MESI AND TUA HEADLINE PINNACLE FITENITE CARD

Posted on | August 1, 2007 | No Comments

C.A.M. BOXING, Inc.

PINNACLE FITENITE

David Tua vs. Saul Montana

Joe Mesi vs. Sherman Williams

Roman Greenberg vs. Damon Reed

South Towne Exposition Center ? Sandy, UT ? Sat., Aug. 18, 2007 – PPV

“Baby Joe” Mesi battles “The Tank” on way towards 2008 world title shot

Tua-Montana, Mesi-Williams & Greenberg-Reed headline Pinnacle FiteNite

Williams vs. Gomez – Live PPV Show Aug. 18

SALT LAKE CITY (August 1, 2007) – Former WBC top contender and unbeaten heavyweight “Baby” Joe Mesi takes another step towards his goal of a world title shot on August 18 against veteran Sherman “The Tank” Williams in the 10-round co-main event on the “Pinnacle FiteNite” pay-per-view show at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah.

The other 10-round co-main event on “Pinnacle FiteNite,” the pro boxing pay-per-view series emanating for a wide variety of venues, promoted by C.A.M. Boxing, Inc. in association with Sports and Entertainment Media, Inc. and Gotham Boxing, pits Samoan knockout specialist David “Tuaman” Tua, ranked No. 12 by the WBC, against Mexican heavyweight champion Saul “La Cobra” Montana.

Russian-born unbeaten heavyweight prospect Roman Greenberg, the No. 11 rated European heavyweight who was raised in Israel and lives in England, faces former WBO heavyweight title challenger “Dangerous” Damon Reed in a 10-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.

Mesi (35-0, 28 KOs), known as Buffalo’s third sports franchise, has defeated former world
champion Vassiliy Jirov and past world heavyweight title contenders DaVarryl Williamson
and Monte Barrett. Injuries suffered against Jirov, however, led to Mesi’s license being

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2 – Joe Mesi

pulled and two years of inactivity before he was medically cleared to fight again. “Baby Joe” has won all six of his “comeback” fights, three by knockout, but he’s up against his toughest foe since Jirov in Williams.

“Every fight is now the most important with all of the controversy surrounding me and I’m sure a lot of people will be watching to see I’m the fighter I used to be,” Mesi said. “I’m done with my so-called tune-ups and people will be sitting on the edges of their seats to see if I’m better or worse against Sherman Williams, who is extremely durable and my next step up. I had two years off doing nothing. That’s a long time. I’m getting in shape and my timing’s coming back, finally feeling like the fighter I was. In my last fight (April 14, WKO1 vs, Ron Johnson), I outclassed my opponent, but, physically I felt good. I’ll be in good shape for Sherman Williams to show people I’m the fighter I was.

“The goal has always been to win the world heavyweight championship. I was inactive and dropped out of the ratings. Now, I’m taking steps and the next is to be rated in the top 10, taken seriously like before and, hopefully, I’ll get a title shot in 2008. I’ve always defended the heavyweight division. It’s not easy to win in, lacking only a superstar like Tyson, the old Holyfield or Holmes. There’s no one star that’s a dominating force. I’m not the best boxer in the world, but I have a little more to offer than some others in that generate fans, excitement, money, and I am an American.”

Williams (33-10-2, 19 KOs), the reigning NBA heavyweight title-holder from The Bahamas, has won his last eight fights dating back two years (8-0, 4 KOs). “The Tank” has defeated former world champion Alfred “Ice” Cole, fought a draw with world heavyweight title challenger Jameel McCline, and took present WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev the full distance in Germany.

“I’m takin’ it to Mesi,” Williams warned. “I have a picture of Joe Mesi in my mind and he looks like Josh Gutcher did when I fought him (devastating 1st round KO). I’m going to make it short and sweet so any critics won’t have too much to write about other than Tank Williams KO’s Joe Mesi in a great fight. They (Team Mesi) made the offer and I took it for the opportunity value. I’m going to take him out. With Mesi’s size, unless he’s changed, he won’t run.

“When I knock him out, the last thing I want to hear is that Mesi was damaged goods. I’m a Christian; I don’t want to hurt anybody and I pray for both fighters. Similar things (health issues) were said about Evander Holyfield and he’s looked great in his last two fights. We’re going to have a great fight on August 18 and I’m going to knockout Joe Mesi.”

Tua (47-3-1, 40 KOs), who went the distance against undisputed heavyweight champion
Lennox Lewis in 2000, has stopped 40 of his 47 victims including current WBC champion
Oleg Maskaev as well as former world title-holders John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman and

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3 – Joe Mesi

Michael Moorer. Montana (48-14, 42 KOs) has been tested by the iron such as world champions James Toney, Virgil Hill, and Jirov.

Former WBO heavyweight title challenger Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams (41-5-1, 35 KOs), coming back one division lighter as a cruiserweight after being inactive the past 2 ½ years, largely due to his involvement as a coach on The Contender reality television series and as a mixed martial arts fighter, tangles with Salt Lake City favorite Gary “Pit Bill” Gomez (18-8-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Also scheduled to fight on the Aug. 18th undercard is undefeated New York City middleweight prospect Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (13-0, 11 KOs) and 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

Roxanne Modafferi Interview

Posted on | July 31, 2007 | No Comments

Interview with Roxanne Modafferi

By Michael Fountain
MICHAEL’S MYSPACE PAGE

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite MMA fighters, Roxanne Modafferi. Roxanne is one the top up and coming females in MMA today.

Roxanne is currently living and training in Japan. Along with teaching English to the Japanese people and training in MMA, Roxanne finds time to work on writing a fantasy novel. Roxanne is living a life most of us only dream of. I am even more of a fan of Roxanne’s and Female MMA after doing this interview.

ROXANNE’S WEB-SITE

ROXANNE’S MYSPACE PAGE

1. What path led you to professional mixed martial arts?

I first started karate at a young age because I thought it was cool. As I went from that to Judo, I became serious in my quest for strength- mental, physical, and spiritual. I see fighting as a test and a challenge to all aspects of one’s being, more than a blood-and-guts war. I was lead to MMA in particular by my Judo friends who were into the UFC and encouraged by those I trained with. Without their support, and continued support from fans and training partners alike, I couldn’t have made it this far. Now that I’m a professional, I have the chance to train with the best and truly improve myself in all aspects.

2. Are there any extra hurdles being a female in pro MMA or is it basically the same struggle for both genders?

A big hurdle is that some men, mostly those who don’t train, don’t want to see women fight because either they think its going be a cat-fight with no technique, or they don’t want to see us get our pretty faces all bloody. Female MMA is being supported more and more recently, now that people see we have actual skills. BODOG FIGHT broadcasts female fights on national TV; there are all women’s cards such as HookNShoot and Fatal Femmes Fighting.

3. What brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?

Gaining personal courage and strength from MMA has changed my life for the better, enabling me to face any of life’s problems. Many times when I’ve had horrible days, I think to myself, “This is nothing like that one training session I had where my knee felt like fire, I thought I was going to puke and not be able to walk home…”
Getting respect from my teammates for working hard means a lot to me. I never thought I could leave my mark on the world, but now it seems I am pioneering a women’s role in a growing sport.

4. Who are some of the people who have influenced you?

Kirik Jenness, my old coach who runs New England Submission Fighting in Massachusetts, supports me like a father, and always believes in me. Shohei “Dio” Uesugi, a teammate from a previous Muay Thai Gym “Sityodtong” in Boston, also influenced me by pushing me as far as I could go. He trained me in boxing for a while. We only stopped our sessions when I physically couldn’t throw another punch. That definitely toughened me up mentally. Striker and Shooto fighter Kenji Osawa is currently a big inspiration to me, with his boundless energy and love of fighting.

5. What are your other interests outside of mixed martial arts?

I love my English teaching job, but as far as fun goes, I love watching anime, reading Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” fantasy series, and writing. I love the Japanese culture and try to go to festivals when they come around.

6. who’s someone in particular you’ve always admired in the sport and why?

I’ve always admired Matt Serra because of his grappling skill, but recently, I look up to the pros at Wajitsu Keishukai. I also admire Megumi Fuji. I would love to see her do a grappling tournament with men close to her weight, and see how long it takes her to submit all of them.

7. What is one of your most memorable fights?

I’d say I had memorable moments in various fights rather than entire fights themselves. For example the moment Marloes Coenen (K-Grace, 5/27/07) shoved me into the cage wall and nearly lifted me off my feet in the process. I had time to think, “Holy crap, strong!” I remember a good deal of my second Jennifer Howe fight. I had her arm in a kimura and a wrist lock at the same time from a top position but she wouldn’t tap. I couldn’t believe it.

8. What would you say to young fighters looking to make a career in mixed martial arts?

Good luck. Try out all kinds of aspects of the sport and cross train. People generally have a favorite, such as liking striking or grappling better, but you have to be willing to train hard, and train everything in order to make it in the MMA world. I advise not giving up on the “real” world, either. If you just become a pro-fighter, you’ll probably have no money. If you get hurt, your career might be over in an instant. Go to college, learn a trade, and train at the same time.

9. Do you usually have a game plan, at least for the first moments of the match?

I have a general game plan, but I get into trouble when I set my mind to do something. I try and adapt to what my opponent throws at me, so to speak.

10. What’s it like to fight over seas?

There’s really not that much difference basically, besides being more exciting that you’re taking a trip and having all expenses paid.

11. What’s it like when you get in the ring or cage and the Ref say’s FIGHT?

My mind is already in fight mode, and I’m thinking about how fast I can get to my opponent.

12. Where is Pro MMA headed?

It’s an exciting sport. I think it’s being embraced world-wide. Soon there will be tons of opportunities and more money for fighters.

13. Will Pro MMA take the spotlight away from Boxing? Or is there room for both sports in the hearts of fight fans?

I think there is room for both sports, but just the fact that MMA is new, it’s kind of stealing the spotlight at the moment. Or maybe that’s because I don’t give a fig about boxing.

14. What’s next for Females in Pro MMA?

BODOG is giving females a lot of chances to become famous and get money. BODOG is also showcasing their lives and their effort, which I commend heartily. Fatal Femmes Fighting and other organizations are also making headlines, which is educating the previously resistant spectators, possibly making fans out of them. Smack Girl is also taking a hint and making acceptations to its 30 second ground rule.

IF I don’t ask the next couple of questions I will never be able to live with myself.

15 There are so many fighters out there today in so many weight classes it’s hard for the fans to say who is the best female or male fighter. What do you think? Who do you think is the Best female? And Male? And why?

I think Megumi Fuji is the best female MMA fighter. She’s not in my weight division so I’m not concerned about fighting her, but someday I hope to. Right now, I have my sites set on Amanda Buckner, Laura D’August and Tara LaRosa. To my delight, there are also other upcoming women fighters who are tough, so there’ll be no shortage of opponents in my 135 division. As for best male, gosh, I have no idea.

16. Who would you like to fight next?
Amanda Buckner, Laura D’August and Tara LaRosa, Shayna Baszler, Julie Kendzie, wow a lot.

17. What’s next for you?
I’m fighting one of the above in BODOG soon.

18. With Female fighters in the spotlight recently (Fight girls, Bodogfight) Do you think that UFC and the New Pride when it starts up, will begin to include female fighters in there shows?

Dana White said he’s not a fan of women’s MMA, but I’m thinking maybe if he thinks it’ll sell, he’ll consider it. I always wanted to fight in the UFC. It’s been my dream for the longest time. Now, so many opportunities elsewhere are popping up, I’m not sure how good of a dream it is anymore.

19. I am a big Fan of Gina Carano, Jan Finney, Amanda Buckner, Shayna Baszler and Tara LaRosa just to name a few. Do you think there will ever be an Organization that will be big enough and have the insight to put all the best pro female fighters together?

BODOG is doing a good job of that right now.

ROXANNE VIDEOS:

Roxanne Modafferi

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THAXTON: AMIR ‘KHAN’ GET ME IN THE RING FOR FREE

Posted on | July 31, 2007 | No Comments

– Thaxton makes public offer to Team Khan
– GoldenPalace.com to cover Thaxton purse
– Thaxton released by Hennessy Sports & Sky Sports for potential contest on October 6th

London, England — July 31, 2007 – Jon Thaxton believes he has found a novel way to cut through boxing politics and secure a marquee showdown against Olympic Silver Medalist Amir Khan.

With the assistance of his promoter Hennessy Sports, the British Lightweight champion has secured backing from Internet Casino giant GoldenPalace.com that would allow him to fight his Commonwealth counterpart without the need for a purse from the event promoter.

The Norwich hero hopes the offer will tempt team Khan to accept an old school, double title showdown for their next fight, currently scheduled for October 6th at the Nottingham Arena.

“Amir’s promoter doesn’t have to pay me a single penny,” said Thaxton. “GoldenPalace.com will put up my purse, with no strings attached.

‘Mick Hennessy wants to make the big fights, so he is more than happy for me to appear on somebody else’s show as long as I am getting treated fairly.

“My broadcaster Sky Sports has been very supportive as well. They have shown their commitment to boxing once again by agreeing to me appearing on another broadcaster’s event if this fight happens. I am sure ITV want to show Khan in the best possible fights for their viewers.

“Both Khan and I have titles so there is no need for anyone to talk about options, so all round this is the perfect solution.

‘Unless Khan doesn’t want it, there is absolutely no reason this fight cannot happen. I’m ready for that date but I need to know if they are up for it now, I don’t want anyone springing an offer on me with two weeks to go.

“I have earned the right to call myself the best lightweight in Britain. If he wants to take it off me, he won’t get a better chance.

“Now he is Commonwealth champion he needs to step up to the plate rather than going back to easier fights. He has been talking about being a world champion by the time he’s 21. Surely if he’s on schedule for that then he should be prepared to step in with the current British champion?

“I have been reading headlines that he is keen to fight me. Well here I am. Look no further, I’m here, ready to go.

“I believe he has shown a lot of disrespect to me and other fighters in Britain by saying we have to fight him before its too late. How can he say that when challenges are put in front of him, and then he doesn’t take them up? It’s beyond belief.

“I’m just saying it how it is. We all saw Willie Limond show that he can be vulnerable.”

Limond was not known as a puncher but was well in the fight and knocked Amir down in the sixth.

“Amir did well to get up and stop Limond two rounds later, but if I got the chance to hit him, he would stay hit and not get up.”

GoldenPalace.com is renowned for their highly valued support of boxing. They have got behind the careers of ring legend Bernard Hopkins, WBC Light Welter Champ Junior Witter and stand out talent Carl Froch, the fast rising WBC #1 and British super middleweight king.

This proposal is the most recent extension of their long term support for Hennessy Sports.

“After following the career of Thaxton and Khan, we decided to intervene and attempt to hurry up the process for what we all feel would be a spectacular bout between two champions,” said Richard Rowe, CEO of Goldenpalace.com.

Hennessy Sports head Mick Hennessy is equally as keen to see the showdown.

“Politics and money can prevent big fights from happening in Britain, but we are willing to take those out of the equation to try and make Jon Thaxton versus Amir Khan happen on October 6,” he said.

More information:
http://www.GoldenPalace.com

Home

EUROPEAN BOXING NEWS 7/31/07

Posted on | July 31, 2007 | 1 Comment

Ex-WBA heavy champ Bruce Seldon is out as opponent for Mikael Lindblad September 15 in Karlstad but he has been replaced by another aging ex-champ: “Merciless” Ray Mercer. Mercer vs Lindblad is under the special Swedish rules scheduled for four. Meanwhile Manny Masson, fresh from the Arena camp in Hamburg, is working with another heavy; Aldo Colliander in Karlstad. Aldo could be fighting Robert Daniels on the show. The promoters, Pugnus Boxing Promotion, writes in a press release that this is the biggest show in Sweden since Jimmy Ellis controversially beat Floyd Patterson back in 1968 – and financially it probably is. Former amateur star Tarik Charafi will make his prodebut on the show. Charafi will campaign at lightweight.

The purse bids for Vladimir Virchis´ mandatory defence of the EBU heavyweight title against Nikolai Valuev that had a deadline for today at noon have been postponed until August 2. News on Valuev´s comeback is expected within the next 24 hours.

Female fly queen Regina Halmich had six millions watching her latest titledefence on ZDF Saturday night. Halmich´s career is a perfect example of what marketing and outside of the ring activities can do for a fighter.

Spanish fly veterans Jose A Lopez Bueno and Lahcene Zemmouri square off for the vacant EU title October 20 in Tarragona.

Cuban cruiser Yoan Pablo Hernandez, promoted by Sauerland Event, will battle American Lawrence Chapman on the Abraham vs Gevor show August 18 in Berlin. Hernandez got a very easy win last time when he took out Norwegian Thomas Hansvoll in the first round.

French fly Brahim Asloum, currently training in Las Vegas, will return to action in September but will have to do it outside of France as AMI Production couldn´t find a suitable venue for their planned show. Asloum will now fight on the undercard to a major show in either Japan or Germany.

Chinese female fly Zhang Xi Yan won her first title July 25 in Ascona (Switzerland) with a unanimous decision over German Pia Mazelanik. Zhang will next go for the WBA superfly crown against Korean Kim Ha Na in October at home in China during the WBA convention. She is trained by Nicolas Riffard in Valence, France, and promoted by World Sporting Promotion.

Israeli heavyweight hopeful Roman Greenberg face American veteran Damon Reed on the Mesi vs Williams show August 18 in Sandy, Utah.

Namibian lightweight Paulus Moses will be the opponent for WBA I/C champ Andrey Kudryatsev August 21 on Union Box Team´s show in Donetsk.

EBU middle champ Sebastian Sylvester is now at # 3 in the IBF ratings but it´s not likely he will go for that title held by Arthur Abraham as they are both promoted by Sauerland Event. Instead Sebastian is gunning for a showdown with WBA ruler Felix Sturm.

Lot of action in Italy: on July 30 in Castel Volturno Gaetano Nespro won the vacant national title at 160 with a unanimous decision after ten over Luciano Lombardi. July 31 in San Genesio saw Giacobbe Fragomeni win the vacant EU cruiser crown with an exciting win over Vincenzo Rossitto. The fight was close enough for a draw but the judges apparently awarded Fragomeni´s steady agression. On the undercard jr middle Michele Piccirillo outscored Sylvain Touzlet over six while jr welter Gianluca Branco struggled against Pole Arek Malek but came out a clear winner in another six rounder

DUDDY GETTING CLOSER TO CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER

Posted on | July 31, 2007 | No Comments

Duddy continues mission

NEW YORK CITY (July 30, 2007) – Prodigal son John Duddy triumphantly returned to the Emerald Isle for his first pro fight there, stopping Alessio Furlan (19-9-5) in the 10th round of their July 14th bout, picked-up a few stitches in the process, and showed improvement working with his new head trainer, Don Turner.

Derry City, Northern Ireland-native Duddy (21-0, 16 KO’s), now fighting out of Queens (NY), also continued his mission to become only the third Irish-born middleweight to capture a major world title at 160 pounds, joining “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey (real name John Kelly) and Stevie “Celtic Warrior” Collins. Dempsey, who was from County Kildare but also fought out of New York City, was the world middleweight champion from 1884 to 1891. Dublin’s Collins won the WBO 160-pound title in 1994 and them moved up to super middleweight.

Duddy, who fought many times as an amateur in Ireland, always wanted to fight there as a pro. It became a reality on July 14 and the experience couldn’t have been better for the fighter known in the U.S. as “Ireland’s” John Duddy, but as the “Derry Destroyer” back home.

“It was a great experience for me,” Duddy said from his home in Queens. “The reception I received at home proved to me that, I had made at in America, but I still hadn’t fought in Ireland, and I really wanted their support, too. Everybody was so supportive. I can’t compare fighting at Madison Square Garden and in Ireland. I’m looking forward to hopefully experience more at both places.

“The people in New York City don’t really know me but they’ve watched and supported me. Back home they know me and I was glad to see people who’ve know me since I was a boy – friends, neighbors and teachers. Before they had great respect for me and now the same people are asking for my autograph. I had a ball.”

Turner has trained 19 world champions including Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, Aaron Pryor and Mike McCallum. He and Duddy only had four weeks working together for the fight against Furlan.

“There were a lot of circumstances leading up to my last fight,” Duddy explained. “I had changed coaches and the added pressure of fighting in Ireland for the first time as a pro. There were many factors but nobody left the fight, or after watching on TV, feeling unhappy. I think people saw some slight changes. I made some of the same mistakes but I did show some of the things Turner had been working on with me. I’m capable of learning what Don’s teaching me and everyone will see more improvement. This was just the tip of the iceberg in our partnership. I know what he wants and he believes I’ll learn it. Unfortunately, we only had four weeks working together before this fight. I used my head more, maybe too much at times, thinking about what Don had taught me, instead of just letting go. I look forward to getting back in the gym with Don.”

Duddy, reigning IBA and WBC Continental Americas champion, is now rated in the top 10 of all four major boxing organizations: WBO No. 6, WBA No. 9, IBF and WBC No. 10. He will soon briefly go back home to attend his best friend James Moore’s wedding, then return to New York and head back to training camp in the Pocono Mountains with Turner.

The cut he suffered above his left high forced the shifting of his next scheduled fight from August 26 to probably October 6 in Belfast. “When and who I fight are out of my hands,” Duddy remarked. “That’s left to my promoter (Irish Ropes) and manager (McLoughlin Brothers). I just keep fit. Dates and opponents often change in boxing and, at the end of the day; I’ve got to be ready to fight. I’m looking forward to my next fight.

“Circumstances, health wise, have changed the scheduled date. Cuts are part and parcel with the game. Cuts come with the job. I was actually cut three times in the last fight; all by head butts, but cutting isn’t a problem for me. The fight before that, I had a small nick (against Dupre Strickland), and I came out of the fight against (Anthony) Bonsante without any cuts. I have ‘Big George’ (Mitchell) in my corner and he does a fantastic job. After the fourth round there was no mention of my cuts, just the fight.”

The MSG premiere airing of Duddy-Furlan is scheduled for August 11 at 8:00 PM/ET.

For more information about John Duddy or Irish Ropes Promotions go on line to www.irishropes.com.

NIGHT OF FUTURE CHAMPIONS CARD PROVIDES EXCITEMENT

Posted on | July 30, 2007 | No Comments

BY: Patrick McElligott

On Friday, July 27, there was a “Night of Future Champions” fight card in Saratoga Springs, NY. The seven-fight event, promoted by Pugnacious Promotions, was featured on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. It was the type of
quality boxing that can help bring the sport of boxing back to the upstate-and central New York area.

The first two matches featured young fighters from Ireland. In the opening bout, Alo Kelly (178 lb) defeated tough Rafel Jastrezbski (175 lb) in an exciting 4-rounder. Kelly, who recently moved from Ireland to Middle
Village, NY, found himself on the canvas in the first round of his pro debut. Jastrezbski, of Toms River, NJ, was looking to counter punch as the young Kelly came straight in on him. He was able to catch Kelly late in the
first, but the knockdown served as a wake-up call for Kelly. From then on, the young Irishman began to find range with his jab, and he carried the next three rounds in convincing fashion.

In the second match, Dublin’s Paul Hyland (121 lb) improved to 9-0 (4 KOs) with a convincing 4 round decision over Art Parker, (121 lb) of Lancaster, PA. Though Hyland had superior skills, he seemed too intent on scoring a
knockout, and forgot to jab much after the first round. More, he had a habit of bobbing under Parker’s increasingly wide punches, but not firing back.

Still, Hyland displayed a lot of talent, and has a bright future.

The third fight featured Albany, NY prospect Chris Horn (186 lb) versus Jonah Cogar (181 lb) of Lost Creek, WV. Horn, a former amateur stand-out who took some time off before turning pro, was looking to improve his record to 3-0. In the first round, he showed perhaps the best jab of any fighter on the card. He began to put his punches together in the second round, and Cogar didn’t have any answers. However, the burly southpaw was game, and in attempting to wrestle his superior opponent, he caused an unintentional
butt. Though Horn reacted calmly to the rough-house tactics, the butt opened a deep gash on Cogar, and the fight was ruled a “no contest.”

Horn is the type of young fighter who will help Pugnacious Promotions fill seats in places like the Saratoga Springs City Center, and in up-coming cards in Tioga Downs in September. I had the opportunity to speak with him after the fight, and he has the attitude that convinced me that he is worth keeping an eye on. His soon-to-be bride Tara told me that Chris is totally focused on boxing. He assured me he will win three more fights in 2007, and I plan to cover each of them for Fight News Unlimited.

The next fight featured Chazz Witherspoon (230 lb) against journeyman Talmadge Griffis (201 lbs). Witherspoon improved to 19-0 with 13 KOs, by stopping the tough, cagey Griffis in 9 rounds. Witherspoon showed some
improvement in this fight, including being able to put combinations together after his jab. Griffis came to win, however, and he created some problems for his bigger, younger foe.

Chazz, who has transitioned from amateur star to professional prospect, showed patience in taking Griffis apart slowly. He used his speed and ability to put punches together well in order to pull ahead in the early rounds. He would benefit by doubling up on his jab more frequently. Also, he showed a natural talent for rolling with Griffis’s punches, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity to fire back in return.

Still, Witherspoon, of Philadelphia, looked good in winning his biggest fight to date against the 24-7-3 Griffis, who lives in Colorado Springs.

In the main event, Andre Berto (146 lb) of Winterhaven, FL, fought tough journeyman Cosme Rivera (147 lb) of Culican, Mexico. The 10-round bout was expected to showcase the explosive young welterweight against his toughest opponent thus far. Rivera, however, looked absolutely relaxed in his dressing room, and seemed very confident as he made his way to the ring.

Berto seemed in control of the first half of the fight. He was aggressive, and his hand speed is impressive. However, his punches began to be a little wider in the 5th round. He seemed focused on going to the head, and he reacted to Rivera’s feints.

Late in the 6th round, Rivera caught Berto with a beautiful shot coming in. The crowd was shocked to see Andre knocked down – hard – and having difficulty regaining his balance. Luckily for him, the round ended, and his corner borrowed a trick from Angelo Dundee to extend the much-needed rest. Had Berto not had the extended time between rounds, the fight may have ended differently.

Berto fought hard in the 7th, and won the round. However, he was clearly tired in the next two rounds, and Rivera, who was cut badly, won the hearts of the crowd with his bravery. He won the 9th round, and though he was still clearly behind on the score cards, he was looking to stop his younger foe in the last round. But Berto showed why his fans think he may become a champion in the 10th, and the two gave the crowd their money’s worth. Berto won a tough decision.

In the sixth fight, Brandon Mitchem (170 lbs) of Kingston, NY TKOed Dhafir Smith (167 lbs) of Upper Darby, PA. The 26-4 Mitchem got his 5th KO when he caught the slower Smith with one of those punches that you don’t see coming. Smith tried to get up, but fell back down twice, causing the ref to stop the
fight.

In the final bout, undefeated 151 lb prospect Tommy Rainone out-pointed a game but out-classed Jorge Delgado, of Allentown, PA in 4 rounds. Rainone has an 8-0 record, with 2 KOs.

TIM WITHERSPOON AT RINGISDE

CHAZZ WITHERSPOON BETWEEN ROUNDS

ALBANY PROSPECT CHRIS HORN WITH HIS FUTURE WIFE TARA

Category: Blogroll, Boxing, PATRICK MCELLIGOTT, Post fight reports

POVETKIN PLACED IN FOUR MAN TOURNEY TO PRODUCE KLITSCHKO CHALLENGER

Posted on | July 28, 2007 | No Comments

press release from Sauerland Event:

***Povetkin to participate in IBF elimination tournament to face Klitschko***

Alexander Povetkin is just two wins away from challenging world champion Wladimir Klitschko after the IBF has launched an elimination tournament to determine the Ukrainian´s next mandatory challenger.

The 2004 Olympic gold medal winner, unbeaten in 13 professional bouts, joins fourth-ranked Calvin Brock, former champion Chris Byrd (5) and Eddie Chambers (10) in the competition. Povetkin (11) will be in for a meeting with Byrd, while Brock comes face-to-face with Chambers. The two winners will then fight for the right to challenge Klitschko.

“Those are great news,” Povetkin´s co-manager Kalle Sauerland stated. “This is the chance Alexander has been waiting for. We have no doubts he will prevail in this interesting tournament.”

Povetkin (13-0, 9 KOs) comes off a lopsided points victory over American veteran Larry Donald who failed to win a single round in their meeting in Moscow. Sauerland has no doubts there are even better things ahead for the 27-year-old star. “Alexander will be the world champion soon. The Klitschko hunt has officially started. Just two wins and he can´t hide anymore.”

No dates have been confirmed yet, but Sauerland stated he will try “everything possible” to bring the fight to Germany.

Category: Blogroll, Boxing, Fight Previews, press releases

GUNN GIVES BACK TO BARKLEY

Posted on | July 28, 2007 | No Comments

Bobby Gunn to Donate Percentage of Fight Purse!

For Immediate Release

World ranked Cruiserweight Bobby Gunn has announced that he will donate a percentage of his fight purse to former three division world champion Iran “The Blade” Barkley, following his August 25th title fight in Fairfax, Virginia. Gunn, who was the chief sparring partner for Barkley during his camp prior to winning the IBF Super Middleweight Championship from Darrin Van Horn, is happy to be giving back to a long time friend. “Iran Barkley gave the fans a lot of great fights and I learned a lot from sparring with him” said the former IBA Cruiserweight Champion. “He was also a very nice guy and the time spent in camp with him was truly a pleasure and something I will always remember. I feel that the boxing community should give back to him and other fighters in need. My cousin Mike Normile saw Iran at a fight recently and knew he needed help. I felt it was my place to do something about it”.

Gunn also pointed out that not enough current fighters elect to help out legends of the past. “Many of today’s fighters are financially blessed, but you rarely see them giving back to the legends of boxing who could use their financial support. Hopefully what I am doing will open up eyes of other current boxers”.

Category: Blogroll, Boxing, Matt Yanofsky, press releases

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