By: William Holmes
The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of February 4th to February 11th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
Victor Ortiz on Dancing with the Stars
The popular Dancing with the Stars series continues to draw big time fighters to appear on their weekly competition. This time “Vicious” Victor Ortiz will be appearing on Dancing with the Stars. More information can be found at http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/leo-yes-king-article-1.1259780
Carl Frampton Stops Kiko Martinez, Lee Wins Decision
Carl Frampton (16-0) stopped Kiko Martinez (27-4) in the ninth round of their junior featherweight bout on Saturday in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At first it was a closely contested fight that featured back and forth action but Frampton appeared to gain control in the fourth round. Martinez was dropped by right hand in the ninth round and struggled to his feet. The fight was then stopped at 2:46.
Andy Lee (29-2) fought on the same card against Anthony Fitzgerald (13-4) and won with scores 98-94. Lee was expected to roll past Fitzgerald but had a more difficult time than expected.
Nielsen Outpoints Mendy to Retain WBA Intercontinental Middleweight Title
WBA Intercontinental Middleweight Champion Patrick Nielsen (18-0) scored a clear points victory over Patrick Mendy (14-6) on Saturday night in Esbjerg, Denmark. Nielsen knocked his opponent down in the fifth with a right hand to the chin. The final scores were 117-110, 117-110, and 117-111.
Gary Shaw Signs Trent “The Terrible” Broadhurst
Gary Shaw Productions has signed light heavyweight prospect Trent “The Terrible” Broadhurst (9-1) who is from South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He is a decorated amateur and had a record of 112-9.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity Gary Shaw has given me,” said Broadhurst. “I want to thank Chris McCullen for taking me under his wing as a teenager. In the past I’ve let myself down with my discipline outside of the gym and I haven’t always committed myself 100%. I’ve come to realize there is no second chance at this sport and it starts now. I’m committed, boxing is my life, and I’m going to show everyone I’m a force to be reckoned with.”
Two of Chicago’s Best Prospects Coming to Hammond Horseshoe
On Friday, February 15th 2013 at the Horseshow Casino in Hammond, Indiana undefeated Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez and Dimar “Strongman” Ortuz will be featured in separate fights in support of the night’s main event rematch between middleweight Donatas Bondorovas (16-3-1) and David Thomas (10-3-2). Tickets can be bought at www.ticketmaster.com
Evgeny Gradovich Replaces Franco to Challenge Billy Dib
Evegeny Gradovich (15-0) has replaced Luis Franco to fight Billy Dib for the IBF Featherweight Championship. Franco unexpectedly pulled out of the March 1st World Cahmpionship bout. This fight will be aired live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights from the Foxwoods Resort Casino’s MGM Grand Theater. It will also be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity,” said Gradovich. “Becoming a world champion has been a life-long dream of mine and on March 1st I will finally have that chance. This is going to be a very special night for me, as not only am I fighting for my first world title, but it will be shown on ESPN so the entire country will have the opportunity to watch it. I am already in great shape and I am going to show the world what I am capable of come March 1.”
“Unfortunately Franco pulled out, but now I have just as tough, if not a tougher test in front of me in Gradovich,” said Dib. “I am really excited to be headlining on ESPN against the ‘Mexican Russian’. It is going to be an all out punch up. The fans can definitely expect to see a great fight on March 1st.”
Tickets can be purchased online at foxwoods.com
David Price Valentine’s Day Draw
Boxing fans who buy tickets for this month’s big heavyweight battle between David Price (15-0) and Tony Thompson (36-3) could be in for an even better night at the fights. Anybody who buys a ticket before 5pm on February 14th will be entered into a special Valentine’s Day draw that takes place that evening. The winner and a guest will be David’s VIPs at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday February 23rd and treated to a night of hospitality. This prize includes a pre-fight meal, inner ringside tickets, signed memorabilia, and a night of top action whisked to David’s after fight party where they will meet the British and Commonwealth champion. Tickets can be purchased at www.echoarena.comwww.frankmaloney.com
DBE’s Young Guns Highlight Upcoming Broadway Boxing Undercard
When DiBella Entertainment (DBE) returns to the Roseland Ballroom in NYC on Thursday, February 21st, with the latest edition of the popular New York based-Broadway Boxing series, promoter Lou DiBella will be showcasing three of the newest and most promising young stars on the DBE roster.
NY Golden Gloves Champions “The Notorious” Travis Peterkin (6-0), Patrick “All” Day (1-0) and Louis Cruz (1-0) will be fighting in separate bouts.
“Travis, Patrick and Louis are truly three of the bright young stars to come out of the amateur boxing scene in a long time,” said DiBella. “We are excited to have them on our roster as this is the next generation of up-and-coming New York talent. This trio is going to be a staple on our Broadway Boxingcards and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to feature all three of them on our upcoming show on February 21, at Roseland Ballroom.” Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com
Christopher Martinez Faces Off Against Jose Angel Beranza in a Rematch for Redemption
Thompson Boxing Promotions returns to the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario with a double shot of boxing action to open up 2013. Newly signed Christopher “Marvelous” Martin (25-2-3) showcases his super bantamweight talent in the main event on Friday, February 22nd against Jose Angel Beranza (35-25-2). Beranza is the first to defeat Martin and Martin is anxious to remedy the score. Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. (18-2) will tangle with Rodolfo “Bam Bam” Armenta (12-9-1) in the co main event in the welterweight division.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 714-935-9000.
Matthew Macklin Calls Out Andy Lee
Matthew Macklin has challenged Irish middleweight Andy Lee to put up or shut up following Lee’s claims over the weekend that Macklin would be one of his “easier” fights.
“Lou has a HBO television date for May 11th and I know he wants to match myself and Andy on that show,” revealed Macklin. “We’re both promoted by Lou so as Andy himself said there are no obstacles to making the fight. It could be made in 5 minutes, Lou has a TV date for it and I want the fight so the only question is does Andy really want it or does he just want to be seen to want it?
“I’ve always said I’m open to fighting Andy but it’s only recently that I’ve heard him talk about a fight between us and now he says it would be an easy fight for him. He obviously didn’t think that back in 2010 when he turned down a written offer by Brian Peters to fight me in Ireland for a six figure purse.
“I didn’t make a big deal about it at the time out of respect for Andy. It would have been an easy fight to make then and it’s even easier now. I was surprised when I saw him say that a fight with me would be one of his easiest fights and I pulled him up on it on Twitter but he’s gone very quiet since then. I honestly don’t believe he fancies it and never has but he is after digging a hole for himself with his recent comments so it’s time for him to put up or shut up.
“Face to face Andy has always been very respectful to me over the years and we got on quite well. I was one of the few that went over to El Paso, Texas last year to support him when he was stopped by Chavez Jr. for the WBC title. He’s a decent boxer but privately he and the people around him have always known that I have his number. I’ve already told Lou that I’m happy to take the fight so if Andy wants it all he has to do is call Lou and we can get it on. Otherwise he needs to stop talking about a fight he’s afraid to take and get on with his own career.”
Spina vs. Manfredo II Announced
Peter Manfredo Jr.(38-7) and Joey Spina (26-3-2) will face one another against on Friday March 15th, 2013 at the Twin River Event Center in the latest chapter of their longstanding rivalry. When they last met Peter Manfredo Jr. knocked out Joey Spina on national television. Manfredo Jr. is now on his second fight since returning to professional boxing in November and Spina is coming off consecutive losses for the first time in his career. The fight is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports and it will be fought at a catch weight of 170 pounds. Tickets can be purchased online at www.twinriver.com
Petlz Boxing’s Todd Unthank-May Goes for his Seventh Win on February 23rd
Light heavyweight Todd Unthank-May goes for his seventh win in seven pro fights when he boxes Hamid Abdul-Mateen of Brooklyn, NY in a scheduled six round contest on Saturday February 23rd at Bally’s in Atlantic City. Topping the seven bout card will be a 10 round middleweight contest between Patrick Majewski and Jamaal Davis. The fight will be streamed by www.gofightlive.tv.
Tickets can be purchased at www.petlzboxing.com
Camp Notes for Lamont Peterson and Kendall Holt
Lamont Peterson (30-1-1) and Kendall Holt (28-5) will fight on the 12 round main event at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. on Friday, February 22nd, 2013. It will be broadcast live on ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights. Below are some of the camp notes for both Lamont Peterson and Kendall Holt.
Lamont Peterson:
“To me it feels great to get back into the ring and defend my IBF title. The layoff did not hurt me because I’ve been in the gym training like I was going to fight for the past year,” said Peterson “I don’t believe in ring rust a fighter fights and that’s what I do. But one good thing with the time off is that I have been able to rest my body and work on fine tuning my skills. I’m ready to fight now.”
“I always like fighting here at home. Early on in my career I did not get a chance to do so. Any opportunity I get to fight here we take it. I love the support I get from the fans and the city. Washington, D.C. is a big fight town and I want to give them the great show they expect. It also helps to hear the voices of your friends and family cheering you own.”
Kendall Holt
“Right now I’m feeling real good about my progress with Jesse Reid during this training camp. He pushes me real hard and that’s what I need to be successful in this fight. I’m on weight and I’m looking extremely great in sparring. Jesse is a great trainer and I’m working harmoniously with him.”
“I’ve been sparring with some of the best in Shane Mosley and Lucky Boy Omotoso who are giving me great work. Everyone out here in L.A. brings rough and rugged sparring that I’m going to need to get ready for Lamont. Words can’t describe how grueling it is training with these guys but that’s what’s going to get me to the top.
“My shoulder is 100% healthy and I feel fantastic. The explosiveness is there and I’m punching harder than ever. Now that I’m back punching at full strength, I feel more confident in my ability to back up my opponents. I feel like a whole new man.”
