Mexican star Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) retained his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship by defeating Tureano Johnson (21-3-1, 15 KOs) of Nassau, Bahamas at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and live on DAZN. The fight ended in abrupt fashion after an uppercut from Munguia caused a severe cut on Johnson’s lip, which earned him the knockout win at the send of the sixth round.

“I’m delighted to get the victory,” said Jaime Munguia. “He surprised us early in the fight. He has a style that makes one very uncomfortable. But my corner told me to adjust and find my distance. Then I found the right uppercut. I saw that he had gotten cut from it, and then it was just a matter of time. I am ready for all the best fighters of my division.”

Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (18-1, 12 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico retained his WBO Junior Flyweight World Title against Carlos Buitrago (32-6-1, 18 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua via 12-round unanimous decision. Soto won with scores of 115-113, 117-111 and 119-109.

“I’m very happy to walk away with the victory,” said Elwin Soto. “I tried pressure as much as I good to score a win. These are the kind of tough fights you are in when a world title is at stake. His style was difficult for me, but I felt I did enough to win.”

For the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super Middleweight Championship Bektemir Melkuziev (6-0, 5 KOs) defeated Alan Campa (17-5, 11 KOs) via 3rd-round KO.

Photos by Tom Hogan / Golden Boy Boxing

Oscar De La Hoya and Millie Corretjer have donated $250,000 to Adventist Health White Memorial in Los Angeles in an effort to assist the hospital in dealing with expenses related to treating COVID-19 (coronavirus) at the facility.

“Adventist Health White Memorial is my hospital. They took incredible care of my mother when she was fighting breast cancer. During this time of crisis, White Memorial is incurring extraordinary expenses as they continue to provide quality care to our Boyle Heights Los Angeles community,” said De La Hoya.

“On behalf of me, Millie and our children, we are donating $250,000 to White Memorial to help with these critical unexpected expenses. I am challenging my peers — celebrities, athletes, business leaders and community leaders — to donate to White Memorial or your local hospital to help during this crisis,” Oscar added.

“COVID-19 continues to spread quickly throughout the nation. Those who work in health care and at our hospitals are truly heroes, stepping up in a way that deserves our gratitude and admiration. This is our way of saying thank you,” said Corretjer.

Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) of Sau Paulo, Brazil will make the first defense of his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against undefeated challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (16-0-1, 12 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a 12-round battle.

The event will take place Saturday, April 25 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“I am very happy and excited to defend my world title for the very first time,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I worked very hard to become a world champion, and I won’t let anyone take that away from me. I know that Castaño, as my mandatory challenger, is tough and experienced, but my team and I are more than ready to go to war and deliver a great performance for all the fans at Fantasy Springs.”

“I’m delighted to announce this epic card of international proportions,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “For this huge event, we’ll have fighters from four different continents battling it out for world titles from all four sanctioning bodies. Fans of professional boxing will be treated to a banquet of big fights headlined by Sergey Kovalev vs. Sullivan Barrera, along with the returns of world champions such as Patrick Teixeira, Rene and Felix Alvarado, and Chayaphon Moonsri. Don’t miss this festival of world champions on April 25 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and live on DAZN.”

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 17, 2019): In order to comply with the World Boxing Organization’s (“WBO”) prohibition against its champions holding titles from other sanctioning organizations in multiple weight classes, four-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) and the WBO have reached an agreement for Canelo to vacate the WBO’s Light Heavyweight World Title. Canelo won the WBO title by defeating Sergey Kovalev via 11th-round knockout on Nov. 2, 2019. Canelo will maintain his status and privileges as a WBO Super Champion, including the privilege to be designated mandatory challenger to the WBO titleholder in any division.

Canelo said, “I know that my accomplishments in the ring have brought pride to my fans and my country. I have long enjoyed my relationship with the WBO and appreciate all they do to preserve and enhance the sport of boxing. This agreement allows the WBO to have its light heavyweight title contested regularly and allows me to pursue bouts against the best opponents, regardless of weight class.”

Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, president of the WBO, said, “Canelo has already accomplished much in boxing, and is still a young man. When his career is done, he will be regarded as one of the greatest boxers to ever step into the ring, and one of Mexico’s best fighters ever. We look forward to his future fights against rivals at the top of the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and other divisions.”

“We completely support the decision made by Canelo Alvarez and the WBO,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Canelo made history by stopping Sergey Kovalev in impressive fashion to become a four-division world champion. Not only did he show that he is a real threat at 175 pounds, but he also demonstrated that he is fully capable of moving across several divisions to look for the most exciting fights for the fans. At the same time, we look forward to continue promoting our other WBO champions such as Patrick Teixeira and Franchon Crews-Dezurn.”

WBO ‘CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT’ SERIES; Amanda Serrano will be honored; Golf tournament with boxing stars & Legends

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO- For three boxing events during the month of October, the World Boxing Organization will serve as a link to give Puerto Rican talent a chance when conducting its “Champions Tournament” which will have several important scepters at play and help build the shoe for what will come in 2020.

It will have its headquarters on October 4 at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, immediately followed on October 5 at the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum in San Juan,PR and culminating on the 26th at the Rubén Zayas Montañez Coliseum in Trujillo Alto,PR.

“Near the WBO Convention we always do a‘ Champions Tournament ”. We did it in Panama in 2018 and we have done it in Puerto Rico, in Orlando, in Miami. But being the convention this year in Japan (December 2-5), we wanted to do something as usual in the Caribbean, ”said WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’Valcárcel.

“We will have four championship fights as part of that tournament, starting on October 4 in Kissimmee with Yomar Álamo (17-0 with 12 KO’s) against Mexican Antonio Morán (24-4 with 17 KO’s) for WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title. Subsequently, we have Danielito Zorrilla (12-0 with 10 KO’s) against the Aztec Jesus Perez (23-2 with 18 KO’s) for the WBO NABO interim Jr. Welterweight title with the idea that the winner there will face the winner between Álamo and Morán in a unifying fight for the NABO title by the beginning of 2020 ”.

As if that were not enough, the Miguel Cotto Promotions cartel on October 5 will have a second championship fight when the Nicaraguan Carlos Buitrago faces the Puerto Rican Israel Vázquez for the vacant WBO Latino Jr. Flyweight title. The tournament will then end on October 26 with the Spartan Boxing cartel, in which Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Méndez will defend his WBO World Mini-Flyweight crown for the first time.

The ambitious tournament presented by the World Boxing Organization of the event on Saturday, October 5, where Danielito Zorrilla faces Jesús Antonio Pérez will be seen exclusively in Puerto Rico for DIRECTV clients on channel 161

“We are very happy with the opportunity that Paco Valcarcel and the entire World Boxing Organization gives us to be part of this great championship tournament and more which will be live television throughout Puerto Rico on DIRECTV where we will have our most important boxer Danielito Zorrilla in his most important fight. Without a doubt, the champions tournament is a very important platform for all the promoters and boxers that will participate, it is the beginning of great opportunities for big fights, ”said promoter and vice president of Miguel Cotto Promotions, Héctor Soto.

Amanda Serrano will be honored:

As part of the festivities, the female world champion in seven divisions, Amanda Serrano, will be present in Kissimmee and San Juan, where she will be honored after being crowned recently as the new WBO Jr. Featherweight monarch.

“Amanda Serrano will be with us. She wants to dedicate her triumph to the Puerto Rican community. She will be first in Kissimmee on October 4. From there, Amanda flies to Puerto Rico to be on October 5 at Coliseum Pedrín Zorrilla, where she will be given her new champion belt at 126 pounds, ”said Valcárcel.

“She is going to stay in Puerto Rico for a couple more days because she turns 9 on October 9 and from there she will return to the United States because she has to continue training for the MMA fight that she has on the agenda soon.”

Golf tournament with boxing stars

To conclude the festivities, the WBO will host a golf tournament in “El Legado” in Guayama with the participation of several pugilisms, legends, as well as several of the best local fighters today.

“Before the October 26 card, we will have a golf tournament on October 24 with local boxers, trainers to share with professional boxing stars, such as Miguel Cotto, Oscar de la Hoya and Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright, as well as Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy Promotions. They could be joined by others, such as Jaime Mungía (WBO World Jr. Middleweight Champion) and Emanuel Navarrete (WBO World Jr. Featherweight Champion). Some are still to be confirmed, ”added Valcárcel.

WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, and his new trainer Erik Morales hosted a press conference today at the Golden Boy Headquarters in Los Angeles, Calif. ahead of Munguia’s title defense against Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs). The event will take place on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Erik Morales: “I’m very grateful to be working with Munguia. He’s a great fighter and a young fighter with a lot of desire to show. It reminds me of when I was younger. He has been improving over our last two months of working together. I assure you that the Munguia you know will be different, but will also deliver the same explosive style he has. We are showing him and guiding him.”

Jaime Munguia: “I feel very happy to be the main event for this Mexican Independence Day fight. It’s going to be a great day for boxing and a great day for Mexico. My desire on September 14th is to demonstrate everything I’ve been learning with my new trainer Erik Morales. I have a great fighter in front of me and we are going to show it in the ring.”

“We know that Allotey is strong, fast and has a lot of knockouts. We will have to be very careful about that. But, I’ll be looking to give a great show, and I’ll look for the knockout on September 14.”

Munguia’s promoter Fernando Beltran, President of Zanfer Promotions: “I have lots memories on this podium by being here with Erik Morales. Munguia is a special fighter and he will prove that he belongs on the top and fighting the best fighters out there, such as Canelo and Golovkin. I know everyone will enjoy this fight on Mexican Independence Day.”

Oscar de la Hoya: “As always we will have a very stacked undercard for this fight. We are excited to host this fight at one of the most exciting venues in California. Dignity Health Sports Park brings out the best in every fighter, so we can’t wait for the fans to experience this fight. This fight will also include a Mexican fiesta featuring bands and activations from Tecate and Orange Crush. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, where we are committed to making the best fights and giving fans and affordable price to watch. Our partners at DAZN have been instrumental in bringing affordable boxing to the masses and on a global scale.”

“We are truly excited to be showcasing Munguia on an important day for boxing, especially now that he has a new trainer. We strongly feel this new trainer will bring out the best in Munguia. Munguia is willing to jump around into different divisions and every punch he throws is with bad intentions. He’s a hard worker and he’s disciplined and dedicated. He’s also a real pleasure outside of the ring.”

Photo by Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

via fightnews.com

WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) and mandatory 154-pound challenger Dennis Hurricane” Hogan (28-1-1, 7 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for Munguia’s title. They were joined by Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, along with Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions, among others.The event will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“I feel very happy and proud to be here. We have been advancing, little by little. had four very tough world title fights. We’ve been learning a lot, and we’ve been gaining a lot of experience during the past year. I also want to say that I will leave everything in the ring this Saturday. I want you all to see a different Jaime Munguia, a better version with better abilities. I want to tell Dennis Hogan that this world title will stay in Mexico. He is not a better fighter than me. This fight is dedicated to all of Mexico!”

DENNIS HOGAN, WBO Number 1 Contender:

“I’m happy to be now as my chance to become world champion gets closer. I want to say that as an Irish man living in Australia who is fighting a Mexican in his own land, I am honored. I know that Ireland, Australia and Mexico are great boxing nations with people who always fight with determination and will. So, I know this will be an excellent fight for everyone in the world. I’m happy and proud to be part of it. To put the icing on the cake, I will be going out there to take that world championship. I’m winning on April 13.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy:

“Golden Boy has been here before in this great city of Monterrey back in September 2008 when Antonio Pitalua and Jose Armando Santa Cruz fought in the main event. Monterrey, the land of great fighters such as Lauro “El Tigre” Salas and Clemente Sánchez, will be in for a show on Saturday when knockout artist Jaime Munguia faces the tough Australian contender, Dennis Hogan.”

“Munguia became known to the world by beating Sadam Ali by knockout in May 2018 when he was crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion. Since then, this powerful Mexican warrior has defended his crown three times. Now, he has a very difficult test against Dennis Hogan, WBO No. 1 contender. We know it will be a great battle between two of the best 154-pound fighters in the world.”

“Also, the co-main event will feature Diego de la Hoya against Enrique Bernache in his featherweight debut. We are also going to present to the local fans the strong Brazilian contender Patrick Teixeira, who will face Mario Lozano in a match for the WBO Latino Junior Middleweight Title. At Golden Boy, we are committed to offering the best fights in boxing.”

Photos by Tom Hogan/Hoganphotos, Stacey Verbeek.

Via boxingscene.com

HBO Sports returns to the vibrant junior middleweight division when one of 2018’s breakout stars defends his WBO crown for the first time on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH AND ALBERTO MACHADO VS. RAFAEL MENSAH, presented SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Two months ago, Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs) made an impressive HBO debut, scoring a resounding fourth-round KO of junior middleweight titleholder Sadam Ali. Now, the 25-year-old native of Tijuana, Baja Calif, Mexico defends his title against the UK’s formidable Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs), 29, in a 12-round clash that promises to produce fireworks.

The co-feature spotlights Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) defending his super featherweight title against No. 1 contender Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Machado, 27, hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mensah, also 27, is a native of Accra, Ghana, and has 12 more pro bouts than the champ.

This doubleheader marks the 39th consecutive year that HBO Boxing has televised a fight card from Las Vegas.

Photo by Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos
https://www.boxingscene.com/photos-jaime-munguia-liam-smith-go-face-face-vegas–130110

LA EXITOSA SERIE DE BOXEO POR ESPN REGRESA A PUERTO RICO

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO –  Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado (17-0, 15 nocáuts) campeón superpluma de la NABO versión OMB, yCarlos “The Solution” Morales (16-1-3, 6 nocáuts) monarca superpluma de la NABA versión AMB, enfrentarán sus retos más difíciles hasta la fecha cuando unifiquen sus coronas en el evento estelar a 10 asaltos de la edición del 18 de agosto de Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN desde el Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico en Ponce.

Machado, de 26 años y de San Juan Puerto Rico, así como Morales, de 27 años y originario de Hidalgo, México, revivirán la famosa rivalidad deportiva entre Puerto Rico contra México que siempre produce fuegos artificiales en el cuadrilátero.

Machado, un devastador noqueador quien nunca ha probado la derrota, llegará a esta cita con una impresionante racha de 12 nocáuts.

“Me siento honrado y extra motivado por esta gran oportunidad que Miguel Cotto Promotions y Golden Promotions me están dando para tener acción en ESPN”, dijo Alberto Machado. “Carlos Morales es un duro peleador mexicano joven y con hambre como yo. Voy a entrenar tan duro como sea posible para darle a los aficionados una gran pelea y otro clásico de Puerto Rico contra México. Esta será otra prueba para mí en mi viaje para convertirme en el próximo campeón mundial de Puerto Rico”, manifestó.

Morales ya ha tenido una carrera notable, habiendo logrado 16 victorias consecutivas y el título superpluma de la NABA versión de la AMB, después de comenzar su carrera con una marca de 0-1-3.

“Entiendo que ingresaré en la guarida del león en Puerto Rico y frente a un peleador muy bueno, pero he trabajado demasiado para dar un paso atrás”, dijo Carlos Morales. “Voy a entrenar más fuerte de lo que he hecho antes, y sé que al final de la pelea saldré victorioso”, agregó.

“Todo el mundo en Golden Boy Promotions está emocionado de ir a Puerto Rico y montar una gran función con nuestros maravillosos socios de Miguel Cotto Promotions y ESPN”, dijo Óscar de la Hoya, Presidente y Jefe Ejecutivo de Golden Boy Promotions. “Esto va a ser el comienzo de una grandiosa relación que ayudará a revitalizar la gran tradición histórica del boxeo en Puerto Rico y dará a los residentes una increíble opción deportiva”, enfatizó.

El resto de la cartelera contará con prospectos de Golden Boy Promotions y Miguel Cotto Promotions y será anunciado en las próximas semanas.

“Estamos muy contentos y emocionados de trabajar juntos con Óscar De la Hoya y Golden Boy Promotions para traer de vuelta ESPN a Puerto Rico. Este es un espectáculo especial para mí, porque tuve acción en ESPN hace muchos años y trae la plataforma perfecta para los próximos talentos de mostrar sus habilidades”, dijo Miguel Cotto.

 “Qué manera de iniciar nuestra sociedad con Golden Boy Promotions, trayendo de regreso ESPN a Puerto Rico y presentar otra batalla clásica de Puerto Rico contra México. Esto es el próximo 18 de agosto y será enorme para el boxeo en Puerto Rico. Realmente creemos que una nueva estrella va a nacer ese día”, dijo Héctor Soto, vicepresidente de Miguel Cotto Promotions.

 Machado vs. Morales es un combate a 10 asaltos por los cetros superpluma NABO/NABA y es promovido por Golden Boy Promotions yMiguel Cotto Promotions. El evento es patrocinado por Tecate “Born BOLD” y Hennessy, never stop, never settle. El evento se efectuará el viernes 18 de agosto desde el Complejo Ferial De Puerto Rico en Ponce. La transmisión en diferido de ESPN2 y ESPN Deportes iniciará a las 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. La transmisión en vivo de ESPN3 comenzará aproximadamente a las 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

Los boletos para Alberto Machado vs. Carlos Morales tienen un precio de $20 dólares para admisión general y $50 dólares para las mesas VIP más impuestos, y cargos de servicio aplicables y saldrán al (787) 808-5000, y en la taquilla del Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico en www.complejoferialpr.com o por teléfono al (787) 567-4181.

 Para más información visite: www.goldenboypromotions.com, y síganos en Twitter: @GoldenBoyBoxing,@OscarDeLaHoya,  @RealMiguelCotto,@ESPNBoxingy @ESPNBoxeo, .

Conviértase en un fanático de Facebook en www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxingwww.facebook.com/espn.fnf, ywww.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo;

 visítenos en Instagram:@GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya , @RealMiguelCotto y@ESPNBoxeo. Siga la conversación utilizando #GBPonESPN.   

CONTACTOS:

Ramiro González, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631

Stefan Friedman/Kristen Rockwell Caloca, Mercury: (424) 202-1671

Ardi Dwornik, ESPN, ardi.r.dwornik@espn.com, 646-547-5612, @ESPN_Ardi

Jennifer Torres (787) 567-4181, info@complejoferialpr.com

Miguel Cotto Promotions (787)744-9696

Credenciales: Janet González , janet@cottoprom  

Alberto Machado-Piquet Martinez -Photo By Juan Luis Valentin

golovkin-canelo (3)

By Miguel Rivera

Francisco Valcarcel, president of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), believes Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya picked the perfect moment to finalize the showdown between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs).

Canelo will challenge Golovkin for the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight titles on September 16th, during Mexican Independence Day weekend.

Fans have been asking for this fight for at least two years and the anticipation is sky high. The event is expected by everyone to be the biggest in boxing for 2017 – and the biggest since Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fought in May 2015.

Canelo is technically still the WBO junior middleweight champion – although the boxer has made it clear that he’s never coming back to 154. His most recent fight, on May 6th, took place at a catch-weight of 164.5-pounds against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

“I think Oscar played it masterfully. He waited for the moment when Golovkin looks like he’s starting to get hit. Canelo is on the way up and was crowned the Mexican star with the victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.,” said Valcarcel to Jose Sanchez.

“It’s the ideal moment for boxing and the ideal economic moment for the fight. I think De La Hoya learned a lot from [his former promoter Bob] Arum and Arum is the master in that, combining the economic aspect and boxing.”

Veteran trainer and cutman Miguel Diaz, however, partially differed from Valcárcel’s opinion. He picks Golovkin to win the contest, but not with a knockout. Diaz expects a twelve round decision win.

“Between Canelo and Golovkin, I favor Golovkin even though he did not look very well in finishing his last fight with Daniel Jacobs,” Diaz said. “Gennady is a complete fighter and very strong. But I do not see a knockout. I see him winning by decision. ”

golovkin-canelo (3)

http://www.boxingscene.com/wbo-prez-de-la-hoya-picked-perfect-moment-canelo-golovkin–116628?print_friendly=1

image-1 Canelo Alvarez, left, and Liam Smith, right, face off with promoter Oscar De La Hoya, center, looking on after the official weigh-in for their upcoming title fight at the stadium in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016.

Photos from the official weigh-in of Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith on Sept. 16 at AT&T Stadium.

image-9Canelo Alvarez, left, of Mexico and Liam Smith, right, of Great Britain pose after weigh-in for their WBO junior middleweight world championship fight at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 16, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.

image-2Canelo Alvarez, left, and Liam Smith pose for photos after the official weigh-in for their upcoming title fight at the stadium in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016.

image-3Canelo Alvarez of Mexico poses during his weigh-in for his WBO junior middleweight world championship fight against Liam Smith of Great Britain at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 16, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.

image-4 image-5

image-6 image-7 image-8

A general view before Canelo Alvarez of Mexico and Liam Smith of Great Britain weigh-in for their WBO junior middleweight world championship fight at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 16, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.image-10

 

image-11 image-12 image-13 image

 

www.newsday.com/sports/boxing/canelo-alvarez-vs-liam-smith-weigh-in-pictures-1.12328198

 

71916canelo00t

By Jeff Zimmerman
Photos: Stacey Verbeek –

Oscar De La Hoya and his golden boy Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33KO) made their first stop today at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, A&T Stadium, for the first of their 2 city press tour that then takes them to London to announce Canelo’s fight with current WBO Jr Middleweight Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13KO). De La Hoya, along with Dallas Cowboy’s Owner Jerry Jones and the camps of Canelo and Smith were on hand today to address the DFW media. The fight is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th at AT&T Stadium and on HBO PPV.

Today was somewhat subdued, however, because of the recent shooting of Dallas police officers which De La Hoya recognized in his opening remarks with a moment of silence. Because of the recent tragedy, today’s presser was a far cry from when De La Hoya was still on top of the boxing world as a fighter when he strolled through Dallas to promote his fight with Floyd Mayweather back in 2007 and was greeted with thousands of fans outside of American Airlines in Dallas only there to catch a glimpse of the Golden Boy.

Almost 10 years later, he now promotes the biggest draw in boxing Canelo Alvarez and there’s no doubt the two of them alone would have packed city streets for hours with adoring fans, but instead in this new world we live, Canelo celebrated his 26th birthday today in front of mostly DFW media, although he was greeted with mariachis, a cake and a Dallas Cowboys jersey.

But there’s no spectacle in sports like Jerry Jones’s Cowboy Stadium and it didn’t matter if the place was empty, De La Hoya was thrilled to bring Canelo to the Lone Star State once again.

“Not because Jerry is here and this is his arena, this is very, very impressive. I have never seen anything like this. I have never been in an arena that is so impressive. Every single seat, that seat way up there, you have a perfect view not only to the screen where the fighters will be 70 feet tall but to the ring right on the 50 yard line.”

De La Hoya added: “It’s such a beautiful arena. We are thrilled, we are honored, we are happy to be here.”

Unlike the always gregarious De La Hoya, Canelo is more serious and noted this was a business trip for him. He did address if it bothered him not getting the opportunity to fight Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in a mega bout that would have surely blown the roof off of Cowboy Stadium.

“No not one bit, things happen for a reason and unfortunately it didn’t happen, but it’s going to happen one day. At this time, we are focused on our fight right now.”

On whether this fight guarantees a future fight with GGG at AT&T Stadium.

“Everything is going in the right direction for that to be.”

De La Hoya plans to bring back Canelo to AT&T Stadium, but was hesitant to say if a fight with GGG would land here.

“Absolutely. This is a wonderful stadium, an incredible arena. First things first, you can’t win a Super Bowl before playing in the playoffs. A lot of teams don’t get to the Super Bowl because they lose. This is not an easy fight for both of them. It’s going to be a tough competitive fight, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Dallas Cowboy’s Owner Jerry Jones was also front and center at the presser and is now an old pro of promoting big time boxing with two Manny Pacquiao fights under his belt back in 2010. Jones had his take on a potential Canelo versus GGG at his place.

“I think that’s coming, I think that’s coming. What we have is this [Canelo-Smith]. This will be, this could have some things that might not have. I understand the reputation and I don’t want to take anything away and I’m not going to say that it’s the same fight perception wise, but this fight could give everybody the expectation of what might come if that fight is staged. On the other hand, we may have a guy here in Smith that distinguishes himself.”

Canelo was criticized for not taking the fight with GGG and instead moving down to 154, shared his thoughts on GGG fighting Kell Brook, a welterweight.

“That’s why I recommend people don’t open their mouth and speak out because sometimes you bite your tongue.” Canelo did indicate he expect GGG to win the fight.

Canelo is not looking past Smith however.

“The goal is to win by KO but we are going to prepare ourselves for 12 rounds and if it comes it comes.”

Smith did his best to remind everyone he was the champion at 154 and he’s ready for Canelo.

“I’m champion, I’m coming here to make a name for myself in America that’s it and I’m not coming here for the money. I’m coming here to win, I don’t even want to say it, if I don’t win, I don’t think I’m going to lose, but if I don’t win, I will be absolutely devastated.

Smith added, “I’m not going to get out there and say I lost to a great champion and all that. I got massive respect for him as a fighter for what he has done for Mexican boxing, but that’s it. I am not in awe of him, I am not in fear of him, I’m coming here as a big 154, not a blown up 147 like Amir Khan. I am going to make him fight 3 minutes of every round. He better not overlook me.”

De La Hoya believes this has the potential for a great fight.

“It’s going to be an exciting fight, I believe once again a fight of the year candidate. Canelo Alvarez is a tremendous, tremendous puncher and boxer. Liam Smith is a champion for a reason. He’s undefeated for a reason. There’s a reason why the UK now has 14 world champions and Mexico only has 7. Canelo has to step up and Liam Smith has to give it his all. At the end of the day the fans are going to be the winners.”

Jones took it up many notches when he evoked the names Hagler and Hearns on what this fight could be like.

“I think we can have the classic fight, the competition between these two. While we can’t measure it right now, but still we have the potential that this thing will be toe to toe, maybe toe to toe like some of the great fights between Hagler, Hearns, some of those great fights. Those are that type of skills that are out there, of the age that can perform like that and they have it all out there, the incentives are there. And then we hope the atmosphere helps create that and so you add all that up and we should have a great event. It’s one you shouldn’t miss.”

Jerry continued, “I’m more fan of some sports than others but when I get a chance to see a match that is such as the Open golf match they had there Sunday, when I see something that is rare it sends a chill up me, it’s worth seeing. I got to watch the Triple Crown, I was at Belmont to watch the Triple Crown. I went up there specifically so I can send a chill up my spine. I’m a horse racing fan, but I don’t go to the races that much.”

Jones ever the promoter, is always looking to what’s next. He could even envision Manny Pacquiao coming back.

“Yes, yes very much, very much. It’s there and Bob knows very much how we feel and would welcome a fight.”

On the possibility of Pacquiao fighting Canelo at his home.

“Now that would be something to behold.”

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www.fightnews.com/Boxing/canelo-beefy-hit-dallas-347400

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Lo que dejó la 27ma convención de la OMB, realizada en el Caesars Palace

Carlos Irusta Por Carlos Irusta /ESPN.com

LAS VEGAS — El Caesars Palace, cargado de lujo de estuco y de gran historia boxística, ya quedo atrás. “El hogar de los campeones”, como fue reconocido por muchos años, fue también testigo del ocaso triste de uno de los justamente, grandes campeones del boxeo, como Joe Louis, quien terminó sus días como un empleado de lujo del hotel-casino. Y en su estadio abierto, que ya no está, Muhammad Alí vivió su última noche grande cuando perdió frente a Larry Holmes, en una pelea que Don King, había bautizado, paradojalmente, “El último hurra”.

Hoy es hoy y los tiempos han cambiado. El presidente de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel lo sabe, y muy bien. Aunque lleva veinte años en la presidencia -algo que pareciera normal en estos organismos, teniendo en cuenta por ejemplo, que José Sulaimán encabezó el Consejo durante más de treinta años-, piensa retirarse a tiempo. “No me gustaría que alguna vez alguien me diga o me aconseje que ya es momento del retiro -afirma Valcárcel- ni tampoco quiero ser recordado por haberme hecho eterno en el poder, prefiero que me recuerden por buena persona y por dirigente honesto”.

La WBO se ha separado varios pasos de los otros organismos. No es una manera de decir. Baste mirar que, en las reuniones tripartitas convocadas por el Consejo Mundial de Boxeo (WBC), integrando a la Asociación Mundial (WBA) y a la Federación Internacional (IBF), Valcárcel no asistió. Y no solamente eso, sino que demás afirmó que son reuniones “que terminan siendo una pérdida de tiempo y que no cambian nada, por eso preferimos seguir nuestro camino”.

Asistieron más de cuatrocientas personas de todo el mundo, lo cual significa crecimiento. De hecho se esperaban trescientos asistentes. El mercado chino ya ha sido incorporado desde hace varios años -todo un logro de Valcárcel-, y el propio Japón, que durante años no reconoció a la WBO, también ya forma parte del grupo. La Organización tiene mojones muy fuertes en Europa, especialmente en Inglaterra y Alemania. Y, por supuesto, el mercado norteamericano y latino.

Esto no quiere decir que la WBO sea una organización perfecta, ni mucho menos, pero si apunta a dos hechos que fueron el hilo conductor de esta semana de Convención en el Caesars Palace. Uno, fue sin dudas, el análisis de la ley Muhammad Alí. El otro, la transparencia de la entidad y de sus oficiales de ring.

De esta manera, el secretario general de la OMB José R. Izquierdo, efectuó una presentación ante el Comité Ejecutivo y asistentes en generales, sobre la Ley de Reforma de Boxeo Muhammad Ali y sus consecuencias en los otros organismos que sancionan al boxeo.

Izquierdo hizo hincapié en que la WBO “quiere dejar rotundamente en claro que nuestra posición es trabajar conjuntamente con la Asociación de Comisiones de Boxeo (ABC)”. La idea es que las organizaciones deben evitar el aislamiento que crean las limitaciones de jurisdicción. Y, entre otros temas, Izquierdo pidió que se busque la forma de aclarar la denominación de “asesor” en el boxeo, y “que se defina su naturaleza y alcance”. De hecho se formó un comité OMB para que presente un informe con sus conclusiones a los legisladores de los Estados Unidos, con el objeto de que se mejore la Ley de Reforma de Boxeo Ali, para tornarla más eficaz. “Es bueno tener en cuenta, y hablo como abogado también -dijo Valcárcel- que esta actividad, el boxeo, es muy compleja, más de lo que parece. Y no siempre la letra fría es aplicable. Creo que es importante que quienes se encargan de la ley Alí cuenten en su equipo con veteranos del boxeo, para escuchar sus opiniones”.

Una visión tal vez más simplista de esta convención, o con menos profundidad de análisis, no puede dejar de mencionar que fueron agasajados especialmente dos ya ingresados al Hall de la Fama: Oscar De La Hoya y Joe Calzaghe, por sus grandes carreras profesionales. De la misma manera que, entre tantos invitados importantes, estuvo Marco Antonio Barrera. Y que asistieron dos campeonas mundiales japonesas, Nao Ikeyama, monarca de la OMB en el peso átomo (102 libras) y la campeona junior mosca (108 libras) Kimiko Seser Ikehara. También estuvieron presentes el dos veces campeón mundial de la WBO, Orlando Salido, otro ex campeón mundial en diferentes categorías como James Toney, la ex campeona Hanna Gabriels y la actual campeona mundial Carolina Duer. Marco Huck campeón crucero- fue distinguido por su trayectoria.  valcarcelmarcohuck_300x200

Pero los temas de fondo fueron otros, sin duda. “Queremos que nuestros campeones se distingan. Nuestros campeones tienen que tener, ante todo, prestigio”, enfatizó Valcárcel. “El aficionado no entiende la gran proliferación de campeones interinos, alternativos, en receso… Confunden a la gente y sus propios portadores tienen apenas porciones, por eso los campeones WBO tienen que distinguirse”.

Otro tema que no puede soslayarse es el crecimiento de la incursión de AIBA en el boxeo profesional, a través de certámenes por equipos (Argentina, México, Italia, entre otros tantos países, ya participan de estas competencias) en donde también pueden combatir boxeadores amateurs que, incluso, clasificarán para los Juegos Olímpicos.

“La AIBA no puede entrar en los Estados Unidos, porque en este país no se puede ser promotor y dirigente al mismo tiempo. La AIBA nos hizo un gran favor a nosotros, la WBO, porque de sus filas pudimos clasificar a Vasyl Lomachenko (campeón pluma) o a Zou Shiming dijo Valcárcel-, pero convengamos en que es un boxeo de poco vuelo. Los boxeadores que se conformen con un sueldo, podrán competir en esos torneos, pero los que quieren ser un Oscar De La Hoya o un Carlos Monzón, o un Ray Leonard, los que quieran ser figuras de verdad, no pueden crecer en esos torneos”.

La transparencia fue, sin dudas, otro de los temas. “No se puede ser dirigente y manager, los roles son diferentes y deben caer en diferentes personas. No se puede ser directivo y manager de boxeadores -expresó Valcárcel-. De la misma manera en que buscaremos la manera de que las actuaciones de los jurados sean mejores, para evitar malos fallos y lo que es todavía peor, la desconfianza de la gente”.

El tema de los fallos controversiales forma parte del folklore del boxeo: no siempre todos vemos una pelea de la misma manera. Pero, cuando las diferencia de puntajes son tremendamente grandes, “estamos ante un problema y queremos solucionarlo. De hecho, estamos pensando poner fuertes penalidades a quien, de alguna manera, en su condición de oficial de ring, pueda tener una conducta errónea, y subiremos las multas de 50 mil dólares a 250 mil y de un año de suspensión también llegaremos a los cinco años…”, expresó Valcárcel.

En la fiesta final estuvo presente Bob Arum (fue galardonado como el promotor del año) quien estuvo cerca de Oscar De La Hoya… pero en mesas separadas (podría ser también, el premio a “la foto que no fue”, puesto que no hubo oportunidad de reunirlos…).

arumpremiado_300x200Terence Crawford y Yuriorkis Gamboa fue “La pelea del año” (ganó Crawford por KOT en 9) , Vasyl Lomachenko -campeón mundial pluma-, fue distinguido como el boxeador de mayor futuro (el ucraniano solamente tiene 3 peleas profesionales, pero se le dio autorización a pelear por el campeonato mundial por su gran campaña amateur), Carolina Duer recibió el anillo de diamantes por sus 10 defensas. Chris Algieri, quien está por combatir con Manny Pacquiao, hizo una presentación especial. También fue distinguido, lo mismo que las japonesas Nao Ikehara y Kimiko Seeser Ikeyama.

En una palabra: hubo premios para todos -una costumbre de Francisco Valcárcel- y no faltó la música salsa, aunque con el agregado del mariachi. Ni tampoco faltó la cordialidad y la amistad. Pero, mientras se hacen planes para la próxima convención en Orlando, Florida, quedan en pie varios compromisos.

Que las promesas de profundizar la Ley Ali, o el desafío de analizar a fondo los malos fallos, o la obligación de que no proliferen títulos que confundan al aficionado no sean solamente proyectos, sino realidades.

Un compromiso que el boxeo necesita y que WBO promete ir corrigiendo. Ojalá lo puedan ir logrando, para que Francisco Valcárcel y el organismo sean reconocidos, con el tiempo, por su trayectoria, pero también por sus objetivos cumplidos. Ese es el gran desafío.

http://www.espn.com.ar/news/story/_/id/2222031/el-gran-desafio-de-valcarcel

Sergey-Kovalev-vs-Bernard-Hopkins-3-fukuda

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Following 11 rounds of utter domination, the only thing left for Sergey Kovalev to accomplish early Sunday morning was to become the first opponent in Bernard Hopkins’ 26-year career to knock him out.

If Kovalev had 10 more seconds at his disposal in Round 12 of their light heavyweight title unification fight at Boardwalk Hall, he might’ve accomplished that feat, too.

The Russian knockout artist instead settled for handing Hopkins the most lopsided loss of his Hall-of-Fame career, a 12-round unanimous-decision defeat so thorough the 49-year-old Hopkins acknowledged afterward that it’s “50-50” whether he’ll fight again. Regardless, as Hopkins’ legendary career nears its conclusion, the most impressive victory of Kovalev’s five-year pro career should thrust him toward stardom.

“He did just what I knew what he would do,” said John David Jackson, Kovalev’s trainer. “Tonight he was the teacher.”

Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 knockouts), who hadn’t boxed beyond eight rounds in any of his first 26 professional fights, easily demonstrated that he was prepared to win championship rounds against the most accomplished, experienced opponent he has faced. All three judges – New Jersey’s Lawrence Layton (120-106), New York’s Carlos Ortiz (120-107) and Rhode Island’s Clark Sammartino (120-107) – credited Kovalev with winning each of the 12 rounds.

Kovalev took Hopkins’ IBF and WBA light heavyweight titles and retained his WBO 175-pound championship. He also won the respect and admiration of boxing experts who wondered whether his record was more the byproduct of his opposition than Kovalev’s skills and power.

“I don’t care how old he is,” Oscar De La Hoya, Hopkins’ promotional partner, said. “To beat somebody like Hopkins, Kovalev did a tremendous job. He executed his game plan perfectly, and that’s not easy to do against a legend like Bernard Hopkins.”

Kovalev, 31, dropped Hopkins with a right hand to the side of his head with a little less than a minute to go in the first round. Hopkins reached his feet quickly and made it to the end of the round, but mostly employed a cautious approach for the rest of the fight. Hopkins opened up in Round 12, but his aggression only encouraged Kovalev to unload an array of power punches that hurt him, left him stumbling all around the ring and pushed the Philadelphia native dangerously close to getting knocked out.

“I’ve just got a great chin,” Hopkins said. “I can take a punch.”

Hopkins (55-7-2, 32 KOs, 2 NCs) took 166 of Kovalev’s 585 overall punches, according to unofficial CompuBox statistics. Kovalev landed 38 punches in Round 12 alone, the most connected on Hopkins in any single round of the 41 Hopkins fights CompuBox has worked.

“He’s 49 years old,” Kovalev said. “To go 12 rounds with me, I was very surprised. … Really big respect to him.”

Hopkins now respects Kovalev’s boxing ability, not just his vaunted power.

“He had a really good game plan,” Hopkins said. “When he got hit with some of my shots, he would step back. But he used his reach and distance and that was the key to his victory tonight. He has very good mechanics and patience. Because after I hit him, he would step back. That would cause me to have to reset. He had a good game plan, I’ll give him that. He’s a good technical fighter. He would counter his right hand over my jab. I give him a lot of respect.”

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/363683-sergey-kovalev-proves-hes-the-real-deal-by-dominating-bernard-hopkins

Date:  Saturday, November 8, 2014

WBO/WBA/IBF  LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:  Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Promoter:  Golden Boy Promotions (Oscar De La Hoya) / Main Events (Kathy Duva)

Supervisor:   Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.

Referee:  David Fields

Judges:   Larry Layton (120-106);  Carlos Ortiz Jr. (120-107); Clark Sammartino (120-107) 

Results:   WBO Champion Sergey Kovalev retains the WBO Light Heavyweight Title and obtained the IBF/WBA belts against Bernard Hopkins by Unanimous Decision.   The WBA Champion Hopkins down in round 1.

TV:  USA HBO

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28th October 2014 Photo  by Huck Sports –

Marco Huck (38-2-1, 26 Kos) has arrived at the Mecca of boxing. The reigning WBO-Cruiserweight World Champion has touched down in Las Vegas, Nevada after a 14 hours flight.

But the 29-year-old didn’t travel to Sin City to try his luck at the slot machines. Instead he will attend the 27th annual Convention of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) which this year is being held at Caesars Palace until October 31st.

Other guests of course include the president of the organization, Paco Valcarcel, as well as boxing greats and former champions Joe Calzaghe and Oscar De La Hoya. Huck is especially looking forward to meet the latter of the two. Back in 2002, De La Hoya founded his own promotional company, Golden Boy Promotions, which has become one of the biggest players in the boxing industry.

“Oscar has already done, what my brother Kenan and I are intending to do now”, said Huck. “In order for him to take control of his own future he parted ways with his former promoter as a reigning champion, and has since turned into one of the most powerful people in the sport. Therefore I am sure that he can give me some great input.”

And this advice could immediately prove to come in handy when the “Käpt´n” and his brother discuss future challenges with other attendees at the Convention.

http://www.worldboxingnews.net/news/wbn/2014/10/28/marco-huck-to-seek-business-advice-from-oscar-de-la-hoya-in-las-vegas.html

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By David Finger \ Photos: Joel A. Colon/WBO\

The third and final day of the 27th annual WBO Convention kicked off yesterday morning, and as anticipated, the open forum of the championship and ratings committees was not without fireworks. The day began with a short video presentation of the charitable work done by both the WBO and numerous WBO champions to promote the WBO “Kids Drug Free” program.

The second order of business came when Vice President John Duggan proposed a resolution that clarified that the position of “vice president of the China Zone” is now vacant and that the China commission is not to use any trademarks or logos. The resolution would also transfer this over to the Asia Pacific region. The resolution would be passed unanimously.

There then followed a brief discussion of the 2015 budget and a proposed amendment to the budget, which passed as well. Following this budget discussion, Joe Cortez briefly spoke of the role of instant replay in Nevada. “Instant replay in Nevada has been in play for two years,” Cortez said, “but it hasn’t been used.” Cortez noted that in Nevada only a referee has the discretion to overturn his or her decision, before adding that the “door was open” to any adjustments that needed to be made in regards to the rule as it stands in Nevada.

From there WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri spoke of the importance of being a role model as a champion.

“Being a champion is a world wide title,” Algieri said, “there are a lot of eyes on you. A lot of young eyes. As a champion you want to present yourself to the world as a champion. As a role model.” Algieri was subsequently presented the WBO Gordy Volkman Man of the Year Award for Outstanding Community Service.

Following the presentation of the Gordy Volkman Award to Algieri, the discussion then turned to where to host the 2015 WBO Convention. Although the Philippines had been the early front runner, having been named in 2013 as the location of the 2015 convention, it was passed over for Florida. Citing concerns over the recent typhoon in the Philippines, and the impact that had on the feasibility of hosting the event there, President Valcarcel accepted a recommendation for the 2015 WBO Convention to be held in Orlando, Florida. Puerto Rico was named as a backup location. President Valcarcel, however, indicated a strong desire to eventually have the WBO convention in the Philippines in the near future.

A brief video fallowed in which highlights of the 2013 WBO Convention in Budapest was shown. Heavyweight Charles Martin was awarded the NABO fighter of the year award at that time as well as several other special recognition awards to journalist Pedro Fernandez, Ulf Steinforth, and Wladimir Klitschko. Wilfried Sauerland was given an award after having been named “European Promoter of the Year” as well.

From there the ever contentious championship and ratings committee kicked off with their session.

This started in the mini-flyweight division, where Japanese matchmaker Ulysses Sato pushed to have his fighter enter the WBO rankings.

There were no requests at junior flyweight and only one at flyweight (to move an undefeated European champion into the WBO ranks). However, the relative lack of controversy in the lowest weight classes was not a harbinger of what would follow, as the discussions became more intensive starting with the junior bantamweight division. Representatives for #5 ranked Paul Butler requested a move to #1 or, in the alternative, to have the winner of the Paul Butler-Jamie Conlan fight be named the mandatory challenger. Conlan is ranked #7 by the WBO. Although Frank Warren’s request to have the winner of the Butler-Conlan fight named “interim champion” was denied, the committee and President Valcarcel did agree to name the winner of that fight as mandatory challenger for champion Omar Narvaez.

At bantamweight several promoters made arguments to have their fighters move into the top ten, most notably #13 ranked Pungluang Sor Sinyu and #14 ranked Lee Haskins.

At junior featherweight the executive committee did acknowledge the difficulties that Guillermo Rigondeaux was having finding opponents willing to take him on. Hedi Taouab Mohammed initially pushed to have his fighter, #4 ranked Zsolt Bedak, move up in the rankings before President Valcarcel inquired about a possible matchup between Bedak and #2 ranked Genesis Servania.

At featherweight a compelling argument was put forth by representatives of King Sports to have undefeated Colombian banger Miguel Marriaga move into the top ten. A proposed fight between #8 ranked British bomber Mark McCollough and #5 ranked Polish fighter Kamil Laszczyk was also discussed, as well as the possibility of the winner of that fight moving up into the top four. Ulysses Sato made a push to have Filipino Mark Gil Melligen, the #13 ranked WBO Oriental champion, move into the top ten.

A familiar name was brought up in the junior lightweight discussions as Main Events pushed to have Edner Cherry return to the top ten on the basis of his nine fight winning streak. President Valcarcel seemed open to the proposal.

At lightweight it appeared highly likely that Juan Diaz might move up from #3 to #1 after the current #1 contender, Ray Beltran, fights the WBO champion Terence Crawford. The prospect of the #1 slot opening up brought out numerous other requests, including one from representatives of #4 ranked Anthony Crolla. However, that request was immediately challenged by Frank Warren, who reminded the executive committee that Crolla “never fought anyone in the WBO top 15” before offering his fighter, #9 ranked Terry Flanagan as a strong candidate to move up.

At junior welterweight the recognition that the title may be at play in the coming months also led to a contentious and colorful discussion. Ruslan Provodnikov’s camp made an argument to have him leapfrog #1 ranked Lucas Matthysse. Several fighters had representatives push to have them move into the top ten, including Emanuel Taylor and veteran Paul Spadafora.

In the welterweight division several promoters jockeyed to have their fighters move up, with the most notable being undefeated Canadian prospect Mikael Zewski, undefeated Fredrick Lawson, and the winner of the upcoming Jeff Horn-Robson Assis fight. Horn, the WBO Oriental Champion, is ranked #11 while Assis, the WBO Latino champion, is ranked #12.

In the junior middleweight division Frank Warren pushed to have #10 ranked Liam Smith move up while representatives of #13 ranked Sirimongkol Singwancha also pushed to have the Thai based fighter move into the top ten.

In the middleweight division the biggest news came when the WBO championship and rating committee voted unanimously to name the winner of a proposed four fighter elimination as the top middleweight. The first fight, between #4 ranked Andy Lee and #1 ranked Matt Korobov, would then face the winner of the Billy Saunders –Chris Eubank fight. Saunders is currently ranked #2 while Eubanks is ranked #9. Also noteworthy in the discussions regarding the middleweight division were proposals to move Abraham Han into the world rankings as well as a push to have Willie Monroe Jr. move up in the rankings.

In the light heavyweight division several fighters received pushes to move up the rankings including #11 ranked Isidro Ranoni Prieto, who already is emerging as arguably the most popular fighter ever from Paraguay.

In the cruiserweight division a second four fighter elimination looks likely as the winner of the upcoming Tony Bellew-Nathan Cleverly fight would fight either #1 ranked Krzysztof Glowacki or #3 ranked Nuri Seferi with the winner being named the mandatory for WBO Champion Marco Huck. Bellew is currently ranked #4 while Cleverly is currently ranked #5.

In the heavyweight division the discussion revolved around Wladimir Klitschko and who his next mandatory challenger would be, as well as when he would be required to fight that fighter. After some discussion, it became apparent that the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury-Dereck Chisora fight would be named mandatory challenger to the WBO champion, although the timetable of that mandatory defense was still not set in stone.

Rounding off the event was the gala banquet in which the family of the recently deceased Dan Goossen was presented with an honorary WBO belt. Several other awards were handed out, including WBO Promoter of the year (Bob Arum), WBO Fight of the year (Crawford-Gamboa), WHO female fighter of the year (Carolina Duer), WBO fighter of the year (Sergey Kovalev), Spanish Network of the year (Telemundo), and an award to Vasyl Lomachenko, who was given an award for being the WBO champion with the brightest future. Rounding off the gala banquet was a touching and moving ceremony where both Joe Calzaghe and Oscar De La Hoya were awarded lifetime champion awards by the WBO. Both Calzage and De La Hoya gave moving speeches about their ties to the WBO, and how important the WBO belt had meant to them as fighters.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/giant-wbo-2014-convention-day-three-report-266898

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Este lunes, se puso en marcha la 27 Convención Anual de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), con el tradicional Torneo de Golf OMB en el Royal Links Golf Club, a unos 30 minutos del Hotel y Casino Caesar’s Palace, sede de este importante cónclave boxística.

El puertorriqueño Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, presidente de la OMB, le dio la bienvenida a los golfistas que asistieron al Royal Links Golf Club. En el mismo lugar, se llevó a cabo la premiación y la primera reunión de camaradería entre los miembros de la OMB.

Este edición 27 de la Convención se desarrollará esta semana en el Hotel y Casino Caesar’s Palace de Las Vegas, y en esta ocasión será dedicada a los ex campeones de la OMB y miembros del Salón de la Fama del Boxeo Internacional, Joe Calzaghe y Oscar De la Hoya, presidente de Golden Boy Promotions.

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http://www.notifight.com/se-caliente-la-27-convencion-anual-de-la-omb/#.VE7oWstW5cg.twitter

 

140913 NABO  Soto vs Molina

Por Juan E. Brignone y Ludo Saenz en Las Vegas

El mexicano Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto superó por puntos en fallo unánime al californiano John Molina Jr en uno de los combates preliminares del desquite entre Floyd “Money” Mayweather y Marcos “Chino” Maidana en el MGM Grand Garden Arena de Las Vegas, Nevada.

Los jueces Tim Cheatman (95-92), Ricardo Ocasio (96-91) y Jerry Roth (95-92) coincidieron en premiar la mayor efecitividad de Soto. Para NotiFight.com la pelea fue 96-91 para el mexicano.

Con dos boxeadores de sangre caliente, el espectáculo estaba garantizado y ambos se encargaron de no decepcionar.

Soto fue quien presionó en los primeros minutos iniciales, aunque Molina se las ingeniaba para contragolpear, incluso recostado sobre las cuerdas.

La pelea comenzó a ensuciarse a finales del tercer round, con ambos pugilistas pegando después de la campana y en el cuarto con un fuerte golpe bajo por parte de Molina.

Tras otro golpe por debajo del cinturón en el sexto capítulo, el californiano recibió un punto de penalidad de parte del árbitro Jay Nady.

Otra infracción puso en el piso a Soto en el séptimo episodio, lo que motivó otro descuento por parte de Nady a Molina.

La pelea fue entretenida, pero las constantes infracciones interrumpieron demasiado el trámite intenso del combate.

En el último round, donde ambos se brindaron por completo, “Zorrita” fue sancionado con el descuento de un punto, tras haber recibido dos advertencias previamente.

Con esta victoria Soto mejora su increíble historial a 65-8-2, 35 KOs, mientras que Molina Jr cae a 27-5, 22 KOs.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Resultado_2/Primeros_resultados_desde_el_MGM_LV04.php

Peter Quillin

“Kid Chocolate” Peter Quillin vacated his middleweight world title and kissed a career-high $1.4 million purse goodbye on Thursday.

He was faced with a WBO-imposed deadline of 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to sign a contract for his mandatory defense against Matt Korobov. Quillin, who had already been given two extensions to the signing deadline, would have been stripped of his title had he not vacated.

It still comes as a surprise to many that Quillin, whose wife gave birth to their first child, a boy, about a week ago, would turn down a purse that is more than three times his biggest payday and give up his title without having another fight signed.

Peter Quillin
Peter Quillin vacated his middleweight world title on Thursday, and in turn, lost out on a career-high $1.4 million purse.

“I’d like to thank WBO president Paco Valcarcel and his organization for their support throughout the years,” Quillin said in a statement. “Winning the WBO world championship was a highlight in my career and something I’ll never forget. This is a difficult decision, but in order to make the fights the fans and I want against my fellow middleweights at the top of the division, I needed to relinquish the title.

“This is an exciting new chapter in my life, and I’m looking forward to cementing my spot as the best middleweight in the world.”

Quillin’s statement rings a bit hollow because there is no obvious major middleweight fight on the horizon for him.

Fights with champion Miguel Cotto and titlist Gennady Golovkin were not possible. Only a match with fellow New Yorker Daniel Jacobs, who owns a lightly regarded secondary title and, like Quillin, is advised by the powerful Al Haymon, would be close.

About a half hour before the deadline, Arnold Joseph, the attorney for Golden Boy Promotions, Quillin’s promoter, sent a letter to the WBO informing it of the decision.

“Mr. Quillin has reviewed the middleweight landscape and is of the belief that there are other more compelling opponents for him to fight which will afford the boxing fans with excitement and which will afford him and his family more opportunities,” Joseph wrote. “Please be assured that Mr. Quillin is by no means minimizing Mr. Korobov’s talents or accomplishments. Mr. Quillin simply seeks to pursue bigger fights. Let me conclude by expressing Mr. Quillin and Golden Boy’s appreciation for your organization’s patience while Mr. Quillin worked through this decision and we look forward to our continued relationship with the WBO.”

Quillin’s decision means that the first boxing event to be promoted by Roc Nation Sports, the sports agency founded by music mogul Jay Z, will be delayed. Roc Nation Sports announced its intentions to promote boxing two weeks ago and the next day won a purse bid for the right to promote Quillin-Korobov, even though it doesn’t have promotional contracts with either fighter.

It bid $1,904,840, a dramatic overbid that easily beat Golden Boy ($1,207,000) and Korobov promoter Top Rank ($515,000). Quillin would have earned a career-best $1,428,630 to Korobov’s career-best $476,210. Korobov signed almost immediately while Quillin asked for extensions.

Roc Nation Sports planned to put the fight on Nov. 1 at the Barclays Center in Quillin’s hometown of Brooklyn, but had since notified Golden Boy and Top Rank that it would instead have been at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., because Korobov is not licensed in New York due to a medical issue no other state has a problem with.

Michael Yormark, president and chief of branding and strategy for parent company Roc Nation, was disappointed Quillin turned down the fight.

“I’ve got $1.4 million sitting next to me,” Yormark told ESPN.com. “Do you want it? It’s puzzling that he turned down $1.4 million and gave up his belt. In order to turn down that money and give up his belt he has to be looking at a bigger opportunity. Who turns $1.4 million and gives up his belt for nothing?

“We wish him the best of luck. We like Peter a lot. We hope he’s made the right decision here, but it’s puzzling. I’m sure (Haymon) sat down and discussed this with him in detail. Peter has a team around him he listens to and we can only assume the direction he received was to pass. We wish him the best of luck and we hope he has an incredible payday in front of him because that’s the only justification for turning down $1.4 million and giving up his belt.”

Said Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, “I’m sorry that Roc Nation Sports had to be put through this process. It’s disappointing for all of us, especially when a new player such as Jay Z wants to get involved in our sport. I hope this has no bearing on their future plans. As far as Top Rank goes, we look forward to working with them in any future endeavors.”

Yormark said Roc Nation Sports’ interest in boxing isn’t going anywhere.

“We will continue to look at all opportunities,” he said. “We continue to march forward. We’re in this for the long term. We’re disappointed but it’s not the end. We’re just getting started.

“This just motivates us even more. We knew we were getting into an industry we’d have to navigate through carefully. We hoped to have this first fight in November and it didn’t happen. But we’ll continue to be aggressive and move forward. We’re not going away.”

Korobov’s side was also disappointed.

“We’re disappointed that Peter Quillin didn’t respect the rules,” Moretti said. “Matt will still get his opportunity to fight for the title thanks to the WBO. We’re just really disappointed in Peter Quillin as a fighter. If he thinks that fighting Danny Jacobs for a secondary title is better than this opportunity than so be it. Why he couldn’t he have done both? If he’s that good he could have fought Matt and then Danny Jacobs. He must not have the confidence in himself, or his team doesn’t have confidence in him, that he would relinquish the title that he worked hard to earn.”

Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs), 31, defended the title three times, most recently by near-shutout decision against Lukas Konecny in Washington, D.C., on April 19.

Korobov (24-0, 14 KOs), a 31-year-old Russian southpaw and a 2008 Olympian, scored a pair of seventh-round knockdowns against Jose Uzcategui en route to a 10-round decision victory in his last fight on June 28 in Omaha, Nebraska in his HBO debut.

Korobov will get a shot at the vacant title next, possibly against Billy Joe Saunders, a 2008 Olympian from England. The 25-year-old Saunders (20-0, 11 KOs) is the WBO’s next ranked contender.

http://espn.go.com/espn/print?id=11466721&type=story

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By:  Lem Satterfield –

A light heavyweight title clash between IBF and WBA beltholder Bernard Hopkins and WBO counterpart Sergey Kovalev is set for Nov. 8 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City to be televised on HBO.

Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya informed RingTV.com of the news on Friday.

“The fight’s happening on Nov. 8 in Atlantic City,” said De La Hoya. “Nov. 8 is the date that Bernard Hopkins wanted and that’s what we’ve got.”

The IBF has received signed contracts and a request from Golden Boy for the bout, according to IBF president Daryl Peoples, who said Championships Chairman Lindsey Tucker has the contracts. Kovalev is promoted by Main Events.

“We got an email from [Vice President and matchmaker] Eric Gomez from Golden Boy saying that its on Nov. 8 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City,” said Peoples.

In his last fight in April, Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 knockouts) scored a unanimous decision that dethroned Beibut Shumenov for the WBA belt. Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KOs) was last in action for a second round stoppage of Blake Caparello on August 2.

Originally from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Kovalev, 31, is 13-0-1 with 13 knockouts in his past 14 fights, including a fourth round stoppage that dethroned previously unbeaten WBO beltholder Nathan Cleverly in August 2013.

Before facing Caparello, Kovalev dropped previously undefeated southpaw Cedric Agnew once each in the second and sixth rounds of a seventh round knockout in March.

A future Hall-of-Famer, Hopkins, 49, won a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Tavoris Cloud in March 2013 to extend his own record as the oldest man to win a significant crown.

Hopkins first set the record at the age of 46 by outpointing Jean Pascal for the WBC’s title in May 2011 before being dethroned following a majority decision loss to Chad Dawson in May of 2012.

After winning the IBF middleweight title from Segundo Mercado on April 29, 1995, Hopkins went on to defend it a record 20 times before losing to Jermain Taylor by a split decision on July 16, 2005.

After he lost to Taylor and then endured an immediate rematch loss, Hopkins rose into the light heavyweight division for triumphs over Antonio Tarver, Winky Wright, Kelly Pavlik, Enrique Ornelas and Roy Jones, his lone defeat in the division prior to Dawson coming by way of split decision against Joe Calzaghe.

Two of Hopkins’ biggest wins were over Tarver and Pavlik in June 2006 and October 2008, respectively, with both fights taking place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

“One fight that comes to mind for everyone was Tarver-Hopkins, during which Hopkins demonstrated his amazing boxing ability. Another one is Kelly Pavlik, so Hopkins has some great history with Atlantic City,” said De La Hoya.

“So Atlantic City is a great venue for Bernard Hopkins and we want to show the world what Atlantic City is all about, bringing the big events to Atlantic City we hope will inject some positive energy. I have no doubt in my mind that it will be a sellout with Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev.”

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/353331-oscar-de-la-hoya-hopkins-kovalev-on-nov-8-in-atlantic-city