WBC champs Yamanaka, Yaegashi to defend in August

Report and Photo by Joe Koizumi

A WBC world title twinbill will take place in Tokyo, Japan, on August 12. It was announced by Teiken Promotions yesterday. WBC bantam champ Shinsuke Yamanaka (18-0-2, 13 KOs), making his fourth defense, will put his belt on the line against Puerto Rican Jose Nieves (22-2-3, 11 KOs) in a contest of the southpaws. WBC flyweight titlist Akira Yaegashi (17-3, 9 KOs) will risk his throne against Mexican hard-puncher Oscar Blanquet (32-5-1, 23 KOs) in the first title bout.

Yamanaka, a hard-hitting southpaw, previously kept his WBC 118-pound belt against Vic Darchinyan (W12), Tomas Rojas (KO7) and Malcolm Tunacao (TKO12) to his credit. Yaegashi, ex-WBA 105-pound ruler, jumped up to the 112-pound category and impressively dethroned lefty compatriot Toshiyuki Igarashi by an upset decision last April. This will be his initial defense.

The doubleheader will be held at Ota Ward General-purpose Gymnasium in Tokyo.

Jackson Schools Ramos and Villereal Shows Veteran Grit

By Chris Morris, Rocky Mountain Boxing
Photo by Eric ‘Suga Foot’ Duran

In front of a large and loud crowd Brad ‘B-Loco’ Jackson took previously undefeated Jeremy Ramos to school, nearly shutting out the young upstart fighter. Victor Villereal weathered the storm from Aaron Quintana taking his ’0′ with a unanimous decision win. Rudy Zapata seemingly did enough to get the nod over Hugo Arceo but had to settle for a draw. Undercard action was exciting with knockdowns and knockouts that had the fight fans on their feet. (more…)

Boxing Buzz

Cleveland junior middleweight Willie Nelson is gearing up for his biggest fight to date, against Argentina’s Luciano Leonel Cuello, June 29th on HBO. More

The camp of Tyson Fury is telling media that a showdown with David Haye is in the works. They also declare that an agreement must be arranged for the end of the month.

Boxing organizations are protesting a new rule that allow pros to fight in the Olympics. More

“Kochulito” Montiel arrives in Ixtapa

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Mexican three-time world champion Fernando “Kochulito” Montiel made his arrival on Monday at Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport. On Saturday he’ll face Filipino Jaderes Padua at the Sports Complex in the luxurious Hotel Azul Ixtapa.

Montiel was accompanied by his team. For the rest of the week he’ll finish his preparations, maintaining the weight and make final adjustments for Friday’s weigh-in.

IBF orders Hopkins to fight Kovalev

Earlier today, the IBF ordered Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins to make his next title defense against newly-crowned #1 contender Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev of Russia. On Friday, Kovalev scored his 9th impressive knockout in a row with a third round demolition of Houston’s Cornelius White on the NBC Sports Network’s critically acclaimed Fight Night series. “When the IBF issued today’s letter, ordering Hopkins to fight Kovalev next, without granting any exceptions to Hopkins in the interim, everything changed,” promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events, said. “Kovalev has many opportunities, now. We are going to take a few days to evaluate and then decide upon the next move. Of course, Sergey would be thrilled to face Hopkins if Bernard wants the fight.”

Kovalev is surely ready, willing and able to fight Hopkins. “I want to fight Bernard Hopkins because he is a legend of boxing,” Kovalev said after knocking out White. “It was good news that Hopkins and Karo Murat fell out. C’mon and fight. I’m ready. Are you ready?”

Abraham dissatisfied with purse, threatens immediate retirement

Coming off a KO loss to Robert Stieglitz and scheduled to face a little known opponent, former world champion Arthur Abraham is certainly looking at a pay cut. And he’s not happy about it. King Arthur told BILD, “If Sauerland Event will not agree with my attorney, I’m not boxing. Not August 24 and not later…I ​​don’t need to box anymore. I can retire immediately. You have to deal with an athlete fairly.”

If everything is resolved, Abraham is slated to face Willbeforce Shihepo on August 24 in Schwerin, Germany.

Campillo victorious in tuneup, Fonfara is next

Former WBA light heavyweight champion Gabriel “EL Chico Guapo” Campillo (21-5-1, 8 KOs) was victorious on Friday night, scoring a second round stoppage of Ionut Trandafir Ilie (14-16-1, 2 KOs) in Sedavi, Spain. Campillo will now prepare for his August 16 title challenge against “The Polish Prince”, IBO light heavyweight world champion Andrzej Fonfara in the main event at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

Barnett wins by sixth-round TKO in self-promoted main event

By Gary “Digital” Williams at ringside

Washington, DC lightweight Ty Barnett scored a sixth-round TKO over a very game and determined Stephan Alexander of Norfolk, VA in the main event of his self-promoted Top Flight Promotions card Saturday night at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC. This bout was very close with Barnett holding a slight edge in the early going but Alexander was having a solid sixth round until the two clashed heads. From there, the bout switched for the final time in Barnett’s favor as he landed a vicious body shot that dropped Alexander to one knee. Alexander did not beat Joe Cooper’s count and the bout was stopped at 1:36 of the sixth. Barnett is now 21-3-1, 14 KOs while Alexander has all six’s on his record 6-6, six KOs. (more…)

Brook: Injury hell is behind me

Welterweight Kell Brook is relieved to have his injury nightmare behind him and has promised to put on a show when he makes his ring return against Carson Jones at MS3 Craven Park in Hull on July 13. After working his way into mandatory position to challenge Devon Alexander, the unbeaten Brook saw his shot at the IBF world title twice postponed after both men succumbed to training injuries. The bout was rearranged for May but an injury to his right foot meant Brook had to pull out of the fight.

“It has been very frustrating,” said Brook. “I have never really had an injury in my whole career and then just before the biggest fight of my life it happens to come along. It was horrible and I was absolutely gutted about it. Without a doubt it was the hardest thing I have had to go through in my boxing career. I have always wanted to be a World champion and when I got a World title fight it got taken away from me and it was out of my hands, it was so frustrating. I couldn’t watch Alexander v Lee Purdy, I couldn’t do it. Knowing that I should have been in there that night, I couldn’t sit down and watch it.” (more…)

Afolabi: I’m ready to move on to other challenges

One week after challenging for the WBO cruiserweight world title, top rated contender Ola Afolabi has returned home to Southern California and is preparing to map out his future for another world title opportunity. Afolabi lost a hotly contested majority decision to Marco Huck on June 8 in Berlin, Germany, the third time they have fought. “I congratulate Marco, he fought a very good fight. This is the third time we’ve fought so I’m ready to move on to other challenges,” said Afolabi, 0-2-1 against Huck in three close fights. “I’ll be back in the gym shortly fully focused on fighting my way back into world title contention.”

Yoyo retains SA title with a second round stoppage

By Ron Jackson

Mzolisi Yoyo retained his South African junior welterweight title and captured the vacant World Boxing Federation Intercontinental light welterweight belt when he smashed Luyanda Jako to defeat in two rounds at the Orient Theatre in east London on Sunday afternoon. The 37 year-old Yoyo from Mdantsane came out fast at the opening bell and took the fight to the challenger and sent him down for a count midway through the first round. The champion continued to land with left and rights throughout the second round as the southpaw Jako from Tembisa was unable to stem the tide. It came as no surprise when Jako’s corner indicated to the referee that their man would not come out for the third round. Yoyo improved his record to 22-4; 17 and Jako’s reported record drops to 9-8-1; 4. This was Yoyo’s fifth successful defence after successful defences against Masande Kakaza, Zola Thunywa, Sikhulule Sidzumo and Thapelo Potwana. The tournament was presented by Ayanda Matiti of Xaba Promotions.

James Kirkland arrested on an assault charge

Jr. middleweight contender James Kirkland was arrested Saturday night in Austin, Texas on an assault charge. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Kirkland was charged with causing bodily injury to a family member. Has has been released on bail. Kirkland (31-1, 27 KOs) last fought in March 2012, getting a controversial DQ win over Carlos Molina. His career has been stalled since due to management and promotional issues.

Ron Scott Stevens & Ian Cannon Ring 8 Guest Speakers

Former Chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, Ron Scott Stevens, and wheelchair boxer Ian Cannon will be special guest speakers this Tuesday evening (June 18, 7:00 p.m. ET) at historic Waterfront Crabhouse, in Long Island City, New York.

Recognized as an expert in the boxing industry, Stevens will discuss state athletic commissions and their obligation to appoint only qualified judges to score bouts and, of course, how to achieve that. In addition to being a highly respected and nationally known boxing commissioner, he was also a promoter, matchmaker, boxing editor and writer, and he even did some ring announcing. A person of diverse interests, Stevens is also an accomplished playwright who has written seven plays, including his most recent, “Paper Tiger.” (more…)

Juanma: The word retirement is not in me

While former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez was not available after the fight following his KO loss to Mikey Garcia, he did speak to El Nuevo Dia about his future plans. He said he’ll take a vacation during the summer and then decide what to do about his future. “The word retirement is not in me,” he said. As for the fight with Mikey, Juanma commented “There are no excuses. He was better tonight. I didn’t expect him to use the left so well. We prepared for his right, but his left hook got me good.”

Martin Rogan looks to ring return, picks Haye to “destroy” Fury

By James Slater

Veteran heavyweight and former Commonwealth champion Martin Rogan is itching to get back in the ring and he has three names on mind for when he does so. Speaking with The Belfast Newsletter, the former “Prizefighter” winner said he wants to challenge for the British and Commonwealth belts soon and has a plan to get himself in line: “I want to face Sam Sexton again, I want to fight Dereck Chisora and I want to knock out Darren Corbett,” the 42-year-old said. “Those are the guys I want to take care of first and then we’ll see what is next. At time moment in time I am ranked six in Britain and I am ranked 44 in the world. I will fight anyone and I want a shot at the British and Commonwealth titles. I have been training away and I will be ready when the time opportunity arises.” (more…)

Canelo Alvarez Update

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Last week Saul Alvarez began his training for his fight with Floyd Mayweather and last Friday he had a meeting in the gym with the local and international press. “I’m focused to the fullest and we know what we have to do to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr,” said Canelo. “I know that we must be well trained and this will be the best preparation of my career. That will be my night and surprise the world.” Trainer Edison Reynoso stated “We are convinced that we’re working as hard as Mayweather Jr., who excluding Marquez and De la Hoya, has not faced intelligent boxers. In addition, Saul is very strong.” The Canelo Team will have to break camp at the end of the month for a 12 city press tour to promote the September 14 super fight at the MGM in Las Vegas.

Banks on Mitchell Rematch: “Different Date, Same Result”

By Bob Ryder
Photos: Bob Ryder

NABO and WBC International heavyweight title holder Johnathon Banks made a hometown visit last week for a public sparring session and media Q&A held in a ring set up on the football field of Ecorse (MI) High School. Under sunny skies and warm weather, Banks drove into the school parking lot accompanied by a four car police escort along with a fire truck, all with lights flashing. After changing into his work out gear and speaking with assembled media, Banks entered the ring to the beat of the school’s drum line to engage in four rounds of sparring split between former contender Jameel McCline and Alex Zubov. The sparring was crisp and Banks took time to greet his fans and sign autographs after his ring work was finished.

Fightnews.com spoke with a confident and relaxed Banks about his upcoming June 22 rematch with Seth Mitchell. (more…)

Mikey Garcia speaks about his victory

By Miguel Maravilla
Photo: Joel Colon/PR Best

Mikey Garcia (31-0, 26 KOs) was impressive in his stoppage over Juan Manuel Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs) on Saturday night on HBO’s Boxing After Dark from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. “Fans came to see a fight I gave the fans a good fight and a spectacular victory. It was a good night for me,” Mikey Garcia told media at the post-fight press conference. “It’s a good victory this shows that I have what it takes. This is a good satisfying victory. We have to go forward there is a lot more to accomplish.”

Testing each other out in the opening round Mikey Garcia boxed from the outside using his jab while Lopez searched for openings countering. “We worked all of camp to jab, step back, and right hand. We practiced hard and executed,” Mikey said. “We tried to be extra careful. He does have heavy hands. I was able to land my jab and stay outside comfortably so I was ready to keep that pace.” (more…)

Chris John wins another award

By Brett Bonetti

Current undefeated WBA world featherweight champion Chris “The Dragon” John (48-0-2, 22 KOs) has been voted as “Favorite Athlete” at the Indonesia Kids Choice Awards. The WBA Fighter of The Decade said “Thank you to all Indonesian children who voted for me as your favorite athlete Indonesia Kids Choice Awards, I believe and am sure many future world champions are among you.” Chris John said he goes by 3 D’s – Discipline, Dedication and Determination. “It has been an honor to defend the WBA title,” John said.

Yorgey outworks Kennedy

By Kurt Wolfheimer at ringside

Saturday night, before a near sellout crowd at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, rising middleweight “Lightning Harry Joe Yorgey (27-2-1, 12KOs) overcame a strong willed “Relentless” Julius Kennedy (7-6-1, 3KOs) to capture the WBF North American middleweight belt via a ten round majority decision victory. The fight had stunning back and forth action and is already being billed as one of the Pennsylvania fight of the year candidates. The co-feature of the evening saw flashy Tevin “The American Idol” Farmer (11-4-1, 2KOs) capture the UBC Inter-continental title with an eighth round TKO of fellow Philadelphian Victor Vasquez (16-8-1, 7KOs). The nine bout card promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions was a marathon of sorts, with eight bouts going the distance, while the ninth only missed the distance by one minute, giving the local boxing fans a solid fifty four rounds of boxing action. (more…)

Jennings-Fedesov Full Report

Story by John DiSanto – PhillyBoxingHistory.com
Photos by Gary Purfield

Heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings won a tough battle with Andrey Fedosov Friday night in Bethlehem, PA at the Sands Casino Resort. Jennings halted his opponent after six rounds. The fight was the main event of a nationally televised triple header on NBC Sports Network’s FIGHT NIGHT series. In other televised bouts, light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev stopped Cornelius White, and welterweight Ray Narh defeated Ronald Cruz. For complete coverage of the entire fight card, including the full slate of supporting bouts, and a big photo gallery, click here.visit http://www.phillyboxinghistory.com/.

Payano-Maraon Full Report

By Kurt Wolfheimer at ringside
Photos: Tom Casulli

Professional boxing returned to the South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey this past Friday for the first time in eighteen years as GH3 and Greg Cohen Promotions presented an explosive eight bout card with local and international flavor. The ten round main event of the evening featured a battle of undefeated southpaw bantamweights as former two-time Dominican Olympian Juan Carlos Payano (13-0, 7 KOs) battled it out with explosive Jundy “Pretty Boy” Maraon of the Philippines (15-0-1, 12 KOs). When the dust settled, it was Payano who rose off the canvas to score the explosive knockout on the card nationally televised on ESPN2Friday Night Fights. In the eight round co-feature of the eight bout card, fellow Dominican Yenifel Vicente (25-1-2, 17 KOs) captured the vacant WBC FECARBOX junior featherweight title with a pulsating fourth round technical stoppage of local favorite Jorge Diaz (17-2, 10 KOs) of nearby New Brunswick, New Jersey. (more…)

Boxing Buzz

After Juan Manual Lopez’s less than competitive showing against Mikey Garcia, Nonito Donaire is talking rematch against Guillermo Rigondeaux. More

Former champ Frida Wallberg has awakened from a coma following surgery due to injuries sustained in a knockout loss to Diana Prazak Friday night. More

Father’s Day blues: Former fighter Mike McCallum talks to the Las Vegas Sun about his son entering the boxing world and his mixed feelings. More

Bojorquez cruises to win over Flores

By Felipe Leon at ringside
Photos: Renzo Novara

After a much to be desired fight card presented by Zanfer Promotions the night before, start up company V&B Promotions gave the Tijuana fight fans a great night of boxing last Saturday night at the famed Municipal Auditorium located in the heart of the border town. Although the building, which holds about five thousand fans, wasn’t close to being full, the sparse crowd still enjoyed the performance of talent from both sides of the border.

In the main event, super bantamweight Christian Bojorquez (11-0, 2KOs) took on the experienced but hard luck Enrique “Cholito” Flores (0-16-1), both of Tijuana, in a six rounder. Although Flores’ record is not much, he is known as a tough out in Tijuana circles and he proved by going down in the third round but getting up and giving Bojorquez all he had. (more…)