TalkingBoxing News
Williams Wins NBA Heavy Title
FRI April 7 - Caribbean heavyweight champion Sherman “The Caribbean Tank” Williams (29-10-2, 16 KOs) added the NBA World title belt to his display case with a sensational third-round TKO of veteran “Dangerous” David Washington (15-9, 9 KOs) last Friday night at the new Ybor City Multi Fight Complex in Tampa, Florida.
Williams put Washington, also known as David N’ail, to sleep with a picture perfect right hook that landed right on the button. Referee Tommy Kimmons immediately halted the match at 1:51 of the third round. “I knew it as soon as it connected,” Williams talked about his knockout punch of the late replacement. “I got that feeling as soon as I hit him on the chin. He was in retreat, trying to get away from me, when I caught him with a right hook. I knew I’d get him after dropping him earlier with a body shot.
“I didn’t know he was a southpaw until I stepped in the ring, so it was a moral victory, making adjustments and executing. I felt great. My conditioning was really good. I had to come up with a new game plan in the ring, but I was confident in my shape and conditioning.”
Williams, now rated No. 38 by the World Boxing Council, plans on staying busy and positioning himself for a major world title shot. “The main thing is activity,” Sherman added. “I’m looking to stay busy get all of the rust off and stepping it up a little. I want to get in the heavyweight mix. People are complaining that there are no exciting world heavyweight champions. I will continue to work hard and let my promoter, Silverhawk Boxing, get me in position for a world title fight. Styles make fights and I’m confident in my ability to beat one of the champions in the next 12 months. I will upset one of these guys.”
Williams is promoted by Silverhawk Boxing, managed by Rider Boxing, and trained by Buddy McGirt. For more information about Williams or Silverhawk Boxing go to www.silverhawkboxing.com.
Warriors Object!
FRI April 7 -
After news reached Warriors Boxing Promotions that IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods and his promoter, Fight Academy, had announced an optional title defense against Jason DeLisle on May 13 without first receiving an exception from the IBF for this defense - which would bypass mandatory contender Glen Johnson, the Hollywood based promoter quickly jumped into action by filing an official objection with the sanctioning organization.
“Yesterday, the IBF notified Warriors on behalf of Glen Johnson that Clinton Woods was requesting an exception to delay the start of negotiations for Woods' mandatory defense against Glen Johnson so that Clinton Woods could take an interim fight,” said Warriors’ Leon Margules. “In notifying Glen Johnson, the IBF has informed us that we have 72 hours to object to the request for exception, after which, if the objection is overruled, there is an appellate process. We have now filed our timely objection to the Woods’ request for an exception.”
Margules and Team Johnson take issue with the fact that a press release was issued Friday proclaiming the Woods-DeLisle bout as an official IBF title bout, thus ignoring the rules and regulations of the IBF.
Glen Johnson – who holds a 1-0-1 record against the champion – has earned his shot at the championship with impressive wins over George Khalid Jones and Richard Hall, while DeLisle has already been stopped by Woods in 2004, and even lost his last bout in November of 2005 to Julio Gonzalez. Simply put, there is no legitimate reason for the IBF to grant this exception to Woods.
“I believe in the integrity of the IBF and I have always followed their rules,” said Margules. “I also believe the IBF follows its rules and has given and will give due process to Glen Johnson.”
For more information on Warrior’s Boxing, please visit our website at www.warriorsboxing.com.
Godfrey Risky Business
FRI April 7 - USNBC cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (11-0, 6 KOs) puts his title on the line against NABA cruiserweight title-older Shauna George (11-0-2, 5 KOs) in a unification bout headlining the “Put Up Or Shut Up” card May 10, on ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights, at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Godfrey, 25, and George, 27, are both risking their unbeaten pro records, something admirable, yet, unusual in boxing today. “I think he feels the same way as I do that if I’m not ready now, when will I be?” Godfrey said. “I’m making professional prizefighting my life and what I do is fight. I don’t look for the easy way out. He is the guy I want to fight because this is what I do. I take fights and don’t say no to anybody.”
Godfrey is coming off of a second-round TKO of former IBU cruiserweight champion Ernest “M-16” Mateen in February. Matt is rated No. 26 by the World Boxing Council, as well as No. 1 by the NABF.
“The cruiserweight division is a unique weight class where there is a lot of talent at the top,” Godfrey’s manager Bret Hallenbeck explained. “It really drops off after the top cruiserweights and the winner of this fight will separate himself, pull away from the pack, and be positioned closer to the big boys. Matt and George are the two new kids in the division. It’s good for boxing to have two unbeaten prospects like this fight each other.”
George, rated No. 15 by the WBA, is coming off of a 10-round decision against Chad Van Sickle (20-1-2) for the NABA and IBC Americas cruiserweight belts last November.
“I’m excited about fighting on ESPN in my first main event, or co-main event,” Godfrey said. “This is right where my team saw me being a year ago. Everything is on schedule; I just have to keep winning. I plan on winning this fight and than fighting two, possibly three more times this year.”
Godfrey and George have two common opponents. Matt schooled former NABO champion Jermell “The Truth” Barnes (17-8), a high school science teacher, winning every round en route to a unanimous eight-round decision (80-72 three times). In Barnes’ previous fight, Shauna won a 10-round decision (97-93 twice, 96-94) for the IBC Americas title. Godfrey captured the World Boxing Council-affiliated USNBC cruiserweight title last August with a near shutout performance 99-91, 98-92, 98-93) against Willie Herring (11-3-3), who was coming off of an impressive
nationally televised draw (96-94, 95-95, 93-97) versus George, in Matt’s first 10-round match.
Godfrey heads to training camp April 23 at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood (CA), where he’ll train until the week of his fight against George, along with his head trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr.
Last month, Godfrey had the opportunity to serve as one of WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman’s sparring partners as he prepared for his recent fight with James Toney. “When you spar with the heavyweight champion of the world,” Godfrey concluded, “you quickly realize why he is where he is. His work ethic is unmatched for a heavyweight. He’s like a madman. Even though I got in limited rounds, I learned so much from him. Rahman’s so strong and deceptively fast.”
As an amateur, Godfrey defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professional fighters such as Randy “The Gentleman” Griffin (22-1-2, 22 KOs), Lenord “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-2, 13 KOs), Devan Vargas (8-0, 4 KOs), Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (10-0, 7 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (14-0, 11 KOs) and John “Voodoo Man” Johnson (10-1, 9 KOs).
No risk, no reward for Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey. That’s why he’s fighting Shauna George May 10th.
For more information about Matt Godfrey visit his web site at www.mattgodfreyboxing.com.
Quiles Gets His Shot
FRI April 7 - For 17 years Ricky Quiles has toiled in the boxing gym, fought and won all over the United States, waiting for his one opportunity to shine. On Thursday, May 18, Quiles finally gets that long-awaited world title shot when he faces former world champion Julio Diaz for the interim International Boxing Federation lightweight championship on a history-making card.
This is the first time two Tribes--the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation--have joined forces to help present a world championship boxing card.
The promoters of the card are Warriors Boxing, which promotes Quiles, and Sycuan Ringside Promotions of California, which promotes Diaz.
“I’ve waited my entire career for this moment, and I’m not about to let it slip away,” said Quiles. “Julio Diaz is a great fighter, and you know what happens when a Puerto Rican and a Mexican get together in the ring, but I will win this war.”
"There is nothing better than being a world champion,” said Diaz. “It's an on-top-of-the-world feeling. I miss that feeling. I had it once and I want it back. Now, I have a better appreciation for what I had and for what I will have again. My loss to a great champion, Jose Luis Castillo, has only increased my hunger and desire to again wear a world title belt. I have nothing but respect for Ricky Quiles; he is a most worthy opponent. But I am on a mission and I will not be denied.”
“I want to thank my promoter, Sycuan Ringside; Warriors Boxing; both the Sycuan and the Seminole tribes; and also the IBF for making this great opportunity happen. I’m well aware it wasn’t a simple or easy job. This is my chance to reach the mountain top again, and I am ready, says Diaz."
Current IBF champion Jesus Chavez currently is sidelined by injury, making it impossible for him to fulfill his mandatory title defense against Quiles, who is the No. 1 lightweight contender. The winner of May 18 bout will be awarded the interim title and will be elevated to full championship status if Chavez does not face him within a time frame specified by the IBF.
Quiles-Diaz, which headlines an outstanding night of boxing on the “Tribal Pride” fight card presented by Warriors Boxing Promotions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions, will air live on pay-per-view from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., beginning at 9 p.m. ET /6 p.m. PT.
As one of the original founders of USET (United South and Eastern Tribes), where the motto is “There is Strength in Unity”, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation has joined forces to further exemplify that strength. We have committed ourselves to bringing the best there is in boxing entertainment to fight fans around the world, which brings all involved to the pinnacle of Tribal Pride,” says Mitchell Cypress, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
“As the Executive Director of Warriors Boxing Promotions, I’ve witnessed phenomenal success in a short period of time. Warriors Boxing Promotions has rapidly risen to the top bringing World Class Boxing events to audiences around the world. This historic night of boxing will feature two Warriors in Quiles and Diaz. They will put it all on the line in a battle for supremacy in the Lightweight Division, as they both seek that ever coveted World Title,” says Leon Margules.
"We are very excited about co-promoting this world title fight with the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said Daniel Tucker, Tribal Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “Our tribe, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, is constantly making history and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are much like us in that regard. When we say it is ‘Tribal Pride,’ it is not just a slogan for a boxing match. It goes to the heart of everything we do for our tribal members and our neighbors. I am sure this will be the first chapter in a great boxing relationship between two great tribes."
"The IBF title bout between Sycuan Ringside’s Julio Diaz and the Warrior’s Ricky Quiles is a great match and so is the promotional pairing of our two tribes,” said Glenn Quiroga, president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “This West Coast-East Coast matchup is something that I’m sure will capture the imagination of other tribes all over the country. Like us, the Seminoles are working hard and thriving in the gaming and hospitality industries. And, just like Sycuan, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has a storied history and culture. I think our man, Mr. Diaz, will win, of course. But the real winners will be the boxers and the fans who either attend this great show or catch it on pay-per-view television. Matching the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and the Seminole Tribe of Florida is like matching Hearns vs. Hagler. Everybody wins in this relationship."
"They say that working together works, and I think this is the spirit and the nature with which we at Sycuan entered into this partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida and their boxing venture, Warriors Boxing,” said Willie Tucker, executive vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “For the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and I am sure the Seminoles, the important thing in boxing is to give fair treatment to the athletes, the boxers, and to put on great shows for the fans. The linking of Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Warriors Boxing is just a natural, and I am sure that this first world championship, pay-per-view TV card will lead to even bigger and better events. We are pleased and proud to be working together with another great and historic tribe in this effort."
"I know I join in the feelings of my Warriors Boxing counterpart, Leon Margules, in believing that this is just the start of a mutually beneficial relationship which will underline what two great tribes are doing in our country today,” said Scott Woodworth, vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “This is a relationship that goes far beyond boxing and it is the type of partnership that our sport sorely needs right now. I am so proud to be a part of this history-making event and business relationship."
The world-class undercard will be announced later.
Ricky Quiles (39-6-3, 8 KOs) has been one of the most avoided boxers in the sport during the past few years. A slick boxer who is unafraid to get into the trenches and scrap, the 35-year-old southpaw earned his shot at the title with back-to-back victories over highly regarded Edner Cherry and former world champion Javier Jauregui, and is eager to join the ranks of other great Puerto Rican champions such as Felix Trinidad, Jose Torres, Wilfred Benitez and Wilfredo Gomez.
Hailing from Coachella, Calif., Julio “Kidd” Diaz (32-3, 24 KOs) comes from a fighting family, and he has made that family proud by fighting his way to the top of the lightweight division. A two-fisted puncher with underrated boxing ability, Diaz held the IBF world title for close to a year during 2004-2005 before a hard-fought loss to Jose Luis Castillo during March of 2005. Diaz since has rebounded with two consecutive first round knockout victories, and on May 18, he is looking to once again wear the IBF belt.
For more information on Warrior’s Boxing, please, visit our website at www.warriorsboxing.com.
Maloney Questions Guzmans Heart
FRI April 7 - Frank Maloney today called into question the heart and commitment of Joan Guzman, who has been quoted as saying that he will not be traveling to Belfast to take on Scott Harrison, the WBO Featherweight Champion.
Maloney, the charismatic manager of Scott Harrison said. "I am sick of reading reports about Scott Harrison and the accusations that he is running scared of Joan Guzman.
"Harrison had legitimate problems with his mouth and was undertaking dental work and that is the only reason that he broke from his training camp in Fort William, Scotland and we asked for an extension to the original fight date.
"Harrison has even given up the home advantage of a fight in Glasgow to go to Belfast to take on Guzman because that was the only date and venue available to keep Scott from being stripped of the title.
"Now Guzman's people are questioning Scott's ability to make the weight, but I personally believe that it is Guzman who is having problems and struggling to get his weight right.
"Why, with everything in place and the fight signed and sealed and Harrison in a training camp in Spain before he moves to a new training camp in the valleys of Wales, would Harrison not be up for this fight?
"Guzman has developed what a lot of American fighters seem to develop - a 'chicken heart'.
"Why doesn't Guzman just come out and openly admit that he doesn't fancy a tear-up with the 'Scottish terrier'? I don't want my boxer going through all of this training only for Guzman not to appear and to let down Harrison's fans who have brought tickets to watch their idol box.
"I'd never call any boxer a coward, as anyone who climbs into the ring is a warrior, but I am beginning to question whether Guzman fancies a fight with Harrison or whether he is running scared?
"Let's put a stop to all these rumours because whatever you want to say, Guzman, Sports
Network have a signed contract from my man Scott Harrison and you. We will not be bottling it, but what I am reading makes me question your commitment. If you don't fight, you will be the first fighter during my long time in boxing that I have lost respect for.
"It's a pity you can't fight as well as your mouthpiece Michael Marley talks, but then we are used to Americans only talking good fights; look at Jeff Lacy recently and let's go back to the times when I handled Lennox Lewis and all the talk that came from Riddick Bowe and his camp.
"Guzman, stop looking for ways out of the fight; Scott Harrison will be in Belfast on the 20th of May - will you?"
Forum
