Charlie Ota, Kaneko keep belts

By Joe Koizumi

OPBF 154-pound champ, WBA#12 Charlie Ota (22-1-1, 15 KOs), 152.5, successfully kept his regional belt as he battered durable Korean Kyeongseok Kwak (10-8, 7 KOs), 154, all the way to win a nearly shutout decision (120-107, 120-109, 118-109) over twelve hot frames on Saturday afternoon at US Army Camp Zama, Zama city, Japan. Charlie (AKA Charles Bellamy), a US citizen living long in Tokyo, sent Kwak sprawling to the deck with a vicious body shots in round seven, and had him at bay down the stretch. The unique event at the US military camp, presented by Katsumata Promotions, were open to general people that entered the camp to enjoy a cherry blossom festival. It was a good show.

On the same Saturday, at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japanese 130-pound ruler Daiki Kaneko (18-2-3, 11 KOs), 129.75, kept his national belt when he dropped WBC#8 Kyohei Tamakoshi (31-8-6, 12 KOs), 129.5, with a wicked left hook at the closing seconds of the fifth and finally halted him with the referee’s intervention at 1:39 of the ninth session. Surprisingly, ex-WBA 122-pound champ Akifumi Shimoda (27-3-2, 12 KOs), 124, was held to a majority draw (95-95, 96-96, 97-94 for him) by ex-OPBF ruler Roli Gasca (19-4-1, 5 KOs), 123.25, a free-swinging Filipino puncher, over ten. Shimoda looked fast as usual in the first three rounds, but roughly mixed it up with Gasca, who scored well with looking left hooks in the last three sessions.

Sanchez beats Perez again to retain WBA female bantamweight crown

WBA female bantamweight champion Irma “Torbellino” Garcia (7-0-1, 1 KO) retained her title by split decision in a rematch with former champ Janeth Perez (17-2-2, 4 KOs) on Saturday night at the El Chamizal Sport Center in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico. Scores were 96-94, 97-93 for Sanchez, 96-94 for Perez.

Super lightweight Ricardo “Dinamita” Alvarez (20-2-3, 13 KOs) scored a second round KO over over Carlos Valdez (12-6, 9 KOs) to defend his WBC Latino belt. Alvarez floored Valdez twice in round two, the second time for the count. Alvarez is the older brother of WBC super welterweight world champion Canelo Alvarez.

WBA interim minimumweight champion Jesus Silvestre (27-3, 19 KOs) scored a sixth round TKO Luis Carlos Leon (15-7-1, 11 KOs) in a non-title jr flyweight bout. The bout was waved off with Silvestre pounding Leon.

Unbeaten middleweight Bruno Sandoval (13-0, 12 KOs) scored a first round TKO over Isaac Mendez (16-10, 15 KOs).

Spadafora outpoints Frankel to win NABF belt

Unbeaten former IBF lightweight champion Paul “The Pittsburgh Kid” Spadafora (48-0-1, 19 KOs) won a clear ten round unanimous decision over “Red Hot” Robert Frankel (32-13-1, 6 KOs) to claim the vacant NABF jr welterweight title on Saturday night at the Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in Chester, West Virginia. Spadafora, currently rated IBF #8, WBA #9, WBO #10 and WBC #14, showed he still has his boxing skills at age 37 with a 97-93, 98-92, 99-91 verdict that extended boxing’s longest-running current unbeaten streak. (more…)

Fletcher stops Suico

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Werner Kalin

WBA#5 Jarrod” Left Jab” Fletcher (15-1, 9KOs) stopped Randy Suico (31-9-1, 26KOs) at the conclusion of round five of a scheduled twelve round bout to retain the PABA middleweight crown at the Grand Star Receptions, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on Friday. Fletcher controlled all the rounds with superior boxing skills and at the end of round five the corner of Suico retired there boxer. Fletcher has targeted former WBA 168 pound champion Anthony Mundine. The Australian’s only loss is to Englishman Billy Joe Saunders.

In the main supporting bout welterweight Tim Hunt (16-3, 5KOs) outscored Robert Whaley (7-8-2, 4KOs) over twelve rounds to retain the PABA title. (more…)

Fists of Gold: Estrada dethrones Viloria, Martinez edges Magdaleno; Ishimoto shocks WV2; Shiming wins pro debut

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Juan Francisco Estrada (23-2, 17 KOs) seized the WBA and WBO flyweight titles by taking a twelve round split decision against reigning champion Brian Viloria (32-4, 19 KOs) on Saturday night in the Cotai Arena at the luxurious Venetian Macao Resort in Macao, China. It was a very exciting fight with both fighters throwing bombs from from the get-go. In a war of attrition Estrada kept coming as Viloria faded. Viloria took heavy punishment late. Scores were 116-111, 117-111 for Estrada and 115-113 for Viloria.

WBO jr lightweight champion Roman Martinez (27-1-2, 16 KOs) won a twelve round split decision to retain his title against previously unbeaten #1 rated mandatory challenger Diego Magdaleno (23-1, 9 KOs). Martinez scored a knockdown with a right hand in round four and stalked Magdaleno the entire fight. Magdaleno had his moments, but Martinez did enough to win by scores of 115-112, 114-113 on two cards. Magdaleno was up 116-111 on the third card.

In the main event, pro debuting two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time world amateur champion Zou Shiming won a four round unanimous decision over Eleazar Valenzuela (2-2-1, 1 KOs) in a flyweight bout. Showing great quickness, Shiming outclassed a very tough opponent, winning 40-36 on all cards.

In a war, 12:1 underdog Yasutaka Ishimoto (22-6, 5 KOs) scored a majority decision over former WBO super bantamweight champion Wilfredo “WV2″ Vazquez Jr (22-3-1, 19 KOs). It was a grueling and close back-and-forth fight. Ishimoto scored a knockdown in round eight when WV2 touched a glove to the canvas and then closed the fight strong to pull it out by scores of 95-95, 96-93, 95-94. (more…)

Amir Khan now ranked #2 by the WBC …at Welterweight!

By James Slater

In surprising news, Britain’s Amir Khan has been elevated to the number-two position in the welterweight ratings of the WBC; this despite the fact that the former WBA/IBF 140-pound king has never fought at 147-pounds.

This move by the WBC has led to widespread speculation that Khan may face unbeaten superstar and reigning WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Junior. For a long time now, “King Khan” has been speaking about his hopes of one day facing, and defeating, “Money,” while Mayweather himself has often spoken of his desire to take a fight in the U.K. This scenario may seem highly unlikely, but who knows? (more…)

Norgrove dies after ring injury

Sad to report that unbeaten British jr middleweight Michael “The Zambezi Hitman” Norgrove (5-0, 0 KOs) has passed away in London after a head injury suffered in a fight on March 28. Norgrove suddenly collapsed during a match with Tom Bowen at the Ring Boxing Club and was rushed to the hospital where he underwent brain surgery. He was just 31.

Weights From Chester, WV

Paul Spadafora 139.5 vs. Rob Frankel 139.5
(NABF Super Lightweight Championship)
Wilkins Santiago 155 vs. Mustafah Johnson 155.5
Bill Hutchinson 143.5 vs. Damon Antoine 143.5
Travis Clark 203 vs. Martez Williamson 196.5
Joe Holt 156.5 vs. Austin Marcum 155.5
Ed Latimore 228 vs. Donnie Crawford 216

Venue: Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort
Promoter: Roy Jones Jr. & TNT Promotions

Magdaleno a 3:1 favorite to dethrone Martinez

While WBA/WBO flyweight champion Brian Viloria is a -600 favorite to retain his belts against Juan Francisco Estrada (+400) tonight in Macao, China, fellow world champion Rocky Martinez isn’t getting a similar show of support from oddsmakers. Challenger Diego Magdaleno is a strong -300 favorite to seize the WBO super featherweight belt from Martinez (+225) when they collide on the card’s other world title clash.

Odds from bet365.com

Nugaev, Tolmajyan knock off unbeaten fighters

In an upset, lightweight Rustam “The Mongoose” Nugaev (23-6, 13 KOs) returning from a 21 month layoff scored an eighth round KO over previously undefeated lightweight Jonathan “Inca Peruano” Maicelo (16-1, 10 KOs) on Friday night at the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, California. In a good action fight, Nugaev pressured Maicelo throughout, finally knocking him out in the eighth with a crushing straight right. Time was 2:03. With the win, Nugaev claims the vacant USBA title.

In another upset, lightweight Gabriel “The Ghost” Tolmajyan (13-2-1, 3 KOs) scored a one-sided eight round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jorge “Machito” Maysonet Jr. (11-1, 10 KOs). Tolmajyan outworked Maysonet to win by scores of 77-75, 80-71, 80-71. Maysonet is the son of former welterweight contender Jorge Maysonet.

Lightweight Alejandro Luna (13-0, 9 KOs) swept past Mario Hermosillo (11-10-3, 2 KOs) by scores of 40-36 over four.

Officials for Macao fights

By Boxing Bob Newman

Brian Viloria vs Juan Francisco Estrada
WBO/WBA flyweight world titles
Referee: Genaro Rodriguez, Chicago IL, USA
Judges: Levi Martinez, Las Cruces NM, USA; Michael Pernick, Miami FL, USA; Francisco Martinez, Auckland, New Zealand

Roman Martinez vs Diego Magdaleno
WBO super featherweight world title
Referee: Raul Caiz JR, California, USA
Judges: Levi Martinez, Las Cruces NM, USA; Michael Pernick, Miami FL, USA; Robert Hoyle, Las Vegas NV, USA

Wilfredo Vasquez vs Yasutaka Ishimoto
WBO International super bantamweight title
Referee: Genaro Rodriguez, Chicago IL, USA
Judges: Levi Martinez, Las Cruces NM, USA; Robert Hoyle, Las Vegas NV, USA; Salven Lagumbay, Mandaue City, Cebu, Phillipines

Zaou Shiming vs Eleazar Valenzuela
4 round pro debut / main event
Referee: Genaro Rodriguez, Chicago IL, USA
Judges: Levi Martinez, Las Cruces NM, USA; Michael Pernick, Miami FL, USA; Robert Hoyle, Las Vegas NV, USA

Garcia-Perez rematch Saturday

WBA female bantamweight champion Irma “Torbellino” Garcia (6-0-1, 1 KO) will look to repeat her victory over former champ Janeth Perez (17-1-2, 4 KOs) at the El Chamizal Sport Center in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico on Saturday night. Irma shocked the world by defeating then unbeaten Janeth Perez to capture the WBA title in January.

The co-feature will be a 12-round fight between Ricardo “Dinamita” Alvarez (19-2-3, 12 KOs) and Carlos Valdez (12-5, 9 KOs) for Alvarez’s WBC Latino super lightweight title. Alvarez is the older brother of WBC super welterweight world champion Canelo Alvarez.

The card will be televised on FOX Deportes in the United States and Televisa in Mexico.

Weights from Carolina, Puerto Rico

Thomas Dulorme 144 vs. Ben Ankrah 144
Manny” Siaca 163 vs. Milton Nunez 163
Enrique Collazo 168 vs. Michael Suarez 171
Manny Rodriguez 118 vs. Jose Ruiz 121
Efhrain Cruz 133 vs. Wilfred Garriga 133
Luis Rodriguez 142 vs. Luis Guzman 142
Victor Perez 139 vs. Angel Hernandez 135
Pedro Ortiz 114 vs. Joseph Santos 118
Anthony Mercado 141 vs. Brian Montalvo 138

Venue: Coliseo Guillermo Angulo
Promoter: Universal Promotions
TV: DIRECTV (Puerto Rico)

Foreman, JoJo Dan victorious

By Arvin Nundloll at ringside
Keith Rosengarten / RingsidePhotos.com

Former WBA Jr. Middleweight champion Yuri Foreman (30-2-0) looked calm and composed as he easily defeated Gundrick King (18-10-0) via unanimous decision in a 6 round middleweight bout on Thursday night at the Roseland Ballrom in New York City. Foreman remained the aggressor throughout the fight and was clinical in landing his jab to control to control the pace of the fight. Foreman showed no sign of problems with his knee, an injury that had previously forced him to retire. King rarely troubled Foreman throughout the fight and seemed content to see out the final rounds. At the end of 6 rounds, all the judges at ringside scored the bout 60-54 in favor of Yuri Foreman.

Jr. Middleweight Ionut “Jo Jo” Dan (31-2-0) battled to a points victory over Damian Frias (19-7-1) in a close but scrappy bout, winning via unanimous decision over 8 rounds. The judges all gave the fight to Dan, scoring it 76-75, 78-73 and 78-73. Dan produced a solid display of boxing prowess in the sixth round, staggering Frias multiple times before he was saved by the bell. The seventh round fared no better for Frias as Dan stalked him down and continued to unleash all manner of punches. Frias was also warned for excessive holding towards the end of the round 7. Frias saw out the final round and tried to go toe to toe with Dan in an attempt to try and take the round.

In a tough fight for both men, super bantamweight Luis Orlando Del Valle defeated a game Andre Wilson by way of TKO. Time of the stoppage was 1.32 in round 5. Del Valle knocked down Wilson with a right uppercut to the body towards the end of round 3. (more…)

Boxing coming to Cicero, Illinois

By Johnny B’

Cicero, Illinois will be the host of championship boxing for both amateur and professionals this month. The Clyde Park facility also known as Cicero Stadium, located at 1909 South Laramie, Cicero IL will be the venue for the Chicagoland 2013 Golden Gloves amateur boxing championships being held Thursday thru Saturday April 11th, 12th and 13th.

The professionals will come to Cicero Stadium on Friday April 26th. Featured bouts include light middleweight “King” David Estrada (25-6, 16 KOs) and undefeated super middleweight Mike Gavronski (11-0-1, 8 KOs). Featured female headliners are featherweight Amanda Serrano (17-1-1, 12 KOs) and super featherweight Cindy Serrano (18-5-2, 8 KOs) in separate bouts. Promoter Sammy Merza is working on getting some of these matchups for title belts. S/M promotions also plans a full undercard of local up-and-coming pros.

Fists of Gold: The Zou Dynasty Begins

Report and photos by Dennis Principe

From banners, flyers, LED advertising & tickets, all you will see is the image of two-time Olympic gold winner Zou Shiming as promoters try to push him to become the face of China’s professional boxing in Saturday night’s “Fists of Gold” boxing card at the Venetian Hotel in Macau.

“Unbelievable,” was the only reply of one international promoter when told Zou will reportedly earn $300,000 for his pro debut set for four rounds.

But don’t tell that to promoter Bob Arum, perhaps the man with gold in his fists as only he can pay tons of money and gamble on a fighter set to turn pro at age 32.

“No gamble at all because it is being supported by the Venetian. We’re showing it on television all over the world. It’s going to be a great attendance and everybody’s very, very happy,” said Arum “Remember, he is the reason why we are all here. He is the young man that’s going to lead the charge and make boxing a major sport in China.” (more…)

Chauke challenges for SA flyweight title

By Ron Jackson

Nearly five years after fighting at the Olympic Games, Jackson Chauke has a chance of winning a national professional title this weekend. Chauke gets his long-awaited shot at a title when he challenges SA flyweight champion Lwandile Sityatha at the Orient Theatre in East London on Sunday afternoon.

Chauke was an outstanding amateur who won the flyweight division at the SA championships in 2004 and 2005. He won a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and also represented South Africa at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he lost his first fight. (more…)

McDonnell: I’ll stop Ceja to win the world title

Bantamweight Jamie McDonnell believes his army of supporters, and opponent Julio Ceja’s lack of a well-stamped passport, will be crucial in sweeping him to world title victory when the pair clash in his hometown’s Keepmoat Stadium on May 11. They go head-to-head for the vacant IBF crown on the pitch at the home of Doncaster Rovers Football Club, and Jamie is convinced Ceja’s first experience of fighting outside of his native Mexico will be a painful one.

“It’s a massive factor,” stated the 27-year-old. “It’s probably what will make me win the fight, having that home support behind me, cheering me on. He’s always had that in his favour and he’s not used to being out of his comfort zone, it’s all new to him. Having 9000 ‘Donny’ people screaming for me, it’s going to be intimidating for him. (more…)

Video: Fists of Gold weigh-in

By Dennis Principe

Showpony Promotions presents a development tournament

By Ron Jackson

Damian Michael of Showpony Promotions presents a development tournament on Monday, April 22 at the Barnyard Theatre in the Cresta Centre, Randburg. The six bout show will be headed by featherweights Prince Ndlovu and Sibusiso Khumalo in a scheduled six rounder. This is a rematch with their first fight ending in draw. In a super bantamweight clash over six rounds Morne Bothma takes on Gert Aries and in a four rounder lightweight Oumpie Stiven faces Brandon Bocking who will be making his debut. Cruiserweight Paul Anderson meets Duzela Sithole over four rounds. Both will be making their debuts. Also having their first fights as professionals will be middleweights Leron Myles against Andile Nomlala and heavyweights George Tshimanga against Devan Beckham. Both bouts are scheduled for four rounds.

Meanwhile Siphato Handi of Mamli Promotions has announced that Simphiwe Khonco (11-4, 6 KOs) of Mthatha, the South African minimumweight champion, and Khanyakude Mukansi from the Limpopo province, who has a reported record of 6-8-2, 1 KO will meet for the vacant WBA Pan African minmumweight title over 12 rounds at the OR Tambo Hall in Mthatha on April 14.

Quick Quotes from Macao

Brian Viloria: “I don’t see this as an easy fight. Estrada has the ability to be a champion. He’s very good. My edge over him in this fight will be my experience and the patience that comes from it. I never thought I’d be the last of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team still fighting but now that I am I think it’s very cool. I’m representing my teammates – my Olympic homies.

“Zou is quick-handed and has great foot movement. He does not have that pop yet. Freddie [Roach] is teaching him to sit on his punches. He’s got a good chin. He can take a punch.”

Juan Francisco Estrada: “I can go toe-to-toe with Viloria. It’s an easier style for me to fight against. My youth could be an advantage. I’ll be fresher. I’ll have to box more to avoid Viloria’s explosiveness. Juan Manuel Márquez’s victory over Manny Pacquiao has inspired me and all of México. It made me so happy.”

Diego Magdaleno: “Martinez only has an ‘A Plan.’ He looks to land that big right hand. He loads up and presses it. I will win and make this fight easy by outboxing him and outthinking him. I have scouted him in-person, attending his fights and watching loads of tape. My style has matured. Las Vegas needs someone like me to represent the city.”

Eleazar Valenzuela: “I never heard of Zou Shiming before taking this fight against him. I only had nine amateur fights. The biggest purse I’ve fought for so far is $400. I’m here to win. The crowd makes no difference to me. I’m not fighting the crowd. I’m fighting Zou. Will he be shocked when he is hit by a professional fighter for the first time? He’ll be shocked when he’s hit by this professional fighter.”

Marquez-Esquer collide April 19

Photos: Zanfer Promotions

Hernan “Tyson” Marquez (34-3-0, 25 ko’s) is confident about returning to where he was until his most recent fight, a world champion and Mexican boxing idol. The first step is a ten round clash against Juan “Panterita” Esquer (29-11-2, 22 ko’s) on April 19 in the Gimnasio del Estado in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

Marquez: “I’m very excited about my return,” said Marquez. “I’ll give my people a great fight and regain my winning ways. There are many plans for me in 2013, but this is the first win on the 19th against a warrior like Esquer, experienced and with international exposure…we are prepared to go to war! I have 7 weeks of preparation with a lot of motivation.”

Esquer: “This fight will be another war and it will not come to a decision as before (July 2009, when ‘Tyson’ won by unanimous decision). This fight is a great opportunity against ‘Tyson’, a great ex-world champion and an elite fighter. I’m sure I’ll win, but the biggest winner will be the people going to see this fight.”

More photos…

Boxing back in San Diego

By Felipe Leon

San Diego’s premier boxing promoter, Bobby DePhilippi’s and his promotional outfit Bobby D Presents, return on Friday, April 19th, to the long-reigning home of Southern California boxing, the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in San Diego, CA, with his much anticipated “Champions of Tomorrow” fight card. San Diego fight fans are in for a treat in the main event when local super lightweight Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (7-0, 3KOs) of Imperial Beach, puts his undefeated record as collateral when he faces knock out artist Joshua “Superman” Marks (8-4, 8KOs) of El Centro, CA. (more…)

Pendarvis vs. Jean lands in Oklahoma

The big IBF jr. welterweight eliminator clash between Cleotis Pendarvis and Dierry Jean has found a home in Oklahoma…Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.

Canelo: I’m ready for Trout

By Miguel Maravilla
Photos: Gene Blevins – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

WBC jr. middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (41-0-1, 30KOs) is just three weeks away from his title unification showdown with WBA jr. middleweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (26-0, 14KOs). The two will meet later this month on April 20 in San Antonio, Texas. Canelo worked out Thursday afternoon for media at the Wild Card West Gym in Santa Monica, California.

“It’s going very well,” Canelo told Fightnews.com. “I’m ready with a little more than two weeks to away. I’m ready to go.” The Mexican superstar began his preparation in his hometown of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico before coming to Santa Monica as he continues his preparation in the beach city located west of Los Angeles. He has been training here for the last six weeks working with his longtime team and father/son duo of manager Jose “Chepo” Reynoso and trainer Eddie Reynoso. (more…)