Category: News Story

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 [...]

2005: Bernard Hopkins Vs. Jermain Taylor- Will History Repeat Itself?

 (JUN 25, 2005) 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 Read more [...]

Crossroads fights on “Plymouth Rocks” Jones-Moore, Tshabalala-Wiggins

BOSTON (June 20, 2005) – The George Khalid Jones—“Fabulous” Freddy Moore main event, as well as the Courage “No Limit” Tshabalala—Robert Wiggins co-feature, are true crossroads fights on Plymouth Rocks, presented by NER promotions, July 1 on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from Memorial Hall in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. Jones (22-2-1, 13 KOs), the reigning NABA light heavyweight champion, fights former NBA title-holder Moore (30-3, 27 KOs) for the vacant USBA crown. Jones, fighting out of New Jersey, is rated No. 5 by the WBA, No. 10 by the IBF and WBC, and No. 14 by the WBO. A victory for him in the 12-round main event may position him for a long awaited title shot against WBA champ Fabrice Tiozzo or IBF king Clinton Woods. Another possibility is a high-profile match against Read more [...]

Crossroads fights on “Plymouth Rocks” Jones-Moore, Tshabalala-Wiggins

BOSTON (June 20, 2005) – The George Khalid Jones—“Fabulous” Freddy Moore main event, as well as the Courage “No Limit” Tshabalala—Robert Wiggins co-feature, are true crossroads fights on Plymouth Rocks, presented by NER promotions, July 1 on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from Memorial Hall in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. Jones (22-2-1, 13 KOs), the reigning NABA light heavyweight champion, fights former NBA title-holder Moore (30-3, 27 KOs) for the vacant USBA crown. Jones, fighting out of New Jersey, is rated No. 5 by the WBA, No. 10 by the IBF and WBC, and No. 14 by the WBO. A victory for him in the 12-round main event may position him for a long awaited title shot against WBA champ Fabrice Tiozzo or IBF king Clinton Woods. Another possibility is a high-profile match against Read more [...]

ABC Steps up to the plate about male/female bout June 19, 2005

(JUN 19) The ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions) President Tim Lueckenhoff has written a scorching letter to Mr. Jon Lewis, of the Mississippi Athletic Commission, condemning the Male-Female bout (Ann Wolfe vs. TBD) that has been approved for August 20. This bout will be taking place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, in Biloxi, Mississippi.  It is encouraging to see the ABC step up to voice their opinion on this troubling issue that is now again rearing it’s ugly head, and for what---the almighty dollar? Lueckenhoff wrote to Lewis: “It has come to the attention of the Association of Boxing Commissions that the Mississippi Athletic Commission has approved a professional boxing contest between Ann Wolfe and a "TBA" male boxer which currently is scheduled to be held on August 20, Read more [...]

CES press conference & weigh in Friday in Providence June 16, 2005

PROVIDENCE (June 16, 2005) – Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc (CES) tonight conducted the final press conference and official weigh in at the Hi Hat Lounge for tomorrow night’s (Friday, June 17) “Providence’s Prime Time Fights” in The All-New Theatre at the Dunkin’ Donuts Theatre in Down City Providence. CN8, The Comcast Network and CES have an agreement to broadcast six boxing shows during the next 12 months, commencing “Providence Prime Time Fights” which will air on CN8, SUNDAY, June 19 9 PM/ET. CN8’s Ed Berliner will provide blow-by-blow commentary for all of the six New England boxing shows. Former five-time world champion Vinny Paz will serve as color analyst. The CES package is part of CN8’s Primetime Fights series, a monthly show featuring Read more [...]