PHILADELPHIA EXHIBITION DRAWS BOXING SUPERSTARS

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | No Comments

For Immediate Release: 30th June 2008 ==> CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO SEE FULL SIZE PHOTOS

This past weekend saw an array of champions from the world of boxing, past and present, turn out to support some local fighters from The James Shuler Memorial Gym as they put on an outside exhibition at the 18th annual Susquehana block party in North Philadelphia.

Amongst those present was the current IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, Steve Cunningham’ who arrived carrying his coveted title belt and half a dozen pizzas from his recently opened USS Cunningham Pizza Emporium in West Philadelphia for the fighters and trainers.

Past heroes present included former Heavyweight World Champion ‘Terrible’ Tim Witherspoon and IBF World Light Middleweight Champion Robert ‘Bam Bam’ Hines who were both present with fighters that they now train. Also on hand were some of Philadelphia’s finest young chargers Chazz Witherspoon and Jamaal ‘Da Truth’ Davis:

Another current champion on hand was the USBA Heavyweight title holder ‘Fast’ Eddie Chambers who headlined the afternoons entertainment when he locked horns with Darrell Crone in an exciting encounter that was reduced to just two rounds when rain stopped play.

Prior to this Tim Witherspoon Jnr. took the opportunity to have an extra ‘workout’ session with upcoming southpaw Jayson Sia, as he prepares for his 11th July encounter at the Southern Stars Promotions event at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia against Quincey Johnson. Tim had his hands full as the wiley Jayson was intent on impressing his new trainer Sharron Baker as well as sharpening his skills prior to his pro-debut in September.

Jacksonville, Florida’s first lady of Boxing, Dee ‘Tiger’ Moses, and Philadelphia amateur Laquan Evans opened up the show in great fashion. The crowd really got behind the entertaining Dee, encouraging her all the way as she took control and displayed her full arsenal of power punches. She didn’t have it all her way though as the taller Laquan really showed his metal by jabbing and dancing himself out of trouble as well as the occasional counter attack.

The viewing crowd were clearly impressed by the whole show and the participating fighters were lauded for their afternoons work and as great ambassadors for their sport.

CHICAGO’S PRIDE, JULY 25 AT THE ARAGON

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | No Comments

TICKET ALERT!!

CHICAGO, IL (June 30, 2008) Tickets are now on sale for an evening of world class professional boxing as Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, presents CHICAGO’S PRIDE on Friday, July 25th at the Aragon Ballroom headlined by local fan favorite Francisco “EL NINO AZTECA” Rodriguez squaring off against El Paso slugger Alex “EL DIABLO” Becerra in a ten round bantamweight bout.

Tickets, starting at $30, for CHICAGO’S PRIDE can be purchased in advance through the 8 Count Productions Office at 312-226-5800 or through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com , 312-559-1212). The Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. , adjacent to the corner of Broadway and Lawrence. Doors will open at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.

The 24 year old Rodriguez, 12-2 (8KO’s) is looking to add to his win column following his devastating three round destruction of Columbian veteran Angel Priolo on May 9th at Cicero Stadium. Rodriguez dropped Priolo in each of the first three rounds before referee Gerald Scott called a halt to the battle at the 2:23 mark of the third.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico native Becerra sports a record of 19-6 (9KO’s) over his nine year career including ten round battles with Valentin Leon (W-MD10) and David Martinez (L-MD10). This will be Becerra’s Chicago debut.

In the co-main event, popular Chicago featherweight Jose Hernandez will return to the ring after a one year absence to face Mexico City ’s Jose Navarrete over eight rounds.

The heavy handed Hernandez, 22-4 (14KO’s) was last seen losing a very close twelve round decision to three time world title challenger Rocky Juarez in the co-main event on the massive Oscar De La Hoya/Floyd Mayweather PPV card on May 5, 2007 in Las Vegas.

A native of Mexico City now living in Chicago, Navarrete holds a slightly misleading record of 9-15 with three knockouts. Most recently he battled highly regarded unbeaten prospect Argenis Mendez over six rounds before dropping a six round split decision in a bout televised by SOLO BOXEO from Reading , PA on June 6, 2008.

In a six round featherweight special feature attraction at CHICAGO’S PRIDE, Puerto Rico native Ivan “THE BABY BOY ASSASSIN” Rodriguez, 8-4-1 (3KO’s) currently residing in Waukegan, IL, returns to the ring in a six round bout against San Luis Potosi, Mexico born, Barbaro Zepeda.

Also appearing at CHICAGO’S PRIDE will be popular Chicago light heavyweight Mike “THE HAMMER” Nevitt, 14-1 (5KO’s) in a six round bout and unbeaten Puerto Rican sensation Gadiel Andaluz, 3-0 (2KO’s) in a four round lightweight bout

Much more information on CHICAGO’S PRIDE will be announced shortly.

Along with Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, CHICAGO’S PRIDE is presented by TCF Bank and Miller Lite.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be nationally known professional sports announcer, Thomas Treiber.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

WBC: FIRST FEMALE CHAMPIONSHIP IN JAPAN! / PRIMER CAMPEONATO FEMENINO EN JAPON!

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | 1 Comment

ESPAÑOL MAS ABAJO

On June 18th, in Tokyo, it was categorically confirmed that there will be two female boxing world championships on the same stage and on the same day, precisely on August 11th, at Korakuen Hall of Tokyo. The mecca of Japanese Boxing since 1962 with capacity for over two thousand spectators. This is the first championship of this sort in Japan sanctioned by the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC), the organization that ended up approving female boxing recently in 2008. Last May 9th, at Korakuen Hall Of Tokyo, the historical first female boxing card was held, sanctioned by the JBC; in such card Fujin Raika defeated American fighter Natalie Brown by majority decision (58-56, 58-57, 58-58) in the main event to 6 rounds. It is worth noting that Fujin Raika was presented by the JBC as a beginner in boxing, as her record was from Japan Women´s Boxing Commission, the organization that was dissolved now in a constructive way when the JBC decided to give recognition to female boxing.

On August 11th, at Korakuen Hall Of Tokyo, Japanese fighter, world ranked

WBC # 2, WBA # 1, in the Lightweight division, Fujin Raika, 32, (18-3-1 /6 KO´s) will fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title against American fighter, world ranked

WBC # 3, Ann Marie Saccurato, 30, (13-3-2 / 6 KO´s), from New York and former WBC Lightweight world champion in the co-main event of the evening. This is the second fight between Ann Marie Saccurato and Fujin Raika who won by majority decision to keep her WIBA (Women´s International Boxing Association) Lightweight world title in November 2007 in Tokyo.

Now, Fujin Raika, who without a doubt, is charisma herself of Japanese female boxing, is on the island of Hokkaido, that is over a thousand kilometers North of Tokyo, for her running camp, together with WBC Flyweight world champion, Daisuke Naito, 33, (32-2-3 / 20 KO´s), who will defend his title for the third time against Japanese champion Tomonobu Shimizu, 26, (13-2 / 5 KO´s) on July 30th, in Tokyo.

In another main event, for the WBC Atomweight world championship, Japanese fighter, Momo Koseki, 25, (5-2 / 1 KO) will defy Thai WBC Atomweight world champion, Winyu Paradorn Gym, 24, (6-1-1 / 1 KO), who became world champion by conquering the then vacant title in August 2007, defeating Momo Koseki herself, by unanimous decision (96-94, 96-95, 96-94) in Ayuttaya, Thailand.

Momo Koseki from Japan is very determined to take advantage of her second opportunity at world level, this time in Japan.

On June 17th, WBA Flyweight world champion, Takefumi Sakata from Japan, 28,

(32-4-2 / 15 KO´s) has already left to Honolulu, Hawaii, in order to carry out her customary running camp on the land of constant summer looking to defend her title for the fourth time against Japanese fighter Hiroyuki Hisataka from Osaka, 23, (16-6-1 / 5 KO´s) taking place on July 30th, at Yoyogi Gym of Tokyo where the other Flyweight world champion, Daisuke Naito from Japan, 33, (32-2-3 / 20 KO´s) will fight his Japanese challenger Tomonobu Shimizu, 26, (13-2 / 5 KO´s) defending his WBC Flyweight world title for the third time. Takefumi Sakata has intended to run a total of 250 kilometers during his eleven-day stay in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Takefumi Sakata seized the WBA Flyweight world title in March 2007in his fourth attempt to win a world title, defeating Lorenzo Parra from Venezuela by TKO in the third round at Korakuen Hall of Tokyo.

Takefumi Sakata has defended his title three times: against Roberto Vasquez from Panama by unanimous decision, Denkaosan Kaovichit from Thailand in a

twelve-round draw, and Shingo Yamaguchi from Japan by unanimous decision.

The brand-new WBA Lightweight world champion Yusuke Kobori, 28, (23-2-1 / 12 KO´s) visited the City Hall office of Yotsukaido, in the province of Chiba, Yusuke Kobori´s homeland.

Mr. Takahashi, Mayor of Yotsukaido, promised Yusuke Kobori that he will be given an honorable award as an “Honor Citizen”. It will be the first time in history in the city of Yotsukaido that a man from such place will be the object of such a significant award.

On May 19th, in Tokyo, Yusuke Kobori defeated Jose Alfaro from Nicaragua against all odds, by TKO in the third round to win the WBA Lightweight world title.

Yusuke Kobori is the 57th, Japanese world champion in history after the first Japanese world champion, Yoshio Shirai, Flyweight fighter back in 1952 according to data from the Japanese Boxing Commission.

El 17 de junio en Tokio fue confirmado categóricamente que habrá dos campeonatos mundiales de boxeo femenino en el mismo escenario y en el mismo día, precisamente el 11 de Agosto en Korakuen Hall de Tokio, la meca del boxeo Japonés desde 1962 con capacidad para poco mas de dos mil espectadores.

Este es el primer campeonato mundial de boxeo femenino en Japón bajo la sanción de la Comisión de Boxeo de Japón (CBJ), el organismo que acabo por aprobar el boxeo femenino recientemente en 2008. El pasado 9 de Mayo en Korakuen Hall de Tokio hubo la histórica primera función de boxeo femenino bajo la sanción de la CBJ en la que Fujin Raika gano por decisión mayoritaria (58-56, 58-57, 58-58) a la estadounidense Natalie Brown en la pelea estelar a 6 rounds. Cabe señalar que Fujin Raika fue presentada por la CBJ como una debutante en boxeo, ya que el record de Fujin Raika era de Japan Womens Boxing Commission, la entidad que se disolvió ahora en forma constructiva cuando la CBJ decidió dar reconocimiento al boxeo femenino.

El 11 de Agosto en Korakuen Hall de Tokio la japonesa # 2 CMB, # 1 AMB clasificada mundial de peso ligero Fujin Raika (18-3-1/6KOs, de 32 años de edad) va a disputar el vacante titulo de peso ligero del CMB a la Estadounidense #3CMB clasificada mundial Ann Marie Saccurato (13-3-2/6KOs, de 30 años de edad y desde Nueva York y ex campeona mundial de peso ligero del CMB) en la pelea de fondo de la velada. Esta es la segunda pelea entre Ann Marie Saccurato y Fujin Raika quien gano por decisión mayoritaria (99-93, 97-93, 95-95) para retener su titulo mundial de peso ligero de la WIBA (Womens International Boxing Association) en Noviembre de 2007 en Tokio.

Ahora, Fujin Raika, quien es la carisma del boxeo femenino Japonés sin duda, se encuentra en la isla de Hokkaido, que dista mas de mil kilómetros al norte de Tokio, para la concentración de corrida junto con el campeón mundial mosca del CMB Daisuke Naito (32-2-3/20KOs, de 33 años de edad) quien va a hacer la tercera defensa de su titulo contra el campeón Japonés Tomonobu Shimizu (13-2/5KOs, de 26 años de edad) el próximo 30 de Julio en Tokio.

En otra pelea estelar por campeonato mundial de peso átomo del CMB, la Japonesa Momo Koseki (5-2/1KO, de 25 años de edad) va a desafiar a la Tailandesa campeona mundial de peso átomo del CMB Winyu Paradorn Gym (6-1-1/1KO, de 24 años de edad) quien se coronó campeona mundial conquistando el titulo vacante en Agosto de 2007 al derrotar por decisión unánime (96-94, 96-95, 96-94) a la misma Momo Koseki en Ayuttaya de Tailandia.

La Japonesa Momo Koseki se encuentra muy decidida para no desaprovechar su segunda oportunidad mundial, esta ocasión en Japón.

El 17 de junio el Japonés campeón mundial mosca de la AMB Takefumi Sakata (32-4-2/15KOs, de 28 anos de edad) ya salió con rumbo a Honolulu de Hawai a fin de cumplir su acostumbrada concentración de corrida en la tierra de siempre verano con miras a la cuarta defensa de su titulo contra el Japonés Hiroyuki Hisataka (16-6-1/5KOs, de 23 años de edad y desde la ciudad de Osaka) que tendrá lugar el próximo 30 de julio en el Gimnasio de Yoyogi de Tokio donde el otro campeón mundial mosca Japonés Daisuke Naito (32-2-3/20KOs, de 33 años de edad) va a combatir con su retador Japonés Tomonobu Shimizu (13-2/5KOs, de 26 años de edad) por la tercera defensa de su titulo mundial mosca del CMB.

Takefumi Sakata tiene planeado correr un total de 250 kilómetros en su estancia en Honolulu de Hawai durante 11 días.

Takefumi Sakata se apodero del titulo mundial mosca de la AMB en Marzo de 2007 en su cuarto intento por un titulo mundial al imponerse por KOT en el tercer round al Venezolano Lorenzo Parra en Korakuen Hall de Tokio.

Takefumi Sakata ha venido defendiendo su titulo en tres ocasiones contra el Panameño Roberto Vásquez por decisión unánime, el Tailandés Denkaosan Kaovichit por empate en 12 rounds, el Japonés Shingo Yamaguchi por decisión unánime.

El flamante campeón mundial de peso ligero de la AMB Yusuke Kobori (23-2-1/12KOs, de 28 años de edad) visito el 17 de Junio a la oficina de ayuntamiento de la ciudad de Yotsukaido de la provincia de Chiba, que es la tierra natal de Yusuke Kobori.

El Sr. Takahashi, el presidente municipal de Yotsukaido, prometió a Yusuke Kobori que este será otorgado un premio honorable como “Ciudadano de Honor”.

Será la primera ocasión en la historia de la ciudad de Yotsukaido en que un hombre de Yotsukaido va a ser el objeto de este premio tan significativo.

El 19 de Mayo en Tokio, contra toda previsión Yusuke Kobori acabo con José Alfaro de Nicaragua por KOT en el tercer round para ostentar la corona mundial de peso ligero de la AMB.

Yusuke Kobori es el campeón mundial Japonés # 57 de la historia a partir del primer campeón mundial Japonés Yoshio Shirai de peso mosca en 1952 según los datos de la CBJ.

EUROPEAN BOXING NEWS

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | No Comments

French network Canal+ paid lightfly Brahim Asloum 750 000 EUR when he challenged then WBA champ Juan Carlos Reveco plus a bonus of 150 000 EUR in case of victory. Asloum won and was all set to defend the title July 26 against Giovanni Segura. However, Canal+ will now pay the champ 500 000 EUR and an 100 000 EUR extra as bonus should he retain the title. Asloum, his manager and trainer Louis Acaries are looking into suing the network for breach of contract. Acaries tells l´Equipe that Asloum have skipped four days of training and might pull out.

Belgian Jamel Bahki is out and Paraguayan Mario Alberto Lopez is in as opponent for WBO I/C middle champ Sebastian Zbik July 5 in Halle / Westfalen. Universum´s show still feature four fights scheduled for 12 rounds topped by Felix Sturm vs Randy Griffin in a very interesting rematch.

The undercard to Klitschko vs Thompson July 12 at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg will again be supervised by the GBO. Kronk will bring in cruiser Jonathon Banks and lightheavy Haxhi Krasniqi fights Steve Kroekel. In the chief support EBU jr middle champ Zauerbek Baysangurov defends the title against Ivan Gontsa.

The WBA have scheduled a hearing on July 2 in Buenos Aires to try and resolve the complicated situation in regards of Ruslan Chagaev, again being sidelined with a long term injury, and Sauerland Event´s request along with Don King to have an interim titlefight scheduled – or to have the champion stripped.

The second Ben Bril Memorial goes ahead October 13 at the Carré Theatre in Amsterdam. This edition is headlined by Dutch heavy Richel Hersisia, who´s been inactive since last year. Middleweight veteran Raymond Joval, who headlined last year´s show, could also be on the bill.

Berlin-based Amadun Ltd made their promotional debut last this month and plan to do monthly shows at the Universal Hall. Amadun is also behind an idea that have accepted by the German Federation, BDB: a junior title for boxers 23 or younger.

The Francesco Pianeta vs Scott Gammer fight for the vacant EU heavyweight title have been postponed until August. It was scheduled to go ahead July 19.

Nicolae Linca, the only Romanian boxer to win a gold medal in the Olympics, have passed away at the age of 79. Linca beat Irishman Frederick Tiedt to win Gold in the 1956 Olympics at welter.

Former Italian heavy champ Mario De Persio have passed away in Rome at the age of 76. De Persio was a pro 55-58 and left boxing after winning the national title.

HARRY JOE YORGEY RESOLVES MANAGER DISPUTE: CLEARED NOW TO FIGHT ON ESPN IN AUGUST

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | No Comments

YORGEY WINS!!!

Harry Joe Yorgey was declared the winner on Friday, June 13, 2008, in his arbitration case over his manager James E. Deoria. Both parties were in a dispute over the boxer-manager contract that was signed between them on February 9, 2006. At the age of 30, Harry is a five-year pro. A veteran boxer at 154 pounds, he is a very popular performer in his home area in Pennsylvania . He has an impressive ring record of 20 wins, no loses and 1 draw, with 9 wins coming by knockout. Make that 10 knockouts with his latest victory.

In a decision by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on the 13th of June, the commission ruled that Harry Joe Yorgey “may take part in any contest or exhibition or otherwise exercise his talent without the approval of Manager Deoria, as long as Deoria receives 15% of the fighter’s purses, instead of the original Boxer/Manager contract of 40%”.

Yorgey can now participate in boxing matches without the approval of Deoria, who had previously contested any bouts that were presented to Yorgey by his new promoter Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions.

Harry Joe Yorgey was previously scheduled to fight on March 7th, 2008 at the Foxwoods Casino on the ESPN Network in the televised co-feature versus Jason LeHoullier for the vacant NABA Super Welterweight title. Deoria blocked that bout from taking place with the legal battle that he started against Harry Joe Yorgey.

With the decision from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, it has cleared the way for Yorgey to continue his career and challenge Jason LeHoullier for the title in the co-feature of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on August 22nd, 2008 at the Sommet Center in Nashville , Tennessee , a fight that should have happened five months ago will now finally happen.

You may review the entire Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission report on the Banner Promotions webpage at: www.banner-promotions.com.

ANDREI “The Pitbull” ARLOVSKI vs. “Big” BEN ROTHWELL SET FOR AFFLICTION MMA DEBUT ON JULY 19th

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Tale of The Pitbull and The Giant

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 30, 2008) – There are a number of reasons not to miss the mega mixed martial arts extravaganza, “Affliction Banned,” this July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California — not least of which is the unbelievable main event — a dream match-up between heavyweight champs Fedor Emilianenko and Tim Sylvia. But the list of transcendent fight talent doesn’t end there. In one of the biggest cards in the history of the sport, the inaugural fight event of Affliction Entertainment will feature an unprecedented line-up of the best MMA combatants competing against each other, including a brutal, full contact bout between the two heavyweight powerhouses, Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski and “Big” Ben Rothwell.

Former UFC® Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski is a 6′ 4″, 240-pound former cop from Belarus with dangerous stand up skills, a brutal right punch, and deft mobility and striking accuracy. Arlovski tears into his opponents, often dealing out devastating damage before the other fighter even has time to recover. Considered one of the top ten ranked heavyweight fighters in the world, “The Pitbull” is one of the world’s most complete MMA fighters, as well as one of its most fearsome. This dreaded competitor gets high marks in grappling ability and massive striking power. He has won notable victories over Tim Sylvia, Paul Buentello, Vladimir Matyushenko, Fabricio Werdum and Wesley “Cabbage” Correira, among others. For his upcoming fight with Rothwell, Arlovski has been training with legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach, who has trained many boxing champions such as Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and Manny Pacquiao. Arlovski’s hard work combined with sheer talent and strong mental preparedness give his opponents plenty to worry about in the ring.

Arlovski will face-off with former IFL® heavyweight standout Ben Rothwell, who is riding an impressive 13-fight winning streak and is currently ranked as the number 10 best heavyweight fighter in the world. At 6’5′ and 265 pounds, this gritty, determined Wisconsin native is a force to reckon with in the ring—just ask anyone who has squared off against him. A young fighter full of zest and energy and a personality as big as his frame, Rothwell is one of the most entertaining athletes in MMA—Rothwell never fails to deliver. And he has an impeccable record, rattling off 11 knockouts among his first 17 MMA victories with a flair that crowds eat up. A wicked combination of aggression, power and style drives Rothwell’s numerous victories. The sheer force with which this giant strikes his opponents leads to the frequent knockouts he is famous for. But his brute strength is tempered by a good measure of agility, allowing him to inflict accurate and precise punishment. “Big” Ben’s fierce ring presence and heavy-handedness often has opponents voluntarily choosing to leave the ring to avoid serious injury.

The brawl between the ferocious “Pitbull” and giant “Big” Ben is sure to please sports fans hungry for a truly ballistic competition and a performance full of charisma. These two magnetic, world-class fighters always put on a great show. With their collective striking power and bigger-than-life personalities, these well-matched opponents combine powerful fighting techniques with a spark of showmanship that electrifies their audience. Both fighters are known for their tremendous hard-hitting styles and numerous victories. Their bouts often end in knockouts — explosive, expedient, and purely exciting. On July 19th in Anaheim, fans will bear witness to a dynamic exhibition of prowess, as these two crowd-pleasing and accomplished warriors deal out a gallon of pain for guts and glory for “Affliction Banned.”

“Affliction Banned,” headlined by the WAMMA heavyweight title bout between Russian superstar Fedor Emelianenko and Tim Sylvia, is stacked with so much world-class talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with “Affliction Live,” a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN (Fox Sports Net) starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET) and setting the stage for “Affliction Banned” – five super fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

The heavy metal band Megadeth, led by frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine, will be performing live at the event.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at Honda Center’s Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

To download all video, photos and PR-related media go to: http://www.afflictionbanned.com/media.html

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The Trump Organization

The Trump Organization encompasses global real estate development and global licensing, sales and marketing, property management, golf course development, entertainment, entertainment and product licensing, brand development as well as restaurants and event planning. Donald J. Trump is the Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, a privately held company in New York. (www.Trump.com)

FANTASY DREAM FIGHTS MIGUEL COTTO VS FELIX TRINIDAD

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | No Comments

By: Tony Penecale

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With the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto now is seen as the #1 Welterweight in boxing today. An undefeated power puncher, he is the new star to come out of Puerto Rico. In the 90’s, there was another power-punching welterweight star out of Puerto Rico, Felix Trinidad. While both have garnered the adoration of fellow Boricuas everywhere, they have honed their craft in decidedly different manners. Cotto is like a surgeon, quietly doing his job, breaking opponents down with precise buy deadly punches. The prime Trinidad of the 90s was like a demolition expert with TNT in both fists and he routinely executed opponents in a loud and awe-inspiring fashion. Would the little island of Puerto Rico be big enough for these two welterweight phenoms? Who would come out on top if they met each other in their primes?

STATISTICS

Cotto: (all stats for bout on 4/12/08)
Age – 27 years old
Height – 5’7”
Weight – 146 lbs
Reach – 67”
Record – 31-0 (25)

Trinidad: (all stats for bout on 2/20/99)
Age – 26 years old
Height – 5’11”
Weight – 147 lbs
Reach – 72”
Record – 33-0 (29)

STYLE

Cotto:
An aggressive and physical boxer who fights from the orthodox stance, Cotto comes straight ahead, and wears opponents down with a punishing body attack. Cotto favors hooks and uppercuts to straight punches and turns every bout into a war of attrition. Doesn’t have lights-out punching power but is very punishing in the mold of Rocky Marciano, landing strength-sapping bombs to the head and torso. Most of his stoppage victories have come late, after his opponent has been worn down. Will often leave himself open to counters when trying to unleash his offense.

Trinidad:
Boxing from a high guard, Trinidad stalks his opponents from the opening bell, as if he is on a seek-and-destroy mission. Trinidad uses his jab to open up his offensive arsenal, which includes a destructive left hook, which he delivers to either the head or body, and capable of changing the momentum in an instant. He has shown good recuperative powers, rising from knockdowns in several fights, going on to win by knockout.
STRENGTHS

Cotto:
1) Body Attack – Cotto is quite possibly the best body puncher in the sport today. He wings hard hooks on the inside that make contact with whatever is available: ribs, shoulders, torso, chest, and arms, with punishing results. He scored a knockdown over Gianluca Branco with a left hook to the shoulder.
2) Strength – Cotto is a strong and physical fighter. While he fights at welterweight, he has the physical stature and physicality of a super middleweight, which he uses to muscle and wear down opponents.
3) Heart – Cotto carries a lot of pride when he steps into the ring. He has been wobbled on several occasions and has even touched the canvas a few times, but has always risen and fought back with fury.

Trinidad:
1) Power – Ever since he emerged as a world class fighter, Trinidad’s explosive power has been his trademark. Trinidad carried power in both hands, ending some fights with his right hand but his best punch was his left hook, possibly the most exciting punch in boxing.
2) Determination – In several title fights, Trinidad hit the canvas early, only to rise and weather the storm from an overzealous opponent. Trinidad would then seem energized and fight back with fury, usually winning by knockout shortly after.
3) Killer Instinct – Trinidad is a master at closing the show. When he senses that an opponent is hurt, he swarms like a shark to blood, firing bombs until he finishes his prey.

WEAKNESSES

Cotto:
1) Defense – Cotto’s best defense is a good offense and he often neglects the defensive part of his game. Cotto can be hit and that can be dangerous against a sharp puncher.
2) Vulnerable Chin – Combined with an offense that leaves him prone to counter punches, Cotto’s shaky chin can be a recipe for disaster. Cotto was wobbled against moderate punchers Demarcus Corley and Zab Judah, and was down several times and in serious trouble against Ricardo Torres.

Trinidad:
1) One Dimensional – Trinidad is a straight-forward fighter who found difficulty in opponents who could box and move. In order to sit down on his punches, Trinidad would shuffle his feet and plant, where a good boxer could take the opportunity to hit and move before Trinidad could set.
2) Chin – Even though he was off-balance many times when he was knocked down, Trinidad’s chin has always been shaky. On several occasions, he found himself dropped by a light-punching adversary.

BEST PERFORMANCES
** Indicates the Version of the Fighter Used for this Matchup

Cotto:
1) ** Alfonso Gomez (4/12/08) – In what turned out to be a mismatch, Cotto relentlessly pummeled the former “Contender” alum over five rounds. Cotto boxed early and kept Gomez off balance with his underrated jab, which created openings for his left hook and right hand. Cotto knocked Gomez to the canvas in the 2nd and 3rd rounds and had him a bloody and swollen mess. Cotto put an exclamation point on his performance, again knocking Gomez down in the 5th round and forcing the Gomez’s corner to surrender at the end of the round.
2) Zab Judah (6-9-07) – Had to endure some difficult moments early, getting rocked and suffering a cut under his lip. But Cotto kept pressing Judah, sapping his strength with a variety of thudding body shots. With Judah both physically and mentally beaten, Cotto finished him off dropping him in the 9th before finally stopping him in the 11th round.
3) Mohamad Abdulaev (6-11-05) – Systematically broke down Abdulaev over nine rounds, swelling his eye completely shut, and forcing him to surrender. An impressive performance against the highly-respected 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist.

Trinidad:
1) ** Pernell Whitaker (2-20-99) – Whitaker was a former Olympic Gold Medalist and Multiple-Division Champion, coming in with a record of 40-2-1, with both losses and the draw coming in controversial decisions, so many fans saw him at 43-0. Trinidad kept him on his heels throughout the bout, forcing him on the defensive and knocking him down in the 2nd round and breaking his jaw en route to a commanding unanimous decision win.
2) Oba Carr (12-10-94) – In Carr, Trinidad was facing a hot, young prospect from Detroit’s fabled Kronk Gym, a gutsy undefeated boxer with decent power. Carr was in control early and scored a knockdown in the 2nd round with a quick right hand. But Trinidad turned the tide in the 4th round, hurting Carr and putting him on the defensive. After Trinidad scored three knockdowns in the 8th round, the referee stopped the fight, sparing Carr from any additional punishment.
3) Yori Boy Campas (9-17-94) – Trinidad was making his 4th defense of the IBF welterweight title when he took on the undefeated Mexican powerpuncher Campas. After going down from a left hook in the 2nd round, Trinidad started taking control and battering Campas in the 3rd. With Campas hurt against the ropes in the 4th, Trinidad unleashed a powerful barrage of punches, leaving Campas defenseless and shattering his nose in the process.

QUESTIONS

Cotto:
1) Will Cotto leave himself open trying to land his body punches?
2) Will Cotto get overzealous if he knocks Trinidad down?
3) Can Cotto’s chin handle Trinidad’s explosive power?

Trinidad:
1) Will Trinidad be able to effectively fight in close?
2) Can Trinidad handle Cotto’s relentless body attack?
3) Can Trinidad shift his gameplan if he is losing?

THE PREDICTION

New York’s famed Madison Square Garden will be the site for this bout and it will be a packed house. While both fighters will have boisterous cheering sections, it will be Trinidad who is receiving most of the cheers, as he is accustomed to rallying his fans more than the quieter and business-like Cotto.

Despite his disadvantages in height and reach, Cotto opens the bout boxing from the outside and setting up on angles, landing several thudding jabs on Trinidad’s face. Trinidad keeps moving forward, firing three-punch combinations punctuated by his left hook, most of which Cotto is able to avoid by landing a jab and pivoting to left. The 1st round is clearly a Cotto round.

Cotto starts to settle in more in the 2nd round and after landing his jab to the head; he fires left and right hooks to Trinidad’s lanky frame. Trinidad takes advantage of Cotto’s stationary target and lands several of his own shots to the head. A furious exchange erupts late in the round. Trinidad goes to fire a wide left hook and Cotto steps in and fires a short right hand to Trinidad’s head, followed by a left hook, and Trinidad is down! Trinidad is up at the count of six and appears to be OK. Cotto moves in for the kill and after landing several solid punches, he is met with a left hook that lands a bit low, causing the referee to break the action and admonish Trinidad. The respite is enough for Trinidad to survive the round.

Trinidad is fully recovered by the start of the 3rd round and he is happy to accommodate Cotto in a toe-to-toe slugfest. While Cotto is having success landing thudding punches to Trinidad’s solar plexus and ribs, he is now in Trinidad’s danger zone and a straight right at the end of the round wobbles him and opens a gash underneath his lip.

As both boxers exchange power punches throughout the 4th and 5th rounds, the momentum seems to be switching back and forth. Cotto is still able to work his way inside Trinidad’s longer arms and land hooks in close to the body and head. Trinidad is having success landing his straight right from the outside but is still having trouble landing a clean left hook. Late in the 5th round, Trinidad finally lands one of his signature hooks on the button, forcing Cotto to wobble back where his legs finally give out on him, sending him crashing to the canvas. Cotto is up at the count of four and wobbly when a barrage of Trinidad right hands send him to his knees again, blood pouring from the cut in his mouth. As Trinidad comes in to close the show, he is met with a Cotto shot below the belt, which while it gains a stern warning from the referee, it gives him enough time to clear his head and survive the round.

Cotto still looks dazed coming out for the 6th round, but he shifts gears and starts boxing again from the outside, thumping Trinidad with stiff jabs and clinching when the action gets too close. Trinidad’s aggression starts to be a detriment as he is leaving himself open to counter punches and by the 7th round, his nose is bleeding heavily.

By the 8th round, the momentum will be back totally in Cotto’s favor as he is able to use his versatility to dictate the pace and the effects of his body punches are taking the toll on Trinidad. Cotto’s experience in tougher and longer fights is also playing to his advantage as Trinidad is accustomed to having dominant wins. It is a weary and battered Trinidad the slumps in his corner at the conclusion of the round.

Trinidad goes for another rally in the 9th round but his wide punches are not carrying the same steam as they did earlier. Cotto steps in and lands a painful left hook to the solar plexus which doubles Trinidad over and a follow up hook to the head drops him to all fours. Gasping for air and seriously hurt, Trinidad pulls himself up at the count of eight but the referee deems him unable to continue and stops the fight.

Your winner by TKO in Round 9 is Miguel Cotto

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW ON WHO YOU THINK MIGHT WIN THIS MATCH-UP IF THESE TWO ACTUALLY FACED EACH OTHER IN THEIR PRIME BOXING YEARS:

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Opinion Polls & Market Research

For the next installment of Fantasy Dream Fights, it will be a junior welterweight showdown as Julio Caesar Chavez takes on Aaron Pryor. This match-up will be available on July 14.

TAKEDOWN RADIO REPORT

Posted on | June 30, 2008 | No Comments

This past weekend we had a great time helping to raise awareness for the flood ravaged museum in Waterloo. Pro Wrestling star Rowdy Roddy Piper quipped to museum founder Mike Chapman, “It’s a little rain, a little water Mike, Get over it.” I wish it were that simple. They desperately need the help of the community. Please visit the Museum’s web site at http://www.wrestlingmuseum.org

Many have turned out to help with muscle and some with donations. the museum and our sports heritage need you now! Please help- Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum 303 Jefferson St., Waterloo, IA 50701, 319.233.0745 • fax 319.233.3477, info@wrestlingmuseum.org

We return this 4th of July weekend to our Brute Adidas studios for another great show. We’ll go back in time, just a little, take a look at some of the news from your sport and visit with some of America’s greatest athletes and coaches. Each Saturday from 9 AM to 11 AM CST we dive head first down to the mat with interesting interviews and conversation. Miss a show? Miss a lot! Listen to the archives at Takedownradio.com or subscribe to the TDR Pod Cast at no charge.

This week on TDR-

Dan Wirnsberger- Head Coach of the Bison of Bucknell returns to TDR to discuss summer camps and their importance in our sport. The Bucknell wrestling program will welcome eight newcomers to the squad for the 2008-09 season, head coach Dan Wirnsberger announced on Wednesday. The recruiting class, which is the third for Wirnsberger as the front man for the Bison, is comprised of student-athletes from five different states, including three from Pennsylvania, two from New Jersey and one each from New York, Ohio and Virginia. “I am excited to bring these young men into our Bison wrestling family,” said Wirnsberger. “It is a talented group, but more importantly, these young men are scholar-athletes. They understand the importance of higher education and the commitment needed to reach their individual athletic goals. I look forward to the development process.”

Troy Steiner- Asst Head Coach of the Beavers of Oregon State. This 4 x All American and NCAA Champion (Iowa) will join us Live from Corvallis, Ore. – The 2008-09 Oregon State wrestling recruiting class has been ranked 18th in the nation, announced Sunday by D1CollegeWrestling.net. Oregon State signed Michael Mangrum (Auburn, Wash.) and Jarrett “Bubba” Owens (Tillamook, Ore.) during the early signing period, before Caleb Valloton (Bella Vista, Calif.) and Ty Vinson (Great Falls, Mont.) in May.

The Beavers’ four-man recruiting class beat out over 60 other NCAA Division I teams, including all but one Pac-10 school. All four incoming student-athletes placed at last summer’s Freestyle/Greco tournament. Mangrum won his second junior Freestyle title, two years after winning both titles at the Cadet level. Vinson and Owens were both two-time state champs in Montana and Oregon, respectively. Wrestling will kick off the 2008-09 season in Auburn, Wash., on Saturday, Nov. 15, hosting Simon Fraser at 7:00 p.m.

Terry Brands- American Olympic wrestler who won a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics. While wrestling at the University of Iowa, Brands won NCAA titles in 1990 and 1992, both at 126 pounds. He was a two-time world freestyle champion at 58 kg, winning titles in 1993 and 1995. His twin brother, Tom Brands (Head Coach at Iowa), a fellow wrestler, won a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics. Presently, Terry is a coach for the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Terry lost to Kendall Cross (Amateur Wrestler) in the 1996 Olympic trials in one of the most exciting series of matches in the history of the trials. Cross went on to win the gold medal in Atlanta.

Rande Stottlemyer- Head Coach of the Panthers of Pitt. University of Pittsburgh head wrestling coach Rande Stottlemyer and 2008 National Champion Keith Gavin have been honored by the Eastern Wrestling League for a stellar 2007-08 season, it was announced today by the league office. Stottlemyer was named as the conference’s Coach of the Year and Gavin its Wrestler of the Year.Stottlemyer led the Panthers to a 13-4 dual meet record, including a 5-1 mark in conference action, and program-best finishes at the Midlands Championships and the EWL Tournament this season. At the conference championships, his squad captured four EWL crowns, the most in Pitt’s rich wrestling history, and grabbed second place in the team standings, tying the school’s highest finish at the tournament.

During his 29 years at the helm of Pitt Wrestling, Stottlemyer has produced two NCAA National Champions – Gavin and two-time champion Pat Santoro – 26 All-Americans, 113 national qualifiers and 29 EWL champions. In 19 of the past 25 years, he and his staff have coached at least one NCAA All-American and have seen their teams finish within the top-30 at the NCAA Championships. Pitt finished the 2008 regular season at No. 23 in the USA Today/Intermat/NWCA poll, marking the sixth time in the past 11 seasons that the Panthers have ended the year in the nation’s top-25. The honor marks Stottlemyer’s third Coach of the Year accolade, as he was also bestowed the award in 1986 and 1989.

Scott Hinkle- Head Coach of the Boilermakers of Purdue in WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue head wrestling coach Scott Hinkel was named the 2008 Amateur Wrestling News (AWN) Rookie Coach of the Year on Tuesday. Joining him with first-year honors were freshmen Luke Manuel, Logan Brown and A.J. Kissel, who were all named to the AWN Freshman All-American Team. Hinkel led the Boilermakers to a 10-8 dual record in his inaugural campaign, and the squad placed 30th at the 2008 NCAA Championships. He has been a significant part of Purdue wrestling for the last three decades, wrestling for the Old Gold and Black from 1984-to-1987, serving as an assistant coach in 1989 and 1990, again from 1993-to-2007, and then taking over as the Boilermakers’ head coach in 2007. He’s just the third coach in school history to post a winning dual record in his rookie season, joining Herb Miller and Don Corrigan, and led Purdue to more Big Ten Dual wins in 2008, than the previous two seasons combined. He also guided the Boilermakers to their first win over arch rival Indiana University since 2004, as they topped the 17th-ranked Hoosiers 18-16 on February 8. The Boilermakers took 10th at this year’s Big Ten Championships, but scored 51.5 team points, their highest total since the 2004 season and just the fourth time in the last 14 years they’ve surpassed the 50-point plateau. With four NCAA qualifiers, Hinkel’s squad amassed 14.5 points en route to its 30th-place finish, and had a pair of wrestlers reach the Round of 12 in their respective brackets and fall one win shy of NCAA All-America honors.

Mitch Clark- Yes, the author of the famous “Scrambled legs Video”, When then Buckeye wrestler Mitch Clark won the national collegiate championships at 177 pounds in 1998, he reached a life’s dream after years of overcoming obstacles that were personal, athletic, geographical, and acts of fate. Mitch Clark knows what every high school and college athlete endures in pursuing goals, balancing sports with everything else, feeling pressures, and finding what makes one strong – and capitalizing on it. Mitch’s book Make It Happen: The Inspiring Story of an NCAA Wrestling Champion by Scott Conroe, a longtime sports writer. (White Pillars Press,130 p). is a page turner and keeps you involved to the end.

Mitch now makes his home with his lovely new bride Kristin in Ithica, NY and expecting their first child tomorrow. Mitch is the Club Coach for Rob Koll’s Big Red of Cornell. Mitch Clark’s annual summer Boot Camp takes place July 20th through the 24th at Clarkson University in up State New York. For more information visit MitchClark.com

Coaches, Moms and Dads, we’ll kick off our new High School Wrestler of the month program in the coming weeks. This is your chance to nominate and recognize an excellent student athlete who has gone above and beyond. Check out the Takedownradio.com web site and WIN Magazines full page ad’s for more details. Our thanks go to our presenting sponsors: Resilite, WIN Magazine, Brute/Adidas, Sunflower Wrestling Supply and Intermatwrestle.com

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