Lopez – Marquez rescheduled for November 6 in Las Vegas
Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the September 18th fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez that was postponed due to a hand injury to Marquez will now take place on November 6 at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“It’s done, we’re good,” said Gary Shaw, who promotes Marquez. “I talked to the Marquez camp and [Lopez promoter] Top Rank was fine with it. I spoke to [Top Rank president] Todd duBoef about it to get it done.”
“Fortunately, my thumb injury did not prevent me from continuing my conditioning, including running daily,” said Marquez, who proved his durability in an epic four fight series with Israel Vazquez. “I am extremely grateful that my fight with Juan Manuel Lopez was rescheduled so quickly. On November 6, JuanMa and I have a date with destiny. I can’t wait.”
The southpaw Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs) is 27-years-old and has been fighting professionally for five years. He is a consensus top-10 pound-for-pound fighter and is widely considered a rising star. A win over Marquez would easily be the most significant of his young career. Conversely, Marquez (39-5, 35 KOs) at 35-years-old is well into the second half of a remarkable career. He has fought in 11 world title fights in his 15 years as a pro and he is a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame. A win over Lopez would give him a world title in his third weight division.
“This has become the most important fight of my career,” Marquez said.
“I’m looking forward to showing my skills against a great champion like Rafael Marquez, one of the all-time greats and a future Hall of Famer,’’ Lopez said. “It will be the biggest fight of my career.”
“So far we have just one TV fight, but I’m trying to get [Showtime's] Kenny [Hershman] to buy another one,” Shaw said. “I have an idea for a very good fight. The question is if Kenny has the money in the budget.”
Shaw said he’d like to match junior middleweight titlist Sergei Dzinziruk, who he co-promotes with Artie Pelullo, against Vanes Martirosyan, who is promoted by Top Rank.
“Ken was not opposed to the fight. It’s a question of money,” Shaw said. “I know Top Rank is fine with making that fight.”
MARQUEZ INJURY POSTPONES LOPEZ-MARQUEZ WORLD TITLE FIGHT
BOXING’S MOST-ANTICIPATED TITLE RUMBLE
WILL SOON BE RESECHUEDLED
LAS VEGAS, NEV. (August 20, 2010) – Boxing’s most highly-anticipated fight of the Fall, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title fight between two-division world champions JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ and RAFAEL MARQUEZ, scheduled for September 18, at the MGM Grand and televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing, has been postponed due to a hand injury incurred by Marquez. Top Rank and Gary Shaw Productions are working with the MGM Grand and SHOWTIME in rescheduling the world title fight within four weeks of the original date.
“I’m very disapointed but I know that these things happen in boxing. I hope the fight gets rescheduled soon and look forward to fighting Rafael Marquez,” said Lopez
“I was told that Rafael injured the thumb on his right hand when it got caught in the door of a vehicle,” said Gary Shaw, Marquez’s co-promoter. “He then tried to work through the pain in training camp but it only made the injury worse. On his doctor’s orders, Rafael will abstain from any activity with hand for a few weeks to allow it to heal properly.”
“Naturally we’re disappointed. Fortunately Marquez’s injury isn’t too serious,” said Todd duBoef of Top Rank. “We have already discussed the situation with the MGM Grand and Showtime and they both are working with us to find a new mutually acceptable date. JuanMa is very happy that he’ll still be able to fight one of Mexico’s greatest champions as well as the toughest opponent he has ever faced. We’re hopeful that we’ll have a new date to announce next week, along with information about ticket refunds for patrons who cannot travel on the new date.”
Sreven Luevano retires
By Anson Wainwright
Former WBO Featherweight World Champion Steve Luevano has retired from Boxing according to his manager Cameron Dunkin who said the decision was made late last night. Luevano 29, finishes with a 37-2-1(15) record. He held the title from July 2007 when he claimed the belt on the road in England scoring an impressive eleventh round stoppage over local hero Nicky Cook. He went on to make 5 successful defence’s before losing his crown to JuanMa Lopez in February. Over the summer Luevano was let go from his contract with Top Rank who had promoted him for his entire career. It’s not known what Luevano intends to do next but on behalf of 15rounds.com congratulations on a great career Steven enjoy retirement.
FREDDIE ROACH ENDORSES LOPEZ – MARQUEZ FOR SEPT. 18!
“It’s a No-Brainer; Watch Juanma Lopez Fight Rafael Marquez.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (August 6, 2010) – In an election year endorsements count and one of boxing’s most-respected voices, four-time Boxing Writers Association of America “Trainer of the Year” World-Famous Freddie Roach, spoke up on which fight he’ll be watching on Saturday, September 18 – the World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title rumble between two-division world champions Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez and Rafael Marquez. The Lopez vs. Marquez world title tilt will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
In an interview conducted by John Martinez and posted on FightHype.com on August 4, Roach offered this advice to fight fans:
“I want to know who’s thinking about buying the Mosley fight. Come on, it’s a former very good, but older champion going against a guy that starred in a reality TV show once in your main event. Sergio Mora, really? “It’s a no-brainer; watch Juanma Lopez fight Rafael Marquez.” (http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content8152.html)
Lopez and Marquez, the pride of Puerto Rico and México, respectively, boast a combined record of 68-5 with an astounding 61 knockouts – a winning percentage of 93% and a victory by knockout ratio of 90%.
The true Mexican Independence Day weekend fight will be promoted by Top Rank, in association with PR Best Boxing, Zanfer Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. Remaining tickets, priced at $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ and RAFAEL MARQUEZ HOLD NEWS CONFERENCE LUNCHEON ANNOUNCING THEIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT
LOS ANGELES (July 27, 2010) – Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ and two-division world champion RAFAEL MARQUEZ, the pride of Puerto Rico and México, respectively, hosted a News Conference Luncheon announcing their highly anticipated world featherweight title fight on Tuesday in the Gold Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.
The fighters were joined by their teams, including promoters Bob Arum, Ivan Rivera, Gary Shaw and Fernando Beltran.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with PR Best Boxing, Zanfer Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions and SHOWTIME, the Lopez-Marquez world championship fight will take place Saturday, Sept. 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, will be making his second defense of the featherweight title he captured in January. He previously held the WBO junior featherweight crown during a two-year reign which included five successful title defenses, four by knockout.
Marquez (39-5, 35 KOs), of México City, has held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight and World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight titles. He’ll be looking to join his brother Juan Manuel as the only brothers to win world titles in three different divisions. Marquez returns to the ring after knocking out arch rival Israel Vasquez in the third round of their May 22 championship bout to even up their historic series at 2-2.
Here’s what the principals had to say on Tuesday.
JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ
“For me this is a great honor to fight a fighter the caliber of a Rafael Marquez. When you fight the best you become the best and this is the opportunity for me to become the best. To fight a guy at this level it is my chance to show everybody what I’m capable of doing. I’m really looking forward to this fight.
“Me and (Felix) Tito (Trinidad) are good friends and we talk a lot. You know, I can’t believe it when he calls me and talks to me and says he wants to be my friend. He was my idol and now all of a sudden he’s my friend.
“I’m here for the fans. They are the ones that made me and I want to give them the best show I can. Whenever I go into the ring I’m always thinking of my fans.
“I know I’m going to have to go in there smart and fight intelligently. You can’t just go in there and trade with this guy. You have to know when to strike.”
Regarding his legacy:
“The fans will ultimately decide that. I just want them to remember me.”
RAFAEL MARQUEZ
“I am very prepared for this. In my career I have only fought the best fighters out there and that’s what I will continue to do. I feel I’m fighting one of the best in Juan Manuel Lopez.
“Who wouldn’t like to be remembered as one of the best ever? I think I will be remembered as a warrior fighter who fought the best. When I’m all finished I would like to be a guy who is remembered as one who always put his entire heart into a fight. I have loved this sport since I was a little kid and I just want people to think of me as someone who always gave their all.
“I feel the best at this weight, 126. I feel better than 118 and better than 122. This is also just my opponents’ third fight at 126. So no, I do not regret this decision to fight at this weight.
On the fight being held the weekend of Mexico’s Independence Day:
“There will be a lot of Mexican fans in Las Vegas celebrating that weekend. I will be very patriotic and represent by holding up the Mexican flag.”
“I know they say (Lopez) has big punching power, but I have faced big punchers like Vazquez. I know he is younger also. But age has nothing to do with anything in this sport. It all depends on how you take care of yourself and how you prepare yourself for the fights. And that is the key. Age will not make a difference.
“This fight will end by knockout. And I’m going to win.”
BOB ARUM
“What we have with this fight is the pride of Puerto Rico against the pride of Mexico taking place at the Palace of Boxing, the MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Resorts International.
“I remember the first time I ever saw JuanMa. He must have had one pro fight and he was there telling me, ‘I want to fight for a world title.’ It’s one thing to be a great fighter. It’s another thing altogether to be as charismatic a fight as JuanMa is. His compatriot Tito Trinidad was that type of fighter and JuanMa is of the same make and mold. He is beloved by the Puerto Ricans who live on the islands and those who also live here in the continental United States.”
GARY SHAW
“This fight has the ability to have a great trilogy and beyond just as Marquez-Vazquez had. This is a very meaningful fight for Marquez as he could be part of the first brother team to hold three world titles.”
JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ vs. RAFAEL MARQUEZ WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE RUMBLE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 at MGM GRAND LIVE on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Tickets Go On Sale Monday, August 2
LAS VEGAS, NEV. (July 27, 2010) – Fireworks will fly during Mexican Independence Day weekend in Las Vegas, Nev., when two-division world champions JUAN MANUEL “JuanMa” LOPEZ and RAFAEL MARQUEZ collide for Lopez’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title, Saturday, September 18, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The 12-round world title tilt will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing.
These two warriors boast a combined record of 68-5 with an astounding 61 knockouts – a winning percentage of 93% and a victory by knockout ratio of 90%.
The fight will be promoted by Top Rank, in association with PR Best Boxing, Zanfer Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. Tickets, priced at $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, go on sale Monday, August 2, at 10 a.m. PT, and can be purchased at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
“I am looking forward to showing my skills against a great champion like Rafael Marquez, one of the all-time greats and a future hall of famer,” said Lopez. “It will be the biggest fight of my career.”
“To join the elite class of Mexican champions like Julio César Chávez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Fernando Montiel and my brother Juan Manuel, who have won world titles in three different weight divisions, has always been a goal of mine and now that opportunity has arrived, fighting for a third division world title as my country celebrates its Independence Day. Making it even more special is that Juan Manuel and I would be the only brothers to accomplish such a feat,” said Marquez. “This has become the most important fight of my career and I will train for it as if I were fighting for my life.”
“This world title fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez is one of the premier battles in the sport of boxing. It will be fascinating and entertaining from start to finish,” said Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank.
“Rafael and JuanMa have never taken a step backward in their professional careers, which is what makes them so exciting and attractive to their legions of fans,” said Gary Shaw, president of Gary Shaw Productions. “This has ‘Fight of the Year’ written all over it and I’m very proud to be associated with it.”
“Marquez and Lopez are both big punchers,” said Fernando Beltran, president of Zanfer Promotions in México. “They can trade, deliver big hits and take it. That is what makes this such a big-time fight.”
“Lopez vs. Marquez has all the makings of a classic,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “The heart, determination and incredible power of Rafael Marquez make him the most formidable opponent in the young and impressive career of JuanMa Lopez. As a fan, I can’t wait for Sept. 18. As a television programmer, I know that this matchup delivers on our promise to subscribers—to televise the most competitive, compelling and significant fights in boxing.”
Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, returns to Las Vegas for the first time in more than four years. The pride of Puerto Rico and a consensus Top 10 pound-for-pound fighter has won 16 of his previous 17 fights by knockout. He earned his first world title by knocking out defending WBO junior featherweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon in the first round of their June 2008 fight. After five successful title defenses – four by knockout – he vacated the title and successfully challenged WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano, stopping him in the seventh round, on January 28, at Madison Square Garden. In his last fight, Juanma successfully defended his featherweight crown with an exciting second-round TKO of the Manny Pacquiao-managed contender Bernabe Concepcion on July 10 in Puerto Rico.
Marquez (39-5, 35 KOs), of México City, also makes his first visit to the Entertainment Capital of the World since 2006. Already the author of a first-ballot Hall of Fame career, Marquez boasts victories over world champions Tim Austin, Israel Vazquez (2), Mauricio Pastrana (2) and Mark Johnson (2). Marquez captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title in 2003, knocking out undefeated defending champion Tim Austin in the eighth round and ending his six-year title reign. Marquez successfully defended the title seven times before vacating it in March 2007 to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, winning the title via a brutal seventh-round stoppage, beginning one of this era’s most exciting rivalries. The second and third installments, both won by Vazquez, were named Fight of the Year in 2007 and 2008, respectively, by The Ring. Marquez evened up their historic series on May 22 with a third-round knockout victory, the first to be fought at featherweight.
Top Rank News & Notes
JUANMA AND BARBARA CHURCH WEDDING;KOROBOV TRAINING; BADGLEY UPDATE;
HERNAN ‘TYSON’ MARQUEZ BACK TO 112
World champion Juan Manuel Lopez and wife Barbara will be married in a church on Sunday.
“We were first married in a civil ceremony,” said Juanma. “At the time that was all we could afford. Now we are going to have a nice church wedding. We are both excited and can’t wait,” Juanma said.
The guest list is over 250 friends and family.
Lopez announced the wedding plans following a riveting performance and knockout win over challenger Bernabe Concepcion on Saturday at the Coliseo in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
+++
MATT KOROBOV UPDATE
Unbeaten middleweight Matt Korobov of Russia is back in the gym, working with chief trainer Kenny Adams in Las Vegas. Korobov was out for weeks with a nasal septum deviation.
“Everything is fine now. Matt is training every day,” said manager Cameron Dunkin.
++++
STEVEN BADGLEY
U.S Army Chief Warrant officer Steven Badgley, who fought at Madison Square Garden last month, has been tranferred from Fort Drum, N.Y. to a base in Colorado. “I’m very busy training as a soldier right now, but I do plan to stay in boxing,” he said.
++++
HERNAN ‘TYSON’ MARQUEZ
Mexican fighter Hernan ‘Tyson’ Marquez, who lost to Nonito Donaire in a 115-pound fight on Saturday night in Puerto Rico, said he plans to return to the 112-pound divison. “That is where I belong,” he said. …..
Donaire said he will moving from the 115 pound division to bantamweight at 118 pounds.
Lopez retains title with wild 2nd round stoppage over Concepcion
By Alejandro Echevarria (Ringside)
San Juan, P.R.- The main event of the evening featured unbeaten Puerto Rican star Juan Manuel “JuanMa” López against Filipino promise Bernabe “The Real Deal” Concepción for Lopez’s WBO featherweight title. Both fighters wore pink and white showing their support for breast cancer research.
The fight got off to a fast start when JuanMa hurt Concepción with the first left hook he landed and dropped him later in the round only to be dropped himself close to the end of the round by a counter left hook. Both fighters looked ready to keep on fighting but the bell ended the action.
Lopez again dropped Concepción early in the second with a perfect straight left that appeared to really hurt Barnabé and again halfway through the round to finish the fight. Concepción appeared hurt but willing to continue when referee Luis Pabón waved it off at 2:37 of the second round.
Both fighters showcased their power but JuanMa was a little stronger and much more precise. As was the case with Sonsona, Concepción received a standing ovation even after loosing by stoppage as he had the crowd on the edge of their seats for as long as the bout lasted. JuanMa improves to 29-0 with 27 KO’s and sets himself up for the match against Rafael Márquez while Concepción drops to 30-3-1 with 17KO’s.
After the fight, López stated that he “wasn’t hurt” by the punch; only he opened his eyes to find himself in the canvas. With Bob Arum, Orlando Piñero (Lopez’s manager) and Fernando Beltrán (Rafael Marquez’s manager) in attendance for the press conference after the fight, talks of a future match-up between Lopez and Marquez were the main topic of discussion. Beltrán confirmed that on his fighter’s side the contract was already signed and only Lopez’s signature was missing.
López spoke about that fight extensively stating that it is the fight he has been wanting for two years now but has had to wait for the four fights between Márquez and Israel Vázquez to end before he got his chance. He added that before signing, some things must be ironed out but is confident the fight can be officially announced soon.
The televised portion of the show started with Nonito “Flash” Donaire of General Santos City in the Philippines defending his WBA Interim super flyweight title against Hernán “Tyson” Márquez of Sonora, México. Márquez started off with a lead right hookk from his southpaw stance and land two more punches to barely take an uneventful round. Donaire countered well and landed several straight lefts to take another slow round in the second and started to show off his defense making Márquez miss frequently. Márquez took the third round by being more aggressive and even pinning the “Flash” against the ropes who seemed tentative to let his hands go.
Nonito opened up in the fourth and smartly used his jab to make for an entertaining yet close round. Márqeuz appeared to be dealing well with Donaire’s upper body movement in the fifth until several hard shots followed by a short left hook dropped him halfway through the round; he hit the canvas again close to the end of the round but referee Roberto Ramírez didn’t rule it a knockdown. Donaire owned the sixth tagging his opponent from both stances throughout the entire stanza and took the seventh on precision and number of punches landed.
Márquez appeared to get a second air in the eight until a perfectly timed counter left uppercut from the champion dropped him. The challenger beat the count but on advice from his corner, the referee stopped it at 2:59. Nonito improves his record to 24-1 with 16KO’s and leaves the division to campaign at bantamweight while Márque drops to 27-2 with 20KO’s.
After the fight, donaire took a moment to speak with 15rounds.com and shared his thoughts on the fight. About his slow start, Donaire said he was looking to counter but since his opponent didn’t throw any jabs and was so short it made it hard for him. The Flash said it was also his first time fighting a southpaw and he wanted to get loose before he poured it on.
About his opponent’s power, Nonito said that although he had heavy hands, he was never hurt by Márquez and knew from the start he could finish his man before the limit. Still, he added that he had an injury on his left side and his legs were killing him, two factors that made him decide to finish the fight. He thanked the fans in attendance and expressed his desire to travel the island and get to know it better.
Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (18-2, 11KO’s) was up next against Eden Sonsona (21-5, 7KO’s) of Paranaque City, Philipines. The fight was for the NABO Super Bantamweight Title and set for 10 rounds. Both fighters landed in the first round but Oquendo, of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico may have had the edge with some powerful rights to the head and good body work on his southpaw opponent. The second was a close round with both fighters landing their respective straights as their clearer punches. Sonsona had a very good third round landing with both hands and backing up his opponent for the second half of the round.
Oquendo managed to make the fourth round close by being more aggressive but Sonsona gave as good as he got. An unintentional head butt at the beginning of the fifth opened a cut over Oquendo’s right eye and jump started the most entertaining round in which both fighters traded to the delight of the crowd. By now both fighters were visibly exhausted and hurt but went at it in the sixth again when Oquendo momentarily switched to southpaw to great effect and took the round. Referee José H. Rivera ruled it was a low blow that dropped Sonsona early but after that both fighters traded big shots in a round where the Puerto Rican seemed to edge his opponent in accuracy alone.
After another head butt to start of the eight, the referee took a point from Sonsona even though it didn’t seem intentional. Oquendo was then warned for hitting low twice and when the ref didn’t take a point from Oquendo, the boos from the crowd started filling the air. Finally, after what didn’t seem to be an intentional low blow, Oquendo was penalized a point and immediately afterwards dropped Sonsona with a straight right hand to the head. Another right hand dropped Sonsona in the ninth but this time the Filipino warrior didn’t have enough to beat the count. Official time of stoppage was 1:05 of the ninth round and both fighters were rewarded with standing ovations from the pumped up crowd.
Sonsona sees his record drop to 21-6 with 7 KO’s and has a long way to climb back after this defeat while Oquendo, now 19-2 with 12KO’s may have set himself up for a title challenge possibly against fellow countryman Wilfredo Vázquez Jr.
Cruiserweights Carlos Negrón of Villalba, Puerto Rico and Gustavo Enríquez of Ciudad Juarez, México fought next at a bout set for eight rounds. Former Olympian Negrón (9-0, 7KO’s) started using his jab and working the body from the first bell and dropped his opponent midway through the round with a right hand but couldn’t finish him right then and there. Enríquez (15-9, 12KO’s) started the second round aggressively but was quickly dissuaded and dropped from another right hand. The third fourth rounds were slower ones dominated by Negrón fighting from a distance and with the use of his jab while the Mexican chased. Scores were 40-35 on all three of the judge’s score cards.
Up next were lightweights Jose González, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico (11-0, 7KO’s) and Mathew Robinson of Bridgeport, Barbados (3-2, 1KO) in a bout set for four rounds. Both fighters appeared to start slowly but halfway through the round González caught Robinson with a counter right hand that appeared to hurt him. A few seconds later, a straight to the body put the man from Barbados down for the count. Official time was 1:49 of the first.
Action for Top Rank’s and PR Best Boxing’s “The Challenge” got underway when heavyweight Victor Bisbal, Salinas, Puerto Rico (17-1, 12KO’s) quickly disposed of overmatched David Whitton, Quebec, Canada (10-13-1, 6KO’s). The bigger more aggressive Bisbal ended the fight with a left to the body that dropped Whitton who couldn’t beat the count. Time of stoppage was 2:33 into the first.
FOLLOW LOPEZ VS CONCEPCION PLUS DONAIRE VS MARQUEZ LIVE
Follow all the action as Juan Manuel Lopez defends the WBO Featherweight title against Philippine contender Bernabe Concepcion from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The action begins at 9pm est. with a Super Flyweight title clash between Nonito Donaire and Hernan Maquez
12 rounds WBO Featherweight title–Juan Manuel Lopez (28-0, 25 KO’s) vs Bernabe Concepcion (28-3-1, 15 KO’s)
Round 1:..Lopez lands a short right hook..Hard left staggers Concepcion..Left..RIGHT SENDS CONCEPCION TO THE CANVAS..Hard left..big left again Concepcion in trouble..uppercut..3 good straight lefts..Huge Straight left sends Concepcion staggering the corner…Lopez trying to end it…WOW CONCEPCION LANDS A HUGE LEFT THAT SENDS LOPEZ TO THE CANVAS…10-9 Lopez
Round 2: BIG STRAIGHT LEFT AND DOWN GOES CONCEPCION….Lopez jabbing..Big LEFT AND CONCEPCION IN TROUBLE AND HE GOES DOWN AGAIN..HE GETS UP AND STAGGERS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED
WINNER AND STILL CHAMPION…JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ
12 Rounds WBA Interim Super Flyweight title–Nonito Donaire (23-1, 15 KO’s) vs Hernan Marquez (27-1, 20 KO’s)
Round 1: Marquez lands a good right hook…Straight left…Donaire lands a good right…10-9 Marquez
Round 2: Donaire lands 2 good lefts..Short right from Marquez..Left from Donaire..19-19
Round 3: Donaire lands an uppercut…Marquez lands a body shot and straight left..Donaire lands a left and a jab..Left to the chin..29-28 Donaire
Round 4: Donaire lands a left counter..Beautiful left uppercut..Marquez gets in a left…..39-37 Donaire
Round 5: Donaire switches to righty..Marquez lands a body shot..Nice left hook by Donaire AND A LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES MARQUEZ…Trading left hooks…Huge uppercut…Marquez tries to grab Donaire and falls…49-45 Donaire
Round 6: Donaire lands a left hook..Right and a stiff jab…right hook…Uppercut…Straight right to the body..59-54 Donaire
Round 7:..Good hook from Marquez..combination68-64 Donaire
Round 8: Donaire lands a straight right..upper and straight right..Right..swelling under left eye of Marquez..left hook right hand BIG LEFT UPPERCUT SENDS MARQUEZ DOWN AND THE REFEREE STOPS THE FIGHT
Winner and still champion at 2:59 of round 8 –Nonito Donaire
Note : This is a text account of the fights
López, Concepción, Donaire and Marquez make weight.
By Alejandro Echevarria
Carolina, P.R.- Fighters for this Saturday’s “The Challenge” weighed in today at the Verdanza hotel in Isla Verde, Carolina. The event is a co-promotion between Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions and the brothers Rivera PR Best Boxing Promotions to be televised by SHOWTIME®. Mr. Arum himself was there for the event as was Lee Samuels. Fighters from Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Mexico, Barbados, Canada and the United States make up the fifty eight round, seven bout card with fights from super flyweight division all the way up to the heavyweights.
After all fighters were weighed, Puerto Rican Juan Manuel López stayed a while to talk to the press about his upcoming fight, his future plans and his support for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
About Concepción, López said he knows he is a young, strong fighter with a rather unorthodox style but was confident of having all the necessary tools to come away with the victory. He added that Concepción looks just like he did for his fight against Mario Santiago and other than the awkwardness of the style, doesn’t expect any surprises.
When asked about the similarities between this fight and his life and death struggle against Tanzanian Rogers Mtagwa, López answered that that had been at 122lbs. where he was too weak from the struggle to make weight unlike this time where he now is well accustomed to 126lbs. He added that if there are people taking the Mtagwa fight as an example that he isn’t as good as some of the other champions in the division, they are making a big mistake. This since in that fight he proved he can be hurt but still keep on fighting and bring home the victories. López admitted that Concepción might be a difficult fighter because of his style and the volume of punches he throws, but he believes he has faster hands that also carry more power
About possible future rival Rafael Márquez, López stated that he had wanted to fight him, and Israel Vázquez, since 2008 but not until now had they shown interest. JuanMa added that even though Marquez is a very dangerous opponent, he believes his style makes for a more comfortable fight than Concepción as it is a more orthodox style of boxing.
López will be wearing pink and white shoes, robe and gloves which will later be auctioned off to help the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a cause he has taken under his wing for this fight.
Blue Corner Red Corner
WBO Featherweight Title-12rds.
Bernabé Concepción-125lbs. Vs. Juan Manuel López-125.3lbs.
Rizal Province, Philippines (28-3-1, 15KO’s) Caguas, Puerto Rico (28-0, 25KO’s)
WBA Interim Super Flyweight Title-12rds.
Hernán Marquez-115lbs. Vs. Nonito Donaire-114.5lbs.
Empalme, México (27-1, 20KO’s) General Santos City, Philippines (23-1, 15KO’s)
NABO Super Bantamweight Title-10rds.
Eden Sonsona-121.6lbs. Vs. Jonathan Oquendo-121.4lbs.
Paranque City, Philippines (21-5, 7KO’s) Vega Alta, Puerto Rico (18-2, 11KO’s)
Cruiserweight fight-8rds.
Gustavo Enríquez-192.9lbs Vs. Carlos Negrón-194.6lbs.
Ciudad Juarez, México (15-9, 12KO’s) Villalba, Puerto Rico (9-0, 7KO’s)
Bantamweight fight-6rds.
Jason Rorie-118.3lbs. Vs. McJoe Arroyo 119.6lbs.
Winston, North Carolina (6-7-2, 3KO’s) Fajardo, Puerto Rico (3-0, 1KO)
Lightweight Fight-4rds.
Mathew Robinson-133.9lbs. Vs. José González 136.6lbs.
Bridgeport, Barbados (3-1, 1KO) Toa Baja, Puerto Rico (10-0, 6KO’s)
Heavyweight Fight-6rds.
David Whittom-218.5lbs. Vs. Victor Bisbal-236lbs.
Quebec, Canada (10-12-1, 6KO’s) Salinas, Puerto Rico (16-1, 11KO’s)
MAMMA Online News- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010Yesterday I talked about why this October’s Bellator is different from other shows going on down here in Philly. Today I’m going to talk about the challenge in promoting this show. As we mentioned yesterday, Eddie Alvarez will fight in Philly for the first time in October against Roger Huerta. This fight could mark the [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? August 31, 2010I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the quality of fight cards in the Philly/Atlantic City game recently and for some reason I’ve had an impossible time expressing in words my thoughts. Some of that is because the path of least resistance in that sort of post would stomp on toes of promoters [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- Its Official: Alvarez vs Huerta Goes Down in Philly August 30, 2010After weeks of speculation, MMA Junkie has confirmed that Bellator 33 will happen in Philadelphia. The hot mustard on that awesome sandwich is the main event: Philadelphia’s own Eddie Alvarez faces internet sensation, and notorious football hater Roger Huerta in a three round non-title fight. Expect some familiar faces on the undercard. Bellator has traditio […]Paul Miles
- “Rematch” is the Word of the Day for December Locked in the Cage August 28, 2010I spoke with Fran Evans of Locked in the Cage, and he confirmed for me that Bo Coleman and Brian Jackson will get a do-over from their aborted main event from August 21st. This time the dance is at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia on December 3rd for Locked in the Cage 6. Fran [...] Related posts:Unusual End to Good Night of Fights for Locked in t […]Paul Miles
- Brendan Barrett & Randy Smith Cold War About to Go Nuclear August 28, 2010For months the war of words between IFL and ROC veteran Brendan Barrett and Randy Smith finally has a venue to be turned physical. Lou Neglia and Brendan both confirmed yesterday that Barrett/Smith will finally go down at Ring of Combat 32 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. The first volley of this battle [...] Related posts:Another Interview with Brendan […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010
- ESPN News
- Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse fight in the works for November at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. September 2, 2010Zab Judah has not fought on HBO in more than two years, but that could change if plans in the works are finalized. […]Dan Rafael
- Juan Manuel Marquez has deal to fight Michael Katsidis September 2, 2010Lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez has agreed to fight Michael Katsidis at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Nov. 27. […]Associated Press
- Manny Pacquiao: Antonio Margarito knew what was in hand wraps September 2, 2010Manny Pacquiao says he wants a representative observing Antonio Margarito's hand wraps before their meeting in Texas. […]Associated Press
- Antonio Margarito was licensed to box by Texas regulators September 2, 2010Disgraced former welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito was licensed to box by Texas regulators on Thursday, paving the way for him to meet pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao for a vacant junior middleweight belt. […]Dan Rafael
- Backpack of Bob Arum's son John Arum found by search party September 2, 2010Searchers in the rugged North Cascades have found a backpack belonging to the son of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, but they are still looking for the missing climber. […]ESPN.com news services
- Manny Pacquiao on a Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout: 'He needs me' September 1, 2010Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday that they agreed to every demand put forward by Floyd Mayweather for what could have been the richest fight in boxing history. […]Associated Press
- Fana regains IBF junior lightweight title September 1, 2010Mzonke Fana has earned an impressive unanimous decision over Cassius Baloyi to win the vacant IBF junior lightweight title in a matchup of South Africans. […]Associated Press
- Bernard Hopkins to fight light heavyweight champ Jean Pascal on Dec. 18 September 1, 2010Bernard Hopkins is slated to meet newly crowned light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal Dec. 18 in Quebec City, both sides told ESPN.com on Tuesday. […]Dan Rafael
- Antonio Tarver ready for heavyweight debut against Nagy Aguilera August 30, 2010Antonio Tarver will make his heavyweight debut Oct. 15 against Nagy Aguilera in a scheduled 10-rounder either in Memphis or Southern California. […]Dan Rafael
- Fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez rescheduled for Nov. 6 August 30, 2010The postponed fight between featherweight titlist Juan Manuel Lopez and former two-division champion Rafael Marquez has been rescheduled. […]Dan Rafael
- Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse fight in the works for November at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. September 2, 2010
