[bigben]

NEWS FLASH
New venue for Simonyan-Sanchez!
The USBA Jr featherweight title clash between Art Simonyan (14-1-1, 7 KOs) and former world champion Agapito Sanchez (34-11-3, 17 KOs) will now take place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The twelve-rounder was originally slated for the Northern Light Casino in Anacortes, WA. In the co-feature, unbeaten Irish middleweight John Duddy (10-0, 9 KOs) will face veteran Patrick Coleman (29-11, 20 KOs) in an eight rounder. The card will promoted by Bobby Hitz' Hitz Boxing in association with Art Pelullo's Banner Promotions and be televised on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.
Wednesday, July 13 2005


NEWS FLASH
Ramirez vs Smalls in KC!
Titan Entertainment and Northeast Promotions have announced an August 2nd ESPN2 "Tuesday Night Fights" card billed as "Clash of the Titans" at Kansas City's historic Union Station. In the main event, the IBF #14 featherweight Marcos "Flaco" Ramirez (20-0, 15 KOs) battles WBO #11 featherweight and current NABO champion Tiger Smalls (20-7-1, 9 KOs). The co-main event will feature WBA #12 super featherweight Daniel Seda (20-1-1, 16 KOs) vs TBA. Tickets start at $30, call 816-454-1123.
Wednesday, July 13 2005


NEWS FLASH
WBC OK'd Vitali optional in May!
The WBC is currently voting on whether or not to allow an exception for heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko to optional defense against Calvin Brock instead of making a mandatory defense against the winner of the August 13 interim title bout between Hasim Rahman and Monte Barrett. However, on May 6, the santioning organization sent a letter titled "PRESS RELEASE" to Vitali Klitschko manager Shelley Finkel which stated "If, as expected, Vitali Klitschko is able to fight again in September, the WBC will have no problem in approving a voluntary defense, in the understanding that the winners will have to contend for the undisputed title of the World Boxing Council." To see the text of that document, click here.
Wednesday, July 13 2005


NEWS FLASH
Martin on Conan show!
'Million Dollar Lady' Christy Martin will be a guest on NBC's 'Late Night With Conan O'Brien' on Thursday, July 21. Christy, who is working out in Orlando, Fla., will take an early-morning flight that day to New York City. She says she has a lot to tell O'Brien, particuarly about her 'Million Dollar Lady' opponent Lucia Rijker. "On July 30 she won't be pushing me around, like she has with other fighters. I promise that," said Christy. After the visit with O'Brien, Christy plans to return to Orlando and make final preparations for the flight to Las Vegas. Top Rank's 'Million Dollar Lady' - Christy Martin vs. Lucia Rijker in a WBC-sanctioned world's women championship bout - will be at the Mandalay Bay on Saturday, July 30. The mega fight will be available on Showtime Pay Per View.


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Lucia Rijker has been working out privately at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas. She and trainer Freddie Roach have been going over fight-night game plans. It's scorching hot (114-degrees today in Las Vegas) and it's tropical hot in the gym.
Wednesday, July 13 2005

NEWS FLASH
Beltran Jr. returns July 21!
Recent WBO title challenger Fernando Beltran Jr., who was outpointed by then-champ Joan Guzman earlier this year, returns to action July 21 on "Fight Night at the Tank" at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. Beltran (25-1-1, 17 KOs) will take on Ramon Leyte (14-7, 9 KOs). Fan favorite Kelsey Jeffries (32-8, 2 KOs) returns to fight Leona Brown (13-15, 5 KOs) in a six round semi-main event. The other semi-main event will feature lightweight Said Zavalete (4-0, 2 KOs) vs Arturo Quintero (14-2, 9 KOs). On hand will be special guest and boxing legend Lou Duva. Tickets are on sale now at the HP Pavilion Ticket Office and through Ticketmaster.
Wednesday, July 13 2005

NEWS FLASH
Yusef Mack at Turning Stone!
Boxing returns August 13 to the Turning Stone Resort and Casino’s Event Center in Verona, NY. The main event pits light heavyweights Yusef Mack (18-0-2, 12 KOs) against veteran Thomas Reid (34-15-1, 13 KOs) in a ten rounder. The co-feature is a jr middleweight ten-rounder between Agnaldo Nunes (12-1-1, 6 KOs) and Martin Honorio (18-3, 12 KOs). Also scheduled for ten is a super middleweigh clash between undefeated Lajuan Smith (8-0-1 4 KOs) and Manu Ntoh (15-10-1, 9 KOs). All three bouts are for UBA titles. Tickets, priced at $30, $50 and $75, are available by calling 361-SHOW.
Wednesday, July 13 2005

NEWS FLASH
Klitschko-Brock have agreement!
By Karl Freitag
Main Events VP Carl Moretti has announced that the company has an agreement in principle with the Klitschko camp for Calvin Brock to challenge WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on HBO September 24. Moretti told Fightnews.com that the Klitschko camp has a letter from the WBC approving another optional defense. Main Events President Kathy Duva added that it would not be possible to negotiate a deal for a bout between the winner of Hasim Rahman vs Monte Barrett until after the August 13 fight because it is unknown now what the winner would be worth. "This is about Don King wanting to make a better purse split," stated Duva. She also stated she doesn't understand why a number of prominent boxing writers are claiming that Klitschko hasn't fought credible opposition while saying Rahman has earned a title shot. It was pointed out that after being knocked out by Lennox Lewis, Rahman lost to Evander Holyfield, had a draw with David Tua, and lost to John Ruiz, before defeating Al Cole, Mario Cawley, Rob Calloway, Terrence Lewis and Kali Meehan (who was kayoed in one round by Klitschko's last opponent Danny Williams).
Wednesday, July 13 2005

RESULT
Fahsung KOs Escol!
By Ray Wheatley -- World of Boxing
IBF #11 featherweight Fahsung 3K Battery (47-7-1) captured the IBF Pan Pacific jr featherweight title when he scored a second round knockout over Joel Escol (9-6-1) of the Philippines in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday. Both southpaw boxers swapped heavy blows from the opening bell but it was 3K Battery that connected with a hard left cross that had the visitor out on his feet as the bell rang the end round one. The Thai jumped on Escol at the start of round two and dropped him after connecting with solid combination to the head and body and referee Sampan Sangakart counted ten over the import. Time of the stoppage 2:47. Promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang said, "Fahsung 3 K Battery has brought the IBF Pan Pacfic jr featherweight title back to Thailand. He was stopped by much bigger Manny Pacquiao in four rounds last December, but now he is in the right division. He can defeat many of the best 122 pound boxers in the world."
Wednesday, July 13 2005

EXCLUSIVE
WBC Orders Peter-Samil Sam
By Andre Courtemanche
Promoter Dino Duva says he is ecstatic to announce the WBC has ordered a box-off between its highest-rated available contenders, #4 Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter, 24-0 (21), and #3 Sinan Samil Sam, 24-2 (15) to determine it’s new #1 contender. “We’re very happy about the WBC’s decision to recognize Samuel as a candidate for their top spot in the ratings,” exclaimed Duva. While he is overjoyed at the opportunity, Duva says that Team Peter must go to work on defeating their next, and perhaps most formidable, foe to date. “Sinan Samil Sam is no walk in the park. A victory over him will be a big feather in Samuel’s cap. He’s a tough guy, probably the toughest opponent yet for Samuel, as far as ability and credibility. He deserves to be here too, and we're looking forward to a tremendous fight.” Manager Ivalyo Gotzev says that this box-off is also good news for fans of the heavyweight division. “The current status of heavyweight boxing right now is you have a bunch of attorney’s writing letters and filing lawsuits. There’s a lot of action outside the ring and not much inside it. The sooner we get Samuel in a position to sort everything out, the better for boxing. We’re going to do it the old-fashioned way, by knocking people’s heads off, less attorneys and more fighting.” “We have begun negotiations with Samil Sam’s promoter, Wilfried Sauerland, and we’re looking forward to fighting him, hopefully in the fall,” continued Duva. (More)
Wednesday, July 13 2005

NEWS FLASH
Boxing legend arrested!
By Jeffrey Pamungkas
Former IBF jr. bantamweight champion Ellyas Pical was taken into custody by undercover policemen in a discotheque in Jakarta, Indonesia. Authorities allege that the former champ offered to sell them illegal drugs. Pical became an Indonesian boxing sensation in 1985 when he destroyed the defending champion Judo-Chun in Jakarta, becoming the first boxing world champion from Indonesia. In 1987 Pical surrendered the title to the Thai Tyson Khaosay Galaxy in an astonishing bout, also in Jakarta. In an interview with this writer and 'Boxing Bob Newman' in 2004, Pical said that he enjoyed his current life as a singer in his church congergation. Pical retired in 1990, then he came back to the ring in 2000 with an embarrasing loss, before finally hanging up his gloves. In his era, Pical's powerful left hooks were nicknamed "The Exocet" referring to the famous missile launched by England during the Malvinas war. Pical's arrest is a shock for boxing fans in Indonesia, as the boxing legend has been so far known as a clean and honest athlete who lives happily with his dentist wife and some kids.
Wednesday, July 13 2005

NEWS FLASH
Borquez headlines Friday!
Highly regarded youngster Adalberto Borquez of Tijuana, Mexico, faces veteran Margarito Lopez of Philadelphia in the 10-round super bantamweight event on "Guilty Fight Night" on Friday at El Foro in Tijuana, B.C., Mexico. The hard-hitting 21-year-old Borquez lists a record of 19-1 with 17 knockouts while the aggressive and relentless Lopez has the deceiving record of 8-12-1 with three knockouts. Borquez already has one win at El Foro this year, on the Guilty Boxing card Jan 28 when he stopped Mario Flores in the 10th round. Six-round fights on the nine-bout Guilty Boxing card include middleweight Octavio Castro (6-0, 4 KOs) against Ivan Buelna (7-0, 5 KOs); super lightweight Juanito Rodriguez (5-4, 2 KOs) against Eliseo Urias (4-4, 2 KOs); lightweight Jesus Gonzalez (5-1, 3 KOs) against Charlie Soto (5-0-1, 3 KOs); and bantamweight Jesus Vasquez (9-0, 8 KOs) against Marcelino Bojorquez (0-9).
Wednesday, July 13 2005

EXCLUSIVE
Ouma set to defend!
Just two days before the best middleweight in the world, Bernard Hopkins, puts his title on the line against top contender Jermain Taylor, the best super welterweight in the world, Kassim Ouma, will do the same when he squares off against number one challenger Roman Karmazin on Thursday, July 14, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevad. . . .” . . . Click here for more
Wednesday, July 13 2005

NEWS FLASH
Pacquiao leaves for US Aug. 1!
By Nick Giongco
In preparation for his Sept. 10 comeback fight in Los Angeles, Manny Pacquiao is flying to the US on Aug. 1, the fighter told fightnews yesterday afternoon on board his brand-new silver-colored Mitsubishi Pajero. Pacquiao is slated to battle Hector Velazquez of Mexico on the same night Erik Morales wages war with Zahir Raheem at the Staples Center. Morales and Pacquiao are being lined up to meet each other on Dec. 10 in Las Vegas. "Line them up," Pacquiao said. "I am not afrad to face anyone. Bring them on." Pacquiao is spending some quality time with his two sons next week in his hometown of General Santos City (one hour and a half away from Manila by plane) and hopes to work out a few times before departing for the States together with Buboy Fernandez.
Wednesday, July 13 2005

FEATURE STORY

Q&A: Fernando Montiel!
By Ricardo Lois
WBO super flyweight champion Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada Monday afternoon. The pride of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico will be fighting the Evert Briseno (ranked #9 by the WBO) of Nicaragua Saturday night as part of Golden Boy Promotion's "Next in Line" pay per view event. Montiel (30-1-1, 25 KOs) spoke with Fightnews Wednesday morning regarding his training, the Nevada State Atheltic Comission's decision regarding his original opponent Erik Morel, thoughts on Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson, and he informs us which super flyweight he would like to battle next. (More)
Wednesday, July 13 2005

RESULT
Minto blows away Barnes!
By Brady Crytzer at ringside
Heavyweight hopeful Brian Minto continued his climb up the comeback trail by outworking journeyman Jermell "The Truth" Barnes and being rewarded a unanimous decision in front of his hometown crowd. Barnes' counterpunching made the fight exciting, it was not enough to overcome the sheer volume of punches thrown by Minto, nor enough to change the minds of the judges at ringside. Brian Minto was awarded a unanimous decision victory and now improves his record to 20-1. (More)
Wednesday, July 13 2005

PREVIEW
"American Boy" at Pechanga!
By Ralph Gonzalez
Jason “The American Boy” Litzau of St. Paul, Minnesota is all set to put his 14-0, 14 KO’s record on the line when he meets up Johnny Nolasco of Phoenix, Arizona (15-3-4, 6 KO’s). The fight which will take place at The Pechanga Casino in Temecula, California will be televised on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights. Litzau has captured the attention of boxing fans with extremely fast and powerful combinations that have stopped all of his prior opponents. Litzau looks to be a promising prospect but has yet to pass the ultimate test for a young warrior: The chin check. Also on the card, rising Heavyweight B.J. Flores 11-0, 8 KO’s, Chicago’s Jr. Middleweight Carlos Anduray 8-0, 6 KO’s, popular Armenian fighter Archak Ter-Meliksetian of Glendale 13-1, 11 KO’s and Fernando Vargas’ managed, Daniel Cervantes 6-0, out of Oxnard. The doors open at 4:00 P.M. First fight is at 5:00 P.M. Ticket prices are as follow: Ringside $85, VIP $70 and General Admission is $55. The promoter for this card is Main Events.
Wednesday, July 13 2005

RESULT
Quintana stays unbeaten!
Unbeaten welterweight prospect Carlos Quintana moved to 20-0 with 16 KOs with a sixth round stoppage of Francisco Campos Tuesday night at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. Quintana was in command from the outset, landing hard and often against the gutsy Campos. The bout was finally stopped after round six when Campos told referee Raul Caiz he'd had enough. Campos (18-4-1) has now dropped four out of his last five. (More)
Wednesday, July 13 2005

NEWS FLASH
Sidorenko to face Fukushima!
By Joe Koizumi
Unbeaten WBA bantamweight champ Wladimir Sidorenko (17-0, 6 KOs), Ukraine, has recovered well from a thumb fracture and will put his belt on the line against Japanese challenger Manabu Fukushima (28-6-2, 19 KOs) at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan, on October 15. It was announced by JB Sports Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions on Monday. It was originally slated to take place at the same venue on June 4, but Sidorenko, 28, suffered an injury during his workout and had to postpone his initial defense since acquiring the vacant throne by outscoring Julio Zarate in Germany last February. Sidorenko, having frequently fought in Germany under the promotional agreement with Universum Box-Promotion, underwent an operation and has been recovering soundly to keep training there. Fukushima, 30, once reigned as Japanese and OPBF 122-pound champ, having defeated Yutaka Manabe, Reynante Jamili, Arnel Barotillo, Jaekwang Chung et al. He failed to win the WBC belt, being stopped by Mexican banger Oscar Larios in eight rounds here in 2002.


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On the original schedule for his second title crack, June 4, Fukushima had to meet a Filipino trail horse named Tata Polinar instead in a tune-up go and scored a fine KO triumph in three rounds. The Ukrainian boasts of a very tight defense in a peek-a-boo style, so neither Venezuelan Leo Gamez (who lost to Sidorenko in a WBA eliminator to decide the mandatory challenger last October) nor the interim champ Zarate successfully penetrated his shell-like guard.
Tuesday, July 12 2005

NEWS FLASH
Shaw inks Cameron!
Gary Shaw announced today that he has signed undefeated New Zealand heavyweight Shane "The Mountain Warrior" Cameron to an exclusive promotional agreement. Cameron will challenge IBF Pan Pacific heavyweight champion Roger Izonritei of Nigeria, (brother of former heavyweight contender David Izon), for Izonritei's title on the undercard of the Jeff Lacy-Robin Reid IBF super middleweight championship, Saturday, August 6, at the St. Pete Times Forum, in Tampa, FL. This will be Cameron's first fight on U.S. in over two years. Showtime will televise the Lacy-Reid title tilt live, beginning at 9PM ET/9 PM PT (Delayed on West Coast). Cameron, 12-0 (11 KOs), has delivered knockouts in four rounds or less 10 times in his 12-fight career en route to winning the New Zealand and the Australasian heavyweight titles.
Tuesday, July 12 2005

FEATURE STORY

Q&A: Hasim Rahman!
By Andre Courtemanche
Currently in preparation for his August 13 showdown at the United Center in Chicago, against Monte Barrett for the WBC Interim championship, former WBC Champion Hasim Rahman, 40-5 (33), says he is enjoying his rejuvenation as a consistent and serious threat to every other heavyweight in the world. Always entertaining with the spoken word, Rahman seems to be in a particularly good mood considering the long wait he has endured while current champ Vitali Klitschko has suffered a series of injuries and now says he wishes to face someone other than “The Rock” when he does return. Fightnews caught up to Rahman while he awaits the WBC’s decision on whether to force Klitschko to fight him next, or allow him another optional defense first. (More)
Tuesday, July 12 2005

NEWS FLASH
Vitali decision due soon!
By Karl Freitag
The WBC is expected to have a decision this week on WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko's request for an exception to face an opponent other than the Hasim Rahman-Monte Barrett winner of September 24. Votes from the 36-member WBC board of governors are currently being tabulated and a simply majority is needed for a decision. WBC President Jose Sulaiman will only vote if there is a tie, however he is already on record as saying Klitscho should "for the good of boxing" fight the winner of Rahman-Barrett. So, in effect, the voters know which way the wind is blowing. If Klitschko is not granted the exception, he would be stripped if he faces anyone other than the mandatory challenger.


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There is some talk that Vitali will walk away from the WBC belt, opting to keep only a belt awarded by a U.S. magazine. However, the magazine's bias against the lower weight divisions - no champions are listed below the lightweight division, except for one fighter who has left the division - lack of enforcement ability and toothless regulations make that option less legitimate on the world stage. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, July 12 2005

NEWS FLASH
Castillejo-Vargas for WBC #1!
WBC President Jose Sulaiman has announced that the winner of the Fernando Vargas-Javier Castillejo clash on August 20 in Chicago will be the mandatory WBC 154lb challenger. The week before, Ricardo Mayorga and Michele Piccirillo meet for the vacant title, which Castillejo was recently stripped of for opting to fight Vargas instead of Mayorga. So Castillejo, who has currently been dropped completely from the lastest WBC rankings, could end up facing Mayorga anyway.
Tuesday, July 12 2005

ANNOUNCEMENT
Baltimore Boxing!
By Lisa Scott
Boxing has been heating up in a big way in Baltimore, MD, with Baltimore Pro Boxing Promotions hosting fight cards nearly every month to sold-out crowds. BPB’s next show (In conjunction with Jake ‘The Snake’ Smith and Kevin Rooney) will be held at Martin’s West on Thursday July 21st and will feature such local Baltimore fighters as: heavyweight prospect Mike Dietrich (5-0), middleweight Tony Cygan (6-0); super middleweight Mike Paschall (4-0); lightweight Mike Ricasa (5-0) and heavyweight Adam Bloom who will make his pro debut. The first fight begins at 8 pm and tickets are priced from $35 to $100. For further information, call 410-375-9175.
Tuesday, July 12 2005

RESULT
Sugita awarded tech nod!
By Joe Koizumi
Japanese top ranked 130-pounder Ryuhei Sugita (29-2-2, 22 KOs), 127.75, was awarded a unanimous technical decision (49-46 twice and 49-47) over Filipino feather champ Jeffrey Onate (31-20-7, 19 KOs), 127.75, at 2:11 of the fifth round in a scheduled ten on Sunday in Komaki, Japan. Sugita had failed to win the WBA 130-pound belt from Yodsanan Nanthachai via seventh round TKO defeat in February of the previous year. Since then, he scored four wins straight and recently attempted to fight in the feather category, looking for a shot at either of the WBC or the WBA 126-pound belts. Sugita, piloted by ex-WBC 122-pound champ Kiyoshi Hatanaka, kept more aggressive to be leading on points, when the ring physician advised a halt to the ref after Sugita began to profusely bleed from a gash over the left optic caused by an accidental butt. Onate, on his twelfth visit here, also sustained a bad gash over the left eyebrow, which became a handicap prior to the stoppage. (More)
Tuesday, July 12 2005

[naught33]

lots of great news! question for you though....who do you think zab judah is going to fight next? there was some talk about him possibly fighting mosley but i dont see what that would do for him as sugar shane hasnt been very impressive his last few fights?

[Tommy]

Good Stuff Ben Thanks for the updates