Preview by Felipe Leon

Tonight at the “Tigre” Garcia Gymnasium in the port city of Ensenada, Mexico, local favorite Juan Carlos Virgen (16-0-1, 11 KOs) will put his perfect record as well as his WBC FECARBOX middleweight title versus hard hitting grizzled veteran Rito Ruvalcaba (33-10, 29 KOs) of Tijuana in a 12-round bout. Continued »

Preview by Brady Crytzer

It’s a like a scene from the Edward Norton remake of The Hulk. The massive Incredible Hulk charging full bore into the earth-shaking Abomination.

On Saturday, July 3 the biggest heavyweight MMA battle of all time will rattle the Vegas Strip as UFC World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar takes on interim titlist Shane “The Monster” Carwin . . . Click here for more

Lightweight prospect Danny “Little Mac” McDermott (8-1, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, NJ battles unbeaten Brian Miller (7-0-3, 3 KOs) of Schenectady, NY for the vacant NABC title on Thursday, March 25 at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ.  The McDermott-Miller contest will headline the “March Badness” card promoted by John Lynch of Pound for Pound Promotions. Continued »

Review by David L. Hudson Jr.

Powerful, provocative and penetrating. Compelling, controversial and commanding. Assault in the Ring tells the unforgettable and tragic story of the Luis Resto-Billy Collins 1983 bout in which Resto pounded the unbeaten prospect Collins over 10 rounds in an upset at Madison Square Garden . . . Click here for more

Book review by David Finger

It goes without saying that many encyclopedias of boxing tend to be heavy on facts and light on entertainment. After all, few readers want a narrative when they purchase one. But for author David Hudson Jr., it looks like the perfect balance between informative and engrossing was met with his exceptional book “Combat Sports: An Encyclopedia of Wrestling, Fighting, and Mixed Martial Arts” . . . Click here for more

Preview by Kurt Wolfheimer

There is a chill in the air as a possible snowstorm may hit the east coast on Thursday, but the Arena in South Philadelphia, Pa. will be hot and cozy on Friday night when Philly fan favorite Victor Vasquez (11-3, 6 KOs) takes on the always dangerous Carlos Vinan in a six-round lightweight slugfest. The nine-bout card promoted by KEA Boxing has a wide variety of prospects matched evenly in what is sure to be an evening that you won’t forget. Continued »

Preview by Kurt Wolfheimer

Andre Kut’s KEA Boxing Promotions is set to bring an explosive night of professional boxing to the Arena in South Philadelphia on Friday, February 26. Headlining the card will be a six-round lightweight clash between the always-exciting Victor Vasquez (11-3, 6 KOs) and rugged Carlos Vinan (8-8, 1 KO).

Vasquez, of North Philadelphia, has put together quite a fan base due to his all-out action packed bouts, which leave everybody on the edge of their seats. In his last bout on January 15, at the very same arena,  Vasquez sent his hometown fans home happy with an impressive fifth round stoppage of the Gustavo Dailey. Continued »

Preview by Andreas Hale

When Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22 KOs) and Curtis Stevens (21-2, 15 KOs) meet on Friday night in their super middleweight battle at the Grand Casino Resort in Reno, both fighters know that they are the “gatekeeper” to their opponents’ future.

Brinkley is the #6 ranked contender by the IBF and Stevens is the #10 ranked contender by the IBF. The winner will capture the number two mandatory spot with the IBF world rankings and earn a title shot at champion Lucian Bute . . . Click here for more

By Graham Houston

Exciting bantamweight banger Chris Avalos returns to ShoBox on Friday in potentially his toughest test against Jose Nieves, the Puerto Rican southpaw who has lost only once in 21 fights. (The show also marks the return to ShoBox commentary duties for Nick Charles, the respected and much-loved broadcaster who is making a comeback after a courageous struggle against a cancer that is now in complete remission. A personal fight such as this puts everything in perspective, including boxing.) . . . Click here for more

Preview by Chris Cozzone

Hoping to remain undefeated, two hopefuls face stern tests when Showtime hits Albuquerque, N.M. on Jan. 29 with the year’s first telecast of ShoBox.

In the main event, bantamweight Chris Avalos (14-0, 11 KOs), of Lancaster, Calif., will fight his first 10-rounder, against Puerto Rico’s Jose Nieves (17-1, 8 KOs) . . . Click here for more

Let’s Get It On Promotions and Star Boxing present “Reno Xtreme Fights II” at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV on January 29th featuring the IBF super middleweight eliminator between contenders Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22 KOs) from Yerington, NV and Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (21-2, 15 KOs) from Brooklyn.  The winner will capture the number two mandatory spot in the IBF world rankings and earn a title shot at champion Lucian Bute.

Brinkley, a star of the inaugural “The Contender” series, has been victorious in his past eight fights along with capturing the UNSBC super-middleweight championship and becoming the #6 ranked contender by the IBF.  ”This fight is the only thing that stands in my way of achieving my dream of having a shot at becoming a world champion,” said Brinkley. “I’m busting my butt in the gym, and I’m going to leave it all out there.” Continued »

Jr middleweight contender Jimmy Lange (31-3-2, 21 KOs) of Great Falls, VA will continue his climb towards a world title shot as he defends his WBC USNBC title against Chase “The White Tiger” Shields (29-3-1, 14 KOs) of Houston, TX at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia on Saturday, March 6th.

“Shields is an extremely-talented boxer with good punching power,” commented Lange.  “This could very well be the toughest fight thus far in my career,” said Lange. “However, I am completely confident that my trainers, Don Turner and Jimmy Glenn, will create the best strategy for me to defeat him. I can’t wait to go ‘tiger’ hunting.” Continued »

Review by David Finger
With the “Super Six World Boxing Classic” set to debut this Saturday on Showtime, boxing fans certainly have a good reason to tune into Showtime’s reality series “Fight Camp 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic.” But for those fans who expect a staged documentary in the mold of HBO’s 24/7, you will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised at the reality of the “Fight Camp 360°” series . . . Click here for more

Preview by Gary “Digital” Williams

The Prize Fight Boxing Promotions “Title Time” event is coming together for Saturday, October 10th at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, MD.

The card features undefeated hometown middleweight prospect Fernando Guerrero as he tries for his first regional title. Guerrero (15-0, 13 KOs) will challenge Ossie Duran (23-7-2, 9 KOs) of Paterson, NJ for the vacant NABO middleweight title. Continued »

Preview by Felipe Leon

After a short, two-month hiatus, Bobby D. Presents along with Jorge Marron Productions return to the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in San Diego, Calif., with “Summer Showdown” on Thursday, August 27th.

In the main event, Tijuana super featherweight Emilio Bojorquez (14-1, 11 KOs) tries to keep his 11-win streak alive when he takes on Anthony “Maestrito” Martinez (21-31-3, 9KO) of Nicaragua, in a scheduled eight round bout. Continued »

By Graham Houston

When Roy Jones Jr. outclassed James Toney in 1994 I doubt if anyone watching could possibly have imagined that he would still be fighting 15 years later at the age of 40 — but he is. Jones is one of those older fighters who can’t stay away from the game. Ask him why he is still fighting and he might tell you that he sees his ability as a gift from the Almighty, adding: “Who am I to refuse a gift from God?” . . . Click here for more

By Graham Houston

When unbeaten fighters lose, the usual reaction is to regard them as having been overrated. 
It wasn’t always this way. Years ago, undefeated records were not considered particularly important — fighters’ records were not even announced during the MC’s introductions. A loss was considered part of the learning process, and not necessarily a serious setback as long as the boxer had fought well . . . Click here for more

By Flattop

Steve Smith of Rumble Time Promotions presents “It’s On!” at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, August 22nd. Headlining “It’s On!” is native son Deandre “The Bull” Latimore (19-2, 16 KOs) who makes his return to the ring after his controversial split decision loss for the then-vacant IBF jr middleweight title to hometown hero Cory Spinks in April. “‘It’s On!’ features the best fighters from the St. Louis area,” said Smith. “It will be the most exciting boxing shows the city has seen in some time!” Continued »

By Graham Houston

Throughout ring history, older fighters have been putting on great performances. Bob Fitzsimmons was a light-heavy champ at the age of 39 back in the early 1900s, Ageless Archie Moore was great in his late 30s, Sugar Ray Robinson defeated Carmen Basilio at the age of 36 and fought a draw with the much younger Gene Fullmer at 39, George Foreman was heavyweight champion at 45 while more recently Bernard Hopkins and Sugar Shane Mosley seem to have been sipping at the fountain of youth. Now we have Nate Campbell, 37 years young, attempting to win the WBO junior welter title from Timothy Bradley, a mere whippersnapper of 25, in Showtime’s main event from Rancho Mirage, CA on Saturday . . . Click here for more

Photo by Doug Vernucci

Amir Khan’s title fight with Andriy Kotelnik may be the weekend’s biggest fight, but, tomorrow night, the only man to defeat Khan, Breidis Prescott (21-0, 18 KOs), of Miami, Fla., will get a share of the billing on ESPN2′s “Friday Night Fights.” Khan’s conqueror – or “Khanqueror” – will take on Miguel Vazquez (24-3, 12 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a ten-round lightweight bout from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

“I’m not going to make a prediction because I’ve learned in over 20 fights that you have to see how the fight comes to you,” said Prescott yesterday at a press conference. Continued »

By Graham Houston

One thing about Vic Darchinyan that cannot be denied is that, for all his tough talk, he is willing to walk the walk by facing top-calibre opposition, which is what he is doing this Saturday when he steps up to bantamweight to challenge IBF champion Joseph Agbeko, with Showtime televising the intriguing fight . . . Click here for more

Photo: Mary Ann Owen/BoxingInLasVegas.com

American Boxing Promotions hosts their inaugural card “The Rematch” this Friday at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event features WBA and GBU lightweight champion Layla McCarter (31-13-5, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas against Fujin Raika (18-5-1, 6 KOs) of Tokyo, Japan in a rematch that’s been seven years in the making. In April of 2002, McCarter traveled to Tokyo Japan and won a majority 8-round decision over then undefeated Raika. McCarter would go on to win four world titles while Raika vowed to exact revenge. Also in action are former world title challenger jr middleweight Carlos Nascimento (23-1, 20 KOs) and once-beaten welterweight Antonio Mesquita (34-1, 28 KOs). Tickets for “The Rematch” start at $20 and are available at the South Point Hotel Casino box office (702-797-8055).

This Fourth of July weekend the fireworks will start early when American Boxing Promotions hold their inaugural card on Friday, July 3 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The main event will feature one of the biggest rematches in the history of women’s boxing. WBA and GBU lightweight champion of the world and Las Vegas resident Layla McCarter will defend her belts against Tokyo, Japan’s Fujin Raika in a rematch that’s been seven years in the making . . . Click here for more

Story by Gary “Digital” Williams

Some have called Fernando Guerrero one of boxing’s newest “franchise” boxers – a boxer that is very successful in his hometown. In two previous appearances, Guerrero has drawn close to capacity crowds in Salisbury, MD’s Wicomico Civic Center.

However, Guerrero’s third appearance in Salisbury – Friday, June 19 — will be very special for two reasons. This will be Guerrero’s first main event bout and his brother, Alex, will be making his pro debut . . . click here for more

New York State welterweight champion Daniel Sostre (8-3, 3 KOs) returns to the ring tonight to defend his crown against Tommy Rainone (12-2, 4 KOs) at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY. “I am proud to have a New York State title showcased in the main event of my show,” commented promoter Bob Duffy of Ring Promotions. “Some of the best young fighters in the New York City area are trading leather tonight.” Also in action are Dominican heavyweight Nagy Aguilera (11-1, 7 KOs), popular Irish jr. middleweight James Moore (16-2, 10 KOs), undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Will Rosinsky (6-0 6 KOs), undefeated New York welterweight Chris Algieri (5-0, 3 KOs), plus heavyweight Kasim Howard (7-0, 4 KOs) risks his undefeated record.
—
Below are the official weights of tonight’s participants:

Daniel Sostre 146 vs. Tom Rainone 147
(For the New York State welterweight title)

Nagy Aguilera 230 vs. Jermell Barnes 227
James Moore 156.6 vs. Joseph DeLasantos 155.6
Kasim Howard 216.25 vs. Masur Ali 203.25
Will Rosinsky 176 vs. Andre Hemphill 174
Chris Algieri 143.5 vs. Eric Rodriquez 142
Marcus Bianconi 160.5 vs. Emanuel Brugan 158.25
John Philip Jackson 163.25 vs. Luis Hodge 164
—
Doors open at 6:30 pm and first bout is at 7:30 pm. For ticket info, call the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant at 516-354-3131. The Plattduetsche Park Restaurant is conveniently located at 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, just 1/2 mile east of Belmont Racetrack.

Press Conference Report by Victor Perea
Photography by “Big” Joe Miranda

Photo: ‘Big’ Joe Miranda

Saturday morning, before most fight fans in town rolled out of bed in preparation for the super showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, members of the media sat down for a roundtable discussion with the undefeated NABO super middleweight champion Andre “S.O.G” Ward (18-0, 12 KOs) along with his promoter Dan Goosen inside the Central Park room at the New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Ward spoke about his preparation and anticipation for his May 16th date with Columbian contender Edison “Pantera” Miranda (32-3, 28 KOs) at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The fight card, which is being promoted by Dan Goosen of Goosen Tutor Promotions, will also feature unbeaten lightweight John Molina (16-0, 12 KOs) against a fighter yet to be announced. Continued »

Preview by Gary “Digital” Williams

A seemingly very competitive eight-round bout headlines tonight’s Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD.

In the main event, undefeated Cecil “AK-47″ McCalla of Randallstown, MD will take on his toughest foe to date — John “No Mercy” Mackey from Montgomery, AL by way of Washington, DC. McCalla (6-0, two KO’s) is coming off a strong, six-round unanimous decision victory over Anthony Little on March 19 in Woodlawn. Mackey (11-2-1, five KO’s) lost his last contest, a 10-round unanimous decision to Anthony Greenridge for the NABA US Middleweight title on December 13 in Atlanta, GA. Continued »

WBC #7 flyweight contender Manny “Suavecito” Roman (14-0-1, 5 KOs) returns to action tonight against Anthony Villarreal (8-2, 4 KOs) in the main event at the “Battle in the Ballroom” event at the Irvine Marriott. The 21 year-old Roman and 22 year-old Villarreal will battle for the vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight title. Also in action, one of Southern California top amateur stars makes his pro debut, as Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr faces John Dunham (0-2) in a four-round welterweight contest. Centeno had an 85-5 amateur record plus he won Jr. Olympics and PAL national titles. The seven bout card features top local talent from across the State of California and the west coast.
—–
Special guests include the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard, “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas, Jorge “The Clown Prince of Boxing” Paez, “Mighty” Mike Anchondo and current WBA female super featherweight champion Kina Malpartida. Englebrecht said: “This is the first time that I have had five former or current world champions at a ‘Battle in the Ballroom’ event.” The promoter was quick to note that over 36 current or former world champions have fought at the Marriott during in 25-year history of the “Battle in the Ballroom” series.
—–
Another highlight of this special night will be the second induction ceremony for the “Battle in the Ballroom Hall of Fame” which will include former WBO junior lightweight champ “Mighty” Mike Anchondo; former California State super bantamweight champion George “Rocky” Garcia; former California State welterweight champion Ernie Chavez; 90′s light heavyweight standout the late Ernie Magdaleno; and promoter Don Frazier who was the first promoter at the Marriott. Both Garcia and Chavez won their State titles at the Marriott.
—–
Less than a hundred tickets remain for tonight’s event! Doors open at 6:30pm and the first bell rings at 7:30pm. Tickets are available by calling 949-553-0100 or at the box office.

By Kurt Wolfheimer

Boxing will make its triumphant return to the scenic town of Wilkes-Barre PA on Saturday night April 11th at the beautiful Woodlands Inn and Resort. Headlining the card which is promoted by Andre Kut of KEA Boxing Promotions is the hard hitting former Scranton Police Officer, Jason Gavern (16-5-3, 8 KOs) in the six round main event. Gavern the former 2001 PA State super heavyweight champion, recently captured a unanimous decision victory over Butler, PA’s Jim Emrick (7-3-1, 2 KOs) and looks to take that next step up as he moves toward national contention, when he tangles with Michael “Big Daddy” Rhodes (3-4-3, 1 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA. Doors open at 7 PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $100, $60, and $40. For more information contact the Woodlands Inn and Resort at 574-824-9831. Continued »

Miguel Angel Torres (35-1) defends his WEC bantamweight title against striker Takeya Mizugaki (11-2-2) LIVE TONIGHT on VERSUS beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois. In the co-main event, bantamweight contender Jeff Curran looks to make his case for a shot at the belt when he battles undefeated phenom Joseph Benavidez. Eight more exciting bouts fill out WEC’s inaugural trip to the Windy City.
———————————————————–
Visit http://www.versus.com/findversus for information on how to find VERSUS in your local viewing area.
———————————————————–
With four straight WEC wins, Torres has rapidly become one of the most feared fighters in the sport. The blend of speed, striking, and submissions skills of Torres will be on display when he takes on the renowned Japanese star Mizugaki. Unbeaten since 2007, Mizugaki is heralded for his Muay Thai striking and willingness to trade. The 5’7″, 135-pound challenger makes his U.S. debut in Chicago on April 5 and has vowed to knock out the hometown champion. Continued »

In coming up the hard way as a fighter, Derrick “Super” Samuels didn’t have the leisure of building up his record with handpicked opponents. This has caused his goal of reaching elite status in the Junior Welterweight division to hit a few speed bumps.

“When I fought Marvin Cordova, everyone in attendance knew who the real winner was” said Samuels, who lost a much disputed decision in Cordova’s hometown last August. “The outcome of the Richard Abril fight was extremely controversial as well.” “I got dropped by a good punch, got up within a few seconds of being knocked down and the referee called it off without warrant”, Samuels explained of his disappointing first round knockout loss. Continued »

A very good boxing show just became a great boxing show, as promoter Roy Englebrecht announced today that he has added a Championship Bout to the Irvine Marriott’s Battle In The Ballroom show set for Wednesday, April 8th. This title fight will feature undefeated and world ranked Manny Roman (14-0, 5 KOs) as he puts his perfect record on the line facing Perris’s Anthony Villerreal (8-2, 4 KOs) for the WBC Youth Intercontinental Title. This mega title bout will be the main event of the five bout pro card.

Plus on this great night of action Englebrecht has also announced a very special ticket offer, realizing that during these times people are looking for great bargains, so the 5 For $50 offer is born! For only $50 a fan will get a $40 ticket, a beer or soft drink, a food item, a newly designed Battle In The Ballroom T-Shirt, and a haircut from any Orange County Sports Clips shop. This offer, purchased separately would total $89, but the first 200 fans can purchase it for $50, a big $39 savings! To purchase the 5 For $50 offer, fans must call Drew at Roy Englebrecht Promotions at 949-760-3131. Continued »

Unbeaten prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs) has been matched against veteran Patrick Thompson (15-13-1, 5 KOs) in the eight round main event on “Homecoming,” promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Manfredo’s Gym, Thursday night, March 19 at historic Mechanics Hall.

“Homecoming” will be taped live as part of DiBella’s “Broadway Boxing Series,” which will be shooting in New England for the first time, from the beautiful Mechanic’s Hall venue that hasn’t hosted pro boxing since 1967. Continued »

Rising Junior Welterweight Derrick “Super” Samuels (16-4-1, 4 KOs) of Orlando, FL will risk his NABA-US title Friday March 27 at the A La Carte Event Pavilion against fight veteran Roberto Valenzuela. Valenzuela of Sonora, Mexico, has gone to war with many champions and contenders including Jose Luis Castillo, Andre Berto, Cesar Bazan, and Demetrius Hopkins. The Samuels-Valenzuela bout is scheduled for ten rounds. The undercard will be topped by two exciting co-main events. The first will feature an eight round Cruiserweight showdown between Floridians Nicholas Iannuzzi (9-0, 6 KOs) of Tampa and Theo Kruger (9-7-1, 3 KOs) of Port Charlotte. Iannuzzi is making a much anticipated return following his impressive fifth round KO against previously unbeaten Terry Roy last November. The experienced Kruger has only lost once in his last four fights. Continued »

By Joe Koizumi

Latest Hall of Famer, Akihiko Honda, influential impresario of Teiken Promotions, presents a world title doubleheader tomorrow (Saturday) at the Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama City, Japan. WBC super-bantam champ Toshiaki Nishioka (32-4-3, 19 KOs), a hard-hitting and slick-punching southpaw veteran, will make his initial defense against Mexican warrior Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia (38-6, 22 KOs) in the main event. Today Nishioka, a handsome champ, tipped the beam at 121.5 pound, while Garcia, with a “macho” appearance, scaled in at the 122-pound class limit though still wearing tee-shirts. Both looked fine and well-prepared. The WBC officials are as follows: Referee Bruce McTavish (Philippines); judges Maximo de Luca (US), Gene del Bianco (US) and Thanawuth Pluemsamran (Thailand); supervior Edward Thangarajah (Thailand).

———-
In the other world title bout, fearless warrior Yusuke Kobori (23-2-1, 12 KOs), will risk his newly acquired WBA lightweight belt against perennial top contender Paulus Moses (23-0, 17 KOs), from Namibia, in a highly-expected twelve rounder. Both were rather lighter than the 135-pound limit, as Kobori weighed in at 134.5 to 133.5 for Moses. Both looked highly motivated to win this game. The WBA officials are as follows: Referee Rafael Ramos (US); judges Derek Milham (Australia), Roberto Ramirez (Puerto Rico) and Pinit Prayadsab (Thailand); and supervisor Jose Oliver Gomez (Panama).
———-

Yes, four of the five officials are same as those who participated in the previous WBA flyweight title bout between Sakata and Denkaosen on the last day of the last year. They moved from Hiroshima to Tokyo on the New Year Day. No one likes to work here in Japan on January 1 through 3 (our traditional holidays) even in this country of workaholics, but the Hall of Famer Akihiko Honda thus presents an interesting dual title show to entertain our aficionados. (More)