Updated New England P-4-P Ratings
December 15, 2009
compiled by Joe Bills / jcbills69@gmail.com
Mouthpiece Boxing Columnist
1. Chad Dawson 29-0-0 (17 KO) light heavyweight
2. Matt Godfrey 20-1-0 (10 KO) cruiserweight
Godfrey rebounded from a first-round knockdown to take a split decision over slumping former contender Michael Simms in his most recent outing, a quality win that probably should have come a bit easier. Look for Godfrey to make a more convincing statement in his next fight, and to be taking a second shot at world gold early next year.
3. John Ruiz 44-8-1 (30 KO) heavyweight
Fresh off a seventh round TKO over 19-10-1 former IBU champ Adnan Serin on the undercard of the Valuev-Haye WBA title fight in Germany, Ruiz is positioned as the mandatory challenger for the newly crowned David Haye. The fight may well come off in early 2010 as planned, but expect Haye to try to fight someone else – anyone else – instead if he can. No heavyweight fights Ruiz if they can help it.
4. Matt Remillard 19-0-0 (11 KO) featherweight
Only 23, Remillard has cleared every hurdle placed in front of him thus far in his young career, and his fourth-round TKO over previously undefeated Rafael Lora on Sept. 19 earned him the NABF featherweight title. The NABF strap all but guarantees that one of the world belt-holders will have to give "The Sharpshooter" his well-earned shot in 2010.
5. Travis Simms 27-1-0 (20 KO) middleweight
The former WBA jr. middleweight champion continues to fight at a high level when he fights, but he has had only six bouts since 2002. At age 38, it seems reasonable to suspect that his window is closing soon. Can Simms maneuver himself into position for one more title run? If a contender feels like Simms is starting to fade, someone will come calling for his scalp. If the perception is that he is still world class, his chance may never come.
6. Peter Manfredo Jr. 33-6-0 (18 KO) super middleweight
The Pride of Providence stayed busy with a first round stoppage of Ronald Weaver, who is 0-8-2 since 2003, in November. At 35, Manfredo’s best may be behind him, but he still sells tickets and he may be able to position himself for one final title attempt if he plays his cards right.
7. Jason Estrada 16-2-0 (4 KO) heavyweight
Estrada is prepping for a February 6 showdown with former cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek for the IBF International heavyweight title. The winner will be in line for a world title fight. The loser won’t.
8. Tony Grano 16-1-1 (13 KO) heavyweight
Grano scored the biggest win of his career with a fourth-round stoppage of
previously undefeated Travis Kauffman on Sept. 18 in
9. Delvin Rodriguez 24-4-2 (14 KO) welterweight
Rodriguez finished off 2009 with a pair of close decision losses, to Isaac Hlatshwayo in a bout for the vacant IBF title and to European champ Rafal Jackiewicz in an IBF eliminator. Rodriguez has been entertaining and competitive and will get more good fights, but is at risk of falling from legit contender into the gatekeeper’s role at 147.
10. Elvin Ayala 20-4-1 (9 KO) middleweight
Coming off a lopsided decision loss to Lajuan Simon in a USBA title fight, Ayala seems to have found his level just shy of world class. Elvin is good enough to be competitive against the division’s upper echelon, but not to win. Expect him to step back a bit and put together a few mid-level wins before stepping up again.
11. Patrick Lopez 17-2-0 (11 KO) jr. welterweight
A two-time Olympian for his home country of
12. Joey Spina 25-1-2 (17 KO) super middleweight
A competitive draw against faded former titlist Lou Del Valle on Halloween night was not what Spina needed to advance. Although he is entertaining and heavy handed, he is also relatively easy to hit and isn’t always busy. A rematch with Del Valle would seem like a natural, so it probably won’t happen.
13. Tarvis Simms 25-1-1 (11 KO) super middleweight
Like his brother Travis, Tarvis Simms is 38 years old. Unlike his brother, he has never managed to insinuate himself into title contention. He too a stab at it when he stepped in as a late sub against highly-ranked Allen Green on Oct. 2 in Oklahoma, but ended up losing a lopsided decision. The loss may actually encourage other fringe contenders to try to add his impressive record to their ledgers. He'll get another chance, but it seems his best days are behind him.
14. Edwin Rodriguez 13-0-0 (9 KO) super middleweight
La Bomba continued his climb through the middle ranks of the 168-pound
division on Nov. 19 in
15. Mike Oliver 22-2-0 (7 KO) jr. featherweight
The former contender finally got his comeback moving on Sept. 11 with a decision win in the final bout of his trilogy against local rival Castulo Gonzalez (9-8), but didn't look sharp in the victory. A Halloween night bout against Andres Wilson didn’t materialize, and where Oliver goes from here remains to be seen.
16. Isreal Cardona 36-10-0 (28 KO) welterweight
The former USBA and NABF champion and world title challenger has dropped four fights in a row, but was very competitive over ten rounds with Hector Camacho Jr. on Aug. 29. Cardona showed that he still has a little something left in the tank, and he should still be able to get meaningful fights. A local turf war against Jason Pires would be an interesting possibility.
17. Demetrius Andrade 8-0-0 (6 KO) jr. middleweight
Boo Boo Andrade, a celebrated amateur and U.S. Olympian, continued his climb with a pair of victories over previously undefeated opponents since September. Early returns are excellent, but we should know a whole lot more about Andrade's potential by this time next year.
18. Danny O’Connor 10-0-0 (7 KO) jr. welterweight
24 years old and perfect in ten fights as a pro, the future is bright for
former National Golden Gloves champion O’Connor, who won all six rounds on
every card against tough James Hope (4-2) on Nov. 20 in
19. Jason Pires 22-3-0 (9 KO) welterweight
Two fights into a comeback after a layoff of more than five years, the former USBA bantamweight champ has a lot of rust to shake off, but still seems to have the skills to compete. Pires should not get ahead of himself, however. Although his march win over 21-9-1 Louis Leija looks good on paper, the truth is that Leija notched his last win in 1999, and in four fights since then has been knocked out by everyone except Pires.
20. Jason LeHoullier 21-2-1 (8 KO) jr. middleweight
Eight years into his pro career, LeHoullier sports a nice record, but it has been built almost entirely against mediocre opposition. Only six of LeHoullier's foes had winning records at the time that he faced them. His only real meaningful win came against 18-4 Thomas Wilk back in 2005. He is now winless in his last three outings, with a disputed draw against 11-2 Jose Luis Gonzalez, a majority decision loss to 20-0-1 Harry Joe Yorgey and an embarrassing first round KO defeat by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The fat lady is singing.
The next five: Angel Camacho, Simeon Dunwell, Adam Harris, Joey McCreedy, Andrey Nevsky.
The Perfect Storm Targets Dawson
December 15, 2009
courtesy of Bob Trieger / Full Court Press
NORTH MIAMI BEACH – Undefeated IBF light heavyweight champion Tarvoris Cloud (20-0, 18 KOs) has become the Rodney Dangerfield of boxing – he can’t get any respect, especially from “Bad” Chad Dawson, allegedly the top dog in the 175-pound division.
“Chad Dawson won’t be able to run 12 rounds against me,” Cloud said. “My pressure will be unbelievable and I hit hard with both hands. He’ll have to stand and fight and that will be his ultimate demise. We’re totally different. If I went around saying I could beat the No. 1 contender, like Chad did when I was the No. 1, I’d fight him to prove it.
“I’m baffled, I guess, more than frustrated. All my life watching boxing, I thought the champion had to fight the next available, most deserving challenger, or unify the title. I was the No. 1 contender and he was the champ, but that’s when all the politics of boxing came in – extensions and exceptions – and his promoter lobbied to duck this hungry fighter. I understand the promoter building a fighter and arranging puff fights for more money. At some point, though, a real fighter has to fight the best. You can’t be great just fighting hand-picked, over-the-hill guys.”
Cloud, fighting out of Tallahassee (FL), has beaten everybody put in the ring against him during his perfect 4 1/2–years pro career. He’s fresh, entertaining and throws nearly 100 punches a round, something practically unheard of from a light heavyweight. The Ring magazine has him rated No. 6 but he still hasn’t been able to get Dawson into a fight because, reportedly, Tavoris isn’t well enough known by fans to justify a fight against Dawson on HBO.
What’s Cloud have to do?
His last four opponents – Clinton Woods (DEC12), Julio Cesar Gonzalez (TKO10), Mike Wood (KO1) and Jacob Rodriguez (RTD3) – have either officially retired or simply haven’t fought since being ‘rained on’ by Cloud.
After stopping Wood in the first round of their March 28, 2008 fight in Chicago for the USBA and NABA titles, Cloud became the No. 1 IBF contender and he then took out former WBO titlist Gonzalez in the 11th round of their Aug. 8, 2008 IBF Title Eliminator to become the mandatory challenger for the then reigning Dawson.
Dawson was first supposed to defend his IBF strap against Cloud by January 8, 2009, but Dawson was granted an exception to fight Antonio Tarver in a rematch last March. Dawson won and the IBF mandated that he fight Cloud by May 1, 2009 or be stripped of his title. Rather than take on Cloud, Dawson relinquished his IBF title belt after Tavoris refused to fight a non-title bout against another opponent, not Dawson, on an HBO show. Cloud’s promoter, Richie Boy Promotions, declined the offer and promoted a fight for the then vacant IBF crown between Cloud and former IBF champion, Clinton Woods, who Tavoris impressively defeated by unanimous 12-round decision (116-112 scoring by all three judges).
After defeating Woods, HBO offered Cloud a spot on its network against Dawson or in the co-feature on a show headlined by Dawson, whose promoter, Gary Shaw, once again, refused to fight Tavoris or even allow Chad to fight on the same HBO card.
Team Cloud believes there’s another reason why Dawson won’t fight Cloud and it doesn’t have anything to do with purse structures or name recognition. “Back in 2001,” Cloud’s head trainer Al Bonanni explained, “Dawson and Cloud were both outstanding amateurs. They sparred in 2001 at the U.S. Olympic training camp. Tavoris floored Dawson and hurt his eye. After that, Dawson was moved down to 168 pounds, instead of competing with Cloud at 175. Dawson still fears Tavoris Cloud and that’s why he won’t get in the ring with him. We’re willing to fight Dawson or any of the top light heavyweights in the world.”
Cloud hopes to defend his IBF title in the first-quarter of 2010 against WBC champion Jean Pascal in a unification bout, or, there’s always the possibility of fighting one of the over 40 greats such as Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones, Jr., Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.
If Dawson ever mans-up, that deal can still be made but, like Dangerfield, right now Cloud ‘can’t get no respect!’
“I think Dawson will fight me in the not too distant future,” Cloud added. “As long as I keep winning impressively in exciting fights, fans will call for it. I don’t understand his logic (for not fighting Tavoris) because I’m not that type of fighter. I want to fight the best and it doesn’t matter if they’re boxers, punchers or southpaws. That’s the way to be great. One world title belt isn’t enough for me; I want more.”
Estrada To Face Adamek for IBF Internatiional Championship
Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek (37-1, 27 KO), the lineal and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, after knocking down powerful, four- time world heavyweight championship contender, Andrew Golota twice in Poland, continues his quest to further his heavyweight career. On February 6th at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, Adamek will take on Jason “Big Six” Estrada (16-2, 4 KOs) of Providence, Rhode Island, in a 12 round IBF Heavyweight International Championship fight. The fight is promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment and Sports Inc.
In his typical, confident manner Adamek said, “I signed to fight Jason Estrada on February 6 in my home away from home – Prudential Center in Newark.“ Jason Estrada is a completely different fighter than Andrew Golota – obviously younger, much faster, he can throw 60 punches a round. Against Estrada you have to be on your guard all the time, in every round. I did see his fight against world-class fighter Alexander Povetkin, Jason was busy, he wanted to fight – exactly what I like to do in the ring. This style of fight practically guarantees that on February 6 all my fans will have an action-packed, no holds barred confrontation. The difference between me and Povetkin will be very evident – I will do everything required to do what nobody has done to Jason before – knock him down. He’s never fought anybody as quick and accurate – I will not be intimidated by the number of punches he throws in every round – I welcome it.”
Estrada, who represented the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games in the super heavyweight division and won the gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games, has no reservations about coming to Adamek’s home turf to fight. “I think this is a great opportunity and I want to thank everybody involved in helping to make this fight. I guarantee it’s going to be a spectacular show February 6th. I want to thank Adamek, too. He’s a great fighter but he’s probably going to regret making this fight because I’m bigger, stronger, faster and quicker. We’re going into this fight expecting to win.”
Kathy Duva, CEO Main Events, expressed her delight to have Adamek come back to Prudential Center in Newark. “We thoroughly enjoyed the Golota fight in Poland, but it will be fantastic to be back in Newark to entertain all the enthusiastic NJ NY fans again. The feeling in the arena when Tomasz fights at ‘The Rock’ is electric. Tomasz has a great desire to win heavyweight championships and this fight will once again show he has what it takes. Tomasz always gives 100% and this fight will prove no different, it’s a terrific match.”
An exciting six-bout undercard featuring local fan favorites is being finalized and will be announced shortly. Tickets go on sale 12/11.
Del Valle Sees Spina As A Golden Opportunity
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 26, 2009) – Former world light heavyweight champion Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle views his 10-round main event fight Saturday evening, headlining the “Fright Night At The Sun” pro boxing card against world rated Joey “KO Kid” Spina, as a golden opportunity to get back into the big picture.
“Fright Night At The Sun,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will be taped live at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and air on NESN at a date and time to be announced.
Spina (25-1-1, 17 KOs) is rated among the top 15 in all four major boxing organizations – WBC and WBA #12, WBO #14 and IBF #15.
The 41-year-old Del Valle (36-6-1, 22 KOs), who has never been stopped as a pro, captured the vacant WBA light heavyweight title in 1997, stopping European champion “Fast” Eddy Smulders in the eighth round. Lou was the first to floor the great Roy Jones Jr. in their 1998 WBC/WBA unification bout, which Jones won by a unanimous 12-round decision. Del Valle also went the distance in three other world title fights, losing to Virgil Hill and Bruno Girard, as well as fighting to a draw versus Girard.
“I’m feeling fabulous,” Del Valle said from training camp in Middletown (CT). “I don’t lose fighting under 190 (pounds), only once to Jones. I fought a draw against Girard and then dropped him but they gave him a decision. Both fights were in France. I’m fighting this at a catch weight (181, plus 2) and he’s (Spina) in trouble. I’ve never been knocked out because I’m a slick fighter who can take a punch. I never get hit with big punches.
“I’m doing this (vs. Spina) because I still want to fight. I believe I’m like Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones and Glenn Johnson. I feel young and still have my speed and power. This is a great opportunity for me, perfect because I’m going to win against a rated opponent. I’ll be right back in the picture. He (Spina) is a one-handed fighter with no skills and a big heart. But that (big heart) will get him in trouble against my experience. I’m too smart and a better fighter than him. He’s going to pay the price. He’s in trouble.”
UBC junior welterweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (15-0-1, 9 KOs), one of the hottest prospects on the East Coast, is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-feature.
Promising Connecticut prospects from Puerto Rico -- Hartford junior middleweight David Bauza (2-0, 2 KOs) versus Vaughn Anderson (0-1), and New Haven light welterweight Edwin Soto (1-0, 1 KO) against Deroy “Guyanase Gladiator” Beaton (1-0) -- are showcased in 4-round matches.
In other 4-round fights on the undercard, 2008 Olympian Sadam Ali (3-0, 2 KOs) faces welterweight Osvaldo Rivera (2-1, 1 KO), Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski (5-0, 2 KOs), 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament runner-up from Quincy (MA), meets Israel Suarez (2-2), 2008 New York Golden Glove champion Joe Smith, Jr., of Long Island, and David Brown make their pro debuts in a light heavyweight throw-down. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “Fright Night At The Sun,” priced at $27.00, $50.00 and $80.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Ticketmaster customers may log on to www.ticketmaster.com, call Ticketmaster’s national toll-free charge by phone (1.800.745.3000) or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.
For more information
contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.
Updated New England Pound-For-Pound Ratings
October 13, 2009
compiled by Joe Bills / jcbills69@gmail.com
Mouthpiece Boxing Columnist
1. Chad Dawson 28-0-0 (17 KO) light heavyweight
Only Hall of Fame-bound Bernard Hopkins can challenge Dawson for world supremacy at 175 lbs. Antonio Tarver has been vanquished twice and Chad will be looking to make it 2-0 against Glen Johnson on November 7 in Hartford. If a showdown with Hopkins isn't in B-Hop's plans, Dawson may opt to face Roy Jones Jr. or he may choose to step up a weight class for a rematch with cruiserweight king Tomasz Adamek, whom he beat at 175 lbs. early in 2007.
2. Matt Godfrey 20-1-0 (10 KO) cruiserweight
Godfrey rebounded from a first-round knockdown to take a split decision over slumping former contender Michael Simms in his most recent outing, a quality win that came a little too hard for his taste, for sure. Look for Godfrey to make a more convincing statement in his next fight, and to be taking a second shot at world gold early next year.
3. John Ruiz 43-8-1 (29 KO) heavyweight
With only two wins in his last six fights, Ruiz is clearly on the downside of a very successful career, but he can still make some noise (and some $$) before he hangs up the gloves. Less than a year removed from a split decision loss to then-WBA champ Nikolay Valuev, Ruiz continues to flirt with mandatory contender status. Ruiz expects to be back in the ring in Germany on Nov. 7, against an opponent to be named.
4. Matt Remillard 19-0-0 (11 KO) featherweight
Only 23, Remillard has cleared every hurdle placed in front of him thus far in his young career, and his fourth-round TKO over previously undefeated Rafael Lora on Sept. 19 earned him the NABF featherweight title. The NABF strap all but guarantees that one of the world beltholders will have to give "The Sharpshooter" hiis weel-earned shot in 2010.
5. Delvin Rodriguez 24-3-2 (14 KO) welterweight
Rodriguez failed in his first shot at a world title, but he has now faced current IBF champ Isaac Hlatshwayo twice in less than a year and has come away with a draw and a split decision loss. He is that close. A rematch with Hlatshwayo would seem a real possibility. If that opportunity doesn't materialize, Rodriguez will likely be back in the ring with a ranked contender or an alphabet titlist in late 2009 or early 2010.
6. Travis Simms 27-1-0 (20 KO) middleweight
The former WBA jr. middleweight champion continues to fight at a high level when he fights, but he has had only six bouts since 2002. At age 38, it seems reasonable to suspect that his window is closing soon. Can Simms manuever himself into position for one more title run? If a contender feels like Simms is starting to fade, someone will come calling for his scalp. If the perception is that he is still world class, his chance may never come.
7. Elvin Ayala 20-3-1 (9 KO) middleweight
Middleweight contender Ayala is prepping for an Oct. 17 USBA title fight against fellow Arthur Abraham victim Lujuan Simon (21-2) in Las Vegas. A win puts Ayala right back in the world title picture. A loss likely starts him on a slide toward gatekeeper status.
8. Peter Manfredo Jr. 32-6-0 (17 KO) super middleweight
The Pride of Providence has made a terrific name for himself and has earned some good money, but he has come up a little short when he's been in with top level guys. Everyone else he beats, usually with relative ease. His impressive win over Wlad Smichet in Montreal in April was just the type of performance that will keep him in the hunt for one more run.
9. Jason Estrada 16-2-0 (4 KO) heavyweight
In his first fight since his disappointing decision loss to undefeated Alexander Povetkin in April, Big Six Estrada scored a TKO7 over typically durable Zuri Lawrence in Syracuse. No word yet on what is up next, but a motivated Estrada causes problems for anyone in the division.
10. Tony Grano 16-1-1 (13 KO) heavyweight
Grano scored the biggest win of his career with a fourth-round stoppage of previously undefeated Travis Kauffman on Sept. 18 in California. At 28 years old, Grano is ready to make some noise in a wide-open heavyweight division.
11. Joey Spina 25-1-1 (17 KO) super middleweight
An entertaining brawler with good pop on his punches, Spina will be looking to prove himself a legitimate contender at 175 when he squares off with faded former WBA champ Lou DelValle (36-6-1) at Mohegan Sun on Halloween night. An impressive win over DelValle, who has lost 3 of 4 bouts since 2005, may start to make that case, but Spina will need to do more to erase memories of his KO loss to Manfredo.
12. Patrick Lopez 16-2-0 (11 KO) jr. welterweight
A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Lopez has not shied away from tough challenges as a pro. His only losses have come against world-ranked competition, in Fernando Angulo and Josesito Lopez, both by narrow decision. He kept busy and perhaps positioned himself for a big fight with a first-round knockout of Tyler Ziolkowski (11-8) on Sept. 11 in California.
13. Tarvis Simms 25-1-1 (11 KO) super middleweight
Like his brother Travis, Tarvis Simms is 38 years old. Unlike his brother, he has never managed to insinuate himself into title contention. He too a stab at it when he stepped in as a late sub against highly-ranked Allen Green on Oct. 2 in Oklahoma, but ended up losing a lopsided decision. The loss may actually encourage other fringe contenders to try to add his impressive record to their ledgers. He'll get another chance, but it seems his best days are behind him.
14. Mike Oliver 22-2-0 (7 KO) jr. featherweight
Former contender finally got his comeback moving on Sept. 11 with a decision win in the final bout of his trilogy against local rival Castulo Gonzalez (9-8), but didn't look sharp in the victory. Next up is a Halloween night bout at Mohegan Sun against 11-3-1 Andres Wilson. Wilson has lost every time he's been matched tough, but lately, so has Oliver.
15. Edwin Rodriguez 12-0-0 (8 KO) middleweight
Less than two years into his pro career, La Bomba has already impressed with a convinicing points win over Marcus Upshaw and a two-round TKO of gatekeeper Patrick Thompson, who had only been stopped once in 29 previous fights. He had what may have been his best performance so far in his latest outing, a dominating 8-round decision over upset specialist Darnell Boone in Rhode Island. The future looks bright for this 24-year-old.
16. Isreal Cardona 36-10-0 (28 KO) welterweight
The former USBA and NABF champion and world title challenger has dropped four fights in a row, but was very competitive over ten rounds with Hector Camacho Jr. on Aug. 29. Cardona showed that he still has a little something left in the tank, and he should still be able to get meaningful fights. A local turf war against Jason Pires would be an interesting possibility.
17. Demetrius Andrade 8-0-0 (5 KO) jr. middleweight
Boo Boo Andrade, a clebrated amateur and U.S. Olympian, continued his climb with a pair of victories over previously undefeated opponents since September. Early returns are excellent, but we should know a whole lot more about Andrade's potential by this time next year.
18. Jason Pires 22-3-0 (9 KO) welterweight
Two fights into a comeback after a layoff of more than five years, the former USBA bantamweight champ has a lot of rust to shake off, but appears to have something left in the tank. Pires should not get ahead of himself, however. Although his march win over 21-9-1 Louis Leija looks good on paper, the truth is that Leija notched his last win in 1999, and in four fights since then has been knocked out by everyone except Pires. "The Schoolboy" is scheduled to face an opponent to be named on Nov. 28 in Plymouth, Mass.
19. Adam Harris 10-1-0 (7 KO) cruiserweight
Focus has been an issue for the talented Harris, who turned pro in 1994 and has averaged less than a fight a year since. His most recent outing, in February, provided the first blemish on his record, a six-round decision loss to 5-2-1 David Williams. At 34 years old, Harris would have to be very dedicated to make a run now. Don't hold your breath.
20. Jason LeHoullier 21-2-1 (8 KO) jr. middleweight
Eight years into his pro career, LeHoullier sports a nice record, but it has been built almost entirely against mediocre opposition. Only six of LeHoullier's foes had winning records at the time that he faced them. His only really meaningful win came against 18-4 Thomas Wilk back in 2005. He is now winless in hiis last three outings, with a disputed draw againist 11-2 Jose Luis Gonzalez, a majority decision loss to 20-0-1 Harry Joe Yorgey and an embarassing first round KO defeat by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The fat lady is singing.
Knocking on the door: Angel Camacho, Andrey Nevsky, Danny O'Connor.
Ruiz Returning Home on Special Mission
courtesy of Bob Treger, Full Court Press
LAS VEGAS – Two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz returns home October 15 to replace boxing equipment recently stolen from the South Boston Boxing Club.
Ruiz, the first and only world heavyweight champion of Latino heritage, was recently profiled on CNN. He is speaking this weekend at the University of Kansas (“An Evening of US Latino and Latin American Boxing History) and next week will be a special guest at the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians (“AAPRP”) annual convention and awards night at Mohegan Sun.
“My brother, Eddie, helps train kids at the South Boxing Boxing Club,” John explained. “He called me last month and told me all of their boxing equipment had been stolen. I offered to donate equipment but, when I accepted an invitation to attend the AAPRP convention, I decided to visit the South Boston Boxing Club to donate the equipment, in person, and meet the kids there. I know how much the South Boston Boxing Club does to help kids and I want to bring awareness to the important things they and boxing clubs all over are doing. If I can help these kids in some small way like this, it’s the very least I can do because that’s how I got started, and I’ll never forget where I come from. I’m going to drive up for the day from Mohegun Sun with my wife, Maribel. I’ll also be able see some family members and friends. I’m really looking forward to this.”
Ruiz, who was born in Methuen (MA) and raised in Chelsea (MA), is the WBA mandatory challenger. He hopes to be fighting for the WBA title again early next year against the winner of the November 7th Nicolai Valuev-David Haye championship match.
At the South Boston Boxing Club (Oct. 15 between 2-4 PM/ET), Ruiz put on a light, open workout, formerly present the boxing equipment, and have a meet & greet where he will sign autographs and pose for pictures with club members and the public.
Go on line to www.johnthequietmanruiz.com for more information about John Ruiz
McCreedy and Andrade Come Up Big in R.I.
LINCOLN, R.I. (September 4, 2009) – Eastern Boxing association super middleweight champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy retained his title and captured the vacant New England belt tonight with a first-round technical knockout win against Eddie “Thunder” Caminero at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
McCreedy-Caminero headlined “School’s In,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River.
McCreedy (11-3-1, 6 KOs) effectively countered Caminero (5-3, 5 KOs) with thunderous rights to the head until referee Joey Lupino stopped the bout. Caminero was out on his feet and staggered back against the ropes when the referee stepped between the two fighters.
“Conditioning, running and my trainer, Alex Rivera, were the difference,” McCreedy explained his improvement. Alex noticed that Eddie threw a lot of lefts and he told me to counter with my right. I’ve never landed so many clear punches. It really felt good knocking him out. What’s next? I’ll take Elvin Ayala all night long.”
Ayala, the former world title challenger, challenged McCreedy in the middle of the ring and McCreedy immediately accepted, saying, “Any day, right now or tomorrow.”
2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “The Cape Verdean Assassin” Andrade, fighting in front of his Rhode Island fans for the only the second time as a pro, showcased all of his vast arsenal of ring weapons against a game John Williams (3-1-1, 2 KOs), unleashing a barrage of punched from different angles from the opening bell through until referee Danny Schiovane halted the action at 2:33 of the sixth and final round. Andrade-Williams was presented by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, in association with CES.
“It was first six-round fight, well, I stopped him in the sixth, and
I was happy with my performance, maybe my best so far,” Andrade said after the
bout. “I was surprised I didn’t stop him earlier. He was tough. I still could
have done better; throwing my jab and not throwing some punches as wide.
Fighting at home was beautiful. The fans gave me energy.”
Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (3-0, 3 KOs) finished off Sam Norwood (0-5) with a stinging left hook in the second round.
Hartford junior middleweight David Bauza (1-0) won his pro debut in impressive fashion, stopping Antonio Fernandez (0-3) in the fourth round.
Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland and Rodricka Ray (2-3-1) fought to a 4-round draw, while
New York super featherweight “Macho” Israel Sanchez (2-2, 0 KOs) won a 4-round unanimous decision against Providence’s previously unbeaten Omar Pena (2-1-1).
School's In at Twin River on Sept. 4
PROVIDENCE (Aug. 10, 2009) – A regional title fight between “Irish” Joey McCreedy and Eddie “Thunder” Caminero, strongly supported by the return home of 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “The Cape Verdean Assassin” Andrade, headlines the September 4th “School’s In” pro boxing card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln.
EBA super middleweight champion McCreedy (10-3-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Lowell (MA), and dangerous punching Caminero (5-2, 5 KOs), representing Lawrence (MA), are Merrimack Valley arch-rivals. McCreedy’s EBA belt and the vacant New England title will be on the line in their 8-round main event.
Hot junior middleweight prospect Andrade (6-0, 5 KOs), born and raised in Providence, returns home to fight there as a professional for only the second time. The exciting boxer-puncher was a world champion as an amateur. Andrade’s 6-round fight against an opponent to be determined is presented in association with Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.
“Starting with our great main event, right down to the opening bout, New England boxing fans are going to get what they want and deserve – action-packed, entertaining, competitive fights,” Burchfield said. “The main event between McCreedy and Caminero is a fight for territorial rights. It’s a promoter’s dream – two tough, talented kids leaving it all in the ring. Demetrius is a star in the making and we’re excited to have him fighting at home again on our card.”
Former University of Rhode Island football player, Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (2-0, 2 KOs), will be back in action in a 4-round bout. Another solid prospect, Pawtucket light welterweight Diego Pereira (4-0, 2 KOs), and Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland (3-0, 2 KOs), meet TBA’s in 4-round matches.
Also on the undercard in separate 4-rounders are Hartford junior middleweight David Bauza, Byfield (MA) welterweight Derek Silveira (2-0, 1 KO) and Providence super featherweights Omar Pena (2-0-1). Dominican-native Bauza is making his much-anticipated pro debut versus Antonio Fernandez (0-2), of Brockton (MA), while Silveira faces Manny Molina (2-4, 1 KO), also fighting out of Brockton. Multiple New England Golden Gloves champion Pena meets Israel Sanchez (1-2).
All bouts and boxers are subject to change.
“This is a great card from top to bottom,” Burchfield added. “Biosse is very popular, especially among URI alumni and also in the Cape Verdean community. Pereira really looks like the real thing and a lot of people in boxing have been waiting for Bauza’s pro debut. Silveira, Holland and Pena all rate among the top prospects in New England. A lot of tomorrow’s stars are fighting September 4th at Twin River.”
Rollback ticket prices for “School’s In” are $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $65.00, $100.00 and limited $150.00 Jimmy’s Platinum Club and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “School’s In.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
Super Six Is More Than a Tourney - It's a Blueprint
by Joe Bills / jcbills69@gmail.com
Mouthpiece Boxing Columnist
When the Showtime cable network announced a few weeks back that it had signed six of the best super middleweights in the world and would be pitting them against each other in a round robin tournament, most boxing fans rejoiced. The sextet of Jermaine Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch, Arthur Abraham and Andre Ward promises explosive, entertaining action in almost any combination. Fans were excited at the prospect of a series of great bouts, and eager to find out who would emerge as the star of the 168-pound division. I was excited, too, but for a slightly different reason.
If Showtime's concept works, if the network has really worked out the logistics and finances and if the boxers all stay focused on the prize and see the tournament through, we'll have more than just some entertaining fights and a recognized champion - we'll have a gameplan for putting boxing back on the map.
There has been a lot of talk in recent years about what boxing could do to reclaim its status as a mainstream sport. Not so long ago, boxing was one of America's most popular entertainments, and the sport's champions were among the most recognized athletes in the world. That was true for the first half of the 20th century, and when television caught on in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the celebrity of boxing's stars spiked further still. From that highpoint, boxing's popularity started a slow decline. Since Muhammad Ali in the 1970s, individual boxers have occasionally captured mainstream attention, but the sport as a whole has not.
There are probably several reasons for the sport's decline, but chief among them is greed. With no central governing body and very little long-term vision on the part of individual promoters, boxing has been in "me first" mode for way too long. No one has planned anything that will benefit the sport in the future. How bad has it gotten? So bad that many insiders feel that the fatal flaw of Showtime's tournament is that it will take many months to complete. Even the promoters and fighters themselves are skeptical that they'll be able to stay on the same page long enough to see it through.
But let's be optimistic for now. Let's suppose that the tournament comes off as planned. Why, you ask, would that be such a big deal? The answer lies in the multi-fight concept. The problem with boxing today is not that there are no talented fighters. The problem is that those fighters don't develop like they used to, neither in the ring nor in the public eye. There are two collaborative elements at play here: First, there are greedy promoters who are afraid to take risks, so they match prospects easy in hopes of being able to protect their investment for long enough that they can cash in. Second, there are the irregularities of the sport's television coverage. Let's say a boxer scores an impressive win on ESPN's Frday Night Fights. Great exposure, national audience, that's all good. But that boxer won't likely be back on ESPN a month later. More probable is that his next fight will be an off-TV bout at a casino in South Dakota or an armory in Peoria. That makes it awfully difficult to build a fan base. Sure, hardcore fans know all the tricks for finding results and tracking down footage. But casual fans aren't going to bother. For them, out of sight leads quickly to out of mind. Even if that impressive boxer is back on TV a year later, who will care?
The beauty of Showtime's concept is that they will be bringing back the same fighters repeatedly. Fans will know exactly where and when to tune in to see their favorite again. And better yet, they will also be familiar with his opponent. Hopefully, Showtime won't stop there. Throw in documentaries about the fighters and perhaps resurrect footage of their greatest past fights, and fan interest and anticipation will build. We've already seen the model work on The Contender TV show. The difference here is that everyone involved is already competing at a championship level.
At the conclusion of the Showtime tournament, the recognized super middleweight champion will be among the most recognizable stars in the sport. Hopefully, the same concept will then be applied to other divisions. Heavyweight would be a logical next step. Obviously, the politics of the sport will have to be overcome, but promoters and fighters alike will be eager to be involved if the format is shown to work.
And that, in the end, is where we come in. Boxing fans will have to demonstrate for the powers that be that the Super Six tournament is just the kind of forward-thinking innovation we want. If we can do that, we'll be taking a major step toward making our own future brighter.