Martinez officially crowned!

Photo: WBO/Norma Nieves

By Lee Bates

Newly crowned WBO super featherweight champion Ramon “Rocky” Martinez (22-0-1, 14 KOs) proudly displays his official world title he received today from the World Boxing Organization in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Martinez defeated the world champion Nicky Cook (29-2, 16KOs) by 4th round TKO in M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom this past Saturday. “I’m very thankful to the public for their reception they gave me. I’ve always trained extremely hard and it paid off. My dream of becoming a world champion is now a reality,” said Martinez.

Judge KOs boxer’s legal claim!

By David L. Hudson Jr.

Former professional heavyweight boxer Floyd “Jumbo” Cummings — best known for holding “Smokin” Joe Frazier to a 10-round draw in 1981 — lost his latest legal bout recently when a federal judge rejected his $50-million lawsuit against ESPN Classic. In June 2008, Cummings filed a lawsuit in a state court in Randolph County, Illinois, alleging that ESPN Classic — the arm of sports giant ESPN that airs past sporting events — violated his rights by re-broadcasting Cummings’ December 1981 fight against Frazier, the former heavyweight champion. Cummings contended that ESPN Classic violated his rights under the Illinois Right of Publicity Act by using his name for commercial purposes without permission. For its part, ESPN denied ever showing a replay of the 1981 bout. (More)

Video: Q&A Orlando Cuellar!

Super trainer Orlando Cuellar talks about Juan Carlos Gomez’ world heavyweight title challenge against reigning WBC champion Vitali Klitschko on Saturday in Stuttgart.

Roy Jones Jr. bikini contest!

Hometowm hero Roy Jones, Jr. judges Tuesday’s St. Patrick’s Day “Green Bikini” contest at Hooters in Pensacola, Florida. Jones (52-5, 38 KOs) faces four-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) in a pay-per-view event on Saturday night at the Pensacola Civic Center.

Diaz seeking new foe!

The search is on for a new opponent for former two-time lightweight champion Julio Diaz, after his April 4 clash with fellow ex-champ Joel Casamayor was scrapped when Casamayor suffered a back injury. The Golden Boy Promotions pay-per-view card will feature four lightweight bouts.

Weights From Worcester, MA!

Photo: Emily Harney

By Scott Ploof at the scales

The official weigh-in for Thursday’s “Homecoming” event in Worcester, MA was held earlier today at the Irish Times Pub on Main Street. The fight card which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Manfredo’s Gym, is being taped for later broadcast on the popular New York City boxing series, “Broadway Boxing.” In the main event, exciting prospect Edwin Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on veteran Patrick Thompson (15-13-1, 5 KOs). The co-feature which was to have been Dat Nguyen (14-1, 6 KOs) taking on former world title challenger, Alex Baba (26-14-1, 19 KOs) has been scrapped due to personal issues surrounding Nguyen. Below are the weights of the remaining participants:

Edwin Rodriguez 163 vs. Patrick Thompson 164
Valar Boise 172 vs. Houston Crayton 183
Philip Jackson Benson 163 vs. Dameon Mitchell 164
Justin Reinhold 152 vs. Valdrin Muriqi *
* Muriqi originally weighed in at 156, and will weigh in later; needs to lose two pounds
Steven Ormond 136 vs. Jonathan Ocasio 134
Ryan Kielczewski 128 vs. Aaron Chavez 127

FightNews had an opportunity to catch up with Edwin Rodriguez after he weighed in to get his thoughts on his opponent tomorrow night as well as fighting in front of his hometown fans. (more…)

Showtime continues tradition!

Story by Mariano A. Agmi, photos by Tom Casino/Showtime

Antillon headlines May 1!

Top Rank today announced today that WBC #3-ranked lightweight Urbano Antillon of Maywood, Ca., will headline the first-ever boxing event at the 2,986-seat The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on May 1 – on the eve of the Pacquiao vs. Hatton mega fight. Antillon is a strong, skilled puncher with a record of 25-0 with 18 knockouts. There will be six bouts. The very popular prospect Diego Magdaleno, trained by Pat Berry, of Las Vegas is on the undercard. Azteca America will televise.

Chavez Jr. ready for Cuello!

Photo: Rafael Soto/Promociones Zanfer

With 10 days to go for his next fight, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is just about ready take on undefeated Luciano Cuello of Argentina in the main event of “Tijuana Thunder” the big championship pay per view card slated for Saturday, March 28 in the Plaza de Toros Monumental in Tijuana. “I’m really looking forward to this fight and to be the headliner in a card in Tijuana, a city I consider my second home. I‘m training very hard because in Tijuana I want to show everyone that I’m ready to fight for a world championship and I just can’t wait to get into the ring to prove to everyone how ready I am to take the next step,” said Chavez Jr from his camp in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. (more…)

Klitschko-Gomez workouts!

Photos: Pavel Terekhov

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WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko and mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Gomez engaged in a public workout today in Stuttgart. They clash on Saturday in what is expected to be a highly charged bout, which can be seen live in the USA on ESPN.

Thailand update!

By Alexey Sukachev

It has been confirmed today, that two of the most notable names on Thai fight scene, junior welterweight Yodsonan Sor Nanthachai (58-3-1, 47 KOs) and lightweight Saddam Kietyongyuth (18-0, 14 KOs), would see action in separate promotions this May. Both fighters are promoted by AsiaBox Promotions and are scheduled to take on their toughest opponents in recent years. (more…)

Fight week schedule in Cincy!

An open to the public media workout will take this Thursday afternoon, March 19th, at 1pm at the Mt. Auburn Recreation Center, 270 Southern Avenue, in Cincinnati in advance of “3 THE HARD WAY”, the world class boxing event this Saturday night at the US BANK ARENA. Featured fighters who will be present at the workout are welterweight contender and 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams Jr., Sensational Junior Middleweight Prospect Rashad Holloway and current amateur phenom and 2-Time US Olympian Rau’Shee Warren . . . click here for more

Espino-Garcia Saturday!

WBC #6 middleweight and former Contender alum Miguel Espino (19-2-1, 8 KOs) is eager to get back in the ring after almost a year off, puts his ten-fight win streak on Saturday at the famous Playboy Mansion against former world champion Alejandro “Terra” Garcia (26-4-1, 24 KOs) in a ten-rounder which will be nationally televised live on TV Azteca America. Also, unbeaten featherweight Alejandro Lopez (10-0, 3 KOs) takes on Yogli Herrera (21-7, 15 KOs).

Video: I am a Fighter!

The “I Am A Fighter” series, developed by SHOWTIME Sports, introduces Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt. Please click on this link to view two brief yet revealing video features on these two world champions. Learn how their very different upbringings ultimately have led them to the same place, the top of the 140lb division. On Saturday, April 4, they collide in a huge unification bout live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT).

Bika targets Hopkins!

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Current IBO super middleweight champ and Contender: Season 3 gold medalist Sakio Bika spoke out about his frustration at the lack of challengers. Speaking from his home in Sydney, Australia, Bika stated “I read about Bernard calling out to Joe Calzaghe who has retired – I say that Joe summed it up nicely in telling me and the media that I am the hardest hitting oppnent he had faced. This has obviously spooked him as he doesn’t want to know nothing about me. I gave Joe more troubles than B-Hop so why not fight me? Are you scared? Instead of calling out a champ who has retired, take me on and you will join Joe in retirement. B-Hop was my idol 10 years ago but he is a long, long way from the Executioner of old. Bernard knows if he faces me it will be his last fight because I won’t just beat him I will knock him out.” (more…)

Tua-Cameron postponed!

By Eugene Carnachan

Confirmation has come through that the all-New Zealand heavyweight superfight between David Tua and Shane Cameron is being postponed. In a tune up fight against Robert Davis earlier this month, Cameron sustained three fractures to his right hand. The injury will require surgery. Originally scheduled for June 6th there is no exact date set for the fight proper as that depends on how Cameron recovers from surgery. However August with all things going well has been mooted as the potential month that these two heavy hitters can finally get it on.

Troy Ross ready to Contend!

By Rizwaan Zahid / Fightnews Canada

Troy Ross, boxing’s newest star, caught up with Fightnews to discuss his experiences on The Contender and the future for him. The Brampton Ontario native took part in this past season’s Contender in Singapore and impressed with fight after fight knocking out three out of the four opponents he faced including Ehinomen Ehikhamenor in the finals for the Contender championship. Ross has been hidden on the radar for quite some time. He is a former two-time Olympian for Canada participating in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. He’s a hungry 33 year old cruiserweight and at one point, retired briefly in 2005 because he was unable to book any fights. The soft-spoken, modest, hard-hitting southpaw is no longer just a fighter that only a small amount of Canadian boxing fans would know. He is now a household name and a name that would be recognized all over North America for his powerful aggressive style and the fact that he now truly is a contender.
(More)

Sakkreenin refuses blood test!

By Pete Moscardi

Fahsai Sakkreenin, the Thai super-featherweight who holds the IBF Pan-Pacific featherweight title, refused to take a blood test at the pre-fight medical just three days before his fight against Zolani Marali for the vacant IBO super-featherweight title, scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on 21 March. Sakkreenin’s actions left Golden Gloves promoter, Rodney Berman stunned and disappointed. As a result of Sakkreenin’s strange refusal the tournament, which also featured two All-Africa title fights, was immediately cancelled. (more…)

Silva edges Dominguez!

By Eric Duran at ringside

Jim ‘Smitty’Smith and Poor Boys presented, “St Paddy’s Punch Out,” which included live boxing coupled with an auction for members of the Denver Athletic Club on Tuesday night. In the main event, Colorado super flyweight prospect Joey Silva (9-1) returned to action following his first professional loss 9 months ago to take a split decision over Francisco Dominguez (6-4-1) of Juarez, Mexico. (more…)

Killer Queen meets Baby Doll!

Photos: André Boge/Universum Box-Promotion

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Unbeaten WIBF/WBA female flyweight world champion Susi “Killer Queen” Kentikian (23-0, 16 KOs) and highly regarded contender Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (19-4-6, 5 KOs) met for the first time on Tuesday during a press conference at the Cinemaxx in Hamburg, Germany. They collide on Friday night at the Sporthalle Hamburg. “This fight is something special,” said Kentikian. “I’m looking forward to the fight against Elena. She had a good fight against Regina [Halmich] and put her under a lot of pressure. It was a close fight. Now against Elena I must show what’s inside of me and my show my qualities. She’s not only a strong boxer, she’s the strongest opponent I’ve ever had.” (more…)

Full speed ahead for Holloway!

Sensational junior middleweight prospect Rashad Holloway has arrived in his native Cincinnati, Ohio for his feature bout this Saturday night at the U.S. Bank Arena as part of “3 THE HARD WAY”, an outstanding evening of world class boxing presented by TKO BOXING Promotions and TMAX EVENTS. . . . click here for more

“St. Patrick’s Day Showdown” in Albany!

Guilderland lightweight prospect Mike Faragon, Troy heavyweight Shannon Miller and other Capital Region fighters will be featured Friday, March 20th when Pugnacious Promotions returns to the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany, N.Y. for a special St. Patrick’s Day holiday pro boxing event. Faragon (5-0, 1 KO) will step up in a six-round contest with Mexican gatekeeper Mario Garcia (7-9-1, 3 KOs). Miller (15-4, 9 KOs) goes six rounds with tough, Cleveland brawler Ryan Thompson (9-6, 6 KOs). Other local talent will be in action. The fight card is promoted by Lisa Elovich’s Pugnacious Promotions. Pugnacious Promotions also is working with is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at the event, helping to raise awareness about the organization which supports leading-edge research to find new therapies and cures for blood cancers. Tickets are still available at the Armory box office, 518-694-7160, or through Ticketmaster by phone, 518-476-1000. Doors open at 6pm and first bout is at 7pm. Ringside tickets are $75 and Reserved are $40, both on the floor. General Admission open seating in the bleachers is $30.

“Homecoming” For Rodriguez!

The official weigh-in and final press conference for “Homecoming,” promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Manfredo’s Gym, featuring Worcester, MA’s undefeated prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs) taking on Patrick Thompson (15-13-1, 5 KOs) in the main event will be held this Wednesday at 4 PM/EST at the Irish Times Pub on 244 Main Street in Worcester, MA. The fight card will be taped for broadcast as part of Dibella Entertainment’s “Broadway Boxing” series. Featured on the undercard is Buddy McGirt trained prospect Dat ‘Dat Be Dat” Nguyen (14-1, 6 KOs) against former world title challenger, Alex Baba (26-14-1, 19 KOs). There are several other bouts on the card featuring up and coming local talent. Tickets are priced at $50.00, $75.00, $60.00, $100.00, and $150.00, go on sale tomorrow at the Mechanics Hall box office, Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), and the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. Fight night is this Thursday at Mechanics Hall on Main Street in Worcester, MA. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET and the first bout is scheduled for 7:00 PM/ET.

Dawson-Tarver II Presser!

By Butch Gottlieb / www.boxinginlasvegas.com
Photos: Mary Ann Owen

Click on the picture to go to the next
A press conference was held today at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to officially announce the rematch between IBF/IBO light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson and former champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver. The fight will be held on May 9th in the new “Joint” concert venue which will seat 4,000 and be televised on HBO. Tickets priced at $250, $175, $150, $75, $50, $35 went on sale today. (more…)

Valero: Pitalua will be KO #25!

By Karl Freitag

Things heated up between today between former WBA junior lightweight world champion Edwin Valero (24-0, 24 KOs) and lightweight contender Antonio Pitalua (46-3, 40 KOs), who meet on April 4 for the WBC interim lightweight title in the headliner Golden Boy Promotions’ “Lightweight Lightning” all lightweight pay-per-event taking place in Austin, Texas.
“It was causing me a lot of trouble, a lot of sacrifice to make 130 lbs., Valero stated in response to a question by Fightnews.com. “We felt it was time to move up, that’s why we vacated the belt, and moved up to 135, gained a little weight and feel strong and good here.” When we asked him if he expects to be 25-0, 25 KOs after his fight with Pitalua, Valero responded, “That’s what we’re looking forward to on April 4th, to have the hand raised, and Antonio Pitalua brings the perfect style for him to fall and get knocked out. He’s perfect for me. Antonio Pitalua is perfect.” After that bold promise we had to get Pitalua’s reaction. “I respect Valero’s words,” he said, “but I haven’t lost since 2000. I’ve been winning by knockouts (13 straight) since then. All his words, whatever he says, the wind takes it. I don’t get damaged or hurt from his words. We’ll see on April 4th. He says I bring the perfect style. Well you know what? He brings the perfect style for me too, and we’ll see who brings out the best of whom!”

Afolabi camps wants unification!

With one whistling right hand, newly crowned WBO Interim cruiserweight champion Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (14-1-3, 6 KOs) knocked out former champion Enzo Maccarinelli to complete an eleven month journey from obscurity to champion. “I told you!” shouted the 28-year-old transplanted Californian. “I said this would be my coming out party and that’s exactly what it was!” Promoter Dino Duva is already calling out the other champions in the division. “He is ready to conquer the entire cruiserweight division, starting with the champions,” stated Duva. “This means you Giacobbe Fragomeni (WBC), Guillermo Jones (WBA), Tomasz Adamek (IBF) and Victor E. Ramirez (WBO).”

Karmazin-Echols collide!

By Lee Bates

Former IBF junior middleweight champion and current NABF middleweight champion Roman Karmazin (37-3-1, 23 KOs) will take on three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols (31-9-4, 27 KOs) this Saturday at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. The bout will be scheduled for ten rounds and for Karmazin’s NABF middleweight title. Echols twice challenged Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins twice for his middlweight title and later WBA super middleweight champion Anthony Mundine for his title. Karmazin then upset IBF junior middleweight champion Kassim Ouma back in 2005 and defeated former junior middleweight world champion Bronco McKart to win the vacant NABF middleweight title in his last fight December 2008. A limited amount of tickets are still available for purchase at bashboxing@gmail.com.

L’Heureux bumped till May!

By Dave Spencer / Fightnews Canada

This Saturday’s scheduled card in Trois Rivieres Quebec has been cancelled and rescheduled for May14th. The main event was to have been a heavyweight rematch between former Canadian champion Patrice L’Heureux and Stephane Tessier. “We’ll have those two back on in May,” said promoter Claude Boivin, “I’m calling all the other boxers tonight to let them know.” The original card had six fights scheduled including a total of three Quebec title bouts.

O’Connor Stops Wade!

By Mark Vaz at ringside

US Olympic team alternate and Framingham, MA native, Danny O’Connor had a successful homecoming Saturday night at Celtic Pride’s St. Paddy’s Day Weekend boxing show at the Dorchester Armory just outside of Boston, MA. Before a packed enthusiastic crowd of over 600 fight fans, O’Connor (5-0, 2 KOs) stopped veteran Charles Wade (4-8) in the first round with a sharp counter right hook to the temple over a lazy jab. The young O’Connor, who is promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing, showed patience as he was able to land his power shots over Wades jab. (more…)