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| SAMMY VASQUEZ TOPS FEB. 20TH SHOBOX BILL IN PITTSBURGH
| Press Release: High-energy hometown Sammy Vasquez Jr. (17-0, 13 KOs) will return to action seeking his tenth consecutive knockout victory when he takes on fellow southpaw Emmanuel Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana. The ten-round welterweight bout will serve as the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on February 20th at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. In the co-feature, former amateur star Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, faces Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs) of Texas, in a light heavyweight bout (number of rounds to be determined).
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| | |  | | | | CEDRIC KUSHNER, 1948-2015
| Boxingtalk has learned some sad news: long time boxing promoter Cedric Kushner has passed away in New York City today. Kushner was involved in many of boxing's biggest events during the 80s, 90s and 2000s. He promoted Hasim Rahman when Rahman upset Lennox Lewis for the heavyweight championship of the world in 2000. Kushner came of age in South Africa during the apartheid era, a policy which he opposed. He promoted Brian Mitchell, also a white South African opposed to apartheid, and Mitchell claimed simultaneous WBA and IBF 130-pound titles late in his career. Kushner was also Shane Mosley's promoter for several years and in 2000, he promoted Thunderbox which combined boxing and hip hop in much the same way that Roc Nation is trying to do today. In recent years, Kushner was ailing, but as late as last weekend, he was well enough to attend a memorial service for Jimmy Glenn's wife, Swannie. Cedric was a beloved figure in the boxing world and he will be missed. --Scott Shaffer
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| ESPN2 WEIGH-IN REPORT
| The Jan. 30 edition of Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 and will take place at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. It features a ten-round lightweight battle between Karl "Dynamite" Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) against Tony "The Lightning" Luis (18-2, 7 KOs). Dargan and Luis both weighed in at 134 pounds today. The co-feature is an eight-round middleweight bout between Thomas Falowo (12-3, 8 KOs) against Russell Lamour (11-0, 5 KOs). Falowo weighed in at 158.4 today, compared to 159 for Lamour. source: main events
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| HOLYFIELD MAKES ANTI-ROAD RAGE VIDEO
| Former world cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has made a funny public service video to combat road rage. Click here to view the forty-second video.
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| FRANCISCO VARGAS RETURNS ON MARCH 12TH HBO LATINO SHOW
| Press Release: Golden Boy Promotions and Leija * Battah Promotions are bring an HBO Latino show to San Antonio, Texas' Freeman Coliseum on Thursday, March 12th. In the main event, junior lightweight Francisco "El Bandido" Vargas (21-0-1, 15 KOs) faces off against Australian's "Wild" Will Tomlinson (23-1-1, 13 KOs). Also on the show, Mexican brawler, Antonio "Relentless" Orozco (21-0, 15 KOs) takes on Emanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight bout. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Jan. 31st at 12:00 p.m. CT through www.ticketmaster.com.
| | | | | | | GARY RUSSELL, JR. TO CHALLENGE JHONNY GONZALEZ
WBC makes Castellanos (21-10) mandatory for the winner
| WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Robinson Castellanos (21-10) is now the mandatory challenger for WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez. On Monday, Castellanos convincingly defeated Rocky Juarez. “The fight and their performances were spectacular. I think it was a great bout and a bloody one. Castellanos was punished in round nine and ten, but he won well. He's earned the opportunity to fight Jhonny Gonazales, and he's his next challenger,” said Sulaiman. Castellano's promoter Fausto Daniel Garcia was thrilled. “He was able to overcome adversities. He had the conviction and determination to fight to victory.” However, Catellano will have to recover from the cuts he suffered to his eyebrows, while Gonzalez fight Gary Russell Jr. next. The Gonzalez-Russell winner will fight against Castellanos. There's also another WBC eliminator coming down the pipe between Marvin Sonsona and Jayson Velez. source: wbc
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| CUADRAS-CONCEPCION SLUGFEST ON DECK AT 115 POUNDS
| WBC 115-pound title holder Carlos Cuadras of Mexico, will make his next title defense against Panamania slugger Luis “Nica” Concepcion. The fight will take place in Mexico, but the date and venue have not been announced yet. Cuadras' promoter, Oswaldo Kuchle confirmed that it's a certainty. Cuadras (31-0 with 25 KOs) had a great 2104: he won the title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, defended with a four-round technical draw against Jose Salgado and then stopped Marvin Mabait. Concepcion (32-3 with 23 KOs) has won nine straight, against tough opposition, after getting knocked out by Hernan Marquez in a 2011 WBA flyweight challenge. source: wbc
| | | | | | | CEYLAN-MONTILLA WILL SETTLE UNFINISHED BUSINESS IN DENMARK
| Press Release: Danish featherweight Dennis Ceylan (12-0-1, 6 KOs) is fired up ahead of his rematch with Cristian Montilla (6-3-1, 3 KOs) on February 7th in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Ceylan wants to set the record straight, after a draw in his first encounter with the Spaniard last August. ‘’It’s frustrating,’’ said the 2012 Olympian. "The draw has ruined my perfect record, and now, I want revenge! This time it’s personal. I’m going to take Montilla out!
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| | | | | | | MANAGER ADRIAN CLARK RELEASES VIDEO ABOUT HIMSELF
| Press Release: Boxing manager Adrian Clark has released a mini-documentary that chronicles a week in the life of his career as he leads up to a fight. It is titled Adrian Clark: Before The Bell. In 2014, Clark led James De La Rosa to an appearance on the Floyd Mayweather-Marcos Maidana II undercard where De La Rosa defeated Alfredo Angulo. Another Clark client, Jerry Belmontes, fought WBC lightweight champion Omar Figueroa on Showtime Championship Boxing but lost via split decision. The 14-minute video can be seen by clicking here.
| | | | | | | RIGONDEAUX'S MANAGER OPTIMISTIC THAT SANTA CRUZ FIGHT COULD HAPPEN
| Press Release: World super bantamweight champion Guillermo "The Jackal" Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) is encouraged by reports that WBC titleholder Leo Santa Cruz' promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, believes a Rigondeaux-Santa Cruz unification fight has to happen. The 34-year-old Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has been restricted to Asia for his last two fights, subsequently in low-profile matches, which he attributes to the lack of top-flight contenders willing to face the Cuban star.
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| | | | | | | BREADMAN'S MAILBAG
By Stephen "Breadman" Edwards
Deontay Wilder, Pacquiao-Mayweather & much much more...
| Just wanted to get your thoughts on Deontay Wilder. First, it's amazing how many people (same ones that predicted he would get KOed) immediately start yapping that Wladimir Klitschko would destroy him. Maybe, many not, but who [cares]? Can't people just be happy for the young man? More importantly, do you think he has more upside than most people think? I saw quick flashes of a very good left hook, jab to the body, and even infighting that got lost in the fight. Point being, I think he has a much more complete game than the jab and right hand everyone is talking about. His trainer should be really commended because Wilder was pretty raw before.
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| VERDEJO GETS SOLO BOXEO MAIN EVENT
| Press Release: Puerto Rican lightweight Felix Verdejo (16-0 with 12 KOs) will face Mexico’s Marco Antonio Lopez (24-5, 15 KO’s) on Saturday, February 28th on a Solo Boxeo card, which will take place in Tampa, at the Sun Dome at the University of South Florida. Lopez, who lost to former world titlist Takahiro Ao in 2014, has ten or more rounds six times, while Verdejo has only gone eight rounds once. Also on the card, Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (8-0, 7 KO’s) will face Raul Tovar (14-8-1, 4 KO’s) in a junior welterweight battle.
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| | | | | | | REST IN PEACE, TONY MAZZARELLA
New York's boxing community loses a good man
| Press Release: Tony Mazzarella of New York City passed away after a long illness this past Monday at the age of 75. During his long career in boxing, Mazzarella was a former deputy commissioner and inspector for the New York State Athletic Commission, Ring 8's treasurer, New York State Sports Commission member, amateur (including Golden Mittens and Mayor's Week of Boxing) and professional promoter (co-promoter of Ring Promotions) and the major influence in the founding of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
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| | | | | | | ABIE HAN REPLACES JERMAIN TAYLOR AS SERGIO MORA'S FOE
| Press Release: On Friday, Feb. 6th, former WBC junior middleweight titlist Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora (27-3-2, 9 KOs) takes on Abraham "Abie" Han (23-1, 14 KOs) in a twelve-round middleweight contest in Biloxi, Miss. It will be televised live on ESPN2 beginning at 9 p.m. ET. [Han replaces Jermain Taylor, the IBF middleweight champion who was jailed after a shooting incident].
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| | | | | | | WBC ANNOUNCES EIGHT-BOXER TOURNAMENT AT 154 POUNDS
| The WBC has announced it will work with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz to conduct a 154-pound tournament it will call the Boxing World Cup. According to the WBC's website, the tournament will take place inLas Vegas, although the exact dates, venues and televising networks have not been announced. Eight boxers have agreed to participate, according to the WBC: John Jackson from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dennis Laurente from the Philippines, Jorge Cota from Mexico, Luciano Cuello from Argentina, Sergey Rabchenko from Belarus, Dominique Dolton from the U.S., Yudel Jhonson from Cuba and Lukasz Maciec from Poland. First prize will be $350,000. -Scott Shaffer
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| ROCKY JUAREZ RETIRES AFTER LOSS
| Robinson Castellanos W12 Rocky Juarez... A proud boxing career came to an end in San Antonio last night as 2000 Olympic silver medalist Rocky Juarez lost a twelve-round decision to Robinson Castellanos and then announced his retirement. Juarez was down once in the fifth and three times in the twelfth. Castellanos (21-10) won by scores of 118-106 (twice) and 118-107. "I had a great run," said Juarez and indeed he did, proving himself a true warrior many times over even though he never won a world championship. Juarez finishes with a record of 30-11-1. The draw came against then-reigning world featherweight champion Chris John. Juarez also fought Marco Antonio Barrera twice and holds wins over Zahir Raheem, Guty Espadas, Jr. and Jorge Barrios. Juarez was never stopped in 42 pro fights, he always gave the fans everything he had in him, and he never ducked a tough fight. You can't ask for anything more from a boxer. Boxingtalk salutes Rocky Juarez and wishes him well in his post-boxing life. source: san antonio express news
| | | | | | | KYRONE DAVIS READY TO PERFORM IN PHILLY
| Press Release: Middleweight Kyrone Davis will take on veteran Jonathan Garcia (4-11) in a six-round bout at Philadelphia's 2300 Arena on Saturday. Editor's note: Davis is trained by Boxingtalk's Stephen "Bread" Edwards. Davis out of Wilmington, Delaware has a record of 5-0 with three knockouts and the former amateur standout is excited about his fight this Saturday. "Training went well. I know that Garcia is a durable guy who has fought good competition. My goal on Saturday is to put on a good, clean performance. Not to get hit and give everyone a good show for my first fight in Philly," said the 20 year-old. Davis was 91-9 as an amateur, won two National PAL tournaments and competed in Olympic trials. "I was born in New Jersey and live in Delaware [but] I train in Philadelphia. I have not fought here professionally and I am coming back to show everyone what I am doing... I am in good spirits and have put in lots of road work. I have a great team with my trainer Stephen Edwards. This is the longest camp we have had as I was supposed to fight in December and went that did not happen, we stayed training. I am in the best shape. This is my first six-round fight but we prepared to go even longer so it wont be a problem."
| | | | | | | CALEB PLANT GOES FOR SIXTH WIN THIS WEEKEND
| Press Release: Middleweight Caleb "Sweet Hands" Plant (5-0 with 4 KOs), returns to the ring this Saturday (January 31st) against David Lopez (4-11, 1 KO). The four-round bout will take place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Managed by Al Haymon, thye Tennessee native has power in both hands and believes his power will take him to the top. After winning a decision in his pro debut, Plant has knocked out his last four opponents. "I know I have a lot to learn in this sport and I'm thriving to get better each day I'm in the gym." said Caleb Plant. "With Al taking charge of my career, I know I will have opportunities to become something special in boxing. My plan is to come out aggressive and take the fight to my opponent. If I see my opponent is in trouble, I'm definitely going for the knockout."
| | | | | | | VETERAN DENVER BOXING WRITER ADVISES ALVARADO TO RETIRE
| The online edition of the Denver Post has an interesting opinion piece concerning Mike Alvarado, whose legal troubles and admitted lack of training contributed to his three-round demolition loss at the hands of Brandon Rios over the weekend. Author Terry Frei who has known and covered Alvardo for several years, writes that rather than try to revive his career, Alvarado should reitre and prepare for the rest of his life. Frei's well-written column can be read by clicking here. --Scott Shaffer
| | | | | | | AUSTRALIAN UPDATE: BRAYD SMITH INKS STEP-UP FIGHT
| Press Release: When Australian featherweight Brayd Smith (12-0) steps into a Toowoomba boxing ring on March 14th, it will be against Egypt’s Mohammed Metualy (18-3) over ten rounds. “It’s a very exciting for me, but also my most dangerous fight to date,” the 23 year-old Smith said. Metualy is the current Egyptian national champion. His only loss in his last ten contests was two fights ago against Gotlieb Ndokosho (now 16-3) in Namibia. Six of his last nine wins have come by knockout, three in the first round.
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| MAIN EVENTS ADDS SHANE MOSLEY, JR. TO FOXWOODS UNDERCARD
| Press Release: Before ESPN2 Friday Night Fights' audience witnesses the lightweight main event between Karl Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) and Tony Luis (18-2, 7 KOs), they will view an undercard that includes Shane Mosley, Jr. (2-1, 2 KOs), Cuba's Sullivan Barrera (14-0, 9 KOs) and others. Barrera is taking on ex-IBF super middleweight champion Jeff Lacy (27-5, 18 KOs) for eight rounds of action in the light heavyweight division. California's Mosley, Jr. (2-1), is taking on Rafael Machado (0-2) for four middleweight rounds. In another eight rounder heavyweights Keith "Machine Gun" Tapia (12-0, 7 KOs) of Santurce, Puerto Rico and Jesse Oltmanns (10-4, 7 KOs) of Bartonsville, PA will square off.
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| DONTA WOODS NAMED AS TRAVIS PETERKIN'S FOE FOR THURSDAY
| New York City's Broadway Boxing series returns this Thursday (January 29th) with a nine-bout card to be held at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. Headlining will be Brooklyn's light heavyweight "Notorious" Travis Peterkin (13-0), who has been a Broadway Boxing fixture since 2012. According to DiBella Entertainment, Peterkin will face Donta Woods (8-3) of Atlanta in an eight rounder. --Scott Shaffer
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| | | | | | | CHANGE OF OPPONENT FOR RASHID KASSEM IN DENMARK
| Press Release: Rashid Kassem (6-0) will face a different challenge on February 7th. The Danish lightweight will now take on Gyula Tallosi (5-1) in Frederikshavn, Denmark after Oszkar Fiko withdrew from their scheduled bout. "The Dream" must now prepare for an arguably tougher opponent in Tallosi. The 26 year-old Hungarian has earned four of his five victories by way of knockout. However, the Copenhagen-based Kassem outworked and outpointed the experienced Georgian Kakhaber Avetisian (37-27-1, 19 KOs) in his last outing. Kassem is one of five Danish boxers in action in Frederikshavn. Micki Nielsen’s (16-0, 12 KOs) cruiserweight battle against Julio Cesar Dos Santos (27-3, 24 KOs) tops the card.
| | | | | | | PRICHARD COLON HEADLINES IN PHILLY ON SATURDAY
| Press Release: This Saturday night at Philadelphia's 2300 Arena, Puerto Rico's Prichard Colon (12-0, 10 KOs) takes on Hector Munoz (23-13-1, 15 KO's) of Albuquerque, New Mexico in an eight-round junior middleweight fight. Also on the show, 122 pounder Stephen "Scooter" Fulton (listed as 3-0 but really 5-1 as he fought professionally in the World Series of Boxing) faces Eric Gotay in a four-round bout. [Gotay is 3-2 with 1 KO but hasn't won since 2011].
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