Melendez Team to protest loss to Brinson, claim Melendez should have had a TKO victory

Representatives of world-rated junior middleweight Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez will file an official protest with the Oneida Indian Nation Athletic Commission for what they see as a result-changing error made by Referee Charlie Fitch during Melendez’s SHOBOX-televised upset decision loss to local fighter Nick Brinson on Friday night (June 7, 2013) at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY.

José A. Acevedo, Advisor, and Edwin Diaz, Manager, say a careful review of the fight will show that their fighter, Melendez, should be awarded a TKO victory after the improper issuance of a standing eight count in round four. (more…)

Broner-Malignaggi conference call erupts, plug pulled on Malignaggi

By Karl Freitag

All hell broke loose when WBA welterweight world champion Paulie Malignaggi and current WBC lightweight and two-division world champion Adrien Broner held a media conference call on Wednesday in advance of their June 22 world championship fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Broner answered questions for about 20 minutes and then Malignaggi got on the line and pandemonium ensued. The moderators finally pulled the plug on Malignaggi to allow Broner to make a final statement. After a delay, a much more subdued Paulie got back on the call. (More to come)

WARNING: COARSE LANGUAGE INVOLVED

Tomasz Adamek takes on Tony Grano August 3rd

Tomasz Adamek’s opponent for the August 3, NBC Sports Network Fight Night card has been confirmed. Adamek, 48-2, 29 KOs, will take on Tony Grano, 20-3-1, 16 KOs, in Grano’s own hometown in a 10-round heavyweight challenge. The number of Tomasz’s legion of loyal Polish boxing fans may well rival the popular Grano’s hometown crowd. One thing is certain, the house will be rocking at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT.

Main Events CEO, Kathy Duva said, “This match up is against two guys that are right in front of each other and can punch, either can go at any time. This promises to be an exciting brawl.”

Headlining the card is a 10-round middleweight contest featuring Brooklyn’s Curtis “Showtime” Stevens, 24-3, 17 KOs against tough Saul Roman, 37-9, 31 KOs of Tijuana, Mexico. In a 10-round cruiserweight battle “Fast” Eddie Chambers, 36-3, 18 KOs, from Philadelphia meets up with South African, Thabiso Mchunu, 12-1, 9 KOs. (more…)

ESPN to drop 3D telecasts

ESPN will drop 3D telecasts at the end of the year. Since February 2011, the network had televised a number of Friday Night Fights shows in 3D. Unfortunately the network has been on a cost-cutting purge as of late, laying off hundreds of employees including ESPN boxing chief Doug Loughery.

ESPN Statement: Due to limited viewer adoption of 3D services to the home, ESPN is discontinuing ESPN 3D. We are committing our 3D resources to other products and services that will better serve fans and affiliates. Nobody knows more about sports in 3D than ESPN, and we will be ready to provide the service to fans if or when 3D does take off.

Bradley-Marquez Ticket Alert

Tickets to the historic battle between undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Timothy Bradley Jr. and four-division world champion and Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez go on sale Friday, June 21, at 3:00 p.m. ET / Noon PT. The Bradley vs. Marquez welterweight championship event will take place Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Marquez Boxing, and Tecate, tickets to Bradley vs. Marquez, will be priced at $800, $600, $400, $300, $200 , $100 and $50. They can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, online at UNLVtickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas Concierge, or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

Both Bradley (30-0, 12 KOs) and Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs) enter this clash fresh from Fight of the Year caliber performances, plus Marquez will be attempting to become the first Mexican fighter to win world titles in five different weight divisions.

Stieglitz set to defend WBO title against Kiyota on July 13 in Dresden

Photos: Team SES/U. Koch

WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KOs) will defend his title against WBO #10 rated Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KOs) on July 13 at the Energie Verbund-Arena in Dresden, Germany. It will be Stieglitz’ first defense since regaining the title against Arthur Abraham in March. “I want to show the fans strong fights,” said Steiglitz at a press conference to announce the fight. “Yuko Kiyota is an extremely physically strong and aggressive boxer. But my trainer and I have always have a plan. After twelve years, I’ve become ‘Boxer of the Year’ in Germany. So I can be a good role model for all my teammates and some of them can do it too.”

The SES Boxing event will also feature WBO European middleweight beltholder and recent WBO light heavyweight title challenger Robin Krasniqi in separate bouts. In women’s action, WBO, WIBF and WBF super featherweight champion Ramona Kuehne and super middleweight champion Christina Hammer returns to middleweight to defend her WBO and WBF belts. (more…)

Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk-Rakhim Chakhkiev face to face

By Przemek Garczarczyk
Photo: Malgorzata Kowalczyk

WBC cruiserweight champion, Krzysztof “Diablo” Włodarczyk (47-2, 33 KOs) and challenger and former Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (16-0, 12 KOs) faced off today in Warsaw (Poland) at a press conference before their June 21 fight in Moscow.

Both fighters will know each other well, being contracted for at least two fights, with possibility of the third if they split first two bouts.

Manuel Charr returns Saturday against Oleksiy Mazikin

Former WBC heavyweight title challenger Manuel Charr was slated to take on former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye on June 29, but the “Hayemaker” was injured in training and forced to cancel the scheduled fight. “But postponed is not canceled,” says Manuel Charr. “I hope that David Haye is true to his word and I am quickly offered a new fight date.” Because it is still unclear when Haye will be fully recovered and Charr was already in preparation to fight, the “Diamond Boy” didn’t want to let the time pass idly. So Charr accepted an offer on short notice to headline a show Saturday in Hattersheim am Main (just south of Frankfurt). Charr (23-1, 13 KOs) will defend his WBC Baltic and WBC Mediterranean belts against two time Olympian Oleksiy Mazikin (14-8-2, 4 KOs).

Official Statement of Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo

“I want to thank all of my fans for their support in the wake of my eye injury this past weekend. I have undergone various medical examinations which I am glad to report revealed no broken bones. California State Athletic Commission physician Dr. Pearlman Hicks has informed me that I only suffered a contusion and my eye specialist thankfully sees no permanent injury to my eye.

I want to thank all of you for the love and support you have given me the past few days. I would also like to congratulate Erislandy Lara on a great fight. I’m sad that I disappointed all my fans by not giving them an “El Perro” victory as I truly believe I was on the verge of knocking Lara down for the third time and winning the fight. The sharp pain of his thumb in my eye caused me to turn my back out of reflex and I could not see out of my left eye. I accept the decision made by the referee to stop the fight and look forward to getting back in the ring in the future. I will be back to give you a better show in my next fight.”

-Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo

Victor Vasquez and Tevin Farmer expected to steal Valley Forge show Saturday

By John DiSanto – PhillyBoxingHistory.com
File Photos by Gary Purfield

The largest names and biggest photos on the fight poster for Saturday’s night of boxing at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort are Harry Joe Yorgey and Julius Kennedy. And given they will fight a 10-round rematch of their gritty March battle, it is understandable. However, just a glance at the names and faces scheduled in the main 8-round “co-main event” bout is enough to excite every local fight fan.

Two of the most exciting Philly fighters of the day will face off in what surely figures to be the card’s show stealer. North Philly’s “Boxing Barber”, Victor Vasquez, 16-7-1, 7 KOs, takes on “The American Idol” Tevin Farmer, 10-4-1, 1 KO, in a fight fan’s dream of a match. Both boxers have earned their reputations as crowd pleasers in the ring. (more…)

Matchroom Boxing inks WBA interim champ Scott Quigg

Undefeated WBA interim super bantamweight titlist Scott Quigg (25-0-1, 18 KOs) has joined the Matchroom Boxing stable. He will make his debut under the Matchroom banner on the June 29 show at Bolton Arena. Quigg was previously promoted by Ricky Hatton.

Ronald Cruz eager to display new weapons against Ray Narh

Story & File Photo by John DiSanto – PhillyBoxingHistory.com

It’s been nine months since Ronald Cruz, 17-1, 12 KOs, was last in the ring. On that night (September 21, 2012) in Bethlehem, PA, Cruz lost his first pro fight before his loyal hometown fans. It was a tough night for Cruz. The loss was a close 10-round split decision loss to Antwone Smith, of Miami. The setback was difficult for Cruz because victory and the continuation of his undefeated streak were both in reach, but Ronald couldn’t overcome Smith’s edge in experience.

“I made a lot of mistakes in my last fight,” Cruz said. “That’s the reason I lost.”

Cruz took the defeat with class and vowed to return right away. However his comeback was delayed due to a hernia that required surgery and an extended break from his training routine. So Ronald Cruz was forced to wait with that first loss hanging over his head before he could redeem himself. (more…)

Mikey: Juanma is dangerous, hits hard, willing to give everything in the ring

By Jeff Zimmerman
Photos: Robert Hughes

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion Mikey Garcia (31-0, 26 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif., and former WBO junior featherweight and WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico survived a hot day in Dallas as they made an appearance outside of Mark Cuban’s American Airlines Center in preparation for their Texas showdown Saturday. A ring was setup on the plaza in front of the arena where a couple hundred fans and media got to see the fighter’s close-up for pictures and autographs. Fightnews caught up with Mikey.

Hey Mikey, welcome back to Dallas, how you feeling?

I’m feeling good. I am used to the heat I guess, so I don’t feel too bad.

How’s your weight?

We’re always good on weight, I never have issues. I feel that I am strong, fast. I feel comfortable here. (more…)

Botha 30lbs heavier than Parker

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Dave Cameron

Heavyweight Frans Botha outweighed Joseph Parker by 30 pounds in advance of their eight round clash clash on Thursday night at the Trusts Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Botha weighed 256.8 while Parker scaled in at 226.8. The 44-year-old Botha (48-9-3, 29 KOs) will be fighting “Down Under” for the second time this year. In February, Botha lost to Sonny Bill Williams in a controversial fight in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The 21-year-old Parker (5-0, 4 KOs) trained for this fight in Las Vegas with Kevin Barry. (more…)

Juanma: If somebody is getting knocked out on Saturday it’s going to be him

By Jeff Zimmerman
Photos: Robert Hughes

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion Mikey Garcia (31-0, 26 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif., and former WBO junior featherweight and WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico survived a hot day in Dallas as they made an appearance outside of Mark Cuban’s American Airlines Center in preparation for their Texas showdown Saturday. A ring was setup on the plaza in front of the arena where a couple hundred fans and media got to see the fighter’s close-up for pictures and autographs. Fightnews caught up with Juanma.

Welcome to the Dallas heat, how you feeling?

Glad to be here. It’s just as hot as Puerto Rico, but a little more dry than it is in Puerto Rico.

How has training camp come along? Are you ready for the fight?

Had a great training camp, very happy to be here. We are just maintaining the weight, that’s what it’s all about right now, keeping a good weight for the weigh-ins. (more…)

Gavin: I’ll beat Vassell with boxing science

Welterweight Frankie Gavin says he’ll be too quick and clever for Denton Vassell when they clash at the Liverpool Olympia on June 28th. The Birmingham ace puts his British title on the line against Vassell’s Commonwealth belt in a battle of the unbeaten champions in the potential thriller.

Gavin, 27, Britain’s only ever world amateur champion, is regarded as one of the most naturally talented fighters in the country and uses his quick counter-punching style to pick apart his opponents. It’s the biggest test of Gavin’s 16 fight career against the Manchester powerhouse who has stopped 10 out of his 20 opponents early, including Gavin’s former stablemate Ronnie Heffron last time out. (more…)

Banks ready for Mitchell

By Bob Ryder
Photo: Bob Ryder

NABO and WBC International heavyweight beltholder Johnathon Banks (29-1-1, 19 KOs) poses with his team after a public sparring session held outdoors at Ecorse High School in Ecorse, Michigan, as he enters final preparations for his rematch with Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell on June 22 in Brooklyn, NY.

L to R: Jameel McCline, head trainer Sugar Hill, Banks, Alex Zubov, Mike Seals.

Budler faces toughest fight of his career

By Ron Jackson

IBO strawweight champion Hekkie Budler from Brixton on the West Rand faces the toughest test of boxing career when he defends his belt against the more experienced number three ranked Nkosinathi Joyi of Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night. The tournament is presented by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions. This is one of the most eagerly awaited and highly paid fights amongst smaller men in South Africa in recent years. (more…)

Boxing Buzz

What’s Bernard Hopkins’ secret in his fight against Father Time? The Star-Ledger explores.

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard has composed an opera based on the life of boxer Emile Griffith. More

Heavyweight Seth Mitchell says he’s learned from his loss, and to expect a different fight in his rematch with Johnathon Banks. More

Mitchell seeks different outcome in rematch

By Gary “Digital” Williams
Photos: Delane Rouse – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell held a media workout at the Dream Team Boxing Gym in Clinton, MD in preparation for his Saturday, June 22 rematch against Johnathon Banks at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Mitchell had a recurring theme as he spoke to the media — “You will definitely see a different Seth Mitchell this time around,” he told reporters. More photos

Erik Morales Update

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Mexican ring legend Erik Morales has announced a tune-up fight, possibly in Cancun, before fighting his retirement fight in his native Tijuana. “My desire is a tune-up fight in late August or early September to see how my body is and if I can keep fighting. Maybe my last fight is between October and December. I want to retire at my best,” said Morales. The name of former world champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto has been prominently mentioned as Morales’ opponent in his last bout, capping a remarkable 20-year professional career.

Mikey, Juanma Dallas workout

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Undefeated WBO Featherweight Champion Mikey Garcia of Oxnard,Ca. and former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez (pictured) of Caguas, Puerto Rico host a special outdoor public workout for fans and media, Tuesday at American Airlines Center in Dallas,Texas.

Garcia will make his first title defense against former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez of Caguas, Puerto Rico, Saturday,June 15 from the American Airlines Center in Dallas,Texas. Garcia vs Lopez, televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark will be promoted by Top Rank, in association with PR Best Boxing, Foreman Boys Promotions and Tecate. photos