Photos: Cleverly, Krasniqi Get Very Tense at Weigh-In

WBO World Light-Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly weighed-in just under the limit at 12st 6 1/2lbs (174lbs) and mandatory challenger Robin Krasniqi came lighter at 12st 5lbs (173lbs) for their big fight tomorrow night at Wembley Arena.

WBO European Lightweight Champion Liam Walsh hit the scales at 9st 8 1/2lbs (134 1/2lbs) with challenger and former two-time WBO World Featherweight Champion Scott Harrison coming in at 9st 8 1/2lbs (134 1/2lbs).

Dereck Chisora weighed in at 18st (252lbs) with his opponent in the ten-round international contest, Hector Alfredo Avila at 15st 8lbs (218lbs) .

Paul Butler was 8st 2 1/2lbs (114 1/2lbs) for his Commonwealth Super-Flyweight title challenge against the champion Yaqub Kareem who came in at 8st 2lbs (114lbs).

Cleverly v Krasniqi headlines a massive fight card, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) with coverage starting at 7pm.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-cleverly-krasniqi-get-very-tense-weigh—64596

Nathan Cleverly headlines with the fifth defence of his WBO World Light-Heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Robin Krasniqi in the main event, with Walsh, the WBO European Lightweight Champion versus former two-time world champion Scott Harrison as chief support; the return of Chisora, plus fast rising star Butler challenging Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Champion Yaqub Kareem for his title. The show on Saturday will be televised live and exclusive on The Channel of Champions BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) starting at 7pm.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=64517

Trainer: Freddie Roach
Amateur Career

“I had a little over 150 amateur fights. I had around 130 wins and 20 losses.” [1]
2005 Oil Producing Countries Cup, Nizhnevartovsk, Russia, 151 pounds: in the quarterfinals lost a 35-21 decision against Artur Khachatrian of Armenia.
2000 Eurocadet Junior Championship, Patra, Greece, 105 pounds Gold Medalist: in the finals he beat Denis Litvinenko of Ukraine.
Titles Held

WBO Junior Welterweight Title (2013)
WBO Intercontinental Light Welterweight Title (2012)
WBC Asian Boxing Council Light Welterweight Title (2011)
WBO Intercontinental Light Welterweight Title (2009)

BERLIN — March 23 shall represent another glorious day for Arthur Abraham (36-3, 28 KOs). Then he will meet Robert Stieglitz (43-3, 24 KOs) for their hotly anticipated rematch inside the GETEC-Arena in Magdeburg, Germany. The 33-year-old Abraham captured the WBO super mddleweight world championship last August when he beat Stieglitz on points in his hometown of Berlin. This time the champion is making his way to his opponent’s backyard. In the following interview, he reveals what kind of performance can be expected from him.

Abraham-Stieglitz II will be televised live ringside to the U.S. from GTEC Arena in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT, exclusively on EPIX, the premium entertainment service. EPIX will stream the fights live on EpixHD.com and on the EPIX app on Xbox consoles and Roku players as part of a special free trial offer for boxing fans.

Mr. Abraham, the last time people saw you putting on the gloves you beat Frenchman Mehdi Bouadla by technical knockout on December 15. Were you satisfied with your first title defense at super-middleweight?

Arthur Abraham: I guess that I showed quite a good performance against Bouadla. There might have been some details I could have done better but in the end, I dominated my opponent that night and took care of him early. In preparation to that fight Mister Wegner told me his expectations and I must have fulfilled most of them. Anyway, he didn’t complain to me afterwards.

March 23 will mark the second time you are going to face Robert Stieglitz. Is there anything left you can surprise him with – or could he surprise you?

Arthur Abraham: Stieglitz hasn’t seen the best that Arthur Abraham has to offer in our first fight whereas he might have already shown everything he’s got. I have some words for him: Beware, because our rematch is going to be much tougher than the first fight! I’m training as hard as ever for this clash. After all, the crowd deserves to be entertained. My training regime is pure torment – and I love it.

Is it easy for you to adjust to Stieglitz’s style because you already fought him before?

Arthur Abraham: Definitely, I already beat him and I got all the knowledge and tools to do it again. He can’t really alter the way he fights but I should not underestimate him. Stieglitz wasn’t a world champion for nothing, defending his title a few times before I took it off him. He still has the ambition to beat me. Therefore, I have to sit down again with my coach and develop a game plan to defend my belt.

Do you feel better prepared in comparison to the first fight against Stieglitz?

Arthur Abraham: I feel prepared just as well. My coach and the rest of the team make me feel like that I can beat him for a second time. I still have a lot left inside my tank and want to defend my title a few times. My shape and motivation are the fundament for me still being the WBO Champion after March 23.

You will step inside the arena as the defending champion. The first fight versus Stieglitz saw you as the challenger. Do you have a different mindset with the belt around your waist?

Arthur Abraham: My attitude is still the same. I want to be the one standing tall. If I would think differently, I could capitulate before the fight has even happened. To defend a world championship is quite different than to challenge for a title. I have experienced both situations. Therefore, I know that Stieglitz will be fired up to get his hands on the WBO Belt again. But I won’t let him. My will and winning mentality will outlast his.

Can you please tell us about the punching power of Robert Stieglitz? Are you worried about it?

Arthur Abraham: I have respect for every opponent I face inside the ring. All I can say is that I have fought opponents with much more pop. I can assure you first-hand that he isn’t feather-fisted but Stieglitz doesn’t have the power to threaten me.

The first fight was staged in your hometown of Berlin. For the rematch, you have to go to his backyard – will this be a special challenge to you?

Arthur Abraham: Indeed, this fight is going to happen in his hometown of Magdeburg but this won’t work to his advantage as he might think. Years ago, my coach Ulli Wegner guided Sven Ottke to his biggest successes at this very arena. I feel confident that more than half of the crowd will side with me come March 23. Moreover, Berlin isn’t that far away either. For one night only, the city of Magdeburg will be my backyard. The people who might boo me at the beginning will be the ones who will cheer me the loudest after the fight.

The first time you fought Stieglitz, you followed the game plan of winning the fight on points. Are you planning for a stoppage win this time around?

Arthur Abraham: First and foremost, I plan to win – it doesn’t matter if I beat him on points or get it done early. To win by knockout is always like the cherry on the cake but you can’t plan such things beforehand. I still haven’t reached the top of my game as a boxer and I know that I can do even better. I know that I will be more aggressive in the rematch. It will be a much more intense encounter and the crowd will see if my opponent can put up some resistance – or not.

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/03/abraham-its-going-to-be-tougher-for-stieglitz-this-time/

World Boxing Organization president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel has credited Filipino world champions for helping get the WBO to be finally recognized in Japan.

In an overseas telephone conversation with the BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard, Valcarcel said “that with all the Filipinos fighting around the world it helped a lot because it wasn’t easy to enter Japan.”

Valcarcel cited Manny Pacquiao and WBO champions  Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Donnie Nietes and Brian Viloria as well as “the support in Asia.”

He extended the WBO’s gratitude to businessman-sportsman and boxing promoter Akihiko Honda and Mexican promoter Felix “Tito “ Zabala for their help and disclosed that “they are very close to us and we worked like undercover” for the past five years.

He said now that the WBO can have world title fights in Japan there will be more opportunities for Japan to finally have WBO world champions because “its not easy for them in Mexico and the Philippines but now they can promote fighters like Nietes, (bantamweighty champion) Pyungluang Sor Singyu who will defend his title in Namibia and all the other big names.”

Valcarcel who will be in Macau for the blockbuster Top Rank promotion on April 6 said his first big plan is “to  work to have some Japanese fighters in Macao” and that he would meet with Japanese promoters today because they want to participate and can make good offers for champions to come here (to Japan) and fight.”

He also commended WBO Asia Pacific vice president Leon Panoncillo for his work in the region and revealed he was “shocked because everybody, especially the promoters, knew and liked Leon.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=62495#ixzz2LTWyRkpZ

El promotor Félix “Tutico” Zabala, director de la empresa All Star Boxing, con sede en Miami, Florida, oficializó este viernes el combate de título mundial que sostendrán el colombiano Luis De la Rosa y el filipino Merlito Sabillo, quienes se enfrentarán por la vacante corona mínima interina de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB).

El combate está programado para el próximo 9 de marzo en el Coliseo Mario de León en Cereté, Córdoba, Colombia. La cartelera denominada “Haciendo Historia”, por la gran importancia que tiene para esta ciudad, organizar una pelea de título mundial.

De La Rosa, segundo en el ranking mínimo de la OMB, llegará a este combate con un record de 21-1-1, con 12 nocauts, Mientras tanto, el filipino Sabillo lo hará con 21-0, 10 nocauts.

La   conferencia de prensa del viernes estuvo concurrida con la presencia de los medios de comunicación de la región, el acalde municipal, Francisco Padilla, por All Star estuvo “Tutico” Zabala,   Sergio Chams y Aberto Agámez por la empresa Cuadrilátero y desde luego, el retador colombiano, Luis De la Rosa, este último se mostró confiado en salir airoso ante el filipino.

Los organizadores del evento informaron que los precios oscilan entre diez mil pesos la más barata en las gradas, hasta cincuenta mil en ring side, además de palcos a un millón de pesos para diez personas con derecho a una botella de whisky.

De otra parte, el alcalde se mostró satisfecho con   la acogida del evento e la zona, manifestando que con el apoyo de la gente se podrá organizar varios eventos de esta naturaleza en Cereté. — — — —

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NotiFighthttp://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Resultado_2/Zabala_present_De_La_Rosa-Sabillo.php

 VAZQUEZ: I’LL BE RUTHLESS LIKE HERNANDEZ

Mexican hitman Miguel Vazquez says he’ll be as deadly as fellow countryman and Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez when he faces WBO World Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns at Wembley Arena.

Vazquez, the IBF World Champion, puts his title on the line against Burns’ belt in a big unification clash on Saturday 16th March that also features stars Nathan Cleverly, George Groves, Dereck Chisora* and Liam Walsh, all live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546)

Hernandez, currently the only Mexican playing in the Premier League, hails from Guadalajara – the same as Vazquez.

Since arriving at the Red Devils in 2010 “Chicharito” has terrorized defences with his speed and accuracy, hitting the net 46 times.  He fired home twice in Saturday’s FA Cup match against Fulham.

And Vazquez has promised to make it a Mexican treble by battering the Scotsman and taking his belt.

“When I fight Burns I will be just like Hernandez, a cold and ruthless assassin.  There will be no remorse when I’m taking Burns apart,” Said Vazquez.

“Hernandez is a hero in Mexico, I saw the match on Saturday and I said that is what I have to be like to beat Burns,”

“A striker and a boxer have the same mind set, a striker has to have to the killer instinct to score, the boxer to land a knockout punch, when the opening comes against Burns that will be the end for him.”

Vazquez isn’t worried about facing Burns who destroyed rival Kevin Mitchell in four rounds last time out.  Vazquez was the first man to beat hammer-hitting Breidis Prescott after the Colombian destroyed Amir Khan inside a round.

He added, “Burns is a good fighter, he is strong, he has good skills and he knocked out Kevin Mitchell which was impressive,”

“But he has never faced a fighter like me before.  I’m unbeaten as a world champion at lightweight.  I beat a huge puncher in Prescott and he didn’t hurt me, I don’t see how Burns can hurt me,”

“I will be Ricky Burns’ worst nightmare.  I’m coming for his world title, his title is as good as mine.”

Burns v Vazquez joint-headlines a blockbuster show with WBO World Light-Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly’s title defence against Robin Krasniqi, plus George Groves challenging for the Vacant European Super-Middleweight title, heavyweight Dereck Chisora* and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Champion Liam Walsh, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=61901
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz PhilBoxing.com Wed, 30 Jan 2013
Valcarcel.
World Boxing Organization (WBO) president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel has congratulated Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire for being named “Fighter of the Year” by the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America.

Donaire is the reigning WBO, Ring Magazine and WBC Diamond Belt super bantamweight champion.
Valcarcel also expressed pride in the fact that the fourth fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao last December 8 which Marquez won by a crushing 6th round knockout was chosen “Fight of the Year” by the BWAA.
The WBO crowned Marquez as WBO “Champion of the Decade” for his victory.
Valcarcel said “We (the WBO) want to congratulate Nonito Donaire for this achievement, being elected as the Boxer of the Year. We are proud of Donaire because he is a great champion, one of the best now, and a good person. It’s an honor to have Donaire as our champion”.
Valcarcel also commended Donaire’s trainer Robert Garcia. He said. “I want to congratulate too Robert Garcia for his Trainer of the Year Award. Robert is a good friend of mine, but also is one of the best trainers in the sport. He has a good group of fighters and a good future with them”.
Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) fought four times in 2012, starting in February with a win over Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas when he handily won the WBO super bantamweight title.
In July, Donaire beat Jeffrey Mathebula in his first title defense in the process breakinbg IBF champion Mathebula’s jaw in two places. Donaire followed this up with a spectacular 9th round TKO of Japan’s WBC super champion Toshiaki Nishioka in October and ended the year with a smashing 3rd round knockout of four division Mexican champion Jorge “Travieso” Arce.
Valcarcel said the fourth showdown between Marquez and Pacquiao didn’t let the fans down. The WBO president said “We knew this was a great fight and they didn’t let us down. Pacquiao and Marquez are two legends and in this fight they showed their talent to the world in an exciting fight.”
Valcarcel added, “We are very proud of Marquez and Pacquiao, great WBO champions.”

http://philboxing.com/news/story-79934.html

WBO middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (28-0, 20 KOs) goes from the hunter to the hunted February 9 when he makes his first title defense against No. 10-rated challenger Fernando Guerrero (25-1, 19 KOs) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Fighting at home in Brooklyn for his second straight fight, Quillin is coming off a world title-winning performance against previously undefeated WBO title-holder Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam, who Quillin dropped six times en route to victory by way of a 12-round decision (115-107, 115-107, 115-107).

“I train to destroy anybody in the ring with me,” Quillin commented. “I steadily moved up the ladder and won the WBO title in one of the Fights of the Year. Two undefeated guys were fighting for the world title and that’s why boxing is so special. You can always look back at fights and find things you can do better: throw more punches, especially jabs, apply added pressure, and move my head more. The key is learning more and knowledge is power. I went to Las Vegas and worked a little with

“The Grandmaster, Floyd Mayweather Sr., to work on my defense. I thank him for the help and my trainer, Eric Brown, for letting me do that. Eric says I’m ahead of schedule, work ethic-wise, and I could fight this Saturday. And I think, as world champion, I’m even more confident in myself.”

Capturing a world title hasn’t dramatically changed the popular Cuban-American boxer, inside or outside the ring, and he honestly believes his journey has just started. “I’m working even harder now to get to the next level – superstar,” Quillin said. “The belt has put a big, red X on my back, but I believe the only person who can defeat me is me. So, I’m preparing the right way and will be ready. I’ve hired another strength-and-conditioning coach, Robert Garcia. I’m working with Robert and Brad Bose (his other S & C coach) to make sure that I’m on point, A1. I have a great team to work with to become a superstar. There’s more I’m working on to accomplish what I want.

“You never know what’s going to happen in life, so I’m cherishing these moments. After I won the world title, it did take a little while for it to really sink in. I’ve never been star struck. More eyes are on me in boxing and I know my name will go down in boxing history as a world champion. There are special privileges as world champion and more people do recognize me now, but I’m still a very hungry fighter because there are a lot of guys trying to take my belt.”

Quillin, one of the most social networking conscience boxers in the world, is using his newfound notoriety to his advantage, talking about his well documented life story, in which he overcame tremendous odds to become world champion. “Kid Chocolate” was born in Chicago, grew-up practically fatherless (dad imprisoned for 6 ½ years) in Grand Rapids (MI), dangerously running its mean streets until he finally packed-up and moved to New York City with only a few bucks in his pockets and a dream. Quillin slept on the floor of his friend’s apartment, working three menial jobs at one point to make ends meet, and a few years later he headed west to Los Angeles in order to train at the famed Wild Card Gym.

It’s all paid off, ten-fold, for the still humble Quillin who has built his team from its foundation. “I’m a professional boxer and treat my life as a business,” he explained. “I have a promoter (Golden Boy Promotions), managers (Seip and Jim McDevitt), advisor (Al Haymon), two strength coaches, a boxing trainer, personal publicist, webmaster, and two assistants.

“I want to touch people in a special way to show them that, if they work hard in life, they can do almost anything. I’m a dreamer who has set goals and has applied them in life to overcome adversity and be successful. I’m pleased to spread the word to people all over, especially kids, and continue to strive to be a better overall person.”

It’s “Kid Chocolate” time!

January 24, 2013

http://www.secondsout.com/news/main-news/quillin-makes-first-title-defence

Although there is nothing finalized about a possible title defense in a breakthrough fight card in Macau by Top Rank on April 6, WBO/WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria – who Arum said would be on the card – has been back in the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach in Los Angeles for the past one-and-a-half weeks.

Arum told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that Viloria would face Juan Francisco Estrada who gave undefeated junior flyweight champion Roman “Chocalatito” Gonzalez a hard fight on the same card where Viloria scored an exciting 10th round TKO victory over hard-hitting Mexican Hernan “Tyson” Marquez at the LA Sports Arena last November 17.

Viloria trained with young Filipino Marvin Somodio – who was hired by Roach – and Somodio said Estrada “is a tough guy but I’ve faced a lot of tough guys already in my career. It’s the same thing. I need to enter the ring in shape and with a game plan. It all comes down to what I need to do.”

The main attraction in Macau considering the heavy influx of Chinese patrons of Asia’s gaming capital will be two-time Olympic gold medal winner and three-time World Amateur Champion, flyweight Zou Shiming, who will make his pro debut in a four round bout.

Arum who signed up Zou described the 31 year old fighter as “an incredible talent who is beloved in the People’s Republic of China” adding that Top Rank “will make every effort to make certain that he has a spectacular career as a professional boxer.”

Considered one of the most popular Olympic athletes in China, Zou is known for his extraordinary speed and superb footwork thanks to years of martial arts training with many of Zou’s opponents complaining that they cannot keep pace with him much less see his punches coming.

Zou has stated that his heroes are Muhammad Ali and Jackie Chan.

http://www.boxingscene.com/brian-viloria-back-training-wild-card–61690

En un año pleno de reconocimientos, el mexicano Juan Manuel Márquez se afianzó en el boxeo mundial y logró adjudicarse el mérito al mejor boxeador latino de 2012 para NotiFight.com.

Además de su dramático nocaut sobre el filipino Manny Pacquiao, Márquez también sumó una victoria por puntos sobre el ucraniano Serhiy Fedchenko.

En la elección del mejor pugilista latino de la última temporada, Márquez se impuso al argentino Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez (segundo lugar) y al estadounidense de sangre boricua Danny García (tercer lugar).

Márquez posee un extraordinario record de 55-6-1, con 40 nocauts, y a los 39 años se mantiene en la elite del boxeo mundial.

© Copyright by NotiFight

WBO/WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria is scheduled to defend his titles on April 6 in Macau in a fight that is likely to be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN which has an on-going output deal with Top Rank Promotions.

Paolo Diaz, Events and Operations Manager of Solar Sports TV networks said “it would be good for Philippine boxing. If ABS-CBN gets it, it will reach a bigger audience.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum requested the Standard to have ABS-CBN Vice President for Sports Peter Musngi call him to discuss the Viloria title fight and its possible telecast over the network and The Filipino Channel which is very popular with Filipinos in the Middle East in particular.

Their discussions are continuing.

The Top Rank promoter said he plans to have Viloria face Mexico’s Juan Francisco Estrada who gave undefeated WBA light flyweight champion Roman “Chocalatito” Gonzalez a tremendous fight on November 17, 2012 on the same card where Viloria hammered out an exciting 10th round TKO over hard-hitting Hernan “Tyson” Marquez in an action-packed bout to win the WBA belt..

Arum predicted a tremendous showdown pointing out that although Estrada lost to Gonzalez and will be moving up in weight he is  “ a very, very good fighter.”

Arum was scheduled to hold a big news conference in Beijing on Wednesday to announce that Top Rank is signing up Olympic flyweight gold medalist Zou Shi Ming who will make his debut on the April 6 card in Macau.

The 31 year old Zou is recognized as the most outstanding amateur fighter from China having won three world titles in 2005, 2007 and 2011. He is a double Olympic gold medal winner , capturing the light flyweight title at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The signing of Zou marks another major step in China’s entry into professional boxing. Last November 24 in Kunming, Xiong Zhao Zhong won the  vacant World Boxing Council minimum weight title beating Javier Martinez Resendiz  after mandatory challenger Denver Cuello of the Philippines stepped aside at the request of WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman and was paid $25,000 as step aside fee.

By Ronnie Nathanielzs

http://www.boxingscene.com/brian-vilorias-next-defense-play-4-6-macau–61606

The Theater, Madison Square Garden, New York – WBO junior lightweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (26-1-2, 16 KOs) and mandatory challenger Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos (30-1-1, 29 KOs) fought to a twelve round draw. The scores were 117-111 for Burgos, 116-112 for Martinez and 114-114 for the draw. Most observers saw Burgos as the clear winner of the match.

By Joel Colon

Top Rank’s lightweight prospect Felix Verdejo (2-0, 1 KO) demolished Tomi Archambault (1-4, 1 KO) in 21 seconds.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-martinez-burgos-go-draw-verdejo-shines–61572

Born December 15, 1987 in Ventura, California. Trained by his father Eduardo García and former World Champion, his brother Roberto García.

Miguel started his amateur career at the age of fourteen and beat the current Ring Magazine, WBC and WBA (Super) Light WelterweightChampion, Danny García. He went on to win gold medals at the 2004 National Junior Golden Gloves Championships and the 2005 National Police Athletic League Championships.

García is known as a patient fighter with good punching power, a natural right-hander who likes to switch to southpaw during some of his fights. He turned pro in 2006 and signed with Bob Arum’s Top Rank.

In April 2010, Miguel Ángel beat the veteran Tomas Villa by T.K.O. in the first round, to win the USBA Featherweight Championship. He then beat Matt Remillard to win the WBO NABO Featherweight Championship. This would not only be the last boxing bout but also the last event Nick Charles would broadcast, Charles would die a few days later from Cancer.

In his next fight HBO asked García to turn down a world title shot against Billy Dib to fight on the undercard of Julio César Chávez, Jr. vs. Sebastian Zbik. After his win over Rafaël Guzmán, García sent his well wishes to Genaro Hernández who was struggling with cancer, Hernández would die a few days later. Months later he beat Juan Carlos Martinez in under four rounds at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

García vs. Salido

Garcia’s first major step up in competition came on January 19, 2013 against WBO Featherweight champion and Ring No. 1 ranked Featherweight, Orlando Salido. Garcia dominated the bout from the very beginning, keeping Salido at range with the jab. Garcia knocked Salido down four times early on in the fight, building up a large lead on the scorecards. During the 8th round, Salido accidentally clashed heads with Garcia, causing Garcia’s nose to break. The fight was stopped between rounds, with the decision going to the scorecards. Garcia won a wide unanimous decision, to win his first world title.

Titles Held

• NABF featherweight title (2011- )
• NABO Featherweight Title (2011- )
• USBA Featherweight Title (2010)

Date: January 19, 2013

WBO Jr Lightweight Championship Title Bout

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA

Promoter: Top Rank, K2 Promotions

Referee:  Eddie Claudio

Judge:  Tony Paolillo (116-112)  Waleska Roldan (111-117)  John Signorile (114-114)

Supervisor: Luis Perez

Result: Draw, Martinez retains Title

WBO/Ring Magazine and WBC Diamond Belt super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire will go after the WBA title of undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux in Las Vegas on April 27.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that any talk  about  Donaire fighting on a possible Manny Pacquiao fight card planned for April was “nonsense.”

It was part of a proposal presented to sports patron, business tycoon and the owner of ABC 5 television Manny Pangilinan by  Team Pacquiao member Eric Pineda for an ambitious card in Manila with Pacquiao facing Humberto Sotto in the main event and Donaire against an unnamed Mexican opponent in a co-main event.

Under the proposal WBO/WBA champion Brian Viloria would defend his title against a Mexican opponent on a card that would also include promising featherweight, southpaw Michael Farenas.

Both Arum and Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz shot down the proposal with Arum telling us “that’s nonsense” since Donaire has a fight lined up in Las Vegas in April and “the Philippine TV rights are committed to ABS-CBN.”

Donaire is coming off a terrific year during which he moved up in weight and won the WBO super bantamweight  title handily in a clash with Wilfredo Vazquez Jr and then successfully defended the title against IBF champion Jeffrey Mathebula of South Africa, won a handsome 9th round TKO over Japan’s WBC super champion Toshiaki Nishioka and then battered four division world champion Jorge “Travieso” Arce in three rounds one week after Pacquiao suffered a devastating 6th round  knockout against Juan Manuel Marquez.

His impressive showing in 2012 won Donaire the accolade of “Fighter of the Year” from such prestigious organizations as ESPN, Ring TV, Boxingscene.com and Yahoo Sports.

Donaire and Rigondeaux had a verbal run-in during the week of the Donaire-Arce fight which is likely to help hype the fight against the Cuban who has only 11 fights with 9 knockouts and no defeats.

In his last title defense on September 15 last year, Rigondeaux won a unanimous twelve round decision over Roberto Marroquin who put up a solid effort although the former Cuban Olympic gold medalist dominated most of the fight despite being staggered in round three by a left hook which is regarded as the lethal weapon of Donaire.

Rigondeaux scored a knockdown in round five but was again staggered by Marroquin with a left hook in round nine before the WBA champion dropped Marroquin in the twelfth and final round.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://www.boxingscene.com/donaire-vs-rigondeaux-on-4-27-vegas-says-arum–61461

Click the link below to see

08MAR13 S INTERIM LUIS DE LA ROSA vs. MERLITO SABILLO

The featherweight clash between Orlando Salido and Mikey Garcia serves as the centerpiece of this weekend’s HBO-televised tripleheader live from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The bout itself has been a few months in the making. It was originally scheduled to take place last November but pushed back to this weekend after Salido (39-11-2, 27KO) suffered an injury during training camp. The Mexican veteran is at the pinnacle of his 17-year career but still comes in as the perceived underdog against the 25-year old Garcia (30-0. 26KO).

Talks have already begun of what a win for the young Californian would mean for the future of the division and the sport. The bout will mark his third HBO appearance, while Salido fights for just the second time on the network.

Salido is well-versed in the practice of having to earn his way to the top. He’s done it before and is prepared to do it again, as his team reminded all parties on hand during Wednesday’s press conference in New York City.

“I want to remind Bob Arum that he also promotes Salido,” joked Fernando Beltran, who co-promotes the reigning featherweight titlist. “The last few days he’s been talking about Mikey’s plans after the fight. He forgot that Juan Manuel Lopez was 30-0 and we ruined his plans. On December 8, we ruined Manny (Pacquiao’s) plans (when Marquez knocked him out in six rounds).”

Salido was a considerable underdog the first time he faced Lopez, which took place in Puerto Rico nearly two years ago. Lopez was a rising unbeaten featherweight titlist being groomed for a hoped-for showdown with Yuriorkis Gamboa, against whom Salido lost in his previous fight.

The desired Gamboa-Lopez showdown was marinated to the point of overcooking, as Salido stopped the Puerto Rican southpaw in eight rounds. He repeated the feat 11 months later, this time climbing off the canvas to drop and stop Lopez in the 10th round of their rematch last March.

Both fighters are well aware of a real fight existing in front of them, one which many predict will serve as the first true Fight of the Year contender for 2013.  Ever the professional, Salido refuses to look past January 19.

“I’m going to have a difficult fight in front of me,” admits Salido, who makes the third defense of his alphabet title. “I know it’s a tough fight. Just don’t forget that I know what it’s like to be in a tough fight. This one is going to be a war.”

Not much has been said of what’s in store for Salido should he emerge victorious this weekend. His team only hopes that the powers that be will finally stand up and take notice.

“We’re going to huddle up and figure out Salido’s plans,” Beltran states. “Hopefully HBO will keep supporting him. I think we’ll have a real fight. After the fight, we only want to hear Michal Buffer say, ‘… and still’.

http://www.boxingscene.com/orlando-salido-ready-ruin-everyones-plans-again–61486

El campeón mundial pluma reconocido por la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el sonorense Orlando “Siri” Salido, sabe que el reto es grande pero asegura que retendrá su titulo en base a experiencia, agresividad e inteligencia. El retador oficial, el invicto californiano Miguel Ángel “Mikey” García, está fijo de que estará en la pelea más importante de su carrera ante el mejor peso pluma del mundo con una gran experiencia, pero confía en su poder y en su motivación para convertirse en campeón mundial y lograr la consagración de su carrera boxística.

“Siri” Salido (39-11-2, 27 KOs) y “Mikey” García (30-0, 26 KOs) se enfrentarán este sábado en un escenario de historia y tradición, el Madison Square Garden de Nueva York, en una muy atractiva velada boxística que ofrecerá Top Rank y cuyas acciones llegarán a México por la señal de la “Casa del Boxeo”, Azteca 7. Además, HBO Boxing After Dark televisará para Estados Unidos.

En una muy concurrida y apasionada conferencia de prensa, campeón y retador se mostraron respeto pero ambos dicen tener el talento y los recursos para salir con el brazo en alto.

Salido, que se entrenó durante siete semanas para este combate, con una concentración de cinco semanas en Nogales, donde paso alejado de su familia las festividades de Navidad y Año Nuevo, y cerró con dos semanas de prácticas en su natal Ciudad Obregón, dijo que llega en gran condición, sin problemas de peso y listo para aplicarle a García su primera derrota en el boxeo profesional.

“Lo he dicho varias veces, vengo a ganar. Me queda claro que García es un gran retador, por algo es el oficial. Él quiere mi título y yo no se lo entregaré, porque ganaré. Estos sentimientos de ambos resultarán en una gran pelea para el público es lo más importante”, dijo el peleador cajemense al micrófono provocando aplausos.

Por su parte, “Mikey” García dijo que llegará más fuerte y más rápido que “Siri” y que lo tiene tan bien estudiado, que sabe cómo y cuándo atacar para arrebatarle su campeonato, incluso por nocaut.

“Hicimos una gran preparación con la menta fija de que estamos ante el mejor campeón pluma con mucha experiencia, pero yo tengo mi técnica, pegada y sobre todo el corazón y coraje de guerrero para coronarme campeón mundial ante Salido. De eso no tenemos duda”, expresó el peleador méxico-estadounidense, quien es entrenado por su padre y hermano.

ATRACTIVO RESPLADO

La multi estelar cartelera del próximo sábado incluye otras dos peleas de campeonato mundial. Reviviendo la rivalidad boxística entre México y Puerto Rico, estará en disputa el campeonato mundial superpluma OMB entre el boricua Román “Rocky” Martínez (26-1-1, 16 KOs), que hará la primera defensa de su cetro ante el retador oficial, el tijuanense Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos (30-1, 20 KOs), en una contienda que ha dividido opiniones.

Peleando como en casa, el boricua “Rocky” Martínez estrenará el campeonato que conquistó en septiembre de 2012 al vencer a otro mexicano, Miguel “Barreterito” Beltrán, mientras que Burgos enfrenta su segunda oportunidad de ser campeón del mundo, luego de que en septiembre de 2010 fue a Japón a disputarle el cetro pluma del Consejo Mundial de Boxeo (WBC) al local Hozumi Hasegawa, ante quien cayó por decisión.

Además, el campeón mundial mediano de la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB), el invicto kazajo Gennady Golovkin (24-0, 21 KOs) defenderá por sexta vez su título, al medirse al estadounidense Gabriel Rosado (21-5, 13 KOs).

Las tres peleas serán televisadas por HBO en su programa “Boxing After Dark” comenzando a las 9:45 p.m. (hora local) y en diferido a la misma hora en el Pacifico.

Esta cartelera es presentada por Top Rank y K2 Promotions en asociación con Tecate y el Madison Square Garden. Los boletos que tienen un precio de $200, $100, $50 y $25, pueden ser adquiridos en las taquillas del Madison Square Garden, a través de Ticketmaster, por teléfono llamando al 866-858-0008 y por Internet en www.ticketmaster.com  o www.thegarden.com .

 http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Salido_y_Garc_a_seguros_de_vencer_en_NY.php

El puertorriqueño Román “Rocky” Martínez, campeón junior ligero de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), y el mexicano Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos, estuvieron frente a frente hoy durante la conferecia de prensa final para su combate de este sábado, 19 de enero en el primer gran cartel de 2013, que se llevará a cabo en el Teatro del Madison Square Garden y que será transmitido por la telecadena HBO en una presentación de Top Rank.

Además, se vieron las caras en la conferencia esta tarde, los protagonistas del turno estelar, el monarca pluma de la OMB, Orlando “Siri” Salido (38-11-2, 26 KOs) y Miguel Ángel “Mikey” García (29-0, 25 KOs), así como los coestelaristas, el campeón mediano de la AMB, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (24-0, 21 KOs) y el descendiente de boricuas Gabriel “Gabe” Rosado (21-5, 13 KOs). Estos tres pleitos se verán por HBO, iniciando la transmisión a las 9:45 p.m. hora del Este (10:45 p.m. hora de Puerto Rico).

También se presentó en la conferencia el olímpico puertorriqueño Félix “El Diamante” Verdejo (1-0), quien realizará su segunda pelea como profesional ante Tony Archambault (1-3).

Por Aleudi Rosario

Fotos Joel Colon

ENTRENAN EN NUEVA YORK LOS PUERTORRIQUEÑOS ROCKY MARTÍNEZ Y FÉLIX VERDEJO PARA SUS COMBATES SABATINOS

Los puertorriqueños Román “Rocky” Martínez, campeón junior ligero de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), y el olímpico Félix “Diamante” Verdejo entrenaron esta mañana en el Kingsway Gym de Nueva York para sus choques de este sábado en el Teatro del Madison Square Garden y que será transmitido por la telecadena HBO en una presentación de Top Rank.

Martínez (26-1-1, 16 KOs) defenderá su título ante el mexicano Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos (30-1, 19 KOs) en uno de los combates televisados, mientras que Verdejo (1-0) hará su segunda pelea como profesional Tony Archambault (1-3).

Por Aleudi Rosario

Fotos Joel Colón

New York, N.Y. — WBO world featherweight champion Orlando Salido is ripped and ready for his upcoming world title fight against undefeated No. 1 contender Mikey Garcia, Saturday, Jan 19 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York , live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Salido is confident that his experience will overcome Garcia’s youth.

Promoted by Top Rank® and K2 Promotions, in association with Tecate and Madison Square Garden, remaining tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, are currently available for purchase at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.comor www.thegarden.com.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photo-salido-shredded-vows-take-garcia-school–61438

New York, N.Y. — WBO World Featherweight champion Orlando Salido is putting in some late night work, shaking out at The Affinia Manhattan Hotel in New York City. Salido is getting ready for his upcoming world title fight against undefeated No. 1 contender Mikey Garcia, Saturday, Jan 19 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York , live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Photos by Pete Susens.

Promoted by Top Rank® and K2 Promotions, in association with Tecate and Madison Square Garden, remaining tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, are currently available for purchase at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com. —

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-orlando-salido-putting-late-night-work–61426

Promoter Frank has put together a blockbuster event ‘Rule Britannia’ on Saturday 16th March at Wembley Arena featuring some of the biggest stars in British boxing including Ricky Burns, Nathan Cleverly, George Groves, Dereck Chisora and Liam Walsh, all live and exclusive on the Home of Champions BoxNation.

WBO World Lightweight Champion Burns headlines the show in a sizzling unification showdown against tough Mexican IBF World Champion Miguel Vazquez.

Burns, 27, returns to action following his tremendous 2012 when he become Scotland’s first two-weight world champion in twenty years and ended the year stopping long-time rival Kevin Mitchell inside four rounds.

With thrilling wins against top fighters Roman Martinez and Michael Katsidis in his career, Burns faces yet another hard test against Vazquez, 26, who has made five defences of his world title in a 36-fight career.

Hailing from Guadalajara, Vazquez was last in action in December on the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez card when he defeated Mercito Gesta on points to retain his belt.

Vazquez became the first man to beat Breidis Prescott after the dynamite-punching Colombian destroyed Amir Khan inside a round and has only lost on points to current world champions Saul Alvarez (twice) and Timothy Bradley.

It’s been Burns’ dream to unify the title and he’s excited to finally get the opportunity.

Burns said, “This is a dream come true for me.  Any boxer would be happy winning two world titles at two weights and retire, but for me I want to continue winning more world titles, unifying them and stepping up the weight divisions.  Vazquez is a top fighter and one that I’ve been after a long time so I’m over the moon that it’s happening.”

All-action Welshman Cleverly, the WBO World Light-Heavyweight Champion, joint headlines the card with Burns when he puts his title on the line against mandatory challenger Robin Krasniqi.

Cleverly made a big impression in America with his KO win over Shawn Hawk last November and now he has to remove Krasniqi before he can secure fights against top US fighters Bernard Hopkins, Tavoris Cloud and Chad Dawson.

But it won’t be an easy night against the dangerous German based Serbian Krasniqi who holds the WBO International title.  He has won his last four fights by KO and has never been stopped in 41 fights with only two points losses very early in his career.

“Krasniqi will be a hard defence and he’s a fighter not to be underestimated.  I’ve got to beat him and in style to keep the heat on for a unification fight against Cloud, Dawson or Shumenov.  Every fight is crucial for me, but there is extra pressure on this one to perform which I love because I fight best when the pressure’s on,” Cleverly said.

London star Groves aims to add the vacant European super-middleweight title to the British and Commonwealth belts that he’s already won when he faces the tough Italian based Senegalese fighter Mohammed Ali Ndiaye.

Groves, 24, put on a masterclass performance in December to outpoint the tough Road Warrior Glen Johnson over twelve rounds in London, but now has to remove Ndiaye who’s only lost once on points in 22 fights.

He said, “I’ve won the British and Commonwealth titles and the European is the next step for me towards the world title.  The guys is tough and awkward, James DeGale didn’t want to fight him, but I’ve got the tools to beat him.  It’s a great show to be on alongside Cleverly, Burns and Chisora and it will be a fantastic night in London.”

Exciting heavyweight Dereck Chisora has his first fight of the year on the show, strictly subject to him being successful in reapplying for his British Boxing Board of Control license.

The big-hitting Finchley star, a former British and Commonwealth Champion, will feature in a ten-round International contest with his opponent to be announced.

In February last year Chisora pushed long-reigning WBC World Champion Vitali Klitschko the hardest since Lennox Lewis and he’ll be looking to work his way back into challenging for a world title.

Liam Walsh nearly challenged Burns for his world title in December, but had to withdraw from the fight after he suffered a back injury in a car accident in the build up.

The Cromer star has now recovered and is fit and ready to fight again and he’ll defend his Commonwealth Super-Featherweight title and unbeaten record against his undefeated Canadian challenger Logan McGuinness.

Finally, Romford Cruiserweight Tony Conquest aims to exact revenge over Rotherham’s Neil Dawson to reclaim his WBO International title.

Dawson beat Conquest with a shock first round stoppage in December and he’ll be out to prove that

Promoter Frank Warren is thrilled to be put together such a big show in London.

He said, “It’s the best of British all in one night of big fights.  Fans have got two of our very best world champions, Burns and Cleverly, in action with Burns in a huge unification clash against Vazquez, while Cleverly faces a hard defence against Krasniqi.  Groves has the chance to add the European title to his collection and has a tough fight against Ndiaye, while Chisora is reapplying for his license and providing he gets it he’ll feature in a ten-rounder.  The show will be backed up with an action packed undercard with some of the best in young British talent.

Tickets for Rule Britannia, priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 and £200 are available from Eventim on 0844 249 1000 or www.eventim.co.uk

By Frank Warren

http://www.boxingscene.com/ricky-burns-miguel-vazquez-unification-mega-show–61381