Tag Archives: farmer

Posted on 08/01/2018

By: Ste Rowen

Tevin Farmer vs. Billy Dib

Philadelphian southpaw, Tevin Farmer will be hoping it’s second time lucky this Friday when he takes on Australian, Billy Dib in a fight for the vacant IBF super-featherweight world championship, at Redfern’s, Technology Park in Australia.

Farmer, 25-4-1 (4KOs) was last seen in the ring in December when he challenged for the IBF strap vs. Kenichi Ogawa. It was a bout that was controversial on multiple levels. Firstly, the belt was only vacant because Gervonta Davis missed weight before his fight with Francisco Fonseca last August. The matchup between Farmer and Ogawa was then made and though it went the distance, it seemed the Philadelphian had clearly won the bout. Two of the judges begged to differ, returning scorecards of, 115-113, 116-112 and 112-116, handing the Japanese a split decision victory and the IBF belt.

Photo Credit: Top Rank Boxing Twitter Account

But the controversy wasn’t over just yet as, in April of this year, it was reported that Kenichi tested positive for two forms of synthetic testosterone and was subsequently banned and stripped of his title, leaving it vacant once again and opening the door for Tevin, #4 in the IBF rankings, to take his second chance at world honours.

‘‘When you go on the road and get it, I think people respect you more.’’ Farmer told ‘FightHype’. ‘‘I had a lot of setbacks in 2017…He’s gonna catch everything I’ve been feeling these past two years.’’

‘‘It goes like this. Beat Billy Dib for the IBF. Next fight Davis for the WBA, then fight Miguel Berchelt for the WBC. I want these fights back to back.’’

Dib, 43-4 (24KOs), a former IBF featherweight champion, was last involved in a world title fight over three years ago when he was knocked out by, then WBC 130lb titlist, Takashi Miura in Tokyo. And the ‘The Kid’ hasn’t fought in a scheduled 10-rounder since July 2016 when he went the distance with Thai, Amphol Suriyo. Since then Billy has fought three times, 11 rounds, including a ‘no-contest’ result where he clashed heads with Yardley Armenta Cruz on the Mikey Garcia vs. Adrien Broner undercard.

Speaking to ‘Fox Sports’ in Australia, the IBF’s ranked #3 said,

‘‘Ever since Jeff Fenech and I teamed up, back in early October, we’ve sort of had our eyes on either Gervonta Davis or Tevin Farmer…Both guys are southpaws, so we’ve been preparing mentally for southpaws and I think it’s gone really well.’’

‘‘With a loss, I’d definitely give my goodbyes to the sport of boxing.’’

The winner will join 130lb belt holders Berchelt (WBC), the recently crowned Masayuki Ito (WBO) and both – yes both – WBA champions, Alberto Machado & Davis; which should make for some interesting unifications, if all parties are willing, and ready to fight.

Tim Tszyu vs. Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus

Also fighting on Friday’s Technology Park card is, Tim Tszyu, son of former super-lightweight unified world champion, Kostya Tszyu. Tim, 9-0 (7KOs) will be up against Indonesian road warrior, Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus, 27-15-1 (14KOs) in Tszyu’s 2nd defence of the WBC ‘Asian Council Continental’ junior-middleweight strap.

Speaking to ‘Fox Sports’, Tszyu was keen to outline his own path, separate from his father’s success.

‘‘Through my ability and my training, I’m showing that I’m taking the right steps forward for my own career, not as the son of Kostya Tszyu…Everyone was born for a certain reason, and I was born for this.’’
‘‘This is the first time I’ve had 8-10 weeks (training) so we’ve had a strength time, a sparring time and now it’s just the finishing touches…I’ve only had 9 fights, so this is only the start.’’

Posted on 12/21/2017

By: Ken Hissner

New Jersey boxing trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas is one of the most underrated boxing trainers in the country. On November 25th in the co-feature of Kovalev-Shabranskyy main event his boxer the former WBA World Super Featherweight champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa, 20-3-4, of Camden, NJ, lost a highly disputed decision to former IBF World Featherweight and WBA Super World Featherweight champion Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa, 28-2, of Miami, FL, at Madison Square Garden’s Theater in New York City. John McKaie scored it 95-93 and Don Trella 96-92. This writer had it 95-93 Sosa based on scoring a knockdown and Gamboa deducted a point by referee Ron Lipton for holding in the tenth and last round in order to survive the round.

Photo Credit: HBO Boxing

Then on December 9th another one of Rivas’ boxers Philadelphia’s “American Idol” Tevin Farmer, 25-4-1, lost an even more disputed decision to Japanese champion Kenichi Ogawa, 22-1, for the vacant IBF World Super featherweight title at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Events Center, in Las Vegas, NV. Even HBO’s IBHOF judge Harold Lederman who had Farmer ahead 9-3 in rounds as did this writer was stunned at the split decision scoring. Can you imagine a boxer comes over from “Japan” and gets a “gift decision over an American boxer in the US?

This writer asked Rivas to give his account of both fights and this is what he said:

Tough loss for both my guys. But I do know we will bounce back stronger and learn from these experiences. We have no control on what the judge’s see and don’t see. It is only going to make us stronger, wiser and hungrier for our next opportunity. I will admit it hurts when you do win and the judges see it the opposite. Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa at one time were opponents due to their lack of amateur experience but today with their hard work they have earned the respect of the boxing world and they will be recognized as one of the best before their careers are over.

Thank you to all our supporters who have been with us from the beginning and continue to ride with us and the reporters who give us the platform to express ourselves. Thank you.

I will make Tevin Farmer a champion and Jason Sosa once again. I will make Christopher Diaz a champion.

From what Chino said you know he is a top trainer. He didn’t go off like I did watching both Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa get robbed. These two along with Chino are three of the nicest boxing people I have gotten to know. They are all winners. I do believe rematches are in order for both fighters!

Posted on 12/10/2017

By: Ken Hissner

At the Mandala Bay Hotel & Casino Events Center Saturday night promoters Fernando Beltran of Promociones Zanfer, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Tom Loeffler of K-2 Promotions and Oscar de La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions presented the vacant IBF World Super Featherweight title fight.

Photo Credit: HBO Boxing

Super featherweight southpaw Tevin “American Idol” Farmer, 25-5-1 (5), of Philadelphia, PA, was robbed of the vacant IBF World Super Featherweight title losing a split decision to Japanese champion Kenichi Ogawa, 23-1 (17), of Tokyo, Japan, over 12 rounds.

In the opening round thru the third it was southpaw Farmers quickness of hand and feet that dominated Ogawa. Ogawa came back to take the fourth round getting in with rights to the head but it was a close round. Farmer took over again in the fifth thru the eighth rounds with his unusual style of which Ogawa had no answer. Ogawa won the ninth round but Farmer won the tenth and eleventh with Ogawa winning the final round. Kenny Baylis was the referee.

Judge Tim Cheatham had it 116-112 for Farmer while judge’s Max DeLuca had it 115-113 and Burt Clemens 116-112 for Ogawa.117-111 This writer had it 117-111 Farmer.

Trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas saw his fighter Jason Sosa robbed a week ago and his fighter Tevin Farmer robbed tonight.
In the main event the former WBO World Featherweight champion, Mexican Orlando “Siri” Salido, 44-14-4 (31), of Phoenix, AZ, was stopped in the 8th round by Miguel “Mickey” Roman, 58-12 (45), of Chihuahua, MEX, in an upset scheduled ten.

This fight was a war from the opening bell. Salido took the first round and Roman came back in the second taking a close round. In the third round it was Salido’s body work getting the edge over Roman. In the fourth round Roman dropped Salido to take the round.

In the fifth thru the seventh rounds Salido came back with a furious body attack though Roman gave as well as he took. In the eighth round Roman again dropped Salido with a flurry of punches. In the ninth round the war continued but Salido had obviously got the worst of the war. Roman dropped Salido with body shots against the ropes and referee Robert Byrd waved it off.

“I want to thank God and my trainers for this win. I want a title fight,” said Roman. He was very emotional. “I am retiring,” said Salido.

Posted on 12/08/2017

By: Ken Hissner

Philadelphia’s Tevin “American Idol” Farmer will get his vacant IBF World Super Featherweight shot this Saturday at the Mandalay Hotel & Casino Events Center in Las Vegas, NV.

The southpaw Farmer, 25-4-1 (5), hasn’t lost since October of 2012 when he lost to then future world champion Jose Pedraza. He’s won eighteen straight bouts. He is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

In Farmer’s last fight which was in April he defeated Arturo Santos Reyes, 19-7. A year ago Farmer defended the NABF title defeating Dardan Zanunaj, 12-2. He won that title defeating former world champion Gamaliel Diaz, 39-13-3 in March of 2016.

Farmer is trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rivas also trains now former world champion Jason Sosa among others.

Farmer came to the attention of boxing fans back on January of 2014 defeating Noel Echevarria, 11-1. In his next bout on the cable TV he defeated Emanuel Gonzalez, 14-0. After that he defeated the likes of Viktor Chernous, 15-1-1, Angel Luna, 10-0-1, Daulis Prescott, 30-2, Ivan Redkach, 19-1-1 and Orlando Rizo, 19-7, besides Diaz, Zenunaj and Reyes.
Farmer is ranked No. 5 in the IBF with the first two spots vacant. His opponent this Saturday is Japan’s champion Kenichi Ogawa, 22-1 (17), who is ranked No. 6. Ogawa reversed his only loss.

Too many Philly boxers have suffered from the “Philly Jinx” losing when they get their world title chance. There are presently no world champions in Philadelphia. Farmer hopes to change that Saturday!

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 12/03/2016

Tevin “American Idol” Farmer Retains NABF Title in Philly Friday.
By: Ken Hissner

At the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia Friday night Promoters Peltz Boxing, Bam Boxing Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and Joe Hand Promotions put on an 8 bout show. This show was highlighted by a great undercard.

In the main event the NABF super featherweight champion Tevin “The American Idol” Farmer, 24-4-1 (5), of North Philly, defeated game opponent from Kosovo Dardan Zenunaj, 12-3 (9), out of L.A., over ten rounds.

In the opening round it was all Zenuanaj surprisingly reaching the usually hard to hit Farmer. In the second round Farmer came storming out landing at will. It was all Farmer landing combinations and a hard left to the chin of Zenunaj at the end of a five punch combination. In the third round Farmer continued to rock Zenuanaj with combinations while slipping punches in return. Though Zenuanaj landed half a dozen punches Farmer was able to block most. Farmer finished the round well.

In the fourth round Zenuanaj never stops coming forward while Farmer is doing as much slipping punches as landing them.

Farmer finished strong with a flurry in a close round that could have made the difference. In the fifth round Zenunaj continues stalking and driving Farmer to a corner. Farmer shows his skills but looks a bit tired. In the sixth round Farmer went from doing little but slipping and covering up to landing a four punch combination. Once again Zenuanaj had Farmer in a corner. It was Farmer’s round but is only fighting in spurts. In the seventh round Zenuanaj puts his hips and challenges Farmer to open up. Farmer obliged and it was a good round for both fighters.

In round eighth round both fighters were slugging it out unlike the first seven rounds. In the ninth round Farmer flurries in spurts but still out punches Zenuanaj who looks to be tiring. In the tenth and final round a straight left to the chin of Zenuanaj knocked his head back but he came right back. It was a close round that could decide this one. Referee Shawn Clark had little to do in this one.

Chino Rivas and his assistant Rashiem Jefferson were in the Farmer corner.

Afterwards the promoter of Farmer DiBella was in the ring while WBA champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa was standing in Farmer’s corner. It was the seventeenth straight win for Farmer.

Dewey LaRosa had it 98-92 while Julie Lederman and Dave Braslow had it 99-91. This writer had it 96-94.

In the co-feature Philly cruiserweight Garrett “Ultimate Warrior” Wilson, 17-11-1 (9), won a majority decision in a boring fight over Lamont “Too Smooth” Capers, 7-9-2 (0), of Hawley, PA, in 6.
In the first round the much taller Capers used his long reach and kept it in the face of Wilson annoying him more than anything else. In the second round it was more of the same with Wilson missing more than landing. In the third round Capers continued to use his jab. In the third round Wilson finally got inside of the jab and drove Capers into the ropes having him hurt but Capers managed to hold on.

In the fourth round it was more of the same like the first two rounds with Capers beginning to tire. Close round but Wilson may have pulled it out. In the fifth round Capers countered with a right to the chin of Wilson. Shortly afterwards it was Wilson driving Capers into a corner before getting tied up. Wilson has chased Capers the entire fight. In the sixth and final round it was more of Capers running and Wilson chasing and missing more than he landed. It was a terrible fight due to Capers. Veteran trainer “Cornbread” Ramsey was in the Wilson corner.

Both Dewey LaRosa and Adam Friscia had it 58-56 while Dave Braslow and this writer had it 57-57.

Super welterweight Isaiah Wise, 3-1 (2), of Philly, was in a war and lost a majority decision to Panama’s Roque Zapata, 2-1-3 (0), out of Culpeper, VA, over 4 rounds. This could have been the main event that’s how good it was. This was by far the fight of the night!

The opening round was a war. Wise tried boxing but Zapata would come in low and continue throwing punches. Zapata had rocked Wise several times and had his face reddened. In the second round it was just as brutal as the first. Zapata was getting hit low without warning because it was the only way Wise could keep him from throwing bombs.

In the third round Wise continued to stand in front of Zapata. Wise rarely used his jab as if he was a former MMA fighter. The war continued with Wise going to the body with border line punches while Zapata never stopped throwing and landing. In the fourth and final round they went all out for the fourth round. Wise’s face was showing the wear from the punches to the head while Zapata rarely went to the body. Both fighters took punches well and never stopped landing. Wise continued to the body while Zapata rarely did.

Judges Lederman had it 38-38 while LaRosa had it 40-36 and Braswell 39-37 as did this writer.

In the opening bout southpaw super bantamweight Jose “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, 6-0-1 (2), out of New York City, won a decision over Tim Ibarra, 4-4 (1), out of Denver, CO, over 4 rounds.

In the first two rounds Ibarra took the first but the second was a toss up.

Ibarra doesn’t seem to be bothered by Gonzalez being southpaw. Gonzalez is moving to his right in line for Ibarra to score. In the third round Ibarra was landing lead rights one after another to the chin of Gonzalez. In the fourth and final round Ibarra continues in this round to counter well. He even turned southpaw several times. Gonzalez finished strong landing straight lefts to the chin of Ibarra. Up until the last round referee McCall hardly had to break the boxers.

Judges Lederman and Frisca had it 40-36 while Braswell scored it 39-37 all for Rodriguez. This writer had it 38-38.
Heavyweight from the Ukraine Iegor Plevako, 2-0 (1), out of Brooklyn, NY, stopped Montrell Castro, 0-1 (0), out of Philly, at 0:31 of the first.

In the first round Castro was bullying his way backing up Plevako. All of a sudden Castro started tiring and Plevako rocked him and had him out on his feet and trying to cover up to no avail. For some reason referee Clark instead of stopping the fight gave Castro an 8 count. Castro didn’t look good coming out for the second round when Plevako rocked him again. Castro tried tackling Plevako and fell to the canvas causing referee Clark to finally wave the fight off.
“I thought the referee should have stopped the fight instead of giving him a count.” said Plevako. He is one of many of Dave McWaters boxers.

Lightweight Victor Padilla of PR now out of Berlin, NJ, knocked out Kimmy St. Pierre, 1-3 (0), of Quebec CAN, at 0:59 of the second round.

In the first round Padilla the southpaw started out like it was going to end it early. Then halfway through the round Padilla started picking his punches rocking Pierre with a combination.

Padilla was warned twice for low blows by referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. In the second round a low blow by Padilla gave Pierre several minutes to re-coup by referee Esteves. Padilla came in to end it and he did with a flurry of punches dropping St. Pierre who took the count without trying to get up. Padilla looks like the real deal as his trainer Chino Rivas advised this writer prior to the fight.

Padilla won the FL GG last week and just turned 18. “I was nervous in the first round landing low blows trying to get to the mid-section. I really felt good in this fight and am ready to go again next week,” said Padilla.

Junior lightweight Joseph “Fast Hands” Adorno, 1-0 (1), of Allentown, PA, stopped Guy Newman, 0-1 (0), of Lynchburg, VA, at 1:47 of the first round.

In the first round after a pair of knockdowns referee Clark wisely stopped it. Adorno went to both body and head with vicious punches. He is certainly a good prospect and had many fans come down from Allentown. This kid not only has fast hands but he throws with “bad intensions!” He said “I didn’t look for the knockout but when it came it came.”

Super welterweight Marcel Rivers, 1-0 (1), of North Philly, stormed out of the corner and never gave Tony Kim, 0-1 (0), of Fresh Meadows, NY, a chance stopping him at 0:41 of the first round. Rivers kept beating him until scoring a knockdown. Upon rising Kim again was taking hard punches to the head when referee McCall wisely stopped it. Veteran trainer Fred Jenkins, Sr. was in the corner of Rivers.

Posted on 11/30/2016

Tevin “American Idol” Farmer Defends NABF Title in Philly on Friday!
By: Ken Hissner

Philadelphia’s Tevin “American Idol” Farmer, 23-4-1 (5) defends his NABF super featherweight title he won back in March at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. Peltz Boxing is doing the promotion with associates BAM Boxing, DiBella Entertainment and Joe Hand Promotions.

Farmer has won his last 16 fights and is ranked No. 3 in the WBC, No. 7 in the IBF and No. 10 in the WBO. His last loss in 2012 was to now unbeaten IBF super featherweight champion Jose Pedraza of Puerto Rico. Farmer would love a rematch for his IBF title.

The Philly southpaw is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas in New Jersey. One of the boxers sparring with Farmer has been WBA super featherweight champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa out of Camden, NJ, who are friends and spar on a regular basis.

This will only be the second Philadelphia appearance for Farmer since 2013. His last fight was in the same 2300 Arena in October of 2016. If you haven’t seen Farmer you will be impressed to see his unusual style. He brings back memories of “Gypsy” Joe Harris though there was only one “Gypsy”.

There are 8 bouts on the card with Philly’s Garrett “Ultimate Warrior” Wilson, 16-11-1 (9), against Lamont “Too Smooth” Capers, 7-8-2 (0), of Hawley, PA, in a heavyweight bout. Don’t let Capers record fool you. He’s won his last 2 bouts including over a 17-2 boxer and Philly’s Pedro Martinez in his last fight. Wilson also defeated Martinez in his last Philly appearance in October of 2015.

There will be a pair of top prospects making their debuts with Victor Padilla out of Berlin, NJ, and Joseph Adorno, of Allentown, PA, in separate bouts. Doors open at 6pm and first fight at 7pm and when J Russell Peltz says that’s the starting time you can bank on it.

Posted on 11/01/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: Ward, Pacquiao, Mares, Cuellar, Farmer, Joshua, and more….
Compiled By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of October 25th to November 1st, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Photo Credit: Squint Photo/Roc Nation Sports

Andre Ward Workout Quotes

“I feel that this fight with Kovalev is 50-50. That’s how I approach all of my big fights. I don’t go into the fight thinking, ‘I’ve got a clear-cut advantage here’ or ‘I’ve got to run through this guy.’ Personally, for me, I can’t roll like that. I’ve got to keep myself honest, stay on my grind, keep my head down and force myself to keep working. I truly believe Kovalev is everything they say he is, and I’m everything that I’ve shown over the years.

“There are always different game plans, nuances, different things you’re working on but I respect every fight that I fight. I don’t get caught up in the whole puncher thing, anybody can get you out of there if you get hit right. I don’t think I’d be sitting here in this position right now if I hadn’t had these highs and lows. We’ve got to find a way to get it done, and we’re going to find a way to get it done. I don’t care what he’s got in his gloves, who he’s knocked out or what he’s done. My job is to get my hand raised, and that’s what we’re focused on.

“I have days where I do some type of cardio in the morning – sprints, distant running – then go back to training camp to get some rest and eat. Then we come to the gym and spar and hit the heavy bag. It’s a monotonous process when you’re in training camp, and that’s pretty much every day. Of course we take days off to rest the body and be smart, but it’s really the same thing every day. As you get closer, you start to pull back a little bit so you don’t over train. That’s normally the week of the fight, so up until the Saturday before the fight, you’re full steam ahead. 100 miles an hour.

“Typically, Virgil and I will go through our process together. He watches a lot more film than I do. He’s up until 3:00 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. watching film. As I’ve gotten older, I watch less film. I don’t need to see 10 fights to see tendencies and certain things. I know what I need to see. I may go back and watch a round here and there, but I try and leave room for my instincts. I’m very instinctual. You’ve got to be able to think on the fly thinking on the highest level. I leave room for that. It’s not a checklist you go down. You can’t get into a ring thinking like that. I just believe that who I am and what I have is enough, and that’s what I’m standing on.

“Having young guys like Shakur Stevenson around, it starts to make me feel old because I used to be that guy at Roy Jones’s camp, Floyd Mayweather’s camp, hanging around Bernard Hopkins. You see yourself in them. It’s a little weird, because you’re like, ‘man, now I’m the OG.’ But it’s also a beautiful thing because we need more of that. We need champions and top contenders and just fighters in general to open up the door and allow the young guys on the way to be shown how it’s done.

“I’m honored for Claressa Shields to say that I am her idol. I admire her story, what she’s come from, and think that she’s amazing in the ring. She’s the real deal. I watch her, I pick up things from her. For her to have two Gold medals is amazing. For her to make her pro debut on this fight card is a beautiful, beautiful thing. I think it’s a perfect situation.

“It’s a beautiful thing to be fighting in Vegas. I’m excited. What better time than now in this stage in my career. I’m just excited to continue to prepare so I can do my part to give the fans their money’s worth, those that pay to be there and those paying to watch it. That’s what I’m focused on, and I’m extremely happy to be a part of it. T-Mobile is a new arena, and a new chapter, and to be a part of it is a beautiful thing.”

Manny Pacquiao Workout Quotes

Boxing’s only eight division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade Senator MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, held a media workout on Wednesday at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif.
Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, is in the final week of training for his world championship collision with World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight world champion JESSIE VARGAS (27-1, 10 KOs), of Las Vegas. In just nine days they will go mano a mano and toe-to-toe in a high-stakes welterweight showdown. While Pacquiao will be looking to become a three-time WBO welterweight champion as well as the first senator to win a world title, Vargas will be resolute in enforcing a term limit on the future Hall of Famer’s boxing career.

Here is what Manny had to say:

MANNY PACQUIAO:

“It took discipline to manage my time effectively … to balance my training camp and my Senatorial duties. I feel good. Every day I was able to get in all my training. I ran every morning and did my strength and conditioning with Justin Fortune. I worked with Freddie every evening at the gym after work. There were some days where I would have to come in later if my work in the Senate demanded I stay longer. Between the two “jobs,” I was averaging 14-hour workdays. Luckily the gym was very close to the Senate so I didn’t have to deal with traffic. I had no real free time to be with friends.

“I am now well-rested. I arrived in U.S. on Saturday evening and today I feel I have recovered from my jetlag. I sparred six rounds yesterday [Tuesday with Ray Beltran]. I will spar Thursday, Saturday and Monday before driving to Las Vegas.

“We have three different plans for Jessie Vargas. My first concern is for the fans; that the people who are going to watch the fight will be happy and satisfied. I want this to be a fight for fans to remember
“I am fighting for history. I was the first sitting congressman to win a world title. For this one, it is not enough to be the first sitting senator to fight for a world title, I want to be the first senator to become world champion. For me, that would be quite an accomplishment.

“I want to prove that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. I feel I still have a lot to prove. I am not done with boxing. I will continue to keep fighting as long as I love boxing and boxing still loves me. I do not feel old. I feel like I am still 27.

“I do not underestimate Jessie Vargas. He is a good strong champion. You cannot fight at this level and be successful by underestimating your opponent. Every opponent gets my full attention and respect. I respect Jessie and that is why I trained hard. This is the most important fight because it will determine the direction of my boxing career. I need to win convincingly.

“In boxing the fight is in the ring is for the enjoyment of the fans. In the Senate, the fight is for improving the quality of life of the Philippine citizens. Being a senator is inspiring work.

“I have spent more than 100 million [pesos] on building houses for the less fortunate [over 1,000 houses…Manny purchased the lots and built and gave away the homes and lots]

“Winning world titles in eight divisions is not that easy. I am so blessed to be a part of boxing history by winning them. That is not me boasting. I am just happy to be a part of the history of boxing.

“I enjoy politics because I do not have a hidden agenda. I serve honestly. That’s a good thing for me because I’m not ashamed to tell the truth. I’m not ashamed to rebuke someone if they are doing wrong. Government is for serving the people, not for serving oneself.”

Anthony Joshua to Defend Title Against Molina on December 10th

Anthony Joshua MBE is set to defend his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on Showtime in the U.S.

Joshua puts his crown on the line for the second time and fights his third American in a row having destroyed Charles Martin inside two rounds to rip the title from the St. Louis man in April at The O2 in London and then stopping Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round at the same venue in June, extending his unbeaten run in the paid ranks to 17 wins, all inside the distance.

Molina becomes the latest man to attempt to derail the Olympic Gold medal hero, the Texan is looking to get his hands on the top prize in his second World title tilt after challenging Deontay Wilder for the WBC crown in June 2015. The 34-year-old enters the bout full of confidence after travelling to Poland and knocking out Tomasz Adamek in the tenth round of their clash for the IBF Inter-Continental strap in April.

“I am pleased that everything is now set for December 10 and I can concentrate on getting the business done in the ring,” said Joshua. “There has been plenty of talk about who I may face but all I’m doing is concentrating on finishing Molina in style and putting on a great show.

“Every fight is dangerous in this division and this is no exception. I saw Molina have a great fight with Wilder and he is now coming off a strong KO win against Adamek in Poland.

“I’m expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career so far and I will be ready for an all-out war.”

“There is no Heavyweight in the world that has bounced back like I have,” said Molina. “That’s the man that Joshua faces on December 10 and that man is a very dangerous one.

“He’ll fight the toughest Molina that anybody has ever seen, just like Adamek fought the toughest Molina.

“I’m confident. These type of fights don’t shake me up, I’m a very strong mental fighter. I know exactly what I’ve got to do to prepare myself in the amount of time. I know exactly what I’ve got to do, mentally, physically, to go there and perform.

“When you walk out into the atmosphere, half the battle is the mental battle, and if you can stay in the moment mentally you have a shot in any fight.”

There’s a huge card in support of the main event as Dillian Whyte defends his British Heavyweight title against bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC title. Whyte makes the second defence of his strap after seeing off fellow Brixton man Ian Lewison in Glasgow last month, while former World title challenger Chisora can get his hands on the Lord Lonsdale belt for the second time.

Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Heavyweight wrecking ball ‘King Kong’ Luis Ortiz fights in Europe for the second time after clashing with Malik Scott in Monte-Carlo on November 12 and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

“The Heavyweight division has been turned on its head in the last few months and while many are standing still waiting, I’m delighted to get this huge card up and running in Manchester,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

Tevon Farmer to Defend NABF Title on December 2nd

Junior lightweight Tevin Farmer, considered by many to be among the best in the world at 130 pounds, makes the first defense of his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title when he faces Dardan Zenunaj on Friday evening, Dec. 2, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

The Farmer-Zenunaj 10-rounder tops another Philly Fight Night eight-bout card which begins at 7pm.

Farmer, 26, of North Philadelphia, is unbeaten in his last 16 fights and looking to get a shot at a world title in 2017. He is ranked as high as No. 5 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and he is fresh off an eight-round decision against Orlando Rizo, of Managua, Nicaragua, last month in the same ring.

Earlier this year, Farmer (left) captured the vacant NABF 130-pound title with a 10-round decision over Mexico’s Gamaliel Diaz. He followed that this summer with the biggest win of his six-year career when he thoroughly trounced Ivan Redkach, of Los Angeles, CA, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, registering a near shutout over 10 rounds.

“This is another fight to put me closer to a world title shot,” Farmer said. “A win should set me up for a title opportunity early in 2017. After December 2, I’m looking to face even bigger names. I don’t care who they put in front of me, but first I have to get past my opponent at the 2300 Arena.”

“Tevin Farmer has rebuilt himself into a legit world title contender and is on the verge of a major fight in 2017,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “However, on December 2, he will have his hands full against the aggressive brawler Dardan Zenunaj in a bout that promises to deliver fireworks. I’m happy to be co-promoting this terrific bout with my old friend, Hall-of-Famer and promotional mentor J Russell Peltz.”

Zenunaj (right), 29, is originally from Albania. He turned pro in Belgium and now fights out of Oxnard, CA. A pro for five years, he has a 12-2 record (9 KOs) since turning pro in 2011. Zenunaj won the Belgian featherweight title in his seventh fight and two years ago he captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) International junior lightweight title when he knocked out Karim Chakim, of France, in nine rounds.

The seven-bout undercard includes a terrific pair of six-round fights.

Former cruiserweight world-title challenger Garrett Wilson, of South Philadelphia, goes against stylish Lamont Capers, of Hawley, PA, in one six-rounder. The other features a pair of rising Philadelphia lightweight prospects—Avery Sparrow and Steven Ortiz–in the kind of old-fashioned early career showdowns that made Philly a great fight town.

Also returning are junior middleweight Isaiah Wise, welterweight Hasan Young and the local debut of Russian flyweight Basyzbek Barartov.

Taras Shelestyuk Quotes Before ShoBox Main Event

What are your thoughts going into the fight?

“I’m very excited. It’s been six months since my last fight. It’s my first headline fight and hopefully not my last one.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work in my training camp with my trainer Eric Brown, and with my physical conditioning coach. My opponent is a tough fighter. He’s had some good fights with guys like Mike Jones, Egidijus Kavaliauskas and a couple of other big guys. He likes to fight and I think it will be a good fight and a good matchup for our styles.”

You’re now a ranked fighter; are you happy with the pace of your progression?

“I’m happy with my progression but of course I want to fight bigger names in championship fights and all of that. I know it’s coming soon. I enjoy my way of training and developing my skills, but if you see your dream you do anything to reach it and don’t let anything get in your way.”

What do you think of the welterweight division?

“It’s a very good division because there are a lot of fighters, but some don’t want to fight each other (very often). There are some very good championship fights to be made and hopefully I will be one of them.”

Why did you chose to move to Southern California?

“Well, [laughs] mainly because if the great weather, but this is also a good area with a lot of good fighters and a lot of good trainers as well. When I first moved here my manager invited me out and showed me around and I got in the gym right away. I was training with Ruslan Provodnikov and got some sparring in with him before a fight that he had and next thing you know, two weeks later I had my pro debut and now three-and-a-half years later here I am.”

Is there pressure on you when you fight?

“I wouldn’t say I feel pressure because everyone around me is supporting me, they believe in me and I believe in them. My team believes in me and I trust them. I just want to do what I do in the ring, better. I want to do better for me, for my family and for my friends.”

Do you follow your Olympic teammates?

“I watch fights of the Ukrainian Olympic Team, and I enjoy when the other guys win. We support each other and we call each other. It is good for there to be more Ukraine fighters who are champions now. Next year, I hope to be one of them.”

How did it feel going 10 rounds for the first time?

“Last year in November I had my first 10-round fight on ShoBox, I fought with a strong guy and he gave me a very good fight. I went the 10 rounds and I felt like I could still go two more. I am ready for 10, for 12, it doesn’t matter. I feel much better, much more powerful. I have more speed than I had in my last fight, too.”

How did you end up training with Eric?

“I trained with Freddie Roach for about two and a half years when I met Eric at Wild Card West Gym. I started sparring with some of his guys there. After my fight with Rodriguez on ESPN in 2015 I asked Eric to train me and we started working. Now that I’ve fought two fights with him as my trainer, I feel my boxing skills are better, I feel more powerful and I enjoy training in his gym.

“All of the trainers help us and they give us advice. On the days I spar with Shane Mosley he stops and gives me some advice. I learn a lot from him, being the fighting legend that he is. I grew up watching him fight as a kid and respect what he’s able to teach me. Then the next time I try what he has taught me and it works.”

Boxing is in your blood; your dad and brother boxed. When you were younger, did you think you were going to become a fighter?

“No, but my father pushed me in a lot of sports. I did gymnastics, soccer for five years, and played chess. I fought as a kid but it was always friendly. I always enjoyed the training aspect. To train for soccer sometimes my father and I would run barefoot in the snow and I enjoyed it. So, as a kid, when I first stepped into the boxing gym, it was just so much fun.”

Your ShoBox fight falls on your father’s birthday; do you have a special present in mind for him?

“It makes me want to get the victory for him. On his day, he will be sitting and watching my fight so I want to get that victory for him, for my family and for the Ukraine.”

Mares vs. Cuellar Press Conference Quotes

JESUS CUELLAR

“I’ve been wanting to fight Mares for about two years. It’s finally going to happen. This is what I want. I’m going to make a statement.

“I’m very happy that this fight is finally here. I can’t wait to get in the ring on December 10. I’m thankful for the opportunity. I know Mares is popular in Los Angeles, but I have a following as well and they will be there to support me.

“I’m training very hard and feeling physically strong. We never stopped training for this fight. Mares will come prepared for a war and I hope that’s what the fight is like. It’s going to prove who has the bigger heart.

“I’ve been training with Freddie Roach for about four months. It’s been a great partnership and he will make me even better than I’ve been. We’ve been practicing really hard. Freddie is handing me the tools to go to work. You will see all my experience come together on fight night.

“Mares is a great fighter. He’s been a champion for many years. He’s never faced an opponent like me. This will be his hardest challenge.

“I’m sure Mares will give it his all, just like I will. I’ve been dreaming about this fight for years. This will be a great battle, but I am prepared to take my belt back to Argentina.

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m planning on knocking him out. I know that big things are going to come my way after I beat Mares.”

ABNER MARES

“This is going to be a smarter Abner Mares. I’ve been learning a lot with Robert Garcia. They gave us a year to train and learn together. He’s a knowledgeable coach. He’s not just a guy who works mitts. This is the real deal. He gets you better and I’m really happy with him.

“I want to thank Cuellar and his team for waiting for this fight to come to fruition. I really appreciate that as a person. It’s finally here.

“I was actually commentating the Stiverne vs. Arreola fight at Galen Center and it was a great atmosphere. The environment there is incredible and I was just imagining being up in the ring as the main event.

“I want the winner of the Frampton vs. Santa Cruz rematch. I want to continue to fight the best. I want to be known as a guy who fights the best.

“Being on the big stage like this has made me what I am. Being on the bantamweight tournament on SHOWTIME really started to show people what my style is like. To be back for another world opportunity, it means everything to me. I’m hoping to give them another exciting fight.

“I never talk down about a fighter. We all deserve our respect. We all have the same desire to strive to be the best. Cuellar is a beast. He hits hard. The record speaks for itself and that’s what has me so excited. This is the kind of fight I want to be in. It brings the best out of me.

“If I have to make it into a brawl, I will do that. I have the boxing abilities to be the smarter fighter and win by out boxing him. I learn from all of my fights, especially the losses. From the Santa Cruz fight I learned that I really need to listen to my corner. I let the crowd get to me and fought the wrong fight. I’m going to be ready for everything.

“This title coming home is going to be a nice Christmas present. It means the world to me. I’m going to add something to my trophy case.

“I’m a new man. I’m a grown man. I have two beautiful daughters. I like to learn something new every day. You will see a different Abner on December 10. This is going to end the year with the ‘Fight of the Year.'”

Posted on 09/20/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: Top Rank, Golden Boy, Conlan, Vasquez Jr., Farmer, Eubank, and more…
By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of September 13th to September 20th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Top Rank Promotions Signs Michael Conlan

Irish amateur star Michael Conlan, best known for his upset loss at the Rio Olympics that many felt he won, has signed with Bob Arum and Top Rank Promotions.

Most boxing fans will remember Conlan for giving the middle fingers to the judges and other Olympic officials after his upset loss to Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin. Top Rank will likely capitalize on the ability of Irish fighters to draw fans in droves to boxing venues.

PPV Rights Secured for Vasquez Jr. vs Lopez

Integrated Sports Media, North America’s undisputed leader of pay-per-view distribution of major boxing events, has secured the rights to for the much anticipated showdown between former world champions Wilfredo”Papito” Vazquez, Jr. and Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez, headlining “Guerra En El Clemente,” Saturday night, October 8, live from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Guerra En El Clemente: Vasquez Jr. Lopez, presented by Black Tiger Media, will be distributed by Integrated Sports Media live, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, in the United States and Puerto Rico on both cable and satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV and Vubiquity. The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Androide devises or watch on the www.Fite.TV website. Suggested retail price is $29.95.

“We’re excited to bring North American boxing fans a true grudge match between former world champions Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. and Juan Manuel Lopez,” Integrated Sports Media president Doug Jacobs said. “It’s also a crossroads fight with the winner most likely back as a legitimate world title contender and the loser possibly facing retirement. They really don’t like each other and sparks will be flying from the opening bell. Additional pay-per-view fights will be announced soon and with the passion of Puerto Rican fighters, we anticipate a can’t-miss show for real boxing fans.”

“I am thrilled and happy to be able to present this highly anticipated event to boxing fans in Puerto Rico and the United States,” said Carlos Maldonado, President of Black Tiger Promotions. “The response from all cable and satellite providers has been phenomenal. This fight promises to be an all-out war in the ring, non-stop action from the opening bell until the end, which could happen at any moment. No hype; these guys really don’t like each other. ”

The 12-round Vasquez, Jr. vs. Lopez main event is presented in association with Matias Entertainment and sponsored by Best Alarms and Municipio de San Juan.

Tevin Farmer Ready for All Comers

Hot junior lightweight Tevin Farmer is ready for the biggest fights between the featherweight and lightweight divisions.

Farmer of Philadelphia has won 15 fights in a row and is now ranked number-five by the WBC at 130-pounds.
In his last bout, Farmer put on a masterful performance in a virtual shutout over highly regarded Ivan Redkach on July 30 in Brooklyn, New York.

“First I want to thank Ivan Redkach for taking the fight. I really do. Because he gave me an opportunity to showcase my skills. No one else was biting. Ivan is a warrior. The fight itself was just me being me. Showing I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I took the fight at 135 because I literally can’t get a fight in my weight class. I don’t want to come off as thirsty but no one wants this work. So I had to take on a bigger and taller guy but I’m used to that. Skills are what wins fights so I was good with it.”
One fighter that Farmer is thinking about is contender Gervontae Davis. Davis has been rumored to be facing Farmer’s stablemate Jason Sosa for the WBA title.

“I would love that fight but honestly he would be a step backwards for me at this point. He’s in a good position with Floyd Mayweather and he should appreciate it. They are quietly slowing him down because they know he’s not ready. We have had our share of back and forth on social media but the ball is in his court. Sometimes the fans get fooled. A fight between us is simple to make all he has to do is tell Floyd he wants it. Floyd is the most powerful man in the sport. He could get the fight done easy. Davis came to Philly and asked to spar me. That showed me all I needed to know about Gervontae Davis. Why would we spar for free when we can get paid to fight? He doesn’t want to fight me and it’s time to move on.”

Farmer is coming home to on October 14 to fight Orlando Rizo at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Farmer is not looking past Rizo, but the 26 year-old native of Philadelphia is looking for the fighters between 126 and 135 pounds.

“Ivan Redkach is being handled by Leo Santa Cruz’s people. I’m glad they took the fight but they don’t seem to think much of me. So how about this…. They should let Leo use me as a tune up and comeback fight. He keeps saying he wants to fight Gary Russell. Well use me as a tune up to get ready for Russell. I will take the fight at 126, look how easy I am to negotiate with. Now let’s see if they bite on that. If not Leo my goal is win a world title at 130. So anyone ranked at 130 I’m willing to fight, it doesn’t matter who it is. But I am willing to go up or down for the right opportunities.”

Farmer is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Chris Eubank Jr. Vacates British Middleweight Title

Chris Eubank Jr. suffered a severe injury sparring against a 14 stone opponent two days ago. The injury was assessed and confirmed by a Doctor on Friday 16th September, who works with the British Boxing Board of Control. The unforeseeable future puts us in a position where we have to allow the remaining contenders the ability to earn a living and, more importantly, prevent the promoter incurring any further costs before a press conference takes place as they had reminded the Eubank Management team that this was the highest purse bid they had secured.

Eubank Jnr’s management team have advised that, in their opinion, there has not been a fighter in the history of British Boxing who has had such a vast chasm of fighting prowess between him and the contenders for the British Championship in ability, speed, strength, accuracy and skill since its inauguration by the Marquess of Queensbury in the 1800’s.

So vast, in fact, that when winning the challenge for British Championship, Chris Eubank Snr had to advise him to leave his opponent’s head alone as he was taking far too much punishment and the referee didn’t see what was clear to the former world champion.

Chris Eubank Jnr was advised to go to the body because of his father’s past participation in the great game. If you can disrupt your opponent’s breathing, you can effectively stop him quicker than to the head. There is strategic and tactical knowledge in the advice as well as compassion because the body can recover where the head does not always recover.

The opponent was subsequently put into an induced coma as a result of the punishment he was made to sustain.

It is now with relief, as it has become clear to Chris Eubank Jnr’s management over these past few months how much danger the health and lives of these contenders are in, therefore the relinquishing of the British Championship due to injury sustained in a sparring session is perhaps a blessing in disguise.
The severe injury to Chris Jnr’s elbow follows an ongoing injury which has been a recurring issue for the last 18 months. This allows Chris Eubank Jnr, and his management, the opportunity to relinquish the title which provides all contenders the right to earn a living and fight amongst their equal calibre of competitors.

As much as we love the tradition of the British Championship we will be forward thinking and be protective of our competition as the risk to them is real. This is seen as a positive move forward in Chris Eubank Jnr’s career.

The former world champion, Chris Eubank Snr has hospitalised men and has himself been hospitalised, and is therefore cognisant of what those outside of the ring are not.

Chris Eubank Jnr’s management team will use the injury as an opportunity to step aside and fight high calibre world competition in the coming future. Details of a press conference will follow.

Jesus Rojas and Marvin Cabrera Signs with Golden Boy Promotions

Two of the most exciting fighters to emerge from Puerto Rico and Mexico, featherweight standout Jesus Rojas, of Caguas, Puerto Rico and former amateur boxing star Marvin Cabrera of Mexico City, will join Golden Boy Promotions, the Los Angeles-based promoter announced today.

Jesus Rojas (23-1-2, 16 KOs), is scheduled to fight this Saturday, September 17 for the vacant WBA Fedecaribe Featherweight title against the tough Jesus “Chuito” Valdez (16-1-1, 6 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round fight at the Coliseo Hector Sola Bezarez in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The 23-year-old Cabrera, who is scheduled to make his professional debut on the October 7 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB, will compete in the super lightweight division and is trained and managed by former two-division world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon.

“Jesus Rojas and Marvin Cabrera are a pair of young men we’ve been watching, and now that they are in a place to transition, we are honored to be able to work with them and help bring them to the top of the sport,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Rojas and Cabrera have all the tools to become a world champions, and in addition, they both have a rare star quality that will excite all Puerto Rican and Mexican fans in the United States and around the world.”

“I am excited to be representing Golden Boy Promotions and I am going to give it my all to get that world title,” said Jesus Rojas. “I promised my father I wouldn’t quit and although he is no longer with us, it is a promise that I will keep. I know that there will be challenges ahead, but at this point in my career, I can only think of the excitement and great things to come. I want to take care of my family and not only that, do what I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a ten year old boy fighting in the streets of my Puerto Rican neighborhood.”

“I’ve worked with Jesus Rojas since 2014, when I saw him demolish his opponent, Juan Jose Beltran via knockout,” said Javier Bustillo, Manager of Jesus Rojas. I had heard rumors of the great talent that was before me, and from the moment I started working together, I knew we struck gold. I haven’t worked with a fighter that demonstrates the amount of talent like Rojas does. Signing with Golden Boy Promotions is a dream, not just because the opportunities that will be open because of this partnership but because Rojas is going to be exposed to a whole new fan base and a whole new world of boxers who he can ravage through. He is like a gladiator in the ring, tough, a prowler, powerful, and unafraid to step up into the plate. With 23 wins, and more than half of those being knock outs – I couldn’t think of a better fighter at 126 pounds that deserves a chance to show the world what Caguas, Puerto Rico has to offer.”

“In Mexico, Golden Boy is a big company and everyone aspires to have an opportunity like this,” said Marvin Cabrera. “My dream is to become a world champion, and I think that with Golden Boy by my side, I will be able to achieve my goal. I want to thank all my fans in Mexico for all their support throughout my amateur career and I hope to keep making them proud as a professional boxer.”

Andre Ward Hosts Meet and Greet

This Friday September 16, 2016 Shoe Palace was proud to host Undefeated World Champion, SP and Jordan Brand Ambassador Andre Ward for a meet and greet at The Parks at Arlington Shoe Palace Store in Arlington, TX. Andre was autographing his top selling Jordan Brand collection which was featured throughout the store.

Robert Guerrero Hosts First Annual Amateur Fight Night
This Saturday, September 17, 2016, the first annual Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero Fight Night amateur boxing event will take place at the Galt Hight School Warrior Gym in Galt, Calif. Thirty separate bouts with fighters from California and Nevada will compete. A “Be The Match” bone marrow drive will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“This will be a great event for amateur fighters of all ages,” said Robert Guerrero. “I remember when I was a kid competing in events like this, all I could think about was winning a trophy of some kind. So I’m happy to announce that first and second place participants will receive an award. In addition, I’m going to do my part to help save lives by registering people into the bone marrow registry. BeTheMatch.org will be there to support the cause.”

Tickets priced at $20 will be available at the door. All proceeds will go to help fund the Guerrero’s Boxing Gym program. Weigh-ins are from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. First fight starts 1:00 p.m

Posted on 07/28/2016

Showtime World Championship Boxing Preview: Santa Cruz vs. Frampton, Garcia vs. Rojas
By: William Holmes

On Saturday night Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) will put on a stacked card on Showtime and Showtime Extreme live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The main event of the evening will feature a WBA Featherweight Title bout between Mexican brawler Leo Santa Cruz and Northern Ireland’s Carl Frampton. This is one of the best bouts that could be made in the featherweight division.

Mikey Garcia, who is returning from an extended layoff, will be returning to the ring since formally splitting from Top Rank in a tune up fight against Elio Rojas in the co-main event of the evening.

The undercard is also stacked and will feature several good bouts. Sergey Rabchnko and Tony Harrison will compete in an IBF Junior Middleweight eliminator. Paulie Malignaggi will face fellow Brooklyn native Gabriel Bracero in a welterweight bout, and Philadelphia native Tevin Farmer will face the tough Ivan Redkach in a lightweight bout.

The following is a preview of the main event and co-main event of the evening.

Mikey Garcia (34-0) vs. Elio Rojas (24-2); Junior Welterweights

Mikey Garcia has not fought in over two years, and the last time he was in the ring he was fighting in the super featherweight division. He is jumping up two weight classes and normally ring rust would be a major factor going into this fight. However, his opponent Elio Rojas fought zero times in 2015, once in 2014, and zero times in 2013 and will also be experiencing ring rust. Rojas also last fought in the featherweight weight class.

Garcia is five years younger than Rojas, but will be giving up two inches in reach. Garcias is the more powerful puncher and has stopped twenty eight of his opponents, and won three of his last five fights by KO/TKO. Rojas only has fourteen stoppage victories on his resume, and only has one stoppage win in his past five fights.

Both boxers had good amateur careers. Rojas won the bronze medal in the World Championships as an amateur and won gold medals in various regional amateur tournaments. Garcia is a bronze medalist in the National Golden Gloves and a Silver Medalist in the US PAL Cadet Championships.

Rojas is a former WBC Featherweight World Champion. His biggest wins were against Takahiro Ao and Guty Espadas. His losses were to Jhonny Gonzalez and Gamaliel Diaz.

Garcia has a much more impressive professional resume. He has defeated, easily, the likes of Juan Carlos Burgos, Roman Martinez, Juan Manuel Lopez, Orlando Salido, and Jonathan Victor Barros.

Garcia had a long and expensive fight with Top Rank Promotions to be let out of his contract, and his inactivity might be evident in the ring. However, Top Rank fought so hard with Garcia because he is an elite talent with a growing fan base.

If Garcia was fighting a legitimate junior welterweight contender, his inactivity and smaller size might be of worry. However, he’s fighting a boxer who is also making the jump up weight classes and has also been very inactive.

This is a bout that Garcia should win, quite easily.

Leo Santa Cruz (32-0-1) vs. Carl Frampton (22-0); WBA Featherweight Title

The main event of the evening is an excellent matchup and one of the best fights that could be made in the featherweight division.

Santa Cruz has expressed interest in moving up in weight after this bout, and he has the frame to pack on a few more pounds without sacrificing too much in performance. Santa Cruz is two and a half inches taller than Frampton and will have an imposing seven inch reach advantage.

Both boxers have similar knockout ratios. Santa Cruz has stopped eighteen opponents in thirty three fights, while Frampton has stopped fourteen opponents in twenty two fights. However, Santa Cruz has three stoppage wins in his past five fights while Frampton has two stoppage wins in his past five fights.

Both boxers have also been fairly active. They both fought once in 2016, and Frampton fought twice in 2015 while Santa Cruz fought three times in 2015.

Both boxers had some moderate success as an amateur. Santa Cruz was a Gold Medalist in the International Junior Olympics Tournament and a Silver Medalist in the US National Championships. Frampton was an Irish National Champion as an amateur and had moderate success on the international stage as an amateur.

Santa Cruz has defeated the likes of Kiko Martinez, Abner Mares, Jesus Ruiz, Cristian Mijares, Victor Terrazas, and Eric Morel. Frampton has defeated the likes of Scott Quigg, Chris Avalos, Alejandro Gonzalez, Kiko Martinez (twice), and Steve Molitor.

The seven inch reach advantage will likely play a huge factor on Saturday night. Santa Cruz is also a volume puncher, and that will make it very difficult for Frampton to get within his range and inflict damage upon his opponent.

Santa Cruz is not known for his defensive abilities, but his nonstop offense is his best defense. This bout will likely go all twelve rounds, and Frampton will likely have a large number of fans from the United Kingdom in attendance, but Santa Cruz has to be considered the favorite to walk away the victor.