JOSEPH AGBEKO & VIC DARCHINYAN MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES
Saturday, July 11, 2009, From the BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Fla.,
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT)
NEW YORK (June 30, 2009) – Two of the hardest-hitting boxers in the world participated in a media conference call Tuesday to discuss their upcoming world title fight on Saturday, July 11, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.
IBF Bantamweight champion Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko and two division world champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan both possess eye-popping knockout percentages. Agbeko (26-1, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, now fighting out of Bronx, N.Y., has knocked out more than 81 percent of his opponents while Darchinyan (32-1, 26 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, by way of Armenia, is right behind him at 76 percent.
Darchinyan, an Aussie bomber who is a four-time world champion at flyweight and super flyweight, will leave his IBF, WBC and WBA titles at 115 pounds behind to move up to the 118-pound limit to face the dangerous Agbeko. If victorious, Darchinyan will become a three-division world champion.
The co-feature pits two top-10 ranked 135-pound contenders in the biggest fight of their lives when Antonio DeMarco (21-1-1, 15 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, takes on West African native Anges “Baby Face” Adjaho (25-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
The event is promoted by Don King Productions in association with BankAtlantic Center.
Agbeko vs. Darchinyan and DeMarco vs. Adjaho are co-promoted with Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.
The main event fighters and their promoters spoke on an international media conference call Tuesday. The following are highlights from the call:
JOSEPH AGBEKO
“In boxing you have to fight the best to be the best and I just want Vic to know that this is the fight of my life. I know Vic Darchinyan picked to fight me because he thinks he can have his way with me but I just want him to know that this is the biggest mistake he has ever made in his career because he’s going to get the worst beating of his career.
“Why didn’t he talk like this when Nonito Donaire beat him? I wanted him to talk more and I want him to realize that I’m going to beat him more than Donaire beat him.
“I know I’m better than Vic Darchinyan. I know he can punch. I’m really, really ready for his punches. I know he’s never been on the receiving end of someone who punches like me.
“Vic is always talking about his power and about how he’s this and that but I’ve watched a couple of his fights and I never saw that power. He’s always fought guys that are afraid of him and he did what he wanted with them. But in this fight I’m going to do what I want to do and beat him the way I want.
“I’m going to let him do whatever he wants to do in this fight because I can do whatever he does better than him.
VIC DARCHINYAN
“I think after this fight they are going to change my opponent’s name to Joseph ‘Chimpanzee’ Agbeko. This is going to be the biggest mismatch. Where would you like me to hurt you most? In the body or in the face?
“I can’t spend my career just defending, defending, defending. I have to move up in weight and go after more titles. I have the power to demolish anyone. I’m going to keep moving up.
“I’ve seen Agbeko’s fights and they don’t impress me. You will see, nothing compares to my power. I will knock him out with my power. I can open my jaw and let him punch it and he still won’t hurt me.
“I hope he’s working hard and training extra hard for this fight. I don’t want it to be an easy fight. I want to be your nightmare after this fight and not before because I want you to get a good night’s sleep.
“I’m going to demolish him (Donaire) in a rematch.”
ELIAS NASSAR, Darchinyan’s manager:
“There are not a lot of people who don’t know that every single fight that Vic has asked for Gary Shaw has delivered on.”
GARY SHAW, Darchinyan’s promoter:
“I believe I represent probably a fighter who will go down as one of the greatest boxers to ever fight in the lower weights in the history of boxing. Please tell all the poachers out there that Vic and I are bound together for life. I want everyone who’s on this call to hear that.
“Vic only wants to fight the best fighters. Vic and Elias don’t care about weights. They only want the best fighters and they believe right now that “King Kong” Agbeko is the best fighter at 118 pounds.”
When will Darchinyan fight Donaire again?
“SHOWTIME wants to buy the single biggest fights out there. That’s why he fought Cristian Mijares, that’s why he fought Jorge Arce and that’s why he’s fighting “King Kong” Agbeko. And while he’s been on TV and knocking all these fighters out on TV Donaire has not been heard of or seen. When Bob Arum mentions all his great young fighters he never mentions Donaire. If you haven’t seen those articles I’ll be more than happy to send them to you. Just yesterday he was talking about his Russian fighters and his Puerto Rican fighters. No where did he mention Nonito Donaire. So the answer to that is he has a fight in front of him on Saturday. We have to win that fight and then the question is if we win that fight do we want to stay at 118, move back down to 115 or do we take on (Rafael) Marquez or (Israel) Vazquez or someone of that ilk at 122. That is our plan right now. Vic fights for money, not for revenge.”
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Gus Johnson and Al Bernstein will call the action with Jim Gray reporting from ringside. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit the SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
SOBRAL Prepares for Mousasi
SEAL BEACH, California (July 1, 2009)—Gegard Mousasi has declared his fight against Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, Renato “Babalu” Sobral an all-out war. “Sobral is so tough. When he comes, he comes to fight,” says Mousasi, as he trains for one of the biggest challenges of his career. Babalu Sobral ranks in the top ten of light heavyweights and has been training since Mousasi was a newborn. Besides the ten years difference in age and experience, Mousasi will have to contend with Sobral’s explosiveness and dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills in the ring.
Sobral, on the other hand, prepares for the power and athleticism that comes with Mousasi’s youth. Although Babalu is well aware of the dangers Mousasi presents, he fully intends on continuing his current winning streak. “On the ground,” Babalu contemplates his possible advantage over Mousasi, “…probably that’s where I can take advantage (of him). Whatever it takes.”
“It will be a good test for me,” asserts Mousasi. “With Sobral, I will try to fight (a) stand up game. If it goes to the ground, I will take top position and work him over with my ground and pound. Sobral will have to watch out for my elbows; I want to use them in this fight. If I end up on my back, I can defend myself and eventually we will stand back up again.”
Although he has other plans for the fight’s outcome, Babalu is ready for Mousasi to try to keep the fight on his feet and to adapt to whatever the fight may bring. Sobral (32-8), enters the bout as one of the division’s most compelling fighters, with five consecutive wins and notable victories over Jeremy Horn, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, “Shogun” Rua, Trevor Prangley, and Maurice Smith.
Babalu is always ready to fight, saying he is “on the top of the wave” right now “waiting to drop.” And although he won’t reveal it in interviews, he has some
More…
2—Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy”
tricks up his sleeve for his upcoming bout with Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi, who made the majority of last year’s “Fighter of the Year” lists. But the seasoned Sobral is ready, bringing to the bout the same passion and ferocity he brings to all his fights, along with a tried and true game plan. “Whenever I see a space, I’m gonna push the fight,” Sobral states. “When he makes a mistake, then I’m going to finish.”
The Affliction M-1 Global “Trilogy” card, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and presented by Affliction and M-1 Global, in association with Donald J. Trump, has been separated into two live broadcasts on the same night. A one-hour special will air on HDNet starting at 7:30 PM/ET (4:30 PM/PT), followed by the sensational Pay-Per-View event, “Trilogy,” commencing at 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).
Tickets for Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy,” ranging between $50.00 and $600.00, go on sale June 8th at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500), and also online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000).
Affliction
Already a mainstay for the most elite athletes, heaviest bands, A-listers and the fashion conscious, Affliction Clothing’s ability to set the bar high in fashion is evident in its collection’s indulgence of style and design, focus on quality, and its trademark series of divinely executed, dark and powerful themes. (www.afflictionclothing.com)
M-1 Global and M-1 Challenge
M-1 Global has been one of the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organizations in the world for over a decade. International MMA stars who have fought under the M-1 banner have included Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Keith Jardine, Alistair Overeem, Yushin Okami, Ben Rothwell, Mike Pyle, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zenstov, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Omar Suloev, and Chalid Arrab, to name a few. (www.m1mixfight.com)
The Trump Organization
The Trump Organization encompasses global real estate development and global licensing, sales and marketing, property management, golf course development, entertainment, entertainment and product licensing, brand development as well as restaurants and event planning. Donald J. Trump is the Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, a privately held company in New York. (www.Trump.com)
JESSE BRINKLEY: TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
PAWTUCKET , RI (June 30, 2009) Amidst the sweltering summer heat and humidity in Pawtucket , Rhode Island , trains the Fighting Pride of Northern Nevada, Jesse Brinkley, in preparation for his light heavyweight showdown with Baltimore ’s Mike “THE PERSECUTOR” Paschall on Friday, July 10th at the Reno Events Center .
The Brinkley/Gilbert main event headlines “SUMMER SHOWDOWN”, an outstanding evening of boxing presented by Reno ’s “Let’s Get It On” Promotions and Las Vegas based TKO BOXING Promotions.
Taking a break after an intense session of sparring with a variety of southpaws in preparation for the left handed Paschall, Brinkley spoke about the fight.
“Leaving home and coming here to train is what’s best for me. Mr. Manfredo has set up an excellent camp and my training has gone extremely well. Come July 10th, I’ll be ready for whatever Paschall brings to the ring” said Brinkley.
“I’d much rather be home with my family and friends but being away from them makes me bitter and mean so maybe it works better for me. By the time I leave to return for the fight I’ll have been in camp for five weeks.”
In regards to Paschall’s comments discrediting Brinkley’s previous fight, a 12 round unanimous decision win over Joey Gilbert on February 14th at the Reno Event Center ,
which drew a crowd of over 6,500, Brinkley said, “Paschall can say what he wants. Gilbert came to fight but after his nose was broken in the fifth round, his game planned changed a little.”
“All the talk won’t mean much on July 10th, we’re going to have the gloves on and we’re going to settle it in the ring. I know he’s only lost once on a cut and he’s very confident, we’ll see how far that confidence takes him.”
Just before leaving the gym, Brinkley had a message for his thousands of fans in Northern Nevada, “I love fighting in Reno, it’s going to be great to see my friends and family and feel the terrific support I get from the fans there, I’m sure it will be packed at the Events Center like it was last time.”
“And I’m looking forward to shutting Paschall’s mouth.”
Brinkley, 33-5-0 (22KO’s), is riding a seven bout winning streak which culminated in the unanimous decision win over Gilbert at the packed Reno Events Center . He is currently world ranked #8 by the International Boxing Federation.
Paschall, 19-1-1 with four knockouts, has won his last two bouts following the SHOWTIME broadcast bout against Andre Dirrell which was ruled a loss by TKO when
the doctor ruled Paschall could not continue due to a bad cut suffered in the fourth round.
Priced at $128.25, $78.25, $53.25 and $33.25, tickets for “SUMMER SHOWDOWN” can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com , phone 775-787-8497) and The Reno Events Center Box Office. (A five dollar discount is available for students, military and police and fire personnel with ID for general admission tickets ($30.00).
Reno, Nevada based “Let’s Get It On” Promotions was founded in 2000 by legendary boxing referee Mills Lane . In early 2005 he was joined by sons Terry and Tommy in the operations of the company.. Along with super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, “Let’s Get It On” Promotions also promotes lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev, lightweight prospect Bayan Jargal and highly regarded brothers Tyler and Derek Hinkey. They have consistently promoted world class boxing events on a national basis.
Further information on “Let’s Get It On” Promotions can be viewed at www.letsgetitonboxing.com
Formed in early 2008, Chet Koerner’s Las Vegas based TKO BOXING Promotions, originator of the “HOMETOWN HEROES TO WORLD CHAMPIONS” national boxing series, stable includes; heavyweight Lenroy Thomas, cruiserweight Andres Taylor, super middleweight Joey Gilbert and Fedor Chudinov, middleweights Peter Manfredo Jr.., Elvin Ayala, Albert Onolunose, James Countryman and Dmitry Chudinov, junior middleweights Bastie Samir and Anthony Thompson, welterweights Juan Buendia and Raul Tovar, junior welterweights Francisco Contreras and Hastings Bwayla, lightweights Rolando Reyes and Terence Crawford, featherweights Matt Remillard, Carney Bowman, Delvin Plascencia, Rafael Lora and Maxwell Awaku, super bantamweights Rafael Valenzuela and Carlos Reyes.
Further information on TKO Boxing Promotions can be viewed at their newly remodeled website, www.tkoboxingpromotions.com
Q & A with Genaro Hernandez
By Anson Wainwright
Q & A with Gemaro “Chicanito” Hernandez
Former two time world champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez recently took time out of his hectic schedule to speak with us at 15rounds.com. Hernandez now 43, won the WBA and later the WBC 130 titles in a career that spanned from 1984 to1998 which saw him lose just twice against the then up and coming ring legend Oscar De La Hoya & finally in his final fight to the precautious talent of Floyd Mayweather Jnr. The popular Californian native finished his career with an impressive 38-2-1(17) while he lost to two of Boxing’s biggest superstars of the last 20 years he has won his toughest fight. This one didn’t take place in the ring however it took place in his personal life when recently he battled a rare form of cancer and scored an impressive victory. Here’s what Chicanito had to say about the illness and many other things.
Hello Genaro, welcome to 15rounds.com
Hi everyone at 15rounds.com. Thank you for taking the time to interview me.
Anson Wainwright – Firstly i’m sure everyone would like me to ask how your feeling at the moment? As not so long ago you were diagnosed with a rare form or cancer?
As we speak, I’m feeling very good only because it’s been a month ago since I’ve gotten chemo put into my body. Your right about it being diagnosed not long ago, but when you’re going through this, it seems like it’s been a long time due to the affects it takes on the body. I was diagnosed with a cancer that is rarely found on adults called “RhabdoMyoSarcoma”. It is a Cancer that hits the soft tissue (muscle).
Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about this?
The first time the Dr. explained the Cancer to me, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe that after retiring from boxing I would come across my biggest and hardest fight yet. This Cancer is very aggressive and it attacks the muscle and soft tissues in the body. Can you imagine, I had a tumor growing in my right sinus on the right side of my forehead without even knowing about it.
Anson Wainwright – Incredibly you have been retired from Boxing for nearly 11 years now. But you are still involved in Boxing, what sort of things do you now do?
Time has really passed by very quickly, retired now in October for 11 years, Wow! Yes I am still trying to stay involved with boxing “Thanks” to HBO and TopRank for using me as a Spanish and English commentator for their PPV Fights. I also have had the opportunity to work as a conditioning coach for my brothers fighters Urbano Antillon and Nestor Rocha, both fighters will be fighting for World Titles next month and this illness is keeping me away from trying to help these fighters get into great shape. I know they are in good hands with my brothers Victor and Joe Hernandez who are now working with them early in the morning.
Anson Wainwright – You had a wonderful career in which you won 2 world titles. How do you look back on your career several years on?
You know something, I don’t look back because it hurts knowing I had 2 losses to 2 ex-Olympians that with all due respect if I would have been at 100%, maybe I would’ve had only 1 loss and that might’ve been against Floyd Mayweather.
Anson Wainwright – You only lost twice both being against future hall of famers Oscar De La Hoya & Floyd Mayweather. Did you feel when you fought both of them that they were going to be as good as they turned out to be?
To be honest with you, I didn’t think Oscar was going to become the fighter that he was. Floyd, I thought would give any fighter trouble because he fights with intelligence and we all know most of the time intelligence fighter will defeat a fighter who fights only on strength.
Anson Wainwright – Who would you say was the better of the two from your experience having fought them?
To be honest with you, Floyd Mayweather because of his handspeed and his intelligence.
Anson Wainwright – You beat several very good fighters including the brilliant Azumah Nelson, Jorge Paez & Raul Perez. Who would you say was your best win and why?
Of course with all due respect to these other good ex-champions beating Azumah Nelson would have to be my best win due that it cleared people’s minds from calling me a quitter against Oscar and also making me a 2x World Champion.
Anson Wainwright – What is your greatest boxing memory?
Meeting The Great Muhammad Ali and sparring with the Mexican Idol Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. while he was in his prime.
Anson Wainwright – What fighters do you enjoy watching now?
I like to watch fighters like Kelly Pavlik, JuanManuel Marquez and his brother Rafael Marquez, Israel Vasquez, Manny Pacquaio, Urbano Antillon, just to name a few.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for all your fans?
To all of the people who have supported me during my boxing career and are wishing the best for my family and I, “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart. Without your support, I don’t think I would be feeling the way I have been, and that is to continue to be strong minded with the will to continue fighting this illness. Special “Thanks” to my family Teiken Promotions and TopRank for always being there during my boxing career and now as a regular human being!
Thanks Chicanito, best wishes for the future.
Once again “Thank You” for taking the time to interview me. Best Wishes Always your friend Chicanito Hernandez.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
TERRIFIC BOXING AND MMA FROM THIS PAST WEEKEND NOW AVAILABLE ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV
NEW YORK (June 30, 2009)—It was a banner weekend on The world’s leading website for Combat sports as www.gofightlive.tv broadcasted three world-class events and those shows are now available on www.gofightlive.tv
The weekend began on Thursday night as “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis make his return to the ring in one of his toughest fights to date when he battled the rough and rugged Doel Carrasquillo.
Arnaoutis was cut and had massive swelling around his left eye but fought a gutsy fight to win the hard fought unanimous decision.
The full six bout card which featured knockouts and upset can be viewed for free by simply clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=449
Then on Friday night it was CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS 2 live from Montego Bay Jamaica.
Fans got to witness the greatest Muay Thai fighters in the world and the ten bout card was headlined by Nathan “Carnage” Corbett battling Tyrone “King of The Ring” Spong in what was one of the most anticipated bouts of the decade.
That great night can be purchased for $14.99 by clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=450
Then on Saturday it was the big boys of MMA as the worldly popular Bob” The Beast” Sapp and former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley got it on in “Ultimate Chaos”.
MMA Stars Gilbert Yvel and Pedro Rizzo battled in memorable bout.
Fans outside North America can watch the 8 fight card for $9.95 by clicking:
http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=444
“It was a fantastic weekend for viewers of gofightlive as we presented three sports so fans of all genres could enjoy all the action.”, said David Klarman, vice-president of www.gofightlive.tv
VICTOR ORTIZ SPEAKS OUT AFTER SATURDAY’S WORLD TITLE BOUT
LOS ANGELES (June 30) – After Saturday’s thrilling world title match, which ended in a sixth round technical knockout victory for Argentinean Marcos Maidana when the fight was stopped by the ringside physician due to a severe cut over Victor Ortiz’ right eye and swelling under his left eye, Ortiz wants to clear the air with the media and public regarding his performance.
“I didn’t fight the right fight and I didn’t execute the correct game plan to beat Maidana,” Ortiz said from his home in Oxnard. “I will learn from the mistakes I made on Saturday and not make the simple mistakes again, like trying to slug when I should box. I promise that next time, I will be more focused.”
“I made some comments after the fight that were an emotional response to the loss,” Ortiz continued. “I take full responsibility for my mistakes and actions, but I didn’t mean what I said. I am young, have things to learn and I guarantee you, I will be a world champion, MARK MY WORDS…Just watch me!”
Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions (Ortiz’ promoter) commented, “Victor is a 22-year-old kid and has a brilliant future ahead of him in boxing, but on Saturday night, he fought the wrong fight and he knows that. You have to fight a puncher like Maidana with your head, not your heart and guts. He got caught a couple of times trying to go for the knockout even though he was clearly winning the fight. I’m 100% confident that he will go back to the drawing board with his team and come back stronger and a better fighter as a result of this experience.”
CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer stated, “Victor suffered from being hit by several illegal blows to the back of the head and was sent to the hospital after the fight for a post-fight check up as a precaution. He was there until close to 3 AM for testing and, although he is thought to have suffered a concussion, was released from the hospital. We know that Victor will be back in a world title fight soon. He was leading on the scorecards before the ringside physician stopped the fight, but this is boxing and the fight ended the way it did. He had a tough fight, but we are confident he will now rebound from it.”
Ortiz’ co-manager Rolando Arellano said, “The difficulties and struggles that Team Ortiz faced Saturday night are but the price we must pay for the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow. This team is one of positive affirmation and when Victor returns, he will be smarter, stronger and better. I will not allow the negative opinions and thoughts of others to poison our advancement towards a World Championship.
An announcement will be made regarding Ortiz’ next fight shortly.
NTH Promotions seeks injunction to stop Rigondeaux fight July 17 on ESPN FNF
CORK, Ireland (June 30, 2009) – Irish boxing manager Gary Hyde, president of NTH Promotions, is seeking an injunction to prevent 2-time Olympic champion Guillermo Rigondeaux from fighting on the July 17th ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Rigondeaux (1-0, 1 KO), fighting as a bantamweight, now lives in Los Angeles after defecting from Cuba, where he was a 7-time national champion. The 28-year-old southpaw also won multiple World Championships titles, as well as a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-Am Games, during his incredible 243-4 amateur career.
“I first met Rigo in Belfast at the 2001 World Boxing Championships and subsequently traveled to Cuba,” Hyde explained. “Rigo signed a 5-year management contract with me in March of 2007. I am currently battling in the Miami courts to enforce our management agreement because he made his pro debut under the management of GSMG LTD and Marcus Concepcion, who work closely with the Arena Box outfit. I could find no record of either holding a manager’s license.
“I made an application for a temporary injunction to prevent Rigondeaux from boxing May 22, but the presiding judge allowed him to box in the interest of the public, although his purse was frozen. Our case is getting stronger by the day. The only contract with Rigondeaux, on file with the Florida State Boxing Commission, was dated May, 2009 with GSMG and Marcus Concepcion as managers. When GSMG and Concepcion learned of the 2007 contract with me, they showed-up with a 3-year contract dated July, 2006 with Antonio Gonzalez, director of GSMG, as manager. There are numerous contradictions in their contract that are coming out. I have the only valid managerial contract for Rigo and we are hoping the honorable judge acknowledges.”
Hyde also manages three other Cuban boxers who defected and are now fighting as professionals out of Ireland – heavyweight Mike “The Rebel” Perez (8-0, 6 KOs), winner of the World Junior Championships; bantamweight Alexei “The Hurricane” Acosta (5-0, 5 KOs) and super middleweight Luis “El Leon” Garcia (5-0, 4 KOs), both World Junior Championships champion in 2006.
“I applied for and was granted a European Union work permit for Rigo,” Hyde continued. “My intention was for Rigo to make his pro debut on a Brian Peters Promotions show in Ireland and then head to the United States, where Brian had laid the foundation with some of the major TV companies. We would then have a stage to showcase my ‘Cuban Young Guns.’ Rigo decided to go ahead to Miami because he has more connections there. Now, I’m battling for the guy I have signed to a contract, who was the best amateur boxer on the planet. We recently contacted Freddie Roach to ask about his roll as Rigo’s trainer. Freddie said that he wouldn’t be getting involved, but when I’m awarded a judgement as Rigo’s manager, I hope to have him as his trainer.”
DiBella Entertainment signs undefeated super middleweight Marcus Johnson!!
(June 30, 2009) DiBella Entertainment is proud to announce Marcus “Too Much” Johnson, one of the brightest young prospects boxing has to offer, as the latest to join the DiBella Entertainment stable. Johnson will be co-promoted by DBE and Antonio Leonard Productions, and managed by James Prince.
Johnson (16-0, 13 KOs), a resident of Houston, Texas, is undefeated through his first 16 bouts, with all but three coming via knockout. In his last bout, Johnson, 23, stopped former top contender Julio Caesar De la Cruz in seven rounds. Under the DiBella Entertainment banner, Johnson expects the big wins to keep on coming.
“Being with Lou DiBella is going to help dramatically,” said Johnson. “He’s going to push to get my name out there and get me recognized. He will get me a title shot.”
Johnson’s conquests have hardly been limited to just the professional ranks. A former US national champion at 178 lbs., Johnson holds amateur victories over the likes of Anthony Dirrell and DeAndrey Abron.
Johnson plans to campaign at 168 lbs. as a pro, but those amateur days, he says, were invaluable to his growth as a fighter.
“My dad taught me a professional style growing up,” said Johnson, who is coached by his father, James. “As an amateur I was sparring with professionals. I got exposed to many different styles. It has helped me out a lot.”
In Marcus Johnson, DiBella and Leonard believe they are investing in one of boxing’s best young practitioners. Part of their plan for Johnson is to make him a household name his skill dictates he should be.
“Marcus Johnson was a tremendous amateur and a spectacular young athlete,” said DiBella. “He has been flying under the radar for some time. With the proper team by his side, the potential for his future is limitless. I plan to provide the backing he needs to become a star.”
Said Leonard, “I am so excited about this kid. He has all the goods. Being with Lou DiBella is the best move for him. No one is better at keeping young fighters active. I can see Marcus fighting for a world title within a year.”
Like his new promotional team, Johnson has been waiting for his big break, and is confident that his will have on him top of the boxing world in no time.
“I have moved a lot slower than I had hoped,” said Johnson. “Now we are taking a new step towards bigger and better things.”
MIR’S ADVICE TO LESNAR AT UFC 100, “COME AFTER ME – TAKE A CHANCE”
Las Vegas, NV (USA) — Following a grueling workout at Striking Unlimited last week Friday, UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir sat down with the sports media in Las Vegas to talk UFC 100.
Mir gave advice to UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, stating the strategy he used against him the first time around might just work the second.
“If Brock really comes out and tries to abandon the running at me, heads over heels and just trying to knock, bull rush me over, I honestly think that’s his best approach,” said Mir, with a black shine circling his eye. “I would just come after me – take a chance, ’cause to sit there and play the cat and mouse game with me, and jab and slip and move around, I think that’s a slow death for him that he can’t possibly win.”
Giovanni Lorenzo wants his turn
Number One World Middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo of New York and the Dominican Republic has waited very patiently for his shot at the world title. The former Dominican Olympian has compiled an impressive 27-1, 19 KO record while quietly toiling under the tutelage of trainer Pastor Ralph Farriett of Yonkers for the past seven years.
“I want to be the world champion,” the soft spoken Lorenzo says. “That is my goal and nothing will stop me.”
Lorenzo should get his chance this Fall. He is currently in line to be the mandatory challenger for Arthur Abraham, the undefeated IBF Middleweight Champion, in his next fight.
“I’m already training and I want my chance at the title,” Lorenzo said from his home in the Dominican Republic. “I am tired of waiting in line. Tell Abraham’s people to get on the phone and start the negotiation.”
Today IBF put those wheels in motion when they sent a letter to Abraham’s promoter, Sauerland Event, advising them that negotiations for a Lorenzo fight should start immediately.
Rumors are swirling that Abraham, who defended his title successfully on Saturday night against former sparring partner Nahir Oral, can no longer make the middleweight limit and will move up in weight class rather than make his mandatory defense against Lorenzo. In that case, the IBF would order Lorenzo, the Number One Contender, to fight Sebastian Sylvester, an Abraham stablemate who earned the Number Two IBF ranking when he soundly defeated Lajuan Simon of Philadelphia Saturday night in Germany.
“I’ll fight either one,” the low key Lorenzo stated. “If Abraham won’t fight me, I’ll knock out Sylvester to win the title instead. I’ll fight either one of them right in Germany if I have to. Now it’s my turn and I’m going to come home with the title. I’m just waiting for them to tell me the date.”
Lorenzo promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events said, “Giovanni has been quietly learning his craft ever since he turned pro. I believe that by staying under the radar and avoiding the hype that sometimes causes young contenders to lose their focus he has been given the opportunity to prepare well for his world title challenge.” She added, “We expect that negotiations with Sauerland Event will move forward this week and we will have something definitive to announce very soon.”
ESPN News- Junior welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley Jr. signs with HBO March 12, 2010Junior welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley Jr., the No. 1-rated 140-pounder in the world since pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao's exit from the division, will switch to HBO. […]Dan Rafael
- Manny Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey practice civility at news conference March 10, 2010Manny Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey practice civility at news conference. […]Calvin Watkins
- Manny Pacquiao plans to entertain at post-fight party March 10, 2010Manny Pacquiao has big plans for Saturday night -- after his fight against Joshua Clottey. […]Associated Press
- Muhammad Ali visits San Francisco Giants' clubhouse March 9, 2010Muhammad Ali showed up in the San Francisco Giants' clubhouse as part of a campaign for his charity. […]Associated Press
- Judge dismisses felony coercion charge in battery case against Roger Mayweather March 9, 2010A court clerk says a judge dismissed a felony coercion charge against boxing trainer Roger Mayweather, who faces trial June 1 on allegations that he beat and choked a female boxer at a Las Vegas apartment he owned. […]Associated Press
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. associate faces charges in Vegas shooting March 9, 2010Police say an associate of boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been arrested on attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon charges in an August shooting outside a Las Vegas skating rink. […]Associated Press
- Promoter Bob Arum expects sellout for Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight at Cowboys Stadium March 9, 2010Promoter Bob Arum said he expects a sellout for the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight at Cowboys Stadium. […]Calvin Watkins
- Britain's Amir Khan to defend WBA light welterweight title against American Paulie Malignaggi March 9, 2010Amir Khan of Britain will defend his WBA light-welterweight title against American challenger Paulie Malignaggi on May 15 at New York's Madison Square Garden. […]Associated Press
- Devon Alexander stops Juan Urango to unify WBC, IBF light welterweight titles March 9, 2010Devon Alexander knocked out Juan Urango with a right uppercut at 1:12 of the seventh round to unify the WBC and IBF light welterweight titles on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena. […]Associated Press
- Vitali Klitschko to fight Albert Sosnowski in WBC heavyweight title defense March 9, 2010Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Polish-born fighter Albert Sosnowski on May 29. […]Dan Rafael
- Junior welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley Jr. signs with HBO March 12, 2010
