BAM ON BOXING: Stick With What Works
By Brittany Rogers
A professional fighter should have a team he can trust, a team that knows the sport and is dependable. The manager and trainer should be interactive and do what is best for the fighter. When a manager and trainer are divided it puts more stress on the fighter and does not allow him to focus on his job–training.
The problem is that there is always someone in a fighter’s ear and I have seen this happen over and over. People who have never developed a fighter from scratch suddenly “know” what is best for a promising fighter in most cases, but not all of them. There’s an old saying: “When you have something good don’t go looking for something better.” If a fighter has worked with a manager and trainer for a period of time and has loyalty, the fighter should stay put because it is probably the best thing for him long-term.
When a fighter has a manager saying one thing and a trainer saying something opposite, it can cause confusion. Communication between manager and trainer is important. However, if a manager is not involved with his fighter’s career, other than to pay the fighter or to sign contracts, then a fighter has a paper-pusher behind him, not a real manager.
Two examples of good teams: manager/trainer Rodney Rice with cruiserweight Garrett Wilson(left); manager/trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards with junior middleweight Julian Williams. Rice and Edwards not only manage their fighters, but also train them. They know their fighters better than anyone.
Trainers should be able to focus on their specialty, whether it is strength training, conditioning or just plain mental strengthening. The head trainer should have the final say and it should be respected. However, if other members of the team have something to say, the lines of communication should be open so that everyone is on the same page.
A trainer should be the closest person to the fighter and should know the fighter better than anyone else, in and out of the ring. The bond between trainer and fighter used to be sacred, but today it is rarer to find a fighter who not only trusts his trainer, but also believes in his trainer as much as he believes in himself.
The role of the manager has changed. Once, managers used to be born-and-bred boxing people. They were gym rats. They knew the sport better than fighters and trainers. Those days have passed. I can count on one hand how many managers I talk who interact with their fighters on a daily basis and who know their fighter’s capabilities.
A good manager does not have to train his fighter, but he does need knowledge of the sport to make decisions for his fighter and stand behind those decisions. A perfect example is former PA State Lightweight champion Jimmy Deoria, of Phoenixville, PA, who manages undefeated welterweight Ronald Cruz (15-0, 12 K0s), of Bethlehem, PA. Deoria looks out for his fighter and, even though he does not train Cruz, he often is ringside at Cruz’ (right) sparring sessions, alongside trainer Lemuel Rodriguez.
There are other good local managers. Doc Nowicki and Jim Williams look out for all of their fighters, from a four-round newcomer like junior welterweight Naim Nelson (3-0) to world-rated super bantamweight Teon Kennedy (17-1-1, 7 K0s) to undefeated welterweight contender Mike Jones (26-0, 19 K0s). They work well with trainers Rory Bussey (with Nelson), Wade and Randy Hinnant (Kennedy), and Vaughn Jackson (Jones).
When a fighter looks to turn pro he sometimes loses sight of the importance of having a knowledgeable manager. It is common for a fighter to be blinded by a potential manager who often will pay the fighter a monthly salary, instead of signing with a manager who knows the ins and outs of the business and is capable of guiding the fighter throughout his career.
When a fighter’s team involves an adviser, instead of a promoter, the team feels a bit safer. It might be because they feel like they have more control, but in some cases it works great. If a fighter has been double-crossed or his team has been double-crossed, the chances of him wanting an adviser, with or without a promoter, seem to increase.
Sponsors play a huge spot in major sports like football and basketball and baseball, but when it’s a
struggling sport like boxing, sponsors become much more important. If a fighter is lucky he gets to a point in his career where people want to sponsor him. This can either be through clothing, expenses paid for, money, etc. When it comes to small-club promoters, sponsors can keep them alive and become the backbone of their operation.
The role of the promoter has changed. So-called big-time promoters depend on television to help cover their expenses. It is also common for promoters to depend on casinos to give them huge site fees or guarantee they will buy a certain number of tickets. When these things occur, promoters lose the desire to market their fights themselves. From boxing’s early days in the 1890s right up through the 1970s, promoters had to sell their fight cards to the ticket-buying public. They made money off the gate. The only promoters doing that today are the small-club promoters. However, they are the backbone of the sport.
Anyone can call himself a promoter today if he secures a television and/or casino deal because there is a steady flow of cash for himself and the fighters. Sometimes I question who the real paper-pushers are, the mangers or some of the so-called big-time promoters. Promoters are missing that bond with their fighters that promoters had years ago.
Today’s so-called big-time promoters have close relationships with people who make the decisions at television companies. The fact that they control the majority of the television dates often has nothing to do with the quality of the fights they offer. Often, these promoters sign too many fighters they pick and choose which fighters to throw to the wolves instead of putting their faith in every one they sign.
If boxing truly had a level playing field, where only the best fights were televised, regardless of whether they were offered by the so-called big-time promoters or a small-club promoters, boxing would be in a much better place. Perhaps I am only dreaming!
The author is a senior at Temple University who is now a part of Peltz Boxing. Follow us on twitter @Peltzboxing and our intern @bamonboxing
UFC® 141: DIAZ AND CERRONE READY FOR WAR
Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) – By batting Donald Cerrone’s $1000 hat off his head, Nate Diaz signaled his bad intentions for their UFC 141 co-main event at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, this Friday night.
“He was trying to tip his hat into my face and I’m no punk who will take that,” Diaz said afterwards. “He was mumbling some stupid crap about me needing to bring it. He don’t even believe what he’s saying. He’s trying to find confidence from somewhere. I will knock something else off his head Friday.”
‘Cowboy’ Cerrone said: “I’m not getting paid to fight today. I get paid on Friday when it counts. Let’s see if he’s brave enough to swat my hat off on Friday. Let’s see if he even comes close. Today, I acted like a professional. Friday, I’m gonna make him pay.”
Links to the face-off:
http://www.ufc.com/media/141-PREPC-HATFLIP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fCbbxkruza4
For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
About Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® is the world’s premier MMA organization and produces over 12 UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually around the globe. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. In 2012, FOX will broadcast four fights annually. In spring 2012, The Ultimate Fighter®, UFC’s signature weekly reality TV show, debuts on FX. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in 150 countries, territories and jurisdictions, reaching over one billion homes worldwide, in 21 different languages.
UFC® also boasts a powerful presence online, with UFC.com attracting over seven million unique visitors per month, while also possessing one of the most powerful social media followings in all of professional sports. To date, UFC has over six million fans on Facebook and over 400,000 followers on Twitter. In addition, UFC President Dana White is one of the most accessible and most followed executives in sports with more than 1.7 million followers on Twitter. On January 22, 2011, UFC continued to set trends in social media, becoming the first major sports league to stream live, broadcast quality action on Facebook.
Ancillary businesses include best-selling DVDs, a magazine, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, and articulated action figures.
Eddie Chambers Takes on Sergei Liakhovich on 1/21/12 NBC Sports Network Fight Night Inaugural Show
When he opens the new NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night series on January 21, 2012 at Asylum Arena in his hometown of Philadelphia, top Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers has promised to impress Philly’s discerning boxing fans and make lots of new ones. According to Chambers, taking on former World Heavyweight Champion Siarhei “White Wolf” Liakhovich in a high profile, nationally televised fight is a great way to showcase the sport and bring new fans for the Sweet Science.
“I want people outside of boxing and new fans coming in to know just how hard I work, and how much work all fighters put in,” Chambers said. “I believe that the Heavyweight Championship is the most coveted title in sports. Everyone loves a Gladiator and that is what boxing is about. NBC Sports Network stepping up to the table will hopefully get fans to take a look at the sport once again and jump on the band wagon. This is exactly what we need. I know when the fans tune in January 21st they will not be disappointed.”
Chambers continued, “I am training extremely hard and it is great having the opportunity to be fighting back in front of your fans, your people, and knowing that most of the people that are there in the crowd are for you.” He went on to say that he loves fighting in places like Germany, but there is no place like home.
Boxing has been in Eddie Chamber’s blood since he was a child growing up in Pittsburgh. His father, Eddie Chambers Sr. was a boxer back in the 1970s. Eddie Sr. taught his son how to hold his hands properly to throw a punch at the tender age of 9. Starting around the age of 12, Eddie Sr. would sit with Eddie and watch films of all the great fighters such as “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, and of course Muhammad Ali. After two years of arguing with his father to allow him to box, Eddie Jr. finally got the chance at the age of 14 when he enrolled in a local Pittsburgh Golden Gloves Tournament.
Eddie turned professional at the age of 18 on December 29, 2000. He defeated Tyrone Austin by second round knockout in West Virginia. His next professional fight occurred just two months later in his now adopted hometown of Philadelphia, PA one of the best boxing cities in the world and the ultimate proving ground for young, up-and-coming fighters.
When I was 18 and 19, I was fighting at the Blue Horizon,” Chambers said. Those were some of the toughest fights I have ever had and there was so much pressure to do well. The crowd always gives you their best and there is so much history. Philadelphia has the best fans, but they will definitely let you know how they feel. There are so many great venues around the city and such great history. I want to make my own history and be among the greatest.”
On March 20, 2010, Chambers took on Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf, Germany for the WBO, IBF, and IBO Heavyweight Championship of the World. Chambers gave a valiant effort and performance in the ring before losing via knockout in the waning seconds of the fight. At 6′1, 210 lbs, Chambers gave up five inches and nearly 35 pounds to Klitschko. Chambers posed a challenge to Klitschko with speed and toughness that nearly carried Chambers the distance of the fight. Chambers was the first person in two years to make it to the twelfth round against the tough Ukrainian.
Chambers did not fight again until February 11, 2011, when he took on a former opponent who he knocked out a few years earlier in Derric Rossy. In an IBF Title Eliminator, Chambers defeated Rossy once again, this time by unanimous decision.
Looking toward his upcoming challenge, Chambers describes Liakhovich as a good fighter who fought a great match when he won the title by beating Lamon Brewster in 2006. “Liakhovich is a very competitive and very live opponent. I think our style match up will make for a very exciting fight. Right now Liakhovich is in my way. I always respect my opponent, but I have to knock him out of the way. I plan on doing that and taking care of business on January 21st in impressive fashion.”
Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.
Morales – Garcia rescheduled for March 24th in Houston
Dan Rafael od espn.com is reporting that the postponed bout between WBC Super Lightweight champion Erik Morales and undefeated Danny Garcia has been rescheduled for March 24th with the bout remaining in Houston.
The bout was postponed earlier this week from the original January 28th date after Morales had to have emergency Gallbladder surgery last week in Mexico.
“We were able to get a date from Reliant Arena. The idea was to keep the card in Houston,” Said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “The Houston fight fans enthusiastically embraced the card and we already had a tremendous amount of tickets sales. We were able to work out something with the arena because they had another event there on that date, but they were able to clear the date. They worked that out on their side and they were very excited about keeping the event there. I coordinated the date with HBO. The fighters have been informed and they’re excited about it.
“Morales is going to be in perfect shape. He could have fought in the second half of February but there were no dates,” Schaefer said. “Now that it’s going to be on March 24, Erik very much likes the time to prepare as well. It worked out. I’m happy that over the holiday, when most people were gone, we were still able to put the show back together and keep it in the same place because when you have an event which the local boxing community really embraced you want to keep it there.”
JERMAIN TAYLOR & ANDRE DIRRELL & JESSIE NICKLOW CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS
Former World Champ Taylor, at right against Arthur Abraham, Faces Nicklow at Middleweight;
Super Middleweight Dirrell, at left, Makes Return Against Darryl Cunningham;
Unbeaten Light Heavyweights Luis Garcia and Alexander Johnson Round Out Tripleheader
Friday Night Live on a Special Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation On SHOWTIME®
NEW YORK (Dec. 28, 2011) – Two Super Six World Boxing Classic fighters, former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor and consensus top-five super middleweight Andre Dirrell, took part in a media teleconference call on Wednesday to discuss their return to the ring on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, Dec. 30, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif.
The ShoBox main event will spotlight Taylor (28-4-1, 17 KOs), of Little Rock, Ark., in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout. Taylor’s first start in 26 months represents a return to the division he once dominated. He will face Jessie Nicklow (22-2-3, 8 KOs) of Baltimore, Md.
Long regarded as one of the world’s premier super middleweight contenders, Dirrell will return to the ring for the first time in 21 months when he faces Darryl Cunningham in the co-feature. Dirrell (19-1, 13 KOs), of Flint, Mich., has not fought since winning by 11th-round disqualification over Arthur Abraham in The Super Six World Boxing Classic on March 27, 2010. Cunningham (24-2, 10 KOs), of Detroit, has been victorious in 17 consecutive starts and has not lost since December 2007.
In the opening bout of the telecast, former Cuban amateur standout Luis “El Leon” Garcia (11-0, 9 KOs) of Cork, Ireland, meets southpaw Alexander “The Great” Johnson (12-0, 5 KOs, 1 NC) of Oxon Hill, Md., in an eight-round showdown of undefeated light heavyweights.
Here are what the principals had to say on Wednesday:
JERMAIN TAYLOR:
“It’s great to be back in boxing. I took a few years off but now I’ve got my focus back. I’ve been boxing for 22 years and I’ve never taken a break from boxing. This just woke me up. I’m just really looking forward to getting back in the ring and I’m happy I got such a great team behind me. Al Haymon has taken care of everything. It’s just a blessing to be back in boxing and to have my focus back.
“All my life I’ve been boxing. I just missed boxing so much. I’m working hard and I want to be world champion. It’s not about the money now or any of that. It’s about being on top. I want to be No. 1 again. That’s the only goal now: to be No. 1 again.
“I had every intention of getting back in the ring. I just missed boxing. I was never worried about what was wrong with me. I know my family was concerned, but this is what I love. This is what I’ve done my whole life. It’s who I am.”
How has it been working again with your trainer Pat Burns?
“Working with Pat, it’s like I never left. The man is the same man that he always was. And I’m the same person. It’s just that I lost my focus. And now I’ve got him back and I have to get back on top.
“Everybody loves a comeback and everybody loves a comeback story. Everybody makes mistakes. That’s why I love boxing so much. You can be down and then come back and win a championship and everything is great.
“The thing I remember most about my biggest fights was being hungry. I didn’t really care who it was, I just wanted to be on top. I feel the same way now. I’m older now but I know how to get there. I’ve been in this position before and I feel the same way. Hard work and dedication pay off.
“I’m returning to boxing to be No. 1 and to win the belts.”
ANDRE DIRRELL:
“A lot of people believe I wouldn’t make it as far as I did. I think I showed my world-class talent against both Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham. It showed where I stand in the sport of boxing. I’m looking forward to continuing that ride and getting back in the ring and getting back on top.”
What kept you out of the ring for all this time?
“Well mainly I had to get clearance from the doctor and that took three months. I was finally cleared and then after that I was looking for a TV date and unfortunately a lot of dates were taken, but Gary Shaw was able to get me on this show and I’m really thankful for that. So half and half; half of my problems outside of the ring and half of my problems after what happened in the Abraham fight.”
Is there any question that you’re OK to get back in the ring?
“I’ve thought about it in my workout sessions but for the most part I’ve put it out of my mind. But once I really started to work out hard and spar it really left my mind because I always just believed I would be where I’m at when I left the sport. My only concern now is putting on a good showing for the fans. I’m not too concerned about any of the problems I had after the Arthur Abraham fight.”
Did you watch the Ward-Froch fight and the ones that came after you dropped out?
“I watched them all, and I was excited for them all. I think Froch has improved tremendously since he fought me. Ward has definitely improved. He’s been looking awesome and pretty much pitched a shutout in each of his fights leading up to that championship fight with Froch. I was watching with anticipation and excitement because at the end of the day I still wanted my shot. For the most part it was stressful to watch. At the end of the fights, at like 12 o’clock, I’d be ready to get to the gym because I would be so anxious to get back in there. A lot of the times I would find myself in tears. Just being out for so long and knowing that you’re in your prime and knowing what you can do, so I was stressing for the most part.
“I was excited for every fighter, no lie. Froch was saying a lot, especially after Andre Ward got cut and he was talking about how classless it was and saying how disgraceful it was. That kind of touched me a little bit so I was pretty happy when Andre Ward beat him. I knew Andre would beat him. I wasn’t thinking that I should’ve been in that spot. It was that I could’ve been in that spot that was bothering me. But I’m not going to sit here and say that should have been me and that I regret what happened because I believe everything happens for a reason and my comeback will prove that. I’m just feeling like that could have been me, but I can’t dwell on the past.
“I’ve really enjoyed my career up until the injury and I’m just looking forward to getting in there and showing what I can do. I’m glad the tournament is over and that I can get back in there in 2012. I want to start the rest of my career off with a bang and finish it with a bang. I don’t plan on having any more mishaps for the rest of my career.”
How long will it take to get back to the level you were at before you got injured?
“Well, I think it all depends on the showing that I give on Friday. I want to have a great showing and I want to look good. I want to look excellent and I want to impress the crowd. We’ll move forward from this and hope for no more mishaps.”
Do you still hope to get that fight with Ward?
“Definitely. I know our time will come. I believe that’s what the fans want to see so we’ll give it to them.’’
(Is it true) you’ve also said you wanted to fight Lucian Bute?
“Yes, that’s accurate. He’s fought in his hometown his whole career and fought the same type of fighters. I’m not taking anything away from him. He’s an excellent fighter. He has a great uppercut and a great jab and he’s quick on his feet. But he’s fought B-minus fighters his whole career and I’m not the first to say that. It’s just my evaluation. Every fan wants to see you fight the big dog, whether it be me or someone else. Lucian Bute has a lot to prove, but everyone has a lot to prove. But he has been protected and he cannot deny it.
“My nerves haven’t hit me yet. Once that weigh-in kicks off and I get to see him (Cunningham) and get in his face then I’ll feel it and I’ll be ready to go. But no nerves right now.
“Flint, Michigan, has been on top of the game (over Detroit) ever since Thomas Hearns. We’ve been on top of every division, even the amateurs. For a guy like Cunningham to get a win against me, or even a close fight, the boxing fans of Detroit would feel awesome about it. But I’ll be ready to shut them up and show them who will come out on top after this fight.
“When I was 25 and 26 I knew there was a short window (to win a world title). But guys aren’t retiring now until 34, 35 years old. Look at (Floyd) Mayweather. So my time is now and I want to take advantage of it.
“There are not any short-range goals for 2012; I’m just looking to get the belts. I want to go out there and I want to prove my worth and myself. I’ve had a lot on my mind since my layoff. So for 2012 I’m really just looking to prove the critics wrong. If I can get all the belts in one year then I’m going to try and get all the belts in one year. That’s how hungry I am to get the belts.”
On his brother Anthony fighting in the same division:
“He’s been right there with me the whole time. We just feed off each other’s energy. I think he should go after all the belts and if I’m in the way I’ll step out of the way; just change to another belt and another dream. There are lots of belts out there and more than one or two out there who have them. We’re both just looking to make a name for ourselves. If he’s winning belts and I’m winning belts then it’s all good and we’ll be like another Klitschko. I’m looking forward to all his success and I’m looking forward to mine as well.”
What is your ultimate goal in boxing?
“I want to have my name mentioned with the (Manny) Pacquiaos and the Mayweathers. Just chasing the titles down. I have a strong, strong desire to become the best that ever did it. As long as I keep my mind set on that I know I can reach a pretty high level. I want to make my grandfather (Leon Lawson) proud. He’s worked so hard and he’s given me so much.”
What do you love most about boxing?
“To just be able to travel the world and to meet new people and to become known all around the world, there’s nothing like it. Unlike MMA, in boxing it takes technique. It takes science and it takes a real will to get in there with a guy for 12 rounds and look good doing it the whole way out. I really love the competition and the adversity and the victory. It all builds your character. From a boxer’s standpoint I love it all. I just love it.”
JESSIE NICKLOW:
“I appreciate the opportunity. We’ve had eight weeks of preparation for this fight. I’m feeling really good and I’m on weight. If Jermain is not where he should be than I’ll be the first one to show it. I’d like to thank God for the opportunity and all he’s blessed me with. I just want to show the world on Friday night what I can do.”
LOU DiBELLA, Taylor’s Promoter:
“Jermain has really re-dedicated himself to this sport and gotten himself in great physical shape. He’s changed his entire lifestyle. He has seen a lot of doctors and neurologists and they have determined that he is at no greater risk than anyone else entering the ring. I’m particularly comfortable with the fact and the way he has dedicated himself to the sport of boxing and that his weight has never been an issue.
“He’s fighting a tough fighter in Jessie Nicklow who, to be quite honest, would not have been given much of a chance to beat Jermain Taylor in his prime. But right now Jermain is coming off his last couple fights that he wasn’t at his best. And if he’s not at his best on Friday night, then Jessie Nicklow is exactly the kind of guy that’s going to show it.”
How hard was it to come back to promote Jermain?
“It was a process and a lot of conversations I had with Al Haymon and knowing that Jermain had been going to some top neurologists in Arkansas and had been checking his health and well-being. Then it became clear that that was going to extend to places like the Mayo Clinic and I received a copy of the medical report from a doctor in Germany that was cc’ed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. I had a conversation with one of the top neurologists in the world where he was asked if Jermain were his own kid, would he let him get in the ring. His response was, no, he would not let his own kid fight under any circumstance but if you’re asking if Jermain Taylor is any different than any other fighter or if there is any risk then I can’t tell you that. Based on that, I believe that Jermain is a fighter and that’s what fighters do, they fight. I am comfortable that he is OK and that we are doing this for the right reasons. We’re not getting rich by fighting Friday night.”
GARY SHAW, Dirrell’s Promoter:
“I always thought that Andre Dirrell was the class of the Super Six. I think he proved that with his fight against Arthur Abraham coming off a controversial loss to Carl Froch. Unfortunately he didn’t get a chance to finish off the tournament due to an injury that occurred during the Abraham fight. We’re happy to be back on SHOWTIME this coming Friday. Andre will show what he’s got and I assure you we will have a victory. Andre will show his class and hopefully after this fight we will move into a big fight on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.
“There are plenty of belts to go around. The greatest thing is there will be two American brothers holding all the belts.
“I still think Andre Dirrell is the class of the 168-pound division and I think he will prove that in 2012.”
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Dyah Ali Davis fighting way out of father Howard’s Shadow
. 9 rated super middleweight headlining Jan. 6 ESPN FNF in Key West
BOCA RATON, Florida (December 28, 2011) – Super middleweight contender “Dangerous” Dyah Ali Davis (20-2-1, 9 KOs) is fighting his way out of the long shadow cast by his father, Howard Davis Jr., who captured a gold medal and was selected Outstanding Boxer of the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Dyah had hoop dreams until realizing in high school that he wasn’t heading to the NBA. Despite his pedigree, he didn’t even think about boxing until he was 23, after watching the Lennox Lewis-Vitali Klitschko fight, which convinced him that he should become a prize fighter.
Seven years later, he’s the No. 9 rated 168-pounder by the World Boxing Council (”WBC”) and World Boxing Association (”WBA”), preparing to headline the first ESPN Friday Night Fight broadcast of 2012, January 6 in against Alfonso “The Tiger” Lopez (22-1, 17 KOs) in Key West, Florida.
Howard was one of the greatest amateur boxers of all-time. A three-time U.S. National lightweight champion, he won 125 of 130 overall matches, including the 1974 World Championships. Even more significantly, though, he was the brightest star on the fabulous USA Olympic Boxing Team, also featuring fellow gold medalists Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael and Leon Spinks, and Leo Randolph.
The only absence on his otherwise impeccable boxing resume is lack of a world title as a professional. Howard had a 36-6-1 (14 KOs) pro record in the eighties and fought three times. for the world title, losing a 1980 decision to Jim Watt in Scotland, dropping a 12-round split decision in 1984 to Edwin Rosario in Puerto Rico, and getting stopped in 1988 by James “Buddy” McGirt.
Neither father nor son, however, has ever talked about what really fuels Dyah’s desire to capture a world title. In fact, learning about his son’s reason brought Howard to tears. “Winning a world title is what I want for me and him,” Dyah said. “When I do that we can cherish it together. I don’t think either one of us will be happier or prouder than the other when that day comes.
“Ultimately, that’s why I set out to do (win a world title), what my father fell short of. I do believe he really won the fight against Rosario. My father is the uncrowned champ and I want that crown for our family. I hope to have that opportunity by the end of 2012, early 2013 at the latest. Two or three more fights but we’ll be better to gauge that timetable after my next fight.”
Dyah understands but doesn’t feel added pressure being the son of a famous boxer. “Fans expect so much from you because you are your father’s son,” he admitted, “but I don’t even think about that anymore. My father had his career and now it’s my turn. The bottom line is it’s good to know I have his support and can learn from his experiences.”
Howard was surprised when Dyah called years ago saying he wanted to become a boxer. Dyah, who now lives in Fort Lauderdale, moved from New York to South Florida in order to train with his father. Howard is a personal/boxing trainer at the famed MMA gym, America Top Team, in Coconut Creek, Florida.
“I would have been the first to tell Dyah that he didn’t have it to box,” Howard commented. “I do see a lot of me in him: heart and determination. He doesn’t quit, trains hard, and never complains. Sometimes I get a little frustrated watching him because he doesn’t see some things I see, but then I remember that he didn’t have any amateur experience at all. Dyah is very dedicated.”
Howard didn’t know his son is driven to succeed, where he failed, winning a world title. “He’s never mentioned that and I never wanted him to win a world title for me,” Howard continued. “I want him to win it for himself. If that’s motivation for him, great, and the day he accomplishes that goal will be a blessing for both of us. I’m extremely close to my son and love him a lot. I’m very emotional and to hear this…. it’s making me cry. I’m touched by his words.”
Howard no longer trains his son, two-time world champion John David Jackson is Dyah’s chief second. He’s promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by EDB Sports (Elvis Crespo and Bob Pergament).
One person in Davis’ corner has a unique perspective about 30-year-old Dyah, Craig Gibson, who trained Howard for several of his pro fights. They grew-up together and remain best friends. Over the years, Gibson has worked with world champions Aaron Pryor, Mike McCallum, Riddick Bowe and Livingstone Bramble, to name a few of the more notables.
“Dyah’s got the DNA,” noted Gibson, who is Davis’ assistant trainer. “He has his father’s high intelligence and athleticism. Dyah is so gifted. He has the ability of a world-class athlete but ability and skills are different. When his ability and skill level are balanced, he will be an elite boxer and, I believe, world champion in a year or so. He’s also a classy young man, just like his father. ”
The journey continues for Dyah Ali Davis.
(Fans can follow Dyah on Twitter @dyahalidavis)
JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR. and NONITO DONAIRE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER
Saturday, February 4 at the Alamodome
Live on HBO World Championship Boxing
Tickets Go On Sale This Saturday!
SAN ANTONIO (December 28, 2011) – Undefeated World Middleweight Champion and the Son of the Legend, JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR., and Top-Five pound-for pound fighter and three-division world champion NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE will headline a world title doubleheader, Saturday, February 4, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Chávez Jr. will be taking on No. 1 contender MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO. Donaire will rumble with former junior featherweight champion WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight title. The fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions and Tecate, tickets to the Chávez Jr. / Donaire world championship doubleheader go on sale This Saturday! December 31 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, can be purchased at the Alamodome box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000.
Combined, these four warriors boast a combined record of 145-7-3 (114 KOs) – a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 79%.
“In 2011, Julio Cesar Chávez Jr came into his own, winning the world middleweight title from Sebastian Zbik followed by a win in a title defense against Peter Manfredo Jr,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “The New Year promises to be even bigger for Julio, but first he is in a difficult challenge against No. 1-ranked challenger Marco Antonio Rubio. This should be a real battle. Also on Feb 4, Nonito Donaire continues his march through the weight divisions when he takes on Wilfredo Vazquez Jr for the vacant WBO Junior Featherweight Championship.”
Chávez Jr. (44-0-1, 31 KOs), of Culiacan, México, making his first appearance in San Antonio since 2010, is the son of Mexico’s greatest fighter Julio César Chávez. Chávez, 25, took up the “family business” in 2003, winning a four-round decision in his professional debut. Eight years later, the reigning World Middleweight Champion and superior gate attraction is poised to make his own mark in the boxing world. He took a major step toward that goal by enlisting legendary trainer Freddie Roach to take him to the next level. Their first fight together was a gigantic success, a dominant 12-round unanimous decision victory over top-10 contender John Duddy (29-1, 18 KOs) in June 2010 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. After his January 29 unanimous decision win over Billy Lyell, Chávez Jr. became the second family member to win a world title, dethroning undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight champion Sebastian Zbik via a majority decision. That June 4 slugfest took place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles just a few blocks north of the Olympic Auditorium where the legendary Julio César Chávez won his first world title. Chávez Jr. successfully defended his title on November 19 with a fifth-round knockout of Top-Five contender Peter Manfredo at Reliant Arena in Houston.
Rubio (53-5-1, 47 KOs), of Torreon, México, enters this fight riding a two-year, 10-bout winning streak with nine of those victories coming by way of knockout. This will be Rubio’s second crack at the middleweight crown. He went nine exciting rounds in his unsuccessful challenge against unified world champion Kelly Pavlik in 2009. Since then, he has scored knockout victories of Rigoberto Alvarez and David Lemieux in WBC middleweight title elimination bouts as well as Jose Zertuche and Matt Vanda in WBC Latin America title fights en route to his No. 1 world rating.
Donaire (27-1, 18 KOs), a native of General Santos City, Philippines, now living in the Bay Area of San Leandro, Calif., is a consensus top-five pound for pound fighter. He enters this fight riding a nine-year, 26-bout winning streak, which includes an IBF/IBO flyweight title knockout victory of defending champion Vic Darchinyan, and a fourth-round blasting of former WBA bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidorenko, December 4, 2010. However, Donaire’s most impressive victory occurred on February 19, when he knocked out defending WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel in the second round, ending Montiel’s 25-bout winning streak while also claiming his third world title in as many weight divisions. That victory has been named the 2011 Knockout of the Year. Ten of Donaire’s last 12 victories have come by way of knockout. In his last fight, Donaire successfully defended his World Bantamweight Championship blitzing undefeated Omar Narvaez and winning virtually every round en route to a unanimous decision win.
Vazquez (21-1-1, 18 KOs), of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, strung together a four-year, 21-bout unbeaten streak, beginning with his pro debut, culminating with Vazquez winning the WBO junior featherweight championship. Vazquez captured the world title in 2010, knocking out Marvin Sonsona in the fourth round. He successfully defended the title twice during the following eight months, scoring knockouts of Zsolt Bedak and Ivan Hernandez in the 10th and 11th rounds, respectively. After losing the title to Jorge Arce in May, he bounced back in October with a third-round knockout of Roberto Leyva.
‘Talk is cheap!’
NABF champ Lundy, promoter Burchfield answer challenge from outspoken Williams
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Dec. 27, 2011) – Tired of being earmarked by the contenders in the 135-pound division, reigning North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy has a direct response to the challengers questioning his credentials, specifically No. 2-ranked Dannie Williams, who threatened Tuesday to “hurt” Lundy if the two should face one another in 2012.
“Everyone knows ‘Hammerin’’ Hank will fight anyone, anywhere at anytime. This has to stop,” Lundy said. “I’ve proven myself time and time again on the road. Now y’all have to come to me. I went out to Chicago and knocked out the former world champ [David Diaz on Aug. 9]. What more do I have to do to get respect? So, if y’all aren’t coming to Philadelphia, Rhode Island, or Connecticut to fight ‘Hammerin’’ Hank, then we don’t have a fight. I’m tired of going into people’s backyards. It is what it is.”
Lundy (20-1-1, 11 KOs) – a Philadelphia native now ranked No. 4 in the world among lightweights in the World Boxing Council (WBC) – hasn’t fought in his hometown since 2009, yet has won five of his last six bouts during a stretch that includes trips to Chicago, Memphis, Boston, Rhode Island, Montreal and Connecticut. The combined record of his opponents during that same stretch is a remarkable 120-9-3. Among the victims are Diaz, the former WBC world lightweight champion; Richard Abril, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) world lightweight champion; and former two-time Venezuelan Olympian Patrick Lopez, whom Lundy beat for the then-vacant NABF title in April in front of a worldwide audience on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” – the fourth of Lundy’s five consecutive nationally-televised bouts since 2010.
Classic Entertainment & Sports president Jimmy Burchfield – Lundy’s promoter – is weighing several options, including the reigning WBC Continental Americas champion Williams (20-1, 16 KOs), as Lundy aims toward a title defense in March.
“Dannie Williams can talk the talk, but has he walked the walk? Who has he fought?” Burchfield said. “Look at the records. The last time Dannie Williams stepped into the ring, he fought an opponent with 10 losses [John Willoughby on Nov. 18]. Hank Lundy’s last six opponents don’t even have 10 losses combined.
“Stop kidding yourself,” he continued. “You had your shot at a legitimate title and lost [to Eloy Perez for the WBC U.S. National Boxing Council super featherweight title in 2009]. You came back two years later to win the WBC Continental Americas lightweight title against an untested opponent [Manuel Leyva] in your own backyard. You’re not a road warrior like Hank Lundy, nor have you faced the caliber of opponents Lundy has faced throughout his career. That’s why you’re 11th [in the WBC] and Hank is No. 4.
“Talk is cheap; right now, Hank is the most targeted fighter in the lightweight division. He’s the fighter television networks want. There are several options out there for a title defense, and you’re at the bottom of the totem pole.”
Lundy is also ranked No. 7 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO), 11th in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), and No. 2 in the North American Boxing Organization (NABO), whose title he held briefly before losing to John Molina Jr. in 2010. Since then, Lundy has won three consecutive bouts.
For more information on Lundy, or CES’ upcoming schedule, visit www.cesboxing.com.
Morales – Garcia ; Kirkland – Molina postponed
Dan Rafael of espn.com reports that the entire January 28th HBO televised doubleheader that would have saw WBC Super Lightweight champion Erik Morales defend against undefeated Danny Garcia and James Kirkland – Carlos Molina Super Welterweight clash from Houston has been postponed to a later date.
“I talked to HBO and we are looking at different dates in February and March, so the card as a whole will just be postponed,” Said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “It’s still going to be Morales-Garcia and Kirkland against Molina. The only thing changing is the date and maybe the venue depending on the availability. We’ll check in Houston first. We want to just make sure that Erik Morales is going to have enough time to be fully healed from his surgery. So my feeling is that March is more likely when we’ll reschedule the fight.
“We are looking at different venue availability and we hope to have something to announce on that soon. But we’ll still do this card. HBO wants to do it, just on a different date than Jan. 28. Everybody is on board.”
Dannie Williams preparing to KO Hank Lundy & take his NABF lightweight title belt
ST. LOUIS (December 27, 2011) – The most dangerous puncher in the lightweight division, World Boxing Council (”WBC”) Continental Americas champion Dannie Williams, sooner rather than later, plans to add the North American Boxing Federation (”NABF”) belt to his growing collection.
The NABF crown is presently worn by flashy Philadelphia boxer “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs). The NABF ruled that Lundy make his mandatory title defense against the top contender, No. 2 rated Williams (No. 1 is unrated), but Williams’ co-promoters, Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, were unable to successfully negotiate a deal with Lundy’s promoter, Classic Entertainment and Sports.
The NABF has ordered a purse bid to be held January 4 with a 60-40 split in favor of the reigning champion (Lundy). Lundy vs. Williams has been tentatively scheduled for March, pending the outcome of the purse bid and, of course, Lundy accepting the challenge.
The 27-year-old Williams (20-1, 16 KOs), fighting out of St. Louis, has been dominant in his last four fights, respectively defeating Manuel Leyva (KO1), Oscar Cuero (DEC10), Antonio Cervantes (KO4) and John Willoughby (KO2).
What separates the multi-talented Williams from other lightweight contenders is his pure knockout power. Fans watching his fight last August against Cervantes on ESPN Friday Night Fights saw Williams’ unbridled punching power, resulting in a devastating knockout that was the No. 1 highlight on the ESPN Sportscenter countdown.
“I’m looking forward to this fight,” WBC #11rated Williams said. “It’s a great opportunity for me. Lundy’s a good fighter who comes to fight. I like him as a fighter, I really do, but he’s been knocked out and dropped a few times.
“I’m a knockout puncher with 16 KOs in my 20 wins. I’m not talking about TKOs when the ref stops the fight. (Half of Dannie’s stoppages have been pure KOs, including his last three.) The refs don’t even start counting because they know my opponent is hurt. I know Lundy’s going to try and use his speed, but I can box with him, and I hit extra hard. I hurt guys I fight. Lundy can talk all he wants but that’s going to happen to him, too.”
Williams is scheduled to fight January 6 in Key West, Florida in an eight-round bout against Mexican veteran Fernando “The Thief” Trejo (33-17-6, 19 KOs), who has only been stopped once, by Bobby Pacquiao, in his pro career.
“Dannie wants to fight the best lightweights in the world,” Rumble Star Promotions president Steve Smith commented. “He won’t dodge anyone. This is a fight fans will love to see — two guys who fight, not dance. Sometimes, I think, people forget we’re in the entertainment business and that fans make our business.
“The winner of this fight should be fighting for a world title by the end of 2012. I know the hardest puncher in the 135-pound division is ‘Dangerous Dannie.’ If Lundy thought (John) Molina could punch, just wait until he feels the power in both of Williams’ hands. He won’t be able to get up like he did against Molina. They’ll have to quickly get the paramedics and doctor into the ring. With a chin like Lundy’s, well, let’s say I’m frightened for him.”
Rated among the top 11 in three of the major governing bodies, as high as No. 4 in the WBC, Lundy is the former NABO lightweight champion who lost that crown 14 months ago, when he was stopped by Molina on ESPN Friday Night Fights in the 11th round. Two fights later, Lundy defeated Patrick Lopez by 10-round decision for the vacant NABF title. In his first title defense this past August, Lundy got off the mat in the fourth to knockout David Diaz in the sixth.
“I can’t wait for this fight,” Williams’ trainer Jack Loew remarked. “It’s a great opportunity for Dannie. I think Hank Lundy is totally overrated. He’s been matched very carefully; they’ve done a great job with him. He’s a good fighter with some skills, but, if you fight somebody like Dannie Williams, you better not have a weak chin like Lundy’s. Everybody saw what happened when he stepped-up against Molina. Diaz hurt him and he’s not even much of a puncher.
“We’re ready to fight Lundy and I hope he takes on Dannie. He will not take a chin-check from Dannie Williams and for that the reason, unfortunately, I can’t see them taking this fight. I honestly believe we’re going to end-up fighting for the vacant NABF title.”
Go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com for more information about Williams or any of his Rumble Time Promotions stable-mates.
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- Pacquiao condemns critics' anti-gay allegations May 16, 2012Manny Pacquiao says he loves and supports gays and lesbians, even though he does not approve of gay marriage. […]Associated Press
- Lemieux's comeback trail to start with Zepeda May 16, 2012Montreal middleweight David Lemieux will return to the ring in a scheduled eight-rounder on a June 8 undercard at the Bell Centre in Montreal against Jaudiel Zepeda. […]Dan Rafael
- U.S. female boxer Esparza qualifies for London May 16, 2012Flyweight Marlen Esparza has become the first American female boxer to qualify for the London Olympics. […]Associated Press
- Peterson to present case, asks for Nev. license May 15, 2012Junior welterweight titleholder Lamont Peterson will seek a Nevada boxing license despite his admission that he took a banned substance, which forced the cancellation of his rematch with Amir Khan. […]Dan Rafael
- Taylor qualifies for women's boxing at Games May 15, 2012Three-time world champion Katie Taylor of Ireland qualified for the London Olympics women's boxing, defeating Saida Khassenova of Kazakhstan 20-8 in the 132-pound class at the world championships on Tuesday. […]Associated Press
- Peterson fallout spurs Golden Boy to shift card May 15, 2012Golden Boy Promotions said Monday it has decided against putting on a June 30 Showtime card in Washington, D.C., because of the continuing fallout from the Lamont Peterson failed drug test. […]Dan Rafael
- Boxer Casal recovering after being attacked May 14, 2012The father of light welterweight boxer Nick Casal considers his son lucky to be alive after sustaining several deep cuts to his head in an attack last weekend. […]Associated Press
- Margarito forced to postpone fight due to injury May 14, 2012An Achilles injury has forced former welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito to postpone a return to the ring that had been planned for May 26 in Tucson, Ariz. […]Dan Rafael
- USA Boxing sending nine to compete in London May 12, 2012Six more American boxers have qualified for the Olympics with winning performances at a qualifying tournament in Brazil, allowing USA Boxing to send an impressive nine fighters to the London Games. […]Associated Press
- Pacquiao condemns critics' anti-gay allegations May 16, 2012
