Oliveira wins 2 titles

Photo: Team Oliveira

By Robert Coster

Brazilian Jr middleweight prospect WBC #15 Michael “The Brazilan Rocky” Oliveira (19-1, 14 KOs) won the WBC Fecarbox and WBA Fedebol titles yesterday in La Romana, Dominican Republic with a 4th round TKO over Dominican national champion David Toribio (19-14, 12 KOs). The fight started with the crafty Toribio fighting at a distance and using his jab against the shorter, stockier Oliveira. The Dominican veteran had some success in the first round but Oliveira was gradually able to cut the distance in the second and do some effective body work. Following the instructions of his trainer Orlando Cuellar, Oliveira kept on the pressure, pummeling his Dominican foe against the ropes. Toribio, who seemed ring-rusty and not in the best of shape, absorbed further punishment to the body in the fourth round and decided not to come out for the fifth round. (more…)

Smith defeats Eagle

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Former IBF fenale welterweight champion Daniela Smith (12-3) scored a close decision over Lauryn Eagle (5-3-1, 3 KOs) of Australia over six rounds at the Waitakere Trust Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday. Smith controlled the action in the early rounds as she connected with solid left jabs and power right crosses. Eagle stepped up a gear in rounds five and six but referee Lance Reville crowned Smith the winner by unanimous decision. Scores were 59-56, 58-57, 58-56.

Eagle will be challenging for the Australian title on the Daniel Geale vs. Anthony Mundine IBF middleweight promotion on January 30, 2013 in Sydney. (more…)

Khan schools Molina

By Rocco Morales and Felipe Leon at ringside
Photos: Big Joe Miranda

Former world champion Amir “King” Khan (27-3, 19KO) got back on the winning track with a tenth round TKO victory over game, but outgunned, Carlos Molina (17-1, 7KO) on Saturday night at the legendary Los Angeles Sports Arena. Molina was cut early in the bout but did not seem to let the cut bother him. What did bother Molina, however, was the blinding handspeed of Khan. Khan, fighting for the first time in his last nine bouts without a world title on the line, came into enemy territory, Molina’s hometown Los Angeles, and fought not only with little fanfare but with a hostile crowd against him. Molina was never seriously hurt by any one punch but rather it was an accumulation of punches and the cut that seemed to lead to the stoppage by the referee at the suggestion of Molina’s own corner. Time of the stoppage was 3:00 of the tenth round. With the victory, Khan wins the vacant WBC Silver super lightweight title and gets back into title contention. (more…)

Narvaez retains WBO 115lb belt

WBO super flyweight champion Omar Narvaez (38-1-2, 20 KOs) scored a one-sided twelve unanimous decision over David Quijano (15-3-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday night at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in San Miguel, Tucuman, Argentina. Scores were 120-106, 119-109 and 120-108 as Narvaez retained his belt for the sixth time.

Mendez punishes Gonzalez

Super middleweight Paul “El Gallo Negro” Mendez (11-2-1, 5 KOs) scored a fifth round TKO over Lester “El Cubanito” Gonzalez (12-8-4, 6 KOs) in a clash for the vacant IBA belt on Saturday night at the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, California. Mendez dropped Gonzalez with a body shot in round three and got the stoppage with a barrage of punches at 2:35 of round five.

In the co-main event, welterweight Jonathan Garcia (10-0, 8 KOs) scored a spectacular first round kO over Rodolfo “Bam Bam” Armenta (11-9-1, 9 KOs). Armenta was down twice. Time was 2:03.

Welterweight Oscar Godoy (9-2, 4 KOs) scored a third round stoppage of Javier Gomez 13-10, 9 KOs). Time was :48.

Donaire destroys Arce in three; Arce retires

By Jeff Reiners at ringside
Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) scored yet another sensational knockout with his left hook Saturday night before a crowd of 7,250 at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Former multi-division world Jorge “Travieso” Arce (61-7-2, 46 KOs) was dropped in the second round on a right hand from Donaire before making things slightly competitive in the third. That was until the Filipino Flash zeroed in his left hook, dropping the Mexican legend violently with the power punch. Referee Lawrence Cole briefly gave count before waving off the fight with Arce flat on his back. Time was 2:59. Arce retired after the fight.

Featherweight Victor Terrazas (35-2-1, 20 KOs) won a spirited affair against hard charging Juan Ruiz (23-12, 7 KOs) of Newhall, CA. Terrazas spent the majority of the fight with his back against the ropes, picking off Ruiz with sharp punches as he charged in. Ruiz was difficult to deter and never stopped coming forward while throwing hard body punches. Terrazas was unable to hurt Ruiz despite landing several clubbing rights. The scorecards varied wildly in the split decision. Ruiz was a 78-74 winner on one card, while Terrazas took the other two 79-73 and 78-74 respectfully. (more…)

Fragomeni will officially be declared the winner

UPDATE #2: The WBC has confirmed to Fightnews.com that Giacobbe Fragomeni defeated Silvio Branco by split decision in a very close fight. An official statement on the situation in Italy is forthcoming.

UPDATE: According to Fragomeni’s trainer, one card had it even and the two other cards had Fragomeni ahead by three. Still to be officially confirmed but it looks like Fragomeni won a majority decision.

A riot broke out in the ring after Saturday’s twelve round rematch between WBC #1 ranked cruiserweight Giacobbe Fragomeni (29-3-2, 12 KOs) and #2 ranked Silvio Branco (62-10-3, 37 KOs) at the PalaGarda in Riva del Garda, Trentino, Italy. As a result of the tensions, no decision was announced.

All we know, thanks to the WBC’s open scoring, is Fragomeni was ahead by four points after eight rounds on one card and the other two cards were close. The bout was for the vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title.

Santa Cruz retains IBF bantamweight belt

By Rocco Morales and Felipe Leon at ringside
Photos: Big Joe Miranda

In Saturday’s afternoon session at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, bantamweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz (23-0-1, 13KO) successfully defended his IBF title with a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten and previously unknown 22-year-old Alberto Guevara (16-1, 6KO). Remarkably, it was the third successful title defense for Santa Cruz in just the last three months. Guevara fought with plenty of heart but was, ultimately, unable to outslug the stronger and more expereienced champion. Even so, Guevara was just the second opponent of Santa Cruz’ prior thirteen opponents to make it to the final bell and made a remarkably well showing of himself. Judges scored the bout 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109, all in favor of Santa Cruz. (more…)

Abraham stops Bouadla in eight

By Karl Freitag
Photo: Photo Wende

In his first title defense, WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs) scored an eighth round TKO over #13 rated Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs) on Saturday night at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung in Nuremberg, Germany. Abraham punished Bouadla throughout the fight and referee Mark Nelson finally waved it off in round eight. Time was 2:11.

“2012 was a great year,” said Abraham afterward. “I became world champion. I’m very happy. Also, thanks to Waldemar Hartmann (popular German boxing commentator), who stops today at ARD.”

Unbeaten Mateusz Masternak (29-0, 21 KOs) won the vacant European cruiserweight title with a one-sided twelve round unanimous decision over Juho Haapoja (18-3-1, 11 KOs). Scores were 120-108 on all cards.

In an upset, 37-year-old veteran Michael Sprott (37-19, 17 KOs) stunned previously unbeaten heavyweight Edmund Gerber (22-1, 14 KOs). Sprott, who entered with a four-fight losing streak, which included a controversial stoppage loss to Gerber in his last fight, was the busier fighter in compiling a ten round majority decision by scores of 97-94 (twice) and 95-95.

Unbeaten jr middleweight Jack Culcay (14-0, 10 KOs) dealt a five round beatdown to Jean Michel Hamilcaro (17-5-3, 6 KOs). “Golden Jack” was just too fast and too skilled as he dominated the fight. He finally put Hamilcaro on the deck in the fifth and got the stoppage with his follow up barrage. Time was 2:26.

Other results:
Tyron Zeuge KO1 Vasile Dragomir (super middleweight)
Enrico Koelling W4 Attila Baran (light heavyweight)

Groves sends Johnson back into likely retirement

Commonwealth super middleweight titleholder George Groves (15-0, 12 KOs) dominated former world champion Glen Johnson (51-18-2, 35 KOs) on Saturday night at the ExCel Arena in London. Groves outworked Johnson, as the 43-year-old “Road Warrior” who had come out of retirement seemed to be in good shape but was mostly unable to pull the trigger. Groves punished Johnson more and more as the bout progressed. Groves was credited with a knockdown just before the final bell. Scores were 120-107, 120-107, 119-109. Four straight losses for Johnson. (more…)

Pajkic retains title in rematch

By Lindy Lindell
Photos by Bob Ryder

Neven Pajkic did what he had to do. Faced with a challenge from Shane Andreesen, who was fresh off two solid wins, including a career best win on ESPN over the 31-4 Brazilian Raphael Zunbano, Pajkic retained his Canadian Heavyweight Title with an easy, if not dominating performance over a strangely reluctant Andressen over ten rounds. The bout headlined Get in the Ring 2012’s charity event attended by 900+ folks at Windsor, Ontario’s Caboto Club.

Andreesen, from British Columbia, who had much to gain besides the Canadian belt in that he had lost an earlier contest versus Pajkic four years earlier over eight rounds, showed up at a seeming ready-to-go 218; Rajkic (now 17-1) was coming off a knockout loss to Tyson Fury. As the cliché goes, the stars were seemingly aligned for Andreesen to have his best chance for victory. (more…)

Granados stops Canas

By Sam Geraci at ringside
Photo by Kyle Wolff for Tomba Images

Last night, 8 Count Productions and Round 3 Productions gave their fans who packed into Cicero Stadium in Cicero, IL, an early Christmas gift in “Crosstown Rivals: Windy City Fight Night 23,” the year’s final installment of the promotional company’s popular “Windy City Fight Night” series.

In the main event of the evening, in an all-action brawl between two of Chicago’s most courageous and entertaining fighters, junior welterweight Adrian “El Tigre” Granados (11-2-1, 7 KOs) used his clean punching, tight defense, and world-class ring generalship to beat-up and then stop an incredibly game and remarkably chinned Antonio “Aztec God of War” Canas (6-1-1, 3 KOs) in the fifth round of one of the best fights of the year. (more…)

Pajkic retains Canadian belt

Canadian heavyweight champion Nevin Pajkic (17-1, 5 KOs) retained his belt with a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over Shane Andreesen (12-4, 7 KOs) on Friday night at Caboto Hall in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Scores were 100-90, 100-90, 99-91.

Also in action was unbeaten heavyweight Ali Mansour (9-0, 4 KOs) in his first fight in nearly three years. Mansour defeated Craig Hudson (0-2) by majority nod 40-36, 39-36 and 38-38.

Norasing destroys Escobia

By Damrong Simakajornboon
Photos: Phisit Juajan

Famous Muaythai champion Norasing Lookbanyai (4-0,2 KOs) impressively captured the vacant PABA 115lb title as he stopped PBF champion Michael Escobia (9-3-1,2 KOs) in the opening round on Friday at the ground of Chaiya District Office in Suratthani, Thailand. After excitingly exchanging punches, Norasing landed a well-time left hook which dropped the Filipino champion, then he displayed one-side attack which floored his opponent again, forcing referee to stop the bout at 2:04.

In other action, WBC female silver 118lb champion Usanakorn Kokietgym (14-2,13 KOs) easily stopped Chinese Li Yun Ting in round three. Former IBF Youth 140lb title holder Decha Kokietgym (31-11-3,16 KOs) scored a six round unanimous decision over Chinese Jen Yu Jia. ABCO#15 bantam Rachasak Kokietgym (14-2-1,7 KOs) outpointed Chinese boxer whose name reported as Tsu Chi Long in a six round non-title bout.

This event was promoted by Kokiet Panichyarom of Kokiet Groups Promotion. (more…)

Weights from Perth, Australia

By Brett Bonetti

Robbie Bryant 159.4 vs Jarrod Fletcher 159.2
(PABA middleweight title)
Daniel Dawson 153.2 vs Eusebio Baluarte 149.9
(PABA light middleweight title)
Paul Fleming 130.3 vs Balweg Bangoyan 129.0
Sam Hogan 153.2 vs Michael Dan Rubio 151.2
Jonathan Carroll 129.4 vs Matthew Seden 129.9

“Western Alliance 9” is promoted by Ty Coleman & David Letizia from CDL Boxing Promotions on Sunday at WA Italian Club in North Perth, Australia.

Donaire, Arce share mutual respect…

By Jeff Reiners for Fightnews.com

A mariachi band entertained a legion of Jorge Arce supporters prior to the weigh in Friday in Houston. The event drew a large contingent of Mexican fans hoping to spur their man to an upset. Legends in attendance included Marco Antonio Barrera and Julio Cesar Chavez. Both fan favorites were swarmed as they prepared for a joint appearance on Mexican television.

Arce weighed in naked at 122, with Donaire helping to hold the shielding towel. Donaire came in a half pound under the junior featherweight limit at 121.5, immediately consuming a sports drink after making weight.

The two combatants playfully tugged at the WBO belt they will fight for Saturday night. Each fighter showed mutual respect for the other. The mood was joyous as Arce fans yelled for their man while Donaire struck an incredible hulk pose for the assembled media.

…while the Mexico-Philippines rivalry rages on

By Karl Freitag

For the second week in a row, the boxing rivalry between Mexico and the Philippines has the world’s attention. Last Saturday in two high profile Las Vegas bouts, Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez savagely KO’d Filipino Manny Pacquiao, and Mexican Miguel “Titere” Vazquez successfully defended his IBF lightweight title by outclassing previously undefeated Filipino Mercito Gesta.

On Saturday, Filipino Nonito Donaire has a chance to avenge those losses against Mexican Jorge Arce at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. In his career, Donaire is 13-0 against Mexican fighters and he is a prohibitive betting favorite to end the Philippines’ losing streak. However don’t tell that to Arce. “The triumph of Marquez, my experience, my style, my delivery in the ring and all the harsh criticism from my detractors makes me super motivated,” he stated. “Get ready to see what I will do with Nonito Donaire on Saturday!”

The “Road Warrior” is back on the Road

By Matt Thompson
Photo: Mary Ann Owen

Tonight the “Road Warrior” Glen Johnson will step into the ring for the 71st time as a professional at the ExCel Arena in London to battle super middleweight George Grove for his British and Commonwealth title. Being a Jamaican native qualifies Johnson for the title, but more importantly, who he is and what he has accomplished is the reason that Johnson is facing one of England’s hottest prospects who has only one-quarter of his experience and is twenty years his junior. The twenty-four year old Groves is not only defending his title but he is fighting for the recognition and legitimacy he would earn with a victory over a former world champ, particularly a warrior as highly regarded as Johnson.

Johnson announced his retirement in July of this year after his decision loss to light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara. At the time, Johnson did not believe that he had the effectiveness to compete at the highest level. As is frequently the case in boxing, it was a short-lived retirement. Now a scant five months later, Johnson finds himself hopeful of finding his Fountain of Youth “Across the Pond!” (more…)

Weights from the Dominican Republic

Marlin “Marvilla” Cabrera 125 vs. Geyci Lorenzo 126
(Vacant UBF Inter-Continental Featherweight Title)
Amanda Serrano 130 vs. Lina Milagros Tejada 134
(Vacant UBF Inter-Continental super featherweight title)
Carlos Valdez 138, Richard Capellan 136
Yahaira Hernandez 161, Evelina Diaz 160
Kelvin Toribio 141, Alexis Santana 143
Oscauris Frias 125, Juan Guzman 123

Promoter: Michael Duzant
Venue: Sosua Bay Grand Casino, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
(more…)

Weights from Salinas, Calif.

Paul Mendez 159.5 vs. Lester Gonzalez 160
Jonathan Garcia 142 vs. Rodolfo Armenta 142
Jose Celaya 173.5 vs. Loren Myers 174.5
Jonathan Chicas 143.5 vs. Moris Rodriguez 141
Preston Freeman 140.5 vs. Vicente Guzman 142
Oscar Godoy 148 vs. Javier Gomez 146.5

Venue: Salinas Storm House, Salinas, Californi
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: Telefutura

Oliveira goes for two titles tomorrow

By Robert Coster

Brazilian junior middleweight prospect Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (18-1, 13 KOs) will be looking to win two regional titles, the WBA Fedebol and the WBC Fecarbox crowns, tomorrow in La Romana, Dominican Republic. His opponent is experienced spoiler David Toribio (19-13, 12 KOs), the Dominican 154lb champion. Toribio has in the past notched the scalp of four unbeaten boxers in the USA and the Dominican Republic.

Understandably, the 22-year-old Oliveira is not taking his adversary lightly. “We know that Toribio’s record is deceptive and that he is a cagey boxer. I have trained hard for this fight and a victory and two titles will be a big step forward in my career.”

On the undercard, junior Middleweight knockout artist Kanat Islam (7-0, 7 KOs) of Kazakstan will be tested by veteran Humberto Toledo (41-8-2, 25 KOs) of Ecuador in a fight for the WBA Fedecaribe title. Kanat, who has never gone past five rounds, will be taking a big leap forward against the experienced and granite-jawed Toledo. The card will be held at the Pedro Julio Nolasco Coliseum and is promoted by Domini Boxing.

Smith in action Saturday

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photo: Dave Cameron

Former IBF welterweight champion Daniela Smith (11-3) will clash with Lauryn Eagle (5-2-1, 3 KOs) of Australia over ten rounds at the Waitakere Trust Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday. Eagle is a former Miss Universe Entrant and a world water ski champion and will start a heavy underdog. Smith captured the world title in 2010 when she dominated Germany’s Jennifer Retzke over ten rounds, but lost the belt in 2011 when South Africa’s Noni Tenge stopped her in four rounds. Legendary broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan will call the fight that will be televised on pay-per-view television throughout New Zealand. Promoter Dean Lonergan.

Marquez, Pacman declared clean by NSAC

Both Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao were declared “clean” by the Nevada State Athletic Commission following their post fight drug tests. Marquez’ test was of particular interest as he was ripped like never before and had been working with strength coach and doping expert Angel Heredia prior to the fight.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was given a mandatory 120-day medical suspension by the NSAC. He is required to have no boxing-related contact workouts for 90 days and before any future fight he will undergo extensive brain exams. September 14th, 2013 has been targeted as a possible return date.