Tag Archives: Christian

Posted on 02/11/2019

By: Ken Hissner

Raging Babe Events made their Philly promotional debut at the 2300 Arena in South Philly Friday night . Raging Babe Events is headed by Michelle Rosado and J. Russell Peltz acted as the matchmaker. In the Main Event previously unbeaten Christian Carto was knocked out in the second round by 3-time world title challenger southpaw Victor “Pelon” Ruiz before a standing room only crowd.

“A change of trainer’s three fights ago backfired!” That was from one of the Carto fans. Another watching it on Facebook said “changing trainers came back to bite him.” “Since leaving trainer Mickey Rosati after five years Carto went from a boxer-puncher to a straight ahead puncher and was taking head shots like never before,” said another.

In the opening round after a minute Ruiz landed the first solid punch a lead left to the body. Carto landed a lead right on the chin. Carto landed a lead right to the body. Ruiz landed a left uppercut on the chin as Carto came in.

In the second round Ruiz walked into a left hook on the chin. Both fighters landed body shots. Ruiz missed a right hook but landed a following right. Ruiz landed a thunderous overhand left hook on the chin and Carto went down and out! The replay was never shown on the screens afterwards.

Ruiz had lost five of his last six fights getting knocked out in his last fight in October in the first round. In the six fights the opposition had a 103-35 record.

Carto laid flat on his back for some twenty minutes before being put on a stretcher and taken to Jefferson Hospital.

Philly heavyweight Darmani “Solid” Rock, 14-0 (9), stopped Steven “The Lion King” Lyons, 5-4 (2), of Larose, LA, at 1:20 of the fourth round.

In the first round Rock used a jab and a right to the body backing Lyons up. Lyons had a hard left hook blocked by Rock. Lyons landed a left hook on the chin of Rock. Rock with his left to his side used an effective jab. In the second round the bigger by 64 lbs. Rock landed a right cross to the chin of Lyons that had no effect. Rock drove Lyons back with a lead right to the chin. Lyons landed a double left hook on the chin of Rock. A Rock right on the chin drove Lyons against the ropes.

In the third round Rock started clowning and the fans didn’t appreciate it. He would take a southpaw stance and do little with it. There were few punches landed but Lyons got in as many as Rock. In the fourth round Lyons landed a left hook followed by a right to the chin driving Rock back several steps. A solid right to the mid-section from Rock and down went Lyons taking the full count on his knees until referee Esteves waved it over. Lyons got up immediately. The fans were not happy. It was a lack luster fight with a bad ending.

In the co-feature Welterweight Marcel “Hard-Roc” Rivers, 7-0 (4), of N. Philly, defeated southpaw Derrick “Bad Boy” Whitley, II, 4-1-1 (0), of Springfield, MASS, over 6 rounds.

In the first round Rivers landed a right uppercut on the chin of Whitley. Whitley landed a right hook on the chin during the break and was warned by referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. In the second round Rivers ran into a left on the chin from Whitley. Rivers landed a right uppercut to the body. Whitley came back with a flurry driving Rivers against the ropes. Whitley landed a right uppercut to the body. Rivers backed Whitley against the ropes with several body shots.

In the third round Rivers ducked into a right uppercut on the chin. Rivers landed a combination to the body. Whitley landed a combination to the body and was countered by a Rivers body shot. In the fourth round Rivers landed a combination to the body. In the middle of the round a “fight broke out” with a good exchange! Rivers landed a flurry to the body of Whitley. Rivers landed a right uppercut on the chin. Rivers landed a lead right to the chin.

In the fifth round Rivers landed a lead right to the body a minute into the round. Too many clinches in this fight. Rivers landed a left uppercut on the chin getting a roar from the Philly crowd for the hometown fighter. Whitley came back with a combination to the head. Seconds later Whitley landed a right uppercut to the chin.

In the sixth and final round Rivers came out with a double jab on the chin of Whitley. Rivers landed a right knocking out the mouthpiece of Whitley. Rivers ended the round wit right cross to the chin of Whitley. Whitley came back with a lead left to the chin of Rivers.

Whitley seemed to have as many fans brought down from MASS’s as Rivers had here. Too much holding by Whitley in this one and Rivers seemed confused fighting a southpaw. His trainer is Fred Jenkins, Sr. a PAB HOF trainer.

Scores were 58-56 by all 3 judges, Weisfeld, Braswell and Ruben with this writer 57-57.

Super bantamweight Mexico’s Alejandro “El Grande” Jimenez, 4-0-1 (1), New Hope, PA, drew with southpaw Edgar “Double Trouble Cortes, 6-4-1 (0), of PR/Vineland, NJ, over 6 lackluster rounds.

In the opening round there wasn’t a punch landed for a minute until Cortes landed a lead left to the chin. There was very little action in the round. In the second round Cortes missed a left but followed through landing a right on the chin. Both boxers were too tentative. In the final seconds Jimenez landed a flurry of punches driving Cortes into the ropes at the bell.

In the third round Jimenez missed a right but followed through landing a left to the chin. Halfway through the round both finally got into a good exchange. Jimenez walked into a left uppercut to the body from Cortes at the bell. In the fourth round Cortes missed with a right hook and got countered by a right on the chin by Jimenez. Cortes landed a solid straight left on the chin of Jimenez getting the crowd into it. Jimenez landed a lead right on the chin. Cortez landed a hard right hook on the chin seconds before the round ended.

In the fifth round Cortes walked into a right on the chin from Jimenez. Cortes landed a right hook to the chin. Jimenez came back with a right cross on the chin at the bell. In the sixth and final round Jimenez was warned by referee Dali for coming in with his head. Cortes landed a right hook to the chin seconds before the end of the round and fight. Dali was the referee.

Scores were Braswell 57-57, Weisfeld 58-56 Cortes and Brazinski 58-56 Jimenez with this writer 57-57.

Bantamweight Jonathan Torres, 2-0 (0), of PR/Bethlehem, PA, defeated Dallas Holden, 1-4 (0), of Atlantic City, NJ, over 4 lackluster rounds.

In the opening round Torres showed good movement as Holden was chasing him. Torres rocked Holden with half a minute left in the round with a straight right on the chin. In the second round Holden continues to hold and rabbit punch Torres. Torres rocked Holden with a right on the chin halfway through the round. Torres missed a right but followed through with a left hook to the chin of Holden.

In the third round Holden landed a double jab to the chin. While in the infighting Torres landed a right cross on the chin of Holden. Referee Eric Dali warned Holden for using his head. In the fourth and final round Torres landed a left uppercut to the chin of Holden. Holden landed an overhand right on the chin rocking Torres. Seconds later another right from Holden landed on the chin of Torres.

Scores were 40-36 by all three judges and this writer.

Super lightweight Haitian Osnel “Prince” Charles, 12-19-1 (2), of Atlantic City, NJ, lost a hard fought majority decision to Mexico’s Geraldo Martinez, 4-1 (1), out of Coatesville, PA, in a 4.

In the first round Martinez used en effective jab until Charles landed a right on the chin. Midway through the round both fighters slugged it out in the middle of the ring with Charles getting an edge. In the second round Martinez drove Charles into a neutral corner until Charles landed a hard left hook to the chin. Both fighters exchanged right uppercuts. Martinez drove Charles against the ropes with a flurry of punches. With his back to the ropes Martinez landed a counter left hook on the chin of Charles. Near the end of the round both fighters got their licks in.

In the third round Martinez came storming out backing up Charles until a counter right from Charles landed on the chin. Charles buckled the knees of Martinez with a right on the chin that got the crowd into it. Martinez landed a right while Charles countered with a left bloodying the nose of Martinez.

In the fourth round and final round Charles came out landing a right uppercut. Martinez came back driving Charles against the ropes making him hold. Suddenly Martinez started dancing away. Charles caught up to him and it turned into a slugfest. Charles landed a combination to the chin getting the people into it. Martinez drove Charles into a corner. Both fighters were throwing punches at the bell as referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. had to seperate the fighters throughout the bout.

Scores were 38-38, 39-37 and 40-36 with this writer 39-37. After 32 fights fighting in a 4 rounder it’s time for Charles to call it quits. Martinez is trained by Jimmy D’Orio with Joey Rowan the assistant.

Heavyweight Sonny Conto, 1-0 (1), of S. Philly, stopped Jimmie Levins, 0-5 (0), of Buffalo, NY, at 2:14 of the first round.

In the first round Conto showed a good jab with Levins looking for a way out. Levins slipped to the canvas two times and a third time by a left hook dropping him before referee Dali called in the ring physician who called a halt due to a jaw injury. Dali called the knockdown a slip. If he slipped someone hit him hard enough on the jaw to stop the fight. Levins should be suspended forever. He looked like he was stepping into cement from the time the first bell sounded.

Conto is trained by Mickey Rosati and Conto’s father Frank with Joey Eye in the corner as cut-man. The Conto fans were numerous. He is trained by Mickey Rosati and Conto’s father Frank Conto with Joey Eye as cut man. David McWater the manager and Top Rank the promoter.

Posted on 12/20/2018

By Jake Donovan

It’s been nearly 35 years since South Philadelphia boasted its last world champion.

Time will tell if Christian Carto can help fill that void; in the meantime, he’ll settle for becoming the area’s next leading gate attraction.

Photo Credit: Christian Carto Twitter Account

The unbeaten bantamweight prospect will headline an eight-fight card on February 8 at 2300 Arena in his South Philly backyard. An opponent has yet to be selected for the charismatic 22-year old, but he’s treating the night as if it’s his first world title fight.

“This is going to be a special night for me,” said Carto (17-0, 11KOs), who was a perfect 4-0 in 2018. “It’s only my second time fighting at the 2300 Arena as pro and I enjoy the atmosphere even when I’m just there to support other fighters.

“A big ‘Thank You’ to Michelle Rosado for including me on her first card in Philly.”

The decision to have Carto top the bill—aptly dubbed “Philly Special”—was a no-brainer for Rosado, whose Raging Babe company makes its Pennsylvania promotional debut with the show. The boxing entrepreneur has flexed her promotional muscle in Arizona and North Carolina-in fact, revitalizing both markets with entertaining action and a lively atmosphere on all of her events.

Rosado’s keys to successful shows in such areas are competitive in-ring action loaded with local flavor, a simple formula instilled by her mentor and Hall-of-Fame promoter J Russell Peltz. Having shown what she’s capable of, the natural next step was to return home to her Philly roots.

“This show is for South Philly,” insists Rosado. “The 2300 Arena is in South Philly and it’s headlined by Christian Carto, the hottest fighter to come out of South Philly in years.

“I look forward to getting him the recognition he deserves locally and nationally through this “Philly Special” card. He is the Philly Special!”

Carto’s roots run deep in the area, coming from a boxing family. His grandfather and two uncles —Nunzio (27-2, 13KOs), Frankie (41-13-3, 21KOs) and Joe Carto (4-2-1, 3KOs)—were all pro fighters in the 1930s and 1940s, having established reputations as no-nonsense prizefighters in the lighter weight divisions. Frankie—a bonafide featherweight contender in the 1940s—and Nunzio were both regulars at the famed Cambria Athletic Club, infamously known as “The Bucket of Blood” given its reputation for presenting club shows loaded with non-stop two-way action.

Still, it’s another Italian-American from Philly to whom the youngest boxing Carto has already has drawn early comparisons in Joey Giardello. The late, great middleweight reigned as World champion from 1963-1965 and owns wins over Hall of Famers Sugar Ray Robinson and Dick Tiger, as well as Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and Henry Hank, conquering all in his Philly hometown.

Giardello’s revenge-fueled win over Hank was hailed as 1962 Fight of the Year, while claiming the scalps of Robinson, Tiger (2-2 lifetime, the second win for the Middleweight crown, coming in Atlantic City) and Carter all within the span of 18 months. He’d lose the title to Tiger in their 4th and final fight in 1965, boxing two more years before ending his career in 1967 on a high-note, avenging a prior loss to previously unbeaten Jack Rodgers with a win in Philadelphia.

None of that history is lost on Carto, whose youth was spent actively in ice hockey and, of course, boxing. The latter became his true love, winning the 2014 National Golden Gloves at 108 pounds and then placing third the following year in the same competition at 114-pounds, where he also claimed a Bronze medal in the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Believing he’d gone as far as he could in the amateurs, Carto turned pro in 2016 still five months shy of his 20th birthday. Less than three years into his career, he’s already created a buzz throughout Philadelphia, particularly in South Philly.

“I look to forward to having a strong start to 2019 and continue building my career,” Carto said. ” My sponsors and my fans show unwavering support every fight and I am indebted to them. A lot of people are behind me and I want to make them proud not only of me, but also of South Philly boxing.”

In due time, who knows—maybe the latest unbeaten bantamweight can become South Philly’s first champ since Jeff Chandler held a slice of the 118-pound crown for much of the first half of the 1980s.

“There’s been a lot of great fighters from South Philly and I hope to uphold that tradition,” Carto humbly states.

UNDERCARD AND TICKET INFO

The rest of the show is still being put together, but in true Raging Babe fashion features plenty of local attractions. Already slated to appear are super lightweight prospect Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4KOs), super bantamweight Alejandro Jimenez (4-0, 1KO) and debutant Jeremy Adorno, whose 18th birthday comes one month prior to fight night.

Rivers made his pro debut at 2300 Arena, in fact his first three fights taking place at the venue. His first career start in Dec. ’16 came on the same night that Joseph Adorno—Jeremy’s older brother—turned pro, both scoring 1st round knockouts on the night.

Tickets to “Philly Special” are priced $50, $75 and $125. They can be purchased online at www.2300arena.com or by calling 215-765-0922. Doors open at 6:30 pm and first bout is at 7:30 pm.

Posted on 04/13/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Former Philadelphia WBA World Bantamweight Champion “Joltin” Jeff Chandler was 13-0-1 with 4 knockouts after his first 14 fights. His fourteenth fight was his first 10 rounder.

In comparison Philadelphia’s 21 year-old Christian Carto is 14-0 with 11 knockouts and a former 2014 and 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion. He’s also been the main event boxer on three shows. Starting August 11th, September 29th and March 2nd.

Photo Credit: Darryl Cobb, Jr.

On April 28th he will be fighting for the same promoter Chandler had who is IBHOF promoter J Russell Peltz of Peltz Boxing. The bout will take place at the Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia which is the home base for the Temple University Owls basketball team. It is also where both Peltz and his assistant matchmaker Brittany Rodgers graduated from.

Peltz is known to give the fans what they want and put’s on very competitive fights. Carto’s opponent will not be an exception in Edwin “Puto” Rodriguez, 9-4 (5), of Puerto Rico. He is coming off a win over Juan Carlos Camacho then 6-0 (4) in August by majority decision in Complejo Ferial, Ponce, PR, over 6 rounds. In his previous loss he lost a split decision over 10 rounds to Jose Alfredo Rodriguez, then 31-4 (19), at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA, to win the UBF All America Super Flyweight title. He has a knockout win over Puerto Rico’s Carlos Rodriguez who was 12-1 at the time for the WBA Fedecentro Super Flyweight title.

Carto is trained by former PA Golden Gloves Champion Mickey Rosati. He trains above Rosati’s Auto Repair Shop in South Philadelphia. Carto’s manager is his brother Frankie Jr. who was a PA Novice champion. In this writer’s conversations with Frankie it’s like talking to an old time manager. For someone so young and inexperienced you would never guess this. Rosati is one of the best young trainers in the business and having his boxing career in Philadelphia following his father’s career has really been a blessing. At the gym today I found out PAB HOF Mickey Sr. fell and fractured his pelvis and broke a hand. He is in the Methodist Hospital in South Philly and “fighting to get back home” with every doctor he encounters.

Carto turned professional on July 2, 2016 stopping Rahkeam Parker at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA. Just 20 days later he was stopping Christopher Nelson who was making his debut at the Claridge Hotel & Casino, in Atlantic City, NJ.

Carto would win 4 more fights in 2016 with 3 at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia and 2 at the Liacouras Center where his next bout will be held. He would have a total of 7 fights at the SugarHouse Casino, 1 each at the Fillmore and 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Tropicana Hotel & Casino as well as the previously mentioned Claridge making it 2 in Atlantic City.

Carto’s last 3 wins have be 8 round decisions over Mexico’s Alonso Melendez, 14-1, Mexico’s Luis Fernando Saavedra, 7-3 and James Smith 12-1 of Detroit, MI. It wasn’t until his last fight against Smith that one of the judges had an opponent winning a round.

KEN HISSNER: Do you know anything about your next opponent Edwin Rodriguez?

CHRISTIAN CARTO & MICKEY ROSATI: We’ve seen several films on him. He looks more like a boxer than a slugger.

FRANKIE CARTO: We have seen enough films on Rodriguez to know that he will be a tough test for Christian even though he is coming up a couple of pounds from his usual weight.

KEN HISSNER: Do you feel you have learned more from winning your last 3 fights by 8 round decisions than your first 11 bouts by stoppages all within 5 rounds?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: I believe I am learning and improving with each fight.

MICKEY ROSATI: We work on new stuff and he adjusts so good it’s amazing how quick he picks things up.

KEN HISSNER: This will be your third time fighting at Temple University’s the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. Is there much difference than fighting in smaller venues?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: I don’t notice the crowd so the size of the facility or crowd doesn’t matter to me.

KEN HISSNER: You have fought for promoters Hard Hitting Promotions, King’s Promotions and now Peltz Boxing in association with Top Rank Boxing. Do you and your brother Frankie feel it’s good so that you can evaluate them?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: My brother Frankie takes care of all of this.

FRANKIE CARTO: We evaluate them and all have helped Christian’s career which is important in a young career. This keeps him in the gym. He will be having his fifteenth fight next month in twenty-two months since turning professional in July of 2016.

KEN HISSNER: What is the weight set at for the fight with Edwin Rodridguez knowing he is a super flyweight?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: The weight is set at 118 give or take a pound.

KEN HISSNER: Who was your amateur trainer?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: Tony Brisani who also trained Mickey (Rosati) in the beginning. Then Mickey came in from that point and for all my professional fights.

KEN HISSNER: Would you say sparring with Manny Folly also out of Philly who is 10-0 has been as tough as any of your opponents?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: Manny gives me the best sparring I could get and he is as good as my opponents have been.

KEN HISSNER: Who have you sparred with in preparing you for this upcoming fight?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: I just finished sparring with Stephen “Scooter” Felton (12-0 Philly Featherweight).

KEN HISSNER: Have you signed a promotional contract as of yet?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: No.

KEN HISSNER: In your last bout you had your first main event fight. In the one coming up you will be on a card with a world title bout, a pair of 10 rounder’s and be one of the four 8 rounder’s but on a much larger stage and on ESPN. Can you compare the two without yet experiencing it?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: It is exciting on the same card with some good people.

KEN HISSNER: I believe I have covered all your 14 bouts and have to say you are probably the most exciting to watch because you come with the “full package” of boxing skills and punching power. Do you feel the fans expect a knockout since your first eleven fights ended that way?

CHRISTIAN CARTO: I feel I am getting better with each fight. I know it’s a learning process going from the amateurs to the professionals.

KEN HISSNER: I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule preparing for your upcoming fight on April 28th.

CHRISTIAN CARTO: Anytime.

Posted on 03/03/2018

By: Ken Hissner

At the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia Friday night unbeaten South Philly bantamweight Christian Carto defeated Kronks James Smith on a Kings Promotion before another sold out crowd in spite of a snow storm Friday night.

In the Main Event Bantamweight unbeaten Christian Carto, 14-0 (11), of South Philadelphia, PA, easily defeated James Smith, 12-2 (7), of Kronk out of Detroit, MI, over 8 rounds of action.

In the first round Smith landed first with a right to the chin of Carto who countered with a left hook to the chin of Smith. Carto used a double jab to the chin of Smith followed by a right to the head. Carto landed a left hook to the chin of Smith getting his attention. Smith ended the round with a left hook to the chin of Carto. In the second round a solid jab from Carto stopped Smith in his tracks. Both boxers were warned by referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. about hitting behind the head. Smith missed with several punches but Carto landed a right to the chin. Smith landed a left hook to the chin having Carto in a corner than Carto came back with half a dozen punches backing Smith up. Smith’s right fell short and Carto countered with a right to the chin. Smith landed a left hook and Carto countered with a right both to the chin at the bell.

In the third round Carto landed first with a right to the chin of Smith. He followed with a combination to the head. Smith drove Carto into the ropes with a left hook but Carto blocked the follow-up right. Carto missed with a lead right but landed a left hook to the chin of Smith. Both landed well until a Smith right went low. Referee Esteves, Jr. gave Carto a minute rest. Against the ropes Carto landed a right to the chin of Smith who came back with a right of his own but missed.

In the fourth round Smith landed first with a right to the chin of Carto. They exchanged left hooks. Smith turned southpaw and got hit with a Carto left hook to the chin. Smith landed a left hook to the chin of Carto but got countered with a combination to the head. Carto rocked Smith with a left hook to the chin. Carto landed a straight right to the chin of Smith and seconds later landed a left hook to the chin of Smith just prior to the bell. The many Carto fans showed their appreciation.

In the fifth round Carto landed a right over a jab to the chin of Smith. Carto landed a 3-punch combination starting with a right hand. Carto landed a wicked left hook to the body of Smith. Carto landed a right to the head of Smith at the bell. In the sixth round Carto used his hand speed with several jabs followed by a right to the chin of Smith. Carto landed a left hook to the chin of Smith knocking him off balance. Carto landed half a dozen punches without return from Smith. Smith landed several left hooks to the body of Carto.

In the seventh round Carto landed several left hooks to the chin of Smith. Carto landed a left hook to the chin of Smith knocking him back a step. Carto missed with a right but landed a double left hook to the chin of Smith. In the eighth and final round Smith came out fast knowing he was well behind trying to land a wild left hook but missed. Smith ducked into a Carto left hook to the chin. Smith missed with a wild right looking exhausted. Carto kept Smith off balance with jabs. Carto landed a 3-punch combination just prior to the ending of the round and the fight.

Judge Steve Weisfeld had it 79-73 while Judges Marc Werlinsky and Dewey LaRosa had it 80-72 as did this writer. Mickey Rosati, Jr. and Frankie Carto worked the Carto corner.

“He’s a strong kid and a good fighter. I’m only getting better with every fight. And thanks to my fans for coming out and Wendy Hamilton of SugarHouse,” said Carto.

In the co-feature Philly’s Super Middleweight Christopher “Ice Cold” Brooker, 13-5 (5), in a hard fought fight defeated Jamaal “Da Truth” Davis, 16-13-1 (7), formerly of Philadelphia and now out of Harrisburg, PA, winning the vacant WBF Super Middleweight title. President James Gibbs presented the belt to Brooker.

In the first round due to too much wrestling it was halfway through the round before Brooker landed the first punch a short right to the chin. Just prior to the end of the round Brooker landed a solid left hook to the chin of Davis hurting him. In the second round both fighters went to the body of one another. Davis pinned Brooker against the ropes with a flurry of punches. Davis came back with a left hook to the chin of Brooker in the middle of the ring. Brooker hurt Davis with a left hook to the chin.

In the third round both boxers went back to wrestling. Brooker landed the first significant punch a left hook to the chin of Davis at the midway point of the round. Brooker backed Davis into a corner landing a right to the chin but Davis landed the final punch a left hook to the chin of Brooker. In the fourth round in the middle of the ring a fight broke out with Davis landing a left and Brooker a right to each others chins.

In the fifth round a Davis left hook to the chin drove Brooker back several steps. Inside Davis landed several left hooks to the chin of Brooker. They exchanged right hands to the chin.

Brooker drove Davis into the ropes with a flurry. In the sixth round the in fighting continued with both landing left hooks to the chin. Davis coming up in weight for this one has the experience while Brooker the strength.

In the seventh round Davis landed a chopping right to the head of Brooker who came back with a left hook to the chin of Davis. Davis started boxing more with a jab but left hand low got caught with a right by Brooker on the chin. In the eighth and final round inside Brooker landed a right uppercut to the chin of Davis. Then Brooker came back with a solid left hook to the chin of Davis getting some noise from the crowd. A lead right from Brooker to the chin of Davis rocked him. Brooker followed up with another right having Davis in trouble. The fight ended with Brooker having Davis on the ropes.

Judge Walinski and Weisfeld had it 79-73 and judge LaRosa 77-75 with this writer having it 78-74. Blair Talmadge was the referee.

Super Lightweight Tyrone “Butterfly” Crawley, Jr., 7-1 (0), of Philadelphia, PA, retired after the third round, losing to Anthony “Club Man” Mercado, 11-3 (10), of Arecibo, PR, due to an injury in a scheduled 8.

In the first round Crawley landed a right hook to the chin of Mercado with the first punch of the round. Crawley continued to dominate with his jab keeping Mercado off balance. In the second round Crawley landed a straight left to the chin of Mercado rocking him. Crawley switched to orthodox and back to southpaw making Mercado miss quite a bit. Just prior to the bell Mercado went to throw a right but Crawley got there first with a right to the chin dropping Mercado who got up quickly.

In the third round Crawley landed a 3-punch combination to the chin of Mercado. Mercado continued to chase Crawley and walked into a right uppercut to the chin from Crawley. Mercado landed a left hook to the chin of Crawley who was against the ropes just before the bell. Crawley couldn’t continue due to an injured rib on the left side after the third round. Tyrone “Butterfly” Crawley, Sr. and Ivan “Mighty” Robinson were in Crawley’s corner. Crawley easily won the first 3 rounds.

Super Lightweight David “Two Gun” Gonzales, 8-3-2 (2), of Philadelphia, PA, was stopped by Victor Vazquez, 10-3 (4), of Yonkers, NY, at 1:56 of the first round of a scheduled 8.

In the first round Vasquez dominates from the bell switching from orthodox to southpaw. The much shorter Gonzales looked beat from the bell. A left hook from Vasquez on the chin dropped Gonzales and upon rising referee Esteves, Jr. wisely stopped the mismatch. Vasquez is now 4-0 against Philly boxers. Angel Pizarro, Sr. worked the corner.

Heavyweight Dominique “Majik” Mayfield, 0-1 (0), of South Philadelphia, PA, got stopped by Ronny “Big Country” Dion Hale, 4-11 (4), of Alabama, at 1:40 of the first round.

In the first round racing from his corner Hale dropped Mayfield twice with rights to the chin. There was another in between but referee Talmadge called it a non-knockdown. The official third knockdown came with another Hale right to the chin ending it as far as referee Talmadge saw it. Mayfield had many fans cheering his entrance.

Welterweight Rasheed “Sugar Sheed” Johnson of Philadelphia agreed to fight giving a 7 pound advantage to overweight Vincent Floyd but the commission declined. So he fought Rondel McGee from Yonkers, NY, in a 3 round exhibition and stopped him in the second when referee Talmadge saw enough and halted it.

Super Flyweight Jerod “The Golden” Miner, 1-1-1 (1), of Philadelphia, PA, drew with Rondarius “Too Fast” Hunter, 1-2-1 (1), of Atlanta, GA, over 4 rounds in the opening bout.

In the opening round Hunter landed the first punch a lead right to the chin of Miner. Miner came right back and landed a left hook on the chin of Hunter knocking him sideways several steps. Miner is the aggressor but got caught with the final punch of the round because he stood in front of Hunter not throwing anything and got hit with a right on the chin. In the second round Hunter landed a combination. Hunter keeps landing a lead right and a right uppercut that Miner ducked into. Miner is doing more missing than landing.

In the third round time after time Hunter lands a right hand as Miner walks right into it with hands down. Hunter ended the round landing another right hand to the chin of Miner. In the fourth and final round Hunter landed a combination. Miner dropped Hunter twice with right hands to the chin. Hunter was exhausted holding on but referee Talmadge allowed it to go the distance. The first knockdown looked more like a push.

Judge Weisfeld had it 39-35 for Miner. Judge’s La Rosa and Werlinsky had it 37-37 as did this writer.

Kings will be back at the 2300 Arena April 6th and back at SugarHouse May 11th per ring announcer Alex Barbosa. Event covered by 11 Sports Network with Marc Abrams and Rich Quinones doing the commentating.

Posted on 03/01/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Philly’s unbeaten bantamweight Christian Carto was a National Golden Gloves champion. He decided to turn professional on July 2nd 2016 at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA, on a Kings Promotion. He was just 19 and being trained by Mickey Rosati, a former PA Golden Gloves Champion and owner of Rosati’s Gym which is located at 1937 S. Chadwick St., in South Philadelphia over his Rosati’s Auto Repair shop. His father Mickey Sr. was 11-1 from 1954-55.

Christian Carto has a 13-0 record with 11 knockouts. The two of them have “South Philly” written all over them. Carto turned 21 last December and will be headlining Friday at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia against Detroit’s James “O.G.” Smith, 12-1 (7), coming off a first round knockout win and promoted by Dmitriy Salita.
Carto stopped his first eleven opponents. One story Rosati tells is during the referee’s instructions on a particular fight the opposing trainer said “you have been fighting boy’s, tonight you are fighting a man!”

Before you knew it the “man” was face down in his own corner and Carto who is a young man of few words pointed to the trainer and was said to say “there’s your man!” Carto won’t talk about it for he is a very confident but humble boxer.

Philly is minus and world champions at present but there are a young group of boxers than have champion written all over them and Carto is one of them! His brother Frank who was a novice champion handles the managing of who his brother fights. They have been fighting for two promoters and it looks like Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions has taken over putting young Carto in the main event Friday at the SugarHouse Casino.

“Camp has been good. I have done a lot of sparring with different sparring partners,” said Carto. As stopping his first eleven opponents in September he defeated Alfonso Melendez, 14-1 and in his last fight in December defeated Luis Fernando Saavedra, 7-3, both going eight rounds.

“It would have been nice to have kept the streak going, but I am not upset. I actually thought in my last fight with Luis Saavedra I was close to getting him out of there but he did a good job in hanging in there and going the distance. It was a good experience going eight-rounds. I spar 10-12 rounds so I knew I could go eight rounds,” said Carto.

This will be Carto’s seventh appearance at SugarHouse Casino, and the venue has taken a liking to Carto to the point that a 40-foot billboard was erected over I-95, and a million motorists can see Carto each day.

“Smith seems to be a good fighter. I have watched a couple of his fights, and even in the fight he lost, he fought well until he got caught,” said Carto.
This writer has seen all his fights and can honestly say “Carto is the real deal and one of if not the most exciting young boxer in Philly rings today”.

“I want to thank Wendy Hamilton of the SugarHouse. It was good to see the billboard and see myself presented like that. It’s very exciting to see that. That is something I never thought I’d see. I just want all my fans to come out Friday night. It’s going to be a good fight, and I look forward to seeing everybody there,” said Carto.

Ten of his thirteen fights have been in Philly with two in Atlantic City and as mentioned his debut in Reading. There will be six additional fights on the undercard with several Philly against Philly bouts and you know they will be wars!

Super middleweight Christopher Brooker, 12-5 (5), takes on Jamaal “Tyson” Davis, 16-12-1 (7), in an 8 round all-Philly match-up. The son of former world contender Philly’s Tyrone “Butterfly” Crawley who will be in the corner in Tyrone Crawley, 7-0 (0), taking on Anthony Mercado, 10-3 (9), of Arecibo, PR, in a Super lightweight 8. Philly’s David Gonzales, 8-2-2 (2), takes on Victor Vazquez, 9-3 (3), of Yonkers, NY.

Vazquez is 3-0 fighting in Philly defeating Philly boxers Anthony Burgin, Jerome Conquest and Seifullah Jihad Wise.

In addition there will be three 4 rounder’s. In an all Philly welterweight fight Rasheed Johnson, 3-1 (1), takes on Vincent Floyd, 3-4-1 (2). Philly Super Flyweight Jerrod Miner, 1-1 (1), takes on Rondarius Hunter, 1-2 (1), of Atlanta, GA. Philly Heavyweight Dominique Mayfield makes his debut taking on Ronny Hale, 3-11 (3), of Austin, TX.

There will be a press conference Wednesday at SugarHouse Casino at 6pm.

Posted on 12/02/2017

By: Ken Hissner

At a sold out (in 3 days) SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia Friday night Hard Hitting Promotions with Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz (matchmaker) put on as good a show as I have seen in Philly in many a year featuring Philly heavyweight Joey “the Tank” Dawejko, in the main event with some of the best talent in Philly in years on the undercard of an event full of excitement by the promotion and great matchmaking.

Heavyweight Joey “The Tank” Dawejko, 19-4 (11), of Philly, used a knockdown to defeat Kelvin Nunez, 15-1 (14), of Carolina, PR, for the vacant WBC FECARBOX Title, over 8 hard fought rounds.
In the first round Dawejko is throwing every punch including jabs with bad intentions keeping Nunez on the defense.

A counter right from Dawejko off a Nunez miss rocked the latter. It was all Dawejko in this round. In the second round both fighters were exchanging with Nunez becoming more active but not enough to win the round. In the third round Dawejko landed a solid right uppercut to the chin of Nunez. Dawejko landed the better of the punches in a round of action.

In the fourth round the bout became very tactful on the part of both fighters.
Nunez finally seemed to get an edge in this round. In the fifth round Nunez came out firing until Dawejko landed a right hand to slow him down. Nunez turned southpaw and back to orthodox. It was a very close action round on the part of both fighters. In the sixth round Nunez was going to the body while Dawejko was countering with left hooks to the head. In the seventh round Nunez turned to the referee Shawn Clark complaining of who knows what and he got hit with a left hook from Dawejko that almost drove him through the ropes. In this writers opinion it was the difference in the end.

Dawejko had a big round landing some eight solid punches to the head of Nunez just prior to the bell. In the eighth and final round Nunez fought back possibly figuring he needed a knockout to win as he kept coming to Dawejko with too little too late. “I hurt my back in the first round,” said Dawejko. Nunez kept leaning on him doubling him over throughout the contest. Referee Clark warned him several times.

Judge John Poturaj had it 77-74 as did Dave Braswell while judge Frescia had it 76-75 while this writer had it 77-74.
Unbeaten Philly bantamweight Christian Carto, 13-0 (11), of South Philly, won a lopsided spirited decision over Luis Fernando Saavedra, 7-4 (3), of San Luis Potosi, MEX, over 8 rounds.

In the first round of feeling each other out Saavedra landed the first punch a straight left to the chin of Carto. Carto stalked Savvedra falling short with most jabs as Saavedra had his hands held high.

Saavedra switched back to orthodox from southpaw. Carto opened up with a flurry of punches just prior to the bell to the head of Saavedra. In the second round a solid left hook from Carto to the chin dropped Saavedra for an eight count from referee Eric Dali before getting up.

In the third round Carto landed a 3-punch combination to the head of Saavedra. Saavedra keeps switching from southpaw to orthodox. Carto went to the body of Saavedra who is countering sparingly.

Carto does better when Saavedra is orthodox. At the bell both fighters were throwing leather. In the fourth round Carto stalked and outworked Saavedra hurting him with follow-up right hands off of his jab.

In the fifth round Carto opened the round with a lead right to the chin of Saavedra now fighting southpaw. Carto was now on the move countering Saavedra well with combinations to the head. In the sixth round Carto landed a flurry of punches that had the crowd responding. Saavedra was stalking but walking into punches from Carto. It was Carto outworking Saavedra though the latter was coming forward.

In the seventh round Carto landed a hard right and left to the head of Saavedra who was up against the ropes. At the bell it was Carto landing punches with Saavedra doing more feinting than punching. In the eighth and final round it was all Carto with Saavedra more interested it seemed in going the distance than winning the fight.

Judge had it 80-71 as did this writer.

The Referee was Eric Dali.

Lightweight 18 year-old prospect Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 8-1 (4), of Philly, was upset in a close decision by Christian Rivera, 7-0 (5), of Bayamon, PR, over 6 rounds of action.

In the first round Pizarro was the aggressor. Pizarro opened the round with a right and left to the head of Rivera. Pizarro drove Rivera into the ropes with a flurry of punches. A hard left hook landed by Pizarro rocked Rivera on the chin. A 3-punch combination from Pizarro to the head of Rivera got his attention.
Rivera’s face was red from the punches he received. In the second round Rivera landed a combination that was countered by a flurry of punches from Pizarro. A left to the chin from Rivera dropped Pizarro who seemed more embarrassed than hurt. Rivera tried to follow-up but was countered by Pizarro. Pizarro ended the round with a lead right to the chin of Rivera.

In the third round Pizarro hurt Rivera to the head with a right hand driving him into a neutral corner. Another right from Pizarro drove Rivera across the ring.

Pizarro had Rivera hurt in the corner but was countered by a left that momentarily dropped him to a knee. He was up as referee Clark counted and went after Rivera when the round ended. In the fourth round Pizarro was on the offense as Rivera countered with chopping left hands. Pizarro landed a pair of rights to the chin of Rivera that kept him on the move. Rivera landed a solid combination to the head of Pizarro getting his attention. It was a close round but Pizarro rebounded nice.

In the fifth round a lead left from Pizarro on the chin got Rivera’s attention. Rivera’s face is well marked while Pizarro’s is unmarked. Pizarro was once again on the attack while Rivera countered with less offense. In the sixth and final round Rivera opened up with a solid lead left to the chin of Pizarro.

Pizarro rocked Rivera with a left hook to the head. Pizarro knocked out the mouthpiece of Rivera causing referee Clark to halt the action. Pizarro was on the attack when this happened. It was one great fight full of action.

Judge John Portaju had it 58-54, Dave Braswell 58-55 and Adam Frescia 57-56 while this writer had it 56-56 with 4 rounds to Pizarro and 2 the knockdown rounds to Rivera.

Salvation Of Sorrows Inc. a non-profit organization at intermission with Abby (President) and Chris Anderson giving gifts to three youngsters including free training at the Hard Hitting Gym.

Celebrity boxers and trainers being introduced were Ray “Tito” Serrano, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, former WBA champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa and title challenger on December 9th the American Idol Tevin “Successful” Farmer along with trainers Raul “Chino” Rivas and Rashiem Jefferson. Also in attendance was Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins.

Lightweight Liberian “Tsuanami” Sammy Teah, 12-1-1 (5), of Philly, defeated “Mr. Marvelous” Maynard Allison, 9-3 (6), from NC, now living in Philly, in a spirited six rounds.

In the first round Teah was the aggressor using a good jab. The first punch landed by Allison a right to the head of Teah was countered by a right by Teah that had Allison holding on. Both landed right hands to the chin at the same time with Allison getting the worst of it. A left hook from Teah to the chin hurt Allison as the bell sounded. In the second round Teah lines up Allison with jabs to the mid-section with right hands following.

The fighters got into a heated exchange of punches with Teah getting the better of it. Teah landed a double right to the head while Allison came back with a right rocking Teah. Teah came back driving Allison into a neutral corner and on his bike.
In the third round controls with his jab keeping Allison at bay. Allison landed a good right uppercut to chin of Teah. The round ended with a Allison right to the chin of Teah. In the fourth round both fighters landed left hooks to the chin at the same time. Teah continued to stalk Allison when another exchange from both fighters had the sold out crowd yelling. The last two rounds were close but Teah seemed to pull them out.

In the fifth round Teah landed half a dozen punches hurting Allison who pushed Teah back against the ropes only to have Teah rock him with several uppercuts and a chopping right hand hurting Allison. It turned into a war. The fighters ended up slugging it out in the corner of Allison. In the sixth and final round there was a clash of heads making referee Dali halt the action. Allison pushed Teah to the canvas receiving a warning from referee Dali. Teah chased Allison around the ring trying for the knockout. Allison was warned for the second time for pushing off. Teach landed a good combination to the head of a retreating Allison as the fight drew to a close. The fans showed their appreciation.

All three Judge’s Vargas, Freisca and Braswell had it 60-54 as did this writer.
Heavyweight from Philly Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock, 10-0 (6), made his hometown debut a successful one stopping Carlos Cotto, 8-2 (5), of Carolina, PR, at 2:59 of the first round.

In the first round Rock used a good jab. Cotto missed with a right uppercut and Rock countered with a hard right to the head rocking Cotto. Rock landed a good combination to the head of Cotto making him blink with both eyes showing redness.

Rock missed with a right and countered with a left to the side of Cotto’s head dropping him to a knee. He struggled to get up at nine but was in no condition to continue as referee Shawn Clark wisely waved it off. The ring physician examined Cotto who was holding his right ear from the left hook that dropped him. “I saw he was scared so I went in for the finish,” said Rock.

In the opening bout Lightweight southpaw Jeremy Cuevas, 6-0 (5), of Philly, halted Jose Miguel “The Hammer” Castro, 5-10 (3), of Carolina, PR, at 2:05 of the fifth in a scheduled six round bout.

In the first round southpaw Cuevas used a good jab countering Castro. Cuevas hammered Cuevas into the ropes with half a dozen punches before Castro spun off the ropes. Referee Dali warned Castro to watch using his head which has reddened the nose of Cuevas. In the second round Cuevas landed a lead straight left to the head of Castro. Cuevas followed up with a right uppercut and left to the head. Both fighters exchanged punched to the head at once. In the middle of the ring Cuevas landed half a dozen unanswered punches.

Just prior to the bell Castro landed a right to the head of Cuevas who jumped all over him landing over half a dozen punches before the bell sounded.

In the third round Cuevas landed half a dozen unanswered punches in the middle of the ring. Castro continues to be the aggressor but has been on the defense when Cuevas opens up. Both fighters have red abrasions on their faces. In the fourth round both fighters get into an exchange of punches. Castro landed a hard right to the head of Cuevas bringing noise from the crowd. Castro turned away and Cuevas went after him rocking him with a pair of left hands to the head. A lead left from Cuevas to the chin of Castro rocked him at the bell.

In the fifth round Cuevas drove Castro into the ropes with a vicious variety of punches having him out on his feet when the corner of Castro threw the towel in causing referee Dali to wave it off.

“My corner said I was breaking him down by going to the body and I could see he was starting to cover up so as I was pounding on him the referee called it off,” said Cuevas.

Posted on 09/30/2017

By: Ken Hissner

Kings Promotions returned to the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia Friday featuring former National Golden Glove champion and current unbeaten bantamweight Christian Carto of South Philly.

In the Main Event bantamweight Christian Carto, 12-0 (11), of Philadelphia, went the distance for the first time easily defeating a game southpaw in Alonso “El Elegante” Melendez, 14-2 (12), of Chihuahua, MEX, over 8 rounds.

In the first round the taller Melendez used his reach but Carto landed several right hand body shots. Carto landed a flurry of punches without return to the delight of his many followers. In the second round a lead right from Carto to the chin of Melendez stopped him in his tracks. Carto followed-up with a 3-punch combination but ran into a left hand counter from Melendez to the chin. Carto landed four punches to the body of Melendez. In the third round Melendez landed a good right hook to the head of Carto. Melendez landed a right jab and was countered by a Carto left hook to the chin. Carto landed solid punches on two separate occasions to the chin of Melendez some twenty seconds apart. In the fourth round a left hook from Carto drew blood from the nose of Melendez. Carto jumped on Melendez landing a solid right uppercut to the chin. Melendez landed a counter left to the chin of Carto.

In the fifth round a lead right from Carto to the chin of Melendez backed him up several steps. Carto landed four unanswered punches to the body and head of Melendez. In the sixth round Melendez landed a left to the face of Carto who returned four punches to the head without return. In the seventh round Carto landed four punches without return backing up Melendez several steps. Carto landed four body punches before Melendez returned a left to the chin of Carto. In the eighth and final round Carto continued to dominate the bout. Melendez was returning to the ring after a two year lay-off.

All 3 judges Dave Braswell, John Poturaj and Marc Werlinsky as well as this writer had it 80-72 for the winner. “I was please with his performance,” said Mickey Rosati (trainer of Carto). The winner as usual had little to say “I felt real good,” said Christian Carto. He was mobbed by his many fans. At ringside was Mickey Rosati, Sr. with his granddaughter next to him. Sr. was an unbeaten boxer during a short stint in the ring.

In the co-feature lightweight southpaw Jerome “The Conqueror” Conquest, 9-2 (1), of Philadelphia, defeated Carlos “Rock Hands” Rosario, 7-3 (4), of Pennsauken, NJ, for the WBF North American junior lightweight title over 8 rounds.

In the first round Conquest used an effective jab to outwork Rosario. In the second round of a close contest Conquest out landed Rosario though few punches were landed. In the third round there was a lack of action with Conquest landing what little did land. In the fourth round a “fight broke out” with both landing combinations. At the bell Conquest landed several punches to the chin of Rosario.

In the fifth round both fighters threw punches at the same time with a Rosario punch going south of the border dropping Conquest. Referee Conquest was given a full 5 minutes to re-coup. When the contest continued Conquest went right after Rosario landing a flurry of punches. In the sixth round Rosario did too much “posing” as Conquest dominated with his jab dancing around the ring. In the seventh round Rosario landed a lead right to the chin of Conquest. Knowing he was behind Rosario loaded up hoping to land the right hand as Conquest kept him at bay for the most part with his jab. In the eighth and final round Conquest stunned Rosario with a right hook to the head. Conquest countered with a straight left to the chin of Rosario. The last 30 seconds were the best of the fight with both throwing bombs and Conquest getting in the better of the two.

Judges David Braswell and Lynne Carter scored it 77-74 while judge John Poturaj had it 78-73. This writer had it 79-73. Representing the WBF were Greg Hackett and James Gibbs. The referee was Benjy Esteves, Jr.

“It was a great fight as I expected. They have been asking for this fight for a year. I’m getting better and better every year and I want more competition even with the limited amateur experience. I took his best shot and I used my jab knowing he couldn’t adjust to my boxing ability while he loaded up with his right hand,” said Conquest.

In the opening bout super lightweight from North Carolina Maynard Allison, 9-2 (6), now out of Philadelphia, was stopped at the end of the second round by Juan Rodriguez, 8-7-1 (6), of Haymarket, VA.

In the first round Allison countered the body of oncoming Rodriguez. In the second round Allison is missing wild overhand rights following his jabs but Rodriguez couldn’t take advantage of this until all of a sudden “bang” and down went Allison. It was a short right hand to the chin by Rodriguez who had a bloody nose. Allison beat the count but referee Dali waved it off as the bell sounded.

Allison is originally from NC and his trainer is former boxer Rasheed Brown questioned this but got no answer. “He had his moments but in the second round I felt I was starting to get to him,” said Rodriguez.

Super lightweight David “Two Gun” Gonzales, 8-2-2-1nc (2), of Philadelphia, and Darius “I Am King” Ervin, 4-1-1nc (0), of L.A. ended up in a No Decision do to a clash of heads at 1:53 of the second round. The referee was Dali. “He stopped it do to a cut by my left eye,” said Gonzales. The cut was under the eye lid.

In the first round there were more misses than connections. In the second round the much shorter Gonzales tried his best to make a fight out of it but ran into the first punch of the fight landed by Ervin a right to the chin. Referee Dali had his hands full separating these two. Do to a clash of heads Gonzales was examined by the ring physician who halted the bout. This saved the fans of 5 more rounds like the first one.

Super welterweight southpaw Erik “Abnormal” Spring, 10-2-2 (1), of Reading, PA, was upset by Anthony “Put ‘em down” Prescott, 7-7-2 (2), of Cherry Hill, NJ, over 6 rounds.

In the first round Spring did enough to outwork Prescott. In the second round Prescott pinned the taller Spring in a neutral corner. Prior to the end of the round Prescott had Spring in trouble. In the third round Prescott continued to press the action getting the better of Spring.

In the fourth round Spring worked his way back into the fight landing lead left hands to the head of Prescott who countered well but not well enough. In the fifth round Spring continued outworking what looked like a tiring Prescott. In the sixth and final round Prescott countered with several hard right hands to the chin of Spring.

Judge Braslow had it 58-56 while judges Poturaj and Werlinsky had it 59-55. This writer had it 58-58.

Light heavyweight Brandon Robinson, 7-1 (6), of Upper Darby, PA, stopped George Sheppard, 1-3 (0), of Norfolk, VA, at 1:20 of the fourth and final round.

In the first round Robinson was the aggressor. At the bell both fighters were letting leather fly. In the second round Sheppard stood his ground willing to exchange with Robinson who outworked Sheppard with combinations mostly to the head. Sheppard decided to start moving backwards and was taking quite a bit of punishment from Robinson to the body and head.

In the third round Robinson continued to dominate. In the fourth and final round do to a clash of heads Sheppard took a knee. When time resumed Robinson jumped all over Sheppard landing a barrage of punches having Sheppard hanging over the ropes facing the crowd when referee Dali had no choice but to halt the contest. A jubilant Robinson said “I took the fight on a weeks notice.”

Super featherweight Roberto “Infamous” Irizarry, 4-1-1 (0), of Camden, NJ, defeated southpaw Bryan Perez Nevarez, 2-8-1 (1), of Carolina, PR, over 4 close rounds.

In the first two rounds it was the southpaw Nevarez landing several overhand lefts to the chin of Irizarry. At the 10 second warning ending the first round there was a clash of heads as the time ran out ending the round.

In the third round Irizarry got his best punch in up until then a lead right to the chin of Nevarez. In the fourth and final round both fighters let it all hang out. Nevarez had asked Irizarry to come in and fight and he should have watched what he asked for as Irizarry came in and fought.

All 3 officials had it 39-37. This writer had it 38-38.

In the first walkout bout light heavyweight Amir Shabazz, 4-2 (0), of Philadelphia, was stopped by Alan Lawrence, 2-0 (2), of Newark, NJ, at 1:24 of the first round.

In the first round of action a crushing left hook from Lawrence to the chin of Shabazz dropped him under the ropes. Referee Eric Dali immediately waved it off.

In the second walkout bout welterweight Rasheed Johnson, 2-1 (1), of Philadelphia, knocked out Demetrius Williams, 1-4 (0), of Philadelphia, at 0:36 of the first round.

It was all over in the first round when Johnson landed a lead right hand flattening Williams. Referee Esteves didn’t even have to count.

The ring announcer was Alex Barbosa. It was a very large crowd with Eleven Sports broadcasting the event.

Posted on 09/29/2017

By: Ken Hissner

King Promotion held a press conference at the 2300 Arena in South Philly Wednesday night the CEO Marshall Kauffman announced that the proposed main event between Junior Castillo and Gabriel Pham is off. Both fighters this writer had been told suffered training injuries.

With a solid undercard Kauffman moved Philly’s unbeaten bantamweight Christian Carto, 11-0 (11) into his first 8 round bout. Carto will meet his toughest opponent today against opponent Alonso “El Elegate” Melendez 14-1 (12), of Chihuahua, MEXICO.

Carto is a former National Golden Gloves champion who lets his fists “do his talking” in the ring! He was scheduled to fight in Philly on September 22nd but his trainer Mickey Rosati was away so they were fortunate to get this opening on short notice.

Melendez 14-1 (12) will be making his US debut and first fight in two years. He is tall and thin and in obvious good shape while speaking through his trainer.

“11 Sports Network will be showing what is a solid undercard and a new and stronger main event. We will donate $1.00 from each ticket and from the 50-50 tickets half the earnings to those suffering in Puerto Rico,” said Kauffman.

The opening bout on the televised portion of the event will have a long waited match-up between Philly’s southpaw Jerome Conquest, 8-2 (1), and Pennsauken, NJ, lightweight Carlos Rosario, 7-2 (4). “I promote Rosario and when both parties agreed I immediately made this match,” said Kauffman.

Welterweight Mykal Fox, 14-0 (4), of Forestville, MD, is pitted against Marion Aguas, 9-1 (6), of Quito, ECU. Philly super lightweight Maynard Allison, 9-1 (6), will meet Juan Rodriguez, 7-7-1 (5), of Haymarket, VA.

Super lightweight David Gonzales, 8-2-2 (2), of Philly meets Darius Ervin, 4-1 (0), of L.A. Super welterweight Erik Spring, 10-1-2 (1), Reading, PA, takes on Anthony Prescott, 6-7-2 (2), of Cherry Hill, NJ.

Other young Philly talents like Tyrone Crawley, 7-0 (0), Brandon Robinson, 6-1 (5), and Amir Shabazz, 4-1 (1), will be featured.

Doors open at the 2300 Arena at 6pm with the first fight scheduled at 7:15pm. It will be an 11 bout card.

Posted on 08/12/2017

By: Ken Hissner

Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions in Association with David Feldman returned before a standing room only crowd to the SugarHouse Casino Friday night with a 10 bout card.

In the Main Event South Philadelphia sensation Christian Carto, 11-0 (11), stopped Ugandan out of St. Paul, MN, Phillip Adyako, 7-10 (4), at 2:43 of the second round.

As Carto took his walk to the ring the many supporters of him were on their feet cheering. In the opening round Carto looked much taller than Adyako and used his jab effectively keeping Adyako on the defense. Carto landed a right to the body followed by a left hook to the head of Adyako. Halfway through the round Carto landed a lead right followed with a left hook both to the head rocking Adyako. Just prior to the bell Carto landed a pair of left uppercuts to the chin and followed by a left hook to the head of Adyako.

In the second round Carto landed a left hook to the head of Adyako knocking him back several feet stunning him. Carto jumped on Adyako landing a dozen unanswered punches without return causing referee Gary Rosato to wave it off.
Carto is scheduled September 22nd at the SugarHouse Casino. In the corner for Carto were trainer Mickey Rosati, Jr., and cut-man Joey Eye.

In the co-feature super welterweight southpaw Erik Spring, 10-1-2 (1), of Reading, pulled out a majority decision over southpaw David Wilson, 5-1-1 (1), out of New Haven, CT, over 6 rounds.

In the opening round both southpaws used their jabs for the first minute until Wilson opened up with Spring countering. A lead left from Wilson to the chin of Spring rocked him. In the second round both boxers opened up with wild right hooks. Wilson used several left uppercuts to the body and chin of Spring to control the round having Spring on the defense.
In the third round Spring landed a good combination making Wilson tie him up. It was a wild swinging round with more misses than landing punches.

In the fourth round Wilson continued to be the aggressor landing lead overhand lefts followed by right uppercuts keeping Spring on the defense. Both continued throwing haymakers with few landing. In the fifth round Spring started fast going to the body of Wilson digging in uppercuts. Spring became more aggressive backing Wilson up though the latter got his punches in. Spring seemed to pull out the round. In the sixth and final round Spring came out fast landing right hooks to the head of Wilson who came back with little in return. It was the best round of the bout with Spring rocking Wilson with a lead left to the chin. Wilson suffered a slight cut to the left eye brow. Referee was Blair Talmadge.

Judge LaRosa had it 57-57 while judges Hill and Poturaj had it 58-56. This writer had it 57-57.

Both boxers were returning to the ring after 2 years. Whitmore entered the ring with his usual Afro wig, gold chain and sun glasses to the delight of the fans. Cruiserweight Khalib “Big Foot” Whitmore, 6-2 (5), of Philly, was stopped by Elvin Sanchez, 8-3-1 (6), Paterson, NJ, at 1:54 of the second round scoring a knockdown.

In the opening round Whitmore landed a straight left to the chin of Sanchez stopping him in his tracks. Sanchez midway through the round landed a solid left hook to the head of Whitmore. Both showed some ring rust. In the second Sanchez came out southpaw and it was bombs away for both fighters with Whitmore getting the best of it. A left uppercut by Sanchez to the chin of Whitmore put him down. He got up after referee Rosato’s count but looked out of it. Sanchez jumped all over Whitmore driving him into a neutral corner causing referee Rosato to call a halt. Whitmore wasn’t happy with the stoppage but it looked like the right call.

In the fight of the night Super featherweight Antonio “The Tiger” Dubose, 9-2-1 (2), of Philly, scored a knockdown in an action packed fight defeating Josh Manuel Crespo, 7-5-3 (3), of New Haven, CT, over 6 rounds.

In the opening round Dubose rocked Crespo with an overhand right to the chin. Crespo came right back with a right to the chin of Dubose. In an all action packed round Dubose seemed to pull it out. In the second round it was Dubose rocking Crespo with a straight right to the side of the head. Dubose landed five unanswered punches before Crespo landed a body shot. Dubose got the fans to their feet dropping Crespo with a flurry of punches. After referee Talmadge’s 8-count from a Dubose flurry of punches Crespo got up but seemed lucky to be saved by the bell. In the third round Dubose used a variety of punches easily taking the round as Crespo seemed to take the round off.

In the fourth round the action continued with Crespo going to the body with uppercuts. Dubose was on the defense up until the 10 second warning and had Crespo out on his feet starting with a lead right to the chin following up with a combination at the bell. In the fifth round a low blow by Crespo gave Dubose only about 15 seconds to rest. Near the end of an action packed round Dubose missed with a lead right but followed with a left hook to the head of Crespo getting his attention. In the sixth and final round Crespo looking for a knockout landed a 3-punch combination to the body and head of Dubose who was using an effective jab up until then. Crespo’s legs seemed shaky but kept plodding forward until a Dubose right to the chin stopped him in his tracks near the end of the round and the fight. The fans appreciated this scrap.

Judges Adam Friscia and John Poturaj scored it 58-55 while judge Dewey LaRosa and this writer had it 60-53.

Super middleweight Brandon “B-Rob” Robinson, 5-1 (4), of Upper Darby, PA, destroyed Shane Pearson, 2-2 (2), of Statesville, NC, at 0:25 of the second round by technical KO.

In the opening round Pearson was the aggressor though throwing few punches as Robinson was content in countering and doing it well. In the second round Robinson returned to form and landed a dozen unanswered punches. Referee Talmidge was stepping in and backed out until Pearson hit the canvas face down. Talmidge immediately called in the ringside physician without a count.

Welterweight southpaw Vinnie Floyd, 3-3-1 (2), of Philly, lost to Marquis “Marvelous” Taylor, 7-1 (0), out of Houston, TX, over 6 round’s.

In the first round it was ugly with too much holding mostly on Taylor’s part. Floyd did just enough to take the round. Floyd was trying to make it a fight but Taylor was jabbing and grabbing. In the second round Taylor pushed Floyd to the ropes with borderline punches with Floyd landing one chopping left getting Taylor off of him. Floyd followed up with a pair of straight lefts to Taylor’s head knocking him back several feet. In the third round it was more of the same with Taylor getting away with rabbit punches and questionable low punches.

In the fourth round Taylor landed another rabbit punch on the back of Floyd’s head getting a warning from referee Rosato. Taylor keeps coming in low landing body shots. Floyd allows Taylor to push him to the ropes landing only too few counter lefts to the head of Taylor In the fifth round Taylor rocked Floyd with an overhand right to the chin. Taylor got warned for a low blow from referee Rosato. Floyd can’t seem to get untracked with Taylor pushing him to the ropes and using so many dirty tactics. In the sixth and final round Taylor landed a solid left hook to the chin of Floyd. Taylor landed half a dozen unanswered punches having Floyd backed to the ropes. For Floyd it was a learning experience.

All 3 judges, Hill, Frisica and LaRosa had it 60-54. This writer had it 59-55.

Super lightweight Demetrius Williams, 1-3 (0), of Philly, lost a lackluster decision to Reading southpaw Kashon Hutchinson, 3-3 (1), over 4 rounds.

In the opening round southpaw Hutchinson seemed to take an edge in a close round. In the second round it was Williams taking control in taking the round. In the third round it seemed Williams got very defensive giving Hutchinson the round. In the fourth and final round with Hutchinson continuing coming forward mostly landing the jab and an occasional straight left seemed to want it more. Williams landed several lead rights but not enough to take the round. Talmadge was the referee.

All 3 judges along with this writer had it 39-37.

Bantamweight Jerrod “Golden” Minor, Philly, 1-0 (1) halted Steven Lopez, 0-2 (0), of Philly, at 2:34 of the 4th and last round. Referee Rosato’s stoppage was questionable even though Minor won every round. Lopez deserved to go the distance. It was a slugfest throughout all four rounds.

Super lightweight southpaw Shamsudden “Silent Killa” Justice, 1-0 (1), of Philly, in his debut halted late sub Matthew “Titos” Gosalves, 0-3 (0), of Lancaster, PA, at 2:11 of the 4th and final round.

In the first round it was all Justice trying to go for an early knockout. Halfway through the round Gosalves finally settled down from being on the run to stand his ground. Gosalves was a late substitute. In the second round Justice chased and Gosalves survived. Near the end of the round Justice finally decided to go to the body with a three punch combination hurting Gosalves.

In the third round Justice continued with uppercuts to the body. With plenty of fans behind him Justice seemed to want to play to the crowd instead of concentrating on doing what his father-trainer Zahir Justice wanted him to do. In the fourth and final round you could sense referee Rosato wanted to stop the lopsided match and did to the regret of Gosalves.

Houston, TX, Cruiserweight Christian Montano, 2-0 (1), scored 3 knockdowns in stopping Dameron Kirby, 0-1 (0), of Wash. DC.

Marc Abrams was the publicist. Alex Barbosa was the Ring Announcer. Fred Blumstein was the timekeeper. Kings Promotion will be back September 29th at the 2300 Arena.

Posted on 05/12/2017

Philadelphia’s Unbeaten Little Big Men Christian Carto & Manny Folly!
By: Ken Hissner

Philadelphia had a WBA World Bantamweight champion back in the early 80’s named “Joltin” Jeff Chandler, 33-2-2 (18). In November of 1980 he stopped Julian Solis, 21-0, for the WBA bantamweight title. He was the first American in 30 years to hold the bantamweight title.

Chandler won both the USBA & NABF titles and as world champion had nine successful title defenses. He knocked out Solis in a rematch and also stopped Japan’s Eijiro Murata, 18-0-3, having been held to a draw in Japan in their first title encounter. He stopped fellow Philadelphian Johnny “Dancing Machine” Carter, 23-1, who he lost to in his short amateur career. In 1983 he defeated future Hall of Famer Gaby Canizales, 24-1. Later that year he lost a non-title fight to Oscar Muniz, 35-3-3, out of L.A. He would stop Muniz in a title fight before the year was out.

In April of 1984 Chandler was stopped and lost his title to Richie Sandoval, 22-0, in which would be his last fight. He would undergo removal of a traumatic cataract from his left eye and retire shortly afterwards. J Russell Peltz was his promoter and is an IBHOF inductee and still promoting in Philadelphia. You would almost think this is an article about Chandler who was inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the IBHOF.

Chandler was introduced into the ring recently on April 29th at the Temple University Liacouras Center where he watch Philadelphia bantamweight Christian Carto, 9-0 (9), score his ninth straight knockout in a row since turning professional. As usual Carto stole the show with his performance. He was the National Golden Gloves champion in 2015 and is trained by former amateur success Mickey Rosati in his trainer’s gym over his auto body shop in South Philadelphia.

Carto’s brother Frank is an amateur and his father Frank recently said “Manny and Christian have sparred together many times”. Carto comes from a long line of boxers with two uncles and a grandfather who boxed. Hard Hitting Promotions has been promoting him since he turned professional in July of 2016. His next fight should be at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, sometime in June. He is a boxer-puncher.

The other “little big man” is super bantamweight Manny “Major Pain” Folly, 10-0 (8), out of Philadelphia who has served on the city Police force for the past three years. He trains out of the Rock Ministry Gym in the Kensington section of the city under owner, trainer and manager Buddy Osborn who also had a successful amateur career. In his last bout he stopped veteran Luis Hinojosa, 30-10, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. He too, usually is fighter of the night.

Before turning professional in 2013 Folly was a Bronze Medalist in the National Golden Gloves. It’s been a lot more difficult for this 25 year-old since he has worked on swing shift to squeeze in a professional boxing career only averaging two fights a year. He reminds one of a “back-in-the Day” boxer with a Philadelphia style of boxer-puncher.

Both Carto and Folly have a large following and with a combined record of 19-0 with 17 knockouts one would suspect a good following. Besides they are two of the nicest and respectful young boxers out of the city.So Philadelphia has not only one “big little man” but two. Keep your eye on both of them in the future!

Posted on 04/30/2017

Tevin “American Idol” Farmer and Christian Carto Win in Philly!
By: Ken Hissner

Hard Hitting Promotions Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz put on a great show at another new location featuring world contender and NABF super featherweight champion and world contender Tevin “American Idol” in the main event Saturday night at the Temple University Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Super featherweight Tevin “American Idol” Farmer, 24-4-1 (5), of Philadelphia won his 18th straight fight defending his NABF title and defeating Arturo Santos Reyes, 19-7 (5), of Sonora, MEX,
The first round was a feeling out round with southpaw Farmer winning it. In the second round both exchanged hooks to the head. Farmer may have hurt his right arm or hand landing a punch. His trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas was massaging his arm. In the third round Farmer is switching from southpaw to orthodox not using his right but spairingly. Reyes is taking advantage of this doing well in the round. In the fourth round Reyes landed a solid combination to the head of Farmer who came right back using both hands. Farmer landed a good left uppercut to the jaw of Reyes who came back with solid combinations.

In the fifth round it was very close with Farmer using the right more and may have edged it out over Reyes. In the sixth round Farmer looked like his old self a boxer on a 17 fight winning streak. Reyes keeps chasing him getting countered but getting his punches in especially to the body. In the seventh round it was another close round with plenty of action. Farmer seems to be pulling out the close rounds but Reyes isn’t giving him any breathing room. In the eighth round Farmer is on the attack with Reyes getting in several right uppercuts but Farmer simply outworked Reyes.

In the ninth round Farmer landed a hard countering left uppercut to the chin of Reyes. Reyes came back landing half a dozen punches without return before Farmer fought back out of a peek-a-boo defense. Farmer landed a solid left hand to the chin of Reyes at the bell. Reyes seemed to pull out the round. In the tenth and final round turned out to be the best round of the fight with both boxers letting it all hang out. Referee Shawn Clark warned Farmer for an accidental head butt. Both boxers put on a good show up until the end.

Super lightweight Samuel “Sunami” Teach, 10-1-1 (4), of Philadelphia, stopped Efran “Macho” Cruz, 4-4-1 (1), of Vieques, PR, at 1:40 of the fourth and final round in a war!

In the first round Teah landed a 3-punch combination but Cruz came back. Near the end of a very good round Teach rocked Cruz with a straight right to the head. In the second round both boxers scored hard rights knocking each others heads back. It’s an action packed round. With seconds to go Teach landed a hard right while backed into a corner with Cruz countering with a left hook to the head. Just before the bell Teach rocked Cruz with a right uppercut to the chin.

In the third round Teah landed a double right uppercut to the chin of Cruz who came right back at Teah. In the fourth and final round Teach countered Cruz who was swarming all over him in a corner. Teah rocked Cruz with a right uppercut to the chin had Cruz out on his feet when another right dropped him on his back. Referee Dali stepped in and waved the fight off. In the corner of Teah were “Bozy” Ennis and assistant Rashiem Jefferson.

Bantamweight Christian Carto, 9-0 (9), of Philadelphia, fought a flawless fight stopping a tough Sammy “Panterita” Gutierrez, 14-19-5 (5), of Saltillo, MEX, at the end of the fifth of a six round bout.

In the first round Carto started the action with a left jab followed by a left hook to the body. A right by Carto to the head of Gutierrez had him hurt. Carto landed a 3-punch combination on two occasions. Carto was almost flawless. In the second round Carto landed a 4-punch combination. Cruz finally opened up with a flurry. Gutierrez became the aggressor in a well fought round with Carto countering him. In the third round Gutierrez landed his best punch of the bout an overhand right to the head of Carto. Carto came right back with a flurry. A Carto combination rocked Gutierrez. At the ten second to go in the round mark Carto landed half a dozen punches without return.

In the fourth round Carto started off landing ten punches before Gutierrez landed one in return. In the fifth round a Carto double chopping right got Gutierrez’s attention. Near the end of the round Carto rocked Gutierrez’s head back. In the fifth round a double right from Carto to the head of Gutierrez and down he went. Up with a swelled right eye he tried fighting back as Carto rocked him with a right to the head at the bell. Gutierrez’s corner stopped the fight in between rounds. Referee was Dali.

Carto put on a “clinic” and is a pleasure to watch and what a crowd pleaser. The humble Carto is a young man of few words. He let’s his fists do the talking after each fight. In his corner was former amateur star Mickey Rosato. “He was a very experienced fighter and it was good getting the rounds in,” said Carto. He is a show stealer every time he appears on a card!

Lightweight 17 year-old Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 5-0 (2), of Philadelphia, defeated Chris Gutierrez, 0-3 (0), of Greenville, TX, over four rounds.
In the first round it was all Pizarro being one of the most relaxed young talents out of Philly. Gutierrez came out southpaw and switched back with much offense. In the second round Pizarro rocked Gutierrez with a lead right to the chin. Gutierrez is using dirty tactics knowing he is being out fought. In the third round it was all Pizarro with Gutierrez continuing with foul tactics trying to offset the young Pizarro from landing a big punch.

In the third round Pizarro continues to stay a step ahead of Gutierrez. In the fourth and final round Pizarro is doing too much posing playing to the crowd. Gutierrez woke him up with a combination to the head. A solid left hook to the head of Gutierrez had him reeling. Angel Pizarro the father and “Bozy” Ennis worked the corner.

Judges Hill and Grant had it 40-36 as did this writer. Werlinsky had it 39-37.
In the opening bout light heavyweight, David “One-Two Punch” Murray, 6-1 (5), of Wilmington, DE, in a war came off the canvas twice to stop Sammy “The Russian Concussion” Horowitz, 6-3-1 (5), of Chicago, IL, at 1:26 of the fourth and last round.

In the first round it was all Murray up until 10 seconds left in the round when Horowitz landed a right to the chin of Murray who went down on the seat of his pants. Referee Clark counted to 8 while the bell had sounded. In the second round Horowitz was cut on the left eyebrow from a Murray right hand. Murray landed half a dozen punches without return near the end of the round.

In the third round a Murray right to the head had Horowitz out on his feet. Horowitz came back with a right of his own to the head of Murray dropping him.

In the fourth and final round Murray rocked Horowitz back several steps having him out on his feet. Referee Clark jumped in and stopped the fight with Horowitz complaining about the stoppage while against the ropes.

This was a second Annual Urban League fund raiser after the professional boxing card. Numerous former boxing people were introduced into the ring by ring announcer Pat Michael Fattore like Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Buster “The Demon” Drayton, Steve “USS” Cunningham, Jason “El Canito” Sosa, Mike “The Jewish Bomber” Rossman, “Joltin” Jeff Chandler, Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown, Fred Pendleton, Vernoca Michael, Tim Witherspoon, Jr., Dwight Qawi Muhammad, Jackie “Sister Smoke” Frazier, Mitch Allen, Damon Allen, Charles “Hatchet” Brewer and at ringside Willie Gibbs, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson, Angel Pizarro, Jr., Jerome Conquest and Greg Hackett.
Hard Hitting will be back in June at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City with “The New” Ray Robinson in the main event.

Posted on 04/26/2017

Tevin “American Idol” Farmer at Liacouras Center Saturday!
By: Ken Hissner

At Temple Universities Liacouras Center in Philadelphia Saturday Tevin “American Idol” Farmer, 24-4-1 (5), of Philly is in the main event against Arthur Santos Reyes, 19-7 (5), of Sonora, MEX, in a super featherweight 10 round match.

There will be a celebrity boxing event following the professional show of 5 bouts with some of the best prospects in the city.

On the undercard will be bantamweight Christian Carto, 8-0 (8), of Philly against Sammy Gutierrez, 14-18-5 (5), of Saltillo, MEX, in a 6 round match. Lightweight Branden Pizarro, 4-0 (2), of Philly will be against Chris Gutierrez, 0-2 (0), of Greenville, TX, in a 4.

Super lightweight Samuel “Sunami” Teah, 9-1-1 (3), of Philly is against Efrain Cruz, 4-3-1 (1), of Viegues, PR, in a 4. In a light heavyweight David “One-Two Punch” Murray, 5-1-1 (4), of Wilmington, DE, will be against Sam “The Russian Concussion” Horowitz, 6-2-1 (5), of Russia in a 4.

Posted on 02/04/2017

“The New” Ray Robinson Wins in Philly’s “Friday Night Boxing”!
By: Ken Hissner

Hard Hitting Promotions continue filling up the seats at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia with co-promoters Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz leading the way!

In the Main Event the WBC No. 9 welterweight contender “The New” Ray Robinson, 22-2 (11), Philly, knocked out Edwin Palacios, 12-5-1 (8), NIC, at 2:39 of the second round posting his eleventh straight win.

In the opening round the southpaw Robinson used an effective jab. Palacios landed a straight right to the chin of Robinson getting a reaction from the crowd. Just prior to the bell an overhand left by Robinson drove Palacios into the corner and down. He was up as the bell sounded.

In the second round Robinson became very aggressive landing a good body punch with a left hook. A straight left dropped Palacios who was holding his nose taking the count on one knee as referee Gary Rosato counted him out.

“I didn’t know until the weigh-in that Palacio was so tall. After a feeling out round my trainer (“Bozy” Ennis) and I figured it out to go to the body and it worked,” said Robinson. This win puts Robinson one step closer to moving up in the rankings and a title fight.

Bantamweight Christian Carto, 7-0 (7), of Philly, stopped Sergio Najera, 12-29-2 (6), of MEX, at 2:06 of the third round.

In the first round on two separate occasions a Carto jab put Najera back several steps. Near the end of the round Najera had Carto in a corner and landed several punches to the head of Carto who came back as the bell sounded. In the second round a roundhouse right by Najera landed on the neck of Carto. A lead right hand by Carto drove Najera into the ropes. With about ten seconds left in the round Carto rocked Najera with a right to the chin.

In the third round Najera continued to throw wild punches as Carto countered him well while avoiding those wild swings. Carto opened up with punches in bunches having Najera backing up taking a beating time and again when referee Talmadge saw enough and stepped in and waved it off saving Najera from any unnecessary punishment. Najera came in nine pounds over the contracted weight but was able to take three pounds off with Carto giving away five pounds. “I knew he was heavier than me but knew I would eventually catch up to him,” said Carto. That’s seven straight knockouts in as many fights.

Lightweight prospect Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 3-0 (2), of Philly, knocked out Abdiel Padilla, 1-1 (1), of PR, at 2:52 of the first round.

In a mismatch Pizarro chased Padilla who mostly covered up but for some reason would end up in a corner and Pizarro would pummel him. When Padilla ended up in the opposite corner it was all over as Pizarro landed a flurry of body punches dropping Padilla to the canvas and not making an effort to get up as referee Bashir counted him out.

Super featherweight Cuban Hairon “El Maja” Socarras, 15-0-2 (10), of Miami, FL, outpointed German “Pan Teonero” Meraz, 55-41-1 (32), of Sonora, MEX, over six dull rounds.

About a minute into the round a combination from Socarras to the head and down went Meraz. Referee Rosato gave him the eight count and Meraz got up and managed to get to the end of the round. In the second and third rounds Socarras simply landed more punches then Meraz with some good left hooks to the body.

In the fourth and fifth rounds the pace continued with Meraz seemingly looking to coast to the distance. In the sixth and final round Socarras did enough to win the round and just before the bell sounded he landed his best punch since the first round a left hook to the chin of Meraz.

All three Steve Weisfeld, Alan Rubenstein and Anthony Lundy scored it 60-53 for Socarras.

Super featherweight Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno, 2-0 (2), out of Allentown, PA, knocked out Jonathan Hernandez, 0-4, PR, at 0:18 of the first round.

Adorno threw one punch a right hand to the head of Hernandez and down he went. The referee Blair Talmadge waved it off without a count knowing Hernandez was out before he hit the canvas. The ring physician immediately came into the ring. After close to ten minutes Hernandez was able to get up on his own and leave the ring.

Lightweight Victor Padilla, 2-0 (2), of Berlin, NJ, knocked out Tony Wilson, 0-2 (0), VA, at 0:30 of the first round.

Padilla went out fast looking for the knockout and it came that fast landing a combination to the chin of Wilson. Referee Bashir counted Wilson out on a knee.

Super flyweight Harold Lopez, 1-0 (1), of Allentown, PA, made his debut a good one when he knocked out Argenis Armando, 0-1 (0), at 0:57 of the first round in a mismatch.

In the opening round hit Armando about four times and down he went refusing to get up until the referee Talmadge said “ten”!

The opponent for Kali Reis, who is a former world champion never showed up. Kita Watkins who challenged for the world title three times made the weigh-in Thursday night but didn’t show up for the fight.

The fans seemed to enjoy all the early knockouts and continue to fill the arena at the SugarHouse Casino. A ten count was given for veteran trainer George James, the manager of Christian Carto Jimmy Binns, Jr., and the father of top cut-man Joey Eye after a long illness.

Posted on 12/27/2016

Philly’s Fab Four Turned Professional in 2016 and Are 23-0-1!
By: Ken Hissner

This was to be the year that five Philly boxers were to go to the Olympic in Brazil!The best looking prospect to come out of Philly since 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Meldrick Taylor in this writer’s opinion is Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 8-0 (7), from the Germantown section of Philly at 19. He was 58-3 in the amateurs. His father Bozy Ennis is his trainer and possibly the best in the city. Cameron Dunkin is his manager and Victory Promotions his promoter. He could have signed with Top Rank but Dunkin chose Victory a new name on the block ran by Chris Middendorf. Top Rank Promotions were not thrilled with Dunkin’s decision and neither was this writer.

Ennis defeated Gary Antuanne Russell in his first fight in the Olympic Trials and followed it with two more wins. Then in the box-off he lost back to back matches to Russell who was one of four men to go to the Olympics in Brazil. Bozy Ennis was not happy with the two losses but said “we beat him but they stole it. I’d give Russell the third time.”

Ennis made his professional debut in April in St. George Utah and stopped Cory Muldrew in 0:42 of the first round. He defeated Luis Ramos in 0:23 in Philly in May for his second win. In June he stopped Deshawn Debose in 0:20 of the first round in Springfield, VA, for his third win. Then in July for his third win he stopped Tavorus Teague at 1:38 of the fourth round in Rio Rancho, NM, for his fourth win.

In August in his fifth win he stopped Matt Murphy at 2:52 of the second round in Bristol, PA, for his fifth win. “Murphy had just stopped a 3-0 boxer in his previous fight,” said Ennis. He won his sixth fight when hedefeated Eddie Diaz at 2300 Arena in Philly on September 15th. Diaz was from Compton, CA, one of the toughest areas in the country. Ennis is 5:10 and after competing at 141 in the amateurs he’s now a welterweight but just a couple of pounds over 141.”He’s doing pretty good defeating all the opponents he’s fought so far. Even I don’t always realize when he switches from orthodox to southpaw. After seeing him in the Diaz fight I am moving he up to 147 and no more 143 fights,” said Ennis.

“Boots” won his seventh fight on November 11th at the 2300 Arena where he stopped Chris Alexander, 4-3, in 4 rounds. Then he won his eighth fight on December 10th at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, stopping Marcus Becker, 3-4-3, in the sixth and final round. “I will be back in the ring January 28th at the 2300 Arena that my promoter Chris Middendorf of Victory Promotions is running.

“Boots” two brothers have been pro’s first. Farah “Quiet Storm” won the NABF Super Middleweight while the oldest brother Derek “Pooh” Ennis won the USBA Super welterweight and the PA Super welterweight titles. “Boots” has a combination of both brothers and then some of his own. He is orthodox but fights some of his bouts southpaw. He trains at “Bozy’s Dungeon” in North Philly run by his father over top of Harrowgate’s Boxing Club on E. Venago Street off Kensington Avenue.

In 2015 “Boots” won the National Youth title in January. In May he won the National Golden Gloves title. He took lost in the Olympic Trials in December and was asked to be an alternate but his father turned it down to turn professional. At the Olympic Trial Qualifiers in Philly he won all five bouts.

Joshua Jones, 3-0-1 (2), signed with Dunkin and Victory Promotions along with Ennis. He trains at both Marion Anderson and Bozy’s Dungeon. Aaron Ford is assisted by“Bozy” Ennis. Jones is 23 and a Super lightweight. He made his debut in April in Utah along with “Boots” stopping Jason Thompson at 2:33 of the third round.

He was to fight in Philly along with “Boots” but hurt his hand. He is now scheduled to fight January 28th in Philly. In June both boxers were on the Springfield, VA, show where Jones stopped Christopher Kuhn at 1:52 of the first round. In July he fought to a majority draw with Ahmet Kayretli in Erie, PA, getting a 39-37 vote with the other two having it 38-38. “He could have done better but he certainly deserved the fight. The opponent came in at 139 and was 150 at fight time. Jones has a fight scheduled forNovember 11th in Philadelphia at 2300 Arena meeting Corey Edwards, 2-1. “I believe Boots, Tight and Christian are all great and I believe we will all do big things in boxing,” said Jones.

Darmani “Tight” Rock, 6-0 (4), is a super heavyweight at 6:05 and averaging just under 250. He is trained by his father Wayne “Wiz”. They go between their own Rock Solid Boxing Gym at 2840 Chatman Street in Frankford section of North Philly. His promoter is Jay Z’s Roc Nation. In 2014 he won the Youth World Title in Bulgaria and in 2015 the US Nationals. He also won the 2015 National Golden Gloves. He made it as far as the Olympic Trials semi-finals.
In May Rock turned pro in D.C. stopping Carlos Black at 1:54 in round one in D.C. In June he stopped Bobby Favors who weighed 402 lbs. at 1:46 of round one in Quincy, MASS. In July he stopped Hassan Lee at 2:21 in round one in Pittsburgh. In August he won over Mike Kyle in Oakland 40-35 and a pair of 39-37’s.He is 20.In October he stopped John Orr in Winchester, VA. On November 19th in Las Vegas, NV, he defeated Brice Ritani Coe, 4-4-1, by decision.

Rock is next scheduled January 20th at Bally’s Event Center in Atlantic City, NJ. “My dad has trained me since I started at 12 or 13. I feel that I will get better and better with each fight,” said Rock.

The final one of the Fab Four is Bantamweight Christian Carto, 6-0 (6), of South Philly was an Olympic Trials Bronze medalist and went to the training camp in Colorado to help others after the trials. He is trained by Mickey Rosati, Jr. Mickey was a PA State GG champion. His gym is over his Business Rosati’sAuto RepairShop at 1937 S. Chadwick St., in South Philly.“He is a rare breed who comes in the gym six days a week. I’ve trained him for the past 3 years. He’s a pleasure to train because he listens. He’s up to bantamweight,” said RosatiHe is managed by Jimmy Binns, Jr.of Binns Management out of Las Vegas.

Carto was the 108 National Golden Gloves Champion in 2014 defeating Leroy “Lucious” Davila who was No. 1 in the nation and 4-0 now as a pro. “I was with him when he beat Davila who was the best in the country,” said Rosati.Cartofinished third in the 2015 Golden Gloves. His father Frank is always there to support his son who is 20. His brother Frank, Jr. won the Novice at 141 in the Golden Gloves this year.

Carto turned pro at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA, stopping Rahkeem Parker who wouldn’t come out after three rounds. In his second bout he stopped Christopher Nelson at the Claridge Casino in Atlantic City in the third round just 20 days later after his debut. In August in his third bout he stopped Jonathan Hernandez at 1:02 of the second round at the SugarHouse Casino in Philly. In his fourth bout on October 28th Carto stopped Angel Carvajal, 2-4, in the second round.

In his fifth fight on November 12th he stopped Leonardo Reyes, 5-10, in the second round. Carto has a big following which showed in his last fight with all the Carto shirts. He boxes well with good balance and is finding some punching power in the professionals. He won his sixth straight at the Sugar House Casino in Philly on December 16th. He knocked out Harold Reyes, 2-6-1, in the second round. During the referee’s instructions to start the bout Reye’s trainer said “now you are in with a man.” Carto’s trainer Mickey Rosati said “I can’t believe he said that. That’s just not right.” After the first round of which Carto won big he pointed to the trainer of Reye’s in the corner saying something. After knocking Reye’s out in the second round Carto again pointed to the trainer with some choice words.

Two other Philly boxers Paul Kroll won the Olympic Trials but didn’t qualify for the Olympics while Mark Dawson fought to a draw in his debut and won his first fight in the Olympic Trials but suffered a cut and wasn’t able to go onto the next round. He is with Split-T Management under David Mc Water. He’s a former 2012 Jr. National PAL, 2013 Nation Silver Gloves, 2013 National Jr. Olympics and 2015 Youth Nationals champion with 75 amateur bouts. He is 19.

Posted on 12/22/2016

The Carto Legacy in Philadelphia Lives on with Christian Carto!
By: Ken Hissner

It all started with unbeaten 20 year-old Philly bantamweight Christian Carto’s Uncle Joe Carto in April of 1932. He was 3-0-1 boxing in Philadelphia. When he branched out to Pottsville, PA and Brooklyn, NY, he suffered back to back decision defeats and decided to hang up the gloves.

Carto’s grandfather lightweight Frankie Carto after winning the 1939 Philadelphia GG at 112, 1940 Philadelphia GG 118, Diamond Belt and Mid-Atlantic AAU titles in the amateurs decided to turn professional in May of 1941 at 18. He was kept busy having 12 fights in 8 months going 9-2-1 that year. He fought mostly in Philadelphia posting a 6-0 record but also fought in Wilmington, DE, Atlantic City, NJ, Baltimore, MD and White Plains, NY.

In 1942 Frankie won his first 9 fights before losing to contender Lulu Costantino, 60-3-5, by decision being his first loss in Philadelphia. He went 12-1 in 1942 improving his record to 21-3-1. In 1943 he won his first 4 fights including beating Sammy Parrotta, 28-6-6, in Pittsburgh. Then he hit a bad spell losing to Costantino again and a month later in their third meeting it ended in a draw. In his next fight he lost to former NYSAC World featherweight champion Chalky Wright, 139-33-17. He took the first two rounds and then Wright took over stopping him in the eighth. Less than a month later he lost to Pedro Hernandez, 51-13-4 by split decision in Baltimore. “Pedro was always dangerous,” said Frankie. He ended 1943 losing to Philly’s Eddie Giosa, 17-0 with only a 4-5-1 record in 1943.

In Frankie’s last fight in 1944 he defeated Jackie Floyd, 11-0-1, in the first of 3 meetings all won by Frankie. From July of 1944 to August of 1945 he served in the Marines earning the rank of Corporal. In 1945 he went 5-1 defeating Jackie Floyd twice, 11-0-1, in the outdoor Arena Stadium in their first meeting. Then he won by DQ when Floyd hit him when he was down. They fought three weeks later and Frankie won a decision scoring a pair of knockdowns in their third meeting. In 1946 he was a heavy underdog when he defeated Freddie Russo, 53-1-2 in the first of 2 fights losing the rematch a month later. In between those 2 fights he lost to contender Phil Terranova, 46-13-10. In May of 1946 he was stopped by top contender Billy Graham, 56-1-6. He ended the year 8-4 before retiring in December after losing a rematch to Pedro Firpo. He ended his career with a 41-13-2 record with 20 by knockout. His highest ranking was No. 10 in the featherweight division.

Frankie was named “Prospect of the Month” in Ring Magazine October of the 1941 issue. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 82.

In 1946 young Carto’s other Uncle Nunzio Carto a lightweight who turned professional at 17 and won his first 8 fights before Frank Carto retired. He had quite a good amateur career winning the 1944 Novice Mid-Atlantic AAU flyweight title and the Philadelphia Silver Gloves. In 1945 he won the Philadelphia Golden Gloves featherweight title and the Diamond Belt and Mid-Atlantic AAU bantamweight title. He would win the same title in 1946 as a lightweight.

Nunzio won his first 11 fights before suffering his first and only loss being stopped by Jesse Watson, 9-11-1. Within 3 months in his next fight he reversed the loss stopping Watson. Nunzio would go onto win the remainder of his bouts with a win over Lou Castrilli, 18-5-2, in Madison Square Garden. He was 16-1 in Philadelphia, 2-0 in other Pennsylvania towns and 1-0 in Detroit. He ended his career with his second win in MSG in October of 1948 with a 23-1 record scoring 10 knockouts. In June of 1947 he was named Ring Magazine’s lightweight “Prospect of the Month”. Nunzio is 88 and of sound mind and his funeral business is still going now and he is the only living of the 3 Carto’s. On a recent visit by Bartsy and I asked who trained him and he said “my brothers Frankie and Joe trained me.” He isn’t one that likes to talk about himself so that’s about all I got out of him. “Nunzio trained at the Penmar Gym at 10th and Mountain Streets in South Philadelphia. He was my kind of boxer and I learned a lot from him,” said Carmen “Bart” Bartolomeo. “Bart” was a good friend of Frankie and Nunzio. “Bart’ was 18-1 as a professional.

The older brother of Christian is a 23 year old 2016 Novice Golden Gloves Champion named Frank III. Christian, 6-0 (6), won the 2014 National Golden Gloves in the light flyweight division. In 2015 he ended up in third place. He turned professional in July of this year at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA, and later in the month in Atlantic City, NJ, both ending in the third round. “Christian has a bright future and I am glad he made his pro debut under Kings Promotions and we look forward to having him on plenty of our cards,” said Marshall Kauffman.
In July of this year Christian won by stoppage in Reading, PA, and Atlantic City, NJ. He made his Philadelphia debut in his third bout in August winning his fourth fight in October in Philadelphia with both ending in the second round. He filled in on a recent card at the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University on November 12th and scored his fifth straight stoppage.

In his sixth bout he stopped Harold Reyes from PR in the second round at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia on December 16th. Upon receiving instructions by the referee Reye’s trainer said to Carto and his trainer Micky Rosati “now you are in with a man” and it cost his fighter dearly. After the first round and the fight being stopped this writer noticed Carto saying something to the opponent’s corner. Then afterwards he told me what happened. He was on a mission after the instructions to destroy Reyes. Carto improves with each fight. “He’s a rare breed who comes to the gym 6 days a week. I’ve trained him for the past 3 years. He’s a pleasure to train because he listen’s,” said Rosati.

Christian’s father Frank II is always by his side or nearby. His trainer is Mickey Rosati, Jr. a former Pennsylvania Golden Glove champion who owns Rosati’s automobile repair shop on South 22nd Street in South Philadelphia with the gym on the second floor. His father Mickey, Sr., was 11-1-1 as a professional with all his fights in Philadelphia except the draw in New York. Christian’s manager is Jimmy Binns, Jr., now out of Las Vegas.