By: William Holmes
The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of October 1st to October 7th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
Moore Remains Unbeaten, Ramsey Defeats Soto
Light middleweight prospect Michael Moore of New Haven, Conn., kept his perfect record intact Saturday with a hard-fought win over game veteran Antonio Fernandes at Mohegan Sun Casino.
The unbeaten Moore (13-0), originally from Cleveland, calmly controlled the fight from start to finish, at times staggering the crafty, elusive Fernandes (3-13-2) over the course of 10 rounds. Fernandes’ awkward defensive style frustrated Moore early on, but as Fernandes (Brockton, Mass.) began to tire, Moore got his second wind in latter half of the bout and closed out the fight in style, earning a 98-92, 100-90, 98-92 unanimous-decision win in the main event.
The battle of unbeaten welterweight prospects in the eight-round co-feature lived up to the billing as Zack Ramsey (6-0) of Hartford, Conn., and Edwin Soto (9-1-2) of New Haven waged a back-and-forth battle with both sides jockeying for the upper hand throughout the fight. Ramsey utilized his superior speed, coupled with his ability to weave in and out of trouble, to pull off the upset win by unanimous decision, 78-74, on all three cards.
2 Days: Mikey Garcia, Premieres Saturday, October 19th on HBO
HBO Sports® debuts an all-new installment of “2 Days” when the feature segment returns with a behind-the-scenes look at rising star Mikey Garcia of Oxnard, Calif. The episode debuts Saturday, October 19 at 1:15 a.m. (ET/PT) or immediately following the all-new HBO documentary presentation of Legendary Nights.
2 Days is a revealing and intimate look at a 48-hour span in the life of a boxer in the lead-up to one of his fights and the next edition will focus on 25-year-old undefeated force Mikey Garcia. HBO cameras followed the talented Mexican-American in the intense environment prior to his triumphant knockout win over Juan Manuel Lopez last June in Dallas.
2 Days: Mikey Garcia will add to the HBO Boxing programming lineup on October 19, which kicks off with a live presentation of HBO World Championship Boxing presentation from Denver at 9:45 p.m. (ET/PT).
Garcia returns to the ring on Saturday, Nov. 9 when he faces Rocky Martinez in a highly-anticipated super featherweight title showdown at Corpus Christi, Texas on HBO Boxing After Dark.
Andrade Ready for Martirosyan
The journey continues for undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (19-0, 13 KOs) as he prepares for his November 9th world title fight in Corpus Christi, Texas, against 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight championship.
Andrade vs. Martirosyan will be part of an HBO tripleheader, headlined by the WBO junior lightweight title fight between defending champion Roman Martinez and challenger Mikey Garcia, and a rematch between former world champions Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan.
The 25-year-old Andrade was originally slated to challenge then WBO champion Zaurbek Baysangurov last July. The Russian pulled out of the fight with an injury and was stripped of his title belt, leaving the world title vacant to set-up the Nov. 9 showdown between the top two rated WBO 154-pounders, respectively, Martirosyan and Andrade.
Andrade, fighting out of Providence (RI), has been at training camp in Atlanta with his father/head trainer, Paul Andrade. They have brought in a half-dozen sparring partners, mostly tall with quick hand speed, to prepare for Martirosyan.
“This title fight is part of my journey,” the 2007 AIBA World Championships gold medalist Andrade said. “When I first started boxing, I said that I’d fight in The Olympics, become world champion, and retire undefeated. I will become the first boxer from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team to become world champion as a professional. This is the opportunity I’ve waited for my whole life. It is going to open my door to stardom, letting boxing fans know I’m here. This is it!
“I was supposed to fight for the world title in July, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve had more time to work with my dad. I’m stronger, faster and this camp has been better organized and structured than any I’ve had in the past. I’m growing and developing all the time.”
While Martirosyan has been talking about fights with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and others, Andrade has fully concentrated on Martirosyan and the task at hand. Their only common opponent is Angel Hernandez, who Martirosyan defeated by 10-round decision in 2008, and Andrade stopped in the second round of his last fight this past January.
“He can talk all he wants about fighting other guys,” Andrade remarked, “but if he thinks fighting me is going to be a walk in the park, he’s going to be in big trouble. I’m coming for him and he doesn’t know how bad that’s going to be for him.
“He’s already had 34 fights and this is his first title fight, which says something about him. He doesn’t do anything great. He’s not slick, his feet are all over the place, and he jumps in to throw punches. He walks in, loading up to throw big punches. He wasn’t impressive against (Erislandy) Lara or even Joe Greene.”
Team Andrade hopes Martirosyan is looking past the slick southpaw. “This is going to be a tough fight and we respect Vanes,” Andrade’s manager Ed Farris added, “but Alvarez shouldn’t waste his time thinking about a fight with Martirosyan. We’re confident that Demetrius will be walking out of the ring with the WBO belt on November 9th.”
John Ruiz New MMA and Boxing Promoter
As he prepares to officially launch the new American Fighting Organization (AFO), two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has become New England’s newest combat sports promoter.
AFO will promote amateur and professional mixed martial arts and boxing events, as well as promote MMA fighters and boxers, starting in January with an amateur MMA tournament in various weight classes to determine the best in New England.
“We are going to put on the best shows in New England,” Ruiz promised. “I’m investing a lot of money to promote events and fighters, in addition to putting on great MMA and boxing shows for fans.”
Ruiz, under Quietman Sports, purchased AFO, its website and debt, which was recently paid off.
“I’d been talking about promoting and this opportunity came out of nowhere,” Ruiz continued. “AFO was structured as one of the oldest MMA promotional companies in New England. It was also in place and that was better for us than starting out from scratch. AFO’s reputation within the industry may not have been the best, but we’ve paid off its debts and are now prepared to make the new AFO the best combat sports promotional company in New England.
“Fighters are fighters. At my gym (Quietman Sports Gym in Medford, MA) we teach MMA and boxing. It has a nice ring and cage, too. Since I retired as a boxer, I’ve always felt like I would get into promoting boxing, and AFO will be boxing and MMA. I want to bring more class to both sports. Our shows will offer better competition and more entertaining fights, in both MMA and boxing in New England.”
Tyson Fury: February 8th is “Signed and Sealed…Over to You Excuse Maker”
Unbeaten heavyweight sensation and former British, Commonwealth and Irish heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced that his fight with former undisputed cruiserweight and former WBA world heavyweight champion David Haye is “signed and sealed” for February 8th.
“This is a message to all my fans and haters, for all those wanting to see me knock out David Haye on behalf of the nation and all those who want to see me put out of my misery,” Fury said.
“The fight for February 8th is completely signed and sealed from both of us.
“I’m pleased that the fight is on again for February 8th – it’s going to be bigger this time, better, more people watching and I’m going to take pleasure in smashing his face in a bit more.
“He shunned me in Sheffield when I was just a kid and then this, it definitely adds to my desire of knocking him out.
“It’s been a long time coming, but it will definitely be worth waiting for – good things come to those who wait – and I’ve been waiting so long.”
David Haye and Dereck Chisora were allegedly both set to be sitting ringside in Moscow as Wladimir Klitschko, 37, defended his IBF, WBO and WBA ‘super’ titles against Russian Alexander Povetkin, 34, but Fury is not interested in any speculation that Haye may be looking to face the winner.
“I don’t want Mr Excuse-maker Haye coming out with any other reason than he chickened out, if he tries to fight a ready-to-go Klitschko instead of me,” Fury said.
“Let them all go over there, cap-in-hand and watch Klitschko and give him all their credit.
“It’s very possible he chases the winner of Klitschko and Povetkin because he doesn’t want my fight and he’s terrified of me – so he could try and escape . . . but if he pulls out injured again, it would be laughable and he wouldn’t have the credibility to get in the ring with either of them.
“I really don’t know what’s going to happen in the Klitschko fight, they’re both boring – Povetkin could land that overhand right on his jaw, if not then I can see Povetkin getting beaten on points.
“If they both fight me, I’ll knock them both out, if they ever dare to step in the ring with me – but I really doubt that that’s going to happen.
“I’m confident that Haye will take my fight now as there’s too much public demand for him not to take this fight – after all the pulling out saga he’s got nowhere to go really.
“He’ll have to emigrate – he won’t be able to show his face around this neck of the woods anymore and I’m looking forward to getting in there and doing a job on him.
“Big fights need to happen and it doesn’t come any bigger than the fight we’ve signed up for – over to you Excuse-maker.”
Mike Tyson Praises Undefeated Washington, D.C. Welterweight Dusty Hernandez-Harrison
In a now well publicized open letter to USA Boxing, the youngest man to ever win the Heavyweight Championship of the World, Mike Tyson, praised the success of Washington, D.C., welterweight phenom Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (17-0, 10 KOs) as an example of accomplishment for young boxers. The twitter account associated with the polarizing former World Champion also gave high admiration to Hernandez-Harrison, stating he is an, “inspiration to young amateurs looking to turn pro.”
Hernandez-Harrison, 19 years of age and ranked No. 19 by the NABF and No. 40 by the WBC, is preparing for his first World Championship opportunity when he faces Josh Torres (12-2, 5 KOs) for the WBC Youth World Welterweight Championship on November 2, 2013 at Madison Square Garden Theater as a featured undercard bout of the HBO televised middleweight championship between Gennady Golovkin and Curtis Stevens.
Hernandez-Harrison turned professional at the age of 17, and has garnered National attention with 17 straight wins while carrying himself with the poise and confidence of an athlete well beyond his years.
“Dusty is honored by the compliment given to him by one of the most exciting and dynamic Heavyweight Champions in history,” said Hernandez-Harrison’s promoter Jeff Fried of All-In Entertainment. “Dusty continues to maintain the focus, work ethic and sacrifice that is necessary to succeed to the highest level in any sport, and certainly in boxing. Dusty is passionate about learning and continuing to develop as a professional boxer.”
“There is great respect for the history and tradition of USA Boxing,” Fried added. “When you walk through the Colorado Springs complex it is surreal viewing photos of some of the greatest Champions in the history of boxing and who likewise represented our country in the Olympics.”
In addition to being a professional boxer, the Southeast Washington, D.C., native is continuing his education at the University of the District of Columbia while taking Spanish lessons from a tutor. Hernandez-Harrison is an active member in his community, regularly speaking at area schools and recreation centers about the importance of hard work and education.
Don King Releases a Statement on his Trip to Russia
When Don King traveled to Russia in May of this year for his “Fight for Peace, To Russia with Love” Lebedev vs. Jones in Moscow, he was welcomed with open arms and genuine affection by the Russian people. Andrey Ryabinsky a co-promoter in the fight, and Don King met for the first time and they became genuine friends. Don loves Russia and the Russian people.
Don King congratulates Andrey Ryabinsky on the formation of his new promotional company “World Boxing.”
“Andrey Ryabinsky” is a man of honor and integrity and I wish him the best of luck and good fortune in his world renowned global heavyweight championship promotion of Klitschko vs. Povetkin on October 5, 2013 in Moscow. I am confident that World Boxing will become a great success and a great addition to the boxing family and I feel honored to call Andrey a friend,” said King.
“I love President Putin, he is a great man, a great leader, a great president, a great peacemaker and freedom fighter. Lovers of peace and freedom around the world should join me in wishing President Vladimir Putin a very Happy Birthday on October 7, 2013 and pray to God that he continues to excel in his role as president, leader and peacemaker.”
As President Putin eloquently stated, “History proves that all dictatorships, all authoritarian forms of government are transient. Only democratic systems are not transient. Whatever the shortcomings, mankind has not devised anything superior.”
He additionally said, “Nobody and nothing will stop Russia on the road to strengthening democracy and ensuring human rights and freedoms.”
Canelo Alvarez Is Happier Than Ever With Golden Boy Promotions
Canelo Alvarez, former super welterweight world champion and one of the most popular boxers in modern history, confirmed his loyalty and commitment to Golden Boy Promotions, the leading boxing promoter in the world.
“I am very happy with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Canelo today. “I’m scheduled to travel next week to Los Angeles to meet with Richard Schaefer and Eric Gomez for a meeting that we hold after each fight.
“I have a contract with Golden Boy Promotions with which I am very happy. Any event or matter that points to the contrary is false.”
Boxing Returns to the Chumash Resort Casino on October 11th
Gary Shaw Productions presents another addition of the boxing series titled “Central Coast Championship Night” on Friday October 11, 2013 at the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.
In the 10-round main event, King City California’s undefeated super-bantamweight sensation Roman Morales (16-0, 9 KOs), will put his “Central Coast Championship” on the line against Mexico’s battle tested warrior Roberto Castaneda (20-4-1, 15 KOs).
Morales who is currently riding a 3-fight knockout streak, will be fighting for the fourth time this year. He’s looking to impress those in attendance with a spectacular performance.
“2013 has been a great year for me,” said Morales. “I’ve been letting my hands go more and the results are evident as I’ve stopped all of my opponents this year. Castaneda has fought some top guys so I know he’ll be ready. I want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw for keeping me busy and I hope an impressive win will get me closer to a world title shot in the near future.”
The 8-round co-feature attraction will showcase super-featherweights Gabriel Tolmajyan (13-3-1, 3 KOs) vs. Edwin Solis (5-2-1, 3 KOs). Tolmajyan is looking to get back in the win column after a gutty performance where he took Puerto Rico’s undefeated prospect Jose Pedraza (14-0, 9 KOs) the distance, losing a unanimous decision.
“I’m looking forward to another great night of boxing at the Chumash Casino,” said Gary Shaw. “The fans can expect another action packed show filled with good competitive fights. The Chumash Casino is a great venue and I want to thank them for hosting these great events.”
Professional Boxing Returns to Colorado Springs November 8th
Sundown Entertainment LLC, Colorado Spring’s newest and only boxing promotion company will present a professional boxing card in Colorado Springs, Colo., November 8, 2013. The fight card titled Professional Boxing: Friday Night Fights will take place at the Colorado Springs Event Center.
Sundown Entertainment is owned and operated by boxing promoters and Co-CEO’s Brandon Ortega and Nicholas Thompson. “We are excited to bring professional boxing back to Colorado Springs, this is a great sports town and we want professional boxing to be a positive addition to it,” said Ortega. The city has hosted only 1 professional boxing card since 2007. Thompson noted, “On a world level boxing is bigger than ever and we want this city and the rest of Colorado to be able to experience the pure and entertaining sport.”
Bouts begin at 7:30 p.m. MST. The company plans to present 6 professional boxing bouts. Ticket prices are listed $25 for general admission seating and $55 for ringside seating. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.wantickets.com.
Ronald Cruz vs. Hector Munoz on November 16th
Hoping to capitalize on his last two knockout wins, hometown welterweight Ronald Cruz goes against Hector Munoz in the ten round main event on Saturday evening, November 16th, in the Events Center at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem.
Cruz vs. Munoz tops a seven bout card which begins at 7 p.m.
“I’m anxious to get back in the rankings,” said Cruz. “I’d like to fight ever month if I could. Ten rounders, 12 rounds; it makes no difference to me. I’m still learning n the job and I need to stay active. Too many fighters today sit and wait. I don’t want to be one of them. I want to stay busy.”
Felix Sturm to Challenge Darren Barker on December 7th in Stuttgart, Germany
Felix Sturm will attempt to win his fourth middleweight crown on December 7, 2013 when he takes on current IBF World Middleweight Champion Darren Barker in Stuttgart, Germany. If successful, Sturm would be the first German boxer ever to win four separate world titles. SAT1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK will broadcast the Championship affair.
The defending champion is confident of the task ahead. Barker told his fans on Twitter: “Let’s bring the UK to Stuggart! I will not be beaten!”
Felix Sturm became the IBF’s mandatory challenger with a dominating TKO win over previously unbeaten Predrag Radosevic in Dortmund last July.
ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 Series Continues with Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran Documentary
The Peabody award-winning 30 for 30 film series continues with No Más, which will premiere on Tuesday, October 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN (following a special premiere on ESPN Deportes on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9 p.m.) The film, directed by Eric Drath (Renee), chronicles the rivalry of boxing legends Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.
In the midst of boxing’s contemporary golden age - the 1980’s - stood two fighters who established a captivating rivalry. Their pair of bouts within a span of just over 5 months in 1980 had all the trappings of instant classics. Sugar Ray Leonard, an American hero, who had become a household name after a Gold Medal-winning performance at the 1976 Summer Olympics that led to numerous corporate sponsorships, versus the lightweight champion Roberto Duran of Panama, the toughest - some said meanest - fighter of all time. It was not just the drama and action of these fights that would endure, but those two words uttered in the second of their clashes, which would create a sense of mystery, bewilderment and intrigue to the present day. Through Leonard’s journey to Panama to see his old rival in search of closure, No Más looks for answers to Duran’s stunning decision to quit in the middle of a championship fight.
Title Boxing Club Reaches Monumental Milestone
2013 has been a good year for TITLE Boxing Club as the club has recently announced plans to revamp and modernize the clubs on a nation-wide scale and has signed it’s 500th Franchise agreement.
Title Boxing Club started in early 2008 and has 116 locations open and operating and continues to open clubs at a rate of one per week with a significant amount of locations already pending in the development pipeline. This incredible explosive growth has taken place in a mere four year period with 360 of those 500 coming in the last 18 months.
Title Boxing Club does not promote actual fighting in its clubs, but rather encourages all participants at different fitness levels to workout at their own pace. More information can be found at www.titleboxingclub.com
Octapixx Launches Season Four of Prime/Time Boxing
Octapixx LIVE is pleased to announce the launch of season four of a show conceived in 2010 as an effort to provide broadcasters with a weekly world class tape delayed boxing slot- and with the intent to put more boxing on television worldwide- Prime/Time Boxing delivers four episodes each month, compromising three new 2013 events and one archive classic, each fitting into a two hour commercial time slit.
In the first three seasons alone, over 50 world champions have been featured on Prime/Time Boxing, including world class fighters such as Andre Ward, Sergio Martinez, Lucas Matthysse and many more. The series is credited with introducing worldwide sports fans to rising superstars who have gone on to become championship titlists such as Leo Santa Cruz, Daniel Geale, Adonis Stevenson and others. Archive events have featured notable classic pugilists including Ricky Hatton, Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales and Evander Holyfield.
Prime Time Boxing is a collaboration between broadcasters that realize the value propositiono of world class boxing, promoters who understand the benefit of having their fighters seen everywhere and Octapixx LIVE which is committed to substantially increasing the amount of boxing hours on television to heights not previously seen,” says Octapixx LIVE Vice President Lowell Conn. “We are very excited about what we have in store for Season Four, and we look forward to distributing [the show] to more and more broadcasters worldwide.”