Dover Downs card set!

By Rick Scharmberg

Ryan Belasco (11-2-2, 3 KOs), of New Castle, Delaware will fight in his first main event on Friday, July 24, when he faces West Virginia’s Dean White (14-10-1, 7 KOs) in an eight round junior welterweight bout at the Rollins Center, inside Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, Delaware. At stake will be the WBF USA belt. Belasco is unbeaten in his last seven bouts. There will be seven additional bouts on the show, including an appearance by rising Delaware middleweight “Mighty” Mike Tiberi (9-1, 4 KOs), and a women’s bout featuring New Jersey’s Elizabeth Sherman (1-0, 1 KO) taking on Bernadette Hume, of Toronto. The promoter of “Delaware’s Young Guns” is Capital City Promotions. (more…)

Q&A: Wilfredo Vasquez Jr

Photo: All Star Boxing

By Jose Reyes

Fightnews caught up with young undefeated super bantamweight prospect WBO#9 and WBA#12 Wilfredo Vasquez Jr (16-0-1, 13 KOs), after his impressive 2nd round TKO victory over four time world title challenger Cecilio “Boga” Santos (23-11-3, 13 KOs) this past Friday night in Kissimmee, Florida. Vasquez Jr, who captured the WBO Latino super bantamweight championship with the win, is the son of former super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vasquez of Puerto Rico. The young boricua has shown great poise in his development towards a world title that emanates through great tradition and hereditary gene pull. Read on to learn what this up and coming prize fighter had to say… (more…)

Hendrix KOs Cannon!

By Michael Sheffield at ringside, Memphisboxing.com

After a four-month layoff, Prize Fight Boxing returned to Tunica Saturday night at the Fit, with an event that picked up right where it left off — with two broken noses, two brutal knockouts and a guest appearance by Jermain Taylor.

In the main event, a scheduled eight-rounder, lightweight Tyrese “Head Honcho” Hendrix (17-0-1, 7 KOs), KO’d Robbie “Pea Shooter” Cannon (12-3, 6 KOs) in the second round . . . Click here for full report

Omar Chavez foe critical

Photo: Zanfer Boxing

Sad to report that welterweight Marco “Texano” Nazareth, who was taken from the ring on a stretcher after being KO’d by Omar “Business Man” Chávez last night in Puerto Vallarta, is now fighting for his life in a local hospital. Nazareth underwent a three hour operation last night to treat a cerebral hemorrhage. Doctors say the condition of Nazareth is “critical but stable,” and they expect the local fighter to show improvement over the next 72 hours. Omar Chavez is the son of Mexican ring legend Julio Cesar Chavez and younger brother of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Chavez Jr. injured!

Undefeated super welterweight contender and The Son of The Legend, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., has been forced off the card for the upcoming “Latin Fury 10″ due to a training camp injury. “Latin Fury 10” will proceed as scheduled headlined by the two world championship fights featuring undefeated #1 super featherweight contender Urbano Antillon (26-0, 19 KOs) and top ten contender Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta (25-9-2, 19 KOs) battling for the vacant WBA interim lightweight title and WBA light flyweight champion Giovani Segura (20-1-1, 16 KOs) defending his title against Sonny Boy Jaro (30-7-5, 19 KOs).

Chavez Jr. (39-0-1, 29 KOs) suffered a rib injury last Wednesday during training camp in Big Bear. He has not been able to throw any punches effectively because of the pain and today his doctor ordered a halt of all training until it completely heals. Chavez’s return to the ring is expected to be in September or October. (more…)

Shimada leaves for Namibia!

By Joe Koizumi

WBA#13 Takehiro Shimada (23-4-1, 16 KOs), a 37-year-old Japanese veteran, left for Namibia today (Sunday) to have an ambitious crack at the WBA lightweight belt against unbeaten newly crowned WBA champ Paulus Moses (24-0, 17 KOs) in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, on this coming Saturday. Shimada is accompanied by his manager/promoter Kenji Yonekura (two-time world challenger to Pascual Perez and Jose Becerra) and his trainer and three-time world champ Kuniaki Shibata (conqueror of Vicente Saldivar, Ben Villaflor and Rene Arredondo). They will arrive in Windhoek at 10:45 am tomorrow via Johannesburg. It will be the Namibian national hero Moses’ initial defense since he impressively dethroned Japan’s Yusuke Kobori by a unanimous verdict in Tokyo this January.

Pacquiao-Cotto update!

By Nick Giongco

Reports from Team Pacquiao say that Canadian advisor Mike Koncz is on his way to the US to relay a message to Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum that Manny Pacquiao has agreed to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight will be at 145 lbs.

Rojas wins WBC interim 115 belt!

Super flyweight Tomás “Gusano” Rojas (31-11-1, 22 KOs) claimed the WBC interim title with a ninth round stoppage of Everardo “Zihua” Morales (32-14-2, 22 KOs) on Saturday night at the Centro de Convenciones in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Rojas was in command all the way and the bout was halted at the end of the ninth by referee Jack Reiss.
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Welterweight Omar “Business Man” Chávez (17-0, 13 KOs) left no doubt in a rematch with Marco Nazareth (4-4). The son of thelegendary Julio Cesar Chavez dropped local hero Nazareth in round one and got a stoppage win at 2:59 of round four. Chavez previously won a competitive unanimous decision over Nazareth.
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Super flyweight Rodrigo Guerrero (12-1-1, 8 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over three-time world title challenger Luis “Titi” Maldonado (35-5-1, 26 KOs). Disappointing loss for Maldonado, who came in off two consecutive world title shots against Nonito Donaire and Fernando Montiel.

Lee upsets WBA #8 Enoki!

By Joe Koizumi

Unheralded Ryol-li Lee (AKA Retsuri Lee; 13-1-1, 7 KOs), 125.25, a Japan-based Korean, scored a stunning upset victory as he kept moving well and effectively countered WBA#8 ex-world challenger Hiroyuki Enoki (28-2-2, 20 KOs), 126, winning a split but well-received decision (97-93, 97-94 and 95-97) over ten heats on Sunday in Tokyo, Japan. Having failed to win the WBA feather belt from Indonesian Chris John via hard-fought unanimous decision last October, Enoki engaged in his second comebacking bout after his third-round demolition of Indonesian national champ Aldi Diego this March. (more…)

Iezumi wins OPBF belt!

By Joe Koizumi

Hard-punching perennial contender, OPBF#1 Katsuhiko Iezumi (26-7-3, 19 KOs), 108, seized the interim OPBF 108-pound belt by decking a dramatic TKO win over OPBF#2 Tsutomu Yamanaka (17-2, 6 KOs), 108, at 2:49 of the eighth round on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. (more…)

Khan outpoints Kotelnik!

Photo: Frank Warren Promotions

In a clash of former Olympic silver medalists, Amir Khan (21-1, 15 KOs) won the WBA super lightweight championship by outboxing reigning titleholder Andreas Kotelnik (31-3-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. Khan, who moved up from lightweight, was busier in round one. Kotelnik upped the pressure in round two as Khan boxed from long range. That was pattern of the fight as the counter-puncher Kotelnik was forced to take more of an aggressor’s role against the fleet-footed youngster’s long range sharp-shooting. Good two-way action at times, but Khan’s strategy to quickly move in and out paid dividends on the scorecards. Scores were 120-108, 118-111, 118-111.
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Unbeaten cruiserweight Denis Lebedev (18-0, 13 KOs) may have ended the career of former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli (29-4, 22 KOs), brutally stopping him in round three. Maccarinelli was never down, but was being punished severely by Ledebev when the bout was waved off. With the win, Ledebev claims the vacant WBO Intercontinental title. Macca, who has now lost three of four, had vowed to retire if Lebedev beat him. (more…)

Canchila rebounds with win!

By Lee Bates reporting from Colombia

Former WBA light flyweight interim champion Cesar Canchila (28-2, 22 KOs) of Monteria, Colombia got back in the win column with a fifth round TKO victory of Venezualan Carlos Luis Campos (14-4, 8 KOs). The bout was a bit of a homecoming for Canchila as it took place at the Coliseo Miguel ‘Happy’ Lora in Monteria, Colombia. Canchila was in control from the opening bell punishing Campos throughout the bout with solid combinations. The bout was stopped by the referee in round five on advice of the ringside physician. (more…)

Cleverly KOs McIntosh!

Photo: Chris Royle

By Alexey Sukachev

Rising Welsh light heavyweight star Nathan Cleverly (17-0, 7 KOs) added the vacant British national belt to the already owned Commonwealth 175lb title with a devastating seventh-round TKO over Danny McIntosh (10-1, 4 KOs), dealing the first career loss to his opponent. Cleverly (WBC #12 and WBA/IBF/WBO #14), a terrific body puncher of his own right, started to work McIntosh’s body from the outset but was hitting too low and was warned twice in the opening round by the referee. In round two, the Welshman landed a monstrous left to the liver and added a right hook to put Norwich native for the first time. McIntosh stood up but almost immediately went down again after another huge right. McIntosh literally jumped back in Jackie Chan style. It was a miracle, how he survived till the end of the second round though. In the third, Cleverly stalked his foe again and down went McIntosh for third time. Moments later he was decked once more but now from the illegal push. However, he recovered well and lasted till the end of the third. Tired Cleverly was less active in round four but McIntosh was too beaten to deal any backfire to his future conqueror. The fifth and the sixth stanzas were in Nathan’s favor. The end came in round seven. Cleverly dropped his opponent again after the right and McIntosh fascinatingly stood up again. However, after another of Nate’s combination the fight was stopped in his favor. The fourth straight knockout win for the 22-year-old Welshman. For more details and photos click here…

Khurtsidze, Uzelkov triumph!

By Alexey Sukachev

WBA #4 middleweight Avtandil Khurtsidze (19-1-2, 12 KOs) retained his WBA Intercontinental title for the third time with a convenient win over Belgian Jamel Bahki (19-3, 5 KOs), who lost inside the distance for the first time in the career. The fight was a headliner of the K2 East-promoted show in Odessa, Ukraine. The short and stocky Kiev-based Georgian (5’4”) started to press his opponent from the starting bell, going right to him, using a peek-a-boo style of defense. Longer but weaker Bahki was unable to stop him in his shoes and was often punished in the ropes. In round three, Khurtsidze increased his tempo and put his Belgian foe down with ten seconds remaining in the stanza. Bahki continued to fight back in rounds four and five but was on receiving end of the punches and got beat badly. The Belgian’s corner waved the fight off immediately after the fifth stanza.

Also, world rated Ukrainian light heavyweight stalwart Vyacheskav Uzelkov moved to 21-0, with 13 KOs, after an easy annihilation of hugely overmatched Romanian Istvan Varga (14-8, 5 KOs). (more…)

Vasquez upsets Prescott

Ringside by Chris Cozzone

Breidis Prescott might’ve gained his limelight with a one-round destruction of Amir Khan, last year in England, but, last night at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, the undefeated Colombian “Khanqueror” lost it in ten to underdog Mexican Miguel Vasquez.

Taking the fight on two weeks notice, the Mexican who goes by the nickname of “Titere” (Puppet), proved anything but, weathering a first round knockdown and dozens of chopping right hands that would’ve killed a hundred rabbits, in his thrilling split decision victory over Prescott . . . Click here for more

Thomas rips Osborne!

Photo: Bob Ryder

By Bob Ryder

Fighting for the first time since signing with DiBella Entertainment, Isiah Thomas was impressive in scoring a solid fourth round TKO over Jeffrey Osborne Friday night at downtown Detroit’s Majestic Theatre. Light heavyweight Thomas had chalked up easy first round KOs in his first 3 fights against novice opposition, but was facing a stiffer task in experienced Osborne of Davenport, IA. Thomas scored knockdowns in the first, third and fourth rounds but each time the ultra game Osborne battled back despite being cut and battered. Isiah also had some anxious moments. After his elbow collided with the top of Osborne’s head in the first, Thomas spent the rest of the round and most of the second visibly rubbing and favoring his left forearm. “I had to fight my way through it,” Thomas told Fightnews. “As the fight went on, the pain went away and I’m fine now,” Thomas related in his dressing room. “I’m in great condition and going almost 4! rounds was no problem. I’m excited having Lou DiBella representing me and I’m looking forward to my next fight in Rochester, New York in August,” exclaimed the happy Detroiter. In the fourth, bleeding from cuts on his forehead and nose, Osborne was still hanging in when referee Ron Cunningham decided to wave it off at 1:51. Jeffrey was upset with the stoppage but in reality had no chance of winning and Cunningham likely saved him from further unnecessary punishment. Thomas is now (4-0, 4 KOs) while Osborne falls to (8-14-2). Continue for results and more photos…

Hernandez still unbeaten!

By Edgar Gonzalez at ringside

Thompson Boxing Promotions brought boxing back to the Omega Products International in Corona, California on Friday night with a card titled “New Blood V” featuring unbeaten lightweight Daniel “El Travieso” Hernandez (7-0, 4 KO) who won a unanimous decision over veteran fighter Jovann Jones (9-6, 4KO) of San Diego, CA. (more…)

Pacman, Arum to meet in LA!

By Nick Giongco

Barring a last-minute change in schedule, Manny Pacquiao will fly to Los Angeles on Sunday night in time for a meeting with Top Rank big boss Bob Arum on Monday in an effort to discuss–or even finalize–the planned Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao will also take the opportunity to be with his loved ones–wife Jinkee and kids–on the way back to Manila. Jinkee and the Pacquiao kids have been in the US the last two weeks. (more…)

Tonight: “Fights at The Fitz”

Promoter Brian Young of Prize Fight Promotions returns to Fitzgerald Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi this Saturday, July 18th with the fan-favorite “Fights at The Fitz” series. The five bout fight card features the crowd pleasing Tyrese “Head Honcho” Hendrix (16-0, 6 KOs) against Robbie “Peashooter” Cannon (12-3, 6 KOs) in the eight-round lightweight main event. “I am pleased to showcase Tyrese again at The Fitz,” said Young. “Tyrese is the future of the lightweight division!”
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Below are the official weights for the “Fights at The Fritz” participants:
Tyrese Hendrix 136 vs. Robbie Cannon 135 1/2
Nicole Woods 148 vs. Kita Watkins 149
Anthony Doughty 179 vs. Cody Kennedy 177
Xavier Burgos 140 1/2 vs. Jamar Saunders 139
Randy Johnson 221 vs. Larry Slayton 252
(more…)

Kotelnik ready for Khan!

Photo: Universum

WBA super lightweight champion Andreas Kotelnik (32-2-1, 13 KOs) is set to defend his world title tonight against British hope Amir Khan (20-1, 15 KOs) in front of a huge crowd at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. “I am very well prepared and ready to go twelve rounds,” said Kotelnik this week. “For me this fight is an important step in the boxing world, especially in my weight class, to further position myself for other big fights — I’d like to fight in America. I won’t make a prediction on the outcome against the young Amir Khan. He’s a quick guy, but I have the means to hit him and to take the belt home with me again. The experience speaks for me. In addition, my faith makes me strong. God will accompany and protect me in this fight.“ (more…)

Boxing, BBQ and music!

Promoter Bob Duffy of Ring Promotions returns to the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY this Saturday with a eight-bout fight card featuring heavyweight prospect Tor Hamer (6-0, 5 KOs) battling Marcus Dickerson (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in the main event. The card will be held outdoors but will be moved indoors if it rains. Barbecued food and cigars are available for purchase, and a live band will perform following the main event. “Great food, cigars, boxing and live music,” said Duffy. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.” This will be Duffy’s fifth fight card at Plattduetsche. The doors open at 3pm and the first bout begins at 4pm. Tickets are $50 (ringside) or $30 and can be purchased at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant (516-354-3131).
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Below are the official weights of the participants:
Tor Hamer 221 vs. Marcus Dickerson 211
Issouf Kinda 142 vs. Fernando Basora 141 1/2
Jarrell Miller 252 vs. Darius Whitson 204 1/2
Marcus Bianconi 163 vs. Juan Zapata 164
Brian Hart 166 vs. Fasika Bezabeh 166
Steve Ormond 134 vs. Israel Suarez 133
Chris Algieri 140 1/2 vs. Jose Guzman 138
Jasques Louis N/A vs. K.C. Cunningham 230

Whitaker defeats Batchelder!

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

By Francisco Salazar at ringside

Heavyweight contender and former world title challenger Lance “Mount” Whitaker (33-5-1, 27 KOs) returned with a win against Danny Batchelder (25-7-1, 12 KOs), taking a ten round unanimous decision on Friday night at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, CA. Batchelder started strong, however Whitaker dominated the middle rounds to take a 96-94 nod on all cards. Click for full details and more photos…

Darchinyan-Nonggayi Update!

On July 13, 2009 the IBF ordered IBF jr. bantamweight champion Vic Darchinyan and mandatory challenger Simphiwe Nongqayi to begin negotiations. The IBF has since received a written certification from Branco Sports Productions who represents Simphiwe Nongqayi, stating that they were not willing to participate in negotiations and therefore requested an immediate purse bid according to IBF Rule 10A. Therefore, the IBF will call for purse bids at IBF Headquarters on Tuesday (7/28) at noon.

W Vazquez destroys Santos!

By Ryan Macalua at ringside

In front of a packed Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida, WBO Latin super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (16-0-1, 13 KOs), son of the legend Wilfredo “El Orgullo” Vazquez Sr. (56-9-2, 41 KOs), remained undefeated and impressively scored an explosive second round knockout over four-time world title challenger Cecilio “Boga” Santos (23-11-3, 13 KOs) on Friday night in Kissimmee, Florida. Vazquez effectively established his jab to keep his opponent at bay and to control most of the first round. After what seemed like a cautious opening round, Vazquez became more aggressive in round two landing a short left hook, opening a cut to Santos’ right eye. Vazquez then smothered his opponent as he unleashed furious combinations overwhelming his opponent. He eventually landed a vicious left hook to Santos’ body that sent him down for good. Time was 2:59 in the second round. A KO victory for Vazquez who finished in stunning fashion. (more…)

M Vazquez shocks Prescott!

Photo by Chris Cozzone

In a stunning upset, unheralded Miguel Vazquez (25-3, 12 KOs) outworked previously unbeaten WBA #5/WBC #7 lightweight Breidis Prescott (21-1, 18 KOs) to win a ten round split decision on Friday night at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Prescott, best known for his one round KO of Amir Khan, dropped Vazquez with a jab in round one, but the awkward Vazquez gave Prescott fits for the rest of the fight. Vazquez was able to repeatedly score while frustrating Prescott whose eye was badly swollen at the end. Scores were 95-94, 96-93 for Vazquez, 97-92 Prescott.
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Former world amateur champion Erislandy Lara (7-0, 4 KOs) won a six round unanimous decision over veteran Darnell Boone (16-12-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight bout Scores were 59-55, 60-54, 60-54.
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Two-time Olympic gold medal winner (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004) Guillermo Rigondeaux (2-0, 2 KOs) took out Roberto Guillen (4-3-3, 0 KOs) with a body shot at 2:57 of round one in a super bantamweight bout.
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2004 Olympic silver medal winner Yudel Jhonson (2-0, 1 KO) outpointed Justin Paulo (1-1, 0 KOs) in a one-sided four-round super welterweight bout. Scores were 40-36 on all cards.

Lundy stings Beeman!

Unbeaten Philadelphia light welterweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (14-0-1, 8 KOs) methodically broke down hometown favorite Josh “Bam Bam” Beeman (4-4-3, 2 KOs) en route to an impressive victory by fifth-round knockout on Friday night at the Twin River Casino, last night at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I. “I put him away with a left hook to the chest, followed by a left hook to the head,” Lundy explained about the ending. “I’m ready to fight for a title with any of the big boys who want to deal with ‘Hammerin’” Hank. My opponents are scared when they fight me. When he was talking trash at the press conference, I knew he was scared and I already had him beat. All I had to do was finish it in the ring.” (more…)

Arturo Gatti Services

Wake: Sunday (7/19) Maison Funeraire Magnus Poirier, 10300 Pix-IX, Montreal, Canada, (514) 727-2847 – 2pm to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm.
Funeral: Monday (7/20) Church – Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense, 6800 Avenue Henri-Julien, Montreal, Canada, tel. 277-6522 11am

Kiattaweesuk stops Delada!

Photo: Johnny Chaichotchuang

By Ray Wheatley–World of Boxing

IBF Pan Pacific bantamweight champion Thantong Kiattaweesuk (12-0) scored a impressive four round stoppage over 5 foot 10 inch Bogie Delada (13-2) at the Jiranakhon Stadium, Hatyai City, Sogkla Province, South Thailand on Friday. The rangy Delada scored with accurate combinations in round one but the champion found the range for his power combinations in round two and slowly chopped down his opponent. Kiattweesuk dropped Delada in round four and shortly after referee Yongsak Na Songkla saved the game for Delada from further punishment. Click here for more photos…

Weights from Jalisco!

Photo: Zanfer Boxing

Tomas Rojas 115 vs Everardo Morales 114
(Interim WBC super flyweight title)
Titi Maldonado 116 vs Rodrigo Guerrero 116
Panchito Sierra 174 vs Rene Fernandez 173
Hansel Martínez 111 vs Juan Pérez 111.5
Omar Chavez 141 vs Marco Nazareth 142
Venue: Centro de Convenciones, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Promoter: Zanfer Boxing
TV: TV Azteca and Azteca América Click here for more photos…

Chavez ready to go!

Photo: Chris Farina-Top Rank

Son of the legend, undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. shows that he is ready to go during final preparations Friday at The Summit boxing gym in Big Bear Lake, Ca. for his upcoming “Latin Fury 10″ main event fight. Chavez Jr. takes on Jason LeHoullier on Top Rank’s live Pay-Per-View broadcast, Saturday, July 25, from Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Click for more photos