By: William Holmes
The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of October 20th to October 27th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
Mike Tyson Endorses Donald Trump
The Huffington Post has reported that former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has thrown his support behind Donald Trump in his White House bid.
He told the Huffington Post, “He should be president of the United States.” He went on to state that he’s looking for a business minded leader for the country after Obama’s eight years in office, and stated “Let’s try something new. Let’s run America like a business, where no colors matter. Whoever can do the job, gets the job.”
More on Tyson’s support for Trump can be read at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mike-tyson-endorses-donald-trump-2016_562e8853e4b00aa54a4aba46
Bryant Jennings and Luis Ortiz to Battle for WBA Interim Heavyweight Title on HBO
Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1) will take on the recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0) in a twelve round championship fight on Saturday, December 19th. This bout will take place live on HBO After Dark at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
“To headline an HBO event a fighting a former world title contender like Jennings is what I have been preparing my whole career for,” said Luis Ortiz. “I know after this fight people will know that I deserve a shot at becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the World. I think Jennings doesn’t even know what he’s stepping in to on the 19th, and I’m coming to make a statement. This fight is going to be an exciting stepping stone to achieve my dream.
“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring against Luis Ortiz, another big heavyweight,” said Bryant Jennings. “He’s coming off an impressive win and he thinks he’s at the top of his game. These are the typical types of opponents I like to showcase my skills against. I’ve come a long way since my last fight against Klitschko, and I have continued to train with a fierce intensity. When you suffer defeat for the first time you learn things about yourself you never knew. I’ve improved a great deal on all aspects of my game both mentally and physically. The world will see a great fight when I square off against Ortiz, that I can guarantee you. I’ll be driving the WBA belt back home to Philly.”
Cotto vs. Alvarez is Presented Live in Select US Cinemas this November
Boxing fans across the country will be able to watch Miguel Cotto (40-4) take on Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1) live in select theaters nationwide on Saturday, November 21st at 9:00 p.m. ET.
This bout will be broadcast live to select theaters across the United States, from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
“As I have always said, during my whole career, I am here to fight the best names and the best fighters,” said Miguel Cotto. “This will be another chapter in my career and I will be ready for him. Fans will enjoy a real fight, another classic battle in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”
“There’s a great history between Mexico and Puerto Rico and this is going to be a historic fight, another one for the storybooks,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I have a lot of pride to be fighting for my country. It’s going to be a great night.”
Golden Boy Promotions to Promote Card on November 20th Ahead of Cotto vs. Canelo
On Friday, November 20th at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada Golden Boy Promotions will put on a boxing card on Estrella TV the day before Cotto vs. Canelo on PPV.
Mexican slugger Horacio Garcia (29-1) will take on Raul Hidalgo (24-13) in a ten round featherweight bout to start off the weekend.
Roy Tapia (11-0-2) is scheduled to face Erik Ruiz (14-4) in an eight round super bantamweight bout. Also scheduled to be on the card are Jason Quigley (8-0), Hector Tanajara Jr. (2-0), as well as Francisco Esparza (1-0).
Artur Beterbiev Injured in Training
Montreal’s adopted son and light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) will not be fighting November 28 at the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City. The Groupe Yvon Michel-promoted boxer injured his shoulder during training last week, forcing him to withdraw from his bout.
Beterbiev is currently world rated at No. 2 by both the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
The decision was made this morning (Tuesday) after the two-time Russian Olympian met GYM’s doctor, Francis Fontaine, and surgeon David Baillargeon determined Beterbiev needs minor but necessary surgery to his right shoulder.
“Under my supervision, Artur had a magnetic resonance examination Friday,” Dr. Fontaine explained. “After a meeting this morning, we have decided that Artur’s surgery would be performed in the next few days by specialist Dr. Baillargeon. We expect a complete recovery followed by a return to the ring at the beginning of 2016.”
“I am extremely frustrated and disappointed by the situation,” Beterbiev said. “I was preparing myself hard to give another great show to the fans, November 28, but I will be back stronger in 2016.”.
Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna to Headline Card at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City
On Saturday night, December 5th, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will be featured in the main event of a card that will take place at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The card is promoted by Rising Star Promotions in association with Vincent M Ponte’s Gulf Stream Promotions.
The fight card will also be in conjunction with Ray McCline of The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.
LaManna (18-1, 7 KO’s) of nearby Millville, New Jersey will take part in a 8-round Welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.
The 23 year-old LaManna turned professional in 2011 and won his first sixteen bouts that were highlighted by wins over Ashandi Gibbs & Jamaal Davis.
Since suffering his only loss, LaManna has won two straight which includes a 6-round unanimous decision over rugged Ayi Bruce on September 26th in Beach Haven, New Jersey.
That loss, which a nationally televised fight with Antoine Douglas, gave LaManna the realization that he should move down in weight and the former Middleweight contender will now campaign as a Welterweight.
LaManna, who has taken more control of his career with his formation of Rising Star Promotions, has been very active as this will be his 3rd fight in 4 months.
Also seeing action in a six round bout will be Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young, who has a record of 11-1.
