News & Notes: Round Up From Boxing World

Ruiz rated high, still avoided

LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2008) – Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz used to be the Rodney Dangerfield of boxing as well as one of its most avoided fighters. Now, though, the new Ruiz has gained respect in many circles, particularly after his impressive win against 4-time world title challenger Jameel McCline, yet, John remains the opponent champions and top contenders alike least want to fight.

Top American contender Ruiz and European challenger Alexander Dimitrenko are the only heavyweights rated among the top six in the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation. Rated No. 2 and No. 3 by the WBA and WBC, respectively, and No. 6 by the IBF but, unlike Dimitrenko, Ruiz is also ranked in the top 10 by The Ring magazine.

“After so many years of not being respected,” Ruiz said, “it’s exciting to know and feel that I’m finally being recognized as one of the top heavyweights in the world. I’m glad. It’s been a long time coming. I’m ready to clean-up the heavyweight division and I’m willing to fight any of the reigning champs or other top contenders.

“I can’t wait for my next fight. I’m so much more confident fighting this time around, throwing more punches and combinations, just being more aggressive in the ring. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole team and it’s really made a big difference, especially having Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer. I’ve learned so much from Manny. We’ve been working hard and it’s paying off.”

Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has fought himself back into position for another world title shot, coming off an impressive 12-round decision on March 8 in a near shutout performance (119-109, 118-110, 117-111) against McCline, who is his previous fight had three times floored new Samuel Peter, returning to the vintage days when “The Quietman” first won a world title with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield in 2001.

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions — Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.

FINALLY…THE REMATCH

JOHNSON TRAVELS TO ROMANIA THIS WEEKEND TO COMMENTATE ON WBC TITLE BOUT

HOLLYWOOD, FL, April 18 – There is no rest for the ‘Road Warrior’. Just a week after his controversial decision loss against Chad Dawson, the People’s Light Heavyweight Champion will travel to Bucharest, Romania to serve as color commentator for the interim WBC light heavyweight championship bout between unbeaten warriors Adrian Diaconu and Chris Henry.

“This should be a great fight between two undefeated fighters who don’t want to see their ‘0’ go,” said Johnson. “And not only do I get to offer my take on the fight to the viewing audience, but I’m also getting the opportunity to do some scouting work on a possible future opponent. So it’s the best of both worlds for me.”

Diaconu vs Henry will be aired live in the United States on www.donkingtv.com beginning at 1:30pm EST.

For more information on Seminole Warriors Boxing, please visit our website at: www.warriorsboxing.com

Star Boxing Announces RAY ROBINSON RETURNS HOME

Bronx, NY – Apr 17, 2008 Friday night April 18th, at the National Guard Amory in Philadelphia, PA, “The New” Ray Robinson (7-0) fights in his hometown for the first time in his professional career as he takes on spoiler Jason Jordan (5-19-3) in a special six round welterweight attraction.

Robinson, a former amateur standout, has been very impressive thus far in his young career. In his last bout on Feb. 15, 2008, Robinson destroyed the more experienced and usually durable Shaka Moore in one round.

Jordan in his last appearance in Philadelphia upset rugged Tyric Robinson in a four round decision. Jordan is one of those fighters who despite his record cannot be taken lightly.
Right: Ray Robinson

“I am very excited about the progress of “The New” Ray Robinson,” stated Star Boxing head Joe DeGuardia. ” Ray has gotten better each time out and has displayed great character both in and outside the ring”.

Star Boxing’s expects ” The New” Ray Robinson to continue to shine in his hometown debut in this bout, which is being promoted in association with Greg Robinsons Power Productions.

THE BUFFALO RUN CASINO HOSTS ESPN2 FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS!

MIAMI, OK – The Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK plays hosts to ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” this week as former heavyweight contender Terry Smith looks to breathe new life into his career as he battles undefeated prospect Kevin Johnson in the 10 round main event.

It was a little less than a year ago that Smith rejuvanated his career with a solid victory over former IBF world cruiserweight champion Kelvin Davis at the Buffalo Run, however he two lackluster performances in losses to cruiserweight Rob Calloway and heavyweight trailhorse Robert Hawkins, have put Smith’s future in serious jeopardy. A win over Johnson will put Smith right back into the heavyweight mix.

For Johnson, this fight represents his toughest challenge to date. Johnson has yet to face any fighters of Smith’s caliber and an impressive win over Smith will put Johnson in an excellent position in the heavyweight division.

Smith, Little Rock, AR, enters the bout with an impressive record of 30-4-1, 18 KO’s. Johnson, 18-0-1, 6 KO’s, hails from Atlanta, GA.

In the exciting co-feature, Jose Luis Gonzales looks to rebound from a very disputed draw against undefeated Jason Leheullier on ESPN2 March 7th as he battles Carson Jones. Gonzales, Garden City, KS, seemingly cruised to the decision win over Leheullier in his last bout, comes in with a record of 11-2-1, 9 KO’s against Jones, Oklahoma City, OK, 13-6-2, 7 KO’s.

The Smith-Johnson and Gonzales-Jones bouts headline a six bout card that will also feature local stars George Tahdooahnippah of Lawton and Kyle Sherman of Oklahoma City. World rated female Franchesca Alcanter will also be featured.

Tickets for the event are priced at $25, $50 and $100 and are available by calling Buffalo Run Casino at 918-542-7140 Ext. 2200. The Buffalo Run Casino is located at 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. in Miami, OK.

ABRAHAM VS MIRANDA II TO TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 21ST IN THE US – SHOWTIME TO TELEVISE

HOLLYWOOD, APRIL 16 – The controversy over their 2006 bout has subsided some, but when it comes to their competitive fires, Edison Miranda and Arthur Abraham still believe they have some unfinished business to resolve. On Saturday, June 21st, in the US, these two world-class fighters will settle the score once and for all in a 166-pound special attraction that is destined to produce fistic fireworks.

Abraham vs Miranda II headlines a night of professional boxing presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Sauerland Event. Showtime World Championship Boxing will televise this highly-anticipated rematch beginning at 9pm ET / PT.

“This is the matchup that all boxing fans should love and the type of fight that helps keep this great game alive,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “Miranda and Abraham didn’t need to take this fight, but they did, not only for their own legacies, but to give the fans what they’ve been asking for, and I expect that they will deliver in spectacular fashion this June.”

Wilfried Sauerland, Abraham´s manager, agreed that the first meeting was one for the ages. “The first fight was certainly one of the most dramatic and exciting in recent years,” he said. “Boxing fans all over the world have been waiting for a rematch and we´re pleased that King Arthur´s US debut will be such a highlight.” And Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer added: “To make this fight possible, we asked the IBF to postpone King Arthur´s mandatory defence against Giovanni Lorenzo. After all, Abraham versus Miranda is the fight everyone wants to see.”

“Abraham and I have had a war in the ring with our fists and one outside of the ring with our words,” said Miranda. “I’ll say this, I respect Abraham as a fighter and as a man for taking this fight, but on June 21st, I will leave nothing in the judges’ hands like I did last time.” King Arthur holds a different view: “He could not defeat me when I had my jaw broken twice,” the undefeated champion said “When I am fully fit, there is no way he can beat me. I am looking forward to the rematch.”

When Abraham defended his IBF world middleweight title against Miranda the first time in Germany on September 23, 2006, the two fighters lived up to the standards set by previous 160-pound greats as they battled tooth and nail for 12 torrid rounds. Abraham showed the heart of a champion as he fought on despite having his jaw broken by Miranda’s hellacious haymakers, and ‘Pantera’ showed that he belonged on the elite level as he did everything in his power to take the crown. The officiating from the referee placed an unfortunate cloud of controversy over what was one of the best fights of the year though, with Abraham emerging with his title intact via a unanimous decision. “I have never fought someone as dirty as Miranda,” King Arthur said. “But his low blows and head butts could not stop me.”

Since then, the two have not shied away from a war of words, but as Abraham defended his title four more times (all by knockout), and Miranda jumped up to the super middleweight class to put two impressive KO wins in the bank, many felt that the opportunity to see these two modern-day warriors clash again was lost. But with Miranda and Abraham agreeing to a 166 pound “catch weight” for the bout, one of today’s most heated rivalries will get a chance to resume again.

A native of Yerevan, Armenia who now makes his home in Berlin, Germany, “King” Arthur Abraham (26-0, 21 KOs) is one of boxing’s most respected world champions. Unbeaten in his pro career, Abraham won the IBF middleweight title in December of 2005 with a fifth round knockout of Kingsley Ikeke, and he has since compiled seven successful defenses, four by knockout. In his last bout, Abraham knocked out Elvin Ayala in the 12th round, and on June 21st, he looks forward to making his United States debut against his bitter nemesis, Miranda.

One of the most exciting and popular fighters in the world today, Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda (30-2, 26 KOs) has thrilled fans with his exciting performances ever since he made his United States debut in 2005. A former world middleweight title challenger, Miranda went up to the super middleweight class in October of 2007, and after an impressive fifth round TKO over Henry Porras, and a devastating third round KO of David Banks, the Colombian banger showed he is ready for the elite once again.

Site and Ticket information for Abraham-Miranda II will be announced shortly. For more infromation regarding this and other events, log on to: www.WarriorsBoxing.com

LORENZO-MARQUEZ TO BATTLE IN IBF VOLUNTARY ELIMINATOR ON JUNE 21

Showdown to serve as co-feature bout to Abraham-Miranda rematch

TOTOWA, NJ (April 16, 2008) – Undefeated IBF #4 ranked middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo has accepted an offer to challenge former world champion and current IBF #12 ranked contender Raul Marquez in a 12 round IBF Voluntary Eliminator on June 21, 2008, it was announced by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The bout will serve as the co-feature to the rematch between IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda. Both bouts will be broadcast live on Showtime beginning at 9pm ET / PT.

The winner of the Lorenzo-Marquez bout will be the mandatory contender for the IBF Middleweight Title and will fight for the title in his next bout.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to showcase my skills on Showtime,” said Lorenzo. “The exposure that both Abraham and I will get from June 21 will make our upcoming championship showdown that much more appealing to fight fans worldwide. It is an honor to fight Raul Marquez. He is a skilled and durable fighter who has had a great career. However, I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I intend to capitalize on it.”

Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s) has stopped his last eight opponents. The 27-year-old Washington Heights, NY resident by way of Jerringa San Cristobal, Dominican Republic has knocked out 15 opponents within the first three rounds. In his last bout on Dec 17, 2007, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Lorenzo blasted Ulises Duarte in one round (KO 1).

The site will be announced shortly.

Don King Video Game

2K Sports today released the official game trailer for Don King Presents: Prizefighter for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The trailer is now available for download from the 2K Sports media site.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter will deliver the deepest, most authentic and entertaining boxing experience available. The life of a boxer is more than just a night at the fights; it’s about building a career and rising to stardom. 2K Sports has captured that in Don King Presents: Prizefighter – players must train, overcome adversity, get promoted and avoid the temptation to rise in notoriety, all while watching the story of their rise to champion unfold in a unique, live-action sports documentary style that features real-life legends from the world of boxing.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter will be available June 10, 2008 for the Xbox 360, and this fall for the Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and the Nintendo DS™. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com.

GREEN WANTS LACY MAY 31ST

TULSA, OK — The fight has been talked about numerous times in the past, however it has never come to fruition. Super middleweight contender Allen Green does not wish to wait any longer and is offering his services on May 31st against Jeff Lacy, who is scheduled to be featured on that PPV card.

“We got the call from your people asking if we wanted to fight, we said yes,” said Green. “Now I am hearing you don’t want the fight, it is sad you have done this to me again! You cant weasel your to a title shot without fighting someone. Every other super middleweight is booked, the only option is to fight me. Your promoter called us, they said they would call back and they haven’t.”

Green is coming off a ten round decision win over Rubin Williams this past January. Lacy, 23-1, 17 KO’s, is coming off a ten round win over former Contender star Peter Manfredo, Jr.

“If Jeff Lacy wasn’t scared we would be fighting May 31st, it would already be announced,” said Green, 26-1, 18 KO’s. “Just like we should have fought when he called me out the last time and I accepted. If you wanna be a fighter then lets fight. If you wanna be a punk then go play ping pong.”

Another First For Frank Maloney

Promoter Frank Maloney has once again stolen the march on his rivals by signing flyweight Najah Ali, the UK’s first professional Iraqi boxer.

Ali successfully competed in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and created a massive impression with the manner of his 21-7 victory over North Korea’s Hyok Ju Kwak.

And the good news for the British public is the talented 28 year old is set to make his professional debut at York Hall on April 18, on the undercard of British light-middleweight champion Gary Woolcombe’s clash with Ryan Rhodes.

What’s more, Maloney is already impressed with what he has seen of the Johnny Eames’ trained fighter.

“Najah comes from a war-torn country and he could be a great example to his fellow countrymen,” said Maloney of the young Iraqi. This is a boxer that, even before he steps in the ring, carries the hopes of a complete nation on his small shoulders.

“Also, in talking to Najah, he sees this as a great honour and will not let any of his countrymen down.I believe sport, and boxing in particular, is a way of uniting all races and opening doors for hungry young men.”

Frank Maloney Promotions presents “Divine Retribution”, Gary Woolcombe vs. Ryan Rhodes for the British light middleweight championship at York Hall, London, England with chief support featuring heavyweights John McDermott and Pele Reid clashing for the vacant English crown on Friday, April 18, 2008.

Tickets are priced at £80 and £40 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. Sky Sports televises live on SS1 beginning at 10PM. For further press information please call 0208 467 7647.

Friday, May 2, 2008 features “Two-Tone” with European super bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe defending against European Union titlist Salem Bouaita at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham, England. Chief support is provided by British bantamweight champion Ian Napa defending against Irish titlist Colin Moffett of Belfast.

Tickets are priced at £75 and £35 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. Sky Sports televises live on SS1 starting at 9:30PM

Saturday, May 24, 2008 will feature the biggest selling fight in the history of British boxing, IBO light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano, in front of 55,000 fans at City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England on a shared production with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

Chief support features IBF light welter champion Paulie Malignaggi vs. former titlist Lovemore N’dou and Commonwealth welterweight champion Craig Watson defending against Matthew Hatton.

Any remaining tickets to Hatton v.s Lazcano can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.co.uk , www.seetickets.com , www.gigsandtours.com and www.rickyhitmanhatton.co.uk . Sky Box Office will televise live commencing at 10PM.

Friday, June 13, 2008 sees a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout between British champion Tony Oakey vs. Commonwealth champion Dean Francis at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth, England. Ticket information and Sky Sports broadcast schedule will be announced when available.

For any further information or press credential requests to any Frank Maloney promotion, please send inquiries to [email protected]