By: William Holmes
The following is the boxinginsider.com notebook for the week of September 24th to October 1st, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
Ken Norton Hospitalized
Former World Heavyweight Champion Ken Norton is listed as being in delicate condition after suffering a heart attack in Las Vegas. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken as he makes his recovery. The heart attack occurred on October 1st, 2012.
Cotto vs. Trout to be Televised on Showtime
Miguel Cotto has fought in New York City nine times since he turned pro in 2001, and he expected to have a full house cheering him on at Madison Square Garden on December 1st. His opponent will be the WBA Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout in a fight televised live on Showtime.
“I am really excited to come back to my second home,” said Cotto. “Fighting at The Garden is always special for me and a true pleasure. There is something unique in the atmosphere and it means a lot to me every time I fight there because the energy of the fans gives me extra motivation. Austin Trout will be a challenge for me, but I will win my fifth world championship on December 1.”
“Miguel Cotto needs no introduction,” said Trout. “He’s a true champion and one of the best fighters of the last 10 years, but I’m the present and future of the sport and this is just the showcase I need to prove to the world that I’m one of the best, pound-for-pound. I can’t wait to fight in such a legendary place like Madison Square Garden; it’s every fighter’s dream.”
Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com
Darchinyan and Shaw Talk Future
Vic Darchinyan roared back into title contention with a victory against previously unbeaten Luis Orlandito Del Valle on Saturday.
“I could not believe that I was the underdog coming into this fight.” said Darchinyan. “I was thinking, what has this kid done to be the favorite against a fighter who’s won eight world championships? It really surprised me that I wasn’t the main event and that the fight was only a 10-rounder. All this inspired me to prove everyone wrong and dominate this fight. Now I’m calling out all champions….LET’S GO!”
“Look for Darchinyan to be in a big fight next time he steps in the ring because he showed everyone he can still fight at the elite level,” stated Gary Shaw. “In his astonishing career, he’s face the best challenges that have come his way and his win against a very talented young fighter in Del Valle, is proof he can fight at the championship level.”
Tickets On Sale for Oct. 27th Brooklyn Show Featuring Sadam Ali
On October 27th in Brooklyn, NY former Olympian Sadam Ali will be the main event on a PPV card at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, NY. Sadam Ali has a record of 15-0 and will be featured in a ten round bout. Curtis Stevens (22-3) has been added to the card in an eight round bout. Stevens is a former 2002 US National amateur champion. Ali’s opponent will be Jermaine White (17-5). The card will be available at a retail price of $29.95. More information can be found at www.SadamAliBoxing.com
Bobby Hitz of Hitz Boxing Lands Role on Fox’s Mob Doctor
Chicago based promoter Bobby Hitz of Hitz Boxing appeared on last night’s episode of the new Fox TV series Mob Doctor. Hitz played Joey, a body guard to mob boss Constantine Alexander, played by William Forsythe. His character may become a recurring role.
Star Boxing Presents Westbury Wars on October 13th
Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing presents Westbury Wars on Saturday, October 13th at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. The main event will be between undefeated Issouf Kinda (14-0) against former world title challenger Mike Arnaoutis (24-7-2) in the junior welterweight division. The undercard also features “The Hebrew Hammer”, Cletus Seldin against Carl McNickels (8-3). More information can be found at www.starboxing.com
Audley Harrison Training for David Price
Audley Harrison (28-5) has resisted going to training camp for his ‘Battle of the Olympians’ clash against David Price (13-0) and has remained at home with his family. David Price is undefeated and the current British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion. Harrison usually locks himself away in California’s Big Bear Mountains, but for this fight he has stayed with his wife Raychel and daughter Ariella in the United States. The fight will be available on Boxnation on October 13th and fight fans can see it live at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.
Kazakhstan Astana Arlans Sign TWO WSB World Champions for Season III
Kazakhstan Astana Arlans have announced the signing of two of the biggest stars in the World Series of Boxing: two-time WSB World Champion Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-0) and 2012 heavyweight king Filip Hrgovic (11-2).
Tony DeMarco Statute to be Unveiled on October 20th
The pride of the North End, Tony DeMarco, the former undisputed Welterweight Champion of the World, will be on hand to witness the unveiling of his statute on Saturday, October 20th at 1:00 p.m. in Boston’s North End. The ceremony will take place at the site of the statute on the corner of Hanover Street and Cross Street, the Gateway to the North End.
DeMarco is one of the most beloved athletes to ever come out of Boston, and the statue was created by renowned sculptor Harry Weber.
Marcus Browne Signs with Al Haymon
Light heavyweight Marcus Browne, a 2012 U.S. Olympian, has signed with one of the most influential advisors in boxing, Al Haymon. Al Haymon has also signed Browne’s 2012 U.S. Boxing teammates Terrell Gausha, Dominic Breazeale, Rau’shee Warren, and Errol Spence Jr.
Haymon already has notable clients such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Andre Berto, Adrien Broner, Austin Trout, Peter Quillin, Garry Russell Jr., and Chris Arreola.
Mares vs. Moreno Announced for November 10th
WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Abner mares will be fighting WBA Bantamweight Super World Champion Anselmo Moreno on November 10th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz will also be on the card, as well as Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo. A press conference will be held on Tuesday, October 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at the ESPN Zone in Los Angeles.
Dee Lee Promotions Returns October 12th
Dee Lee Promotions “Go Fight Friday Night!” returns to the Tropicana in Atlantic City on October 12, 2012. Professional boxer Christina Kwan is set to return to the ring with her first fight back in six years. Kwan is a former United States National and World Amateur Champion at 95 pounds and looks to make her comeback debut in the 100-pound weight division.