Jirov opponent named

Former cruiserweight champion and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov (37-3-1, 31 KOs) will face Dominique Alexander (18-7-1, 9 KOs) when he returns to the ring for the first time in two years on October 17 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. “We are committed to keeping top-level shows like this one coming to Arizona, where the fans are enthusiastic supporters of world-class action,” said Jirov’s manager Ivaylo Gotzev. “Vassiliy is the perfect fighter to help us bring boxing back to the area. He moved to Phoenix after the 1996 Olympics and has lived here ever since. He trains in downtown Phoenix at Central Gym and Joe Diaz’s Gym.” Ironically, Jirov’s last Phoenix appearance was his sold-out 12-round IBF cruiserweight title defense against Jorge Castro in 2002 at the very same Celebrity Theatre.

In the main supporting bout, Phoenix native and star of The Contender series, Eric “Dynamite” Vega (8-4-1, 6 KOs) will face heavy-fisted former world champion Kelvin “Konkrete” Davis (24-10-3, 17 KOs) in a cruiserweight showdown. (more…)

Mike Birmingham passes

Sad to report that Mike Birmingham, brother of famed trainer Dan Birmingham, has suddenly passed away at the too young age of 49. Mike was well known as Winky Wright’s cut man and also trained Jeff Lacy as an amateur. The cause of death has not been determined. Fightnews staff sends our sympathies to the Birmingham family. A memorial mass will be held this Monday, August 31st, at 10am at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Seminole, Florida. The funeral will be held at 1pm on Monday at A Life Tribute, 5601 Gulfport Boulevard South, Gulfport, FL 33707.

Msuthu to defend WBF belt

By Ron Jackson

Lubabalo Msuthu (11-2-1, 10 KOs) makes the first defense of his World Boxing Foundation bantamweight belt when he meets Nick Otieno of Kenya at the Orient Theatre in East London on Friday night. (more…)

Randy Couture Prize Pack Contest

When the history of mixed martial arts is written, the name of Randy “The Natural” Couture will stand at the top of the heavyweight division. This legendary former champion isn’t thinking about the history books today but he is looking to make another run at the UFC title, and to get there, he must face another living legend – Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira – in the Octagon in the main event of UFC 102: COUTURE vs. NOGUEIRA this Saturday.

Everlast Worldwide has partnered with Randy “The Natural” Couture, a six-time UFC Champion and the most celebrated name in the MMA, to co-brand a line of MMA equipment that will set the standard for equipment and apparel in MMA. Click here to see the Everlast MMA equipment.

Enter here for your chance to win a Signature Randy Couture Prize Pack from Everlast. One grand prize winner will receive a replica of Couture fight trunks from his UFC 102, fight gloves, and The Natural’s autobiography – all signed by Randy Couture. Five first place winners will receive the Randy Couture striking and grappling gloves, designed and developed with Randy Couture. Click here for more info.

Cotto vows to stop Pacquiao

By Nick Giongco

Miguel Cotto exuded confidence when asked about his chances against Filipino fireball Manny Pacquiao in a recent ‘interview’ made possible by the Puerto Rican’s legal adviser, topnotch lawyer Gabriel Penagaricano. Less than three months before he collides with Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Cotto told Fightnews and Manila Bulletin that Pacquiao is beatable and he has Pacquiao all figured out. “His weaknesses are obvious to me,” said Cotto. (more…)

Mares, Rodela quick quotes

By Francisco Salazar

Bantamweight contender and 2004 Olympian Abner Mares (18-0, 11 KO’s) battles Carlos Fulgencio (11-3-1, 7 KO’s) in an eight round fight, while jr lightweight David Rodela (13-1-3, 6 KOs) faces once-beaten Gamalier Rodriguez (8-1-2, 4 KOs) in the six round co-feature tonight at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Fightnews spoke to both Mares and Rodela during Thursday’s weigh-in. (more…)

More on Adamek-Golota

IBF cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek has made a bold move up to heavyweight to face the best Polish heavyweight ever, Andrew Golota, on Saturday, Oct. 24 in the new Lodz Arena in Lodz, Poland. Golota and Adamek appeared at a media-packed press conference on Tuesday at the Warsaw Marriott to announce what the Polish media have dubbed as, “The Polish Fight of the Century.” Interest for this fight is so great in Poland that three national television outlets carried the press conference live. (more…)

Weights from Los Angeles!

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

Weights by Francisco Salazar

Abner Mares 118.8 vs Carlos Fulgencio 119.6
David Rodela 127 vs Gamalier Rodriguez 128
Sergio Espinoza 113.2 vs David Gaspar 113.4
Carlos Molina 136.8 vs Antony Nelson 136.8
Ricky Lopez 123.2 vs John Wampash 123.6
Kerry Hope 158.7 vs Danny Jevic 156.6
Juan Heraldez 137.8 vs Luis Tapia 137
Venue: Club Nokia – L.A. Live, Los Angeles, CA
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: Versus
Click here for more photos…

Weights from Irvine, CA

Ashanti Jordan 218.6 vs Joe Hanks 238.2
Lionel Davis 249.4 vs William Williams 212.8
Robert Vargas 127.8 vs Jerry Mondragon 124.8
Logan Velasco 141.4 vs Limmie Johnson 139.2
Ludwin Mondragon 112 vs Alejandro Solario 111
Venue: Irvine Marriott, Irivine, CA
Promoter: Roy Englebrecht Promotions
Tickets: $40 an $32 available at www.battleintheballroom.com

Weights from Hagerstown, MD

Andres Taylor 200 vs. Joseph Harris 198.5
Francisco Contreras 135.5 vs. Julian Rodriguez 139.5
Alexander Johnson 175.5 vs. Ariel Espinal 179
James Stevenson 148 vs. Sebastien Hamel 147.5
George Armenta 170 vs. William Johnson 171
Venue: Hager House in Hagerstown, MD
Promoter: TKO Boxing Promotions
Tickets/Info: 301-797-4410

New foe for Arnaoutis

“Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis tipped the scales at a ripped and ready 143.5 pounds for his ten-round bout tomorrow night at North Bergen, NJ’s Schuetzen Park. His original opponent Troy Browning pulled out Monday with an upper respiratory issue which hindered his training camp. Last minute replacement Ilido Julio tipped the scales at 134.5. The event will be promoted by Pound4Pound Promotions. (more…)

Rigondeaux opponent named

By Flattop

FightNews has been informed that the opponent for the September 18th special edition ESPN2 Friday Night Fights appearance of two-time Olympic Gold medal winner Guillermo Rigondeaux (2-0, 2 KOs) is Brazilian Giovani Andrade (60-11, 49 KOs), the reigning Brazilian super bantamweight champion. The Rigondeaux vs. Andrade contest will headline the “Caribbean Invasion” card, which is presented by Caribe Promotions Inc., in association with de Cubas Presents, LLC, and JAOLI Fight Promotions at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach, FL. The undercard also features Cuban amateur stars now pros: Cruiserweight Yunier Dorticos (1-0, 1 KO), jr middleweight Yudell Johnson (2-0, 1 KOs) and light heavyweight Yordanis Despaine (2-0, 1 KO). Also featured is 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner from the Dominican Republic Felix Diaz (1-0) against Fred Tukes (7-1) in a jr welterweight bout. Tickets will are available at www.tix.com or call 800-595-4849.

Weights from San Diego!

Emilio Bojorquez 138 vs Anthony Martinez 136
Denis Grachev 175 vs Carlos Ibarra 178
Amaris Quintana 106 vs Gloria Salas 106
Alan Sanchez 142.5 vs Mario Angeles 143
Venue: Four Points Sheraton Hotel, San Diego, California
Promoter: Bobby D Presents/Jorge Marron Productions

Lopez arrives in NYC!

Photo: Chris Farina-Top Rank

WBO world junior featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez arrives in New York, Wednesday for a press conference on Thursday to announce his WBO world junior featherweight title fight against challenger Rogers Mtagwa on Top Rank’s “Island Warriors” – Latin Fury 12 Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, Oct 10 at Madison Square Garden. Also on this doubleheader card, WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa of Cuba will defend his title against challenger Whyber Garcia of Panama. Top Rank promotes this event in association with Arena Box-Promotion and PR Best Boxing. (more…)

Jose M. Cotto to return!

Photo: Promociones Miguel Cotto

After two years away from the sport of boxing, the former world class fighter José Miguel Cotto will make his come back fight against Anthony Woods. The fight will be at the José Viera Coliseum in Las Piedras this Saturday, August 29 on a show billed as “Boxeo Boricua in Las Piedras” promoted by his brother, the world champion Miguel Cotto. “I had to many difficulties in the past but now is totally different. I want to let everybody know that I am back and will write my name again as one of the best boxers in my division. I will be ready for anyone,” said José Miguel Cotto. “My dad and I feel very proud of José. He is a very talented boxer and has many skills. With his courage and determination, this will drive him to be again in the top of his game,” said Miguel Cotto. (more…)

Mtagwa hits Big Apple!

Photo: Chris Farina-Top Rank

Challenger Rogers Mtagwa arrives in New York, Wednesday for a press conference on Thursday to announce his WBO world junior featherweight title fight against WBO world junior featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez on Top Rank’s “Island Warriors” – Latin Fury 12 Pay-Per-View event on October 10 at Madison Square Garden. Also on this doubleheader card is WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa who will defend his title against challenger Whyber Garcia. Top Rank promotes this event in association with Arena Box-Promotion and PR Best Boxing. (more…)

Weights from NYC!

Argenis Mendez 130 vs Anthony Napunyi 129.5
Tor Hamer 220 vs Theron Johnson 240
Joelo Torres 136 vs Washington Hago 142
Luis Del Valle 127.5 vs Robert Guillen 125
Gabriel Bracero 142 vs Melchor Guillen 141
Eddie Irizzary 123 vs Felix Flores 122
Ahmed Samir 228 vs Clarence Tillman 224
Venue: BB King Blues Club & Grill, New York, NY
Promoter: DiBella Entertainment

Broadway Boxing tonight

DiBella Entertainment is bringing its signature series “Broadway Boxing” back tonight to the bright lights of New York City at BB Kings Blues Club & Grill in the heart of Times Square. In the main event, jr lightweight Argenis Mendez (13-1, 8 KOs) meets Anthony Napunyi (14-6, 7 KOs). Mendez, who represented the Dominican Republic at the 2004 Olympic Games, has a slick yet crowd pleasing style.

Also in action is undefeated jr welterweight Joelo Torres (10-0-1, 6 KOs). David Armstrong was the original opponent for Torres but he had issues with his medical paperwork, therefore the new opponent for Torres is Washington Hago (5-3, 3 KOs). The undercard features several prospects, including heavyweight Tor Hamer (7-0, 6 KOs), featherweight Luis Del Valle (5-0, 3 KOs) and jr featherweight Eddie Irizarry (6-1, 3 KOs).

“There’s no place like New York City for boxing, and there’s no place for boxing in New York City like BB Kings,” said DiBella. “It brings me great pleasure to bring the Broadway Boxing series back to Times Square, and I promise to deliver a night of hot, summer action.”

Doors open at 6:45 pm and the first bout is 7:15 pm. Tickets are on sale at the box office.

Bradley inks with Dunkin

Unbeaten WBO junior welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley (24-0, 11 KOS) has signed an exclusive managerial agreement with Cameron Dunkin, it was announced today. Bradley joins Dunkin’s long list of outstanding fighters including world champions Kelly Pavlik, Nonito Donaire, Steven Luevano and sensational middleweight prospect Matvey Korobov.

Ruiz accepts step-aside deal

WBA mandatory challenger John Ruiz has agreed to step aside allowing WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev to go ahead with a planned voluntary November 7th defense against David Haye. Lawyers are currently putting the agreement in writing and the paperwork should be sent to the WBA by the end of this week.

Quezada extends with Goossen

WBC #4 heavyweight Manny Quezada (28-4, 18 KOs) has signed an extension of his promotional agreement with Goossen Tutor Promotions, promoter Dan Goossen announced today. Quezada, who has been campaigning under the Goossen Tutor banner since 2005, was won 17 straight fights and is coming off his most impressive win — a first-round destruction of Travis Walker.

Abraham-Taylor venue named

Team Sauerland and the Anschutz Entertainment Group have announced that King Arthur Abraham and Jermain Taylor will open SHOWTIME’s hotly-anticipated Super Six World Boxing Classic at Berlin’s famous O2 World on October 17. Further information will be announced during a press conference in Berlin on September 3. The event is promoted by Sauerland Event and DiBella Entertainment. The Super Six World Boxing Classic is being presented by SHOWTIME Sports in association with Sauerland Event, Gary Shaw Productions, Hennessy Sports, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

WBO Convention Day 2

By David Finger

Day two of the WBO 22nd Annual Congress continued today in Budapest, Hungary as President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel issued his President’s report to start things off in the morning. The first order of business President Valcarcel touched upon were the recent situations that the WBO has had to deal within Europe, most notably, the problem arising in fights involving the British Boxing Board (the sanctioning organization for such titles as the British Commonwealth title and the British title). The BBB has taken a position in which that organization will not allow Commonwealth and British title fights to take place when another organization (including the WBO) has sanctioned the fight for a title as well. President Valcarcel remained optimistic that the position of the BBB would be softened over time, expressing hope that the numerous boxing insiders in Great Britain who have expressed their desire to see the BBB drop this policy would be able to persuade the BBB to do so. (more…)

Vitali meets Beckham

Photo: Robert Mora/MLS via Getty Images

David Beckham (right) of the Los Angeles Galaxy presents an autographed jersey to Vitali Klitschko following a recent MLS game against the Seattle Sounders FC at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.. Vitali Klitschko attended the game to support David Beckham and the Galaxy while training in Los Angeles for his WBC world heavyweight title defense on Sept. 26, 2009 at STAPLES Center.

Huck-Ramirez presser

Photo: Sauerland Event

Both WBO Cruiserweight Champion Victor Emilio Ramirez (15-1, 12 KOs) and challenger Marco “Captain“ Huck (25-1, 20 KOs) are brimming with confidence ahead of their clash at Halle´s Gerry Weber Stadium on Saturday night. “I will win early,” Ramirez predicted during today´s press conference. “Huck is a strong opponent, but I will not allow anyone to take the title away from me. I have worked very hard to become champion and I will take the belt home to Argentina.” Huck would not allow himself to be provoked. “All that matters is a victory,” he stated when asked about his thoughts of knocking Ramirez out. “All my life I have been working to become world champion. I have learned from the loss against Cunningham. This is my second chance. I am a better, a more mature fighter. I have dedicated my whole life to this chance. I will make the most of it on Saturday night.” (more…)

Zabala honored in Hungary

During the 22nd Annual World Boxing Organization Convention in Budapest, Hungary, the WBO Latin Awards were given during a traditional Hungarian dinner. The Latin Promoter of the Year was Felix “Tuto” Zabala, Jr. of All Star Boxing, Inc. “The New Generation.” Zabala Jr received this award for the sixth year in a row. The WBO Latin Boxer of the Year Award was won by undefeated hot prospect Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr., son of the three times World Champion and living legend Wilfredo Vazquez and the Telemundo Network was named Network of the Year. President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel and Ratings Chairman Luis Perez handed the awards during the ceremony. More awards will follow during the last two days of the Convention. (In the picture from left to right WBO Ratings Chairman Luis Perez, Promoter Tuto Zabala, Jr and President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel)

Ahmet Öner survives shooting

German promoter Ahmet Öner has been shot down in Hamburg at 10.15pm local time on Tuesday night. The CEO of ARENA Box-Promotion was leaving the office of a business partner in Hamburg when two men fired at him three times. The assassins had waited for Öner behind his car when a security light exposed them in the dark and they started the fire. One bullet hit Öner in his left leg before he and his two companions could get back into the building to call the police. The shooters ran away. Öner had to undergo surgery only two hours after the assault. The projectile was successfully removed from his thigh. “I am okay”, stated Öner after the operation. “I have been attacked before but this was the first time somebody cowardly ambushed me in the dark to shoot at me. I hope it will be the last time as well. I know that wherever there is success in the world there is envy as well. I just cannot understand how somebody could go this far and try to kill me. This is insane.” (more…)

Boxing In Paradise IV

By Boxing Bob Newman

Boxing returns to the U.S. Virgin Islands on September 26, 2009 as 340 Promotions presents, “Boxing In Paradise IV” at the UVI Sports and Fitness center in beautiful St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Headlining the event will be a battle for the Fedecaribe Lightweight title between Juan Carlos Batista, 18-1, 14 KOs of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Atlanta, Georgia’s Omri Lowther, 12-1, 8 KOs. The show will also feature the continued rise of St. Thomas’ own Beijing Olympians John and Julius Jackson, sons of former three-time world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, and Jackson nephew Samuel Rogers. All three boys are undefeated at 3-0. (more…)