January 2003

January 31, 2003
Results From The Rose Garden
Portland, Oregon
Thursday, Jan. 30, 03
By Katherine Dunn

Promoter: Golden Boy Promotions
Sponsored by Spirit Mountain Casino

Referees: Jim Erickson, Mike Fisher, Dave Hagen
Judges: Greg Baker, Joe Bonaventura, Jim Howard

5,355 in attendance.


In the 10 round heavyweight main event, Jeremy Williams, 36-4, 32 KO’s (232 lbs), of Long Beach, CA fought to a majority draw with Al "Ice" Cole, 32-11, 16 KO’s ( 231 lbs), of Newark, New Jersey. One judge called it 96-94 for Williams, the other two saw it as 95-95.

The originally advertised main was a potential leatherfest between bantamweight Hispanics.

When this replacement bout was announced earlier in the week, I was feeling mournful for poor Al Cole, who’s been in the blue losing zones for a long time and is 38 years old. Cole was a spritely and successful IBF champ as a cruiserweight, but his 1996 losing debut as a heavyweight against Tim Witherspoon tipped him onto the razorblade bannister.

Jeremy Williams, on the other hand, started out as a cossetted heavyweight tomato stomper with the valuable palid complexion and a muscle-popping physique. His rare encounters with quality opposition ended badly. Henry Akinwande knocked him out in 3. Williams then reverted to the vegetable diet until his humiliating fifth round stoppage by a guy known as the "Danish Pastry," Brian Nielsen in 2000. But now, at 31, with four victories over indifferent opposition in the last year, Williams is under the wing of promoter Cedric Kushner and an obvious favorite to win.

In the Rose Garden on Thursday night, both guys needed sympathy but what they mostly got was boos. Williams seemed slow and puzzled through the early rounds. His glorious physique has sagged and he just blinked and swallowed the deliberate jabs and occasional combos from Al Cole. By the fourth, a plodding Williams was cut under the left eye and Cole was actually moving pretty well. In the fifth Williams took to over hand rights followed by grappling and Cole’s mouth began to bleed. In the sixth Williams whined repeatedly to the ref about low blows and head butts, some of which were probably real. The tiring Cole was warned for hanging on. In the seventh Williams danced and ran with Cole in slogging pursuit, and the eight was all grappling as Cole’s fatigue became more obvious. The crowd was unimpressed with this whole sad performance and when Williams hit Cole low at the end of the eighth he set off a storm of boos that persisted and revived easily through the rest of the fight. Although Williams seemed heartened and more confident in the ninth, he didn’t accomplish much. The tenth was a slow rhino waltz of the exhausted and the boos sounded all the way to the final bell. A rough crowd six big beers into the evening.

In the six-round semi-main, Jose "Tony" Martinez, now 12-2-2, 7 KO’s (153 1/2 lbs) of Portland won a unanimous decision over Ron Pasek, now 12-20-3, 7 KO’s (153 lbs), of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The judges scores were 60-54, 59-55, 59-55.
Word is this was a last ring outing for the formerly scrappy Pasek. Martinez hadn’t fought in eight months and looked rusty-- not his usual crispy and feisty self—he blasted the poorly conditioned Pasek in the corners and on the ropes with no real response. Pasek has always been tougher than is quite good for him, and his head was taking on the weird swollen shapes of a rotting jack-o-lantern by the final bell.
He said he was retiring last summer after a bad loss. Now he’ says he’s hanging them up for good. The 38 year-old Pasek is a cement cutter up in Canada, with a wife and a couple of kids. But it’s thirty below right now in those regions and there’s no cement to be cut. No work. Of course you can’t run to train in that weather either, but he accepted this short notice fight.
His local cornermen say he was heart broken at his poor performance. As this is being written he’s probably still sitting on a long-distance bus, with his neighbors looking sideways at his cuts and bruises. But he’s got a thousand U.S. dollars in his pocket. He tried to pay the cornermen after the fight, but they all refused the money. He’s a sweet guy, they say, and he was always a warrior.

In the four-round opener, Billy David Thompson, now 5-2,3 KO’s (168 lbs), of Lubbock, Texas won a unanimous decision over Vic Branson, now 3-4-1, 3 KO’s (169 lbs), of Willamina, Oregon. The scores were 39-38, 39-37, 39-37.

Greg Piper, now 6-1, 2 KO’s (128 1/2 lbs), of Portland, Oregon won a four-round unanimous decision over Christian "El Kangaroo" Lopez, now 4-3, 3 KO’s (128 1/4 lbs) of Seattle, WA. The judges ruled it 39-37, 39-37, 40-36.


A four-round heavyweight match ended with Joe Gusman, now 5-0, 2 KO’s (200 lbs) won a unanimous decision over Troy Beets, now 3-2-1, 1 KO (220 lbs) of Biloxi, Mississippi. All three judges saw it as 38-37 for Gusman.

-----

January 29, 2003
New England Chatta
By JD Vena

Schoolboy Pires Ready for Big Exam

“The Schoolboy” is a befitting nickname for 28-year old, super-featherweight Jason Pires of New Bedford, MA. Not only did he receive a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth (the same alma mater as your writer), he is an apt pupil of the sweet science. Pires, the former collegiate, has been through much in a sport which has seen him win 5 New England Golden Gloves titles, 2 silver medals in the National Golden Gloves, a silver in the U.S. Championships while compiling an 85-14 amateur record. On a professional level he’s recorded a mark of 20-2 (with 9 KO’s), worn the USBA Super Bantamweight title and fought on national television. But on Saturday night at the magnificent Mohegan Sun Arena, Pires gets an opportunity to shine on Showtime, one of the two major cable television networks in the sport of boxing. Pires will be paired with perhaps the most promising of the U.S. Olympians, silver medallist Rocky Juarez of Texas.

“I’m just very excited and blessed,” said Pires. “A lot of fighters dream of fighting on ESPN, which is a huge thrill but not many have a chance to fight on that network. I’m getting a chance to fight on Showtime. I get to represent my family and friends on a huge network. It’s just a great opportunity for me.

Pires, who is promoter by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports is one of three popular New Bedford fighters who have been featured on ESPN on a number of occasions. Fellow townies, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Scott “The Sandman” Pemberton have fought on both ESPN networks but neither have ever taken the spotlight on Showtime. Pires fought on the ESPN2 co-feature underneath the epic Micky-Ward-Reggie Green war in October of ’99. On that night he faced the experienced, Arthur Johnson, a four-time world title challenger who was simply too much for a Pires of 15 fights.

“Johnson was too experience for me then,” admitted Pires. “He was able to punch at me with a velocity I couldn’t deal with then. He threw a lot of punches and I wasn’t prepared for it. That was a fight where I should have been in a camp of some kind but instead, I was studying for college exams. But I’ve learned a lot since that fight. Juarez can’t be as experienced as Johnson, but I know he’s going to be tough and trying to get inside all night. My job is to use my height and reach and use lateral movement. That’s what I do.

Though Juarez (14-0/ 10 KO’s) is somewhat of a spring chicken, he has himself appeared under the Showtime spotlight a few times, and will be making his fourth appearance at the Mohegan Sun, where he debuted in 2001. For Pires, he hopes that his opportunity on Saturday night won’t be his last chance. Whatever happens on Saturday night, the Schoolboy better have done his homework.

Also appearing Saturday night is a slew of talented young guns. Unbeaten 19-year old lightweight sensation, Julio Diaz (19-0/ 9 KO’s) meets John Bailey (21-9-2/ 13 KO’s) in a 10-round affair. Also, Francisco “Panchito” Bojado (10-1/ 9 KO’s) returns to the venue where he not only debuted, but suffered his first career defeat. Bojado, who like Diaz is 19, will take on another tough fighter in Frankie Santos (15-1-2/ 7 KO’s). Undefeated heavyweights Dominic Guinn (19-0/ 15 KO’s) and Malik Scott (14-0/ 8 KO’s) will face veterans Otis Tisdale and Terry McGroom and New Haven’s “Bad” Chad Dawson (9-0/ 6 KO’s) will look to stay unbeaten when he faces the always tough, Shannon Miller. Tickets for Saturday night’s event can be purchased at a cost of $45 and $25 by calling 800-477-6849 or by visiting the Mohegan Sun box office. The first bout begins at 8:30 PM.

Yours truly wasn’t the only man who took advantage of Roy Jones’ presence in Boston a month ago. While Jones was at the Westin to announce his intentions of capturing John Ruiz’ coveted WBA heavyweight belt, Everett’s Richie “The Mountain” LaMontagne was also there. Reason – to challenge Roy to a fight.

“I walked up to him and said, ‘Roy, I’m Rich LaMontagne and I’d like to fight you! Roy said never heard of me and I told him my record and who I just fought.”

Last August, LaMontagne (27-4-1/ 22 KO’s) scored the most devastating knockout of this past year when he knocked out former U.S. Olympic heavyweight, Michael Bennett with a savage right hand.

“Roy said something like, ‘You knocked out Bennett? Hmm…Talk to that guy!’ He didn’t sound too interested.”

With John Ruiz on his mind, me thinks you’re right, Rich.

LaMontagne will have another fish to think about when on the afternoon on February 22nd at his alma mater, Everett High School, he faces an old one from Jamaica, named Uriah “The Boss” Grant. Grant (30-18/ 28 KO’s), a former IBF and IBO cruiserweight champion and LaMontagne will fight for the vacant IBU cruiserweight title in a 12-rounder.

“This is going to be a great world title fight,” said promoter, Jimmy Burchfield. “These are two of the toughest and best cruiserweights in the world. They have 50 knockouts between them and have granite chins. Richie has never been stopped and Grant has only been stopped three times in 48.”

In an exciting 10-round co-feature, the state’s cruiserweight champ, Tim “The Hammer” Flamos (16-2-1/ 7 KO’s) of Brockton (incidentally a mirror-image Rocky Marciano) defends his title against Roy “The House of” Payne of Worcester. Payne (15-11-4 with 6 KO’s), has done some talking and most anticipate that it will be an exciting affair.

“He can’t hit me!” boasted Payne of his crude but strong opponent. “And he’s not going to be able to stop my right hand.”

Other bouts on this Saturday matinee include former Cincinnati Bengal, Jevon Langford (4-0/ 4 KO’s) in a 4-round heavyweight bout, world rated Jaime Clampitt (9-2) of Narragansett, RI versus Ragan Pudwill. Other local prospects, “Steamin” Josh Beeman (1-0) of Providence, Angel Torres (10-2/ 4 KO’s) of Manchester, CT who appear in separate 4-rounds and a potentially exciting local match-up between super welterweights, Bobby McAndrews (1-1-1/ 1 KO) of Worcester and Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (2-0) of Providence face off. Tickets are priced at $100, $50, $30 and $15 and are on sale at Everett Sporting Goods and American Nutrition Center in Everett, as well as World Gym in Somerville. Call CES to order tickets at 401-724-2253/ 401-724-2254 or 617-567-1705. Doors open at 2 P.M.

January 29, 2003
RICARDO WILLIAMS JR. KICKS OFF BIGGEST YEAR OF CAREER FEBUARY 15
Press Release

Tim Austin vs Rafael Marquez in Main Event
RICARDO WILLIAMS JR. KICKS OFF BIGGEST YEAR OF CAREER FEBUARY 15
AT CAESARS PALACE IN LAS VEGAS

TOP 140-POUND PROSPECT TAKES ON JUAN CARLOS RUBIO ON HBO'S BOXING AFTER DARK

NEW YORK, NY - With the biggest win of his career under his belt,
junior welterweight Ricardo Williams Jr. is prepared to make the leap in 2003 from prospect to contender to champion. His first bout of 2003, a ten rounder against tough Juan Carlos Rubio on February 15 is the first step on that journey.

The ten rounder, to be held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and presented by Don King Productions, in association with DiBella Entertainment, will be televised live by HBO's Boxing After Dark at 10:45 PM ET/PT. The main event
on the telecast is the mandatory IBF Bantamweight Championship, with the
undefeated "Cincinnati Kidd", Tim Austin, making his 10th title defense
against No.1 contender Rafael Marquez of Mexico.

Williams, 8-0 with 5 KOs is a 2000 Olympic silver medallist and is coming off a near shutout ten round decision over former IBF junior welterweight champion Terronn Millett in November.

"I am extremely pleased that Ricardo's next bout will be televised by HBO," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "The world is going to see one of the most exciting prospects in boxing, who is a future world champion, take his next step toward a title. This will be Ricardo Williams' year."

In Rubio, 29-6-2 with 12 KOs, Williams faces a true spoiler, who is best remembered for dealing highly touted Mexican Olympian Francisco Bojado his first loss last February. The Mexican will be looking to duplicate that feat against Williams on February 15.

Tickets for this card, priced at $200, $150, $100, $70 and $40, can be purchased at TicketMaster locations in North America, Canada and Mexico as well as the Caesars Palace Box Office. Tickets also can be acquired by calling 1-800-834-6698, or by accessing the TicketMaster website at www.ticketmaster.com.

January 28, 2003
Mosley Ready for Marquez
Press Release

BIG BEAR, CA - At 31 years old, "Sugar" Shane Mosley is right where he wants to be as he prepares for his jump to the junior middleweight division against former 154-pound champion Raul Marquez at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 8. In fact, he has some sweet company on his side as he prepares to make history by chasing after a title in a third weight class.

* In his 31st year, the legendary "Sugar" Ray Robinson moved up from the welterweight divison and won the middleweight crown by defeating Jake LaMotta in 1951.

* A month before his 31st birthday, another boxing legend, "Sugar" Ray Leonard, shocked the world when he moved up to the middleweight division and beat Marvin Hagler to win the 160-pound title in 1987.

And in his own quest to be today's best as well as to go down in history as one of the premier "Sugars", Shane Mosley is prepared to not only beat Marquez on February 8, but to move on to some marquee fights in 2003 and 2004.

"I enjoy fighting the big fights because they’re meaningful and they’re the fights the fans want to see," said Mosley, 38-2 with 35 KOs. "I enjoy having the fans happy and satisfied after the fight, walking away and going home saying, ‘that was a great fight.’ That’s what my enjoyment is."

Against Marquez, 34-2 with 23 KOs, a warrior who is looking to pull the upset, Mosley knows he will have his hands full, and that means the fans will see action. "Raul is not going to back down from me," said Mosley. "And I'm looking forward to the fight because I know he's coming to win. It's my job to stop him. That's what makes a great fight"

Great fights are what the Hall of Fame "Sugars", Robinson and Leonard, were all about. The latest to proudly hold the "Sugar" name, Shane Mosley, wants to carry on that legacy, and he has the chance to do so in the talent-rich 154-pound class, where quality fighters like De La Hoya, Vargas, and Wright all ply their trade.

"All the Sugars showed a lot of class and a lot of heart, and they fought not only to be the best, but for the fans’ enjoyment," said Mosley. "Most importantly, they loved the sport. And so do I."


The Mosley-Marquez card, which also features a WBO welterweight title bout between Antonio Margarito and Andrew "Six Heads" Lewis, is presented by IMG Boxing and Top Rank Inc., in association with Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Both featured bouts will be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT.


Tickets for this exciting six bout card, priced at $25.00, $50.00, $150.00, $250.00, are available by calling 702-632-7580.

January 27, 2003
Mayorga Chops Down Forrest
by Robert Ecksel

Hailing from Nicaragua with a 24-3-1 (22 KOs), record and entering the ring as a 6-1 underdog, Ricardo Mayorga met Vernon Forrest, 38-1 (26 KOs), Saturday night for a welterweight unification bout broadcast on HBO.

Until he faced Ricardo “The Matador” Mayorga, Vernon Forrest was sitting pretty. His two defeats of pound-for-pounder Shane Mosley in 2002 put Forrest on the map. Since then, Fighter of the Year kudos have hounded him ‘round the clock. (Anyone remember last year’s Fighter of the Year? It was Bernard Hopkins. Talk about revisiting the Spinks Jinx.) His two victories over Sugar Shane earned him a six-fight deal with HBO. His good looks, his polite manners, his cool personality and hot fighting heart were starting to pay off.

Enter Ricardo Mayorga. His history and loyalties in Central America remain somewhat hazy, but one thing is for certain. Ricardo Mayorga came to America throwing bombs. When the opening bell sounded Saturday night, Mayorga shot from his corner and began dropping rights on Vernon Forrest. Vernon Forrest, boxer, meet Ricardo Mayorga, slugger, and may the best man win.

Mayorga caught Vernon Forrest off balance at the end of round one and knocked him to the canvas. Forrest had never been down before, not once in his whole career, not once in ten long years. Vernon Forrest couldn’t believe it. No one could believe it. Only Ricardo Mayorga could believe it. Round one 10-8 for Ricardo Mayorga.

Vernon Forrest started round two determined to put some hurt on the opposition. Forrest and Mayorga traded punches. Some solid counters from the hands of Vernon Forrest slowed down the man in front of him, but not much or to much effect and not for very long. Ricardo Mayorga came to Cali itching for a fight, and he was willing to do whatever it took to win, to take any chance and endure any pain to put down Vernon Forrest. It was close, but Forrest managed to squeak it out and pocket the second round.

Vernon Forrest is the superstar with all the moves, boxing, feinting, bobbing and weaving, playing all the angles, doing the kinds of things that usually win prizefights. Ricardo Mayorga, by contrast, is a crude and unskilled brawler that doesn’t jab or move his head or care about defense. His pugilistic ethos is the time-honored and always thrilling kill-or-be-killed, and it works for him, as it has worked for others.

Round three began with both men giving it their best, but Forrest forgot his game plan (move, box, move and keep moving) while Mayorga remembered his (don’t stop looking for that knockout). Halfway through the round, Mayorga caught Forrest with a stunning right to the temple, and Vernon Forrest, ostensible Fighter of the Year and the Guy with the Golden Future, buckled, his eyes rolled into his head, and he dropped to the canvas. Vernon Forrest got to his feet, he beat the count, he has the heart of a champion, but the referee Marty Denkin, in a proper stoppage, called a halt to the action at 2:06 of round three. A TKO win for Ricardo Mayorga.

After the fight, the new unified 147-pound champion was asked his opinion of Vernon Forrest. Even with the aid of a translator, Ricardo Mayorga refused to mince his words: “I was fighting a clown, but my corner said to take it easy, so I did,” whereupon The Matador lit a cigarette, took a puff at center ring, and gracefully blew a smoke ring from his lips.



robert.ecksel@gte.net

January 26, 2003
Philly Results-Boos for Grant
> Results from Boxing at First Union Spectrum,
ÿ Philadelphia, PA
ÿ By Jim McCaffrey
ÿ
> Friday, January 24, 2003
> Promoter Damon Feldman
>
Main Event
> Heavyweights
> Scheduled 10 rounds
>
> Carlton Johnson (227 lbs., now 15-7-2, 2 KO),
> Pittsburgh,
> Pa. v. Michael Grant (254 lbs. Now 37-2, 28 KOs),
> Norristown, Pa.
>
> Grant wins by KO 2:04 Round 5
>
> Notes: Lots of Philadelphia's famous boos during the 1st four rounds.
> When Grant finally hit Johnson the Pittsburgh fighter stayed down. He didn't appear to move for at least two minutes.
> This wasn't so much a fight as a bullying. Grant dwarfed Johnson by at least 7 inches and 27 pounds. This was Grant's seventh fight since he lost to Jameel McCline in Las Vegas in July 2001. That was more than a year after his April 2000 $4 million payday when he lost to Lennox Lewis. At that time Grant was the number 1 contender.
> Grant won only the Comcast-Spectacor title belt for his effort Friday.
> Boxing legend Teddy Atlas trains Grant.
>
>The Welterweight semi-main scheduled for ten.
> Anthony "The Messenger" Thompson (152 lbs., now 8-0, 7
> KOs), Philadelphia v. Jerome McLean (153 lbs., now 3-5,
> 2 KOs), Laurinberg, N.C.
>
> Thompson wins TKO 1:52 Round 1.
> Notes: Philadelphia believes Thompson is the real deal.
> He has the resume:
> 2nd place World Championships.
> 1st in Police Athletic League.
> 1st in Golden Gloves.
> Silver at the Goodwill Games.
> Turned professional rather than wait for the
> Olympics
> where he would have been considered a good bet to
> medal.
> This was the best display of boxing on the card.
> Thompson looked very fast.
>
> His publicist, Bob Sandler, hearing that I work in
> an area with a large Jewish population, promoted
> Thompson to me as an Orthodox Jew.
> "He refuses to box on Fridays," he tells me before
> the
> fight.
> "Hey, wait-a-minute," says me, a few minutes after
> returning from the Men's room ( ever quick of
> mind). "Tonight's Friday."
> Impressed by this display of cognitive quickness
> Sandler quickly backed off saying, "He made an
> exception tonight to fight in Philadelphia.">
> McLean was a late fill-in for Curtis Wilkins. He's
> now
> been stopped five times in-a-row.
>

On the Under Card:

Light Heavyweight, 4 rounds
> Rob "Mr. Sandman" Bush (172.5 lbs., record: Debut),
> Philadelphia v. Steve Gurly (172.5 lbs., record
> 0-10-1). Philadelphia.
>
> Bush TKO 2:56 1st round
>
> Middleweight 4 rounds
> Marcell Berry (no weight or record announced),
> Philadelphia v. Edward Cullmer (164.5 lbs, now 5-0),
> Philadelphia
>
> Cullmer wins unanious decision. 39-36,39-36, 38-37
>
>
> Heavyweight, 4 rounds
> Brondon Sheffield (204.5 lbs. Now 2-0, 2 KOs), Clifton
> Heights, Pa. v. John Wood (225lbs., now 1-2), Elkton,
> Md.
>
> Sheffield wins TKO after Round 1.
>
> Notes: Wood didn't answer the bell for 2nd round.
> Sheffield likely broke his nose.
>
> Middleweight, 6 rounds
> Joe Christy (Middleweight, now 3-4), Philadelphia v.
> Dafir
> Smith (Middleweight, now 9-1-1), Upper Darby, Pa.
>
> Smith wins unanimous decision 58-56,58-56, 59-55

>
> Jr. Middleweight, Scheduled 6 rounds, changed to 4 rounds at fight time
>
> Vince Calio (157 lbs., now 3-1, 1 KO), Philadelphia, v.
> Andre Harris (150 lbs., now 4-4, 2 KOs), Wildwood, N.J.
>
> Calio wins majority decision 39-37, 39-37, 38-38

> > Program notes:
> Undisputed Middleweight Champion Bernard "The
> Executioner" Hopkins announced he will fight in
> Philadelphia on HBO March 29. According to the Daily
> News
> boxing writer he will likely fight Morrade Hakkar of
> France.
> This will be the 38-year-old Hopkins' 16th defense
> of
> his title. He is dubbing the fight "Sweet 16."
>
>Hopkins told me it is a dream of his to finally
> fight
> in Philadelphia.
> "With no gambling or big entertainment it's hard to
> stage a fight here," The Executioner said. "It's
> something I've wanted to do for a long time. It's
> only
> because of my determination that it is finally
> happening. Even the less educated person realizes
> the
> backing I get [for a fight here] is because I kept
> getting bigger until I could get what I wanted to
> get."
> He added, "Because of the politics of boxing I
> haven't
> been in the ring since Feb. 2 of last year."
> He then raised his shirt, as he did for the crowd
> when
> he was in the ring, to show off his six pack.
> "I run every day," he boasted.
>
> Local Comcast CN8 sports anchor Lou Tilley said he
> believes Comcast may get involved with Damon Feldman
> promotions "in a big way."
> "I've tried to help Damon out," the personality who
> works for the company that owns the Sixers
> basketball
> and Flyers hockey teams said. "CN8 may step up and
> get
> involved. Comcast is expecting to add another five
> million subscribers in the Boston area. [Thanks to a
> Comcast buyout of AT&T cable services there]. We
> expect to be in 12 million homes by spring. The
> potential for regional coverage and rivalries makes
> it
> a natural."
>
>
> Promoter Russell Peltz, 25-years promoting in Philadelphia, is working with Feldman as a consultant. Damon Feldman's father, Marty Feldman, was a prominent Philadelphia middleweight in the 1950s who was known as the Jewish Bomber. He has been a prominent local trainer since, working with a number of world champions including Charles Williams and Buster Drayton.
>
> The announced attendance was 8,000 (MIDI*)
>
> *Maybe, I doubt it.
>
>
> ***************************************

January 25, 2003
"el Matador" Mayorga bulls Forrest in Three!
By JD Vena

In the next week or so, you’ll notice that we of the CBZ elected Vernon Forrest as our Fighter of the Year for 2002 on the strength of his two gargantuan wins over “Sugar” Shane Mosley. Looking back, we still feel he deserved such praise. He beat Mosley, then considered one of the best all around fighters in the game because he fought two smart disciplined fights. In one way or another that’s why he remained unbeaten since turning professional after bowing out in the 1992 Olympic Games in the first round. He was unbeaten until all of his fighting smarts and most of his acclaim went out the window last night at the Pechenga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA. In front of an HBO audience, Ricardo Mayorga, the WBA welterweight champion of Minagua, Nicaragua collected Forrest’s WBC belt and robbed the Atlanta native momentarily of his senses after landing one of many power right hands that won him his first world title belt.

On a night when HBO decided to make a theme out of its greatest upsets, one was added to their long list of unlikely results. The bout was almost reminiscent to the defeat suffered by Donald Curry who after claiming supremacy at 147 pounds in 1985 lost to an unknown rough Ragamuffin man named Lloyd Honeyghan. The rugged Mayorga (26-3 with 1 NC) turned out to be Forrest’s Honeyghan or the Mosley’s Forrest. Does Mayorga just have Forrest’s number? No. So what happened?

Well, Forrest must have acquired that little virus that afflicts a fighter when he’s reached “superstar status.” It seems Forrest figured that if he was good enough to beat Mosley, he was good enough to boogey into the ring with a smile from ear to ear, knock out some stiff who smokes more butts than Dennis Leary and go clubbing. Wrongo, Vernon! You committed the cardinal sin of being a world champion. You decided to meet Mayorga’s wild swings with your own power and catch him down the middle. Absent was the respect and discipline you had when you looked to hit and not get hit. Well, you’re human just like Shane Mosley and you made a huge mistake, one that will ultimately cost you millions, now that Don King completely owns the welterweight landscape.

Going into tonight’s unification match, Forrest (35-1/ 1 NC) had deserved the attention, the credit and the money. Now, he will need to go back to the metaphorical drawing board and attempt to win the way he had for the past 10 years – by using his head and not his ego. Last year at this time we almost knew right then and there that Forrest would be regarded as the Fighter of the Year. Now we have a pretty good idea what this year’s biggest upset will be.

January 23, 2003
Freitas-Ruelas Set for March 15th on Showtime
Press Release

WORLD CHAMPION ACELINO FREITAS
TO DEFEND WBA, WBO TITLES AGAINST GABRIEL RUELAS
ON MARCH 15, TELEVISED ON SHOWTIME;

January 23, 2003 -- Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions will present a sensational world championship fight card on Saturday, March 15, 2003, at a site to be announced. The main event and co-featured fight will be televised on "Showtime Championship Boxing."

MAIN EVENT - 12 ROUNDS, WBA, WBO 130-POUND WORLD TITLES
Champion ACELINO FREITAS, 32-0, 29 KOs, Salvador, Brazil
vs Challenger GABRIEL RUELAS, 49-6, 24 KOs, Sylmar, California

130-pound world champion Acelino "Popo" Freitas, 32-0, with 29 knockouts, of Salvador, Brazil, will make his ninth defense of the World Boxing Organization title and second of the World Boxing Association "unified" title against former World Boxing Council super featherweight world champion Gabriel Ruelas, 49-6, with 24 knockouts, of Sylmar, California.

Freitas gave two sensational performances last year, both televised on Showtime Championship Boxing. In his last fight on August 3, he gave a dominating performance against the WBO's No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger, previously undefeated Daniel Attah (20-0-1), and won a 12-round unanimous decision by scores of 117-110 on all three scorecards. On January 12, Freitas won a thriller in a world title unification fight against previously undefeated WBA world champion Joel Casamayor (26-0). Freitas won a 12-round unanimous decision by scores of 114-112 on all three scorecards.

Ruelas won the WBC world title in 1994 with a 12 round unanimous decision against defending champion James Leija, and made two successul title defenses before losing the title against the legendary Azumah Nelson. Gabriel said, "I know that I'm capable of winning another world title. I've never really been away."

CO-FEATURE - 12 ROUNDS, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS - NABF TITLE
Champion ANTWUN ECHOLS, 29-4-1, 26 KOs, Dade City, Florida
vs TBA

North American Boxing Federation super middleweight champion Antwun "Kid Dyn-o-mite" Echols, 29-4-1, with 26 knockouts, will defend the title against an opponent to be announced. Riding a five-fight winning streak, Echols has climbed in the world ratings to WBA No. 1, IBF No. 1, and WBC No. 3.

An exciting lineup of supporting bouts will be announced.

Information for tickets will be announced.

January 23, 2003
Dibella prospects, Bryant and Foreman in action Saturday Night
Press Release

NEW YORK, NY - The welterweight championship between Vernon Forrest and Ricardo Mayorga is the main event, and a pair of undefeated DiBella Entertainment stars will help to spice up the action this Saturday night, January 25, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.

Heavyweight on the rise Derek Bryant (15-0, 13 KOs) and top-flight junior middleweight Yuri Foreman (7-0, 3 KOs) will put their unbeaten pro records on the line on the championship fight card.

Bryant, dubbed the "One Man Riot," is a bona fide knockout artist, with 86 percent of his victories coming via KO. The Philadelphia native will take on tough veteran Damon Reed (34-6, 24 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight affair. When not in the ring, Derek is kept busy by his six children.

Jewish star Foreman steps right back into the ring after a convincing victory over Andrey Trunov two weeks ago on January 10 on ESPN/2's Friday Night Fights. A native of the Soviet Union before migrating to Israel, Foreman now fights out of New York City. The 22-year-old unbeaten junior middleweight squares off against William Evans (4-2, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.

"This is a great opportunity for both Derek and Yuri to showcase their talents on a championship card underneath Vernon Forrest vs. Ricardo Mayorga," said Lou DiBella, president of DBE.

HBO's World Championship Boxing broadcast will begin at 10:00 PM/ET, 7:00 PM/PT.

January 22, 2003
LaMontagne to host Everett homecoming Feb. 22
LaMontagne to host Everett homecoming Feb. 22
Flamos-Payne EBA cruiserweight title fight in co-feature

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – World-class contender Richie “The Mountain” LaMontagne (27-4-1, 22 KOs) returns to his roots Saturday afternoon, February 22 to fight in a 12-round main event on “The Homecoming” card, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, at Everett High School in Massachusetts.

“Everett is a great sports town with a rich football tradition,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield spoke about LaMontagne’s ‘Homecoming’ fight in Everett. “We’re having one of their own – Richie played football for Everett High – fight for a world title at his old school. I’m happy for Richie and the City of Everett, as well as for all of his friends and family members living in surrounding communities like Revere, Chelsea, Somerville, Malden and Medford. We need his fans there supporting him. I promoted Vinny Paz’ homecoming in Providence a few years ago and we had a dynamite sell-out with even standing room only seats sold. Who knows what an exciting Feb. 22 show
will do for Richie and bring to Everett in the future? Television networks are looking for venues like Everett High with a packed house and enthusiastic fans cheering for their favorite son.”

LaMontange, ranked No. 10 by the World Boxing Council and No. 1 by the North America Boxing Federation, faces an opponent to be named at his alma mater, which recently captured the Massachusetts Division 1 football championship (CES plans to honor the Crimson Tide’s team at the Feb. 22 show) for the second year in a row.

“I’ve always brought news about my boxing career back home and the support I’ve received in Everett has always meant a lot to me,” the model/actor LaMontagne said. “Everett has made me the man I am through sports and it means so much for me to be fighting for a world title in my hometown. Whether I’m jogging up Broadway or at Glendale Park, I’ve always enjoyed people waving to me, yelling encouragement, or asking for an autograph.

“I’ve spoken in person to Mayor (David) Ragucci and (Superintendent of Schools) Fred Foresteire about bringing this fight to Everett. Mayor Ragucci was my Huskies (youth football) coach and Mr. Forestire was my principal at the Hale School. I’ll never forget what they’ve done for me.”

New England cruiserweight champion Tim “The Hammer” Flamos (16-2-1, 7 KOs), a licensed carpenter from Brockton (MA), faces Worcester’s Roy “House of” Payne (15-11-4, 6 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature for the EBA cruiserweight crown vacated by Flamos’ stablemate, LaMontagne. Flamos is rated by the NABF and NABA, while Payne is rated by the NABA.

The undercard features Providence (RI) super lightweight “Steamin’” Josh Beeman (1-0), the 2000 Eastern Olympic Trials gold medallist; featherweight prospect Angel Torres (10-2, 4 KOs), of Manchester (CT); middleweight Bobo Starnino (2-0), of Providence, against Worcester’s Bobby McAndrews (1-1-1, 1 KO). Also in a special attraction female bout is two-time national amateur champion and the world’s No. 3 rated female fighter, Narragansett (RI) female superstar eight Jaime Clampitt (9-2, 2 KOs).

All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Call CES to order tickets or for more information at 401.724.2253. Doors open at 2 p.m.

January 22, 2003
Northwest Amateurs EVENTS 2003
January:

10-12 Silver Gloves Regionals Red Lodge, MT


18 Boxing Match Everett, WA


February:

1-2 Tacoma JR Golden Gloves Tacoma, WA

8 Boxing Match Mark Evans

5-9 National Silver Gloves Lenexa, KS
14-15 Tacoma Sen. Golden Gloves Tacoma, WA


22-23 Fred Enslow & Portland, OR



Senior Regional USA


27 Glass Palace Show Portland, OR


March:

7 Chinook Winds Lincoln, City
7-8 Oregon Golden Gloves Portland, OR
24-28 Mens USA Champion. Colorado Springs, CO


April:

4-5 State Junior Olympic’s
24 McCormick/Schmicks Portland, OR
Team Holyfield vs PNW



May:


10-11 JO Pacific Northwest

Regional Championships

25-31 National Golden Gloves Las Vegas, NV

July:

25 Chinook Winds Lincoln City, OR


Nov:

1 Chinook Winds Lincoln City, OR

January 22, 2003
New Amateur Boxing Rules
AIBA is the international organization governing amateur boxing competition between nations.

Dr. Robert Voy's Report on the AIBA Congress
The AIBA Congress, a quadrennial event, was held Oct. 28-Nov. 2 in Cairo, Egypt. A number of issues were voted on, and will affect many aspect of amateur boxing. Representing the United States were Sandy Martinez-Pino, Ray Silvas, Lyle Aklestad and me. The changes follow:
New Weights:
- Senior and U-19 (11 weight classes): 48 k./106 lbs., 51 k./112 lbs., 54 k./119 lbs., 57 k./125 lbs., 60 k./132 lbs., 64 k./141 lbs., 69 k./152 lbs., 75 k./165 lbs., 81 k./178 lbs., 91 k./201 lbs., +91 k./201+ lbs. (64 k. becomes Light-Welter, 69 k. becomes Welter, 75 k. becomes Middle. The division that is eliminated is Light Middle.)
- Female and Cadet (15 and 16 years of age): (13 weight classes): 46 k./101 lbs., 48 k./106 lbs., 50 k./110 lbs, 52 k../114 lbs., 54 k./119 lbs., 57 k./125 lbs., 60 k./132 lbs., 63 k./138 lbs., 66 k./145 lbs., 70 k./154 lbs., 75 k./165 lbs., 80 k./176 lbs., 86 k./189 lbs.
Rule Changes
- Gloves: The white portion of the glove is eliminated; the gloves will now be one solid color. The rationales were that several judges noted that the white portion was a hindrance, in that it appears that both boxers are wearing white gloves, and cost savings was the other reason.
- Velpeau bandaging, will now read: Not longer than 2.5 meters and 5.7 cm (2 ¼ inches) wide on each hand must be used.
- 20 point system is no longer valid: Judges must score with a scoring machine or a hand-held calculator, they will then write the final scores in their score cards.
- Persons who Referee and/or Judge professional boxing matches are ineligible to test for any AIBA Referee/Judge position. Any AIBA Referee/Judge who officiates in a professional match automatically renders him/herself ineligible to remain on the Continental or World list and must be removed immediately when this fact becomes known.
- AIBA Examinations: A candidate may not be older than 45 years according to the date of birth at the time of examination.
- Point Differentials: For Seniors and Juniors, if the point differential reaches 20, the bout must be stopped. For Women and Cadets, the bouts will be stopped when the differential reaches 15 points. The bout cannot be stopped during the last round.
-When a bout is stopped due to the 20 point or 15 point differential, the decision will be RSC-OS (Outscored)
-Use of Vaseline: The use of pure Vaseline rubbed into the forehead and eyebrow to prevent an injury is permitted. The Medical Commission felt there was no medical reason to prohibit this protective measure.
-Determining Age: A boxer's age is determined on the first day of competition. This age will be effective throughout the tournament even if a boxer has a birthday during the competition.
-Cadet Championships: The minimum age is 15, and the boxer must be under 17 years of age. Henceforth, the Cadet Championships will be held annually.
-Junior (Under 19)Championships: The minimum age is 17, and the boxer must be under 19 years of age.
-Female Boxers: The use of a t-shirt shall be optional. The use of breast protectors shall be optional.
All rules become effective on January 1, 2003, with the exception of referees who work professional boxing matches becoming ineligible to test for AIBA. This rule became effective on September 20, 2002 at the Vice Presidents meeting in Cuba.
The elections resulted in the following:
President: Prof. Anwar Chowdhry (Pakistan)
Secretary-General: Caner Doganeli (Turkey)
Vice-Presidents for the Americas: Domingo Solano (Dom. Rep) and Jorge Guzman (Cuba)
EC Members for the Americas:
Osvaldo Bisbal (Argentina)
Luis Bosseli (Brazil)
Dr. Robert Voy (USA)
Jose Vellon (Puerto Rico)
AIBA Commission Chair Appointments
R/J: Dr. Ismael Osman (Egypt)
Tech & Rules: Emil Jetchev (Bulgaria)
Finance: Beket Makmutov (Kazakhstan)
Press & Public: Jack Antzel (Greece)
Safety & Ed: Taweep Jantararoj (Thailand)
Scientific: Dr. Abdellah Bessallem (Algeria)
Youth: Gen. Francis Nyangweso (Uganda)
Women's: Sandy Martinez-Pino (USA)
Legal: Rosengren (Sweden)
Business: Gafur Rakhimov (Uzbekistan)
Medical: Dr. Peter Jako (Hungary)
I am pleased to report that I was elected to serve on the AIBA Executive Committee, and Sandy Martinez-Pino, as Chair of the Women's Commission, will continue to attend Vice Presidents and Executive Committee meetings.
I'm looking forward to the positive changes within AIBA, and now, with greater representation from the U.S., I feel we will have even greater impact worldwide.


A Post script from Ray Silvas:
"Pure vaseline can now be used. As far as the solid gloves go, if the LBC has
them--use them. If they don't, keep using the white surface gloves until
it's time to re-order gloves. At that time they should order the solid
gloves. Hope that helps."
Ray Silvas

January 17, 2003
Feb 1 at the Lucky Eagle
Press Release:

Saturday, February 1, 2003 at 7:00pm
Mexican Heavyweight Champ Felipe Borjorquez Returns to Face Friday Ahunanya(17-1).
Over 40 Rounds 8 Bouts Scheduled for Fight Night 39


Dateline: Rochester, WA, January 17, 2003

Mexican Heavyweight Champion Felipe Borjorquez returns following a disputed fight with Chauncy Welliver last July. He will face Friday Ahunanya, who
has 17 wins and only one loss and is trained by Luis Tapia in the 10 round main event. Borjorquez has a flashy 10 wins all on knockouts, but Ahunanya,from Kenya, is rated 4th in Africa and in the top 50 worldwide.

He KO'd Welliver just seconds after the bell ended the 3rd round and was. Borjorquez was pounding Welliver prior to the decision with heavy, powerful punches to the body and head. Ahunanya will be a real challenge for the handsome, cocky Mexican Champ, and was a Don King favoriteas an under card star at the Holyfield vs. Rahman fight. He is a
Former NABF Champion in a win over Nate Jones.

Other bouts include:
* Reggie Davis vs. Amador Ishwar
* Damion Hatch vs. TBD
* David Cadengo vs. Norman Campbell
* Marquez Gibson vs. Troy Laal
* Shawn Plessis vs. Javier Chavez
* Irving Green vs. Richard Langley

Other possibilities include the return of Rafael Ortiz and Jason
Parillo.

Changes and additional information will be announced as they occur.

Tickets $40 ringside, $25 reserved, $20 reserved of general admission
available at Ticketmaster, casino (800-720-1788) or Twin Cities
Fuller's
stores. Fighters are subject to change and contract approval by the Washington State Boxing Commission.


Duncan MacLeod

Director of Marketing
Lucky Eagle Casino

January 17, 2003
Kid Heartbreak Kayos Death
By Robert Ecksel

It has never been, nor is it ever going to be, easy being Johnny Tapia. Born less than zero with every strike against him, it’s a miracle Johnny has survived as well and as long as he has. That Johnny Tapia flourished in a world so unforgiving is a testament to the manner of this man. But talk about crappy karma! Father unknown. Mother murdered. Childhood bludgeoned. Innocence mutilated beyond recognition. Yet Johnny took this twisted reality and morphed it into a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. He is no ordinary man. Not when his name is Johnny Tapia.

On the morning of January 10, 2003, Johnny Tapia got himself in trouble for a change. In a suburb called Golden Valley, Arizona, Johnny was chilling with Raymond Whiting, 31, a cousin from a corroded, semi-familial connection, and someone with four names called Walter Joseph Michael Beck, 26. What these three amigos were up to is anybody’s guess. Chances are it was no good. Raymond Whiting was wanted for failing to appear in a New Mexico Court for aggravated assault and weapons charges. There’s talk about a carjacking. There are murder trials in his background. Brother Raymond is bad company for a man like Johnny Tapia. After an hour-long standoff, the cops broke down the door and took the three men into custody. Johnny Tapia was described as “very cooperative with the detectives” and released. Johnny Tapia was also charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia. What drug paraphernalia? No one was talking.

Later in the day it was reported that Johnny was found in possession of drugs. This appeared and disappeared in a blip. What drugs? Mum was the word. Maybe it was untrue. Because if Johnny Tapia was found with drugs, then why did the police release him? Johnny Tapia, as anyone who knows him can attest, can charm the venom from a snake. Perhaps the law was dazzled and just let Johnny go. It wouldn’t be the first time. Then another news flash hit the stands. Johnny Tapia was unconscious and on partial life support. This report stated that on Saturday morning, January 11, 2003 at 12:05 AM, Teresa Tapia called 911 from their Las Vegas home because her husband was unconscious. He fell backward, struck his head, and was having trouble breathing.

One never knows which end is up with Johnny Tapia. He’s a different breed of cat, a man with nine lives, and this scene has played out before. Johnny’s been declared legally dead three times already, so he loves to outwit the Grim Reaper. Everyone was pulling for Johnny Tapia. Everyone is always pulling for Johnny Tapia. How could they not? This child in a man’s body the size of a child’s body. This adorable and vulnerable critter. This tortured soul. All Johnny ever wanted was mother love - and his only breaks were skull fractures and a decision over Medina. Johnny’s love of life slams off of him like sparks in a room full of kindling, but he’s always flirting with the shadows. Darkness and light, good and bad, inside out and upside down, it’s the Life of Johnny Tapia’s and hold the envy. Loved by millions yet poisoned by oceans of self-hate, triumphant yet morose on an epic scale, the wrenching mise-en-scene, when all is said and done, of an amazing incarnation.

Johnny must have lapsed again, regressed to his primitive roots, got caught and made a mess. Because Johnny Tapia is such an emotional open wound, it doesn’t take much to push him over the edge. Combined with pills or booze or guilt or God knows what else, Johnny Tapia, pissed at himself, took one step over the line. This has happened before, but Johnny Tapia always rebounded. I spent the weekend betting that Johnny Tapia was macho enough to spit in the eye of death another time. If anyone could do it, he could.

They say the house, with its marked deck, always has the advantage, but when Johnny Tapia, who might not be playing with a full deck, has been dealt a hand, almost anything goes. Johnny Tapia is not your everyday high roller. Not by a long shot. Defying odds has always been Johnny Tapia’s game.

On Sunday, January 12, Johnny Tapia’s condition was upgraded from critical to serious. The bedside vigil never ceased. The hundred thousand prayers were working. Johnny was rallying. By Monday, January 13, Johnny Tapia had come full circle. He was conscious and talking. A doc said that Johnny suffered no damage to his brain and heart. They were almost ready to send Johnny Tapia home.

Johnny is safe and sound in an undisclosed location. As far as possible from the media circus, Johnny’s family has circled the wagons. Johnny Tapia the miracle worker just performed another miracle to add to his miracle collection. He defied death for the umpteenth time against a foe that always wins in the end. People are already wondering how long it will be before Johnny Tapia returns to the ring.

“Thirty-five years old, five foot six inches tall, one-hundred twenty-six pounds of sinewy warrior spirit, the four-time world boxing champion from Las Vegas, Nevada via Albuquerque, New Mexico, fighting out of the blue corner . . . Johnny Tapia, a.k.a. Mi Vida Loca, a.k.a. Kid Heartbreak.”

robert.ecksel@gte.

January 16, 2003
Fund Raiser for McLellan and Page on February 22
CHARITY FUND RAISER TO HONOR AND SUPPORT STRICKEN CHAMPIONS McCLELLAN AND PAGE

MANY BOXING LUMINARIES EXPECTED TO ATTEND ON FEBRUARY 22 IN ROCKFORD, IL


FREEPORT, January 15 - On Saturday, February 22, a charity fund raising dinner will be held in honor of world boxing champions Gerald McClellan and Greg Page at the Clock Tower Resort in Rockford, Illinois.

All proceeds from this event, which will feature many luminaries in
attendance from the world of boxing, will go towards the continuing medical care of both champions, who were seriously injured in their final bouts.

Tickets, priced at $100 per plate, are available by calling Ear Wax Records at 815-233-5460. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but to ensure premium seating, reservations are encouraged.

Gerald McClellan, the former middleweight champion of the world, has
required 24 hour a day care since his tragic bout with Nigel Benn in 1995. The Charity dinner is being held three days before the eighth anniversary of the fight, which took place in London, England.

Greg Page, a former world heavyweight champion , also requires extensive medical rehabilitation stemming from injuries suffered in a 2001 bout with Dale Crowe.

Boxing reform is a key theme of this charity event, and the cases of
McClellan and Page clearly demonstrate the need for such changes in the industry. Please support this worthwhile cause with your attendance on February 22.

For more information, please contact Lisa McClellan at 815-233-6214, or by E-mail at lisamcclellan99@aol.com

The Clock Tower Resort is located at 7801 East State Street in Rockford, Illinois. Their phone number is 815-398-6000.

If you are unable to attend this event, but would still like to make a tax deductible donation, you can mail your check or money order, made payable to Gerald McClellan Trust to:

Gerald McClellan Trust
C/O Fifth Third Bank
PO Box 120
Freeport, IL 61032

January 14, 2003
Mosley Prepares for Marquez
BIG BEAR, CA - In his continuing quest to be boxing's best,
Pound for Pound, former lightweight and welterweight champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley will try the 154-pound division on for size on February 8, 2003, when he squares off against former junior middleweight titleholder Raul Marquez at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mosley, 38-2 with 35 KOs, is not the least bit intimidated by fighting in his new weight class.

"I’m not worried because I’ve been training very hard to get ready for this fight," said Mosley from his training camp in Big Bear, California. "I feel great. I’ve gotten some world class sparring so I can gauge myself and I’m confident. I’m ready to do this fight, and then get up to the next fight, and then the next fight after that. I’m anxious. I want to go and fight everybody."

First he'll have to get past Houston's Marquez, 34-2 with 23 KOs, who made two defenses of the IBF junior middleweight title he won from Anthony Stephens in April of 1997. But Mosley is not looking past the 1992 Olympic Silver Medallist.

"He’s a consistent fighter, he’s durable, and he’s ready to go rounds," said Mosley of Marquez. "I have to be in top shape to fight him because he’s always in the fight. I know him and he knows me, but he’s still a former world champion and he’s a threat."

And for the everyone in the 154-pound divsion, the new kid in town is the real threat.

"I love to fight," said Mosley. "When I’m in the ring and when I’m in great shape I feel like I can take on anybody. I know I’m just as strong and quick as anybody, and I just feel good. I love the sport of boxing and I just want to continue to give the fans what they want to see, and that’s great fights."

The Mosley-Marquez card, which also features a WBO welterweight title bout between Antonio Margarito and Andrew "Six Heads" Lewis, is presented by IMG Boxing and Top Rank Inc., in association with Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Both featured bouts will be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT.

Tickets for this exciting six bout card, priced at $25.00, $50.00, $150.00, $250.00, are available by calling 702-632-7580.

January 14, 2003
Paul Pender's Pro Record
Paul Pender's Pro Record
http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/pender-p.htm

January 14, 2003
Paul Pender, former middleweight champ, dies at 72
.c The Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) - Paul Pender, a former middleweight champion who twice beat an aging Sugar Ray Robinson in 1960, died at 72.

He had Alzheimer's disease. He died Sunday at the Veterans Administration hospital in Bedford, hospital spokeswoman Martha Smith said Monday.

On Jan. 22, 1960, Pender outpointed a 38-year-old Robinson in the old Boston Garden. Five months later, he retained the title in a split decision over Robinson in a rematch.

Pender made two other successful defenses before losing to Terry Downes in London. He regained the title with a 15-round decision over Downes in Boston in 1962.

But he battled with promoters to gain greater say over opponents and never boxed again. He was stripped of his title in November 1962.

``He never got the credit he deserved,'' said his son, Paul Pender Jr. ``He was never really one to toot his own horn. He was just happy to just do his job and take his paycheck.''

Pender, a native of Brookline, turned professional in 1949 after winning the New England amateur welterweight crown. He was 20-2-2 before joining the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

He briefly retired and joined the Brookline fire department in 1957 after breaking his right hand 11 times. He returned to the ring in 1958 and finished his pro career at 40-6-2.

``I consider boxing the biggest test in the world for endurance, mentally and physically,'' he told the Boston Herald. ``It's a test because no one is responsible other than yourself. No one can accuse anybody else of making a mistake. That's why I enjoyed the challenge.''

Pender became director of recreation for the state prison in Walpole after he left boxing, and later became an advocate for boxers' rights. He was an early proponent of a national governing body for the sport.

Besides his son, he is survived by two daughters and five grandsons.

January 12, 2003
Oliveira Smothers Smith, Wins IBU Welterweight Title
By JD Vena at ringside

Providence, RI – It took 13 years of professional prizefighting and now “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, 147, of New Bedford, MA can finally call himself a world champion. In one night’s work it took six rounds of unyielding punishment to prompt late sub, Lorenzo Smith of Chicago, to submit to Oliveira who walked out of the ring at the Dunkin Donuts Center the brand new IBU welterweight champion. That moment for Oliveira almost didn’t happen at least not last night when his original opponent, Golden Johnson of San Antonio withdrew from the fight for no apparent reason less than a day before the fight. Smith, a 34-3 opponent as of yesterday, flew in from the Windy City with one night’s rest and for his part, saved the show with the valor and honor that Johnson did not possess.

“I was trying to control myself,” said Oliveira of the potential disaster. “I wanted to be mad about what Golden did but I had faith that (my promoter Jimmy Burchfield) would find someone for me to fight. Fighters have an obligation to fight when they sign the contract. Fans came to see me and Golden Johnson fight for a world title, not Golden or me fighting a replacement.”

Oliveira understands this on both ends as he has kept many shows alive with his dignity and fearlessness as a fighter. He has kept his end of the deal and helped promoters out in times of crisis. In October of ’94 Oliveira broke his nose five days prior to facing former world champion, Charles “The Natural” Murray. Instead of postponing the match, Ray elected to persevere when it came down to fight time and even won a decision over Murray a few days after the injury. In 2001, Oliveira faced Argentina’s tough Omar Weis while going into a fight with a torn ligament in his right knee. Oliveira fought him to a draw.

In 1997, Oliveira also filled in as a late replacement on five days notice for a young up and coming fighter by the name of Vernon Forrest. Oliveira who was then campaigning as a jr. welterweight accepted the match and extended Forrest 12 rounds in a losing effort. And in April of 2000, Oliveira helped Jimmy Burchfield out and replaced Scott Pemberton as a headliner when his stable-mate was arrested three days before the scheduled fight.

Last night, Smith, 147, did his best impression of being a “fighter” but clearly wasn’t sharp enough or in the kind of shape necessary of holding off a buzzsaw like Oliveira. But it didn’t come as easy as Oliveira would have liked.

“He did a good job covering his body which I like to hit the most,” said Oliveira. “I hurt my right shoulder when I missed him in one of the early rounds so it was hard for me to throw anything else but left jabs and body shots. He showed good defense.”

But it wasn’t good enough. In the third round, Oliveira connected with a left hook to the eye followed by one downstairs that dropped Smith to his knees. Smith, in obvious pain and trying to regain his vision managed to stand up and finish the round. He would go on to fight through the pain and Oliveira’s endless assault until receiving a perfectly placed left hook just below the solar plexus. Smith winced and took another count, one that maybe convinced his corner to halt the bout once or if he finished it.

“Once I hurt someone to the body I just get in that mood to keep going there,” said Oliveira. “I knew the body shots were hurting him and he knew they were coming which is why he was good at fending a lot of them off.”

Whether anyone acknowledges Oliveira’s title winning effort as such, is up to them. But you have to admit, if it represents the fighting principles he stands by, it’s certainly worth something. The win improved Oliveira’s record to 44-8-2 with 21 KO’s and the new champ is now looking for someone who will want to take this title from him.

“I wish people would be as brave as Smith was. Hopefully, they will be. If it were up to me I’d like to fight tomorrow,” said the proud Oliveira.

Any takers?

In the co-feature, Gary “The Tiger” Balletto, 137, of Providence, RI rebounded from his 1st pro defeat to stop former world super-flyweight champion, Juan Polo-Perez, 134, of Miami, FL via Colombia. The powerpunching Balletto had a tough time zoning in on the shifty Polo-Perez in the first round but caught him on the ropes late in the second round. After some thudding shots, Polo-Perez went down just before the bell had sounded. But since the bell cannot save a fighter, referee Charlie Dwyer counted the Colombian out at 3:00 of the second round. Balletto is now 26-1-2 with 23 KO’s while his opponent drops to 45-30-4 with 23 KO’s.

In the opening bout, Bobo “The Bull” Starnino, 161, Providence, RI won a 4-round unanimous decision over Manuel “Cheeks” Teo, 163, of Worcester, MA. Starnino now 2-0 won by three scores of 40-36. Teo is now 4-11 with 3 KO’s.

Providence’s Joe “KO Kid Spina, 176, moved to 7-0 with 5 KO’s, when his opponent William Bailey, 175, of Norfolk, VA moved right into Spina’s vicious left hook during an exchange. Bailey was instantly felled by the blow and referee Joe Lopino counted to ten at 2:26 of the 1st round. Bailey is now 1-4-1 with 1 KO.

Jaime Clampitt, 144 ½, of Narragansett, RI via Calgary, Canada won a tough 6-round decision over Cynthia “Sunshine” Jones, 146, of Miami, FL. Clampitt, who will marry Ted Panagiotis, a matchmaker of Burchfield's won by scores of 59-56, 59-55 and 57-57 and improved her overall mark to 9-2 with 2 KO’s while Jones fell to 0-3.

69-year old, former jr. lightweight champion, Harold “Chubby” Gomes belongs as a referee as much as he does a fighter. In a featherweight match between Angel Torres of Manchester, CT and Lowell’s Jose Ayala, Gomes did not administer a count for the first knockdown scored by Torres and then let the fight continue longer than it should have gone. Torres, 127, dropped Ayala, 125, in brutal fashion, face-first with a volley of unanswered shots. At least Gomes didn’t bother counting a second time and waved it over at 2:09 of the 1st round. Ayala was responding to questions prior to being carried out on a stretcher and was walking around during the final two bouts. Torres is now 10-2 with 4 KO’s while Ayala is now 6-3.


New England amateur star, “Steamin” Josh Beeman, 141, made his long awaited professional debut a successful one when he out-pointed Arnold Hill, 144, of St. Petersburg, FL. Hill was able to keep himself out of harm’s way because of his mobility and Beeman’s inability to land most of his hard shots on the inside. Beeman still outworked his opponent winning all four rounds. All three judges scored the bout 40-36. Hill is now 1-3.

Promoter – Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports

January 11, 2003
Lorenzo Smith Replaces Missing Golden Johnson in Providence
By JD Vena

Providence, RI - Everything seemed to be going as planned around 4:00 PM at yesterday's weigh in at the Dunkin Donut Center. All of the scheduled fighters had showed up on time, except important principal. Golden Johnson, the man who was to meet "Sucra" Ray Oliveira in tonight's feature for the vacant IBU welterweight title. Oliveira had waited with clenched fists hoping to see his antagonist walk through the doors but it would never happen. His dreams of winning a world title the next night seemed in jeopardy. According to Nick Garone, the manager of San Antonio's Golden Johnson the fighter was to have boarded a plane from San Antonio to Providence yesterday morning but never reached the airport. Johnson was a no-call, no-show and left promoter Jimmy Burchfield and the rest of his CES crew less than a day to prepare for Plan B.

Plan B will be Lorenzo Smith (34-3-1 /14 KO's) of Chicago, a former 2-time world title challenger promoted by Bobby Hitz. Smith lost to Eamonn Loughran (for the WBO welterweight title) and Carlos Gonzalez (for the WBO jr. welterweight title) in previous world title attempts.

A few months ago, Oliveira had approached your writer and said, "Hey, see if Jimmy (Burchfield) is going to be having me fight soon." I replied, "Yeah, it'd be nice to have some Christmas money eh?"

Oliveira looked at me as if I had farted and said, "Money? Man, I just want to hit somebody!"

Looking back, I can see why Golden Johnson had decided that fighting Oliveira wasn't the keen idea.

Tickets for tonight's 7-bout show are priced at $51.50, $31.50 and $16.50. To order tickets contact (401) 724-2253 (Burchfield), 401-331-2211 (Dunkin Donut Center) or all Ticketmaster outlets.

January 11, 2003
Williamson Outpoints Wiggins
By JD Vena at ringside

UNCASVILLE, CT – It’s a good thing that last night’s main event at Mohegan Sun finished up the way that it did. Not that the Da Varryl Williamson-Robert Wiggins heavyweight bout was a fight of the year candidate (at least I hope not) or that last night’s 5-bout undercard was horrible. But with the majority of the evenings’ bouts ending in one-sided decisions, the show needed some spark to wake everyone up. The main event didn’t begin until around 12:30 AM (EST) and everyone was nearly asleep until a fight broke out in the second round of the Williamson-Wiggins bout. Williamson won the contestby unanimous decision (94-93, 97-90 and 96-91) .

During the second round Williamson, 219, Washington, D.C. absorbed some telling lead overhand lefts and right hooks thrown by the shorter Robert Wiggins, 218, of East Providence, RI (now 17-2-1/ 10 KO’s). He even appeared stunned by the end of the frame but rebounded in the third by flooring Wiggins in Williamson’s corner. Wiggins stormed back during the next few rounds and it appeared that the appreciative crowd sensed a minor upset.

As it turned out, Wiggins tired dramatically during the final three rounds and was floored again in the 8th. After beating the count, Williamson was able to dominate the fight from long range where he had hoped to fight in the first place.

“The southpaw stance of Wiggins didn’t bother me,” said the winner. “But he was more aggressive than I anticipated and at times I was forced to fight his fight. His uppercuts stunned me a bit but at no time did I feel that I was in danger of going down.

Williamson who had previously never fought past five rounds improved his record to 18-1 with 16 KO’s.

Yuri Foreman, 152 ¼, New York, NY via Haifa, Israel used his smooth boxing style to befuddle a game but outgunned Andrey Trunov of the Ukraine via Buffalo. All three judges had Foreman winning 60-54 over 6 rounds. Trunov, 152 ¼, couldn’t mount any kind of an attack because of Foreman’s elusiveness. Foreman was rarely in the same place longer than a second. Foreman is now 7-0 with 3 KO’s while Trunov is now 8-4 with 6 KO’s.

In the co-feature, Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria, 112, the 2000 U.S. Olympian of Waipahu, HI won a convincing but uneventful 12-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Moreno, 110 ¾, of Juarez, Mexico to retain his NABF title for the second time. The scores were 119-109, 120-108 and 118-110.

The fact that the fight wasn’t as pleasing probably had much to do with the fact that the 22-year old Viloria broke his right hand during the 3rd round. But the Hawaiian continued to fire that hand and used his speed and conditioning to out-hustle Moreno who had three times the number of fights. Moreno was able to fend many of Viloria’s speedy shots. The lack of experience showed but Viloria, to his part didn’t stop fighting. Viloria is now 11-0 and with 6 KO’s while Moreno dropped to 19-11-1 with 10 KO’s.

Brooklyn’s Sechew Powell, 155, improved to 5-0 with 4 KO’s when he dropped Billy Joe Tipton, 158, of Covington, TN three times in the second round. After the 3rd knockdown referee Daniel Shiavone halted the one-sided affair at the 1:57 mark. Tipton, is now 1-3.

Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi, 184 ½, New York, NY needed only a few right hands to dispatch the overmatched Mike Coker, 189 ¾ of Ozark, AL to raise his record to 25-1 with 14 KO’s. Coker, now 9-7-1 with 7 KO’s absorbed two big right hands that dropped him in a heap. He arose but was deposited face first moments later by another right. The fight was halted at 1:59 of the very 1st round.

In the opening bout, Malcolm Tann, 231, of Seaboard, NC (3-0/ 1) won a 4-round unanimous decision over the shorter (and heftier) Harold Rodriguez, 236 ½, of Taunton, MA (3-2/ 1 KO). The scores were 40-35 for all three jusdges.

Network – ESPN2

January 10, 2003
Golden Johnson a no-show in Providence
Providence, RI - Golden Johnson not only missed today's weigh-in for his anticipated title fight tomorrow night with "Sucra" Ray Oliveira of New Bedford, MA, he missed his flight from San Antonio to Providence. The two were to engage in a 12-round fight for the vacant IBU welterweight title at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, but Johnson bailed out despite telling his manager Nick Garone that he would be in Providence for this afternoon's weigh-in. A replacement for Oliveira is being sought by the promoter Jimmy Burchfield and the show is still a go. For ticket information contact Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports (401-724-2253), the Dunkin Donuts Center (401-331-2211) or all Ticketmaster outlets.

January 9, 2003
Perez steps in as Balletto’s opponent
Perez replaces injured Galli as Balletto’s opponent
Saturday night at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in RI

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – Columbian veteran Juan Polo Perez (45-29-4, 23 KOs) has replaced injured Wilson “Topadora” Galli as Providence lightweight Gary “The Tiger” Balletto’s (25-1-2, 22 KOs) opponent Saturday night (January 11) in their 10-round co-main event on promoter Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ pro boxing card, “Winter Warriors,” at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence.

Galli was injured this week at training camp. Perez, the former IBF Super Flyweight champion, fought ex-WBC Super Flyweight champ “Sugar Baby” Rojas to a draw and has been in the ring against world champions such as Prince Naseem Hamed, Jorge Paez, Wayne McCullough, Wilfredo Vazquez, and Hilario Zapata. Juan has also fought world-class lightweights Angel Manfredy and Levander Johnson.

In the 12-round co-main event, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira (43-8-2, 20 KOs), of New Bedford (MA) and Pawtucket (RI), battles “14-Karat” Golden Johnson (22-7-2, 16 KOs), of Texas, for the vacant IBU World Welterweight Championship.

Tickets for “Winter Warriors” are priced at $51.50, $31.50 and $16.50. Call CES to order tickets or for more information at 401.724.2253. Tickets are also available at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (401.331.2211) or all TicketMaster outlets.

January 9, 2003
Travel Packages for Ruiz-Jones
Target Sport Adventures is Official Tour Operator
for John Ruiz

Las Vegas travel package for Mar. 1 Ruiz-Jones title fight now on sale

BOSTON, Mass. - Target Sport Adventures (TSA) has been appointed as the Official Tour Operator for WBA heavyweight champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz - the first world heavyweight champ of Latino heritage - for his historic title defense March 1 against Roy Jones, Jr. at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

TSA is providing full travel packages that include air, hotel, and tickets to the fight, as well as special edition merchandise to commemorate the event, and a limited amount of Ruiz autographed boxing gloves. Packages from Boston start at $799 per person.

The official travel package also includes admittance to an exclusive
post-fight party, where Ruiz is scheduled to appear, hosted by two great boxing celebrities and personal friends of Ruiz, Tony "The Pride of Fleet Street" DeMarco and "Irish" Micky Ward.

DeMarco, born in Boston's North End, knocked out Johnny Saxton to capture the world welterweight title in 1955. He won 58 of 71 pro fights with 33 knockouts and was elected to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. Ward, of Lowell (MA), is one of boxing's most popular fighters, best known for his much celebrated rivalry with Arturo Gatti. Their first bout last May was voted 2002 Fight of the Year by many boxing organizations and a third fight is much anticipated in 2003.

Packages are available through Target Sport Adventures at 800-832-4242 x 7 or online at www.targetsport.com/ruiz. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the packages will be donated to the Somerville Boxing Club, the non-profit Massachusetts venue where Ruiz developed his boxing skills as an amateur.

Target Sport Adventures is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been in business since 1978. TSA has been appointed Official Tour Operator for events such as the 2002 Lennox Lewis/Mike Tyson World Heavyweight
Championship, the 2002 Top Rank Morales/Barrera and De la Hoya/Vargas World Championships, the 1996 Atlanta and 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, the 1994 and 1999 Woodstock Reunion concerts, the 2000 and 2003 America's Cup in New Zealand, and the 95th and 100th Harley-Davidson Anniversaries in Milwaukee.

January 8, 2003
New England Chatta
By JD Vena

This past weekend was tough was it not? Watching the kick-off of the NFL playoffs without our beloved defending world champion New England Patriots was arduous. As one of my friend’s pointed out, it’s unsettling, to say the least knowing that another team will be holding the Lombardi Trophy in the end. Well if you're like me and you’re looking to kick your Patriot woes then you can use this weekend’s boxing events to help ease the pain. Two potentially exciting cards kick off the year this weekend at two of the better venues in New England outside of Gillette Stadium. On Friday night, at the beautifully spacious Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, young up and coming heavyweight, Daryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson puts his impressive record on the line when he faces upset minded Robert Wiggins of East Providence, RI in a 10-round main event televised on ESPN2. This is a perfect opportunity (if you haven’t already) to check out the beautifully renovated casino and new hotel. On Saturday night, New Bedford’s Ray Oliveira will look to do some gold digging when meets San Antonio’s Golden Johnson in a 12-round battle for the vacant IBU welterweight title at the Duncan Donut Center in Providence.

Williamson, of Aurora, CO has become a fearsome puncher in his development, scoring 16 knockouts in a record of 17 wins and one loss. Since rebounding from an earlier defeat, Williamson, light for a heavyweight has knocked out giants such as Kevin “The Clones Collossus” McBride, the Irish heavyweight champion (who hails from Brookline, MA), Dale Crowe who had previously never been stopped and more recently, Corey Sanders, who outweighed Williamson by over 100 pounds. Those are some big fellers.

Wiggins, who like Williamson is 34 and has a similar record (17-1-1/ 10 KO’s), has been in this scenario before and is 1-1 in match-ups versus young lions. Derek Bryant, one of the more heralded of the young heavyweights halted Wiggins in four rounds last June when one of Wiggins’ eyes swelled shut. But in December of 2001, Wiggins scored a memorable come-from-behind knockout (even though he appeared to be well ahead on points) over then unbeaten Erick Kirkland in 10 rounds at the arena he will fight Williamson on Friday night.

Former U.S. Olympian Brian Viloria (10-0/ 6 KO’s) known as the “Hawaiian Punch will travel halfway across the globe to face Alejandro Moreno (19-10/ 10 KO’s) in a 12-round co-feature. Viloria will attempt to defend his NABF flyweight title for the second time. Also appearing on the card will be hot prospects, Sachew Powell (4-0/ 2 KO’s), Yuri Forman (6-0/ 3 KO’s), “The Kosovo Kid” Elvir Muriqi (24-1) all of whom hail New York. The first fight kicks off at 7:30 P.M. while the ESPN2 Friday Night Fight portion of the show begins at 10:30 P.M. Tickets, priced at $45 and $25, may be purchased by visiting www.tickets.com, by calling 800-477-6849 or by visiting the Mohegan Sun Casino box office.

As mentioned earlier, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira (43-8-2/ 20 KO’s), one of boxing’s most exciting and toughest fighter will meet fellow veteran “24-Karat” Golden Johnson (22-7-2/ 16 KO’s) in a battle for the vacant IBU welterweight title at the Duncan Donut Center in Providence. I don’t know about you but this venue reminds me of the days of the throwback fights, the kind you’d see at MSG or the Boston Garden. In Oliveira-Johnson, whether you embrace the title they are fighting for in high regard or not, you will see a tough throwback fight. In fact, if there were a fight you’d like to see televised this weekend this is it.

Oliveira, known as the “Human Punching Machine” (aren’t most punching machines humans?), is one of the most established New England fighters since the exit of Brockton great, Marvin Hagler. Don’t think so? Consider his accomplishments. Of his 8 losses, he has never lost to a fighter with more than 2 defeats. He has been floored only twice (Vernon Forrest in ’97, Jake Rodriguez in ’94) as a pro. He was the first to extend Forrest, the CBZ’s 2002 Fighter of the Year, the 12-round limit. And since the days of Rocky Marciano, only Hagler has defeated more world champions than Oliveira, who holds wins over Vince Phillips, Charles Murray and present WBA jr. welterweight champ, Vivian Harris.

Though he has been a steady contender for nearly a decade, Oliveira has not fought for a world title since the loss to Rodriguez in ’94 and sees this his upcoming assignment as a legitimate shot at a real title. Besides pleasing fans, a world title is all he desires.

“People can say all they want about this title that we’re fighting for,” said Oliveira. “The three letters at the beginning of the title don’t mean a thing to me. What matters to me are the last two words, ‘world champion.’ It’s not a title that makes a fighter a good champion. Some champions just fight whomever they want and disgrace their titles. I plan on winning this title and making a name for it and myself. I’ll bring prestige to this title.”

Oliveira knows that obtaining this belt will take some sacrifices but he’s already made plenty while preparing for this fight.

“We’ve been working very hard for this fight. I’ve trained over tow months for this fight. My jab is better than it’s ever been. I’ve heard that he said he plans on walking me down and wearing me out. That what I do. He’s going to be walking into punches all night. He doesn’t bend his knees enough and he’s lazy. It’s funny, he’s 28 but I fight more like a 28-year old than he does and I’m 34.”

In an exciting undercard, Jimmy Burchfield has once again put together a fantastic marathon card. In a 10-round co-feature, Gary “The Tiger” Balletto (25-1-2/ 25 KO’s), the exciting lightweight from Providence will fight Colombian veteran Juan Polo-Perez (45-29-4/ 23 KO’s). Polo-Perez, a former IBF super-flyweight champion is a late replacement for Wilson Galli, who was injured during training.

If you’re sitting in the bleacher seats of the Fall River P.A.L. or the Lowell Auditorium during the next several weeks, wondering why “Steamin” Josh Beeman of Providence is not competing in this year’s New England Golden Gloves it’s because you missed his pro debut this Saturday at the Duncan Donut Center. Beeman, a former Eastern Olympic Trial Gold Medallist has decided to remove the headgear and fight for cash from now on. Either that or he’ll be fighting to kick some ass. Beeman is one ferocious youngster. He won last year’s N.E Golden Gloves title with such ease it was as if his opponent had never laced on a glove or used mouthpiece for that matter. Beeman knocked that out of Wilfredo Vasquez’ mouth a minute into their fight. Vasquez’ joined his mouthpiece which lay next to him on the canvas shortly thereafter. Beeman is talented folks and one vicious prospect you don’t want to miss.

Other fighters on Burchfield’s “Winter Warriors” show include feisty Jamie Clampitt of Narragansett, RI, one of the more exciting female boxers in the game. Unbeaten Providence light heavyweights Joe Spina (6-0/ 4 KO’s), as well as Bobo Starnino (1-0) will also fight in separate bouts and much the improved Angel Torres (9-2/ 3 KO’s) of Manchester, CT will face Lowell featherweight Jose Ayala (6-2/ 1 KO). Tickets are priced at $51.50, $31.50 and $16.50. They can be purchased by calling Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports (401-724-2253), the Duncan Donut Center (401-331-2211) or all Ticketmaster outlets. Call your dad and tell him you’re taking him to some throwback fights this Saturday.

In case you’re wondering why I’m a little informed today, it’s because Burchfield recently hired New England’s most popular publicist, Bob Trieger, CEO of Full Court Press. Trieger is also the publicist of “Irish” Micky Ward and John “The Quietman” Ruiz and has done a great job with all of his clients. He’s so good, in fact you’ll be able to hear Ray Oliveira tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at 2:50 P.M on WWZN 1510AM with legendary sports talk radio host Eddie Andelman. On Friday morning, Oliveira will be a guest of Tank & Steve Sweeney (you’re writer’s favorite DJs) on WZLX 100.7FM. In his 13-year career, Oliveira has never been a guest on any Boston radio or television show. The only thing Trieger can’t guarantee Oliveira is good karma.

“I wore a particular sports jacket of mine for Johnny (Ruiz’) second and third fights with Evander Holyfield and Micky Ward’s first fight with Arturo Gatti,” said Trieger. “It was the lucky jacket. I wore it when Johnny won the title in his second fight with Holyfield and retained it (with a draw) in the third. I also wore it when Tommy “The Terminator” Kimber unified a kickboxing title. Unfortunately, I wore this jacket for the Ward-Gatti rematch, won by Gatti so I’m thinking of getting a new one.”

Speaking of Ward and Gatti, both will be honored Friday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena where their Fight of the Century was waged.

January 8, 2003
Recordando a Monzón en el 8º aniversario de su fallecimiento
By Edgardo Rosani
(Courtesy of www.boxeo-boxing.com)

Carlos Monzón había nacido el 07 de agosto de 1942 en San Javier, provincia de Santa Fe. Falleció el 08 de enero de 1995 producto de un accidente automovilístico en una ruta de su provincia, Santa Fe. Allí, se le erigió un monumento en su nombre.

Su record profesional marca 100 combates profesionales, de los que ganó 87 (59 antes del límite), perdió 3, empató 9 y tiene un combate sin decisión.

Hasta no hace mucho tiempo, fue el campeón mundial mediano con más defensas exitosas de su corona: 14 veces, pero en la actualidad, Bernard Hopkins se encargó de superar esa marca y parece que va por más.

Fue campeón santafesino, argentino, sudamericano y mundial de peso mediano.
Hoy, al cumplirse ocho años del fatídico desenlace, queremos rendirle el lógico homenaje al mayor campeón mundial de la historia del boxeo de Argentina. Según la encuesta que estamos realizando en nuestra página, Monzón obtiene hasta el momento casi el 50 % de las preferencias de los votantes, seguido, muy de lejos, por Pascual Pérez y Nicolino Locche.

Rápidamente, señalaremos los principales logros de su carrera profesional: 03/09/66 gana el título argentino GP 12 a Jorge Fernández mientras que el 10/06/67 repite el rival y el resultado, pero esta vez por la corona sudamericana, siempre de los medianos. Hasta que el 07/11/70 gana el título mundial mediano único en Roma, Italia, al derrotar a Nino Benvenuti por knock out en el 12º round. Defiende su corona ante Benvenuti, Emile Griffith, Denny Moyer, Jean Claude Bouttier, Tom Bogs, Benny Briscoe, Griffith, Bouttier, José Nápoles, Tony Mundine, Tony Licata, Gratien Tonná, Valdez y por último, el 30/07/77 GP 15 nuevamente a Rodrigo Valdez, retirándose de la actividad. Nada más y nada menos que 14 defensas ininterrumpidas de su corona. Un verdadero grande.

Monzón pasó hambre, miseria, violencia, cárcel y, a la vez, tuvo dinero, fama, mujeres y toda la gloria.

En este sencillo pero emotivo recordatorio, todo nuestro homenaje al más grande campeón de nuestra historia.

¡Salud Carlitos! ¡Nunca te olvidaremos!

Edgardo Rosani
morresi@sion.com

January 8, 2003
Jones to King: "When I win, you get a haircut."
Press Release

LOS ANGELES, January 7, 2003-WBA Heavyweight Champion John Ruiz defends his crown against Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion Roy Jones, Jr. at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, on Saturday, March 1, 2003 in - "A Hard Road to Glory" - The second event in the World Heavyweight Championship series.

At a Los Angeles press conference today, Roy Jones Jr., brandishing a pair of shears in front of larger-than-life-sized photos of Don King with a mohawk and a flat-top, challenged Don King to get a haircut if Jones was successful at defeating Ruiz.

"Stepping up in weight to fight the heavyweight champion is a big risk," Roy Jones said. "It is also a big challenge. It is the biggest challenge of my career. In return, I want King to accept a challenge also. When I beat John Ruiz on March 1st, I'm going to give King a haircut."

"Only Roy could come up with something like that," said King. "That's a great challenge. "

When John Ruiz was asked what he thought of Roy's challenge to King, Ruiz replied, "Even though we may all like to see it, it's not going to happen. Roy Jones, Jr. will not win on March 1st. Don't worry about the haircut."

Visit HBOPPV.COM starting January 7 at 8:00pm ET/ 5pm PT to view a photo of Jones and the photo of Don King with a mohawk.
World Heavyweight Champion John Ruiz --the "Rodney Dangerfield of Boxing" -- is fighting for respect, making the third defense of his title. Jones will be fighting for history when he attempts to become the first middleweight world champion to win the world heavyweight championship since Bob Fitzimmons in 1891. The event will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View nationally and KingVision around the world.

The RUIZ vs. JONES pay-per-view telecast on March 1st is being produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to over 48 million pay-per-view homes. The RUIZ vs. JONES pay-per-view telecast begins at 9pm ET/6 pm PT. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.
Tickets for the event are on sale now, priced at $100, $200, $650, $900 and $1,200. Caesars Palace, the famed Home of Champions, is hosting the event at the nearby Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Price excludes applicable handling fees and parking. To purchase by phone, call 1-866-87-FIGHT; online sales are available at caesars.com or unlvtickets.com.

January 7, 2003
Lucky Eagle Fight Night 39 Announced


PRESS RELEASE

Saturday, February 1, 2003 at 7:00pm
Mexican Heavyweight Champ Felipe Borjorquez Returns to Face Friday
Ahunanya
Over 40 Rounds 8 Bouts Scheduled for Fight Night 39


Dateline: Rochester, WA, January 7, 2003

Mexican Heavyweight Champion Felipe Borjorquez returns following a
disputed
fight with Chauncy Welliver last July. He will face Friday Ahunanya,
who
has 17 wins and only one loss and is trained by Luis Tapia in the 10
round
main event. Borjorquez has a flashy 10 wins all on knockouts. He KO'd
Welliver just seconds after the bell and was disqualified.


Troy Weaver (18 wins with 18 KO's) of the famous Weaver triplets
returns to
face his biggest challenge in years against experienced Merqui Sosa (34
wins
and 27 KO's). Sosa is the cousin of baseball sensation Sammy Sosa, and
features a record of 34 wins and only 9 losses, with 27 knockouts. He
is
the former NABF Light Heavyweight Champion and has faced the likes of
Roy
Jones, James Toney, Frank Lyles, Michael Nunn, Thomas Tate , and Ken
Bauman.
Weaver returns after a first round KO of Louis Sergeant in November and
has
never lost in four fights. Promoter Bennie Georgino said "the
experience of
Sosa will give Weaver some problems, but with his power, anything can
happen." This semi main event is scheduled for eight rounds.

Other fighters expected to appear are......

Rafael Ortiz
Jason Parillo
Damion Hatch
Amador Ishwar
Shawn Plessis

Changes and additional information will be announced as they occur.

Tickets $40 ringside, $25 reserved, $20 reserved of general admission
available at Ticketmaster, the casino (800-720-1788) or Twin Cities
Fuller's
stores. Fighters are subject to change and contract approval by the
Washington State Boxing Commission.

************************************************

January 6, 2003
The 2002 CBZ Year End Awards
Fighter of the Year - Vernon Forrest

Fight of the Year - Micky Ward-Arturo Gatti I

Round of the Year - Round 9 of Ward-Gatti I

Upset of the Year - Vernon Forrest W12 Shane Mosley

Knockout of the Year - Roy Jones, Jr. KO7 Glenn Kelley

Comeback of the Year - Arturo Gatti

Read about it in our next issue of Wail!

January 3, 2003

Press Release

DBE Fight Card Headlined by DaVarryl Williamson, Brian Viloria…
"KOSOVO KID" ELVIR MURIQI ADDED TO DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT BOXING CARD AT MOHEGAN SUN RESORT & CASINO IN UNCASVILLE, CT. ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 ***ESPN/2 Friday Night Fights Will Televise Beginning at 10:30 PM***

New York, Jan. 2-The "Kosovo Kid," popular light-heavyweight Elvir Muriqi, has been added to the action-packed fight card presented by DiBella Entertainment at Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, CT. on Friday night, January 10, it was announced today.

The 23-year-old Muriqi, who hails from Kosovo and fights out of the Bronx, has scored 24 career wins with only one setback under the tutelage of Teddy Atlas. He last fought in July of 2002, stopping Sam Ahmad in three rounds in one of the year's most exciting fights. Elvir was a 1998 New York Golden Gloves Champion and made his professional debut later that year.

ESPN/2 Friday Night Fights will televise beginning at 10:30 PM with Bob Papa and Teddy Atlas providing the commentary.

The special edition of ESPN/2 Friday Night Fights, which gets underway at 10:30 PM, is headlined by DaVarryl "Touch of Sleep" Williamson (17-1, 16 KOs, Aurora, CO) vs. Robert Wiggins (17-1, 10 KOs, East Providence, RI) in a 10-round heavyweight main event. The co-feature is a 12-round NABF flyweight title match with Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria (10-0, 6 KOs, Waipahu, HI),
defending his championship against Alejandro Moreno (19-10, 10 KOs, Juarez, Mexico).

The card also includes a 6 round junior middleweight battle pitting Jewish star Yuri Foreman (6-0, 3 KOs, Haifa, Israel/New York, NY) vs. Andrey Trunov (Ukraine, Buffalo, NY, 8-4, 6 KOs); a 6 round junior-middleweight bout with Sechew Powell (4-0, 2 KO's, Brooklyn, NY) vs. Billy Tipton (1-2); and a 6 round light-heavyweight bout matching Hofstra University student Aneudi Santos (6-0, 4 KO's, Freeport, NY), vs. Norman Jones (Savannah, GA, 13-8-2); and a 4-round heavyweight battle pitting Malcolm Tann (1-0, 1 KO's, Seaboard, NC) vs. Harold Rodriguez (3-1, 1 KO) Taunton, MA.

Tickets are $45 and $25 and can be purchased by visting tickets.com, calling 800-477-6849 or by visiting the Mohegan Sun box office.