Unbeaten Johnson in television spotlight

Unbeaten middleweight Tureano “Reno” Johnson (13-0, 10 KOs) will lock horns with Willie Fortune (15-0, 7 KOs) in the eight-round co-main event of ShoBox on Friday night from the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California. Johnson is from Nassau, Bahamas, although he is currently training in Annapolis, Md., with his trainer Tyrone Jones. As a decorated amateur, Johnson was part of the 2008 Bahamas Olympic Team and was a standout, catching the eye of many boxing insiders for his performances in the Beijing Olympics. He is a connoisseur when it comes to training, obtaining world experience by working alongside the Cuban National Team for the eight years while he lived in Cuba before his own venture into the Olympic ranks. (more…)

Donaire-Rigondeaux set for April 13

The April 13 world title unification bout between WBO junior featherweight champion Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire and undefeated WBA super bantamweight champion and former two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux will be officially announced on Thursday in New York City. The fight will take place on New York’s biggest stage — Radio City Music Hall — and will be televised on HBO. This marks only the second time Radio City Music Hall has ever hosted professional boxing in its 82-year history. The first fight was the Roy Jones Jr. vs. David Telesco light heavyweight world championship on January 15, 2000.

Bute ready anytime

By Dave Spencer

After being on the backburner for the better part of their careers, the wheels of a potential clash between local rivals and former champions Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute have been suitably greased to the point where the mega-fight will take place sooner rather than later. “We’ve not signed any contracts yet, I haven’t seen any numbers. How close is it? This is between the promoters right now.”

The former IBF super-middleweight champion and his Interbox promoters tried to put the brakes on and slow down what has become a runaway train with a May 25th bout between the Romanian born Bute and former WBC light-heavyweight champion Jean Pascal. “Right now we’re just hearing numbers, (Pascal’s promoter) Yvon (Michel) is mentioning numbers, 2 million, 3 million, but on our side we haven’t heard anything as of yet,” said Bute’s trainer Stephan Larouche.

“We know our rematch with Carl Frosch has been postponed,” Bute told Fightnews, “I felt it was the right time to do a rematch in the fall was better timing. I made it known that if that didn’t I would like to fight Jean Pascal in the fall.” click to read more

Mayweather-Guerrero on Showtime PPV

Undefeated eight-time world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather, boxing’s pound-for-pound king and the highest paid athlete in the world (Forbes, 2012), has entered into a groundbreaking pay-per-view deal with Showtime Networks Inc. and its parent company, CBS Corporation. Under the new deal, SHOWTIME PPV will collaborate with CBS Corporation to comprehensively promote Mayweather’s events on the CBS Television Network and via the corporation’s expansive media platforms.

The deal-a unique revenue-sharing arrangement between SHOWTIME PPV and Mayweather-will enable him to fight up to six times over a period of 30 months, with the first mega-event taking place on May 4, 2013, when Mayweather will fight Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. More details of this upcoming event will be announced shortly.

Mayweather’s new deal is by far the biggest in the sport of boxing (specific financial details are contractually confidential). Mayweather is the PPV king and averages over 1 million PPV buys per event, which is the highest PPV buy average of any boxer in history. At this record-setting PPV performance level, if all six fights contemplated by this deal occur, it will be the richest individual athlete deal in all of sports.

Unbeatens Gonzalez, Verdejo, Tapia showcased March 12

The undefeated Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez, Felix “Diamante” Verdejo and Glen Tapia will headline the first 2013 show of Solo Boxeo Tecate in Puerto Rico to be broadcast on UniMas (formerly Telefutura) on March 23 at the Ruben Zayas Montañez Coliseum in Trujillo Alto, in a PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) presentation in association with Top Rank.

“We have a venue for this show. It will be the Ruben Zayas Montañez Coliseum, where we were in September 2012 in a successful show. Trujillo Alto is a city with great boxing fans and we have Felix Verdejo, who trains in this town, as one of the co-main bouts,” PRBBP President Ivan Rivera said. “Besides Bomba Gonzalez, Verdejo and Tapia, we will have in action a good group of Puerto Rican prospects.” (more…)

World title twinbill in Panama on March 16

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Two world title fights on the same night March 16 in Panama City, featuring former two-division world champion Roberto “La Araña” Vasquez and IBF light flyweight official challenger Luis “Pan Blanco” Rios seek crowned champions in an event held at the luxurious Panama Hard Rock Hotel Megapolis in an event organized by Sampson Boxing LLC and Best Box. It is the first time in Panama boxing history that two local challengers seeking world titles on the same night.

Vasquez (32-5-1, 22 KOs) will face Filipino John Mark “Iceman” Apolinario (17-2-2, 4 KOs) in a rematch for the vacant WBA interim bantamweight title, while Rios (18-1-1, 13 KOs) will challenge IBF light flyweight champ John Riel Casimero (17-2, 10 KOs).

Boxing Buzz

A Canadian super fight between former world champions Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute is reportedly in the works to take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal on a date to be determined. InterBox (representing Bute) and GYM (representing Pascal) are hoping to finalize the deal in the coming days. Pascal had been expected to face Chad Dawson next

Iconic Los Angeles sports figure Dr. Jerry Buss died Monday at the age of 80. Buss was best known as the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings, but he was also involved in the sweet science with his long-running Forum Boxing series.

Castellanos-Caballero WBC final eliminator

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Mexican Robinson Castellanos (17-9, 11 KOs) will defend his WBC silver world featherweight crown against Panamanian former two division world champion Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero (36-4, 23 KOs) on April 20 in Panamá. Castellanos was waiting for a fight againts WBC featherweight world champion his compatriot Daniel Ponce De Leon, but sine that fight couldn’t be made he’ll face Caballero in a fight will also be a WBC featherweight final eliminator to become official challenger to Daniel Ponce De Leon

Frank Warren Statement

The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit last Friday (15 February 2013) dismissed the appeal by Straight-Out Promotions LLC and Chris Webb against the previous dismissal of their claims against Frank Warren and others over the sale of the foreign TV rights to the fight between Mike Tyson and Danny Williams. The US District Court for the Southern District of New York had previously also dismissed a claim by Mike Tyson’s estate in bankruptcy against Mr Warren and others over the sale of such rights. Warren said today that he was ‘delighted’ to receive confirmation (i) that neither Mike Tyson nor Straight-Out Promotions LLC and Chris Webb had any claim against him and (ii) that the US Courts had accepted that he had no liability to any of them. Warren added that he would like to thank his attorney in the appeal Howard Karasik, Esq.

Salgado, Gonzalez & Juarez in Spartan Race

By Gabriel F. Cordero
Photos: Cesar Ceron

Boxing world champions Jhonny Gonzalez, Juan Carlos Salgado and Mariana Juarez competed on Saturday and Sunday at the famous sporting event called Spartan Race as part of their preparation for their upcoming fights — Gonzalez Feb. 23 in Ixtapa against the Nicaraguan Eusebio Osejo, Salgado on March 2 in Los Angeles risking the crown against the Dominican Argenis Mendez and Juarez who will fight in March or April.

The tour is 7KM with unexpected obstacles in all types of terrain to test the endurance and skill of the competitors. (more…)

Broner-Rees Post-Fight Press Conference Report

Photo: Tom Hogan / Golden Boy Promotions

By Sam Geraci

“I don’t know about you all, but I want to have sex.”

Aside from Adrien Broner’s declaration of his plans immediately following the post-fight press conference, much like his bout with Gavin Rees (37-2-1, 18 KOs) in which Broner (26-0, 22 KOs) was more than a 30-1 favorite by some, nothing addressed in the post-fight press conference should have come as much of a surprise to those who have followed Broner’s career.

“The kid was good. I felt like he would beat a couple of fighters,” said Broner. “I’m just at another level. He was tougher than a steak that was cooked too long.”

Although Rees, who did not attend the post-fight press conference, tried to put up a fight for the first two rounds, like each of Broner’s opponent since his controversial unanimous decision over current WBC 126 pound champion Daniel Ponce De Leon (44-4, 35 KOs) in March of 2011, Broner simply overpowered and outclassed Rees.

“You got a young, fresh, fly, flashy, young African American on top,” said Broner. “[There are] high expectations for me to really take over boxing after Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao hang up their gloves.” (more…)

Rodirguez-Tahdooahnippah Photo Gallery

Photography By Emily Harney

In front of a packed electric crowd, former world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez put the deeply talented junior middleweight division on notice Friday night with a dominating performance over game George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah culminating in a sixth round stoppage. More…

Zou Shiming starts training camp

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Zou Shiming, two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Amateur Champion trains with trainer Freddie Roach during his first day of training at the historic Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood,California. Shiming is scheduled to make his professional Top Rank boxing debut on April 6, at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in Macau.

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Boxing Buzz

Grand Forks, N.D. amateur boxer J.J. Moen is in critical condition after collapsing after a bout held Saturday night. Moen suffered a brain injury and is currently in a coma. Read more in the Grand Forks Herald

Top Rank’s latest signed star, Zou Shiming, will be sparring with Brian Viloria at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles this week. The amateur star will make his pro debut on April 6 in Macou.

Speaking of Top Rank, WBC boss Jose Sulaiman and trainer Nacho Beristain are advising Juan Manuel Marquez to skip a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao.

The LAPD have cracked a robbery case that netted the return of three championship belts to pro boxer Jennifer Grooms . . . more

Former pro boxer Graham Brett has been sentenced to seven years for killing a man in a bar with a single punch. More

From UFC 157 to Chris Martin vs. Jose Angel Beranza, boxing is heating up in Southern California . . . more

“Zurdo” Ramirez happy to be with Top Rank

Over the weekend, Top Rank and Zanfer Promotions announced they will partner with Zapari Boxing to promote undefeated middleweight contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez. Ramirez (24-0, 19 KOs), from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, México, captured the WBC Youth middleweight title in 2010 and has successfully defended it six time throughout his three-year reign. Currently world-rated #4 by the WBC and #6 by the WBA, Ramiíez, 21, is a former Méxican Junior National Champion and a three-time National Méxican National Amateur Champion in the Elite Division.

“This is a huge signing for Top Rank and Zanfer and words cannot express how excited we are to be promoting him,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “The sky is the limit for Gilberto. I expect him to have a glorious reign as world champion.” (more…)

Telemundo 2013 opener Friday

The popular series of “Boxeo TELEMUNDO Ford” will make its 2013 debut on Florida’s Space Coast with a show Friday at the Palm Bay Community Center in Palm Bay, FL. This year the series format will consist of three seasons of four consecutives shows. The first series continues March 1st from Foro Polanco in Mexico City, March 8 at Plaza Condesa in Mexico City and March 15 from the Kissimmee Civic Center. The second season will be in the summer and the third in the fall.

In Friday’s main event, WBO Intercontinental bantamweight champion and #5 contender Jose “Miau” Nieves (21-2-3-10 KO’s) of Carolina, Puerto Rico, will put his ranking and title on the line against former WBC Mundo Hispano Champion Danny “El Venado” Flores (14-2-8 KO’s) of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds in another classic battle of Puerto Rico Vs. Mexico. (more…)

Cuadras-Zaleta collide March 2

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Oswaldo Kuchle, Promociones del Pueblo company director, has confirmed to Fightnews.com unbeaten super flyweight Carlos “El Principe” Cuadras (27-0, 22 KOs) and two-time world title challenger Victor “Nene” Zaleta (23-1, 10 KOs)) will face off March 2 in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Cuadras’ WBC silver super flyweight title will be on the line. Cuadras-Zaleta promises to be an interesting fight and the most serious and difficult test to date for Cuadras.

Boxing back in San Diego

Always looking to put his best foot forward, newly inducted California state hall of fame promoter Bobby DePhilippis and his company Bobby D. Presents has put an international flair to his first fight card season of the 2013 season when he returns to the home of San Diego professional boxing, the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, on Thursday, February 21st. Showcased on the multi-bout night “Champions of Tomorrow” are fighters from different points of Asia, U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. The event is in association with Jorge Marron Productions and A&T Gym. (more…)

Gavin Rees Update

Promoter Eddie Hearn says that Gavin Rees’ fearless performance against Adrian Broner for the WBC World lightweight title in Atlantic City on Saturday will lead to another World title challenge in 2013. Hearn has already begun plotting Rees’ next move and said that the reaction to Rees performance could prompt a return to America, but that a big UK fight is also a possibility as ‘The Rock’ continues his quest to become a two-weight world champion. “Gavin’s performance won him many admirers in America,” said Hearn. “He is a true warrior and we have already been approached about further fights for Gavin in the US in early summer. His stock however has also been raised significantly in the UK and there are still some big domestic opportunities available to him here. All in all the future is very bright for Gavin and the plan is too pick up another World title shot before the end of 2013.”

Broner-Rees full report and photogallery

By Kurt Wolfheimer at ringside; photos by Ed Mulholland

Adrian “The Problem” Broner (26-0, 22 KOs) defended his WBC lightweight title by dropping Gavin Rees (37-2-1, 19 KOs) twice en-route to an impressive fifth round stoppage this Saturday at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. In the co-feature, former “The Contender” star Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (30-6-2, 21 KOs) won a workmanlike but one-sided twelve unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated and #1 contender Nikola Sjeckloca (25-1, 7 KOs) in a WBC super middleweight title eliminator bout. With the victory, Bika became the mandatory challenger for champion Andre Ward. Along with the world title fight and the title eliminator, the card also featured a USBA title contest, plus the showcasing of several Olympians and future prospects. Click here for the full report and the action-packed photogallery…

Dib ready for Gradovich

Photo: Werner Kalin

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF featherweight champion Billy “The Kid” Dib spoke to Fightnews about his IBF title defense against Evgeny Gradovich on March 1st at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut. Dib will depart Australia on Wednesday for Los Angeles and will train and spar there before finally leaving for New York for final preparation. “This is an important fight for me,” said Dib. “I will proudly defend my IBF belt and give the American fight fans an exciting fight. I’ve adjusted my style and it’s much more aggressive. I’ve worked hard to get back to America and will make the most of my opportunity.”

Manager and brother Emaid added, “It’s been a tough long road for Billy and he has shown me some special qualities. He has shown real toughness both mentally and physically. He’s a great boxer and can also punch. He’s made some great adjustment with this brilliant coach Billy Hussein, who since coming on board has guided him to 15 straight wins with 12 coming from KO.”

Santana-Barroso on ShoBox April 12

Unbeaten lightweights will face off in the main event on ShoBox April 12 when South Florida based by way of Cuba Angelo Santana (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Ismael Barroso (13-0, 12 KOs) of Valenzuela. The main event bout is scheduled for 10 rounds. The site is TBA.

First televised card of the year in LA

Big time boxing is back in the Los Angeles area Saturday as LA’s first big televised show on the year will be presented by Top Rank and televised on UniMas (formerly Telefutura) on their very popular “SOLO BOXEO” Tecate series at the C. Robert Lee Center in Hawaiian Gardens, CA. With super bantamweight bangers Chris Avalos (20-2, 15 KOs) and Jessie Magdaleno (13-0, 9 KOs) as headliners in separate bouts, fireworks are a certainty. Their respective opponents are Jose Luis Araiza (29-7-1, 22 KOs) and Leivi Brea (19-10-3, 10 KOs). (more…)

Full Report: Carrillo-Holguin

By Chris Morris / Rocky Mountain Boxing
Photos: Michael V. Ornelas

In front of a sold out crowd hometown favorite Raul ‘El Chino’ Carrillo was able to survive a tough test from Cesar ‘The Rattlesnake’ Holguin winning a majority decision over eight action packed rounds. The co main saw John Grimaldo have his way with Juan Santiago putting him down three times en route to a TKO victory. Credit to Raul ‘Ro’ Utajara and Ghost Town Gladiator’s matchmaking as the undercard was evenly matched and produced some great action as well. Fans were on their feet cheering nearly the entire night.

Raul ‘El Chino’ Carrillo (11-1, 6KOs) survived a tougher than expected test from Cesar ‘The Rattlesnake’ Holguin (9-4-1, 3KOs) earning a majority decision in his hometown of Longmont, Colorado. There was no mistaking who the hometown fighter was as the ‘El Chino-El Chino’ chants started early and seldom stopped throughout the eight round battle. (more…)