COLOMBIA CELEBRATES ITS NEWEST WORLD CHAMPION, YONNHY PEREZ
LOS ANGELES, November 18 – After a whirlwind journey that led him to the top of the boxing world on October 31st, the night he took the IBF bantamweight title from Joseph Agbeko, Yonnhy Perez is rightfully enjoying the fruits of his labor while being celebrated back home in his country of Colombia all week.
The week begins for Perez on November 19th, as WBA President Gilberto Mendoza recognizes Perez as a Colombian hero and invites him to the general assembly of the organization’s 88th convention in Medellin.
Following this presentation, Perez and his promoters, Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, travel to the Hotel Caribe in Cartagena on Friday, November 20th, for the official Yonnhy Perez Hometown Victory Press Conference, which will be attended by not only the local media, the President of the Colombian Boxing Federation, and many local Council members and sports dignitaries, but by Cartagena Mayor Judith Pinedo.
The next stop on Perez’ tour will be an emotional one, as he visits the gym where he learned the sport of boxing. While there, he will meet with his original trainer and also donate money, clothing, and equipment to the gym.
Finally, Perez and his team will wrap the week up on Saturday, November 21st with a celebration in the neighborhood where he grew up, Barrio La Delicias. This celebration – which was put together by Belsario Hurtado, the President of the local youth program, Project Cartagena – will include a parade, music, dancing, and food, and is capped off by a speech from the champ himself, who will let the youth of his neighborhood know that anything is possible if you work hard.
Yonnhy Perez is living proof.
…AND THEN THERE WERE TWO
THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS CELEBRATES ITS NEWEST WORLD CHAMPION…YONNHY PEREZ
LOS ANGELES, November 3 – It was an instant classic last Saturday night at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, as the two best bantamweights in the world traded punches for 12 torridly-paced rounds. When it was over, Cartegena, Colombia’s Yonnhy Perez had his hand raised over Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko via unanimous decision, crowning him the new IBF 118-pound world champion.
“Coming into the fight I had a calmness and confidence about me,” said Perez. “I would think and say to my team, ‘I got this one.’ I knew Agbeko wasn’t as strong as me and couldn’t box like me. I knew that I could counter and that Agbeko would leave himself open and I would need to capitalize on that… And it played out just like I knew it would.”
The victory was the 30-year old Perez’ 20th as a pro without a defeat, and in his last two fights he has beaten two of the world’s best in Ghana’s Agbeko and South Africa’s Silence Mabuza. Now Perez sits on top of one of boxing’s most competitive divisions, and in winning his first world title, he joins junior welterweight boss Timothy Bradley as one of Thompson Boxing Promotions’ first two world champions.
“This is a great win for Team Perez,” said Perez’ trainer / manager Danny Zamora. “We worked hard for this and we looked forward to getting to this stage in Yonnhy’s career. He came from an amateur career when we first started working with him and we knew he was an older fighter and that we had to teach him a lot of new things. We were willing to take the time and he was open to learning and that made all the difference.”
Perez turned pro at the age of 26 in July of 2005 with a first round TKO of Steve Lozoya. When he was 6-0, he signed with Thompson Boxing Promotions and began on his road to the world title. And though many saw Agbeko as the favorite last Saturday night after his July win over Vic Darchinyan, Perez was not about to let his opportunity slip away, even when Agbeko’s fouling began to become more prevalent.
“We knew Agbeko was active and we told the referee to watch Agbeko’s head because we were aware that he likes to headbutt,” said Zamora. “It could have made a big difference. Yonnhy got two big headbutts by Agbeko and he would follow up the headbutts by throwing more punches. But the fight was GREAT!”
It was, and Perez punctuated his victory with a tenth round knockdown and a strong surge in the championship rounds to win by scores of 117-110, 117-110, and 116-111. The news of Perez’ victory reverberated all the way back home to Colombia.
“My hometown fans we’re so excited,” said Perez. “I could hear them cheering for me over the phone and it was an emotional moment. I could feel their enthusiasm as if they were in the same room as me. I could feel their hopes and presence with me while I was fighting in the ring and I could feel it after too. They were so excited, especially because the fight was being aired to them in Colombia. It was a huge celebration of my victory over Agbeko.”
And now the well-deserved celebration will continue for Perez, who will leave for Cartagena on Tuesday, November 3rd to be with his wife Linette, his sons Yonnhy (9) and Matteo (2), and his parents, sister and two brothers. Expected to be back in the States on February 1st, Perez will then begin the hard work of defending his title against all comers.
“Yonnhy had stitches now, so we’re giving him time to recuperate,” said Zamora. “Then we will see where we go from here. Being a World Champion is a bigger responsibility because you have to defend it to remain at the top level.”
Sounds like Perez will up for that challenge.
A beautiful spectacle
By Bart Barry
Chances are, even serious boxing fans didn’t know who Joseph King Kong Agbeko (given name) and Yonnhy Perez were before Saturday. One is from Ghana, the other Colombia. Neither speaks English fluently. Neither weighs 120 pounds. Let’s hope that didn’t dissuade. Saturday’s fight was a gorgeous thing.
It was a marriage of philosophies and prowess that should be mandatory viewing for every stylish American prizefighter who doesn’t think he gets just due. Tell you what: Fight like Joseph and Yonnhy, guys, and you’ll get heaps of credit.
Put together entertaining ring walks, and you’ll get some attention too. We’ll take things in good faith – never mind the fretting of public-relations types. More about that at the bottom.
Saturday night at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, Agbeko and Perez fought for Agbeko’s IBF bantamweight title. It was another off-the-grid masterpiece only Showtime, among all broadcasters, could televise. Perez decisioned Agbeko to take his belt. Ringside judges saw it 116-111, 117-110, 117-110.
I had it 116-113 for Perez. Rounds 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10 went to the Colombian. Rounds 4, 5, 7 and 11 to Agbeko. I had 3 and 12 even. And the 10th went to Perez 10-8 because Agbeko went down.
The fight was a joy because it featured two volume punchers. Neither guy gave quarter to his opponent. Both relied on a principle that said, “When I’m comfortable in the ring your punches don’t affect me.” Both set out to snatch the other guy’s feeble will and learned there was nothing feeble about it.
When the opening bell rang both men assumed preferred posts at center ring. Neither intended to be moved. He might move himself, forwards of course, but he would not be driven off by the other man. Agbeko made the sort of intimidating start you want from every defending champion, flurrying with power punches for two minutes and 50 seconds. Then Perez buckled him with a counter right cross. Then Agbeko collected himself and resumed the attack.
Both guys found their rhythms immediately. Neither guy lost his rhythm. The first job of any volume puncher is to bring discomfort to his opponent. Hit him on the odd beat. Throw two right hands when he’s braced for a left. Press him with your hands low, head bobbing. Discourage him – in a way that celebrates the root of that word.
Agbeko and Perez established ferocious paces they were sure the other couldn’t handle. Wondrously enough, both were wrong.
After depositing quality hooks to Perez’s body early, Agbeko tried to make a withdrawal in the seventh round. He lobbed right-hand counters over Perez’s hung jab. He lobbed right-hand leads when Perez’s pace hung. He made Perez take a step backwards. It offered a scoring lesson.
On the rare occasion two volume punches get matched in a world-title fight, counting clean punches is the wrong way to score. It misinterprets the action in the ring. A bout between volume punchers is the one time it is permissible to eschew clean punching, effective aggressiveness and defense, for that fuzziest of criterion, ring generalship.
Who deserves the round? Whoever did not go backwards. The further you meander from that scoring strategy – the more you fixate on parrying, slipping or establishing the jab – the wider you miss the point.
This was most evident on the few occasions each guy did move backwards. Neither knew how, and both looked exhausted. Legs so sturdy when leaning on an opponent appeared spongy in retreat. Perez and Agbeko each stumbled; neither had shoes with properly worn heels.
An unfortunate thing happened in round 10. Progressing with his head in the lead, as is a volume puncher’s wont, Agbeko banged his eye on the top of Perez’s skull – lowered to fortify his chin. Then Agbeko’s inner thespian came out. He pulled up and turned away to ensure all knew he’d been butted. His theatricality was not rewarded; Perez punched him some more, Agbeko took a knee, and referee Robert Byrd ruled it a knockdown.
What is it with today’s Ghanaians? They are supremely conditioned, stone-chinned offensive juggernauts so long as everyone plays fair. Foul them once, though, and they metamorphose into European soccer players. Such was the case with Joshua Clottey in Madison Square Garden. Such was the case with Agbeko in Treasure Island.
The Ghanaian’s reaction to a butt he caused removed any doubt who deserved to be champion Saturday. Perez wore perpendicular gashes on the inside edges of each eyebrow, both likely butt-induced, yet complained not at all. “It’s not a tickling contest,” as a certain European-soccer fan once put it.
But forget the 10th round. Perez was going to win on the judges’ cards anyway. And both guys deserve to be celebrated. The best prospect either has for his next fight is the other guy. Pray for a rematch.
Now a thought or two about Agbeko’s ring walk. Keeping with both his middle name and the Halloween theme, Agbeko, dressed in a fearsome gorilla mask, entered behind a blond in a safari-like bikini. Agbeko was in chains, a frightening beast momentarily pacified by a sexy blond – just like his namesake.
Both Showtime commentators found the getup amusing, creative and rich with detail. Like the rest of us. Then a minute later, goaded by some producer no doubt, Al Bernstein told anyone offended by the ring walk it was not Showtime’s idea.
And just like that, thousands of us tried to solve the puzzle of Bernstein’s disclaimer. Oh, wait, now I see: A white woman leading an African man in shackles. An allusion to slavery!
Here’s why that’s so pernicious. No one but an incurable racist could have taken Agbeko’s dress as anything but a reference to “King Kong.” And what incurable racist spends his Halloween watching a bantamweight prizefight between a Ghanaian and a Colombian, promoted by an African-American?
Good grief. It’s time to start treating one another with better faith, already.
Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry
Perez dethrones Agbeko and takes IBF Bantam crown
By Marc Abrams
Yonnhy Perez scored a hard fought unanimous decision to win the IBF Bantamweight title from Joseph Agbeko and Treasure Island hotel and Resort in Las Vegas.
It was a terrific back and forth battle with both guys sitting in the pocket and firing short yet hard punches at each other for most of the fight. This fight had many ebbs and flows with many of the rounds were close where one fighter would seemingly take control only to see his opponent come back in an attempt to steal the round.
One such round was the tenth as Agbeko was dominating the round only to be sent to the canvas late in the round for the first time in his career. Replays showed that a head butt triggered Agbeko going to the canvas.
Each fighter threw a plethora of punches that put this fight on the list as a possible Fight of the Year.
Perez of Colombia won by scores of 117-110, 117-110 and 116-111 to raise his undefeated ledger to 20-0. Agbeko of Ghana is now 27-2.
Antonio DeMarco won the WBC Interim Lightweight crown with a tenth round stoppage over former WBA champ Jose Alfaro.
Demarco dominated the fight with his boxing ability as he built up a solid points lead as he was very effective with right hooks and uppercuts. Alfaro did get in a couple good right hands but they were few and far between. In round ten, DeMarco rocked Alfaro with a perfect right hook that sent the Nicaraguan into the ropes. Not scored a knockdown, Alfaro was given a repreive, be that a short one as Demarco jumped all over Alfaro with a barrage of punches that sent Alfaro to the canvas. DeMarco then scored a second knockdown as his right hand got in just before Alfaro landed a right of his own.. Sensing that Alfaro was in trouble, Demarco was on Alfaro quickly and Alfaro took a knee in the corner and referee Joe Cortez stopped the bout at 2:07 of round ten.
DeMarco, 134 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, Mexico is now 23-1-1 with seventeen knockouts. Alfaro, 134 1/2 lbs of Managua, Nicaragua is now 23-5.
FOLLOW AGBEKO/PEREZ; DEMARCO/ALFARO LIVE!!!
Follow all the action as IBF Bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko defends his title against the hard hitting Yonnhy Perez. The action will begin with a WBC “Interim” Lightweight tussle between Antonio DeMarco and former WBA champ Jose Alfaro. The action from Treasure Island in Las Vegas gets underway at 9pm eastern/6pm Pacific
Joseph Agbeko (27-1, 22 KO’s) vs Yonnhy Perez (19-0, 14 KO’s)–12 Rounds IBF Bantamweight Championship
Round 1: Quick pace early.. Nice left hook from Perez and another..3rd big left hook…10-9 Perez
Round 2: Hard exchange that Perez gets the better of..Left… Combo to the head that drives Agbeko back.. Left hook.. Right from Agbeko…Left hook to the head from Perez…Good straight from Agbeko…20-18 Perez
Round 3: Nice combination from Agbeko..left hook..right..left hook from Perez… Big long right..Big right from Agbeko..left from Perez..29-28 Perez
Round 4: Perez working to the body..combo to the head..body..good body work…39-37 Perez
Round 5: Agbeko body/head..Perez lands a right… straight right to the head… Straight right from Agbeko.. 49-47 Perez
Round 6: Perez jabbing…good left combination…3 punch combination… jab..good right..Nice uppercut on inside from Agbeko… 59-56 Perez…Little cut on forehead of Perez (accidental Headbutt)
Round 7: Agbeko lands a good right to the head…68-66 Perez
Round 8: Wide left from Agbeko… Big right from Perez..78-76 Perez
Round 9: Terriifc back and forth with both sitting in the pocket…88-86 Perez
Round 10: 2 good rights from Agbeko…good jab.. good right…body..Right from Perez… Good jab from Agbeko.. LEFT FROM PEREZ AND DOWN GOES AGBEKO…98-94 Perez..Replay showed the knockdown was caused by a headbutt
Round 11: Terrific toe to toe action…Left from Agbeko..Perez lands on the inside..Agbeko works the body..107-104 Perez
Round 12: perez lands with a right and left..left..uppercut from Agbeko.. going to waron the inside..117-113 Perez
116-111; 117-110; 117-110 FOR THE NEW IBF BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION…YONNHY PEREZ
Antonio DeMarco (22-1-1, 16 KO’s) vs Jose Alfaro (23-4, 20 KO’s) 12 rounds WBC Interim Lightweight title
Round 1: Alfaro lands a right…10-9 Alfaro
Round 2: DeMarco lands an upper cut and left..Straight left..left/body… Big combination in the corner..Big uppercut..Alfaro lands a left at he bell….19-19
Round 3: DeMarco lands a straight left..Alfaro lands a right uppercut to the body… Blood from left nostril of Alfaro… Left hook from Alfaro..29-28 DeMarco
Round 4: DeMarco countering nice…Right..Big left from Alfaro…39-37 DeMarco
Round 5: Swelling under left eye of Alfaro…Alfaro lands a left hook… Uppercut hurts Alfaro…Alfaro lands a counter left..Blood from nose of DeMarco…Nice right from Deamarco and a counter left..49-46 DeMarco
Round 6: Alfaro jabs…Demarco lands a right left combo to the head.. Alfaro lands an uppercut on the inside…Uppercut from DeMarco…59-55 DeMarco
Round 7: Good right from Alfaro… Right to the shoulder..Straight left from DeMarco pushes Alfaro back…Nice combination.. 69-64 DeMarco
Round 8: DeMarco lands a nice right..Right to the body hurts Alfaro…79-73 DeMarco
Round 9: DeMarco boxing and moving .. gets through with a jab…89-82 DeMarco
Round 10: Right hooks rocks Alfrai..Barrage AND DOWN GOES ALFARO…Back and forth action..LITTLE RIGHT DOWN GOES ALFARO..LONG LEFT AND ALFARO TAKES A KNEE AND THE FIGHT IS OVER
Q & A with Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko
By Anson Wainwright
DON KING TAKES OVER TREASURE ISLAND PIRATE SHIP; SHOWTIME FIGHTERS JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO, YONNHY PEREZ, ANTONIO DEMARCO, JOSE ALFARO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009,
Treasure Island Pirate Ship, Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Don King took over the famous Pirate Ship at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday for the final press conference before Saturday’s “Halloween Thrilla” world championship doubleheader at the TI and live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Assembled media and several hundred curious onlookers watched in amazement and were entertained as “Captain” King took over the iconic ship with the friendly help of TI’s performing Pirates and Sirens.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING domestically televised doubleheader, International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko defends his title against No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Yonnhy “El Colombiano” Perez. In the co-feature, undefeated, WBC No. 1-ranked Antonio DeMarco squares off against former World Boxing Association (WBA) titlist Jose Alfaro for the WBC interim lightweight championship.
Don King is offering his “super-sensational undercard” on pay per view at DonKingTV.com for $5.99 featuring WBC No. 3-ranked Ray “The Rainman” Austin taking on former top-ranked contender DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson for the WBC USNBC heavyweight championship.
Also featured in the five-fight PPV are three undefeated fighters: Undefeated welterweight “King” James De La Rosa, of Texas, will meet Lenin “Volcano” Arroyo, of Costa Rica; undefeated WBA No. 2-ranked super welter Nelson Linares, of Venezuela, faces Archak “Shark Attack” TerMeliksetian, of Armenia; and freedom-fighting Cuban Angelo ”La Cobra” Santana will be opposed by Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez of Cleveland.
Another big heavweight fight showcases rising knockout artist Bermane “B-Ware” Stiverne trading blows with Jerry “Big Daddy” Butler from the Bahamas.
Tickets — all priced at $200 each, plus tax and fees — can be purchased at the Treasure Island box office or by calling (866) 712-9308 or (702) 894-7723. Don King Productions and Treasure Island will present the event. Agbeko-Perez and DeMarco-Alfaro are presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions.
What the fighters said Wednesday:
JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO (27-1, 22 KOs)
“The fight is almost here and I am very excited. I expect a hard fight, but Saturday is going to be my night, not Perez’.
“I don’t care how many more fights it will take, but my goal is to be the No. 1 fighter pound for pound in the world. There are a lot of great fighters but I feel I’m best. I am not looking past Perez, but I am willing to fight anybody to prove I am the best.
“This is going to be a great fight Saturday for the fans in Las Vegas and the fans watching on SHOWTIME. I am extremely confident that I will keep my IBF bantamweight title.’’
YONNHY PEREZ (19-0, 14 KOs)
“There is no pressure but the opportunity is so enormous that it will feel great once we get into the ring and the fight starts.
“The time for talking is over. I have never been as focused or determined for a fight in my life. I have never worked harder, and I train all the time.
“In my heart, there is no way I see myself losing. An unbelievable thing is going to happen to me this Saturday. I am going to achieve a lifelong dream and become champion of the world.’’
ANTONIO DEMARCO (22-1-1, 16 KOs)
“This is the biggest fight of my life. A win can change things for my family and myself forever. I really want to do well, but this is going to be a good, hard fight.
“My opponent has a lot of experience, but if I box and fight smart, I am confident I will win.
“I have worked a long time for this day to come. This is my chance of a lifetime. I wish it was Saturday right now. I am ready to go.’’
JOSE ALFARO (23-4, 20 KOs)
“I am looking forward to showing people that I am back on track and that I have learned from my mistakes and that I have become a much better fighter.
“This is exciting to get an opportunity like this again. I wasn’t ready before, but I am ready mentally and physically now. No one likes to lose, but I have learned. DeMarco likes to box and moves well, but I am here to fight and win. This could be the most exciting fight of the night.’’
About Treasure Island
Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip, a privately owned hotel and casino boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, stands alone as the only major Strip property to claim that unique market position. It’s a world-class destination for headline entertainment, the enchanting Sirens of TI nightly outdoor show and Mystère, the classic Cirque du Soleil performance that combines the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that have become the company’s hallmark. Upscale and casual dining choices, hip nightspots and indulgent spa and shopping experiences further complement the one-of-a-kind Treasure Island guest experience. For information or to make a reservation, call 800-288-7206 or visit www.treasureisland.com.
About Don King Productions
Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.
DKP has promoted or co-promoted 12 of the top 20 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in the history of the world.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.
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®.
Yonnhy Perez: One Win Away from Becoming a Breakout Star
By Mario Ortega Jr.
One of the great things about boxing is that you never know from where the next great fighter will emerge. In many of today’s mainstream sports, “the next big thing” has been hyped since they laced up their cleats or athletic shoes for their high school. In boxing, a poor kid that barely owned a pair of shoes as a fifteen-year-old can become star with a ton of hard work and a few breaks. On Saturday night, Yonnhy Perez, who was joining the army in his native Colombia at an age when most teens are planning for their senior year, has a chance to make it big should he get past respected IBF Bantamweight Champion Joseph Agbeko in a bout televised nationwide by Showtime.
It has been a long road to a title opportunity for Perez (19-0, 14 KOs) of Santa Fe Springs, California. Born in Cartagena, Colombia, Perez found his way to boxing at the age of eight and gradually became one of the country’s top amateurs. His amateur career, which included seven Colombian national titles and a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games, would be prolonged by his nine-year stint in the military.
At the ripe age of 26, Perez made the move to the paid ranks. “It was really rough in the beginning,” explained Perez during a recent conference call. “I did, in fact, start my professional career late. But that was due to the fact that I was in the Colombian National Army. I had support in the amateurs as a boxer and being part of the military. I did retire from the military with honors, I actually didn’t want to retire early, and that allowed me to have a small pension and a house which we rent in Colombia. That’s the reason why I started my career late. Also, I made a decision to come over to the United States because I had an opportunity to do so through my managers.”
So with the help of his managers, Mike Vital and Ismael Mares, Perez made the move to the States, making his debut in July 2005 with a first-round knockout of Steve Lozoya in Tucson, Arizona. Perez was impressive from the start and quickly caught on with Southern California-based Thompson Boxing Promotions in 2006. Under the Thompson Boxing banner, Perez was intelligently moved up the ladder and kept incredibly active. Thompson Boxing, headed by Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo, runs regular events out of Ontario and Corona, California and Perez quickly became a fan favorite on those cards.
By the middle of 2007, Perez found himself at 12-0 with a solid win over veteran Oscar Andrade and a regional belt around his waist. In order to move Perez to the next level, Thompson Boxing reached an agreement with Gary Shaw Productions to join them as his co-promoter. “I think the 118-pound division is in for a rude awakening with Yohnny Perez on the prowl,” announced Shaw in a subsequent press release. Perez continued his progressive pace and began his climb up the rankings. After a sixth-round kayo of David Martinez in September 2008, Perez found himself with the IBF #6 bantamweight ranking which eventually earned him an eliminator against Silence Mabuza the following May.
Had his fight against Mabuza been televised in the States, chances are Yonnhy Perez would already be a star of professional boxing. The economics of the bout led to it being held in Mabuza’s native Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Mabuza had been best remembered for his two fights against Rafael Marquez, which constituted his only two defeats. The odds of Perez coming out of South Africa with a decision victory were slim and none.
The fight began with a give and take first round. The action was fast and furious from the start. Through the first five rounds, Mabuza seemed to have a clear edge, especially in a dominant fourth round. Perez regrouped late in the fifth, as he showed his resiliency by standing up to the attack and his versatility by converting from a flat-footed puncher to a boxer-mover.
Mabuza slowed in the eighth as Perez opened up and had his best round since the second. Just as the commentator for SABC Sport 2 described Mabuza’s demeanor as sluggish, the South African went on the offensive to close the round. In the ninth, Mabuza turned back the tide and had Perez in some trouble. The momentum clearly remained with Mabuza as the fight went into the twelfth and final round.
Despite his controlling position in the fight, Mabuza’s trainer Nick Durandt urged him to have a big round. Depending on which report you believe, Perez was either hopelessly behind on two or all three scorecards. Early in the round, with Mabuza pressing the action, Perez landed a hard left hand that forced the South African to stumble across the ring and to the mat. Mabuza got up, but looked both dazed and fatigued. As Perez threw a flurry, Mabuza could barely remain on his feet. Referee Kenny Chevalier began to step in, had a second thought, but ultimately decided to stop the bout on a second look at the wobbly Mabuza.
The unlikely come-from-behind victory was huge for Perez. “I was thrilled that I was able to win. But, what I remember the most was going into the twelfth round and knowing that it was a very difficult fight for me going throughout the first eleven rounds,” recalled Perez. “It was a very close fight and I knew that I only had one opportunity, which was the last round. I asked God for strength to help me. He was the only one who knew how hard I had worked to get to that point. He knew how tough it was to get to that opportunity. I remembered my kids back in Colombia and all the needs that my family have. I went out there with all my faith and trust in my preparation, and the result, as you all know, obviously I was very happy that I had the opportunity and the chance to beat Mabuza in South Africa.”
With the win, Perez became the mandatory challenger for Agbeko’s title. A couple years ago Agbeko was in a very similar position to that of Perez today. No one had really heard of Agbeko before his title-winning knockout of Luis Perez in September 2007. Two fights later, Agbeko defended his title with a decision win over Showtime darling Vic Darchinyan and moved into another echelon of elite level fighters.
A win over Agbeko would bring Perez more recognition than he could have probably dreamed of a few years back. “Nobody expects the guys who are climbing the ladder to win,” says Perez. People always expect it to be the guys at the top. I really don’t care what people think about my chances in this fight. I’m going up the ladder and I am going to win.”
Photo by Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing Promotions
Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com
PEREZ SAYS HE’LL COME DRESSED AS WORLD CHAMP; KING KONG SAYS CHALLENGER NEEDS REALITY CHECK; TOP CONTENDERS ANTONIO DEMARCO, JOSE ALFARO, DAVARRYL WILLIAMSON OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009,
Nevada Boxing (Gold’s Gym), Las Vegas, Nevada
Growing up in Colombia, Yonnhy Perez would go as a chef on Halloween, “or maybe Dracula,’’ he said, “because where I’m from Halloween is called the Day of the Witch.’’
When the unbeaten, No. 1-ranked Perez (19-0, 14 KOs) of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., by way of Colombia, challenges International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko (27-1, 22 KOs) of Bronx, N.Y., by way of Accra, Ghana, this Saturday in the main event at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), he says he’ll “come dressed as a world champion.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity and that all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off. I’m not Vic Darchinyan (who Agbeko convincingly outpointed in his last title defense). I’m bigger, stronger and busier. I won’t load up for one shot. I’ll be throwing punches from the opening bell.
“Saturday is going to be my night.’’
Countered Agbeko, who has predicted a knockout victory: “This isn’t a costume ball, it is a fight and Saturday I’m going to be the one leaving the ring with the belt. That’s Perez’ dream (to become world champion) and I respect that. All fighters should feel that way.
“I think Perez is a very good fighter who is good enough to one day become a world champion. But he’s not going to become IBF bantamweight champion. Not against me, not this Saturday, anyway. Perez is going to get a real dose of what reality is when he fights me.’’
In Saturday’s co-feature, World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 1-ranked Antonio DeMarco (22-1-1, 16 KOs), of Tijuana, Mex., meets former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight titlist Jose Alfaro (23-4, 20 KOs), of Nicaragua, for the WBC 135-pound interim championship.
In a top undercard, non-televised bout, WBC No. 1-rated Ray “The Rainman” Austin (27-4-4, 17 KOs), of Cleveland, faces former world title challenger and No. 9-ranked DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson (26-5, 22 KOs), of Denver, in a WBC heavyweight elimination bout. The WBC USNBC belt will also be on the line in the 12-round match.
Tickets — all priced at $200 each, plus tax and fees — can be purchased at the Treasure Island box office or by calling (866) 712-9308 or (702) 894-7723. Don King Productions and Treasure Island will present the event. Agbeko-Perez and DeMarco-Alfaro are presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions.
What the fighters said Tuesday:
JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO
“I am not underestimating Perez. He is very strong and well-conditioned, and, at 19-0, he’s made himself into a very good fighter. I look forward to him giving me a good fight. I am not saying it will be easy, but I know I am going to enjoy myself this Saturday in the ring.
“It’s my destiny to continue to win all my fights, whether they are tough or easy, to prove I am the best fighter. I am definitely leaving that ring with a victory.
“This is my second fight in Las Vegas and the second time I’ve been on SHOWTIME. I made my pro debut in Las Vegas and love it. Las Vegas has the life, the lights and a boxing spirit and history. I love seeing my name and likeness on the marquee in front of Treasure Island. I’m up in lights on the famous Las Vegas Strip. It gives me motivation to do great things.
“Fighting on SHOWTIME again makes it all that much better.’’
YONNHY PEREZ
“My weight is perfect and I feel great. This is the biggest opportunity a fighter can get, but I am trying to treat it like it is another day at the office. Although, I know it is not.
“Agbeko talks a lot. He came to my gym for a workout last week and told everybody he was going to knock me out. He keeps saying that, and it gets a little unnerving after a while. So, let’s see what happens.
“This fight is so very important. I have a lot of responsibilities. I support a lot of my family and friends. So, this fight is not only for me. It is for them. I don’t plan to let anybody down.’’
ANTONIO DEMARCO
“This is a great opportunity for me and I thank my promoter, Gary Shaw, for making it happen. But, this is really a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in. Alfaro is a good, strong boxer and former world champion who likes to come forward. This might be my toughest fight, but it’s a good ‘styles’ fight for me. It is very important that I maintain focus.
“Fighting again on SHOWTIME is great. I get more noticed by people. It’s a little embarrassing when people recognize me. I don’t seek attention. But everything changes when you become world champion and that’s the goal. I want to be a good champion in and out of the ring.’’
JOSE ALFARO
“This is the maximum opportunity and I plan to take advantage of it. I feel I am much more prepared for a fight like this than I was when I was champion.
“The first time around, I thought I could knock out anybody with one punch. I was world champ and did not think I’d ever get beat. When I lost the title, it was a very hard experience, one I’ll never forget but also one I learned a lot from. It was not a good experience, but I gained valuable experience from it.
“Now, I feel I’m back on track and ready to show my best. DeMarco is a good boxer but if I fight smart, use my brain and skills and take everything I’ve worked on in the gym into the ring, I’ll be OK. I know I can’t get wild and head-hunt. But style-wise, this is a very good fight for me. The timing of it is perfect.’’
DAVARRYL WILLIAMSON
“I am very happy to be back in the heavyweight picture. There have been some speed bumps along the way and no one can say I’ve ever had it easy. But I don’t smoke or drink and I’ve never stopped working or believing.
“A victory here and I’ll be right there to challenge (WBC heavyweight champ) Vitali Klitschko.
“It’s really his brother, Wladimir (IBF/WBO titleholder), who I want. He got real lucky against me when we fought a few years ago. But I know he’ll come running after I beat Vitali. He’ll want to salvage the family pride.’’
About Treasure Island
Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip, a privately owned hotel and casino boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, stands alone as the only major Strip property to claim that unique market position. It’s a world-class destination for headline entertainment, the enchanting Sirens of TI nightly outdoor show and Mystère, the classic Cirque du Soleil performance that combines the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that have become the company’s hallmark. Upscale and casual dining choices, hip nightspots and indulgent spa and shopping experiences further complement the one-of-a-kind Treasure Island guest experience. For information or to make a reservation, call 800-288-7206 or visit www.treasureisland.com.
About Don King Productions
Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.
DKP has promoted or co-promoted 12 of the top 20 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in the history of the world.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.
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®.
Analyzing the Bantamweight ratings
By Anson Wainwright
One of Boxing’s toughest division’s has to currently be the Bantamweight class. The guys weigh just 8 stone 6 pounds or if you prefer 118 pounds. Through out history some very good fighters have earnt a living here and made very good names for themselves including greats like Eder Jofre, Panama Al Brown, Manuel Ortiz, Fighting Harada & Carlos Zarate who arguably engaged in the biggest ever fight at 118 when he fought Alfonso Zamora they met in 1977 with both men at the height of there power holding world titles & had pristine 45-0(44) & 29-0(29) records respectively (Imagine the hype that sort of fight would get these days). While it doesn’t garner too much attention from TV in America or Europe, the calibre of its residents is none the less pretty strong. They get far more coverage in Asia or South America but pop up just often enough in America or Europe to remind us what where missing. Recently when Panama’s Anselmo Moreno defended his crown twice in a six week stretch in France & Germany. Ghana’s Joseph Agbeko fought in a summer sizzler with Vic Darchinyan that was aired live as the main event on Showtime. Here’s a close look at how 5 of the leading websites or magazines around the world view the current crop of Bantamweights.
The Ring 15rounds.com Boxrec.com ESPN Boxing News
Hasegawa Hasegawa Hasegawa Hasegawa Hasegawa
Moreno Moreno Agbeko Agbeko Agbeko
Sidorenko Bakhtin Montiel Moreno Moreno
Agbeko Montiel Moreno Montiel Sidorenko
Perez Sidorenko Perez Cermeno Montiel
Mabuza Agbeko Sidorenko Penalosa Darchinyan
Cermeno Darchinyan Cermeno Valdez Valdez
Mares Mares Domingo Morel Cermeno
Montiel Perez Bakhtin Mares Malinga
Bakhtin Domingo Valdez Perez Perez
Hasegawa 50
Moreno 41
Agbeko 39
Montiel 30
Sidorenko 26
Cermeno 17
Perez 16
Bakhtin 11
Darchinyan 9
Valdez 9
Mares 8
Mabuza 5
Penalosa 5
Domingo 4
Morel 3
Malinga 2
The top man at 8 stone 6 pounds is undoubtedly Hozumi Hasegawa 27-2(11) he’s the long reigning WBC champion having dethroned Veeraphol Sarphrom who was getting close to passing Orlando Canizales record of 16 successful defences. He’s made an impressive 9 defence’s so far since winning the title 4 and half years ago. He’s regularly defeated some very good opponents including a ninth round KO of Sarphrom in a rematch as well as points wins over rugged Mexican Genaro Garcia & tough Italian Simone Maldrottu. Since the Maldrottu win Hasegawa has upped his game from the best in the division to a candidate for pound for pound lists with four stoppage wins two in the second round and two in the first. They were against very credible opponents too in Alex Valdez KO2, Nestor Rocha KO1 & Vusi Malinga KO1. These wins seem to indicate that Hasegawa 28, is in the prime of his career and should continue his run for awhile longer. He’s be a favourite be beat anyone at 118 including his rival champions. It is those fights that he needs to help improve his already impressive legacy. Another possibility is a move up to Super Bantamweight and fight countryman Nishioka for his WBC crown in a fight that would be massive in Japan. Next up is a pre Christmas treat when he takes on former Flyweight champion Eric Morel on 18 December.
Panamanian Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno 27-1-1(9) burst onto the scene when he surprisingly outpointed Wladimir Sidorenko in Germany in May of last year. Since then he’s been very active reeling off 5 wins four in title fights word is he’ll be back in action in November to make another defence against Frederic Patrac. Credit goes to Moreno for taking the title on the road and back to Europe to repeat his win over Sidorenko in Germany and then to France to outpoint former Super Bantamweight title holder Mahyar Monshipour. At just 24 Moreno seems to of not yet reached his prime having many years ahead of him and will hope to join some of his piers amongst the greats of Panamanian boxing.
Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko 27-1(22) proved last time out that he deserves to be mentioned with the very best at Bantamweight when he soundly beat Vic Darchinyan. Darchinyan was the favourite going in and many expected him to become a three weight world champion against Agbeko. Nobody had told Agbeko however and he showed just how good he really is. Promoted by Don King he won the title in September 2007 but it was over a year until he made his first defence. The win over Darchinyan seems to of opened doors for him and he gets back to action making his third defence of his IBF crown against unbeaten Yonnhy Perez in Las Vegas at the end of October. If he can turn back Perez he could be primed for another big fight. Interestingly we got our first glimpse of how good Agbeko could be when he went to Germany and fought then unbeaten Sidorenko and only lost a Majority decision that many believed he deserved. At 29 the Ghanaian seems ready to carry on the good work of his countryman Azumah Nelson & Ike Quartey and bring further glory to the people of his homeland..
Los Mochis finest Fernando “Kochulito” Montiel 39-2-2(29) is a thirteen year professional that has seen him join the greats of Mexican boxing by becoming a three weight world champion. He’s in fantastic company with only Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera & Juan Manuel Marquez having achieved this. He came from obscurity when he beat Isidro Garcia for the WBO Flyweight crown since then he’s reigned at Flyweight, Super Flyweight & now Bantamweight going 15-2(11) in world title fights. Both defeats were by majority decision to the wonderful gifted southpaw Marc Johnson who Montiel appeared not to be able to solve & to the much bigger Jhonny Gonzalez via split decision. Montiel is only 30 but could be slowing down, last time out he received the benefit of the doubt in a non title fight with Alex Valdez when he was cut the fight was declared a technical draw due to a headbutt though it appeared it was from a punch. At the time of the stoppage Montiel was fighting through pouring blood and only seeing out of one eye. Montiel is quite an up and down fighter who when in full flow has pound for pound ability but when he loses his focus seems just an ordinary fighter this is best shown in his fight with Luis Melendez who he at times boxed brilliantly and scored a knock down only to be dropped and rocked the next round. Ultimately he showed his warriors heart rawing back and stopping Melendez in the final twelfth and final round. At his best he is a terrific fighter who has beaten Cruz Carbajal KO4, Ivan Hernandez KO7, Z Gorres PTS12 & Martin Castillo KO4.
By way of Ukrainian and now Germany Wladimir Sidorenko 21-2-2(7) enjoyed a successful amateur career that saw him win a bronze at the 2000 Olympics and silver at the 2001 World championships. He was fast tracked to a world title and after 17 fights and just over three years as a pro he fought and beat Julio Zarate for the vacant WBA championship. His title reign of just over 3 years and 6 defences included a point’s win that looks better all the time over Poonsawat Kratchindaenggym and two draws with skills Panamanian Ricardo Cordoba. His luck against Panamanian fighters ran out and he lost the title to Moreno who has since repeated the win leaving Sidorenko now 33 in a tough spot, it’ll be interesting to see what he does next if he elects to continue fighting
Venezuelan Neohmar Cermeno 18-0(10) sprang to prominence earlier this year when he beat highly favoured Cristian Mijares in Mexico on a split decision he then returned and won a unanimous decision. Both fights were for the WBA Interim title. Cermeno 29, fought for his country at the 2000 Olympics before turning pro 4 years later in Panama. He’s never actually fought in Venezuela with all his fights being in Panama, Argentina, Germany or Mexico. Next for Cermeno would appear to be full champion Anselmo Moreno.
Columbian puncher Yohnny Perez 19-0(14) burst onto the scene with a thrilling final round knockout of Silence Mabuza in Mabuza’s homeland of South Africa to position himself as mandatory challenger to Joseph Agbeko in a fight that will take place on 31 October. Perez 30, fought at the 2004 Olympics before debuting in 2005. He has never fought in his homeland of Columbia and is based in America where all but one of his fights have taken place. If he can upset Agbeko, then Perez will likely be given the platform by promoter Gary Shaw to show how good he is. One possible fight would be Vic Darchinyan who is also promoted by Shaw.
Russian Sasha Bakhtin campaigns in Japan where so far he’s unbeaten so far in 23 though only 10 of them have come inside the distance showing he’s more of a technician. He’s now 28 and a 9 year veteran who enjoyed a long reign as Japanese champion and more recently he’s become the OPBF champion. A title shot seems close as he’s rated WBC 3#, WBA 4#, IBF 5# & WBO 13#.
Still rated at Bantamweight despite dropping back to Super Flyweight where he faces Tomas Rojas. A move back up to 118 wouldn’t be a surprise after a few confidence builders. The Armenian who lives in Australia but fights mostly out of America is the top guy at 115 and was on a great run until he was narrowly outpointed by Agbeko. Darchinyan turns 34 in January so doesn’t figure to have too many more fights in him though he’ll always be dangerous with his vicious power. On the plus point that may see him look for the bigger and better fights sooner.
Recently Alejandro Valdez 21-3-2(15) was matched with Fernando Montiel in a non title fight when he wasn’t deemed good enough to fight for the actual title. This never stopped Valdez 25, giving Montiel the shock of his life. Early on he was down and it looked like the mismatch many had predicted, Valdez however cut Montiel and had worked his way back into things by the rounds end. During the second he dropped Montiel. By the third with Montiel in obvious distress Valdez was giving him a working over. The fight was stopped on cuts and after much confusion it was declared a Technical Draw. Previously Valdez had beaten former 108 title holder Mauricio Pastrana PTS12, perennial contender Cecilio Santos PTS12, another grizzled former champ Adonis Rivas PTS10 & Heriberto Ruiz KO6. Those wins set Valdez up for a mandatory shot at WBC kingpin Hozumi Hasegawa that didn’t end so well when the Japanese champion forced a second round stoppage. How good is Valdez? Probably not as bad as he looked against Hasegawa and maybe not as good as the fight with Montiel appeared. It would seem at 25 that he certainly has time on his side to get another shot.
One of the best young fighters in Boxing is Mexican technician Abner Mares. While the 23 year old is still unbeaten going 19-0(11) he’s had his share of problems, last year when he was due to fight he found out he had a detached retina. After a 10 month break he has returned with two stoppage wins. He was close a title shot when he got injured and hopes that in a few more fights he’ll be back at that level. The 2004 Mexican Olympic reprehensive will get his chance he’s backed by Promoter super power Golden Boy and now managed by the savvy Frank Espinoza. They wont rush him and will give him good exposure on there big cards. He’s previously been trained by Floyd Mayweather Snr & Nacho Beristain, you can’t train under their stewardship without learning a thing or two.
Back in 2005/2006 Silence Mabuza was viewed as one of the best Bantamweights in the world when in losing twice to Rafael Marquez he acquitted himself well though was stopped in the fourth & ninth rounds. Many believed Mabuza would acquire the IBF title when Marquez moved up to 122. The South African never quite got to the top of the mountain partly due to inactivity. In May he was stopped in the last round by Yonnhy Perez in a title eliminator. At 32 it looks like Mabuza may have peaked and will forever be the bridesmaid and not the bride. He’ll struggle in this talent laden division to get another championship shot.
At 37 most fighters are comfortably retired especially in the smaller weights when you debuted way back in 1989. But then two weight former world champion Gerry Penalosa 54-7-2(36) isn’t just any fighter. He won the WBC Super Flyweight crown in 1997 and made 3 defences before losing to the talented In Joo Cho who also bested Penalosa in a rematch. However when you see that both fights were Split decisions and were fought in Cho’s native South Korea it paints a very different picture. Penalosa secured a shot at Cho’s conqueror Masamori Tokuyama again Penalosa was to come up short losing a close but unanimous point’s decision in the rematch he again lost only this time it was a split decision. The hard luck story seemed over as Penalosa only fought fleetingly over the next 4 years before he found himself in with heavy handed Daniel Ponce De Leon all the way up at Super Bantamweight. Many expected a quick blow out for Ponce De Leon, they were wrong as Penalosa fought bravely and whilst he was at the wrong end of the decision again many thought the scoring was bogus. The tough luck loss propelled him into another title fight fight back a more natural weight against WBO ruler Jhonny Gonzalez and thought trailing on points he landed a perfect hook to the body which dropped Gonzalez and won Penalosa at 36 his second title. Though he defended his title once he couldn’t seem to get a big fight until he was offered the chance to fight young Puerto Rican stud JuanMa Lopez this past April again back up at 122. Penalosa fought bravely but for the first time in his career was stopped when his esteemed trainer Freddy Roach pulled the plug at the start of the tenth. It is thought Penalosa will fight once more against Fernando Montiel in December for his old WBO 118 crown before calling it a career. The perfect epitaph to describe Penalosa came from Roach who said “Peñalosa is the best technical boxer that ever came from the Philippines”
Filipino Bantamweight Michael Domingo looks nothing more than a journeyman on the face of it with a very average 39-14-2(17) ledger. However the 30 year old vet is on a nice run that has seen him unbeaten since 2007 going 8-0(5) in that time he has nice wins over the likes of then unbeaten Miguel Roman PTS6, battle hardened Ratanchai Sor Voraphin KO9 & most recently an impressively when he stopped 2000 American Olympian Jose Navarro in 8. It seems that in the early part of Domingo’s career he was thrown to the wolves by his handlers as he regularly mixed with world class opponents such as Somsak Sithchatchawal, Kozo Ishii, Jorge Linares & Poonsawat Kratchingdaenggym and in higher weight classes. Tough love seems to have worked.
A rejuvenated Eric Morel 41-2(21) appeared for America in the 1996 Olympics and though he never medalled he did he streaked to 25-0 over the next four years before he annexed the WBA laurels from Sornpichai Kratingdaenggym. After 3 years later and 5 defences when he was largely viewed as the best 112er on the planet before he was surprisingly outpointed by unknown Lorenzo Parra. After a couple of stay busy fights at 115 Morel attempted to win another title but was turned back surprisingly easily by Martin Castillo on points. Soon after Morel was sentenced to time in prison and it appeared that would be the last we’d here of Morel. But when he got out he decided to rededicate himself to his chosen craft and has since gone 6-0(3) all but one in of those in his birth land of Puerto Rico. In June Morel was scheduled to fight Fernando Montiel that fight was doomed and after several attempts to reschedule it to no avail leaving him deciding to go on the road to Japan for a shot at the top guy at 118 Hasegawa.
“Marvelous” Vusi Malinga broke into the big time last June when he travelled to Thailand and Ko’d living legend Veeraphol Sarphrom in four rounds. The win made him mandatory challenger to Hasegawa, it didn’t go as he’d hoped when he was stunningly stopped in one. That was Malinga’s first loss since 2000. Malinga 29, has won the WBC International & South African Bantamweight titles. He got back to winning ways when he stopped overmatched Fadhili Majia in three. The 118 division is talent rich in South Africa with Mabuza, Simpiwe Vetyeka & Tshifhiwa Munyai all looking interesting fights if they could be made.
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- 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
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- Junior welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley Jr. signs with HBO March 12, 2010
