Dib stops Yamaguchi!

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Former IBO 130 pound champion and IBF#11 Billy Dib (23-1, 12 KOs) captured the interim WBO Asia Pacific 126 pound title when he stopped Kenichi Yamaguchi (15-2-2, 4 KOs) in round one at Luna Park, Sydney, NSW, Australia on Thursday. Dib was down early in the fight but at 2:59 of the round referee Les Fear crowned Dib when the Japanese boxer was on unsteady legs after being on the canvas. (more…)

Dwyer making moves with NABF!

When Joe Dwyer was named President of the NABF on June 5, he vowed to transform the organization into a powerhouse. On Friday, July 10, the organization will present its third title fight since he took office: a cruiserweight matchup between champion Matt Godfrey, 18-1 (10 KOS), of Providence, Rhode Island, and Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk, 18-0-1 (16 KOS), of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The fight will be held at The Arena in Philadelphia and televised on ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights. (more…)

Card moved to Tijuana!

The fight card originally slated for this Saturday, July 11th in Ensenada, MX, has been moved to the Zona Norte of Tijuana, MX. In the main event of the fight card presented by Erik Morales’ Box Latino, Mulege, MX’s Rafael “Raffles” Gutierrez (11-2, 9KO) will face off against late sub Luis Valdez (11-3-1, 5KO) of Los Mochis, MX in a ten round bantamweight bout after original opponent Daniel Quevedo step downed under unknown circumstances. The nine bout fight card will be held in an open air setting where the street Coahuila and the 5th of May will be closed off. The main event will be broadcast nationally in Mexico by Cadena Tres.

Adamek-Gunn Presser!

Photo: Justin Caggiano

IBF cruiserweight word champion Tomasz Adamek vowed to impressively defend his world title on Saturday night against Bobby Gunn at the Prudential Arena this Saturday night. “I can make a guarantee now,” Adamek said at Wednesday’s final presser. “Bobby Gunn and my fans around the world will see my winning effort and another knockout on Saturday night.” In response to Adamek’s comment, Bobby Gunn said with a smile “He’s not as nice as he was at the last press conference, he’s meaner now!” Kathy Duva said “yes, Tomasz Adamek has his game face on.” (more…)

Zbik hopes to hook WBC belt!

Photos: Universum Box-Promotion

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Unbeaten middleweight Sebsatian Zbik (26-0, 10 KOs) wants to make his dream come true on Saturday. The WBC #2 rated 160-pounder collides with #1 rated Domenico Spada (29-1, 14 KOs) for the WBC interim world title on the huge “Universum Champions Night” on the evening before the German Grand Prix in the new ring°arena. Zbik, who grew up in eastern part of Germany in Neubrandenburg, says he gets the power for his fights out of mother nature. He spends a lot of time fishing, as evidenced by the catch in his last fishing trip in Norway. “I love being on the sea or sitting at the waterside of a small lake,” said Zbik. “I travel a lot. So I need this silence and wonderful nature around me. That gives me enough power for my next tough job.” It will be anything but peaceful in the ring this weekend when “Boxing meets Formula 1″ at the famous Nürburgring Speedway. And, if Zbik is victorious, reigning WBC/WBO world champion Kelly Pavlik would certainly feel the breathe of German fighters in his neck as there already the German champions Felix Sturm (WBA world champion) and Arthur Abraham (IBF world champion) in the middleweight division. Zbik would make three.

Van Heerden to defend!

By Ron Jackson

Chris Van Heerden makes the second defence of his South African welterweight title when he meets Boitshepo Mandwe at the Dr Malan School Hall in Meyerton on Friday night. Van Heerlen (12-0-1, 9 KOs), who fights from the southpaw stance, won the vacant African Boxing Union welterweight title in July last year when he stopped Hassan Sauk from Uganda in the eighth round. In December of the same year he made a successful defence of the ABU title and won the vacant South African welterweight title with an eleventh round technical knockout over Page Tshwane at Hammanskraal. (more…)

Brinkley still aiming for title shot

Story by Robert Perea

Throughout his 13 years in the ring as a professional, Jesse Brinkley believes he has been bypassed time and again for a shot at big money fights and world titles.

Now he’s determined to make sure that he’s overlooked no more . . . Click here for more

Houston on Darchinyan-Agbeko

By Graham Houston

One thing about Vic Darchinyan that cannot be denied is that, for all his tough talk, he is willing to walk the walk by facing top-calibre opposition, which is what he is doing this Saturday when he steps up to bantamweight to challenge IBF champion Joseph Agbeko, with Showtime televising the intriguing fight . . . Click here for more

González training with Beristain!

By Gabriel F Cordero

Former WBO bantamweight world champion Jhonny González, is now being trained by the well known Mexican manager/trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain at the famous Romanza Gym in Mexico City. González should return to the ring in either August or September in a ten rounder and if all goes well by the end of the year “we could be speaking of another battle for the world title,” stated a source close to Gonzalez. He is expected to return on August 21 in Chihuahua against an opponent to be named on a card promoted by Promociones del Pueblo of the Kuchle family.

Vic: I’ll make him look stupid!

Photos: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

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Due to travel complications, two division world champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan was unable to participate in Tuesday’s media workout in South Florida with his opponent, IBF bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko. SHOWTIME caught up with the four-time world champ at the hotel pool on Wednesday, just three days before he faces Agbeko in his quest to become a three division world champion on Saturday, July 11 at the BankAtlantic Center LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT). Darchinyan, who proved his dominance in the 115 pound division with dominating victories over Christian Mijares and Jorge Arce on SHOWTIME, had a lot to say about Saturday’s fight and his boxing future. Saturday’s world title fight will be Darchinyan’s first scrap at 118 pounds. (more…)

Moreno honored by Prez!

Photos: Premium Boxing Promotions

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After defending his WBA bantamweight title for the fourth time, Panamanian Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno was honored by President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal. Moreno defeated former champion Mahyar Monshipur in France on Saturday July 4th, achieving the first Panamanian sports victory under the new government headed by Mr. Martinelli, who started his 5 years period 3 days before the fight.
“Chemito” attended the presidential invitation accompanied by his grandmother, wife, son, trainer Carlos Harry and promoter Hector Villarreal. (more…)

Concepcion prepares for title fight!

Photos: Optimum Sports

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Rafael “el Torito” Concepcion approached the podium at the press conference for Pinoy Power 2 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and in broken English stated “No one knows who is Rafael “el Torito” Concepcion in Las Vegas, but after August 15, everyone will know who I am.” This simple statement highlights the opportunity that Rafael Concepcion has before him, an opportunity to announce himself to the boxing world. Rafael Concepcion takes on the former IBF Flyweight Champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire in the Main Event of Top Ranks Pinoy Power 2 Promotion. (more…)

Sturm, Gevor workout!

Photos: Marianne Müller

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WBA world middleweight champion Felix Sturm (32-2-1, 14 KOs) thrilled boxing fans at during a public workout on Wednesday at the local VW dealership. Also on hand was Sturm’s challenger, reigning European champion Khoren Gevor (30-3, 16 KOs) They collide Saturday in the new “ring°arena” at the famous Nürburgring Speedway on the evening before the German Formula 1Grand Prix. Fans also got to see Sebastian Zbik (26-0, 10 KOs) and Domenico Spada (29-1, 14 KOs), who meet for the WBC interim middleweight world championship in the co-feature, as well as WBA #1 super middleweight Gusmyl Perdomo (16-2, 10 KOs) and heavyweight Christian Hammer (2-1, 1 KO) who will also appear on the card.

Diaz, Malignaggi guarantee win!

By Byron Spurlock
Photos: Thomas Shea – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotion

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A hot Wednesday in Houston, Texas got hotter as former undisputed lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz and former IBF junior lightweight world champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi each guaranteed a win during a press conference announcing their August 22nd showdown on HBO. The bout will be a twelve-rounder fought at jr. welterweight poundage. “Yes I had a tough loss to Ricky Hatton, at my best I’m a hard to fighter to beat and at times I feel I’m inconsistent,” stated Brooklyn native Paulie. “All said and done I was making excuses in the losses that I had, but now both of us have two losses and that means somebody is going to get three losses and it isn’t going to be me.” Diaz had this to say to the media. “I’ve been training for a few weeks and now that the press conference is here I know the fight is for real and now we can get down to business. The last fight hurt my pride on how I was stopped in the fight against Juan Manuel Marquez and I said to myself ‘whoever they put in front of me next is going to get it.’ Paulie is a good fighter, but I’m a great fighter. I’m testing the waters at jr. welterweight and lightweight to see whichever is good for me. I would like to thank Houston and all the fans for their support of me and I hope they come out and support me like they have in the past.” (more…)

Experts pick Darchinyan!

If the media members who participated in the SHOWTIME Media Prediction Poll have called it correctly, Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan will walk out of the ring a five-time world champion with a victory over Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko. A triumph also would make Darchinyan a three-division world champ – at 112, 115 and 118 pounds. Agbeko (26-1, 22 KOs), the IBF bantamweight champion, will defend against Darchinyan (32-1, 26 KOs) in the main event this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. The matchup between two of the hardest-hitting, pound-for-pound boxers in the world could end with one punch. Both fighters have whopping knockout percentages. Agbeko has won inside the distance 81 percent of the time while Darchinyan has won by knockout 76 percent of the time. One thing is certain: Raging Bull certainly didn’t take a tune-up in King Kong. Still, Darchinyan was a landslide winner in the SHOWTIME poll, garnering 22 of the 28 predictions. Most predicted a knockout for the Australian-based Armenian bomber, while only three predicted the fight would go to the scorecards.
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The co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will showcase two once-beaten, world-ranked No. 4 contenders when emerging lightweight Antonio DeMarco (20-1, 14 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, meets Anges “Baby Face” Adjaho (25-1, 14 KOs), from Benin, Africa, now fighting out of Geneva, N.Y., in a 12-round bout.

Boxing Buzz!

The IBF has approved an Eliminator for the jr. featherweight division between Takalani Ndlovu VS Kiko Martinez. The bout is scheduled for Sept. 25, 2009 at the NASREC Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don Chargin has announced that he has signed junior welterweight Humberto “Tito” Trinidad Ramos (10-0, 7 KOs) to an advisor contract.
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Heavyweight Shane “Mountain Warrior” Cameron has been given the all clear by surgeon Tim Tasman-Jones to begin punching ahead of his October 3 bout with David Tua at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand. In his last fight, Cameron suffered three fractures in his right hand that required surgery.

Angulo returns on FNF!

By Lee Bates

Junior middleweight Alfredo “Perro” Angulo (15-1, 12 KOs) will look to get back in the win column as he takes on Gabriel Rosado (12-3, 7 KOs) in a 10 round bout televised on ESPN2´s Friday Night Fights on Aug 7. Angulo suffered his first loss as a professional this past May against former two-time welterweight champion Kermit Cintron. Rosado is no soft touch as he has made it tough on promising prospects recently. About a year ago he upset the then unbeaten James Moore in a televised FNF, and in February of this year he dropped unbeaten prospect Fernando Guerrerro before losing to him by decision. In an 8 round co-feature, unbeaten super middleweight Anthony Dirrell (17-0, 14 KOs) will look to stay sharp and remain unbeaten as he takes on Dyah Davis (15-1, 7 KOs). Gary Shaw Productions will promote the event which is being held at the Buffalo Bill Star Arena in Primm, Nevada.

Brinkley, Paschall prepare!

Presented by Reno’s “Let’s Get It On” Promotions and Las Vegas based TKO Boxing Promotions, “Summer Showdown” is headlined by a ten round light heavyweight battle between The Fighting Pride of Northern Nevada, Jesse Brinkley and Baltimore, Maryland’s Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall on Friday, July 10th at the Reno Events Center . . . Click here for more workout photos

Reno presser open to public!

Fight fans in the Reno area are encouraged to attend the final public press conference for “Summer Showdown”, on Wednesday, July 8th at 1 p.m. at Scheels Sporting Goods, 1200 Scheels Drive in Sparks, NV. (more…)

Donaire plans public workout!

Former IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr., will open up his workout to media and fans at the Undisputed Boxing Gym in the Bay Area (883 East San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, Calif. 94070) this Saturday, July 11, beginning at 1PM PT. Donaire (21-1, 14 KOs), from San Leandro, Calif. by way of General Santos City, Philippines, is training for his upcoming challenge of former world champion Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (13-3-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim super flyweight title. The Donaire-Concepcion rumble headlines Top Rank’s August 15 “Pinoy Power 2″ world championship pay-per-view extravaganza at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. (more…)

Nakash hosts clinic

Israeli Cruiserweight Boxing Champion Ran “The Jewish Warrior” Nakash will be at the Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC on Wednesday, July 8, 7:00pm to offer a free boxing and Krav Maga Clinic and to promote his upcoming fight at Prudential Center in Newark this Saturday, July 11th. Children and teens ages five to seventeen are encouraged to participate in the clinic in which Ran will demonstrate and teach various boxing and self-defense maneuvers. The clinic will be followed by a “Meet and Greet” where guests will have the opportunity to learn a little more about this “intense” fighter. His background is very interesting. (more…)

Chambers: Bring on Wladimir!

Photo: Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor Promotions

By Karl Freitag

Despite his win over former WBC heavyweight champion Sam Peter, “Fast” Eddie Chambers took a bit of heat from people who said he wasn’t aggressive enough. In his win last Saturday over Alexander Dimitrenko, Chambers took that criticism to heart. Chambers met Dimitrenko in the center of the ring and took the fight right to the previously unbeaten WBO #1 ranked fighter, scoring a knockdown in the process. “There were times, like in the twelfth round, I was in there and I had him going and he was trying to hold and survive,” Chambers told Fightnews. “That says a lot about him and his ability to survive and the heart he showed to begin the fight honestly. I was hitting him with some hellacious shots, you know, people don’t think I can punch but I could tell you speed is power and I am a lot stronger than people think. There’s not a heavyweight in this division out there that I can really believe is strong enough to deal with me — and my speed, as well.” (more…)

DeMarco still humble

Story by Felipe Leon

As you walk thru glass double doors into the always hot and humid room of the CREA gym in Tijuana, Mexico, you will see dozens of young practitioners of the fistic arts crowd around the cramped room as they work on different bags, shadowbox or jump rope . .. Click here for more

DKP fighters ready to shine!

Photos: Ed Keenan

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Boxing stars appearing in Don King’s Summer Sizzler on Saturday at Bank Atlantic Center (SHOWTIME 9 p.m. ET/PT) laced up their gloves to participate in gym workouts for the media today at Punch Fitness. IBF bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko (meeting Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan in the main event); IBF No. 4 ranked lightweight Anges “Baby Face” Adjaho (facing WBO No. 2 ranked lightweight Antonio DeMarco in the televised co-feature to determine the WBC’s mandatory challenger); and former IBF cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (meeting former WBC cruiserweight champion Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite in a non-televised IBF elimination bout to determine the mandatory challenger) were among the fighters answering questions and providing a glimpse into their ring training regimens. (more…)