Wladimir Klitschko, the recognized top heavyweight in boxing has surprised me by his recent decision to attempt to avenge his loss to Lamon Brewster. Klitschko has signed up to defend his IBF championship against him on July seventh in Germany.
The then WBO Heavyweight Champion was knocked out by Brewster in April 2004 in a five round thriller. Klitschko has since won his last six fights with four coming by knockout, including his IBF title victory over Chris Byrd April 22, 2006.
After defeating Klitschko, Brewster needed a split decision win over the unheralded Kali Meehan. To his credit, he was able to score three knockdowns in a 52-second assault of formidable challenger Andrew Golota. After defeating Golota, Brewster once again showed his inconsistency. He required a come-from-behind knockout to beat mid-level heavyweight Luan Krasniqi.
On April 1, 2006, Brewster faced another unheralded opponent in Serguei Lyakhovich. Lyakhovich came off a 1 ½ year layoff as well as the canvas in the seventh round to beat Brewster to the punch for most of the night to earn a unanimous decision in one of the best heavyweight fights in recent history. Lyakhovich, the WBO Champion, made Brewster a victim of so many punches his retina was severely damaged, and he has not fought since.
This is why it is surprising the “number one heavyweight” is choosing to fight a man who is not only coming off a 15 month layoff but a damaging loss in his last fight. This fight can be compared to Nikolay Valuev’s October seventh fight against Monte Barrett, who received a title shot coming off a 14-month layoff and a loss in his last fight to Hasim Rahman. The only difference was Valuev was not knocked out by Barrett in the past and was not seeking “revenge.”
While revenge is nice, unification is better, especially for the present state of the heavyweight division. Klitschko said he wanted to fight former WBA Champion Nikolay Valuev, but he was defeated by undefeated southpaw Ruslan Chagaev. Chagaev has had 11 of his last 12 fights in Germany, including his victories over John Ruiz and Nikolay Valuev. A Klitschko/Chagaev fight would not only be a unification fight but a huge success in Germany—the same country where a majority of Klitschko’s fights have been. HBO would most definitely pick the fight up as they have aired his last four fights, including his two round domination of “mandatory challenger,” better known as sloppy journeyman heavyweight Ray Austin.
If he could not get a fight with Chagaev, WBO Champion Shannon Briggs {who knocked out Lyakhovich in November} is a strong option if he successfully defends his title June second against Sultan Ibragimov, as is expected. Briggs (a Brooklyn, New York native) was slated to face Wladimir Klitschko in November at Madison Square Garden, but Briggs was suddenly removed from the opponent slot and Calvin Brock took his place. Klitschko was confronted by Briggs at the post fight press conference but had little to offer as to why they didn’t go forward with the fight.
A Klitschko vs. Briggs match as well as a Klitschko vs. Chagaev bout are much bigger and better options than a lackluster Lamon Brewster. Although you can’t blame him for his last fight against Ray Austin since he was a mandatory challenger, Klitschko must fight only the biggest names and attempt to unify his title if he wants to remain the number one heavyweight. If he continues to talk about unification and elect to fight guys coming off 15-month layoffs, his time as the recognized top heavyweight may be very short lived.
Marrone and Farrell Risk Perfect Records In Telecast Opener;
Friday, April 20, 2007, at 11 p.m. ET/PT, from Bally’s Atlantic City on SHOWTIME
NEW YORK (April 17, 2007) – Mike Marrone (17-0, 13 KOs) will face Malachy Farrell (15-0, 12 KOs) in an eight-round battle of unbeaten, hard-hitting heavyweights on Friday, April 20, on “ShoBox: The Next Generation” live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from Bally’s Atlantic City .
In the main event that evening, the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) top two contenders in the junior welterweight division, Kendall Holt (21-1, 12 KOs) and Mike Arnaoutis (17-1-1, nine KOs), clash in a WBO 140-pound title elimination bout. The 12-round fight is one of the most significant fights for both contenders and arguably the most meaningful and compelling match-up in the six-year history of “ShoBox.”
“I am always ready to step up and take a big fight,” Marrone, of Vero Beach , Fla. , said. “This is a great opportunity to fight on national television and prove to the world that I have what it takes to be a champion.”
If dedication was a true measure of a boxer’s ability, Marrone already would be a world champion. Considered by many to be “a gym rat,” Marrone has been a near-permanent fixture at the renowned House of Champions gym in Vero Beach , Fla. , since 1994.
Back then, he was an eager, nine-year-old begging the legendary Lou Duva for a chance to help prepare former world champs Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield and Vernon Forrest for their bouts.
Now, the same Hall of Fame manager that Marrone had to plead with just to help count punches during sparring sessions is preparing him for the most important fight of his life.
“This is the kind of kid that a manager falls in love with,” Duva said. “I am thrilled that we are going to fight Farrell on ‘ShoBox.’ Farrell is fighting a good, tough kid.”
That type of sponsorship means a lot coming from the respected and revered Duva, who has large plans for his young protégé.
“Mike is a star on the rise,” Duva said. “He is still just 21 and hasn’t matured yet. Mike has what it takes to become a champion, and he is looking to prove it on April 20.”
According to Duva, Marrone’s heart and determination are second to none. The six-foot-three-inch boxer spends countless hours each day training, swimming and lifting weights.
UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHTS COLLIDE ON “SHOBOX” – April 20, 2007“When you see the movie, ‘Rocky,’ watch how he gets treated, and how it feels to be champion of the world, it is pretty inspirational,” Marrone said who goes by the nickname ‘The Italian Stallion’. “That has always been a driving force for me.”While Marrone gets his inspiration from watching movies and old boxing footage, Farrell’s drive to succeed has a much different, more personal root.
“I dedicate my entire career to my little brother, who passed away from cancer,” Farrell, 27, of Chicago , said. “He is my inspiration. He used to lead me out to the ring with the Irish flag. He loved it. It got him up and gave him something to look forward to.
“My brother is one of the main reasons that I am still able to do this. I have based my life around that kid, his philosophy and his perseverance.”
Though Farrell and Marrone have faced decent opposition, they both realize this will be their most dangerous assignment to date.
“Farrell is going to be a tough opponent so we’ll see how I attack him,” Marrone said. “My style depends on how the other person comes at me, what they do to me. That is how I determine which way I am going to move and what I am going to do.”
Said the six-foot-four-inch Farrell: “If Marrone has Lou Duva behind him, then I am sure he is a smart, intelligent fighter who knows how to use his height. I think it will be a good fight.”
Like Marrone, Farrell is also a diligent worker between fights. He, too, understands the need to put in time and hard work if he is to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
“I spar with an array of different-type fighters,” Farrell said. “The amateur kids give me different looks, and they are a lot faster than the pros. Young energized guys in the ring always help.”
Marrone, on the other hand, even spends his free time in the gym.
“My job is perfect,” said Marrone, who works with younger fighters in the gym. “It keeps me in a boxing atmosphere the whole time.”
For Marrone, a self-proclaimed boxing historian, watching old tapes and growing up at the House of Champions has shaped him as a boxer and a competitor.
“I would watch guys like Holyfield and Whitaker and I try to take from their personalities the characteristics that helped make them champions,” Marrone said. “Getting to work with these guys as a child and interact with them, then to actually see them fight on TV was an amazing experience for me. It really drives me to succeed.”
Spoken like a true Gym Rat.
UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHTS COLLIDE ON “SHOBOX” – April 20, 2007Tickets are priced at $75 and $50, and are available at the Bally’s box office or Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or Bally’s Park Place at (609) 340-2000.Blow-by-blow announcer Nick Charles will call the action from ringside with expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood at his side. The executive producer of “ShoBox” is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.
For information on “ShoBox: The New Generation” and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.About ShoBox: The New GenerationSince its inception in July 2001, the critically-acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, “ShoBox: The New Generation” has featured young talent matched tough. The “ShoBox” philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz (interim) and Robert Guerrero.
Steele Cage launches with Fireworks in the Cage July 7 in Las Vegas
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Las Vegas, Nevada – April 17, 2007 – Hall of Fame Boxing Referee Richard Steele, who recently retired as arguably boxing’s greatest referee, will now move from the ring to the cage with the launch of his new Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotional venture, Steele Cage Promotions, LLC (www.steelecage.com).
Steele Cage will look to sign young and exciting fighters and build its own champions through the newly formed sanctioning body, International Fighting Organization (IFO). Steele has formed the venture with Las Vegas businessmen Steve Oshins and Ed Swindle. Steele Cage’s first event, Fireworks in the Cage, will be held at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 7, 2007, and will feature 10 exciting fights. Steele Cage has signed some of MMA’s biggest names for their first show, including Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman (13-7-1) and David “The Crow” Loiseau (14-7). Tickets can be purchased online at www.orleansarena.com or by calling the Orleans Arena at 702-284-7777 or 888-234-2334. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $175.00.
The Beastman, with a wrestling and Muay Thai background, is no stranger to MMA fans around the world as he has fought against some of the best in the business including Rich Franklin, Vitor Belfort, Travis Lutter and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson whom Eastman beat back in 2000. His last fight came in February with a rematch loss to Jackson in Las Vegas. The Beastman will be fighting at 185lbs for the IFO’s Middleweight Championship Belt against an opponent who will be announced at a later date. Although he made his name as a Light Heavyweight, he looks to prove the doubters wrong that question whether he can maintain the strength at his new weight. The Crow is also a household name in MMA circles and is recognized for his Tae Kwon Do and devastating elbow strikes. He has had victories over well known fighters such as Evan Tanner, Charles McCarthy and Gideon Ray, and even his losses have been to well-known fighters such as Rich Franklin to whom The Crow lost by decision in a five round battle for the UFC middleweight title in 2006. He will fight Chilo Gonzalez (9-7) from Colorado at 185lbs.In the semi-main event and fighting for the IFO’s Featherweight 145lb title, is Brandon Shelton (14-1). Shelton hails from Oklahoma and like many from this state, he made his mark in wrestling as a 5X freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling High School All-American with an amazing overall record of 197-3. He has a unique ability to score traditional wrestling takedowns or execute spectacular throws which can be attributed to his black belt in judo. Shelton will fight against tough Canadian Stephane Vigneault (9-4). Vigneault is a former Canadian Super Lightweight Champion and is ranked amongst the top 5 Canadians in his weight class. This will be Vigneault’s U.S. debut as he hopes to build a following in the states.
Another Oklahoman ready to blast off at “Fireworks in the Cage” is Zac “Red Devil” George (11-1) at 155lbs. Like Shelton, he is a strong wrestler and has been trained in Jujitsu and Kickboxing where he holds various titles. He was the Oklahoma State USA Boxing Champion and already holds two professional MMA titles. Look for George to be a future IFO Champion, however he will first have to get by veteran Canadian Thierry Quenneville (10-5). Country and team pride will definitely be at stake as Quenneville and Vigneault, both Canadians representing TRISTAR Gym, go up against Shelton and George from the U.S. and both fighting for C3Fights in Oklahoma.
Another fighter looking to steal the spotlight on this incredible card is one more Oklahoman, Joey Gorzynski (5-0). Although his opponent is still in the works, he has signed a multi-fight deal with Steele Cage and looks to be a future champion in the 170lb division. The card will also feature the following Las Vegas talent: Lee Gibson (9-2), Chris Kennedy (3-2), Kelly Gray (1-0) and Jake Chavez and David Graham, fighting each other in their pro debut.
“Steele Cage is looking to put on the most exciting and competitive fights in MMA with each fight evenly matched”, stated Steele. Steele also added, “Not only do we have some of the biggest names in MMA with “The Crow” and “The Beastman” in our first show, but you will see some great young talent that we are looking to develop that will become future IFO Champions”.
Also, Steele Cage will soon be announcing a major TV deal that will allow MMA fans around the country to see the show from the comfort of their home. Stay tuned for details.
PROELITE.COM AND MMAMIX.COM UNITE TO CREATE THE LARGEST MMA COMMUNITY SITE WITH THE MOST INTERACTIVE TOOLS AND LIVE FIGHTS FOR MMA FANS
Integration of MMAMix.com User Features and Video Content Elevates ProElite.com’s Position as the Leading Destination for Mixed Martial Arts Fans, Fighters and
Promoters Around the World
(LOS ANGELES) April 17, 2007 – In a move to strengthen its online presence and offerings to the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community, ProElite, Inc. [PELE.PK], a leader in the MMA arena and dedicated to producing world-class, professional MMA events and MMA community tools, today announced that MMAMix.com will be integrated into its premier online division, ProElite.com. The deal will merge these two companies to bring the best MMA content, live fights, and user features on the Internet into one destination for all things MMA.
Through ProElite.com, MMAMix.com users will seamlessly continue enjoying top-quality social networking and content. Additionally, users will have direct access to ProElite.com’s live streaming fights and their more expansive MMA community of fans, fighters and promoters. ProElite.com has built a comprehensive and inclusive online community for MMA, regardless of the league, fighter organization or fan loyalty.
“MMAMix.com, through its leadership in founder Jeremy Gocke, and ProElite.com share a common vision in providing MMA fans the best possible content and online features to grow this burgeoning sport,” said ProElite.com President Kelly Perdew. “By unifying MMAmix under the ProElite.com, brand it creates a single online social network for mixed martial arts on the web.”
Streaming live video is just one of many valuable features found on ProElite.com. On March 31 MMA fans logged on to ProElite.com to view ICON Sport’s live broadcast of Robbie Lawler scoring a vicious knockout over champion Frank Trigg in the fourth round of the middleweight title bout. Also included in the free broadcast were undercard fights with Mayhem Miller, Renato “Charuto” Verissimo, and Jeremy Williams. ProElite.com will be streaming live MMA events on a regular basis, including the next one on April 21st, featuring a transatlantic doubleheader, including Cage Rage 21 from the UK and the first No Limits MMA event out of Orange County, Calif.
“ProElite.com applies the most advanced Internet technologies to create an environment that is the gold standard for the MMA industry,” said Jeremy Gocke, MMAMix.com founder. “MMAMix.com members will find their experience enhanced ten fold with the convergence of these two MMA destinations. Kelly Perdew and his team have created a comprehensive platform to deliver compelling MMA content in a truly interactive environment.”
ProElite, Inc.and MMAmix.com are headquartered in Los Angeles.
ProElite, Inc. is an entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class sporting events and empowering the participation of athletes and enthusiasts. ProElite, Inc. fosters the growth of the core principles of competition – Pride, Spirit, Honor and Sportsmanship. ProElite, Inc. owns the following brands and companies: EliteXCTM (mixed martial arts live event production), ProElite.comTM (online community that provides content and tools for martial arts enthusiasts), and LifeLoggerTM (top-rated Internet blogging site and mobile application developer).
Nikolay Valuev, the towering 7-foot, 325 lbs heavyweight, has become the latest victim of the “Marciano Curse,” losing both his WBA title and undefeated record in an upset to Ruslan Chagaev on Saturday.Marciano’s record was finalized when he retired as the undefeated heavyweight champion in 1956, his last fight being a ninth round TKO over Archie Moore. In the 50 years since Marciano’s retirement, many heavyweights have come close but have fallen short.
Here we will look at some of the heavyweight champions that followed Marciano and how close they came to the magic number of 49. Please note, I will only be reviewing boxers that came after Marciano and were undefeated when they won the title, or at least a portion of it.
Muhammad Ali
How He Got There – Ali, the brash, young Louisville fighter won the title in his twentieth bout, a seventh round TKO over Sonny Listion. After an exile from boxing and vacancy of the title for refusing induction into the Army, Ali returned in 1970 and received a shot at the current champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Ali was 31-0 entering that bout.
Where The Streak Ended – “The Fight” was Frazier’s night as he waded through Ali’s combinations, firing his famous left hook to the head and body. Ali was badly staggered in the eleventh round and dropped in the fifteenth, losing a unanimous decision.
Smokin’ Joe Frazier
How He Got There – Frazier, the rough Philadelphia slugger, became a household name during Ali’s exile, winning universal recognition as heavyweight champion with a vicious knockout of Jimmy Ellis in his twenty-fifth bout. Two successful defenses after his defeat of Ali, Frazier traveled to Kingston Jamaica to face George Foreman. Frazier was 29-0 going into that bout.
Where The Streak Ended – Frazier was the favorite going it but in less than two rounds, Foreman had taken his title, knocking him to the canvas six times before the bout was halted.
George Foreman
How He Got There – Big George emerged on the scene with the KO of Frazier, his thirty-eighth bout. His sullen demeanor and devastating power had people genuinely fearing for Muhammad Ali when they were set to clash in Zaire. Going into “The Rumble in the Jungle”, Foreman was 40-0.
Where The Streak Ended – Foreman came in to destroy Ali, just as he did to the others before him. Ali, employing a “rope-a-dope” technique let Foreman punch himself out in the oppressive heat before stopping him in the eighth round.
Larry Holmes
How He Got There – Holmes emerged at the tail end of the 70’s, the great decade for heavyweight boxing. He won the title with a back-and-forth thrilling split decision over Ken Norton in his twenty-eighth bout. He defeated some good challengers and some over-hyped challengers before running his record to 48-0.
Where The Streak Ended – It looked like Holmes would be the one to tie the streak when light heavyweight champion Michael Spinks was selected as the challenger. Spinks’ awkward style caused Holmes fits and the title changed hands on a very close and controversial decision.
Michael Spinks
How He Got There – Spinks was the recognized light heavyweight champion who shocked the world in his twenty-eighth fight, winning the title and ending Holmes’ chance to tie Marciano. Due to chronic knee problems, Spinks did not fight often.
Where The Streak Ended – With a record of 31-0 and his title stripped, Spinks stepped in against the undisputed champion, Mike Tyson. After 91 seconds, Spinks was knocked out and would not box again.
Mike Tyson
How He Got There – Tyson emerged on the scene, a protégé of Cus D’Amato, and ran roughshod over everybody in his path. He won the title in his twenty-eighth fight and looked invincible in his title defenses.
Where The Streak Ended – With a perfect 37-0 record, Tyson looked untouchable and a matchup with Evander Holyfield was on the horizon. All Tyson had to do was dispatch a 42-1 underdog named James “Buster” Douglas. Apparently Douglas didn’t read his copy of the script, taking the fight to a lethargic Tyson before knocking him out in the tenth round.
Evander Holyfield
How He Got There – After unifying the cruiserweight title, Holyfield bulked up to heavyweight in hopes for a match-up with Tyson. Holyfield went on to dispatch Tyson-conqueror Douglas in three rounds in his twenty-fifth bout. Although he struggled in his defenses against Foreman, Holmes, and Bert Cooper, he was clamoring for a bout with Tyson, up until Tyson landed in prison on rape charges.
Where The Streak Ended – Despite disadvantages in youth and size, Holyfield was favored over the upstart challenger Riddick Bowe. Bowe fought the perfect fight, wearing Holyfield down and winning a unanimous decision. Holyfield was 28-0 going in.
Riddick Bowe
How He Got There – Immensely talented, with speed, power, and charisma, Bowe looked like a champion who could reign for a while. Unfortunately, he was saddled with a lazy streak and immaturity that would annoy his legendary trainer Eddie Futch. Bowe won the title from Holyfield in his thirty-second bout and made two successful and easy defenses.
Where The Streak Ended – Bowe was 34-0 going into this rematch with Holyfield. Bowe also came into this bout 11 lbs heavier than the first bout and sporting a soft midriff. While this bout is remembered for the “Fan Man” incident, it was really a story of an under-prepared champion who was out-hustled and outfought on his way to losing a majority decision.
Michael Moorer
How He Got There – Moorer was a mysterious fighter, often reclusive. A vicious knockout-artist as light heavyweight, Moorer was a complacent heavyweight, often needing memorial between-rounds pep talks from his trainer Teddy Atlas. With a record of 34-0, Moorer came off the canvas and won the title with a decision over Evander Holyfield, who had injured his shoulder and seemed sluggish throughout.
Where The Streak Ended – At 35-0, Moorer was given the opportunity to select his first challenger. He chose the former champion and (now) lovable George Foreman. For nine and a half rounds, it looked to be a wise choice. Moorer outboxed the slower challenger, hitting him at will with combinations. Moorer became too brave and, ignoring his corner’s pleas, stood in Foreman’s danger zone where two powerful right hands laid him out and ended his reign. Foreman took the title and fulfilled his dream of recapturing the heavyweight crown after coming out of a retirement of ten years.
Lennox Lewis
How He Got There – Lewis was a proposed opponent for Riddick Bowe. The bout made sense since Lewis defeated Bowe in the Olympics and there was bad blood between them. Bowe decided to ditch the WBC portion of his title instead of facing Lewis. The title was then won by Lewis, in his twenty-second fight, by second round KO over Razor Ruddock.
Where The Streak Ended – Lewis made several defenses before facing mandatory challenger, Oliver McCall. McCall was best known for being Mike Tyson’s sparring partner and for his odd ring antics, which included crying on his way to the ring. Lewis, who was 25-0 going in, walked into one of the “Atomic Bull’s” bombs and crashed hard. Lewis arose unsteady, prompting a hasty stoppage.
Nikolay Valuev
How He Got There – Valuev made the most of his size, overpowering smaller opponents, and his surroundings, receiving questionable wins over Larry Donald, Gerald Nobles, and John Ruiz (for the WBA championship) in Germany. When Valuev dethroned Ruiz, he was 42-0.
Where The Streak Ended – Valuev had upped his record to 46-0 and started talking about vanquishing Marciano’s record. A proposed unification with Wladimir Klitschko would have most likely ended Valuev’s reign but Ruslan Chagaev was able to get there first. He took advantage of Valuev’s lack of speed, neutralizing an 11″ height and 90 lbs. weight differential by moving in and out and countering Valuev’s ponderous punches on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
With the number of titles out there today and corruption of the sanctioning bodies, it is inevitable that Marciano’s record will someday fall. But it won’t be by Valuev and it won’t be for a while.
While attending Legends of Fighting on April 13, I had the opportunity to speak with Paul Bradley. Bradley is the current 185 lb. Amateur Belt holder with the LFC. Bradley is a great athlete looking to make his dream of becoming a great MMA fighter a reality.
MM: Paul, great fight tonight. Congratulations on winning the 185 lb. title.
PB: Hey thanks!
MM: When did you start fighting in MMA?
PB: I started training in Iowa at Miletich’s camp in March of 2006.
MM: Cool, I have some good friends that train out there with those guys. It was a great opportunity for you to train out there with them.
PB: Yes it was. I am currently training at Damage Incorporated in Indianapolis.
MM: Who is the owner of Damage Incorporated?
PB: Scott McCorkle, he is also the promoter of the LFC.
MM: Where did you attend high school at?
PB: I went to South Tama High School in Tama, Iowa.
MM: I guess you were a wrestler in high school?
PB: Yes I was. I went on to wrestle in college at Iowa. I was a 2 time All-American at Iowa.
MM: Do you remember what your record was in college?
PB: I think I was like 77-33.
MM: What are trying to improve on right now?
PB: Stand up! I want to stand with these guys and bang. I want to make the fights interesting for the fans. Tonight I was ready to stand with the guy. I did not get the chance, the guy charged me and I went back to what I know best.
MM: After winning tonight, what is your record?
PB: I am 3-0 right now.
MM: What are your plans for the future?
PB: I want to get big! Fight in some organizations that are big like the UFC. I also want to fight some of the guys that I wrestled against in college that are fighting in MMA now. There are a few that are on the top of my list.
MM: Sounds like a little bad blood?
PB: Little, just want to get some revenge from my wrestling days.
MM: What do you see yourself doing when you get done fighting?
PB: Well I want to be a head wrestling coach somewhere. I am currently the Assistant Head Wrestling Coach at Indiana University in Bloomington.
MM: Thanks for taking time to speak with me. I really appreciate it. You have anything else that you want your fans to know about you that we have not covered?
Retired Boxers Foundation Partners with
Brian Viloria to Help the Poor
The Retired Boxers Foundation is proud to announce a partnership with Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria and his family, establishing “The Brian Viloria Champs for Youth Fund” under the umbrella of the Retired Boxers Foundation. Brian Viloria is a light flyweight world champion with a record of 19-1-0-1 with 12 knockouts.
The Viloria Family has always wanted to do something for the less fortunate, especially in the Philippines where Brian lived at one time. Ben Viloria, his wife and Brian met with the Retired Boxers Foundation to talk about their desire to do something in the impoverished areas of the North Philippines, and Alex Ramos, the founder and President of the Retired Boxers Foundation offered to help them launch their efforts. The Retired Boxers Foundation received donated, brand new clothing, from two major retailers and presented the Viloria’s with over 20 full boxes which were shipped to the Philippines by the Viloria’s. The clothing was distributed to those in need, who were overcome with joy at the generosity of Brian Viloria and his family, as well as the Retired Boxers Foundation.
One of the goals of the Viloria’s is to help young boxers who have talent, but no money to pursue their dreams. Ben has been in the Philippines and recently wrote to the RBF:
“I have three scholars, living under my roof now and the burden is mine to carry. I don’t know how you guys can help me but I made a commitment to the parents that I will shoulder the expenses until I can ,,,,, they are good kids and they touched my soul. 2 of them are 18 years old and the other one is only 12 years old. They can not go to school because they can not afford it. My plan is to send them to school by this semester… one of them has a background in amateur boxing nationally here in the Philippines becoming a gold medalist but he can not go to school because his parents cannot afford it. It was a heaven for this kids to see me there… they live in the gym which I created…this is there new home. They sleep here. Dine with me; just like my new family …really it was my joy to see them here with a lot of promises someday somehow.”
Anyone interested in helping the Viloria’s with the expenses necessary to care for these three boys can contact the Retired Boxers Foundation. “We share the interest with the Viloria’s about helping young fighters because that is the foundation of the sport of boxing, the amateurs. We are proud to be a part of this endeavor to help the less fortunate and partner with Brian Viloria Champs for Youth Fund,” said Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos, Founder and President of the Retired Boxers Foundation. Brian Viloria fights on the under card of the Pacquaio vs. Solis fight in San Antonio, Texas, on the 14th of April. For more information on the Retired Boxers Foundation, visit our site at www.retiredboxers.org .
Retired Boxers Foundation Medical Advisory Board Member, Beth Adams, M.Ed LRC, Neurotrauma Rehabilitation Specialist, does study on retired boxers in nursing homes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 9, 2007
[Simi Valley, CA] The Retired Boxers Foundation is looking for information from family members of retired boxers residing in nursing homes, to assist RBF Medical Advisory Board Member, Beth Adams, M.Ed LRC, Neurotrauma Rehabilitation Specialist who is conducting a study. Beth is looking for information on former boxers who may be currently residing in a nursing home due to Pugilistic Dementia, Alzheimer’s or some form of neurological difficulty. If you are a spouse, parent, sibling, relative, significant other, or in some way connected to a former boxer with these conditions, Beth would like to hear from you.
Please contact her directly at: Beth A. Adams M.Ed LRC, Neurotrauma Rehabilitation Specialist, 978-741-0100or emailwearyourhelmet@aol.com. You can also visit her website at www.concussionrehab.com. For more information on the Retired Boxers Foundation, visit our website at www.retiredboxers.org. The mission of the Retired Boxers Foundation is to assist retired professional boxers in the transition from their glorious days in the ring, to a dignified retirement. It was founded by Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos, former 4 Time New York Golden Gloves Champion and 1984 USBA Middleweight Champion.
For more information, please contact Alex Ramos at (805) 955-9761, or email rbfalex@gmail.com .
DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S GARY “KID” STARK, JR. HEADLINES NEXT EDITION OF BROADWAY BOXING PRESENTED BY STUBHUB ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MAY 2, AT THE GRAND BALLROOM AT MANHATTAN CENTER
***Brentwood’s James “Buddy” McGirt, Jr. and New York ’s James Moore Also on Card***
New York, April 11- Staten Island’s Gary “Kid” Stark, Jr. (18-1, 8 KO’s) will take center stage in the main event vs. Miami’s Andres Ledesma (13-5, 8 KO’s) on Wednesday night, May 2, when DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing Presented by StubHub returns to the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York City.
The highly anticipated undercard features DiBella Entertainment rising star James “Buddy” McGirt, Jr. (14-0, 8 KO’s) and Irish standout James Moore(10-0, 8 KO’s).
Fighting out of Staten Island , Stark has a stellar ring record of 18-1, including 8 wins by way of knockout. Stark’s one career loss was a highly controversial decision coming in his last outing on February 16th. In a USBA Super Bantamweight championship that had high energy and fast-paced action from start to finish in which both boxers fought valiantly, “Kid” lost the most controversial decision of the year to champion Mike Oliver at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami , Oklahoma . Prior to the loss, Stark reeled off an impressive 18 consecutive victories.
The evening will also be highlighted by an appearance by DiBella Entertainment’s undefeated super middleweight James “Buddy” McGirt, Jr. (14-0, 8 KO’s) as he takes on Brad Austin (8-1, 5 KO’s). McGirt, the flashy southpaw and rising star, comes into the bout undefeated with six of his last eight victories coming by way of TKO. Most recently, he defeated Anthony Little with an impressive fourth round TKO on the February 17th installment ofHBO’s Boxing After Dark.
James Moore, a native of Ireland , now fighting out of New York will also be in action at the Grand Ballroom. The undefeated Moore disposed of eight of his ten previous opponents with the knockout. In his last match, Moore defeated Edson Aguirre with a stellar third round TKO in Franklin Square, NY .
Local standout Jorge Teron (15-0-1, 9 KO’s) of the Bronx will also appear on the card in an eight round junior welterweight bout.
Broadway Boxing Presented by StubHub will air on a later date in high definition exclusively on HDNet and in over 30 million homes on SportsNet New York in the New York Metropolitan Area, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Southeast, Comcast SportsNet West andComcast Local – Detroit. Broadway Boxing is sponsored by StubHub, HBO Sports, and Gallagher’s Steak House.
The excitement of Broadway Boxing’s fights and the electricity of the crowds at the Manhattan Center have drawn the likes of celebrities and athletes such as Jay Z, Hilary Swank, Rosario Dawson, Fat Joe, Camron, Lennox Lewis, Jermain Taylor, Ricky Hatton, Tiki Barber and Tracy McGrady to name a few.
Tickets priced at $150, $100, $80, $60, and $40 are available by calling DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577.
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