By: William Holmes
The following is the boxinginsider notebook for the week of May 28st to June 4th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing.
Shane Mosley and Winky Wright Announce Retirements
“Sugar” Shane Mosley and Ronald “Winky” Wright are coming off of losses in their last bouts, and have wisely decided to retire. They are both legends in the sport and will be remembered fondly. Hopefully they won’t go back on their decision, remain healthy, and stay out of the boxing ring.
Tim Bradley & Manny Pacquiao arrive today
Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley will make their Grand Arrivals, in custom-designed buses displaying their images, Today Tuesday, June 5, at the MGM Grand porte cochere and inside the main lobby. Bradley will arrive at Noon PT followed by Pacquiao at approximately 12:30 p.m. PT.
Shumenov Defeats Ornelas
Beibut Shumenov (13-1) defeated the veteran Enrique Ornelas (33-8) on Saturday night in Las Vegas with a clean sweep on the scorecards of the judges. All three judges scored it 120-108 in favor of Shumenov. All accounts indicate that Shumenov had an easy night, and was never threatened by Ornelas.
Rocky Juarez Loses to Andrew Cancio
Former Olympian Rocky Juarez (28-10-1) lost his sixth fight in a row as Andrew Cancio (14-1-2) defeated him with scores of 98-89, 97-90, and 97-90 in the lightweight division. Cancio scored a questionable knockdown in the first round and a legitimate knockdown in the fifth round. Juarez was able to score a knockdown in the second round but was unable to must an effective offense after that.
Danny O’Connor Wins In Boston
Super lightweight boxing prospect Danny O’Connor improved his record to 17-1 when he stopped Daniel Sostre at the end of the fourth round. The Dropkick Murphys founder and bassist Ken Casey worked O’Connor’s corner.
Acelino “Popo” Freitas Comes Out of Retirement and Stops Oliveira
In a mild upset, Acelino “Popo” Freitas (39-2) knocked out Michael Oliveira (17-1) in the ninth round in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Freitas was retired and was serving Brazil as a congressman, but easily dispatched the undefeated Oliveira. Freitas scored three knockdowns, and the fight was called off at 2:19 of the ninth round.
Nietes and Fuentes Score Victories in Front of their Countrymen
Mexican boxer Moises Fuentes (15-1) quickly dispatched Julio Cesar Felix (17-4) in the first round with knockout in 2 minutes and sixteen seconds. In the Philippines Donnie Nietes (30-1-3) defeated Felipe Salguero (16-3-1) by decision with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 116-1123.
Sergio Martinez Comments on Paul Williams Accident
“Upon learning of Paul’s injuries, I was deeply saddened,” said Martinez, who twice shared the ring with Williams, with their first epic battle being named the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fight of the Year” for 2010. “When you are in the ring with a real champion, you know it, and Paul Williams was a very great champion, in every sense of the word. Paul and his family are in my thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time.”
Cloud vs. Pascal Announced for August 11th
Two of the top light heavyweights in the world have agreed to fight on August 11th at the Bell Centre in Montreal Canada for the IBF belt. Tavoris Cloud (24-0) will be fighting in Jean Pascal’s (26-2-1) hometown. Adonis Stevenson (18-1) has been announced on the undercard, but his opponent has yet to be determined. The fight will be broadcast on Showtime.
Don King Announces Card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
On June 23rd Don King returns to the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida with a Viva Don King II boxing event. Tony Grano (19-2-2) will be fighting DaVarryl Williamson (27-6) for the vacant NABF crown in the main event. Undefeated lightweight contender Angelo Santana (12-0) will be fighting the former WBC Silver featherweight champion Justin Savi (26-1) Joey Hernandez (21-1-1) and Samuel Peter (34-5) will also be on the card.
Daneil Geale and Felix Sturm to Unify Middleweight Belts
Daniel “The Real Deal” Geale (27-1) and Felix Sturm (37-2-2), the IBF and WBA middleweight champions, will be fighting to unify their titles on September 1st at a location yet to be announced. The winner should obviously be in line to fight middleweight kingpin Sergio Martinez.
Carlos Molina Calls Out Canelo
Canelo Alvarez is looking for a dance partner on September 15th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and Carlos Molina (19-5-2) has stated that he wants to fight. “Hell yeah I want that fight!” said Molina from his home in Chicago. “Every time I fight somebody, it seems like they get to fight Canelo after that. Kirkland was the second time it was going to happen. First time was with Kermit Cintron, whom I beat. Now they’re talking about giving the fight to Erislandy Lara that I had a controversial draw with… What can I do?”
Gary Shaw Wins Purse Bid for Franco vs. Russell Jr.
A purse bid took place at the IBF convention in Honolulu, Hawaii for the IBF elimination bout between Luis Franco (11-0) and Gary Russell Jr. (19-0). The winner of this fight will be the mandatory to fight Billy Dibb (34-1) for the IBF featherweight title. Gary Shaw Productions won the purse bid with a bid of $220,000.
Amir Khan vs. Danny Garcia Official for July 15th
On July 14th Amir Khan and Danny Garcia will meet for the WBC Super Lightweight World Title. The bout will be broadcast on HBO World Championship Boxing at 11:00PM in the United States and on Sky Sports 1HD in the United Kingdom. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com
Mike Tyson to Appear in a Spike Lee Joint in Broadway
TMZ has reported that Mike Tyson and Spike Lee will be teaming up for the one-man Mike Tyson broadway show when Tyson comes to NY to perform. TMZ reported that Lee is in final talks to join the production when it gets ready to debut on the Great White Way.
Evander Holyfield Facing Jail Time for Back Child Support
TMZ has also reported that Evander Holyfield is looking at possible jail time for $300k in child support debt. The GA. Dept. of Human Services has gone to court on behalf of Evander’s 18 year old daughter Emani Holyfield, and the current child support tab allegedly stands at $372,097.40