Retired Irish boxers return to the ring to fight cancer

The second annual “Battle at the Bay” charity boxing event returns tonight to the Dorchester Armory in Dorchester, MA. In a special showcase exhibition, former welterweight and jr. middleweight contender Sean “The Galway Gouger” Mannion (42-14-1) of Galway, Ireland – who challenged Mike McCallum for the world title – will step back into the ring against former New England and super middleweight champion Mike Culbert (30-4) of Belfast, Ireland. The “Battle at the Bay” – a fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston – is organized by former Irish amateur boxer Mark Porter, a cancer survivor. (more…)

Weights from North Bergen, New Jersaey

By Kurt Wolfheimer

Alex Perez 151 vs. Kenny Abril 151
Juan Rodriguez 154 vs. Emmanuel Medina 159
Patryk Szymanski 150 vs. David Roman Curiel 149
Anthony Cangemi 148 vs. Edson Soto 151
Michal Chudecki 135 vs. Christian Steele 13
Elizabeth Sherman 127 vs. Nydia Feliciano 125

Venue: Schuetzen Park
Promoter: KEA Boxing Promotions in association with Global Boxing Promotions
Matchmaker: Diana Rodriguez

Boxing Buzz

Three WBC title fights will be streamed live from Frederikshavn, Denmark, on wbcboxing.tv today starting at 3:10PM ET/12:10PM PT. The webcast will include the female world welterweight championship between reigning and defending champion Cecilia Braekhus and former world champion Mia St. John, cruiserweight Mateusz Masternak against Sean Corbin for the WBC Silver International belt, and unbeaten light heavies Erik Skoglund and Luke Blackledge for the WBC Youth title.

Gamboa-Perez for WBA interim lightweight title?

By Gabriel F. Cordero

A source informed Fightnews.com about the possibility that two-division WBA world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (22-0, 16 KOs) will take on undefeated Colombian prospect Darley Perez (28-0, 19 KOs) for the WBA interim lightweight world title on the June 8 Chad Dawson-Adonis Stevenson card at the Bell Centre in Montreal in Canada. According our information, Gary Shaw Productions may have reached an agreement with Cadrilatero to make the title fight. Angelo Santana was to have faced Carlos Cardenas for the WBA interim lightweight world title last night in Las Vegas but Cardenas’ injury and Santana’s subsequent loss opens the door wide open for Gamboa and Perez.

John, Hosono, Yordan, Vetyeka make weight

By Jeff Pamungkas
Photos: Tony Tolj / Dragon Fire

Weigh-in results from the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia:

Chris John 125.4 vs. Satoshi Hosono 126
(WBA featherweight super championship)

Daud Cino Yordan 125.4 vs. Simpiwe Vetyeka 126
(IBO featherweight championship)

Undercard (Indonesia vs Tanzania, 6 rounds):
Rasmanudin 125 vs. Jay Jay Ngotiko 126
Yohannes Yordan 134.7 vs. Sadiki Momba 134
Sahlan Coral 146.2 vs. Fabian Lyimo 146.2
Heri Amol 108.9 vs. Fadili Majiha 108.2
(more…)

Rigondeaux says a win tonight would be bigger than his Olympic gold medals

Photo: Fightnews.com

There are respected boxing experts who have gone as far as to say that three-time amateur world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo ‘El Chacal’ Rigondeaux is the greatest amateur boxer in boxing history. Now the reigning WBA world super bantamweight champion, Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) says a win over WBO world jr. featherweight champion Nonito ‘Filipino Flash’ Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) tonight would trump all his previous achievements.

“Beating Nonito would be beating the best in the division,” commented Rigondeaux on his unification clash at the historic Radio City Music Hall in New York City. “I have great respect for Nonito and I think he is a great fighter. Beating him would be a great accomplishment in itself. If we beat him we can say we are true professionals. He can stop talking about me as an amateur. A win absolutely would be a bigger accomplishment than the Gold Medals.” (more…)

Agnew Drowns Mack in Battle at the Creek at Four Winds

By Sam Geraci at ringside

April 12, 2013, was a night of firsts at the Four Winds Casino and Resort in New Buffalo, MI. “Battle of the Week at Silver Creek” was the first boxing event ever held at the casino, and its main event was the first fight of Cedric Agnew’s career that suggests the quiet, undefeated twenty-six-year-old from Chicago’s Southside is finally prepared to challenge for supremacy at the light heavyweight division.

In an interview with Fightnews before outclassing Yusaf Mack (31-6-2, 17 KOs) for the USBA light heavyweight championship, Agnew (26-0, 13 KOs) reservedly expressed that what he does best is win and that he has the hand speed of Roy Jones Jr. and the defense of Ronald “Winky” Wright. (more…)

Mansour blows out Gavern in one

By Rick Scharmberg at ringside
Photos: Juan Marshall/JM Photography

Much-avoided heavyweight Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (18-0, 14 KOs) stopped late sub Jason “The Sensation” Gavern (21-14-4, 10 KOs) at 2:43 of the opening round of a scheduled twelve rounder to defend his WBF Intercontinental belt at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware. Gavern, who took the fight on 3-days notice, replaced Devin Vargas, who was injured in training. In the co-feature, Omar “Super O” Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) stopped Daniel “Super Sweet” Mitchell (5-3, 2 KOs) at 2:33 of the first round of a scheduled six round lightweight bout. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino promoted the 8-bout card, which included appearances by world super middleweight champion Andre Ward and former WBO junior welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley. Both were in town to see teenage prodigy Dusty Hernandez-Harrison fight on the undercard. (more…)

Another Upset: Gonzalez beats ex-champ Ramos

Unheralded Oscar “Fantasma” Gonzalez (21-2, 14 KOs) from Mexico scored an upset ten round unanimous decision over former WBA super bantamweight champion Rico “Suavecito” Ramos (21-3, 11 KOs) in a featherweight bout on Friday night at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington. Gonzalez dropped Ramos in round six and went on to win 98-91, 96-93, 97-93.

Lightweight Ray Lampkin Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) recovered from a second round flash knockdown to KO Landon Horseman (1-1) with body shots in round three. Time was 1:48. Lampkin Jr. is the son of former lightweight contender Ray Lampkin.

2012 Mexican Olympian jr middleweight Oscar Molina (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a first round KO against overmatched Daryl Gardner (1-2).

Shocker: Mamadjonov KOs Santana; Oliveira stops Coyne in WBA eliminator

By Butch Gottlieb/Boxinginlasvegas.com
Photos: Mary Ann Owen

In a huge upset, late sub Bahodir Mamadjonov (13-1, 9 KOs) scored a ninth round TKO over previously unbeaten WBA #3 lightweight contender Angelo Santana (14-1, 11 KOs) on Friday night at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Santana dropped Mamadjonov with a jab. Mamadjonov however hung in and dropped Santana in round eight with a series of body punches. The Uzbeki put Santana down twice in the ninth and the bout was waved off by referee Kenny Bayless. Time was :51.

Santana was originally slated to face #4 rated Carlos Cardenas for the WBA interim lightweight championship on te card, but after Cardenas bowed out last week with a shoulder injury, Mamadjonov stepped in on about a week’s notice and took full advantage of the opportunity.

“One week notice and I win by that kind of knockout,” said Mamadjonov. “The first couple of rounds he (Angelo Santana) was difficult to figure out but once I did I just got more aggressive. The hard work paid off. I came to the United States to be a champion. I want to win a world title and this was the first step. I’m just starting. It’s going to be one belt at a time…Santana hits really hard and I respect him but I could see he was getting tired in the sixth round after I hit him with a body shot.”

Santana said the bout was stopped too quickly. “The referee stopped the fight. I tell you I was still in it. I landed two big left hands earlier in the round. We were in a good fight and it should have continued. Nothing against Baha, he’s a good fighter, but I want a rematch. The last knockdown came on a slip. I slipped after throwing a punch.”

In an important WBA light heavyweight eliminator between unbeaten fighters that was disappointingly not included on the Showtime telecast, WBA #7 Marcus Oliveira (25-0-1, 20 KOs) scored an exciting eleventh round TKO over WBA #2 Ryan Coyne (21-1, 9 KOs). The bout was waved off by referee Jay Nady after Coyne was floored twice in the eleventh. Time was 1:15. (more…)

WBA calls purse bid for Povetkin-Klitschko

The World Boxing Association has ordered a purse bid for the mandatory fight between heavyweight super champion Wladimir Klitschko and regular champion Alexander Povetkin. The WBA Championships Committee announced that the auction will take place on April 23 at WBA Headquarters in Panama City with WBA Executive Vice President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza presiding. The minimum bid will be one million dollars, and the purse split will be 75% to Klitschko, 25% to Povetkin. The fight date must be between July 15 and August 31.

Weights from Corpus Christi, Texas

Juan Diaz 135.5 vs. Pipino Cuevas Jr 137.25
Jerry Belmontes 130 vs. Daniel Diaz 130
Justin DeLoach 147 vs. Martin Gonzalez 144.5
Ramsey Luna 130.5 vs. Jesus Garza 127.5
Greg Gutierrez 137 vs. Jose Rodriguez 137.5
Joesph Rodriguez 129.5 vs. Carlos Orenday 124.5
Cesar Vila 153 vs. Thomas Ronell 146.5
Ernest Reyna 238 vs. Tony Wilcox 249
Kendo Castaneda 133.25 vs. Olvin Mejia 129.25

Venue: American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Promoter: Golden Boy, Leija-Battah
TV: FSN/Fox Deportes

More Boxing Buzz

Top Rank has announced that Saturday’s clash between WBO world jr. featherweight champion Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire and undefeated WBA world super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux at the historic Radio City Music Hall has sold out. The last remaining ticket went today at 5:11 p.m.

The Mayweather-Guerrero undercard is continuing to take shape with the untelevised portion of the card adding middleweight DonYil Livingston (8-2-1, 4 KOs) against Mayweather-promoted prospect Luis Arias (4-0, 3 KOs). The 8 round contest will be fought at a catch weight of 165 lbs.

Middleweight David Lemieux (28-2, 27 KOs) says he’ll be back in action on June 8.

John-Hosono/Yordan-Vetyeka Press Conference

By Jeff Pamungkas
Photo: Dragon Fire

At the press conference held at Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Friday afternoon, South African Simpiwe Vetyeka’s trainer Nick Durandt tried to provoke the local hero IBO featherweight champion Daud Yordan by standing and talking loud. “There will be only Daud and Simpiwe in the ring!” said Durant. “Yordan’s supporters will not come into the ring. We’re coming to Jakarta and will defeat Daud Yordan. After Daud Yordan, we will come again to Jakarta to defeat Chris John!”

Yordan replied in English, “I agree with you. Only me and Simpiwe in the ring. Let’s prove it!”

On the other hand, Satoshi Hosono said to the press via his translator, “I just train as usual, no special training for this fight.” This was in reply to a journalist who asked about his fight plan since his opponent Chris John has defeated several Japanese challengers.

Chris John responded, “We’ve learned Hosono’s fighting style, and I believe I can handle him in the ring. Responding Durandt’s provocation, John said, “It’s nonsense. I know Daud, and I believe Daud is better that Vetyeka.”

Dragon Fire Promotions will stage the doubleheader show on April 14 at Indoor Tennis Stadium Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Weights from Salisbury, MD

By Kurt Wolfheimer

Alex Guerrero 193.5 vs. Terrance Smith 191.5
AJ Williams 161 vs. Issa Coulibaly 164
Frank Fillippone 169 vs. Marcus Clay 166.5
Damont Giddins 143 vs. Cyprian Khumalo 140.5
Lonnie Kornegay 273 vs. Duane Mobley 247
Hugh Hinds 128.5 vs. Nuwan Jayakody 128.5

Promoter: Jake “The Snake” Promotions
Venue: Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
First Bout: 8 PM

Boxing Buzz

Due to high demand, over 3,000 additional seats have been added for Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin “No Doubt” Trout taking place April 20 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Newly released seating priced at $150 and $100 with a ticket limit of eight per person, will only be available for purchase at the Alamodome box office and go on sale Monday at noon.
—————
Undefeated Mexican super bantamweight prospect Moises “El Chuky” Flores (18-0, 13 KOs) has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Acquinity Sports. The 26-year-old Flores hasn’t fought outside of Mexico during his 4 1/2 year professional career.
—————
Los Angeles-based Pitbull Boxing Promotions is kicking off their entrance into the boxing business as a co-promoter for the May 10 IBF 140lb eliminator between Dierry Jean and “Mookie” Pendarvis at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. The new company plans to sign talent from all over country. “At one point in time, boxing was a means of elevation for the under privileged inner-city male. Now it seems that avenue has been closed, due in part to promoters’ lack of interest in developing a fighter and the greed that comes with the business. I pride myself in being successful in my many business endeavors. Now that I have the time and the means, I want to help fighters that deserve to be seen by the masses,” said Pitbull chief Herb Hudson, owner of famed Roscoe’s House of Chicken n’ Waffles chain and also the driving force behind Pitbull Energy Products. Heading up the day-to-day business at Pitbull Boxing will be Rachel Charles and Diane Vara.
—————
Heavyweight David “Nino” Rodriquez (36-0, 34 KOs) has signed with Louis DeCubas Jr.and Rob Santos, manager and co-Manager of Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. David is back in the gym after suffering a near fatal stab wound in January 2012. Louis and Bob are eager to get David back into the heavyweight mix very soon. (Photo: Rick Pineda/Team Guerrero)

Weights from Michoacan

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Juan Jose Montes 115 vs. Julio Cesar Miranda 115
(WBC International super flyweight title)

Tomas Rojas 121 vs. Jaderes Padua 120
Marcos Reyes 159.50 vs. Eric Mitchell 157

Venue: Plaza de Toros El Relicario de Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacan
Promoter: Promociones del Pueblo
TV: Televisa

photos

Donaire, Rigondeaux make weight

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Donaire and Rigondeaux had another intense faceoff! We timed it at 64.8 seconds.

Nonito Donaire 121.6 vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux 121.5
(WBO/WBA super bantamweight titles)
Felix Verdejo 131.5 vs. Steve Gutierrez 130
Sean Monaghan 176 vs. Rex Stanley 177
Glen Tapia 154.5 vs. Joseph de los Santos 153
Mikael Zewski 148.5 vs. Daniel Sostre 147

Venue: Radio City Music Hall, NYC
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: HBO
More weights and photos…

Mansour-Gavern not for NABA heavyweight title

By Boxing Bob Newman

NABA director George Martinez has informed Fightnews.com that the heavyweight bout at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Deleware between Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (17-0, 13 KOs) and late sub Jason Gavern (21-13-4, 10 KOs) will not be for the NABA title. The originally scheduled fight between Mansour and Devin Vargas was approved for that title, that once Vargas fell out of the fight, a suitable opponent had to be submitted for NABA approval to have the fight sanctioned. Jason Gavern was inserted into the match by organizers, but NOT approved as a challenger for the vacant belt.

Wlodarczyk-Chakhkiev ready for June 22

By Przemek Garczarczyk
Photo: Ringpolska

According to Andrzej Wasilewski, promoter for WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Włodarczyk (47-2, 33 KOs), next fight for “Diablo” will happen on June 22 in Moscow against former Olympic gold medalist from Russia, Rakhim Chakhiev. “We signed a preliminary contract, Włodarczyk’s purse advance was wired to our account, so now we can start finalizing this exciting fight,” said Wasilewski. For Włodarczyk, this will be his fifth defense of the WBC belt since 2010.

Braekhus, St. John make weight

Photo: Photo Wende

Cecilia Braekhus 144.6 vs. Mia St. John 140.2
(WBA, WBC & WBO female welterweight titles)

Mateusz Masternak 196.8 vs. Sean Corbin 197.3
Erik Skoglund 173 vs. Luke Blackledge 174.3

Venue: Nord Arena in Frederikshavn, Denmark
Promoter: Sauerland Event

Meet Cedric Agnew: “He’s one helluva fighter”

Interview by Sam Geraci

On April 12th at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI, rising undefeated light heavyweight Cedric Agnew (25-0, 13 KOs) of Chicago, IL, looks to position himself as America’s next light heavyweight prospect when he takes on former world title challenger Yusaf Mack (31-5-2, 17 KOS) of Philadelphia, PA, for Mack’s USBA light heavyweight title.

While Mack has been a perennial contender for the last decade, Agnew is a relatively unknown commodity outside of Chicago, Texas and the amateur circuit. At 26, despite his undefeated record and a compilation of more than 100 amateur wins and several significant amateur championships, Agnew has yet to garner national attention as a legitimate contender and potential star. On Friday at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI, much like fellow Chicagoan Adrian Granados did against aging veteran Kermit Cintron on March 22nd in Chicago, Agnew intends to prove that he belongs among the game’s elite and that, as he put it in the following interview, he’s “one helluva fighter.” (more…)

Video: Tyson Fury Workout

Video: David Baggs

Unbeaten heavyweight Tyson Fury (20-0, 14 KOs) trains at the Final Round Boxing Gym in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, for his April 20 showdown in New York City against Steve Cunningham.

Next for Bernard Hopkins: Karo Murat

Legendary 48-year-old IBF light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins will next face mandatory challenger Karo Murat (25-1-1, 15 KOs) during the summer. A possible fight date is July 27 with the venue likely the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Only a few details need to be worked out and then Sauerland Event and Golden Boy Promotions will make the official announcement. The 29-year-old Murat stated, “I will hurt Hopkins. Like him, I live by the motto that it’s not hard, but you have to train properly. He will get to feel this.”

Marquez-Pacquiao V Update

By Gabriel F. Cordero

A source indicates to Fightnews.com that the possibility of Marquez-Pacquiao V in September remains, most likely taking place in Singapore (at the Marina Bay Sands) or Macao (at the Venetian). By fighting in Asia, both fighters would pay significantly less tax than in the United States. A big issue to address is the time of the live telecast due to the time difference between North America and Asia. The recent Zou Shiming card on HBO2 aired on a delayed basis at 2PM ET/PT in the United States. A card airing during normal USA PPV mega-event hours would have begin at 9AM China time.

In any event, it appears that Pacquiao’s next fight is centered on either Juan Manuel Marquez or Timothy Bradley, although Marquez has been talking about fighting Bradley himself. Stay tuned…

Johnny du Plooy passes

By Ron Jackson

Johnny du Plooy one of South Africa’s most charismatic and exciting fighters died in Primrose on the East Rand on Friday morning after suffering from heart problems in recent years. He was 48.

Johnny who was born on September 27, 1964 was an outstanding amateur and won the South African heavyweight championship in the years 1982, 1983 and 1984 before joining the professional ranks on April 27, 1985, scoring a first round knockout over Sephonia Naile.

DuPlooy who was promoted by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions then racked up 17 victories in quick time with 15 of those wins coming inside the distance. This included wins over international fighters like Stanley Ross, Mike Jameson, Steve Zouski, David Jaco, Kevin Porter, David Bay, James Tillis, Tyrone Booze and former IBF cruiserweight champion Ricky Parkey. (more…)

Retirement short-lived: Rendall Munroe to make ring return on May 12th

By James Slater

So much for former WBC super-bantamweight title challenger Rendall Munroe’s retirement. “2-Tone” announced he’d quit the ring shortly after his 6th-round TKO defeat to Scott Quigg in November of last year, with the 32-year-old citing weight problems and motivational problems. But today, as has been reported in Leicester Mercury, Munroe will move up to either super-featherweight or maybe even lightweight as he resumes his career.

Munroe will fight a TBA in his hometown of Leicester on May 12th. (more…)

Mares, Ponce De Leon, Santa Cruz Media Day

By Miguel Maravilla
Photos: Big Joe Miranda

WBC featherweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon (44-4, 35 KOs) of Cuatemoc Chihuahua, Mexico and unbeaten former super bantamweight champion Abner Mares (25-0-1, 13 KOs) nearby Hawaiian Gardens both worked out separately Thursday afternoon at the Azteca Boxing Gym in Bell, California for their May 4 featherweight showdown. Working out first was Abner Mares, just three weeks away from his fight with Ponce de Leon as he went through his regimen with his trainer Clemente Medina.

“I feel good,” Mares told Fightnews.com. “We’re three weeks away from the fight. I am in great spirits and really excited.” Mares has been preparing himself with Medina at the Elite MMA Academy in Santa Fe Springs, California. He will be moving up to featherweight after fighting at bantamweight and super bantamweight. (more…)