BOXING’S FREDDIE ROACH TO COACH ARLOVSKI AT AFFLICTION BANNED
Posted on | June 21, 2008 | No Comments
The Legendary Freddie Roach will be in Arlovski’s Corner
by: Jack Bratcher
Even if you’re not a boxing fan, you’ve probably seen the man in this picture. His name is Freddie Roach and he’s been the trainer of some of the greatest boxers of the past century including Manny Pacquiao, James Toney, Mike Tyson, and Oscar De La Hoya just to name a few. On July 19th he will be cornerman in his first ever Mixed Martial Arts fight at the Affliction: Banned event in Anaheim, California. Roach will be cornering none other than the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Andrei Arlovski who will be fighting Ben Rothwell, formerly of the IFL. Arlovski has been working with Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym in Hollywood to help him with his boxing skills.
It’s good to see someone like Roach working with one of MMA’s finest. It helps add legitimacy to the sport and can also help open the eyes of journalists and other boxing purists to the skills that mixed martial artists posess. If one of boxing’s top trainers is lending his time and talent to the MMA pool then people must reconize not only are these athletes very well trained, but MMA is a worthwhile investment to be involved with. It just looks good for everyone.
Tags: Andre Arlovski > Ben Rothwell > Boxing > Freddie Roach > IFL > Jack Bratcher > James Toney > Manny Pacquiao > Mike Tyson > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA
EUROPEAN BOXING NEWS
Posted on | June 21, 2008 | No Comments
Mikkel Kessler weighed in at a perfectly fit 76,1 kg / 176,75 lbs for tomorrow´s WBA title fight in Copenhagen against Dmitri Sartison, who came in at 75,9 kg / 167,25 lbs. Sartison looked smaller though both in height and weight as the two had a short staredown and then smiled for the cameras. The WBA have ordered the winner to face Danilo Haussler inside 120 days with a 60-40 split of the purse in case Kessler wins and 50-50 if Sartison should pull of a huge upset. Team Palle will appeal but it appears that Sauerland Event stands firmly behind getting Haussler a shot at world title. On paper Kessler vs Haussler shapes up as a huge mismatch -this said with all the respect in the world to Danilo, a strong, brave warrrior.
Lolenga Mock, reigning EU champ at supermiddle, is off the show. Mock have an offer from Sauerland Event to face EBU titleholder Karo Murat later in the summer.
WBA heavy king Ruslan Chagaev is sparring with three very tall sparringpartners in Evgeny Orlov, Julius Long and Raymond Olubowale in preparation for his July 5 title defence against Nikolai Valuev. Larry Donald is also helping out.
Swedish heavy Attila Levin continues his comeback July 25 in Kissimee, Florida. Opponent is likely to be Gabe Brown. The fight will be televised in the US by Telemundo and in Sweden by TV 4. Levin will then fight a four rounder under the special Swedish rules in Karlstad September 5.
K2 East stage a show billed as “Tornado in the Ring” July 5 in Odessa with two WBA I/C titles on top featuring middleweight Avtandil Khurtsidze and cruiser Vitaliy Rusal.
Turkish heavy Sinan Samil Sam is training at home in Ankara with among others Herbie Hide and Henry Akinwande for his EBU titlefight against Paolo Vidoz July 4. Cuban Odlanier Solis prepares in Cologne with new trainer Orlando Cuellar for his fight against Fransois Botha.
Frenchman Olivier Schaeffer, 1-1 in the pros, have passed away in a tragic car accident June 14 reports the national federation.
Calls for a ban on professional boxing in Denmark can be heard in the aftermatch of the sad affair with former EBU cruiser champ Johny Jensen. At the same time there seems to be no info on what kind of injuries Jensen suffers from. Media describes him as “brain damaged” but that is a very loose term even for us laymen. Exactly what is wrong with Jensen and what caused it remains to be determined.
Polish cruiser veteran Wojicech Bartnik face Ukrainian Oleksandr Geraschenko June 28 in Sanok. On the undercard two Swedish amateur stars – Akilles Adnan and Karlo Tabagoua – turn pro.
WBC NEWS
Posted on | June 21, 2008 | No Comments
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
June 20, 2008 – Mexico City .
From the office of WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
WBC STATISTICS
WBC Interim Welterweight World Championship
FedEx Forum – Memphis , Tennessee
June 21, 2008
This will be 1,672nd sanctioned fight in the 46-year history of the WBC.
ANDRE BERTO (US) vs. MIGUEL “Miki” RODRIGUEZ ( MEXICO )
ANDRE BERTO
Ranked WBC No. 1 at 147 pounds (66.81 kg)
Age: 24
Date of birth: September 7, 1983
Residence: Winter Haven , Florida
Place of birth: Miami , Florida
Professional record: 21-0, 18 KOs
Guard: Orthodox
Knockout percentage: 85 %
Total rounds: 80
WBC affiliated titles held: North American Boxing Federation welterweight
Promoter: Lou DiBella
MIGUEL “Miki” RODRIGUEZ ( MEXICO )
Ranked WBC No. 2 at 147 pounds (66.81 kg)
Age: 29
Date of birth: September 16, 1978
Residence: Toluca , Mexico
Place of birth: Mexico City , Mexico
Professional record: 29-2, 23 KOs
Guard: Orthodox
Knockout percentage: 79 %
Total rounds: 127
WBC affiliated titles held: Continental Americas welterweight
Promoter: Don King
WBC WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS:
1. Luis Manuel Rodriguez ( Cuba )
2. Emile Griffith ( Virgin Island )
3. Curtis Cokes (US)
4. Jose Napoles ( Mexico )
5. Billy Backus (US)
6. Jose Napoles ( Mexico ) *
7. John Stracey (GB)
8. Carlos Palomino ( Mexico )
9. Wilfredo Benitez (P. Rico)
10. Ray Leonard (US)
11. Roberto Duran ( Panama )
12. Ray Leonard (US) *
13. Milton Mccrory (US)
14. Don Curry (US)
15. Lloyd Honeyghan (Jamaica-GB)
16. Jorge Vaca ( Mexico )
17. Lloyd Honeyghan (Jamaica-GB) *
18. Marlon Starling (US)
19. Maurice Blocker (US)
20. Simon Brown (Jamaica-US)
21. James McGirt (US)
22. Pernell Whitaker (US)
23. Oscar De La Hoya (US)
24. Felix Trinidad (P. Rico)
25. Oscar De La Hoya (US) *
26. Shane Mosley (US)
27. Vernon Forrest (US)
28. Ricardo Mayorga ( Nicaragua )
29. Cory Spinks (US)
30. Zab Judah (US)
31. Carlos Baldomir ( Argentina )
32. Floyd Mayweather (US)
33. Shane Mosley (US) Interim *
* Regained
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION IN THE HISTORY OF THE WBC:
28 world champions have been recognized by the WBC, of which only four have regained their title: Jose Napoles (Cuba-Mex); Ray Leonard (US); Lloyd Honeyghan (Jamaica-GB); Oscar De La Hoya (US-Mex); Shane Mosley (US).
108 welterweight world championship fights have been held in the history of the WBC, 82 of which have taken place in the United States .
WORLD WELTERWEIGHT TITLE BOUTS BY COUNTRY IN WBC HISTORY:
US: 82
Mexico : 8
England : 8
Puerto Rico : 2
France : 2
Canada : 2
St. Maarten Island: 1
Spain : 1
Monaco : 1
Italy : 1
TOTAL: 108
WBC TITLE BOUTS HAVE BEEN HELD IN TENNESSEE :
Five bouts have been held in Tennessee in WBC history. Three title fights in the middleweight division have been held in Tennessee in WBC history.
BREAKDOWN BY DIVISION:
Middle: 3
Heavy: 1
Super welter: 1
TOTAL: 5
WBC Statistics by Luis Medina.
Correction for WBC News – June 18, 2008: Oleydong Sithsanerchai was ahead on the scorecards, not behind, after the eighth round of his strawweight world title defense against Junichi Ebisuoka on June 18 in Phuket , Thailand .
UPCOMING MMA EVENTS
Posted on | June 20, 2008 | No Comments
FIGHTERS WANTED: MMA RECRUITER CLASSIFIEDS
Posted on | June 20, 2008 | 1 Comment
Special Announcement
New companies looking to sponsor fighters. CLICK HERE for more information.
Fight Listings
Pro & Ammys – Salt Lake City, UT – June 28st
Jun 28, 2008
Ultimate Combat Experience is looking for Pro and Amateur MMA Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight card 28th in Salt Lake City, UT. This event will be televised nationally. Ricco Rodriguez will be the headline act of what promises to be an action-packed event.
Opponent Needed For the following matchups.
Mike Crisman-170 (7-10 Amateur)
Cole Rose-185 (4-2 Amateur)
Scott Casey-185 (1-0 Amateur)
Brian Lipsett-185 (1-0 Amateur)
Casey Jackson-240 (3-3)
Andrea Miller-115 lb fem (2-1)
If you are interested in fighting on this card contact:
Mike Stidham
Phone = (801) 967-5295
E-mail = uce@mac.com
website = www.ultimatecombat.com
Myspace = www.myspace.com/ultimatecombat
————————
Pros & Ammys – Portsmouth, OH – July 12th
Jul 12, 2008
Ultimate Victory Challenge is looking for Pro and Amateur MMA Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight card July 12th in Portsmouth, OH. Fighters needed in 155lbs, 185lbs and Heavyweight division, but promoter will consider all weight classes.
If you are interested in fight on this card contact:
Rick Pyles
Phone = (614) 937-7703
E-mail = ultimatevictorymma@gmail.com
website = www.ultimatevictory.org
Myspace = ultimatevictorymma
———————
Ammy – Plymouth, IN – July 19th
Jul 19, 2008
Modern Cage War is looking for Amateur, Male and Female MMA Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight card July 19th in Plymouth, IN. Promoter will reimburse for gas up to $100 and will offer 2 nights in a hotel as they will need you here on Friday for the weigh-in.
If you are interested in fighting on this card contact:
Jacob Henson
E-mail = teamhenson@embarqmail.com
Myspace = www.myspace.com/teamhensonbjj
———————
Pro’s & Ammys – Covington, KY – Aug 9th
Aug 09, 2008
Intimidation Cage Fighting is looking for Pro and Amateur MMA Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight card August 9th in Covington, KY.
Pro Heavyweights and Middleweights needed.
Amateurs needed in all weight classes.
If you are interested in fighting on this card contact:
Jeff Hale or Steve Stanton
Phone = 859-468-9105: 859-462-1362
E-mail = intimidationcagefighting@gmail.com
website = www.intimidationcagefighting.com
Tags: fighters > fighters wanted > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA
US Olympic Alternate Danny O’Connor Turning Pro in September
Posted on | June 20, 2008 | No Comments
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (June 20, 2008) – Many amateur boxers who do not qualify for national teams often develop into better pros than some Olympians. Contrasting styles and maturation processes often are contributing factors and 2008 U.S. Olympic first alternate Danny O’Connor could very well be the next example of a boxer becoming a better professional than amateur.
The 23-year-old O’Connor, winner of this year’s US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the National Golden Gloves Tournament, both in the 141-pound light welterweight division. Danny lost to U.S. Olympian Javier Molina in the semifinals of the 2007 Championships, 21-20, and US Olympic Trials, 18-10. As a USA Boxing Team alternate, O’Connor lives and trains with the US Olympians and other alternates in Colorado Springs and he also is a stablemate of US Olympic welterweight Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, the 2008 World Championships gold-medal winner. Danny will also travel next month to China with Team USA for the Olympic Games.
“I wanted an opportunity to be part of the Olympics,” O’Connor explained why he’s waiting until after the Olympic to turn pro. “I’m gaining a lot of valuable experience sparring with Molina and representing the United States in competitions against other countries. If this were not an Olympic year, I’d be the No. 1 rated light welterweight in the country because I have more points than Molina. But it’s an Olympic year and he’s rated No. 1 as the US Olympian. I hadn’t been fighting very long when I fought him in the Olympic Trials.”
O’Connor was a Massachusetts high school wrestling champion when he was a sophomore. The stylish southpaw that reminds some of a cross between a young Paul Spadafora and Winky Wright, offensively and defensively, respectively, had been training less than six months when he participated in his first national tournament in 2006.
A lifelong resident of Framingham (MA), Danny has gone from a 4-time New England Golden Gloves champion, winning the novice and open titles in his first time around the circuit, to recently being profiled in Sports Illustrated (Faces In The Crowd).
“Danny has improved immensely over the last nine months,” O’Connor’s coach DaveKeefe noted. “He’s going to be a real good pro prospect with a solid defense, great speed and a sharp body shot.”
Critics sometimes question the power of amateur boxers because points are determined by punches landed, not necessarily power shots putting opponents on the canvas, and scoring is the result of accumulated points as opposed to who hurts whom the most.
O’Connor is working on power punching with his coach at the 401 Gym in Rhode Island, where Andrade also trains. “I understand if some people feel that way but I do have power and I’m working with Dave to improve in that area,” Danny explained. “There are different styles between the amateurs and pros. In the amateurs you box for points and protect leads. It’s a lot different from fighting with eight-ounce gloves and no headgear. I watch boxers but have my own style. After the Olympics I’m going to turn pro, hopefully, in September. I want to be world champion, which is a dream I’ve had since the first time I put on a pair of gloves.”
-DO-
MCC: 15 LIGHTS OUT!
Posted on | June 20, 2008 | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIDWEST CAGE CHAMPIONSHIP MCC: 15 LIGHTS OUT! PRO MMA EVENT LIGHTS UP HISTORIC VAL AIR BALLROOM WITH TITLE BOUTS, INTERNATIONAL TALENT, AND LOCAL FAVORITES
Des Moines, IA- July 20, 2008- Fast on the heels of the final bout at MCC 14 that nearly brought down the house, Midwest Cage Championship announces MCC 15: Lights Out! The event will be held on Friday, July 25 at the Val Air Ballroom, located at 301 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines.
The ten bout event includes a title fight, the Des Moines premier of a world class fighter, and a solid mix of local favorites. The main event will fill the vacant MCC Lightweight belt when #1 contender Bryce Teager faces up and comer, and local favorite Paul “Gingabread Man” Bird. Teager, known for his strength and never say die attitude, has toppled numerous opponents throughout the Midwest and remains undefeated since his fight when he lost to UFC vet John “Hurricane” Halverson. Bird, a former boxer turned MMA fighter, has trained with the very same John Halverson, as well as popular UFC fighter Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens in preparation for the MCC 15 Teager title fight. The name of the event, Lights Out! was chosen based on the high probability one of the opponents will go down with a sudden thud, or go to sleep that night.
Moving up the scales, all the way to the Heavyweight category, nine time IFL veteran fighter Mike Ciesnolevicz will make his Des Moines fighting debut. Recognized for two wins over Ultimate Fighter veteran Alex Schoenaur, Ciesnolevicz has trained at some of the top MMA camps including Mitetich Fighting Systems. Big man Mike C willingly takes on anyone put before him, and a deserving opponent will be announced soon.
The fight card is completed with the inclusion of proven pro fighters, and crowd pleasers, Danny “The Badger” Anderson, Josh “The Bull” Christiansen, Jesse Lund, and Ronnie “The Warfrog” Britt.
MCC 15 marks the return of pro mixed martial arts to the historic Val Air Ballroom. MCC’s sister promotion, Title Fight Championship (TFC) held the standing room only “Awakening” event at the Val Air in January. “We immediately felt the electricity, and our fans let us know they love this venue.” offered MCC and TFC partner Scott Casber. “If you consider the storied history of the Val Air and include its recent popularity, it has consistently drawn more people through the doors than perhaps any other single location in Des Moines.” added Casber. “The location, the addition of a food concession, various ticket purchasing options, and overall convenience combine to provide the elements for the perfect party!” Casber concluded.
Doors open on Friday, July 25 at 6:30 PM. Fights begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the all ages show go on sale next week and can be purchased at the Val Air box office, at midwestcagechampionship.com, and ticketmaster.com. VIP tables can be purchased by calling (515) 229-8566.
Tags: Lights Out > MCC > MCC 15 > Midwest Cage Championship > TFC > Title Fight Championship
GIOVANNI LORENZO – RAUL MARQUEZ: BOXING PREDICTION AND PREVIEW
Posted on | June 20, 2008 | No Comments
JUNE 21
GIOVANNI LORENZO – RAUL MARQUEZ
IBF Middleweight Mandatory Eliminator
Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL
SHOWTIME TO BROADCAST LIVE
Issue #3
MIDDLEWEIGHT MELEE: The Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL will serve as the site for a Showtime World Championship Boxing middleweight doubleheader. The 12 round non-title main event bout will feature a rematch between Edison Miranda (30-2, 26 KO’s) and undefeated IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (26-0, 21 KO’s). In the co-feature undefeated IBF #4 ranked contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s) challenges IBF #13 ranked contender and former world champion Raul Marquez (40-3-1, 29 KO’s) in a 12 round IBF Mandatory Eliminator bout. IBF champion Abraham is mandated to fight the winner of Lorenzo-Marquez in his next bout. SHOWTIME’s June 21 broadcast will begin at 9pm ET / PT. Tickets, priced at $202, $152, $102, and $52 are now on sale and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or TicketMaster.com.
LOYALTY: Lorenzo’s cut man Sid Brumbach is getting married today. He has put off his honeymoon until after the Lorenzo fight so he can be in Lorenzo’s corner on Saturday night . . . No word on whether he has informed his bride of this yet . . .
PREDICTIONS: An e-mail was sent to the boxing media and to boxing insiders asking their predictions for Saturday’s Lorenzo-Marquez bout. Surprisingly, of the 33 people who responded, 29 selected Lorenzo. Below are the predictions.
Marquez
? Marquez KO8
Conventional wisdom tells you that whenever there’s a crossroads bout between an aging mediocre former title holder and a young unproven prospect, the youngster usually wins. Bear in mind, the last time Marquez was used to test a young, upcoming prospect he was brutally taken apart by Taylor in nine rounds.
But Giovanni Lorenzo is no Jermaine Taylor. To say he is an overprotected fighter is an understatement. His record reads like the membership roster of the Underachieving Boxer’s Union. Granted he, like Marquez and Taylor, is of Olympian pedigree but how hard is it to make the Olympic team in a country as small as the Dominican Republic. He has displayed good speed and power as a pro but just about any above-average fighter can look spectacular against the parade of palookas he’s faced.
Conventional wisdom, in this instance, is dead wrong. Lorenzo will dominate the first few rounds with his speed but Marquez’ experience will kick in at about the fourth-round mark. A few well-placed body shots saps Lorenzo of his strength and Marquez tests his chin in the eighth round with a well-timed counter right hook. Lorenzo fails the test miserably as he slumps to the canvas for the full count.
Peter Lim
The Houston Chronicle
? Marquez by decision
Lorenzo is young and hungry, but he hasn’t faced any real competition, and has never gone past 8 rounds. Marquez is a 16 year veteran that is in a do-or-die situation. Lorenzo feels he is being dodged by the best, but 36 y/o Marquez has been waiting in line for a long time. He has shown that he still has something after his 2004 loss to Taylor, so I’m going with Marquez for skill and ability and the fact that he is southpaw. Lorenzo has never faced one before, and that spells trouble! Don’t count out Giovanni Lorenzo, but I do not believe he is a full grown middleweight, yet. So it will be Marquez by decision, using his rugged durability, and veteran ring skills. That silver medal form 1992 still has some luster too it.
MICHAEL CASSELL
PHILADELPHIA BOXING REPORT
? Marquez by SD
I see a tough fight for both combatants. Lorenzo’s youth will be a big advantage for him; Marquez will use his experience as a counter to this. Both are hungry for a bigger fight, but it will be the veteran that will have his hand raised in the end. Marquez has better opposition to draw from and even more so, he is fighting for and with pride. He, Raul, knows this is the end of the line if he loses. Lorenzo can/will bounce back should he not be victorious.
John Martinez, ironboxing.com and brickcityboxing.com
? Marquez TKO 8
Lorenzo is younger, quicker and comes from a tremendous amateur background. He has never tasted defeat. His resume doesn’t have the big names on it; however, we have been shown that doesn’t mean anything. He is setting down on his punches and does have some good power. General consensus is that Lorenzo is the favorite of the battle worn Marquez, who happens to cut easy.
But I know Marquez trains well as he actually sparred with one of our young tigers. Should Marquez decide to rough up Lorenzo, which is something Lorenzo has never seen, and rip his body I believe the more mature fighter wins this. Avoiding a headbutt and major cut to Marquez, he may win inside the distance.
Kerry Daigle
Keeppunching.com
Lorenzo
? Lorenzo TKO 7 (on cuts)
Keith Idec
Herald News
? Lorenzo W12
Kevin Iole
Yahoo Sports
? LORENZO TKO 7
Johnny Bos
Long-time boxing insider, advisor, and manager
? Lorenzo W 12
The SOUTHPAW stance and EXPERIENCE of Marquez will play a huge role the “first few rounds” of the bout but Lorenzo’s powerful punches and steady work to the body will slow the former IBF Jr. Middleweight Champ down. Don’t get me wrong Marquez is “no push over, even at 36 years old.” Look for Marquez to try and take Lorenzo to school during the fight but… youth will endure and Lorenzo will walk away with a tough 12 round decision securing his #1 World IBF ranking and a step closer to a fight with “THE CHAMP”… Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik.
Nelson Fernández
Boxing manager and trainer
? Lorenzo TKO9
Raul Marquez is a step up in competition for Giovanni Lorenzo, but I believe the promising Dominican will handle it well. The early going may be fought on even terms but as the fight progresses, I expect Lorenzo’s heavier artillery to overwhelm Marquez and seize the day.
Darius Ortiz
Boxing editor, ESPN.com
? Lorenzo TKO (on cuts)
Lorenzo has flown under the radar a bit. The kid can box, he’s super hungry, and he understands the opportunity at hand. Thing, Marquez, even at 36, even having been hiatus much of 2004 and 2005, is a step up for Lorenzo. But I’m going with Lorenzo here, with desire being one of the main elements separating the two. Lorenzo via TKO, cuts.
Michael Woods
ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, and editor of www.thesweetscience.com
? Lorenzo W 12
I like the youth of Lorenzo to take the fight late.
Steve Kim
Maxboxing.com
? Lorenzo W 12
This will be a decent fight … Lorenzo will come on strong down the stretch. I would not be surprised if there is a knockdown for either man.
12 round majority decision for Lorenzo
Francisco Salazar
Fightnews.com
? Lorenzo KO 6
Lorenzo has come a long way since his days as a prospect (when he fought here in Reading a few times). He’ll overpower Marquez easily.
Don Stewart
Reading Eagle
? Lorenzo TKO10
Bernie Bahrmasel
Double B. Publicity Inc.
? Lorenzo W 12
I think Giovanni Lorenzo is finally ready to step up, and with a good mixture of boxing ability and pressure, I see him winning a unanimous decision. Raul Marquez will match Lorenzo’s aggression, and the Dominican’s defensive flaws may allow Marquez to land a few clean shots, but Lorenzo has already shown the ability to battle back from adversity. Lorenzo’s speed will offset Marquez’s offense and the Mexican’s tender facial tissue could also play a factor.
Sean Sullivan
Editor in Chief, Boxing Digest
? Lorenzo by late TKO (cuts)
A long overdue step up for the Dominican who has the look of a future champ but the resume of a severely protected fighter. The only upset I see occurring is if Lorenzo can’t take a punch, or if he falls apart should Marquez take his best early and keep firing back. Barring that, I think his precise punching will be too much for Marquez’ skin to handle, forcing a cuts stoppage shortly before the bout enters the championship rounds.
Jake Donovan
Boxingscene.com
? Lorenzo W12
Lorenzo is largely unproven, and hasn’t met anyone with Marquez’ resume to date. Marquez, however, is in the definite twilight of a fine career, having struggled to a draw against a spent Bronko McKart in his last outing. We’ll go with youth and aggression over guile and a portside stance in this one, as Lorenzo scores a hard-earned decision in his first real test as a pro.
Scott Yaniga
Bayonne Evening Star-Telegram
? Lorenzo to go 27-0
Joe Pietaro
Editor-in-Chief , New York Sportscene magazine
? Lorenzo W 12
As good a fighter as Marquez was in his heyday, this is Giovanni Lorenzo’s time.
Jason Abelson
The Fight Network
? Lorenzo TKO 8 or 9 on cuts
Every time Marquez has stepped up in the past five or six years he has gotten cut and suffered a loss. He took some time off, which can’t help him, and has come back to look okay against lower competition, including Bronco McKart who was coming off a KO loss. Lorenzo is young and hungry which will be the difference to the younger man from New York stopping the former world champion on cuts in eight or nine rounds.
Marc Abrams
www.15rounds.com
? Lorenzo KO (middle rounds)
He’s young, hungry and may be the future of the division and Marquez, at 36, is over a decade past his title days at 154. Good opportunity for Giovanni to add a name to his resume.
Michael Swann
www.15 Rounds.com
? LORENZO TKO 8
TIM PALESKY
HOST/PRODUCER, KNOCKOUT TV
? Lorenzo W 12
Frederick Dakarai
Milwaukee Courier
? Lorenzo by late KO or decision
Raul Marquez is a tough old vet, but Lorenzo will go back to the basics and box him. Marquez is susceptible to cuts which may become a factor. Marquez will come to fight and make it interesting, especially if Lorenzo chooses to stand and trade. Good fight, but in the end Lorenzo probably stops him late or takes a close but unanimous decision.
Danny Serratelli
Doghouseboxing/Brickcityboxing.com
? Lorenzo TKO 9
Lorenzo is a slick fighter who can mix it up. He sometimes keeps his hands a bit low, but that’s because he’s so confident of his abilities. This will go a few rounds because Lorenzo has been a bit inactive in 2008, otherwise he would end this fight sooner. Expect Marquez to have some success early before Lorenzo takes over and beats Marquez over 7-rounds before the referee or corner stops it.
Carlos Guzman
FightBeat.com
? Lorenzo W 12
I have learned the hard way in the past with these kinds of fights (veteran vs. up and comer.) My pick is Lorenzo.
Joe Cohen
Islander YouTube’s Boxing Info
? Lorenzo W 12
This is a good test for Lorenzo, against Marquez, a dangerous veteran whose resume extends all the way back to the likes of Keith Mullings and Skip Kelp. This Showtime win for Lorenzo should pave the way for a title showdown with even bigger and better opposition in the middleweight division.
Amy Green
Boxing Writer/Publicist
? Lorenzo W 12
I stood next to Sechew Powell as I watched Giovanni Lorenzo struggle with Archak Ter-Meliksetian at Schuetzen Park, but since that night Lorenzo has been on a tear. The young middleweight is undefeated and ready to make his name known throughout the world. Lorenzo will carry his momentum into the biggest fight of his career against Raul Marquez and win by either a TKO or a wide decision. Although the fight is in Florida, Lorenzo will pick up a decisive road win and line himself up for a title shot.
Christopher Roche
www.brickcityboxing.com
? Lorenzo UD (10 rounds to 2 rounds)
Dante Amato
Freelance boxing writer
? Lorenzo W 12
Time to put up or shut up for undefeated Dominican prospect Giovanni Lorenzo, who steps up a notch or two when he faces former IBF jr. middleweight champion Raul ‘El Diamante’ Marquez.
In spite of the difference in the quality of their opposition, I think it’s Lorenzo’s time and I look for him to make a statement against veteran Marquez.
Elisa Harrison
Editor, Braggingrightscorner.com
? Lorenzo W12
Raul Marquez has embarked on a successful comeback thus far but this will be Giovanni’s night. The 27-year old is on a 6-fight knockout streak and he’ll look to make it 7 when he faces Marquez on June 21st. Raul has proved pretty durable throughout his career and he’ll make it a competitive fight early on but the younger and stronger Lorenzo will win by a clear cut unanimous decision.
Ramon Aranda
Boxing Editor, AIM: Franchise2
? Lorenzo TKO 6
Lorenzo should win this one rather easily. Marquez has been beyond his better days for quite some time now and I believe that we will see him take a beating over six rounds before the referee saves him. Lorenzo is a very decent puncher and Marquez has become more of a stationary target as the years and wars in the ring have piled up. Lorenzo in six by a stoppage. It won’t be a clean KO, but it will be enough to convince the referee that Marquez has had enough.
Geno McGahee
Managing Editor, ringsidereport.com
? Lorenzo KO11
The Lorenzo-Marquez fight is a step-up fight for Lorenzo. He takes on a veteran southpaw fighter who possesses some decent power. In Marquez’s last fight, he and Bronco McKart wound up in a draw. Lorenzo has stopped his last eight opponents, all within 7 rounds. I see this fight going a bit longer. Lorenzo will be able to break down Marquez through the early rounds, but Marquez’s experience will keep him in the fight. Lorenzo will finally wear out Marquez in the later rounds for a stoppage. Lorenzo stops Marquez in the 11th.
Bob Carroll
Fightin’ Words Radio Show Co-host, www.fightinwordsonline.com
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