Vijender Singh vs Zulpikar Maimaitiali expected for August 2017

June 2017, New Delhi: Talks have taken a positive turn between SECA Worldwide, promoters of Chinese No.1 boxer and WBO Oriental Super middleweight champion Zulpikar Maimaitiali and IOS Boxing Promotions, promoter of WBO Asia Pacific Super middleweight champion Vijender Singh for the biggest showdown in Asia.

The battle between two of the biggest pro fighters of India and China will decide the King of Asia. This will be a double title fight, where in both the boxers will put their respective titles at stake whoever defends his title, goes home with his defended title and the opponents title.

The promoters of the respective boxers were in talks earlier this year as well, but due to unavoidable circumstances the bout did not take place. However, now that the promoters are back in talks, boxing fans have a lot to rejoice, since this is going to be a high magnitude clash of both the boxers who are unbeaten till date. The battlefield decided for this clash is the glittering city of Mumbai, and the bout is likely to take place in the beginning of August.

Speaking on a possible bout Edmund Chu, MD, SECA Worldwide said, “Zulpikar is training and preparing to fight Vijender Singh in the biggest showdown of the year. Due to certain unavoidable circumstances, the bout had to be postponed, but we have been in talks with IOS Boxing Promotions for over a month now to work out the modalities and are hopeful for the bout to take place soon. Zuli is ready to enter the ring in India and put on a performance against Indian star Vijender Singh in front of his home crowd to become Asian King of Boxing”.

The 22-year-old undefeated Chinese star boxer Zulpikar Maimaitiali, currently holds the WBO Oriental Super Middleweight Champion Title. He has fought 8 bouts with 24 rounds under his belt. Zulpikar has won 7 bouts with no less than 5 KO wins and one draw. The Chinese boxer debuted in the year 2015, and won the WBO Oriental Title last year in July. Now, he would be fighting to defend his recently acquired title against Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh.

Vijender Singh, who recently retained his WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title debuted in the year 2015. Vijender has 8 wins under his belt with 7 of them being won by KO and 1 by Unanimous Decision. He has played 30 rounds, which puts him a few rounds above his next opponent. Vijender Singh won his maiden title last year in July after defeating Kerry Hope of Australia. Later in the month of December the golden boy of Indian boxing was challenged by Francis Cheka of Tanzania for his title, which was gracefully retained by Vijender Singh. This will be his biggest test till date against a much younger Chinese fighter.

Commenting on Singh’s next fight, Promoter, IOS Boxing Promotions, Mr. Neerav Tomar, said, “We started talks with SECA in December 2016 but finally after several rounds of discussions, Zulpikar looks all set to take on Vijender Singh in the biggest battle of Asia wherein two top boxers of India and China will compete for double title. I am sure this fight will be the first of its kind high voltage clash in the Asian Sub continent. The biggest fight of Asia will decide King of Asia involving more than 3 billion people. We will apply to WBO to sanction the title once we lock the terms with SECA. As soon as our fight is sanctioned we will announce the date and venue of the fight night. We will try to make this fight happen in August 2017”.

Two exciting young prospects will battle for the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title on August 11 in a fight card that will be covered by GMA TV Network for its top-rated sports show “ALL SPORTS” telecast Sundays at 9:30 a.m. over GMA News TV 11.

The fight card is promoted by Joven Sports Promotions owned by the young and hard working Joven Jimenez. Aside from being a promoter himself, Jimenez also juggles his activities in boxing as a manager and trainer at the Top Contender Boxing Gym based in Muntinlupa City. Some of Top Contender’s notable boxers include the WBO World No. 2 Froilan Saludar, RP 140 lb. champion Adones Cabalquinto and former WBO Asia Pacific Youth champ Jerwin Ancajas.

Vincent “Popeye” Palicte, who is presently managed by Jason Soong of Planet Jupiter Boxing Gym in Makati City is looking good in training but is expected to have his work cut out for him against Frederix Rodriguez, a brawler who packs a big punch from the town of Maramag in the province of Bukidnon in Mindanao. At present, Rodriguez is engaged in a high-altitude training in Baguio City under the tutelage of the Highland Boxing Gym based in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Palicte has a record of 14-3-1 with 7 knockouts while Rodriguez has a record of 8-2-1 with 6 knockouts which indicate that this championship battle will be a classic fight between a technical boxer/puncher in Palicte and the big puncher in Rodriguez.

Palicte, born in the boxing-rich Bago City in Negros Occidental, was at one time an amateur national boxing champion and was at one point in time one win away to qualify for the Olympic Games. As a professional fighter, he won the vacant WBC International title on September 12, 2009 at the San Andres Sports Complex outpointing Carlo Magale. He lost that title in his first defense three months later, in a fight held at the backyard of his challenger, Carmelo Ballone of Belgium.

Palicte who is 26 years old is nicknamed “Popeye”. He had two fights this year beating Ryan Soliveres by 4th round knockout in a scheduled ten round bout on March 11 and scoring another big KO win over Renan Branzuela last July 10.

Rodriguez, 23, has won all of his first seven fights, five of which were big knockouts in either the first or the second round. In his most recent fight, Rodriguez blasted away John Paul Apolinario in the very first round on his way to another KO victory in the opening round. That fight was held in Bukidnon only last April 28 this year.

The supporting bouts in this fight card are stacked with young prospects trying to carve their own name in the Philippine boxing scene. Jerwin Ancajas (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will exchange leathers with John Paul Bautista (10-6-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight match. Undefeated Aston Palicte (9-0-0, 7 KOs), Vincent’s younger brother will be tested by Mark Joseph Costa (4-5-2, 1 KO), the latter being the last opponent of the late Karlo Maquinto. Benezer Alolod (10-4-2, 1 KO) will fight fellow young prospect Noli Morales (9-1-0, 3 KOs).

http://philboxing.com/news/story-72565.html

Here is a link for a video highlight of the WBO Asia Pacific/WBO Oriental Heavyweight title bout between Shane Cameron vs. Monte Barrett.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE VIDEO!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BrGfuCd-LI

Two bottles of champagne were whisked into Shane Cameron’s dressing room after he stunned Monte Barrett with a thundering fourth-round knockout to rejuvenate his heavyweight career in Auckland.

With a huge overhand right hook just 18 seconds into the fourth round, Cameron reclaimed the WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental belts in devastating fashion to shock most predictions.

Cameron’s power has long been questioned, but with Barrett needing to be helped to his feet more than a minute after being floored, those jibes are sure to cease.

The 41-year-old Barrett didn’t see Cameron’s shot coming and, after trash-talking his way through the build-up, the American was, for once, short of words.

“It was an amazing victory. I’d like to thank everyone who turned up here tonight to support me. It was an amazing feeling coming out and the ending was spectacular,” Cameron said.

“I said I was going to get these belts back and I did.”

Barrett, who strode to the ring looking like Santa Claus, meanwhile, is now seemingly set for retirement.

“Shane was prepared for the fight. He fought a good fight and my hat goes off to him and his team,” Barrett said after recovering from the brutal punch.

“It was one of those shots that you don’t see coming.”

Cameron’s two-and-a-half week training camp with former British champion David Haye in London clearly paid dividends.

Barrett is considered the gateway to bigger heavyweight clashes and Cameron will now look to capitalise on this remarkable underdog triumph.

The 34-year-old Kiwi had spoken of gaining redemption after his dramatic second-round defeat to David Tua nearly three years ago. This was the defining fight of his career and he more than delivered.

In the tentative opening round, Barrett was content to let the challenger come to him. The American took that first round with two strong overhead right hooks, as Cameron attempted to work the jab and move.

Barrett twice made head-butt claims in the second round, but Cameron found his feet and shook off the initial nerves to hit the mark with strong right-hand hooks.

Both fighters landed heavy shots in the third. Cameron’s home-crowd rose to their feet thinking, on initial glance, he had secured a knockdown but it turned out Cameron had pushed the title holder down.

Few expected Cameron to stop this fight early. But with one punch the Commonwealth Cruiserweight champion defied the odds, declared he will not freeze on the big stage, can step up in class and ignited Kiwi boxing once more.

LIAM NAPIER

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-sport/national-sport/7230550/Shane-Cameron-defies-odds-with-Barrett-KO

Indonesian prospect Isaack Junior (20-1-2, 8 KOs) survived the aggression of the Filipino slugger Jecker Buhawe (13-7-3, 8 KOs) to retain his WBO Aspac super flyweight title on Sunday in Palangkaraya City, Indonesia. Buhawe started as an extra aggressive puncher from the first round, but the slick Junior anticipated it with a counter attack strategy. Buhawe cornered Junior in the middle of the last round, but the fight was stopped by referee due to the head butt causing a cut on the challenger’s right eyelid. Junior is currently rated #3 in the super flyweight division by the WBO, and he’s projected to be the next Indonesian world champion.

By Jeff Pamungkas

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/junior-retain-wbo-aspac-title-116089

Thailand’s WBO Asia Pacific featherweight champion Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo lived up to his lofty WBC No.1 and WBO No.2 rankings to score a 6th round TKO over Filipino journeyman Randy Megrino in Thailand Wednesday.

The undefeated Piriyapinyo improved his unbeaten record to 43-0 with 26 knockouts while Megrino dropped to 12-10-2 with 7 knockouts.

WBO Asia Pacific vice president Leon Panoncillo told the Manila Standard that Chonlatarn was “very precise with his punches and dominated tough journeyman Megrino, stopping him in the sixth round.” The time was 2:39.

The Thai champion’s promoter Pariyakorn Ratanasuban in a post fight interview said that negotiations are underway for a title shot against either WBC champion Johnny Gonzalez or WBO champion Orlando Salido.

The 27 year old Piriyapinyo was coming off four successive knockout victories while the 23 year old Megrino won a majority decision in a four round bout against Gabriel Royo who hadn’t won a fight and had a 0-4 record. That fight took place last October 16.

Megrino had also previously lost by a 9th round knockout in an IBF Pan Pacific super featherweight title fight against another top Thai, Fahsai Sakkreerin on June 17, 2011.

Piriyapinyo won the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title with an 8th round TKO over Filipino Sonny Gonzales on Septremnber 15, 2010 and in his last defense won by a 4th round TKO over Arief Blader of Indonesia on January 23, 2012.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-69211.html

CEBU, Philippines – AJ “Bazooka” Banal turned his much-hyped showdown with Mexican Raul “El Bule” Hidalgo into a cruise, scoring a first round TKO to retain his WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight crownin the main event of the Pinoy Pride XIII: Road to Glory at the full-packed Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino Saturday.

Banal was just starting to heat up when he landed a solid left hook to the chin that wobbled Hidalgo late in the opening round. The visibly dazed and groggy Mexican kept on punching with his head down and his body trembling, prompting referee Joseph Danrex Tapdasan to step in and call off the bout to prevent the Mexican from further harm. The official time was 2:29 of the first round.

“The boxer (Hidalgo) was already trembling. He was not down, but you can see that his knees were not stable. He could no longer look straight and he doesn’t know who is in front of him,” said Tapdasan in defending his decision that drew mixed reactions from the fans.

“The entertainment side (of boxing) will have to take a backseat at that point. What is more important to me is to protect and safeguard the welfare of the boxer. I could have put him in a dangerous situation had I decided to let him continue,” added Tapdasan.

For his part, ALA Boxing Gym big boss Antonio Aldeguer felt the stoppage was “too premature” but said the referee can’t be blamed for doing his job.

“As a fan and promoter, it was too premature to stop the fight. I don’t know the rules, but he (Tapdasan) should have given him a mandatory eight count,” said Aldeguer. “But objectively as a referee, he did what was right.”

ALA Promotions president and CEO Michael Aldeguer echoed his father’s sentiment. “The referee should have prolonged it a bit, but we can’t blame him anyway for doing what he has to do,” said the younger Aldeguer.

“A win for me is a win, whether by early stoppage or decision. It doesn’t matter for me what others may think as long as I was able to make my fans happy,” said Banal, who improved his record to 27-1-1 including 20 KOs. Hidalgo slipped to 16-6 (12 KOs).

Asked if he’s ready for another crack at the world title, Banal quickly replied: “I am ready anytime. That’s what I’ve been waiting for. If opportunity comes, I’m willing to take the challenge.”

In the supporting main event, OPBF flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes pulled off a spectacular win along with ALA stablemates Albert Pagara and Arthur Villanueva.

Fuentes (33-6-2, 20 KOs) scored two knockdowns before finally stopping Franco Javier after 52 seconds of the sixth round. Pagara (11-0, 9 KOs) knocked out Thai Phupha Por Nobnom (10-8, 9 KOs) in 2:38 of the second round while Villanueva (18-0, 12 KOs) escaped with a unanimous decision victory over Rey Migreño (15-19-3, 13 KOs).

http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?articleid=791101&publicationsubcategoryid=69

WBO ASIA PACIFIC RANKING FOR MARCH 2012

CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO VIEW OUR MARCH 2012 WBO ASIA PACIFIC RANKINGS!!!

CEBU, Philippines – WBO Vice President for Asia-Pacific Leon Panoncillo said the disgraceful incident involving a fight between Filipino boxer Jonriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero and Argentina’s hometown idol Luis Alberto “El Mosquito” Lazarte has dealt a ‘blackeye to boxing.’

“Well, boxing is a contact sport but the incident really brings blackeye to the sport. It could be controlled with sportsmanship. It’s just the fans of Lazarte we’re so emotional. They couldn’t accept the defeat of their hometown idol that’s why they probably acted that way,” said Panoncillo, who was among those who greeted Casimero upon his arrival the other day at the Mactan International Airport.

“But for what had happened, we should not punish the whole of Argentina” added Panoncillo, who is among the major awardees during the 30th Spotswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Corporation (SAC-SMC) on March 3 at The Terraces of Ayala Center-Cebu.

Even Casimero’s stablemates at the International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI)-owned Omega Boxing Gym were fuming mad over the plight of their comrade.”What they did was despicable,” said super bantamweight contender Charlie Pucdol.

“Had I been there at the venue, I would have fought back because I couldn’t stand what they did to him,” butted Virgilio Silvano, an aspiring light flyweight.

In recounting their harrowing ordeal, Casimero’s business manager Sammy “Don King” Gello-ani said it was their presence of mind that kept them away from further harm.

“When the fans attacked us, it was a good thing that we have presence of mind. We did not retaliate. Had we fought back, it could have been worse,” said Gello-ani.

At the height of the melee where chairs, punches, botttles and other hard objects were flying all over the arena, Casimero said he doesn’t know what to do.

While being kicked several times, Casimero said he just crawled his way out until he was able to hide under the ring where he stayed for almost an hour before he was taken out to safety by security personnel.

“I was already tired after the fight. At that point, I couldn’t think of anything other than to protect myself. I was lucky enough to get out of harm’s way,” said the 22-year-old Casimero.

Casimero stopped Lazarte early in the 10th round to claim the vacant IBF light flyweight title last Friday night (Saturday morning Phl time) at the Club Once Unidos in Mar del Plata of Argentina’s capital  Buenos Aires.

But even before referee Eddie Claudio of New York could formally declare the winner, a swarm of angry Argentine fans flocked to the ring and attacked Casimero and his team. The IBF officials and some cooler heads who tried to prevent the situation from getting worse were not spared by the wrath of irate fans.

Nevertheless, Gello-ani said they are still willing to go back to Argentina but it depends on who are they going to face and where the fight would be held.

Meanwhile, Casimero left yesterday for his hometown in Ormoc City to attend the wake of his younger brother Gerald.

Casimero wanted beforehand to use part of his US$15,000 prize money for the hospital treatment of his brother but could no longer do so as the 17-year-old Gerald died of heart ailment a day before Casimero left the country or the Lazarte fight.

“Despite the tragedy that befell his family, Casimero was still able to win the world title for the Filipino people. That only shows how strong and courageous a person he is,” said Gello-ani, who reveals that Casimero’s next fight would either be in Japan or Las Vegas.

By Emmanuel B. Villaruel

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778108&publicationSubCategoryId=110

WBO ASPAC RANKING 2012-Feb

CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO VIEW OUR FEBRUARY 2012 ASIA PACIFIC RANKINGS!!!

Things appear to be looking up for famed ALA Promotions prospect AJ “Bazooka” Banal, the reigning WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight champion who is ranked No. I by the WBO and No. 3 by the IBF as he has an opportunity to fight for the title under either world organization.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard during a conversation in San Antonio, Texas,  that Jorge “Travieso” Arce is moving back up to bantamweight to fight four-division champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire who won the WBO title beating former champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr handily last February 4 at the Alamadome in San Antonio.

Donaire’s manager Cameron Dunkin confirmed the fight and with the specialist’s findings that Donaire’s left hand wasn’t broken as originally feared,  chances are the Arce fight will go ahead sometime in May either in the Cowboys Stadium in Texas or the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

With Arce moving up to fight Donaire it leaves the WBO bantamweight title vacant although as of now Arce’s handlers haven’t confirmed his decision to move back to 122 and formally notified the WBO.

In another development IBF Championship Committee chairman Lindsey Tucker  has announced that since 118 pound champion Abner Mares has informed the IBF he was relinquishing his title and not fighting mandatory challenger Vusi Malinga of South Africa, the IBF had given the handlers of Banal and Malinga some 90 days within which to finalize negotiations for a title fight. If Branco Milenkovic who handles Malinga is unable to come to terms with ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer then the IBF will order a purse bid.

Should Banal opt to fight for the vacant WBO title he will face Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu, the WBO Oriental interim champion and the WBO Asia Pacific Youth champion who is 23 years old and has an impressive  record of 39-1 with 26 knockouts.

On the other hand is ALA Promotions decide to go after the IBF title then Banal will clash with  Vusi “Marvelous” Malinga the 29 year old southpaw with a record of 20-3-1 with 12 knockouts who, in his last fight,  beat Banal’s stablemate Michael Domingo by a twelve round unanimous decision in a title eliminator in South Africa on October 30, 2010.

Banal himself a southpaw is 23 years old and boasts of a record of  26-1-1 with 19 knockouts and is one of the ALA fighters being eyed by Top Rank alongside undefeated WBO No.1 flyweight Milan Melindo to figure in forthcoming Top Rank fight cards in the US.

Arum told us that he wants the ALA fighters to train in the Top Rank Gym in Las  Vegas before being featured on the fight cards of Top Rank promotions.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49392

New Jersey (January 25, 2012) – Gary Shaw Productions and undefeated WBO Asian Pacific bantamweight champion, Jundy “Pretty Boy” Maraon (14-0-1, 11 KOs) have come terms with an exclusive promotional agreement. Jundy hails from Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines and looks to someday fight in the United States.

Known for having power in both hands Maraon stated, “It’s exciting to be represented by Gary Shaw Productions, one of the best promotional companies in boxing. My style is fun to watch because I like to knock out my opponent every time I step into the ring. I represent the Filipino nation with pride and would like to fight in the USA someday. I hope to be fighting for a world title in the near future.

Gary Shaw loves knockout artists and Maraon fit that mold. Shaw went on to say, “What we have here in Jundy Maraon is a fighter that loves to go see his opponent hit the canvas. He’s a tremendous talent and I see him fighting at the elite level someday. Right now I want to keep him busy while he learns his craft and bring him to the USA after a few more fights. I’m excited that he’s joined our stable of great young fighters. Our company is building its foundation on a global scale.”

http://philboxing.com/news/story-65760.html

World ranked heavyweight contender Chauncey Welliver (51-5-5, 19 KOs) looks to continue his climb up the world rankings next Saturday in his adoptive home of Auckland, New Zealand when he defends his WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight championship and his WBC Asia Council heavyweight title against tough African brawler Moyoyo Mensah (21-8-1, 9 KOs) at The Corporate Box in Auckland on January 28th.

Welliver, who is ranked at #6 by the WBC and #11 by the WBO hopes to land the coveted shot against one of the reigning champion Klitschko brothers in 2012, and recognizes that anything less than a dominant performance at this point could jeopardize that potential fight.

Welliver is the winner of his last sixteen fights and has established himself as one of the most recognizable heavyweights in all of Asia with nine fights in New Zealand and two in China since 2008.

Although criticism does exist over the level of his competition in that period of time, even his critics admit that he is proving to be the most active heavyweight contender in the world, with six regional championship fights in 2011 alone. Many insiders recognize that, with his name recognition in China, Australia, and New Zealand, he proves to be an attractive potential opponent for the Klitschko’s.

However, boxing insiders also recognize that the smaller Moyoyo Mensah is still a dangerous fighter in his own right. The Ghana born Kiwi is the reigning WBO African cruiserweight champion who has also held the ABU cruiserweight, PABA cruiserweight, WBA Pan African, and holds wins over former “Contender series” star Max Alexander as well as Nigerian cruiserweight contender Chidi Enoma in his first reign as WBO African Cruiserweight Champion back in 2003.

Although Welliver is also seen as the biggest, and most accomplished, fighter he has ever faced, most still see Mensah as a live underdog in this fight.

The Corporate Box is located at Level 5, 92 Albert Street, in Auckland. Tickets can be obtained by calling Craig Thomson at 021-717-014 from inside New Zealand, and 011-64-21-717-014 from the United States.

By David Finger

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/welliver-back-in-action-saturday-in-new-zealand-106704

NADER Hamdan fears his age and recent boxing record has led to him being shut out from a blockbuster overseas fight despite a top 10 world ranking.

Hamdan is ranked No. 7 in the world by the World Boxing Organisation but has been unable to secure a fight since beating highly rated Australian Daniel Pawsey for his WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title in July.

“I’m frustrated,” Hamdan, 38, said. “I really thought that when I got the world ranking and being the Asia Pacific champion I’d get some fights but nothing has come in.

“I don’t know what it is — maybe it’s because I’ve still got a heartbeat.”

A possible world title eliminator bout with No. 2 Kelly Pavlik was close to being secured late last year but the US television networks refused to support the event.

Without the backing of a major network, big-name fighters perceive Hamdan as too risky a proposition.

“I don’t think my recent record helped either,” Hamdan, who has one just won of his past five fights.

Unable to secure Pavlik, Hamdan’s team have set their sights on world No. 3 George Groves or a rematch with No. 4 ranked Arthur Abraham — who beat Hamdan in a 12th-round knockout in 2004.

“It’s pretty hard right now but I’m trying to stay healthy,” Hamdan said.

“If I can’t get a fight at super middleweight I’ll move to light heavyweight or cruiserweight.

“I proved in my last fight that I am not a sprinter and I can’t fight these short distances.

“Give me 12 rounds and I can take them down.”

BY MICHAEL CARAYANNIS

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/sport/boxing/contenders-duck-hamdan/2430941.aspx

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) through its president Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel and Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo has announced that this year’s WBO Drug Free event will take place in Mandaue City with its opening program set for January 28.

The program is a yearly WBO activity aimed at taking the youth off drugs and giving them an avenue to get involved in sports rather than see themselves get into vices.

For this year, a basketball tournament is being organized by the WBO among the youth in Mandaue City, with the winning team and runners up getting special prizes from the WBO.

“The WBO is reaching out to the youth in the poor neighborhood with our outreach program. A tournament will be held not just for one day but for a month, this program will take them off the street and into the court,” said WBO Asia Pacific Chairman Leon Panoncillo, who announced that members of the winning team will each get a bicycle as their prize.

WBO’s multi-awarded manager and promoter Sammy Gello-ani has already laid the groundworks for the said activity, and has gathered the teams that will participate in the month-long tournament.

“We will send a message to parents to remind their kids to stay off drugs.. Our message will surely be heard throughout Asia. The generosity of our president not only will help feed the children but to give them something to look forward to in winning a grand prize which every student or youth would surely would want which is a bicycle that they could use as source of transportation to school. The first and second runner up will also receive chool goods and supplies. This is surely something to strive for.” — RAQUEL SILVA

http://philboxing.com/news/story-65211.html

EC Box Promotion returns to the BoxHall in Hamburg on February 11 with a ten fight show headlined by cruiserweight Kai Kurzawa (27-4, 19KOs), who will fight Georgian Levan Jomardashvili (25-5, 18KOs) for the WBO’s Asia-Pacific title.

Karama Nyilawila defends the WBFed middleweight title against Cagri Ermis in the co-feature. Heavyweight Michael Wallish, 7-0 and Int´l German champ, takes on Ladislav Kovarik and Swedish female jr. welterweight Klara Svensson faces Angel McKenzie. Middleweight Domenic von Chrzanowski squares off against Pole Mariusz Biskupski in his debut for EC.

There´s a strong possibility that Alexander Alexeev will be the guest of honor at ringside. Alexeev fights Enad Licina the week before in Frankfurt / Main for the vacant EBU cruiser crown and he is favored to win.

By Per Ake Persson

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48426

“2011 was just a year for setting up 2012. This next year will be big for me.”

 2011 was certainly a good year for WBO Asia Pacific and China Zone heavyweight champion Chauncy Welliver. The “Hillyard Hammer” continued to bang as the 28 year old Welliver stormed to a perfect 6-0 for the year and he pushed his win streak to 16 straight. As 2012 begins, Welliver’s record is an astounding 51-5-5, and he plans to continue moving up in the division’s ranks.

 I spoke with Welliver today and he assured me that 2012 would be a year for his fans to savor.

 “I have stepped it up slowly, but surely. I consider my career to really have started after the Solis fight. That is when I realized I could fight.”

 Back in October of 2008, Welliver last tasted defeat at the hand of the unbeaten Odlanier Solis in Germany. A little over three years later, a focused Welliver has not looked back…until now.

 “We’re pushing for a rematch with Solis” a confident Welliver told 8CN’s Darren Barcomb. “It’s not solid yet, but being negotiated.”

 If Welliver wants to make a statement in the heavyweight division and take home some personal redemption, beating Solis would be a great way to do it. The 31 year old Cuban Solis (17-1) is considered a top tier heavyweight and is coming off of an unsuccessful WBC title shot against Vitali Klitshcko back in March. Solis injured his right knee in that matchup and saw his title dreams dashed in the opening round. He is now healed and has a lot of nay-sayers to prove wrong himself.

 Since their initial bout in 2008, Welliver has stayed the busier of the two at 16-0, while “La Sombra” has gone 5-1. Activity is not the only thing leaning Welliver’s way though; a new training regimen has done wonders as well.

 Working with Joe Hipp and trainer Ali Crosbie has gotten Welliver into the best shape of his career as he now weighs in a bit over 230, down about 50 lbs. from the Solis fight. “I went in nervous last time” Welliver admits….and that was 50 lbs. ago.”

 “Joe is my first trainer ever and we’ve come up with how to beat Solis. Ali gets me in the best shape I can be in, so I know I can go 12 easy. Last time I went 2 and was done at the end of the 2nd. I’d come in prepared and not nervous this time.”

 Ring jitters shouldn’t be a concern this time around though; Welliver seems at ease in the ring, has travelled the world to fight, and has picked up some serious title gold along the way.

 On January 28^th, he will defend his WBO Asia Pacific, WBC Asian Boxing, and New Zealand titles against Moyoyo Mensah (21-8-1, 9 KO’s) in a 12 rounder in Auckland, New Zealand.

 After that, nothing is definite but Welliver added “Let them know we can bring the fight to China”, where he has amassed solid fan base and is a big draw. “In China, I’d not worry at all. I was on his turf last time and worried. Now he’s rolling in my neck of the world.”

 It sounds like the ball is in Odlanier Solis’ court. 2012 is looking promising already……

By: Darren Barcomb

http://www.8countnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/5043/2012-01-11.html

Exciting 22 year old Weng “Capt. Barbell” Haya, fresh from a gallant showing against WBO featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido of Mexico last December 17 battles equally tough Jose “The Bomber” Ocampo for the WBO Asia Pacific junior lightweight title at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City on February 4.

Haya who is ranked No. 9 in the Philippines has a record of 15-4 with 8 knockouts while Ocampo who is ranked No. 5 is also 22 years old and sports a record of 14-5-1 with 9 knockouts.

In his fight against Salido who had earlier won the world title with a stunning 8th round TKO over Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez on April 16, 2011 exploded with seconds remaining in the third round and caught Salido with a picture-perfect left hand counter that sent the world champion crashing to the canvas.

With Salido still groggy at the start of round four Haya nailed Salido with a solid left straight to drop the champion for the second time in the scheduled ten round bout but the Mexican was saved by the bell.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani said a low blow by Salido in round six hurt Haya and as the champion began to use his experience and ring smarts Haya appeared to get frustrated. Salido hurt Haya with a punch that sent him reeling against the ropes. The 31 year old champion went after the young and comparatively inexperienced Filipino and dropped him after which the referee stepped in and called a halt at 0:35 seconds of the 8th round although Gello-ani thought .the stoppage was premature.

Ocampo himself is coming off similar unlucky circumstances when he lost by a 5th round technical decision to southpaw Rey Labao on August 6, 2011.

In an action-packed bout Labao was proclaimed the winner after the ring physician instructed vreferee Sammy Bernabe to call a halt because Ocampo was bleeding badly from a cut over his right eye which Bernabe claimed was caused by an accidental head-butt.

However, repeated slo-motion replays by AKTV IBC 13 which telecast the fight showed it was a perfect left straight that opened up the cut.

At the time of the stoppage judges Salven Lagumbay (48-47) and Eppie Almeda (49-46) had Labao ahead while the third judge Romy Yulo had it even at 48-48.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-64847.html

WBO/WBC #1 feather Chonlatarn Or Piriyapinyo (40-0, 24 KOs) successfully retained his WBO Asia-Pacific 126 lb title as he scored a third round TKO over Ryuta Miyagi (21-7-4, 16 KOs) on Tuesday at Khunyuan Airfield in Maehongson, Thailand. Japanese Miyagi who ever defeated two former WBA 122 lb title holders as Ryol Li Lee and Yoddamrong Sithyodthong, started well as he aggressively hunted counterpuncher Chonlatarn, launching hard combinations and dominating all of the first two rounds. The turning point occurred in round three when the champion landed a well-time left hook which dropped his contender, then he viciously hunted his foe and floored the Japanese twice more, forcing referee to stop the bout at 2:57. In other action, ABCO female 126lb title holder Sainamdoi Pitaklo-ngen (11-1-1) scored an eighth round unanimous decision over Kaenpetch Manoprungroj. Thongtaeng Muangsima outpointed Keangsaklek Sakchaichok in a six round non-title bout. Also, Susu Sithjadaeng outpointed Tripetch Sor Poonsawat. This event was promoted by Pariyakorn Ratanasuban of Onesongchai Boxing Promotion.

By Damrong Simakajornboon
Photos: Onesongchai Boxing Promotion

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/1-chonlatarn-destroys-miyagi-101987

Photo: Jeff Pamungkas

Interim WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight champion Angky Angkotta of Indonesia considers his loss to Jorge Arce on January 30, 2010 at Restaurante Arroyo in Mexico City to be controversial. “I abosorbed his strong punches, and he got exhausted in round seven, then he did the headbutt on purpose. I was injured on the temple, and the referee asked me to continue the bout, but the ring doctor insisted the referee to stop the fight,” Angkotta recalled from their first match which Arce won by technical decision. “I talked to Arce about a rematch, and he nodded. This is it!”

The Arce vs Angkotta rematch will take place in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, on November 26 for Arce’s WBO bantamweight title. “I will knock him out this time, and the bomb will explode in Mexico,” promised Angkotta, who is nicknamed ‘Time Bomb.’ “I will bring the WBO belt home for my daughter’s (Chilla) birthday this month. I will also present it as a Christmas and New Year’s gift for my country.”

On the other hand, Angkotta’s promoter Raja Sapta Oktohari has promised him a big event in Indonesia if Angkotta can bring the world title belt home. He plans to feature the first world title tripleheader in Indonesia with Angkota together with other Indonesian stars Chris John and Daud Yordan.

“Wish me luck,” said Angkotta who will depart to Mexico tomorrow.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/angkotta-seeks-revenge-in-mexico-101518

It’s been a great WBO Convention for the Philippines with “Promoter of the Year” Sammy Gello-ani joined by two other boxers and a referee at the recently concluded WBO Awards ceremony in Puerto Rico.

WBO Asia Pacific vice president Leon Panoncillo told the Manila Standard that undefeated 22 year old Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar who has a record of 13-0-1 with 10 knockouts was named WBO Asia Pacific and WBO World Youth flyweight “Boxer of the Year.”

Saludar won the Asia Pacific title with a rousing 10th round TKO over Gabriel Pumar in an exciting title fight at the Island Cove Resort in Cavite telecast by AKTV IBC Channel 13 last August 6.

Saludar had earlier won the vacant Youth title with a sensational 1st round TKO over Thailand’s Liempetch Sor Veerapol on the top rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” also telecast on AKTV IBC Channel 13.

Undefeated 19 year old southpaw Jerwin Ancajas was named WBO Asia Pacific Youth bantamweight “Boxer of the Year” for winning the title by a unanimous ten round decision over Rex Tito last April 16.

Referee, lawyer Danrex Tapdasan was awarded the WBO Asia Pacific “Official of the Year” and commended as “ as one of Asia’s most

Photo: Froilan Saludar (C) with WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo (L) and Promoter Samson Gello-ani (R).

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-62068.html

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer says AJ “Bazooka” Banal (26-1-1, 19 KO’s) is being lined up for a possible WBO Interim bantamweight title fight against Thailand’s No.1 world ranked Pungluang Sor Singyu who has an impressive record of 38-1 with 26 knockouts, many of them against Filipinos.

The solidly built Thai stopped Marvin Tampus in six rounds, Paul Apolinario, Freddie Martinez and Elmar Francisco in two and Joel Rafols in the first round. Pungluang won the WBO Asia Pacific Interim title with a 2nd round TKO of Nathan Bolicio last October 11 and won the Youth title with a 1st round knockout of Jilo Merlin on October 31, 2009.

Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that during the recent WBO Convention in Puerto Rico he started to “open up discussions” with WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel and Asia Pacific vice president Leon Panoncillo about a possible interim title fight, ”hopefully in March 2012.”

The interim title fight loomed after reigning WBO/WBC champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire announced he is moving up to campaign as a super bantamweight following his shutout win over two division champion Omar Andres Narvaez of Argentina last October 22 at the Theater in Madison Square Garden.

Although there are also possibilities of the talented southpaw Banal fighting for the No.1 mandatory spot in the IBF, Aldeguer said “for now, the focus is on the WBO not the IBF, but we will study the best option.”

Aldeguer informed us he would discuss the planned interim title fight with ABS-CBN vice president for Sports Peter Musngi before sending the WBO president a formal letter.

Aldeguer is in Los Angeles and plans on visiting the gym of Donaire’s trainer Robert Garcia who informed us that he would be ready to train Banal beginning next year since he is currently in Mexico working with Antonio Margarito.

Aldeguer who visited Garcia’s gym in the past said he would “still be passing by his gym to see the place again and prepare a place for Team Banal to stay when he starts training with Robert January of next year.” He added “definitely, whatever happens Banal will be training in the US next year. We feel that Robert is the right guy for Banal and maybe in the future for some of our other fighters.”

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-62057.html

MANILA, Philippines—AJ “Bazooka” Banal battles tough, undefeated Mexican champion Mario “Maca” Briones on the undercard of the WBO light flyweight championship between former minimumweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and reigning 108-pound champion Ramon Garcia Hirales also of Mexico.

The fight card scheduled at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium in Bacolod City on October 8 will see the 22-year-old southpaw Banal, who has a record of 25-1-1 with 19 knockouts clash with the 25-year-old Briones, who has a record of 20-0-1 with 14 knockouts.

Banal is coming off an unimpressive eighth-round technical decision over Canada’s Tyson Cave last July 30, when a nasty gash above Banal’s right eyebrow which was caused by an accidental clash of heads forced the ring physician to instruct referee Tony Pesons to call a halt and go to the scorecards of the judges.

All three judges had Banal the winner.

Banal had earlier captured the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title with a cracking second-round knockout of Francis Miyeyusho on March 19.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said the only way to find out how far his fighters are capable of going is to match them against tough, credible opponents.

In the case of Banal they decided to get Briones who is coming off a fourth-round knockout of Ulises Castillo last July 16.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
http://www.boxingscene.com/aj-banal-faces-mario-briones-on-garcia-nietes-bill–43752

Telstra Clear Events Centre, Manukau City, New Zealand – Heavyweight veteran Monte Barrett (35-9-2, 20KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over David Tua (54-4-2, 43KOs). The scores were 114-113, 115-112 and 115-112. Barrett captures the WBO Asia Pacific and WBO Oriental heavyweight titles.

The fight was a rematch of their twelve round majority draw from last July in Atlantic City, which saw Tua get dropped for the first time in his career in the twelfth round.

Tua was very sluggish from the very start. Barrett had few issues with landing his punches. A cut opened up above Tua’s right eye in the third round. Tua began to pick up the action in the fourth.

Barrett was using his jab to control the action. Tua was making the mistake of resorting to a heavy amount of counter-punching. Tua landed a few good lefts in the sixth, but Barrett took them well and countered back.

Tua started landing his right hand in the seventh. Barrett switched his stance to avoid further punches. Barrett continued to use his jab to set up other punches. He was moving, making Tua follow and miss.

Tua started to rally again in the tenth round with big left hands there were landing. He hit Barrett with a big combination in the final minute and Barrett was in big trouble. Barrett stayed on the move with Tua not throwing anything. Instead of trying to finish Barrett off, Tua was playing to the crowd.

They were trading punches in the eleventh round. Barrett’s legs did not look steady and yet he was still outlanding Tua during exchanges. In the final ten seconds, Tua caught Barrett again and started working him over until the bell.

Tua, knowing that he was likely behind on the cards, was looking for one big shot in the twelfth. Barrett was holding and surviving. In the final minute, Tua landed a big combination of punches to send Barrett down for the first time in the fight. Barrett barely made it up and somehow Tua once again let him off the hook with thirty seconds left and he survived until the final bell.

By Chris LaBate
http://www.boxingscene.com/barrett-likely-ends-david-tuas-career-with-big-win–42608