Month: May 2005

CES Franchise goes for knockout

(MAY 27) PROVIDENCE – Providence's newest professional sports franchise -- Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc (CES) – brings the fights June 17 to The All-New Theatre at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in downtown Providence with the debut of "Providence's Prime Time Fights." Providence super middleweight Joey "KO Kid" Spina (15-0, 12 KOs) fights former WBA and WBF champion Carl Daniels (49-6-1, 31 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council affiliated USNBC super middleweight championship. Daniels, fighting out of St. Louis, also held the USBA and Missouri State title belts and he has fought Bernard Hopkins, Julio Cesar Vasquez and Terry Norris. "I was just with Joey in Las Vegas when I was there to watch Peter Manfredo, Jr. in The Contenders. Read more [...]

“The Contender” Keeps Fighting

LOS ANGELES, May 26 – Don’t just look to the sky for fireworks this summer, as due to popular demand, Contender Partners will keep the Independence Day holiday going on Tuesday, July 5, with a spectacular night of boxing featuring the stars of the reality series “The Contender”. “There is an overwhelming demand for this show and these fighters all over the world,” said Mark Burnett. “We are incredibly excited to be able to bring you more championship boxing from “The Contender” so quickly.” Likely to compete on this card, which will be held at a Las Vegas site to be determined, will be the final four participants of “The Contender”: Jesse Brinkley, Alfonso Gomez, Peter Manfredo Jr., and series champion Sergio Mora. “The Contender” captured the hearts of fans around Read more [...]

2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward added to Johnson-Tarver undercard

(MAY 26) LOS ANGELES- US Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward, unbeaten as a pro at 3-0, will put his gold medal reputation on the line in a featured undercard bout on the June 18 mega-card at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, which is headlined by the light heavyweight showdown between Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver. "I'm just going to use this fight to show my god-given talent,” said the 21-year-old Ward, who will face an opponent to be announced shortly. “It's going to be a great fight and a great night and my next step toward my ultimate goal." Also added to the show - which will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10pm (ET) / 7pm (PT)– is an intriguing 10 round middleweight matchup between former world champion's Ike Quartey and Verno Phillips. Read more [...]

Rodney Toney’s comeback begins June 3″ Expressway Jam” in Dorchester

BOSTON (May 25, 2005) - Boston-native Rodney Toney has returned to his roots for a proverbial crossroads fight June 3 against Jameel "Black Gold" Wilson, headlining "Expressway Jam," presented by NER Promotions, at Freeport Hall (IBEW) in Dorchester (MA). Former California State light heavyweight champion Toney (26-4-4, 16 KOs), cousin of the much more famous James Toney, has been idle for the past 21/2 years. His comeback fight against Wilson is the eight-round main event on "Expressway Jam." Back in 1994, Toney won a 10-round decision against Charles "Hachet" Brewer, who went on to become the IBF super middleweight champion, and a year later Rodney fought a draw against then unbeaten William Joppy (19-0) for the NABF middleweight championship. Wilson (13-9-2, 8 KOs), fighting out Read more [...]

Julio Cesar Chavez at the HP Pavilion!

(MAY 18) A quick invitation to all fight fans who are interested. The great Julio Cesar Chavez (107-5-2, 87 KO's) will be holding an open workout for the public at the HP Pavilion at San Jose on Monday, May 23rd @ 3pm. Entrance to this event is free, as is parking! Also on hand, and his sparing partner, will be his son, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Both fighters are set to appear on a pay-per-view event the following Friday, May 28th and this may be Chavez Sr.'s last fight. So take a few minutes on Monday to slip out of work for this free event and head on down to The Tank to catch a glimpse of this World Champion. Please make a note of the schedule below. Doors will open at: 2:00 pm Sparring/General workout: 3:00-4:00 pm Post workout autograph session: 4:00-4:30 pm Read more [...]

John Ruiz reinstated as WBA heavyweight champion

LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2005) - Team Ruiz was notified yesterday by the World Boxing Association that it has reinstated John "The Quietman" Ruiz as WBA heavyweight champion, effectively immediately. WBA letter: "Based on the actions of the New York State Athletic Commission and the test results on which the Commission relied, the WBA must vacate your championship ranking and reinstate John Ruiz as the champion." Ruiz' April 30 loss to James "Lights Out" Toney was changed to a "No Decision" after Toney failed the New York State Athletic Commission's illegal substance policy, testing positive for the steroid, Nandrolone. Toney was suspended 90 days and fined $10,000 by the NYSAC, in addition to being barred from fighting for the WBA title for two years. "To all of the A-holes who want me Read more [...]

LeHoullier headlines “Friday Night Fights” May 20 at Dorchester Amory in Boston

BOSTON (May 16, 2005) – Unbeaten middleweight prospect Jason LeHoullier puts his perfect 15-0 record on the line Friday night (May 20) in the eight-round main event on “Friday Night Fights,” Knockout Boxing’s inaugural professional show, at the National Guard Armory in Dorchester (MA). LeHoullier (15-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Portland (ME), squares off against Cleveland veteran Rashaan Blackburn. Jason was the 1999 National Golden Gloves silver medalist, losing in the final to recently crowned WBA welterweight champion Luis Collazo. Making their much-anticipated pro debuts in four-round bouts are Waltham heavyweight Matt Coppola and former U.S. Marines Boxing Team member, middleweight Gerry Grealish, of Quincy. Coppola faces Mike Needling, of Philadelphia, while Grealish is matched Read more [...]

Team Freedom Promotions Presents “The Battle For Pride” May 13, 2005

(MAY 13) Minneapolis, MN - Team Freedom Promotions and Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota announced yesterday that on Friday, June 24, two world-class fighters from completely different backgrounds, MATT “THE PREDATOR” VANDA and LUIS RAMON “YORY BOY” CAMPAS, will put their futures on the line in a classic 12 round match for the IBA Americas Junior Middleweight Title. The Main Event MATT VANDA (33-1, 21 KO’s) has been a star in the Twin Cities area since the beginning of his career, but now looks to challenge the world’s best in his division. When asked about the importance of this fight Vanda stated “It’s kind of a defining moment for me. I have to be able to beat this guy to move on. I gotta beat this guy to go on because if I lose, I’m going to have to hang it Read more [...]

IBF World Cruiserweight Championship Bout to be televised on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights

HOLLYWOOD, FL, May 13 – It’s just days away – the 12 round IBF championship showdown that will crown a new king in the cruiserweight division on Friday, May 20 at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.  Both O’Neil Bell and Dale Brown, are ready for the fight of their lives. “I’ve had a great camp and I’m just itching to get into the ring on May 20th and show the world what a true cruiserweight champion looks like,” said Bell (23-1, 22 KOs).  “I’ve got a lot of respect for Dale Brown, but that will all go out the window once the bell rings.” “O’Neil Bell is a very good fighter,” said Brown (33-3-1, 21 KOs).  “But my experience and determination to win, will be too much for him to handle on May 20th.  I’ve waited too long to be champion Read more [...]

Duva Boxing Announces Peter vs. Sykes – July 2, 2005

(MAY 11) Duva Boxing, in association with Gary Shaw Promotions and Tres Amigos, LLC, are proud to announce that on July 2, 2005, fast-rising heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter, 23-0 (20), will put his NABF and USBA championships on the line against NABA champion Taurus “The Bull” Sykes, 23-1-1 (6) at the newly constructed Reno Events Center and televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The Peter vs. Sykes showdown will be the first-ever boxing show at the 7000-seat Events Center and comes 95 years almost to the day that Reno hosted the legendary Jack Johnson vs. James J. Jeffries heavyweight championship fight on July 4, 1910. “Reno has always been a great fight city,” said Duva Boxing President Dino Duva. “Duva promotional organizations have Read more [...]

Ruiz-Toney declared No-Decision May 11, 2005

(MAY 11) LAS VEGAS - Team Ruiz was formally notified on May 10th,  by the New York State Athletic Commission that the April 30th World Boxing Association heavyweight championship fight between defending champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz and challenger James "Lights Out" Toney has been officially declared a "No Decision" because Toney violated the illegal substance rule. Toney was suspended 90 days and fined $10,000. Team Ruiz is waiting for the WBA to enforce rule18:23 (3), disqualifying Toney and automatically reinstating Ruiz as world heavyweight champion. "We are waiting for the WBA to immediately implemented its rule," Ruiz' attorney Anthony Cardinale explained. "It's as clear as it can be. We're glad the truth has come out and Johnny hasn't lost his championship." WBA Rule 18:23 3. Read more [...]

Antonio Tarver Breaks Down Trinidad-Wright May 11, 2005

LOS ANGELES, May 11 – Light heavyweight superstar Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver returns to the ring on Saturday, June 18 to battle Glen Johnson for 175-pound supremacy in an HBO-televised bout at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. And luckily for boxing fans, there’s another superfight coming up - a middleweight showdown between Felix Trinidad and Winky Wright which will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this Saturday, May 14. Tarver took time out from his busy training schedule in Vero Beach, Florida to break down Trinidad-Wright. “I see this as a tremendous fight,” said Tarver. “Winky Wright is a guy that has really fought hard for his just due. He came up the hard way and I’m particularly in favor of a guy who had to earn it, rather than just having the yellow brick Read more [...]

2005: Antonio Tarver Breaks Down Trinidad-Wright

LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2005 – Light heavyweight superstar Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver returns to the ring on Saturday, June 18 to battle Glen Johnson for 175-pound supremacy in an HBO-televised bout at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. And luckily for boxing fans, there’s another superfight coming up - a middleweight showdown between Felix Trinidad and Winky Wright which will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this Saturday, May 14. Tarver took time out from his busy training schedule in Vero Beach, Florida to break down Trinidad-Wright. “I see this as a tremendous fight,” said Tarver. “Winky Wright is a guy that has really fought hard for his just due. He came up the hard way and I’m particularly in favor of a guy who had to earn it, rather than just having the yellow Read more [...]

Two-time WBA heavyweight champ John Ruiz is back re-considers Retirement

LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2005) - Former two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz announced today that, after speaking with his family and management team, he has reconsidered his decision to retire and will continue fighting. Ruiz retired April 30 immediately after losing a 12-round decision to James "Lights Out" Toney at Madison Square Garden. "My emotional decision, coming right after losing a fight I felt I won, was premature," Ruiz explained. "I was tired of all the criticism and felt everybody was against me. After reviewing the tape and talking it over with my advisors, I decided that I don't want to go out that way. If they want me out of the sport, they're going to have to knock me out. I'm back. "I want my WBA belt back. I still feel that I'm Read more [...]

Knockout Boxing promotes 1st pro show May 20 at Dorchester Amory in Boston

BOSTON (May 10, 2005) - Knockout Boxing promotes its inaugural professional show Friday night, May 20, headlined by undefeated middleweight Jason LeHoullier, (15-0, 7 KOs) at the National Guard Armory in Dorchester (MA). "We're excited to have some of New England's best amateur boxers from the past few years on our first pro card," promoter Martin Grealish said. "They already have good followings in this area. Knockout Boxing believes some of these prospect have the potential to be stars in a few years." LeHoullier, fighting out of Portland (ME), faces TBA in the eight-round main event. He was the 1999 National Golden Gloves silver medalist, losing in the final to recently crowned WBA welterweight champion Luis Collazo. Making their much-anticipated pro debuts in four-round bouts are Read more [...]