UFC 125: Who’s On The Hot Seat?
Tomorrow night UFC 125 will come to us from the MGM Grand Garden Arena as UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar looks to defend his title for a second time and even the score with Gray Maynard at the same time. Back in April of 2008 Maynard handed Edgar the only defeat of his career via unanimous decision.
This card has a lot of interesting match-ups and the PPV portion of the card consists of five highly competitive, ultra exciting bouts. For the first time ever the ION Network will show three preliminary bouts in place of Spike TV. Whether this is a negotiating ploy by the UFC or is just the UFC looking for other avenues to showcase their events remains to be seen.
With all of that said and done it’s time to take a look at which fighters competing on this card could be unemployed if they are to lose tomorrow night.
Phil Baroni:
The New York Bad Ass returns to the middleweight division in attempt to jumpstart his career and remain with the UFC. The popularity of Baroni is still very clear as he took to The Underground asking his fans to contact UFC President Dana White to put Baroni on the televised prelims. After losing to Amir Sadollah in his first fight inside the octagon in over five and a half years, Baroni suffered an injury that kept him off of the UFC 118 card in Boston.
Now he takes on the undefeated Brad Tavares who was a contestant on season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter. At 13-12 and having lost his last bout, this is definitely a do or die situation for Baroni. Although it seems as if Baroni has been around for ever the Long Island, NY native is only 34 years old, but he has been through some hellacious wars. He needs a win to remain with the UFC.
Marcus Davis:
Marcus Davis is hoping the drop down to the lightweight division will reinvigorate his career, but at the age of 37 time is certainly not on The Irish Hand Grenade’s side. A crowd pleaser throughout his UFC career it doesn’t seem like he plans on changing his fighting style anytime soon. His opponent Jeremy Stephens is known for standing toe-to-toe and not giving up an inch.
Davis is 1-3 in his last four bouts which includes being knocked out for the first time by Ben Saunders at UFC 106 last November. The season 2 Ultimate Fighter contestant was last seen losing via technical submission (Guillotine Choke) to Nate Diaz in a war that garnered both men Fight of the Night Honors at UFC 118. With the influx of new talent coming over from the WEC merger there is no room on the roster for fighters who can’t win. Tomorrow night could very well be the last time we see Davis inside the octagon.
Brandon Vera:
Fans are still waiting along with UFC officials for Brandon Vera’s talents to finally come together and bring out the fighter who set the world on fire back in 2005-2006. Vera has suffered two losses in a row and in his last bout against All-World prospect Jon Jones, Vera was manhandled before finally having his face literally broken in half by some Jones elbows. He has been out a shade over nine months, but luckily his opponent Thiago Silva hasn’t fought since last January due to a back injury.
For all of Vera’s talk he hasn’t nearly lived up to his own hype. Hopefully he can began a solid run and put a dent in the UFC light heavyweight division. It’s hard to tell just where a third loss in a row would leave Vera, but it wouldn’t be a shock if it left him seeking fights elsewhere. The UFC could keep him around because of his name recognition and due to the fact that it would be a bitter pill to swallow should he go on to become successful somewhere else. One thing is certain, Silva is an extremely tough opponent who could end this fight with one punch.
A very short list this time around, but they are three pretty big names who could conceivably catch on elsewhere. We will have to wait until tomorrow night to find out the results and the UFC acts pretty quickly when it comes to letting fighters go. Enjoy the New Year and UFC 125.
QUEZADA STEPS IN FOR GAVERN AND WILL FACE MOLLO FOR WBC CARIBBEAN TITLE ON JANUARY 29TH AT TURNING STONE CASINO
HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE CLASH HIGHLIGHTS EXCITING CARD AT TURNING STONE CASINO ON JANUARY 29TH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VERONA, NY (December 31, 2010)—Former WBC Caribbean champion, Manuel Quezada will attempt to win back that crown when he takes on Mike Mollo in the twelve round main event on Saturday night, January 29th at the beautiful Turning Stone Resort and Casino.
Quezada was summoned for the fight after the man who defeated him; Jason Gavern had to pull out due to an injury.
Quezada of Wasco, California has a record of 29-6 with eighteen knockouts.
Quezada went 11-4 in his first fifteen bouts before embarking on a eighteen fight win streak with some impressive wins over the likes of Eric Boose (7-0-1); Gary Gomez (18-7-1);
He won the WBC Heavyweight title with a second round knockout over Rick Dyer (13-1) and the continued with signature wins over Teke Orih (14-1-1); a stunning first round knockout over Travis Walker (31-2-1) and a unanimous decision over Nicolai Firtha (16-6-1).
In his last bout, Quezada put up a gallant effort before dropping a twelve round unanimous decision to former world title challenger Chris Arreola (28-2) on August 13th.
Mollo is one of the toughest customers in the Heavyweight division as the Chicago native has a record of 20-3-1 with twelve knockouts.
Mollo began his career with fifteen straight wins which included victories over a pair of undefeated foes and also won the WBO Latin Heavyweight title with a sixth round knockout over Rogerio Lobo (36-13).
Mollo then stopped up the competition and was stopped in four rounds by former world title challenger DaVarryl Williamson (22-4).
Mollo went on to win four straight that included a win over the man who retired Mike Tyson, Kevin McBride (34-4-1)
Mollo was all over McBride as he scored a knockdown in round one and dropped him two more times in round two before the fight was stopped.
Mollo also defeated Art Binkowski (16-1) in two rounds in a battle of two Chicago based heavyweights that took place just outside the City limits and was a much anticipated turf war.
Mollo then took on multiple time world title challenger Andre Golota (40-6-1) as part of the Roy Jones – Felix Trinidad undercard at Madison Square Garden.
The battle was a tremendous action fight where Mollo fought very hard and was praied for his toughness as he took many big shots before dropping a unanimous decision.
Unfortunately, Mollo was stopped in two rounds by multiple time world title challenger Jameel McCline (38-9-3) in China.
Mollo came back score an eight round unanimous decision over Billy Zimbrun and in his last bout, Mollo fought to an eight round draw with Gary Gomez on August 6 in Chicago.
In the co-feature, Isaac Rodriguez (17-1, 13 KO’s) of West Berlin, NJ via Brazil will look to get back in the win column after his pro defeat will take on upset minded Russell Jordan (15-8, 10 KO’s) of Rochester, NY in a Middleweight bout scheduled for eight rounds
A full undercard has been assembled as exciting female Super Featherweight scheduled for six rounds, Amanda Serrano (7-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, New York will rematch Ela Nunez (9-7-1, 2 KO’s) of Jamestown, NY.
The two fought a toe to toe slugfest on November 20, 2009 that ended in a draw.
In a six round Welterweight bout, Kenny Abril (11-3-1, 6 KO’s) of Rochester, NY will take on Stephen Scott (5-2) of Albany, New York.
Ibaheim King (7-5, 2 KO’s) of West Palm Beach, Florida will take on Philadelphia Latif Mundy (9-2, 4 KO’s) in a Middleweight bout scheduled for six rounds.
Also seeing action will be Super Middleweight Andy Mejias (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Utica, NY in a six round bout against an opponent to be named.
Derrick Evans of Utica, NY will be making his pro debut in a four round bout in a Light Heavyweight bout against Steve Tyner (1-1-1) of Albany, NY.
Tickets for this championship night of boxing are priced at just $60; $45 and $ 35 and be purchased the Showroom Box Office by calling (1 800 833 SHOW) or at all Ticketmaster outlets by calling (315 472 0700)
The Turning Stone Casino and Resort is located at:
5218 Patrick Road
Verona, NY 13478
(315) 361-8248
Bennie Briscoe Funeral information
Main Events Wins Judah – Mabuza Purse Bid
Totowa, NJ – Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO, announced their promotional firm won the purse bid held at IBF headquarters in East Orange, NJ, Thursday. The bid was for the right to hold the IBF’s junior welterweight title fight between Zab Judah of Brooklyn, NY and Las Vegas, and South Africa’s Kaizer Mabuza.
IBF Championships Chairman, Lindsay Tucker explained, “It is a 50-50 split of the earnings between the two fighters. Kaizer is ranked No. 1 by the IBF, and Judah is No. 2. Where the fight will be held is up to the winning bidder.”
Judah (39-6, 26 KOs) is promoted by Main Events and his own firm Super Judah Promotions, and Branco Milenkovic, of South Africa, promotes Mabuza (23-6-3, 14 KOs).
Kathy Duva confirmed the fight will take place at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, late February or early March this year as part of Main Events’ Brick City Boxing Series.
“We are very happy that Zab has the opportunity to fight for the IBF Junior Welterweight title right here in New Jersey. Winning this fight will put Zab right in the mix with the winner of Bradley-Alexander and Amir Khan.” Duva elaborated, ” Zab will work very hard to win this fight so that he will be one step closer to his ultimate goal of unifying all of the Junior Welterweight titles by the end of 2011!”
Details will follow.
A few picks, but no promises, for 2011
By Norm Frauenheim
Predictions are a lot like contract clauses, which is to say they are hard to fulfill. They fall apart faster than Jean Pascal. So don’t take them seriously, especially after a problematic 2010 left a fractured web of further trouble in 2011. But here goes anyway,15 predictions for every round in a New Year:
· Floyd Mayweather Jr. will only fight security guards and only if they undergo Olympic-style drug-testing.
· Filipino Congressman Manny Pacquiao thinks about becoming his own security guard, but decides he has better things to do. He writes and proposes legislation; raises funds for his presidential campaign; asks Freddie Roach to be his running mate; asks Bob Arum to be his Secretary of Defense; studies for a couple of movie roles; plays point guard, power forward, shooting guard, center, small forward and sixth man; negotiates for ownership of an NBA franchise; tries to sing; puts off singing lessons; speaks to the United Nations; writes his autobiography; visits Barack Obama; hosts a talk show and assures the faithful that he isn’t distracted. What, Manny, worry? He stops Shane Mosley within nine rounds on May 7.
· For a couple of rounds, Mosley looks better than expected. He pushes the Manny congregation to the edge of despair with an early knockdown of Pacquiao. A red-faced Arum can be heard screaming at Todd DuBoef, telling him to arrange an immediate rematch with either Joshua Clottey or Antonio Margarito. But like the T–Shirt says: Manny Knows. Translation: No worries. Wear and tear from a long career, combined with Pacquiao’s inexhaustible energy and speed, sap Mosley, turning him into the burned-out shell he was against Sergio Mora.
· Miguel Cotto gets in the last word against Ricardo Mayorga, everybody’s first choice for a tune-up, and then moves onto some unfinished business against Margarito. Cotto avenges his 2008 loss to Margarito. Cotto never mentions whether he suspects that Margarito wore the altered hand wraps that led to his license revocation after they were discovered loss to Mosley. He doesn’t have to. A one-sided victory says it all.
· The Arum-Oscar De La Hoya feud continues, also a safe for prediction for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and beyond, say, until sometime after Pacquiao’s term as the Filipino president ends.
· Pascal says he doesn’t do rematches, even though Bernard Hopkins earned one in a majority draw and a contract clause entitles Chad Dawson to one. Pascal doesn’t do late rounds either, a habit which would doom him in another go-round with either Hopkins or Dawson, who figures to be smarter and much tougher with trainer Emanuel Steward.
· Juan Manuel Marquez beats Andre Berto and again asks for a second rematch with Pacquiao. Arum, already in a never-ending battle with Marquez promoter De La Hoya, is running short on reasons to avoid Marquez. But Arum re-opens a forgotten front. He tells Marquez to dump trainer Nacho Beristain, who has been a forgotten in the ongoing saga. Beristain walked out of a news conference amid an exchange of obscenities after Pacquiao won a disputed decision in their last bout. Years ago, Beristain ended his relationship with Arum after an angry breakdown in negotiations.
· Sylvester Stallone opens and concludes his acceptance speech in June for induction to the International Boxing Hall of Fame by saying “Yo.’’
· Mike Tyson tells the Hall of Fame audience in June that he doesn’t really belong in the Hall, but he has already been there in photos and memorabilia for several years anyway. Tyson’s induction, a worthy one despite the controversy surrounding him throughout his career, only makes it official.
· The Hall announces plans for a Hollywood wing. Mark Wahlberg is nominated for spot in Hall alongside Stallone for his starring role in The Fighter. Some critics continue to call The Fighter the best film ever about boxing. They must have never seen When We Were Kings, the poignant story about Muhammad Ali’s 1974 victory over George Foreman in Zaire. It’s a documentary, which means the drama is real in a sport that is so often its own screenplay.
· Evander Holyfield doesn’t retire. Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson don’t either.
· Beyond his boxing prime and a mixed-martial bust, James Toney has nowhere to go. He becomes a pro wrestler.
· Saul “Canelo” Alvarez calls out Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Canelo tells him: “Let’s fight at Azteca Stadium and see if we can do what your daddy did.’’ Chavez’ father, the legendary Julio Sr. and another 2011 Hall of Fame inductee, drew a record crowd of 132,247 to the Mexico City stadium for his 1993 victory over Greg Haugen..
· Amir Khan unifies the junior-welterweight title and begins talks about moving up in weight and class, possibly against Cotto.
· The heavyweights get a new name, the Euros, overrated and devalued.
Herans to battle Sturm for Middleweight belt
According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Ronald Hearns will try to follow in he footsteps and capture a Middleweight championship when he takes on Felix Sturm on February 19th in Stuttgart, Germany.
“We’ve agreed in principle on the terms and we are exchanging the paperwork,” said Hearns’ promoter Lou DiBella of his deal with Arena Box promoter Ahmet Öner, who works with Sturm’s own promotional company on his fights. “We hope to have it signed by Saturday.”
“It’s a tremendous career opportunity for Ronald,” DiBella said. “It’s a shot at a title his father once held so proudly.”
“I think that Sturm is extremely talented. We all know that, but he’s been around for a long time,” DiBella said. “He’s not a huge puncher and Ronald can really punch, so it’s a great opportunity for him. It’s an opportunity he won’t get here [in the United States].
“If Ronald can go to Germany and do well, even if he loses, he can come back here bigger than when he left. He’ll go there and give it everything he has against one of the best middleweights in the world.”
Golden Boy Promotions 2010 Holiday Newsletter
NO REST FOR GBP
As boxing’s premier promotional company, there was no time for vacations or extended breaks this past year. Fans wanted fights and GBP hit the road to give them fights, with a hand in over 90 boxing events over the course of 2010. Included was May’s Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs. Sugar Shane Mosley event, which generated the year’s largest pay-per-view audience. GBP also brought boxing back to traditional boxing venues who had taken a hiatus from hosting boxing with the Tropicana Casino in Las Vegas and the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California getting back into the game.
GBP REACHES OUT TO CAPTURE BOXING FANS AROUND THE WORLD
Though based in Los Angeles, GBP understands that at its core, boxing is an international sport, and therefore it has made a big effort to make sure that fans around the globe get to see the best fights and fighters in the game. In 2010, GBP promoted or co-promoted events in nine countries (Argentina, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, The United Kingdom, The United States and Venezuela.
BIG EXPOSURE ON THE AIRWAVES FOR GBP EVENTS
The company brought the sport’s top events live into living rooms around the world thanks to partnerships with numerous networks / internet sites including HBO, HBP Pay-Per-View, HBO Plus, SHOWTIME, TeleFutura, Fox Sports Net, ESPN2, Televisa, British SKY Broadcasting, Solar, UStream & Ringtv.com.
WE CAN’T DO IT ALONE
Bringing the best in boxing to fans around the world would not be possible without the support of sponsors who have partnered with GBP in numbers not seen in decades. From in-store marketing activation leading up to fights to in-arena presence which add to the fan experience, our sponsors make sure the experience had at a GBP promoted boxing event is unlike anything a boxing fan has ever had before. Included in this group of 2010 sponsors are Cerveza Tecate, DeWalt Tools, AT&T, StubHub, Southwest Airlines, Corona, Coca-Cola (Powerade and Vitamin Water), McDonald’s, Lights Out, Diageo (Don Julio), Cien Años and Ustream.
TELEFUTURA’S “SÓLO BOXEO TECATE” RETURNS
Boxing fans were hit hard when the beloved weekly series “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” went off the air in December of 2008, but good news came in March of 2010 with the announcement that GBP and TeleFutura were teaming up in an exclusive partnership to bring the series back, bigger and better than ever. From late April to December, 22 shows took place across the United States from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New York, Puerto Rico and Texas with an additional seven airing from sites in Mexico and Argentina in conjunction with GBP and HBO Plus’ “Next Boxing Generation” series.
GBP INKS DEAL WITH TELEVISA
In another landmark deal, GBP signed a multi-year deal with Televisa to bring Mexico’s best fighters to fans across the country beginning in January 2011. The monthly telecasts will air on Saturday nights from sites throughout Mexico.
BOXING’S BACK IN BROOKLYN
East coast boxing fans, your time has come as GBP joined forces with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment in July to promote a minimum of 12 boxing events a year at Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center beginning in 2012. Now, one of the most boxing-rich areas in the sport’s history will get the fight action it deserves.
GBP CONTINUES TO SIGN BOXING’S BIGGEST NAMES…
With an eye on the future, GBP continued to bolster its already impressive stable of fighters with the signing of exclusive promotional deals with WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Amir “King” Khan, unbeaten Mexican star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and former World Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi.
…AND RISING STARS
But the company also continued to build for the future by bringing in an exciting crop of young prospects who many observers believe will be wearing championship gold in the future, including Frankie Gomez, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Sharif Bogere, Jamie Kavanagh, Eduardo Alicea, Manuel Avila, Alfonso Blanco, Randy Caballero, Michael Finney, Trevor McCumby, Fidel Maldonado Jr., Bastie Samir and Mikael Zewski.
“FIGHT NIGHT CLUB” HAS ANOTHER BIG YEAR
GBP and AEG’s “Fight Night Club” avoided the sophomore jinx by delivering another great season of fistic action at L.A. LIVE’s Club Nokia. Featuring the top young talent in the sport, fans at Club Nokia got to see Victor Ortiz, Abner Mares, Frankie Gomez, Gary Russell Jr., Jessie Vargas, Carlos Molina, Luis Ramos, Ronny Rios and many others in action in an intimate setting that brought new life to the live fight night experience. The crowds were packed with fans and some of boxing’s most popular fighters, including future Hall of Famer and GBP President Oscar de la Hoya, future Hall of Famer and GBP Partner Bernard Hopkins, Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard as well as current and former World Champions Amir “King” Khan, Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, Daniel Ponce De Leon and Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi. Boxing’s elite weren’t the only ones taking in the action as stars from the sports and entertainment world including Barry Bonds, Will.i.am, Taboo, Mario Lopez, Audrina Patridge, Baby Bash, Aubrey O’Day and Tattoo were also ringside throughout the year. GBP and AEG promise to bring more of the same great fights and atmosphere in 2011 at Fight Night Club.
HBO PLUS FIGHTERS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS IN 2010
In it’s second year, HBO Plus’ hit series “Next Boxing Generation” continued to showcase the best young fighters from Mexico and South America. Fighters featured on “Next Boxing Generation” events have soared to great heights, gaining exposure not only in Latin America but around the world. Several fighters that have appeared on the series stepped onto the big stage in 2010 including Saul “Canelo” Alvarez who made two HBO Pay-Per-View event appearances in 2010, Lucas Mathysse who battled Zab “Super” Judah on HBO’s Boxing After Dark in November, Vicente “Chente” Escobedo who faced Robert “The Ghost” Guerreo on the same November Boxing After Dark event, “Vicious” Vivian Harris who took on Victor Ortiz in September on HBO Pay-Per-View and Hector Saldivia who faced Said Ouali in May on the HBO Pay-Per-View televised undercard of Mayweather vs. Mosley.
GBP WARRIORS BATTLE IT OUT FOR FIGHT OF THE YEAR HONORS
With thousands of fights in the books, worldwide media members singled out three GBP promoted-bouts as candidates for 2010 Fight of the Year: the February slugfest between Antonio Escalante and Miguel “Mickey” Roman, the epic November battle that saw Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez rise from the canvas to defeat Michael Katsidis “The Great,” and the December war between Amir “King” Khan and the never-say-die Marcos “Chino” Maidana.
“MONEY” MAYWEATHER DOES IT AGAIN
Boxing’s best, pound-for-pound fighter, Floyd “Money” Mayweather has been dazzling fans around the globe since he turned professional in 1996. In 2010, Mayweather was in boxing’s biggest pay-per-view event of the year once again, and after an impressive 12 round victory over Sugar Shane Mosley in their May 2010 super fight, it’s clear that he’s still on top of his game.
HOPKINS…THE LEGEND FIGHTS ON
Boxing’s ageless wonder, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins continues to amaze in his mid-40’s, years after most fighters call it quits. In 2010, he kept on rolling with a win over long time rival Roy Jones Jr. in April followed by a stellar December performance against WBC, Ring Magazine and IBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal that was scored a draw, kicking off a firestorm of protests from fans and media who almost unanimously had Hopkins winning the fight in Pascal’s backyard in Quebec City, Canada.
ANOTHER “DINAMITA” YEAR
The finest Mexican warrior of this era, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez continued on his road to the Hall of Fame with a repeat victory over Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz over 12 fast-paced rounds in July and finished the year with an epic ninth round TKO win over Michael Katsidis “The Great” in a fight which is on the short list for “Fight of the Year” honors. Marquez has sealed his spot in the boxing history books, but wants a chance at toping Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in a third fight with the Filipino superstar and hopes 2011 will be the year.
THE HAYEMAKER
Brash and exciting, WBA Heavyweight World Champion David “The Hayemaker” Haye continued his reign a top the heavyweight division with stoppages over former World Champion John Ruiz in April and countryman Audley Harrison in November. In 2011, “The Hayemaker” will look to add the names of the Klitschko brothers to his list of vanquished and unify the heavyweight titles.
KING KHAN’S REIGN CONTINUES
Just 24-years-old, Amir “King” Khan has already climbed his way to the top of the boxing world, but he is far from finished on his road to becoming the best of his era. In 2010 he was introduced to American fight fans in a big way fighting for the first time in the United States. He made a big statement with a win over Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi (TKO11) in Malignaggi’s backyard at Madison Square Garden in May and followed that win up with another against the always-tough Marcos “Chino” Maidana (W12) in Las Vegas in an epic fight that many are calling the Fight of the Year.
INTRODUCING “CANELO”
35-0-1 as a professional despite being only 20-years-old, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has emerged as the top young fighter to emerge from Mexico in years. In 2010 he kept his torrid pace going, impressing fans with five wins including victories over Jose Miguel Cotto, Carlos “Tata” Baldomir and Lovemore “Black Panther” N’dou.
ORTIZ AND ALVAREZ EXPLOSIVE ON MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND
Capping off GBP’s two-day celebration of Mexican Independence Day in September which included a Fanfest featuring mariachi performances, a live concert by legendary band Conjunto Primavera, sponsor exhibits and opportunities to meet and greet some of the biggest boxing stars of the past and present, an outdoor TeleFutura card was the explosive September 18 “200: Celebrate & Dominate” event at STAPLES Center featuring Sugar Shane Mosley vs. Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora. Making a big splash on the show were “Vicious” Victor Ortiz thrilling fans as he delivered a third round knockout of former World Champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez scoring a sixth round knockout over iron-chinned Carlos “Tata” Baldomir, who had never been stopped before.
BEWARE OF “THE GHOST”
An inspiring young man whose story has captivated the world in and out of boxing, former Two-Division World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is rapidly closing in at another world title shot. After relinquishing his title in 2009 to care for his ill wife, Casey (who is now on the road to a full recovery from Leukemia), “The Ghost” got back to business in 2010, defeating Roberto Arrieta in April and Cuban legend Joel “Cepillo” Casamayor in July in back-to-back bouts before scoring a clear-cut decision win over Vicente Escobedo in November.
THE NEW “GOLDEN BOY”
Dubbed “El Nino de Oro” or “The Golden Boy,” Jorge Linares has plenty to live up to in the ring with that nickname, but the former Two-Division World Champion is doing just that. In 2010, he decisioned Francisco Lorenzo in 10 rounds before putting together wins over perennial contender Rocky Juarez in July and former World Champion Jesus “Matador” Chavez to close out the year in October.
MARES EMERGES
2004 Mexican Olympian Abner Mares broke out on the international scene in 2010, knocking out Felipe Almanza in March before engaging in a 12-round draw with then unbeaten IBF Bantamweight World Champion Yohnny Perez in May (which most in attendance thought he won). Undeterred, he got back in the ring and finished up the year with a stirring decision win over Vic Darchinyan in December to win the WBC bantamweight silver title and advance to the finals of SHOWTIME’s “Winner Take All” Bantamweight Tournament.
A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Whether you’re a World Champion, contender or prospect, if you’re on the Golden Boy Promotions roster, you’re among the best fighters in the world at your craft. GBP fighters compiled a 162-20-10 record overall in 2010 (nearly half of those losses coming when two stable-mates faced one another). It’s just another reminder that the best fighters in the world fight on the GBP team reinforcing the company’s slogan, “Making History Everyday!”
MAKING THE MAGIC BEHIND THE SCENES
The GBP roster is the best in the world, and to get these world-class athletes to the ring, you need a world-class team working behind the scenes. In 2010, GBP added significantly to its staff with return of the legendary Hall Of Famer Don Chargin and the addition of world-renowned veteran publicist Bill Caplan as consultants.
THE FUTURE IS NOW…GBP GOES SOCIAL!
One of the most important functions of any business in this day and age is its ability to embrace and implement new methods of reaching the masses and GBP kept pace with this year’s surge in new media/social networking. GBP delivered on all fronts with a newly designed interactive website and robust Facebook and Twitter accounts that bring fight fans closer to the action than ever before. You can visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing to see more.
THE ODLH FOUNDATION
With now 15 years of service in the community, the Oscar de la Hoya Foundation was created to bring a better quality of life to the people of East Los Angeles. Today, with the help of so many, the foundation serves thousands of people annually. In 2010, the foundation held its 11th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, its 14th Annual Turkey Giveaway and participated in the 29th Annual Miracle on 1st Street Toy Give-away at the Hollenbeck Youth Center in Los Angeles.
VIDEO: EVANDER HOLYFIELD LOVES BOXING
Sherman Williams plans to give Evander Holyfield a beating
‘Redemption In America’ PPV show headliner in West Virginia
CHARLOTTE, NC (December 30, 2010) – Battle-tested Sherman “Tank” Williams plans to give living legend Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield a beating January 22 when they headline “Redemption In America: The Journey Begins Now” Pay-Per-View Event, live from America’s resort, The Greenbrier’s Colonial Hall, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs), who is at training camp in Ft. Lauderdale (FL) with his head trainer, John David Jackson, feels disrespected by Holyfield (43-10-2, 218 KOs) heading into their 12-round main event for Holyfield’s World Boxing Federation title.
“I’m motivated to whip Holyfield and he has a well deserved proper beating coming,” Williams said. “January 22nd is going to be great with me beating Holyfield and taking the WBF title.”
“Redemption In American,” presented by ARK Promotions in association with The Greenbrier, will be distributed in North American by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
“Redemption” will fuse world class boxing and entertainment; showcasing a production that includes high-energy music presented by Broadway performers, along with dancers and aerial artists. Competitive supporting fights, soon to be announced, will set the stage for the main event featuring Holyfield on his journey to become the first heavyweight champion to regain the coveted world title four different times.
Williams, a native of Freeport, Bahamas, has defeated former world champion Al “Ice” Cole, fought multiple world title challenger Jameel McCline to a draw, and extended former world heavyweight titlist Ruslan Chagaev the full distance in their 2005 fight.
“Tank” realizes that an opportunity be beat a future Hall of Famer like Holyfield can pump life back into his career. I’m excited about this fight, not just because I’m fighting Holyfield, but what beating him impressively, or knocking him out, can do for me. It can better position me for a fight against Vitaly Klitschko or David Haye. They’ve been fighting hand-picked looney tunes. Even though I’m a Bahamian, I’ve lived here (Vero Beach, FL) a long time and I represent the United States, Western Hemisphere and the Great Atlantic. I want to bring one of their title belts back to this side of the Atlantic.
“Just because he’s a few years older, Holyfield still is the same into the ring. Age is wisdom. His age means nothing to me. I plan on going to war with him. Styles make fights and I’ve been overlooked in the past because of my style. Some don’t like my pressure. I’m expecting to fight the greatest Holyfield, which will bring out the best in me.”
Packages include event tickets, hotel accommodations plus tickets to the Greenbrier Classic PGA Golf Tournament in July and tickets to two concerts starring Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. Ticket/hotel packages can be purchased at www.greenbrier.com or by calling 1.800.453.4858. Deadline to book reservations is Jan. 21.
Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET, and first PPV fight at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.
For more information about the Holyfield-Williams PPV event go to www.greenbrier.com, www.NCMusicFactory.com or www.integratedsportsnet.com.
Devon Alexander ‘The Great’ Dedicates His Performance Against Timothy ‘Desert Storm’ Bradley on Jan. 29 In Memory of Don King’s Wife, Mrs. Henrietta King
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Undefeated World Boxing Council super lightweight champion Devon Alexander ‘The Great’ will dedicate his performance on Jan. 29 to his promoter’s wife of 50 years, Mrs. Henrietta King, who died earlier this month after a lengthy illness at age 87.
Alexander (21-0, 13 KOs), from St. Louis, will face undefeated World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs), from North Palm Springs, Calif., at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., on Jan. 29 in a long-awaited world championship unification match at the 140-pound weight limit.
“Don King has promoted me since the beginning of my professional career in 2004,” Alexander said from his Las Vegas training camp. “Mrs. King was with Don for over 50 years. Don has always been there for me, and I want to dedicate my performance on Jan. 29 to Mrs. King for always being there for Don.”
Alexander added, “Mrs. King was a great lady and I was honored to have met her. I will honor her with the best performance of my life at the Silverdome in Pontiac.”
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
