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05/17/2006 Archived Entry: "New England Chatta"
New England Chatta
Clampitt-Fiorentino, Estrada-Wiggins, What Fans Want
By J. D. Vena
If ever there was an appropriate billing for a fight card, it’s the one Jimmy Burchfield has correctly tagged his Thursday night boxing event at the Rhode Island Convention Center – “Let it Ride.” On this night, many of the regions’ top boxing professionals and amateurs will be putting their records and hard earned reputations on the line when they face each other in career defining bouts.
Two of the finest women pugilists in RI and the world for that matter, will meet in what will be the most significant women’s boxing match ever witnessed in New England. RI bred IWBF featherweight champion, Missy “The Fury” Fiorentino (13-1, 6 KOs) of Cranston will move up two weight classes and challenge the well-known Jamie “The Hurricane” Clampitt (16-3-1, 7 KOs) of Narragansett in a 10-rounder for the IWBF lightweight championship. In what could have been a main event on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights, perhaps the most hopeful of today’s young American heavyweights, Jason “Big Six” Estrada (5-0, 1 KO) of Providence will take a quantum leap up in class when he meets cross-town fringe contender Robert Wiggins (20-6-1, 12 KOs) in another 10-rounder.
What’s extraordinary of both match-ups are what’s at stake for each combatant. For both women, a victory could solidify the stature as the best female boxer in New England and one of the best pound for pound in the world. It could also lure some of the other big names into lucrative bouts, but Jimmy Burchfield, the president of Classic Entertainment & sports assures that this fight is most unique.
“For most of my life, I had never advocated women in the sport,” said Burchfield told the CBZ from his office. “I believed that women could use boxing as a form of exercise but not to get involved in the sport. I ended up being wrong. I now promote two of the most exciting and two of the best women fighters in the sport. After last week’s great show at Foxwoods, with Joey Spina coming back to knock out Jesse Brinkley and Matt Godfrey looking sensational, I knew we needed a slam dunk card to follow it. What would be better than matching two of the best women fighters in the world? I sincerely believe this is the best female boxing match you could ever make. Two of the top women, in the prime of the careers facing each other.”
Another promoter’s attitude could be, what would be worse than having one of your fighters lose a huge fight such as this one? Burchfield however, as well as the fighters, view this as a can’t-miss fight that could boost woman’s boxing.
“We are always asking fans what fights they want to see,” said Birchfield. “I think it’s a question everyone wants answered. I can’t tell you how much feedback we have received over the years to try make this fight. They have exciting contrasting styles and the fans know it would be special fight, one that could begin the first women’s rivalry. Everyone wants to see it and the girls want to prove themselves to the public as well. This fight was so easy to make because these two young ladies are as much gladiators as any top (male) boxer in the world. I’m really proud that both girls accepted this fight.”
Prior to last week, Estrada, perhaps the most decorated amateur American heavyweight of all time, was to face Stacy “Bog Foot” Frazier, a dangerous opponent who had more or less ruined the career of promising heavyweight Duncan Dokiwari. Dokiwari had only one 1 loss (a 10-round decision loss to Dominic Guinn) in 23 fights but was knocked out in the first round by Frazier. But on Friday, Frazier had pulled out of the fight and a replacement was needed. In a match you’d expect Estrada to be fighting after 15 fights, he is now fighting Wiggins, a man who snatched the zero from such notable heavyweights as Eric Kirkland, Derek Bryant and Cisse Salif.
To defeat Wiggins, you need to have decent record. You have to know how to fight. Wiggins is the perfect foil that discourages young up and coming heavyweights. When he eats their punches and stays around, he eventually breaks his opponents will, sometimes, their bones. Wiggins lost a decision to former world title challenger DaVarryl Williamson before breaking his jaw. Wiggins also lost a 10-round split decision to top contender Monte Barrett. Former Olympic gold medalist, Audley Harrison fought Wiggins last year after compiling an 18-0 record. Estrada is getting in there with Wiggins in his 7th (Estrada’s 6th fight was a no-contest with Yanqui Diaz, who suffered a cut from an accidental head butt). To beat Wiggins, you have to be good.
"Robert Wiggins is a very tough fighter," Estrada said at yuesterday's final presser. "I was going to dog Robert here today and give him some pub after the fight. But I can’t do that. It’s the wrong fight for Robert to take because I’m on top of my game. I’m still pissed about my last fight (first round NC vs. Yanqui Diaz) and I have to take it out on somebody. It just happens to be a good friend (Wiggins). It’s going to be a good fight. I’m winning this fight. That’s all there is to it."
What’s more remarkable is the fact that the fight is scheduled for 10-rounds. As dangerous as a road that such noted heavyweights as Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson had marched, neither fighter were competing in 10-rounders at this early stage in their careers. In fact, Muhammad Ali was in his first 10-rounder after compiling a 5-0 record. Estrada has never fought past the 6th round in his career. Assuming he’s victorious, Estrada should be considered the best of the American heavyweight prospects.
Thursday night also marks the return of popular Providence middleweight, Richard “Bobo” Starnino (6-1-1, 1 KO) who is fighting for the first time in 3 years. Shortly after somewhat avenging his only loss with a draw to Marty “The Irish Assassin” Thornton, Starnino complained of dizziness.
“I’m excited that Bobo is coming back because he has passed the necessary tests and he’s an exciting young fighter,” said Burchfield.
Unbeaten lightweight Eddie Soto (4-0, 3 KOs) of Pawtucket RI via Puerto Rico and jr. middleweight Ossie Duran (20-5-1, 9 KOs) will also appear in separate 6-round attractions.
Boxing fans can also get a glimpse at the future of New England professional boxing. Some of the better and more accomplished amateur boxers in the world, including Providence’s Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, a two-time 152-pound national Golden Gloves champion faces James Wasson of South Boston. Wasson recently moved from Belfast, N. Ireland where he was a two-time national amateur champion. If 5-time jr. Olympic champion Hector “Hands of Stone” Colon of Providence, RI is anything close to what I keep hearing about him, we could have a little Roberto Duran living among us.
The bet here is that tomorrow night’s show will be a great one.
For ticket information, visit www.cesboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30 (general admission), $60 (reserved), $100 (ringside) and $150 (limited Jimmy's Platinum Club). VIP tables also are available. Call 401.724.2253 to order tickets, for additional information, or sponsorship/advertising opportunities. Or go to www.cesboxing.com.
Doors open at 5:30 PM, first bout at 6:30 PM.
