By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of December 10th to December 17th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Patrick Nielsen Back in Action on February 15th

Following a hugely successful debut show, the Nordic Fight Night will return to the MusikTeatret, Albertslund on February 15. Local hero Patrick Nielsen (21-0, 10 KOs) will headline an action-packed show that will also feature his younger brother Micki Nielsen (11-0, 9 KOs).

The undefeated WBA & WBO Intercontinental Champion is relishing a return to his hometown arena where he defeated Jose Pinzon (24-6, 15 KOs) in front of a sell-out crowd in November.

”It meant a lot to me to fight in my hometown,” said Nielsen. ”I can’t wait to do it all over again. To look out and see all my family and friends cheering me on gave me a real boost and I am sure it will be the same in February. Pinzon was a tough guy. He hit hard and kept coming forward but I knew if I stuck to the game plan I had worked on with my trainer Joey Gamache I would get him out of there. I am happy that I did.”

An opponent for the 22 year-old middleweight is yet to be announced but Nielsen is confident that he will be up to any challenge that comes his way. ”I am putting the work in, training hard in the gym and listening to all of Joey’s advice. I will be ready for whoever is put in front of me. I am looking forward to starting the year with another big win in front of my home fans.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is also looking forward to a return to Albertslund. ”We are delighted to be bringing the Nordic Fight Night back to Albertslund,” said Sauerland. ”The atmosphere inside the MusikTeatret was incredible for the last show and I am sure it is going to be the same on February 15. 2014 is going to be a big year for Patrick as he comes ever closer to a world title shot. What better way to kick it off than with a fight in front of his home crowd?”

Lamont Peterson to Defend His Title Against Dierry Jean on January 25th

World-class championship boxing returns to the nation’s capital on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, when hometown hero IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson defends his 140-pound crown against Montreal’s unbeaten Dierry Jean as part of a live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) event at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. In the co-main event, Middleweight Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo risks his undefeated record against Two-Time World Title Challenger Gabriel “King” Rosado.

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $250, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. ET and available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or calling (800) 745-3000. The DC Armory Box Office will be open on fight night only from 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. ET.

“This is the perfect way for me to kick off 2014, with a great fight against a tough opponent in my hometown,” said Peterson. “Fights like these bring out the best in me and I’m going to give my fans a performance to remember on Jan. 25.”

“Peterson has been in the ring with many good fighters, but he hasn’t been in the ring with me,” said Jean. “I’ve worked hard for this for a long time. I have already started training camp and I’m in great shape. I just want to bring that belt home to Quebec, where it belongs.”
“I’ve waited for a big fight like this against a top-level opponent and now I’ve got it,” said Charlo. “Rosado is a rugged, tough fighter and with a win over him, I’ll be making a statement to the boxing world that I’m ready for even bigger and better things.”

“I wanted another world title shot after my fight with Peter Quillin, but with that rematch not happening right now, I want to stay busy and keep sharp until my time comes,” said Rosado. “Charlo’s got talent, but he’s not ready to face someone with as much experience as I have. I am ready to go after my recent fight with Quillin.”

Miguel Flores Remains Undefeated with 3rd Round Knockout

This past Saturday night in Cancun Mexico, Golden Boy Promotions super-featherweight prospect, Miguel Flores (13-0, 8 KOs) remained unbeaten with an impressive knockout, destroying Jorge “Escorpión” Rodríguez (15-7-0, 6 KO’s) at the Arena Quequi, Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Flores controlled the action from the opening bell, using his jab to set up his combinations. The scheduled 8-round bout ended in the third round when Flores landed a double left hook to the body that sent Rodriguez to the canvas in which he could not continue.

“I was an honor winning my first fight in Mexico,” said Flores. “I was born in Mexico so I wanted to show the fans their that I’m a fighter worthy of their praise. I worked very hard for this fight and the results showed in the fight. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions and my management team for keeping me busy.”

“My goal is to capture a regional title in the upcoming year.” Flores continued. “I’m learning more about my ability every time I step in the ring. With each fight I’m getting better and better. I’m looking forward to a great 2014.”

Bryant “By-By” Jennings and Artur Szpilka to Meet in NYC

Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Productions and Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing are happy to announce an agreement has been reached for rising heavyweight contenders Bryant Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs) and Artur Szpilka (16-0, 12 KOs) to meet in a 10-round showdown on January 25 in New York at Madison Square Garden Arena.

The undefeated pair will meet in an HBO-televised doubleheader, headlined by “Mikey” Garcia’s first defense of his WBO Super Featherweight Championship. The fight will mark the HBO debuts of both fighters.

Co-promoted by Antonio Leonard Promotions, Philadelphia’s Jennings, currently ranked #5 in the WBA and #4 in both the WBC and IBF rankings, will be returning from a seven-month layoff for this fight.

Jennings who’s managed by James Prince, who also manages Andre Ward, was last seen in June of this year (his only fight of the year) stopping Russia’s Andrey Fedosov in round six. After competing five times in 2012, the time off has left Jennings eager to get back into the ring.
“It feels like I’ve been caged up for so long,” said Jennings. “I feel like I have all of this intensity built up inside of me and nowhere to release it. My hunger is so strong that not even killing it in the gym is an escape anymore and the only way to satisfy my hunger is to binge, January 25th will be a buffet. With every minute that passes it’s like my hunger grows and that is bad news for Artur Szpilka.”

Warsaw, Poland’s Szpilka, who’s co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Ulrich Knockout Promotions, is currently rated WBA and WBC #14, was last seen in August, completing a two-fight ESPN-televised series with tough guy Mike Mollo. Szpilka visited the canvas in both fights against Mollo before scoring the KO with his super punching power from the southpaw stance.

“I look forward to the challenge,” said the popular Szpilka of the Jennings fight. “I have been improving with every fight and I am ready for anyone in the world. To take away his ratings in the world by beating him will move my career forward, so that is what I will do.”
Jackson Brothers Set New Record for Boxing TV Ratings in Argentina This past Saturday (December 7) in a Sampson Boxing and Tello Box promoted show held at the La Boutique Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina, the group of U.S. Virgin Islands-based fighters known as “The Hawk’s Flock,” the sons and nephew of the legendary former world middleweight champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, surpassed all expectations and set a new record for boxing TV viewership ratings in Argentina.

Saturday’s show, which featured five interesting bouts, was topped by Julian’s son and WBC #6 super welterweight contender John “Da Rock” Jackson (18-1-15 KO’s) scoring an eighth-round stoppage victory over veteran Jorge “El Chino” Miranda (51-16- with 20 KO’s).

In the evening’s co-feature, Julian’s other son, WBC #6, WBA #14, and IBF #15-rated super middleweight Julius “The Chef” Jackson (17-0 13 KO’s) won the WBA FEDEBOL Super Middleweight Championship with a ninth-round stoppage of previously undefeated Nicolas Lopez (10-0-4 KO’s).
Not achieving the same results was nephew Samuel Rogers, who dropped a close 10-round decision to Carlos Adam “El Malevo” Jerez for the WBA FEDEBOL Middleweight Title.

All three Argentinean opponents are sparring mates of Argentine World Middleweight Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.

The broadcast did tremendously well in the ratings in spite of the anonymity of the Islanders in Argentina, having previously fought in their native land USA, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Panama and Uruguay.

The event was televised to all of South America and North America by Argentine cable giant TyC Sport as part of its Boxeo de Primera series. Noting that in Argentina the ratings are only measured by the viewership of the greater Buenos Aires area a 1.08 rating was achieved, which during the five-hour event peaked to an unbelievable 1.36.

The event also drew a large number of fans to the outdoor La Boutique Stadium in Cordoba, despite the threat of showers.

Tickets on Sale for Stevens vs. Majewski

Tickets are officially on sale for the January 24th explosive double header to take place in the Superstar Theatre at Resorts International Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. The main event is a 10-round middleweight contest between hard-hitting contender Curtis Stevens, 25-4, 18 KOs, and the iron-jawed Patrick Majewski, 21-2, 13 KOs.

The 10-round co-feature bout is another exciting matchup. South African cruiserweight, Thabiso Mchunu, 14-1, 10 KOs, takes on Philadelphia crowd-pleaser Garrett Wilson, 13-7-1, 7 KOs, in what figures to be an interesting clash of styles.

Six additional fights are planned to be added to the card which is promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing and Showpony Promotions.

Tickets are priced $75 and $50. They can be purchased at the Resorts International Hotel and Casino Box Office, 800-736-1420 and at TicketMaster

Garcia vs. Burgos Tickets on Sale

Undefeated two-division world champion and Ventura County Police and Sheriff’s Reserve Officer Academy graduate MIKEY GARCIA returns to the stage where he won his first world title 12 months earlier — The Theater at Madison Square Garden — only this time he’ll be defending his second world championship belt in as many weight classes. Garcia will put his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title on the line against two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender JUAN CARLOS “Mini” BURGOS. Garcia vs. Burgos will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, Saturday, January 25, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round battle between undefeated heavyweight contenders BRYANT JENNINGS and ARTUR SZPILKA.

These four warriors have a combined record of 96-1-2 (69 KOs) — a winning percentage of 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 72%.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate, tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, go on sale This Friday! December 20 at Noon ET — THE perfect holiday gift for boxing fans. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com. .

The non-televised undercard will feature New York’s favorite light heavyweight, undefeated Top-10 contender “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN, 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian and undefeated lightweight contender FELIX VERDEJO and undefeated super middleweight contender JESSE HART, the son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart. The trio of young contenders boast a perfect record of 39-0 (29 KOs).

Riddick Bowe Deal to Wrestle Called Off

Riddick Bowe was scheduled to make his international wrestling debut at the Road to Glory Event on March 1st, 2014 in Preston, England for Preston City Wrestling. However, Regis Talent Management, who allegedly handles all of Riddick Bowe’s affairs, contacted the owner of Preston City Wrestling Steven Fludder to ask for an additional fee. Preston City Wrestling said no to their request and later canceled their contract with Riddick Bowe.
More can be found at http://www.prestoncitywrestling.com/news/2013/09/14/riddick-bowe-deal-off

50 Cent Prospect Ryan Martin Ready to Fight in the Big Apple

Tennessee lightweight prospect Ryan “Blue-Chip” Martin has taken a quick liking to the bright lights of New York City as he prepares for his second professional fight this Friday night at Resorts World Casino NYC in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

Back on September 16th, Martin (1-0, 1 KO) made his professional debut for his promoter, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, in which he stopped Darius Somierari in the second round of their fight at Resorts World Casino NYC. The 20-year-old Martin will face Eric Jamar Goodall (1-2), of Las Vegas, in a four-round bout on Friday’s “Big Apple Boxing” card, presented by 50 Cent’s SMS Promotion.

Martin, who now fights out of Cleveland, was a 12-time US amateur champion, including a sweep of the Junior Golden Gloves, Silver Mittens and Junior Olympics tournaments. His gold-medal performance at the prestigious U.S. Under-19 Tournament marked the highlight of his amateur career. He fought in several European cities – Berlin, Paris and London – but as a pro it’s been all New York City.

His slated November 9th fight in New York City was cancelled when his opponent failed to make weight. “It’s very exciting for me to be fighting on the big stage in New York City,” Martin said. “I just take things one fight at a time but it was frustrating in November when my fight was cancelled.”

“Having 50 Cent as my promoter is humbling but very exciting at the same time,” Martin noted. “It’s a blessing.

“What I’m learning as a pro is general ring knowledge. The adjustment from amateurs was a tough challenge, mentally, but I like the pro game better. I’ve even surprised myself with my body attack as a pro. I really didn’t focus on body punching; it just happened but I’m focused on that now.”

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospects, Joel Diaz, Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) and Wanzell Ellison (9-0-1, 5 KOs) throw-down in the 10-round main event. Undefeated Amir “Young Master” Imam (11-0, 10 KOs) meets Mexican veteran Sergio “Sirenito” Perez (28-15, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) junior welterweight title.

Undefeated junior welterweight prospect “Magic Man” Luis Olivares (6-0, 4 KOs) will be showcased in a six-round bout against Tony “Sugar Boy” Walker (5-3-1, 3 KOs). Also fighting on the undercard in six-round matches are undefeated Puerto Rican junior middleweight Emmanuel “Pirata” De Jesus (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. Antonio Fernandez-Chaves (4-13-2), super bantamweight Thomas “KO” Snow (16-1, 10 KOs) vs. Nate Green (4-0, 1 KO), and welterweight Donte Strayhorn (3-1) vs. Sam Moura (0-2). Scheduled to fight in a four-round female match is pro-debuting bantamweight Mafato Kamogawa vs. native Michelle Cook (0-0-1).

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