Category: Boxing

Reggie Johnson Out to Reclaim World Title

(JULY 29) Houston, Texas- On August 27th, World Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight Champion, Reggie “Sweet” Johnson (42-7-1) is back with a vengeance and this time he says he has a ‘William Gutherie’ frame of mind. Gutherie (30-3) was the IBF Light-Heavyweight Champion of the World who Johnson dethroned in 1998 with a vicious hook to the chin in the 5th round of their world title fight. Gutherie left the ring that night in a neck brace and on a stretcher. “I’m training hard and have kept my weight at 185 during this rest period,” says Johnson, “ and feel sharp. I’m ready for whoever my agent, Kerry Daigle, puts in front of me.” Is the layoff of over 2 years going to affect Johnson? “I don’t think so,” says Beau Williford, the matchmaker for this event at the Read more [...]

Giving Boxing Back to the People

(JULY 23) LOS ANGELES, – With 11,992 fans in attendance at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last Saturday night to watch the middleweight championship fight between Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor, it is obvious that boxing is alive and well in the hearts of fight fans. But while an intriguing matchup between two great warriors is always an enticing prospect for followers of the sweet science, it’s not always economically feasible to be able to see these megafights live and in person. Golden Boy Promotions believes that this attitude needs to change if boxing is to regain its status as one of this country’s major professional sports, and to help accomplish that goal, the company is pleased to announce that in association with the MGM Grand, tickets for the September 17 “Parade of Read more [...]

Sycuan Ringside Promotions to Host First Ever Professional Boxing Card

(JULY 18) SAN DIEGO– On Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, through Sycuan Ringside Promotions, will host “Salute to America’s Heroes,” a six-bout boxing card at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The highlight of “Salute to America’s Heroes” will be a 10-round main event pitting former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz of Coachella, Calif , against Tomas Barrientes of Weslaco, Texas. The event, presented in association with Northeast Promotions, will be nationally televised on cable network ESPN from the Marine Corps Base. The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation will provide this card free of charge for Camp Pendleton authorized personnel. The card is being co-promoted by Northeast Promotions. “On behalf of the warriors Read more [...]

Sycuan Ringside Promotions to Host First Ever Professional Boxing Card

(JULY 18) SAN DIEGO– On Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, through Sycuan Ringside Promotions, will host “Salute to America’s Heroes,” a six-bout boxing card at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The highlight of “Salute to America’s Heroes” will be a 10-round main event pitting former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz of Coachella, Calif , against Tomas Barrientes of Weslaco, Texas. The event, presented in association with Northeast Promotions, will be nationally televised on cable network ESPN from the Marine Corps Base. The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation will provide this card free of charge for Camp Pendleton authorized personnel. The card is being co-promoted by Northeast Promotions. “On behalf of the warriors of Read more [...]

Marco Barrera and Robbie Peden Unify Titles

(JULY 17) LAS VEGAS – It’s always a special night when two world champions put everything they’ve worked so hard for on the line in search of a unification of their titles. Saturday, September 17 will be such a night when WBC super featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera looks to add another chapter to his storied career in a 12 round showdown against IBF 130-pound champion Robbie “The Bomber” Peden. This championship bout, which will be telecast live on HBO Pay-Per-View from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, is part of an unforgettable “Parade of Champions” presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. In the co-feature, another three division world champion, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, will continue his march back to the welterweight Read more [...]

Hitz Boxing Announces Debut of John Duddy at the All State Arena

(JULY 15) CHICAGO--With the luck of the Irish, Bobby Hitz of Hitz Boxing Promotions found a four leaf clover when Match Maker Jim Borzell contacted him about introducing Duddy to Chicago’s strong Irish community. Jr. middleweight contender John “IRISH” Duddy (10-0, 9 KO’s), who’s good looking, soft-spoken, quick and exciting, took a chance relocating to the US when he began his professional career in 2003. Hometown of County of Derry, Northern Ireland, at 5’11, 160-pounds, Duddy is a non-stop puncher. His popularity is evident and growing with each match. “I never knew how lucky I was to be Irish till I came to America.” Said Duddy. Promoted by Irish Ropes, Managed by McLoughlin Brothers and Trained by Harry Keitt, in 2004 Duddy didn’t know if his boxing career was Read more [...]

Hitz Boxing Announces Debut of John Duddy at the All State Arena

(JULY 15) CHICAGO--With the luck of the Irish, Bobby Hitz of Hitz Boxing Promotions found a four leaf clover when Match Maker Jim Borzell contacted him about introducing Duddy to Chicago’s strong Irish community. Jr. middleweight contender John “IRISH” Duddy (10-0, 9 KO’s), who’s good looking, soft-spoken, quick and exciting, took a chance relocating to the US when he began his professional career in 2003. Hometown of County of Derry, Northern Ireland, at 5’11, 160-pounds, Duddy is a non-stop puncher. His popularity is evident and growing with each match. “I never knew how lucky I was to be Irish till I came to America.” Said Duddy. Promoted by Irish Ropes, Managed by McLoughlin Brothers and Trained by Harry Keitt, in 2004 Duddy didn’t know if his boxing career was finished Read more [...]

2005: LeRoy Neiman to Capture Middleweight Warriors on Canvas

One of LeRoy Neiman's drawings.  LOS ANGELES, July 12, 2005 – Legendary artist LeRoy Neiman, known by fight fans around the globe for his unique style and ability to capture the true essence of the sweet science with each stroke of his brush, has been commissioned to create the artwork for the upcoming middleweight Superfight between Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor, which will take place on Saturday, July 16, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Having LeRoy Neiman creating unique artwork for this fight is a thrill and an honor for us at Golden Boy Promotions,” said company President Oscar De La Hoya. “Mr. Neiman is pound for pound the greatest artist in the world, and having him involved with this event lets everyone know how important it is when the two best middleweights Read more [...]

WBA Lightweight World Champion Juan Diaz Headlines Action-Packed Card

(JULY 7) Kinder, LA—The thrill of professional boxing returns to Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana on July 16 with “Knockouts at Coushatta VIII.” Fighter weigh-in is scheduled for Friday, July 15 at 3:00 p.m. in Gumbeaux’s Oyster & Sports Bar located inside the casino. Undefeated WBA Lightweight World Champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz, 27W-0L (13KO’s), headlines an action-packed fight card in a 10-round non-title bout. The co-main event features the newly crowned IBU Intercontinental Welterweight Champion “Bad” Chad Broussard, 50W-4L (35KO’s), for another explosive fight. The undercard will also feature two powerful undefeated boxers as knockout sensation Chris Henry (5W-0L, 5KO’s), returns to the ring, and Juan’s younger brother, Jose Diaz (6W-0L) is Read more [...]

Ahmed “Hollywood” Kaddour to fight on ShoBox card

NEW YORK (July 5, 2005) - Ahmed "Hollywood" Kaddour, who recently appeared on "The Contender," will become the first contestant from the NBC reality series to return to boxing when he takes on an opponent to be announced in the eight-round junior middleweight co-feature Friday, July 22, 2005, on "ShoBox: The New Generation." In the main event, California State Junior Welterweight Champion Rolando Reyes will take on International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 14 lightweight contender Courtney Burton for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight title from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif. Both fighters will make their second "ShoBox" and Chumash appearances. SHOWTIME will televise the Gary Shaw Productions doubleheader at 11 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on west Read more [...]

Martin “The Firefighter″ Sanchez died July 2, 2005 at Valley Hospital Medical Center

MEXICO CITY (AP) _ The body of a Mexican boxer who died after being knocked out during a bout in Las Vegas was returned to Mexico early Thursday. Martin ``The Firefighter″ Sanchez died July 2 at Valley Hospital Medical Center, hours after being knocked out by Rustam Nugaev of Russia in a super lightweight bout. After several delays, Sanchez’s body was flown home, arriving before dawn Thursday to a service attended by family and friends. Sanchez, 26, worked as a firefighter in Mexico City, and his colleagues carried his coffin for a memorial service. A photo of Sanchez fighting was set up next to a framed picture of the Virgin Mary. Sanchez was knocked out in the ninth round July 1. He was bleeding from the nose and mouth but didn’t appear seriously injured as he left the ring. A Read more [...]

Paulie Malignaggi coming back in August Signs new managerial contract with Sal LoNano

TEWKSBURY, Mass. (June 27, 2005) - "The Magic Man" - Paulie Malignaggi - plans on returning to the ring in late August with a repaired right hand and new manager, Sal LoNano, who guided "Irish" Micky Ward the final four years of his memorable career. Malignaggi, 24, has been inactive since December 4, when he improved his pro record to 19-0 (5 KOs) and captured the WBC International light welterweight title. But he broke his right hand in that fight and has undergone surgery twice. "I've learned how much I love and miss boxing," the World Boxing Council No. 9 rated junior welterweight talked about his recovery period. "I feel like the kid who's been left behind. I belong in the mix and I see a lot of punks getting television time I should have. I'm coming back stronger than ever and the Read more [...]

2005: Paulie Malignaggi coming back in August Signs new managerial contract with Sal LoNano

 TEWKSBURY, Mass. (June 27, 2005) - "The Magic Man" - Paulie Malignaggi - plans on returning to the ring in late August with a repaired right hand and new manager, Sal LoNano, who guided "Irish" Micky Ward the final four years of his memorable career. Malignaggi, 24, has been inactive since December 4, when he improved his pro record to 19-0 (5 KOs) and captured the WBC International light welterweight title. But he broke his right hand in that fight and has undergone surgery twice. "I've learned how much I love and miss boxing," the World Boxing Council No. 9 rated junior welterweight talked about his recovery period. "I feel like the kid who's been left behind. I belong in the mix and I see a lot of punks getting television time I should have. I'm coming back stronger than ever and Read more [...]

Lopez and Pernell-All Fire & Glory By Katherine Dunn June 26, 2005

Yakama Nation Legends Casino Resort, Toppenish, WA……June 25, 2005 Not all the great fights are on TV. The best matches are not always between stars with household names.  Once in a while two big hearted kids on an undercard bring good skills and enormous desire to demand the very best from each other. Last Saturday night in the high clear air of the Yakama Nation, some 2500 fans were privileged to see one of those rare and wonderful wars. It was a light heavyweight six rounder between Luis Lopez, 173 lbs (now 6-5) of Pasco, WA and formerly undefeated Marcus Pernell, 173 lbs (now 9-1) of Portland, OR. Pernell is the step-son of former lightweight great, Ray Lampkin. Lopez is the son of Jim "Cobra" Lopez. Both fathers were in the corners. It was Lopez attacking to the body and Pernell Read more [...]

Hopkins Vs. Taylor- Will History Repeat Itself?

(JUN 25) LOS ANGELES- With unbeaten Jermain Taylor - a rising star with credentials - taking on Bernard Hopkins - the long-reigning middleweight champion who is considered by most to still be at his prime - on July 16 at the MGM GRAND in Las Vegas, it’s interesting to take a look at some of the other bouts from the modern era (1960 - present) that mirror this type of matchup. Let’s start with the Heavyweights: * In 1964, the young, brash, and undefeated Cassius Clay, a Gold Medal winner in the 1960 Rome Olympics at 178 lbs., takes on the fearsome Charles “Sonny” Liston, who was coming off two straight first round knockout wins over Floyd Patterson. Result: A monster upset, as Clay makes Liston retire on his stool after six rounds. * In 1971, it was “Smokin” Joe Frazier Read more [...]