Haskins Wins British Title

Posted on | November 11, 2008 | No Comments

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On Friday night at Robin Park Centre in Wigan, England, Lee Haskins, 18-2 (9), overcame stiff resistance to take the British super flyweight title from reigning champ Andy Bell, 11-4 (3), by decision after twelve rounds of combat on a Frank Maloney promotion.

The early rounds were disjointed as cagey southpaw Haskins proved to be an elusive target for Bell and the frequent clinches led to several instances of the two men tumbling to the canvas in locked embrace. Haskins was the first to find his rhythm as the Bristol man zeroed in a sharp right jab while Bell continued to wait for an opening.

After the midway point, Bell began to close distance and landed with increasing frequency but the footwork and harrying offense of Haskins didn’t allow the champion to mount anything resembling a sustained attack and soon the clinches and wrestling falls to the canvas began again in earnest.

The last couple of rounds saw each man score with hard single shots but the end of the 12th frame brought closure to an awkward affair as Haskins took all three cards by scores of 116-113 twice and 115-114, winning the British title at 115 pounds.

On the undercard, featherweight Akaash Bhatia, 13-0 (4), crushed Marc Callaghan, 19-15-1 (4), via second round KO to win the vacant Southern Area belt. The London prospect was simply too fresh for former title challenger Callaghan, who was dropped in the first from a lightning left hook to the temple.

Bhatia launched a brutal body assault in the second and brought the tight guard of Callaghan down enough to score with another big left hook that forced the veteran to a knee and he was counted out.

Welter Mark Thompson, 18-1 (11), stopped Craig Dickson, 15-6-1 (8), in the seventh round after a fiery battle of wills. The prospect dropped Dickson in the second but the gritty Scot came back to give Thompson difficulty in the sixth frame.

Dickson’s brave effort was put down in the seventh when Thompson strung together a sustained shelling that brought an end to the thrilling two way contest.

Light middle Thomas McDonagh, 33-1-3 (6), outpointed Michael Monaghan, 17-24 (2), after six rounds and English Super Bantam titlist Mark Moran, 11-0-1 (3), picked up a good win against spoiler Youssef Al Hamidi, 4-12-1 (1), after a six round non-title clash at super feather.

Light heavy Tony Quigley, 12-1 (5), showed superb boxing skills while producing a fifth round cuts stoppage of opponent Nathan King, 12-12 (1). Promising featherweight Scott Quigg, 10-0 (6), stopped Sumaila Badu, 4-13 (1), in the first round.

Bantamweight Paul Edwards, 2-0 (0), posted a four round verdict over Delroy Spencer, 10-75-3 (1), and Peter Jones, 1-0 (0), came away with the win after four against Johnny Greaves, 1-19 (1), at light welter.

Cruiserweight John Lewis Dickinson, 1-0 (0), defeated Paul Bonson, 20-103-8 (1), on points after four rounds as did light welter Karl Place, 2-0 (1), against Carl Allen, 18-73-7 (5).

All photos ©Jane Warburton/MMG and free for use only with credit given to same.

MARTINEZ, PROA READY FOR NOV. 14 SHOWDOWN AT PHILLY’S NEW ALHAMBRA

Posted on | November 11, 2008 | No Comments

Philadelphia, PA—Super flyweight Raul “The Cobra” Martinez, of San Antonio, TX, who did everything as an amateur except make the 2004 United States Olympic Team, goes against amateur standout, hard-hitting Victor Proa, of Monterrey, Mexico, over 10 rounds Friday evening, Nov. 14, at the New Alhambra, Swanson & Ritner Streets. First fight is 7.15 p.m.

Telefutura/Univision will telecast the fight on its popular Solo Boxeo series, beginning at 8 p.m (EST).

Martinez, 25, is ranked among the Top 10 super flyweights in the world by every alphabet group on the planet. He is 23-0, 13 K0s.

“In the amateurs, Raul made a believer out of everybody,” said manager Lou Mesorana. “Out of the whole American team that was preparing to go to the (2004) Olympics, he was, without a doubt, one of the best pro prospects.”

Unfortunately, Martinez lost two hairline decisions in three bouts at the US Olympic Trials and that cost him a spot on the team.

“My dad, Ramiro, used to box in his day,” said Martinez, “but his main sport was soccer—he played for the Monterrey Rayodos, a professional team. He boxed as a professional, but he didn’t have too many fights, close to 10.

“Ever since I was about 5 years old, my dad always had a punching bag hanging outside in the yard. I remember as a kid I would put on the gloves and just hit it, saying, ‘I’m going to be a boxer one day.’ But I was always into other sports until I was 15. My first sport was baseball, and then I played soccer. Then I played basketball, football. I played golf in high school. I was on the swim team.

“When I was 15, I told my dad I wanted to become a boxer. My dad didn’t believe me because I would always say it. He would say, ‘Go outside and hit the bag.’ I would do it every day and he started to realize that maybe I would stick to it for a little while. So he started training me, teaching me my jab and the basic punches. After six months, he took me to a gym and my career went on from there.”

After a 70-20-1 amateur career, which included two US National Titles at 112 pounds, Martinez turned pro in 2004 and he has kept the winning tradition.

In his last fight July 25 in Friant, CA, Martinez earned a unanimous 12-round decision over former World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Isidro Garcia, of Los Angeles, CA.

“The main change I made as a pro is sitting down on my punches,” Martinez said. “I remember when I first came to (trainer) Fernando Castrejon. He would put me to spar with these guys. They were pros—they were more patient, picking their shots. I was just throwing so many punches on these guys, moving around on them, they can’t touch me. But by the fifth or sixth round, I’m tired and then they start hitting me.”

“So he (Castrejon) started working on me sitting down on my punches and my power and being more patient. So I mixed my speed with my power and that’s where I improved. I’ve gotten a lot more experience now after four years as a pro, going 10 rounds, 12 rounds. It’s pretty much changed my whole style—more patience, more power.”

Martinez will need his entire arsenal against Proa, who is 26-0-2, 19 K0s.

Proa, 23, has been a pro less than three years.

In his last fight Sept. 25 in Monterrey, Mexico, Proa scored a 10-round decision over Arturo Estrada, of Tampico, Mexico. Proa had K0d Estrada in seven rounds seven months earlier.

“Victor (Proa) was born in Monterrey,” said manager Fernando Dominguez. “He comes from a poor family. He worked hard to support his family. He used to wash windows and things like that. His father passed away about a year ago. He had maybe 100 amateur fights

“Proa’s style is real aggressive. He’s got a lot of power and he’s smart. He’s been training for almost four months, including the second fight with Estrada.

“I’ve been working with Victor for almost three years. He trains in Monterrey at the Los Panchos Gym. They got a lot of boxers in the gym, good fighters, and he gets a lot of good sparring. I think it’s going to be a good fight. Victor is in great shape. He’s ready.”

The winner figures to be in line for a shot at a world title in 2009.

Seven additional fights complete the card, which is being promoted by Top Rank, Inc., Peltz Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions.

Tickets priced at $65, $55, $40 are on sale at Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com

Manfredo & Bika media workout picture

Posted on | November 11, 2008 | No Comments

Here’s some pictures of “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr. (with his father/head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr.) and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika at today’s open media workout at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. (Pictures by Emily Harney)

Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), runner-up in The Contender I, fights The Contender III winner Bika (26-3-2. 16 KOs) in “Tough & Tested,” Thursday night in the 12-round main event for the vacant IBO super middleweight title on Versus television live from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence (RI).

Tickets, ranging from $18.00 to $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com.

Ballroom Boxing Features Contender Star Joey Gilbert

Posted on | November 10, 2008 | No Comments

Thursday November 20th has a stacked line-up of talent. From the original “Contender” series – Joey Gilbert (17-1-1) makes his Ballroom debut. Joey beat Jimmy Lange on the show, then cam e to Va and Knocked Jimmy out in Feb 06. Joey is on a 8 fight winning streak.

A rematch of the fight of the night in September…Tyrell Samuel and Ron Boyd square off for the Md State Title in a ten round match.

Mike Paschall (17-1-1) returns home to meet Marcus Hall (11-3). Michael just suffered his first loss on a Showtime card in August where he suffered a brutal cut yet begged to continue. A true warrior.

Making HER first appearance in the Ballroom – the very lovely, pretty and tough Katy Klinefelter (2-0) will WOW the crowd in a four round bout. Katy and her sister were world class amatuers, now on the pro platform. Katy can fight, should be fun, unless your fighting her.

Tickets are available at 410-766-7474. Don’t miss another night of great action. Title fight, Contender Star, Local Star fresh off of Showtime, and the #1 female in the world.

Small Iowa community could use your thoughts and prayers by Jason Bryant

Posted on | November 10, 2008 | No Comments

We often speak on how wrestling is a tight-knit community. We relate the lessons and camaraderie in our sport with those of our family dynamics and community relationships. It’s family.

When tragedy strikes, it takes a toll on everyone. For the tiny Westwood Community School District, it hits hard because of the very small populous it affects.

Right now, our family is hurting.

On Saturday morning, a van driven by a Westwood wrestling coach carrying five wrestlers was in a head-on collision on Iowa Highway 141. The driver of the car which the van collided was killed.

They were headed to a wrestling clinic.

When young people are involved, it wears on everyone. In small towns, like the five small Iowa towns which feed Westwood — Sloan, Salix, Hornick, Smithland and Holly Springs — the loss of anyone hits hard. Along with coach Dan Thompson, who was driving the fan, the driver of the other vehicle was a parent of a Westwood student.

This has affected everyone in an area 25 miles south of Sioux City. Grades K-12 are under one roof at Westwood. How small? A graduating class of 75 is considered “huge.”

Here’s the story from the Sioux City Journal.

Now here’s a call to those of us in the wrestling community. We’ve risen up to support Adam Frey in his incredible fight against cancer. We’ve supported our own in nearly every facet of life. It’s time to do it again. I can’t tell you what the right course of action is in a situation like this.

People are shaken. People are hurt. People are fighting for their lives. Any support, a card, flowers, letters encouraging those involved to fight on. Wrestlers don’t quit, as the saying goes. Let’s do something, anything, to give these young men any additional motivation to press on.

According to one Westwood alum — Amanda Dahl, who spent considerable time involved in the sport of wrestling at Iowa State — some of the reports might not explain the status of some of these wrestlers in detail. It’s bad. I could feel it through her voice, even a long way away in Auburn, Ala. They need our support, some way, some how.

Everyone in the crash was tied to Westwood. Everyone who wrestles past or present is now tied to Westwood.

Here’s a name some of you might know to help you identify with the school. Former Northern Iowa wrestler Jeff Harrison, went there. The face of the Wrestling Recap. The voice of the National Anthem at National Duals a few years ago.

I’m from a small town. Your neighbor might have grown up in a small town. You might have grown up in a small town. Tragedy doesn’t just affect someone else in places like this, it has an affect on everyone. I’m not from Iowa, had never heard of Sloan until 10 minutes ago, but these kids mean something, not to our sport, but to their families and friends. In a way, they too, are our family and friends just by their association with this sport.

Here’s a press release from Westwood and some contact information, simply as a starting point, to see what we can do to help. Here’s the link. I’ve also posted it below.

http://www.westwood.k12.ia.us/pressrelease.html

PRESS RELEASE Date 11/9/2008 1:00PM

Westwood Community School District
1000 Rebel Way
Sloan, Iowa 51055
712 428 3355
Kirk Ahrends Superintendent

As reported in the media the wrestlers from the Westwood School District were traveling to a clinic in Maple Valley when they were hit by a van. Five students and one coach all sustained injuries substantial enough to warrant transport to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. Those in the school suburban were:

Coach Dan Thompson
Trent Baker -16
Adam Greeno – 16
Blake Jorgensen – 15
Jordan Mitchell – 18
Sage Washburn – 16

The driver of the other vehicle that struck the school vehicle was Brad Haburn, the father of one of our Westwood students. The thoughts and prayers of our communities go out to his family.

The injuries to the students and coach are substantial and ongoing. Details of their conditions are only available through the Mercy Medical Center. However, we can say that all held their own or improved during the last 24 hours. Coach Dan Thompson, Jordan Mitchell, and Sage Washburn are able to have visitors. Immediate family may only visit Trent Baker, Adam Greeno, and Blake Jorgensen. The families and school wish to thank everyone for their prayers, visits, and outstanding support through this time.

Details and the cause of the accident are being investigated by the Woodbury County Sheriff’s department and Iowa State Patrol, however all reports to us indicate our school vehicle was driving in a safe and legal manner.

The Westwood District would like to thank the rescue and law enforcement agencies that responded quickly and helped get our people medical attention. We are also grateful to the Mercy Medical Center for providing wonderful support to our Westwood family during this tragic time. Finally, we are blessed to have a such strong communities that will help and support these students and staff through their recovery.

An update on the condition of students and staff will be given to the students on a daily basis. Our counselors will be available for any students that need to talk. Westwood secondary staff will have a staff meeting at 7:45 in the library.

Westwood will have school on Monday, November 10th as scheduled. However, ITBS/ITED testing is postponed for one week.

School Secretary Contact
Patti Witten: pwitten@westwood.k12.ia.us
Phone: (712) 428-3303
Fax: (712) 428-3246

JOE CALZAGHE POST-FIGHT QUOTES

Posted on | November 8, 2008 | No Comments

“Roy stunned me. He hit me with a good punch. That is what being a champion is all about. But I didn’t panic. I composed myself, got back up and started to fight again. I just boxed.

“My power is in my recovery. Anyone can fall on the floor. How you recover is what matters. I think it showed my heart, and I came back twice as strong.

“I’ve been knocked down before, and when I get knocked down I come back stronger.

“I am overwhelmed at the moment. It took me eight years to get a unification fight and I was more frustrated than anyone. Before the Lacy fight, I hadn’t been given the chance to fight a true champion. I wanted to show the world that I was a true champion, that it was no fault of my own that I hadn’t fought a unification bout.

“I am just so happy. This year I beat two legends in Hopkins and Jones, and I came to the United States to do it. I took the risk. They didn’t come to me. I came to them. I came to New York City make it happen. I made it happen tonight.

(Watching a replay of the punch)
“I really didn’t see the punch coming. I feel like I am having de ja vu.

“I feel really relaxed with my hands on my sides. That’s just my style. In the first round I was a little bit weary, but I knew I would be okay because I know for a fact it is hard for anyone to fight my style. I was in my rhythm.

“I love the way Roy fights. I knew with his style it would be a good fight…I have a lot of respect for Roy Jones. He is a great fighter.

“I think I showed what a true champion is all about. I thank God, I thank my dad and I thank my team…I worked so hard and it all paid off.

“Roy showed that he has heart. He fought all twelve rounds. It was almost dangerous, but he kept going.

“I knew I had to make Roy Jones respect my punches. ..I always felt I was a step ahead of Roy. I knew what he was going to do before he did it.

“I felt in control of the fight after the first round, but Roy is always dangerous.

(On retirement)
“I am going to sit down with my family, take some time and think about it.

(Looking into the camera)
“Hey mom, I love you. I hope I didn’t make you too nervous in the first round.”

Calzaghe vs. Jones “Battle of the Superpowers”: A 12-round championship for Calzaghe’s Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Championship belt. Promoted by Square Ring, Inc. and Calzaghe Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden. Calzaghe vs. Jones was produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Junior “The Hitter” Witter returns to the ring on the 8th of November

Posted on | November 8, 2008 | No Comments

Former WBC World Light-Welterweight Champion Junior Witter is looking to produce a stylish win when he begins his comeback at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday, November 8th 2008.

Witter (Bradford) boxes Victor Hugo Castro (Argentina) in a ten-round international bout on a Hennessy Sports show in his first fight since losing the prestigious WBC World Light-Welterweight Title by split decision to Timothy Bradley (USA) in May.

Former European and British champion Witter hopes to get a rematch with Bradley next year and win back the same world title.

“Junior was an excellent world champion and I’m confident he can regain the form that saw him beat the likes of Lovemore N’dou, DeMarcus Corley and Vivian Harris before his split decision points loss to Bradley,” said promoter Mick Hennessy.

Joint top of the bill is former WBC world title challenger Danny Williams (Brixton) faces Poland’s Albert Sosnowski over ten rounds following the withdrawal of John McDermott from a British heavyweight title fight that was scheduled to feature on the show.

Former British Light-Welterweight Champion Lenny Daws (Morden) is aiming to produce an impressive display to stay in the hunt for another title shot after comprehensively out-pointing Frenchman Mihaita Mutu over ten rounds in his last fight in June.

“I was happy with how it went against Mutu who is an experienced opponent. I’m just waiting to get my chance to go for the British title again. I just need to keep active and in good form until I get my chance,” said Daws.

“David Barnes is the champion right now and he has turned his career around. He fights Colin Lynes on December 5 and hopefully I can get the winner.”

Colchester light-welterweight Lee Purdy and High Wycombe’s Sheffield-based Gareth Couch are closing in on title shots and will be looking to extend their impressive records in other bouts on the bill.

Belfast boxer Kevin O’Hara returns to action while unbeaten duo Steve O’Meara, from Wembley, and Dwayne Lewis, from Canning Town, continue their young careers after making promising and exciting starts in the paid ranks. Bradley Evans (Royston), who was due to make his professional debut, is off the bill.

The action will be screened live at 7.30pm by ITV4.

Canadian Heavyweight Title Fight Tops Molitor-Caballeros Undercard

Posted on | November 8, 2008 | No Comments

Raymond Olubowale Defends Crown Against Greg Kielsa

TORONTO, ON – November 6, 2008 – While IBF Junior Featherweight champion Steve Molitor makes his last second preparations for WBA champion Celestino Caballeros on November 21, in the most important Canadian fight in over a quarter century, two of Canada’s best heavyweights will be fighting for their own piece of national boxing history.

In the most significant Canadian heavyweight title fight in years, Raymond “Mount Kilimanjaro” Olubowale (7-2-1, 4 KO’s) defends his crown against undefeated 2000 Polish Olympian Greg Kielsa (7-0, 3 KO’s) in the co-feature to Molitor-Caballero at Rumble at Rama VI, at Casino Rama, in Rama, Ontario.

“This is easily the most important Canadian Heavyweight title fight since the days of George Chuvalo,” Kielsa’s manager, James Jardine, said.

“These guys aren’t club fighters who have no business being called champions. These are true, legit contenders, whose careers will be greatly affected by the outcome.”

Kielsa, who was born in Bialystok, Poland, but now resides in Brampton, ON, is coming off an eight round unanimous decision win over iron-fisted Jerry Butler at Rumble at Rama V this past August.

“This is my biggest fight as a pro, without question. It’s all I’ve been thinking about,” Kielsa said of his showdown with Olubowale.

“Once the fight hits rounds 7, 8, or 9, I know Ray will get tired, no question about that.”

The six foot seven, 270 lb. Olubowale who once trained along side Kielsa, pays only passing respect to his former stablemate,

“Greg is only a decent fighter, nothing more or less. There’s nothing impressive about him what so ever.”

“When we sparred together years ago, I was holding my own against him, and that was without a coach, without the same amateur background, and without a fight to train for.”

“And after seeing him fight a couple of times, he’s no better now than he was back then.”

“He says a lot,” Kielsa said of Olubowale, “but he’s blind.”

“I’m a much better fighter now than I was when we sparred, but he’s just trying to build up his own confidence.”

“He knows what he’s in for.”

Tickets for Rumble at Rama VI are $50/$75/$125/$175, and are available at the Casino Rama Box Office, at all TicketMaster locations, by calling (416) 870-8000, or log on to and online at www.casinorama.com. Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges.

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