SERGIO MARTINEZ IS TRULY “MARAVILLA” IN ARGENTINA
New York, NY (5/17/12) – It has been exactly two months since Middleweight kingpin Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez defended his crown against Matthew Macklin on St. Patrick’s Day, scoring a thrilling 11th-round TKO over the Irishman before a raucous sold-out crowd at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in easily one of the most entertaining fights shown live on HBO in 2012. Martinez now awaits the upcoming WBC Middleweight Championship bout between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andy Lee, which will take place on June 16, in Laredo, TX, to see who he will face next. While he waits, Martinez has kept himself extremely busy, especially in his native country of Argentina, where his popularity continues to soar to super stardom levels. Most recently, Martinez was asked to participate in the upcoming season of Bailando por un Sueño, which is Argentina’s version of “Dancing with the Stars” and considered the most popular television program in the entire country. Last year, Mike Tyson was one of the contestants on the show.
When Martinez was recently interviewed by renowned television host Alejandro Fantino on “Animales Sueltos,” the show received a monster 6.7 rating. Martinez discussed a number of topics during the roughly 40-minute long interview (to watch the video, click here).
Next up for the charismatic Martinez was an appearance on the stand-up comedy show, Duro de Domar, hosted by Daniel Tognetti. (Click here to view Sergio’s stand-up performance). Martinez showed a side of himself with which not many outside of his inner circle are familiar. From the reaction of performance though, you can be assured that it will not be the last time anyone has seen “Maravilla” the comedian.
Martinez was also recently named an honorary member of Arengtina’s premier soccer club River Plate (to watch video Click Here). The stadium in which River Plate plays is commonly referred to as El Monumental and is considered to be the national stadium of Argentina. Political officials from Argentina have expressed serious interest in staging one of Martinez’ future fights in the stadium.
“Its very humbling to be appreciated by my fellow countrymen and to be recognized after so many hard years of hard work and dedicating myself to the sport of boxing,” said Martinez. “Hopefully with my new found fame I can continue to bring awareness to those in need and the less fortunate.”
“Five years ago I knew that I had found something very special,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor of Martinez. “I knew that I had an exciting new fighter for HBO and a fighter that could make sound waves throughout the boxing industry. Sergio has become the superstar that I knew he would, and the magnitude of the response during his welcome home tour proves that. Sergio is not only hands down the most popular fighter, but one of the most well-known and recognizable sport figures in the entire country of Argentina.”
“With his recent performances in and out of the ring, Sergio is quickly becoming a phenomenon in Argentina,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “As more and more people get to know him, his popularity will continue to spread not just in his home country of Argentina and his adopted home of the U.S. but begin reaching worldwide magnitude.”
Adonis ‘Superman’ Stevenson ready to Conquer super middleweight division
MONTREAL (May 17, 2012) — Based on his last five fights, sensational super middleweight Adonis Stevenson (18-1, 15 KOs) is more than living-up to his nickname, “Superman.”
Stevenson and his promoter, Yvon Michel, as well as his Hall of Fame manager/trainer, Emanuel Steward, believe he’s ready to fight any of the 168-pound world champions or top contenders.
Stevenson’s last five fight fights been against opponents who had had a combined professional record of 107-8 prior to stepping in the ring to fight “Superman” – 28-1 Noe Gonzalez (TKO2), 27-1 Jesus Gonzales, 16-3 Aaron Pryor, Jr. (TKO9), 11-1 Shujaa El-Amin (TKO1) and Derek Edwards (KO3). All but Gonzales (only once) had never been knocked out before fighting “Superman.”
Stevenson’s display case has collapsed from the added weight of all his stored title belts: (reigning) WBC Silver, IBF Inter-Continental, NABA, NABO, plus WBC International, WBC Continental Americas, and Canadian straps Adonis formerly held.
All he’s missing now is a world title belt, something he hopes to acquire this year, given a legitimate shot to challenge. “Superman” is qualified to fight any of the world super middleweight champions as a world-rated contender in each of the four major governing bodies: #2 IBF, #3 WBC, #7 WBA & WBO.
The dream match for the Haitian-born Stevenson, who lives in the Montreal of Longueuill, is, of course, a showdown in Montreal with IBF champion Lucian Bute. But he’s making a title defense May 26 against Carl Froch. WBA Super and WBC champion Andre Ward is practically locked into a fight with WBC light heavyweight title-holder Chad Dawson, likely in September.
“My goal is to become world champion,” Stevenson said. “I don’t care who I fight for the world title – (Lucian) Bute, (Andre) Ward or any world champion. I want to prove that I’m the best super middleweight in the world. I have the best trainer in the world, Manny Steward, and he’s trained me to be much more than just a big puncher. I’ve improved a lot since I’ve been with him and I’m using my speed and movement to become more of a complete fighter. If none of the world champions are willing to fight me, I’ll continue improving, fighting top 10 opponents, hopefully in a title eliminator, until I become a mandatory challenger.”
WBO and WBA (regular) champions Robert Stieglitz and Akardy Balzsay, respectively, seem to only fight hand-picked opponents and are reluctant to fight out their comfort zones in Germany.
“Adonis Stevenson has proven that he’s one of the best super middleweights in the world,” Michel added. “He’s better than ever since he teamed up with Manny. We know that he’s ready for anybody and is the most deserving contender. If the WBC is seeking a replace for injured No. 1 rated Anthony Dirrell, ‘Superman’ is ready to fight in a title eliminator against anybody. It’s only matter of time before ‘Superman’ adds a world title to his belt collection.”
For more information about Stevenson or any of the GYM fighters and upcoming shows, go online to www.groupeyvonmichel.ca.
GCP Signs ‘Lightning’ Luis to Promotional Agreement
Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions is proud to announce the signing of one of Canada’s top rated prospects, Tony “Lightning” Luis (14-0, 6 KOs) to a promotional agreement.
24-year-old Luis is a native of Cornwall, Ontario, who first caught the eye of many boxing observers with an impressive TKO 5 over Adrian Valdez on ESPN Friday Night Fights in June of 2010.
Gifted with blazing hand speed and a vicious left hook to the body, Luis has already won the WBC Continental Americas Junior Welterweight Championship via KO1 over former NABA Champion Alejandro Barrera in October 2011 and was named a Goodwill Ambassador by the WBC.
As an amateur, Luis was a seven-time Ontario Champion, a 2006 Eastern NY Golden Gloves Champion, won three National silver medals and defeated 10 Canadian National Champions.
During the day, he works as a counselor on an Indian reserve near his Cornwall, Ontario home. He is trained by his father Jorge.
“Tony Luis makes an excellent addition to our stable and we’re very proud to be working with him,” said Greg Cohen. “He has made the jump from excellent amateur to outstanding professional and we predict big things will happen in his future.”
Rocktagon MMA First to Sign Deal with Federation of Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (FAMMA)
Las Vegas – May 16, 2012 Rocktagon MMA CEO James Jeda announced today that the promotion has signed a deal with the newly formed Federation of Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (FAMMA). Fighters at Rocktagon MMA events will now be eligible to qualify for the first-ever FAMMA World Championship, to be held at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas from October 31-November 3, 2012.
The objective of the newly formed FAMMA is to organize a worldwide amateur MMA federation to promote the development of the sport itself and to provide athletes with an international platform while still enabling them to gain experience and exposure as an amateur. The FAMMA World Championship will give individual MMA promotions, regardless of size, the ability to offer their fighters an opportunity to display their talents on a global scale and possibly receive a professional contract.
Besides featuring action-packed bouts between athletes in twelve male and five female weight divisions, the multi-day FAMMA World Championship event will include lots of action outside of the cage as well. The FAMMA World Expo will give fighters and fans alike a chance to shop for MMA merchandise, visit vendors, and attend the FAMMA Cage Girl Competition, where two winners will be selected to carry the cards during the FAMMA Finals.
Jeda, who had initially planned for Rocktagon MMA’s own amateur national championship, explains why he chose to join forces with FAMMA. “We had everything in place for the Nationals when Wayne (FAMMA President and CEO W.S. DeMilia) contacted me,” said Jeda. “We share a similar vision of the future of amateur MMA. We each bring a lot to the table and we will be able to move at a faster pace by working together. “
DeMilia is impressed with Jeda’s leadership and background. “James Jeda has turned Rocktagon MMA into a national promotion in less than sixteen months, which is unheard of at the amateur level,” DeMilia stated. “He has vast experience in the entertainment, branding, and mixed martial arts industries and will be a valuable asset to this organization. I am extremely pleased to have him on board personally and to have Rocktagon MMA as our first affiliate.”
As Rocktagon MMA’s CEO, Jeda’s main goal has been to build a strong national program providing amateur fighters with more diverse experiences than most local or regional promotions are able to offer. “The Rocktagon MMA business model has always been to put fighters first, no matter what the monetary cost,” he explained. “It is very important to me that fighters at the amateur level have the ability to compete in different states, both to increase their visibility by getting them in front of as many people as possible and so they have a better idea of what they may face as a professional. That was my objective when we started and that is the direction we have headed ever since.”
Jeda believes that the affiliation with FAMMA will add value to the Rocktagon MMA program. “FAMMA is an international organization, which means our national champions will now have the chance to compete on a global level, ” he said. “Winning a FAMMA World Title at Mandalay Bay will bring even more exposure to our athletes, which accomplishes Rocktagon’s “Fighter First” goal.”
According to Jeda, FAMMA affiliation would also benefit local and regional promotions. “This is great for Rocktagon,” he stated, “but it is also huge for other organizations and fighters around the world. It will help everyone involved build world-class amateur athletes.” Jeda encourages other organizations to take a serious look at the FAMMA program. “Most promoters I know will be more than willing to work together to advance the sport and help fighters any way they can. I am very excited about Rocktagon MMA’s affiliation with FAMMA and I look forward to others joining the team.”
The first Rocktagon MMA event to qualify amateur fighters for the FAMMA World Championship is Rocktagon MMA’s Pro-Am ELITE Series 20 Rock-n-Rage on June 30 in Warren, Ohio. This event also marks the launch of Rocktagon MMA’s National Pro Series and kicks-off the “From the Cage to the Stage” Rock-n-Rage Summer Tour. Rock-n-Rages are Rocktagon MMA’s premium shows that combine MMA events with well-known music acts in select markets. Rocktagon MMA will continue to hold FAMMA sanctioned events in multiple states this year, qualifying fighters for the FAMMA World Championship in Las Vegas.
To find out more about Rocktagon MMA, please visit www.rocktagonmma.com. Fans may also follow Rocktagon MMA on Twitter at twitter.com/Rocktagon_MMA, view YouTube videos at youtube.com/therocktagonmma, or like Rocktagon MMA on Facebook at facebook.com/rocktagonmma. For more information about the Federation of Amateur Mixed Martial Arts, or to inquire about the affiliation program, go to www.fammafighter.com.
FRANKLIN “YA YA” LAWRENCE SEES MOLLO AS STEPPING STONE TO TITLE SHOT—FIGHTS LIVE ON WEALTH TV & GFL.TV
CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
INDIANAPLOIS, IND (May 15, 2012)—This Friday night at the beautiful Dover Downs Casino in Dover, Delaware, WBC number-twelve ranked Heavyweight Franklin “Ya Ya” Lawrence will look to make it six straight knockout wins when he takes on Mike Mollo in a bout for the vacant NABA Heavyweight title. From his confident words, he feels it will come in impressive fashion.
That bout plus a full undercard that will be featured by an appearance by the always exciting Mike “No Joke” Stewart can be seen live beginning at 7:30 pm est. on www.gfl.tv ($9.99) by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Friday_Night_Fights/1487
Lawrence of Indianapolis is 17-2-2 with twelve knockouts and has scored five straight knockouts over the likes of former contender Lance Whitaker, former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada and his bout when he stopped Raymond Ocheing.
He expects to have the same result with the very tough Mollo.
“Mike Mollo cant fight. He just swings wildly”, said a (to put it mild) confident Lawrence from Indianapolis.
“Andrew Golota boxed him and then beat him half to death”, continued Lawrence in reference to Mollo’s January 19, 2008 defeat to Golota.
“The guy has no inside game and he is not ready for me. He doesn’t do anything textbook but I will give him credit because he does take a good beating.”
With the recent hot streak that he is on, Lawrence believes his date with destiny is getting closer by the fight.
“I will be fighting for the championship within a fight or two. My ratings would be higher except the guys ahead of me are ducking me.”
“Once the networks see what I can do, they will know I am a serious challenger for the title”
Lawrence held training camp in Indianapolis is proud of his state.
“I am Midwest to the bone and a true Hoosier and can’t wait to bring the Heavyweight championship home to Indianapolis.”
Lawrence is promoted by Fisticuffs Promotions and the CEO Dave Escalet sees big things for Lawrence.
“This is a great fight for Franklin. And when he looks great on Friday night, It will be six in a row against top competition and he will have earned his opportunity for a big fight”, said Escalet
The action begins on www.gfl.tv at 7:30 pm with Mike Mittman calling the action with analysts Legendary Heavyweight champion Larry Holmes and Marc Abrams.
About GFL
GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1300 live events with over 6000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.
TEXAS-SIZED COMEBACKS HIGHLIGHT BOXING SHOW IN PHARR
PHARR, TX – Two highly anticipated comebacks are set to begin Saturday night, May 19, at the Pharr (Texas) Convention Center, when Jerry Belmontes and Odlanier Solis return to the ring in separate spotlight bouts on a full card promoted by Main Events, Cavazos Boxing Promotions and Arena Promotions.
Lightweight Jerry Belmontes, 15-0, 5 KOs, returns after nearly one year out of the ring. The Corpus Christi native had a vast amateur career that included national titles in 2003 and 2007. He also made it to the semi-finals of the USA Olympic Trials in 2008. As a professional, Belmontes has beaten everyone put in his path, including his most recent opponent Justo Vallecillo, whom he defeated by unanimous decision in his last start on June 24, 2011. After the layoff, Belmontes is anxious to get back in action.
“What I’m looking for is getting my name out there as one of the top prospects,” Belmontes said. “I want to get as many fights as I can this year.”
The first of those fights comes Saturday night against Dominican Ramesis Gil, 7-3-5, 5 KOs, in the main event to be televised by TeleFutura on their Solo Boxeo Tecate series. Rising prospects like Belmontes are familiar territory for Gil, who has faced undefeated boxers in his last five starts. Gil upset Luis Joel Gonzalez in his last bout, and will be looking to do the same against Belmontes in their 8-round match.
Heavyweight Odlanier Solis, 17-1, 12 KOs, also looks forward to getting back to business on Saturday. The six-time national Cuban amateur champion and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist last fought fourteen months ago, in a challenge of WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, on March 19, 2011. That frustrating affair ended abruptly in the first round when a sudden knee injury forced Solis out of the fight almost before it began. Up to that point, “La Sombra” was boxing comfortably and staying on his game plan against the champ. However, the end came at 2:59 of the first round.
After some time off and a lengthy rehab, Solis is ready to fight again. He’ll face Konstantin Airich, 23-5-2, 17 KOs, in a 12-round fight for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight title. Airich, a former European and Intercontinental champion, is riding a six-bout winning streak that includes knockouts in his last three. Solis will have advantages in age, height and weight – not to mention his world class amateur pedigree – but Airich has stayed busy and has never looked better than in his most recent outings. This title fight will be broadcast internationally, and highlights of the fight will be shown on TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate.
Although the focus will be on these two major comeback stories, the remainder of the card is a Texas-heavy lineup that should thrill the Pharr fans, as well as TeleFutura viewers.
Super featherweight Oscar Tovar of Alton, TX takes on Gilberto Cancino of Brownsville, TX in the televised 4-round opener. Mission, Texan Raul Tovar faces Juan Ovalle of Mercedes, TX, in a 4-round welterweight bout.
In the non-televised portion of the show, lightweight Angel Hernandez, McAllen, TX, fights Ramiro Torres, San Antonio, in a 4-rounder, and Felix Piedra of Mercedes, TX, and Juan Ruiz, of San Juan, TX clash in a 6-round light heavyweight bout.
‘Storm’ brewing June 8 in Montreal Alvarez defends NABO light heavyweight title against Hawk Lemieux returns to action
MONTREAL (May 18, 2012) – Undefeated North American Boxing Organization (”NABO”) Light Heavyweight Champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (8-0, 5 KOs) makes his first title defense on Friday, June 8 against Native American challenger Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk (23-1, 19 KOs), headlining the fifth and final edition of this year’s popular GYM Fast & Furious Boxing Series, at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal.
Alvarez, a 28-year-old Colombian native who lives in Montreal, is on the fast track to stardom in the 175-pound division. The 2008 Colombian Olympian captured the NABO title belt last December, stopping Emiliano Cayetano (21-3) in the opening round. Alvarez, who is rated No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (”WBO”), won all eight rounds in his most recent fight against Rayco Saunders (22-15-2) this past April.
“On June 8,” Alvarez said about his 10-round main event, “it will be my first fight as the main event of the GYM series and I’m very proud. In the ring, I intend to justify the confidence they have placed in me, and put on a good show for the Quebec public. Shawn Hawk is a fiery young boxer who has determined to win, but I am sure that I have what it takes to keep my belt in my adopted country.”
The 27-year-old Hawk, fighting out of Atlantic City (NJ), is riding a five-fight win streak, his last four coming since he dropped down in weight to compete in the light heavyweight division. Hawk’s victims at 175 pounds have included Henry Buchanan (20-2), Otis Griffin (23-8-2) and Rubin Williams (29-10-1) for the Sovereign Nations title.
ExcitingMontreal middleweight David Lemieux (25-2, 24 KOs) is a caged lion after being sidelined with a right hand injury he sufferedlast December in his fight against Joachim Alcine (33-2-1, 19 KOs). The 23-year-old Lemieux, ranked No. 23 by the World Boxing Council (”WBC”), takes on tough Mexican-American Jaudiel “Negro” Zepeda (12-5-1, 9 KOs), who gave Renan St-Juste (23-3-1, 15 KOs) all he could handle in his last fight.
“With this fight,” Lemieux predicted, “I restart my career. I know I have disappointed many of my supporters but I recently learned a lot and have matured. I cannot wait to reconnect with the action. Without looking too far ahead, of course, I dream of fighting rematches against (Marco Antonio) Rubio and Alcine in the near future.”
Fighting on a stacked undercard are a trio of talented, unbeaten heavyweights — Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (10-0, 6 KOs), Eric Barrack (7-0, 6 KOs) and Didier Bence (4-0, 2 KOs). Rivas’s opponent will be announced shortly.
Barrack was spectacular on April 20 in his victory by second-round knockout of rugged Sandy Pembroke, fighting out of British Columbia. This time around Barrack faces another former Canadian Olympic boxing champion, Sheldon Hinton (11-8-1, 4 KO), of Alberta, in a six-round bout. Barrack intends to make a powerful statement as one of the best, young heavyweight Canadian boxers with another spectacular knockout.
Bence, who has been out of the ring since last December due to a facial injury, is rapidly developing. His battle-tested opponent, Stéphane “Brutus” Tessier (3-28-1, 1KO), of Longueuil, promises to push young Bence in their six-round match.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is exciting middleweight Ahmad Cheikho (6-4-2, 5K), also fighting out of Montreal, who is a protégé of Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management). One additional fight will soon be announced.
The GYM Fast and Furious Boxing Series is an innovative and unique event at the Bell Centre, featuring seats and close to the action. These events are also available to watch on PPV in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV.
TICKETS ON SALE: Please note that tickets will be available at the Bell Centre box office, evenko.ca or at GYM (383.0666), starting at $60.00.
Hitz Adds Three More Fights to Mammoth Horseshoe Event on May 25
Promoter Bobby Hitz and Hitz Boxing have added three more fights to the lineup for their Friday, May 25 “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” event at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana.
In addition to the 10-round WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight Championship main event between “Fast” Fres Oquendo (33-7, 21 KOs) and Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (28-5, 27 KOs), no less than 9 big fights are now scheduled, including an intriguing eight-round all-Chicago middleweight match-up between Donatas Bondorovas (14-3-1, 3 KOs) and Ramon Valenzuela (7-0, 1 KO).
Also added to the schedule are undefeated middleweight Meegal Harper (5-0, 5 KOs) of Chicago Heights taking on Traverse City, Michigan’s more experienced Chris Grays in a four-rounder and pro-debuting welterweight Nick Ramirez of Rockford, Illinois, facing off against Lorenzo Wilson (1-1-1) of Indianapolis in a four-round fight.
The opponent for light welterweight Genaro Mendez’s (4-1-1, 3 KOS) six-round fight will be David Laque of Bloomington, Minnesota.
The full lineup:
Genaro Mendez (Chicago) vs. David Laque (Bloomington, MN)
David “Diesel” Latoria (Chicago) vs. Stanley Allen (Gary, IN)
Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (Chicago) vs. Adrian Hermann (Everett, WA) David Martin III (Hobart, IN) vs. Tim Washington (Toledo, OH)
Phillip Triantafillo (Chesterton, IN) vs. Emerson Chasing Bear (Rapid City, SD)
Terry Martin (Chicago) vs. Donta Woods (Atlanta, GA)
Donatas Bondorovas (Chicago) vs.Ramon Valenzuela (Chicago)
Meegal Harper (Chicago Heights, IL) vs. Chris Grays (Traverse City, MI)
and pro-debut Nick Ramirez (Rockford) vs. Lorenzo Wilson (Indianapolis, IN)
“Fast” Fres Oquendo (Chicago) vs. Joey Abell (Coon Rapids, MN)
Fedelatin Heavyweight Title
The high-class atmosphere and luxurious surroundings the Horseshoe has to offer make their boxing shows a Las Vegas-style night of boxing that Chicago-area fans don’t have to get on a plane to enjoy.
The Horseshoe Casino has an intimate, comfortable venue with luxurious seats, a spectacular gaming area, free parking, exquisite food and all the amenities — and is just 20 minutes from Downtown Chicago.
Tickets for “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” are on sale now, starting at a fan appreciation price of $10, and are available atthe “Venue” box office, ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.
Congrats to 15rounds.com Barry & Frauenheim as they net 5 Barney Awards
In perhaps the most diversified voting results to date, the judges for the 11th annual Boxing Writers Association of America writing contest, known as the “Barneys” in honor of the late BWAA president Barney Nagler, have tabbed different first-place winners in each of the six categories.
All award winners will be recognized at the 87th annual BWAA Awards Dinner to be held June 6 at the Copacabana in New York City.
Taking top honors are Michael Rosenthal, of RINGTV.com, for Event Coverage; Bernard Fernandez, of the Philadelphia Daily News, for Column; Lee Groves, of RINGTV.com, for News Story; Tom Gerbasi, of Boxingscene.com, for Feature Under 1,750 words; Ron Borges, of Boxing Monthly, for Feature Over 1,750 Words, and Springs Toledo, of Thesweetscience.com, for Investigative Reporting.
Judging was done on a blind basis, with all entries submitted with bylines and other identifying marks as to authorship removed, and on a weighted point system.
Borges also tied for third in Event Coverage, for a fight report written for the Boston Herald, with Toledo taking third in News Story. Other multiple placers in the top three include Kieran Mulvaney, of ESPN.com, with seconds in Event Coverage and (tie) Feature Over 1,750 Words; Thomas Hauser, second in Investigative Reporting (for Secondsout.com) and (tie) Feature Over 1,750 Words (for Toprank.com), and Eric Raskin, third in Feature Under 1,750 Words and Investigative Reporting, for stories written for Grantland.com.
In the unofficial sweepstakes competition, with five points for a first place, four for a second, three for a third and one for an honorable mention, RINGTV.com finished with 13 points to 12 for Thesweetscience.com, 11 for Boxingscene.com, nine for Boxing Monthly and eight for ESPN.com.
EVENT COVERAGE
1. Michael Rosenthal, RINGTV.com
2. Kieran Mulvaney, ESPN.com
3. (tie) Mitch Abramson, NYdailynews.com; Ron Borges, Boston Herald
Honorable Mention
Bart Barry, 15 rounds.com; Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times; David P. Greisman, Boxingscene.com; David Weinberg, The Press of Atlantic City
COLUMN
1. Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News
2. (tie) David P. Greisman, Boxingscene.com; Gordon Marino, The Wall Street Journal; Kieran Mulvaney, ESPN.com
3. William Dettloff, RINGTV.com
Honorable Mention
Bart Barry, 15rounds.com; Ron Borges, Boston Herald; Springs Toledo, Thesweetscience.com
NEWS STORY
1. Lee Groves, RINGTV.com
2. Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times
3. Springs Toledo, Thesweetscience.com
Honorable Mention
Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times; David P. Greisman, Boxingscene.com; Thomas Hauser, The Ring; Gordon Marino, The Wall Street Journal; Don Steinberg, Philly.com; George Willis, New York Post
FEATURE UNDER 1,750 WORDS
1. Tom Gerbasi, Boxingscene.com
2. Steve Farhood, Boxing Monthly
3. Eric Raskin, Grantland.com
Honorable Mention
Bart Barry, 15rounds.com; Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times; Lee Groves, Compuboxonline.com; Matthew Hurley, Secondsout.com; Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated; Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times.
FEATURE OVER 1,750 WORDS
1. Ron Borges, Boxing Monthly
2. (tie) Adam Berlin, Boxing.com; Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated
3. (tie) Thomas Hauser, Toprank.com; Ronan Keenan, Thesweetscience.com
Honorable Mention
Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News; Norm Frauenheim, The Ring
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
1. Springs Toledo, Thesweetscience.com
2. Thomas Hauser, Secondsout.com
3. Eric Raskin, Grantland.com
Honorable Mention
Ron Borges, The Ring; William Dettloff, The Ring; Norm Frauenheim, 15rounds.com; David Weinberg, The Press of Atlantic City
JUDGES
Rick Bozich, Louisville Courier-Journal; Ivan Maisel, ESPN.com; David Schwartz, University of Iowa, School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Jerry Sullivan, The Buffalo News; Paul Vigna, Harrisburg Patriot-News; Dr. Denny Wilkins, Saint Bonaventure University, School of Journalism.
Undefeated Junior Welterweights Serrano & Mayfield on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights
Undefeated Junior Welterweights Raymond “Tito” Serrano (18-0, 8 KOs) and Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (15-0-1, 9 KOs) will meet in the 10-round main event May 18 on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra. Friday’s show will air at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN3 from Albany, N.Y. The card is presented by Star Boxing.
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside for ESPN2 HD and ESPN3 at the Times Union Center describing the action, while studio host Bernardo Osuna will present the latest boxing news and highlights. On ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights), Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will call the fights with Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega in the studio.
Both shows will include Osuna’s interview earlier this week with Manny Pacquiao. Both shows will also discuss the U.S. Olympic boxing team as it prepares for the 2012 Summer Games in London. ESPN Deportes will discuss U.S. Olympic boxer Jose Ramirez and female boxer Marlen Esparza. Esparza of Texas, moved to the third round at the women’s world boxing championships Sunday.
Main Event:
California’s Mayfield is trained by Virgil Hunter, who also trains Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward, and enters Friday’s fight having defeated former Junior Lightweight titlist Steve Forbes. Mayfield won a 10-round decision over two-time Venezuelan Olympian Patrick Lopez in his last fight.
Serrano of Philadelphia is coming off a February 10-round decision win over Kenny Abril.
“I’ve seen a few of Mayfield’s fights,” Serrano said. “I think both of us are going to try to see who lands first. I think he’s going to come out strong, but I’ve got a good game plan. I’m ready to go to war.”
Co-Feature:
Undefeated Middleweight Jason “Monstruo” Escalera (12-0, 11 KOs) will meet Nick “The Machine Gun” Brinson (9-1-1, 5 KOs) in the co-feature. Both fighters are coming off wins over Marcus Brooks–New Jersey’s Escalera with a fourth-round TKO and New York’s Brinson with an eight-round decision.
Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like on Facebook.
ESPN News- 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
- 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
