News: Santos, AAPRP, Cook, Gunn, more

Daniel Santos Makes Big Statement in Montreal

Puerto Rican Puncher Wins His Third World Championship on Friday

By Dethroning WBA Super Welterweight Champion Joachim Alcine

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico—Daniel Santos became a world champion for the third time by defeating previously undefeated World Boxing Association super welterweight champion Joachim Alcine in Montreal on Friday night at the beautiful outdoor Uniprix Stadium.

The energetic crowd of nearly 10,000 in Alcine’s adopted hometown of Quebec could not prevent Santos, who was making his 12th world championship appearance, from exerting his considerable experience on Alcine, who was making his first title defense after winning the crown just one year ago.

The end came suddenly when Santos landed a devastating left hand in the sixth round that left the champion sprawled on the canvas where he was counted out by the referee at 2:10 into the round.

The Puerto Rican-born and -bred Santos (32-3-1, 23 KOs), an Olympic Games bronze-medal winner in 1996 that went on to defeat the likes of Antonio Margarito and “Yory Boy” Campas while claiming the World Boxing Organization welterweight and junior middleweight championships, believes this victory will propel him to greater heights.

“Alcine is a good fighter and I gave him a lot of respect,” Santos said, “but in the end my experience took me to victory. I do not believe there is anything I cannot achieve in the ring when I am prepared and focused, which I am right now.”

“My goal is to unify the division. I have earned the right to fight in elite, top-level matches. If a fighter like Oscar De La Hoya wants to fight, I’m ready. If a fighter at 160 pounds like Kelly Pavlik or Jermain Taylor wants to fight, I’m ready.”

Promoter Don King, who was sitting ringside watching his fighter in Montreal, was impressed with Santos’s performance.

“I thought Danny was sensational,” Kind said. “He reclaimed the glory of yesteryear by landing a rare and unique one-punch knockout of a champion. It proves that Danny is not only a great boxer but a powerful puncher to be reckoned with. Danny’s calling out everyone from Oscar De La Hoya to any world-title holder out there.”

AAPRP ANNOUNCES 2008 AWARDS

Darien, Connecticut – July 14, 2008 – The American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians (AAPRP) announced today the 2008 AAPRP Award Recipients. They are as follows:

Ringside Physician of the Year – Dr. Patricia Yoffe
Massachusetts State Ringside Physician
Administrator of the Year – Mr. Greg Sirb
Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission
Outstanding Contribution to Boxing – Mr. Dennis Page
The Greg Page Foundation, Inc.
Distinguished Educator of the Year – Dr. Calvin Inalsingh
Chairman – WBA Medical Advisory Committee
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mr. Ed Brophy Executive Director – International Boxing Hall of Fame
Media Award – Mr. Joe Tessitore
Boxing Analyst and Sports Announcer – ESPN

The 2008 AAPRP Medical Seminar on Ringside Safety, (in cooperation with Norwalk Hospital), will take place October 16-18, 2008 at the Paris/Bally’ s Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. These awards will be presented on Friday Evening, October 17, 2008 at the AAPRP’s annual awards banquet.

For more information or for registration materials to attend the banquet, please contact the AAPRP by visiting our website at www.AAPRP.Org or call (203) 662-8900.

Established in 1997, the AAPRP was created to develop medical protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of professional fighter. The not-for-profit association is comprised of experienced ringside physicians from around the world who are dedicated to the medical aspects of the sport of boxing. Since its inception, the AAPRP has consistently grown to include physicians from around the globe who are working together toward a common goal of helping to ensure the health, safety and protection of professional boxers and mixed martial artists.

A Celtic Massacre: Gunn Stops Morrow in 5 to Win IBC International and WBF Americas Cruiserweight Titles!

Behind a loud and energetic hometown crowd, Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn improved to 19-3-1 (16 KO’s) after stopping game veteran James Morrow 11-11-1 (7 KO’s) in the fifth round at the Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Gunn blitzed Morrow with powerful jabs, as well as an arsenal of heavy shots, dropping him in the second round following a vicious left hook to the body. After the knockdown, Gunn proceeded to land powerful blows on Morrow while avoiding most of his return shots.

After Gunn continually tagged, as well as backed up his opponent, Morrow’s corner threw in the towel at 1:17 of the fifth round, as their fighter had taken too many clean punches. With the victory, Gunn earns the IBC International and WBF Americas cruiserweight titles as well as hope for a big fight in the near future.

“I am happy with my performance and was having fun in there”, said Gunn, who was a former IBA world cruiserweight champion.

“I was working on things that my new trainer (Joe Rivera) and I have been going over in the gym. Even though James Morrow wasn’t my original opponent, I still respected him because he is a veteran, as I take no one lightly. James is a nice, gutsy kid and I wish him the best”, said the new IBC International and WBF Americas cruiserweight kingpin.

“I owe special thanks my Attorney George Kokkalenios, as he worked extremely hard to keep this fight together. I am happy to have a great new team together, as many of my past associates turned out to be unfaithful. I must also thank the Feldman brothers for giving me the opportunity to headline their show. They treated me very well and I look forward to working with them in the future. Finally, I want to congratulate my friend Vai Sikahema on his great performance.” said The Celtic Warrior.

“Superman” Strikes Again Before “Steel Yard Brawl”

July 14, 2008 (Chicago, Il) – Just weeks before the August 2nd “Steel Yard Brawl” at the USS Steel Yard, OIAM rising middleweight Derrick “Superman” Findley 12-2 (7KOs) continued in his ascension up the middleweight ranks defeating Andrzej Fonfara 10-2 (3KOs) Of Warsaw, Poland by TKO before a worldwide television audience on ESPN 2. The 23-year old Gary native showcased his immense power disposing of Fonfara with a barrage of devastating punches at 2:59 of the second round. Findley is currently on a 6 fight-winning streak and “Superman” has shown no signs of slowing down. He wants to continue to fight the best and is anxious to face another top-level middleweight.

Derrick Findley has been living up to his nickname of Superman by putting on super performances winning six straight. One of his wins came against Miguel Hernandez by unanimous decision most notably of “The Contender”. Findley showcased his full array of skills as he battered Hernandez throughout the entire fight. The 23-year old Gary native is a prime example of OIAM fighters who have gone on to fight on the world stage and been successful. Findley started off his career fighting in Northwest Indiana for OIAM Boxing, which has been widely successful in their five-year existence. Derrick is a strong believer in the notion that fighting against tough competition on OIAM cards has prepared him for fighting on the world stage.

Said OIAM CEO Octavius James, “I am very proud of Derrick and his accomplishments. He has grown a great deal in such a short of time. We here at OIAM are committed to putting together terrific and highly competitive match ups on every single show. It’s our goal to test every single fighter and push them to their limit.”

It’s been James’ vision and Findley’s commitment to boxing excellence, which have willed “Superman” to being on the cusp of becoming a viable middleweight contender.

Derrick Findley has been an inspiration to many OIAM fighters including fellow Gary native current NABC Light Welterweight Champion Mary McGee. Findley has been a mentor to McGee as both have grown together through the amateur ranks. He will be on hand August 2nd at the USS Steelyard for the “Steel Yard Brawl” cheering on McGee and all of the fighters during OIAM’s five-year anniversary show. After the biggest win of his young career, “Superman” is excited to interact with many of the hometown fans that have supported him for years.

STEELYARD BRAWL TICKETS: $100 VIP Field, $75 Premiere VIP, $50 Diamond Box and 5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – $15 General Admission, are available from Railcats Baseball box office or by calling (219-882-2255) or (866-438-7372).

COOK: I’LL MAKE ARTHUR PAY

Nicky Cook has vowed to make up for the misery Scott Harrison caused him in 2006 – by taking it out on his fellow Scotsman Alex Arthur.

Cook was supposed to challenge Harrison for the WBO World Featherweight title 18 months ago, only for the Glaswegian to pull out on 48 hours notice.

A devastated Cook eventually fought Steven Luevano for the vacant WBO crown, but went down to a brave defeat against the talented American.

Now, having moved up to super-featherweight, Cook says he is ready to finally achieve his world title ambitions in front of a packed M.E.N Arena crowd on September 6 when he chalenges for Arthur’s WBO crown.

“What happened against Harrison was a nightmare,” said Cook.

“I’m still mad about it now and Arthur’s going to pay for all the grief Harrison caused me.

“I may not have been able to knock out Harrison, but what better way to make up for things than by stopping the man who has replaced him at the top of the tree in Scotland.

“I’ll rip his title away from him in what will be a classic England v Scotland match up.”

Cook, a former undefeated British, Commonwealth and European champion, will debut at championship level at 9’4 against Arthur, but believes going up to super-featherweight will give him a huge advantage.

“I was killing myself to make featherweight, so I’ll be much stronger against Arthur,” said Cook. “He’s a talented fighter, but I think he’s a bit of bully in the ring, used to pushing opponents around.

“I’ll still be big at super-featherweight, and I know how to look after myself, so I’ll stand up to him, make no mistake. I think this will be the first time in his career he’ll have come up against someone stronger than him.

“I’ll fight him on the outside, the inside, whatever he wants. All I know is that I’m going to win that title.”

Amir Khan joint headlines the show when he defends his Commonwealth lightweight title.

A full-supporting card, including further big title fights and the best in young British talent, will be announced shortly.

Tickets, priced at £30, £40, £50, £100, £150 and £200, are available from www.frankwarren.tv