By: William Holmes
The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of February 3rd to February 10th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
Jermain Taylor Stripped of Title
Jermain Taylor was scheduled to defend his IBF Middleweight title against Sergio Mora last Friday night, but he is currently facing numerous charges, including an alleged shooting of his cousin, and the title bout against Mora was cancelled, with Mora winning a split decision over Abie Han instead.
Since Taylor is facing charges and unable to currently defend his belt, the IBF has decided to strip Taylor of his title. Hassan N’Dam remains a mandatory challenger for the IBF belt.
Klitschko vs. Jennings to Air on HBO
Heavyweight World Champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend his titles against Bryant Jennings on Saturday, April 25th at Madison Square Garden on HBO.
Klitschko stated, “I do have great respect for Bryant Jennings and his achievements.
“He has good movement in the ring and good technique. I know this will be a tough challenge.”
The champ went on to state, “I am extremely happy to fight in New York City again. I had my first unification fight there and a lot of great heavyweight matches have taken place at Madison Square Garden. It will definitely be a great fight night and I will do everything for it from my side.”
Jennings stated, “This is the moment I have been waiting for, now it’s time to bring the belts home.”
This will be the fourth time Wladimir Klitschko will have fought at Madison Square Garden, and the third straight fight on HBO for Bryant Jennings.
Premier Boxing Champions Debuts on Spike TV on Friday, March 13th
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) will make its debut on Spike TV on Friday, March 13th from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.
The main event of the night will be between Andre Berto (29-3) and Josesito Lopez (33-6). The co-feature of the evening will be between Shawn “Showtime” Porter (24-1) and Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (36-3).
“Fighting on the Premier Boxing Champions series on Spike TV is huge for all of us and for the sport of boxing. This is going to take all of us to a whole different level and give us the chance to become household names,” said Berto.
“Fighting on free television is what made guys like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler huge stars, and I’m ready for my chance to do the same. I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my career and you’re going to see a new and rejuvenated Andre Berto on March 13th on Spike TV so make sure to tune in.”
“This is definitely going to be the fight of my life and I’m excited,” said Lopez.
“I’m looking forward to all of my local fans being there to witness a great victory. I’m fighting a really good fighter in Berto, but every fighter is dangerous. I know I have to prepare even better than ever. On March 13, I expect a big crowd because I’m fighting so close to home and my fans have been so supportive wherever I fight. I’m confident that I’m going to give the fans in attendance and on television a great performance.”
Paul Spadafora Added to February 20th Card
Former world champion Paul Spadafora has been added to “The Pride of Pittsburgh II” on Feburary 20th at the Consol Energy Center.
Spadafora (49-1-1) will face Jake Guiriceo (17-2-1) in an eight-round junior welterweight bout. The main event and co-main event will be televised on ShoBox live on Showtime and will feature Sammy Vasquez Jr. (17-0) and Emmanuel Lartey (17-2).
Spadafora was last seen winning an eight round decision over Hector Velasquez on July 11, 2014.
Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso Signs with SHS Boxing Management
Former Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso signed a managerial contract with Si Stern’s SHS Boxing management. Alfonso is 28 years old and undefeated in four professional fights and is currently trained by Orlando Cuellar. Alfonso qualified for the 2008 Olympics and also won a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
“I’m very happy and proud to be working with Si and Orlando,” Alfonso recently aid between training sessions. “I’m optimistic about my future and plan to take advantage of this great opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I haven’t had a good manager and trainer to get me going in the right direction until now.”
Sonsona Arrives in Vegas for Training Camp
Ex WBO Super Flyweight Champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (19-1-1) arrived in Las Vegas to continue working with trainer Juan Agrabio for his upcoming fight against Puerto Rico’s Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez (22-0-1).
Sonsona will be training at Roy Jones Jr.’s gym. A win by Sonsona will lead to a possible bout with champion Jhonny Gonzalez in the near future.
Joey Dawejko to Compete on March 6th
Heavyweight prospect Joey Dawejko will take on Enobong Umohette, of Nigeria, in an eight round bout on Friday, March 6th at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. There will also be an eight round bout between Jason Sosa and Bergman Aguilar to top the card.
Dawejko (13-3-2) went 5-0 in 2014 and has scored three straight one round knockouts.
“This could be the start of a big year for me,” Dawejko said, “so I’m not taking any chances. I’m going away to the mountains to train for this fight. Umohette is a big, strong guy and I need to be prepared. Last year was a rebuilding year for me and I hope to get into the world rankings in 2015.
Championship Title Boxing to Air on CBS Sports Network
On Saturday, February 14th Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing will promote Championship Title Boxing from the Resorts World Casino in New York City. This card will air live on CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET.
The main event will be between Derric Rossy (29-9) and undefeated Akhror Muralimov (16-0) for the IBF North American Heavyweight title. The co-main event will be between Mike Lee (13-0) and Gary Tapusoa (6-3-1) in a six round bout for the UBF All America’s title.