TalkingBoxing News
Ricky Hatton News
MON May 8 -
Hatton Lands In Boston After Devastating Final Training Session
Ricky Hatton has officially begun his one man invasion of America after touching down at Logan Airport this morning on a flight from Manchester, England. The occasion marks the final countdown to Hatton's hotly anticipated US debut taking place next Saturday at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston where he'll meet WBA Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo on a joint Banner/Fight Academy promotion televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.
Just one day ago Hatton astonished onlookers by hammering trainer Billy Graham, wearing the notorious "body belt", for 15 unrelenting rounds in the sweltering Manchester gym, Phoenix Camp, that Hatton calls home. Despite being the larger man by several weight divisions, ex-fighter Graham was hard pressed to keep upright during the withering assault unleashed a clearly motivated Hatton.
With thousands of Brits due to flood Boston this weekend to see their massive UK idol in action, reigning WBA Champion Luis Collazo may find himself fighting essentially in front of the same hostile crowd that has unnerved many a previous Hatton opponent before the first bell has even rung.
Ricky Hatton Wins Big In Boston
Ricky Hatton landed at Boston’s Logan airport at 1:00 P.M. today.
At 5:00 P.M. he was at Suffolk Downs, New England’s only thoroughbred racetrack, where a race was named in his honor on Derby Day.
The tenth and final race of the day, a six-furlong allowance race, was named the Ricky Hitman Hatton Classic.
Ricky personally liked the number two horse, City Clerk, because of the similarity of his name and Ricky’s favorite soccer team at home, Manchester City. Ricky bet $50 on City Clerk to win at 6 to 1 odds, and won.
Ricky was also in the paddock to present the trophy to the winning jockey.
Ricky said, “No sooner had I set foot in Boston and come to the races, I put a bet down and won big. If things are going that well and I’ve only been in Boston a matter of hours, hopefully, it’s a good omen for things to come.
Hatton's Trainer Billy Graham Predicts KO Victory
Ricky Hatton's trainer Billy Graham heads to America fully confident of victory going into The Hitman's WBA Welterweight title challenge of Champion Luis Collazo on a joint Fight Academy/Banner Promotions venture at Boston's TD Banknorth Garden on Saturday, May 13. Having previously trained World, European, Commonwealth and British Champions, Graham has turned his keen eye on Hatton's opponent. "Collazo is a good fighter but I have no doubts that Ricky will beat him," remarked the Manchester legend. "I think it will be very lively at first, while Ricky adapts to the southpaw thing, but I see Ricky as starting to break him up after a few rounds before stopping him."
The occasion marks Hatton's first foray into the welterweight division, what Graham says is a business decision rather than a necessity born of physical limitations. "I don't want anyone to forget that Ricky is the light welterweight champion of the world and this is the fight that the TV companies have picked," said the trainer. "The only reason we'll be fighting at welterweight is that the big money fights are there with Mayweather, Gatti and Judah all having moved up and I think Cotto is going to have to move up too. If it were my choice, I'd rather drag all of those fighter back down to light welter to fight Ricky, cause he makes 140 with no problems at all."
Before Hatton and his trainer can even dream of turning their attention on anyone else, they'll have to successfully overcome a heavier, taller southpaw who is not without good experience of his own. "Collazo has very fast hands but he won't be the stronger guy," declared Graham. "He's fast, he's shifty and he looks good but I don't think that he's got the same substance as Ricky. If Collazo gets on his feet and starts movin', it just gives him enough rope to hang himself. Nobody can hold Ricky out for long and Collazo is going to have to start getting involved. If he spends a few rounds using his legs, then he'll just be more worn out when he does start getting involved with Ricky."
Graham's sole concern heading into Hatton's HBO debut and first major US appearance is the Englishman's only proven weakness. "Ricky always gets cut early on so there's more chance of that happening with a southpaw, especially a southpaw as quick and as good as Collazo," he said. But Ricky's used to dealing with it and has a great cutsman in Mick Williamson; we're prepared if it happens. I definitely think the American crowd and the viewers at home will enjoy this fight as I see it as being very quick and lively early on but the most likely outcome is that Collazo's going to get smart, get on the jab and start moving. Collazo likes to stand in close sometimes like Winky Wright, cover up and that, but obviously, he ain't Winky Wright and I see Ricky stopping him as the kid begins to fall apart."
Fight Academy and Banner Promotions present the Ricky Hatton - Luis Collazo WBA Welterweight title clash held on Saturday, May 13 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA, televised live by HBO World Championship Boxing at 9:45PM ET/6:45PM PT. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com
Shobox Results
MON May 8 - SHOWTIME kicked off its Cinco de Mayo celebration with two action- packed fights Friday on “ShoBox.” In the main event, late substitute Glenn Donaire captured the North American Boxing Association (NABA)/North American Boxing Organization (NABO) flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Cesar Lopez. In the co feature, undefeated Juan Manuel Buendia remained perfect by scoring a fourth-round knockout over Alexis Divison.
The doubleheader at the Lucky Star Casino in Concho, Okla., was promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Tony Holden Productions, and aired at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast represented the 76th in the popular “ShoBox” series, which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001.
Tomorrow evening on Saturday, May 6, the 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will continue with a world title doubleheader from Worcester, Mass. Alejandro “Terra’’ Garcia will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight belt against former WBA welterweight champion Jose Antonio Rivera. In the other world title fight, Luis Perez will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight crown against IBF No. 1 contender Dimitri Kirillov.
Donaire (16-2-1, nine KOs), of San Leandro, Calif, proved to be a worthy substitute for his brother, Nonito, who suffered a jaw injury during a sparring session between the siblings. Against Lopez, Donaire utilized an arsenal of body shots, jabs and head shots to wear his opponent down. The judges scored the bout 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112. With the victory, Donaire won Lopez' NABA flyweight belt and claimed the vacant NABO title.
“I felt Lopez losing his steam in the sixth round,” Donaire said. “My left hand started to hurt, but I kept at it. He was not as fast as I thought he would be. Sparring with my brother really helped me prepare for this fight. My brother is faster than him.”
Lopez (18-3, four KOs) of El Paso, Texas, stuck to his game plan for the first three rounds and appeared to have matters under control until late in the bout when he appeared to abandon his earlier strategy. Lopez received a one-point deduction for a low blow in the 12th round.
The Texas native captured the NABA title on Jan. 24, 2004, and made two successful defenses, the last coming on a 10-round decision over Alejandro Moreno on Dec. 10, 2004, in Albuquerque, N.M.
Buendia (13-0, eight KOs), of Durango, Mexico, made hamburger out of Divison. After struggling early, Buendia began to break Divison down with strong body shots and shots to the liver in the third round. Buendia ended matters with a solid right hand to the body that brought his opponent to his knees at 1:02 the fourth round.
“Divison was tougher than I expected,” Buendia said. “He was strong. I felt I gained control of the fight in the second round. My corner told me to work his body, so I started to hit him with body shots. He made a big mistake by leaving himself open.”
Buendia captured the Illinois State welterweight title with a crowd-pleasing eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Luciano Perez (9-0, eight KOs going in) on Aug. 13, 2004, in Cicero, Ill.
Divison (16-3, 13 KOs), of Miami, dropped his third consecutive contest despite sporting a five-inch reach advantage. After starting off strong by connecting with solid body shots, Divison appeared to lose his steam by the third round. A prominent amateur in his homeland, Division turned pro on Nov. 29, 2001, and won his first 16 professional fights before heading to the United States.
“ShoBox: The New Generation,” which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001, features up-and-coming prospects determined to make a mark and eventually fight for a chance at a world title. A number of fighters who have appeared on the series have gone on to become world champions, including Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Juan Diaz, Leonard Dorin, Joan Guzman and Scott Harrison.
Nick Charles called Friday’s action from ringside, with Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of the telecast was Gordon Hall, with Richard Gaughan producing.
For information on “ShoBox: The New Generation” and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.
Hollywood Victorious
MON May 8 - Ruben "Hollywood" Williams out-pointed rugged veteran Richard Grant in Ybor's Main Event III Friday night before another excellent crowd in the series of pro boxing events co-promoted by Silverhawk Championship Boxing and Ringsports Boxing. The beautiful ladies, well dressed men and world championship boxing were featured under a bright red and white tent to the delight of all in attendance.
Williams, who just last year gave Tampa's then world super middleweight champion Jeff Lacey all he could handle in their title contest, took on a rough and ready Richard Grant who definitely came to town looking for the upset. The highly regarded Williams (28 -2, 17 KO's) had to use all of his considerable skills behind a blistering jab and flashy combinations to keep Grant from imposing his will. Williams is schedule to fight for the NBA light heavyweight championship in Las Vegas next month. Thus he had a lot riding on the outcome of tonight's contest. All judges scored the fight in favor of Williams by margins of 78-45, 77-75 and 78-74.
Sensational middleweight Corey Johnson upped his record to 33-2-2, 11 KO's with a stoppage of Karl Willis at 2:07 of the second round. Johnson landed heavily to the body and threw powerful combinations while pinning Willis to the ropes. Willis was dropped twice and cut above his right eye before the referee stepped in to prevent more damage.
Heavyweight Sherman Williams (30-10-2, 16 KO's) was impressive and aggressive throughout his fight against Earl Ladson (12-10, 7 KO's) in an impressive win following his winning the NBA World Heavyweight title just 5 weeks ago in the same ring.
Cruiserweight Alfredo Escalera, Jr. stopped Cullen Rogers in 49-seconds of the first round as the son of the former world champ continued his string of victories and raised his record to 9-0, 7 KO's. Roger's record fell to 19-13, 5 KO's.
Sarasota super featherweight Adrian Perez started the evening off with an action packed, dominating victory over Tampa's Ricky Thompson who was battered from pillar to post and was often in quick retreat from Perez' non-stop barrage of punches. Judges scored in favor of Perez by scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 40-36.
Continuing with the tradition started back in February, promoters Silverhawk and Ringsports threw yet another outstanding party in the heart of Ybor City. Good times, great fights and a very special time was had by all.
WNF: Spina Vs Brinkley
MON May 8 - Double-barrel championship action
is on tap this week in "Put Up or Shut Up," promoted by Jimmy
Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES), on ESPN2 Wednesday Night
Fights at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
The 12-round, co-main events feature World Boxing Council USNBC super middleweight champion Joey “KO Kid” Spina (17-0-1, 12 KOs) defending against challenger Jessie Brinkley (26-3, 17 KOs), a semifinalist in The Contender television reality series, while cruiserweights Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (11-0, 6 KOs), WBC USNBC title-holder, and NABA champion Shaun George (11-0-2, 5 KOs) are matched in a unification bout.
Spina, rated No. 26 by the WBC, lives in Providence and trains in Las Vegas, where NABA No. 5-rated Brinkley also trains. Providence-native Godfrey, 25, is rated No. 28 by the WBC and No. 1 by the NABF. Brooklyn’s two-time New York Golden Gloves champion George, 27, is ranked No. 15 by the WBA.
“Spina and Brinkley both want to make a statement,” promoter Jimmy
Burchfield said. “Godfrey and George are two, unbeaten champions fighting
each other with two titles on the line. Either fight could stand alone
as the main event. It’s going to be a night of excitement. ‘Put Up of
Shut Up’ is a quality event that top venues and leading television
networks want and, more importantly, boxing fans who pay their hard earned
money for entertainment deserve. This is what CES is all about. Fans
don’t want to know who’s going to win before fights start.”
Three unbeaten Connecticut fighters are on the undercard: Manchester featherweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (8-0, 6 KOs) squares off against Leo Martinez (8-7, 4 KOs), of Columbus (OH) in a six-round bout; Hebron heavyweight Tony Grano (3-0, 3 KOs) takes on Mike “The Hammer” Jones (2-4, 1 KO), of Jackson (MI), in a four-rounder; New Haven super middleweight Elvin Ayala (13-0, 5 KOs) faces Dan Thornton (15-16, 11 KOs), of Columbus (OH), in a six-round match.
In another four-round fight, Las Vegas via Cleveland cruiserweight Aaron Williams (7-0-1, 5 KOs), 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials bronze medalist, meets Lloyd Wilson (3-3, 3 KOs). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
“This is an unbelievable undercard,” Burchfield added. “Matt Remillard is a special fighter who has champion written all over him. Aaron Williams is a nine-time national amateur champion, last year’s U.S. Championships winner Tony Grano is an undefeated heavyweight prospect, and Ayala is a promising young fighter. We have seven unbeaten fighters on this show with a combined record of 70-0-4.”
Tickets, priced at $150 (Platinum Main Event Ringside), $100 (Gold
Co-Feature Ringside) and $50 (Silver Reserved), are on sale and available
by calling CES (401.724.2254/2253), Foxwoods’
box office (800.200.2882) or online at www.foxwoods.com. For more
information visit www.cesboxing.com. Fans purchasing tickets for “Put Up or
Shut Up” and the May 18th “Let It Ride” show in Providence will receive
a 10-percent discount. Buses will be available to take fans from
Providence to Foxwoods on May 10.
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