By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of October 7th to October 14th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Adamek vs. Glazkov Set for November 16th

In a classic heavyweight match up, Tomasz “Goral” Adamek, 49-2, 29 KO’s, will take on Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov, 15-0-1, 11 KO’s, on Saturday, November 16th at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. Doors will open at 12 PM ET, First Fight at 1PM ET.

The fight will be the main event of the afternoon presentation of NBC Fight Night. The two hour broadcast will begin at 3PM ET.

The veteran Adamek will put his IBF North American Heavyweight belt on the line in this 12-round battle against the up and coming Ukrainian. The IBF has designated this bout as a heavyweight voluntary eliminator fight for the #2 position.

This is a “must-win” fight for both fighters. Their come forward styles promise to deliver an exciting, action-packed night for boxing fans. Glazkov worked in Adamek’s training camp to help the Polish favorite prepare for his last fight against Dominick Guinn. Obviously, each fighter has knowledge of the other’s style and technique, as well as confidence that he can beat the other guy.

“This fight cannot help but be a non-stop action brawl,” said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. “A classic ‘cross roads’ fight, it is exactly the kind of signature launching pad match-up that we like to present on NBC. The winner of Adamek-Glazkov will put himself in a position for much bigger things in 2014.”

Glazkov is thrilled with the opportunity. “I have already been training hard. I had a very good camp boxing with Klitschko, as I helped him prepare for his fight with Povetkin. Now I will come to the United States to continue my training.” He added, “Adamek is a very good fighter with a big name. He is big and strong and comes forward during the fight, this is good for me. I think I can win this fight. It will help put my name on the list of the best heavyweight fighters.”

Adamek stated,”I know Glazkov is young and hungry to win, but I will be ready for him. I know our styles will make a good fight for all the fans.” He added “I’m excited to be fighting at Turning Stone for the first time. I’ve spent time with friends and family in that area so I know there will be a big Polish crowd to cheer me on.”

Iron Mike Productions to Host WBC World Cup November 15th

Iron Mike Productions (IMP) is bringing big-time boxing back to Florida, presenting opening-round action in the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) World Cup of Boxing, on Friday night, November 15, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Former two-divisional world champion Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman (33-1-1, 20 KOs) has moved up to fight as a welterweight in the WBC World Cup of Boxing. The Dominican Republic native, who was world champion as a super featherweight and super bantamweight, takes on undefeated WBC CABOFE champion Simeon “Candyman” Hardy (10-0, 7 KOs) in the 10-round World Cup main event.

In the other World Cup fight, Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (14-1, 11 KOs) faces WBC United States (USNBC) featherweight champion Romulo Koasicha (20-3, 12 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Marrero, also from the Dominican Republic, is coming off his lone loss as a professional this past August, by way of a 12-round decision to Jesus Cuellar for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim featherweight title.

The two WBC World Cup of Boxing fights will air live on Fox Sports1.

50 Cent Prospect Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin Added to Broadway Boxing Card

The blue chip boxer Ryan Martin prepares to enter the ring for the second time of his young career on November 9th at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn. The card is headlined by Brooklynites Dimitry Salita (35-1-1, 18KO’s) VS. Gabriel Bracero (22-1, 4KO’s).

Martin, who just recently signed with Curtis 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions, is coming off a very impressive Pro Debut victory over Darius Somieari (0-2). He scored a devastating second-round TKO on the first Big Apple Boxing event in Brooklyn, NY on September 16th.

“I’m thrilled to get back into the ring next month, 50 Cent told me that he plans to keep me active and we are doing just that. I’ve been sparring with Mark “Too Sharp” Davis 17-0, (5KO’s) and I’m feeling very confident in my offense and defense. Every day I’m learning new things with my new Boxing Coach Joe Delguyd and I couldn’t ask for a better team at the moment”. Martin’s team includes: strength and conditioning coach Robert Kaleal known for implementing the strength regimen for undefeated welterweight Shawn Porter, head coach Joe Delguyd, and manager Tim VanNewhouse.

The undercard is loaded with young talent including but not limited to: Patrick Day, (5-0, 2KO’s) Junior Younan, (Debut) Shemuel Pagan, (3-0 1KO’s) and Chris Galeaneo (0-1). Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $45, and can be purchased by calling the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577. Act fast as this will be a sold out event.

Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi to Fight on December 7th

Former two-division world champions Zab “Super” Judah and Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi hosted a press conference on October 15th to announce their December 7th welterweight fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. This fight will be broadcast on Showtime Championship Boxing and tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com

First Ever Abu Dhabi Boxing Event Rescheduled

The first-ever live professional boxing event scheduled for Abu Dhabi,Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island, is being postponed.

Event promoter Lion Heart Boxing Productions forced to reschedule the October 17 fight due to unavoidable circumstances beyond its control. Says CFO Edward Mendy, “Though we had several other issues, we had no choice but to postpone the show as four African fighters on the card did not get visas. The UAE has one of the easiest visa application processes in the world. Typically, a visa takes two days unless complicated by the applicant’s CID investigation. Thus, we did not worry about the visas, did not apply for visas sufficiently early and were blindsided by Eid. All government offices in the UAE are closedOctober 10 through October 20 for Eid. The visa issue cost us both main events. The opponent for Williams (Mazur Ali) is from Egypt and while the opponent for Ouali (Ebenezer Lamptey) is from Ghana. Additionally, we lost two other fights (the Braxton and Mesquita fights). Thus, We decided to reschedule rather than put on a subpar show with only local fighters since we had major television with ESPN3, Abu Dhabi Sports and several other TV channels contracted to air the fights.”

Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island is rescheduled for December 19, 2013 at the 5,000-capacity du Forum, located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Antonio Tarver to Headline Fox Sports 1 Card

Boxing’s popular new fight series Golden Boy Live! is back at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. on Tuesday, November 26 with a stacked card, featuring the return of former World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver facing West Virginia veteran Mike Sheppard in the 10-round main event which will be televised on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Also, featured on the card will be the Golden Boy Promotions debut of undefeated Cuban heavyweight star Luis “El Mercedez” Ortiz against a fighter to be announced in the co-featured fight that will get Florida fight fans up and cheering from bell to bell.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the ring and showing the world that the ‘Magic Man’ is better than ever and ready for the big fights,” said Tarver. “This is the perfect opportunity to make a statement at home and I can’t wait.”

“Beating someone like Antonio Tarver would be career-altering for me,” said Sheppard. “I know what he’s accomplished in the sport, but I’m hungry for this and you’re going to see the best Mike Sheppard yet.”

“I have not fought here in Florida in almost two years and this is what my fans have been waiting for,” said Ortiz. “It’s going to be a big night in Florida and I will be looking for a knockout.”

Warriors Re-Signs “Mantequilla” Gonzalez to Promotional Agreement

Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing, proudly announces the signing of Puerto Rican junior middleweight contender Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (16-0-1, 13 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract.

Despite being considered a red-hot power-punching force in the 154-lb division, promotional problems had kept the 24-year-old Gonzalez out of the ring since last January. Margules says after a couple of return fights, Gonzalez will step directly into a high-profile showcase.

“We’ve relocated him from Puerto Rico to Florida to train. He’s 100% focused now and ready to live up to his reputation as the ‘Next Puerto Rican Superstar,'” said Margules. “We’re going to let him shake off some ring rust, starting December 6 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago and then go to work getting him a title shot or an important fight to get back in the mix.”

Gonzalez had run up a streak of 13 consecutive knockouts to begin his career, drawing comparisons to a young Tito Trinidad, before going the distance in his last four fights, including a draw with former world champion Serhiy Dzinziruk.

Greg Cohen Congratulates WBA #3 Fletcher for Win over Kanofski

Promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions would like to congratulate Queensland, Australia’s WBA #3 middleweight Jarrod “Left Jab” Fletcher (17-1, 10 KOs) for his wide unanimous decision over Tim Kanofski (12-7, 1 KO) at the Calabria club, in Melbourne, Australia last Friday.

Waiting patiently for his big opportunity, Fletcher controlled the action in a stay-busy matchup. Cohen says his man is being talked about for a shot at the winner of the upcoming WBA championship fight between champion Gennady Golovkin and Curtis Stevens, scheduled for November 2 at Madison Square Garden.

“Jarrod Fletcher is in a position for several big fights right now and we’ll be looking to get him into them as soon as possible,” said Cohen. “Not only is he a strong possibility for the winner of Golovkin/Stevens, he’s also got former champs Daniel Geale and Anthony Mundine for huge All-Australia showdowns. It’s a good time to be Jarrod Fletcher right now.”

Michael Oliveira and Yuri Foreman Fighting on November 12th Card in Florida

Light middleweight contenders Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (21-1, 16 KOs) and former world champion Yuri Foreman (31-2, 8 KOs) will fight in separate bouts duringKnockout Night At Hard Rock Live, presented by MO Productions, on Tuesday night, November 12, 2013 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

MO Productions will be making its United States promotional debut after having promoted several shows in Brazil, as well as in Uruguay and the Dominican Republic. Knockout Night At Hard Rock Live will air live on SporTV, a Brazilian Sports television broadcaster affiliate to TV Globo Network.

“We’re excited to promote our first U.S. show, at home, here in Florida,” said Carlos Oliveira, president of Miami-based MO Productions. “I’d like to thank the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and SporTV for this tremendous opportunity. Michael Oliveira and Yuri Foreman are two of the top-rated light middleweights in the World Boxing Council. If both win impressively, they could be fighting, once again, against each other in the near future. Our show will also feature some of the best Miami-based boxing prospects. MO Productions has hired some of the top professionals in boxing for our show operations.”

Barker vs. Sturm First Press Conference Quotes

It is a day to make history when Felix Sturm challenges Great Britain’s IBF World
Middleweight Champion Darren Barker on December 7, 2013 at the Porsche Arena in
Stuttgart, Germany. The German superstar will attempt to win an unprecedented fourth
middleweight title – an achievement none other German fighter has done before.

Barker and Sturm met for the first time at today’s first press conference in Stuttgart. Both
appeared confident but respectful.

Felix Sturm: “I’m really excited about that fight, as I can’t wait to become world champion
again. Darren is a tough fighter but he will be in for a surprise. We have eight weeks to go
until fight day and I’m already in really good shape. I promise that this will be a great event.”

Darren Barker, IBF World Middleweight Champion: “Felix was a great champion, but I
believe I have his number. I worked very hard to become champion and I don’t intend to let
go of my belt. I don’t have a problem with going to Germany for this fight at all. I travelled a
lot in the amateurs and won the title in USA. I intend to defend my title in style.”

ESPN Films 30 for 30 Series Continues with Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran

ESPN Films’ Peabody award-winning 30 for 30 film series continues with No Más, which will premiere on Tuesday, October 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN (following a special premiere on ESPN Deportes on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9 p.m.) The film, directed by Eric Drath (Renee), chronicles the rivalry of boxing legends Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.

In the midst of boxing’s contemporary golden age -­ the 1980’s -­ stood two fighters who established a captivating rivalry. Their pair of bouts within a span of just over 5 months in 1980 had all the trappings of instant classics. Sugar Ray Leonard, an American hero, who had become a household name after a Gold Medal-winning performance at the 1976 Summer Olympics that led to numerous corporate sponsorships, versus the lightweight champion Roberto Duran of Panama, the toughest -­ some said meanest -­ fighter of all time. It was not just the drama and action of these fights that would endure, but those two words uttered in the second of their clashes, which would create a sense of mystery, bewilderment and intrigue to the present day. Through Leonard’s journey to Panama to see his old rival in search of closure, No Más looks for answers to Duran’s stunning decision to quit in the middle of a championship fight.

Roman Morales Victorious at Chumash Casino

Gary Shaw Productions presented another great night of boxing at the Chumash Casino Resort. In the main event, Roman Morales (17-0, 10 KOs) defeated Robert Castaneda (20-4-1, 15 KOs) by way of unanimous decision to retain his “Central Coast Championship”.

In the early rounds, Morales was using his superior boxing skills to get in position to land his shots. Castaneda was confused as Morales was switching stances throughout the fight. Morales dropped Castaneda in round five and everything was going his way. Things changed in round seven, when Morales got caught with a left hook to the head. Morales regained his composure, but Castaneda gained confidence going into the final rounds. Morales got back in control and finished off the fight landing hard blows to the head and body. Scorecards read 97-91 across the board for Morales.

“I felt I could have finished the fight in the early rounds but I couldn’t get him out of there,” said Morales. “Castaneda fought very tough and I take my hat off to him for continuing to fight after I dropped him. I got caught with a punch I didn’t see coming but I got back on my feet and finished the fight throwing hard punches. This was a great learning experience and I’ll be back in the gym to work on my craft. I want to thank Gary Shaw for giving me another opportunity to showcase my skills. I’ll be ready when they call my name.”

Bryant Jennings Signs with Gary Shaw Productions and Antonio Leonard Promotions

Philadelphia’s undefeated heavyweight contender, Bryant Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs) has signed a co-promotional contract with Gary Shaw Productions and Antonio Leonard Promotions. Advised by manager James Prince, Jennings is on the verge of fighting for a world title, is ranked IBF No. 3, WBO No. 14 and WBC No. 21.

Having fought stiff competition thus far in his career, Jennings is the type of battle-tested warrior America is seeking to represent the heavyweight division on a global stage. With a powerful team behind him, Jennings feels he’s ready to take his career to the next level.

“I’m glad I’m finally moving forward in my career with a great team,” said Bryant Jennings. “Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard are two great promoters who have been in this sport for many years and have promoted some of the biggest fights in boxing history. I’m ecstatic to be managed by James Prince because he’s guided the careers of many world champions and his knowledge as a boxing manager is impeccable. It’s truly a blessing to have these experienced gentlemen working on my behalf. I’m ready to take my career to the next level.”

Having promoted some of boxing’s greatest fighters, which include Mike Tyson, Diego Corrales, Shane Mosley, Winky Wright, Vernon Forrest and Lennox Lewis to name a few, Gary Shaw sees Bryant Jennings as the next heavyweight contender to conquer boxing’s most glorified division.

“First off, I want to say I’m very thrilled to be working side by side with my good friends Antonio Leonard and James Prince,” Shaw said. “We’ve worked harmoniously together in the past when we had Corrales and it was an astonishing journey. Now we’ve come together again with an outstanding heavyweight in Bryant Jennings. From what I’ve seen, Jennings has the personality and talent to become a star in this sport. He’s a very kind young man who brings an exciting style to the heavyweight division. I’m very pleased to add Jennings to our rich history of great fighters here at GSP and I’m working hard with Antonio and James to get him in a big fight. He’ll be in the ring very soon.”

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