Fedchenko vows ‘Rocky Balboa’ performance

On April 14, Ukrainian boxer Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13 KOs) will battle future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs) for the interim WBO light welterweight title at the New Mexico City Arena in Mexico City. This news has become a big sensation in Ukraine and Fedchenko has drawn the attention of reporters and millions of boxing fans. Although Marquez is a fearsome opponent, the 30-year-old Fedchenko is also a very experienced boxer, who is technically solid and a very strong puncher.

“For me, it was unexpected news,” said Fedchenko. “To fight against Marquez is a great honor for me. I am happy that Juan give me a chance. The only problem is little time to prepare for battle. But I’ll make sure that on the day of the fight I’ll be in the best shape of my career.”

Sergey started his professional career in 2002. In the early years, he was fighting against unknown fighters, but all that changed when he became promoted by the Klitschko brothers. In 2008 he won his first championship, the IBF Inter-Continental belt, when he knocked out Argentine journeyman Juan Alberto Godoy. But a year later, the Ukrainian lost a close twelve round decision against South African sensation Kaizer Mabuza.

Many think the fight could be a mismatch, but Sergei disagrees. “I know that I can surprise Marquez,” he stated. “He’s an excellent counter puncher, but I’m technical, I’m smart and I’m fast. For this I received the nickname of “The Professor”. I’ve seen Marquez-Pacquiao. It was great. But I’ve also seen Mayweather-Marquez. Floyd beat him with technique and speed. He’s very smart and I am too. Do I think I’ll win on the scorecards in Mexico? Probably not. So I need to be active. I’m willing to take risks and give Marquez a spectacular fight. Now for me it’s important to prepare well for the fight. I should be well prepared physically. It’s very important to me so I can fight at a fast pace for twelve rounds. This is the most important fight of my life. This is my first fight for a world title and my opponent Juan Manuel Marquez. It’s unbelievable.”

Since the Mabuza fight, Sergey’s most notable wins were against former champion DeMarcus Corley fast Frenchman Willy Blain (whose only other loss was to Lamont Peterson). But Fedchenko is now ready for new heights.

“I know that the predictions of experts and the bookmakers are on the side of Marquez. This is my chance, as it was in Rocky Balboa. Remember that? I want to fight it. No one believed him, but he was able to make a sensation. I can do it too. Each of us when he goes into the ring only wants one thing – to win. I want to win. I have faith. If I didn’t believe that I could beat Marquez, I wouldn’t agree to fight him.”

By Alexey “Oscar” Potapov
Photo: K2 Ukraine

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/fedchenko-vows-rocky-balboa-performance-111236

Promoter Frank Warren has revealed that WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns (34-2, 9KOs) is likely going to return in July. The most sensinble opponent, says Warren, is Kevin Mitchell (33-1, 24KOs). The fight has been brewing for several months and British fans want it to happen. Warren says the fight will be tough to make because Mitchell wants a lot of money to make it possible.

Burns’ return, because of scheduling issues with the venues, is not heading to Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium or West Ham United’s Upton Park.

“I can’t say who it is going to be against yet but it will probably be in July,” said Warren to BBC Scotland. “Kevin Mitchell is an opponent we are looking at and, providing he is sensible, maybe we could make that fight. He has had problems outside the ring and he thinks he should be getting paid much more than Ricky. It’s a struggle to make that one.”

By Edward Chaykovsky

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51069

WBO Jr. Heavyweight Champion Marco Huck (34-2, 25 KOs) will make his mandatory defence against interim champion Ola Afolabi (19-2-3, 9 KOs) in Erfurt, Germany on May 5. It will be the second time the two fighters face each other in the ring, with Huck clinching a close points victory in their first meeting in December 2009. “I had just won the title against Victor Emilio Ramirez and then had to make my first defence against Afolabi,” Huck said. It was a tough fight and I won on points. Afolabi has been victorious in all of his fights ever since. He seems to have gotten stronger. I will be prepared for a hard night on May 5.”

After challenging WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin in February, Huck will have to lose weight again. “He weighed around 95 kilos prior to the Povetkin fight,” coach Ulli Wegner said. “Now he has to lose five kilos. That is something new for him. He has a lot of muscles, so it won´t be easy. But we will get it done during the hard preparation.”

Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer is happy to bring the fight to Germany. “We look forward to fighting in Erfurt again,” he said. “Huck has great memories of the city. In August 2010, he stopped Matt Godfrey at the Messehalle. After long negotiations with K2´s Tom Loeffler, who represents Afolabi, all important matters have been agreed on. Now the contracts are ready to be signed.”

Author: SAUERLAND EVENT

http://boxeomundial.net/boxeo.php?category=english&id=28124

HBO and Showtime want to feature WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire in a fight card in July.

That’s the word from Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that Donaire and his wife Rachel were in his offices in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Arum indicated they talked about Donaire’s next fight even as he revealed that HBO and Showtime were “both talking about a July date.”

As of now the opponent being considered is former world champion and classy boxer  Cristian Mijares even as Arum scuttled suggestions by promoter Fernando Beltran that Donaire take on featherweight champion Orlando Salido sometime after Donaire faces Jorge “Travieso” Arce perhaps in November and hopefully wins.

Arum wants Donaire to fight at super bantamweight for some time as Donaire himself has said he wants to unify the title by facing talented southpaw and WBC  champion Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan in a four-fight program he wishes to fulfill this year.

Donaire had his first fight this year when he won a comfortable twelve round unanimous decision over former WBO super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr in San Antonio, Texas last February 4.

He had previously won the WBC/WBO bantamweight title with a spectacular 2nd round knockout of Mexican veteran Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel on February 19, 2011 at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino and then scored a twelve round shutout in his first title defense against undefeated two-division champion Omar Andres Narvaez of Argentina on October 22, 2011 at The Theater in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Donaire then moved up in weight and captured the WBO super bantamweight title.

The 29 year old who is ranked No. 4 in the Ring Magazine pound for pound list behind “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao, undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr and middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez is expected in Manila on Sunday for the 12th Annual Gabriel “Flash” Elorde awards at the Dusit Thani hotel where congressman Pacquiao will be the guest of honor and speaker.

Mijares is a 30 year old southpaw with a record of 44-6-2 with 20 knockouts and is coming off back to back TKO victories. He is the former WBO bantamweight champion but has moved up to super bantamweight in recent fights.

He scored a 3rd round TKO over Jonathan Perez (19-8, 16 KO’s) on September 10, 2011 followed by another 3rd round TKO over Alejandro Valdez (25-6-2, 19 KO’s) on December 17, 2011.

Mijares is scheduled to face another former  WBO bantamweight champion Cruz Carbajal for the WBC International silver title on March 31.

by Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50871

Dear Colleagues & Friends:
We are pleased to announce our 25th Annual Convention WBO Silver Jubilee and Election
to be held at the famous Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida from
the 22nd to the 26th of October, 2012.
We request that golf participants arrive on the 21st of October as the golf tournament will
be held on the following day, Monday, October 22nd. The course is still under negotiation
negotiation so let’s just say, “Everyone loves a surprise!”
Make it a point to separate these important dates in your agenda now. Remember
you represent the most important factor to attain success and keep the sport of Boxing
in the forefront. Ensuring your attendance will put your personal stamp on the History
of the Sweet Science – Boxing.
While you are in Hollywood, see what the City of Hollywood and South Florida has to
offer. Check out the city’s website at www.hollywoodfl.org . Another interesting option
is to visit a Seminole Indian Reservation. Their website is www.semtribe.com. It’s the place to go for those interesting tours and cultural events.

So, remember, we have a date! It’s October 22nd (21st) to the 26th in Hollywood, Florida,
proud Home of Seminole Tribe of Florida and our home too during the WBO’s Silver Jubilee and Election week at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
See you soon!
Cordially,

Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel
WBO President

Here are the necessary registration forms for our 25th Annual WBO Convention:

1.) CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Registration

2.) HOTEL RESERVATION

Hotel Reservation

3.) ADVERTISING SPONSORSHIP

Advertising Sponsorship

4.) GOLF REGISTRATION

Golf Registration

5.) CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM

Credit Card Authorization Form

Three division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6, 39KOs) is taking no chances with his upcoming fight on April 14th in Mexico City. Marquez will face Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13KOs) of Ukraine for the vacant interim-WBO 140-pound title.

Marquez was originally scheduled to take on Argentine boxer Cesar Rene Cuenca, who is unbeaten with 42 wins, but only a single knockout on his record. Cuenca fell through and Fedchenko stepped in. Marquez believes Fedchenko is a very dangerous opponent, and certainly more dangerous than Cuenca.

Because Cuenca and Fedchenko present two completely different styles, Marquez and his trainer, Nacho Beristain, have to scramble to secure new sparring partners, study new tapes and change their entire fight strategy.

“I think the public will gain from the change of opponent. Against Rene Cuenca, of Argentina, [I had] a boxer with a tough style. With Fedchenko, who I know is from Ukraine, I have a very strong fighter who is always looking to get a knockout. He has a good punch, and his history reflects that. He has 30 wins, one loss and thirteen of his wins have been by knockout. He has faced the best in the world, he’s a very strong fighter and he has shown resilience. I’m definitely going to have a very dangerous opponent,” Marquez said.

By Miguel Rivera, notifight.com

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50791

MANILA, Philippines – WBO flyweight titleholder Brian Viloria’s bout against old nemesis Omar Nino Romero that was originally scheduled for March 31 has been pushed back to April 21 after issues arose with the WBO’s sanctioning of the fight, according to Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn.

The WBO issued a release on Thursday stating that the bout was “pending sanction” due to a $11,250 disciplinary fine Nino owes the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for his 2006 positive test for methamphetamine following his second bout with Viloria. Nino was subsequently stripped of the WBC light flyweight title he had won from Viloria three months prior.

“We decided to give Niño time to clean up his mess,” Gittelsohn told THE RING. “Once Nevada acknowledges receipt of the long overdue payment, the WBO will sanction the fight.”

Nino has not fought in America since then but challenged for the WBC light flyweight title again in 2010, defeating incumbent titleholder Rodel Mayol in their second meeting to regain the belt.

Nino was rated no. 8 by the WBO’s most recent rankings at flyweight.

The bout will still take place at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines. Rumors of the postponement were originally reported by Dennis Guillermo, which were later confirmed.

As BoxingScene.com reported on Wednesday, a new opponent was being pursued for Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs), after Argentine boxer Cesar Cuenca (42-0, 1KO) fell out. The new opponent for Marquez is Ukrainian Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13KOs). Marquez’s trainer, Nacho Beristain, confirmed the information to BoxingScene. The fight takes place for the vacant WBO interim-140-pound title on April 14th at the new arena in Mexico City.

“In the end we are left with Fedchenko, who is more of a come forward fighter, and likes to mix it up a lot more [than Cuenca],” said Beristain after analyzing some Fedchenko videos.

Fedchenko European champion of the World Boxing Organization. He last fought on February 18 in Germany, beating Laszlo Fasekas over eight rounds. His last defeat came in September 2009 and since then he accumulated seven wins, two of them by knockout.

Nacho indicated that Marquez’s camp will have to change, regarding the sparring partners and the fight strategy, but he feels confident there is enough time to make the necessary adjustments. Marquez will get help from ‘Joya’ Herrera, Gilberto González, Juan Montiel, Alejandro Barrera and José Pinzón.

By Salvador Rodriguez

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50668

Zanfer Promotions president Fernando Beltran spoke about the triumph of his fighter, WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido, after his spectacular KO victory over Juan Manuel Lopez last Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “We’re excited by his victory, very proud of the way he fought and for giving a great fight,” said Beltran. He points out that Salido (38-11-2, 26 KOs), had no amateur fights and started his career at the age of 15, losing his first pro fight and acquiring quite a few other “L”s as he got his education in the ring against bigger and stronger opponents. However, Zanfer detected the quality of Salido and in the last ten years, “Siri” has only lost three close world title fights. “Orlando is admirable,” said Beltran. “His heart and his hunger for victory is impressive. He’s a warrior and we’re proud to have him in our stable. He’s a world champion who has earned it the hard way to be among the elite. And the best is yet to come. If all goes well in 2012, he’ll rise to super featherweight in 2013.”

By Gabriel F. Cordero

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/zanfer-high-on-salido-110289

In an unfortunate development, a source close to the situation has advised BoxingScene.com that Eloy Perez has tested positive for cocaine following his fourth-round stoppage loss to Adrien Broner in St. Louis on February 25.

Team Perez reportedly received a letter from the Missouri commission on Monday stating the positive result.  His license will be revoked indefinitely pending a hearing.

The Garcia Boxing Management Team, which handles Perez, gave BoxingScene.com this statement when asked about the matter:

“On Monday, March 12, Garcia Boxing has released Eloy Perez of any contractual obligation.  Due to pending matters, we are not at liberty to discuss his personal or professional conduct.”

Come back to BoxingScene.com later for more information as it becomes readily available.

By Ryan Maquiñana

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50621

Orlando Salido and Juan Manuel Lopez treated fans not only to a great fight, but also added another chapter to the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry when they fought this past Saturday on Showtime in Puerto Rico. Salido who is fresh off arguably the biggest victory of his career, appeared on Boxingscene’s official audio show The Boxing Lab to talk about the thrilling affair.

After their first fight Lopez claimed he did not train properly and had personal issues that served as distractions leading up to their showdown. While it was a great victory for Salido there were still those who felt maybe it was a fluke or he simply caught Lopez at the right time. After winning the rematch in the same dominating fashion, Salido feels there shouldn’t be anymore questions regarding his wins.

“This victory confirms the first victory on April 16th. Both of them have been by knockout and there has been no controversy. I believe everyone should give me the credit I deserve” stated Salido.

In the early rounds of their rematch we saw Lopez try a few different things we didn’t see in the first fight as he boxed more and tried not to engage Salido as much. But it was only a matter of time before he went back into the trenches and fought fire with fire. While they once again provided us with an action packed fight, Orlando did notice some adjustments from Lopez.

“I felt he was strong, more intelligent. He moved around and boxed a little. But we started working him to the body to take away his legs so he could stop moving and fight” explained the WBO Featherweight champion.

And that’s exactly what they did; fight.

With two big wins under his belt, Salido has plenty of options in deciding who he should fight next. When he was asked which opponent he’d prefer to fight now, he had a list of guys he’d consider opponents.

“There are talks of Rafael Marquez, Ponde De Leon, Jhonny Gonzalez; a lot of fighters. They are good opponents for me and I can make good fights with them” said Orlando.

The road to where Salido is now has not been an easy one. He turned professional at the age of 15 and often fought in fights against bigger and older opponents. He did it to provide for his family and while it took some time and sacrifice, Salido is now where he wants to be.

“I feel very happy to be able to accomplish this. It’s a great triumph. My career has had highs and lows because I didn’t always have the support when I fought. There were fights I took without any training and that’s why I lost them. But I’m at the best moment of my career right now”.

The Mexican fighter’s last loss occured in September of 2010, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Yuriorkis Gamboa. Salido hit the canvas twice and Gamboa once in that fight. The undefeated Cuban has since moved up to 135 pounds although his status is in limbo since he pulled out of his fight against Brandon Rios. Salido said that he would like a shot at revenge should the Olympic gold medalist decide to move back down to featherweight.

“I would like to get a shot at Gamboa again. I would like a chance to get that win but he’s at 135 now. If he ever wants to come back down to 126 I would like to fight him again for sure,” revealed Salido.

By Ryan Burton

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50601

Argentine boxer Cesar Rene Cuenca has spent years waiting for a world title shot. On April 14th in Mexico City, he will face one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all time, Juan Manuel Marquez, for the interim-WBO junior welterweight title. Cuenca (42-0, 1 KO) knows Marquez is a very experienced fighter, and he knows a lot of other fights are at stake for the Mexican icon – but Cuenca has no doubts about his ability to defeat Marquez.

“I am very happy, because I’m fulfilling my dream of fighting for the world title. I’ve always wanted to at least try, but now I am going to do it, and I’m going to win. We are preparing very well for Marquez. I know that he has a lot of experience, but I have experience as well. I am convinced that I will win,” Cuenca told Diario Abajo del Ring.

By Rafael Soto

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50603

WBO flyweight beltholder Brian Viloria says it was the element of revenge that compelled him to select old rival Omar Nino Romero for his voluntary title defense on April 1 at the Yñares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines.

“It’s something that I want to close the book on,” said Viloria (30-3, 17 knockouts), of Waipahu, Hawaii, who is making the second defense of the belt he won against Julio Cesar Miranda. “When they offered me the fight, I said, ‘I want to do it.’ I want to prove that the last fight was a fluke and I want to finish this business with him.”

Viloria, who is in his third title reign in two divisions, sustained his first career defeat against Nino in 2006 when he was outhustled by the Mexican who was making his first appearance outside of his home country. In a rematch three months later, Viloria was more aggressive, knocking down Nino twice but managed just a draw on the official scorecards.

The verdict was later changed to a no contest when Nino tested positive for methamphetamines, tainting the bout and inspiring Viloria’s ire.

“When we found out he tested positive, it angered me,” admitted Viloria. “Just the fact that he didn’t come in on an even playing field or act like a professional. It was as if he thought he could cheat his way to get the win.

“I think I’m a more refined fighter now than I was then. I’m much more serious in my craft with the way I’m training.”

While it has been several years since Viloria has shared a ring with Nino, he says he remembers Nino being “deceptively awkward” and “quick.”

“I beat myself in that fight,” said Viloria, who said he didn’t take the sport as seriously at the time as he does now. “I thought I was a better boxer, I just didn’t show it in that fight. I came in that fight a little lethargic and didn’t do what I needed to win the fight. I just need to go in there and be Brian Viloria.”

Nino (31-4-2, 13 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico, floundered for a while after the Viloria contests, but went on to win another world title in 2010 with a controversial decision victory over then-WBC light flyweight titleholder Rodel Mayol. Nino made one successful defense but dropped the belt in his second defense to Gilberto Keb Baas. Nino was inactive for more than a year afterwards before defeating journeyman Javier Romano last month.

Viloria says the Nino fight, which will be his fifth appearance in his birth country in his last six bouts, will serve as a tune-up for a unification bout with WBA 112-pound titleholder Hernan “Tyson” Marquez, who faces Rodel Mayol on March 24. However, Viloria assured that he won’t be looking past the challenge in front of him.

“I don’t want to make any plans until after this fight,” said Viloria, a dual citizen of the Philippines and U.S. “I have to put everything into this fight and get myself past Nino, then look to see what goes on after the fight.

“I want to try to take this win as decisive as I can and keep it out of the judges’ hands. I did everything I need to in the gym, now I want to show what I’ve got.”

by Ryan Songalia

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/171895-viloria-looks-to-qclose-chapterq-on-nino-rivalry

12MAR12 PB Minutes Stieglitz vs Groves

CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO VIEW THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT!!!

BoxingScene.com has been informed that SES Boxing, who promote WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs), secured the rights to the mandatory defense against British titleholder George Groves (14-0, 11KOs). The WBO held a purse bid earlier today in Budapest, Hungary. Reportedly SES submitted “around $800,000.”

Stieglitz was scheduled to defend his title against Mikkel Kessler on April 14th in Coppenhagen, but BoxingScene broke the news earlier today that Kessler is still dealing with a right hand injury and withdrew from the contest . Kessler will return on May 19th against a new opponent.

Groves has a fight scheduled on Friday night in Wembley, as he faces dangerous puncher Kenny Anderson (15-1, 11KOs) in a rematch.

By Rick Reeno

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50540

Team Sauerland has announced that Mikkel Kessler’s next fight in Copenhagen has been postponed to May 19. The Viking Warrior has not yet regained the necessary fitness following last year´s hand surgery, forcing him to pull out of the April 14 clash with WBO Super-Middleweight Champion Robert Stieglitz. Details about the new opponent will be announced at a press conference next week. “I hate to keep my fans waiting and I am really sorry about the delay,” Kessler said. “As a boxer, my fists are my biggest weapon. To fight and to win at the highest level, I need my hand to be fully recovered. Unfortunately, the April 14 date comes just a little too early but I will be ready on May 19. I have kept my shape and can´t wait to be fighting again in front of my Danish fans.”

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: “Although I believe that Mikkel would defeat 90 percent of the super-middleweights out there with just one hand, we will not let him into the ring when he is not fully recovered. His health has always been our top priority. The five-week delay is disappointing but it´s not the end of the world. On May 19, Mikkel will come back in style and put on a great show.”

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/kessler-pulls-out-of-stieglitz-fight-110117

As previously reported, Juan Manuel Marquez (56-6-1, 39KOs) disputed claims that he plans to retire in 2012. Marquez wants to have a big 2012, with at least three fights. For the first time since 1994, Marquez will fight in Mexico City. He faces Argentine Cesar Cuenca (42-0, 1KO) on April 14th for the vacant WBO interim-junior welterweight title.

The WBO honored Marquez on Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He received a special gold ring for his achievements in the ring.

“To me, [the WBO ring] is a source of great pride and motivation to continue my career. At the moment, I will not retire – at least not this year. I would have liked to have become a champion [at welterweight] last November [against Manny Pacquiao], but everyone saw [me as the] champion coming out of that fight with my hand raised,” Marquez said.

After the fight in April, Marquez expects to return in July and then in November, and says the November date “could be against Pacquiao.”

By Miguel Rivera

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50508

WBO Jr. Heavyweight champion Marco Huck (34-2, 25 KOs) believes that he is ready to challenge the kings of the heavyweight division, Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. After nearly defeating WBA “regular” champion Alexander Povetkin last month in Germany, Huck made a decision to return to cruiserweight for a mandatory defense against Ola Afolabi.

“I am ready to fight the Klitschko brothers, but right now I’m the holder of the WBO cruiserweight title and I need to make a mandatory defense. Certainly in future I will return to the heavyweight division, and there I’ll capture a world title,” Huck said.

Huck’s trainer, Uli Wegner, feels a move a cruiserweight is the best move, at the moment, for his fighter.

“It seems to me that the fight with Ola Afolabi is the best direction for Marco at the moment,” Wegner said.

By Luke Furman

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50501

12MAR12 Juan Manuel Lopez To Show Cause (2)

CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO VIEW THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT REGARDING THE JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ INCIDENT!!!

“I am very proud that I can bring another belt home to my son”, said the always exciting IBF #15 rated heavyweight Konstantin “Sandman” Airich after his come-from-behind ninth round TKO over WBO #6 rated Ondrej Pala on Friday night in Tekirdag, Turkey. “I thank everybody who kept on believing in me especially in the hard times I went through – foremost, of course, my family and my coach Hans-Jürgen Witte.” With the win, the German heavyweight added the WBO European championship to his IBF Intercontinental title and will surely move up in the world ratings.

“I am very happy for Konstantin,” says promoter Ahmet Oner. “He is a hard worker who really earned himself this win. After a spectacular performance like this he has bigger paydays coming up. It’s sad for Ondrej Pala that he couldn’t bring home the victory when he was leading on the scorecards but he’s only 27 years old. He will learn from this loss and come back stronger than ever.”

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/airich-speaks-after-big-win-109929

Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan, Puerto Rico – WBO Latino lightweight champion Jose “Chelo” Gonzalez (19-0, 14KOs) stopped Hevinson Herrera (15-9-1, 10KOs) in the eight round.

After four very lackluster rounds, Gonzalez finally let his hands go in the fifth to hurt Herrera. Gonzalez continued to land in the sixth and put Herrera down in the final twenty seconds. After landing a few more in the seventh, Gonzalez finally finished him off in the eight with a barrage of punches to prompt the referee’s intervention.

McWilliams Arroyo (11-1, 9KOs) dominated veteran Luis Maldonado (36-8-1, 27KOs) over ten rounds in a bout for the interim-WBO Latino flyweight title. The scores were 98-92, 99-91 and 99-91.

Super featherweight Gamalier Rodriguez (18-2-3, 12 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over Allan Tanada (11-2-2, 5 KOs). The scores were 80-72 twice and 79-73

Super flyweight prospect McJoe Arroyo (10-0, 5 KOs) won a six round unanimous decision over Shawn Nichol (5-10, 5 KOs). The scores were 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55. The first bout for Arroyo in 2012.

Featherweight prospect Camilo Perez (7-0, 4 KOs) won a six round unanimous decision over Charlie Serrano (14-3-1, 4 KOs). The scores were 58-56 and 59-55 twice.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50483

Ricky Burns has his sights set on bigger fights after a confident if unspectacular first defence of his WBO lightweight belt.

The Scot scored a unanimous points win over Namibia-based Paulus Moses in front of a 6,000 capacity crowd at Braehead Arena on the outskirts of Glasgow.

Burns has now won six fights at world level and will discuss options with promoter Frank Warren and manager Alex Morrison early next week.

A fight with Londoner Kevin Mitchell, who holds the WBO inter-continental belt after a thrilling victory against John Murray, would capture the imagination of boxing fans on both sides of the border, but Burns was reluctant to name names after his latest comfortable triumph.

Burns said: “I’m happy to get the win, it was a good fight and a good 12 rounds in the bank.

“I’ll get a wee break now and sit down and talk about what happens next.

“There have been a few names out there mentioned.

“I have always said I will fight whoever they put in front of me. Rather than me shout out names and who I want to fight, I’ll do my talking in the ring. Whoever they want to get me to fight, it’s no problem at all.

“I got the win and we can start looking at bigger fights now.”

Although Burns was never in trouble, the scorecard of 119-110 120-110 117-111 probably did not reflect the difficulty Burns had against the 33-year-old former WBA lightweight champion, who has 19 knockouts to his name.

Burns, who struggled with a minor shoulder injury in the final few rounds, acknowledged his opponent’s threat had forced him into caution at times.

“Some of the rounds it was tough,” Burns said.

“He could punch, he caught me with a few good right hands.

“I’ve always said I can take a good shot. I shrugged it off and got on with the fight.”

The Coatbridge boxer, who dominated the first five rounds, added: “A few times I banged them (body shots) in, a couple of times I thought I hurt him.

“But he was taking them well and I didn’t want to dive in because I didn’t know if he was trying to draw me in.

“He was looking for the counters all the time and the right hand over the top, which he caught me with a couple of times.

“I thought I was doing all right but maybe I shouldn’t have got caught those couple of times.

“But I’m still learning and I’ve always said there are still more improvements to come. I can look onwards and upwards now.”

Whatever the profile of the next opponent for Burns, who gets married next month, he has proved he can draw an increasingly large crowd.

Braehead had been only half full for his previous two fights there despite his stunning victory over Roman Martinez at the smaller Kelvin Hall.

After fights in Liverpool and Wembley, Burns sold out the arena and the atmosphere at times evoked that memorable night against the previously unbeaten Martinez, when Burns upset the odds to win the WBO super-featherweight title.

The 28-year-old said: “I just want to thank everyone that has come down. I couldn’t believe it when I walked out.

“The fans were fantastic and I hope they all had a good time.

“When I walked out the changing room, you could hear them all singing.

“Everyone says the Glasgow crowd are excellent and they proved that again.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50510

There are many ways to win a fight, but Ricky Burns again did not stray far from his stick-and-move formula to turn back the rugged challenge of Paulus Moses and retain his WBO lightweight title in front of an appreciative Scottish audience.

Judges awarded him the decision by margins of 119-110, 120-110 and 117-110 – a little harsh on the African challenger, from this vantage point, at least: I had him winning 116-113. The Coatbridge man remains on track for a considerably bigger fight in June, against the Londoner Kevin Mitchell.

Burns got a lager-spilling reception from the 6,000 fans in the Braehead Arena on his return to a Glasgow ring after an absence of a year – although it was a bit rude to play Flower of Scotland for the champion and be left to wonder what the Namibian anthem sounds like.

Snubbed or not, Moses was intent on making it a long night for Burns. The heavy-handed man from Windhoek, a former WBA champion, rumbled after Burns, who took a round or two to hit a rhythm, his pink gloves incongruous but effective weapons.

The Burns right, thrown at an angle over his opponent’s guard, hit the target with encouraging regularity as he took control of centre ring, giving ground only when covering up on the ropes, a strategy that non-plussed the challenger.

Reduced to charging through a blizzard of pink, Moses soaked up a steady flow of blows to the head but remained dangerous on the counter. He looked to have shared the fifth and took the sixth, growing strong as Burns struggled to hold him at bay.

Moses continued to throw big shots in bunches, not all of them catching Burns’s high guard. The boisterous crowd of only a quarter of an hour earlier idled in relative silence, and the chatter from the visitor’s corner grew ever more urgent.

An overhand right rocked Burns early in the ninth but he came back with one of his own and a few more jabs and uppercuts near the bell to take control going into the championship rounds.

The crowd came to life in the 10th, as did Burns, weathering the now less frequent attacks by Moses – who looked his 33 years – and working more vigorously to the ribs. As the seconds ebbed, so did Moses.

The 12th started curiously. They hugged at the start, rather than merely touching gloves, then Burns looked distractedly down at his shorts; had it been Floyd Mayweather in front of him rather than the gentlemanly Moses, he would have spent the next 10 seconds staring at the ceiling. He returned to work quickly enough, dancing clear of danger, and banging out enough jabs to consolidate his advantage. Scotland would be no Promised Land for Moses.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/11/ricky-burns-retains-title?newsfeed=true

WBO Featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido won the rematch this past Saturday against Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez by technical knockout in the tenth round. After knocking Lopez down early in the tenth round, referee Roberto Ramirez Sr. stop the fight when Lopez struggled to get up. In an action-packed fight, Salido was able to overcome a knockdown in the fifth round and continue to pressure Lopez until knocked Lopez out with a couple of uppercuts in the tenth.

Former WBA lightweight champion Paulus Moses is highly motivated by the chance to become the first Namibian to win world titles with two different organizations when he takes on WBO lightweight belt holder Ricky Burns Saturday at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. “In boxing, there are no easy fights. Every match is tough, every match is dangerous but fighting up in Scotland will not present a problem,” Moses told boxing writer Glynn Evans. “The crowd was against me many times in South Africa, and also Japan and the Ukraine yet I won every time. Even up in Scotland, a lot of Namibian people from all over Britain have expressed a wish to come and see this fight.

“Training has gone very well and my weight is fine. I haven’t seen Ricky Burns fight yet but, according to his record, he must be a very good boxer. It’s sure to be very tough, every fight is. Still, if you want to be the champion, you need to beat the champion. I’m very confident. I train to win and, if I succeed, I will become a big, big hero back home in Namibia. I’ve beaten better fighters than Ricky Burns before. I’m coming to take his title by knockout!”

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/moses-ive-beaten-better-fighters-than-burns-109839