Gary Shaw Productions Signs WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight Champion Jundy “Pretty Boy” Maraon

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

Mexico’s Jorge “Travieso” Arce has finally made a decision to move forward with a ten-round fight, after being unable to lock down a title challenger for his upcoming fight on February 18th in Durango. Arce had planned to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title, but the sanctioning organization refused to approve several of his challenger selections – including Lorenzo Parra and Giovannu Andrade.

Arce tried to get Williams Prado (16-1), who happens to be ranked ninth in the world by the WBO, but no agreement was in sight. He will take a ten round tuneup on that date and wants to face the winner of next Saturday’s clash between Nonito Donaire and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.

By Miguel Rivera

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48857

Paulus Ambunda participated in the 2004 Summer Olympics. At the 2004 Olympics he was stopped in the quarter finals of the Flyweight (51 kg) division by Germany’s eventual bronze medal winner Rustamhodza Rahimov. Ambunda won the silver medal in the same division at the All-Africa Games in Abuja,Nigeria.

Paulus Ambunda made his professional debut on June 30, 2007 when he defeated Johannes Gabriel by points. Since then, Ambunda has defeated all of his opponents. In october 2009, Ambunda captured the interim WBO Africa Bantweight title by knocking out Lwazi Mzolisa in the second round. After conquering the WBO Africa title, Ambunda still holds that belt today. On the 5^th of November of this year – he successfully defended his title against Bongani Mahlangu from South Africa (12-3-0)…Bongani Mahlangu is the WBA Pan Africa champion – and in a very tightly contested fight – managed to find the extra reserves that a true champion possesses to shade his adversary over 12 rounds and win by unanimous points decision…

Well done Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda…

JORGE “Travieso” Arce says he is surprised because, despite having captured a fifth world title in a fifth weight divisions, there are still voices who question his achievements. The WBO bantamweight champion argues that “the criticism makes ​​me stronger” and insists that he plans to “find a sixth championship.” Last Saturday in Mazatlan, Arce won the WBO bantamweight belt by defeating Indonesian Angky Angkotta on points. The belt was vacated by Filipino Nonito Donaire.

Arce confirmed plans to defend his title in early 2012, and then he wants to move up to featherweight for a shot at the WBO title. He wants the winner of the rematch between champion Orlando Salido and Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez.

“I want to fight the winner between Orlando Salido, the WBO featherweight champion, and Juanma Lopez,” he said. “Nothing is easy, but nothing is impossible. If Manny Pacquiao, who was a flyweight, like myself, went up to welterweight and junior middleweight, and beat much bigger opponents at the higher weight, then why couldn’t I do it?.”

By Jose Luis Camarillo, notifight.com

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=46721

Immanuel “The Prince” Naidjala will be the main bout on Saturday when he faces South African Nkubela Gwezela at the Windhoek Country Club.

The WBO Africa bantamweight interim champion has been busy this year and this will be his fifth bout of the year.

He is still unbeaten after 11 fights. The Namibian who has seven knockouts under his belt, beat Emmanuel Simbeye from Zambia on a fifth round knockout in his last fight.

Naidjala might have a hard battle against Gwezela who has a record of 29 fights with 20 wins.

The 32-year-old South African who is nicknamed The Destroyer lost his last fight against Siviwe Hasheni on a split decision in East London in June this year.

Gwezela is the former South African bantamweight champion.

In the fight preceding the main bout, Former WBO Africa lightweight champion, Vikapita Meroro will fight Victor Moyo from Zimbabwe in a catchweight fight with an 87kg limit.

Meroro has a record of 20 wins from 23 fights while his opponent has a record of six wins from 11 fights.

In his last fight, Meroro lost to Braimah Kamoko of Ghana by unanimous decision in Accra, Ghana in June.

Before that, he had lost his WBO Africa light heavyweight title to Isaac Chilemba in South Africa in March by unanimous decision.

Meroro and Moyo met once before in March 2009 when Meroro knocked out Moyo in the second round.

In another catchweight (limit 62.23kg) fight on the same evening, Peter Malakia will face off against Silas Mandeya of Zimbabwe.

Malakia has a record of 18 fights with 8 wins, 9 defeats and 1 draw while Mandeya has a record of 5 wins from 11 fights.

Another boxer who is quickly making inroads on the local boxing scene, Anthony Jaarman (6f, 6w) will fight Zimbabwean Bhekimpilo Mlilo (7f, 3w, 4l) in a welterweight bout over 4 rounds.

David Egumbo (2f, 2l) will fight fellow Namibian Sem Kambonde (2f, 2l) in a 4 round featherweight bout.

Matthias Chimbi (2f, 2w) will go up against Immanuel Andeleki who will be making his professional debut on the evening. The lightweight bout will be fought over 4 rounds.

In a junior welterweight bout, Lukas Handivele and Jason Mashela will both make their professional debut in a 4 round encounter.

Lazarus Namalambo (2f, 2w) will take on Elikana Kalenga (3f, 2w, 1l) in a 4 round featherweight fight.

Elias Nashivela will make his pro debut against Thomas Shangula (1f, 1l) in a catchweight fight over four rounds in the first fight of the evening.

Tickets to the fight will cost N$100 while a table at ringside that seats 10 people will cost N$10 000. Tickets are available at the Boxing Control Board office.

http://www.namibiasport.com.na/node/21162

Jorge Arce won a twelve round unanimous decision over Angky Angkotta in their Fox Deportes-televised main event at Plaza de Toros Rea in Mazatlan, Mexico to win the vacant WBO bantamweight title. It was Arce’s fifth world title in his fifth weight division. The scores were 118-110 (twice) and 117-111. Arce improves to 59-6-2 (45KO). The win is his second decision in as many tries against Angkotta, who falls to 25-6 (14KO).

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-jorge-arce-makes-history-mexico-fifth-title–46480

According to WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, Mexico’s Jorge “Travieso” Arce (58-6-2, 45KOs) has vacated the WBO’s super bantamweight title because he plans to drop down in weight to face Angky Angkotta (25-5, 14KOs) of Indonesia for the vacant WBO 118-pound title on November 26th in Mexico. Arce wants to make history by winning a fifth title in a fifth weight division.

On the other hand, Valcarcel revealed that Top Rank has already requested for the WBO to approve a fight between Nonito Donaire (27-1, 18 KOs) and Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (21-1-1, 18 KOs) for Arce’s vacant WBO title at 122. Donaire has vacated his WBO/WBC titles at 118 and plans to continue his career at 122.

“[Top Rank] is looking to make a fight between Nonito Donaire and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., who could be held in February 2012,” Valcarcel said.

By Jhonny Gonzalez

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=46147

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- El múltiple campeón mundial Jorge “Travieso” Arce dejó vacante el título supergallo de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) para tratar de hacer historia al ir por un quinto título mundial cuando se enfrente el próximo sábado, 26 de noviembre, con el indonesio Angky Angkotta por el cetro gallo de esta entidad.

“Los promotores de Arce (Promociones Zanfer) nos habían solicitado que su peleador estaba interesado en buscar una quinta correa mundial y hacer historia como el primer mexicano con títulos en cinco distintas categorías, así que dejó el título de las 122 libras vacante para buscar el también vacante título gallo ente Angkotta”, dijo Francisco “Paco  Valcárcel, presidente de la OMB. “De esta manera, la OMB aprobó la pelea con el sexto clasificado en las 118 libras, Angkotta, que se llevará a cabo el sábado, 26 de noviembre”.

El veterano gladiador azteca, que cuenta con récord de 58-6-2 y 45 nocauts,  ha ostentado cetros mundiales en cuatro categorías de peso distintas (108, 112, 115 y 122 libras), y ahora intentará hacerlo en las 118 libras ante Angkotta (25-5 y 14 nocauts), a quien se midió en enero de 2010 y lo derrotó en una decisión técnica luego de que una herida tras un cabezazo accidental provocara la detención del pleito por el título supermosca de la OMB.

“Ahora queda vacante el título de las 118 libras, que dejó Nonito Donaire y el de las 122, que deja vacante Arce. En el nuevo ‘ranking’, entonces, Donaire es el primer retador de las 122 libras en la OMB, y Arce el primer clasificado en las 118 libras”, agregó Valcárcel.

La pelea entre Arce y Angkotta cobrará vida en Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México, el próximo sábado, 26 de noviembre.

SOLICITAN DONAIRE CONTRA VÁZQUEZ JR. PARA PRIMEROS MESES DE 2012

Por otro lado, Valcárcel expresó que la compañía Top Rank le solicitó a la OMB hacer una pelea entre el también múltiple monarca mundial Donaire (27-1 y 18 nocauts) y el puertorriqueño y ex titular supergallo de la OMB, Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. (21-1-1 y 18 nocauts).

“Se está solicitando también hacer la pelea entre Nonito Donaire y Wilfredo Vázquez Jr., que podría celebrarse en febrero de 2012”, sostuvo Valcárcel en torno al posible enfrentamiento entre Donaire y Vázquez Jr., clasificados actualmente primero y cuarto, respectivamente, por la OMB en las 122 libras.

World Boxing Organization (WBO) Bantamweight Champion, Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (Moreno Valley, California, 14-1-3, 4 KOs) will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, to support the women’s championship boxing card on November 20, 2011, held at the Dallas Events Center, located within the Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel.  The main event will feature Ada “The Ace” Velez (19-3-3, 6 KOs) defending her IBF Super Bantamweight Title against Melinda “La Maravilla” Cooper (21-1, 11 KOs) in a 10 round bout.  This will be a rematch of their previous March 2011 bout in Costa Rica, which Velez won by split decision.  In addition, Stacy “Stay-Lo” Reile (10-3, 4 KOs) will defend her IBF Featherweight title against Dahiana Santana (27-6, 12 KOs).  Undefeated, Russian heavyweight, Magomed “Mago” Abdusalamov (11-0, 11 KOs) will take on Rich “Super” Power (15-1, 11 KOs).  Promising female boxer, Tatina “Lil’ Tyson” Anderson, will be featured on the undercard.

Kaliesha West, who is twenty-three years of age, signed with HG Garcia Boxing in July 2011.  On August 20, 2011, she successfully defended her WBO title against Jessica Villafranca, winning by a unanimous decision.  Due to unforeseen circumstances regarding her opponent, West’s title defense on October 29, 2011 was cancelled.  No date has been set for West’s next WBO title defense.

http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Chee/Chee1118a11.htm

Vikapita “The Beastmaster” Meroro will return to the ring after a long absence on December 3 when he faces off against Victor Moyo of Zimbabwe in a light heavyweight international bout at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort.

Meroro last fought in June when he lost to Braimah Kamoko of Ghana by unanimous decision in Accra, Ghana.

Before that, he had lost his WBO Africa light heavyweight title when he went down to Isaac Chilemba from Malawi in South Africa in March by unanimous decision.

“I know that if I hadn’t lost those two fights I would have been world champion by now,” Meroro said.

“Now I know I have to make sure I get back into the world rankings by winning my next fights starting with this next one in December,” he added.

Meroro has a record of 23 fights with three defeats. His Zimbabwean opponent has a record of 11 fights with six wins and five losses.

Meroro and Moyo fought each other before in 2009 in Windhoek and Meroro emerged as the winner with a second round knock out.

The bout will be over eight rounds.

The main fight of the night will see Betuel “Tyson” Uushona go up against South African Michael Sangweni in a 10 round welterweight international bout.

Event promoter, Nestor Tobias, said after Uushona’s last fight he needed to get back into the ring.

“Tyson fought recently but that fight was stopped and recorded as a draw, so I decided to give him another fight since he had trained hard for a fight,” Tobias said.

His fight against Francis Gakpetor was controversially stopped in the second round when the referee said Uushona had head butted his opponent.

“I am looking forward to stepping in the ring again especially after what happened at my last fight,” Uushona said.

“The whole fight was ruined by the official, but I don’t want to dwell on that and I will focus on the next fight,” he added.

Uushona has a record of 27 fights, one loss and one draw while Sangweni has a record of 17 fights with 11 wins.

On the same evening, Immanuel “The Prince” Naidjala (11f 11w) will step into the ring in an eight round bout against Zimbabwean Brighton Zhande (7f 6w 1l).

Naidjala, who is the WBO Africa interim bantamweight titleholder last fought in September against Emmanuel Simbaye and he won with a fifth round knock out in Windhoek.

In other fights, Peter Malakia (15f 10w 3l 2d) will fight against Silas Mandeya (11f 5w 6l) from Zimbabwe in a four round lightweight bout.

David Egumbo (2f 2l) will fight fellow Namibian Costa Costa (2f 2l) in a four round featherweight bout.

Philemon Kanime (2f 2l) will face off against Jason Mashela (pro debut) who is also from Namibia. The junior welterweight bout will be fought over four rounds.

Lazarus Namalambo (2f 2w) will take on Elikana Kalenga (3f 2w 1l) in a four round featherweight fight.

Elias Nashivela will make his pro debut against Thomas Shangula (1f 1l) in a catchweight fight over four rounds in the first fight of the evening.

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

WINDHOEK – There seems to be no stopping Namibian boxers in their quest to become world-class boxers.

This was confirmed by Namibia’s pocket-sized undisputed World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion, Paulus “The Rock” Ambunda, when he retained his WBO bantamweight title after courageously trouncing South African Bongani Mahlangu on points, in a 12-round bout at the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino on Saturday.

Ambunda started the first round with some good jabs, to which the skillful Mahlangu responded well.

In the second round, Ambunda started throwing his heavy blows, which kept the South African running for safety for most of the fight.

In the eleventh and twelfth rounds, it became a hit-and-run affair as Mahlangu was now constantly on the run, which made it difficult for Ambunda to hit his target.
Ambunda is still undefeated after 17 professional fights, while this was his opponent’s second defeat after 17 professional bouts.

In another exciting under-card fight, Namibia’s WBO Interim Africa super middleweight champion, Wilberforce “Black Mamba”, Shihepo was in no mood to compromise and made his opponent pay dearly for having the guts to accept a fight against him – a complete marauding Namibian boxer.

Shihepo made easy work of his fight against Johannes Pieterson of South Africa when he bombed the South African with a fifth round technical knockout.

In other action, WBO Interim Africa Welterweight champion Tyson Uushona and Ghanaian opponent Francis Gakpetor’s fight ended in a draw after a clash of heads that left Gakpetor with a stream of blood all over his face, which left the ring doctors with no choice but to end the fight.

by Otniel Hembapu

http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=41547&title=Ambunda%20retains%20title%20%E2%80%A6%20As%20Force%20goes%20for%20the%20kill

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

WINDHOEK – While Africa is blessed with a significant number of highly talented boxers – the continent is poorly represented in some of the high-profile global titles.

It’s a well-documented secret that a good chunk of African boxers are holed up in the less prestigious World Boxing Federation (WBF) and several other low-profile boxing umbrella bodies, but Namibian boxers have their eyes firmly fixed on the real McCoy.

Namibia’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) undisputed Africa bantamweight champion Paulus “The Rock” Ambunda, is one step away from a crack at the coveted world crown.

However, the quicksilver Namibian must first negotiate his way past the equally dangerous Bongani Mahlangu when Ambunda makes his 4th title defence against the South African in the main bout at the Windhoek Country Club on November 5.

Ambunda is unbeaten in 16 fights with 10 stoppages, while his opponent holds an impressive record of 15 wins and one defeat to his credit in 16 fights in the paid ranks.

Ambunda’s handler, Nestor “Sunshine” Tobias, is upbeat about his boxer’s prospects.
“What makes this fight very interesting is the fact that the current WBO bantamweight world champion, Nonito Deneiro, has given up his crown after he moved up a notch to the super bantamweight category,” says the world-acclaimed boxing guru.
“The title is vacant and is now there for the taking since the number one and second ranked challengers are both from Asia – victory for Ambunda, who is ranked number three in world rankings, could pave the way for a crack at the world title against one of the two Asian challengers,” adds Tobias boastfully.

Tobias also lashed out at the reluctance of corporate businesses to come on board as sponsors for major boxing events. Boxing is a very expensive exercise in terms of organization, purses, travelling, judges, referees and many other aspects attached to the high demands required in professional boxing.

“Apart from our regular sponsor Nampower, we have been gravely struggling to convince and lure potential sponsors to our shores despite the unsurpassed success of our boxers. Namibia has a very good chance of adding to the list of former world champions Harry Simon and Hitman Moses, but this dream can only be realized if all stakeholders put their shoulder to the wheel.”

The boxing bonanza will be preceded by two top-notch bouts involving Namibia’s WBO Africa current champions Wilberforce Shihepo and Bethuel “Tyson” Uushona.

The hard-punching force will defend his WBO Africa super middleweight belt against Johannes Pieterson from South Africa, while Uushona puts his belt at stake against south Ghanaian challenger Francis Gakpetor over eight rounds.

Entrance fee is N$10 000 per table of 10 for the VIP’s (finger meals included) while spectators on the grand stand are required to cough up N$100 per seat.

by Carlos Kambaekwa

http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=41340

WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel today announced the referee and judges who will work bantamweight clash of champions between Nonito Donaire and Omar Narvaez in New York City. The referee is Benjy Esteves and judges are Julie Lederman, Thomas Schreck and Steven Weisfield. Supervisor is Richard de Cuir.

Valcarcel also announced the officials for WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck’s defense against Rogelio Rossi in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The referee will be Paul Thomas from the United Kingdom. Judges are Carlos Colon from Puerto Rico, Denny Nelson from Uunited States and Matteo Montella D’Airola from Italy. WBO Supervisor for this fight will be Edoardo Ceccoli.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/donaire-narvaez-officials-99198

New York, N.Y. — WBC/WBO World Bantamweight Champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and undefeated two-time world champion and current WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina pose during the press conference for their upcoming world title fight, Saturday, October 22 in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, Donaire vs Narvaez will be televised by HBO Boxing After Dark. — Photos by Chris Farina.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-donaire-narvaez-face-face-new-york–45148

PAULUS ‘The Rock’ Ambunda believes that Namibians have become accustomed to seeing local boxers win, a trend that will continue on November 5.

Speaking at a press conference in Windhoek yesterday, the WBO Africa bantamweight champion promised to defeat challenger Bongani Mahlangu from South Africa in order to keep his supporters happy and defend his title for the sixth time.
Ambunda said he was confident that stablemates Bethuel ‘Tyson’ Uushona and Wilberfoce ‘Force’ Shihepo, who are undercard highlights, would back up his sentiments with victories of their own.
“We always do good,”Ambunda said of himself and his compatriots.
“The supporters come to see us because we give them good results. This time we will give them good results as always.”
Ushoona is set to battle Ghanaian powerhouse Francis Gakpetor in a welterweight eight-round bout, while ‘Force’ faces Johannes Peiterson from South Africa in the super-middleweight class, also over eight rounds.
Fight promoter Nestor Tobias echoed Ambunda’s comments, saying the fighters thrived on the support of their followers.
“People want to watch good boxing and these guys perform when there is a big crowd supporting them,” he said. “We have to keep grooming them to become more attractive to the public.”
Tobias also used the platform to have a go at the Namibia Sport Awards selectors, whom he believes have failed to recognise his efforts and those of his boxers.
Former world lightweight champion Paulus Moses and Jafet Uutoni are the only nominees from boxing that made the cut.
The pair are vying against Welwitschias captain Jacques Burger, triathlete Abrahm Louw, shooter Gielie van Wyk and cricket’s Craig Williams for the Sportsman of the Year Award.
“I’m being acknowledged internationally but locally I’m not there. I’m not saying my name should be there but we have good administration in boxing also. There are many good coaches, judges and boxers who have performed well over the last year.”

By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS
http://www.namibian.com.na/sport/local/full-story/archive/2011/october/article/we-dont-disappoint-says-ambunda/

Looks like undefeated two-time world champion and current WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina isn’t having any weight issues as he sits down for healthy lunch as he prepares to take on WBC/WBO World Bantamweight Champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire in his title defense, on Saturday in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, Donaire vs Narvaez will be televised by HBO Boxing After Dark.

Narvaez and his team are at the Affinia Hotel on Seventh Avenue in Manhatthan in front of Madison Square Garden. His team consists of trainer Ruperto Ruiz, his brothers Jorge and Daniel, Dr. Franco De Turris, manager Osvaldo Rivero and Esteban Livera, owner of Luna Park.

Narvaez’s team reports that he trains twice a day. Aerobics in the morning and boxing in the afternoon. He is close to the weight and in good physical condition.

By Gabriel F. Cordero
Photo: Chris Farina/Top Rank
http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/narvaez-ready-for-donaire-99099

With the support of the #1 women’s boxing promoter in Mexico, WBO bantamweight Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (14-1-3, 4KOs) of Moreno Valley, California, looks to conquer the Mexican boxing public with her mix of beauty and lethal skills. West, one of the female world champs in HG Boxing’s stable led by promoter Hector Garcia, returns to the ring and to Colima, the site of her debut bout with HG Boxing back in August. West will defend her WBO 118 lbs. strap as part of the “Erupción en Colima (Eruption In Colima)” fight card set for Saturday, October 29th.

In her last bout held on August 20th, West defeated Jessica Villafranca via a unanimous decision with scores of 97-95, 99-91 and 96-94 in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.

Now West will appear in the capital of Colima at the 74th Colima State Fair. The bout will mark West’s third defense that she captured last year by stopping Angel Gladney in seven rounds. West opponent is still to be confirmed.

“I am happy to return to Mexico once again and especially Colima,” West stated. “The people there are very nice and I am looking forward in showing again why I am a world champion.”

West trains in her hometown of Moreno Valley under the supervision of her trainer and father, Juan West. After road work every morning and then an eight hour shift as a hospital administrator, Kaliesha trains at night where she spars at least six rounds three times a week.

West will share the bill with Arely” Amatralladora” Muciño (14-0-1, 8KOs) who will defend her IBF flyweight title versus the “Lady of Boxing” Ava Knight (6-1-3, 3KOs). In the main event, super bantamweight Giovani “Ruso” Caro (22-9-4, 17KOs) will take on Takalani Ndlovu (32-6, 18KOs) in an IBF 122 lbs. title challenge.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/west-returns-to-mexico-99161

NEW YORK — Nonito Donaire is probably a few wins away from a potential showdown with Yuriorkis Gamboa becoming a realistic possibility.

And as Juan Manuel Lopez’s upset loss to Orlando Salido reminded us earlier this year, that’s entirely too far down the line to start getting all that excited about a Donaire-Gamboa bout. But count Donaire among those that hope the intriguing matchup materializes.

“The Filipino Flash” has watched Gamboa’s development closely and is eager to test himself against an unbeaten boxer Donaire considers special, yet flawed.

“He’s an amazing fighter,” Donaire said. “He has speed, power. I’ll be excited if I get the opportunity, because he’s a good fighter. I see a lot of flaws, but sometimes you see flaws and you can’t react to it. It’s different in that ring.

“But I’ve seen some flaws in him, something I can take advantage of. It’s ‘The Cyclone’ versus the ‘The Flash.’ We’ll see who’s faster, but I think ‘The Flash’ can take cyclones all day.”

Even if the Cuban-born Gamboa (21-0, 16 KOs), a Miami resident, and Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs), a native Filipino who resides in San Leandro, Calif., continue winning, getting them in the same weight class could become an obstacle.

Donaire intends to move up from 118 to 122 pounds if he wins against Argentina’s Omar Narvaez (35-0-2, 19 KOs) on Saturday night in New York, but Gamboa said after defeating Daniel Ponce De Leon (41-4, 34 KOs) on Sept. 10 in Atlantic City that he’s moving up from featherweight to at least 130 pounds in his next fight. Gamboa didn’t rule out an immediate move to lightweight, either, which would separate him and Donaire by three weight classes.

The 28-year-old Donaire doesn’t think, however, that an eventual move to lightweight will be problematic.

“I’m definitely growing,” said Donaire, who stands 5-foot-7, an inch taller than Gamboa. “[In late August] I was at 147 and I wasn’t fat. If given the opportunity to put some weight on, it’ll be easy for me to do it.”

By Keith Idec
http://www.boxingscene.com/donaire-confident-he-expose-gamboas-flaws–45139

WINDHOEK, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) — Namibia’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa bantamweight champion Paulus Ambunda has said he is ready to defend his title successfully in two weeks time.

Ambunda will defend his title against South African challenger Bongani Mahlangu at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort on November 5.

The southpaw quoted by Nampa on Wednesday said his preparations for the title defence have gone very well. “I know the opponent, but I do not underestimate him. Come the 5th of November, you will all see the result,” said Ambunda.

The Namibian champion boasts a professional record of 16 fights without a loss, which compares favourably to Mahlangu’s record of 16 fights, 15 wins and one defeat.

The event will also feature eight undercard fights, with super middleweight boxer Wilbeforce Shihepo (21 fights, 15 wins and six losses) taking on South African Johannes Pieterson (22 fights, 14 wins, six losses and two draws) in an eight-round bout.

Namibia’s welterweight boxer Betuel Uushona, who holds a record of 26 fights, 25 wins and one defeat, will fight Francis Gakpetor (17 fights, 15 wins and two losses) from Ghana, also in an eight-round bout.

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.asp?id=24359

Photos: Chris Farina – Top Rank

“I’m in the big leagues now” exclaimed World Bantamweight Champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire after a visit to the famed ‘Mecca of Boxing’ Madison Square Garden in New York City Monday night. Donaire, who is making his New York debut, spoke about the ‘New York city lights’, ‘the millions of people in the Big Apple’ and ‘the excitement he feels’ about his upcoming battle against undefeated Omar Narvaez of Argentina, Saturday, October 22 in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, Donaire vs Narvaez will be televised by HBO Boxing After Dark.

Earlier today, Nonito visited the Jersey City Public Library / Greenville Branch Auditorium to speak to a group from the Filipino School of New York and New Jersey. Nonito fielded questions and took photos with the kids before he was off to training in final preparations for Saturday’s World Bantamweight Championship defense.

School Photos: Ed Keenan / Top Rank

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/donaire-im-in-the-big-leagues-now-98974

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

Kaliesha West had a lot to deal with on Saturday.

West, who lives and trains out of the Southern California suburb of Moreno Valley just west of Palm Springs, was fighting in Mexico where fight fans are rabidly loyal to the sweet science.

She wanted to impress, the bout being her first with a new, well known Mexican promoter.

She wanted to look sharp because the bout was being televised through much of Mexico.

On top of it all she was defending her world title.

No worries. It all fell into place.

West registered a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Jessica Villafranca at the Black Pyramid Casino in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.

“The fight was tough,” West commented on her Facebook page after the fight. “Jessica has a big heart.”

It was the second successful defense of her World Boxing Organization (WBO) female bantamweight title. West, the newest member of the Mexico based HG Garcia Boxing promotional stable, won with scorecards of 97-95, 99-91 and 96-94.

“The people were so sweet here,” West added. “It was an amazing adventure. I’m looking forward to coming back and fighting for my promoter, the best, Hector Garcia.”

West (14-3-1, 4 KOs) defended her title for the first time earlier this year when she defeated Ava Knight at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena.

By: Edward Castro, Palm Springs Boxing Examine
http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-palm-springs/kaliesha-west-comes-up-big-with-win-mexico