MATT YANOFSKY’S UPDATED P4P LIST
Posted on | September 10, 2007 | 1 Comment
Pound for Pound List {As Of 9/9/07}
By Matt Yanofsky
Floyd Mayweather {Welterweight}
Floyd Mayweather’s once again becomes the clear number one pound for pound fighter after defeating the legendary Oscar De La Hoya. All of the Mayweather critics must give him respect for not only taking the fight at too high of a weight, but also using Oscar’s gloves and winning in Vegas where De La Hoya is a favorite. I was surprised to see it be a split decision as I felt Floyd clearly won the contest. De La Hoya has stated their will be no rematch. To no surprise, Floyd has come out of retirement and will be fighting Ricky Hatton on December 8th. The fight will be for Mayweather’s WBC and Ring Magazine Welterweight Championship.
2. Manny Pacquiao {Junior Lightweight}
Although he got off to a slow start and needed 8 rounds to dispose the tall awkward and undefeated Jorge Solis, Pacman got the job done. He also had an excellent 2006 where he twice knocked out Erik Morales and battered former champion Oscar Larios. Pacquaio is now scheduled for an October 6th rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera that will be featured on pay per view. This is good news as promotional differences were settled between Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions. If Pacquaio is victorious as expected, this can lead to another rematch with a Golden Boy fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez.
3. Bernard Hopkins {Light Heavyweight}
After retaining his Light Heavyweight World Title by defeating Winky Wright in a 12 round snooze fest, Hopkins showed that he is still an elite boxer even if he is not the same fighter he was a few years prior. Hopkins said he wants to fight Joe Calzaghe in Yankee Stadium. Hopkins will have to wait until after Calzaghe fights Mikkel Kessler in November. If Calzaghe is not victorious, Hopkins will most likely attempt to face Kessler.
4. Ricky Hatton {Junior Welterweight}
Hatton retained his Junior Welterweight World Title when he surprisingly dominated legendary warrior Jose Luis Castillo en route to a 4th round KO. Hatton floored Castillo for the first time in his career with a picture perfect body shot ala Roy Jones/Virgil Hill. Hatton now has a December 8th mega fight where he will be again moving up to 147 to face Welterweight World Champion Floyd Mayweather.
5. Juan Manuel Marquez {Junior Lightweight}
Jus like his brother Rafael, Juan Manuel successfully moved up in weight to win the WBC championship. Marquez out pointed the legendary Macro Antonio Barrera. Ironically, one year ago Marquez was thought to as being in no mans land after taking $30,000 in losing to Chris John Marquez was scheduled to face Rocky Juarez September 15th on a nice Golden Boy pay per view card but that was cancelled when Marquez was injured.
6. Joe Calzaghe {Super Middleweight}
Calzaghe had a controversial stoppage win over Peter Manfredo on April 7th. Regardless of the controversy, Calzaghe was dominating as expected and it would have not lasted much longer then it did. Calzaghe is scheduled to fight undefeated WBA/WBC Champion Mikkel Kessler on November 3rd in which may be the biggest fight in Super Middleweight History.
7. Jermain Taylor {Middleweight}
Taylor earned an extremely lackluster and what some felt controversial decision over sprinter/Junior Middleweight Cory Spinks. This was the third straight Junior Middleweight titlist {Kassim Ouma and Winky Wright} that he had faced. Taylor is now set to challenge undefeated #1 Middleweight contender Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik September 29th on HBO. Taylor has announced this will be his last fight at 160 lbs. If Taylor wins, he is also a candidate to face the winner of Joe Calzaghe vs Mikkel Kessler. If Pavlik wins, Taylor has a rematch clause but the fight must take place above 160 lbs.
8. Winky Wright {Middleweight}
Wright fell just short against legend Bernard Hopkins for the Light Heavyweight world title. I scored the fight a draw {as did Harold Lederman of HBO} but the three judges came up with the ludicrous scores of 116-112 and 117-111 twice for Hopkins. Wright said he will move back down to 160 but he may be out of luck as Middleweight stars Edison Miranda, Jermain Taylor, and Kelly Pavlik will all be at 168 in the near future. If Winky is not willing to move up to 168 or attempt to make 154 where he was at his best, Wright may be with out a fight!
9. Israel Vazquez {Super Bantamweight}
After being stopped by Rafael Marquez in their first fight, Vazquez returned with a vengeance. Vazquez dropped Marquez in the 6th round and stopped him shortly after in the second straight fight of the year candidate between the two. Vazquez, who regained the WBC and Ring Magazine Championship showed the warrior he is and shocked the fans in a fight many predicted him to lose. A third fight is tentatively scheduled for February, 2008
10. Ivan Calderon {Junior Flyweight}
Call him Ivan the Great! Calderon moved up from Strawweight and dethroned the WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Flyweight Champion Hugo Cazares giving him his first defeat since 1999. Calderon, who came off the canvas in the 8th round, was awarded the contest by split decision but clearly won by out boxing the much bigger and stronger Cazares. Calderon now hopes for a unification bout {something he was frequently refused at Strawweight} or a fight with former champion/amateur rival Brian Viloria.
Honorable Mention: Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Rafael Marquez, Chris John, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Wladimir Klitchko, Juan Diaz, Mikkel Kessler, Jean Marc Mormeck,
SEVERAL UNDEFEATED FIGHTERS TO BATTLE ON NORWOOD VS. EDWARDS UNDERCARD
Posted on | September 10, 2007 | No Comments
FRED NORWOOD VS JOHNNIE EDWARDS
HEADLINES FIGHT CARD
ON SEPTEMBER 16 AT NORTHERN QUEST CASINO
IN AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON
Promoted by Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Pend O’reille Pavillion at Northern Quest Casino
North 100 Hayford Road, Airway Heights, Washington
Johnnie Edwards, 12-1-1 with 7 knockouts, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, will now fight former two-time WBA featherweight world champion Fred Norwood in the 10-round jr. lightweight main event. Shamir Reyes, who was originally scheduled to fight Norwood, was injured in training and withdrew from the bout.
Two undefeated young Russian prospects will also be featured on the card in separate bouts. 23 year-old jr. welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov, 4-0 with 3 knockouts, of Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, will fight in a four-round bout against an opponent to be announced.
Ruslan’s last fight fight was on the undercard of the Ricky Hatton-Jose Luis Castillo main event on June 23 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Boxing News editor Claude Abrams was at ringside and reported, “Someone who can clearly crack is Russian Ruslan Provodnikov… Provodnikov has a solid base, quick hands and good upper body movement.”
21 year-old Maxim Vlasov, 8-0 with 1 knockout, of Samara, Russia, will fight Sam Haynes of Portland, Oregon, in a six-round super middleweight bout.
10 ROUNDS,JR. LIGHTWEIGHTS
FRED NORWOOD, 41-1-1, 22 KOs, St. Louis, Missouri, vs JOHNNIE EDWARDS, 12-1-1, 7 KOs, Jacksonville, North Carolina.
8 ROUNDS, JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS
ABEL PERRY, 8-0, 3 KOs, Portland, Oregon, vs JOSHUA ONYANGO, 13-13, 11 KOs, Trenton, New Jersey.
4 ROUNDS, JR. WELTERWEIGHTS
RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV, 4-0, 3 KOs, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, vs TBA.
6 ROUNDS, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
SAM HAYNES, 5-2, 4 KOs, Portland, Oregon, vs MAXIM VLASOV, 8-0, 1 KO, Samara, Russia.
6 ROUNDS, HEAVYWEIGHTS
SHANE ANDREESEN, 7-0, 4 KOs, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, vs MIKE MONCRIEF, 1-4-1, 1 KO, Las Vegas, Nevada.
6 ROUNDS, FEATHERWEIGHTS
FREUDIS ROJAS, 1-4-1, 1 KO, Las Vegas, Nevada, vs ANDREW CANCIO, 5-0, 5 KOs, Blythe, California.
All bouts are subject to change without notice.
Doors open at 5:00 P.M., first fight at 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time)
Ticket prices: $35, $60, $70.
Tickets are available at Northern Quest Casino Box Office – 509-340-6700, and Ticketswest – 800-325-SEAT, and www.ticketswest.com.
LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMP DAVID DIAZ STAYING BUSY WHILE PREPARING FOR NEXT FIGHT
Posted on | September 10, 2007 | No Comments
WBC Lightweight World Champion David Diaz is spending the last couple of weeks of the Chicago summer with his family, cheering on his beloved first place Cubs and staying in shape for his next bout.
This coming weekend Diaz will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with two Chicagoland appearances both of which have special meaning to him.
On Friday night, September 14th, Diaz will walk super bantamweight prospect Francisco Rodriguez to the ring for his SOLO BOXEO debut as he faces Ivan Rodriguez in the co-main event of PRIDE, an action packed professional boxing card presented by Chicago’s 8 Count Productions at the Congress Theater.
On Saturday afternoon, September 15th, Diaz will be given the honor of Grand Marshal at the Cicero Mexican Independence Day Parade. The parade starts at 12 noon at the corner of Cermak and Austin and runs eastbound on Cermak to 50th Avenue.
Said Diaz about the weekend, “I’m proud to be a Mexican American and I know how it important this weekend is. Francisco is a friend of mine and I’m happy to support him in the first of hopefully many SOLO BOXEO televised fights.
The people of Cicero have been very supportive of my career, particularly when I beat Cristian Favela at Cicero Stadium last summer for the IBA title. I’m honored to be the Grand Marshal of their parade.”
About the rest of the summer the Chicago sports fan stated, “I’m just enjoying the beautiful weather we’re having in Chicago with my family and rooting for the Cubs, Bears and Fire. All of the guys on the teams in Chicago have always been very supportive of me throughout my career.
The Cubs won today so they’re staying in first place and the Bears open up tomorrow afternoon against San Diego so it’s a very exciting time for Chicago sports fans.”
Speaking about his future plans, Diaz said, “I’m running to stay in shape, just waiting for some fights to happen and see how things shake out. When its time to get back to in the ring I’ll be ready.”
UFC 75 POST-FIGHT COMMENTARY
Posted on | September 10, 2007 | No Comments
Rampage Unifies, Bisping Robs
By Holli Yargo Hearne
Without question, UFC 75 boasted an amazing card. The three most heart-stopping fights of the night were undoubtedly Taylor vs. Davis, Bisping vs. Hamill, and Jackson vs. Henderson. The argument could be made that any of these fights were worthy of consideration for fight of the night, Davis actually winning the submission of the night (no small feat considering he specializes in boxing).
Fight fans found themselves on the edges of their seats as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson went head to head with fellow Pride Veteran Dan “Hollywood” Henderson in a true war of attrition. Henderson, who came to UFC holding the Pride World Championship in two weight classes, lost the unanimous decision but still proved why he deserved a shot at the unified light heavyweight belt. With both fighters historically being finishers, and neither playing it safe, it wasn’t a big stretch that this battle ended in the hands of the judges. Current heavyweight champion Randy Couture picked Jackson to win this match from the beginning, though he admitted it was a difficult choice. With Jackson having KO’d Chuck Liddell and Henderson having KO’d Wanderlei Silva, it really was anyone’s guess. I gave Henderson the first round but Rampage was the clear winner of the next 4. After an opening round akin to a blitzkrieg of combinations from both contenders followed by 4 more rounds of punishment trading, the judges agreed with my assessment.
Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis disappointed the English crowd at the O2 Arena when he survived a roundhouse kick to the head followed by a storm of hammer fists courtesy of the local favorite, Paul Taylor. Just when it looked like the American was done, he managed to back himself up to the cage. After eating a fair amount of face and body shots for his efforts, he put the Brit on his back and fed him a ground and pound diet of punches and elbows. The Englishman managed to buck off the New Englander but Davis secured Taylor in a rock solid armbar from guard for the win. This being Davis’ 17th mixed martial arts win, his fifth win in a row in the UFC, he has demonstrated his warrior’s heart and a strong potential as a future champion.
If the UFC awarded a prize for most controversial fight of the night, it would definitely go to Matt “The Hammer” Hamill and Michael “The Count” Bisping. Hamill entered the arena to an audience-angering Born in the USA. The fans’ boos were lost on the deaf wrestler, however. Bisping walked in to The Clash’s London Calling and was the obvious crowd favorite. Hamill pushed the pace of the fight, keeping Bisping moving in reverse through all three rounds. While The Count placed some solid kicks and clean punches, Hamill secured the Manchester native’s neck in a Couture-style dirty boxing headlock on several occasions, landing myriad uppercuts. He also appeared to control his opponent on the ground. The bout went the distance with the split decision going to Bisping. The crowd went wild but a collective “WHAT?” could be heard in every viewing home and sports bar throughout America. In the spirit of a true a gentleman, Hamill did not challenge the judges’ scoring, even giving props to Michael Bisping for doing a good job and beating him fair and square. While I admire the American for his good sportsmanship, I am exercising my right to disagree with him…and the judges. Bisping put up a strong effort but Hamill should have been awarded the win.
All in all, this entire televised card was exciting and would have been well worth the money had it been a pay-per-view show. I’d like to thank the fine folks at Slices Sports Bar in Galeveston, TX for setting one of their three televisions to Spike for the small audience of me and IFL Nevada Lions lightweight alternate Joseph Martin. I’d also like to thank Martin for his insight and expert opinion. And finally, I’d like to thank UFC for putting this show on Spike rather than PPV, giving a great free fight to the commoners in the states.
JOHN DUDDY TO DEFEND HOME TURF IN DUBLIN NEXT
Posted on | September 10, 2007 | No Comments
Duddy set for Spanish Conquest
The second wave of the latest Spanish armada is set to hit Irish shores next month when Pablo Navascues looks to upset John Duddy’s European and World title ambitions.
Navascues’ compatriot Kiko Martinez left Irish fight fans reeling with his smash and grab raid on Bernard Dunne last month and now its Duddy’s turn to repel the Spanish invasion.
The two men clash on the next Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on Saturday, October 20th on the night of the “Celtic Tigers”.
Duddy – Navascues will headline the event with support from Irish middleweight champion, Matthew Macklin and undefeated light welterweight Paul McCloskey.
Navascues is the reigning Spanish light middleweight champion and has an excellent record of 25 wins and just one defeat. With 18 of his 25 wins coming via the short route he is clearly a major threat to the unbeaten Duddy.
The Madrid’s native sole reversal came back in 2000 on a cuts defeat and his winning run since then has seen him surge into the European ratings. The 31-year-old believes a win over Duddy could be his ticket to major title contention.
Speaking from his training camp Navascues said, “I want to fight prestigious boxers like Duddy because I don’t have time to waste in my career. I would like to fight for a major title early next year and this fight can help to get me there.”
Navascues has followed Duddy’s career Stateside but feels that his time on the European scene will be less fruitful. “Duddy is a good boxer with a lot of power in both hands. I admire what he has achieved in his career in the U.S. but Europe is different. Our records are similar and I’m sure that both of us will be at our best. I also think that our styles are quite similar and it will be an honour to beat him!”
The atmosphere at the National Stadium for Duddy’s Irish professional debut in July was white hot and it’s sure to be just as electric next month and Navascues is relishing the prospect.
“My only fight abroad was in Russia a long time ago and I won that by a second round knockout. I actually enjoy fighting away because I don’t have the pressure of fighting in front of my own supporters.”
Navascues country man Kiko Martinez stunned Irish fight fans last month and he says Duddy could be in for a similar shock. “I think Kiko Martinez was lucky because Dunne is a good boxer with a great future. I plan on the same outcome as Martinez but I won’t need luck to do it, I will prove my ability against Duddy.”
Tickets for the “Celtic Tigers” Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on October 20th are priced from €50 and are available from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
For more information about John Duddy go to www.irishropes.com
-JD-
TEAM GRACIE VS TEAM PENN TO BATTLE AT ELITEXC EVENT ON SEPT. 15
Posted on | September 10, 2007 | No Comments
TWO OF MMA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL FIGHT CAMPS
SET TO CLASH IN ELITEXC’s “UPRISING”
ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 15, IN HAWAII
Fighters From Highly Regarded Gracie and Penn Teams To Clash In Two Of The Televised Matches
On EliteXC’s “Uprising” Cage Spectacular From Honolulu Live On SHOWTIME At 10 P.M. ET/PT
HONOLULU (Sept. 10, 2007) – For years, Mixed Martial Arts legends BJ Penn and Cesar Gracie have captained two of the most prolific and respected fight camps in MMA.
Yet, interestingly, a Penn pupil has never fought a Gracie guy. Until now, that is.
On Saturday, Sept. 15, the famous camps — Penn’s is in Hawaii, Gracie’s is in California — will make history when they collide not once, but twice, in EliteXC’s eagerly anticipated “Uprising” mega-MMA cage fight card at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The biggest, most significant MMA event in Hawaii’s history will mark the initial collaboration between EliteXC and Hawaii’s most prominent promoters, ICON Sport and ROTR (Rumble On The Rock). The top fights will be televised on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). The undercard will also be streamed live on ProElite.com following the SHOWTIME telecast.
EliteXC middleweight champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua (murilorua.proelite.com) defends against hard-hitting, exciting ICON Sport titleholder, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (Robbielawler.proelite.com) in a tremendous, pick ‘em main event.
But there will be plenty of interest and intrigue when two of Penn’ and Gracie’s most talented protégés step into the cage to battle each other for pride, bragging rights – and revenge.
BJ defeated two Gracie family members in one year – no small feat — and now the Gracies are sending their top students to the islands to return the favor.
Gracie’s Nick Diaz, one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in MMA, will make his anxiously awaited EliteXC debut and first start in six months when he faces hometown star “Iron” Mike Aina in one of the enthralling Team Gracie vs. Team Penn match-ups. In the other, Gracie’s talented, streaking top-10 welterweight, Jake Shields meets Penn’s Renato “Charuto” Verissimo.
“September 15 will be a historic battle between two of the greatest fight camps in all of MMA,” EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. “It is amazing that these two camps have never gone against each other. To have two battles between these storied fight families in one night is fantastic.”
While the showdowns are highly anticipated, there is no bad blood between the two high end Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu camps, according to Sam Caplan, MMA writer for CBS Sportsline.com.
“It is more of a professional rivalry between the old and the new,” said Caplan, noting that Gracie is about 40 years old and Penn is 28. “They have similar styles, but the main difference is that Gracie is old school and Penn is from the new school.
“It’s going to be a clash of the old school of Jiu-Jitsu and the new school. It’s a different culture, but they respect each other greatly.”
Said Shields: “I think it (Penn vs. Gracie) makes the entire event very exciting. You’ve got Nick and I from Cesar’s and you’ve got those two from Team Penn and they are the two best Jiu-Jitsu schools in the country, so it’s kind of a rivalry. We get along with those guys.
“But it’s a friendly rivalry to go out and show them that we’re better. You always want to make your camp proud. Nick and I want to go out and win and show that our team is the best out there.’’
While Diaz and Aina are trained in the same discipline, they could not be more different. Diaz is a national MMA star, recognized as one of the preeminent fighters in the country. An established fighter returning from a suspension, he took on some of the sport’s biggest names during a three-year stretch (2003-2006).
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Diaz (nickdiaz.proelite.com) will be entering the cage for the first time since an impressive gogoplata submission victory over Takanori Gomi in a Fight of the Year candidate in February 2007 that wound up going into the books as a no contest.
Aina specializes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. He may not be household name in MMA but he has defeated the likes of Rick Screeton, Rosco McClellan, Albert Rios and Kaleo Kwan. Aina has never turned down a fight and wants to brawl.
“This is a huge fight for me,” Aina said. “I know what a victory over a fighter like Diaz would mean to my career and to my team. This is going to be exciting.’’
Shields and Charuto are both trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but they have dissimilar fighting backgrounds. Shields had a strong amateur wrestling background and began training with the Gracie Fight Team in 2001. Charuto, who once coached Penn, is more proficient in Jiu-Jitsu.
In a division that is top-heavy in talent, Shields (jakeshields.proelite.com) is considered one of the best at 170 pounds. Charuto (renatoverissimo.proelite.com), who only fights the best, is a jiu-jitsu black belt expert and still considered one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the world.
“The beauty of this fight and all the fights on ‘Uprising’ is that you just can’t point to one of the fights and go ‘he is going to win,’ ’’ Shaw said. “This is an excellent card from top to bottom and proves that EliteXC places worldwide talent in the forefront of this growing sport.’’
The Golden Girl of MMA, sexy Gina Carano (ginacarano.proelite.com), will face Tonya Evinger (tonyaevinger.proelite.com) and Joey Villasenor (joeyvillesenor.proelite.com) will meet fellow tough guy, Riki Fukuda (rikifukuda.proelite.com), in the other televised bouts.
With the exception of “Ninja”-Lawler, the televised bouts are slated for three, 5-minute rounds.
EliteXC announcer Mauro Ranallo will call the play-by-play with world wrestling star Bill Goldberg and Stephen Quadros, The Fight Professor, serving as color analysts. The executive producer of the telecast will be David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
Immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast, additional undercard fights will be streamed live on the Internet on the premier mixed martial arts social networking and entertainment site, ProElite.com.
For more information on EliteXC, ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series and other MMA-related stories, including bios, videos, photos, stats and more, please visit EliteXC.com.
About Pro Elite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.
PAWEL WOLAK PUTS UNBEATEN STREAK ON THE LINE AGAINST DAN WALLACE
Posted on | September 10, 2007 | No Comments
Unbeaten Polish middleweight prospect Pawel Wolak headlines Friday’s show on Long Island
NEW YORK (September 10, 2007) – Polish power-punching middleweight prospect Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak takes on ”Flawless” Dan Wallace (9-1, 3 KOs) in the 10 round main event for the IBA Americas middleweight championship, headlining a pro boxing show promoted by Frankie “G” Productions and Ring Promotions, Friday night (September 14) at the Huntington Hilton Hotel in Melville, Long Island.
The Polish-born Wolak (16-0, 11 KOs), now fighting out of Brooklyn, is the reigning New York State middleweight champion, as well as a graduate of Berkley College in Manhattan. The immensely popular Wolak’s exciting straight ahead style of attack quickly has made him into one of the hottest young fighters on the East Coast. He is rated No. 11 by both the NABF and NABO.
“Pawel Wolak is New York City’s new rising star,” promoter Bob Duffy said. “He’s one of the hottest boxers around and his following, especially in the Polish community, grows with each fight. His action-packed fights and passionate fans give shows a festival atmosphere.”
Two unbeaten light heavyweights clash In the six-round co-feature – multiple European and Irish amateur champion Alo Kelley (2-0, 1 KO) versus Reggie “Concrete” LaCrete (4-0, 3 KOs), managed by the famed Jackie Kallen (her life story was made into the movie Against the Ropes starring Meg Ryan).
Ireland-native Kelley is an Irish Ropes stablemate of middleweight sensation “Ireland’s” John Duddy. “We think a lot of Alo,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin noted. “We’re moving up the bar faster than we did with Duddy because of Alo’s age (29). I’ve always been confident in Alo’s ability and we’re already putting him in defining fights, starting with LaCrete, who is 4-0 with three knockouts.”
Long Island welterweight Mike Ruiz (3-2, 2 KOs) fights fellow New Yorker Jessie Gomez (1-3) in a six-round bout.
Former Irish National Senior amateur champion Henry “Western Warrior” Coyle (2-1, 1 KO) is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in a four-round bout. Also on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, is local favorite and unbeaten welterweight 2-time New York Golden Gloves champion Nagy Aguilera (1-0, 1 KO), of Newburgh (NY), versus Bronx heavyweight Rubin Bracero (2-5, 1 KO), Shirley (NY) featherweight Kristian “K-Smooth” Vasquez (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Jose Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO), 2007 New York Golden Gloves champion Joseph Llovet, of Bayshore (NY), makes his pro debut against Leon Williams (0-2), Russian light heavyweight Sergie Kravencho (3-0, 3 KOs), trained by Don Turner, faces Brooklyn’s pro debuting Borngod Williams, Long Island super middleweight Issac Holden makes his pro debut against New Jersey’s Rafal Jastrewbski (0-4).
Tickets are on sale and priced at $1,700.00 for a VIP Ringside table that includes a one-hour cocktail party and full course dinner served at ringside (all beverages included), $100.00 (golden ringside), $75.00 (ringside) and $40.00 (general admission. To purchase tickets or for additional information call Academy of Boxing (631.673.3520), Frankie G (631.334.4862), Bob Duffy (516.313.2304) and Music Planet in Brooklyn (718.383.2051). The first bout is slated for 7:30 PM/ET.
-30-
GODFREY BEEFS UP TRAINING TEAM
Posted on | September 8, 2007 | No Comments
“Iceman” Scully & Ross Training in Godfrey’s Corner
PROVIDENCE (September 8, 2007) – Unbeaten NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey, rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council, has been joined in his corner by new head trainer “Iceman” John Scully and strength-and-conditioning coach Ross Enamait, Godfrey’s manager Bret Hallenbeck announced today.
Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs) recently relinquished his NABA, WBC Continental Americas and USNBC titles to concentrate on a major world title shot. He also is rated No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 6 by the World Boxing Association.
Scully is a former world title challenger who trains former 2-time world champion Jose Antonio Rivera, bantamweight title contender Mike Oliver and former world lightweight title challenger Israel “Pito” Cardona, who also is managed by Hallenbeck.
Ross Training (www.rosstraining.com) is owned and operated by Enamait, an innovative athlete and trainer who has designed programs specifically for boxers.
“Scully is one of the hottest young trainers in boxing,” Hallenbeck said. “Not only was he a fighter, he fought for the world title, and has trained a world champion (Rivera). He’s known Matt for years. To become a world champion, Matt needs any edge he can get and there’s no replacement for being in the best physical condition as possible. We believe Ross can get Matt into great shape and together with John, Matt can reach ta the next level, which is a world championship. We’re delighted that they’re on Team Godfrey.”
Godfrey is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.
-MG-
« go back — keep looking »SEARCH OUR BLOGS
SEARCH THE WEB
Subscribe in a reader
US Money Reserve
Bodybuilding fitness software: Gain weight & build muscle fast.
Photographers - Boston, MA
PRO-SEBLOG.COM: EMPOWERING ORDINARY PEOPLE TO PRACTICE LAW ON THEIR OWN BEHALF
CLICK HERE TO ORDER AN AWESOME SELF-HELP LEGAL COURSE
MARKETINGBOSS.INFO: MARKETING TIPS FOR YOUR SITE & BUSINESS
Boxing Live
RING GIRLS
OUR SPONSORS
