I guess God had other plans for you. I was just talking to a good friend of mine about you (an undefeated welterweight) I was telling him stories about how it was to work with you…minutes later I got a call saying you were gone. I’m thankful that I had a chance to talk to you a few months ago even though it was on the phone. I have some pictures of us together but even more memories…great memories! Most of all I just want to thank you for believing in me, for everything you taught me, and for giving a kid from Chicago a chance to be a part of a great team. Thanks for everything Angelo, Rest In Peace…David

Arthur Abraham returns March 31

Former IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham will return to the ring on March 31 at the Sparkassen-Arena in Kiel, Germany. “King Arthur” will face an opponent to be named in what is being called a dress rehearsal for a world title fight. “My goal is to become world champion again,” said Abraham, who scored a fifth round KO over Pablo Oscar Natalio Farias on January 14th. “That was a first step in the right direction. Only one or two fights, then I will again get ahold of the world title.”

Peter Hanraths back with Universum

Former Universum managing director Peter Hanraths, the man who discovered Dariusz “Tiger“ Michalczewski, Michael Löwe, the Klitschkos, Felix Sturm and Jürgen Brähmer, before retiring for health reasons seven years ago is back with the company. “Yes, it’s true, I can and will help Waldemar Kluch with his boxers to get to the top once again,” said Hanraths, now 66. “But I don’t need an official title. I’m a consultant for the new Universum and can do most my work from home. I need no training and will start immediately with negotiations for television partners. I also have some new and boxers who would like to fight for Universum. There’s a lot to do.”

It’s Official: Sauerland Inks “Golden Jack”

Sauerland Promotions has officially signed 2009 world amateur champion and unbeaten highly touted junior middleweight prospect ‘Golden’ Jack Culcay (10-0, 6 KOs). Culcay’s first official fight under the Sauerland banner will take place on the undercard of the WBA heavyweight championship clash featuring champion Alexander Povetkin defending against challenger Marco Huck February 25th. Culcay based out of Germany by way of his native Ambato, Ecuador will fight in a special eight round junior middleweight featured attraction against an opponent to be announced shortly.

Team Rubio charges Chavez Jr. dodged doping test

Promociones del Pueblo, representatives of Marco Antonio Rubio, claim WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. violated the WBC regulation that stipulates that in title fights the fighters must leave a urine sample for drug testing with the doctor of the local commission, in this case Texas. According to Team Veneno Rubio “at the end of the fight, in a very suspicious way, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. practically fled from the dressing room without leaving a sample to be medically evaluated later.”

Team Veneno Rubio further charges that the attitude of Chavez Jr. and his team is very suspicious, as if they are trying to hide something. They question why during the press conference when Chavez was asked why he had not left a urine sample for examination, he chose to ignore that question while answering other comfortable questions. They also allege that the question was asked to WBC President Jose Sulaiman, whom they claim shrugged his shoulders and said “we forgot.” (more…)

Chavez was arrested for DUI during training camp

By Karl Freitag

Just two weeks prior to his defense against Marco Antonio Rubio, during what would have the peak of his training camp, WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez was arrested in Los Angeles on charges of drunk driving at the late, late hour of 4:38AM. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website, the Son of the Legend was held for about six hours and must return to court on March 16 at 8:30AM. At the time of his arrest, Chavez was listed as weighing 175lbs and it is known that he had difficulty making weight for his fight with Rubio, although he successfully made the 160lb limit on the first try. In the 30 hours or so between the weigh-in and fight, Chavez bulked up nearly 22 pounds according to HBO.

Hernandez, Cunningham postfight quotes

Yoan Pablo Hernandez (26-1, 13 KOs) defended his IBF cruiserweight title with two knockdowns and a points victory over Steve Cunningham (24-4, 12 KOs) in Frankfurt on Saturday night. Next up for Hernandez is a mandatory defense against Troy Ross (25-2, 16 KOs), who outpointed journeyman Lukas Rusiewicz (10-12, 3 KOs) on the undercard.

Yoan Pablo Hernandez: “This is a big victory for me. But I take my hat off to Steve, he is a great, great fighter and once again proved his world class. But our strategy worked today and I am very happy about the outcome.”

Steve Cunningham: “I congratulate Hernandez for the win tonight. I fought hard and gave it my all. I know I’ll will be back stronger than ever. There were two warriors in the ring tonight and this warrior still wants the belt back. Many thanks to my fans and God bless.” (more…)

Acquinity Sports announces Guzman vs. Pabon

By Phil Doherty

Photo: Acquinity Sports

Undefeated former two-division world titlist Joan “Baby Tyson” Guzman (31-0-1, 18 KOs) returns to the public eye March 2nd against hardy southpaw Puerto Rican puncher Jesus Pabon (17-2, 11 KOs). The 35-year old Dominican-born Guzman headlines the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights 10-round main event as part of Acquinity Sport’s second show this season from The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood FL.

Guzman signed with the South Florida-based Acquinity Sports team last month in a move to kickstart a career once destined for superstardom. “Baby Tyson” blew through the super bantamweight and super lightweight divisions during the mid 2000’s, picking up the WBO world title in both divisions before setting his sights on lightweight. (more…)

Referee Garcia ready to do his best

By Gabriel F. Cordero

During Friday’s Chavez Jr-Rubio weigh-in, Rubio promoter Reginaldo Kuchle spoke with referee Guadalupe Garcia. Rubio’s representatives had filed a protest with the WBC to not use a Mexican referee due to the Chavez family’s iconic status in the country. “I will do my best, as I have done my whole career,” said Garcia. “For me every fight is important, regardless of the country, category or achievements of the boxer. I love this sport and I will always be a referee who tries to do the right thing in the ring.”

Kuchle told Garcia, “We trust you will do your best in a fight between two of the best of Mexico looking to make a good fight…we know their qualities and we know that it will be a big job in the ring . Please understand our position but we expect a great performance from you.”

Marquez to return in April?

By Gabriel F. Cordero

A source close to Mexican three-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez and current WBO lightweight super champion stated that there is a strong possibility that Marquez will fight the April 14 or 21 in Mexico. Possible locations are the New Arena in Mexico City, Chiapas or Puebla against an opponent to be confirmed but always mentioned is the name of former world champion David Diaz. The same source indicates that they are still trying to put together a clash between Marquez and Lamont Peterson for July in Dallas for Peterson’s IBF/WBA super lightweight championship.