New foe for Belmontes

When word came this weekend that an injury was forcing Teon Kennedy to pull out of the December 8th nationally televised NBC Sports Network Fight Night co-feature bout with undefeated Jerry Belmontes (17-0, 5 KOs), another hungry Philly fighter jumped at the chance to take his place. West Philly’s Eric “Outlaw” Hunter (16-2, 9 KOs), is a fighter with a big reputation in the tough boxing gyms of Philly. He’s been touted by many since his amateur days as one of the most talented boxers on the local scene. In July, Hunter returned from a lengthy layoff with a flashy stoppage of Jason Rorie in Philadelphia.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Eric Hunter,” said Hall of Fame promoter J Russell Peltz, matchmaker for the Fight Night series. “Here is a young fighter with a lot of ability but his career was in limbo and all of a sudden he gets a chance to fight on the hottest boxing series on television and it’s in his hometown. Most fighters would give their eye teeth for this kind of opportunity and Eric jumped at it. Good for him!”

Pacquiao-Marquez 4 undercard announced

The undercard has been announced for the fourth installment of the legendary series between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8 on pay-per-view from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Yuriorkis Gamboa faces Michael Farenas, Miguel Vazquez battles Mercito Gesta, and Javier Fortuna takes on Patrick Hyland. And featured is the pro debut of Jose Ramirez.

Hatton: I’m a little older, a lot wiser

By Robert Hough

Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, who returns to the ring Saturday after 3½ tumultuous years, vowed Monday that however far and long his comeback goes, there’s clean – or at least considerably cleaner – living ahead in the months and years ahead. Hatton (45-2, 32 KOs) will face former WBA welterweight titleholder Vyacheslav Senchenko (32-1, 21 KOs) at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, in a 10-round welterweight fight that will be broadcast on Showtime.

“I was known for ballooning up, putting 30 or 40 pounds between fights” said the 34-year-old who openly enjoyed long nights and food that would give a cardiologist a heart attack. “It was absolutely criminal for me to do that at 24 years of age. I can’t be doing that at 34 years of age. I’m becoming older, becoming wiser.” (more…)

Boxers run in WBA KO Drugs 5K/10K race

By Gabriel F. Cordero

On Sunday in Panama City, the WBA sponsored a 5K and 10K race to support the fight against breast cancer in that country. More than 1,000 runners participated including world champions Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno, Bryan “Tiquito” Vasquez, Ogleidis “La Niña” Suarez, Liborio Solis and Yuriorkis Gamboa along with other boxers, radio and TV personalities and the general public. The WBA will donate $15,000 to a non-governmental entity that fights against cancer. “I want to thank all participants, runners and the organizing team for helping to make this campaign for the needy. The WBA KO Drugs continues to transmit the message to the boxing world and now society in general. The WBA KO drugs 5K/10K race is a great initiative to elevate moral values in our home,” said Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, WBA excecutive vice president. The KO Drugs Festival is held each year in different countries, normally with a boxing card. This year events took place in Peru and Venezuela and another is scheduled for Jamaica on December 8. The idea of the race emerged as a way to do something different, but with the same purpose: to help fight the scourge of drugs.

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Truax batters Walker

Story and photos by Jesse Kelly

“Golden” Caleb Truax (20-1-1, 12 KOs) turned in a lopsided and dominant performance in Saturday night’s main event at the Crowne Plaza in Saint Paul, MN. Truax battered Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker (19-17, 12 KOs) to the body and eventually stopped him in round 4. Truax predicted before the fight that he would take Walker out with body shots and that is precisely what he did. From the opening bell, Truax, 29, popped Walker’s head back with his jab and then followed up with left and rights to the body. Walker showed guts by hanging in there but was having trouble keeping himself in the fight by the third round. Truax landed two left hooks to the liver in the beginning of the fourth round that appeared to take everything out of Walker. Walker continued to survive until the closing seconds of the round. A hard right uppercut by Truax snapped Walkers head back and a delayed reaction brought Walker to a knee. Walker barely made it to his feet by the count of 9 and referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout with Walker still looking hurt. The official time was 2:59 of the fourth round. (more…)

Q&A: Vic Darchinyan

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

By Brett Bonetti

Fightnews caught up with two division world champion Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan (38-5-1, 27 KOs).

Vic what is the next fight you’re looking at presently?

“There isn’t anything in writing at the moment but I want to fight anyone with a belt. Anyone from 112 to 130. If anyone has a belt and wants to go to war, I’m in”

What’s your promotional status at the moment? I heard you interviewed on the boxing voice and you said you were a free agent?

“We can make any fight happen with any promoter. Right now I haven’t got a contract with any promoter and I am open to any serious offers. My time with Gary Shaw was good, Gary is a good guy but unfortunately the guys in my division are not with GSP. I need to fight three or four times a year not twice and at the moment it’s hard for GSP to offer me fights. I will travel anywhere in the world to fight for a title. If the money is there and there’s a belt I promise to put on a great show for boxing fans.” (more…)

Froch takes aim at Bute, Kessler and Ward

Carl Froch is aiming to secure a trilogy of mega fights in 2013 after demolishing Yusaf Mack in three rounds of his first defense of the IBF World super middleweight title on Saturday night. The Cobra now turns his attention to the possibility of three huge rematches in 2013, starting with the contracted rematch with Lucian Bute in Canada, the man he savagely ripped the IBF crown from in May. The 35 year old then has his sights set on avenging the only defeats on his record against Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward.

“I haven’t got time to waste,” said Froch. “I wouldn’t be stupid and jump back in the ring too early but I have no injuries, my hands are fine so I feel good and if something could come off sooner rather than later I’d prefer that. Other than fighting at the Capital FM Arena the next best thing would be the City Ground, it would be unbelievable. I go to loads of Nottingham Forest games and I go on the pitch sometimes and get a standing ovation so to be in the middle of the pitch fighting someone like Kessler or Ward I can only imagine how phenomenal that would be, a career defining night.” (more…)

Green-Cameron Final Presser

Photos and story by Brett Bonetti

Three-time world champion Danny “The Green Machine” Green (32-5, 28 KOs) and Shane “The Mountain Warrior” Cameron (29-2, 22 KOs) held their final press conference today at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia today ahead of their bout for the vacant IBO world cruiserweight title at the Hisense Arena this Wednesday.

Green will be aiming for a fourth world title and says that it is a big motivating factor for this fight as there has been no Australian born fighter that has won four world titles before. Cameron will be aiming for his first world title and the first New Zealand fighter to win a world title in many years. (more…)

Tanaka finishes ex-WBC champ Wandee

By Joe Koizumi

Unbeaten prospect in Nagoya, fast-rising OPBF#11 Yushi Tanaka (9-0-2, 6 KOs), 116.25, decked an important victory as he registered a fine knockout victory over ex-WBC light-fly champ Wandee Singwancha (67-15-1, 18 KOs), 116, with a vicious body shot at 3:04 of the sixth session in a scheduled eight on Sunday in Nagoya, Japan. The taller Tanaka, eleven years his junior at 21, took the leadoff, outpunching the ex-champ with sharp jabs and left-right combinations. Steadily piling up points, Tanaka dug a strong blow to the midsection, which sank Wandee in agony for the count. The loser claimed it caught him below the belt, but the referee saw it legal and tolled the fatal ten. The Japanese youngster is gunning for a shot at the WBC youth belt either in the 115-pound or 118-pound category. Promoter: Hatanaka Promotions.

Results from Long Island

By James Rowan

Tommy Rainone scored knockdowns in the first and ninth rounds and cruised to a unanimous 10-round decision over Robbie Cannon to capture the IBA Americas welterweight title at the Plattdeutsch Park Restaurant, in Franklin Square, Long Island. A standing-room only crowd saw an incredible night of action as Bob Duffy’s Ring Promotions, in association with Winner Take All Productions, put on a fantastic, seven-bout card. (more…)

Pathompothong stops Gabejan

Photos: Johnny Chaichotchuang

Classy Thai light welterweight Patomsuk Pathompothong (20-1-1, 12 KOs) stopped Filipino lightweight champion Edgar Gabejan (23-28-5, 7 KOs) at the Pang Mu School, Muang, Maehongson, Thailand on Friday. Gabejan and Pathompothong exchanged heavy blows in the opening round but in round three the hard punching Thai stepped up a gear and dropped his opponent twice, but he recovered well to hear the bell. At 1 minute 11 seconds into round four Gabejan was out on his feet and referee Somsak Sirianant crowned Pathompothong the winner and still IBF Pan Pacific 140 pound champion.

In main supporting contest 2008 Beijing Olympian Amnat Ruenroeng (50, 2 KOs) dominated Danilo Pena (26-13-2, 11 KOs) over six rounds. Pena is a 2010 Filipino super flyweight champion.

Thai light flyweight Fahlan Sakkreerin jr. (14-2, 9 KOs) out pointed Pranpa Maehongson Sportcenter (0-1) over six rounds. (more…)

Report/gallery: Broner vs. DeMarco

Ringside by Kurt Wolfheimer and Matt Richardson
Photos by Ray Bailey

Rising superstar Adrian “The Problem” Broner (25-0, 21 KOs) dethroned former WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco (28-3-1, 21 KOs) with a nearly flawless performance and an eighth round TKO in the main event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday night.

Broner was in control throughout and finished the show in the eighth round, landing an amazing 39 power shots . The damage was just too much and Demarco finally collapsed to the canvas from a left upper cut at the 1:49 mark of the eighth round . . . Click here for more

Oguni keeps OPBF 122lb belt

By Joe Koizumi

Unbeaten WBC#12/WBA#14 OPBF super-bantam champ Yukinori Oguni (10-0, 2 KOs), 122, kept his regional belt as he was awarded a split but well-received decision (116-112, 116-114 and 113-114) over ex-titlist Roli Gasca (19-4, 5 KOs), also 122, an aggressive Filipino youngster, over twelve hard-fought rounds on Sunday in Kobe, Japan. It was a grudge fight as Oguni dropped Gasca twice to dethrone him via upset verdict at the same venue a year ago. Since then, Oguni, an up-and-coming prospect with his amateur career, successfully made a couple of defenses, defeating former OPBF ruler Hiromasa Ohashi and highly world-rated national titlist Masaaki Serie this year. (more…)

Pacman turkey giveaway

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Fighter of the Decade and self-proclaimed “Pinoy Pilgrim” Manny Pacquiao gives away Thanksgiving turkeys and pies in appreciation to his fans at the Westside Shepherd of the Hills Church in Los Angeles on Sunday. Pacquiao is in deep preparation for the upcoming fourth fight of his historic rivalry against three-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Marquez Boxing, Tecate and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs Marquez 4 will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay Per View from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 8.

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Zamora outpoints Guereca in Albuquerque

Ringside report by Chris Cozzone and Gerardo Martinez
Photos by Jose Leon Castillo III

Team Tapia Presents’ “The Next Chapter” should’ve read like a cookie cutter storyline, the hometown protagonists picking off set-up adversaries with all the hardship of a sparring session.

While you don’t have to read between the lines to know who wins when an 8-2 youngster takes on an 0-5 senior, last night’s booking at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albuquerque had its share of surprises and solid scraps. A full house of 800 fans cheering on the home team couldn’t prevent a night of struggle and at least one topsy-turvy upset . . . Click here for full report and gallery

Cameron ready for Green

Report and photo by Brett Bonetti

Shane “The Mountain Warrior” Cameron (29-2, 22 KOs) arrived in Melbourne, Australia this week ahead of his highly anticipated clash with three time world champion Danny “The Green Machine” Green (32-5, 28 KOs) for the vacant IBO world cruiserweight title this Wednesday at Hisense Arena in Melbourne. Cameron wasted no time settling in and put on an open training session for the media today at the North Melbourne Boxing and Fitness Gym.

“The Mountain Warrior” who is heading into his first world title fight is extremely confident of victory against the Green Machine and plans on taking the title back to New Zealand. “He is going to need a baseball bat to have to stop me, I am feeling good, I am in great shape and I am looking forward to the fight,” Cameron said. (more…)

Nietes, Jaca victorious

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Two-division world champion and reigning WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes (31-1-3, 17 KOs) stopped previously unknown Danai Meendaeng in round five of a non-title bout on Saturday at the Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Meendaeng, from Thailand, was apparently making his pro debut.

In the co-feature, jr welterweight Jimrex Jaca (36-6-3, 20 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over Jaypee Ignacio (8-15-2, 2 KOs) by scores of 100-91, 100-89 and 98-91.

Lopez outpoints Ceja

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Light flyweight Ganigan “Zurdo” Lopez (20-5, 14 KOs) surprised Luis “Gallito” Ceja (22-2-3, 18 KOs), winning the vacant WBF silver light flyweight belt over twelve rounds by scores of 117-111, 118-111 and 117-111 on Saturday night at the Sports Acapulco Pacific Paradise in Acapulco.

Also Marcos Villasana Jr. (8-1, 5 KOs), the son of former world champion Marcos Villasana, scored a seventh round TKO over Rafael “Chavita” Rodriguez (8-3-1, 4 KOs) in a bout for the vacant WBC super lightweight Youth belt.

Mosquera tops Monterrosa

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Unbeaten WBC #11/WBA #12 super lightweight Alberto Mosquera (19-0-2, 13 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Fidel Monterrosa (29-7, 23 KOs) on Saturday night at the Fantastic Casino in Panama City. Mosquera claimed the WBC Latino belt with the win by scores of 98-92, 98-92 and 99-91.

In another notable bout, lightweight Yoelvis Gamboa (8-1, 4 KOs), brother of former WBA champ Yuriorkis Gamboa, scored a fourth round stoppage of Jose Manuel Aguirre (3-4).

Abner Cotto still unbeaten

Photos: Hector Santos / Promociones Miguel Cotto

WBO #15 lightweight Abner “Pin” Cotto (15-0, 6 KOs) recovered from a first round knockdown to win a ten round unanimous decision over Alejandro “Soma” Rodriguez (15-8, 8 KOs) on Saturday night at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas Puerto Rico.

In the co-feature, super featherweights Edgardo “Sasso” Lopez (6-0-1, 4 KOs) and Orlando Vazquez (5-1, 1 KOs) battled to a six round draw.

(more…)

Rico Ramos returns Nov 24

By Gabriel F: Cordero

Former WBA super bantamweight world champion Rico “Suavecito” Ramos (21-1, 11 KOs) will face Mexican Carlos Raul “Kalim” Guzman (12-7-1, 5 KOs) at the Joshua Neri Santos Municipal Gym in Chihuahua, Mexico on November 24 in an event organized by Promociones del Pueblo and broadcast by Televisa. The main event will be between three-time former world champion Fernando “Kochulito” Montiel and Giovanni “Ruso” Caro for the WBC international super bantamweight crown. Also super featherweight Alejandro “Flakita” Sanabria meets Nery “Pantera” Saguilán, super featherweight Abdiel Ramirez also faces Heli “Taliban” Quiroz, while the London 2012 Olympic star Oscar Molina makes his pro debut against Hector Mercado and twin brother Javier “Intocable” Molina goes against Fernando Silva.

Japan Update

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Boxing Beat

We had a very busy week with important events and results here in Japan.

On Monday (November 12), WBA female super-flyweight champ Naoko Yamaguchi (20-3-3, 16 KOs), 114.75, Japan, made her first defense as she pounded out a unanimous decision over Mexican Judith Rodriguez (6-2, 4 KOs), 115, over ten hard-fought rounds in Tokyo. The champ had a tough time copping with the aggressive challenger in early rounds, but utilized her skills in outlegging and outpunching her down the stretch.

In a supporting bout, fast-rising Koki Eto (12-2-1, 9 KOs), 113.75, stunned the crowd with his demolition of WBA#9 rated flyweight Denchailek Kratingdaeng-gym (20-2-1, 8 KOs), 114, in the second round. Eto, one of his three brothers, dropped the highly regarded Thailander on three occasions to score an upset KO win due to the JBC’s three knockdown rules in effect. This tall and hard-hitting prospect is worth watching. (more…)

Ramirez, Periban remain unbeaten

Unbeaten middleweight power-puncher Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (24-0, 19 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Marcus Upshaw (14-8-2, 6 KOs) on Saturday night at El Teatro del Pueblo in Puebla, Mexico. Ramirez dropped Floridian Upshaw in round five and won by scores of 98-92, 99-90, 99-90.

Also undefeated super middleweight Marco Antonio Periban (19-0, 12 KOs) took a ten round majority decision over Francisco Sierra (25-7-1, 22 KOs).

Broner dethrones DeMarco; Banks destroys Mitchell

By Matt Richardson and Kurt Wolfheimer at ringside
Photo: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

It was target practice for former WBO 130lb champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (25-0, 21 KOs), who took apart WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco (28-3-1, 21 KOs) to claim the green belt on Saturday night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Broner was too fast and two strong for the game but outclassed DeMarco who was finally battered to the deck in round eight.

In an important heavyweight match, WBC #6/IBF #12 Johnathon Banks (29-1-1, 19 KOs) scored an explosive second round KO over previously unbeaten WBO #3/WBC #7 Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (25-1-1, 19 KOs). Banks, who is also the trainer of heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, dropped Mitchell three times in round two and the fight was waved off by referee Eddie Cotton. Time was 2:37. Banks claimed Mitchell’s NABO title and won the vacant WBC International heavyweight title. (more…)

Froch annihilates Mack

IBF super middleweight champion Carl Froch (30-2, 22 KOs) scored a one-sided third round knockout over Yusaf Mack (31-5-2, 17 KOs) on Saturday night at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England. Froch was credited with a knockdown early in round one and battered Mack for the rest of the round. After rattling Mack again in round two, Froch put Mack down for the count with a body shot in round three. Time was 2:30.

Former WBO light heavyweight title challenger Tony Bellew (19-1, 12 KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over WBC #5/WBA #10/IBF #10 Roberto Bolonti (30-2, 19 KOs) to claim the vacant WBC silver belt. Bellew scored a knockdowns in round one and round three, but suffered a deep cut over his right eye from a Bolonti left hook. After that Bellew was content to outbox Bolonti en route to a 120-106, 119-107, 120-106 win.

Unbeaten light welterweight Scotty Cardle (8-0, 2 KOs) outscored late sub Miguel Aguilar (10-5, 5 KOs) over eight rounds. Scored 80-70. Two points deducted from Aguilar.

2008 British Olympian bantamweight Khalid Yafai (5-0, 4 KOs) needed just 52 seconds to annihilate Pro Antonio Nettuno (7-6, 1 KO).