European Boxing News
Posted on | January 21, 2008 | No Comments
German supermiddle Danilo Haussler is sidelined with an injury and the rematch against Cristian Sanavia is off or at least postponed. Sanavia will still make a voluntary defence of the title though and a very likely challenger is Dane Mads Larsen. Date and site to be announced.
Italian all-time great Duilio Loi have passed away in Milan at the age of 79. Loi suffered from Alzheimer´s and spent his last years in a nursing home. In his day Loi was Italian, European and World champion in a career that lasted from 1948 through 1963. In 1960 he drew 60 000 fans to the San Siro Stadium to watch him fight and beat Carlos Ortiz for the World title at jr welter. Loi held the EBU title at lightweight, then relinquished the title and moved up to welter where he also won the EBU title. All in all Duilio Loi compiled an outstanding 116-3-7 record. He´s widely regarded as one of the best fighters ever to come out of Europe. Loi was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2005.
Former EBU supermiddle champ Devi Gogiya returns to action January 23 in Barnaul, Russia. Gogiya face Dimitry Sukhotskiy in a scheduled eight-rounder. Headlining are lightheavies Rudolf Asaturyan, a local fighter, and Artem Vychkin, who square off for the national title, interim version.
Nothing official from Universum yet but Hungarian media writes that WBO lightheavy champ Zsolt Erdei will defend the title April 26.
Russian giant Evgeny Orlov is in Bulgaria sparring with Sergei Lyakhovich. Orlov, who previously have been mainly active in K 1, sparred with then future WBA heavy champ Ruslan Chagaev prior to his fight against Nikolay Valuev and did it so well he got a contract with SES – not to mention that Chagaev beat Valuev.
Former WBC lightheavy champ Tomasz Adamek, now a cruiser, will remain in Poland although he´s promoted by Main Events. The plan is to have Adamek fight O´Neil Bell in a IBF eliminator. Tomasz will not fight any tuneups prior to this.
German paper Bild Zeitung wrote a few days ago that Aleksander Dimitrenko priced himself out of the EBU titlefight against Luan Krasniqi that was set for March 8. Krasniqi will continue training while the EBU find another challenger – most ranked heavies in Europe are occupied elsewhere.
French jr middle Alban Mothie will defend the title March 14 in Chatellerault against Sebastian Spengler. The winner will have to face Damien Bertu, whom Mothie controversially outscored late last year to win the title.
CASTILLO TO FACE MONTIEL
Posted on | January 21, 2008 | 1 Comment
Martin “EL GALLITO” Castillo, former World Boxing Association flyweight champion, will challenge current World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The twelve round world title bout will be featured on the under card of the pay-per-view extravaganza headlined by the rematch rumble between world middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and former world champion Jermain Taylor.
Castillo (33-2, 17 KOs), from Mexico City , Mexico , has won 12 of his last 13 bouts. He captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) 115-pound title in 2004, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Alexander Munoz. He held the title for nearly two years before losing it to Nobuo Nashiro on July 22, 2006 in Japan . He is currently the WBA and the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) top-rated contender and the WBO and the WBC’s No. 2 contender. He is also rated # 1 by Ring Magazine and # 3 by ESPN.
Since losing to Nashiro, Castillo has won his last three bouts, most recently winning a dominant ten round unanimous decision over Jonathan Perez on October 26, 2007 in Cicero , Illinois .
Currently working with new trainer Rudy Perez, longtime trainer of Marco Antonio Barrera, at the South El Monte Teamsters Boxing Club in South El Monte, California, Castillo spoke about his upcoming challenge for his second world title.
“Training has been excellent; Rudy and I have been very comfortable since the first day.
We’ve been working very hard at the gym getting ready for this title fight.”
Speaking specifically about Montiel, Castillo said “We’re working on cutting off the ring. Montiel runs way too much and I will have to force him to fight. I’m going to fight an intelligent fight and I plan on being victorious. I’m very thankful for this fight and 100% ready and hungry to win.”
About fighting on HBO Pay Per View in Las Vegas , Martin stated, “I’m thrilled to fight on the big stage. I’m very thankful to Top Rank for this opportunity and I plan on putting on a terrific performance for the fans in attendance and those watching on pay per view.”
In regards to his long supportive fans, Castillo said, “I’m very thankful for my fans support. I’m very appreciative that they’ve been with me throughout my career and I plan not to let them down.”
Speaking about the long talked about fight with Jorge Arce, “EL GALLITO” said “I’m completely focused on Montiel. After this fight I will consider my options with other fights but right now it’s all about preparing for February 16th.”
Also featured on the undercard is a World Boxing Council super flyweight title bout between champion Cristian Mijares and three-time world title challenger Jose Navarro. In addition, junior middleweight contender Ronald Hearns, son of legendary boxer Tommy Hearns, will risk his undefeated record against Juan Astorga in an eight round bout.
The Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank Inc. The 12-round rumble will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 9p.m. (EST) / 6p.m. (PST). The bout will take place at a catch weight of 166 lbs. as Taylor exercises the rematch clause in his contract from the original Pavlik fight.
Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale at MGM Grand Arena Box Office. Tickets will also be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmasters locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000 or MGM Grand 800-929-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com
FEDOR VS. COUTURE: THE DREAMFIGHT
Posted on | January 21, 2008 | No Comments
Jones Dominates Trinidad At The Garden!
Posted on | January 21, 2008 | No Comments
By Matt Yanofsky
In Front of an energetic crowd at the Mecca of boxing, Roy Jones Jr 52-4 (38 KO’s) cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Felix “Tito” Trinidad 42-3 (35 KO’s). Trinidad attempted to start off quickly by aggressively throwing punches at the eight time world champion. Jones rebounded in the second by landing quick clean shots and blocking Trinidad’s punches. Jones began taunting Trinidad during the fourth round and continued to frustrate the pride of Puerto Rico who was still unable to land any clean punches, but made a valiant effort to attack Jones.
After stunning Tito in the sixth round, Jones dropped Trinidad with a picture perfect vintage right hook to the temple. After cruising through rounds 8 and 9, Jones dropped Trinidad with a straight right hand. Jones finished the contest by showing he still has the ability to land clean effective shots while not getting hit in exchange. Scores were 117-109 and 116-110 twice. After the bout Jones expressed his interest in fighting Super Middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe in England.
In the battle of Chicago Heavyweights, contender Andrew Golota 41-6-1 (33 KO’s) won a spirited unanimous decision over Mike Mollo 19-2 (12 KO’s). Mollo came out very aggressive and threw a high volume of punches at Golota in the first. Golota was able to catch on in the second and rock Mollo who still was not giving the former world title challenger an inch.
In the fifth, Golota’s left eye was severely damaged from Mollo’s punches and started to close up. The one-eyed Golota began to out hustle the quickly tiring Mollo stunning him on multiple occasions and leaving his cross town rival hanging on. Mollo was left hanging on over the final three rounds, and took some heavy blows but never touched the canvas in this spirited war. In the end, Golota was rewarded with a unanimous decision victory. Scores were 116-110, 116-112, and 118-109 for the four time world title challenger. Golota also picks up the WBA Federalatin belt.
In a major upset, the awkward and unheralded Alex Bunema improved to 29-5-2 (15 KO’s) following his shocking victory over former IBF Junior Middleweight king Roman Karmazin. Bunema was able to somewhat frustrate Karmazin with his movement but was being outworked for most of the first nine rounds. In the tenth, Bunema dropped Karmazin with a left hook but the Russian was able to beat the count. Bunema continued to tee off on the still hurt Karmazin before knocking him out with a right hand. Time was 1:24 of round ten. With the victory, Bunema picks up the WBA Intercontinental title as well as an early pick for upset of the year.
Top Junior Welterweight prospect Devon “The Great” Alexander 14-0 (9 KO’s) impressively dominated former world champion Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley 31-8-1 (17 KO’s). Alexander was able to put together good body and head combinations while pressing the action and showing non stop energy. The game Corley was stunned on a few occasions but was never in serious danger of being stopped. A point was deducted from Alexander in the twelfth for low blows. Scores were 116-111 and 118-109 twice for Don King’s top prospect who also adds the WBC Continental Americas title to his trophy case.
Former world champion Luis Collazo shook off almost one year of ring rust by winning a unanimous decision over Edvan Barros. Collazo showed why he was once a champion by using his slickness to control Barros. To his credit, Barros was very tough and fought hard for ten rounds. Scores were 99-91 and 100-90 twice. “It felt good to be back in the ring, I want to fight the best at 147,” said the Queens based Collazo.
In his first bout since being 2007 knockout of the year victim, Emmanuel Nwodo 22-4 (17 KO’s) scored an impressive two round destruction over long time contender Ezra Sellers 29-8 (26 KO’s). Ironically, Nwodo knocked sellers out unconscious in the second round and the Pensacola, Florida resident was out cold similarly to the way Nwodo was last June 29th. The win may give the power punching Nigerian another shot at a major fight in the Cruiserweight division.
Roy Jones’ close friend Gabe Brown 18-9-3 (12) fought to an extremely uneventful draw with Paul Marinaccio. Brown, who was in very poor physical condition, threw very few punches but Marinaccio did not offer much in return. Scores were 78-74 brown and 76-76 twice of a fight which has less then zero demand for a rematch.
Highly touted prospect Angelo Santana 1-0 (1 KO) scored a first round stoppage over Kenny Keaton. Santana hurt Keaton with the first punch he threw. After taking a few more of Santana’s shots, Keaton attempted to turn his back while Santana attempted to attack his defenseless opponent. This prompted referee Jim Santa to stop the contest 33 seconds into it.
The “Old Roy Jones, Jr.” beats up an old Tito Trinidad!
Posted on | January 21, 2008 | No Comments
Golota pounds Mollo in “fight of the Night” co-feature.
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
January 19, 2008
New York – Madison Square Garden was not nearly as filled as had been expected; quite possibly even the most ardent supporter of legendary five-time World Champion Felix “Tito” Trinidad knew the obvious. Their Puerto Rican boxing hero, who had not fought since getting thoroughly dominated nearly three years ago in his embarrassing 12 round unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Ronald “Winky” Wright, was bought out of retirement (for the not so embarrassing price of 9 million dollars) to face a bigger, stronger and faster fighter in Roy Jones, Junior.
While Trinidad tried as best he could, fighting at his heaviest weight ever only slowed him down. From the early rounds it was clear that Jones was able to handle Trinidad’s biggest punches, while Tito was not able to take Roy’s.
Jones methodically began controlling the action, besting Tito jab for jab, body shot for body shot – essentially beating Trinidad “mentally” before he began his physical beating of the former boxing superstar who defeated Oscar De La Hoya, and destroyed Fernando Vargas.
While the crowd was rooting for Tito, by round three or four the “Roy-Roy-Roy” chants were growing louder. By the time Jones dropped Trinidad with his first knockdown of the fight in round seven the “Tito – Tito” chants were silent and the bongo drums had stopped. It was all over.
Being the one-dimensional fighter as he is, Trinidad still came forward and was getting beaten like the smaller kid at the schoolyard.
Trinidad was getting hurt more often, and Jones was now enjoying his “coming back party.” Tito reverted to backing up and throwing meaningless punches, which simply delayed the inevitable. A quick, snapping left jab, following by a grazing right dropped the wounded Puerto Rican fighter as Jones shuffled, danced and pranced like the untouchable former great champion we were all so used to seeing, especially as HBO’s premier boxer.
Trinidad summoned all his heart and managed to survive the one-sided affair on his feet. The 12,162 fans that were crazily cheering for their hero did not even wait for the three judges’ scorecards to be read. It was solely academic as Michael Buffer announced the 117-109 and two 116-110’s for Roy Jones; there would be no rumble tonight. I saw it 118-108.
Jones can now be included with Bernard Hopkins, and the aforementioned Wright as the fighters to have beaten Trinidad, who also has 42 wins to his credit; 35 by knockout. With the career enhancing victory, Jones improves to 52-4 (38 KO’s) and now is looking to fight “anyone – anytime”. Let’s just hope the next one is a fair fight!
In the night’s co-feature bout heavyweight contender Andrew Golota made like Arturo Gatti and fought twelve rounds of no holds barred, old school, back in the alley-type fighting.
With his left eye bruised and grotesquely closed shut since the sixth round, Andrew Golota sucked it up and took control of a fight against a confident, up and coming Mike Mollo; twelve years his junior. Practically an even fight after eight rounds, Golota withstood a heavy-handed pounding from the twenty-eight-year-old fighter nicknamed “Merciless” and hurt his fellow Chicago neighbor with several big right hands in round nine, which had Mollo holding on to survive. Continuing the assault in the tenth, Golota landed a left hook, and how Mollo was able to wobble back to his corner amazed the exhilarated crowd. How Mollo ever finished the bout on his feet is truly a testament to the heart and fortitude of this young hopeful, who definitely gained more than he lost in defeat tonight.
Golota, unable to see out of his left eye, smartly turned southpaw at times late in the fight, so as to continue the battle. There surely was no quit in Mr. Golota tonight, and the boxing fans appreciated the effort from a fighter who always had the tools and talent to be a champion. At forty years old, Golota fought one of his best fights and will get another chance to prove his merit. With the spectacular win Golota improved to 41-6-1 (33 KO’s), Mollo, who put up a valiant fight, is now 19-2 (12 KO’s). Nothing but great things can be said about both these giant-hearted fighters, who both left it all in the Madison Square Garden ring tonight. Afterwards a very bruised and swollen, yet extremely proud Andrew Golota beamed, “At least now no one can ever call me a quitter!”
The HBO Pay-Per-View portion of the night began with a twelve round sleeper between former World Boxing Organization World Champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley and the undefeated Devon Alexander.
The twenty-year old Alexander used his used his advantage of youth, beating Corley to the punch and well as outworking the tough veteran. Even getting penalized a point by referee Gary Rosato, for low blows, in the final round did not hamper Alexander “The Great”, cruising in the eyes of the judges who saw it 116-111 and 118-109 twice for the undefeated St. Louis resident. According to Compu-box numbers, Alexander doubled the production of his fellow southpaw, out-landing Corley 271-127 in total punches, a main reason for the decisive decision win which upped Alexander to 14-0 (9 KO’s), while the once-mighty Corley, who has now lost his last four fights, falls to 31-8-1 (17 KO’s).
Alexander picked up the vacant WBC Continental Americas super lightweight Championship title with the victory.
It took a little over eight rounds for a fight to break out between the dangerous, hard punching Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin and Alex “The Technician” Bunema. Scheduled for 12 rounds and fighting for the WBA Intercontinental Super Welterweight title it was Karmazin who was controlling the bout, and the limited action going into the ninth round. Surprisingly it was the “Technician” who was now doing the damage, landing some big punches late in the round, which had Karmazin holding on. Starting round ten where he left off, Bunema landed often and caught his Russian foe with a crippling left hook, dropping the usually steady chinned Karmazin. To his credit Karmazin bounced up and wanted back in the fight, unfortunately – he got it!
Another hurtful left hook drove the still dazed Karmazin into his own corner where he absorbed a tremendous barrage of two-fisted punishment, finished by a big right hand which sent the heavily favored Karmazin crumpling to the canvas as Johnny Callas waved off the bout; a moot point as the former IBF jr. middleweight champion was out cold!
Bunema, a native of Zaire who now calls Atlanta, GA his home, woke up the Madison Square Garden crowd by putting Karmazin to sleep – the likable fighter also woke up the boxing world with his big time victory and deserves a bigger fight, and a bigger payday, in the very near future. Bunema jumps to 29-5-2 with his impressive fifteenth career knockout win, while the highly regarded Karmazin, now 36-3-1 (23 KO’s), suffers his first stoppage loss.
On the non-televised portion of the Don King promoted, HBO PPV card:
Former World Boxing Association Welterweight World Champion Luis Collazo out-boxed Edvan Dos Santos Barros, now 9-5-1 (7 KO’s), over ten rounds to pick up a unanimous decision and get back on the winning track. While controlling the entire fight through eight uneventful rounds, Collazo hurt his opponent late in round nine and showed his fast hands and pinpoint precision the rest of the way, nailing Dos Santos Barros relentlessly until the end.
After losing to Shane Mosley nearly a year ago (02/10/07), the Brooklyn native was sidelined with tore tendons and a broken thumb on his left hand; which required extensive surgery. Now injury free and ready, Collazo, who dethroned WBA champion Jose Rivera of his title in 2005 and beat up on Ricky Hatton, only to lose a razor thin decision in 2006, looks to 2008 as his year to get back to the top of the welterweight division.
Emmanuel N’Wodo made short work of Ezra Sellers, stopping the Maryland southpaw late in round two of their scheduled eight round heavyweight bout. N’Wodo, a Baltimore, MD native by way of Nigeria, won the first round and hurt Sellers with a big two-handed combination towards the end of round two. Sellers was knocked to the canvas twice and counted out, face down, by referee Jim Santa with one second left in the round. N’Wodo saw his record improve to 22-4 (18 KO’s), while Sellers, who began his pro career in the same fashion, suffering a second round knockout at the hands of former world champion Bruce Seldon over eighteen years ago, dropped to 29-8 (26 KO’s).
Cuban lightweight Angelo Santana excited the sparse, early gathering crowd with his first round technical knockout win. It took the highly touted Santana a mere 33 seconds to finish off mismatched Kenny Keaton, from Indianapolis, Indiana. Keaton, now 0-2, never had a chance as the Cuban defector jumped on him from the opening bell, forcing Keaton to turn his back before getting blistered to the canvas with a nasty barrage. Referee Jim Santa did not even bother to start a count, waving off the one-sided match.
Heavyweight Gabe Brown opened the show in a very “big” way, as the 340lb. Pensacola, Florida native battled to an eight round majority draw against forty year-old Paul Marinaccio, from Buffalo, NY. Marinaccio, now 23-3-2 (10 KO’s) overcame a one hundred pound weight disadvantage (actually 104!), winning the last round on all three judge’s scorecards to salvage the draw. Brown, originally from Newark, NJ saw his record move to 18-7-4 (12 KO’s).
A big night on boxing, compliments of promoter extraordinaire Don King, in the most sacred and hallowed venue in all of boxing -the mystical, magical world of Madison Square Garden!
Mike Indri can be contacted at: rbfnjmike@aol.com
Shufford plans to get untracked against Olympian Estrada
Posted on | January 21, 2008 | 1 Comment
“Champions of Tomorrow” Jan. 25 at Foxwoods Resort Casino
PROVIDENCE (January 18, 2008) — Former world heavyweight title challenger Charles Shufford plans to get his career untracked and him back into the heavyweight mix with an upset of 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada in their 10-round, co-main event headlining the “Champions of Tomorrow” pro boxing show, January 25 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
WBC Youth featherweight champion Manuel Perez defends his title against Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard in the other 10-round, co-feature on “Champions of Tomorrow,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. it will be taped live and air on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. on CN8 and will also stream online at www.CN8.tv. Following the broadcast, the show will be available ON DEMAND to Comcast Digital Cable customers for at least one week. “Champions of Tomorrow” will also air on Cox Sports Television on February 1 at 8:30 p.m.
Las Vegas-based Shufford (20-7-1, 9 KOs) is a man of many diverse talents. He fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO title in 2001, extended present WBC Interim heavyweight champ Samuel Peter the full distance in 2004, holds a victory against former world champion Lamon Brewster, and fought a draw with another ex-world title holder, Kelvin Davis. Shufford has acting experience having portrayed George Foreman in the movie, “Ali,” and he’s been the bodyguard of the stars for the past four years at The Palms in Las Vegas.
“I had a lot of fun doing the movie with Will Smith,” Charles said. “I got to travel to Africa, too. I work in security at The Palms. I’ve guarded Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Koby Bryant and so many other stars. I love working for the Maloof brothers (owners of The Palms as well as the Sacramento Kings). They’re cool. They walk the floor every night. They’ve been very good to me, working around my schedule so I have time to train when I have a fight.”
Estrada (10-1, 2 KOs), the Providence native now rated No. 10 in the NABO, has vowed to knock Shufford into retirement. “The kid is quick and fast,” Shufford noted, “But I am, too. I’m taller, stronger and have a longer reach than him. I’ve learned from my recent losses that I can’t lay back. If I don’t work, he’s going to beat me, but I’ve been in with everybody and he doesn’t worry me. I need to be myself and put it all on the line. I’m looking for a big win in January and then line-up some fights to show everybody what I can really do.
“I have to stay busy so I’ll have my timing and sharpness. I had long layoffs because I’m too risky (of an opponent) in some ways. I’m not fighting for titles and I’m too good to be an opponent. I know I can fight but I’ve been rusty my last few fights. I have to put it all together because I feel I’m a good enough fighter to beat anybody on any given day.”
Manchester (CT) favorite Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs) has been inactive since suffering a wrist injury that required surgery after he won the WBC Youth super featherweight on September 23, 2006. He’s aching to fight Perez (11-3, 2 KOs), who captured the WBC Youth title in his last fight on November 10 via a unanimous 10-round decision against Victor Barela.
Unbeaten cruiserweight prodigy and 9-time U.S. amateur champion, Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs), takes on former world kick boxing champ Manu Ntoh (17-13-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round battle of cruiserweights.
New England fans have waited a few years for the light heavyweight showdown between Iraqi War-veteran Chris Traietti (7-0, 4 KOs) and “Irish” Joey McCreedy (5-1, 4 KOs) and it’ll finally happen Jan. 25 in a scheduled six-round bout. Throwback middleweights Richard “Bobo” Starnino (8-2-1, 1 KO), of Providence, and New Bedford’s Eric Pinarreta (1-1, 1 KO) bring an old-fashioned border war brawl into the ring.
Also on the undercard in four-round bouts are unbeaten Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs) against Terrance “TJ” Jones (10-10, 6 KOs), vastly improved Hartford light welterweight Addy Irizarry (3-1, 2 KOs) meets Tonya Gallegos (4-6, 2 KOs), undefeated Brockton super middleweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0, 1 KO) faces John “The Baptist” Michael Terry, and recent University of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy, a poker card dealer at Foxwoods, makes his pro debut versus Pete Guthy (1-1-1, 1 KO) in a match-up of young super middleweights. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Former world title contender “Sucra” Ray Oliveira will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor in a ceremony during the “Champions of Tomorrow.” Unbeaten heavyweight contender “Baby” Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), promoted by CES, will make a special presentation to Oliveira.
Tickets for “Champions of Tomorrow” are priced at $40.00, $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Two VIP Presidential Suites are also available (call CES for details as well as sponsorship opportunities). To purchase tickets or for additional information contact CES (1.401.724.2253/2254 – www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods (1.800.200.2882/www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at
7 PM/ET.
-CES-
3 PFC titles change hands
Posted on | January 21, 2008 | No Comments
Teixeira, Lighty wow crowd
LEMOORE, Ca. — Glover Teixeira joked to Scott Lighty that he beat him.
Not in the ring or cage, but in the time of their bouts.
The Arroyo Grande mixed martial artist knocked out Brazil’s Jorge Oliveira in just five seconds of their Palace Fighting Championship light heavyweight bout on Thursday at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, drawing rave revues from all those in attendance at the sold-out event.
“I beat you again,” Teixeira told Pit Fight teammate Lighty, who defeated Humboldt’s Derek Thornton (3-10) by verbal submission at 2:33 in the first round.
“I saw a guy in front of me and I punched hard and fast just like John (Hanckleman) told me to,” said Teixeira, who recorded the fastest knockout in PFC history.
“I said at the weighins I was going to hit him in the face and I did it.”
It was easily one of the most exciting fights in PFC history. The build for the fight started at the weighins when the pair engaged in a stare down that led to each fighter inching closer and closer.
The same happened at the start of the fight, as Teixeira entered and made his way to Oliveira’s corner and then the two exchanged more unpleasant stares when meeting in the center of the ring.
From the bell, Teixeira, who is a training partner of former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell (21-5), came straight across the ring and Oliveira landed a leg kick, but ate an overhand right that dropped him to the canvas.
It was also a night of changing of the guard for the PFC, as three belts changed hands.
In the most controversial fight of the night, Porterville’s Shawn Klarcyk (6-2) lost by technical knockout to Oakdale’s Rolando Velasco (5-0) for the PFC World Bantamweight championship at 1:46 of the fourth round.
“I wasn’t out. I’ve been hit a lot harder than that in practice,” Klarcyk said after the fight ended when referee Josh Rosenthal stopped the fight after Velasco landed a superman punch that dazed Klarcyk, knocking him to the mat.
“He was stunned that’s for sure,” Velasco said. “He wasn’t out, but who knows I could have still finished the fight right there if the ref didn’t step in.”
The ending drew several boos from the crowd.
“I’m not going to hang my head,” Klarcyk said. “I was catching him with the jab and left hook. I thought I was winning the standup and setting him up for the takedowns. I thought it would go five rounds and I would finish it there.”
The first three rounds were as exciting as the fourth. The pair put on a brilliant display of boxing and grappling.
“I thought I might have finished the fight early with a couple toe holds,” Klarcyk said.
Meanwhile, Velasco was figuring the fight would go the distance, as he weathered an intense pace set by Klarcyk.
“I thought it would go the distance,” Velasco said. “I thought maybe the first round was even, but I had won rounds two and three. I wasn’t really looking for the finish, but the superman punch was open, so in the fourth round I thought I would try it.”
Atlanta lightweight Diego Saraiva (10-6-1) upset champion Poppies Martinez (14-4) of Lemoore by submission at 2:08 of the first round.
Saraiva connected with a leg kick that knocked Martinez down and the speedy jiu-jitsu black belt hurried in and took Martinez’ back.
“I don’t know if I hurt him or knocked him off balance, but I was kicking as hard as I could,” Saraiva said. “It works for me. And I put it in my head that I’m not going to lose this fight. I’ve lost three fights in a row in the UFC and I trained harder for this fight than any of those. I trained harder for this fight than I did for Jorge Gurgel.”
The leg kick proved to be the deciding factor in the fight.
“I think I might have torn something,” Martinez said later.
Once Saraiva had Martinez’ back it was a matter of time before he was able to sink the rear-naked choke all the way in.
“I’m excited about the win, having the belt and being able to come back and defend it,” Saraiva said. “I’d like to fight for the 145-pound belt, too. I want them both.”
Martinez was hit by a low blow early in the round, but shook it off and attacked Saraiva with punches after the fight was restarted.
Velasco’s teammate Oakdale featherweight Art Arciniega (6-1) won the PFC World title with a submission of Oroville’s Shawn Bias (12-6) at 2:07 in the fourth round.
The fight went virtually as expected with exception of the finish.
Bias controlled the tempo early with the takedowns, but Arciniega caught fire late.
Soon Arciniega was catching Bias with the guillotine after every shot and Bias was forced to pull guard on a few occasions. Arciniega, who looked the fresher fighter late, worked out of an ankle lock in the third and finished with a submission of his own in the fourth.
“I knew this was how the fight was going to go,” Arciniega said. “I felt like I was stronger than he was, but he was scrappy. We knew he was going to go for the takedowns, but I didn’t think he would get them the way he was.”
Bias shot for a takedown in the fourth and was caught in a tight guillotine, but postured his way out of it. After some brief exchanges on the ground, Arciniega finally locked in the triangle.
“I was about 20 seconds away from letting that triangle go,” Arciniega said. “He just wouldn’t tap, but then he adjusted and it sunk deeper and I just squeezed.”
Lighty, who is better known as a K1 standout, was impressive in his MMA debut.
“I landed a head kick and that dazed him and it unraveled from there,” Lighty said.
But Thornton was a game opponent early. He pressed the actionlanding several good techniques, but Lighty connected with a knee and then a head kick that rocked Thornton.
Lighty then went to work on the ground and pounded Thornton into a verbal submission, due to a cut over his left eye.
“I have the best trainers and workout partners in the world,” Lighty said. “And that’s how I fight, I never stop.”
More impressive than Lighty’s striking, was his takedown defense. He stopped several Thornton takedown attempts.
In the main event, Coarsegold heavyweight Anthony Ruiz (20-10) beat Sacramento’s Brad Imes (10-4) by split decision.
Ruiz was able to score points in the first two rounds, pressing the action and winning the battle in the clinch in the first round.
“After the first round, I really gained some confidence,” said Ruiz, who was outweighed by 55 pounds. “He couldn’t take me down from the clinch and I was active and that gave me some confidence going into the next two rounds.”
The only serious damage to either fighter came in the form of an Imes knee in the third round.
“That really changed the momentum of the fight,” Ruiz said. “I’m glad it came in the third round and not the first. But it was my heart that won me the fight. I refused to let my mind tell me that I couldn’t win. That’s what makes you weak, when your mind takes over and tells you that you can’t do something.”
In other bouts:
— Fresno lightweight Casey Olson (6-1) bounced back from an injury ridden 2007 with a technical knockout of Anaheim’s Scott Brommage (1-3) at 1:48 of the first round.
“It felt good to be back in there,” Olson said. “I was a little nervous, but got over that after his first kick. He was taller than I was, but once I got it down on the ground it felt great.”
Olson took Brommage down early in the first round and worked Brommage into his corner where he eventually passed and finished the fight with a barrage of punches.
“He was strong and trying to control my posture,” Olson said. “My corner kept telling me to posture up and once I did I was able to start punching.”
— Moscow, Russia welterweight Alex Serdyukov (6-4) won by technical knockout over Hamilton, MT’s Mike Gates (4-2-1) at 2:05 of the second round.
After an action packed first round, Serdyukov landed a vicious knee to the body, which dropped Gates and then Serdyukov followed up with a barrage of punches and knees to the body.
The fight eventually came back to the feet, but Gates was obviously hurt and was taken down and then mounted where the fight ended.
— Brentwood light heavyweight Ricardo Barros (2-1) defeated Grand Forks, ND’s Eric Pribble (4-2) by submission at 1:20 in the first round.
Barros took Pribble down and then worked his superior jiu-jitsu skills to sink a rear-naked choke.
— Taft welterweight Doug Hunt (4-2) defeated Lemoore’s Andrew Martinez (4-1-1) by technical knockout at 2:04 of the second round.
The first round was a standup slugfest with each fighter hurting the other, but unable to finish the fight. Hunt closed Martinez’ left eye in the first round and cut him over the right in the second.
The doctor stopped the fight, due to Martinez’ cut, with both fighters bloodied and battered.
— Lemoore welterweight Tony Alanis (5-3) avenged a loss to Visalia’s Tom Owens (2-2) with a technical knockout at 2:58 in first round.
Alanis scored a takedown then unleashed leg kicks and pounded Owens out for the victory.
— Madera heavyweight Joaquin Sanchez (2-1) stopped Taft’s Austin Achorn (0-4) by submission at 20 seconds of the first round. The pair locked up in the middle of the ring and Achorn was forced to the mat and had to tap because of an injured knee.
— Lemoore featherweight Sergio Quinones (2-1) defeated Bakersfield’s Fernando Arreola (2-4-1) by split decision.
Quinones was able to eke out the decision controlling the bout with several takedowns and avoiding several slick submissions by Arreola.
— Santa Rosa middleweight Nate Loughran (7-0) submitted Fresno’s Richard Montoya (6-4) at 42 seconds in the second round.
Loughran caught Montoya in an armbar after controlling the first round with his ground game. Montoya looked strong on his feet, landing several good shots, but Loughran was able to take down Montoya when needed.
— Sacramento’s Joseph Benevides (2-0) submitted Eugene OR’s Jason Georgianna (5-2) at 38 seconds of the second round.
— Visalia bantamweight Brandon Miller (3-1) stopped Albuquerque NM’s Ed Tomaselli (3-5) by technical knockout 2:27 of the first round.
Oakey Gets Chance For Revenge Against Haymer
Posted on | January 18, 2008 | No Comments
Hot on the heels of a magnificent 2007 for British boxing, Frank Maloney Promotions returns in force with a bad blood grudge match that is likely to be an early candidate for Fight of the Year honors. Sworn enemies at light heavyweight, Tony Oakey and Peter Haymer, will reprise their initial clash of June 2005 at the very same venue, London’s historic York Hall, on Friday, February 1, 2008.
All the elements that made the first battle such a gripping contest are still in place, but this time the stakes are much higher as it will be Oakey’s British title on the line, rather than Haymer’s former English crown, as was the case on that sweltering summer night two and a half years ago when the Londoner won the referee’s scorecard by a single point.
Oakey, 24-2-1 (6), is driven by the opportunity to exact revenge for what he perceives to be a clear injustice and is now closing in on a perfect chance to redraw his legacy. “I was in a bit of a shock when Haymer was declared the winner,” recalls Oakey.
“I was the aggressor and I thought I had controlled the fight the whole way through, where all he was interested in doing was holding. I was just in shock so I’m over the moon that Frank Maloney has been able to get me this voluntary defense against Haymer to put the record straight.”
The loss to Haymer shook the Portsmouth area man, who realized a change was in store if he was to ever return to the upper levels of the light heavy division in Britain. “I believe that I’m a class above Peter Haymer and to even struggle against him so that someone could have thought that he won it by a round, that for me was a big wake up story,” said Oakey.
“After that defeat, I had to sit down and talk to my trainer Ronnie Davis, who used to train world champion Chris Eubank, and the end result was that I moved up to London. The results speak for themselves as I’ve come to London, won the British title, defended it and now I’m training for Haymer again.”
Oakey has hopes to improve his career above British title level but knows he has to put on a stellar performance if he is to not only turn back Haymer but also stand out in a domestic division that already contains one world champion in Clinton Woods and possibly another in the form of Joe Calzaghe if the Welsh Wizard finally makes the long rumored jump to 175 pounds.
“I’ve got better quality sparring up here in London and I believe that I’m another 50 percent better than when I fought Haymer the first time,” said Oakey. “I believe that I’m a lot better prepared and I’m definitely more determined. I’m just looking forward to putting the record straight and moving onto bigger and better things.”
The undercard at York Hall features top heavyweight John McDermott, flashy super feather Kaash “The Bash” Bhatia, light heavyweights Tony Salem and Courtney Fry, welterweights Mark Thompson and Yassine El Maachi, lightweights Lee Cook and Danny Harding, along with super feather Henry Castle, welterweights Scott Woolford and Jamie Radford, light welter Ross Hewitt and Women’s boxing sensation Laura Saperstein.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents “The Return” featuring Tony Oakey vs. Peter Haymer for the Light Heavyweight Championship of Great Britain along with full undercard at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, England on Friday, February 1, 2008.
Tickets are priced at ?75 Ringside and ?40 Open Seating and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. Doors open at 6:45PM with first bell at 7PM.
Sky Sports will televise live on SS1 starting at 9PM.
Press Release composed by Curtis McCormick for www.frankmaloney.com
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