Trust in Oscar: He’s No Monopolist
By Norm Frauenheim
Oscar De La Hoya is shortsighted, misguided or just naive, but – please – he isn’t an enemy of the free-market system in comments this week about wanting to sign all of the talented fighters and secure the best television dates.
De La Monopolist, he is not.
In telling Broadcast & Cable that boxing needs to be run more like baseball or the National Basketball Association, De La Hoya is being as American as the New York Yankees. Since when haven’t the major leagues been able to sidestep anti-trust laws? Baseball has an anti-trust exemption.
In 2007, economist Andrew Zimbalist, a professor at Smith College and author of books on the sports business, told The New York Times:
“Each league is a monopoly and exercises significant market power by, (among other things), extracting significant public subsidies for the construction of facilities.
“The players in each league share in the monopoly booty.”
Enough said.
Unfortunately, De La Hoya said a lot more, too much more in the Q-and-A format. First, the Golden Boy Promotions president said he did not want to take over boxing. Then, he said, “in a way, yes, we do want to take over.’’ He wasn’t finished. In the next sentence, he said, “Well, we don’t want to take control of boxing, but we want to do the right thing for the sport.’’
De La Hoya is more of a politician than Congressman Manny Pacquiao. More than annoying, the yes-no-maybe spin is a unifying call for promotional rivals, who are having a tea party of their own in an overreaction to De La Hoya’s comments.
Not to worry. Boxing is the Balkans. Allies are temporary and always an imminent enemy. If it sounds like anarchy, it is and has been. Leave it to somebody else to decide whether that’s good or bad for business.
This week, at least, Paulie Malignaggi will probably says it’s very, very good after Golden Boy signed him to a contract in the wake of his last fight, a loss to Amir Khan, that prompted even him to concede that retirement was a consideration. In an attempt to expand the Golden Boy brand from west-to-east, from Los Angeles-to-New York, De La Hoya needed a well-known New York name to sell a deal to promote at the new Brooklyn arena, the Barclays Center, starting in 2012. There are questions about whether Malignaggi can still fight, but absolutely no doubt about whether he can talk through 2012 and beyond.
Above all, Malignaggi’s signing exposed – all over again – the game’s defining characteristic. He wasted little time and no apologies in a rip of his former promoter, Lou DiBella, whom he said did not market him enough. It was as unfair as it was embarrassing. But it was boxing. It illustrates a business guided more by bitter rivalries that unity.
For three decades, it was Bob Arum-versus-Don King. Now, Arum and King talk like old friends and loom as business partners if an agreement for a Pacquiao fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. can ever be reached.
For Arum, however, the rivalry – a little bit like oxygen – is still there.
In De La Hoya, Arum has another one, which makes some fights tough to make and makes all those worries about a monopoly just look foolish.
Carbajal’s legal fight continues
Hall of Famer Michael Carbajal, a retired junior-flyweight from Phoenix, appeared Thursday in court with companion Laura Hall for a hearing to retain an order of protection against his neighbors, Carbajal niece Josephine and Jose Espinal.
Carbajal alleges that he and Hall were assaulted by Espinal and a couple of unidentified assailants on the night of Sept. 6. Through an interpreter who translated his Spanish, Espinal called the allegation a lie. He said he was not there. No charges have been filed. A criminal investigation is underway.
At the hearing in downtown Phoenix, Hall wore a cast on her left arm. She said two fingers had been crushed in the alleged incident. A bruise from a black eye was still evident. Photos of her injury and cuts to Carbajal’s face and head were provided as evidence.
Josephine alleged that Michael Carbajal had been drinking. Police officers, who answered the 911 call, said that they smelled alcohol. The hearing was continued. It will resume on Oct. 20.
It is just the latest battle in Carbajal’s star-crossed life. Brother and former trainer Danny Carbajal, Josephine’s father, is still in prison for stealing an estimated $2 million from his brother, who earned about $8 million over 49 fights. Danny Carbajal is scheduled for release in October 2011. Danny Carbajal’s wife, Sally, was murdered in Feb. 25, 2005, three days before they were scheduled to be in divorce court. The murder has never been solved. More than five years after Sally after was found dead from a gunshot, the murder is still a cold case.
Josephine entered a guilty plea for her role in the theft from Michael, who is trying to recover what was stolen from him in civil court. She was sentenced to probation. In April, she and Espinal moved into Danny’s former residence next to Michael’s boyhood home. Michael Carbajal said they moved into the house in an attempt to provoke him.
“They’re trying to make me to do something that will put me in jail,’’ said Carbajal, who continues to battle a drinking problem. “That’s what they want. It’s about greed. That’s what it goes back to. That’s what this is all about.’’
Notes, quotes and a couple of counters
· Golden Boy is suing Top Rank for allegedly trying to hide money that De La Hoya’s company says it is owed from three Pacquiao fights. Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz reacted to the lawsuit suit, telling AOL: “I guess since Golden Boy doesn’t have any boxers to promote that are of any high quality, they have to find a fight somewhere, so they have chosen to fight in the courts through frivolous litigation.” Say what? Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach might disagree. Roach trains the Golden Boy promoted Amir Kahn.
· And the International Boxing Federation is threatening to strip Devon Alexander of its junior-welterweight title if he fights Timothy Bradley instead of South African Kaiser Mabuza, the No. 1 contender. Where is the trash can that Riddick Bowe made so in famous in 1992? That’s where Bowe deposited the World Boxing Council’s heavyweight belt. That’s where the IBF’s 140-bout belt belongs right now.
YONNHY PEREZ & JOSEPH AGBEKO, VIC DARCHINYAN & ABNER MARES, SHOWTIME’S KEN HERSHMAN PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Thursday, Sept. 30, The Conga Room, L.A. Live, Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES – SHOWTIME® Sports hosted a press conference Thursday at The Conga Room , L.A. Live, to formally introduce and discuss “BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT: WINNER TAKES ALL” that begins Saturday, Dec. 11, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Irapuato, Mexico.
In attendance was Ken Hershman, SHOWTIME Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager, the four world class boxers who will participate in the two-round, single-elimination tournament to determine the best fighter at 118 pounds – International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Yonnhy Perez (20-0-1, 14 KOs), former world champions Joseph Agbeko (27-2, 22 KOs) and Vic Darchinyan (35-2-1, 27 KOs) and world-ranked rising star Abner Mares (29-0-1) – and their promoters
The semifinal matchups: Perez defends his title against Agbeko and Darchinyan and Mares vie for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Belt The bouts are scheduled for 12 rounds. The winners of each semifinal will clash in the final in 2011 with the losing fighters competing in a consolation fight.
Each of the participants in the bantamweight tournament has previously fought at least one of the other fighters in competitive bouts, all on SHOWTIME.
The bantamweight tournament is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions for Darchinyan and, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions, for Perez, Golden Boy Promotions for Mares, and Don King Productions for Agbeko.
What the fighters, Hershman and the promoters said Thursday:
KEN HERSHMAN (SHOWTIME)
“I want to thank the press for coming out and the fighters and promoters for participating in this amazing series of fights. Our promise to our subscribers has always been very simple and that’s to put on the best fights as possible and let the fans enjoy it. I think we have four of the top 118-pounders in the world and I don’t think there’s a bad matchup in the bunch.
When we looked at the various configurations, we couldn’t figure out where we wanted to go and that to me is exactly what you want. You don’t go into the fight knowing who’s going to win, who’s not going to win, everyone gets two shots and I think we’ll be able to claim who’s the undisputed champion in this weight category.
“I believe the sport of boxing is a tremendous sport by itself, but I think when you overlay tournament style rules to this sport it becomes that much more thrilling. Obviously, for our subscribers, keeping it new, keeping it fresh is what we’re after. I want to thank the promoters. This was really a very cooperative effort.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER (Golden Boy Promotions, Mares’ promoter)
“This really is an amazing lineup. It’s natural for Mexico to host the opening round of this tournament. As we all know, Mexico has a rich and deep history with bantamweights.
“These four fighters will deliver what I know will be the best four fights.’’
ABNER MARES
“The four-man tournament is great. Tournament boxing is great. It helps not only fighters but boxing because in this tournament you have four of the best fighters facing each other. There’s no ducking any fighters here. You’re fighting the best no matter what. You don’t pick fighters in a tournament and this is what people want and I want that. I am here for the fans.
“I want to take the time to thank SHOWTIME for putting this show together and not forgetting about the little guys because there are a lot of people that don’t even look at the little guys. It’s a great opportunity for all four of us. It’s tremendous for the weight class and I love it.
“It’s a privilege to fight Vic Darchinyan. He’s a well-known fighter, a big name. He’s beaten a lot of good fighters. All around I think he’s a good fighter but I don’t think of myself as a bad fighter. I think I’ve got the perfect style for him. I think it’s going to be a tough fight for both of us.
“I’ve got to take it fight by fight. But this fight is really big. I’ve got to take full advantage of my opportunity.
It will be my first time fighting in Mexico so that is exciting.’’
(On fighting Yonnhy Perez to a draw on SHOWTIME)
“I was ready. I said I was ready for that fight and I proved it going the 12 rounds. I still haven’t got over it because I have people telling me, ‘you won the fight.’ (But) it is what it is.’’
KEN THOMPSON (Thompson Boxing, Perez’ promoter)
“I think we’re going to have the most fabulous tournament ever. We’ve got four of the best fighters in the bantamweight division and they’re from all over the world: Ghana, Mexico, Armenia and Colombia. We’ve got a mix like never before — future champions, former champions and current champions. With this mix, you’ll never see fights like this again. But in the end we think the IBF Champion of the World, Yonnhy Perez, will be standing there right in the middle of the ring as the world champion. We’re looking for everything that could possibly happen to happen in this tournament. This is the greatest collection of bantamweights ever.’’
“You’ve got the best of the best with SHOWTIME putting this on. You’ve got the best promoters. SHOWTIME is one of the finest groups of people you could work with and they have a vision like no one else. I can’t wait for this to start.’’
YONNHY PEREZ
“I’m very happy that SHOWTIME is putting this tournament on. In the end it’s going to show who the best bantamweight in the world is. For SHOWTIME to get all these promoters together is great because you don’t have to get fights. It’s set. Whoever wins goes on; whoever loses, there is still a fight. My goal is to win it all. I’m very happy about the tournament because basically everyone included has a title.
“I can’t express how thankful I am to SHOWTIME for putting on this tournament and even putting me on Shobox when I first came up from Colombia. I’m very thankful. After everything is done I hope I continue to have their support and I’ll always be ready to fight and will always give a great fight for SHOWTIME.
“I’m concentrating on my fight. I don’t consider myself the favorite. I know I’m the world champion but I go into every fight thinking I’m the underdog. I’m going to prepare for this fight and come out victorious.’’
GARY SHAW (Gary Shaw Productions, Darchinyan’s promoter)
“Let me thank Ken Hershman. Ken, even with the problems we’ve had with the Super Six, saw the value in tournaments. I think tournaments is the way boxing is going to have to go. It has the interest of the fans. It has the interest of the fighters and once and for all you’ll know who the best really is.
“This is a great tournament. There are four great fighters. I have a lot of respect for all of them. Agbeko fought a great fight and Darchinyan had concrete between his ears, didn’t listen to his corner and I believe cost himself the fight, but Yonnhy finished the unfinished work of Vic by finishing Agbeko off.
“Abner Mares, who I have a tremendous amount of respect for, is the youngest fighter and was in an absolute war with Yonnhy. I thought Yonnhy won by one round but I thought Mares showed a huge amount of heart and courage, stayed in that fight and took it to a draw. Darchinyan is the oldest fighter on the stage, the one with the most experience. Everybody at SHOWTIME knows Darchinyan and they know how he thinks and they know when he fight, he comes to fight. He’s never in a dull fight.
“I want to tell you how you confident I am in Vic Darchinyan. This fight is in Mexico, but I told Vic ‘don’t worry, you are the best in the tournament.’ He said, “You really believe that?’ I said, ‘I believe it so much I called up Jose Sulaiman and we’re going to have a Mexican referee, we’re going to have three Mexican judges, a Mexican timekeeper and I know you’ll win.”
VIC DARCHINYAN
I want to thank Gary Shaw , Ken Hershman and everyone at SHOWTIME for putting on this show. Now, the whole world can see at bantamweight who’s the best. I am very happy for this tournament. I’m physically prepared all the time.
“I’m happy I’m fighting in Mexico. My style is a Mexican style, guys are coming to fight, coming for a show, so that’s what I’m going to do. Mexicans love my style. I am not against them, I am not against anyone. I’m just against my opponent. It just happens Mexicans have been my opponents, which is good. Mexicans are good fighters.
“The two other guys (Francisco Montiel, Nonito Donaire) that didn’t want to be in the tournament know they cannot be at the same level. Some of them think they are good, but if you’re good, get in the tournament. If you’re one of the best at bantamweight, come and fight. Mares is a good fighter.
“I’m going to be prepared for anything. No fear. I moved up to challenge other champions. The super tournament connects all the dots. I don’t want to defend my titles and fight No. 10, No. 15. If I fight, I collect all belts. The point is not who you can beat, it’s what champions you can beat. I want to prove myself and I want to prove to everyone I’m the best. Why worry?
ALAN HOPPER (Don King Productions)
“I happened to be at ARCO Arena in Sacramento in 2007 when pretty much an unknown guy came in to face a tough as nails Nicaraguan name Luis Perez. He had been the ideal bantamweight champion since 2003 Joseph knocked him out and sent him to the hospital. That’s how he catapulted himself to this stage. Later, in his career-defining fight, he met Darchinyan.
“It’s always going to be a good promotion with Vic, a lot of back and forth talking. The Florida commission used SHOWTIME’s clock and there was an extra minute in a round and in that round Vic knocked Joseph down. It was a wonderful fight and Joseph was fortunate enough to come out with a victory. Then, there was the “Halloween Thrilla” at Treasure Island on SHOWTIME where Yonnhy met Joseph. Yonnhy had a great game plan and I give him everything. In the 10th round there was a terrible head butt and Joseph got knocked down. The referee didn’t see it, and called it a knock down. Joseph feels like he has some unfinished business.’’
JOSEPH AGBEKO
“This is going to be a very nice tournament. The opportunity to meet the best bantamweights in the world is going to give me a very good platform. This tournament is the return of “King Kong.’’ It’s giving me the opportunity to get back in the ring. My trainer and I are coming together to make me the best bantamweight.
“Perez is a great fighter. He’s got a brave heart. I’m going to come very well prepared. I’m not thinking about Vic, I’m not thinking about Mares, I’m thinking about Perez. The winner will meet me.
“I think it’s going to be a very nice opportunity for me to fight in Mexico. They’ve produced a lot of great fighters and it’s going to be an honor to fight in Mexico.
“I’m very motivated to get back the belt because Ghana has no champion right now. They all have supported me and want me to win the title.’’
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers
TIM COLEMAN & PATRICK LOPEZ ARCHIE RAY MARQUEZ & JUAN SANTIAGO FINAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES
TOMORROW, Live on SHOWTIME, 11:45 p.m. ET/PT
NOTE: WEIGHTS (Sept. 30, 2010) – Tim Coleman tipped the scales at 139 3/4 pounds and Patrick Lopez measured 139 pounds during Thursday’s weigh in at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.
Both coming off huge victories and riding impressive winning streaks, United States Boxing Association (USBA) light welterweight champion, Coleman (17-1-1, 4 KOs) of Baltimore, Md., will face two-time Venezuelan Olympian Lopez (20-2, 12 KOs) a 12-round junior welterweight main event on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Oct. 1, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (11:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Archie Ray Marquez and Juan “Chago” Santiago both weighed in at 133 pounds. Marquez (9-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs) of Albuquerque, N.M., will meet Santiago (13-4-1, 8 KOs) of Denver, Colo., in an eight-round lightweight co-feature.
Coleman, 26, won his last start on a 12-round decision over former world title challenger and hometown favorite Mike Arnaoutis in New York on Dec. 3, 2009. The Roger Mayweather trained fighter has won three fights in a row since his only loss in October, 2008. The steady southpaw Lopez, 33, was impressive in his third-round TKO win against previously undefeated prospect Prenice Brewer in his last fight on Aug. 6.
The telecast will originate from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., and will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.
What the fighters had to say on Thursday:
TIM COLEMAN:
“This is my second lefty in a row, but that’s fine with me. Lopez is a more aggressive fighter, and that will work for me. That will suite my style.
“This (140 pounds) is a great weight for me. I feel stronger and quicker here.
“It’s been hard getting fights, so I’ll take whoever. I fight because I love it.
“I’ve been training with Roger (Mayweather) since I was 12 years old when I wan an amateur, but this is my first pro fight with him.
“I have a chin – I’ve never been knocked down.”
PATRICK LOPEZ:
“The win over (Pernice) Brewer was huge for me. That’s a big step.
“We’re ready for Coleman. He’s the perfect opponent for us.
“There’s no doubt I’ll be close to fighting for a world title in 2011 with a win over Coleman.
“I’ve always had an aggressive style. It’s exciting.”
ARCHIE RAY MARQUEZ:
“I was overly cautious in my last fight (win over Derrick Campos), but I stuck to my gameplan.
“I’m hungry to get back in the ring and make a statement. I had a hand injury so I haven’t fought in a while, but I’m ready to get back in there.
“I always want to look good. I don’t care how I win. If the knockout comes, it comes.”
JUAN SANTIAGO:
“There’s a good possibility there could be a knockout. This (133) is the perfect weight for me. My punches will do some more damage here.
“I like to be the aggressor. That’s just my style.
“I’ve never been knocked down before – knock on wood.
“I’m just going to fight my heart out. I’m not looking for the KO – if it comes, great, if not, I’m fine with that.
“I can’t wait to get in there and fight him. He’s been out of the ring for a while so he’ll be in for a surprise.”
Curt Menefee will call the action from ringside with the Steve Farhood serving as expert analysts. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since 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, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman, Andre Ward and, most recently, Cornelius Bundrage.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Echols new opponent for Spina
Last Man Standing’ Saturday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Sept. 30, 2010) – Three-time world title challenger Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols has replaced “Sucra” Ray Oliveira as Joey “KO Kid” Spina’s opponent for Saturday night’s main event on the “Last Man Standing” card in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
Echols (32-14, 28 KOs), who lost a pair of world title fights to Bernard Hopkins and one to Anthony Mundine, is a former USBA, NABF and NABA titlist. During his 17-year pro career, Echols has defeated world champion Charles Brewer, Kabary Salem, Oscar Bravo, Ross Thompson and Brian Barbosa, among the more notables, in addition to fighting to draws with world champion Eric Lucas, Mohammad Said, Rubin Williams and Michael Walker.
“Last Man Standing” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Final Presser & Official Weigh-In Friday Afternoon at Foxwoods
The final press conference and official weigh-in for Saturday night’s “Last Man Standing” show will be held tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 1), starting at 3 PM/ET in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Tickets, priced at $40.00, $60.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254) or Foxwoods (800-200-2882), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, or in person at Foxwood’s box office.
For more information contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods Resort Casino (www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6:00 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.
WORLD JR. FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. DEFENDS TITLE AGAINST IVAN “CHOKO” HERNANDEZ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 AY SILVER SPURS ARENA
Quotes from Thursday, September 30 Press Conference at Silver Spurs Arena
Kissimmee, FL: On Saturday, October 16, 2010, one of the biggest shows in Central Florida history will be hosted by the 10,500 seat Silver Spurs Arena of the Osceola Heritage Park in an event billed: “The Rising Son Returns”. In the main event WBO Jr. Featherweight Champion Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will make the second defense of his title when he meets his toughest opponent so far in Ivan “Choko” Hernandez of Ensenada, Mexico for Vazquez’ WBO Jr. Featherweight Title.
“The Rising Son Returns” is promoted by All Star Boxing in association with Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tickets, priced at $202, $102, $52 and $27, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Silver Spurs Arena box office and on-line at Ticketmaster.com.
Profesor Roberto Quesada, Team Vazquez Sr. & Jr. (Taught boxing at University of Sports in Cuba) “Someone once asked President Truman if he thought the USA would be able to send people to the moon. Truman replied, “It will be difficult, but we can do it.” Can a person with no amateur experience become a world champion? It was difficult, but Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. proved it could be done. Vazquez Jr. trained for six months, alone, to prove to his father he was ready, before his father would let him enter the ring.” Wilfredo Vazquez, father/trainer “Wilfredo has always fought tough opponents and now he is moving up to fight the toughest opponent yet of his career. He is growing up as a boxer and he will have to when he faces Ivan “Choko” Hernandez.” Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. WBO World Jr. Featherweight Champion “I am excited to come back to Kissimmee and it will be my first defense of the world title in Kissimmee. I am very happy to return here where I started a dream. A dream where nobody believed in me. Every time I have fought in Kissimmee I have felt like I was fighting in my living room. I respect my island of Puerto Rico and my blood is from there and I love it there but here in Kissimmee is where I was made to get to where I am today. I tell my friends that I work for my family. I do what I do every day for my daughter and my wife and I am going to keep doing it for as long as I can because I work for my family and I have to respect my family.” “There has been a lot of sacrifice. I am glad that I am champion to prove that the sacrifices I have made have paid off. It takes a lot to get in the ring and if you’ve never gotten in the ring, you don’t know what it feels like. We are a big group, and my father saw my talent when no one else thought I had any talent to make it like I did. I wasn’t even a boxer. But he showed me all this talent.” “To professor Roberto Quesada, who when I asked for support at the beginning of my career when nobody believed in me he gave me his hand, not knowing that I could come without fighting an amateur fight and then making it to this place, from the bottom of his heart. I want to thank Ruben DeJesus who, because of the constant rush of the press, I have never had the chance to than before. And to Tuto Zabala who without his help I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to thank Osceola County Commissioner Quinones who has supported me from day one.” “Now lets talk about the fight. Ivan Hernandez is an excellent fighter. He is a former world champion and I know he has fought the best in the division.” (Staring at Ivan Hernandez sitting to his left) “I want you to know that you won’t be taking the title away from me. I have worked very hard to be where I am and I know and I am glad that you are coming well prepared. I am not a kid that after he trains or fights he goes out partying in the clubs. You are going to fight a man and boxing is my life. Boxing is breakfast. Boxing is lunch, and boxing is dinner. That’s my life. You will not be in my way to make my dream happen. In my vocabulary, ‘not proud’ is not there, because anyone who talks about that is only working to the half.” “I hope you fight in the middle of the ring with me, toe-to-toe, because this is boxing and you have to fight. If you try to run, I will look for you and I will find you. And when I find you (laughing) I will introduce you to my best friends (holding up his fists and looking at them laughing). These two are going to talk for me on the 16th. I hope you are ready for the punishment I am going to give you in the ring. I showed you my body in Puerto Rico yesterday and you could see that I am well-prepared for whatever you bring.” Ramon Marchera, Hernandez trainer We are here once again to bring together another great fight between Puerto Rico and Mexico. We know they have always had great fights and a great rivalry. We have all intention of taking the title back home. We know Wilfredo is a great champion but we have prepared really well. Even thought it is a great rivalry, when we win and take the belts back, we want to stay friends. Ivan “Choko” Hernandez I would like to thank Wilfredo Vazquez Jr for this opportunity. I admire Wilfredo Jr and his father. It is going to be a great fight on the 16th of October. It is going to be a big fight and I am ready and I want to tell Wilfredo to be ready on October 16. I call all the fans to come out to watch the fight. It is going to be a great fight. Every dollar you spend on this fight is worth it because you are going to get your money’s worth. Tuto Zabala “Like father like son, from myself to Wilfredo Jr, we are promoting this event like a family event. It will be stacked with Jr’s. I am a Jr. and if it weren’t for my father, none of us, Wilfredo or myself, would be here today. I am a promoter because of my father, who promoted Wilfredo Sr, who was a three-time world champion and now his Jr. is a world champion. The ring announcer on October 16 will be Jimmy Lennon Jr, whose father was one of the greatest ring announcers in the sport. On the undercard there we will feature Guty Espadas, Jr, Pipino Cuevas Jr. and Tony Laporte, Jr (son of Juan Laporte). The youngest son of Wilfredo Vazquez Sr, Israel Vazquez, will also make his pro debut on the card. The publicist for the fight, Ed Keenan, is also a Jr. It is going to be a great night to be able to pay respect to our fathers. That inspired me to do the show the way we are doing it.”
Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. vs. Ivan “Choko” Hernandez will be broadcast live on-pay-per-view, distributed by Integrated Sports in the US and in Puerto Rico by Pay Per View Connection beginning at 9 PM ET/6PM PT at a suggested retail price of $34.95.
JORGE BARRIOS RETURNS TO THE RING ON HBO PLUS’ “NEXT BOXING GENERATION” AGAINST WILSON ALCORRO
OCTOBER 1 CARD ALSO FEATURES HECTOR SALDIVIA VS.
BRAZIL’S JAILTON DE JESUS
TELEFUTURA’S “SóLO BOXEO TECATE” TO TELEVISE
BARRIOS-MARTINEZ BOUT IN THE UNITED STATES
LOS ANGELES, September 30 – It will be an explosive night of fights at the Jose Jorge Conte Arena in Corrientes, Argentina on Friday, October 1, when former World Champion Jorge Rodrigo Barrios returns to the ring for the first time in nearly a year to take on Colombia’s Wilson Alcorro in a ten round lightweight bout, and welterweight contender Hector David Saldivia battles hard-hitting Brazilian Jailton De Jesus. This doubleheader will be televised on the 21st edition of HBO Plus’ “Next Boxing Generation.”
Both bouts, which are presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Arano Box Producciones, will air live on the HBO Plus service in Latin America beginning at 10pm local time (9pm ET).
The Barrios-Alcorro bout will be televised in the United States on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” at 11:30pm ET/PT.
Tickets, priced at 50 pesos (general), 90 pesos (platea) and 130 (ring side), can be purchased at the Club Regatas Corrientes.
Argentinean superstar Jorge Rodrigo “La Hiena” Barrios (49-4-1, 35 KO’s) is back in action on October 1 and eager to pick up where he left off in November of 2009, when he halted Michael Lozada in five rounds in defense of his WBO Latino lightweight title. On the hunt for another world title, the 34-year-old from Tigre will be tested by Wilson Alcorro, but the former 130-pound champion is ready for whatever his opponent brings on fight night.
Colombian southpaw Wilson Alcorro (26-12-3, 17 KO’s) has been in the ring with some of boxing’s best, including Nate Campbell, Humberto Soto and Urbano Antillon, and he is known for always coming to fight. The 36-year-old from Monteria is ready for battle on October 1.
26-year old Comodoro Rivadavia native Hector David Saldivia (34-2, 27 KO’s) has won 13 of his last 14 bouts dating back to 2007 and is considered one of the top welterweights in the world. Now in his second fight back since an upset loss to Said Ouali in May, Saldivia would love to deliver a big knockout victory to his loyal home country fans.
A native of Bahia, Brazil, 23-year old Jailton De Jesus (12-1, 10 KO’s) is a seasoned pro despite having only three years and 13 fights as a professional boxer. Case in point is the fact that he fought for and won the Sao Paulo state title in his pro debut which was scheduled for 10 rounds. He decisioned William Santos this past July and is expecting a similar victorious result when he faces Saldivia.
“Next Boxing Generation,” which was launched in August of 2008 by Golden Boy Promotions in association with HBO Latin America Group, features the top up and coming Latin American fighters in boxing today in exciting bouts that will appeal to fans across all demographics. The series has seen fights take place throughout Mexico as well as in Argentina, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, the United States and Uruguay.
For more information on this bout, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing
‘Last Man Standing’ card changes
Saturday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Sept. 30, 2010) – Due to a commission doctor requirement, 3-time world title challenger “Sucra” Ray Oliveira has been forced to withdraw from Saturday night’s main event fight against Joey “KO Kid” Spina on the “Last Man Standing” card in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
“Last Man Standing” is being presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Foxwoods Resort Casino.
CES has been granted permission by the commission to secure an opponent for Spina (25-1-2, 17 KOs), who is the No. 6 rated light heavyweight by the World Boxing Association. “Ray was cleared by a neurological specialist but the commission demanded a second test that wasn’t cleared,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield explained. “Ray did everything and more during this process and he was probably in the best shape of his career. One doctor said his blood pressure was unbelievably good. Ray Oliveira is a warrior who was 100-percent prepared, mentally and physically, to fight Saturday night. We’re working feverishly to find a suitable replacement for Spina, who doesn’t care about his new opponent, only that he’s fighting in the ring Saturday night.”
Final Presser & Official Weigh-In Friday Afternoon at Foxwoods
The final press conference and official weigh-in for Saturday night’s “Last Man Standing” show will be held tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 1), starting at 3 PM/ET in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
In the co-feature, New England super middleweight champion Vladine “Mr. Providence” Biosse (8-0, 4 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, takes on upset specialist Ariel “Iron” Espinal (8-15-3, 4 KOs) in a non-title fight. Biosse, a native of Cape Verde, is one of the hottest prospects on the East Coast coming off impressive wins by 8-round unanimous decisions against Joey McCreedy on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights and Ibaheim King.
Fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are David Bauza (5-0, 3 KOs), of Hartford, vs. Jonathan Senquiz (1-2); New Haven super lightweight Edwin Soto (4-0-1, 2 KOs) vs. Trenton Titsworth (3-9-1, 2 KOs); hometown favorite Karen Dulin (1-6), a super bantamweight from nearby Mystic, vs. Katarina “Kat” De La Cruz (0-4-1); New Haven super middleweight Greg McCoy (1-1-1) vs. Reynaldo Rodriguez (5-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Woonsocket (RI); Hartford super featherweight Joseph “Chip” Perez (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Ernest Butts III (0-1); Byfield (MA) featherweight Derek Silveira (2-0, 1 KOs) vs. Phillip Bernette (0-1); and New Haven’s promising featherweight prospect Luis Rosa Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Joseph Velazquez (1-6, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $40.00, $60.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254) or Foxwoods (800-200-2882), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, or in person at Foxwood’s box office.
For more information contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods Resort Casino (www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6:00 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.
Video: Interview with Kassim Ouma
By Mario Ortega Jr.
Newly crowned NABA Middleweight Champion Kassim Ouma spoke to 15rounds.com shortly after his title-winning sixth-round stoppage of Joey Gilbert at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada on Saturday night. With the win, Ouma (27-7-1, 17 KOs) likely earned a world ranking with WBA, which could eventually lead to a fight against their champion Felix Sturm.
Watch Kassim Ouma Interview with 15rounds.com
Panama City Beach MMA Institute Presents: Brawl At The Beach 2010
Watch UFC veteran Luigi Fioravanti continue his climb back towards the octagon as he faces John Buck this Saturday night as Panama City Beach MMA Institute presents: Brawl at the Beach 2010.
The entire 9 bout mixed martial event will be available for free on Go Fight Live beginning on October 12.
Two special UFC guests will be present at the event. For more information visit the PCB MMA website.
Here is the entire card:
Matt McCook 7-4 VS. Glibert Burgos 5-1
James Wynn 4-12 VS. Ralph Acosta 5-5
Joshua Fountain2-2 VS. Adrain Miles 4-2
Socrates Pierre 1-0 VS. Mike Byrnes 2-2
Juan Zapata1-1 VS. Khatrullo Kokiev 1-0
Julien Williams 1-1 VS. Sasuke Zapata 1-1
Kevin Pearson 0-0 VS. Alan Greenway 0-1
Aaron Johnson 6-4 VS. Tj Cook 9-3
Luigi Fioravanti 17-5 VS. John Buck 7-1
Chavez Jr. to fight Alfonso Gomez on December 4 PPV in California
He wont be fighting Miguel Cotto, but popular Middleweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will be in the ring on December 4 as he will take on former world title challenger Alfonso Gomez as part of a Top Rank Pay Per View card in Anaheim, Californina, that according to Dan Rafael of espn.com
• Former flyweight titlist Nonito Donaire (24-1, 16 KOs), a top-10 pound-for-pound fighter, will move up from junior bantamweight to face former bantamweight titlist Wladimir Sidorenko (22-2-2, 7 KOs) for a vacant interim belt.
• Lightweight titlist Humberto Soto (53-7-2, 32 KOs) will make his third defense against Urbano Antillon (28-1, 20 KOs) in a bout that had been slated to take place in May but was called off when Soto elected to take a different fight.
• Lightweight contender Brandon Rios (25-0-1, 18 KOs), coming off a breakout performance in which stormed past favored Anthony Peterson for a dominant seventh-round disqualification win on Sept. 11 in his HBO debut, will face an opponent to be determined.
“I think it’s a nice card. I like that card. It should be a fun show.” Said Top Rank boss Bob Arum , adding that the Honda Center will be configured for a crowd of about 10,000. “We have priced the tickets very reasonably — $200, $100, $50 and $30 — so we’re expecting a good crowd.”
“I’m excited to fight someone who has a good resume like Sidorenko, who’s been champion,” Donaire said. “I’m excited to fight somebody at this level rather than the guys I’ve been fighting. It’s good to be challenged and it makes me better. I’m facing a guy who knows how to win and is experienced. The challenge is there for me. Sidorenko is not a joke.”
Should Donaire prove victorious he would be in line to fight Fernando Montiel in early 2011
If Soto and Rios each win their bouts, Arum said he plans to match them in the first quarter of next year.
“That’s the idea, and maybe we could do Rios and Antillon, too, if Antillon wins,” Arum said. “We’ll try to make the fight for HBO or Showtime.”
“Rios is a lovely kid and now he’s a hard-working guy,” Arum said. “I think he’s going to go far and I’d love to give him a chance to fight for a world title on one of the premium networks.”
“Chavez is taking the fight seriously,” Arum said. “He’s going to spar with Manny and it’s perfect. Chavez is bigger than Manny, but Chavez is getting ready for a smaller guy [Gomez] and Manny is getting ready for a bigger guy [Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13]. Chavez being in the Philippines sparring with Manny will help sell both fights.”
One of the fighters who did not make the cut for the pay-per-view, junior middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan, will still get a televised opportunity. Arum said he plans to have Martirosyan fight in his hometown of Glendale, Calif., in the headline fight on a Fox Sports “Top Rank Live” card Dec. 18, possibly against Pawel Wolak — who had been in the running to face Chavez.
“We’ll save people from having to watch Bernard Hopkins’ fight that same night,” Arum cracked, taking a dig at Hopkins’ light heavyweight title challenge to Jean Pascal, which is scheduled the same day on Showtime PPV.
ESPN News- Pacquiao, Roach rip Mayweather, back Bradley February 21, 2012Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. both realize almost every boxing fan wishes Floyd Mayweather Jr. had been standing next to Pacquiao at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Tuesday. […]Associated Press
- HBO PPV secures rights to Pacquiao-Bradley February 21, 2012HBO made it 2-for-2 in securing the rights to the first two major pay-per-view fights of the year on Tuesday, announcing that it had finalized an agreement to produce and distribute Manny Pacquiao's defense against Timothy Bradley Jr. […]Dan Rafael
- V. Klitschko says still owes Chisora a knockout February 21, 2012WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko wants to fight Britain's Dereck Chisora again -- so he can knock him out. […]Associated Press
- Chisora apologizes 'wholeheartedly' for brawl February 20, 2012Dereck Chisora apologized "wholeheartedly" Monday for the brawl with David Haye that followed his loss to WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. […]Associated Press
- V. Klitschko tore shoulder ligament vs. Chisora February 19, 2012Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko suffered a torn ligament in his left shoulder during his unanimous decision win over Dereck Chisora on Saturday in Munich, Germany, but he will not require surgery. […]Dan Rafael
- Stars honor Ali at 70th birthday gala in Vegas February 19, 2012President Barack Obama lauded Muhammad Ali Saturday as he joined some of the world's most famous people in a birthday celebration for the boxer known simply as "The Greatest." […]Associated Press
- Esparza, Underwood, Shields win boxing trials February 19, 2012Claressa Shields screamed, sidestepped and finally hopped around the ring, unable to contain her glee when she was named the outstanding fighter at the first U.S. Olympic team trials for women's boxing. […]Associated Press
- Gamboa, Rios agree to April 14 bout in Vegas February 17, 2012Former unified featherweight titlist Yuriorkis Gamboa will jump up two weight classes and face former lightweight titleholder Brandon Rios in a fight that matches two of boxing's most crowd-pleasing fighters. […]Dan Rafael
- Boxer banned for threat, sparking ring riot February 17, 2012The IBF on Thursday banned former junior flyweight titlist Luis Lazarte from participating in any fight the organization is associated with following Lazarte's actions during a bout last Friday. […]Dan Rafael
- Ward cleared for training as long as hand OK February 16, 2012Unified super middleweight champion Andre Ward has received medical clearance to resume using his left hand, as long as it feels OK, after fracturing it in two places. […]Dan Rafael
- Pacquiao, Roach rip Mayweather, back Bradley February 21, 2012
