boxing Time

Baldomir-Gatti NYC Presser!

2006-04-13T20:37:00.001+03:00

WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir of Santa Fe, Argentina, (42-8-6, 12 KO's) defends his world title for the first time against blood and guts warrior Arturo "Thunder" Gatti of Jersey City, NJ., (40-7, 31 KO's) on July 22 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Baldomir, who is coming off his 16-1 underdog upset victory at Madison Square Garden over Brooklyn's Zab Judah in January was back in the Big Apple on Wednesday for a press conference at the Argentine Pavillion on West 46 Street in Manhattan. The occasion also marked the first public appearance for Gatti's new baby daughter. Sofia Bella Gatti, born on March 31 in Hoboken, NJ, and proud mom Erika

Mayweather-Judah decision due!

2006-04-13T20:37:00.000+03:00

This morning at 10AM PT, the Nevada State Athletic Commission will hold a hearing to resolve issues pertaining to last Saturday's Floyd Mayweather-Zab Judah IBF welterweight title fight. Both fighters' purses were held due to the tenth round melee that started when trainer Roger Mayweather entered the ring after his nephew was hit with a low blow and a rabbit punch by Judah. The commission plans to review the incident "frame-by-frame." It is expected that the commission will let the original decision stand, however it is also possible that they could disqualify Mayweather or rule the bout a no contest. In any event, fines and suspensions will almost certainly be doled out. IBF president Marian Muhammad is expected to attend the hearing and the sanctioning organization will not make any decisions in regard to the title until after the NSAC hearing.

Forth Smith Slugout 2!

2006-04-13T20:35:00.000+03:00

On Saturday, April 22, promoter Stacy Goodson presents “The Fort Smith Slugout 2” at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the main event, undefeated Fort Smith native Josh “The Hammer” Hammock, 5-0 (3), will face Little Rock’s Dale Privett. In the co-main, Fort Smith natives Chris “Sugar” Ray, 2-1 (2), and Steven Crane, 2-8 (2), will hook up in a cruiserweight shodown. The colourful Goodson has also scheduled a “title” fight of sorts as Fort Smith’s Andrew “Kid Thunder” Hartley, 0-6, will face Jeff Lee, 0-2, for the “Trailer Park Lightweight Title,” in a reverse “somebody’s 0 must go” battle. Also scheduled are Tawnyah Freeman, Ben Sons, Delray Rains (vs. Justin Flanagan), “Big” Rick Dyer and Doug Eubanks. Tickets are priced at General Admission $18, First and Second Row $25 and are available by calling (479) 206-0250. The doors will open at 6 pm and the fights start at 7 pm.

Inside the Cotto camp!

2006-02-22T11:54:00.001+02:00

To avoid the distractions of training at home, WBO jr welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (25-0, 21 KOs) is currently in Florida for three weeks of intense training to help him get ready for his March 4 HBO date with Gianluca Branco in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Fightnews was on hand for Cotto's workout on Tuesday at the Punch Fitness Center in Deerfield Beach. Miguel engaged in a hard continuous workout that included a sparring session with former world champion Vince Phillips. In addition to his regular trainer/manager Evangelista Cotto, top trainer Manuel Diaz was on hand to offer support. Cotto is all business when it comes to the Branco fight. "There's not much you can say about this fight yet because it hasn't happened," he told Fightnews.com, "but it'll be a good fight. We're working very hard and looking forward to putting on a good show March 4.

Hasim Rahman update!

2006-02-22T11:54:00.000+02:00

Last Friday, WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman addressed 700 students at the East Ridge High School in Rochester, NY. "The Rock" advised them to work hard and stay in school. "If you apply yourself, you can accomplish all your dreams," proclaimed Rahman. "I am the perfect example." Following the assembly, Rahman traveled across town to the Roc Boxing and Fitness Center, where he spared with legendary champion, and Rochester resident, Carmen Basillio (pictured with Rahman). Hasim, who is training in Rochester, will face challenger James Toney on March 18, 2006, in Atlantic City, NJ. The bout will be presented by Top Rank and broadcast live on HBO.

Southwest udpates!

2006-02-22T11:53:00.001+02:00

Albuquerque's David Martinez ( 14-1-1, 3 KOs) could be in for his biggest win--or his biggest loss--this Friday night at Isleta in Albuquerque when he takes on former title-challenger Reynaldo Hurtado (37-9-1, 28 KOs) in one of the featured co-mains. Hurtado might've lost his last five bouts, they have all been against big names: Rocky Juarez (TKO 3), Tim Austin (TKO 5), Mauricio Martinez (TKO 4), Fernando Montiel (KO 7) and Jose Navarro (UD 12). Hurtado has also fought for the IBF Bantamweight belt, against Mbulelo Botile, who TKO'd him in the second round, back in '95.
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The weigh-in for Friday's Holm vs. Pennybaker card is open to the public and slated for Thursday at 2 PM at Isleta Casino south of Albuquerque.
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Top El Paso/Juarez prospect Antonio Escalante (11-1, 7 KOs) kept a promise made shortly before his Telefutura fight against Jose Hernandez (19-3) on Jan. 27 in Chicago; he pledged that he should he return victorious to his old, poverty-stricken neighborhood in Juarez, he would bring back food for the needy. Escalante has made good on his promise, loading up nearly $700 worth of groceries (six grocery carts full) that have been distributed to the needy in his old Juarez neighborhood.

Vargas, Mosley arrive!

2006-02-22T11:53:00.000+02:00

ust before 2:00pm on Tuesday afternoon (February 21, 2006), Ferocious Fernando Vargas appeared for his "red" carpet entrance at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino - site for his 154 lb. showdown with Sugar Shane Mosley this coming Saturday night. Vargas had a message for his fans. “I am thankful for the love and support of my fans. It is humbling to know that the $100 seats sold-out in less than 3 hours. That is a testament to my fans that they wanted to see me back in Las Vegas. And, I am glad to be back!" When asked what fans might expect on Saturday night, Mosley, who arrived a half hour after Vargas, answered, “I think it is going to be a war! I love to fight. The main thing is victory.” Oscar de la Hoya, Mosley's promoter, added “It is a dangerous fight for both fighters [Vargas and Mosley]. The pressure is big! It is a must win for both. It is going to be electrifying!” De La Hoya also commented on his forthcoming bout with Ricardo Mayorga planned for May 6, 2006 saying, “The fight is called DANGER ZONE, because I am going into the Danger Zone. Mayorga is a dangerous fighter. He has a chin. Nevertheless, I have to prove to my fans that I can go out a champion!”

Mundine predicts KO8!

2006-02-22T11:52:00.001+02:00

Former WBA super middleweight champion Anthony Mundine (25-3) has predicted he will stop former WBC super middleweight interim champion Danny Green (21-2) in eight rounds when they clash at the Aussie Stadium in Sydney, Australia on April 19 in what could be the biggest live gate in Australian boxing history. Mundine said, "My fight with Danny Green is about eight weeks away. That is plenty of time to get my body in shape. Mentally I am in shape but not physically - I will start doing the hard work soon to put it all together. For this fight I want to eat and breath boxing - I will be eating the right foods and getting early nights - this will be necessary for me to give my best performance. I am confident that I will knock out Green in eight rounds." Danny Green has been in the USA recently for world class sparring and is a favorite with the Australian boxing fans. Mundine is a narrow betting favorite. Tickets for this fight go on sale today in Australia. It has been sanctioned as a WBA eliminator.

Chagaev takes on Virchis!

2006-02-22T11:52:00.000+02:00

Don't worry if the ground will be moving on March 11. It will be no earthquake. It will be two elemental forces who clash on the undercard of the WBA middleweight championship between Felix Sturm and Maselino Masoe. In a thrilling heavyweight matchup "White Tyson" Ruslan Chagaev of Universum Box-Promotion takes on Vladimir Virchis "The Hunter" off the Spotlight team. The 27-year-old Chagaev, who experts like to compare to legendary ex-champ Mike Tyson because of their similar physiques and styles, is fighting for Universum since November 2003. The Hamburg based Uzbekian is undefeated at 19-0-1 with 16 knockouts. He just gained revenge for the single technical draw in his record by brutally knocking out American Rob Calloway in round two on January 7.

Vargas plans immediate attack!

2006-02-22T11:51:00.001+02:00

On Monday night, Fernando Vargas repeated his mantra for Saturday night's showdown with Shane Mosley. "I'm gonna be on him from the first round," said 'El Feroz.' Vargas is scheduled to make his grand arrival today at 1:30PM at the Mandalay Bay Front Lobby Porte Cochere. Mosley is expected to show up for his grand arrival an hour later. Fight fans are invited to see the Vargas-Mosley weigh-in on Friday at 2:30PM in the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Kurzawa has new trainer!

2006-02-22T11:51:00.000+02:00

Kai Kurzawa, one of Germany`s top light heavyweights, is now training under the guidance of Paddy Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick, also working with female superstar Laila Ali, has recently opened his gym in Henningsdorf near Berlin, Germany. Kurzawa (21-1) left Frankfurt/Oder and coach Manfred Wolke and moved to Berlin to join Team Fitzpatrick. Former IBF Intercontinental Champion Kurzawa is still fighting under the promotional banner of Sauerland Event. Also training with Fitzpatrick are German light heavyweight prospects Mathias Kempe and his brother Andreas.

Sasha keeps Japanese belt!

2006-02-22T11:50:00.000+02:00

Unbeaten Japan-based Russian, WBC#4/WBA#10 Sasha Baktin (16-0, 5 KOs), 117.75, looked least impressive in keeping his Japanese bantam belt despite his shutout decision (100-91 twice and 100-90) over top contender Yasuo Kijima (19-8-2, 5 KOs), 118, over ten on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. The poor Kijima kept boring in from the head without throwing punches like in a rugby game, while Sasha, a spider-like elongated speedster, kept retreating without outjabbing only to be content to occasionally counter the onrushing opponent all night. Sasha managed to take a point in every round though he looked sluggish and less sharp than usual. It’s a really boring game, but Sasha, making his ninth defense, broke the Japanese record in the bantam class, eight consecutive defenses registered by Hiroshi Horiguchi 52 years ago.

Q&A: Ricky Hatton!

2006-02-22T11:49:00.000+02:00

Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, fresh off his newly signed promotional deal with Banner Promotions, enjoyed the fruits of his labor as he lounged in the 'Big Apple' last week. In the latest installment of Lou Dibella's Broadway Boxing Series, "The Hitman" paid the Hammerstein Ballroom a special visit. "I love the sport of boxing and I love the States," said the unified junior welterweight champion. Hatton also added, "Whenever I can lend a helping hand and show my support for the game, I am all for it." In this special Q&A, Fightnews.com went one-on-one with the king of the junior welterweights (IBF/WBA) as well getting a first hand look at what the future has in store for the pride of Manchester, England

Igniting pro boxing in China!

2006-02-22T11:46:00.001+02:00

While there have been several pro fight cards staged in China by foreign promoters, there is now a drive underway to make pro boxing a homegrown sport there. The Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) has announced an association with the WBE/USBC Asia Pacific Boxing Association and plans to host a historic first "Asia Pacific Professional Boxing Training Course" on April 23-29 at ZUEL in Wuhan City, People's Republic of China. The object is to enlist and train professional boxing promoters, managers, ring officials, ringside physicians and trainers for the development of the sport of boxing in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese Taipei.

"The Terminator” returns March 4

2006-02-22T11:46:00.000+02:00

Akron heavyweight George "The Terminator" Linberger returns to the ring on Saturday, March 4th. It will be Linberger's first fight since his October win over Butterbean. He will face journeyman heavyweight Travis "Ironman" Fulton (14-13, 14) in a tough eight round contest at the Chapparell’s Community Center in Akron, OH. The card is titled “Rise of the Machine!” and is promoted by Kasse Tubbs Productions. “The Lady of the Ring” Amy Hayes will be the ring announcer. The popular Linberger (29-8-1, 25 KOs) is the NABC super heavyweight champion and is looking for a victory to set up a possible date down the road with either Evander Holyfield or Riddick Bowe.

Promoter class begins Wednesday!

2006-02-22T11:45:00.002+02:00

Fight Promoter University still accepting applications!
Class beings this Wednesday (February 22nd) at Fight Promoter University but it is not too late to enroll. FPU is still accepting applicants who want to be the next Don King or Bob Arum. Thirty students from 10 states and two foreign countries, ranging in age from 23 to 55 years old have already enrolled. The comprehensive three-day course – at the Irvine Marriott in California - will feature fifteen guest speakers from the fight industry, including Nevada Boxing Czar Marc Ratner, who will deliver the Keynote Address at the Opening Session, Top Rank’s head matchmaker Bruce Trampler, plus “The First Lady of Boxing” Jackie Kallen. Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum will deliver the Commencement Address at the graduation ceremony. And if that wasn't enough, FPU students will attend the February 23rd “Battle In The Ballroom” – now celebrating it’s 22nd year as America’s longest running pro boxing series – where they will get hands-on experience working as ushers, ticket sellers, ticket takers, Ring Card Girl attendants, glove men, and locker room supervisors

Collazo calls out Hatton!

2006-02-22T11:45:00.001+02:00

Last week the WBA welterweight champion Luis Collazo dropped the gauntlet on the entire division. The bold move made by the 24-year-old Puerto Rican native of Williamsburg, Brooklyn has put a few of boxing's elite up in arms wondering what his deal is. Collazo has targeted all of the high rollers from 140 to 147 pounds on his radar. The name(s) he signed contract(s) to face at Don King Productions Headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Florida, are surely a who's who list of the 'Creme de la Creme' in the entire fight game. The names on the contracts are the following: Floyd Mayweather, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Carlos Baldomir and Arturo Gatti. Now when you say the best at 140 and 147 there are two names that are not being mentioned, 1.) Ricky Hatton and 2.) Zab Judah. Team Collazo has now addressed those two fighters, as well.

Ricasa-White II Feb 23!

2006-02-22T11:45:00.000+02:00

Baltimore Pro Boxing will promote a card at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD on Thursday, February 23. The main event on the card will be a highly-anticipated rematch of one of the more exciting contests of 2005. Maryland super featherweights Mike "Little Rock" Ricasa and Dean "Pit Bull" White will do battle in a bout for the promoter-created "East Coast Pro Championship." Ricasa, who fights out of Ellicott City, won the first matchup over the Smithsburg-based White by a close, six-round majority decision on October 27 at Martin's West. The rematch will be scheduled for eight rounds.

Holt out, Marrone steps in!

2006-02-22T11:44:00.000+02:00

Duva Boxing’s undefeated, 20-year-old heavyweight prospect Michael Marrone, 12-0 (10 KOs), has been moved into the opening televised slot of this wek's ESPN2 Friday Night Fights telecast now that stablemate Kendall Holt has been forced to withdraw due to injury. Marrone will make his first nationally televised appearance in an eight round battle against Warren, Ohio’s Zack Page, 10-4 (4 KOs), as the chief support of the Fisticuffs Promotions, in conjunction with Duva Boxing’s, Oscar Diaz vs. Russell Jordan welterweight main event at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, New York. Taking Marrone’s place in the middle bout will be a six-round lightweight clash between Patrick Lopez, 4-0 (4 KOs) and Christian Lozada, 10-2-2 (3 KOs). Holt was forced to withdraw after suffering hamstring and shoulder injuries in training.

Margarito obliterates Gomez!

2006-02-22T11:43:00.001+02:00

All it took for Antonio Margarito to solidify himself as one of the best fighters on the planet was one minute fourteen seconds on Saturday night at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Margarito, out to prove to the naysayers that he, not Zab Judah, belongs across the ring from Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in April, overwhelmed opponent Manuel Gomez and scored a devastating first round knockout. The crippling assault from the hands of Margarito cemented his claim as the best at 147 pounds and will hopefully pave the way for a marquee showdown with the likes of Mayweather later this year .

Darchinyan: Arce let's fight!

2006-02-22T11:43:00.000+02:00

Vic Darchinyan (24-0) will defend his IBF flyweight title against Diosado Gabi (26-2-1) of the Philippines at the Chumash Resort Casino, Santa Ynez, California on March 3rd. Darchinyan is confident of defeating the challenger, saying "I will beat him. I am much stronger and I believe strongly in my ability." Darchinyan's trainer and former three-time world champion Jeff Fenech said. "People will see that I have the best flyweight in the world and the hardest punching flyweight."

Darchinyan also spoke about recent comments by Jorge Arce. "I'm the current IBF and IBO champion, and I won my title from the best flyweight - Irene Pacheco when everybody was running from him. Viloria refused to fight me for my title defense. Why do Arce and his people talk to Viloria or anybody else? Because they are afraid of me! It will be impossible to ignore me in future as I will unify all the titles.....Let's make a flyweight tournament. Arce, let's fight after your fight with Rosendo Alvarez."

Comeback for Abdulla March 24!

2006-02-22T11:42:00.000+02:00

Danish featherweight prospect Jadgar Abdulla (8-0-2, 1 KO) has been added to the David Haye-Lasse Johansen undercard at the York Hall Bethnal Green in London on March 24th against an opponent TBA. The 25-year-old Dane hasn't fought since November of 2004 when he outpointed Frenchman Nordine Barmou over six rounds. Jadgar, who turns 26 later this year, previously belonged to the renowned Palle stable in Denmark but got out of that contract awhile back. He is now managed by Frank Maloney. Trainer Brian Mathiasen is still in his corner.