Lewkowicz Responds to Dubious Panamanian Suspension
Posted on | April 20, 2011 | No Comments
On the surface, the accusations leveled against prominent boxing representative Sampson Lewkowicz seem substantive, but as the true story is told, as set forth below, it is nothing more than the story of a powerless third-world boxing commission being corrupted and influenced by a greedy television executive.
Earlier this week, the Panamanian Boxing Commission publicly declared Lewkowicz “Persona Non Grata” and stated that they “are prohibiting Mr. Lewkowicz (from having) any kind of relation or contact with this commission as well as with any Panamanian boxer since the relation will not be recognized” for a period of one (1) year, for what they say is allegedly threatening the management of WBA Bantamweight Champion Anselmo Moreno that their contract with Moreno would be terminated by the Commission for going against the interests of their represented boxer if they didn’t persuade the fighter to sign a promotional agreement with Golden Boy Promotions by April 5.
These alleged threats are supposedly contained in a letter Lewkowicz sent to Jacques DesChamps which is attached in its entirety herein.
But now that Lewkowicz is coming forward with what really happened, the reality of the circumstances that led to this situation paint a distinctly different picture – one of corrupt political pressure possibly being wielded over a vulnerable boxing commissioner.
The facts are as follows:
· Earlier this year, Lewkowicz travelled to Panama and made a deal with a TV network to do a series of fights there.
· The deal angered a powerful television executive in Panama, who has had a near-monopoly on televised boxing in that country for 36 years, because the deal was not with him.
· This disgruntled television executive fired off a letter to the rival television network and, in it, declared “this means war.”
· This same executive then began a campaign to sully the reputation of Mr. Lewkowicz.
· Because Sampson Lewkowicz has been doing business in boxing honorably for many years and, among other accomplishments, is credited with discovering Manny Pacquiao, and is currently guiding the careers of superstar Sergio Martinez and other fighters like WBA Featherweight Champion Chris John, Lewkowicz, through counsel, wrote a cease and desist letter to the greedy television executive demanding he stop making disparaging remarks about him.
· This executive holds tremendous influence in Panamanian boxing circles and potentially has the political power to have people fired or otherwise punished who cross him.
· The letter from Commission President Alberto Guerra declaring Lewkowicz undesirable was written shortly after Lewkowicz’s lawyer sent the cease and desist letter.
In the letter the commission refers to in their action, it is apparent Lewkowicz is trying to get as much money as possible for the boxer Anselmo Moreno and is extremely frustrated at Moreno’s management, Roberto Grimaldo and his advisor Jacques DesChamps, for failing to respond to the offer form Golden Boy (who Sampson was representing), letting a very lucrative deal for Moreno with Golden Boy Promotions go by.
As you can see from the letter set forth below, which the Panamanian Commission is relying on, there is nothing remotely resembling a threat contained in that letter. Sampson Lewkowicz only expresses concerns that letting a deal this lucrative for their fighter go by is not the right thing to do for Anselmo Moreno.
LETTER THE COMMIISSION IS TRYING TO SANCTION LEWKOWICZ FOR:
Dear Jacques:
Following the e-mail I sent you and Dr. Grimaldo on March 29th we are still without a answer and you have by passed all the deadlines that Golden Boy has given you.
If you want to make any changes regarding names or to add or remove any one Golden Boy Promotions will have no objections to this, however one more time I will tell you crystal clear that under the terms of this agreement Golden Boy Promotions will be the sole holder of the world wide broadcast rights for Anselmo Moreno and those rights are non negotiable in this particular contract.
I know that you are a extremely busy entrepreneur and maybe you don’t have the time to review and concentrate on what for you might be a small and insignificant contract, however for Anselmo Moreno it is very significant for his future and for the future of his family.
Hopefully you have a Plan B that will produce a better opportunity for Anselmo Moreno than the one worth US$1.2 Million Dollars because by Close of Bussiness Tuesday the 5th of April 2011 Golden Boy Promotions will withdraw their offer and then you must face your represented fighter and manager with another proposal that will be acceptable to both and face the consequences that loosing this opportunity will bring.
I have spoken several times with Panama Boxing Commissioner Mr. Alberto Guerra and I shared a few of my thoughts with him and one of those was if there are any laws on their books regarding managers that do not act in the best interest of their represented boxers and what are the consequences of the managers actions, maybe you should share some of your time with Mr. Guerra and find out for your self how managers can be penalized.
With that in mind I recommend that you act accordingly and take the deadline of April 5th 2011 @ 1700hrs. EST.
Best regards.
Sampson Lewkowicz
Mr. Lewkowicz says he understands the pressure being put on President Guerra, whether Guerra can admit it or not, and holds no ill will toward him. His biggest concern is the effect an action like this could have on his business dealings, which have always been handled with integrity and honesty while working with all the biggest names in the sport. Lewkowicz is also concerned when boxers aren’t properly handled by management.
“This suspension is absurd. How can you suspend me for a letter I wrote without asking me to comment about it? What they’re deciding I meant in that letter isn’t true. I work hard every day to get the most for the fighters I deal with. Letting a $1.2 million deal go by without even answering me, is an act of negligence on the part of a fighter’s manager. That was all I was trying to convey: that what they were doing was seriously bad for their fighter’s financial future.
Of course, I will probably not be able to prove what is really afoot here because people are afraid of losing their own jobs. However, I do want the boxing world to know the truth and know that I will continue to conduct my boxing business in the most honorable way and protect the fighters who make the sport of boxing what it is.”
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Wrestling Links (4-20-11)
Posted on | April 20, 2011 | No Comments
| Ex-Olympic gold medalist-turned-pro wrestler Kurt Angle sentenced for reckless … Grand Forks Herald The pro wrestler found apparently intoxicated behind the wheel of his vehicle in the ditch south of Grand Forks last month has been sentenced for reckless driving Tuesday. Kurt Angle, shown in a law enforcement mug shot taken at Grand Forks County … See all stories on this topic »
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| Hart: WWE will always be about wrestling The Sun By ROB McNICHOL WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has admitted he is confused at the company’s decision to distance themselves from the term ‘wrestling‘. Last week WWE chairman Vince McMahon ruled that the group’s name no longer stands for World Wrestling … See all stories on this topic »
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| (WWE) WWE Signs Twenty-Year Old Women’s Wrestler After Second Tryout TWNP-Wrestling News Diva Dirt reports that WWE has signed twenty-year old British women’s wrestler Britani Knight after she had her second tryout yesterday at the SmackDown tapings in London. She had her first tryout match back in November of 2010. … See all stories on this topic »
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| Walizer stepping down as Red Lion High wrestling coach Yorkdispatch.com After 12 years at the helm of the Red Lion High School wrestling program, Walizer said he’s stepping down from the position to spend more time with his family. Red Lion athletic director Arnold Fritzius confirmed the resignation Tuesday, … See all stories on this topic »
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| All-Scholastic: High school Division I wrestling team MassLive.com The 145-pound senior earned his second straight sectional runner-up after a narrow, 5-3 overtime loss to Central’s Rueben Gonzales; finsihed fifth at Division I state championships and at All-States; fourth-year wrestler; first-teamer in football; … See all stories on this topic »
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| Downtown bar owner seeks permit for July wrestling event Press & Sun-Bulletin BINGHAMTON — A Clinton Street bar owner wants a noise permit for an outdoor July wrestling event featuring little people, or those with dwarfism. But Binghamton City Council members said Tom De Haven doesn’t need a permit for the event if the noise is … See all stories on this topic »
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| Ask 411 Wrestling 04.20.11: WWE Video Games, AIDS, and NXT Commentary! 411mania.com Can wrestlers walk on barbed wire? All this and more covered this week on Ask 411 Wrestling! Welcome, one and all, to Ask 411 Wrestling. Of course, I am Ryan Byers, and I am in the third week of a four week stint filling in for your normal host, … See all stories on this topic »
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USA-Russia Freestyle Olympic Style Wrestling Meet To Be Held Outdoors In Times Square On May 5
Posted on | April 20, 2011 | No Comments
“Crossroads of The World” To Serve As Unique Setting For Two of the World’s Athletic Powers As Part of The 2011 “Beat The Streets” Gala
New York, April 20, 2011-“Beat The Streets,” the New York City-based not-for-profit organization that has brought wrestling to thousands of middle and high school students in New York City, along with USA Wrestling and the New York City Department of Education, today announced their most unique event ever, a freestyle wrestling match featuring some of the world’s greatest Olympic-class wrestlers, to be held in Duffy Square in New York’s Times Square on Thursday, May 5.
The freestyle wrestling dual meet between defending team world champion Russia and the United States, will be the featured competition for the 2011 Beat the Streets Gala and Benefit, which will be held following the dual meet at the Hard Rock Café. It is being billed as The Battle on Broadway, with “New York Is Wrestling” as the theme of this year’s event, which traditionally raises several hundred thousand dollars for programs in five boroughs of New York City. The event is free to the public, and will also be streamed live on TheMat.com by USA Wrestling and be shown on the single largest face LED screen in Times Square.
“There is no grander setting than Times Square to feature some of the world’s greatest athletes and to raise awareness for our program, which has given thousands of boys and girls the ability to be more physically fit and learn the life lessons that are essential for success in today’s ever-changing world,” said Mike Novogratz, Beat The Streets Chairman of the Board. “This event, outdoors in Duffy Square, will provide us with a very unique way to expose our program to thousands who may not be aware of our work, so we are very appreciative of all involved from the City and the Times Square Alliance, as well as USA Wrestling, for helping make this happen.”
“We are very proud to be able to help present this very unique event as a way to grow awareness for the sport and all the good work ‘Beat The Streets’ does for kids in New York City,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. “It will be a great setting for some of the world’s greatest athletes to showcase their skills.”
This is the second straight year in which a major Olympic-style competition has been featured as part of the Beat the Streets Gala. In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Over 1,200 donors from over 26 states attended the event.
A card of exhibition matches will be held at 3:00 p.m. in Duffy Square, featuring young athletes who wrestle in the Beat the Streets youth program, as well as high school wrestlers from the Public School Athletic League.
Final lineups for Team USA and the Russian National Team will be announced shortly.
The USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meet will follow at 6:00 p.m. in Duffy Square. Russia is the reigning World Team Champion in freestyle wrestling and is a traditional wrestling rival for the United States. USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meets go back to the 1960’s, and are among the most popular spectator events in wrestling.
The Beat the Streets Reception and Awards Ceremony is set for the Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway in New York City, starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be a live musical performance by country music legend John Rich at the function.
2011 BEAT THE STREETS GALA
New York Is Wrestling
Battle on Broadway
Duffy Square – Times Square at 46th Street in New York, N.Y., May 5
3:00 p.m. – Exhibition Matches – Beat the Streets and PSAL wrestlers
6:00 p.m. – USA vs. Russia freestyle wrestling dual meet
7:30 p.m. – Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway in New York City, with special musical guest John Rich
ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS
The Mission of the Beat the Streets Wrestling Program is to expand and develop wrestling in the New York City Metropolitan area from the youth through the Olympic level. Our dream is to provide opportunities for boys and girls in the activity of wrestling, building lifelong skills. If you share this mission and would like to volunteer to help, please contact info@beat-the-streets.org.
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The Bantamweight Tournament: The Semifinals Revealed – SHOWTIME BOXING
Posted on | April 20, 2011 | No Comments
Before the April 23 BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL
LIVE at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME
Revisit the Emotional Highs and Lows of the Semifinals
…Abner Mares Roaring Back from a Bloody Gash, Knockdown and Point Deduction…
…Vic Darchinyan’s Disheartening Loss and Backstage Drama…
…Plus the Round of the Year Candidate Between Joseph Agbeko and Yonnhy Perez in the Sixth…
Click below to watch SHOWTIME Sports’ revealing look inside the fight camps of
AGBEKO, MARES, DARCHINYAN, and PEREZ
Catch the Replay of the Semifinals
Friday, April 22, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHO Extreme
For more photos and videos from Showtime Championship Boxing
Visit sports.sho.com
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SHEIKA – WILSON II—THE USBA CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON GFL
Posted on | April 20, 2011 | No Comments
PLUS UNDEFEATED JR. WELTERWEIGHT SENSATION RONALD CRUZ AND UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT BRYANT “BYE BYE” JENNINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK / ATLANTIC CITY (April 20, 2011)—This Saturday night from Caesars in Atlantic City, former four time world title challenger Omar Sheika will take on Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson for the USBA Cruiserweight championship that will headline a seven bout that will be streamed live all over the world on www.gfl.tv
The show, promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Russell Peltz and Peltz Boxing will start at 7:30 pm and will be available for a price of $9.99 and can be accessed by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Sheika_vs_Wilson__USBA_cruiserweight_title/1000
On March 26, 2010, Sheika and Wilson waged war in Hamilton, New Jersey when the huge underdog Wilson out worked and boxed beautifully over the first two-plus rounds and what many thought would be an easy victory for Sheika. With his back against the wall Sheika turned things around and hurt Wilson in round four. Being that cagey vet, Sheika seized the opportunity and finished Wilson off in round four.
That bout was streamed LIVE all over the world on www.gfl.tv
Sheika has come up short against the best opposition in the world as he fought for versions of the Super Middleweight title on four occasions only to drop fights to Joe Calzaghe, Eric Lucas, Jeff Lacy and Markus Beyer. Sheika also dropped fights to Roy Jones and Adrian Diocanu.
With a win on Saturday, Sheika will be placed back in line to chase that elusive world title.
Sheika holds wins over former Light Heavyweight champion Glen Johnson and former two-division champion Simon Brown.
Wilson has lived up to his nickname as Philadelphia’s “Ultimate Warrior” as he is willing to fight anyone, anyplace, anytime.
He has fought the likes of Dennis Hasson (6-0); Dyah Davis (12-1); 6’5” Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron (6-0); Julio Cesar Matthews (9-0) and Sheika.
Wilson earned this bout on the strength of his last two bouts when he held Andreas Taylor (16-10 to a draw and his last bout when he shocked highly regarded Aaron Williams (20-2-1) in the seventh round.
Headlining the undercard will be one of the fastest rising Jr. Welterweights in the world in undefeated Ronald Cruz.
Cruz of Bethlehem, PA will take on rugged Manuel Guzman in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Cruz has a perfect mark of 11-0 with eight knockouts has exploded on the scene based on his last two bout as he stopped highly regarded prospect Jeremy Bryan in six rounds and his last bout he took out Dillet Frederick in three.
Guzman of Lancaster, PA will provide a stern test as he has never been stopped in his nineteen fight career which includes battles with Latif Mundy (3-0); former Contender contestant Aaron Torres; undefeated Bayan Jargal (5-0-1); undefeated knockout artist James Stevenson; and former U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali (10-0) with most of those bouts taking place at Welterweight or Jr. Middleweight
Guzman holds a win over then undefeated prospect Tommy Rainone (11-0)
Jennings, of Philadelphia has been tabbed as a Heavyweight to watch in the boxing’s inner circles, has a record of 6-0 with three knockouts and is stepping up the competition to face fellow Philly banger David Williams in a bout scheduled for six rounds.
-NOTE- The first Wilson – Sheika will air for FREE on www.gfl.tv beginning Thursday April 21 at 8pm and run through Saturday April 23
FULL CARD
12 Rounds—USBA Cuiserweight Title—Omar Sheika (30-10, 21 KO’s) vs. Garrett Wilson (9-5-1, 4 KO’s)
8 Rounds- Jr. Welteweights—Ronald Cruz (11-0, 8 KO’s) vs. Manuel Guzman (7-10-2, 3 KO’s)
6 Rounds- Heavyweights—Bryant Jennings (6-0, 3 KO’s) vs. David Williams (6-3-1, 2 KO’s)
4 Rounds- Super Middleweights—Jose Medina (15-20, 11 KO’s) vs. Derrick Webster (6-0, 4 KO’s)
4 Rounds- Jr. Welterweights—Korey Sloane (PD) vs. Edgardo Torres (1-0, 1 KO)
4 Rounds- Super Middleweights—Antowyan Aikens (PD) vs. Willie Mack (PD)
4 Rounds- Welterweights—Dontre King (3-9-2, 1 KO) vs. Keane Davis (1-1)
GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99
***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 850 live events with over 5,000 combat sports videos in 190 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 1.8 million public viewers last year with now over 150 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL combat sports genres currently include Boxing, MMA and Professional Wrestling with plans to add more fight categories in 2011. GFL has expanded its programming to include: Daily News & Radio Shows with feature interviews and industry updates along with great Fight Photos, Fighter Videos and a robust Calendar of Upcoming Fight Events.
If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network
Join us at: www.facebook.com/gofightliveor for press inquiries contact press@gfl.tv
Tags: Auto > back against the wall > Bout > Boxing > champion > combat > cruiserweight championship > cruiserweight title > division champion > draft > easy victory > elusive world > Eric Lucas > fame > Glen Johnson > hamilton new jersey > hasson > heavyweight > Jeff Lacy > Joe Calzaghe > LIGHT > light heavyweight champion > live > Markus Beyer > middleweight > middleweight title > middleweights > nickname > Omar Sheika > Opposition > Peltz Boxing > RELEASE > round > sensation > show > Simon Brown > sports > time > tv events > USBA > victory > welterweight
UFC NEWSLETTER (4-19-11)
Posted on | April 19, 2011 | No Comments
| UFC Heads To Pittsburgh, Marquardt Makes Welterweight Debut Tickets on sale this week for UFC Live, Sunday, June 26 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh – featuring Nate Marquardt vs Anthony Johnson, plus Cheick Kongo vs Pat Barry. UFC Fight Club presale starts Thursday, April 21 at 10am ET Tickets> The Road To UFC 129 Continues Tomorrow Night Brian Bowles Faces Takeya Mizugaki At UFC 132 |
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Tags: amp > Auto > card updates > center > Cheick > Cheick Kongo > Consol > consol energy > debut > draft > edgar > energy center > FACES > Fight Club > June > Kongo > maynard > midnight > Mizugaki > Nate Marquardt > nbsp > newsletter > pat barry > pay-per view > PER > pittsburgh pa > primetime > SHIELDS > Spike > Sportsnet > sportsnet canada > st pierre > Starts > Takeya > Thursday > tomorrow > tomorrow night > ufc fight > vegas nv
Gleason’s All Female Boxing Clinic Still Accepting Participants
Posted on | April 19, 2011 | No Comments
There is still space available for Gleason’s first All Female Boxing Clinic on April 28, 29 and 30, 2011.
There will be two days of boxing basics followed by a sanctioned all female boxing show.
The training will be done by Gleason’s top ranked trainers and our female World Champions boxers.
If you wish to box on the amateur show, contact Angela Querol as soon as possible. The amateur show will be sanctioned by USABoxingmetro.
The boxing show will be shown live onwww.gofightlive.tv .
If you are interested in attending the clinic, contact Bruce Silverglade at Gleason’s Gym.
The telephone number is: 718 797 2872 and the email address is: info@gleasonsgym.net .
The cost of the clinic is $299.00.
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DIAZ ISSUES OPEN CHALLENGE TO SPORT OF BOXING
Posted on | April 19, 2011 | No Comments
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Tags: Auto > boxing match > boxing world > Cesar Gracie > champion > chargin > contract > controversial figure > demeanor > draft > Fall > fearless fighter > fight > fighting sports > hindrance > hook > interest > junior middleweight > lace > left hook > manager > martinez diaz > middleweight > Middleweight Champion > MMA > nbsp > Nick Diaz > open challenge > personality > place > possibility > press > ring > shot > Strikeforce > Super Middleweight > trainer > type > Vargas > welterweight > welterweight champion > World Champion













