Miranda wants Froch-Taylor winner!

It doesn’t matter if it’s Colombia, Florida, or London, England – super middleweight standout Edison “Pantera” Miranda is a hit wherever he goes. That was certainly the case Friday night at York Hall in the Bethnal Green section of London, as Miranda made a spectacular UK debut with a fifth round stoppage of Joey Vegas. Miranda dropped Vegas twice in the third round before finishing his opponent two rounds later to improve to 32-3 with 28 KOs. Now the globe-trotting Colombian has his sights on the winner of the April 25th championship bout between Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch. “I’ve been chasing Taylor for years, but unless I cut off my legs and become a featherweight, he won’t fight me,” said Miranda. “I’m stunned that he’s actually fighting someone his own size in Froch, and I’d like to see him win so I can force him to fight me. As for Froch, I won over a lot of British fans tonight, and a lot of them told me that they want me to send you packing. I’m ready for that, and I’ll even do it in England, because after tonight, I feel like it’s a second home. All I’ll say is, may the best man win on April 25th, because on April 26th, I’ll be waiting.”

Cuenca upsets De Jesus!

By Lee Bates

World ranked Alex ‘Pollo’ De Jesus (19-1, 13 KOs) of Puerto Rico was handed his first defeat by Argentinian Cesar Cuenca (36-0, 1 KO) last night in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Several sources who were present for the fight stated that De Jesus had Cuenca in trouble several times throughout the fight and deserved the decision. In the end however the judges (Argentina, Uruguay, and Brasil) scores were 116-112, 117-113, and 118-115 in favor of Cuenca by 12 round unanimous decision. With the win Cuenca is now the WBO Latino junior welterweight champion.

Kanemitsu wins Japanese belt!

Formerly world-rated Yuji Kanemitsu (12-2, 7 KOs), 105, acquired the vacant Japanese minimumweight belt (renounced by the current OPBF ruler Yasutaka Kuroki) as he dramatically scored a really come-from-behind knockout of top contender Masatate Tsuji (12-2-2, 3 KOs), 105, a slick-punching southpaw, at 1:09 of the tenth and final round on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. (more…)

Byrd back in action!

After his disastrous attempt to move to light heavyweight, 38-year-old, two-time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd (40-5-1, 21 KOs) will resurface today as a cruiserweight on the undercard of the Klitschko-Gomez heavyweight title fight in Stuttgart, Germany. After losing thee out of four by KO, Byrd shouldn’t have any problems tonight as he faces seven-fight novice Matthias Sandow (4-3) in an eight round bout. Also seeing action is recent heavyweight title challenger Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (31-2, 19 KOs), who faces veteran Adnan Serin (19-9-1, 7 KOs).

Q&A: Roman Karmazin!

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

By Alexey Sukachev

Tonight, one of the best Russian fighters around Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin (37-3-1, 23 KOs) will once again step into the ring to make a statement against well-known American veteran Antwun Echols (31-9-4, 27 KOs). At 36 years of age, Roman has no time to waste and so does his future opponent. The fight, which is scheduled for ten rounds, is billed for the NABF middleweight crown and will be featured as a special attraction in the huge boxing card, arranged at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. (more…)

Edmund Lipinski passes

By Alexey Sukachev

Tonight’s WBC heavyweight title fight between champion Vitaly Klitschko and challenger Juan Carlos Gomez will be darkened by sad news coming from Stuttgart, the city where this bout will be held. It was reported earlier today that Edmund Lipinski, one of the most prominent figures in the Russian boxing community and a WBC vice-president, tragically passed away at age 74 while representing the WBC at the championship fight. Lipinski lapsed into coma yesterday morning, was taken to the hospital by ambulance but sadly died never regaining consciousness. (more…)

Flores is “Primed and Pumped!”

Photo: Scott Foster

By Drew Amendola

Declaring himself “Primed and Pumped” for his cruiserweight showdown this Saturday, BJ “El Peligroso” Flores is ready to go toe-to-toe with Columbian banger Jose Luis Herrera for the vacant NABO cruiserweight title. “I have trained very hard and will be coming in well prepared,” said Flores. “This fight WILL not go the distance!” Flores (22-0-1, 14 KOs) is ranked #7 by the WBO and the WBA, #9 by the WBC and #12 by the IBF in addition to being ranked #13 by FightNews. The Miami based Herrera brings a record of 16-5-1 into the battle with Flores, all of his wins and losses coming by knockout. “I am very excited to be fighting for the NABO belt because it will get me closer to facing WBO champion Victor Ramirez,” commented Flores. The Flores vs. Herrera bout will be part of the “MARCH BADNESS” pay per view featuring the return to the ring of boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. in his bout against Omar Sheika. (more…)

Crawford Signs With Pat Lynch!

Undefeated welterweight prospect Henry Crawford (21-0-1, 9 KOs) signed a managerial contract this past weekend with Pat Lynch. “I am very confident that signing with Pat will get me to that next level,” said Crawford. “He (Lynch) is very well known and respected in the boxing world and I am ready to fight for a title in the very near future—I already have the record to prove it.” Lynch sees a bright future ahead for the Paterson, NJ native; “I am excited to be working with Henry and I believe his talents are ready to be showcased on the national and world stage—he has the total package,” states Lynch.

Ruiz decisions Martinez!

By Dave Spencer / Fightnews Canada

In a clenched filled contest at Casino Rama in Orillia Ontario, Heriberto Ruiz (41-7-2, 23 KOs) won a 115-113, 117-111, 116-112 unanimous decision over former world champion Mauricio Martinez (35-9-1, 23 KOs) of Panama. Ruiz who was cut over his right eye in the later rounds captures the IBF Intercontinental Junior Featherweight Title. With the victory, Ruiz gets a shot at former IBF champ Steve Molitor who was watching at ringside for the number one spot in the IBF on June 26th.

Garcia battles Espino!

Feature story by Felipe Leon

Former WBA light middleweight champion Alejandro “Terra” Garcia of Tijuana, Mexico, often fights two different opponents when he climbs in between the ropes. One is the actual flesh and blood fighter who stands at the opposite corner of the squared circle who, in 31 fights, Garcia has amassed a 26-4-1 (24 KOs) record against. The other is the nerves that are with him every step he makes towards the ring when he leaves the dressing room . . . Click here for more

Weights from Los Angeles!

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

By Rocco Morales

Alejandro “Terra” Garcia 160 vs Miguel Espino 159
Yogli Herrera 127 vs Alejandro Lopez 126
Antwun Echol 163.5 vs Roman Karmazan 159
*Echols fined 10% of purse, Karmazan elected to fight.
Lowell Brownfield 137 vs Prentice Brewer 140
Giovanni Rubio 164 vs Poppies Martinez 163.2
Alfredo Rivera 163 vs David Ali 155
David Luna 144.5 vs Danny Escobar 146
Francisco Taz Mireles 252.5 vs Andre Fedosov 214
Benjamin Diaz 167.0 vs Joe Mills 167
Joe Schilling 168.0 vs Tyrell Hendrick 168
Venue: Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, CA
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: Azteca America

Weights from Rosario, Argentina!

Lucas Matthysse 137.75 vs. Luis Ernesto Jose 136.75
(Vacant WBO Interim junior welterweight title)
Rogelio Rossi 197.25 vs. Orlando Farias 198.5
Alberto Santillan 133 vs. Carlos Rodriguez 133
Alejandro Gomez 135 vs. Leandro Almagro 133
Sebastian Lujan 146.5 vs. Charlie Navarro 145.5
Pablo Barboza 129.5 vs. Eduardo Monge 130.25
Lucas Obregon 132.75 vs. Oscar Mutuerria 134.25
Venue: Estadio Cubierto Newell’s Old Boys, Rosario, Argentina
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: HBO Plus (Latin America only)

Beltran edges Roman!

Featherweight Fernando Beltran Jr. (32-3-1, 18 KOs) won a close twelve round split decision over Miguel “Mickey Mouse” Roman (25-5, 17 KOs) on Friday night at the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo, Texas. Beltran, a two-time former world title challenger, won 115-113, 115-113 on two cards while Roman won 117-111 on the third card. Beltran claimed the vacant IBF Latino featherweight title.
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In the co-featured bout, unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Ruslan Provodnikov (12-0, 7 KOs) punished Esteban Almaraz (9-2, 4 KOs) for six rounds, dropping him in round five and winning by scores of 59-54, 60-53, 60-53.
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Unbeaten Olympian junior middleweight prospect Demetrius Andrade (4-0, 4 KOs) continued to impress with a second round KO over Arnulfo Javier Romero (3-4). Andrade dropped Romero in round one and knocked him out with an uppercut at 2:53 of the second stanza.

KNR2 Boxing Show

FightNews feature writer Antonio Castro is the host of the “KNR2 BOXING SHOW” which airs each SATURDAY from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST on Cleveland’s AM 1540 KNR2 in the Cleveland and Northern Ohio area (plus online at www.ESPNCLEVELAND.com). This Saturday morning Antonio will talk with  Chet Koerner of TKO Boxing. You can e-mail your questions for Antonio and his guests at boxing@espncleveland.com

Ring fixed, fight is on!

“The fight is on!” states ARENA-CEO Ahmet Öner after a long meeting with members of the Klitschko management group and K2 promotions regarding the ring size for tomorrow’s WBC heavyweight championship between Vitali Klitschko and Juan Carlos Gomez. Less than 24 hours before the big fight a measurement of the ring showed that it was almost 4 feet shorter than allowed by the WBC rules. “I have been at the venue personally”, says Öner. “The Klitschko management group and K2 promotions are still young companies and mistakes do happen. As we are confident that Juan will beat Vitali we definitely want this fight to happen; after years of boredom we want the world to see a great heavyweight champion again. So we helped them to work out a solution for the ring. Everything is set now and ready to go.”

Weights from Pensacola!

Photo: Scott Foster

Roy Jones Jr. 173.25 vs. Omar Sheika 175
B.J. Flores 199.25 vs. Jose Luis Herrera 199.25
Kieyon Bussey 122.25 vs. Robert DaLuz 123.5
Richmond Dalphone 173.75 vs. Eric Clinton 173.75
Kelvin Price 233.75 vs. Kevin Howard 280
Venue: Pensacola Civic Center, Pensacola FL
Promoter: Square Ring
TV: PPV

At the scales in Cincy!

At the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati for tomorrow night’s “3 THE HARD WAY” card:

Ricardo Williams Jr., 146..5 vs. Harrison Cuello, 145
Rashad Holloway, 146 vs. Doel Carrasquillo, 146
James Countryman, 159 vs. K.J. Noons, 157
Terrance Crawford, 135 vs. Lucas Rodas, 138
David Long, 222 vs. Kelsey Arnold, 230
Jesse Carridine 128 vs. Ramon Santos, 128
Nurpais Torebekov, 238 vs. Rayshawn Myers, 204.5

Advance tickets, priced at $82.75, $43.75 and $26.75, for “3 THE HARD WAY” can be purchased online through Ticketmaster atwww.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 513-562-4949.

Gomez camp threatens pullout!

Less than 24 hours before the WBC heavyweight championship between titlist Vitali Klitschko and no. 1 contender Juan Carlos Gomez the show may be called off because the ring is too small. At a measurement Friday night the ring was almost 4 feet shorter than the minimum allowed by the WBC rules for championship bouts. ARENA-CEO Ahmet Öner: “This is ridiculous! I really don’t understand how a promoter can be so arrogant and ignorant not to follow the rules and build a ring that is almost 4 feet too small. We are not talking about a few inches here!” (more…)

At the scales in Chihuahua

Photo: Chris Cozzone

Weights & photos by Chris Cozzone

From the Hotel Palacio del Sol in Ciudad Chihuahau, Mexico for tomorrow night’s “Palabras Mayores” card promoted by Promociones del Pueblo:

Ramon “Yory Boy” Campas 160 vs. Marco “Dorado” Reyes 159.5
* For the WBC Fecombox middleweight title. Originally, Campas was 161.

Victor Zaleta 114.75 vs. Gilberto Keb Baas 114.75
* For the WBC Fecombox super flyweight title

Bladimir Hernandez 160 vs. Carlos Lira 160
Rafael Proano 132 vs. Carlos “Kalim” Guzman 130
Roberto “Batata” Torres 135.5 vs. Angel “Ciclon” Reyna 136
Jesus Cuellar 127 vs. Jairo Hernandez 127
FOR FULL PHOTO GALLERY CLICK HERE 

Bouziane dethrones Napa!

French bantamweight Malik Bouziane (11-1, 1 KO) dethroned European champion Ian Napa (18-7, 1 KO) by twelve round unanimous decision on Friday night at the Newham Leisure Centre in London, England. Bouziane was in command from the opening bell and prevailed by scores of 118-110, 117-111, 115-113.

Killer Queen dominates Baby Doll!

By Karl Freitag
Photos: André Boge/Universum Box-Promotion

Unbeaten WIBF/WBA female flyweight world champion Susi “Killer Queen” Kentikian (24-0, 16 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over highly regarded contender Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (19-5-6, 5 KOs) on Friday night at the Sporthalle Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany. Reid, who fought two close fights with female ring legend Regina Halmich in 2004 and 2005, was never in this one as the big-punching champion Kentikian was too fast and too aggressive, wading in and delivering punishment throughout. Although outgunned, the game ‘Baby Doll’ bravely battled to the end, but there was no question whose hand would be raised. Scores were 100-90, 100-90, 100-91.
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Also on the card, WBO #1/WBA #2/WBC #3 rated middleweight Sebastian Zbik (26-0, 10 KOs) scored a fourth round knockout over former world title challenger Ruben Varon (31-5, 15 KOs) to defend his WBO Inter-Continental belt. It was a body shot that ended it at 2:13.
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Unbeaten heavyweight Sebastian Köber (18-0, 13 KOs) scored a tenth round KO over Jean Claude Bikoi (15-10-1, 8 KOs). Time was 1:02.
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Unbeaten light heavyweight Igor Michalkin (9-0, 7 KOs), coming off a second round demolition of former title challenger DeAndrey Abron on March 7, won a six round unanimous decision over Jose Tavares (11-3, 4 KOs) by scores of 59-56, 60-54, 59-56
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Local super welterweight Arthur Matern (4-0) topped Michael Recloux (10-8-2, 3 KOs) over four by scores of 39-37, 40-37, 39-38.

Miranda mauls Vegas!

By Alexey Sukachev

Columbian kayo terror Edison “Pantera” Miranda (now 32-3, 28 KOs) scored a fifth-round stoppage of British-based Ugandan Joey Vegas (11-5-1, 4 KOs) on Friday night at York Hall in Benthal Green, London, England. Miranda started the bout aggressively but the awkward and defensive-minded local boxer was able to avoid Miranda’s mostly looping shots for two rounds. In the third stanza, however, the Columbian hard-hitter finally found a spot for his powerful left hooks and right crosses, flooring Vegas twice and being warned for punching after the break as well. The Ugandan boxer was able to survive through the fourth round, but in round five Miranda increased his punch output and finally ended the fight with half a minute remaining after a huge barrage of unanswered shots.
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Lee Cook (11-1-1, 3 KOs) is a new BBBofC Southern Area lightweight titlist after a one-sided ten-round points win over previously unbeaten Shane Watson (8-1, 1 KO). After an even first round, Cook started to sap the energy from his foe. In round four, Cook increased an output and immediately had Watson in trouble. Light punches helped Watson to avoid more problems in the second half of the fight when Cook eagerly looked for an opportunity to stop the bout with a single punch. After ten rounds the sole scorecard read it as 99-92 in favor of Lee Cook. (more…)

Benefit For Brooklyn Gym!

By David Greene

A boxing gym in Brooklyn, N.Y., could be forced to shut its doors after the attorney they hired to handle their paperwork was recently indicted on a slew of charges. H.O.N.K. (Help Our Neighborhood Kids) opened back in November on E. 17 Street in the Sheepshead Bay section of the borough. Owner and trainer Ray Fiore explained, “It’s four letters that just came to me… After disasters and earthquakes, we always rush to other states and countries but nobody thinks about helping our own neighborhood kids.” On Saturday March 21st they need your help as the gym will host an open house, a day-long event that will consist of an evening of amateur boxing and entertainment by three professional comedians as well as food and beverages. H.O.N.K. is located at 2460 E. 17th Street, between Avenue X and Avenue Y, and can be reached by calling: (718) 627-3841. (more…)

“Homecoming” for Rodriguez!

By Scott Ploof and Billy “Loops” Luppert at ringside
Photography by Emily Harney

The two-time national amateur champion from Worcester, Massachusetts, Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriquez brought a piece of history back to his hometown as for the first time since 1967 professional boxing returned to Mechanics Hall. Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs) was successful in his first professional fight in his hometown and in front of a packed audience. He was relentless and went right after Thompson (15-14-1, 5 KOs) early and often as he threw bombs at his adversary. The “Homecoming” celebration for Rodriguez was complete when he stopped veteran Patrick Thompson in the second round at 2:11 after Thompson’s corner threw in the towel. Click here for the entire report and photo gallery.

Antillon opponent named!

WBC #1 lightweight Urbano Antillon (25-0, 18 KOs) will face Tyrone ‘Fists Of Fury’ Harris (23-4, 15 KOs) on Top Rank’s May 1 Azteca America-televised show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event takes place on the eve of Pacquiao-Hatton. Also in action will be “Contender: Season One” star Alfonso Gomez (18-4, 8 KOs) against Juan Manuel Buendia (14-2-1, 8 KOs) in a ten round welterweight matchup. Unbeaten lightweight Diego Magdalano (8-0, 3 KOs) is also in action. The card will consist of seven bouts in total. Doors open at 5:30PM, first bell at 6PM, live TV at 7PM (10PM ET)

Juanma honored in Puerto Rico!

Undefeated world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez was named the Boxer of the Year for 2008 by the Puerto Rico Boxing Commission. Lopez won all of his four of fights last year in a combined five minutes and captured the WBO jr. Featherweight Championship in June with a spectacular first round knockout of champion Daniel Ponce de Leon. (more…)

Klitschko-Gomez weigh-in!

Photos: Pavel Terekhov

Click the photo to go to the next
WBC heavyweight champion Vilali Klitschko weighed in at 249.1 lbs. for his world title defense against mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Gomez. Gomez, a former world champion at cruiserweight weighed 230.4. They collide Saturday night in front of a worldwide TV audience in Stuttgart, Germany.

Motown Boxing Buzz!

By Bob Ryder

Saturday, March 28 marks the return of boxing to the Royal Oak Music Theatre in suburban Detroit. Carlos Llianes Productions (CLIP) and Ron Remus Productions will present a scheduled 9 bout card featuring Motor City favorites Darryl Cunningham and Alexis Hloros in separate contests. Both are in the midst of winning streaks as Cunningham has won his last six and Hloros is undefeated in his last ten. Cunningham will be tested in the six round main event by the ever tough Ted Muller who has boxed the likes of Bronco McKart and Peter Manfredo, Jr. . Also on the card a battle of undefeated heavys will pit local favorite Rich “Super” Power against Chris “The Exorcist” Price. $30 General Admission tickets are still available by contacting the Royal Oak Music Theatre box office at 248-399-2980 or www.royaloakmusictheatre.com or through www.tickets.com. Doors open at 7 PM, first bell is at 8 PM.

Froch questions Taylor’s resolve!

WBC Super Middleweight title holder Carl Froch has commented on his April 25th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING-televised collision with former undisputed middleweight champ Jermain Taylor at The Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. “He’s talking about going to war and shutting me up but let’s face it, does he really want to get into the trenches with someone like me? He’s going to find out very quickly in there that I can walk the walk as well as talking the talk because this is a major showcase for me to put the world on notice just what I’m all about.” (more…)