Adamek-Gunn presser!

Photos: Marty Rosengarten / RingsidePhotos.com

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Main Events hosted a press conference on Wednesday at the Riverside Manor in Paterson, NJ to kickoff the July 11th showdown between IBF cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek (37-1, 25 KOs) against Bobby Gunn (21-3-1, 18 KOs). The card will be at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. “Every fight is important to me,” said Adamek. “I look forward to fighting at Prudential Center on July 11th.” (more…)

Michigan Boxing Beat!

By Bob Ryder

As the weather is heating up in the Great Lakes state so is the boxing game. Within a six week time frame, fans will be treated to no less than five pro shows. Two of the cards will take place in the Detroit area (June 13 and July 17), two have landed in Grand Rapids (June 26 and July 11) and Bay City will host an event on July 25. (more…)

TONIGHT: Through the Ropes!

Boxing fans, get ready to climb “Through the Ropes” with the #1 boxing news radio show hosted by award winning boxing writer Marc Lichtenfeld! This week’s guests are Juan Diaz and Robert Guerrero. Call or email your questions to ttropes@earthlink.net. Through The Ropes airs live coast to coast on Thursday nights from 9:00 – 10:00 ET on 75 affiliates of the Sports Byline USA Broadcast Network, including great radio stations like KSHP 1400 AM in Las Vegas and WNSR 560 AM in Nashville. The one-hour show will also be heard on American Forces Network, Sportsbyline.com and Fightnews.com. Fightnews readers can listen live by clicking here tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET.

“Night of Prospects” weights

It is the “Night of Prospects” as promoter Bobby DePhilippis of “Bobby D Presents” showcases some of the best prospects in the San Diego area this Thursday at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in San Diego. “I am happy to feature these young fighters who have only a few fights or that are making their pro debut,” said DePhilippis. “Promotes need to help these kids get to the next level and the fans want to see the local fighters go from prospect to champion!” Headlining the “Night of Prospects” is local jr welterweight knockout artist Antonio Orozco (2-0, 2 KOs) against Antonio Soria (2-4, 2 KOs) and in a special feature attraction, Amaris “La Reina” Quintana (1-0) battles Melissa McMorrow (3-1) in flyweight contest. Four more bouts with top local prospects are scheduled. Tickets are available at the Four Points Sheraton gift store (858-277-8888). Doors open at 6pm and the first bout is at 7:30pm. Below are the official weights for the “Night of Prospects” participants:
Antonio Orozco 142 vs. Antonio Soria 142
Amaris Quintana 107 vs. Melissa McMorrow 108
Mario Angeles 149.50 vs. Steven Macomber 152
Jesse Isais 141.50 vs. Alan Sanchez 143
Pablo Armenta 127 vs. Danny Pantoja 127
Ryan Davis 184 vs. Lamont Williams 185

“Brawl At The Hall” on June 12th!

Pro boxing returns June 12 to Plymouth as Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) presents a rare pro-am card, “Brawl At The Hall,” at historic Plymouth Memorial Hall. “Brawl At The Hall” is the second of four shows in “The Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor Fight Series,” scheduled in 2009 at Plymouth Memorial Hall and exclusively promoted by CES. Iraqi War veteran Chris Traietti (7-2, 4 KOs), a light heavyweight from Quincy, is in the 6-round main event. Also in action, U.S. Navy veteran and Plymouth firefighter, light heavyweight Benny “The Hornet” Lescarbeau (3-0, 3 KOs), is back fighting in front of his hometown fans in a four round contest. (more…)

Klitschko targets Arreola!

By Alexey Potapov

UPDATE: Chris Arreloa’s promoter Dan Goossen has rejected any possibility of Arreola stepping in for injured David Haye. “Chris isn’t in the type of shape you need to be for fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world,” he told the LA Times. “One thing you don’t do with elite athletes is give them a short window to prepare.”
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IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will fight on June 20th at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. While various heavyweight contenders hope to step in to replace Davis Haye, Wlad has already made it clear that he wants Chris Arreola. “If the fight against David Haye doesn’t take place, I’ll fight against Chris Arreola,” Wlad said on the Alexey Potapov Boxing Diary published on the Russian site Sports.ru.

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Solis wants Wlad also!

After David Haye had to pull out of his showdown with IBF/WBO/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko due to a hand injury ARENA’s heavyweight sensation Odlanier Solis offers to step in for the challenger right away. “I am ready to go”, states Solis. “If Wladimir Klitschko dares to accept me as opponent I promise to expose him and strip his championship belts from him.” The three-time world amateur champion and 2004 Olympic gold medallist has had an outstanding amateur career winning 227 of his 241 amateur fights. Since turning pro for German based promoter Ahmet Öner in April 2007 (knocking out then reigning German champion Andreas Sidon in one round) “La Sombra” scored 13 wins in as many pro-fights including 9 kos. In his last outing in January 9th reigning WBC international champion Solis gave his US debut on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights outclassing and stopping “Big Man” Kevin Burnett.

Johnson ready to step in!

Undefeated and world ranked heavyweight contender Kevin Johnson (22-0-1, 9KO) has one question for The Klitschko Management Group, “What time does the next flight to Germany leave?” Johnson, coming off an impressive TKO victory over undefeated US Olympic Team Captain Devin Vargas on May 15th looks to prove he is the leading US heavyweight contender and next heavyweight champion. “It’s as simple as picking up the phone and calling Star Boxing,” Johnson stated after learning that David Haye pulled out of his June 20th match with Wladimir Klitschko. “I’m ready to show the entire world what boxing experts already know, the next heavyweight champion of the world is from the United States and his name is Kevin Johnson.”

Ross “The Boss” Thompson Update!

By Bob Caico

Ross “The Boss” Thompson (27-13-2) was released from a Buffalo hospital today two days after being stabbed and shot outside a Buffalo, NY bar. Thompson claims there were up to 30 people who jumped him for no reason. “I got stabbed ten times and I never felt myself getting stabbed. I guess my adrenaline was so high just from, you know, fighting,” Thompson told WKBW television news. Thompson was scheduled to fight Chris Henry on June 4th for the NABA light heavyweight title but that was called off after Henry was arrested last week. Thompson expects to be out for four weeks and plans on continuing his career.

One Punch Productions Returns!

After a one-year hiatus, One Punch Productions is bringing their successful “Ballroom Brawl” series back to the Tampa Bay area. The event is set for Saturday July 25, and will be the first ever boxing event held at the luxurious waterfront Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. The event is being co-promoted by Voodoo Management, the management firm founded by former unified lightweight champion and current top jr. welterweight contender Nate Campbell. The main event of the evening will feature rising undefeated Tampa based cruiserweight contender Nick “The Assassin” Iannuzzi (11-0, 7 KOs). (more…)

Pacquiao-Mosley Update!

IBO light welterweight champion and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao says he’s open to meeting WBA welterweight champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley in a mega-fight at a catch weight. In an interview today with Filipino news organization GMA News, Manny Pacquiao addressed Mosley’s dare to meet him in the ring. “No problem, we can fight. As long we negotiate,” Pacquiao said from his hometown, General Santos City. Mosley countered, “Now that Manny has stated that he is ready to fight me, the only thing left to finish are negotiations. Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum are working out the details now. I will be ready to fight Pacquiao on October 17th.” Mosley has agreed to a 40-60 split and is willing to fight at a catch weight to meet Pacquiao in the ring.

IBF convention wrap up!

Photos: IBF

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IBF members and guests spent an enjoyable evening featuring entertainment from a Panamanian Folkloric Dance ensemble and guest appearances by Alexis Arguello,MarkBreland and Ulises “Archie” Solis at the organization’s Gala Banquet. Midway through the evening, Larry Hazzard, Sr., IBF Chairman of Officials Supervision, Training & Development and Personal Assistant to the President, opened the awards ceremony welcoming and thanking all in attendance for their continued support on behalf of theIBF/USBA and President, Marian W. Muhammad. Hazzard expressed, “We are all part of an extended family and it is with your support that the IBF continues to thrive.” Mr. Hazzard then proceeded with the ceremony presenting Felicidad Duran, wife of Roberto Duran, with a plaque in recognition of the legendary pugilist’achievements throughout his career and his historic standing in the sport. Mrs. Duran graciously accepted on her husband’s behalf stating, “Roberto is very honored by this distinction and laments not being here to receive it.” Duran was not present due to a previous engagement for a charitable event. (more…)

Drozd-Wilson Moscow Presser!

By Alexey Sukachev / Photo: Allboxing.ru

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Moscow is slowly preparing for its biggest boxing event this year so far. On July 2, German Titov, 2007 and 2008 promoter of the year by the Professional Boxing Federation of Russia, will stage a mid-sized but sound pugilistic tournament at the “Dynamo” Palace of Sports in the western most district (“Krylatskoe”) of the Russian capital. Four title fights, including a huge cross roader between cruiserweights Grigory Drozd and Darnell Wilson, and a pro debut of the the Beijing Olympics super heavyweight bronze medalist Vyacheslav Glazkov will form a magic mixture, which will thrill the audience. At least, that is what organizers expect. (more…)

Mosley wins round in court!

Justice Louis York of the New York State Supreme Court has rejected a request from former BALCO president Victor Conte to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Sugar Shane Mosley. The Judge denied the motion orally without feeling the need to write an opinion, which as a general rule, is a manner in which only the most frivolous claims are dealt with. Judd Burstein, Mosley’s attorney, stated, “This is one step along the road of securing justice for Shane. Conte can run, but he cannot hide from me.” Conte alleges that Mosley knowingly used performance enhancing drugs.
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Conte issued the following statement: There was absolutely no victory today for Shane Mosley in his defamation case against me. Quite the contrary. The New York judge simply asked for depositions to be taken before he throws the knockout punch to the case. Specifically, the judge noted that he is not even sure if he has jurisdiction to rule in the case. The only thing running at this point is Mosley’s attorney Judd Burstein’s mouth.

Brähmer, Brancalion workout!

Photos: Moritz Müller

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Jürgen Brähmer and Antonio Brancalion looked sharp today during a public wokout in Oberhausen, Germany. Brähmer defends his European light heavyweight title against Brancalion on Saturday.

Minto wants WBO title shot!

WBO#9 heavyweight Brian “The Beast” Minto (33-2, 21 KOs) says that he is available to fight WBO champ Wladimir Klitschko. “I am ready and willing to face Wlad in 2 1/2 weeks at Veltins-Arena. “After a tune-up 6 weeks ago, I never left the gym. I am in shape and ready to go!” stated Minto. A winner of 6 straight and 15 of his last 16, Minto does appear to be a viable replacement for the WBO title now that Haye is out. Having fought in major fights on German soil before, Minto is also undefeated on both HBO (TKO7 of Vinnie Maddelone (25-2) and RTL (TKO6 of former IBF title challenger Axel Shultz (26-4). “I’m not only the best American heavyweight, but I have always interacted well with the German fans. If given the opportunity, I will display to the entire world the heart of a true champion.” Minto added.

More Chagaev-Valuev fallout!

IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has sided with Ruslan Chagaev in regard to the cancellation of last Saturday’s WVA heavyweight title showdown against Nikolai Valuev in Helsinki, Finland. “What a farce,” said Wlad to BILD from his training camp in Austria. “I’d have consulted the German doctors. They would have confirmed that no infection danger exists, then I would have fought Ruslan Chagaev immediately. To me what’s one more vaccination? That’s all there is to it. Today it’s no longer a problem. At my training camp I’m inoculated against tick bites because I sometimes jog near the forest. I think this is all about business. Don King owns a piece of Valuev and the next mandatory challenger would be John Ruiz, whom Don King has 100% of. That is very clear.
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On a related note, after Chagaev’s promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl called Valuev the “biggest coward” earlier in the week, a poll in the local Hamburg Morgenpost asked “Is Nikolai Valuev a coward? Voting was 74.7% Yes, 25.3% No.
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Meanwhile Valuev commented to BILD that “Mr. Kohl is a free person who can say what he wants. Chagaev held a press conference wearing a t-shirt that read ‘The Real Champ.’ For me he’s only the real champ of cancellations.”

Klitschko vs. Haye cancelled!

The fight between IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye is offially cancelled. The reason is an injury to David Haye. Further details are not known yet. Klitschko Management was informed about the cancellation on late Wednesday afternoon. Nevertheless, the fight night on June 20th at the Veltins-Arena in Schalke is supposed to take place. “I am very disappointed that the fight got cancelled. I’ve been in training camp for weeks. I am in top condition and I was really looking forward to fight night. I don’t want to disappoint the fans in Schalke and I am willing to fight a different opponent as well,” said Klitschko. Bernd Bönte, Managing Director of the Klitschko Management Group confirmed “We will do everything to realize this fight night. After having recovered from the first shock, we will work on finding a top opponent.” Further information to follow…

Q&A: Wilfried Sauerland!

After the late cancellation of last weekend´s title fight between WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev and “champion in recess” Ruslan Chagaev, Wilfried Sauerland, Valuev´s manager, has given an exclusive interview, explaining the happenings in Helsinki and revealing additional background information. (more…)

Shocker: Haye pulls out!

David Haye has pulled out of his June 20 title challenge against WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. Haye apparently suffered an undisclosed hand injury in training and wants six to eight weeks to recover. Klitschko will now consider a replacement opponent on the June 20 date which had generated a sold out crowd of 60,000+ at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The injury still needs to be indepentently verified, More to come…

Vuma defends against Mashego!

By Ron Jackson

South African junior middleweight champion Vincent Vuma makes the fifth defence of his title when he meets Tshepo Mashego in a rubber match at the Sasol Recreation Club in Embaleni, Secunda on Friday night. The tournament is presented by Tshehla’s Mpumalanga Boxing Promotions. (more…)

Cotto workout in NYC!

Three-time world champion Miguel Cotto (33-1, 27 KOs) will be holding a free public workout in the Bronx this Saturday (June 6) beginning at 2:30 P.M. ET, in an outdoor ring at 152nd Street and Tinton. Cotto, who is in his final week of training, will be defending his WBO welterweight title against Joshua Clottey (35-2, 21 KOs) on June 13 at Madison Square Garden. This marks the fourth time in the past five years that Cotto, a two-division world titleist, will headline at the “Mecca of Boxing” on the eve of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Clottey returns to the ring after defeating Brooklyn brawler Zab Judah and winning the IBF welterweight title. The card will also feature undefeated WBO junior flyweight champion Ivan Calderon (32-0, 6 KOs) defending his title against No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger Rodel Mayol (25-3, 19 KOs). Remaining tickets to Cotto vs. Clottey, priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.thegarden.com.

“Night of Prospects” This Thursday

For over 30 years promoter Bobby DePhilippis of “Bobby D Presents” has been bringing the best in boxing to San Diego and the June 4th card put together by legendary matchmaker Jorge Marron is no exception. This Thursday local jr welterweight knockout artist Antonio Orozco (2-0, 2 KOs) takes on Antonio Soria (2-4, 2 KOs) in the main event of the “Night of Prospects” at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in San Diego. In a special feature attraction, Amaris “La Reina” Quintana (1-0) battles once beaten Melissa McMorrow (3-1) in flyweight contest. Quintana, who was a 2008 Women’s National Championship semifinalist, was showered with dollar bills in the ring after her sensational pro debut win over Gloria Salas in April. McMorrow is the 2007 Northern California Golden Gloves champion and a former Brazilian soccer player who promises to go toe-to-toe with Quintana. Three other bouts showcasing top local prospects including super featherweight Pablo “El Bronco” Armenta, welterweight Jesse “El Caballo” Isais and jr middleweight Erin “Dead End” Beach round out the card. Tickets are available at the Four Points Sheraton gift store (858-277-8888) or call 619-420-8866. Happy hour is from 5 to 7pm. Doors open at 6pm and the first bout is at 7:30pm.

Venue change for Sosa defense!

Photo: Team Sosa

By Robert Coster

Promoter Fausto Daniel Garcia has announced that WBC Jr Flyweight Champion Edgar Sosa will not be making his ninth title defense in the Mexican resort city of Veracruz — a change of venue — but the original date of the bout, June 20th, remains unchanged. Sosa will be meeting WBC #10 Carlos Melo of Panama. Garcia did not give explanations as why Veracruz was finally discarded but has declared that he will inform the public very shortly as the new location of the card. Another world title bout, the WBC Interim Super Flyweight champiomship, will also be held as veteran Tomas “Gusano” Rojas of Mexico will clash against prospect Ricardo Nunez of Panama. Also, another interesting evenly-matched bout will see Mexico’s Reyes Sanchez defend his WBC World Juvenile Lightweight title against KO artist Rene “Chirizo” Gonzalez of Nicaragua. Says promoter Garcia, “We have received various offers from different cities due to Edgar Sosa’s popularity with the fans in Mexico. The most important thing is that Edgar will fight on the originally selected date.”

Berto joins Everlast Team!

Everlast Worldwide Inc. has added WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto to their athlete roster. Berto joins the ranks of other influential fighters, ready to make his lasting impression on the boxing world. This long term agreement allows Berto to exclusively wear Everlast apparel and gloves for all professional fights and Everlast sponsored events. Berto, from Winter Haven, Florida, stepped into the professional boxing scene as a hotly recruited two-time National PAL Champion, Golden Gloves Champ, U.S. Championships silver medalist and a 2004 Olympic boxer. Berto credits his father for instilling his passion to succeed. Since his professional debut in 2004 with a KO to his opponent, Berto has held an undefeated record (25-0) including 19 KOs. (more…)

Fight Night Club debuts!

On Thursday, June 11th, “Fight Night Club” premieres at Club Nokia at LA LIVE across the street from STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles, and to kick off this highly-anticipated new boxing series, Golden Boy Promotions will be featuring Los Angeles area top young boxing talent with Oxnard’s David Rodela (12-1-2, 6 KOs) headlining against Juan Garcia (14-2, 5 KOs) and Paramount’s unbeaten featherweight Charles Huerta (10-0, 5 KOs) in the co-featured attraction against TBA. The televised bouts will air live on VERSUS Network beginning at 6:00pm PT/9:00pm ET. Doors open at 5:00pm PT and the first bell rings at 5:30pm PT for this scheduled seven-bout evening of boxing. After the boxing action, fans will treated to music, dancing and a chance to mingle with the fighters as the venue will convert back into a night club. The series will return to Club Nokia on July 30th, August 27th and September 24th.

Geale camp to protest!

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Bill Treacy, manager of former IBO middleweight champion Daniel Geale who lost the title to Anthony Mundine last Wednesday by a disputed twelve round split decision, will lodge a protest to the IBO regarding the intimidation by members of the Mundine camp of English boxing judge Marcus McDonell during the contest. McDonnell scored the bout 114-113 to Mundine and Rich Green of the USA scored 115-112 to Geale. Australian judge Derek Milham scored 116-113 for Mundine. McDonnell confirmed to The Sunday Telegraph that he was subjected to verbal abuse. McDonnell said, “For the future, judges of IBO title fights featuring Mundine need to be protected. We should not have people standing behind us calling us names. Luckily – I am a thick skinned pom.” It was generally considered that Geale had deserved a clear decision over the former WBA super middleweight champion Mundine, who has stated he is after a WBA shot against German Felix Sturm.