Hurd wins unanimous decision in Upper Marlboro, MD

By Gary “Digital” Williams at ringside

Undefeated junior middleweight prospect “Swift” Jarrett Hurd had two adjustments to make going into his contest Saturday night at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. After only six contests, the Accokeek, MD native was venturing into his first six-round contest and, because another bout fell through, he would be competing in the main event.

Adding to the situation, Hurd would face one of the more awkward boxers around in Philadelphia, PA’s Greg Hackett. Hurd adjusted well in this situation and won a six-round unanimous decision. (more…)

Maccarinelli targets McKenzie rematch, then showdown with WBO champ Cleverly

By James Slater

Former WBO cruiserweight champ Enzo Maccarinelli, boxing as a light-heavyweight, won a stay-busy affair on last night’s Wembley card. Stopping Carl Wild with a hard body shot in the 6th and final round, Maccarinelli improved to 36-6(28). The 32-year-old then called for a big all-Welsh showdown with reigning WBO 175-pound ruler Nathan Cleverly, who won a wide 12-round decision over Robin Krasniqi in last night’s main event.

Maccarinelli, who was to have fought Ovill McKenzie (who pulled out injured) in a return of the controversial 2nd-round TKO stoppage loss he suffered last November, told Wales Online that he still wants to avenge what he and many others feel was a very premature stoppage – before taking on the unbeaten Cleverly. (more…)

Terrazas wins WBC super bantam title

Photos: Rafael Soto / Zanfer

In a clash for the vacant WBC super bantamweight title formerly held by Abner Mares, Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (36-2-1, 21 KOs) won a split decision over former WBC super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (47-6-2, 22 KOs) on Saturday night at the new Arena Mexico in Mexico City. Scores were 114-113, 115-112 for Terrazas, 114-113 for Mijares.

In the co-feature, former two-division world champion Juanma Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs) scored a second round KO over late sub Gerardo Espinoza (29-14-1, 27 KOs) in a bout fought at a 128lb limit. Time was :59. (more…)

Castellanos edges Pelenchin; Concepcion stops Salas

Featherweight Robinson “Robin” Castellanos (18-9, 11 KOs) scored a twelve round split decision over two-division world champion Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero (36-5, 23 KOs) on Saturday night at the Roberto Duran Arena in Panama City, Panama. A first round knockdown scored by Castellanos made the difference as he won 115-112, 114-113 on two cards. Caballero was up 114-113 on the third card. Castellanos retained his WBC silver featherweight.

Former world champion Luis “Nica” Concepcion (28-3, 21 KOs) scored a wild sixth round KO against Anuar Salas (13-2, 10 KOs) to win the vacant WBC silver flyweight title. Concepcion dropped Salas in round one, Salas stormed back to floor Nico in round three. Concepcion put Salas down three times in round six to end it. Time was 2:36.

Canelo outpoints Trout, unifies 154lb titles

Photos: Tom Casino-Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

In a super welterweight unification super fight, undefeated WBC champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (42-0-1, 30 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten WBA champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (26-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday night in front of 39,427 at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Seemingly a close fight until Canelo dropped Trout with a right hand in round seven. After round eight, the WBC’s open scoring (80-71, 78-73 and 76-75) revealed that Trout probably needed a knockout to win. With the fight already in the bag, Canelo took his foot off the gas late but still won handily by scores of 115-112, 116-111, 118-109.

After the fight, Alvarez stated, “My brother was a big motivation for this fight. I did it for him….I obviously want Floyd MAyweather next!”

Trout said, “I take my loss like a man. The better man won tonight. That was my first time getting knocked down in my career….I’m sorry I lost. I’ll be better next time.” Click here for more photos

Mijares-Terrazas undercard results

Former two-division world champion Juanma Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs) scored a second round KO over late sub Gerardo Espinoza (29-14-1, 27 KOs) in a bout fought at a 128lb limit. Time was :59.

WBO #8, IBF #14 super flyweight McJoe Arroyo (13-0, 7 KOs) recovered from a first round knockdown to win an eight round unanimous decision over Jairo “Roca” Hernandez (12-3, 3 KOs). Scores were 76-75, 78-73 and 77-74.

WBO #14 flyweight Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (13-0, 11 KOs) was forced to go the full eight rounds against Francisco “Marro” Perez (10-3, 5 KOs), en route to a 78-74, 78-74, 77-75 win.

Top Rank middleweight Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (25-0, 20 KOs) scored a third round KO over late sub Juan Monterrosa (9-3, 9 KOs). A body shot finished Monterrosa at the 2:06 mark.

Fedosov, Olusegon win in Hammond, Indiana

By Sam Geraci at ringside

Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, Indiana:

Heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (24-2-0, 18 KOs) chopped down Darnell Wilson (24-17-3, 20 KOs) with body shots before closing the show in the fifth with a three-punch combination upstairs. Referee Bill Paige reached the count of ten at 53 seconds of the fifth.

Junior welterweight Ajose Olusegon (31-1, 14 KOs) outclassed a gutsy Rynell Griffin (6-15-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds. All judges scored the bout 80-72.

Canelo-Trout undercard results

In a clash of unbeaten lightweights, Omar Figueroa (21-0-1, 17 KOs) demolished Abner Cotto (16-1, 7 KOs) in the first round. Figueroa was a non-stop punching machine who dropped Cotto twice with body shots, the second time for the count. Time was 2:57.

Unbeaten super welterweight Jermall Charlo (13-0, 9 KOs) used Orlando Lora (29-4-2, 19 KOs) as a heavy bag for four rounds. Lora’s corner stopped it after round four.

2012 Olympian super middleweight Terrell Gausha (4-0, 2 KOs) recovered from a first round knockdown to get past William Walters (2-4, 2 KOs) by scores of 38-37 on all cards.

Unbeaten middleweight Julian Williams (12-0-1, 7 KOs) scored a third round stoppage over Dashon Johnson (14-11-3, 5 KOs). Referee Rafael Ramos waved it off after Johnson took some shots on the ropes. Time 1:43.

Unbeaten super flyweight Ivan Morales (21-0, 13 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over Raul Hidalgo (17-8, 13 KOs). Morales is the younger brother of Mexican ring great Erik Morales.

Unbeaten super bantamweight Andres Gutierrez (26-0-1, 22 KOs) TKO’d Salvador Sanchez II (30-6-3, 18 KOs) in round five in a bout for the vacant WBC silver belt. Sanchez II is the nephew of the late, great Salvador Sanchez.

In a huge upset, local super bantamweight Omar Gonzalez (6-8, 1 KO) won a four round split decision over two-time world title challenger Raul Martinez (29-3, 17 KOs).

Hooper, Hammond triumph

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Future Hall of Famer Ricky Hatton made his debut as a promoter in Australia when Hatton Promotions co-promoted a show with Right Cross Entertainment at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, Queensland on Saturday that featured two of Australia’s London Olympic representatives Damien Hooper and Cameron Hammond.

Light heavyweight Damien Hooper showed his class as he took veteran Garth Murray to school connecting with jarring left jabs and heavy right hands that forced the referee to stop the one sided fight in round five. Ricky Hatton was impressed. “His potential is limitless,” said Hatton. “He could be as great as other Aussie heroes such as Jeff Fenech and Kostya Tszyu.”

Hooper’s London Olympic teammate Cameron Hammond raced away to his second professional victory, easily outpointing Kiwi light middleweight Daniel Roy Maxwell by scores of 60-54, 60-54, 60-54. “It was a tough six rounds,” the 154 pound Hammond said. “He was a brave bloke. I hit him with some great shots but he took them well.” (more…)

Ramirez surprises Bautista

In a big upset, IBF #4, WBO #5 featherweight Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista (34-3, 25 KOs) lost a split decision to unheralded Mexicali fighter Jose “Negro” Ramirez (25-3, 15 KOs) on Saturday in Manila, Philippines. Ramirez got off to a good start, dropping Bautista in round one and going on to win 114-111 on two cards, while Bautista was ahead on the third card 114-111.

Mohammedi victorious

Light heavyweight Nadjib Mohammedi (31-3, 18 KOs) of France stopped countryman Hakim Chioui (23-3-1, 19 KOs) by way of third round TKO on Saturday night to win the vacant WBA Continental title. The bout took place at the Gymnase J. Roure in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. Robert Safrani (B C Center) promoted the event with Christel Aujoux matchmaking.

Fury-Cunningham Post-Fight Quick Quotes

By Matt Richardson

Tyson Fury: “I was just hunting him down like a lion on a deer. I didn’t come here to play any games. I wanted him to get back up so I could hit him again. It was just a matter of time until I got him out of there.”

Steve Cunningham: “He’s a good fighter. His size is his advantage. He used his size. He went and took it to the alleyway. I’m not angry. I mean the guy’s friggin 6’9″. He’s a giant.”

Be sure to see our Fury-Cunningham photo gallery…

Szpilka, Kolodziej still unbeaten

Unbeaten heavyweight Artur Szpilka (14-0, 11 KOs) scored an unsatisfying first round TKO over formerly world ranked Taras Bidenko (28-6, 12 KOs) on Saturday night in Rzeszow, Poland. Bidenko quit after round one citing a knee injury.

Unbeaten cruiserweight Pawel Kolodziej (31-0, 17 KOs) scored an eight round unanimous decision over Richard Hall (30-12, 28 KOs). Hall was down in round four.

Rose stops ex-champ Alcine in 12th

Jr middleweight Brian Rose (23-1-1, 7 KOs) scored a twelfth round TKO over former world champion Joachim Alcine (33-4-1, 19 KOs) on Saturday night at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England. A barrage of punches in round twelve by Rose lead to a referee’s stoppage. Time was :59.

Earlier featherweight Lee Selby (15-1, 6 KOs) stopped previously unbeaten Corey McConnell (11-1-1) in a clash for the Commonwealth featherweight belt. McConnell down round three and round five. The bout was stopped at 1:16 of round five.

Boxing Buzz

Rapper/boxing promoter 50 cent is in Panama City to meet with WBA Executive Vice President Gilberto J. Mendoza. He will then be a special guest at tonight’s fight card at Arena Roberto Duran — Gabriel F. Cordero

Tonight’s Unimas card will now begin at midnight ET/11PM PT.

Longtime boxing advisor Rafael “Poyeye” Mendoza of Mexico turned 76 today. Mendoza was recently honored at the last WBC Convention as an “Icon of Boxing.” Some of the world champions he has worked with include Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez, Daniel Zaragoza, Gilberto Roman, Oscar Larios, Alexis Arguello, Pipino Cuevas and most recently he helped develop the career of Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Tyson Marquez returns with win

Photos: Zanfer Promotions

In his first fight since losing his WBA flyweight title against Brian Viloria last November, Hernan “Tyson” Marquez (36-3, 27 KOs) scored an explosive third round KO over Edgar ¨Power¨ Jíménez on Friday night at the Gimnasio del Estado in Hermosillo, Mexico. A powerful left cross ended matters. Time was 1:44.

“We’re back!” said Marquez. “This is what we wanted so we prepared for two months. I have no doubt that I’ll be world champion again. I know that my promoter Zanfer will soon have me in the running to go for a world title. I’m immediately going back to the gym to get ready to go against Viloria, Estrada, whoever…I’m very satisfied and motivated. Thank you all for standing by me and believing in me. I’m back with more desire than ever. I’ve been told that it’s almost a fact that on June 1 we are in the ring again.” photos

Cleverly retains WBO light heavyweight title

WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (26-0, 12 KOs) retained his title by twelve round unanimous decision against mandatory challenger Robin Krasniqi (39-3, 15 KOs) on Saturday night at Wembley Arena in London. Cleverly got off to a good start. Krasniqi began to turn the tide in rounds six and seven, but Cleverly was back in control for the rest of the fight. Scores were 120-108, 119-109, 120-108.

Unbeaten lightweight Liam Walsh (14-0, 10 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over comebacking former WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison (27-3-2, 15 KOs). Harrison gave a good account of himself, but the bigger, younger Walsh broke open a competitive fight late, nearly dropping the 35-year-old Harrison in round nine. Scores were 98-92, 97-93, 97-93. Walsh retains his his WBO European lightweight title.

After dropping four of his last five, heavyweight Dereck Chisora (16-4, 9 KOs) got back in the win column in a stinker against Hector Alfredo Avila (20-13-1, 13 KOs). The referee finally waved it off in round nine.

Unbeaten super flyweight Paul Butler (11-0, 6 KOs) dealt a five round beatdown to Yaqub Kareem (10-3-1, 7 KOs) to claim the Commonwealth 115lb belt.

Fury knocks out Cunningham in seventh

By Matt Richardson and Arvin Nundloll at ringside

Unbeaten heavyweight Tyson Fury (21-0, 15 KOs) recovered from a second round knockdown to knock out Steve Cuningham (25-6, 12 KOs) in round seven on Saturday in “The Theater” of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Cunningham dropped Fury with a huge overhand right in round two. Fury was also deducted a point in round five for headbutting by referee Eddie Cotton, however Fury’s 44lb weight advantage began taking its toll. He began to outmuscle and break down Cunningham, finally floored him for the count with a right hand. Time was 2:55.

At the time of the knockout, Cunningham was up 57-55 on two judges’ cards. The third judge had it tied 56-56.

In the televised co-feature, local super middleweight Curtis Stevens (24-3, 17 KOs) won a unanimous eight round decision against Derrick Findley. Scores were 78-74 (twice) and 79-73. Stevens was knocked down in the seventh but it was later overruled as a slip. Findley, who performed much better than the scores indicated, is now 20-10 with 13 KOs. (more…)

Klitschko hopes to compete in 2016 Olympic Games, aiming to win a second gold medal

By James Slater

Reigning world heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko has retained hopes and dreams of competing in the 2016 Olympic games set for Brazil in 2016: this despite the fact that he will be 40-years-old by that time. Klitschko, who won a gold way back in 1996 in Atlanta (later selling his medal, giving the money to charity) has gone on record as saying that it was the dream of both he and the late Emanuel Steward that he finished off his incredible boxing career by winning a second gold medal in 2016.

“It is well known that I really want to take part in the 2016 Olympics,” Wladimir said. “The AIBA is now working on making it possible.” (more…)

Robles defeats Marks

By Felipe Leon
Photos: Renzo Novara

With an enthusiastic nearly sold out Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 2012 California Hall of fame promoter Bobby DePhilippis put on the latest edition of his long running series “Champions of Tomorrow” on Friday, April 19th, with a five-bout fight card that had the crowd of around one thousand San Diego fight fans on their feet for most of the show. After a much talked about sparring match last year where things heated, hometown hero Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (8-0-1, 4KOs) survived rough seas to remain undefeated by stopping the hard hitting Joshua “Superman” Marks (8-5, 8KOs) in the fourth round of a scheduled light welterweight six.

Kept busy by Bobby D. Presents, Robles was coming off an easy unanimous decision over the much more experienced Adolfo Landeros last February while cut up Marks, who after tipping the scale at 140.5 lbs. the day before at the weigh-in, mentioned that only three months ago walked around a whopping 215 pounds was coming off a tough loss to Aaron Martinez in Ontario a year ago. (more…)

Four Japanese Warriors Invade Mexico

By Joe Koizumi

Four ambitious Japanese warriors today (Saturday) departed for Mexico where they will face Mexican stars on next Saturday (April 27). The deluxe promotion of four Mexicans versus Japanese bouts will be presented by Oswaldo Kuchle of Promociones del Pueblo at the Arena Mexico in Mexico City. The headliner will be ex-WBC featherweight champ Jhonny Gonzalez (53-8, 45 KOs), who will face young Japanese aspirant Akihiko Katagiri (12-6-1, 4 KOs). Though dethroned by Daniel Ponce De Leon via technical decision last September, Gonzalez, five years his senior at 31, wishes to deck his second comebacking bout against Katagiri who hopes to upset the ex-champ to come home as a world contender.

The history of fistic confrontations between Mexican and Japanese boxers is long enough with many hot wars such as Vicente Saldivar against Mitsunori Seki (twice) and Kuniaki Shibata (who upset Mexican Red Hawk in Tijuana). Jose Medel, a razor-sharp counterpuncher, invaded Japan and decked eye-catching KO victories over Seki and Fighting Harada. The uncrowned champ Medel is still the most loved Mexican warrior here in Japan, where we even today talk about the Medel-Harada extravaganza (though Harada avenged his loss in their rematch with his world bantam belt on the line). (more…)

Yanez wins split decision over Shailezov

By Jeff Zimmerman ringside
Photos by Stacey Verbeek

Former 2008 U.S. Olympian Luis “The Latin Legend” Yanez (7-0-1, 1KO) may have turned the corner on a what has been to this point a less than spectacular pro career after winning a rugged 8 round split decision against Timur “Here Comes Trouble” Shailezov (16-7-1, 3KO) last night on the Paulie Ayala promoted card at the sold out Cendera Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The scores read 78-73 twice for Yanez and 76-75 for Shailezov. Yanez picked up his first pro title with the win, the WBC USA super flyweight championship. (more…)

Weights from Weirton, WV

Daniel Martz 264 vs Joshua Tufte 233
(WBA NABA-US and IBO USBO Heavyweight Titles)

Ronell Green 126.8. Vs Micah Branch 127
Josh Stansbury 238.6. Vs Toby Vaughn 259
Angelo Magnone 227.4. Vs Brandon Winner 253.6

Venue: Serbian American Cultural Center, Weirton, WV
Promoter: Made Men Promotions

Pictured: Daniel Martz (L), Joshua Tufte (R) and IBO USBO President Hilton Whitaker III in center

Caputo Smith captures PA State title

By Kurt Wolfheimer
Photos: Gary Purfield

Friday night at the Harrah’s Philly Casino in Chester PA, heavy handed Kennett Square light heavyweight Anthony “The Bull” Caputo Smith (14-1, 10 KOs) defied the odds and upset the much more experienced Dhafir “No Fear” Smith (26-24-7, 4 KOs) in capturing the PA State light heavyweight by a razor thin majority decision. In the co-feature of the card promoted by Joey Intrieri’s Joe Eye Boxing in association with David Feldman, Atlantic City, New Jersey, junior middleweight DeCarlo “3Mundo” Perez (10-2-1, 4 KOs) continued his winning ways with an impressive fifth round stoppage of Windsor Hill, Maryland’s Julius Kennedy (7-5-1, 3 KOs). (more…)

Ramos takes Texas Welterweight Belt

Photos and story by Robert Hughes/Ringside

In an action-packed main event last night Milton Ramos of Waco snatched the State of Texas’ Welterweight Title from Rogelio De La Torre of Houston in an eight-round majority decision in front of 1,107 screaming fight fans at the Hurst Conference Center.
This was an excellent battle between two tough fighters with fast hands and the desire to swing hard but judges in the end chose Ramos. Fightnews had Ramos (9-3-0) and De la Torre (10-3-0) each winning four rounds.

In the co-main event welterweight Jose Orozco of Fort Worth (5-0-1) barely stayed undefeated with a majority draw in six rounds against the always flamboyant and popular Larry ‘SloMoshun’ Smith of Dallas (10-14-1).
Also in six rounds welterweight Albert Rodriguez of McKinney (9-1-0) won another close and tough fight against Julio Rangel of Dallas (6-9-0). (more…)

Filipino Champ Labao halts Ozawa

Report and photo by Joe Koizumi

Philippine lightweight champ, OPBF#4 Rey Labao (23-4, 15 KOs), 135.25, a hard-punching southpaw, floored Japan’s Taisho Ozawa (21-8-2, 13 KOs), 136, with vicious lefts in the first and third rounds, kept stalking his opponent and finally chalked up an impressive TKO victory at 1:57 of the fifth round on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. We know Jay Solmiano, then Filipino 135-pound champ, displayed such a gallant performance in dropping currently WBC#1 lightweight contender Nihito Arakawa to the canvas to finally lose a hairline split duke in the OPBF elimination bout in 2011. It was Labao that dethroned national champ Solmiano on a first round demolition in March of the previous year. (more…)

Canelo a 2:1 betting favorite, Fury is 7:1

Lots of big fights this weekend, so let’s get to it.

At San Antonio:
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez -200 vs. Austin Trout +163
Kudos to Canelo for insisting on a risky fight against Trout. No one can say he is being protected now. Trout is considered a live underdog. Golden Boy announced a 38,000+ seat sellout on Friday.

At Mexico City:
Victor Terrazas -120 vs. Cristian Mijares -120
Not much to separate these two. A real pick ‘em fight.

At London:
Nathan Cleverly -800 vs. Robin Krasniqi +450
Cleverly is a solid pick to retain his title against mandatory challenger Krasniqi. The champion has faced somewhat better competition, but neither have faced any big names in the division.
————-
Liam Walsh -300 vs. Scott Harrison +225
This is former WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison’s first serious opponent since his last world title fight in 2005. At the age of 35 what does he have left?
————-
Dereck Chisora -5000 vs. Hector Alfredo Avila +1400
Nothing more than a tune-up bout for Chisora, who desperately needs a win.

At New York City:
Tyson Fury -700 vs. Steve Cunningham +450
The self-proclaimed “best fighter on the planet” gets some prime network TV exposure on NBC in a bout that matches a big heavyweight against a much smaller heavyweight.

Odds from bet365.com

Weights from Upper Marlboro, MD

By Gary “Digital” Williams

Here is the scale watch for the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, April 20 at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD:

Jarrett Hurd 154.5 vs. Greg Hackett 160
Devar Ferhadi 167.5 vs. PJ Cajigas 165.5
Michael Reed 139.5 vs. Cassius Clay 142.5
Kevin Rivers, Jr. 126.5 vs. Carlos Alcala 123
Gervonta Davis 127.5 vs. Jacob Ninow 124
Mario Murphy 192 vs. Damion Reed 196
Yurii Polischuk 146.5 vs. Demetrius Winbush 147
Devin Minor 296.5 vs. Glenn Thomas 237

Don King in Russia

Hall of Fame promoter Don King was in Moscow earlier this week along with WBA cruiserweight champion in recess Guillermo Jones, who on May 17 will challenge reigning WBA cruiserweight world champion Denis Lebedev. In just 48 hours, King managed to give a few dozen interviews, experience Russian hospitality at the upscale restaurant “Carlson” and attend a concert by the famous Russian singer Valeriya, who was performing at the Crocus City Hall, which also happens to be the same venue for the Lebedev-Jones fight will take place one month later. When leaving, the 81-year-old King stated he’ll be back on May 17 to personally introduce Guillermo Jones in the Crocus City Hall arena. More photos…