Geale defeats Mundine on points

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

IBF middleweight champion Daniel “Real Deal” Geale (29-1,15 KOs) retained the title by outscoring Anthony “The Man” Mundine (44-5,26 KOs) over twelve rounds at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia on Wednesday. Ray Reed had it 117-111, Charlie Lucas 116-112, Tony Marretta 117-111. Geale controlled the action in most of the rounds as he boxed from the orthodox stance and connected consistently with accurate combinations to the head and body. Referee Robert Byrd cautioned Mundine twice in round three for use of the head and in round four for holding and hittindg and again in round six for use of the head. Mundine was warned in round seven for use of the elbow. Geale and Mundine were both warned for hitting on back of the head round eight. Mundine showed good power and fast hands, but was visibly hurt several times during the bout although he survived to hear the final bell.

IBF President Daryl Peoples travelled to Australia to supervise the Mundine vs Geale and strapped the IBF championship belt on Daniel Geale

This was the first world title bout between two aboriginal boxers. Geale has targeted WBC champion Sergio Martinez and WBA champion Gennady Golovkin, and his next fight will be in May against the winner of Friday’s Sturm vs. Soliman contest in Germany. (more…)

“Friday Night Fights” Workout photo gallery

Photos by Joey Hill

ESPN2 Friday Night Fights series returns this Friday to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago with a main event showcasing the IBF jr middleweight title eliminator between #4 contender “King” Carlos Molina (20-5-2, 6 KOs) and former world champion Cory “Next Generation” Spinks (39-7, 11 KOs). On Tuesday, several of the local fighters kicked off the fight week with a workout at the 8 Count Boxing Gym. The fighters at the workout included, Molina, Polish heavyweight contender Artur “The Pin” Szpilka (12-0, 9 KOs), super middleweight Donovan “Da Bomb” George (23-3-1, 20 KOs) and fast rising light heavyweight “Hollywood” Mike Jimenez (8-0, 5 KOs). “Friday Night Fights” is presented by 8 Count Productions, Round 3 Productions, Warriors Boxing, and Blue Wave Boxing in association with Don King Productions. Doors open at 7p and the first bout is a 8p. Tickets are available at the UIC Pavilion box office (312-413-5740) or at Ticketmaster.com (800-745- 3000 or visit online).

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Santos making final preparations for Juanma

Photo: Joel Colon/PR Best

Brazilian Aldimar Silva Santos trained lightly Tuesday four days before his bout against former two-time world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez on Saturday at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in a PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) presentation in association with Top Rank, to be broadcasted live and exclusively on DIRECTV Pay Per View in Puerto Rico and maybe in the United States. Silva Santos (18-3, 9 KOs) said that he’s at the 128lb contract weight, but he did some exercices, shadowboxing, hit the punching bag and jumped rope, all supervised by his trainer and translator Edson Nascimento.

“I’ve been training very hard for this bout. Juanma Lopez is an experienced fighter but I’m confident that I can beat him,” Silva Santos said. “There will be a good fight.” (more…)

Moreno-Santa Cruz unification in the works?

By Gabriel F. Cordero

A source has informed Fightnews.com about the possibility of Panamanian WBA bantamweight super world champion Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno colliding with Mexican IBF bantamweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz in a unification clash. The target date is around May.

Vazquez: I’ll be ruthless like Hernandez

IBF lightweight champion Miguel “Titere” Vazquez (33-2, 13 KOs) says he’ll be as deadly as countryman and Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez when he faces WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns (35-2, 10 KOs) at Wembley Arena. Vazquez meets Burns in a big unification clash on March 16th that also features stars Nathan Cleverly, George Groves, Dereck Chisora and Liam Walsh. Hernandez, a big star in the British Premier League, hails from Guadalajara – the same as Vazquez.

“When I fight Burns I will be just like Hernandez, a cold and ruthless assassin. There will be no remorse when I’m taking Burns apart,” said Vazquez. “Hernandez is a hero in Mexico, I saw the match on Saturday and I said that is what I have to be like to beat Burns. A striker and a boxer have the same mind set, a striker has to have to the killer instinct to score, the boxer to land a knockout punch, when the opening comes against Burns that will be the end for him.” (more…)

Boxing Buzz

The Miami New Times has released a powerful story on a Miami clinic allegedly supplying drugs to some of the biggest names in sports – a list that includes boxing champ Yuriorkis Gamboa . . . Read more

Aussie boxer Danny Green may be in trouble with local fisheries who are upset over Facebook photos of a tiger shark Green killed over the weekend. The shark hunt might’ve been illegal. |more|

Speaking of Down Under, the Brisbane Times ran a story on “The Man We Most Love to Hate” — Anthony Mundine, of course. |more|

Quillin comments on postponed first defense

His first world title defense has been delayed, due to the postponement of the originally scheduled Showtime Championship Boxing event on February 9, but undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (28-0, 20 KOs) is rollin’ with the punches and preparing for his April 27th fight against challenger Fernando Guerrero (25-1, 19 KOs) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The Feb. 9 card was postponed because of an injury to Danny Garcia, who is fighting Zab Judah in the main event. Quillin vs. Guerrero remains the 12-round co-feature.

“I’m praying for Danny to get better, as well as for Zab and Guerrero to stay focused,” a disappointed yet understanding Quillin said from Los Angeles where he was training at Wild Card Gym. “I’m praying for Guerrero to stay focused, too, because I’m coming for him on April 27.” (more…)

“And Still…” The Memoirgraphy of Yahya McClain

By Jose E. Santiago

It’s rare that a fighter exposes his weaknesses. It’s even more rare that said fighter exposes his failures along with regrets in life that have caused him to reflect on his own demise to greatness. Yahya McClain, known to many as Johnny McClain prior to his conversion to Islam, provides the readers of his recently released book “And Still….The Memoirography of Yahya McClain” an inside look at his tumultuous life in and out of the squared circle.

From humble beginnings in Queens NY as a two year old son of a murdered father, to US Marine, to two time WBU Cruiserweight Champ, to husband of the great Laila “She Be Stingin” Ali, McClain’s constant rise and fall in the sport of boxing is beautifully chronicled in his own words. (more…)

FNF main event takes another hit

By Matt Cassavant / Fightnews Canada

The injury bug that plagued several Groupe Yvon Michel fighters and events in 2012 seems to have carried over into the New Year. The latest casualty is the February 8th Fast & Furious main event as John O’Donnell (27-2, 11KOs) has pulled out of his welterweight clash vs. Kevin Bizier (19-0, 13KOs) due to a significant hand injury.

This is the second time that the GYM and ESPN Friday Night Fights main event has fallen apart due to injury. Initially, Canadian middleweight knockout sensation David Lemieux was expected to headline the card against Colombian Jose Miguel Torres, but that fell apart due to Lemieux suffering a hand injury of his own. GYM has apparently found a replacement for O’Donnell and has submitted that potential candidate for review to ESPN who is expected to make its ruling on whether or not the replacement candidate is suitable for their broadcast standards within the next 24 hours.

Things not going according to plan is nothing new for Bizier, who is coming off a 2012 year that he believes was the most frustrating of his professional career. The rugged undefeated Quebec contender ended 2011 by winning a minor title in his fist 12 round bout by impressively defeating battle tested Lanardo Tyner and appeared to have momentum on his side going into 2012. However, 2012 proved to be challenging as Bizier was on the shelf for the first 9 months, a hiatus caused by various reasons mostly resulting from numerous GYM schedule changes (most notably the Pascal-Cloud cancellation). In a downtown Montreal press conference last week, Bizier who was just 48 hours removed from becoming a first time father, seemed rejuvenated while talking to reporters about the prospect of fighting on ESPN and was looking forward to what he expected to be his most difficult technical fight versus the southpaw O’Donnell. Bizier will now have to adapt in the face of extenuating circumstances once again and most probably alter his game plan as he awaits a new opponent with less than 2 weeks away from fight night.

Ti-Joa returns

Some have speculated that veteran Joachim Alcine (33-3-1, 19KOs) scheduled to fight on the undercard portion of the February 8th GYM gala in a 8 round bout vs David Toribio (19-14, 12KOs) could potentially step in and replace O’Donnell in the ESPN main event. The prospect of Alcine fighting Bizier later this year is a possibility, but unlikely to happen on two weeks notice. GYM still has Alcine under contract for two more fights and a local showdown against Bizier would certainly make sense, especially in Quebec City, but two weeks would not give Alcine enough time to drop the necessary weight as Bizier wants to stay at 147lbs in order to climb the world rankings. There also seems to be little interest from ESPN in Alcine.

Hold on Superman’s flight pattern

In what has turned into a reoccurring theme, Adonis Stevenson is expected to find out by the end of the day whether or not he will be fighting for the vacant IBF title next time he enters the ring. As the IBF needs to receive the contracts from the Kessler-Froch rematch today in order to sanction and grant Carl Froch’s desired extension. According to Yvon Michel, Adonis could be fighting a stay busy fight in March if Froch is allowed to keep his title…

WBC: Garcia-Judah winner must fight Matthysse

Official WBC Statement: The WBC regrets the injury suffered by the super lightweight champion Danny Garcia which postponed his fight against Zab Judah until April 27. The winner of this bout will have the immediate obligation to fight against the WBC interim champion Lucas Matthysse to unify the title in the WBC.

Jorge Rodrigo “Hyena” Barrios retires

Citing problems with resuming his career due to legal issues, former world champion Jorge Rodrigo “Hyena” Barrios says he is through with boxing. “I’m definitely hanging up the gloves,” wrote Barrios on his Twitter account (@jorgebarriosok). “I boxed for love, not money…I will not set foot in a boxing event or train fighters. I’m permanently leaving boxing. I’m going to live my life away from boxing.”

Kiko: Frampton won’t hear the final bell

European super bantamweight champion Kiko Martinez (27-3, 19 KOs) says he’ll batter undefeated Carl Frampton (15-0, 10 KOs) when the pair collide at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on February 9. “I feel I will win by knockout, or they’ll stop the fight cause of the beating I’m going to put on him, that’s how I see it in my mind,” said Martinez. “I don’t worry about the judges. This is a great country for boxing, it’s a serious title up for grabs and it’s not Germany or France. They know about boxing here and the judges will be fair. I think Frampton will try to run, I think he’ll box and he won’t go toe-to-toe. I know I’m a lot stronger than him. When I’m in the ring with him, he won’t want to fight with me. He knows it, his corner knows it and all of Ireland knows it.” (more…)

Boxing back on Staten Island

On Thursday at Nicotra’s Ballroom in the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, New York, Greg Cohen Promotions will present their second annual “Boxing at the Hilton” show featuring local lightweight Nicky “Lil Nicky” DeMarco (4-2, 2 KOs) against Travis Thompson (4-8-1, 3 KOs) in the six-round main event. The 33-year-old DeMarco is the owner of the popular DeMarco’s Boxing Gym in Staten Island. In the six-round co-feature, former National Golden Gloves champion Denis “Momma’s Boy” Douglin (14-2, 8 KOs) meets Jose Angel “Silver Boy” Rodriguez (16-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round jr middleweight crossroads matchup. Also veteran super middleweight Dennis Sharpe (17-9-4, 4 KOs) will face Norman Allen (6-6, 3 KOs) in a six-round matchup. Tickets are $50, $100 and $150. Call 888.612.4191 for more info. Last year’s event was a sellout and another one is expected.

Q&A: Donovan George

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photo: Ed Mulholland

Fightnews spoke to Chicago-based super middleweight Donovan “Da Bomb” George, who rates his win over Osumanu Adama his best professional victory. George (23-3-1, 20 KOs) also talks about his wins over Cornelius White and Dionsio Miranda and losses to Edwin Rodriguez and Adonis Stevenson, as well as his February 1st bout with James Cooke. (more…)

Geale, Mundine make weight

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Peter McDermont

Daniel Geale 159.8 vs. Anthony Mundine 158.6
(IBF middleweight championship)
Kimbo Slice 233.2 vs. Shane Tilyard 253.8
Joel Brunker 127.9 vs. Ivan Hernandez 129.6
Lauryn Eagle 132.5 vs. Nadine Brown 132.9
Steve Lovett 173.8 vs. Jeremy Allan 176.7
Jamie Pittman 167.4 vs. Zac Awad 169.1
Daniel Ammann 199.8 vs. David Aloua 198.1
(more…)

Mollo and Szpilka sparring before showdown

Videos: Przemek Garczarczyk and Ringpolska

Mikey visits ESPN

Photos: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Newly-crowned WBO world featherweight champion Mikey Garcia (31-0, 26 KOs) made a special guest appearance on the popular “ESPN Deportes – A Los Golpes” show on Monday with hosts Bernardo Osuna, Julio Cesar Chavez and David Faitelson at the ESPN studios in downtown Los Angeles. Mikey was accompanied by his trainer/father Eduardo Garcia.

The 25-year-old Garcia won the world title via eight round technical decision over Orlando “Siri” Salido at The Theater inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, knocking the reigning champion down four times.

(more…)

Jan Zaveck to fight for interim title?

By Malte Müller-Michaelis
Photo: Team SES

Former IBF welterweight champion and current WBO #1 contender Jan Zaveck is hoping to land another big fight shortly. “I want to return to action as soon as possible”, Zaveck told German boxing website boxen-heute.de. “I feel great, my training is going extremely well. I hope to preserve my excellent shape. Maybe I will defend my intercontinental title again. But, of course, my big goal is a shot at the world championship. I am the #1 contender so there are lots of options. We’ll see what happens with Timothy Bradley. If he remains inactive or doesn’t defend his belt I might get a chance to become interim world champion…”

More on Peterson-Golden Boy signing

By Gary “Digital” Williams
Photos by Juan Marshall

IBF Light Welterweight champion and DC native Lamont Peterson has signed a multi-year, multi-fight deal with Golden Boy Promotions. Peterson announced the signing at a press conference this afternoon at the HeadBangers Gym in Southwest DC.

Peterson is the fifth Beltway Boxer to be associated in whole or in part with Golden Boy Promotions joining Seth Mitchell, Fernando Guerrero, Gary Russell, Jr. and the debuting D’Mitrius Ballard. Also, this signing means that Golden Boy has cornered the major championship market in the 140-pound division as IBF champ Peterson joins WBC Interim champ Lucas Matthysse and WBA/WBO titleholder Danny Garcia under the Golden Boy banner. (more…)

Boxing Buzz

Former IBF super middleweight champ Lucian Bute has undergone surgery on his left eyebrow to remove scar tissue. He is expected to ease off sparring for six weeks.

Does top American heavyweight contender Chris Arreola have what it takes, this time around, to get another shot at a title? The Press-Enterprise writes about Arreola’s dream chase.

Returning Lamont Peterson has something to prove. Read the Washington Post’s story

“Boxing in downtown Albany may be down for the count,” writes the Times Union. |more|

Former champ Vinny Paz pleaded not guilty in court today to misdemeanor vandalism and disorderly conduct. Local news station 10 in Providence, R.I. has more.

Ticket Alert: Alexander-Brook

By Bob Ryder

Tickets priced at $25-$200 go on sale on this Wednesday, Noon EST for the Devon Alexander-Kell Brook IBF welterweight title fight to be held at Detroit’s Masonic Temple on Saturday, February 23. Also featured on the Golden Boy promoted event will be the Motor City’s own Cornelius “K-9″ Bundrage facing Ishe Smith in defense of his IBF light middleweight crown. Tickets available via ticketmaster.com or through Masonic Temple box office at 313-638-2724. Showtime will be televising live.