TalkingBoxing News
Million's Weigh-In at Local Favorite
TUE May 17 - Langel's Pizza 2833 Highway Ave in Highland, IN a favorite of food and fight fans across Northwest Indiana, will host the Official Weigh-Ins for One In A Million's next action-packed card, "Friday Night Fights," on Thursday, May 19th, at 7:00 Pm just one night before the big fight card.
"Friday Night Fights," May 20th at the Radisson Hotel @ Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN will feature NABF Cruiserweight Champion Ali Supreme, of Chicago, and Hammond Lightweight Johnny Novak, who is the IN.B.A. an Indiana State Boxing Champion.
The card will also feature the much-anticipated pro debut of "Merciless" Mary McGee, a Gary sensation and winner of the 2005 Chicago Women's Golden Gloves.
Langel's is one of the team's biggest supporters, and fight fans fill the lounge for pre-fight events, said Octavius James, CEO of ONE IN A MILLION INC. "Rodney Langel and his team at Langel's have been great supporters of all kinds of sports, but they've been especially dedicated to our efforts to bring boxing glory back to Northwest Indiana," James said. "We've developed a strong partnership with them, and that means better shows for fight fans."
Langel said he's eager to continue his working relationship with the Midwest's premiere boxing team. "These weigh-ins are real highlights for us, and we get a great crowd whenever we host One In A Million events," he said. "We plan to continue being a part of their success." Supreme and Novak will be present at the weigh-in, as will crowd favorites Light Welterweight Ruben Galvan, of Hammond, and Demotte's Middleweight Jimmy Holmes.
Mexico City's Jaime Alvarado and Chicago's Undefeated Middleweight prospect Michael Walker will also appear at the weigh-ins.
For more information on "Friday Night Fights", the May 19th weigh-ins or for Tickets call 866-438-7372, Star Plaza Box Office 219-769-6600 or any Ticket Master location 312-559-1212.
Visit us at: http://www.oneinamillionboxing.com.
Pacquiao to Muhammad: You remain fired!
TUE May 17 - Manny Pacquiao has requested that this letter be made public to his promoter, Murad Muhammad, dated May 12th, 2005.
Dear Mr. Muhammad:
I am writing to ask you to stop claiming to other people that M&M Sports is still my promoter. I have fired you and M&M Sports from that position because of, among other things, your participation in a fraud against me. As I sit here today with so much of my money being missing and having to pay a huge tax bill because you violated the law in not withholding my taxes. I still cannot believe how dishonest you were and how you violated my trust in you.
I want you to hear this loud and clear. I am moving on with my career. My new management team has reached an oral agreement for my next two bouts, and I expect to sign a written agreement within the next two weeks. As of that time, not only will you remain fired, but there will be a different promoter formally representing me.
Sincerely,
Manny Pacquiao
Pareja Wants Rematch with Griffin
TUE May 17, JULIUS STECKER - The Next Great Champ runner up and light heavyweight prospect “Danger” David Pareja, 4-1, is coming off a devastating knockout over Ryan Franklin last month, but is clamoring for another shot at The Next Great Champ winner Otis Griffin.
“I was robbed. I boxed the hell out of him. Everybody who knows the show and who came up to me after the fight knows that I
won that fight.
"I didn’t have a scratch on me, Otis was the one bleeding out of his nose, and he had lumps on his head.”
Pareja who will be fighting on June 10th as part of 8 Count Production fight card, wants to set the record straight, and he claims he wants to take something back that was rightfully his.
“It took 20 minutes for a decision to be announced after that fight. Oscar De La Hoya and producer were having conversations while we were still waiting for the decision to be announced. I mean there were 12 or 13 fights in that competition and this was the only time it happened. I think everybody needs to know about this,” explained Pareja.
TV Show aside, one thing is for sure; the debate between who is the better fighter will only be solved by a rematch. And Pareja wants everybody to know who is better.
Gomez on Krasniqi-Whitaker undercard
TUE May 17 - On May 28th Luan Krasniqi, 27-1-1 (13), can settle things for his first world title shot by beating American giant Lance Whitaker, 29-2-1 (24), at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle of Suttgart, Germany. Should Krasniqi be victorious he’ll be the official challenger for the title of the World Boxing Organization.
The WBO crown is currently held by Lamon Brewster who makes a defense this Saturday, May 21, against Polish longtime contender Andrew Golota.
The Brewster-Golota winner will have to face the Krasniqi-Whitaker winner later this year.
On the undercard in Stuttgart several interesting contests will go ahead. Among them three fights at heavyweight and two woman world title bouts.
Undefeated prospect Alesia Graf, 10-0 (4), will get her first world title shot against Jamaican Alicia Ashley, 11-5-1 (1), in a contest for the GBU bantamweight crown. Ashley recently knocked out Elena Reid (TKO7) who could impress last year by interrupting the winning streak of longtime world championesse Regina Halmich with a split decision draw over ten rounds.
In another woman world title fight Silke Weickenmeier, 19-3-3, will defend her GBU jr. featherweight crown against American based Japanese Miki Kikukawa, 6-4. For the 25-year-old German it will be her eleventh world title fight.
The complete fightcard of Stuttgart will feature four heavyweight clashs. Beside the Krasniqi-Whitaker eliminator another highly prominent heavyweight contender will climb through the ropes: Former world champion Juan Carlos Gomez, 38-1 (32), will face Brazilian Jorge Arias, 34-7 (22), in his second fight this year. The 32-year-old Cuban held the WBC cruiserweight world title from 1998 to 2002.
In a clash of two stable mates undefeated Russian Valery Chechenev, 7-0 (6), will take on Rumanian Konstantin Onofrei, 19-2 (13). For Chechenev it’s a significant test and a stepping stone. Things are even more serious for Onofrei for who a loss could mean the end of his career after he had already been stopped by Taras Bidenko last December.
In the fourth heavyweight duel 24-year-old Bagrat Ohanyan, 5-0 (4), is fighting Ali Saidi, 13-6-4 (8).
Also on the undercard: Flyweight contender Julia Sahin, 9-0 (2), and cruiserweight contender Firat Arslan, 22-3-1 (15).
Bell-Brown for IBF Title on FNF's
TUE May 17 - It’s just days away, the 12-round IBF championship showdown that will crown a new king in the cruiserweight division on Friday, May 20th at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Both O’Neil Bell and Dale Brown, are ready for the fight of their lives.
“I’ve had a great camp and I’m just itching to get into the ring on May 20th and show the world what a true cruiserweight champion looks like,” said Bell (23-1, 22 KOs). “I’ve got a lot of respect for Dale Brown, but that will all go out the window once the bell rings.”
“O’Neil Bell is a very good fighter,” said Brown (33-3-1, 21 KOs). “But my experience and determination to win, will be too much for him to handle on May 20th. I’ve waited too long to be champion and I will not let this title slip out of my hands.”
Bell-Brown, a 12 round championship contest, headlines an exciting night of world-class professional boxing presented by Warrior’s Boxing Promotions, Inc. in association with The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Warrior’s Boxing Promotions is also pleased to announce that this show will be televised live on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights, beginning at 8pm ET / 6pm PT.
Tickets, priced at $50, $100 and $150, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or the casino box office. To order tickets by phone, call (954) 523-3309, (305) 358-5885 or (561) 966-3309.
For more information on Warrior’s Boxing, please visit our website at www.warriorsboxing.com
Johnson-Tarver Do It Again
TUE May 17 - Baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Banks said it best when he said, "Let’s Play Two". Luckily, when you have two elite warriors like Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson willing to put it all on the line in boxing’s equivalent of a doubleheader, boxing fans are the true winners. On Saturday, June 18, at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, Tarver and Johnson will square off for the second time in a battle to once again determine who the best light heavyweight on the planet is. HBO World Championship Boxing will televise this battle of champions, at 7pm (PT) and 10pm (ET).
On December 18 of last year, the Jamaican-born Johnson scored a razor-thin 12 round split decision over Tarver in a hard-fought battle that thrilled fight fans from coast to coast. "It was a great fight," Tarver admits. "Yes, it was competitive, but I don’t feel the guy beat me more rounds than I beat him. I should have been awarded the decision, and now, I have a second chance to show that that first fight was a fluke." Tarver (22-3, 18 KOs) is a dangerous fighter when it comes to rematches. Just ask Eric Harding and Roy Jones Jr., whom Tarver knocked out in their return bouts. The focused "Magic Man" is looking for a three-peat when he squares off against Johnson.
"It’s as simple as it gets – I’ll be a better conditioned athlete, and every time I’ve prepared properly and been in the best shape of my career, I’ve knocked people out. It will be no different on June 18," said Tarver. Johnson (42-9-2, 28 KOs) is not likely to go without a fight though. Known by boxing fans as “The Road Warrior” for his long trek to the top of the 175-pound division, Johnson finally made his mark in 2004 with the win over Tarver, which was preceded by his own devastating knockout of Roy Jones Jr. These victories earned Johnson recognition by numerous media outlets as 2004’s Fighter of The Year.
Tarver knows that the first fight with Johnson was just the beginning of what may end up being one of boxing’s storied trilogies. And though the Floridian has already made most of his dreams come true, he is still chasing after one more goal. "I want to stamp my ticket to the Hall of Fame, and I think June 18 will be the beginning of that," said Tarver. "We’ve got a lot of work to do, we’re not content yet, and we’re just hungry. I’ve got that burning hunger again and I’m at my best when it’s that way."
Now just ring the bell. Need more convincing? Ask the "Magic Man". "Memphis is the place to be on June 18," said Tarver. "Boxing world get ready, because just like I told you before, its going be an electrifying night of boxing. Don’t let them say ‘where were you when Antonio Tarver once again shook up the boxing world once again?" This will be heard around the world, believe me. On June 18 – I’m back."
For tickets to the highly-anticipated rematch between Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson, priced at $35, $50, $90, $150, $490, and $675, visit www.ticketmaster.com, area Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, charge by phone at 901.525.1515, or visit the FedExForum Box Office at 191 Beale Street in Memphis.
Duddy Honored for MSG Bout
TUE May 17 - Unbeaten Irish middleweight John Duddy (9-0, 9 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in boxing, feels genuinely honored to be fighting June 11th at historic Madison Square Garden.
Duddy, now fighting out of Queens, faces Texas middleweight champion Victor Lares (10-1, 3 KOs) on the Cotto-Abdullaev undercard. "Fighting at Madison Square Garden means I've finally done it," Duddy said. "I've dreamed about this a long time and I'm very excited. Many of the all-time great boxers have fought over the years at Madison Square Garden. Maybe in a year or two, on the same stage, I'll hopefully be fighting for the world middleweight title. What a great atmosphere, but I won't be star struck fighting there having watched a few fights at Madison Square Garden."
Duddy is coming off a devastating first-round knockout of then WBC No. 19 rated and previously undefeated Lenord Pierre (16-0, 11 KOs), March 18 at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
"I've fought in front of a lot of people in some amateur tournaments in eastern Europe," John explained, "but it won't be nearly as many people as there will be June 11 at Madison Square Garden. I'm very honored to be fighting in one of the most prestigious places in boxing. Once the bell rings, though, it doesn't matter if we're in Madison Square Garden or anyplace else, I'm there to fight my opponent."
Ruiz Reinstated as WBA Champ
TUE May 17 - Team Ruiz was notified yesterday by the WBA that it has reinstated John "The Quietman" Ruiz as their heavyweight champion, effectively immediately.
Ruiz' April 30 loss to James "Lights Out" Toney was changed to a "No Decision" after Toney failed the New
York State Athletic Commission's illegal substance policy, testing positive for the steroid, Nandrolone.
Toney was suspended 90 days and fined $10,000 by the NYSAC, in addition to being barred from fighting for
the WBA title for two years.
"To all of the A-holes who want me out of the game," Ruiz said, "I'm back!"
Ruiz (41-5-1, 28 KOs) is the first and only world heavyweight champion of Hispanic heritage. He has beaten world champions Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker, as well as top 10 contenders Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo and Kirk Johnson.
Sykes: "My Chin is Made of Iron"
TUE May 17 - Heavyweight prospect Taurus “the Bull” Sykes is
excited about the opportunity to face Samuel Peter on
Showtime on July 2nd.
“This is my time to shine and I will not be denied. My movements are stealth and I attack my opponents in an inspirational way. My skills inspire the children of the world to stand-up and say; one day I shall be a warrior such as the one named Taurus and my message to the kids is yes you too can rise to the top if you follow my example.” Sykes said.
Boxing experts have been in awe at the power of Peter but this does not faze Sykes.
“My chin is made of iron. You can hit my chin with a wrecking-ball and I would laugh and ask who threw the ping-pong ball? The name that Peter will remember when he is back in Nigeria is Taurus. Taurus is the name that strikes fear into the hearts of the heavyweight division and causes foes to tremble with fear. It causes mothers to lose sleep and fathers to ask themselves what went wrong. Taurus is the nickname once used by Carlos the Jackal and just as he once terrorized the world I will terrorize the heavyweight division.”
“We recently witnessed Winky Wright put on a clinic over my man Tito. If Peter thinks he is going to walk in like a caveman and blow me away then he is sadly mistaken; because I am going to put so many jabs in his face that his own people will not recognize him when I am done.”
“I would also like to thank Showtime and everyone else who made this possible. July 2nd a savior will be born onto the heavyweight division and he shall be the one from Brooklyn who will be anointed to rise to the top. I am here to inspire every child in every ghetto of the world and I will dedicate this victory to them.”
Salita Headlines June 9th in New York City
TUE May 17 - DiBella Entertainment has signed unbeaten junior welterweight sensation Dmitriy "Star of David" Salita
(21-0, 12 KO's) to an exclusive promotional agreement, it was announced today by Salita and DBE president
Lou DiBella. Salita.at will make his fourth appearance on the Big Apple stage when he headlines Broadway
Boxing Presented by Mohegan Sun on Thursday night, June 9, at the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center.
Salita, a native of Odessa, Ukraine, now fighting out of Brooklyn, will square off against Louis Brown (14-1, 10 KO's) of Indianapolis in the main event. The official announcements were made by promoter at a press conference at LeMarais restaurant in Manhattan today (Tuesday, May 17).
In his last bout on March 10, at the Manhattan Center as well, Salita scored a second round TKO over Darelle Sukerow, when the referee stopped the contest at the 1:50 mark.
The Broadway Boxing cards originate from venues in the five boroughs, the greater New York Metropolitan Tri-State area, and Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Mohegan Sun is the series site sponsor. HBO Sports, Gallagher's Steak House, Locatstock.com and Punch are also sponsors.
The card will be broadcast at a later date on HDNet in high definition and on Madison Square Garden Network, Fox Sports Net New England, and Comcast Sportnet Chicago.
The doors open at 6:00 PM, and the first fight is at 7:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $35 with special VIP floor tickets also available, call DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577 to order.
