Photos: Garcia, Morales workout

Photos: Ed Mulholland

A ring was set up at Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the final workouts for fighters appearing on Saturday night’s show. Here are some more shots from that event.

Sergio Martinez makes promotional debut

WBC middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez of Maravilla Box Promotions will make his promotional debut in his home country of Argentina on November 3, in the city of Colon, in Entre Rios, Argentina. Co-promoted by Maravilla Box, Sampson Boxing and Best Box, the 12-round main event will feature WBA #2 contender Roberto “La Araña” Vasquez (32-5, 22 KOs) of Panama City, Panama, taking on WBA #3 contender John Mark “Iceman” Apolinario (17-2-1 4 KOs) of Sarangani, Philippines, for the interim WBA bantamweight title. (more…)

Jennings opponent named

World ranked heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings (15-0, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia will defend his USBA heavyweight title against Las Vegas, Nevada-based Tongan Bowie Tupou (22-2, 16 KOs). The bout will take place December 8th at the Temple University McGonigle Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NBC Sports is said to be airing the event. Tupou recently has reunited with trainer Jeff Mayweather after a few years of separation.

New England grudge match Thursday night

According to Joseph “Chip” Perez, it all started when Chazz McDowell called him out a couple of years ago. McDowell (6-2, 1 KO) says it never happened. Perez (9-1, 3 KOs) says he’s got proof. “I still have the newspaper article,” Perez said. “I save everything.”

Now the 25-year-old junior lightweight from East Hartford, Conn., will save the rest of his talking for the ring when he and McDowell face one another for the vacant New England title Thursday, October 18th, 2012 in the eight-round main event of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Closing Statement” boxing event at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

A fight that has been years in the making between two Connecticut natives will finally become a reality Thursday night as Perez and McDowell put it all on the line in their first title bout. (more…)

Brook-Saldiva Press Conference

Photo: Lawrence Lustig

Welterweights Kell Brook and Hector Saldivia faced off at the final press conference in advance of Saturday’s IBF world title eliminator for the mandatory position at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England. Brook stated that he has added a nutritionist for this camp and attributed his shaky performance against Carson Jones to weight problems.

Kell Brook: I can assure everyone that you’ll see the new Kell Brook in there Saturday night, even I don’t know how good I am going to be….I know this time we’ve done everything right and I know that I can fight at 100 miles per hour if necessary because I’ve done the weight right and everything is spot on.”

Hector Saldivia: I’m looking forward to going to England and fighting in front of a packed out arena. This is a sport, let’s hope nobody comes out hurt but I’m training so that I’ll be able show the best of me. He’s going to feel the pressure of the crowd because he’s fighting at home in front of his people, but I’m going there coolheaded.”

Colonna on Fonfara-Karpency IBO title clash

Video: Przemek Garczarczyk

Sam Colonna, the well-known Chicago trainer, talks about the upcoming IBO light heavyweight title fight between his fighter, 24-year-old Andrzej Fonfara (22-2, 12 KOs), and former WBO title challenger Tommy Karpency (21-3, 14 KOs) on November 16 at UIC Pavilion in Chicago. Colonna also weighed in on another Polish fighter, Mariusz Wach (27-0, 15 KOs) challenging champion Wladimir Klitschko (58-3, 50 KOs) on November 10 in Hamburg.

Click here for Fonfara training video

Narvaez-Garcia postponed

Wednesday night’s scheduled world title fight between WBO super flyweight champion Omar Narvaez (36-1, 19 KOs) and Johnny Garcia (16-3-1, 8 KOs) in Buenas Aires, Argentina has been postponed due to the death of Narvaez’ father after a long illness. Upon receiving the news, the two-division champion immediately traveled to his native city of Trelew. The Narvaez-Garcia fight at the famed Estadio Luna Park in Buenos Aires will be rescheduled sometime within one month, possibly as soon as Saturday night.

Estrada returns November 10

2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (19-4, 5 KOs) and 2008 Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso will see action on November 10 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Estrada faces veteran Galen “Bad Boy” Brown (38-20-1, 23 KOs) in the eight-round main event. Alfonso faces an opponent to be determined in a four-rounder which will be his pro debut. (more…)

Paez Jr-Navarro for WBC silver title

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Jorge “Maromerito” Paez (32-4-1, 19 KOs) will face Charlie Jose Navarro (22-5, 17 KOs) for the WBC Silver welterweight championship at the Plaza Calafia, Mexicali on a card presented by Zanfer Promotions and broadcast in Mexico on TV Azteca 7. Initially Zanfer tried to arrange for Paez Jr-Navarro to be for an interim WBA belt. Paez’ trainer Raul Robles informs that Paez has worked hard in camp and his power, strength, speed and weight are at optimal levels.

In another fight Armando “Chato” Robles (21-2-1, 11 KOs) will face former WBC world champion Humberto Mauro “Betillo” Gutierrez (28-3-2, 20 KOs) in a ten round welterweight fight.

Soto to return November 10

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Three-division champion Humberto Soto (58-8-2, 34 KOs) will reappear against Jose “Piston” Lopez (17-2-1, 10 KOs) on November 10 in Ecatepec, Mexico State, on a card presented by Promociones del Pueblo and broadcast in Mexico on Televisa. Soto and his trainer Bobby Quirarte have set up camp at Cuautitlan Izcalli in Mexico State. Sparring partners include Juan Pablo “Che Che” Lopez and Hugo Valdez. Lopez was a finalist in last year’s “Quien Pinta para la Corona” tournament and is the current WBF welterweight beltholder.

Also on the card is Antonio “Kanas” Lozada Jr. (28-1, 24 KOs) against Edgar Yanez in a ten-round junior welterweight bout.

Munroe ready for Quigg rematch

Rendall Munroe is desperate to get to grips with Scott Quigg in next month’s vacant interim WBA super-bantamweight title clash. The pair meet again at Manchester Arena in one of several big undercard fights when Ricky Hatton (45-2) makes his return against Vyacheslav Senchenko (32-1) on Saturday November 24. Their first meeting in June ended prematurely in a third round technical draw because of a horrific cut to Rendall’s right eye. Such an inconclusive ending was a disappointment to both warriors and the Leicester southpaw (24-2-1) warned British champion Quigg (24-0-1) said: “I will finish what I started. Everything is going good and I am already fit. I am going to go out there and do what needs to be done. (more…)

Barclay’s Center fighters at Brooklyn Bridge & Barclays Center

Photos: Rich Kane – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

Former Two-Time World Champion Devon Alexander, former world title contender Daniel Jacobs, undefeated #1 rated WBO middleweight contender Peter Quillin, WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie Malignaggi, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia, former Four-Division World Champion Erik Morales, WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Pablo Cesar Cano, undefeated rising junior middleweight star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and former World Champion Luis Collazo pose on October 15, 2012 in front of the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York in advance of their October 20, 2012 fights at Barclays Center where Garcia will defend his world titles against Morales, Malignaggi will defend his world title against Cano, Quillin will challenge unbeaten WBO Middleweight World Champion Hassan N’Dam and Alexander will challenge IBF Welterweight Champion Randall Bailey, all of which will be televised live on Showtime Championship Boxing, while Jacobs will face Josh Luteran, Collazo will face Steve Upsher, Gomez will face Saul Benitez and Salita will face Brandon Hoskins. more photos

Admission creates opportunities for Cruz

Since the initial news report on Fightnews of WBO #4 featherweight Orlando Cruz (18-2-1, 9 KOs) of Puerto Rico announcing that he was gay, Cruz’ story has been world news. Cruz will now be a featured guest on The HBO Real Sports program, a show that has earned a reported 15 Sports Emmys. Longtime famed journalist/sportscaster Bryant Gumbel will conduct the interview. It’s said that Cruz’ interview could be aired on the next scheduled programming within a week. The former 2000 Olympian Cruz will defend his WBO Latino featherweight title Friday night against Jorge Pazos (20-4, 13 KOs) of Mexico in the 12 round main event to be aired on Telemundo. Should Cruz be victorious it’s being speculated that the premium networks are very interested in having him challenge for the world title in his next fight on their broadcast.

Tuto Zabala Jr. (All Star Boxing) will promote Friday’s event. Site will be the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Tickets start at $15.00 for General Admission Seating and $30.00 for Reserved Seating. Call 407.935.1412. to purchase tickets.

Helenius returns November 10

Rising heavyweight star Robert Helenius (17-0, 11 KOs) will make his eagerly-anticipated comeback at Helsingin Jäähalli in Helsinki, Finland on November 10. The Nordic Nightmare will take on an opponent to be announced soon. “It’s great to be fighting again, my shoulder has healed well and I am perfectly fit,” Helenius said. “I am thrilled that my comeback will take place in Helsinki. The support was fantastic last time.” Team Sauerland sports director Hagen Doering is close to finalizing details with the opponent. “It’s not easy to find somebody who wants to get in the ring with Robert,” he said. “A lot of fighters simply fear his punching power. We are looking at several options and we are close to signing a deal.” (more…)

IBF OKs Geale vs. Mundine

Gary Shaw Productions has been granted an “Exception to Regulations” by the IBF on behalf of unified IBF/WBA middleweight champion, Daniel “Real Deal” Geale (28-1, 15 KOs), to participate in an optional IBF world title fight against Anthony Mundine (44-4, 26 KOs) prior to his mandatory defense.

“Now that we got the green light from the IBF to make this fight, I’m going to work hard to get everything completed,” said promoter Gary Shaw. “This might be the biggest fight in Australian boxing history as both fighters consider this a grudge match.”

Geale tasted defeat for the first and only time when these two fighters faced each other back in May of 2009. Geale lost a controversial split decision and he’s looking to set the record straight once and for all. (more…)

Guerrero-Berto on November 24

WBC interim welterweight titleholder Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero will face former WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto on November 24 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, according to Guerrero’s hometown newspaper the Gilroy Dispatch. The card will also reportedly feature WBA interim lightweight beltholder Richard Abril against Sharif Bogere and former world champion Carlos Quintana against Keith Thurman.

Ticket Alert: Martirosyan-Lara

Thanksgiving arrives early when knockout artists top-rated super welterweight contenders Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan and Erislandy “El Oro Del Guantanamo” Lara and undefeated #1 featherweight contender Miguel “Mikey” Garcia and former world featherweight champion Jonathan “Yoni” Barros, look to knock the stuffing out of each other on an explosive card that will take place Saturday, November 10, in the Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas. Both fights will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark. Martirosyan and Lara will battle in a 12-round WBC super welterweight title elimination bout with the winner being declared the division’s mandatory challenger. Garcia and Barros will open the telecast in 10-round featherweight clash. The undercard will feature undefeated contenders, Las Vegas native Jessie Magdaleno, and Philadelphia fireball Jesse Hart, son of the great middleweight contender Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, in separate super bantamweight and super middleweight bouts, respectively.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tecate and Wynn Las Vegas, tickets to this all-action event go on sale Tomorrow! Tuesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $125, $75 and $40, plus a $3 service fee, and are inclusive of applicable taxes. Tickets can be purchased by calling (702) 770-7118, through the website wynnlasvegas.com or by visiting the Wynn Ticket Office (Friday-Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. PT / Wednesday-Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. PT) or the Wynn Concierge (Daily: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. PT.)

Demyanenko-Frias collide on Nov 3rd

In a well matched all-southpaw main event, Vitaliy Demyanenko (21-0, 12 KOs) and Damian Frias (19-5-1, 10 KOs) square off November 3rd. The contracted weight for the fight will be 148 pounds. The bout will take place at the Emerald Casino in Tacoma, Washington with Brian Halquist promoting. Demyanenko, promoted by Boxing360 is fresh off his unanimous decision victory of veteran Roberto Valenzuela. Frias who is managed by Si Stern (manager of world champion Randall Bailey), dropped a unanimous decision to Carlos Molina in his last bout.

Adamek will not fight Solis on December 22

By Przemek Garczarczyk

The old saying in boxing that nothing is done until both fighters are in the ring, proved to be true yet again – Odlanier Solis (18-1, 12 KO) will NOT be fighting Tomasz Adamek (47-2, 29 KO) in the main event of highly anticipated NBC event on December 22 in Bethelhem, Pennsylvania. Technically, Solis was never “in” for Adamek, because contracts between parties was never signed, but it was expected that this fight would happen as projected. In the next couple of days we should know who will be stepping in front of Adamek on December 22.

Garcia wins Briscoe Award as Philly Fighter Of The Year

By John DiSanto; Photo by Gary Purfield

WBA and WBC jr welterweight champion Danny Garcia was awarded the Briscoe Award as “2011 Philly Fighter of the Year” at the 5th Annual Briscoe Awards. The Briscoe Awards are inspired by middleweight contender Bennie Briscoe, who is considered one of the best to never win a world title. Briscoe (66-24-5-1, 53 KOs) fought professionally from 1962 to 1982 and contended for the middleweight championship three times. This year Briscoe Awards were also delegated for “Philly Fighter of the Year” and “KO of the Year” (by a Philly fighter). In addition to the annual awards, former world bantamweight champion and living legend Jeff Chandler was presented with a new WBA championship belt and honored with a museum exhibit dedicated to his career. Click here to read about the ceremony and see photos of the winners plus the Jeff Chandler exhibit.

Malignaggi: I have a lot to prove to myself

Last week native Brooklynite Paulie Malignaggi (31-4, 7 KOs) spoke to the media about defending his WBA welterweight championship against Pablo Cesar Cano on Saturday’s huge inaugural night of boxing from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Here are some highlights:

Your last fight was probably the most aggressive fight in your entire career. You came out there and you had a knockout. Do you have that same sense going into that fight as well?

You know, the last fight I didn’t really look to go for the knockout, it kind of just came. But that’s how I approach every fight. We’ve been working on a little bit more aggression in the gym with Eric Brown. I’ve always been a guy that had good legs and has been able to use my legs, but also develop an arsenal as far as things we can do to come forward as well and it will make me that much more of a well-rounded fighter. I just felt like I was able to step on the gas a little better when I needed to I can box when I need to, but if I need to come forward, if I start seeing my opponent weakening and I need to come forward, we can do that as well, or if there’s a lack of aggression on my opponent’s part I’ll be the one to come forward. I like to just be well-rounded. I like to have options. And the things we’ve been working on in the gym really give me those options, I can fight going forward and I can fight going backward and it’s a good thing for me. (more…)

Statement from Audley Harrison

“Firstly, I want to congratulate David Price and his team on executing his game-plan so effectively. I said I had prepared very well for this bout and it showed…I was in great shape and went out there with no fear, believing I could win it. I was really in the zone, didn’t get fazed by the crowd, or atmosphere and stay focused on the task. After 8 years, I finally had control of myself again.

“My whole game plan was about avoiding his right, so to get lined up like that is a disappointment for me. Father time has caught up with me, as I didn’t see the initial shot, so could not react. He finished me off like a good pro, so I have no complaints. I have a broken nose for my troubles, so I didn’t get away Scott free. (more…)

Abregu: Dulorme is not going to be able to take the pressure

The hard-hitting Argentinean Luis Carlos Abregu (33-1, 27KO’s), is in the final stage of preparation for his fight back in the United States against the Boricua, Thomas Dulorme (16-0, 12KO’s). Dulorme vs. Abregu will be the main event as part of an HBO tripleheader on October 27 at Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, New York.

How was the preparation for your fight with Dulorme?

Abregu: Everything is going great. We’re working at 100% and we’ll ready for the fight, we will win and we are grateful for the opportunity HBO and Gary Shaw have provided. Our goal is to become world champion once and for all and have come prepared to win. (more…)

Marcus Temple dies in Cape Town

By Ron Jackson

Former SA flyweight champion and long-time administrator Marcus Temple died in Cape Town on Saturday, October 13. He was 80. Marcus William Leslie Temple was born in Luanshaya on April 21, 1932. He became an outstanding amateur and won the SA flyweight championship in 1949. He represented South Africa at the Empire Games in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1950 and won a bronze medal. (more…)

Garcia ready to confirm championship status in Morales rematch

By John DiSanto – Philly Boxing History (.com)
Photos: John DiSanto

Coming off his breakthrough victory over Amir Khan, Danny Garcia was poised for more mega fights against the best fighters in the world. But the fight the young champion from Philadelphia was given was another go-round with bona fide legend and future Hall of Famer Erik Morales, the man from whom Garcia won his first world title in March. No one should ever take a fighter like Morales for granted, but the rematch feels like a bit of housekeeping, a chore, that Garcia must endure before moving on with his career.

The problem is that Morales held his own against Garcia last time, and although he’ll be seven months older, he figures to be much better in the fight that appears to be his last hurrah. A stumble by Garcia would be a real setback for him, while another victory may feel like a lateral move. It’s a classic performance trap that Garcia must avoid. (more…)

Walters vs Prescott for WBA belt

By Robert Coster

It’s finally settled. WBA #1 contender Nicholas “Axeman” Walters (21-0, 17 KOs) of Jamaica will cross gloves with WBA #5 contender Daulis Prescott (26-1, 19 KOs) of Colombia on December 13th for the WBA featherweight title left vacant by Celestino Caballero. The title bout will take place in Kingston, Jamaica at the National Indoor Arena and it will be only the second time that the Panama-based Walters will be fighting in front of his home crowd. This event will mark the return of big time boxing to Jamaica and it will be the sixth title fight to be held in the Caribbean island. The card already being billed as “The Rumble on the Jamrock’ will televised by SportsMax, one of the main sponsors of the event. (more…)

Spivey-Salka Report/Gallery

By Chris Perry; photos by Ray Bailey

NABA lightweight champion “Dangerous” Dorin Spivey (42-6-0, 30 KOs) of Portsmouth, VA earned a hard-fought ten-round majority decision victory over “Lighting” Rod Salka (16-2-0, 3 KOs) from Bunola, PA in the main event of the Dee Lee Promotion’s “Go Fight Friday Night!” event at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey this past Friday.

The victory takes Spivey, raked number eight in the world by the WBA prior to the bout, one step closer to his goal of competing for the lightweight championship of the world. (more…)

Anderson massacres Munguia

By Kurt Wolfheimer

Heavy handed welterweight “Slick” Michael Anderson (12-1-1, 10 KOs) gave a perfect performance for his homecoming on Saturday night at the Essex County College in Newark New Jersey, dropping fifty fight veteran Miguel Angel Munguia three times en-route to a first round destruction in the eight round main event of the evening. Mariusz Kolodziej’s Global Boxing Promotions and Renee Aiken’s All Out Promotions pulled out all the stops in putting together a great night of entertainment featuring seven exciting bouts, comedians and performances by local rap artists. In The co-feature of evening Ossie “The Ghanaian Warrior” Duran (27-10-2, 10 KOs) rebounded from a two fight losing streak with a workmanlike six round unanimous decision victory over a game but outgunned Joshua “The Berlin bomber” Snyder (9-7-1, 3 KOs). (more…)