|
Latest Boxing News
 STAR BOXING RETURNS TO ATLANTIC CITY WITH ALL NEW JERSEY DOUBLE HEADER
WORLD RATED JERSEY BOXERS, "MIGHTY" MIKE ARNAOUTIS AND KEVIN "KINGPIN" JOHNSON SHARE CENTER STAGE SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 Bronx,NY - Aug 11, 2008 On September 5th at the Bally's Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing returns with yet another sensational night of boxing. Mike Arnaoutis and Kevin Johnson, two of Star's top fighters will be showcasing their goods in a special double feature. "I'm really looking forward to this card," said CEO of Star Boxing Joe DeGuardia. "Anytime you have either of these guys fighting as the main event on a show it's going to be an exciting night of boxing. Now that we have both Kevin and Mike on the same card together, I can only begin to imagine what Bally's is going to be like that night. We feel that both Mike and Kevin are ready to challenge for major world titles and we expect them to both look spectacular and put on a great show come September 5th," stated DeGuardia.
Ken Condon, Sports and Entertainment Consultant for Bally's Atlantic City states that once again, "Bally's Atlantic City will host an incredible night of boxing action on September 5th. Both main events feature, not only local fighters, but local fighters that excite fans and leave everything they have in the ring. Arnaoutis has really connected with the Atlantic City fans, and we're excited to get a look at Kevin Johnson during his rise to top of the heavyweight division. This is shaping up to be must see fight card."
 In the main event WBO #11, IBF #14"Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (19-2-2, 9KO's) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on power punching Nasser Athumani (20-6, 16KO's) of South Egg Harbor, NJ in a ten round jr. welterweight contest.
Arnaoutis has become a fan favorite here in the U.S., particularly in his adopted hometown of Atlantic City, for his non-stop, always exciting, aggressive style. Bally's will be packed with Arnaoutis's large Greek fan base, waving their flags, banging their drums and chanting for the "Pride of Greece", "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis.
 JOHNSON TAKES ON FORMER WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP In the second co-main event of the evening the WBA #7 rated heavyweight in the world, and top American heavyweight hopeful Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson (19-0-1, 6KO's) of Asbury Park, NJ takes on former WBA World Heavyweight Champion Bruce "The Atlantic City Express" Seldon (38-6, 34KO's) of Atlantic City, NJ. Johnson has continuously climbed the heavyweight ranks since he first turned pro back in 2003 and a win over Seldon should solidify his position for a heavyweight championship bout. This fight is very important for Johnson not only for what a victory does for his career, but also it is a chance to take care of a personal vendetta against Seldon. Seldon has been calling out Johnson for some time now and Johnson has seemingly had enough. Upon receiving a direct letter from Seldon, Johnson called his promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing to set the fight up so that he can once and for all send the former world champion Seldon into retirement.
A complete list of the undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets are priced at $90 and $60 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1(800)736-1420 or going online to ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823- 2000 or by going online to www.starboxing.com
 AUGUST 6TH SHOW RESULTS
OUBAALI, MADDALONE, RILEY DESTROY OPPONENTS, SOSNOWSKI UPSET IN THRILLER Bronx, NY - Aug 07, 2008 On Wednesday night Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presented two sensational events in New York, one at the world renowned B.B. King's Blue's Club in association with DiBella Entertainment, while the other was at Brooklyn's Aviator Sports and Recreation center with Sal Musumeci's Final Forum Boxing. The main event for this week's ESPN2 "Wednesday Night Fights" telecast saw Star Boxing's Ali Oubaali (22-3, 18KO's) take on tough Chris Fernandez (15-5-1, 9KO's)
 Oubaali started the first round by living up to his nickname "The Hurricane" and stormed forward attacking his opponent with a vicious and relentless body attack. Fernandez, while he was eating a lot of punches, fought back gamely and landed a few good body shots of his own. By the end of the second round it was obvious that Oubaali's body punches, particularly his left hook were taking a toll on his opponent as Fernandez's movement slowed and his punches weakened.
Each round seemed to get more and more exciting as the two combatants pretty much stood toe to toe in the middle of the ring and exchanged punches. Oubaali was the much quicker, and stronger of the two and continuously would get the better of the exchanges. Fernandez would cover up from time to time and Oubaali would take advantage throwing seven and eight punch combinations both to the head and body. While Fernandez was putting up a spirited effort Oubaali seemed to just have too much fire power for him to handle. As the rounds progressed Fernandez's counter attack continued to slow as "The Hurricane" stormed forward. Fernandez fought back gamley making the fight exciting, but the persistent body attack from Oubaali seemed to almost paralyze his opponent at times. Oubaali would bring his opponents hands down and then land vicious uppercuts and hooks to the head and chin. It looked as though the referee was about to stop the fight a few times, but every time he would lean in, Fernandez somehow found the energy to fight back. Oubaali opened a cut over the left eye of Fernandez early in the eight round and with blood streaming down his face Fernandez began to try to press forward and smother Oubaali but Oubaali was just too quick and slick for Fernandez. After another six punch combination landed for Oubaali the referee jumped in and called a halt to the contest at 1:39 of the 8th round. Oubaali improves to 22-3, 18KO's while Fernandez, who was applauded loudly for his game performance, drops to 15-5-1, 9KO's. CEO of Star Boxing Joe DeGuardia was extremely happy with his jr. welterweight's performance. "That's what boxing is all about. He is like a throw back fighter from the 50's. He always comes to fight. He throws a lot of punches and puts constant pressure on his opponents. He throws beautiful combinations both to the body and head. He is quick, he is powerful, and he is always coming forward, I have a really good feeling about Ali. I think he is a force in the jr. welterweight division and that he definitely turned a lot of heads with this performance," stated DeGuardia.
Oubaali was pleased with his performance and is very happy where he is at right now. "This was a great fight for me," started Oubaali. "Fernandez was extremely tough. He showed great heart and determination. I don't know any other fighters who could stand up to some of the shots I hit him with. That being said, I am very happy with my performance. The game plan coming in was to work the body and try to break him down. I am very happy with the team that is around me right now. I have full confidence that my manager Ben and Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing are going to take me to the top of the division. I am going to rest for a little while and then get right back in the gym. Where I go from here is up to Ben and Joe, but I feel that I am ready. I hope everyone in attendance and everyone watching at home was pleased with my performance and I look forward to fighting again as soon as possible."
On another Star Boxing co-promoted show in the same city on the same night at B.B. King's in NYC, Star Boxing's Vinny Maddalone took on Joe Stofle in one of the co-feature bouts of the evening. Maddalone who had previously stated he was looking to put on a great showing for his New York fans didn't disappoint. From the opening bell it was apparent that Maddalone was too much for his opponent as he landed punches at will to both the body and head. Maddalone dropped Stofle three times in the opening round en route to winning a first round TKO. Stofle was quoted after the fight as saying, "I am happy they stopped it. I knew Vinny could punch, but wow he hits hard. I felt like I got kicked by a mule." With the victory Maddalone improves to 30-4, 21KO's.
The colorful Maddalone was nothing but all smiles after the fight. "That's exactly what I had hoped to do. I wanted to go in there, put the pressure on him and try to take him out, and that's what I did. I am happy that the fans enjoyed my performance and I am just excited to be fighting again. I feel great, and am going to get right back in the gym and get to work again. I know my promoter Joe DeGuardia is working on some things for me and I am really looking forward to my next fight," said Maddalone.
 In the co-feature back in Brooklyn Star Boxing's Albert Sosnowski was taking on the always tough and dangerous Zuri Lawrence.
It was a very exciting first round as both fighters came out throwing a lot of punches and setting a very fast pace. Sosnowski pressed the action while Lawrence looked to counter from the outside. The next few rounds saw more of the same as both fighters continuously looked to engage and slug it out, rather then box. Lawrence seemed to be landing the cleaner punches but Sosnowski was the busier of the two. Round five saw the Sosnowski come out a bit more determined as he began opening up on Lawrence while Lawrence laid on the ropes and looked to catch Sosnowski coming in. Sosnowski landed some big combinations to the head and body and it seemed his pressure was starting to take a toll on Lawrence. Lawrence turned it up a notch in the next few rounds, and going into the eighth and final round it seemed it was anyone's fight. Lawrence briefly stunned Sosnowski to start the round and then the war was back on as both fighters threw bombs hoping to catch the other and prevent this close fight from going to the scorecards. The fight ended just as it began with both fighters trading shots and bringing the fans in attendance to a standing ovation. In the end Lawrence was the one who came out on top, but Sosnowski seemed to gain even more fans with his warrior like effort and non stop punching style.
The first fight of the night saw Star Boxing's Yathomas Riley take on the Bronx's Phil Hannah, in Hannah's professional debut. Riley, who recently signed with DeGuardia after having a storybook amateur career, came out firing from the opening bell. Riley began shooting out a stiff jab that kept his opponent off balance. When Riley got in close enough he began ripping devastating body shots that visibly were hurting Hannah. A big straight left hand from the southpaw Riley wobbled Hannah and Hannah began retreating. Riley calmly moved in and landed a beautiful straight left hand followed by a left hook that dropped Hannah. Hannah got back up at the count of eight but the end was near as Riley began unloading on the overmatched Hannah. Another vicious left hand from Riley landed right on the button and Hannah took a knee to avoid further punishment. Hannah's corner had seen enough and decided to throw in the towel. Official stoppage time was 2:30 of the very first round. With the victory Riley improves to 2-0, 2KO's while Hannah falls to 0- 1. Riley looked sensational again and although it was only his second professional fight, his skills go far beyond that. "I felt great tonight," said Yathomas following the fight. "The game plan coming in was to work the body and work off my jab to set up my bigger shots. I hit him with a big body shot and I could see that he wouldn't be able to handle my power and it was only a matter of time till I put him away. I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia at Star Boxing and the rest of my team that has been working with me. I also want to thank my fans that have come here to support me. I look forward to fighting again very soon, and look to continue winning, and continuing to impress and excite my fans and the rest of the boxing world."
 Ruiz challenges media critics to wager
LAS VEGAS (August 7, 2008) Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has issued a challenge to his media critics regarding his style. Over the years, Ruiz often has been criticized for his unpopular “clutch-and-grab” style, but in his last three fights with head trainer Manny Siaca, Sr. in his corner, “The Quietman” has returned to the aggressive fighter he was when he first won the heavyweight title in 2001. The problem is Ruiz’ last four fights, including his first against Valuev, have not been televised in the United States, although that hasn’t prevented critics from continuing to unfairly bash him.
The WBA vacated the title due to an injury to Ruslan Chagaev, declared him “champion in recess” and ruled that the top two rated contenders had to fight for the title. Ruiz, rated No. 2 by the WBA, leaves August 22nd for Germany once again to fight the 7-0, 320-pound giant who took his title belt 2 ½ years ago, No. 1 contender Nikolai Valuev (48-1, 34 KOs), on August 30 in Berlin for the WBA title.
“It’s sad to say but right after my last fight against (Jameel) McCline,” Ruiz said, “a reporter asked me about me going back to holding my opponent. It’s easy for them to say that because they think that’s my style. There are two fighters in the ring and I wasn’t the one holding. Reporters are just used it, I guess, but I’m challenging them to a bet. They can watch my last fight against McCline, as well as my first against Valuev, and then we can make a bet about who will hold more, me or Valuev. It can be by the round, or the entire fight; so much money per hold (differential), or a flat rate. If I hold more, I’ll make a donation to the charity of the reporter’s choice; if Valuev holds more, the reporter has to make a donation to my charity. They can have as many reporters as they want betting for what ever amount they can choose. I’m giving them a chance to put their money where their mouths are. Then, finally, they will realize that I don’t fight like I used to; no more clutching and grabbing for me.”
Ruiz has been sparring with a pair of 7-footers the past two weeks in Las Vegas, where John lives and trains, to prepare to fight Valuev on the road in The Giant’s backyard. “It’s been a great camp,” Ruiz remarked. “We’ve been working hard to make sure that I stay focused. There’s a lot less stress with Manny than at my old training camps. My sparring partners are working out good.
“I hope I don’t have to knockdown Valuev every round to get a split decision,” Ruiz joked. “I have to stay inside and busy, like in our last fight, but this time I need to throw better combinations and give him different angles. We don’t want to let him just stand still and throw punches. I’m going to make him move. I’ll be taking the fight to him, but more around him, to see what he can do when he has to move.”
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz, living in Las Vegas, is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.
 Manfredo fighting for love of sport and another world title shot “August Annihilation” August 22 at Twin River Events Center, RI
PROVIDENCE (August 7, 2008) World super middleweight title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., star of The Contender Season One, is finally at peace with himself in boxing as he prepares to fight Donny “The Savage” McCrary (24-7-2, 13 KOs), star of The Contender Season Three, on Friday night, August 22 in the 12-round main event for the NABF Interim super middleweight title, headlining “August Annihilator” at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
“August Annihilator,” part of the “Budweiser Night at the Fights” series, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River, Budweiser, The Tournament of Contenders, and CN8, The Comcast Network.
The show will be taped live and air Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network as well as Cox Sports Television.
Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs), rated No. 20 by the WBC, is now fighting for the love of the sport and he’s looking at his Aug. 22nd fight against McCrary as a stepping stone to reach his final goal in boxing. His one world title fight against Joe Calzaghe ended in controversy when the referee prematurely stopped the fight and his road back to another possible championship bout was derailed when he lost a lackluster decision to former title-holder Jeff lacy.
“I’ve accomplished a lot in boxing,” Manfredo said, “but I have one more goal and that’s to win a world championship. I want one last shot. I watched Andre Berto and Sergio Mora become world champions and I know I can, too. I have a game plan: destroy McCrary and get a fight against somebody like Sakio Biko, rated No. 8 by The Ring magazine. I’d really like a rematch against Jeff Lacy I blew that fight but I doubt I’ll get that. (Joe) Calzaghe is giving up his super middleweight belts and I’d like to fight Carl Froch or Mikkel Kessler next year for a world title. They’re not superman; they’re good, not great.
“I’m having fun again. Before, I hated going to the gym to train, but I did it because it was my job and I needed the money for my family. I always liked to fight and the thrill of the fans, but I’m married with three kids and I didn’t like leaving them for long periods of time (like training camp in Los Angeles). I also love to eat and couldn’t. I wasn’t able to plan family trips, either. But the Lacy fight really woke me up. I blew it. I’m training at home now, not away from my family. We’re having a great camp me, Jessie Brinkley, Edwin Rodriguez and a couple of amateurs. Now, I love going to the gym, every day. I work hard and then go home to my wife and kids. I can’t really explain why. Maybe it’s because I’m more mature. But I know that I’m fighting because I love boxing.”
Manfredo is a rare breed today in boxing: he has a huge, growing fan-base that transcends New England because of the exposure he received on The Contender, which also showed the public his vast skills, valuable experience, affable personality and true character.
“Peter Manfredo, Jr. is all about what boxing should really be,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield explained. “He’s a gentleman, in and out of the ring, as well as a family man who ordinary people easily relate to. He’s one of the few fighters today who is a throwback to the old days around here when Vinny Paz fought. The biggest thing I see now is his desire to please his family, friends and fans. What he really wants is a world title. His fight for the NABF Interim title is a step in the process towards another world title fight for Peter. Today, the money and more and more champions are in Europe. Peter has the ability to bring a belt back here to the United States. Little girls, housewives….everywhere he goes people want to meet him, get his autograph, or pose with him for a picture. Peter is that rare boxer who is popular, not just in boxing, but in mainstream America. He continues to expand markets for himself and boxing in general, which, most certainly, is what boxing needs now.”
In the co-feature, former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental super middleweight champion Joey “KO Kid” Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), also fighting out of Providence, meets former IBC Americas heavyweight title-holder Jim “Steel Chin” Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, in a six-round bout.
On the undercard in a pair of six-round super middleweight matches, Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs) tests his unbeaten record against Brooklyn’s Ariel Espinal (6-3-2, 2 KOs), while Providence favorite Richard “Bobo The Bull” Starnino (9-4-1, 2 KOs) takes on Lowell (MA) brawler “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2, 5 KOs) in an old fashioned throw-down.
Also on the undercard card is undefeated middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (7-0, 5 KOs), former two-time U.S. national amateur champion out of Worcester (MA), facing Marcus “Team Savior” Upshaw (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (1-0, 1 KO) squares off against Larry Foster (0-3) in a four rounder.
Fighting opponents to be determined are the two newest members of Team CES, featherweight Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (7-1, 3 KOs), former world title challenger, and Providence junior lightweight Omar Pena making his pro debut. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “August Annihilator” are priced at $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Events Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth (2nd floor) at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Tickets are also on sale at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), 401 Gym in Cranston (RI), Rivera Brother’s in Lynn (MA), Balletto’s Gym in Providence, Big Six Academy in Providence, and Larry Army (508.407.5152).
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
 THREE BIG EIGHT ROUND FIGHTS HEADLINE A OUTSTANDING NIGHT OF BOXING AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH
PHILADELPHIA (August 6, 2008)On Friday night September 12th, The fall gets off to a blazing start as Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions present an great night of boxing that will have not one, not two, but three big eight round fights that will highlight the packed card.
In one bout, Steve Upsher Chambers will take on the upset-minded Kevin Carmody in a Jr. Welterweight bout. The second bout will feature Israel knockout artist Ran Nakash against well regarded Larry Robinson. Finally, Legendary Blue Horizon mainstay, Gee Culmer and Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson get it on in a Super Middleweight fight.
This terrific night will be seen live all over the globe on www.gofightlive.tv
Chambers, 17-1-1 with five knockouts is starting to step out of the shadow of his brother, world-ranked Heavyweight “Fast” Eddie Chambers, as he continues to improve on all facets of his game.
Some of that was shown on June 6th when Chambers survived a early assault from Jaime Morales to come back and destroy Morales by unleashing thirty unanswered punches to stop Morales ninety-seven seconds into their bout.
Chambers has fought all but one of his fights at The Legendary Blue Horizon (17-1).
Carmody, 10-10-1 with one knockout is a typical Philadelphia fighter and he will fight anyone at anytime.
Carmody will be looking to play spoiler on September 12. That seems to be a game that Carmody likes to play as evidenced by his upset wins over Dave Evans (7-0-1), Cristian Lopez (16-0), Carlos Vinan (5-1), Frank O’Neal (8-0-2) in O’Neal’s hometown of Detroit.
Carmody, who will be making his first appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon, will be itching to get back into the win column as he has dropped three straight, including a loss to sixty-six fight veteran Ricardo Medina, Vernon Paris (16-0) and most recently Orland Gonzalez (11-1-1) on June 20th.
Nakash, of Haifa, Israel has become a Blue Horizon favorite as he has scored explosive knockouts in his last two appearances at The Legendary Blue Horizon
He will be bringing in a record of 14-0 with ten knockouts, which includes five straight early wins.
In Nakash’s last outing he dusted off Martin Haag in four rounds in Germany on July 20th. On June 6th, Nakash drilled James Porter in two rounds at The Legendary Blue Horizon. On February 8th, Nakash viciously knocked out Ray Ruiz in two at The Blue Horizon.
Nakash is 5-0 with two knockouts at The Legendary Blue Horizon
Robinson, 10-3 with seven knockouts has become one of the most feared and talked about cruiserweights in the area.
The Philadelphia native is 4-0 against undefeated fighters. In his last fight, Robinson won a majority decision over the well regarded Simon “One Punch” Carr is a much anticipated South Philadelphia turf war on July 18th.
This will be Robinson’s second appearance in The Blue Horizon ring a he scored a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jamaal “Da Gooch” Reed (3-0) on June 10th, 2005.
Culmer has a record of 14-1 with three knockouts & is unbeaten in his last ten fights (9-0, 1 NC) that spreads out over five years.
Culmer has been a mainstay at The Legendary Blue Horizon as his last nine fights have been at The Legendary Blue Horizon (8-0, 1 NC)
He is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Mustapha Johnson on April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
Wilson is desperate to get a win as he is winless in his last eleven fights (0-10-1) against grade “A” competition.
Wilson has been in the ring with the likes of James Lubwama (11-0), Tarvis Simms (17-0), former multiple time world title challenger Antwun Echols (30-5-1), Elvir Muriqi (34-4) & Rasheem Brown (18-3) to name a few.
Wilson’s last fight at The Blue Horizon was a great one as he defeated Patrick Perez (25-3) on January 16, 2004.
Wilson is 4-1 at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
A packed undercard has been put together & will feature featherweight, Jules Blackwell, 7-1-2 (2) looking to rebound from his first pro loss when he will take on an opponent to be named in a six round bout.
Derek Bivins of Philadelphia will be making his pro debut in a four round Featherweight bout.
Undefeated lightweight, Gerald Smith 3-0 (1) will see action in a four round bout.
Daryl Jones of Philadelphia will be making his pro debut in a Welterweight bout
Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM
The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com
 Photo By: Emily Harney
McGirt Dominates Joval
Saratoga Springs, NY James McGirt Jr. dominated Raymond Joval in the first five rounds, dropping the former IBO Champion twice in the third to win a unanimous ten-round decision in their Middleweight bout. The fight was the main event of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights. The Pugnacious Promotions show was broadcast live from the Saratoga Springs Center in Saratoga Springs, NY on ESPN2.
McGirt came out strong and determined. He looked very sharp and battered Joval until a devastating right hand dropped him for the first time in round three. After rising to his feet, the game Joval tried to hold on, but McGirt was able to land several more combinations until Joval crumbled to the canvas for the second time. After struggling to his feet at the count of eight, he was permitted to continue. He seemed to recover his legs enough to stay out of harms way to finish the round on his feet.
McGirt continued to control the action for the fourth and fifth rounds, but began to tire. Raymond Joval landed some hard shots during the sixth through the final bell of the tenth to make it a very entertaining fight but not enough to win or make it close.
One judge saw it at 97-91 while the other two had it 99-89 all in favor of James McGirt Jr. McGirt improves to 19-1 (9 KOs), while Raymond Joval drops to 37-6 (16 KOs).
 Photo By: Christy Cappillino
In the co-feature, Nagy Aguilera won an eight round unanimous decision over Gary Wilcox in a heavyweight bout.
The crowd treated Wilcox, a Saratoga Springs native, like royalty. Every punch he threw had the crowd practically on their feet. The truth is, Gary Wilcox is the most boring fighter ever to lace on a pair of boxing gloves. He was able to survive the fight, but I think that was due to Nagy’s inability to keep throwing punches rather than any type of skill left in Gary Wilcox.
Nonetheless one judge scored the fight 80-72, while the other two had it 78-74 all in favor of Nagy Aguilera. He improves to 9-0 (6 KOs). Gary Wilcox drops to 21-4 (7 KOs).
In a great fight and despite a very serious cut, Julio Garcia won a unanimous four-round decision over Borngod Washington in their Super Middleweight contest. This fight featured toe-to-toe action from start to finish with both fighters landing hard shots. Not one but two cuts, one over Garcia’s left eye had the ringside Doctor on the verge of stopping the bout before the start of the fourth round. He was able to continue and all fans present were treated to a great fourth and final round. One Judge had it 40-36, while the other two scored the bout at 39-37 all in favor of Julio Garcia improving to 2-1 (1 KO). The very tough Borngod Washington drops to 0-4.
To round out the card:
Markus Williams won a four round unanimous decision over Donyell Dukes in their Super Middleweight bout. Williams improves to 2-0 (1 KO) while Dukes drops to 0-4.
Mike Faragon won a six round unanimous decision over Francisco Palacios in a Lightweight contest. Faragon improves to 4-0, while Palacios drops to 3-5-4 (1 KO).
Brian Miller and Bryan Abraham fought to a four round Majority Draw in their Jr. Welterweight bout. Brian Miller’s record now stands at 2-0-3 while Abraham, making his pro debut is now at 0-0-1.
 FERNANDO BELTRAN VS. TAKALANI NDLOVU
HEADLINES CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT CARD ON AUGUST 22,
HARRY JOE YORGEY VS. JASON LeHOULLIER IN CO-FEATURE AT SOMMET CENTER IN NASHVILLE, TENN.; TELEVISED LIVE ON ESPN’S “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS”
Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions and Rodney Berman/Golden Gloves will present a sensational world championship fight card on Friday, August 22, 2008, at the Sommet Center, located at 501 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. The main event and co-featured bout will be televised live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights.”
In the 12 round main event for the vacant IBO featherweight world title, Fernando Beltran Jr., 30-3-1 with 18 knockouts, of Culiacan, Mexico, will fight Takalani Ndlovu, 28-4 with 18 knockouts, of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Beltran, now 26 years old, is a veteran contender and two-time world title challenger. In April, 2005, he challenged WBO jr. featherweight world champion Joan Guzman. Fernando finished the fight very strongly he won the eighth and ninth rounds on two judges’ scorecards then swept the eleventh and twelfth on all three, but lost a competitive 12 round decision. He challenged IBF jr. featherweight world champion Steve Molitor in his last fight in April, 2008, and gave another strong effort, but lost by decision in that fight, as well. Fernando also has a win to his credit against former WBC bantamweight world champion Victor Rabanales in a nontitle fight.
30 year-old Ndlovu is a former IBO super bantamweight world champion with three successful title defenses, as well as a former South African featherweight champion. He is 7-1 in his last eight fights, with five wins by knockout. The only loss in that streak was by decision in an IBF featherweight world title challenge against Steve Molitor.
In the co-featured bout featuring two super undefeated prospects, Harry Joe Yorgey, 20-0-1 with 9 knockouts, of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, will face Jason LeHoullier, 21-0-1 with 8 knockouts, of Portland, Maine. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds for the vacant IBF North American Junior Middleweight title.
More exciting bouts featuring the best in local boxing talent will complete the card. All bouts subject to change without notice.
Doors open at: 6:00 P.M. (All times Central time)
First bout: 7:00 P.M.
Tickets prices: starting at $27.50
Tickets available Friday, July 18 at 10 AM at Sommet Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 615-255-9600, and online at www.sommetcenter.com
 Klitschko Wins But Still Lacks “Something”
Wladimir Klitschko knocked out Tony Thompson at 1:22 of the eleventh round in another questionable performance retaining his IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight Titles Saturday night. The bout was broadcast live on HBO from the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany. In what was a one-sided fight, Wladimir Klitschko used his pawing jab, followed by his powerful right hand to methodically break down Tony Thompson en route to a not so exciting match-up.
Until the end of the bout, it appeared that Thompson was able to withstand Klitschko’s best shots. The problem was that he (Thompson) simply was not throwing enough punches and when he did, there was absolutely no snap or power behind them.
In the first round, Thompson won the round on my scorecard by landing several solid lefts that landed flush on the face of Klitschko. His awkward style seemed to bother Wladimir and at the close of the round, I for one was beginning to think that this could be the upset most fans, including myself, were hoping for. Unfortunately for me, it was Thompson’s only round he would win on my un-official scorecard.
For the remainder of the fight, Thompson appeared to be a sparring partner and look to survive the fight, rather than mount any type of attack or even throw meaningful punches. Even though Thompson’s performance was strictly to help him survive, Wladimir Klitschko failed to dominate in an exciting manner.
Wladimir was able to throw and land his right hand all night but seemed to be open during most of the fight. Thompson’s failure to capitalize on this was Klitschko’s main advantage and helped him secure the win. Wladimir Klitschko improves to 51-3 (45 KOs).
Tony Thompson earned the biggest payday of his career, bringing home $500,000, while dropping his record to 31-2 (19 KO’s). When he gets a chance to review the tape, I am sure he will regret not capitalizing on a legitimate opportunity of beating the, in my opinion, very over-rated Wladimir Klitschko.
Wladimir Klitschko had a brilliant amateur career. He is a two-time World Heavyweight Champion and currently holds three World Titles and is the closest Heavyweight we have to a Unified Heavyweight Champion Of The World today.
Why is it then do I (from my dealings and or conversations) and so many others believe that Klitschko is not what we truly want as our Heavyweight Champion Of The World?
He certainly has the pedigree. As a pro, he has fought everyone put in front of him and for the most part, has not dodged anyone. He has come up off the canvas to win. He has avenged his loss to Lamon Brewster and has fought over 20 of his fights against either Top-Ten World Ranked fighters, World Title Challengers and former or current World Heavyweight Champions. He always comes to fight in great shape. He is a “good” guy. He does great things for the community. He is intelligent. He is good looking. He is marketable.
Then what’s the problem?
In my opinion, what Wladimir is lacking is the simple fact that he is not a “character”. Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, John L Sullivan, Jack Johnson, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, to name a few, were all characters. They were World Heavyweight Champions that people related to for some reason or another. They were fighters that people either loved or loved to hate. Some did good things, some did bad things, some did crazy things or did things for a purpose, but anyway you looked at it, all people, not just “boxing people” knew who they were and what they stood for.
They were the Heavyweight Champion Of The World. They were the toughest man on the planet and most people, regardless of their race, religion, age or status in society, could relate and follow these past greats. When these types of Champions held the most sought after title in the World, EVERYONE could tell you who the World Heavyweight Champion was. How many non-boxing people can tell you that Wladimir Klitschko is the closest man we have right now that can or should be labeled “The Heavyweight Champion Of The World”?
Wladimir is missing “something”. He is not the best fighter out there. After watching his fight with Thompson, I for one am convinced that most heavyweights out there right now, in the top five in ANY of the four major sanctioning bodies, can beat him. He does not come across as being un-stoppable. He does not come across, as being over powering, when based on his size and athletic ability, should be. He is not a guy that puts “fear” in other fighters, nor does he get the buzz around him as did past World Heavyweight Champions.
Although Wladimir Klitschko has plenty of character, he is not “a character”. I believe that this is the biggest reason he does not have nor received the recognition that he may deserve. Then again, I for one think he is extremely over-rated. I think he is just “holding” onto the titles until the real World Heavyweight Champion Of The World” emerges. Who, when and where that will be, is still anyone’s guess. Hopefully, Wladimir is NOT the best out there because if he is, the Heavyweight Division is in trouble for a long time.
I am VERY curious to hear feedback on this. I want to know what you think. Let me know if I am wrong, right, or better yet, I want to know what you think the problem may be. I encourage anyone who cares to voice his or her opinion to drop me an email at Billy@TalkinBoxing.com.
And while you are at it, am I the only one who thinks it’s about time, and long over due that Larry Merchant retire…for real? Does he make any sense anymore?
Bill Calogero TheDailySports.com  To listen to full discussions on this fight and all other boxing news, tune into www.GoFightLive.TV and watch or listen to the “Billy C Morning Show” every day or the “Talkin Boxing With Billy C” Radio Program Wednesday nights. For all information, please visit www.TalkinBoxing.com. |