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Posted on 11/03/2016

Top Rank PPV Preview: Pacquiao vs. Vargas, Shiming vs. Phaprom, Donaire vs. Magdaleno, Valdez vs. Osawa
By: William Holmes

On Saturday night Philippine Senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring and chase another world title as he faces Jessie Vargas for Vargas’ WBO Welterweight Title.

Pacquiao has long been a mainstay with HBO Boxing and nearly all of his pay per views were distributed by them. However, HBO has chosen to go forward with the Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev PPV bout in the month of November and is letting Bob Arum’s Top Rank Boxing distribute Pacquiao’s PPV on their own.

Top Rank has wisely decided to stack their card with four world title fights in what should be an entertaining night of fights. The card will be held at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

The following is a preview of all four world title bouts.

Zou Shiming (8-1) vs. Prasitsak Phaprom (39-1-2); WBO World Flyweight Title

This is a rematch of a bout that happened on November 23rd, 2014 in which Shiming defeated Phaprom by decision.

Zou Shiming was supposed to be Top Rank’s vehicle to grow the sport of boxing in China and establish a strong foothold there. He was successful in helping Top Rank break into the Chinese market, but he has lost some of his luster since losing to Amnat Ruenroeng in an IBF Flyweight Title fight in March of 2017.

Shiming is a two time Olympic Gold Medalist and won the Bronze in 2004. He’s the most decorated amateur boxer to ever come out of China and is currently trained by Freddie Roach. Phaprom does not have the amateur accolades that Shiming possesses.

Both boxers are thirty five years old and neither can be considered to be in the midst of the physical prime. Shiming will have a two and a half inch height advantage as well as a two and a half inch reach advantage.

Shiming is not known for his power and many pundits question whether his amateur abilities can translate to the profressional stage He only has two stoppage victories on his resume while Phaprom has stopped twenty four of his opponents.

Phaprom has been very active and has fought five times in 2016. However, Phaprom has fought almost exclusively in Thailand and has only fought outside of it once, when he first faced and lost to Shiming. He also doesn’t have any big name victories on his resume, but has fought thirteen more times since losing to Shiming.

This will be Shiming’s third fight in 2016, and he has defeated the likes of Phaprom, Jozsef Ajtai, Natan Coutinho, and Luis de la Rosa. His lone loss was to Amnat Ruenroeng.

This rematch should play out in a similar fashion to their first bout, with Shiming ending the fight as the winner.

Nonito Donaire (37-3) vs. Jessie Magdaleno (23-0); WBO World Junior Featherweight Title

Nonito Donaire is the second most Filipino boxer in the world today, but this will be the first time he has ever fought on the same card as Manny Pacquiao.

Donaire’s best days might be behind him. He’s thirty three years old and will be nine year older than Magdaleno come fight night. However, he will be about one inch taller than Magdaleno and will have about a two inch reach advantage.

Both boxers have had successful amateur careers. Donaire was a National Junior Olympics Flyweight Champion, a National Light Flyweight Champions, and a Silver Gloves Champion. Magdaleno was a US National Champion in the bantamweight division and a National Golden Gloves Champion in the bantamweight division.

Both boxers come from a family of boxers and have brothers who compete or have competed professionally. However, Donaire is a former title holder in the flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight, and featherweight divisions while Magdaleno is still chasing his first world title.

Donaire has been in the ring with some of the best the sport has to offer. He has defeated the likes of Zsolt Bedak, Cesar Juarez, Vic Darchinyan, Jorge Arce, Toshiaki Nishioka, Jeffrey Mathebula, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Omar Narvaez, and Fernando Montiel. His losses were to Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nicholas Walters, and Rosendo Sanchez in the second fight of his career.

This will be a big step up for Magdaleno, and he has never fought someone as a professional on the level of Donaire. He has defeated the likes of Rey Perez, Erik Ruiz, and Roberto Castandeda.

This might be the last swan song for Donaire. There’s been a noticeable drop in his speed and power since he lost to Rigondeaux and he was stopped, quite brutally, by Walters. He’s still a good boxer and is experienced enough to give Magdaleno a tough time inside the ring, but Magdaleno is just entering his prime and should be able to defeat the older Donaire.

Oscar Valdez (20-0) vs. Hiroshiga Osawa (30-3-4); WBO World Featherweight Title

Oscar Valdez is one of the most promising young champions on the roster of Top Rank Promotions. He’s also featured in one of the biggest mismatches of the night.

The one, and perhaps only, advantage Osawa will have on Saturday night is that he is about an inch and half taller and four inches longer than Valdez. However, Valdez is the better technical boxer, the more powerful puncher, the quicker fighter, and will be about six years younger than Osawa.

Valdez has an impressive eighteen knockouts and has stopped four of his past five opponents. Osawa stopped nineteen of his opponents but is currently riding an eight fight stoppage victory streak.

Valdez has a deep amateur background and represented Mexico in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. Osawa has no such amateur background.

Both boxers have been fairly active in the past two years. Valdez fought four times in 2015 and fought twice in 2016. Osawa fought three times in 2015 and once in 2016.

Osawa has fought exclusively in Asia and his resume does not include any big name victories. He has losses to unheralded boxers such as Mitsuya Omura, JR Sollano, and Daiki Koide. Valdez only recently won WBO Featherweight title, and has impressive victories over Evgeny Gradovich, Matias Rueda, Chris Avalos, Ruben Tamayo, and Jose Ramirez.

Valdez is the most likely boxer to score a stoppage victory on Saturday night.

Manny Pacquiao (58-6-2) vs. Jessie Vargas (27-1); WBO World Welterweight Title

Manny Pacquiao, despite being a Senator for the Philippines, is still considered a top talent in the welterweight division and one of the sport’s biggest draws.

He’s publically stated his desire to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a rematch, but he first has to get past a tough, young, opponent in Jessie Vargas.

Pacquiao, at the age of thirty seven, is ten years older than his opponent and considered by many to be past his physical prime. Pacquiao will also be giving up four and a half inches in height as well as four inches in reach to his younger opponent.

The one thing that Vargas does not have is power. He’s only stopped ten of his opponents, but he did stop Sadam Ali in his last bout. Pacquiao has stopped thirty eight of his opponents, but his last stoppage victory was in 2009, twelve fights ago, against Miguel Cotto.

Vargas has an impressive amateur background. He’s a two time Mexican National Champion and a two time US Junior National Champion. Pacquiao turned professional as a teenager and does not have the amateur accolades that Vargas has.

Vargas has a good professional resume but it still pales in comparison to Pacquiao. He has defeated the likes of Sadam Ali, Antonio DeMarco, Anton Novikov, Khabib Allakhverdiev, Ray Narh, Aaron Martinez, Steve Forbes, and Josesito Lopez. His lone loss was a close bout to Timothy Bradley.

Pacquiao, clearly, has a hall of fame resume. His notable victories include Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, Brandon Rios, Chris Algieri, Shane Mosley, and Lehlo Ledwaba. His losses were to Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Timothy Bradley, and three losses early on in his career to Singsurat, Torrecampo, and Erik Morales.

Pacquiao had erased any concerns about his demise in his last bout with Timothy Bradley Jr., which he won fairly convincingly. Vargas’ age and reach may give Pacquiao some problems early on, but it’s not something that Pacquiao hasn’t handled before.

Pacquiao should walk away with another decision victory, but it will be a tougher than expected fight.

Posted on 09/16/2016

Dusty Hernandez-Harrison and Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna Rock the House at the Philly Arena!
By: Ken Hissner

This was a Peltz Boxing Promotion with GH-3 who has a good young group of boxers and on a Thursday night. CBS Sports Center will televise the show. The place was packed with standing room only. This one goes back to Ward and Gatti without the hoopla.

Photo Credit: Darryl Cobb Jr.

No. 4 Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna, 21-2 (9), of Millville, NJ, was defeated by No. 1 Dusty Hernandez-Harrison, 30-0-1 (16), of South East D.C. for the vacant USBA welterweight title. “I thought he won 6-4 not like the wide scores,” said Lamanna.

In the opening round Hernandez-Harrison moved around the ring countering well. Lamanna seemed to have problems with the speed of his opponent. In the second round Hernandez-Harrison landed a 3-punch combination. Lamanna is having a problem hitting the elusive Hernandez-Harrison.

In the third round Lamanna flurried having Hernandez-Harrison against the ropes only to have Hernandez-Harrison come back with 3 left hooks. Lamanna came out all fired up landing half a dozen punches without return. Things started heating up in the third round.

In the fourth round a lead right by Hernandez-Harrison rocked Lamanna who came back with a flurry of punches. In the fifth round Lamanna was doing well which seemed to anger Hernandez-Harrison who came back punching Lamanna around the ring. Lamanna has swelling around both eyes. In the sixth round Hernandez-Harrison is putting more behind his punches. Both boxers have plenty of fans in the crowd.

In the seventh round Lamanna landed a power right to the head of Hernandez-Harrison who was holding on. A half a round later it was all Hernandez-Harrison. In the eighth round both went back and forth controlling the round but Hernandez-Harrison’s hand and foot speed always keeps him one step ahead of Lamanna.

In the ninth round it’s more action from both but Hernandez-Harrison continues to batter Lamanna whose eyes are swelling while Hernandez-Harrison is unmarked. In the tenth and final round the fans are yelling “Dusty, Dusty”, as he is looking for a knockout to avoid a hometown decision. This was one of the best fights seen here in sometime with one from Millville and the other D.C.

Judges Bernard Bruni had it 98-92 while judges Tom Schreck and Dana DePaolo had it 97-93 while this writer had it 100-90.

In the co-feature former NFL player Ray “Cincinnati Kid” Edwards, 11-0-1 (7), out of Cinn., OH, won a 6 round decision over southpaw New Jersey champion Dan Pasciolla, 8-1-1 (0), out of Brick, NJ.

In the first two rounds it was the light punching Pasciolla who was taking good body shots from Edwards. The action was very slow. In the third round and fourth rounds Edwards was too strong for Pasciolla.

In the fifth and sixth rounds Pasciolla got his jab in but it wasn’t enough to offset Edwards.

Atlantic City’s Anthony “Juice” Young 14-2 (6) easily stopped Malik “The Freak” Jackson, 3-10-4 (2), of Newark, NJ, at the end of the fourth round stopped by ring physician.

In the opening round a hard right by Young to the head of Jackson dropped him. Referee Clark gave him the 8 count. Jackson did what he had to do to get through the round.

On paper it looked like a mismatch and this writer was surprised Boxing Director Greg Sirb approved it.

In the second round it was more of the same but Jackson staying on his feet. In the third round Jackson’s corner is yelling out instructions but one wonders how they put him in with Young. In the fourth round Young continued bombing Jackson who has little power to hold Young off. A left uppercut to the midsection by Young dropped Jackson At the bell a left hook by Young to the head had Jackson out on his fight.

His corner should have stopped it but it took the ring physician to do it. This was a total mismatch from the time they signed the contracts. Working the corner for Young was Chino Rivas assisted by Rashiem Jefferson.

The Hottest prospect in Philly since 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Meldrick Taylor is Philly’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 6-0 (5), from the Germantown section of the city who showed flashes of greatness and needed a fight like Eddie Diaz, 2-4-2 (0), of Compton, CA, gave him. “I should have done better,” said Ennis. You can’t knock everybody out!

In the opening round Ennis came out orthodox showing very fast hands and going to the body of Diaz. Diaz managed to get some punches to the chin of Ennis. In the second round Ennis continued looking terrific but anytime you are in with a fighter from Compton, CA, which is possibly the baddest city in the country you have to be aware he came to fight. Diaz had a small cut outside of his right eye.

In the third round Diaz would take 3 to land 1 which was usually a right to the head of Ennis. The round was won by Ennis but he got rocked at the bell with a Diaz right to the chin. In the fourth and final round Ennis could not hurt Diaz who was one tough fighter. So Ennis continue to throw combinations and uppercuts to the body of Diaz who never took a back step. Ennis needed a fight like this. “We aren’t taking anymore 143 fights. We will move up to 147,” said Bozy Ennis. The young Ennis had an ice pack on his left hand.

Two judges had it 40-36 and one 39-37. This writer had it 40-36.

In a rematch bantamweight Leroy “Luscious” Davila, 3-0 (1), out of New Brunswick, NJ, had Edgar Torres, 3-4 (0), of Vineland, NJ, on the canvas 3 times with the final one in the second round at 2:03.

Both southpaws scoring well while Davila was very conservative with his punches when all of a sudden out of nowhere he drops Cortes not once but twice. Referee Rosato gave him he the 8 count both times. In the second round Cortes walked right into a lead straight left from Davila putting Cortes on the canvas almost knocked out. Referee Rosato wisely halted it and in no time the ring physician was in the ring administering to Cortes.

Junior welterweight Kenneth “Bossman” Sims, Jr., 7-0 (2), out of Chicago, won a hard fought 6 round decision over Gilbert “Gordo” Venegas, 14-24-5 (8), of E. Moline, IL.

In the opening round Sims goes from orthodox to southpaw having his way with tough veteran Venegas. In the second and third rounds Simms continues to show his skills while Venegas lands an occasional overhand right to the head of Sims. Left hooks by Sims are rocking the iron jawed Venegas.

In the fourth round Sims lands a 3-punch combination and follows with a flurry of punches. In the fifth round Venegas has a small cut along the eyebrow of his left eye. In the sixth and final round Venegas lands his best punch of the fight an overhand right to the head of Simms. This is probably the best round of the fight as both fighters were still throwing leather at the bell!

Judges Gail Jasper, Tom Schreck and Dana Depaolo had it 60-54 as did this writer. Sims was very impressive.

Good looking lightweight Devin “The Dream” Haney, 10-0 (6), out of Las Vegas, defeated southpaw “Mighty” Mike Fowler, 5-3 (2), out of Milwaukees over 8 rounds.
In the opening round Fowler controlled the first half before Haney got his rhythm together and took the second half. In the second and third round Haney unloaded on Fowler who is doing very little in return.

In the fourth Haney is landing 3 punches at a time as the nose of Fowler is bleeding. In the fifth round Haney continued to rock Fowler until referee Rosato wisely halted the fight. ”I fought a good fight especially going to the body,” said Haney. He is one to watch!
In the opening bout a war broke out. Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting, 2-1-2 (1), of Asbury Park, NJ, was stopped by Darryl Gause, 2-0 (1), of Vineland, NJ, in a super middleweight match at 2:14 of the second.

In the opening round it was a slugfest with Bunting having the edge until a right hand from Gause had him out on his feet. It looked like referee Dali might stop it. He gave him a standing count at the bell. In the second round the slugfest continued until once again a Gause right hand drove Bunting across the ring into the ropes Gause jumped on him and referee Dali wisely halted the action.

Ring announcer was Mark Fratto.

Posted on 09/14/2016

Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna & Dusty Hernandez-Harrison Thursday in Philly Arena!
By: Ken Hissner

You don’t always see two white fighters headlining but Thursday at the 2300 Arena in the Philly Arena a Peltz Boxing Promotion should be a good one and a flip of the coin who the winner will be! CBS Sports Center will televise the show.

Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna, 21-1 (9), of Millville, NJ, who has won his last five fights and Dusty Hernandez-Harrison, 29-0-1 (16), of D.C. for the vacant USBA welterweight title.

Harrison-Hernandez is coming off a brutal draw and the first event if I am not mistaken without his father Buddy Harrison. Winning the USBA title usually guarantees a ranking in the IBF. In the July USBA ratings Hernandez-Harrison was No. 1 and Lamanna No. 4.

The 8 fight show has Atlantic City’s Anthony “Juice” Young 13-2 (5) against Malik Jackson, 3-9-4 (2), of Newark, NJ, who is a “spoiler”.

Heavyweight Ray “The Cincinnati Kid” Edwards, 11-0-1 (7), of Cinn., OH, is a former football player at Purdue University. His opponent is southpaw Dan Pasciolla, 8-1-1 (0), of Brick, NJ, whose latest win over former IBF Cruiserweight champion Imau Mayfield for the NJ, state title fight was his best showing to date.

The Hottest prospect in Philly since 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Meldrick Taylor is Philly’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 5-0 (5), who has been fighting once a month since turning professional has his father “Bozy” Ennis in his corner. His opponent which would be his toughest to date is Eddie Diaz, 2-4-2 (0), of Torrance, CA, welterweight match-up.

A good prospect is bantamweight Leroy “Luscious” Davila, 2-0 (0), out of New Brunswick, NJ, taking on Edgar Torres, 3-3 (0), of Vineland, NJ. Welterweight Kenneth “Bossman” Sims, Jr., 7-0 (2), out of Chicago meets up with Gilbert Venegas, 14-24-5 (8), of E. Moline, IL. Devin “The Dream” Haney, 9-0 (5), out of Las Vegas battles Mike Fowler, 5-2 (2), out of Milwaukee in a lightweight match. Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting, 2-0-2 (1), of Asbury Park, NJ, meets Darryl Gause, 1-0 (0), of Vineland, NJ, in a super middleweight match.

Posted on 07/29/2016

PBC on Spike TV Results: Stevenson Wrecks Williams in 4
By: Matthew N. Becher

Live from the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, Premier Boxing Championship showcased a night of Light heavyweights, including one of the reigning world champions.

Photo Credit: Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions

In the lead up fight, Eleider Alvarez fought for a chance to become the #1 contender to fight for the WBC Light Heavyweight belt. Originally scheduled to fight former champion Chad Dawson, Alvarez would need to get past a late sub in New Zealand native Robert Berridge.

The Main Event was another title defense for the WBC Light Heavyweight champ, Adonis Stevenson. Stevenson has defended his belt 7 times, but has since been stripped of his Ring Magazine title, due to not fighting a top 5 divisional foe in 2 years. His opponent, Thomas Williams Jr. fought his way to the title by knocking out Edwin Rodriguez.

Eleider Alvarez (19-0 10KO) v. Robert Berridge (27-4-1 21KO): Light Heavyweight

Alvarez comes from a highly touted amateur background. He was an Olympian for his native country of Columbia in the Beijing games, and he came out early showing off his boxing skills. Berridge, who came in on late notice from New Zealand, is a brawler who tried to make the fight awkward from the beginning. Berridge did not want the fight fought at a distance, because Alvarez had the skill and length to his advantage. It ended up being fought on the outside anyway.
Berridge was never comfortable in the ring, possibly from the late notice, more likely due to his skill level not being the same as Alvarez. Alvarez on the other hand, could not capitalize on the lesser known opponent and make a statement. This may have played out completely different had Chad Dawson not get hurt before this fight.

Alvarez UD10 99-90, 98-92, 98-92

Adonis Stevenson (27-1 22KO) v. Thomas Williams Jr. (20-1 14KO): WBC Light Heavyweight Championship

In the front row sat two Light Heavyweight contenders, Artur Beterbiev and Lucian Bute, both watching their fellow countryman and also scouting a possible future opponent in Stevenson.
The fight started off quick, with Stevenson establishing his straight right hand jab, and following up with the big left hand. In the end of the round, the big left hand landed to the back of the right ear of Williams, putting the challenger down for an eight count.
Williams was down, but not out. Keeping his hands up, and picking his shots from different angles, Williams was able to land some pretty heavy shots of his own. Some staggering the champ.

The fourth round was a brawl. Both fighters traded power punches, the crowd was on its feet, and Thomas Williams Jr. just couldn’t take anymore. A huge left hand landed on the chin of Williams and he was not able to get back to his feet.
Stevenson KO4 2:54

Posted on 07/28/2016

Can Thomas Williams Pull Off The Upset Against Adonis Stevenson?
By: Sean Crose

Adonis Stevenson may not be popular, but; make no mistake about it, the 27-1 WBC light heavyweight champion is a dangerous and talented fighter. Just ask Chad Dawson. Or Tony Bellew. Or Darnell Boone. For all those men have been taken out by the Haitian-Canadian powerhouse. The problem, of course, is that Stevenson has been accused – fairly or not – of avoiding Sergey Kovalev. He’ s also, let’s face it, faced less than stellar competition as champ. In a world where fellow champ Kovalev is going up against pound for pound honcho Andre Ward, opponents like Sakio Bika and Dmitry Sukhotsky just don’t seem formidable.

Stevenson may be in for a real go this Friday in Quebec’s Videotron Center, however. For the 20-1 Thomas Williams Jr can pack a wallop himself. A big wallop. Just ask Edwin Rodriguez, who Williams laid out during a nationally televised bout last April. Now that he’s got a chance at the big time, Williams will undoubtedly make the most of his opportunity, even if it is in Stevenson’s adopted Canadian homeland. Does Williams have what it takes, though? He hits hard, no doubt, but he can also be sloppy in the ring.

Then again, Stevenson is pushing forty and will stand a good ten years older than his opponent this weekend. What’s more, the guy called Superman also has a chin that makes some wonder. He was dropped by Andrzej Fonfara back in 2014, after all, in a bout which ended up being far closer than most may have expected. What’s more, Stevenson has only fought once in the past year, against the less than intimidating Tommy Karpency. While Stevenson may indeed have taken it easy these past few years, going essentially unchallenged sometimes has its drawbacks. Sure enough, Stevenson hasn’t had a real challenge since Fonfara, and that fight was over two years ago.

As for Williams, it’s hard not to like the guy. After his one loss to Gabriel Campillo in front of ESPN cameras several years ago, he apologized profusely to trainer/commentator Teddy Atlas, who Williams idolizes, for letting Atlas down. Atlas gave him a pep talk that night – and did so again on ESPN this past month (livening up one of the worst televised cards in this writer’s memory) in the lead up to Friday’s fight. Still, Stevenson is no joke, and unless his skills have deteriorated considerably, Williams may be in for a tough go when he and Stevenson trade punches during the live PBC broadcast (to be aired on Spike).

Then again, who’s to say Williams won’t return home to America with more than just the luggage he left with? Boxing is a crazy sport, after all, and no one – not even Stevenson – can be guaranteed to avoid trouble forever.

Posted on 06/28/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: RIP Jack Obermayer, Canelo, Smith, Stevenson, Ruiz, and more…
By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of June 21st to June 28th; covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

RIP Jack Obermayer

(written by Marc Abrams) I am sad to report that passing of boxing super-scribe Jack Obermayer, who passed away this morning at his home in Lindenwold, New Jersey at the age of 72.

Obermayer, who covered 3514 professional fight cards in 49 states in over 400 cities and was affectionately known as “KO-JO” was a beloved figure at ringside for 50 years.

Obermayer wrote for many publications such Flash Gordon’s “Tonight’s Boxing Program”, Ring Magazine, Boxing Illustrated (Which later became Boxing Digest) & USA Boxing News.

Obermayer penned the popular column “KO JO Says”, which chronicled his many road trips to fights an and his love of classic diners.

Obermayer was inducted into the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame’s. In 2010 he won the Barney Nagler Award for Long and Meritorious Service by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 30th at The Harmon Funeral Home (571 Forest Avenue in Staten Island, New York).

Canelo Alvarez to Battle Liam Smith for WBO Junior Middleweight Title

Known for his power and dominance in the ring, Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) will look to win his third title in the junior middleweight division when he challenges undefeated heavy-hitter Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship on Saturday, September 17. A battle between two power-punchers, Canelo vs. Smith promises action between two fighters willing to take a punch in order to secure the next Knockout of the Year. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Information regarding venue and tickets will be announced shortly.

“I am very pleased to announce my next fight against Liam Smith, a tremendous fighter with real knockout power, and the WBO junior middleweight world title owner,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I have no doubt that this fight will be give and take, which will fill the expectations of the fans, and I will work with all the enthusiasm as I always do to get the upper hand on 17 September.”

With the bout’s announcement, Canelo has fulfilled his pledge to headline the two biggest fight nights of the year; Cinco De Mayo – when he knocked out Amir Khan in dramatic fasion — and Mexican Independence Day.

Current WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith has built a reputation as one of the hardest punchers in the sport as his last eight victories have come by knockout. Defeating Canelo via knockout is now his top priority, as he begins to establish his legacy in becoming the UK’s next boxing super-star.

“I am delighted to get the opportunity to defend my world title against the biggest name in world boxing and to headline in the U.S. which is a dream I have had since I started in the sport of boxing,” said Liam Smith.

“This fight allows me to make my name in the U.S. and show just how good I am and this is the big stage that will enable me to do that. I thank my team for getting me this opportunity: Frank Warren, BoxNation, Daniel and of course Golden Boy for providing it. I am confident of winning this fight and returning to the great city of Liverpool with my belt still around my waist.”

Adonis Stevenson to Face Thomas Williams Jr.

Light heavyweight world champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (27-1, 22 KOs) returns to defend his belt against hard-hitting challenger Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr. (20-1, 14 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, July 29 from Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 pm. CT and features former world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (34-4, 19 KOs) against top light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (19-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.

Stevenson will be making his seventh title defense and his second straight defense on Spike. His latest challenge will be the young and hungry Williams Jr. who comes in with a straight-forward style and a ton of confidence after he knocked out Edwin Rodriguez in the second round of their April clash.

“I am very happy to return to the ring on July 29 in Quebec,” said Stevenson. “I will demonstrate that like fine wine, I am even better with age. Even though I haven’t boxed in 10 months, I’ve never left the gym and I’m willing and ready to defend my crown.”

“There were many people who had lost trust in me two years ago after my loss, but here I am” said Williams Jr. “There were circumstances that led to that result, but I don’t make excuses and that is in the past. I’m coming off of the best performance of my career and I’m ready to hold that belt on July 29. Stevenson has never faced a puncher like me.”

Andy Ruiz to Headline Next Detroit Brawl

To the delight of the sizable Mexican community in Detroit, on Saturday, July 16, world-rated Mexican heavyweight contender Andy “The Destroyer from Mexicali” Ruiz will appear in the 10-round main event of Salita Promotions’ next “Detroit Brawl” installment at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit.

26-year-old Ruiz, from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, is a former amateur standout, now undefeated at 27-0, 18 KOs as a professional and rated WBO #5, IBF #5, and WBC #7 at heavyweight. Ruiz is the current NABF heavyweight champion and has already made four successful defenses. Before that, he held the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship and made an additional three successful defenses before relinquishing.

In his last in-ring appearance, Ruiz stopped former world title challenger Ray Austin in the fourth round on May 14 in Studio City, California.

“I cannot wait to get back into the ring,” said Ruiz. “I’ve got some thunder coming with me to Detroit.”

“I am very excited about bringing another sensational show to Detroit that will feature local talent as well as some of the best fighters from around the country and the world,” said Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions.

“I have a vision of helping Detroit become known as America’s Greatest Comeback City and the East Coast hub of professional boxing. With each show, we are showcasing great fighters and building a fan base locally and around the world.”

Sergiy Derevyanchenko to Face Sam Soliman on July 21st

Rising middleweight contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (8-0, 6 KOs) will take on former world champion Sam “King” Soliman (44-13, 18 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes on Thursday, July 21 from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a middleweight showdown between hard-hitting Ievgen Khytrov (13-0, 11 KOs) and California’s Paul Mendez (19-2-2, 9 KOs) in 10-rounds of action.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to headline against an experienced former champion,” said Derevyanchenko. “Soliman has accomplished a lot, but right now he is standing in the way of me being a world champion. You will see the best version of me on July 21 and I will show why I am a dangerous fighter in this division.”

“This is a crossroads fight so I am leaving nothing to chance and will do every bit of training needed to win this fight,” said Soliman. “We are both fighting for world title position and I know Sergiy will fight hard for this win. This all makes it a great contest.”

Rising Promotions Set for 4th Event in Seven Months on July 22nd

On Friday night, July 22nd, Rising Promotions will present it’s 4th big event at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

No doubt another sold-crowd will be on hand to witness the action as Rising Promotions is establishing itself as the busiest promoter in the Garden State.

The shows have consistently featured some of the best talent in the Tri-Stae (New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania.) in competitive, fan-friendly bouts in front of a packed venue at The Claridge.

“The first three shows have gone exactly to the blueprint which we set out for when we came up with the concept,” said Debra LaManna of Rising Promotions.

“The response has been terrific on all fronts. From the fighters, the fan turn out and sponsors. The Clardige and the New Jersey State Athletic Commission have been a pleasure to work with as well.”

“I think when fans know that every couple months they know they can see these kinds of events with Rising Promotions, the events start to sell themselves. With events scheduled for July, September and November, we will continue to build on what we have started.”

Said Thomas LaManna of Rising Promotions, “Every big time promoter starts somewhere, I just so happened to start at the age of 24 while still active in my career with a pro record of 18-1.”

“It all started out with just doing these shows to keep me active. Ray McCline of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame and I met in Las Vegas during the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight week and discussed doing shows at The
Claridge because he had a direct connection with them. When the meeting was over, I started to see the big picture with it so I than sat down with my parents and my promoter Mr. Vincent M. Ponte of Gulf Stream Promotions, we put together a strong team with a solid mission and three successful shows later, here we are,” Continued Thomas LaManna.

It feels great to open doors for fighters to jump start there career. So far, I was able to have four boxers make their professional debut on my shows so far and they include (former Olympian Luis Perozo, 2016 United States Olympic alternate Leroy Davila & Marvin Johnson).

“It’s always been my dream and goal to become a world champion. That’s first and foremost because I am still a fighter first, but I also have a goal to be one of the top promoters in the sport of boxing. Most people say I can’t, waste of time, no money to be made. That’s there way of thinking and they can keep that mindset. I strive to be great in everything I do and this is just another journey. Keep a lookout for Rising Promotions.”

Karl, DeLoach, and Price Win on PBC on NBCSN

Fast rising super welterweight prospect Justin DeLoach (15-1, 8 KOs) dominated Junior Castillo, 10-1 (9 KOs) rolling to an eight round decision by scores of 79-71, 78-72 and 78-72 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN.

Drilling Castillo to the canvas in the third and sixth, DeLoach put the junior middleweight division on notice that he is looking to become a world champion in the not-to-distant future.

“I’m very happy with my performance, did exactly what I wanted to. I’m ready for any of the big names in the junior middleweight division. Even my friend Erickson Lubin, I’d love to fight him,” said De Loach.

“I’m going to stay humble, stay focused, and keep working towards a world championship.”

Unbeaten super lightweight Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (12-0, 8 KOs) continued to impress with a one-sided eight round decision over Luis Solis (14-7-4, 12 KOs).

Dropping Solid in round, Karl went past the fifth stanza for the first time in his career enroute to victory by scores of 80-71, 79-72 and 78-73.

In the televised opener, Darwin Price (12-0, 11 KOs) stayed undefeated with a spirited eight round decision against the also previously undefeated Semajay Thomas, (8-1, 4 KOs) in a super lightweight scrap by scores of 80-71 (twice) and 79-72.

Dropping Thomas in the first round, Price set the tone, playing matador to Thomas’ bull. Following the advice of his renowned trainer Ronnie Shields Price stayed on the outside, racking up points throughout the fight with a piston like jab setting up his combinations towards the wide points decision.

Posted on 04/30/2016

PBC on Fox Results: Williams Jr. and Berto Win by Bigtime Knockouts
By: Matthew N. Becher

Premier Boxing Champions went live on Fox prime time to present a highly anticipated rematch to the 2011 fight of the year between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto. Both fighters have had their ups and downs since then, but have each respectively had their shots at the pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. and look to rebound and make a statement in the welterweight division.

In the under-card, light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez and Thomas Williams Jr. fought in a brutal affair that showed Williams Jr. land a brutal left hand that earned him a shot later this year for the WBC Light Heavyweight title.

Edwin Rodriguez (28-1 19KO) v. Thomas Williams Jr. (19-1 13KO): Light Heavyweight

Williams Jr. said it was his destiny to be one of the greats to come out of the Washington D.C. area, and he took the next step in earning a title shot with a win over Edwin Rodriguez. Both fighters came out throwing huge punches in the first round, Williams landing two big shots that wobbled Edwin Rodriguez. The second round was more of the same, with both men exchanging big shots, and assuring that the fight would not go the distance. Williams landed a crushing left hand at the end of the second round that crumbled Rodriguez and put an end to the WBC eliminator. Get ready to see Williams Jr. take on Adonis Stevenson for the title later this year.

Williams Jr. TKO2 2:59

Andre Berto (30-4 23KO) v. Victor Ortiz (31-5-2 24KO): Welterweight

The rematch was exciting, maybe not as exciting as the first, but pretty good. After an accidental head butt in the first round which left Ortiz with a gash on top of his head that continued to bleed throughout the fight, both fighters began to exchange.

Ortiz was the aggressor in the early rounds, landing a consistent short left hook, which knocked down Berto at the end of the second round and continued to bother Berto in the third round.

After some words from his trainer Virgil Hunter between rounds, Berto landed a thunderous right uppercut in the first thirty seconds of the fourth round that put Ortiz on the canvas. Berto immediately attacked, dropping Ortiz for a second time, and ending the fight, finally getting his long time revenge on Victor Ortiz.

Berto KO4 1:14

Posted on 04/28/2016

Andre Berto vs. Victor Ortiz II Preview
By: Matthew N. Becher

This Saturday, April 30th, at 8pm on Fox, The Stub Hub Center in Carson, California will host the rematch to the 2011 fight of the year against Andre Berto (30-4 23KO) and rival Victor Ortiz (31-5 24KO). The first time around saw a back and forth slug fest, with both men hitting the canvas, and Ortiz winning a unanimous decision victory for Berto’s WBC Welterweight title. The win led Ortiz directly to a shot against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and a string of celebrity appearances from television to the big screen.

The undercard of this bout will take place in the light heavyweight division between Edwin Rodriguez (28-1 19KO), who is trying to get back on track since his lone defeat to Andre Ward, and Thomas Williams Jr. (19-1 13KO), a 28 year old looking to make a name for himself on prime time television against a live opponent.

Edwin Rodriguez vs. Thomas Williams Jr.

Edwin Rodriguez is a fringe contender who climbed the ladder in the Super Middleweight division, only to see it all crumble in his first attempt at a title against Andre Ward. Rodriguez had been perfect up to that point with wins over the likes of James McGirt, Aaron Pryor Jr, Will Rosinsky and Donovan George. His loss to Ward was a harsh defeat and has sent Rodriguez into a new weight division, starting back at the bottom rung of the ladder. Rodriguez is currently ranked in the top 5 of the WBC and IBF divisional rankings, and needs a good showing on Saturday night to move closer to a title shot against either Adonis Stevenson or Sergey Kovalev.

Thomas Williams Jr. is a 28 year old, stepping into the spotlight for the first time. He has a lesser known resume than Rodriguez, with his biggest fight being against former champion Gabriel Campillo, a fight in which Williams lost. Every other fight Williams has been successful and he will need this to be his defining fight to stamp his name in a division that is very stacked with formidable opponents.

Andre Berto vs. Victor Ortiz II

Just to get this out in the open straight off the bat, Berto and Ortiz do not like each other. Ever since their first fight, they have been verbally jabbing away at one another for the past five years. The first fight was a classic that many people still tune into on YouTube. Berto was the champion, looking to get the win and his shot at the Floyd Mayweather lottery. Instead, Ortiz pulled off the upset and jumped ahead in line to fight the pound for pound king.

Ortiz was groomed by Golden Boy promotions to be the next great fighter. He was fed a steady diet of inferior opponents until he ran into a little known Argentine by the name of Marcos Maidana. Ortiz lost by knockout and looked to want to quit the sport. Ortiz then regrouped and fought his way back, beating Nate Campbell, Vivian Harris and scoring a draw against Lamont Peterson. He found himself fighting for the WBC welterweight crown against Andre Berto, in a fight that would later be named the 2011 fight of the year. Ortiz was then stopped in four rounds on a controversial ending by Floyd Mayweather. After regrouping in 2012, a warm up fight against Josesito Lopez turned bad, when Lopez stopped Ortiz in six, breaking his jaw in the process. Ortiz took 2 years off from boxing, participating in the ABC reality television show “Dancing with the Stars” and appearing in several motion pictures, including “The Expendables” and “Southpaw”. Ortiz made his way back to the ring in 2014, getting knocked out in 2 rounds by Luis Collazo. He won back to back fights against Manuel Perez and Gilberto Sanchez Leon, which has now led him to a rematch with his much hated rival Andre Berto.

Berto was another stand out fighter, rising in the Welterweight division, winning his first and only World title against Miguel Angel Rodriguez. Berto would go on to defend his belt five times against the likes of Steve Forbes, Luis Collazo, Juan Urango and Carlos Quintana. He was making his case to fight Mayweather until the night in 2011, where he lost a highly contested battle against Victor Ortiz, giving him his first professional loss and losing his chance at the big pay day fight. Berto quickly regrouped with a win over Jan Zaveck, but then reeled off two losses to Robert Guerreo (who would fight Mayweather in his next match) and Jesus Soto Karass (by knockout). Berto saw his career spiraling downward, until he was able to get a win over Steve Upsher Chambers and an exciting knockout victory over Josesito Lopez. That fight led to his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Floyd’s final fight and victory in September of last year.

To state again, both of these guys do not like the other, so we do not expect this to be a feel em out, pitter pat type of fight. Once they begin to exchange, expect the fireworks to continue. Neither of these guys are still in their prime, and the loser of this one may need to hang up the gloves forever. This is a fight for each fighter’s future in the sport. It will come down to who wants it more.