Taylor stops Nicklow in return
Jermain Taylor made a successful return to the ring and the Middleweight division with an eighth round stoppage over Jesse Nicklow in a scheduled ten round bout at the Morango Hotel and Resort in Cobazon, California.
Taylor, who was making his first ring appearance in twenty-seven months came out quick and went right after Nicklow. The bout settled into a solid boxing performance with Taylor featuring his once vaunted jab. Nicklow landed his one big shot of the night when he landed an overhand right that seemed to get Taylor’s attention round three.
Taylor then dominated with the jab for the next several rounds. Taylor was docked a point after round six for clearly hitting Nicklow after the bell. Taylor landed several big right hands in the seventh and that set up Taylor landing a big right and left hook that saw referee Ray Corona stop the fight maybe a bit premature at thirty-six seconds into round eight.
Taylor, 161 lbs of Little Rock, Arkansas is now 29-4-1 with eighteen knockouts. Nickoow, 159 lbs of Baltimore, MD is now 22-3-3.
Andre Dirrell wasted no time in shaking off a twenty-one month layoff by disposing of Darryl Cunningham in round two of a scheduled ten round Super Middleweight bout.
After a feeling out first round, Dirrell landed a huge left that dropped Cunningham in the second frame. It seemed that Cunningham’s corner threw in the towel but referee Jack Reis did not acknowledge the act. Dirrell quickly jumped on Cunningham and dropped him again with a right and the towel was waved again but this time Reis stopped the fight at 2:05 of round two.
Dirrell, 169 lbs of Flint, MI is now 20-1 with fourteen knockouts. Cunningham, 167 1/2 lbs of Detroit, MI is now 24-3.
In a battle of undefeated Light Heavyweights, Luis Garcia won a eight round unanimous decision over a seemingly disinterested Alexander Johnson.
Garcia took what Johnson gave him which were solid yet unspectacular shots throughout the slow paced eight rounds. It seemed that after round two that Johnson wanted to be anywhere but in the ring on this night as he looked around the ring as much as his opponent.
Garcia had success with the right hand and was in control as Johnson threw very few punches (466-222) and landed alot less (193-32) then did Garcia.
Garcia, 174 1/2 lbs of Hatanzas, Cuba won by scores of 80-71; 80-72; 80-72 and is now 12-0. Johnson, 172 lbs of Washington, DC is now 12-1.
Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich Aims to Gain New Fans in Philly
In a bout that has the makings of a match made in boxing heaven, former Heavyweight Champion Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich takes on top Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers to open the new NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night on January 21, 2012, at 9pm, at Asylum Arena in Philadelphia.
Sergei is a native of Belarus and grew up in the former Soviet Union. He attributes his upbringing to the type of fighter and person he is today. “Growing up in Belarus was the best life lesson for me. It prepared me for all the challenges that life brings.” “It made me stronger and hungrier for a better life.” Someone once said ’sports does not build character, it reveals it,’ growing up in Belarus definitely helped build my character!”
Since he was 12 years old, Liakhovich always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer. When Sergei was young he would cut out articles from newspapers and magazines which featured fighters like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. He envisaged becoming a boxing icon. “I knew that the United States was the most important place to be in order to make it big in professional boxing. When I was 23, I obtained one of my goals by coming to the US, it wasn’t easy. Becoming World Champion at 29 was the next big accomplishment, now I intend to continue the dream by becoming a world champion again” Sergei said.
Commenting about fighting in a city with a rich boxing heritage, Liakhovich said, “Philadelphia has so much boxing history and true boxing fans. I grew up in the working class city, so this feels like going home to me. One of the biggest compliments you can have as a fighter is when you can turn a crowd that comes to support the home town guy into your own fans by the end of the fight. It happened in Pittsburgh when I fought Brewster and I think it will happen again in Philly.”
Sergei is pleased to be on NBC Sports Network’s inaugural Fight Night show, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to be in the main event on NBC Sports Network’s opening show. NBC is an important part of worldwide TV and to be chosen for this show was a privilege. Anyone who knows me knows that I give my all each time I step in the ring. I promise you nothing less on January 21st. In fact, since our styles match perfectly, when Chambers and I mix it up, it will be a night boxing fans will talk about!”
_____________________
Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.
NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)
Saturday, January 21, 9-11 p.m. – Philadelphia
Saturday, March 24, 10 p.m.-Midnight – Site TBA
Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA
Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA
GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS’ 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW
STILL THE KING
GBP President Oscar de la Hoya may be retired from active duty in the ring, but he’s still the king when it comes to the Guinness Book of World Records as it was announced during the WBC’s 49th Annual Convention in Las Vegas in December that the “Golden Boy” holds world records for the highest Career Pay-Per-View Sales by a Boxer ($696 million) and the highest Selling Pay-Per -View Boxing Match (2.4 million buys for his fight against Floyd Mayweather in May of 2007).
B-HOP MAKES HISTORY AGAIN
Also joining De La Hoya in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 was future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins. Following his controversial December 2010 draw with Jean Pascal, Hopkins bounced back in May with a clear-cut 12 round decision win over his Canadian rival, winning the WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Titles and becoming (at 46 years, 126 days) the oldest boxer to win a major championship in the history of the sport.
THE RETURN OF “EL TERRIBLE”
Having already cemented his place in the Boxing Hall of Fame, Mexican legend Erik “El Terrible” Morales stunned boxing insiders in 2011 when his comeback after a nearly three-year layoff kicked into high gear with a stirring 12-round battle against Marcos “El Chino” Maidana in April in a Fight of the Year candidate. That impressive performance set the stage for Morales’ 10th round technical knockout win over Pablo Cesar Cano that earned him the WBC Super Lightweight World Title and a place in the record books as the first Mexican fighter to win world championships in four different weight classes.
CANELO CONTINUES TO DOMINATE
Boxing’s breakthrough star of 2011, Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez skyrocketed from prospect to world champion, and he did it with the style and charisma that has made him a star both at home and in the United States at just 21 years old. In March of 2011, Alvarez made his first statement by defeating Matthew Hatton for the WBC Super Welterweight World Title, but knockout wins in title defenses against Ryan Rhodes in his hometown of Guadalajara in June and Alfonso Gomez in Los Angeles during Mexican Independence Day weekend only added to his ever-growing resume. In November, Alvarez closed out the year with a technical knockout win over former World Champion Kermit Cintron in Mexico City, setting the stage for an even bigger year in 2012.
ORTIZ EMERGES AS LEGIT STAR
“Vicious” Victor Ortiz also had a year to remember in 2011. On April 16, Ortiz captured his first world title when he rose from the canvas twice to send then WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto down twice himself en route to a 12-round decision victory in a slugfest that earned praise as one of the top fights of the year. Ortiz wasn’t done yet, facing pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather in a September mega-fight which ended in controversy. The Kansas native will get a chance to clear his name with an early 2012 rematch against Berto.
ANOTHER BIG YEAR FOR THE KING
The fighting pride of Bolton, England, Amir “King” Khan kept the momentum going from his stellar 2010 campaign with a win over unbeaten Paul “Dudey” McCloskey in April and a fifth round knockout over Zab “Super” Judah in July to unify the 140 lb. division. Although he ended 2011 with a controversial decision loss to Lamont Peterson which is currently under multiple appeals, expect to see the wrath of “King” Khan unleashed on the boxing world in 2012.
KIRKLAND’S BACK
After two years away from the game, many wondered whether James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland would be able to recapture the form that made him “must see TV” for fight fans around the world. In 2011, the fiery Texan made plenty of noise once again, flying out of the gate with two quick knockout wins before an upset loss to Japan’s Nobuhiro Ishida in April. Undeterred, Kirkland teamed back up with trainer Ann Wolfe and got back to work, winning three straight bouts, including a brawl for the ages against former World Champion Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo in November that saw Kirkland get off the deck and come back to floor Angulo in a “Round of the Year” candidate first round en route to scoring a sixth round technical knockout victory.
THE SPORT OF BOXING IS ALIVE AND WELL
The fighters and staff at Golden Boy Promotions are known for not taking any days off and tirelessly working to bring the best of “the sweet science” to a global audience. There were no exceptions to this rule in 2011 as over the course of the year, the company was involved with the promotion of 103 live events on 12 television networks in eight countries on five continents.
GOLDEN BOY’S FIRST HOMEGROWN KING IS CROWNED
A Golden Boy fighter since his pro debut shortly after the 2004 Olympics, Abner Mares became the company’s first homegrown World Champion in 2011 when he decisioned Joseph King Kong Agbeko in August to win the IBF Bantamweight World Title as well as SHOWTIME’s Bantamweight Tournament.
AND THE TITLES KEEP COMING
Joining Abner Mares on the Golden Boy world championship roster in 2011 with brand new world title belts were the legendary Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Erik “El Terrible” Morales as well as Canelo Alvarez, Marcos “Chino” Maidana, Adrien “The Problem” Broner, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Victor Ortiz. Other standouts on the Golden Boy roster who wore championship gold this year were current champs Chris “The Dragon” John, Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno and former world titleholders Amir “King” Khan and David “Hayemaker” Haye making it clear that, without question, the best fight here!
MORE CHAMPIONS ARE BROUGHT ON BOARD
In 2011, Golden Boy signed another stellar group of former World Champions that are major players in their respective divisions and primed for big fights in 2012. Former Junior Welterweight World Champion Devon “The Great” Alexander and former Lightweight World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto were signed via co-promotional agreements with The Great Promotions and Baja Boxing Promotions respectively. Also joining the Golden Boy team this past year were former Junior Middleweight World Champion Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and former Welterweight World Champion Luis Collazo, which will help set the stage for a 2012 to remember.
SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER
September 17, 2011 is a day that will be long remembered in the history books as the first ever split site HBO Pay-Per-View broadcast. Golden Boy and co-promoter Mayweather Promotions pulled off a feat many deemed impossible as they presented a single broadcast, dual site event emanating from Las Vegas and Los Angeles. In Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Floyd “Money” Mayweather scored a knockout victory over “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, Erik “El Terrible” Morales halted Pablo Cesar Cano in an exciting brawl and Jessie Vargas decisioned Josesito Lopez. Fans at LA’s STAPLES Center saw Canelo Alvarez stop Alfonso Gomez in six rounds along with a full undercard and concert to end the night. By all accounts, it was an amazing night no matter where you watched it.
GLOBE-TROTTING IN APRIL
Golden Boy hit the friendly skies on the weekend of April 16-17 with three world championship fights in two days in three countries and on three continents. First up, Amir “King” Khan defended his WBA Super Lightweight World Title with a technical decision win over unbeaten Paul “Dudey” McCloskey in Manchester, England. A few hours later, “Vicious” Victor Ortiz won his first world title by decisioning Andre Berto for the WBC Welterweight World Championship in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Not to be left out, longtime WBA Featherweight World Champion Chris “Dragon” John defended his belt for the 14th time when he decisioned Daud Yordan in his home country of Indonesia.
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
If you’re wondering about the future of the sport, to assuage your fears, look no further than Golden Boy’s roster of young talent, which includes standouts such as Manuel Avila, Alfonso Blanco, Sharif “The Lion” Bogere, Randy Caballero, Pablo Cesar Cano, Jermell Charlo, Omar Figueroa Jr., Danny “Swift” Garcia, Eddie Gomez, Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez, Danny “The Golden Child” Jacobs, Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh, Erislandy Lara, Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares, Lucas Matthysse, Craig McEwan, Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell, Carlos Molina, Ivan Morales, Antonio Orozco, Eloy “Prince” Perez, Michael “The Artist” Perez, Marco Antonio Periban, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Luis Ramos Jr., Ronny Rios, Gary Russell Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, and Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder.
“SÓLO BOXEO” ROLLS ON
The most beloved weekly series in boxing, TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate,” completed another successful year in 2011 which not only featured a varied array of former champions, challengers and top prospects, but also allowed fans to relive some of the sport’s most memorable matchups through its “Classics” editions.
THE NEW KID IN TOWN IS A HIT
Golden Boy partnered with Mexican television giant Televisa to present the “Sabados De Corona” series in 2011 and it was an immediate hit with fight fans around Mexico thanks to compelling cards featuring some of the sport’s premier international talent. Thanks to AT&T’s U-Verse, viewers in the United States were also able to get in on the action whether watching on TV, the internet or on their mobile devices.
LOS ANGELES’ HOT SPOT IS STILL “FIGHT NIGHT CLUB”
If you’re a Southern California fight fan, then you know that the only place to be on Thursday nights in 2011 was Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE for Golden Boy’s and AEG’s “Fight Night Club.” Continuing to set the bar high for local fight action in a club-like atmosphere, “Fight Night Club” was just as exciting in the ring as outside of it, with local heroes Jessie Vargas, Frankie Gomez, Ramon Valadez, Jamie Kavanagh and Alfonso Blanco fighting in front of celebrity fans such asOscar de la Hoya, Amir Khan, Victor Ortiz, Abner Mares, Sergio Mora, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Paulie Malignaggi, Michael Katsidis, Andre Berto, Ron Artest, Mario Lopez, Too Short and Baby Bash.
A REMINDER ABOUT WHAT’S IMPORTANT
In March, Golden Boy President Oscar de la Hoya and three of his team’s brightest young stars, Adrien “The Problem” Broner, Danny “The Golden Child” Jacobs and Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell, traveled to several military bases in Kuwait as part of a USO Tour to meet and greet troops stationed in the Middle East. It was a humbling experience for the quartet who were reminded of the sacrifices made by the United States Armed Forces as they defend our great country. The trip, which included autograph signings and technique demonstrations, was a rousing success for everyone involved.
HOLIDAY GIVING
Local families in East Los Angeles were joined by Oscar de la Hoya and IBF Bantamweight World Champion Abner Mares for the Oscar de la Hoya Foundation’s 15th Annual Turkey Giveaway on November 19th. It was a day to remember and one that guaranteed a holiday feast for members of the community where the “Golden Boy” grew up. A few weeks later, children who showed up to the Oscar de la Hoya Foundation Holiday Toy Giveaway at the Oscar de la Hoya Animo Charter High School in Los Angeles on December 17th got some surprises in their Christmas stocking thanks to the De La Hoya Foundation, but the biggest surprise may have been that the man dressed up as Santa Claus was none other than the “Golden Boy” himself, who thrilled the children and their parents as he interacted with hundreds of children to celebrate the holiday season.
NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS
No promoter can go worldwide with the best fights and fighters without partnering with an array of like-minded companies that support the sport and its athletes. In the case of Golden Boy Promotions, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to our 2011 sponsors: Cerveza Tecate, DeWalt Tools, AT&T, Corona, Budweiser, Cazadores, Tres Generaciones, Metro PCS, Super A Foods, Ustream and MicroTech.
All of us at Golden Boy look forward to an even more explosive 2012…
VIDEO: Jermain Taylor Fight Camp 360 Flashback
Cheap Trick Dream Police NYE’s LIVE CONCERT iPPV on GFL
Filed under: Boxing News, MMA News, Press Release, Upcoming Events, Wrestling News
Rock in the New Year with a LIVE WEBCAST of Cheap Trick’s Dream Police, performed at the legendary Jannus Live courtyard in St Petersburg, Florida. For this spectacular New Year’s Eve production, the band will perform their classic Dream Police album in its entirety, as well all the classic hits from their extensive catalogue. Dubbed the “Best Show of 2011″ by Ken Sumka of 93XRT Chicago, this mind-blowing extravaganza has astounded audiences in select high-profile venues around the U.S. The lavish production includes an 18-piece orchestra, an ensemble of backup singers, and a dazzling lights-and-effects display.
For over 30 years, Cheap Trick has blended elements of pop, punk and metal into such timeless songs as “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender” and the No. 1 hit “The Flame.” With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum records, this once-in-a-lifetime, worldwide webcast on New Year’s Eve will undoubtedly mark another milestone in the band’s remarkable career.
Purchase of this landmark program includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary of the days leading up to the big show and the ability to re-live this performance for 30 days afterward. The state-of-the-art production will be captured in multi-camera High Definition with a Broadcast Quality Audio Mix to ensure the best live experience.
Don’t miss this historic night as we countdown the New Year with Cheap Trick, live from on GFL [ CLICK HERE: NYE'S CHEAP TRICK LIVE CONCERT ]
Register now for your chance to win signed Cheap Trick memorabilia including a guitar autographed by lead singer Robin Zander.
One look back and a few picks for a New Year
By Norm Frauenheim
A year ends with memories of those who are gone, optimism for those who are emerging and hope for those who are back. There are lessons from unresolved controversies and controversy that never ends. Farewell Joe Frazier, Genaro Hernandez, Ron Lyle, Henry Cooper, George Benton, Nick Charles and George Kimball. It won’t be the same without you. Hello Andre Ward, Nonito Donaire, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Seth Mitchell, James Kirkland, Gary Russell Jr. and Jose Benavidez Jr. You’re the future.
Those new calendars in the mail are an empty canvas. Opinions and predictions are as irresistible as they are frivolous and about as forgettable as graffiti. Here are a few – the good, the bad and the tongue-in-cheek. But, first, a warning. For anybody who takes any of them seriously, remember that I picked Alfredo Angulo to beat Kirkland, who got up from a first-round knockdown and made the prediction game look foolish with a sixth-round stoppage.
Now, a look at what might – and might not — unfold:
Opinion: There’s a better chance of Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather in 2012 than there is of a fourth fight between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao-Marquez IV would look a lot like II and III. What’s the point? It would end in just another noisy controversy about who won. Fair or not, Marquez’ legacy rests on the brilliant way he made Pacquiao look beatable. In subtle adjustments from round-to-round last November, he forced Pacquiao to hesitate and think. It was enough to prevent Pacquiao, an instinctive fighter, from establishing a rhythm. Allow Pacquiao to get on a roll, and there’s no stopping him.
Prediction: Marquez, who keeps his promises, retires
Opinion: Somebody needs to convince Mayweather that his 90-day jail sentence on reduced charges for his role in domestic abuse is a chance to think about a legacy he has put in jeopardy. If he stays out of trouble and vows to devote the next few years to his evident talent, he still can achieve the respect he always believes has been denied him. That respect isn’t an entitlement. It’s won by fighting through adversity. For the first time in his career, he is facing some that he can’t trash-talk or side step. It’s the biggest fight of his life.
Prediction: Mayweather beats Lamont Peterson three months after his release.
Opinion: Mayweather advisor Al Haymon is the elusive powerbroker, whose influence is there, yet hard to quantify. There is power, perhaps, in the mystery. Mayweather has called the publicity-shy Haymon “The Ghost.’’
Prediction: Ghosts will get quoted more often than Haymon.
Opinion: Pacquiao will have to restore some lost confidence after getting a majority decision over Marquez in fight he halting called “not so happy.’’ He also has to find a way to solve troublesome leg cramps, which he says affected him in victories over Shane Mosley and Marquez. The fractured confidence should be easy enough to repair for the Filipino Congressman and lieutenant colonel. But the cramping is another issue. It might be a sign, an early symptom, of a fighter one step past his prime.
Prediction: Pacquiao beats Tim Bradley, then Miguel Cotto in a rematch and gets promoted to major general.
Opinion: World Boxing Council chief Jose Sulaiman is issuing statements and clarifications faster than interim titles. This time, he’s trying to say he didn’t really mean to tell the Filipino media that “beating a lady … it is not a major sin or crime.” In a subsequent statement, he said that he “developed female boxing.’’ Memo to women who hold one of the WBC’s lime-green belts: Do what Riddick Bowe did in 1992 and dump it in the nearest garbage can.
Prediction: Sulaiman will say something stupid.
Opinion: We’re just beginning to see how good Ward can be. With news that he beat a Carl Froch with a left hand fractured in two places, we’re also beginning to see how tough he is. A reported audience of fewer than 500,000 watched his victory on Dec. 17 over Froch in Showtime’s final of the Super Six Tournament. That was disappointing.
Prediction: After the hand heals, he’ll win two in 2012, pushing his record to 27-0. This time, more than 500,000 will watch his patient, yet sure path to pound-for-pound contention.
Opinion: Questions loom as to whether Canelo-Chavez Jr., will ever happen because Chavez Jr. a junior-middleweight, is said to be at about 180 pounds at opening bell. If Chavez Jr. is too heavy for Canelo, he’s too heavy for Miguel Cotto. The weight issue might force Chavez Jr. into a fight with Sergio Martinez late in 2012.
Prediction: Martinez wins a late-round stoppage.
Opinion: People close to Antonio Margarito have urged him to retire. Even if his surgically-repaired eye can withstand further punches, the tissue around it cannot. After years of sustained punishment, it doesn’t take much for it to lacerate and swell. That was evident early in his loss on Dec. 3 to Cotto.
Prediction: A defiant Margarito continues to fight, bleed and lose in Mexico.
Opinion: Referees struggled throughout 2011 to get it right. Russell Mora missed 11 low blows in Abner Mares’ first victory over Joseph Agbeko. Joe Cortez was looking away, toward the timekeeper, when Mayweather dropped Victor Ortiz, whose hands were down and his eyes on Cortez. Joe Cooper took two points from Amir Khan for pushing off Peterson. If Cooper warned Khan, it was only evident after careful review of the tape long after Khan’s loss on the scorecards was announced. Cooper’s penalties were the difference.
Prediction: More instant replay. It works in the NFL. Nobody has a tougher job than boxing’s lone ref. Let technology be his ally.
Opinion: Top Rank and Golden Boy, Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya, will continue to exchange insults instead of letting their respective fighters exchange punches.
Prediction: A year from now, we’ll be talking about whether Pacquiao-Mayweather will happen in 2013.
JERMAIN TAYLOR AND JESSIE NICKLOW, ANDRE DIRRELL & DARRYL CUNNINGHAM, LUIS GARCIA & ALEXANDER JOHNSON TRIPLEHEADER FINAL QUOTES
Thursday, Dec. 29, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon, Calif.
Special Edition Of ShoBox: The New Generation
Tomorrow/Friday, Dec. 30, Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT
CABAZON, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2011) – Two of the most recognizable names in boxing will make their long-awaited returns to the ring tomorrow, Dec. 30, when Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell are featured in separate 10-round fights on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif.
Taylor, (28-4-1, 17 KOs), of Little Rock, Ark., is a former undisputed middleweight champion who’ll be making his first start in 26 months when he meets Jessie Nicklow (22-2-3, 8 KOs) of Baltimore, Md., in the main event of a tripleheader. It will be Taylor’s first fight since losing to Arthur Abraham in the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Oct. 17, 2009.
Dirrell (19-1, 13 KOs), of Flint, Mich., hasn’t fought since March 27, 2010, when he won by 11th-round disqualification over Abraham in the Super Six World Boxing Classic. Dirrell’s first fight in 21 months will be against Darryl Cunningham (24-2, 10 KOs), of Detroit, who has won 17 in-a-row.
In the opening bout of the telecast, former Cuban amateur standout Luis “El Leon” Garcia (11-0, 9 KOs) of Cork, Ireland, makes his United States debut when he takes on southpaw Alexander “The Great” Johnson (12-0, 5 KOs, 1 NC) of Oxon Hill, Md., in an eight-round showdown of undefeated light heavyweights.
Garcia, who turned 24 on Dec. 23, is a former world amateur champion. Johnson outpointed previously unbeaten Farah Ennis (17-0 going in) two starts ago on April 2, 2011.
What the fighters said Thursday:
JERMAIN TAYLOR
“I feel totally different today than I ever have the day of the weigh-in before a fight. I’m not irritable. I didn’t have to dry out. I feel calm and at peace.
“I feel so different because finally, for the first time, I did it right. I put in the hours training in the gym. I did my job and worked hard. I don’t have to drop a bunch of weight. I ate pasta the other night, steak and eggs the other morning. I never could do that before.
“This is the first time I can say that I am entering a fight knowing that I’m in shape. I’m ready to fight.’’
JESSIE NICKLOW
“I know why they want to fight me. They think I’m too small, that I’m a natural junior middleweight. But they’re making a big mistake. I’m not a steppingstone.
“I’m really confident for this. I don’t think Taylor has that confidence. He’s been off two years. I’ve had four fights, two this year, but I’ve never been out of the gym. I definitely feel I can stay close (inside) and fight my style of fight
“My game plan is always the same – to hit my opponent in the face. I’m not changing anything just because I’m fighting a former world champion. Let’s see what he’s got to offer. I know what I’m bringing.
“I’m really looking forward to this.’’
ANDRE DIRRELL
“I have never felt as excited for a fight since I turned pro. I’m really psyched up.
“There’s going to be ring rust, of course. I just don’t want to show it. I’ve trained really hard. I trained through the holidays. It all begins again for me Friday night.
“I want to win, look good, and then go after all the super middleweights. I’m not ducking anybody. I will fight any of the 168-pounders in the world except for my brother, Anthony. People want to see me and Andre Ward fight. All I can continue to say is that that fight will definitely happen.’’
DARRYL CUNNINGHAM
“I’m going to have fun. I appreciate Team Dirrell giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills, and I will showcase my skills on Friday.
“This is such a great opportunity. I just can’t lose and not take advantage of it.
“Lots of people have never given me my due. They look where I come from, my background, the fact my Dad’s a pastor. They’ve always said the “Church Boy” couldn’t make it in boxing because he was too nice a guy and too much of a family man.
“This is my chance to prove them, and everybody else wrong.’’
LUIS GARCIA
“It’s always been my dream to fight in the U.S., and I’m very excited that now it is happening and that it is on SHOWTIME.
“I really want to win and leave a good impression so I can fight in the states all the time. I don’t know anything about the guy I’m fighting. What I do know is that I will give my best.’’
ALEXANDER JOHNSON
“This is a great opportunity for me, fighting on SHOWTIME on such a great card like this. I am determined to come in and show what I am made of and what I can do.
“He may be a bigger name and have the credentials, but that all changes tomorrow.
“After tomorrow, when someone mentions my name, the question isn’t going to be, “who is he?’’
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://sports.sho.com/.
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®.
Ramos – Rigondeaux title bout re scheduled for January 20th
Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the WBA Super Bantamweight title bout between regular champion Rico Ramos and Interim champion Guillermo Rigondeaux that was originally scheduled for New Years Eve will now take place on January 20th.
The bout will headline a tripleheader on Showtime’s “ShoBox: The New Generation” from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, promoter Dan Goossen said Thursday.
“It is nice to get it rescheduled,” said said Ramos Promoter Dan Goossen, who promotes Ramos. “It certainly was one of the most challenging matches to finally get settled.”
“We’ve got an experienced professional in Ramos against an experienced amateur in Rigondeaux,” Goossen said. “But I believe that the power and strength of Ramos will beat the great amateur pedigree of Rigondeaux.”
Also on the televised portion of the card in scheduled eight-round bouts, middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales (15-0, 10 KOs) faces Caleb Traux (18-0-1, 10 KOs) and junior bantamweights Matt Villanueva (6-0-1, 6 KOs) and Michael Ruiz Jr. (8-1-1, 3 KOs) square off.
Settin’ the bar high
CES establishes new standard with award-winning year in mixed martial arts
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Dec. 29, 2011) – One full year after the highly anticipated launch of its mixed martial arts division, Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports has blazed exciting, new trails in combat sports and established a new standard of excellence among its competitors.
With five action-packed shows – all at the revered Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I., New England’s hub for combat sports – CES drew record crowds in 2011 and closed out a successful year as the region’s No. 1 promotion among its peers.
The Boston Herald and NortheastMMA.net both named Classic Entertainment & Sports New England’s No. 1 mixed martial arts promotion in 2011. CES’ Todd “The Hulk” Chattelle of Pawtucket, R.I., earned Fighter of the Year and Comeback Fighter of the Year honors from the Herald after finishing 4-0 in 2011 and winning CES’ inaugural MMA middleweight title in November. Patrick Sullivan earned Best Matchmaking honors, and CES’ “Nowhere To Hide” show on June 10 was named the best local card on paper, highlighted by the main event between former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contender Alex Karalexis and Taiwan Howard.
“I’m proud of the tireless work put in by my team to make Classic Entertainment & Sports the top promotion in New England, and it’s a tremendous feeling to be honored by the premier voices for local coverage in our area,” Burchfield said.
“The true winners in all of this are the fans. You’re the reason we work day and night to bring you the best in mixed martial arts, and your support is what drives us to continuously set the bar higher each time. What separates us from our competitors is we’re never satisfied. There are no days off in this business. Regardless of our success, there’s always room for improvement, and after an award-winning year in 2011, we’re looking forward to reaching new heights again in 2012.”
CES signed four fighters to its mixed martial arts division in 2011, including Chattelle, Karalexis, top-ranked Framingham, Mass., featherweight Saul Almeida, and veteran middleweight Scott Rehm of Boston. In addition to choking out Brett Oteri of Taunton, Mass., on Nov. 18 for the CES MMA middleweight title, Chattelle (10-6, 8 KOs) recorded back-to-back wins over Woody Weatherby and Jeff Nader at Twin River. His current four-fight win streak is the longest of his career, improving his record from 6-6 to 10-6.
Almeida, ranked No. 1 in the 145-pound division in the NortheastMMA.net professional rankings, also had a stellar 2011, finishing 4-0 after losing his first and only fight in September of 2010. Almeida (11-1) began the year with a unanimous-decision win over Bobby Reardanz at CES’ “Rhode Rage” show in February and also defeated No. 3-ranked Tateki Matsuda at the Bellator Fighting Championships in August before closing 2011 with a split-decision victory over Kevin Roddy at CES’ “Undisputed” show on Nov. 18 at Twin River.
The 2011 season also featured several highlight-reel knockouts; Wilfredo Santiago Jr. of Lawrence, Mass., scored the most impressive knockout of the year, stopping Francisco Ferreira of Providence, R.I., 27 seconds into the opening round of their middleweight bout on Sept. 9. Rehm flashed his trademark punching power on that same show, knocking out Steve Skrzat of Burrillville, R.I., in 29 seconds. Providence’s Mike Campbell was involved in three knockout finishes in 2011; he defeated Mike Medrano and Jeff Anderson via first-round knockout, and also lost by first-round knockout to former King of the Cage champion Tony Hervey of Detroit in June.
Among the most inspirational moments of the year was Adam Quitt’s victory over Hector Sanchez on April 8, the first win of Quitt’s career in his final bout. A 35-year-old firefighter from Framingham, Quitt entered the cage in honor of the late Doug Bolanes Jr., CES’ promising middleweight prospect from Framingham who died tragically in an automobile accident in March. Quitt defeated Sanchez via guillotine choke in the opening round and donated his entire purse to The Douglas Bolanes Jr. Organization, which was founded to help improve the lives of aspiring athletes.
Bolanes Jr. won his second professional bout on Feb. 25 less than three weeks before his death, knocking out Steve Stengel at the 2:08 mark of the opening round. CES dedicated its entire 2011 season to the memory of Bolanes Jr. and his father, Doug Bolanes Sr., who also passed away in May.
“The Bolanes family endured two tragedies this year. It’s inconceivable for any family to have to deal with such hardships,” Burchfield said. “They will forever be in our hearts and prayers. We will work to help The Douglas Bolanes Jr. Organization, which his father had worked so hard to build before his tragic passing. Doug Jr. is our champion for life, and his family will always be a part of ours.”
Other noteworthy bouts in 2011 included Howard’s controversial win over Karalexis in June, Chris Cole’s dominant win over Chris Concepcion in September, No. 1-ranked light heavyweight Greg Rebello’s bloody win over Cody Lightfoot in September, and Keith Jeffrey’s comeback win over Kevin Horowitz in November. Jeffrey, a Pawtucket native, returned to the cage for the first time in 13 months and defeated Horowitz via rear naked choke in the third round.
CES MMA returns Feb. 3 at Twin River with “Extreme Measures,” its first show of 2012, featuring two heavyweight showdowns: former UFC contender Josh “Heavy” Hendricks (18-8, 5 KOs) of Mansfield, Ohio facing Groton, Conn., native Josh Diekmann (12-3, 8 KOs); and Providence’s Eric Bedard (3-0, 1 KO) battling Tyler King (3-1, 1 KO) of Stoughton, Mass. Rebello (13-3, 7 KOs), a Providence native, will also be featured on the card, along with Pawtucket’s Pete Jeffrey (4-4, 2 KOs) in his first fight since September of 2010.
For more information on all of CES’ upcoming shows, visit www.cesboxing.com or www.cesmma.com.
THREE UNDEFEATED DBE PROSPECTS TO SEE ACTION ON TOMORROW NIGHT IN CABAZON
New York, NY – (12/29/2011) – This Friday night, former undisputed world middleweight champion Jermain Taylor returns to the ring and the 160-pound division when he faces 24-year-old Jessie “Beast” Nicklow, of Baltimore, MD, in the main event of a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, live at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), from the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, CA. Seeing action on the undercard will be four of DiBella Entertainment’s (DBE) undefeated prospects: lightweight Jose Pedraza (5-0, 4KO’s), welterweight Alex Perez (14-0, 8KO’s), and junior welterweight Ivan Redkach (8-0, 7KO’s). The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions.
Pedraza-who is part of a group of fighters known as Team Puerto Rico, promoted by DBE, Gary Shaw Productions and Universal Promotions-is one of the hottest prospects in all of boxing. Pedraza was recently recognized as one of Dan Rafael’s 2011 “Prospects to Watch”, on ESPN.com. Rafael noted that “Pedraza, a 2008 Olympian and 2009 silver medalist at the amateur world championships, is perhaps the most heralded Puerto Rican prospect since Miguel Cotto came out of the 2000 Olympics.” Pedraza, known as “The Sniper”, turned pro in February of this year, and has thus far torn through the competition, scoring three first round knockouts in the process. Pedraza will be looking to capture his first title as a professional when he takes on Herbert Quartey (7-6, 4KO’s) in an eight-round contest for the WBC junior lightweight youth title.
Perez, a New Jersey Golden Gloves champion, turned pro in 2004 after compiling an impressive 56-3 record as an amateur. Since turning pro, Perez has gained valuable experience sparring with such world champions as Sergio Martinez, Miguel Cotto and Felix Sturm. Perez will square off against Calvin Odom (15-11, 11KO’s) in an eight-round welterweight showdown.
The Ukraine-native Redkach, who now calls Los Angeles his home, is coming off an impressive third-round TKO over Vernon Alston in his last bout on the undercard of Andre Berto’s IBF welterweight championship match against Jan Zaveck, on September 3. Redkach will look to keep things rolling when he takes on Dillet Frederick (8-4-3, 5KO’s) in a six-round junior welterweight contest.
All fighters will weigh-in today at 4PM PT.
DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
DiBella Entertainment builds upon the unique insights Lou DiBella developed as a television executive and matchmaker to combat the contractual exploitation of professional boxers. DiBella Entertainment creates a business model that shifts the balance of power from promoters to boxers; and establishes a legacy of matchmaking excellence, both in an effort to improve the health of the boxing industry. DiBella Entertainment represents its athletes with honesty and integrity all while making the best and fairest financial deals for its clients.
# # #
For more information visit us at www.dbe1.com, follow us at twitter/loudibella or check us out at facebook/lou.dibella
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
