Tag Archives: Scott

Scott Quigg Retires After Carroll Stoppage Loss

Posted on 03/10/2020

By: Ste Rowen

Carroll falling to a decision loss to Tevin Farmer last March before bouncing back with a August win over 20-11-4, Eleazar Valenzuela. Quigg on the other hand suffered a broken jaw in his loss to Oscar Valdez, and then returning in his latest bout with a TKO of Mario Briones inside two rounds, five months ago.

Quigg was the more accomplished and favoured fighter pre-fight, but southpaw, Jono established the upper hand early on; firing off a strong jab that kept Scott’s quickfire attacks at bay. The former WBA champion seemed apprehensive to throw combinations, a look in his eyes that showed he was having flashbacks to his Carl Frampton and Valdez losses.

Rounds 3 through 7 saw the Irishman establish his dominance, but it wasn’t the prettiest fight to endure. Quigg, by now with a slightly busted nose, looked relatively confident coming forward, but appeared shocked when he was hit by the counters.

Back with his former coach, Joe Gallagher’s instructions were simple when speaking to Scott in the corner, but the Bury native just seemed unable to execute any formidable attack. Carroll had begun to switch it up with accurate body shots and stymied everything his opponent was trying to throw at him.
‘‘He was the better man; I was chasing him.’’ Scott Quigg said post-fight. ‘‘This was a must win fight. At my best I would’ve won tonight, on this performance, I don’t know what’s left.’’

As the fight drew on, the home fight just couldn’t come close to getting a grip with Carroll, who’s right jab and hooks seemed to be landing every time he threw. And the fateful round 11 came around. Jono, still on top, was cutting Quigg in half with sharp hooks to the body before the towel was thrown in by Scott’s corner and the fight was ended. Carroll, now 18-1-1 (4KOs), became the first man to stop the Quigg.
‘‘I’ve always said this was my time to shine…This is what dreams are made of. When I was growing up, Quigg was one of my idols.

There wasn’t one point when I felt tired and you could see, when I had him on the ropes, I still had the power to whack those shots in.’’

This victory could setup a world title shot at super-featherweight for Jono, who before the bout, sat in number 8 in the IBF rankings.

On the undercard, Zach Parker continued his unbeaten professional run, improving to 19-0 (13KOs). The British super-middleweight got rid of 24-1, Rohan Murdock in the 11th round to claim the WBO Inter-Continental strap. In February Parker was number 2 in the WBO rankings, whilst Murdock was number 1, logic dictates that Parker, if he decides to, will be up for a world title shot before the end of the year.

The undercard also saw a trio of fighters returning to winning ways as…

Hughie Fury bounced back from a decision defeat to Alexander Povetkin to get rid of Pavel Sour within three rounds. Fury now moves to 24-3 (14KOs).

Robbie Davies Jr scored an underwhelming points victory over 16-16-3, Damian Yapur, but moved to 20-2 (13KOs).

And middleweight Jack Cullen returned to winning ways after his stoppage loss to Felix Cash last November, with a 2nd round finish of Tomas Andres Reynoso, and moves to 18-2 (9KOs)

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Scott Allan Wins Celtic Bantamweight Title

Posted on 10/10/2018

By: Michael Kane

The vacant Celtic Bantamweight Title was on the line on Saturday at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley, Scotland in an event promoted by Saltire Boxing Promotions.

The title fight would see local boxer Gary Rae (8-1) take on Lanarkshire’s Scott Allan (9-3-1). The first round was largely a feeling out round until Rae landed a good right hand that pushed Allan up against the ropes.

In the second round, Allan ended the round on top with Rae taking a few heavy punches, Rae looked as if he felt the punches when the bell went. As the fight went on Allan was able to land the cleaner more concussive shots, getting inside Rae’s jab.

After the 10 rounds, the large Rae support were to be disappointed as Allan won decisively, 97-93, 98-93 and 98-92 to become the new Celtic bantamweight champion.

The Celtic lightweight title was to be up for grabs in the bout between Ryan Collins (13-3-2) and Ahmed Ibrahim (7-2-1) however Ibrahim failed to make the weight, coming in 4lbs heavier, meaning only Collins could win the title.

The early rounds were pretty close, with Ibrahim looking to land the power punch while Collins was utilising his jab.

Ibrahim would be down in the 3rd, when he claimed he slipped however the referee deemed it a knock down. This seemed to motivate Ibrahim as he came out throwing in the 4th round and landed a beautiful right hand which put Collins on the canvas. Collins looked like he had recovered however the referee wanted the doctor to check his damaged eye before round 5, the referee decided to stop the fight. It was an entertaining fight while it lasted however the Celtic lightweight title remains vacant.

On the undercard, a couple of highly rated amateurs made their debuts, both winning.

Two times amateur British champion Craig Morgan had an impressive debut winning 40-35, after landing a great upper cut and showing good movement against Adam Hutchinson.

Nathaniel Collins, competed in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, earlier this year, representing Scotland, he had a comfortable pro debut beating Lee Connelly 40-36.

Scottish super featherweight champion Jordan McCorry (17-3-1) opened the show and made light work of Reynaldo Mora from Barcelona, stopping Mora in the second round in the lightweight clash. McCorry was landing at will and had Mora down early in second round, Mora continued but it was more of the same from McCorry and the ref stepped in to stop the fight.

Results:

Scott Allan beat Gary Rae (97-94, 98-93, 98-92).

Ahmed Ibrahim beat Ryan Collins RD5 referee stoppage.

Craig Morgan beat Adam Hutchinson 40-35.

Called McCauley beat Angel Emilov 59-56.

Nathaniel Collins beat Lee Connelly 40-36.

Martin Harkin beat Chris Jenkinson RTD RD2.

Kristen Fraser beat Rozmari Silyanova RD 7 referee stoppage.

Jordan McCorry beat Reynaldo Mora RD 2 referee stoppage.

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Frampton Targeting World Title, Criticizes Scott Quigg

Posted on 04/17/2018

By: Ciaran O’Mahony

Former two weight world champion Carl Frampton wants a Featherweight world title fight next if he beats Filipino boxing legend Nonito Donaire on the 21st of April.

The winner of Frampton-Donaire will become the WBO Interim Featherweight Champion after Oscar Valdez suffered a broken jaw a month ago.

However, Frampton says that while the belt might look nice on his mantelpiece, he will not be satisfied with an interim title.

In an interview with Behind the Gloves, the Northern Irishman said “Fighters in the past have called themselves a world champion after winning an interim title but I know what this is, I’m not going to call myself a world champion if I win,” he says.

“I won’t feel like a world champion until I beat Oscar Valdez, Leo Santa Cruz, Lee Selby or Gary Russell jr,” Frampton says.

He says the Donaire fight is a step in the right direction as “it’s pretty much a title eliminator with a belt on the line.”

“This has just given me the option of fighting a big name and people have talked about the winner of Selby vs Warrington and obviously with me being linked to the same team, that fight can happen,” according to Frampton.
There are many names on Frampton’s radar, but he says a fight with Valdez for the undisputed WBO title is a very attractive option.

“If Valdez recovers from the jaw injury he got against Quigg I think that fight is probably a bit more appealing to me than the winner of the Selby-Warrington fight,” he says.

Frampton has a lot of respect for the Mexican champion and says “I think he’s a very good fighter, he’s ferocious in how he fights and I like his style. I can see that he’s very attractive to the casual boxing fans because of how he fights.”

“I think it just captures the boxing public much more in a worldwide sense, it’s a much bigger fight than me versus Selby or Warrington,” says Frampton.

However, his first preference would be a trilogy fight with WBA Champion Leo Santa Cruz to avenge his only professional loss.

“I know one fight that I definitely want and that’s Leo Santa Cruz because I think that makes sense. It’s a huge fight and it’s one each between us, it settles the score and trilogies are always a big thing in boxing,” he says.
“So he’s the guy that I want more than anyone. But I think a Valdez fight is very, very appealing. After that, probably Selby,” Frampton says.

The Belfast man also criticised long-time rival Scott Quigg for missing weight by a significant margin when he fought Valdez last month.

“I believe he missed the weight purposely and then he didn’t do the second day weigh-in, which is just sticking the finger up to the people involved. He missed the weight by so much that he should have at least done a second day weigh-in,” Frampton says.

“When you look at the tactics in the fight, he was just trying to wear Valdez down from the start. So I think that was planned. I think he missed the weight purposely and I think he didn’t do the second day weigh-in because he wanted to overwhelm Valdez and use his size and strength,” he says.

“But Valdez stuck to a game plan. Quigg had good spells in parts of the fight and you have to give him credit for the injury he had himself. But I think Valdez won the fight comfortably,” according to Frampton.
Clearly, there is still no love lost between them.

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TopRank on ESPN Results: Valdez Defeats Quigg in a Bloody Battle

Posted on 03/11/2018

By Eric Lunger

​Tonight, at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, Oscar Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs) took on British veteran Scott Quigg (34-1-2, 25 KOs) in what should have been a WBO featherweight championship bout.

Inexplicably, the normally meticulous Quigg failed to make weight by such a wide margin (more than two pounds) that California Commission rules barred him from last-minute weight loss efforts. As a result, the Bury, Lancashire native forfeited twenty percent of his purse (ten percent of which went to Valdez, in addition to an undisclosed sum agreed upon by the camps), and the belt was not at stake.


Photo Credit: Top Rank Boxing

​Valdez boxed carefully in the opening frame, but clearly landed the better and heavier shots. It was Mexican style from the two-time Mexican Olympian in round two, landing hooks to the body and uppercuts to the head. Quigg answered with a few counters, but Valdez had the better of the action.

​In the third, Valdez continued to box and move, while Quigg came forward in half steps, leaving a target for Valdez to hit. Quigg, however, had some real success in the fourth, pushing his opponent back and landing some lead shots. Valdez answered with an eye-catching combination towards the end of the round.

​The fight exploded in the sixth, as Valdez opened a cut over Quigg’s left eye, and Quigg staggered Valdez with a sharp right hook to the chin. Quigg flurried in an attempt to finish the Mexican champion, but Valdez weathered the storm. In the seventh, Quigg appeared determined to barrel through everything Valdez could throw, and, at one point, he wrestled Valdez to the canvas. This was the round that the weight differential seemed to tell, as Valdez could not slow down the bullish onslaught from the Englishman despite landing repeated power shots. Valdez continued to bleed voluminously from his mouth.

​The seventh went more and more for Quigg who began to punish his foe. Quigg for his part seemed to have tasted Valdez’s power and found it negligible. The blood continued to pour from Valdez’s mouth in the eighth, and Quigg began to land clean shots on the Nogales fighter.

​In the ninth, Quigg absorbed several uppercuts but just walked right through them. The Bury native landed plenty of his own shots, but Valdez answered with a late-round flurry. Frankly, the fight had become a bloody battle at this point, and very difficult to score. The tenth began with some brutal shots from Valdez but Quigg answered right back. The canvas at this point was literally splattered with blood.

​The eleventh was brutal, as Valdez landed but his power couldn’t keep the heavier Quigg off him, and Quigg landed a nasty low blow. After a recovery period, Valdez blasted Quigg with a good shot but Quigg’s chin held up. The final frame saw some inspired footwork and boxing from the Mexican champion as he finished the bout bloodied but unbowed.

​The judges scored the bout unanimously for Valdez (117-111, 117-111, 118-110). It’s been said many times, but there is a reason for weight classes. This was a size mismatch tonight that Valdez was fortunate to weather.

​In the co-feature, undefeated prospects Andy Vences (20-0, 12 KOs) and Erick De Leon (17-0, 10 KOs) faced off in a ten-round bout for the WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title. This was the first ten-rounder for the southpaw De Leon, who was born in Mexico and now fights out of Detroit, MI. Vences, fighting out of San Jose, CA, knocked out his last two opponents, and was looking to make a statement on the ESPN national broadcast.

​Vences is an active fighter, with quick feet and a frenetic left jab. De Leon is fundamentally sound and patient. The opening round was extremely close, but De Leon started to show some confidence and fluid movement in the end of the second, as though he thought he had figured out the distance to Vences. The San Jose fighter had the best of the third, however, landing some stiff jabs and a few combinations as well.

​De Leon raised his activity level in the fourth, but Vences remained in control of the distance, and landed the more effective counters. The middle rounds continued in the same fashion, with De Leon unable to get inside Vences’ persistent jab and consequent distance control. This is not to say that De Leon was outclassed – he certainly was not, but Vences seemed to win these close rounds, in my view.

​In the seventh, De Leon found a new weapon, landing a lead right hook and putting Vences in some momentary difficulty. Then, after some exciting exchanges in the middle of the eighth, Vences switched to southpaw, setting new challenges for De Leon. The final two rounds, however, saw some desperation from the Detroit fighter, but he was unable to penetrate Vences’ formidable defense.

​After ten compelling and entertaining rounds, the judges scored the bout a majority draw (95-95, 95-95, 96-94 for De Leon). It is hard to see how two judges scored five rounds for De Leon, but there it is.

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Will Roy Jones, Jr. Keep to His Word Thursday in His Last Fight?

Posted on 02/06/2018

By: Ken Hissner
How many boxers have “retired” only to unretired again? Will Roy Jones, Jr. be one of them? He boxes Thursday in his hometown of Pensacola, FL, against Scott Sigmon, 30-11-1 (16), from Lynchburg, VA.

Jones has been middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight champion. This fight he will fight at cruiserweight. He is also a promoter of fights with Square One Promotions.

Jones won his first 34 fights before knocking down Montell Griffin and hitting him while down losing on DQ. In his next fight he knocked out Griffin on the first round.

Like too many boxers he gave Bernard Hopkins a rematch and got beat. Hopkins gave him a good fight in their first match. Hopkins is also older than Roy by about a year.

Jones started boxing after a controversial loss in the 2008 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. He won his first 4 fights, 1 by KO and 3 by 5-0 decisions. He lost in the final to a South Korean 3-2. The decision was so bad he still won the Val Barker Award for the most outstanding boxer at the Olympics.

He turned professional the following year in his hometown of Pensacola where he plans to box and retire Thursday. Let’s hope he is a man of his word. His overall record until this match is 65-9 (47) and stopped 5 times. This will be his 75th fight and let’s hope his last. As a ringside commentator he is fine. Stay there Roy!

Jones has given many a good fighter their first loss such as James Toney 44-0-2, Glenn Thomas 24-0, Bryant Brannon 16-0, Montell Griffin 27-0, Eric Harding 19-0-1, Julio Cesar Gonzalez, 27-0, Glen Kelly 28-0-1, Anthony Hanshaw, 21-0-1, Pawel Glazewski 17-0 and Vyron Phillips 6-0 as an amateur making his debut.

Jones first title win was for the WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight title in 1992 stopping Percy Harris, 15-3, at the Taj Mahal, in Atlantic City, NJ. In 1993 he won the vacant IBF Middleweight title defeating Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, 22-1, at RFK Stadium, in Washington, DC. He defended it 7 times. In 1996 he won the interim light heavyweight title defeating Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum, 49-3-1, at the Ice Palace, in Tampa, FL. After losing to Griffin he came back in his next fight winning the WBC World Light Heavyweight title from Griffin, then 27-0, at the Foxwoods Resorts, in Mashantucket, CT.

In the next fight Jones knocked out former IBF & WBA Light Heavyweight champion Virgil Hill, 43-2, at the Coast Coliseum, in Biloxi, MS, in 1998. He defended it at that weight 11 times. Prior to the 11th time he won the WBA Heavyweight title defeating John Ruiz, 38-4-1, at the Thomas & Mack Center, in Las Vegas, NV, in 2003.

After Jones 12th defense over Antonio Tarver, 21-2, the roof fell in for him in back to back fights being knocked out by Glen Johnson, 40-9-2 and in a rematch with Tarver along with a decision to Tarver.

Jones would go onto win 3 fights in a row before Joe Calzaghe, 45-0, made his second straight US fight defeating Jones. It would be Calzaghe’s final fight of his career due to bad hands.

Two wins later would become 3 straight defeats starting with Danny Green in 1 round. Then losing a rematch with Hopkins and making a trip to Russia being knocked out by Denis Lebedev.

Jones would return to the US and in 2011win the UBO Inter Continental Cruiserweight title defeating Max Alexander, 14-5-2, at the Civic Center in Atlanta, GA.

In 2013 Jones would win the vacant World Boxing Union Cruiserweight title (German Version) in Russia, which is the same title he is fighting Sigmon for Thursday. He defended it 3 times after defeating Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf, 17-3-1. Jones would fight 4 times in Russia going 2-2 and becoming a dual citizen there.

In 2015 on his final bout in Russia he was knocked out by former WBO Cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli, 40-7, whose traine was Calzaghe’s father. He would go onto win his next 3 fights and that brings us to Sigmon. This writer attended his last fight in Wilmington, DE, defeating the King of Bare Knuckle Boxing Bobby Gunn before a packed Chase Center for the vacant World Boxing Foundation World Cruiserweight title in 2017.

But like too many boxers “never say never” if this will be the last farewell fight for Roy Jones, Jr.

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STANLEY SCOTT: Knock Him Out or Be Knocked Out Was His Game!

Posted on 06/16/2017

STANLEY SCOTT: Knock Him Out or Be Knocked Out Was His Game!
By: Ken Hissner

“He was one of the most exciting kids I had at the Tropicana. He would walk in and knock his opponent out or get knocked out. He was a fan favorite,” said Don Elbaum.

Cleveland light heavyweight Stanley Scott, 11-16 with 11 knockout wins and 13 knockout losses is whom Elbaum is talking about. He was 8-2 when the losses starting mounting up. In January of 1982 Elbaum brought Scott into Atlantic City for his New Jersey debut since Elbaum was matchmaking regularly at the Tropicana Casino. He got a good start going 3-2 in A.C.

In April of 1982 Scott scored his career biggest win by knocking out Salvatore San Felippo, 17-2, of Jersey City in the third round in A.C. putting him into retirement. Scott’s last career win was over Tony Mesoraca, 10-2, of Philadelphia putting him into retirement in November of 1982 at the Tropicana in his last bout there. Scott seemed to have a way of “putting opponents into retirement” like in his third fight when he knocked out Greg Lamour, 8-2, of Chesapeake, VA, who hadn’t been knocked out before.

In 1980 Scott was put in 3 consecutive fights with Len Hutchins, 26-3-1, Murray Sutherland, 19-5 and Jeff Lampkin, 6-0, the last two being world champions before retiring.

Leave it to Don Elbaum to find a boxer like Stanley Scott!

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Why Carl Frampton Is Not My Fighter Of The Year

Posted on 12/29/2016

Why Carl Frampton Is Not My Fighter Of The Year
By: Sean Crose

Okay, first things first – there’s something a bit misleading about the title of this article. The truth is that I don’t have a FIGHTER OF THE YEAR, per se. Indeed, you won’t find me listing the greatest fights, fighters, knockouts, and whatever else here at Boxing Insider. Not that I mind writers bestowing such honors. To the contrary, I often find the whole exercise fascinating. Again, though, you won’t see me engaging in it here – at least not this year. Still, I don’t feel Carl Frampton is worthy of the honor anywhere – even though I like the guy.

Photo Credit: Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions

There’s no doubt the Irishman has had a hell of a year for himself. First, he defeated Scott Quigg for various superbantmweight titles last winter. Then , in a terrific display, the 22-0 slugger went on to defeat fellow undefeated pugilist – and WBA super world featherweight champion – Leo Santa Cruz under the bright lights of Brooklyn. Furthermore, Frampton is now set to face off against Santa Cruz again, this time in Vegas, next month. And, as a cherry to place atop the sundae, Frampton also comes across as a polite and likeable guy. To be sure, there isn’t much not to like.

Still, I can’t think of Frampton without the name of one Guillermo Rigondeaux popping into my head. To be sure, Frampton and superbantamweight Rigondeaux now operate at different weight classes. That wasn’t always the case, though. Indeed, there has been interest in having the two men meet over the years. Sadly, however, team Frampton clearly wants nothing to do with the Cuban stylist. Indeed, Sky Sports quoted Frampton’s manager, Barry McGuigan, last March referring to Guillermo as “negative.” Uh-huh. “What do we gain by fighting him?” McGuigan asked.

Perhaps not much more than a loss, Barry. Rigondeaux is exceedingly skilled, after all. Still, ducking one of the world’s top talents shouldn’t be taken lightly. Yes, Rigondeaux can be boring and no he hasn’t endeared himself to a strong fan base. What’s more, Rigondeaux may cause Frampton to lose out on future pay days, should he make Frampton look bad. Make no mistake about it, avoiding Rigondeaux is understandable, especially when one is repeatedly willing to face the likes of Santa Cruz, as Frampton is. Yet there are consequences for such actions, as well. At least there should be.

There’s no doubt that Frampton is an impressive talent. It should not be forgotten, however, that he has avoided a perhaps even greater talent on his way to earning accolades.

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Ortiz-Scott Redefines What A Bad Fight Is

Posted on 11/13/2016

Ortiz-Scott Redefines What A Bad Fight Is
By: Sean Crose

As I sit here at five PM on a Saturday afternoon in Connecticut – the blue hour – I honestly can’t believe the sheer terror that is the fight before me on the television. Indeed, the Luis Ortiz-Malik Scott heavyweight bout transpiring before me is so amateurish, so sluggish, so entirely unprofessional that it represents for me all that’s wrong with boxing at the moment. Make no mistake about it, Scott – who is throwing nary a punch – is engaged in the low risk-high reward philosophy. He’s getting a decent payday for fighting on HBO, no doubt, AND he’s avoiding risk by literally not engaging with his opponent. Sad…of=r comical. Or both.

Ortiz has struck me as a surly dude, but I actually feel bad for the guy right now. Here he is, the supposed menace of the heavyweight division, and he’s engaged in a bout with a guy who will – not – fight. Max Kellerman is essentially offering apologies on behalf of HBO while Twitter is groaning in dismay. There’s a big UFC fight on pay per view this evening. It promises excitement. Those who will compare boxing to MMA this weekend will be looking at a one sided contest indeed (and yes, I’m still keeping Danny Garcia’s upcoming tuneup this evening in mind). I say this, by the way, as someone who clearly prefers boxing out of the two sports.

I care about boxing, too, which is why I feel the pain of my fellow fans of the sweet science at the moment. Still, there’s a silver lining her. Next week promises to the single most definitive matchup since Mayweather-Pacquiao. That’s right, I’m talking about the Sergey Kovalev-Andre Ward pay per view event next weekend. It may not guarantee thrills, but it guarantees the best fighting the best…and two skilled pros giving it their all. There’s also a great boxing lineup set up for the rest of this year and well into next.

To be sure, this travesty – we’re in the eighht right now – is emblematic to me of a very bad stage the sport has gone through. Yet, in a sense, this is the most perfect of ways to wrap up what has been a truly dark time for the sport. Ducks, mismatches, pay cable blackouts…things have been bad, friends. But now they’re coming to an end, and I’m seeing this circus as the perfect closing summation of a bad era which – hopefully – is soon to become history.

By the way…as of this very second, the fight is still going. Will this never end?

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In a very boring affair, Luis Ortiz wins by Unanimous Decision

Posted on 11/12/2016

In a very boring affair, Luis Ortiz wins by Unanimous Decision

By: Matthew N. Becher

Live from the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco, an afternoon edition of HBOs Boxing After Dark presented a heavyweight fight between Malik Scott (38-2-1 13KO) against the man who is mostly seen as the most avoided Heavyweight in the world, Luis Ortiz(25-0 22KO).

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Scott has been very vocal on social media that he is constantly working towards the top of the division and in his own words “rebuilding rome brick by brick”. Scott last fought a year ago in October of 2015 against Tony Thompson and has only fought twice since losing a one round knockout to Deontay Wilder. Oritz will only be fighting for the 2nd time this year, with his last win coming against the same Tony Thompson in March of this year. Ortiz hasn’t been able to get very big named fighters to step in the ring with him, and recently took his talents to UK based Matchroom Boxing.

Both fighters were put in a position to get title shots with a win, either with the two current belt holders in Deontay Wilder (WBC) and/or Anthony Joshua (IBF). Also the titles that have been relinquished by the Lineal champion, Tyson Fury will be up for grabs in the near future. Ortiz already has a future fight date set up for one month away on December 10th.

Malik Scott came out jumping around the ring and clinching if Ortiz got even an inch to close. Ortiz twice put down his hands and gestured to Scott to come forward and actually fight. The referee was even inclined to make reference of Scotts no punching, running around the ring technique and asked Scott to engage.

The second and third rounds were more of the same with Scott moving around the ring with his back against the ropes. Ortiz, the stalker, began throwing
body shots, since Scott is trying his hardest to cover up his head and move away from Ortiz.

At around the two minute mark of the fourth round, both fighters clinched and Ortiz was able to land a left hand that dropped Scott. Scott tried to complain that it was a rabbit punch, and was even helped up by the referee. Scott went down one more time, which seemed like a very clean knockdown, but was waved off as a slip. Scott asked the ref to help him up with both gloves outstretched. Scott has little bounce left in his legs and seems to already be looking for a way out of this fight.

Within the first 45 seconds of the 5th round Ortiz dropped Scott again with a nice left hand. Scott was able to get up, but did nothing for the rest of
the round.

The 9th round showed a big body shot that dropped Scott within 30 seconds of the round. It was the only knockdown where he couldn’t accuse Ortiz of landing
a rabbit punch.

Ortiz did not look very sharp, maybe because of his long layoff or because he is 37, but he never put his shots together, looking only for the big
left hand knockout. Scott never looked like a fighter that wanted to fight, but rather survive, not get hurt and make a paycheck. A fight that was supposed
to be a coming out party for the new Ortiz/Matchroom partnership looked more like a dud. The brightside is, maybe one of these top heavyweights will see this
as an opportunity to take on Ortiz, and a big fight can get made.

120-105, 120-106, 119-106 (Ortiz UD12)

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Boxing Insider Notebook: Pacquiao, Ortiz, Garcia, Scott, Russell, Atlantic City Boxing, and more…

Posted on 10/19/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: Pacquiao, Ortiz, Scott, Russell, Atlantic City Boxing, and more…
By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of October 11th to October 18th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

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Pacquiao vs. Vargas Tickets Available Online

Remaining tickets to the world championship fight between boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade, Senator MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO (58-6-2, 38 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, and defending World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion JESSIE VARGAS (27-1, 10 KOs), from Las Vegas, can be purchased online at http://www.unlvtickets.com/, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas and La Bonita Supermarkets and charged by phone call 702-739-FANS (3267) or 866-388-FANS (3267). The Thomas & Mack Center box office will reopen on Thursday. The Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is playing host to the third and final presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions and Wynn Las Vegas, the Pacquiao vs. Vargas world championship event will take place on Saturday, November 5, at the Thomas & Mack Center. Remaining tickets are priced at $1,000, $700, $500, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service fees.

“Our ticket sales are great with Las Vegas fighters on this card in significant world championship fights. Fans in Las Vegas can still buy their tickets online or by phone,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “And to Mr. Trump’s chagrin, the only drug testing taking place at Thomas & Mack, between now and November 5, will be the ones given by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to the fighters on the Pacquiao – Vargas card.”

Pacquiao vs. Vargas, and its three co-main event world title fights, will be produced and distributed live by Top Rank® Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, and will be available on all conventional platforms, including all major cable and satellite systems, as well as Top Rank’s digital
distribution via www.TopRank.tv and mobile devices.

Gary Russell, Jr. Wants to Set the Record Straight

“This is why I don’t like doing interviews because my comments during interviews get manipulated and twisted around. I’ve been sitting back just to see how far this ridiculous article will go” said frustrated WBC World Featherweight Champion Gary Russell, Jr.

Recently, Gary Russell, Jr. did an interview with RingTV.com to promote his September 13th Team Russell All-Star Amateur Boxing show in Maryland. The article was supposed to highlight the work that brothers of Team Russell are doing to mentor young gifted amateur boxers across the country.

Instead, the entire article had a negative undertone that took shots at Russell’s advisor Al Haymon.

Russell felt the need to address the article, starting with the title “Gary Russell Jr. Pushes for Higher Purse” is not true. Russell said, “Yes, in another three years I could end my career so being smart financially is important. But, again, that has nothing to do with Al Haymon”.

It is no secret that before Russell fought Patrick Hyland this past April, he got cut during sparring which is why he had not been in the ring. Russell said, “There was no need, is no need to reference other professional athletes and their careers. As fighters, we all have a mutual respect for not getting involved in one another’s business affairs. I felt like my platform was used as a pawn to promote negativity with Al and among other Haymon fighters”.

The article also said, “Russell was careful to make sure his comments weren’t construed as criticism of Haymon” This was apparently an obvious hidden agenda to create tension within the household. “My father taught us; real men say what is on their mind, use real words, no reason to tip-toe around. The essence our character is loyalty and truth. I’m offended at how my words were twisted to assassinate someone’s character; this goes against all my families beliefs. Unless RingTV.com paid me, I would never do another interview with them” said Russell.

Russell closed by saying, ”Team Russell’s relationship goes beyond just boxing with Al; he is family. We’ve been more than happy with the decisions made collectively regarding the direction of my professional career. We value his opinion and input. Let me be very clear, no one within the Team Russell circle would ever speak negatively about Al in any way – family business stays in-house.”

Malik Scott to Face Luis Ortiz

World ranked heavyweight contender MALIK SCOTT, (38-2-1, 13 KO’s), is headed to the world’s foremost tourist destination, Monte Carlo, on Saturday, November 12 to face feared, undefeated and #1 ranked “King Kong” LUIS ORTIZ, (25-0, 22 KO’s) at the Salle des Etoiles for the vacant World Boxing Association Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title.

“This is the fight I wanted, I picked him, “said Scott. “I told my promoter Tom Brown one of the three, either Anthony Joshua, David Haye or Luis Ortiz.”

“After Ortiz beat Bryant Jennings the media starting talking about his invincibility and that he was the most feared heavyweight and I immediately wanted to fight him. There’s no such thing as unbeatable and I welcome the challenge to prove it.”

“If I’m on my game on November 12, I’ll shut him out. He’s going to gas out early and I’ll put on a boxing clinic,” continued Scott. “Ortiz is my pathway towards a world title opportunity, this is my time to shine and slay ‘King Kong’.”

“Because of his rep this fight will get a lot of international attention and I’ll be looking for full credit when I beat him, no excuses.”

A native of Philadelphia, now residing in Los Angeles, Scott fights under the Sherman Oaks’ based TGB Promotions’ banner.

“Malik has wanted another big fight and this opportunity to face Ortiz comes at the right time,” said TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions. “Malik is fearless and isn’t at all intimidated by Ortiz’s rep, he’s fought or sparred every notable heavyweight over the last fifteen years.”

Known as a true road warrior of the sport, last October Scott traveled to Orlando, Florida winning a dominant ten round decision over former world title challenger Tony Thompson. The previous October, Scott defeated Alex Leapai, also a former world title challenger in Australia.

The heavy-handed Ortiz has stopped his last four opponents, most recently the aforementioned Tony Thompson in the sixth round on March 5, 2016. Prior to that Ortiz brutally stopped former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the seventh round on December 19, 2015.

Scott vs. Ortiz is presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with TGB Promotions and will be telecast LIVE in the UK on Sky Sports.

Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Rico Mueller

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of IBF #10-rated welterweight contender Rico Mueller of Germany.

Already the current IBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Champion, Mueller (20-1-1, 14 KOs) is scheduled to face IBF #3 Jeff Horn on October 21 at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Queensland, Australia, in an eliminator for the IBF’s #2 contender position.

With current champion Kell Brook rumored to be moving up in weight, if 28-year-old Mueller is victorious against Horn, he would likely find himself in line to fight top contender Errol Spence Jr., for the vacant world championship, since they would be rated #1 and #2 respectively.

“Big things are happening in my career and I need the right representation to help guide my career,” said Mueller. “Greg Cohen Promotions has a long history of moving their fighters to the championship level and I’m happy to be onboard.”

Cohen says he’s happy to be adding an international talent like Mueller to his promotional roster.
“Boxing has obviously undergone a shift, with a large percentage of its talent now located in Europe. I’m honored and happy that Rico recognized my company for its focus on world talent and I will work hard to put him in the big fights. He’s an excellent fighter with the right work ethic to become world champion.”

Mueller will be in tough against Horn, who stopped one of the most dangerous fighters in boxing, former multi world champion Randall Bailey, in his last ring appearance.

“Rico is tough and he knows the challenge in front of him,” said Cohen, “but he’s a tremendous talent and I see him rolling along to an impressive victory. After that, it’ll be a world title shot against Kell Brook or Errol Spence and a shot at boxing stardom. I’m happy to be a part of this huge time in his career.”

Undefeated World Champion Danny Garcia to Fight in Philadelphia on November 12th

Undefeated welterweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) will make his first appearance in his native Philadelphia since 2010 as he takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas (25-2-1, 13 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. The bout will be Garcia’s final hurdle before a planned massive showdown with unbeaten champion Keith “One Time” Thurman scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.

In keeping with his desire to give back to the community, Garcia is teaming up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans are being encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated and provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need. More information on these efforts and how you can get involved will be announced shortly.

Garcia, a two-division world champion, will battle Vargas in a 10-round non-title bout in his first fight since his exciting win over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in January. Garcia insisted on staging the fight in his hometown and using the event as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the less fortunate in the area.

“My dad and I wanted to get one more fight in before the end of the year and there was no doubt in my mind it had to be in Philadelphia,” said Garcia. “My team got it done and it’s a great feeling to fight at home over the holidays. I’m excited to use this opportunity to give back to the community and put on a show on November 12. This city means everything to me. I hope everyone comes out, but shows up with cans of food too. I’m gearing up for a big fight with Keith Thurman next year that’s going to be a can’t miss event. First, I’m going to fight for my city on November 12.”

“Things happen when you work hard and I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said Vargas. “Garcia is a great fighter and he cleaned out the 140-pound division and now he is champion at 147. A win would change my life and everyone around me. This is my time. I can’t fail. This is going to be a Rocky story in Rocky’s town.”

Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round bout against once-beaten super welterweight contender Jorge Cota (25-1, 22 KOs) and former world champion Javier Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) battling undefeated Omar Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.

“This win will put me one step closer towards winning a world title,” said Hurd. “The win over Oscar Molina was a big opportunity that has opened a lot of doors and was a great experience. Cota is a tough veteran with a high knockout rate. He is a little wild and I have to look out for that. I’m going to go out there to land nice shots and stick to my game plan.”

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to fight a good undefeated fighter,” said Cota. “I know that I have the power and skills to beat anybody out there. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and get the victory on November 12.”

“I’m only thinking about winning heading into this fight,” said Fortuna. “Douglas is a good fighter who moves very well. I’m looking forward to this challenge on November 12. I will be a world champion once again.”

“This is the type of fight that I need if I am going to be a champion,” said Douglas. “I plan on putting on a crowd pleasing performance. Fortuna is a decent fighter and I’m going to have to break him down. He is good for four or five rounds but then he slows down. I’m going to set him up to take him out in the later rounds.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Update

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame is proud to announce that the ACBHOF Esteemed Nomination Committee has completed the nomination and voting process. The names of all luminaries, which will be inducted into the First Charter Class of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, will be made at a later date in November. This Historic group of Inductees is comprised of Boxers, Trainers, Promoters, Managers, Matchmakers, Historians, Special Contributors, and Posthumous individuals. All have help to make Atlantic City a top boxing destination in the U.S.A.

The ACBHOF founder & president Ray McCline will announce this exceptional group of Inductees via an official press release in mid November to the general public. Mr. McCline states; “My team and I are looking forward revealing the names of the inductees which have had a significant impact on Atlantic City’s rich boxing history, during their respective careers”.

“There are so many potential inductees to consider, yet due to the fact that this is our first class, the selection process had to be streamlined. We feel that Atlantic City was, and will continue to be a major player in the future of this great sport. In the future we will be able to accommodate many more great fighters and special contributors, for years to come.”

The future date and venue of the 2017 Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend will be forthcoming. Those interested in being a sponsor, advertisement and/or seeking vending opportunities during the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 2017 Induction Weekend, are encouraged to contact us at:

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame
P.O. Box #7221
Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401 USA
(P) 609.432.8979
(E) [email protected]

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/acbhof/

Website:
www.acbhof.com

TGB Promotions’ Tom Brown to be Inducted Into the California Boxing Hall of Fame

TGB Promotions’ President TOM BROWN will be inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 22 at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Events Center in Studio City, California.

“Having been a matchmaker and promoter for over 25 years based in the Los Angeles area this accolade means a tremendous amount to me,” said Brown. “I’ve always considered it a priority through my work to act in the best interest of the sport and this induction by my peers is a great honor.”

Other inductees at the ceremonies include Unified Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and his longtime trainer Abel Sanchez. Also being inducted are former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, broadcaster and renowned trainer Teddy Atlas and former world champions Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez and Louis Espinoza and world ranked contender Shibata Flores. Highly respected father and son referees Raul Caiz Sr. and Raul Caiz Jr. will also be inducted.

Tickets for the California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony can be purchased for $70 through Don Fraser at (818) 761-4887. The ceremony including lunch starts at 11:00 a.m. in the Empire Room.
The Sportsmen’s Lodge Events Center is located at 12833 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City.

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Ortiz vs. Takam falls through; Malik Scott Possible as New Opponent for “King Kong” Ortiz​

Posted on 10/08/2016

Ortiz vs. Takam falls through; Malik Scott Possible as New Opponent for “King Kong” Ortiz​
By: Eric Lunger

​Boxing fans are looking forward to an action-filled November when Manny Pacquiao comes out of retirement to challenge Jessie Vargas for the latter’s WBO welterweight title on November 5; Sergei Kovalev puts several light heavyweight belts on the line against Andre Ward on November 19; and rising star and WBO junior lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko takes on Nicholas Walters on November 26.

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​However, one fight that may go under the radar in November features Heavyweight Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (25-0, 22KO’s). The Cuban southpaw was set to step into the ring against Carlos Takam (33-1-1, 25 KO’s) of France on November 12 in Monaco, according to a recent report in El Nuevo Herald. However, negotiations failed at a late stage, according to trainer/manager Juan Jimenez. “Takam pulled out late, even though we had the fight set,” Jimenez told boxinginsider.com on Saturday.

​The date and venue are still being retained. “Right now we are looking at Malik Scott,” said Jimenez, but several other fighters remain possible options. Scott, 35, hails from Philadelphia, PA and has a long professional resume (38-2-1, 13 KO’s). He suffered a first round TKO loss to WBC Champion Deontay Wilder in March of 2014, and has been in the ring twice since then, defeating Alex Leapai (30-5-3) and Tony Thompson (40-5), both by unanimous decisions.

​Ortiz’s last outing was also against Tony Thompson in March of this year, and Ortiz stopped Thompson in the sixth after a rather lopsided affair. Ortiz has the extensive technical arsenal typical of a Cuban-trained fighter, but he also has wicked power in his left hand. Dynamic and skillful, “King Kong” Ortiz appeals to the aficionado as well as the casual fight fan. In a month of stellar dates, be sure to keep November 12 on your calendar.

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