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Boxing key part of Providence’s culture

Posted on | October 24, 2008 | No Comments

Manfredo-Bika headlines Nov. 13 “Tough & Tested”at Dunkin’ Donuts Center

PROVIDENCE (October 23, 2008) – Unlike in many United States cities today, pro boxing remains alive and strong in Providence, which will host “Tough & Tested” on November 13 at the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Two-time world title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, battles Sakio “The Scorpian” Bika, winner of Season Three of The Contender, in the 12-round main event for the IBO super middleweight title.

“Tough & Tested,” promoted by the Tournament of Contenders in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The co-promoters have called for a ‘Pink Out’ (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for the Gloria Gemma Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.

Boxing’s rich tradition in Providence started way back in 1890 when George “Old Chocolate” Godfrey knocked out Patsy Cardiff in the 16th round. Over the years, Providence was a hot spot for the “sweet science” at places like the National A.C., Marieville Garden, Infantry Hall, Rhode Island Auditorium Arcadia Ballroom, Elks Auditorium, Metropolitan Opera House, Prince Memorial Stadium, Strand Theater, Rhode Island Convention Center, Twin River and the predecessor to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the Providence Civic Center.

The late, great heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano was 28-0 in Providence, where a virtual Who’s Who of Hall of Fame boxers have fought, including “Sugar” Ray Robinson, “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, Sandy Saddler, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Willie Pep, Sandy Saddler, Ted “Kid” Lewis, Ezzard Charles, Mickey Walker, “Barbados” Joe Walcott, Kid Gavilan, Sammy Angott, Ike Williams and many more.

The last major world title fight held at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center (Providence Civic Center at that time) was October 1, 1991, when Vinny Paz stopped Gilbert Dele in the 12th round for the WBA light middleweight championship. Also fighting on that card, ironically, was Peter Manfredo, Sr. – Peter, Jr.’s father and head trainer — who won an 8-round decision against previously unbeaten Paul Lynch (6-0).

“CES has worked hard to keep the boxing fires burning in Providence for the past few decades,” Providence-based promoter Burchfield said. “The November 13th show continues the great boxing tradition here in Providence.”

Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, “The Pride of Providence” sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. All five of Manfredo’s losses as a pro have been to world champions and Peter, Jr. has an opportunity to join an exclusive club of local fighting stars such as world champions Paz, Joey Archibald and Harold Gomes with a win against Bika.

IBF Pan Pacific super middleweight title-holder Bika (26-3-2. 16 KOs), a 2000 Cameroon Olympian now fighting out of Australia, won The Contender III with a dramatic eighth round stoppage of Bridgeport, Connecticut native Jaidon Codrington in the finale in Boston. Bika, rated No. 5 by the IBF and No. 8 by The Ring magazine, hasn’t been stopped in 31 pro fights.

In the 10-round co-feature, Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer (23-11, 13 KOs), winner of Season Two of The Contender, meets fan favorite in Season Two of The Contender, IBF No. 13 rated Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (28-3, 16 KOs), in an IBO light middleweight title eliminator. Codrington (18-2, 14 KOs), runner-up in Season Three of The Contender, also is fighting on the card in a super middleweight Special Attraction against an opponent to be determined.

Some of New England’s most talented and popular fighters are scheduled to fight on the undercard including WBC World Youth and USNBC featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (15-0, 8 KOs), super flyweight Isander “Peachy” Beauchamp (5-0, 2 KOs), Providence light welterweight Jesus Caro (2-0, 2 KOs), and Pawtucket light welterweight Diego Periera (1-0, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $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. Tickets will also be on sale through www.Ticketmaster.com, at all local Ticketmaster outlets by calling Ticketmaster direct at 401.331.2211 or 617.931.2000, as well as Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (401.723.1359), 401 Gym in Cranston (401.261.9800), Balletto’s Gym in Providence (401.641.9994), Elite Mixed Martial Arts (401.728.1356) and Ultimate Fitness in Bristol (401.253.3539). Each paid ticket holder will receive a complimentary Dave & Buster’s $10.00 Power Card ($12 value) upon entry.

For more information call 401.724.2253/2254 or go online to www.cesboxing.com, www.tournamentofcontenders.com or www.dunkindonutscenter.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout 6:30 PM/ET.

-30-

Per Ake Persson: Euro News

Posted on | October 24, 2008 | No Comments

It will be Ukrainian jr middle Roman Dzuman that takes on Alexander Abraham for the vacant EE-EU title on the undercard to Kessler vs Haussler on Saturday in Oldenburg. Cruiser Yoan Pablo Hernandez fights experienced American Michael Simms.

WBC Int´l welter champ Selcuk Aydin headlines Arena Box Promotion´s show November 18 in Istanbul. Aydin face Said Ouali, born in Morocco but fighting out of Las Vegas. Also on the bill are heavies Steffen Kretschmann and Konstantin Airich as well as middleweight Lion Mahir.

WBC Int´l cruiser champ Herbie Hide could be defending the title in Ekaterinburg, Russia, December 5 against Grigorz Drozd but it is also depending on the outcome of Rudolf Kraj vs Giacobbe Fragomeni for the vacant WBC title October 24 and the result of the WBC convention in China. Hide could get a shot at the winner directly but there´s also the possibility of a final eliminator against Drozd.

Italian welter Cristian De Martinis have signed with Belgian manager Jean Diadori and takes on trialhorse Christian Frias November 1 in Izegem.

Mr Haussler, are you tired of life? read the headline in a German tabloid hinting at Danilo Haussler´s chances against WBA supermiddle ruler Mikkel Kessler. Interviewed in a Sauerland press release Haussler claims he don´t care at all about what is written and that Calzaghe showed that Kessler have his weaknesses. Well, no-one´s perfect but mr Haussler, as brave as he is, isn´t the one to expose any vulnerabilities Kessler may have.

Former heavy champ “Merciless” Ray Mercer could be heading back to Sweden for a fight in Norrkoping November 21. The show is promoted by Champions Promotions headed by famous artist Soren Nicklasson and former WBU lightweight champ George Scott, who also trains some of the fighters in the team.

You might say it´s heating up between WBA middle champ Felix Sturm and challenger Sebastian Sylvester for the big fight in Oberhausen November 1. There´s less than 1000 tickets left (the Koenig Pilsener Arena seats about 7000) and the press conference on Monday is billed as “High Noon”. It´s the first all German titlefight in eight years.

The WBC eliminator at welter between Jackson Osei Bonsu and Carlos Baldomir is now rumored to be on again and this time for December 20 with site remaining Antwerp. Osei Bonsu lost the EBU title to Rafael Jackiewicz in September but returned October 13 in Amsterdam with a points win over Romanian Gheorghe Danut but is said to have struggled.

Paul Malignaggi v Ricky Hatton: Will it be real “ magic”, or just an illusion of sorts?

Posted on | October 23, 2008 | No Comments

MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas.

When Paul Malignaggi walks the short walk from the dressing room to the biggest stage of all, fighting arguably, the most popular fighter in the sport today, one can only imagine what he’ll be thinking. Fighters all have different ways of dealing with the prospect of fighting. Malignaggi is so wrapped up in himself, and his own ability that nothing else matters.

I remember seeing him go through his routine, shadow boxing , in front of the mirror at “Gleasons Gym” a couple of years back, and to me, it was a kind of magic.

At the time myself and a few other guys in the gym were getting wrapped up ,after running the Brooklyn bridge, preparing for our own individual workouts, and as usual , when I go to these places, all I do is listen to the stories of the past, take notice of any standouts for the future, and live, sweat and breathe, the sport at its purest. [ for as long as my body will allow]

As Malignaggi focused, twisted, and unleashed all flurries of punches, at the mirror, never once shifting his gaze from the person he was facing, he was again so wrapped up in his own magic, that he was the only one in the gym. Apart from a few “hey Paulies”, that was it. He finished up and was down the stairs and away.

After 21 fights, boxing his way up and down the east coast, working his way up the rankings, he finally got his shot. Miguel Cotto was the WBO junior welterweight champion of the world .

It was never going to be easy, but he was always going to give it all he could, and on the night, at the garden, he did just that.

After starting well, he was knocked down by Cotto in the second, but got up and fought back to go the distance with the power punching champion from Puerto Rico. This fight earned Malignaggi, a lot of respect and it also set him off, on the next stage of his career. After a good points win over Edner Cherry, next up was Lovemore Ndou, for the IBF junior welterweight title. Many favoured the muscle bound strong man from Australia, but Malignaggi out boxed him all night long to win his first world title.

After defending his title in Atlantic city in January, 2008, all the talk was him fighting Hatton.

Hatton had just been knocked out by Floyd Mayweather , a couple of months earlier in December, and many thought it would be a good fight for the banger from Manchester.

Later on, it was announced Hatton and Malignaggi would both be in the same ring together, but each man fighting other opponents. Hatton needed a big , confidence, boosting, comeback fight, and next up for the “Blue Moon” chop was the small but tough, Juan Lascano.

Malignaggi had to put up with Ndou again.

Both Hatton and Malignaggi won, but neither boxer, managing to raise any real burning desire to see each other together, in the ring, anytime soon.

Since that time, Malignaggi has healed, rested, and had plenty of time to get ready for Hatton.

Life on the other side of the pond, was good but not all that great. Hatton took time out to be with his friends and family, and try to take care of the business that has made him a multi millionaire.

Later in the year, it was announced that Hatton would be finding a new trainer, to prepare him for his next fight [ which was Malignaggi] in November. Then , just as the thought of that prospect, just started to register with me [ and the whole of greater Manchester] it was announced that Hatton’s long time conditioning coach, Kerry Hayes wouldn’t be hanging around either. Initially, I thought, was Hatton losing the plot?

After numerous phone calls, trying to find out the reason from Hatton’s manager, Paul Speak, I read that Billy Graham apparently, just couldn’t [ physically ] train Hatton anymore. It was starting to make sense.

I specifically remember seeing Billy in a lot of pain before one of Hatton’s sessions. So much pain, that he had to have pain relief injected into his hand. People don’t realize how much it takes out of a trainer. They don’t see the black and blue marks on their wrists from taking huge shots on the focus pads, day after day. They don’t see the aching joints, in the elbows, the shoulders. They don’t see the back spasms. All they see is their fighter, doing what they do.

What now seems , ages ago, the realization of Hatton without Graham and Hayes still seems strange to me. Will it be to Hatton ?

What is strange to me is Hatton’s choice as replacement . Floyd Mayweather.

After 45 fights, 31 ko’s, and a career spanning 11 years, what is Mayweather going to teach him, now, at the twilight of his career.? Sweet fanny f#@k all. Maybe in the gym, but once he gets in the ring, Hatton will fight the way he has always fought. No doubt, Hatton can box well when he chooses to, but to try and change him now is ridiculous. This fight can be either , another Collazo fight for Hatton, or it can be a Castillo all over again. Malignaggi is a points man, a boxer. It’s what he does.

Hatton left for Las Vegas last week, and had been sparring with his brother, Matthew. Steve Forbes was in the line up of sparring partners for Hatton, and with connections with Golden Boy Promotions, you can be sure he will get the best possible sparring for Malignaggi. If Mayweather is going to work on anything, it has to be the defence, and Hatton’s lunging in. What he got away with with Tszyu, wont cut it with Malignaggi. It definitely didn’t with “ little Floyd.”

With Malignaggi having the gift of a stiff jab, lightning combinations, loads of courage, but not too much in the way of explosive power, can this fight conjure up some real “ magic” or is it, in fact, an illusion of sorts.

Gary Todd is an international best selling author, with his book on world champions, “Workouts From Boxings Greatest Champs” He has been involved in all aspects in the sport of boxing for over 25 years and he is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association Of America. Look out for his follow up book, “Workouts Volume II”

Quillin off “The Grande Event” card

Posted on | October 23, 2008 | No Comments

Duddy, Wolak & Teron in action Nov. 21 at Roseland Ballroom in NYC

NEW YORK (October 22, 2008) – Brooklyn’s unbeaten middleweight prospect Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (20-0, 15 KOs) will not be fighting November 21st on “The Grande Event” show, promoted by Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing at the Roseland Ballroom, due to minor discomfort in his right hand.

“With such a strong card — John Duddy, Pawel Wolak and Jorge Luis Teron — and Peter fighting January 17 on HBO,” Kushner explained, “together with his management team we’ve made a decision to withdraw ‘Kid Chocolate’ from our November 21st show to insure success for the HBO January 17th show.”

Quillin, rated in the top 10 of four regional boxing organizations, was slated to fight in the 10 round co-feature. “I’m disappointed not to be fighting on this great card but I’ll be there to support everybody,” said Quillin who is scheduled to fight on HBO against James McGirt, Jr. on Jan. 17. “I’m so excited to be fighting on HBO that my management and promoter, Cedric Kushner, decided to take me off ‘The Grande Event’ on November 21st. ‘Kid Chocolate’ will be even sweeter in January fighting on HBO.”

“The Grande Event” is headlined by undefeated middleweight Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), fighting out Queens (NY) by way of Derry, Northern Ireland, against veteran Sam “The Punching Policeman” Hill (17-9-1, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Duddy is rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization, as well as No. 4 by the World Boxing Council and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation.

New York State middleweight and Polish National junior middleweight champion Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs), now living in Brooklyn, meets Christian Lloyd Joseph (12-7-3, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

Bronx lightweight Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs), trained by former world and Olympic champion Mark Breland, is the reigning NABO champion rated No. 4 by the WBO. He faces an opponent to be determined another 10-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight in separate four-round bouts are Queens light middleweight Lambrose “Lionheart” Karaolides (1-0), Bronx super middleweight Hajro Sujak (2-0, 2 KOs), Brooklyn welterweight Luis “El Mero Mero” Ruiz (3-0, 1 KO), Brooklyn light middleweight Romain Oliveri (1-0, 0 KOs), and light welterweight Jonathan Gonzalez, a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian making his pro debut.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $80.00, $100.00, $150.00 and $200.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Gotham Boxing (212.755.1944), any TicketMaster outlet, or at the Roseland Ballroom box office. Doors will open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

For more information call Gotham Boxing or go on line to www.gothamboxing.com.

-GB-

UPCOMING MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENTS

Posted on | October 21, 2008 | No Comments

A BIG NIGHT OF BOXING IS PLANNED FOR THE “ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW” ON FRIDAY NIGHT DECEMBER 5TH AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

Posted on | October 21, 2008 | No Comments

PHILADELPHIA (OCTOBER 21, 2008)—On Friday night December 5th, a big night of boxing returns to The Legendary Blue Horizon as Vernoca L. Michael & Blue Horizon Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc. presents “The Annual Holiday Show”.

Fans are encouraged to bring a safe toy or gifts to help the less fortunate

“Every year this show is a huge success” said Vernoca L. Michael. “Our fans prove time and again that they understand the meaning of giving and helping and there is no question in my mind that they will prove it again and hopefully will outdo last years incredible response.”

The fans will be treated to one of the best shows in memory as already agreed to appear is Jr. Welterweight, Steve “Showtime” Chambers.

Chambers, 18-1-1 with five knockouts has been on quite a roll as he has racked up fourteen straight victories, all in front of a Legendary Blue Horizon crowd.

Chambers is coming off an eight round unanimous decision over Kevin Carmody on September 12th at The Legendary Blue Horizon

Also on the card will be the Israeli duo of cruiserweight Ran Nakash and the exciting Jr. Welterweight Elad Shmouel.

Nakash of Haifa, Israel has a record of 15-0 with eleven knockouts is one of the hottest fighters in the Cruiserweight division. Will see action in a six round bout

Nakash is on a run of six consecutive knockouts which included his stunning forty-seven second annihilation of highly regarded Larry Robinson on September 12th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Shmouel, 18-2-1 with nine knockouts, of Tel Aviv, Israel is coming back after nearly one full year off will also fight in a fight scheduled for six rounds..

In his last fight he was on the wrong end of a six round stoppage loss to Lenny DeVictoria.

That simple result does not tell one part of the story of that fight.

Shmouel – DeVictoria was simply one of the greatest fight’s that took place inside boundaries of this great fight own.

Shmouel will be primed and ready to get back into the win column on December.

Also seeing action in a six round affair will be featherweight, Jules Blackwell.

Blackwell has a record of 8-1-2 with three knockouts and rebounded nicely after his first setback when he stopped Javier Dennis in one round on September 26th at The National Guard Armory in Philadelphia.

No opponents have been secured for Chambers, Nakash, Shmouel or Blackwell and a full undercard will be announced shortly.

These fights will be streamed live all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com

Duddy returns vs. Hill in NYC

Posted on | October 21, 2008 | No Comments

Headlines “The Grande Estate” Nov. 21 at Roseland Ballroom

MIAMI (October 21, 2008) – Undefeated sensation “Ireland’s” John Duddy returns to action November 21st in his adopted New York City home, headlining “The Grande Event” against veteran Sam “The Punching Policeman” Hill, at famed Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan.

Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), on his way from the middleweight to light middleweight division, is fighting at 158 pounds against Hill (17-9-1, 10 KOs), who has beaten former world champion and Olympic gold medalist David Reid (TKO9), and fought world champions Jermain Taylor and Maselino Masoe.

“The Grande Event,” promoted by Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, also features middleweight Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (20-0, 15 KOs), light middleweight Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs), and NABO lightweight champion Jorge Luis “The Truth” Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs) in separate bouts.

“I’m glad to get back in the ring,” Duddy said. “It’s going to be a great show. I had a good fight in Boston and I’m really looking forward to fighting again in New York City. I can’t wait to show my fans there what I’ve been doing to improve with Pat Burns (head trainer for the second Duddy fight). This fight will get me one step closer to a world title shot someday.

“Hill comes to fight. He’s a crafty pro who knows his job and is very capable. He went the 10-round distance against Jermain Taylor, Everybody brings their A game because they want to be the first to beat me. They all raise their game and I’m preparing for Hill’s best.”

Duddy, rated No. 2 by the WBO, as well as No. 4 by the WBC and No. 7 by the IBF, has been training in Miami.

“Training camp has been great and the sparring is good,” Duddy added. “I’ve been sparring with fighters who have a lot of speed and decent power. I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve had with faster guys. I’ve picked up a lot and it’s better than sparring with plodding, heavier guys.”

Tickets, priced at $80.00, $100.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Irish Ropes Promotions (212.868.9544), Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant & Bar in Manhattan (212.629.9899), Hilltop Bar in Queens (718.429.8870) and The Heritage Bar in Yonkers (914.776.7532). For more information about “Ireland’s” John Duddy or “The Grande Event” go to www.irishropes.com. Doors will open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

-IR-

DEMETRIUS HOPKINS REFUTES ANY CLAIM THAT HE SIGNED ANY DOCUMENT OR FACILITATED THE REMOVAL OF EARL MORTON FOR REFEREE OF PAVLIK – HOPKINS IN ANY WAY

Posted on | October 21, 2008 | No Comments

PHILADELPHIA (October 20, 2008)—Contrary to reports that have surfaced on the internet, undefeated Jr. Welterweight, Demetrius Hopkins did not sign any affidavit that led to the removal of referee Earl Morton from this past week’s showdown between Kelly Pavlik and Demetrius’ uncle, Bernard Hopkins.

Hopkins is adamant that he didin’t provide any verbal or written information.

Morton was replaced by Benjy Esteves after Morton was alleged to have a friendship with the elder Hopkins.

“I have no idea where anyone would get that I signed something. Have my uncle and I had disagreements this year? Yes. But I would never do anything like that to interfere in his career. I would have no idea if he was friends with this guy and for a report to come out like that is hurtful to me because I am not that kind of a person.” said Hopkins.

“I am very happy for my uncle on his performance on Saturday and for anyone to make something like that up is just horrible reporting.”

Hopkins manager Cameron Dunkin also backs Hopkins, “He didn’t sign anything at any time.”

If anyone would know, it would be Dunkin because he manages Pavlik as well as Demetrius Hopkins

Hopkins, 28-0-1 with eleven knockouts is ranked #9 by the WBC, #11 by the IBF, and #11 by the WBO will have his next fight announced shortly and is looking forward to challenging for the Jr. Welterweight championship

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