Oliver McCall video interview

By Przemek Garczarczyk

Former WBC heavyweight champion Oliver McCall (56-12, 37 KO) talks about his upcoming fight in Poland (May 18, Legionowo near Warsaw) against undefeated Polish heavyweight Krzysztof Zimnoch (14-0, 11 KO). “Atomic Bull” McCall talks also about the controversial ending to his last fight against Francesco Pianeta (who will challenge IBF/WBO/WBA/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko on May 4) and what it means to fight on the same card as his son, Elijah.

Rodriguez-Takayama Public Work Out

By Felipe Leon

Because of the holy week being celebrated in Mexico, a packed beach about forty-five minutes west of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, witnessed a short but sweet public work out by the main participants of this Saturday’s championship bouts. Showing the assembled crowd a sampling of what they would be treated on Saturday, IBF minimumweight champion Mario “Dragoncito” Rodriguez of Guasave (15-6-4, 11KOs) as well as his mandatory challenger Japan’s Katsunai Takayama (24-6, 10KOs) both promised knockouts before shaking out for a few minutes. Also in attendance were former title challenger Pedro “Pedrin” Guevara (18-1-1, 13KOs) of Mazatlan, Mexico, and former champion Raul “Rayito” Garcia (33-2-1, 21KOs) of La Paz, Mexico, who will face off for the vacant WBC light flyweight title. The official weigh in will be at the same location mid-day on Good Friday. (more…)

Charr hopes to land fight with Haye

Heavyweight contender Manuel Charr is calling out former world champion David Haye again. “I heard that Haye is still looking for an opponent for his next fight. There’s no need to look any further. I’m right here waiting. Haye himself said that Vitali Klitschko couldn’t beat me – instead Vitali’s doctor won the fight for him. I still want my rematch against Klitschko. And Haye is my way to get there. Let’s do an eliminator for Vitali. I’m ready when you are, David!” (more…)

Akhundov-Khatsyhau Kiev Presser

By Alex Potapov

On Thursday in Kiev, organizers held a press conference for the showdown between WBF Intercontinental featherweight beltholder Timur Akhundov (14-2-1, 5 KOs) and Belorussian Khavazhy Khatsyhau (10-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBF featherweight title. This fight will take place on Saturday night at the AKKO International, Kiev, Ukraine.

Timur Akhundov: “I know my opponent’s style. He’s very experienced and a strong contender. I am very well prepared for this fight, which is the most important fight of my career. I have no room for error. I promise that I do the best I can and will try to please the fans. For me, I don’t care how I win, knockout or decision.” (more…)

Joel Diaz Jr. set for return

Unbeaten jr lightweight prospect Joel Diaz Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) is healthy and ready to make his 2013 debut on April 4th at the Bayou Event Center in Houston, Texas against Victor Sanchez (4-5-1, 1 KO). Diaz was scheduled to face Tyler Asselstyne on February 8th in the co-feature of ESPN Friday Night Fights until he was sidelined with a wrist injury. The injury is healed and Diaz is ready to resume his career.

Broadway Boxing: Complete Card

On Thursday, April 4, DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series returns to Roseland Ballroom in New York City with a stacked 10-bout card featuring an array of talent from top to bottom. As previously announced, the card will feature former WBA junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman (29-2, 8KO’s), and top contenders Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (16-1, 11KO’s), WBC #6-rated welterweight Ionut “Jo Jo” Dan Ion (30-2, 17KO’s) and Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (21-1, 4KO’s).

Foreman will square off against Gundrick King (18-9, 11KO’s) in a six-round junior middleweight matchup, while Del Valle, now training with Hall-of-Fame trainer Nacho Beristain, will see action against Andre Wilson (13-5, 11KO’s) in an eight-round featherweight contest.

Ion is set to meet Damian Frias (19-6-1, 10KO’s) in an eight-round welterweight showdown, while Bracero squares off against Pavel Miranda (19-9-1, 10KO’s) in an eight-round junior welterweight matchup. (more…)

Boxing Buzz

A report on Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields that aired on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” back in February 2012, has recently won the prestigious Peabody Award for public radio production.

Promoter Don King won the first round in a nine-year legal dispute stemming from the sale of a Palm Beach County estate. The Florida Supreme Court Thursday ruled 6-1 in favor of King. More

An appeal by British heavyweight prospect Dillian Whyte to lift a two-year ban for failing a drugs test was denied this week by the National Anti-Doping Panel. More

Wilfredo Gomez Health Improving

By Eliud Vazquez Torres

Wilfredo Gomez began to show signs of improvement. This morning an artificial respirator was disconnected. Gomez, who was admitted to a hospital in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico yesterday due to respiratory failure, still has a tube inserted but has been in good countenance and alert. It is expected that the hall of fame fighter’s health will continue to improve in the next few hours.

Weights from Tijuana

By Felipe Leon

Christian Bojorquez 122 vs. Cesar De La Mora 123
Jesus Briseño 118 vs. Marino Cañete **
Pastor Elenes 150 vs. Adrian Gonzalez 150
Jose Toribio 113.5 vs. Cristian Ciciliano 118
Ulises Sierra 170 vs. Jose Luis Esparza 183
Prince Smalls 123 vs. Jose Hernandez 123
Rolando Perez 138 vs. Julio Cesar Nario 141
Erick Maderos 141 vs. Jose Arteaga 143
Angel Ramos 111 vs. Nolberto Espinoza 111

** = Cañete will weigh in morning of fight.

When: Friday, January 29th, 7:30pm
Where: Tijuana Municipal Auditorium
Who: V&B Promotions

Tickets are still available at the Tijuana Municipal Auditorium box office.

Weights from Verona, New York

Weights and photo by Boxing Bob Newman

Brian Vera 160 vs. Donatas Bondorovas 159
Jackson Junior 175 vs. Umberto Savigne 175
Ryon McKenzie 173 vs. Steven Tyner 174
Taras Shelestyuk 152 vs. Kamal Muhammad 153
Evgeny Chuprakov 131 vs. Micah Branch 131
Lavais Williams * vs. Calvin Pritchard 143
Antoine Douglas 161 vs. John Worthy 159

*Lavais Williams late arrival, will weigh in later tonight

Venue: Turning Stone Resort & Casino
Promoters: Art Pelullo (Banner Promotions) & Greg Cohen (Greg Cohen Promotions)
Matchmaker: Eric Bottjer
T.V.: ESPN2 9:00 PM
Doors open: 6:30 PM
First bell off T.V.: 7:30 PM

Golden Boy Promotions Statement on Lamont Peterson’s February 22 post-fight drug test

Contrary to earlier erroneous media reports, Lamont Peterson did not fail a post-fight drug test following his successful IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship defense against Kendall Holt on Friday, February 22 in Washington, DC. In fact, Peterson tested negative for all banned substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Full Menu as well as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

“We are very pleased that there has been clarification that Lamont Peterson did not test positive for any banned substances as reported inaccurately earlier today,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Today’s incident exemplifies the importance of accurate fact checking prior to reporting news. Golden Boy Promotions looks forward to Lamont Peterson’s next fight and furthering his career.”

Joint Statement from Team Guerrero, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions

Early this morning Six-Time and Four Division World Champion Robert Guerrero was checking in his luggage at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, bound for Las Vegas, and, as he was doing so, made sure to advise the authorities that they needed to be aware that he had a firearm, which was unloaded and in a locked safe box with his luggage to be checked. Guerrero was carrying no ammunition and was within his legal right to possess such firearm in the state in which he resides. He was then arrested. At an arraignment held before the New York State Supreme Court for Queens County, the court, after hearing the pertinent facts of the case, released Guerrero on his own recognizance. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for after Robert’s May 4 fight against Eight-Time and Five-Division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

We are very pleased Robert Guerrero was released on his own recognizance this afternoon in the wake of this incident and that he is on his way back to Las Vegas to continue training for his highly anticipated May 4 bout against Mayweather.

Rios, Alvarado Press Conference

Photos: Mary Ann Owen/boxinginlasvegas.com

Undefeated former world lightweight champion Brandon “bam Bam” Rios (31-0, 22 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., and top-rated contender “Mile High” Mike Alvarado (33-1, 23 KOs), of Denver, hosted their final press conference on Thursday for Saturday night’s showdown at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Brandon Rios: We’re going to be in the ring, toe-to-toe, man-to-man. We’re going to do it again. It’s gonna be another great fight for the fans, TV…another tremendous win on my behalf and I’m ready for this.

Mike Alvarado: I had an awesome camp, great strength and conditioning. I’m here. We’re ready to do it again. We’re gonna put on a great show like we did the first fight. I’m here to redeem myself.

Promoter Bob Arum (noting the absence of anyone from the Nevada commission): They’re probably out spending Chavez Jr’s fine money. photos

Santana-Cardenas collide April 12 in Las Vegas

Undefeated lightweight Angelo “La Cobra” Santana (14-0, 11 KOs), from Miami, Fla., will face Carlos Cardenas (20-6-1, 13 KOs), from Barinas, Venezuela, for the WBA interim lightweight championship, and undefeated super lightweight prospect Amir “Young Master” Imam (8-0, 7 KOs), from Albany, N.Y., meets Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan (16-2, 7 KOs), from Paterson, N.J., in the co-feature on Friday, April 12 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). It will take place in the Treasure Island Ballroom and is promoted by Don King Productions in association with Treasure Island. (more…)

Guerrero charged with felony; facing jail time

Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown today announced that current WBC welterweight champion Robert Guerrero has been arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport and charged with illegally traveling with an unloaded pistol and three unloaded high capacity bullet magazines. The weapon and 15-bullet clips were discovered during a routine pre-flight check-in this morning.

District Attorney Brown said, “I hope that Mr. Guerrero fights better than he thinks. For anyone who hasn’t gotten the message, let me be crystal clear. You cannot bring an unlicensed weapon – loaded or unloaded – into this county or this city. And if you do you will be arrested and face felony charges.”

The District Attorney continued, “Earlier this year, New York State enacted the nation’s toughest gun restrictions – the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 (NY SAFE ACT). One provision of that law is that the penalty for possessing an unloaded firearm is raised from being a Class A misdemeanor to being a Class E felony. It is therefore more important than ever that if a passenger chooses to travel with a weapon, they should first acquaint themselves with the weapon laws of the jurisdiction that they are visiting and comply with any and all legal requirements. Otherwise, they may find themselves being arrested and charged with a felony – as is what occurred in this case.” (more…)

Lamont Peterson Update

Earlier today it was reported by several boxing media outlets that IBF jr welterweight champion Lamont Peterson had tested positive for the drug HCG after his fight with Kendall Holt, launching a firestorm on social media. However it turns out that the information was incorrect and Peterson tested clean. He is slated to face Lucas Matthysse on May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Guerrero arrested for gun possession

Update: WABC-TV is reporting that Guerrero was arrested after he attempted to declare the weapon at the Delta Airlines counter.

The New York Daily News is reporting that WBC interim welterweight champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero was arrested at JFK Airport for trying to bring an unloaded handgun aboard a flight from New York City to Las Vegas. Guerrero was on the East Coast making promotional appearances for his May 4 fight against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.

Haye to fight on June 29; no opponent named

Unable to land a fight with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, former WBA heavyweight titlist David Haye announced today in London that that he will fight on June 29 fight at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Haye said he wants to fight twice this year to make himself mandatory challenger and force a fight with one of the Klitschkos. Five opponents are being considered and manager Adam Booth will announce the name “in the near future.”

Earlier this week Vitali Klitschko told BBC Ukraine that Haye turned down a fight with him last year and now he must wait. “Last September I gave a proposal to David Haye to fight me in Moscow,” said Klitschko. “David Haye had a contract and didn’t want to do that and instead of fighting me he fought Chisora. How long [should] I have to wait for David Haye? I gave him a proposal and he didn’t take it.” Booth complains that the Klitschko camp ignored his emails.

Abner Mares begins training for Ponce De Leon

By Miguel Maravilla
Photo: Big Joe Miranda

Unbeaten Abner Mares (25-0-1, 13 KOs) of Hawaiian Gardens is in the opening phases of training camp as he prepares for his featherweight title showdown against WBC featherweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon (44-4, 35 KOs) on May 4 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I haven’t changed my routine for training camp. I have been doing three-a-days for my last five fights. Run in the morning, gym in the afternoon, and gym in the evening. We know it’s a hard fight so we have to train hard,” Mares told Fightnews.com on his preparation.

Business as always in the gym, Mares and trainer Clemente Medina are working together at the Elite MMA Academy in Santa Fe Springs. Medina who at one time trained Ponce de Leon knows what Mares is up against on May 4. (more…)

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Update

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Looks like former WBC world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is eyeing a comeback fight on June 22 in Mexico City. Possible opponents include Brian Vera and Matthew Macklin, among others. Junior could possibly train in the Otomi Ceremonial Center in the State of Mexico and there’s even a chance that he could continue training with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Q&A: Azea Augustama

By Phil Doherty

Fresh starts are usually hard to come by. Literally. They usually force themselves upon us due to difficult and unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Such is the case with the two men at the head of next Saturday’s “The Homecoming” boxing card at Casino Miami Jai Alai. Longtime boxing matchmaker and trainer Al Bonanni re-established his former promotional company Tiburon Promotions last December after being successively fired by boxer Tavoris Cloud and promoter Don King. His first acquisition, twenty-nine year old cruiserweight Azea “The Haitian Hitman” Augustama (13-1, 8 KOs) also found a need to change direction due to managerial changes and inactivity.

Augustama, the 2008 National Golden Gloves winner and Haitian Olympian, took some time out from training for his scheduled ten-round main event against David Lee McNemar to speak with Fightnews. (more…)

Sauerland Events denies Povetkin-Oquendo

WBA #5 heavyweight Fres Oquendo informed media in Puerto Rico that he is fighting WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin on May 17 at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia. However, this has been strongly denied by Sauerland Events, Povetkin’s promoter. “This is complete rubbish, Povetkin is a Sauerland fighter and no deal reached. We have an offer but not decided.”

FightNews photojournalist Chris Cozzone wins writing award

FightNews photojournalist Chris Cozzone’s “Requiem for a Hometown Champion,” published in FightNews.com and NewMexicoBoxing.com on June 1, 2012, has received a “Bernie” award from the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). The column – which tied for second place – praises the life and career of Johnny Tapia, who passed away last year on May 27.

Chris also received an honorable mention for his photography in the feature category. It is the second year that Chris has placed in both writing and photography. He remains the only journalist to do so since the BWAA started their awards in 1972.

The FightNews family extends our congratulations to Chris!

Golovkin: I’m ready to go

Gennady Golovkin is in peak physical condition ahead of the seventh defence of his WBA and IBO middleweight titles in Monte Carlo on Saturday. The unbeaten Kazakhstani yesterday went through his paces during a public 45-minute workout at the suitably grand Monte Carlo Casino. With his shirt off, he looked lean and ripped as he worked the pads with top trainer Abel Sanchez. “I’m ready to go,” said Golovkin. “I had an eight-week camp and all has gone according to plan.”

He defends against Nobuhiro Ishida, a fighter he isn’t underestimating. “We’re expecting a hard fight,” said manager Tom Loeffler. “Ishida is tall and has some power, but Gennady is in tremendous shape.”

Earlier, Ishida worked out and looked sharp and relaxed ahead of the biggest fight of his career. (more…)

Boxing Buzz

Detroit boxer J’Leon Love lost his older brother, Gerald Bernard Love, to a shooting in the Motor City last night.

The British newspapers are reporting that Wladimir Klitschko is engaged to 23-year-old actress Hayden Panettiere. More

Longtime promoter Bobby Hitz is making noise in the Chicagoland area, demanding that Gov. Pat Quinn replace Nancy Illg as head of the Illinois Athletic Commission. More