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05/13/2004 Archived Entry: "Ramping It Up: Al “Speedy” Gonzales Begins Training for Demetrius Hopkins"
Ramping It Up: Al “Speedy” Gonzales Begins Training with Jesse Reid in Preparation for Demetrius Hopkins Date on ESPN2.
By Juan C. Ayllon
(Chicago, Illinois): In a day where cellular calls are the norm, Al “Speedy” Gonzales’ trainer, Pat Doljanin called via his cell phone en route to the gym to announce the latest news regarding his charge. “Hey, it’s me, Pat Doljanin, Al Gonzales’ trainer. I’m calling you to let you have the first interview…” Grabbing a yellow legal pad and pen, this reporter furiously scribbled scarcely intelligible notes as Pat proclaimed the latest news on Gonzales.
In the midst of effusive announcements, the cell signal drifted, causing the call to disconnect. However, once back on the line, Pat made it crystal clear that those things that have caused prior disconnects between Speedy’s potential and his actual ring performances are now being aggressively addressed.
First up, Pat confirmed that Gonzales (14-0-1, 7 KO’s) will fight Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins (14-0-1, 6 KO’s) on June 18th as the main event on ESPN2 at DePaul. Their match had previously been confirmed by promoter, Dominic Pesoli in a previous CBZ interview, however, the details had not been disclosed as of yet.
On the heels of this confirmation, Pat Doljanin made a startling new announcement. Ever the salesman, he said, “On Saturday, Al will be in California training with Jesse Reid!” Yes, that Jesse Reid, the world class trainer who worked with such world champions as Orlando Canizales, Johnny Tapia, Darren Van Horn and Roger Mayweather, to name a few! Pat said, “I still remember him training [standout world champion in the late 80’s] Orlando Canizales.”
Excited, Doljanin said, “He gives me the same vibe as a Joe Goosen…they break it down well and simple…they know how to get the most out of the 60 seconds [between rounds].” He added, “I talked with him last night. It was a real pleasant conversation. Jesse is going to add a new wrinkle to Al’s development…he’s going to develop a new game!”
Doljanin acknowledged that originally, they were to train with someone else. Elaborating, he said, “Initially, we were supposed to be working with Kevin Cunningham, but he had too many things going…he could have given us two weeks and said that’s it. [But] he takes great pride in what he’s doing. We’re very fortunate to be in a position to speak with a Kevin Cunningham. The guy took my phone call! He knows our matchmaker, Jerry Alfano. It just didn’t work out time wise.”
Fortunately, Pat Doljanin had a friend who goes by the name of Octavius, who not only ran “One In a Million Promotions” in Indiana, but also knew Jesse Reid. Octavius “…got a hold of Jesse and laid the groundwork.” Pat took it from there. He said, “I just had to call Jesse and tell him about Al, [and] what we’re trying to do with him.” Apparently, not only did Reid take a look at him, but he also liked what he saw.
On Al’s move to California, Pat said, “It will reduce distractions. I mean, a single, 23 year old in the city who loves women and cars…” in a world class city known for its singles scene, no doubt, the temptations and the distractions of Chicago have been overwhelming. He continued, “Al’s very excited to be going away. It’s a huge step up and he’s focused.”
Once “Speedy” arrives in California, Jesse Reid intends on giving him a lot of new looks and experiences, training him alternatively at his gym, renowned trainer Freddy Roach’s gym and Oscar De La Hoya’s Gym to help round out his preparations. “Jesse’s as excited working with Al as we are with working with him. [Having seen him before] he was impressed with Al’s speed, grittiness…Al’s a pit bull in the ring and Jesse will add some new elements to his game. He’s very confident that he will add to his game,” said Pat Doljanin.
Not only does Jesse have excellent credentials and experience, he also currently trains Paul Spadaforda, who, as Pat puts it, “…is also at 140. This opens up a new avenue. If Paul is training for a right handed opponent, Al’s there for him! I am a firm believer that good things happened through osmosis…that will help with [Al’s] overall maturity.”
Commenting on the their recent good news, Pat Doljanin said that it’s very unusual for a guy who “…is 14 and 0, who doesn’t have amateur accolades, who gets a trainer like Jesse Reid and gets a main event on ESPN. All the guys who get that spot are like [Olympian] Ricardo Williams or who have 20 fights!” Pat Doljanin added, “Dominic [Pesoli] has done a great job promoting…” to get him to the place where ESPN picked Gonzales up as a main event fighter.
Somewhat reflectively, Pat said, “We have a great team with Albert Falcon as my partner, a friend like Octavius and a promoter like Dominic [Pesoli]. People are going to see a new Gonzales, not the same one they saw versus [Jesse] Feliciano, but several levels so much higher!”
Replies: 23 Comments on this article
Since you think you are such a bad ass leaving your name and number on your posting, why don't you just prove yourself and give Speedy a call yourself?
Tell him what a dirty whore you think his mother is, tough guy.
Talk about hiding behind a computer. Come on Mike, your being called out. Enough of this computer shit that you think is so cowardly, take it to the ring, big strong guy.
Posted by CALLING OUT MIKE FALCIONE @ 05/18/2004 07:21 PM EST
This is some wild shit!
I go to both promoters shows. I'm a fight fan from the heart.
But come on Mike, dog, posting your press release on a fighter's comment page? That's not cool. Speedy is just a tough mexican kid trying to do his thing. Keep it real dog.
Posted by Lou Castenadas @ 05/18/2004 07:16 PM EST
Someone asked me about "Speedy" having 6 fights with Hitz. Mike, for the record, Al had 3 fights with you guys. There is a lot of anmosity on your boss' part about us leaving to work with a competitor. After 2 years, I think it's time to move on.
Good luck to you guys on your May 21st show. But, you must admit that it's pretty lame to post your press release on a comment page for another boxer. 'nuff said.
Posted by Patrick Doljanin @ 05/18/2004 06:27 PM EST
The name calling is childish. And this forum has lost sight of it's original intention...the fighters. Not using this forum to try and out-do or compete with eachother.
I am happy for speedy too. He deserves this. Whatever other people's opinions may be, will be. But I for one am rooting for Speedy and am happy for him.
Please, no more "mom" jokes or tacky attacks. How did this go to mom attacks from Speedy's opportunity?
Posted by I agree with Dominic Pesoli @ 05/17/2004 10:56 PM EST
All of this bantering back and forth has been brought to my attention. I appreciate all of the support Speedy and 8 Count is receiving from this forum. However, I do not understand all of the name calling, trying to show eachother up, etc.
Let's all stop wasting our energy trying to bash eachother. I have nothing bad to say about anyone and only wish Speedy the best of luck.
I'm happy my fighter is getting an opportunity to showcase his talent as the main event on ESPN2.
Try to keep this forum about boxing and not let personal feelings get in the way.
Posted by Dominic Pesoli @ 05/17/2004 10:43 PM EST
why is hitz trying to compete with speedy and his people?
Posted by javier gomez @ 05/17/2004 10:19 PM EST
Some pretty nasty stuff here.
But I have to agree that hitz is using speedy to try and get publicity for his event. I think that is kind of embarassing.
Posted by just an observer @ 05/17/2004 10:09 PM EST
You guys CAN NOT take the fact that no one cares enough about your company or your fighters and you guys are so desperate for pub that you HAVE to jump on Speedy and 8 Count's exclusive interview to get any exposure. WOW. That is pretty pathetic. Thank god for speedy and 8 Count or else no one would ever know about any of Hitz's events. Lucky for you guys that 8 Count is around.
Posted by Hitz is lucky for 8 Count!!! @ 05/17/2004 10:03 PM EST
Hitz Boxing Promotions & Art Pelullos Banner Promotions will present a sensational fight card on May 21, 2004, at the Belvedere, located at 1170 West Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The fights will be televised on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights."
In the main event, Art Simonyan, 13-0-1, with 7 knockouts, of Glendale, California, will fight Fasan 3K Battery, aka Narongrit Pirang, 18-0, with 10 knockouts, of Ubon, Thailand. The fight, scheduled for 12 rounds, will be an eliminator for the IBF's No. 1 ranking in the jr. featherweight division and will determine the mandatory challenger for the world title.
Now 28 years old, Simonyan is a native of Armenia. He stepped up in class of opposition in his last three fights and scored three of his career-best wins against former world title challenger Carlos Contreras (19-6-3), Ablorh Sowah (17-3-1), and former world title challenger Radford Beasley (22-1). Simonyan currently holds the USBA jr. featherweight title and is ranked No. 7 by the IBF in the world ratings.
29-year old Fasan is ranked No. 8 in the world by the IBF. A five-year pro, he is making his U.S. debut and fighting outside of Thailand for the first time.
The co-featured bout, scheduled for 10-rounds, will feature 24-year old lightweight prospect Juliano Ramos, 13-0, with 11 knockouts, fighting an opponent to be announced. Ramos, a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, has relocated to the U.S. to pursue his boxing career and is now living in Corpus Christi, Texas.
More exciting bouts featuring Chicago's top boxing talent will complete the card.
Vitaliy "The Doctor" Kopytko, 23-6, 9 KOs, of Chicago, will be featured in an eight-round super middleweight bout, and Heavyweight Malachy Farrell, 1-0,1KO of Chicago will be a four-round bout. Also the pro-debut of Guiseppe Kidd in a four-round heavyweight bout. Their opponents are to be announced.
All bouts are subject to change without notice.
Doors open at 7:00 P.M., first fight at 8:00 P.M. Central Time.
Ticket prices: $35 - general admission, $50 - reserved ringside, and $100 - VIP reserved ringside.
Tickets can be purchased by telephone at Hitz Boxing - 630-295-9800, or online at www.hitzboxing.com.
More information will be released shortly.For further information: www.HitzBoxing.com or 630/295-9800
Posted by mike@hitzboxing.com">Mike Falcione @ 05/17/2004 09:56 PM EST
Once again...anonymous...I love it...at any rate, the fact that you would not even at least call to say hello hurts me a little bit but it was expected of you. Oh,this is Mike Falcione I was just using a different email address. Have a wonderful day.
Posted by yourmothersadirtywhore @ 05/17/2004 09:53 PM EST
no one asked to hear from you. nor does anyone care about you. NO ONE.
Posted by SHUT UP MIKE @ 05/17/2004 09:21 PM EST
All this talk about bitch ass punks and all that non-sense....it's quite obvious who the bitch ass punks.....everyone of the comments are sent by people who aren't man or woman enough to leave their names....typical and expected...who's the real haters....hiding behind their computers with nothing better to do than talk shit....nobody tells you how Bobby Hitz and Pat Doljanin talked the other day and how Bobby wished Pat and Speedy the best in Als upcoming bout or that Hitz gave Al 6 fights...and this talk about Bobby Hitz' bitch ass crew....crew? What crew? This isn't a crime syndicate...come on guys grow up....if you need someone to talk to you can even call me on my cell 847.366.6666, i'm a good listener and might be able to help you with your problems
Posted by Mike Falcione @ 05/17/2004 08:04 PM EST
you is the biggest cry baby in town, man. get a grip, quit hating on speedy like old boy said, before we bomb yo ass.
hahha bobby shitz, that is a GOOD one.
quit crying, wipe your nose, you got boogers all over your face, man.
Posted by We all know who the "pugilist" is @ 05/17/2004 01:27 PM EST
Whats up with all the hate? Where there is real talent and skills there is always jealousy.
Speedy don't care about non of the bullshit talk. Cause he can walk the walk. Speedy is as bad ass as it gets. All you bitches out there know he's the real deal and y'all can't take it. Jealousy is a mutha fucka...ain't it?
Posted by Speedy IS the REAL DEAL @ 05/16/2004 10:16 PM EST
Yo, the only fool I know who hates on "Speedy" is that punk promoter bobby (s)hitz or his bitch ass crew. My boy used to fight for that bitch ass punk, but left for a better promoter. Ever since then, that fool has been talking shit about "Speedy" and trying to mess with him cause he ain't got nobody.
Dude should concentrate on his own miserable business before we bomb on his fat ass.
"Speedy's" gonna blow-up and all these jealous bitches gonna do is seeth with jealousy & envy.
Posted by Speedy Fan @ 05/16/2004 06:31 PM EST
Dude, get a grip. If Hopkins is a "real contender" after struggling to a majority decision with Easson, Gonzales should have no problem.
The punchy pug must be a manager, promoter or trainer of a guy who got whipped by "Speedy."
You obviously have a lot of respect and reverance for "Speedy" in addition to your petty jealousy.
Doug Fischer of Max Boxing and most every intelligent boxing savy person says "Speedy" is the goods and they're excited that his handlers hooked him up with Jesse Reid. "Speedy" will put Chicago back on the boxing map.
I'm glad to see you got your Mommy to start typing for you. Her grammer and syntax is far better than yours. Now, say good night and go to bed, little boy.
Posted by Don't have a Mom, my dog & I share yours @ 05/16/2004 06:22 PM EST
You should sit back for a few seconds and listen to yourself. Listen to how you sound. Did Al do something so terrible to you for you to resent him and obsess over him so much? Is it so impossible for you to keep your ugliness to yourself? Please for the sake of your health if not anything else, make more of an effort to turn your anger and hostility into something more constructive. The amount of energy you expend on hating people that have no bearing in your life could be better used in so many other ways. I can not imagine what a burden it must be for you to hate so many people and lash out with so much hostility. For you it must be your own hell, day after day after day.
Posted by YOUR negativity is toxic @ 05/14/2004 11:23 PM EST
I hope Al gets this kind of support when Hopkins TKO's him in 4. Shame on me? Shame on you for telling a kid without talent he has a shot against real contenders. Congratulations you made it to espn as an opponent, for a real prospect. The jokes on you dumbasses. Your boy is going to lose and never be heard from again. The pugilist
Posted by Your mom forgot her quarter on the dresser @ 05/14/2004 07:55 PM EST
Right on, "Shame on You!" Why would anyone get on a fan's web site to slam a boxer, terrible grammer & all, is beyond me. Only the most insecure feel the need to do so.
As far as boxing illiterate, somebody on Team Speedy is doing something right. I see the kid on on every boxing website, with only 15 fights he's an ESPN main event and world class trainer Jesse Reid is handling him. There's alot of boxers who'd love that kind of incompetance.
Go back to your cave, pugilist. This site is for fans!
Posted by Pugilist's Father @ 05/14/2004 04:40 PM EST
You sound like a big jealous baby. Al must have hurt you some way. Rejected you in some way, for you to harbor so much animosity towards him. Haven't you learned...in life all of the bad will you wish upon other people only hurts you and makes them stronger. Shame on you. You are an unprofessional bitter baby.
Posted by Shame on you @ 05/14/2004 11:18 AM EST
Your a joke. Your either Al,Pat or one of their friends. The kid is slow as balls, and got his ass kicked by Feliciano. If he fights Hopkins he will be embarassed, and its funny you can comment on spelling, but are completly boxing illiterate. Hopkins is ten times faster he's got a longer reach, and wait one more thing he can Box to. Unlike your candy ass wannabe prospect Alexandra.
Posted by The Pugilist @ 05/14/2004 09:21 AM EST
I knew it was only a matter of time before the jealous & envious came out. Join the 3,500 people who will be there and see what REAL boxing is all about.
By the way, it's now. I'm sending you back to the 6th grade so learn proper spelling, punctuation and grammer, Bobby.
Posted by The Pugilist's Father @ 05/14/2004 08:17 AM EST
I will begin with sending my Condolenses to Gonzales for the Ass whipping hes gonna get from Hopkins. Secondly this fight has been confirmed by no other web sites and I'm skeptical of it even happening. Al can train Know until June 18th but you cant change a fighter in a few weeks. So somebody put Dyphus(organization that prevents child abuse)on speed dial because this kid is gonna get abused.
Posted by The Pugilist @ 05/13/2004 09:38 PM EST
