Yuri Foreman title shot looms

By Marty Rosengarten

Top Rank today won a purse bid to promote the WBA super welterweight championship defense of Daniel Santos against mandatory challenger Yuri Foreman at the WBA office in Panama City, Panama. Top Rank’s Carl Moretti presented the winning (and only) bid of $165,000. Possible dates and sites are November 14th on the Pacquiao-Cotto super card in Las Vegas, or December 5th in either New York City or Atlantic City.

Pavlik-Williams to be rescheduled

The attractive clash between between WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (35-1, 31 KOs) and WBO interim jr middleweight champ Paul “The Punisher” Williams (37-1, 27 KOs) in Atlantic City, NJ, has been postponed due to a Pavlik hand injury. Kelly suffered an injury to the middle knuckle of his left hand while training. As a result, the bout will be have to be rescheduled from October 3 to possibly November 21 or early December. Stay tuned…

Dawson-Johnson undercard

Junior middleweight contenders “Lightning” Harry Joe Yorgey (22-0-1, 10 KOs) and Alfredo “Perro” Angulo (16-1, 13 KOs) will meet in the co-feature on the big Chad Dawson-Glenn Johnson II card in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 7. Both bouts will be televised on HBO.

Chavez ready for Diaz

Two-time world champion Jesus Chavez has commented on his September 26th fight against former lightweight world champion David Diaz at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion. Although Chavez grew up in Chicago and was an amateur star there, he has never fought in the WIndy City as a pro. “It means a great deal for me to finally fight in my hometown of Chicago,” said Chavez, now an Austin, Texas resident. “I have a lot of friends and family back home and it’s going to be a special night for me to fight there. I’ve known David since we were kids; we grew up in the amateurs together. There’s a mutual respect for each other but once the bell rings we both have to take care of business. It’s a great fight for the Chicago sports fans.” Chavez, who has had second thoughts after retiring following a TKO loss to Michael Katsidis in April, has been preparing for the bout in Austin with longtime trainer Fernando Castrejon. For Diaz it will be his comeback fight after losing his title to Manny Pacquiao in June 2008.

Brähmer/Balzsay Presser

Photo: Balazs Czagany

A press conference was held today in Budapest Hungary for Saturday’s “Universum Champions Night” world title twinbill on Saturday. Speaking to the media were local hero WBO super middleweight champion Karoly “Hitter“ Balzsay (21-0, 15 KOs) and his challenger Robert Stieglitz (35-2, 21 KOs) plus the participants in the just announced and hastily arranged WBO interim light heavyweight world title clash between European light heavyweight champion Jürgen Brähmer (33-2, 27 KOs) and unbeaten Aleksy Kuziemski (17-0, 4 KOs). (more…)

Brähmer-Kuziemski for WBO title!

Photo: Balazs Czagany

Now it’s official. At Saturday’s “Universum Champions Night“ in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, two world championship fights will be the highlight for the boxing fans with additional title bouts scheduled. In the headliner, European light heavyweight champion Jürgen Brähmer of Germany will get his second shot for a world title when he faces his unbeaten Universum stablemate Aleksy Kuziemski of Poland. It will be a clash for the WBO Interim world championship at light heavyweight. In the second world title bout, unbeaten WBO super middleweight champion Karoly Balzsay will make his second defense of his WBO belt, this time in his native country of Hungary. Perfectly prepared for this challenge by his coach Firtz Sdunek and highly motivated, the 29-year-old Balzsay takes on Robert Stieglitz of Germany. (More to come)

Title twinbill in Cabo San Lucas

Photo: Zanfer Boxing

Unbeaten super featherweight Humberto “Betilllo”Gutierrez (25-1-1, 19 KOs) will take on WBC #1 rated Sergey Gulyakevitch (26-1, 12 KOs) for the WBC interim 130lb title on Saturday at the Auduitorio Municipal in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

In the co-feature will be the third clash in the trilogy between IBF minimumweight champion Raul “Rayito” Garcia (26-0-1, 16 KOs) against Sammy Gutierrez (21-4-2, 12 KOs). In the first two confrontations, “Rayito” came out with a split decision win and a draw. (more…)

Tyson DVD signing in LA!

On Tuesday (8/18) former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson will meet fans and sign copies of Tyson, available on DVD and Blu-ray, at Borders located at Sunset & Vine in Hollywood, California. Borders Hollywood will begin distributing priority event wristbands with the purchase of the Tyson DVD when the store opens at 10am. Tyson is scheduled to be there between 7-8PM. Joining Mike will be Oscar-nominated writer James Toback, who directed “Tyson.”

“Pinoy Power 2″ report/gallery

Ringside by Rocco Morales
Photos by Mary Ann Owen

Before a packed house of 1,838 fight fans at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nonito Donaire boxed, danced, and, when necessary, traded bombs with the very determined, yet overmatched, Rafael Concepcion.

Donaire (22-1, 14 KOs), was the heavy favorite coming into the fight, but gave up a significant weight advantage to Concepcion, as well as a hand injured in the fight, in securing the victory . . . Click here for full report & gallery

Soliman stops Kietbusaba!

Photo: Ray Wheatley

By Ray Wheatley–World of Boxing

Former world super middleweight challenger Sam “King” Soliman (35-11, 13 KOs) scored a seventh round knock out over Thailands Sintung Kietbusaba (11-6, 10 KOs) at the Peninsula, Shed 14 Central Pier in Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on Sunday to capture the IBF and IBO Regional titles. Soliman dominated his opponent dropping in round four and twice in round seven and referee Malcolm Bulner crowned the Australian at one minute forty-seconds. This is Soliman’s first fight since dropping a controversial decision to Anthony Mundine in a WBA 168 pound challenge in 2008. Punch stats later revealed that Soliman had outscored Mundine in their twelve round bout. (more…)

Green next for Jones

Report by Damien St. Pierre
Photos by Scott Foster

After thrilling the crowd at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss., outhooking Jeff Lacy in the headline bout of “Hook City,” Roy Jones, Jr. kept up the entertainment at the almost-cancelled, yet well -attended post fight press conference.

“Captain Hook” talked about his win over Lacy . . . Click here for more

Garcia stops Guereca!

Ringside by Gerardo Martinez

Before a near-capacity crowd at the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, Colo., local favorite, jr. middleweight Elco “the Animal” Garcia (22-7, 11 KOs) scored his second straight kayo with a fourth round stoppage over El Paso’s Bernardo Guereca (15-8-1, 3 KOs). Guereca was unable to answer the fourth round bell due to a dislocated shoulder. In a four-round heavyweight bout, Bloomfield NM’s Reginald Jackson (1-0, 1 KO) made his debut a successful one with a first round TKO (:38); over Mark Trumble (0-2), of Denver; In a four-rounder of jr. welter debuters, Bloomfield’s Servando Lopez (1-0, 1 KO) TKO’d Denver’s Brian Anderson (0-1) at 1:25 of round one; At 120 lbs., Albuquerque’s Randy “Savage” Arrellin (2-1, 1 KO) TKO’d debuting Aaron Fernandez (0-1), of Bloomfield at 1:28 of the second; and, in a female featherweight fight, Albuquerque debuter Serena Pino (1-0) won a split decision over Santa Fe’s Clare De La Torre (1-7-1, 1 KO). Stay tuned for a detailed report later today.

TKO Boxing inks Elegele

TKO Boxing Promotions Promotions has signed Florida amateur standout Joseph Elegele, it was announced today by Chet Koerner, it’s president. “We’ve watched Joseph in the amateurs for a long time and he has all the skills to become a world champion. We’re very proud to add him to our growing team of international contenders and world class prospects” said Koerner. . . . . click here for more

Reveco wins WBA interim belt

By Lee Bates

In a closely contested bout, Juan Carlos Reveco (21-1, 11 KOs) of Argentina defeated Francisco Rosas (20-7-2, 12 KOs) of Mexico to win the interim WBA World light flyweight title. The bout took place at the Palacio Municipal in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Rosas was very aggressive for most of the fight but Reveco circled and countered the aggression very well. Reveco seemed a bit fresher down the stretch and turned very aggressive in round twelve landing several flush shots. In the end the judges had it 115-113 twice for Reveco while the third judge had it 116-112 for Rosas. No knockdowns were scored in the bout.

Jones stops Lacy; Green next?

Photo: Scott Foster

By Drew Amendola at ringside

In a clash of former world champions known for their left hooks, Roy “Captain Hook” Jones, Jr. (54-5, 40 KOs) schooled Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-3, 17 KOs) over ten one-sided rounds on Saturday night at the MS Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi. An extremely sharp Jones methodically battered Lacy, becoming more dominant as the bout progressed. Over the last few rounds Jones landed almost at will. Lacy’s corner mercifully halted the fight after round ten of the scheduled twelve. It was the first time anyone had ever stopped the durable Lacy. The bout was delayed approximately 30 minutes when the Jones and Lacy camps had a disagreement about the gloves. They both ended up wearing Everlast gloves.
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In a clash for the vacant IBO cruiserweight title, two-time world champion Danny “Green Machine” Green (27-3, 24 KOs) set up a possible bout in Australia against Roy Jones Jr. with a fifth round KO against Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez (20-5-1, 14 KOs). Green floored Dominguez in round five and then finished him moments later. Time was 2:53.
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Unbeaten BJ “El Peligrosso” Flores (24-0-1, 15 KOs) scored a fourth round stoppage of Epifanio “Diamante” Mendoza (29-8-1, 25 KOs) after Mendoza suffered a shoulder injury and couldn’t continue. WBO #3/WBA #6/WBC #11/IBF #11 Flores was in command before the injury. Time was 1:19.
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Jason “The American Boy” Litzau (25-2, 21 KOs) scored an impressive third round TKO over Verquan Kimbrough (21-2-2, 7 KOs). The bout was all Litzau as he pummeled Kimbrough from the opening bell.
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Super lightweight “Sugar” Ray Narh (23-1, 20 KOs) dominated journeyman Marteze “Too Sweet” Logan (26-38-2, 6 KOs), dropping him twice in round five to end it. Time was 1:21.
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Heavyweight Lenroy “TNT” Thomas moved to 13-1 with 8 KOs after a six-round shutout over 355lb Gabe “Big G” Brown (18-11-4, 12 KOs). Scores were 60-54 across the board.
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Australian light heavyweight Daniel “Biff” Baff (11-1-1, 10 KOs) scored a second round KO over late sub Shannon “Trouble” Miller (24-45-8, 18 KOs).

Donaire wins WBA 115 belt

Photo: Mary Ann Owen

By Rocco Morales at ringside

In a clash for the vacant WBA interim super flyweight title, former IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire (22-1, 14 KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over ex-interim king Rafael Concepcion (13-4-1, 8 KOs) on Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas. Concepcion was unable to win the title as he weighed-in four-and-a-half pounds heavy (actually at super bantamweight poundage). The difference in power was evident as Concepcion stalked Donaire. Donaire, however, landed many bombs of his own and showed a little more as he won 117-111, 115-113, 116-112.
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Photo: Chris Farina/Top Rank

WBO world featherweight champion Steven Luevano (37-1-1, 15 KOs) retained his title by disqualification when WBO #1 contender Bernabe Concepcion (29-2-1, 17 KOs) hit him after the bell to end round seven. Concepcion surprisingly applied little pressure allowing Luevano to control the pace and do what he does best: counterpunch. The bout ended when Concepcion floored Luevano with a big right hand clearly after the bell. Luevano was down for several minutes.
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In a good action fight, unbeaten WBC #2/IBF #6/WBO #9 Anthony Peterson (28-0, 19 KOs) won a harder than expected ten round unanimous decision over a motivated Luis “Vampiro” Arceo (22-8-2, 15 KOs). Scores were 98-92, 99-91, 97-93.
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Highly regarded welterweight Mark Melligen (16-1, 12 KOs) impressively broke down veteran Ernesto Zepeda (39-13-4, 32 KOs) finally flooring the bloodied but game Zepeda in round four just as referee Joe Cortez stepped in to stop the bout. Time was 2:40.

Baysangurov shuts out Albert

By Dmitry Mikhalchuk and Alexey Sukachev

Top Russian junior middleweight Zaurbek Baysangurov (WBA #10 and WBC #14) scored one of the biggest wins in his pro career moments ago at Dynamo Palace of Sports in Chechen capital of Grozny, Russia. The Chechen native (now 22-1, 16 KOs) used his usual enforcer-style to outslug and overpower tough but limited Nigerian Eromosele Albert (22-3-1, 10 KOs) over twelve one-sided rounds. Baysangurov, 24, was just too strong and too rugged for his eleven-year older opponent, who found no keys to his foe’s constant pressure. Albert fought on even terms with Zaurbek for the first three rounds but then the Chechen fighter, promoted by K2 East promotions, began to break him down both physically and mentally. The fight turned out to be foul-filled in the latter rounds but referee Mikael Hook deducted no points from the fighters. All three judges’ scorecards were unanimous in favour of the local fighter: 119-109 (twice) and 120-108. Fightnews saw it a bit closer 118-110. With the win Baysangurov, who was embraced by both Wladimir Klitschko and Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov before and after the fight, retained his WBA Intercontinental belt for the first time.
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WBA #13-ranked heavyweight Alexander Ustinov (17-0, 14 KOs) continued his winning streak with a one-sided beatdown of Kazakh national champion Talgat Dosanov (13-12-1, 6 KOs). Dosanov was down three times in the second stanza, and the bout was stopped in round four after more punishment, dealt by the rapidly rising Russian banger. (more…)

Yordan wins by TKO

By Jeff Pamungkas

Facing difficulties in the first five rounds due to his strategy to answer his opponent’s challenge to fight in the short distance, Daud Yordan could finally performed his best skills and landed his best shots to defeat his opponent Ricky Sismundo (14-4, 5 KOs) by TKO in round ten to retain WBO Oriental featherweight title, Saturday night (8/15) at Twin Plaza Hotels, Jakarta, Indonesia. Sismundo who last month defeated Yordan’s brother, Yohannes Yordan, with a third round TKO, landed some dangerous hooks to the face in rounds four and five, staggering Yordan, currently featherweight WBO #2 and WBA #5. Yordan started coming out strong in round seven and dangerously cornered the Filipino contender, but saved by the bell. Round nine, Sismundo was hurt, and in the last two minutes of the round he was only running to avoid Yordan’s strong body punches. Sismundo then refused to stand out of his stool after the break after round nine, so the referee awarded the TKO victory in round ten to Daud “Cino” Yordan, now 25-0, 19 KOs. (more…)

Herrera still unbeaten

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

By Edgar Gonzalez

Thompson Boxing Promotions presented a five-bout card at the Omega Products International in Corona, Calif. on Friday night. In the main event for the WBC/USNBC title, unbeaten Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (12-0, 6 KOs) dominated Seattle’s young prospect Jason “Young Gunz” Davis (11-4, 3 KOs) in five rounds to retain his perfect record. For more details and photos click here…

Vanda defeats Muller!

Photo: Rich Peterson/13TwentyThreePhotography

By Jesse Kelley

Matt “The Predator” Vanda (41-9, 22 KOs) had a successful test run in the super middleweight division on Friday night as he defeated game Teddy Muller (19-16-2, 9 KOs) by an 8 round decision at the Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, MN. Vanda out slugged Muller despite being outsized by keeping a high guard and moving in and out of reach with hard combinations to the head and particularly the body. Muller came close to matching Vanda’s punch output but had trouble getting through the colorful East Saint Paul fighters guard. Vanda looked to be in the best condition of his career as he constantly pressured Muller, smiling throughout the bout. Muller, who came out of retirement for the fight, did his best to keep pace but hit a tattooed wall by round seven as Vanda took complete control of the fight. Vanda seemed seconds away from a knockout victory in the closing moments of the fight but Muller refused to quit as both men finished the fight throwing bombs. Vanda settled for a unanimous decison win by scores of 79-74, and 80-72 twice. Vanda fought at the highest weight of his career (168) to prepare for his showdown with super middleweight Phil “The Drill” Williams (11-1) on September 26th in Minneapolis. (more…)

Campillo decisions Shumenov!

By Daniyar Karimzhan (ringside), Leonid Yuryev and Alexey Sukachev

WBA light heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo of Spain (19-2, 6 KOs) retained his title for the first time with a hard-fought, thrilling twelve-round unanimous decision over sensational Kazakh prospect Beibut Shumenov (8-1, 6 KOs). Shumenov, WBO #6, WBA #9 and WBC #15 175lber in the world, fighting for the major belt in his ninth fight as a pro, started the bout aggressively, throwing punches in bunches but mostly to the block of his opponent. Campillo was fighting smoothly, trying to counter the challenger from the distance and displaying savvy boxing skills in controlling the tempo. Kazakh Shumenov was visibly tired at the halfmark of the fight but dug deep to catch the second wind as the collision went on. In round nine already fatigued but yet powerful Shumenov floored the champion with a hard left to the chin. Campillo, seemingly on the brink of defeat, was able to regroup and fought back with the zeal. Championship rounds were back-and-fourth but the Spaniard solidified his position with a wicked left hook to the body that put Shumenov down early in the twelfth. At the end of the day, all three judges saw the battle in a favor of the defending titlist: 114-112, 115-111 and 114-113 – for Campillo. Fightnews saw it 113-113 a draw. All in all, an exciting two-way action and a strong effort by 25-year old Shumenov.
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Up-and-coming Uzbek light heavyweight prospect Gayrat “Gerry” Akhmedov is now 12-0-1, with 8 KOs, following the second-round destruction of Kenyan import Douglas Otieno (19-3, 9 KOs). Rapidly rising Akhmedov acquired the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council light heavyweight title and an interim version of the PABA 175lb belt after this win.
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Former WBO light welterweight champion DeMarcus Corley scored his second consecutive stoppage victory with the eighth-round TKO over Kenyan James Kimori (11-2, 7 KOs). Corley, who is now 35-11-1, with 21 KOs, koncked out his penultimate opponent Sidney Siqueira also in the eighth and also in Kazakhstan. Kimori was stopped for the first time in his career in his first ever bout outside of Africa.
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25-year old light middleweight Ravshan Hudaynazarov (9-0, 7 KOs) of Andijan, Uzbekistan, made a brilliant display of his talent with the thunderous first-round annihilation of Kenyan veteran Joseph Miyumo (30-8-5, 17 KOs).
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Former Kazakh amateur standout Abzal Adambaev (1-0, 1 KO) debuted with the stoppage win over fellow Uzbek rookie Muratjan Kurbanov (0-1). The fight was halted after the third round, when Kurbanov retired on his stool.

Video: “Hook City” weighin!

Check out yesterday’s heated weigh-in in Biloxi, Miss., for tonight’s “Hook City” card televised on PPV!

Litzau promises new look

Story by Jesse Kelley

“The American Boy” Jason Litzau (24-2, 20 KOs) and Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KO’s) are set to battle this Saturday, August 15th as part of the “Hook City” Pay Per View event. The two flashy fighters will meet in a ten round bout for the vacant NABF title as a supporting bout to Roy Jones Jr. and Jeff Lacy . . . Click here for more

TKO Boxing inks Rodriguez

TKO Boxing Promotions has signed outstanding amateur Robert Rodriguez of Evans, Colorado , it was announced today by Chet Koerner, its President. “Robert was an excellent amateur and we’re proud to add him to the TKO team of international contenders and world class prospects” said Koerner . . . . click here for more

Thomas ready for “Hook City”

Heavyweight prospect Lenroy “TNT” Thomas tipped the scales at 245 pounds late on Friday afternoon in preparation for his showdown with veteran Gabe Brown at “Hook City” on Saturday, August 15th at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi. . . . click here for more

Luevano sees market for his style

By Dennis Principe

The belief nowadays is that most boxing fans clamor for action-packed bouts punctuated by savage knockouts. But world Featherweight champion Steven Luevano believes his classy boxing style developed by his adherence to the sport’s sweet science still has a major following among the paying fans. Since winning the crown from Englishman Nicky Cook with a spectacular 11th round stoppage two years ago in London, Luevano successfully defended his crown four times, all via the distance. (more…)

Green practices his staredown!

Photo: Tom Casino/Square Ring

While waiting for his production meeting earlier this week, two-time world champion Danny “Green Machine” Green (26-3, 23 KOs) showed photographer Tom Casino that he is relaxed and ready to take on South American light heavyweight title-holder Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez (20-4-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant IBO cruiserweight crown this Saturday! “I was getting ready to take Danny’s headshot and right before I shoot the photo he puts on these crazy glasses and makes an insane face,” said Casino. “I bet he wears those glasses Saturday to stare down Dominguez!” (more…)

Classic Jones, Lacy all day!

Hooks will be flying in Biloxi on Saturday August 15 when Eight-Time World Champion, Roy “Captain Hook” Jones Jr. and Two-Time World Champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy battle it out in “Hook City,” at the MS Coast Coliseum. To prepare us for this highly anticipated match-up of speed and power, ESPN Classic will air past Jones and Lacy fights every night next week and all day Saturday.

Finishing the week, eight bouts will re-play today, beginning at 1:15 PM ET / 10:15 PM PT on ESPN Classic. Click here for more info on this week’s schedule.

Pitalua KOs Reyes

Former two-time world title challenger Antonio Pitalua 47-4, 41 KOs) scored a spectacular sixth round knockout over WBC #15 Jose “El Gallo” Reyes (23-7, 8 KOs) on Friday night at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming in Miami, Florida. Pitalua landed a flush right hand that sent Reyes down for the count. With the win, Pitalua claims the vacant WBC Latin super lightweight title.
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World Cup amateur champion Yunier Dorticos of Cuba scored a fourth round TKO against 40 fight veteran Hilario Guzman in his awaited professional debut. Fighting as a cruiserweight, Dorticos dropped Guzman (8-38-6, 1 KO) in round one and the rout was waved off by the referee in round four.
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Jr middleweight Jose Angel “Silver Boy” Rodriguez (14-1-1, 2 KOs) won a six round split decision over former 2004 Athens Olympian Juan Camilo “La Boa” Novoa (13-4-1, 11 KOs). Scores were 58-56, 58-56 Rodriguez, 58-57 Novoa.