Gym to Honor Slain Deputy and Help San Gabriel Valley Youth
Posted on | August 12, 2007 | No Comments
On Saturday August 11 2007, more than 1,000 law enforcement personnel and their families are expected to attend the grand opening of the Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing & Youth Fitness Gym, located at 3557 Lexington Avenue in El Monte CA.
WBC CABOFE middleweight champion, Miguel Espino will join former world champion, Rafael Ruelas, as they show support for the youth of the San Gabriel Valley. Espino, who was born and raised in Southern California stated, “It’s crucial that at risk youth get off the streets and into a positive establishment to help them cope with the everyday struggles and realities that face them on a day to day basis. Boxing gyms have saved the lives of so many kids. It’s truly an honor to be involved with such a positive event.”
Jerry Ortiz was a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in the line of duty on June 24, 2005 by a gang member who was subsequently captured, convicted and sentenced to the death penalty. Deputy Ortiz was an avid boxer, a loving husband and a dedicated father. The gym is a fitting tribute to Deputy Ortiz and combines his love of boxing and his desire to positively impact the youth of his community.
The Board of Directors of the Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing & Youth Fitness Gym Foundation, headed by Jerry’s widow, Chela Ortiz, worked in collaboration with the City of El Monte and the El Monte Police Department to convert what was previously 3,000 square feet of office space into a working gym.
Boxing and fitness programs, as well as recreational activities, at the gym will encourage and motivate youth, ages 8 to 17, to exercise and grow in their personal and physical development and provide the knowledge necessary to make healthy lifestyle choices. Under the guidance of a competent and caring staff, program participants will benefit from lessons about self-esteem, self-confidence, teamwork and respect for others.
Deputy Ortiz grew up in El Monte and his family still resides there. His desire to serve was reflected in his commitment to law enforcement, his church and his community. This gym is a wonderful tribute to a brave man who paid the ultimate price. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. with a full slate of boxing matches beginning at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please call (626) 401-3004.
EUROPEAN BOXING NEWS 8/12/07
Posted on | August 12, 2007 | No Comments
Amin Asikainen and Morrade Hakkar, both former EBU middleweight champions, are in line to fight for the
vacant EU title but when and where isn’t clear yet. Some sources have reported the fight would be on for
Stockholm September 28 but that is incorrect.
Lolenga Mock didn’t just lose a fight for the vacant WBA I/C 168 lb title against Stjepan Bozic, he have
now also been stripped of the Eu title, which is said to be in accordance with the EBU rules.
French fly Brahim Asloum will fight a tuneup in Germany either September 7 in Duesseldorf or September
15 in Rostock. Universum’s big show there will also feature Alesia Graf in a GBU title defence and two WBO
I/C titlefights involving cruiser Aleksander Alekseev and lightheavy Aleksyi Kuziemski.
Arena Box Promotion have now opend it’s new much bigger gym in Hamburg where they already have staged a
few shows.
Michele Di Rocco and Giuseppe Lauri fight for the EU 140 lb title September 21 in Livorno. In the chief
support Luca Tassi and Antonio Di Feto clash for the Italian supermiddle title.
EBU lightheavy champ Thomas Ulrich take on mandatory challenger Yuri Barashian November 24 in Germany with
Universum promoting.
Leonardu Bundu and Vincenzo Fini clash for the IBF Mediterranean title at welter November 24 in Toscolano
Maderno. German-Italian heavy Francesco Pianeta is featured on the undercard.
Norwegian female jr welter Cecilia Braekhus, one of the best in the world in the amateurs, have announced
her retirement after only four fight and sites a lack of motivation.
RONNIE “THE ROTTWEILER” KERNER TO ACCEPT NEW YORK BOXING SMOKER CIRCUIT BELT
Posted on | August 12, 2007 | No Comments
On Thursday August 16th, The Inwood Boxing Academy cordially invites all comers to a benefit for the gym to continue to help the community. Pro Boxer Ronnie “The Rottweiler” Kerner will be accepting the NYBSC (New York Boxing Smoker Circuit) Belt, honoring the New York native for his contributions to the smoker circuit.
The belt will be presented to him by former IBA Cruiserweight Champion Bobby Gunn, who is a former smoker circuit fighter himself. “Since Bobby is also a legend in the smoker circuit,” says Kerner, “he’s the most fit to present me with this belt.
In addition, boxing exhibitions will take place between members of the gym which promise fireworks. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the gym will be conducted by the local councilman. Former Middleweight, Super Middleweight, and Light Heavyweight champion Iran “The Blade” Barkley will also be present, taking pictures and signing autographs as will many other surprise guests.
It’s a positive force,” says Kerner of the gym. “There are a lot of negative influences in the neighborhood. It’s a beautiful community with beautiful people. It just happens to be a tougher area, drugs, drug dealing, just crime in general. We want to take the kids off the street and give them something constructive to put their time to. Who knows, we may find the next superstar in the process.
Admission is free. The event begins at 7PM, with the first bout starting at 7:30 PM. Former pro boxer Marino “El Gato” Ramirez will referee the bouts. Sponsors are Maximumboxing.com, Bust Your Grill Management, Rottweiler Promotions, and The Dominican Bakery. All food and drink sales will benefit the gym.
The gym is located at 651 Academy St New York, NY 10034
RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER BOXING CARD
Posted on | August 11, 2007 | No Comments
RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER
(Lincoln, RI)
August 10, 2007 – “Takin’ It To The River”
CRUISERWEIGHTS
Matt Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO10( 96-94, 96-94, 97-93) Derrick Brown (13-3-3, 11 KOs), New York, NY (Godfrey retains NABF Cruiserweight Title)
Aaron Williams (14-0-1, 10 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WTKO1 (1:15) Jeff Brownfield (9-7, 4 KOs), Omaha, NE
Rich Gingras (3-0, 3 KOs), Claremont, NH WTKO2 (0:39) Derrick Holsinger (3-9-2, 0 KOs), Portsmouth, OH
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Manuel Antonio Lopes (3-0, 1 KO), Brockton, MA WDEC4 (40-34- 40-34, 40-33) Lonnie Brown (0-1), Jacksonville, FL
Marcus Upshaw (7-0, 2 KOs), Jacksonville, FL WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54) Earl Doe (4-1, 2 KOs), Beaufort, SC
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Andrey Nevsky (3-0, 3 KOs), Worcester, MA via Russia WTKO2 (1:16) Rakeen Carter (0-0-3), Albany, NY
Promoter: Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc
Matchmaker: Chris Middendorf
-CES-
SHAUN GEORGE WIPES THE FLOOR WITH CHARLESTON
Posted on | August 11, 2007 | No Comments
Shaun George Thrashes Matthew Charleston
By Knockout Publicity
The light heavyweight division’s most avoided fighter took another step towards becoming a world title contender with a four round drubbing of Matthew Charleston at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho.
George, now 15-2 (7 KO), was in control of the fight from the opening bell, displaying a varied assault that was nearly impossible to defend against. George worked the body religiously, weakening Charleston and setting up violent fireworks upstairs.
The fourth round was a withering stanza for Charleston, whose figure came under heavy fire that degenerated into an inferno. Wisely, Charleston opted not to come out for the fifth round, much to reason’s delight.
“I was able to establish my jab and worked the body,” says George, a Brooklyn native who now trains out of North Jersey, “which is exactly what I wanted to do. Any shot you could think of, I was tagging him with it. I took the fight on 2 weeks notice, which is why I was a little rusty. He was trying to survive from the second round on until he retired.”
Sam DiTusa at ringside wrote, “Charleston did little in the way of offense because George was so quick to counter any offense he tried to mount.”
The victor made sure to recognize his chief second. “I give a lot of credit to Tommy Brooks. He’s one of the greatest trainers in the world.”
Shaun George feels that, besides an easy payday, he also picked up a wealth of experience. “I was working on a lot of different things. I was working on concentrating on the body, finishing off my opponent, and picking up the pace as the rounds went on. It showed me that I can do anything I want to do in the ring.”
Looking forward, George hopes to draw the top fighters at light heavyweight into the ring with him. “I want to fight a top ten guy. All of these guys are ducking and dodging me. Glen Johnson is ignoring me. We’re going to look to the next guy. By next year, I want to be fighting for a world title.”
In addition to being victorious, Shaun also entertained fight fans in his first appearance on the West Coast. “They were very supportive,” says George of the fans. “I’m glad that I got to bring an exciting fight to the Idaho fans.”
Lightning makes more noise than thunder, and George promises to bring both in abundance. “I’m not being silent anymore. I’m putting everybody on the spot. I’m not giving the division any more excuses to ignore me.”
CONTROVERSY CONNECTS ALL SPORTS: THE ROCKY MARCIANO MYTH EXPOSED
Posted on | August 11, 2007 | 3 Comments
What would professional sports be without controversy? Barry Bonds passing Henry Aaron’s home-run record put some of the issues that other sports face in the news. It reminded me, in some ways, of when Aaron passed Babe Ruth’s record. Sports fans often seem to be upset when there are records shattered, myths exposed, or issues of “cheating” are raised.
On another sports forum, I noted how my baseball-playing Grandfather had known Ty Cobb in the deadball era, and how upset Cobb would be to find that any baseball player actually cheated. Only two people responded: one said I obviously disliked Bonds, while the other said that as a boxing fan, I had no right to point fingers.
Does boxing have any controversies that compete with baseball’s? I think we can hold our own. Let’s start with Larry Holmes, one of the best heavyweight champions in boxing’s history. Larry found it was difficult to follow Muhammad Ali, who had gone from being one of the most controversial athletes ever, to a beloved figure at the end of his career.
Larry, who had been an Ali sparring partner, and who was convinced he could have taken Ali , won the title in 1978 in a war against Ken Norton. He defended against tough contenders, such as Mike Weaver, Ernie Shavers, and Trevor Berbick, but did not get the respect he believed that he deserved.
In 1982, in his 12th defense, he fought undefeated powerhouse Gerry Cooney. This was a super fight, that attracted the attention of all sports fans. To a large extent, the fans were divided on roughly racial lines. Larry knocked Gerry out in 13 rounds in a war, but he was still not given his due.
After Cooney, Holmes began defending against guys like Tex Cobb, Scott Frank, and Marvis Frazier. His fans recognized that Larry had cleaned out the division. His detractors were convinced he was padding his record against weak opposition.
In 1985, Holmes defended against Michael Spinks. The defense against the light heavyweight champion was Larry’s chance to tie the great Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record. But Michael won a close decision. Afterward, when a reporter asked Holmes about Marciano, Larry said that Rocky “couldn’t have carried (his) jock strap.” It was a comment that did not endear Holmes to
the public.
Marciano is one of boxing’s legendary figures. However, his undefeated record is part myth. The Ring Record Book shows that he turned pro on 3-17-47. He knocked Lee Epperson out in 3 rounds, earning $50.
His next fight, according to the RRB, was his 7-12-48 first round knockout. What had Rocky Marciano done in the 16 months between these fights? He boxed!
On 4-15-47, a frustrated Rocky fouled Henry Lester, who was pulling ahead in the second round. Rocky was disqualified. Rocky’s brother told author Everett Skehan that after the fight, Rocky said, “Sure, I kicked the guy. What was I gonna do, let him beat me? It was the only way I could stop him from coming after me.” (Rocky Marciano: Biography of a First Son; Skehan; page 50)
Marciano then fought in an AAU tournement. He won two fights, but injured his hands. In his next fight, he lost a 3-round decision to Joey De Angelis. He was paid $55 for that fight.
On March 1, 1948, Coley Wallace decisioned Rocky in 3 rounds. Marciano was paid $100. After that, he was decisioned by Bob Girard in 3 rounds.
After that, Rocky signed with Armand “Al” Weill. The rest is history. Do the four loses from after Rocky had turned professional make him any less of a great warrior? No. We should judge him by his prime. Any comparison between Marciano and Holmes should be considered only in the context of each champion at their very best.
Larry Holmes continued to be a controversial figure inside and outside the ring. He told journalists that he had solid evidence that another champion was using steroids, but the reporters didn’t want to know at the time.
Today, of course, we know about “Evan Fields,” and James Toney has twice been found to have used steroids before fights.
Controversy is a part of professional sports. It is important for fans to keep in mind that even the greatest athletes have the same human frailties as each and every one of us. While we should be aware of their mistakes and their defeats, we should measure their true greatness by how well they did in their primes. In that case, men like Rocky Marciano and Larry Holmes rank among boxing’s greatest champions.
WITTER VS. HARRIS WILL BE SOMETHING TO BEHOLD
Posted on | August 10, 2007 | No Comments
Promoter Mick Hennessy sees Junior Witter’s WBC light-welterweight title defence against Vivian Harris as tougher than Ricky Hatton’s last fight.
The Yorkshire boxer faces Guyana’s New York-based former world champion at the The Dome at Doncaster Lakeside on Friday, September 7 in a show to be screened live on Sky Sports.
Harris will not be daunted about facing Witter on his own turf after travelling to Germany twice to beat Oktay Urkal in defence of his WBA version of the world title in 2004.
Hennessy believes Witter’s task against Harris is more difficult than the one Manchester’s unbeaten Hatton faced when he stopped Mexican Jose Luis Castillo in four rounds in America in June.
“I think what Ricky did by going out to Las Vegas and stopping Castillo the way he did was brilliant, but I feel Junior has got a tougher opponent in front of him on September 7th,” said Hennessy.
“Harris is a far harder opponent than Castillo who wasn’t I believe a proven fighter at light-welterweight like Harris is, who is a former world champion in this division and big at the weight.
“Harris is a dangerous opponent and this is a chance for Junior to really make a name for himself in a competitive world title fight.
“This could be an explosive fight and if Junior wins – which I’m confident he will do in style – then the public will be demanding a fight between Witter and Hatton like never before, what ever the outcome of Ricky against Floyd Mayweather.
“Since losing his WBA title in a shock defeat to Carlos Maussa, Harris has won three on the trot and is back to his best.
“He has beat some good men like Juan Lazcano and former world champion Stevie Johnston, who he stopped in seven.
“When Harris is on top of his game, which he has been in recent fights, he is a real threat.
“He has lost just twice in 31 fights and made three defences of the world title so he is well experienced at this level.”
Witter, who is trained by the Ingle family in Sheffield and is originally from Bradford, does not expect Harris to be anxious about facing the champion in his home town of Doncaster in front of a large crowd.
“He’s been abroad and done it before so I don’t think he will be too bothered about coming over here to fight me,” said former British, Commonwealth and European champion Witter.
“I’m going to be in great shape for this because I’ve had some extra time to prepare after the fight date was put back a couple times.
“He’s got a lot of skills, has come back from defeat and in America he might even be seen as the favourite, so this is a competitive fight. I’ve just got to do a job that I know I can and will do to move on to bigger things.”
MESI SCRATCHED FROM AUGUST CARD
Posted on | August 10, 2007 | No Comments
Mesi off Aug. 18 Utah PPV show
Jeremy Williams-Gary Gomez upgraded to PPV fight
Tua-Montana & Greenberg-Reed headline Pinnacle FiteNite
SALT LAKE CITY (August 10, 2007) – Unbeaten heavyweight “Baby” Joe Mesi has pulled out of his August 18 fight against Sherman “Tank” Williams due to a back injury he suffered this week in training camp. The eight-round cruiserweight battle between former WBO heavyweight title challenger Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams (41-5-1, 35 KOs) and Salt Lake City favorite Gary “Pit Bill” Gomez (18-8-1, 7 KOs) has been upgraded to a pay-per-view fight.
Mesi’s advisor/father, Jack, reported that Joe’s back injury prevents him from training properly. Joe has been prescribed rest and continued therapy treatment and he will be able to beginning training properly within two or three weeks.
“I am very sorry I have to miss this opportunity in Utah on Pay-Per-View with Sherman ‘Tank’ Williams,” Joe said. “But as all professional boxers know a big part of our sport is overcoming the set-backs.”
Former WBO heavyweight title challenger Jeremy Williams (41-5-1, 35 KOs) has returned to the ring one division lighter than he fought in his first 47 pro bouts, coming back after 3 ½ years of inactivity, although he was a mixed-martial-arts fighter and coach on The Contender reality television series during this period. An exciting fighter and much decorated amateur boxer who has knocked out 35 of his 41 victims as a pro, he has defeated Attila Levin, David Bostice, Jesse Ferguson, and Danell Nicholson. The diverse Williams faces Gomez (18-8-1, 7 KOs), who has held the Global Union and WBC Cruiserweight Americas cruiserweight championships, as well as holding the distinction of never having been stopped.
“We’re excited about showcasing Jeremy Williams’ comeback fight on our pay-per-view show,” Pinnacle FiteNite executive producer Ritch Danner commented. “His fight against Gomez should be an entertaining, action match.”
“Pinnacle FiteNite” is a pro boxing pay-per-view series emanating for a wide variety of venues. The Aug. 18th edition at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah, promoted by C.A.M. Boxing, Inc. in association with Sports and Entertainment Media, Inc. and Gotham Boxing.
Samoan strongman David “Tuaman” Tua, ranked No. 12 by the WBC, takes on Mexican heavyweight champion Saul “La Cobra” Montana in the 10-round main event. Tua (47-3-1, 40 KOs), former world title challenger, has put 40 opponents to sleep including current WBC title-holder Oleg Maskaev and former world champions John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman and Michael Moorer. Montana (48-14, 42 KOs) has an even higher KO ratio than Tua, but the former world title challenger “Tuaman” has never been counted out.
Russian-born heavyweight sensation Roman Greenberg (25-0, 17 KOs), the No. 11 rated European heavyweight who was raised in Israel and fights out of England, faces former WBO heavyweight title challenger “Dangerous” Damon Reed (43-11, 30 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
Undefeated New York City middleweight prospect Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (13-0, 11 KOs) is scheduled to fight in the opening PPV bout.
Also scheduled to fight on the Aug. 18th undercard is pound-for-pound the toughest lawyer in the world, Las Vegas high-profile defense attorney Marc “The Defender” Saggese (2-0, 2 KOs). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
The Aug. 18th Pinnacle FiteNite event will be produced by 21 Lakes and distributed by Integrated Sports. The 3-hour, four-bout minimum Pinnacle FiteNite show will be available live on Aug. 18 at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT on both cable and satellite PPV via iN Demand, DirecTV and TVN, as well as live in Canada via satellite PPV on Bell Expressvue, for a suggested retail price of $24.95.
Tickets, priced at $35.00, $50.00 and $75.00, are on sale and available at www.smithstix.com, South Towne Exposition Center box office, and local outlets. For additional information go to www.pinnaclefitenite.com. Doors open 5:00 PM/MT, first bout 6:00 PM/MT, first PPV bout 7:00 PM/MT.
-PFN-
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