Tomiyama draws with Otsuka

By Joe Koizumi

It’s a night of upsets. Ex-OPBF super-fly champ Konosuke Tomiyama dropped overmatched opponent Ryuta Otsuka each once in the first two rounds, but hit the deck in round six and was held to an unexpected split draw (75-74 for Tomiyama, 75-75 and 74-74) over eight give-and-take rounds on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Otsuka was penalized a point for holding the aggressor Tomiyama midway in the second. Despite having gained five points ahead in the first two sessions, the prefight favorite Tomiyama often absorbed his rival’s avenging right crosses and was floored in the sixth canto. Without the penalization Otsuka would have been a winner.

WBC#14 ex-world challenger, light-fly southpaw veteran Takashi Kunishige surprisingly dropped an upset unanimous nod (58-57, 58-56 and 59-56) to Go Ohira over six. (more…)

Manny on life after Marquez

Story by Andreas Hale
Photo by Chris Cozzone 

No matter what happens on Saturday night, Manny Pacquiao doesn’t want to see Juan Manuel Marquez inside of the squared circle ever again. This is the fourth time that Manny Pacquiao has come to Vegas and set his eyes on Marquez. Two times he has left victorious, one time he earned a draw. None of those fights have had a clear victor and Pacquiao looks to silence the critics when they meet on December 8th. But, win or lose, Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach insist that there will not be a Pacquiao-Marquez V or VI or VII or whatever Roman numeral that we have yet to see attached to a fight. In their eyes, after four fights and eight years, it’s time to move on. (more…)

Weights from Las Vegas

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Raymundo Beltran 134 vs. Ji-Hoon Kim 135
Jesse Magdaleno 122 vs. Jonathan Arrellano 122
Mike Maldonado 136.5 vs. Jesus Gutierrez 137
Jesus Garza 129.5 vs. Toka Kahn Clary 128
Evgeny Gradovich 127.5 vs. Willie Villanueva 127.5
Jose Roman 136.5 vs. Robert Osiobe 136.5
Felix Verdejo 130 vs. Leonardo Chavez 128

Venue: Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
TV: ESPN
Promoter: Top Rank

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Provodnikov returns Jan 25

Boxing returns to the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center with ESPN Friday Night Fights on January 25, 2013. In the 12 round main event, Ruslan Provodnikov (22-1, 15 KOs) of Russia defends his WBO jr. welterweight intercontinental title against Jason “El Nino” Pagara (30-2, 19 KOs) of the Philippines. in the co-feature, jr. welterweight Tony “Lightning” Luis (15-0, 7 KOs) of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada faces Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (20-3, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio. Promoters plan to announce the undercard at a later date. All bouts are subject to change. Tickets range from $25 to $70. Call the Turning Stone box office at (315) 361-7469 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

Gamboa, 50 Cent workout

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Undefeated former world champion Yuriokis Gamboa hits the mitts with artist and promoter Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson during a public workout in the lobby of the MGM Grand for his upcoming WBA Interim Super Featherweight Championship fight against Michael Farenas of the Philippines on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate, Wonderful Pistachios, Cinemax ‘Banshee,’ Smart Communications, Universal Pictures ‘Django Unchained’ and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 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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Boxing returns to Atlanta

By Jose E. Santiago

On Saturday, December 8, 2012, Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions will introduce itself to the Atlanta sports scene with the first edition of its “Saturday Night Lights Out” series. The professional card will be headlined by Mike “Cannonhandz” Seals in an eight-round WBC cruiserweight title bout at The Grand Ballroom on Jimmy Carter Blvd just outside of Atlanta. (more…)

Newark, NJ boxing card postponed

Due to unforeseen circumstances concerning the main event featuring Michael “Slick” Anderson and Alberto Salas, All Out Promotions has postponed Friday night’s professional boxing card until Friday December 21 in Newark, New Jersey. “We at All Out Promotions are committed to provide great fights and entertainment that is sure to satisfy even the most ardent boxing fan. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we felt that in the best interest of all parties involved and the fans, that the best thing to do would be to postpone the card until Friday, December 21st,” said Chief Operating Officer of All Out Promotions, Renee Aiken.

All tickets purchases for Friday night’s card will be honored for the December 21st show. More information to follow shortly.

WBC “50th” Day Three

Story and photos by Boxing Bob Newman

Day three of the 50th WBC convention resumed with the ratings meeting- promoters, managers, and advisors included. This year, the ratings committee opted to start from the Strawweights and move upward instead of starting at Heavyweight moving downward. Boxings power brokers on hand included, but were not limited to Rodney Berman, Gary Shaw, Sampson Lewkowicz, Ricardo Rizzo (Acquinity Sports & Dream Team), Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions), Ron Rizzo (DiBella Entertainment), Leon Margules (Warriors Boxing), Chris Ganescu (Gangkor Promotions), Raul Jaimes (Golden Boy), Alex Camponovo (Thompson Boxing) and Philippe Fondu among many others. (more…)

Quick Quotes from Marquez-Pacquiao Final Presser

By Andreas Hale
Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Manny Pacquiao: He needs to prove something and I’m ready for that. I’m hoping for a good fight with more action do people will enjoy it. I will leave no more doubt in the mind of the fans.

Juan Manuel Marquez: This will be another war because I know Manny and Manny know me. I’ve prepared myself very hard because I know it will be a war.

Nacho Beristain: I think the two best pound for pound fighters in the world will face each other Saturday. You’re going to see a sensational fight like the previous three.

Freddie Roach: I love this rivalry. Winning this 4th fight will be the icing on the cake.

(more…)

Gutknecht confrontational, Braehmer relaxed

Photo: Team Sauerland

Eduard Gutknecht (24-1, 9 KOs) believes that Juergen Braehmer´s (38-2, 30 KOs) time is over. Today the current European Light Heavyweight Champion and his mandatory challenger met for the first time since the announcement of their upcoming clash in Berlin on February 2. The all-German affair will take place at the Max-Schmeling-Halle and the winner will not only be able to call himself the King of Europe but also gets a crack at the WBO World Championship.

It was the Champion himself who had the first word at today´s official press conference and he did not wait long to make his intentions clear. “I wanted to fight him years ago while we were still at Universum,” said Gutknecht. “Back then he was the European as well as the WBO World Champion. He was at the top of the game. But in my opinion he has already peaked a long time ago and his time in the spotlight is over. Of course, he wants another chance to get back to where he was. But I’m the champion now and I won’t give him that chance.” (more…)

Kessler-Magee final press conference

Photo: Team Sauerland

With three days to go until the Nordic Fight Night at Jyske Bank BOXEN in Herning, Mikkel Kessler (45-2, 34 KOs) and WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Brian Magee (36-4-1, 25 KOs) held a crowded final press conference at the venue to talk about Saturday’s showdown. Here is what the two camps had to say.

Mikkel Kessler: “It’s great to be fighting in Herning again. I got two great wins here, against Perdomo and against Froch. The atmosphere is going to be fantastic and I will beat Magee on Saturday. He has knocked out Markussen and Larsen, I have briefly spoken to both of them, but there is not much to say because I know what I have to do. My team has prepared a good plan and we will get the title on Saturday.”

Brian Magee: “It’s good to be in Denmark and I look forward to Saturday. I have a lot of respect for Mikkel, he is a great fighter, but I am here to defend my belt. I am as ready as I have ever been and can’t wait to get it on.” (more…)

Matthysse to defend in the US?

By Gabriel F. Cordero

WBC interim light welterweight world champion Lucas Matthysse (32-2, 30 KOs) could defend his crown in January and possibly in the United States. Initially it was known that Matthysse would defend on December 15 in Argentina and there was also talk of him fighting on the February 9 card featuring Danny Garcia (25-0, 16 KOs) against Zab Judah (42-7, 29 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Now Matthysse might land on the January 19 card topped by Devon Alexander (24-1-0, 13 KOs) and Kell Brook (29-0, 19 KOs) for the IBF welterweight title. Stay tuned…

IBO’s dynamite dozen provides banner 2012

For the 12 men entering December with the IBO-sanctioned world title, it’s already been a very good year. From the mammoth Wladimir Klitschko to the (comparatively) miniature Hekkie Budler, the group combined for six wins in fights in which championships changed hands in 2012, along with 14 successful defenses of either those belts or ones already held as of last Jan. 1.

Klitschko and super middleweight incumbent Thomas Oosthuizen were the busiest of a busy lot, each risking – and ultimately keeping – their championships three times over the year’s initial 11 months. (more…)

Canelo vs. Cotto still on the table

By Rey Colón -The Sport Press

Former three-division world champion Miguel Cotto, who has lost his last two fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Austin Trout, today traveled to Mexico with his legal adviser Gaby Peñagarícano where he will attend the WBC Convention that is dedicated Muhammad Ali. He will also meet with Golden Boy Promotions to allegedly finalize a May 4 fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the undefeated WBC 154-pound champion. Word is this bout was already agreed upon and both Alvarez and his promoter Oscar de la Hoya believe that Cotto is a much easier opponent than Trout.

Pacquiao workout

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Superstar Manny Pacquiao winds down training with trainer Freddie Roach Tuesday for the upcoming 4th fight of his historic rivalry against four-time world champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate, Wonderful Pistachios, Cinemax ‘Banshee,’ Smart Communications, Universal Pictures ‘Django Unchained’ and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 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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Trout-Cotto Report/Photo Gallery

Ringside Report: Mariano A. Agmi and Kurt Wolfheimer
Photos: Ed Mulholland

WBA junior middleweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout had the breakout performance of his career this past Saturday in front of 13,096 mostly pro-Miguel Cotto fans at Madison Square Garden, giving the Puerto Rican icon his first defeat in eight fights at the Garden. Click here for giant recap and photos galore!

WBC 50th Convention Day 2

By Boxing Bob Newman

Official day two of the 50th annual WBC convention kicked off Tuesday morning in the Gran Arena of the Grand Oasis Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. More awards were the first order of the day as the awards ceremony from Monday evening’s opening banquet went unfinished due to time constraints.

Among the remaining awards handed out was the lifetime achievement award to ratings chairman Frank Quill for his lifetime dedication to the sport of boxing. Former referee Raymundo Solis was also bestowed with an award for his commitment to the sport of boxing. Among surprise boxing guests at last night’s opening banquet was the first ever female Olympic Gold Medal winner, Nicola Adams of Great Britain who is considering a pro career.

The awards table was then turned, so-to-speak, on WBC president Jose Sulaiman. Several personal awards and mementos were presented to the organization’s leader of the past thirty seven years. One such idol was a statue of a boxer presented by World Boxing Cares Stephen Blea and Rocky Marciano Jr., commemorating Sulaiman’s fighting spirit while at the helm of the WBC. Sulaiman also received a letter commemorating the 50th anniversary of the WBC from U.S. president Barack Obama, which was read by Paula McClellan, formerly of the Kentucky commission. (more…)

Pacquiao Grand Arrival

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Superstar Manny Pacquiao makes his “Grand Arrival” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Tuesday for the upcoming 4th fight of his historic rivalry against four-time world champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate, Wonderful Pistachios, Cinemax ‘Banshee,’ Smart Communications, Universal Pictures ‘Django Unchained’ and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 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. (more…)

Marquez Grand Arrival

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Four-time world champion Juan Manuel Marquez makes his “Grand Arrival” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Tuesday for the upcoming 4th fight of his historic rivalry against superstar Manny Pacquiao.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate, Wonderful Pistachios, Cinemax ‘Banshee,’ Smart Communications, Universal Pictures ‘Django Unchained’ and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 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. (more…)

Hanks added to Fight Club OC show

With the addition of undefeated heavyweight contender Joe Hanks to Roy Englebrecht Promotions Fight Club OC show this Thursday, December 6th, boxing history will be made, as the show now will feature three undefeated heavyweights all with 10 or more wins, all on the same card, a first for the sport of boxing in California. Joining 20-0 Joe Hanks who will face 11-3 Maurenzo Smith from Houston, will be Seattle’s 11-0 Vince Thompson vs San Jose’s 5-7 Yohan Banks, and Rowland Heights 10-0 Alexander Flores faces 12-7 Matt Hicks from Las Vegas, all in six round bouts.

“When Joe Deguardia who is Joe Hank’s promoter called me on Thursday asking if I had room on my December 6th card for Joe, as his fight in Albany fall out, I said absolutely,” said Englebrecht. “Joe was becoming a fan favorite at the Battle In The Ballroom shows in 2008 and 2009, so I knew our fans would be glad to see him back in action in the OC.”

This eight bout card will take place in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event in Costa Mesa, CA, and there is still about 100 tickets available and they can be purchased at www.fightcluboc.com

Full Report: Kameda unifies WBA bantam belts

Report and picture by Masayoshi Yamasaki
Translated by Joe Koizumi

WBA bantamweight champ, Japanese southpaw Koki Kameda (29-1, 17 KOs), 118, unified the belts as he was awarded a split verdict over interim titlist Hugo Ruiz (31-2, 28 KOs), 118, Mexico, over twelve close rounds in Osaka, Japan, on Tuesday. Official tallies were as follows: Michael Lee (Korea) 116-113, Lahcen Oumghar (Netherland) 115-113, both for Kameda, but Stanley Christodoulou (South Africa) had it 117-113 for Ruiz. The referee was Gustavo Padilla (Panama).

Kameda, making his fifth defense, kept circling to maintain his long distance and avoided mixing it up with the taller Mexican until he showed his last surge in the championship rounds.

The much shorter Kameda, in the first round, kept moving side-to-side and Ruiz also carefully probed the champ’s constant mobility. From the second on, Kameda cautiously took his distance, while Ruiz kept patiently stalking the moving target. Whenever Kameda attempted to come close to the interim champ, Ruiz threw so strong counterpunches that Kameda couldn’t recklessly exchange punches with the taller Mexican in the close range. (more…)

#2 Wanheng, #11 Srisaket keep WBC regional titles

By Damrong Simakajornboon
Photos: Petchyindee Boxing Promotion

WBC #2/WBO #3 strawweight Wanheng Menayothin (25-0, 8 KOs) successfully retained his WBC international 105lb title as he outpointed WBC #27 Rolio Golez (14-10,5 KOs) on Monday at the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok, Thailand. The local news reported that Wanheng mostly controlled the show with his aggression before he comfortably scored a 119-108, 117-110, 116-111 unanimous decision. Golez was also deducted a point for his continuous rabbit punches in the final round.

In other action, former WBC light flyweight champion Kompayak Porpramook (47-4, 32 KOs) displayed a one-sided attack on Indonesian Johan Wahyudi, forcing the referee to stop the bout at 1:18 of round six. (more…)

WBO Champion of the Decade belt unveiled

The winner of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas this weekend will be awarded an exclusively crafted and elaborately refined rendition of the WBO Championship belt. “This Champion of the Decade belt is a work of art,” Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, WBO President, said. “It’s a magnificent job by Master Craftsmen Ardash Sahaghian and Edward Majian who once more have demonstrated their unsurpassable creativity and originality.” Valcarcel will travel to Las Vegas Wednesday to attend the historic fourth bout between the two great champions and future Hall of Famers,. The belt will be officially unveiled tomorrow during the press conference for Pacquiao-Marquez 4.