Holm set to clash with Mathis

The biggest fight this year in women’s boxing, pitting two of the top three welters in the world against each other, is set for Dec. 2 at Route 66 west of Albuquerque.

Billed as “World Dominance,” the top female pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Holly Holm (30-1-3, 9 KOs) will fight for the vacant IBA and WBAN 147-pound belt against WIBA welter champ Anne Sophie Mathis (24-1, 21 KOs), of France. (more…)

El Paso card set for Saturday

Zeferino Entertainment’s first installment of the “Battle at the Ballpark” series, at El Paso’s Cohen Stadium, is set for Saturday, Oct. 15, after a rocky start with the main event. After heavyweight David Rodriguez refused a series of opponents by his promoter and the WBC nixed a Fecombox title defense against journeyman Byron Polley, who’d dropped four of his last five bouts, the unbeaten, still-unproven-as-a-contender heavyweight was replaced by Hector Camacho, Jr., who was, in turn, replaced with El Paso’s Jennifer Han. (more…)

Preview: Spivey-Antoine

Preview & photos by Chris Perry

Dee Lee Promotions, LLC returns to Hampton Roads August 20 with Beach Brawl II featuring lightweight “Dangerous” Dorin Spivey continuing his world title quest in the main event of a nine-bout card at the Virginia Beach Fieldhouse in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This will be New Jersey-based promoter Diane Fischer’s second Virginia event in two months. (more…)

Pro Boxing back in Dorchester

South Side Promotions in association with Mark Vaz Boxing returns for the second time this year to the Dorchester National Guard Armory in Dorchester, Massachusetts on July 16th with former “Contender” competitor Tim Flamos going toe-to-toe with veteran Darren Whitley for the vacant state cruiserweight title. (more…)

“Dangerous” Dannie ready for a title!

Photo: Bob Barton/Rumble Time Promotions

Preview by Brian Grammer

“Dangerous” Dannie Williams (16-1-0, 13 KOs) battles Mexican veteran Manuel Leyva (18-2-0, 10 KOs) this Friday for the vacant WBC Continental Americas lightweight title in the main event of the “Battle on the Banks” at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Missouri.

Williams, the 2004 National Golden Gloves lightweight champion, hopes to follow the footsteps of St. Louis boxing greats such as the legendary Henry Armstrong, brothers Leon and Michael Spinks, or former WBC/IBF jr welterweight champion Devon Alexander.  (more…)

Preview: Berto vs. Ortiz

Preview by Mariano A. Agmi

Andre Berto (27-0, 21 KOs) defends his WBC welterweight championship against “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (28-2, 22 KOs) on Saturday, April 16th at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The bout, dubbed “East-West Showdown,” pits two charismatic, explosive young fighters whom HBO previously identified as future stars in the sport against one another.  However, despite all of the hype and natural talent, Berto and Ortiz have also suffered through steady criticism from the media and fans alike leading up to this fight, albeit for different reasons.   (more…)

Namauu rematches Barragan

Preview and photos by Chris Cozzone

After a six-month layoff, Crown Boxing returns to action with a four-bout card at The Rio’s Pavilion in Las Vegas.

On a six-bout win streak, Las Vegas cruiserweight Henry Namauu (9-3, 5 KOs) will headline his third straight Crown card in a ten-round bout for a minor IBA trinket. Opposing Namauu will be Victor Barragan (11-6, 3 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif. . . . Click here for more

“Save us, Joe Louis!”

Book review by Chris Cozzone

“Save me, Joe Louis! Save me, Joe Louis!”

As urban legend has it, those were the last words of a black death row prisoner, back in the ‘30s, as he breathed in fatal fumes in the gas chamber.

Not to make light of a dying man’s words (they weren’t true, anyway), the quote came to mind when I saw there was yet another book on the market on the long-running heavyweight champion . . . Click here for more

Boxing’s Mob Squad

Book Review of Jacobs Beach: The Mob, the Fights, the Fifties: Long before the networks put a rear naked choke on boxing; before there were 1,001 champs fighting for 1,001 titles under 1,001 sanctioning bodies, there was New York, Madison Square Garden, one major promoter and a handful of hoods who controlled the game.

Golden era? You bet. Was the fix in? Oftentimes, yeah . . . Click here for more by Chris Cozzone

Preview: Holyfield-Williams

Preview by Brady Crytzer

Although boxing critics will claim that the heavyweight spectrum has shifted overseas, Saturday night’s “Redemption in America” pay-per-view serves as a stark reminder that some of the best talent in the world can still be found in the USA. Headlined by a crossroads battle between Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and Sherman “Tank” Williams for the World Boxing Federation title, ARK Promotions invades one of our country’s most iconic destinations, the Greenbrier Resort, to present a night of heavyweight boxing that’s been long overdue. It’s “Redemption in America” for heavyweight boxing, and it’s live on pay-per-view. . .  Click here for more

On top Down Under

Book review by Chris Cozzone

Go figure. Paul Upham comes out with a book celebrating great champions from Down Under, and nearly everyone featured fails to come out on top in recent bouts.

Michael Katsidis gets walloped by Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 27. On the same night, Sakio Bika loses to Andre Ward. A week or so later, Anthony Mundine gets pasted by little-known Garth Wood in what is being called one of the biggest Australian upsets ever. To top it all off, Vic Darchinyan finishes the streak of bad luck by losing to Abner Mares, last weekend . . . Click here for more

“The Irish Outlaw” returns home!

Preview by Brian Grammer

This Saturday at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, WBC USNBC cruiserweight champion Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne (15-0, 5 KOs), ranked #15 by the WBC, will make the first defense of his title against tough competitor Shane Steele (7-2, 5 KOs).

It was 96 years ago that a boxing match was contested at Forest Park in St. Louis.  The Year was 1904……..The ice cream cone was making its debut at the World’s Fair in St. Louis, the War to end all Wars had not yet been fought and women’s boxing was making its amateur exhibition debut.  The Year 1904 introduced the Gateway City of St. Louis to the world as both the host of the World’s Exposition and the Games of the 3rd Olympiad. (more…)

Namauu headlines Crown card

Preview by Chris Cozzone

Moving their home from the Orleans Casino to the Rio’s Crown Night Club, Crown Boxing has regrouped with a five-card set for Friday night headlining local UNLV light-heavyweight Henry Namauu.

In the scheduled eight-round main event, Namauu, 6-3, 4 KOs, on a three-bout win streak, is out to rack up a fourth win when he takes on Chad Davis, 2-5, of Phoenix . . . click here for more

Video: Adamek-Grant PPV Promo

Virgen takes on Ruvalcaba

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. (more…)

Preview: Lesnar-Carwin

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

March Madness @ Schuetzen Park

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. (more…)

‘Assault in the Ring’ review

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

Hudson scores KO with book

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

South Philly Slugfest heats up

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. (more…)

South Philly Slugfest set

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. (more…)

Battle of the gatekeepers

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

Fightwriter: Avalos-Nieves

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

ShoBox hits Albuquerque

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

“Xtreme Fights II” returns to Reno!

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.” (more…)

Lange ready to hunt “Tiger”

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.” (more…)

Fight Camp 360° is a Knockout!

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

Guerrero vies for regional title!

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. (more…)

Bojorquez takes on ‘Maestrito!’

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. (more…)

Fightwriter on Jones vs. Lacy

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