Agbeko close to WBA/WBO title fight

Three-time world boxing champion, Joseph King Kong Agbeko, is on the verge of another major title opportunity after joining the camp of respected management syndicate, Espinoza Boxing.

The deal, struck last week in the United States, has almost guaranteed the “Fresh King” a date with WBA and WBO super-bantamweight champion, Guillermo Rigondeaux, for a potential unification bout.

“So far, to my knowledge, I can confirm that the fight is almost done right now. My manager is still negotiating and I believe he is going to get me the right fights,” Agbeko said after signing the deal.

“I fought a few fighters who were managed by Espinoza, and I admire how he treats his boxers. He has a very good reputation, and he is one of the most influential managers in the boxing world right now I’m proud to be part of Espinoza Boxing,” he added.

If the fight materialises, it will confirm Agbeko’s upward movement from the bantamweight division where he still holds the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) title.

It signifies an escape route to some financial satisfaction from Frank Espinoza, Agbeko having broken up with the famed Don King Promotions sometime last year.

“At this point of my career, it is very important for me to just focus on my training and just keep on fighting. I am just going to leave the rest of the business to my manager, Frank Espinoza so I can focus on my training and take care of business in the ring. I am definitely going to return into the ring in December,” noted a confident Agbeko.

“I feel like I am born again, I feel like am just starting my career. The most important feeling I have right now is that I have the hunger that I had in me when I turned professional.

“I feel like I am beginning my career and I can’t wait to get back into the ring to win a world title at the super-bantamweight (division),” he stated.

Agbeko, who ruled the bantamweight class under the International Boxing Federation (IBF), has endured difficult times recently, including a controversial loss to Abner Mares.

“I just want to thank God for what I’ve passed through this few years. I thank Him for all that He has given me and all that He has taken away from me. He has prepared my heart for the future and I will make good use of that lesson,” he said.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=287862

By Carlos Kambaekwa –

WINDHOEK – Former Namibian Lightweight world champion, Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International Lightweight title against the formidable Leonardo Esteban Gonzalez from Argentina over 12-rounds at the Ramatex Hall on the outskirts of Windhoek, tomorrow evening.

Both boxers boast impressive resumes and the fact that they are in their prime suggests the pair possess the capacity to send each other to the canvass easily with only one decent delivery should the chance avail itself. Nevertheless, Hitman is expected to retain his belt with ease and is likely to make full use of home ground advantage.

Very few boxers in the lightweight division can stand up to the former Namibian world champion when he lands punches with the same accuracy and tenacity that saw him wrestle the world tile away from Yusuke Kobori, as can be attested by 20 of his 33 victims who failed to go the full distance. Local boxing fans could not have asked for a better occasion to put behind them the lukewarm, if not disappointing, performance by Harry Simon during his controversial win over Serbian opponent Geard Ajetovic in last weekend’s confrontation that has left tongues wagging, although that may not be easy. It is very likely that that fight will make out a great topic for discussion on social occasions for many years to come.

There is no doubt that locally bred pugilists are up there with the very best in the business, and professional boxing in Namibia is certainly on the right track, as borne out by the huge financial resources committed to the sport, courtesy of generous sponsorships by companies such as MTC, Telecom and Nampower, complemented by an astronomical increase in ticket revenues. Moreover, now that the language of professional boxing on the African continent is increasingly assuming a Namibian nuance, we will increasingly be hearing the expression ‘denga komutwe’ when local boxers go through their paces in the boxing ring.

In fact, local boxing pundits believe it is extremely difficult to find any fighter willing to risk trading punches with WBO Africa Welterweight champion Betuel ‘Tyson’ Ushona, but Kaizer Mabuza, is having none of that. The veteran South African challenger will go toe-to-toe with the hard punching ‘Tyson’ in the main under-card over 12-rounds. Vikapita ‘Beast Master’ Meroro also returns to the ring to defend his WBO Cruiserweight belt against Pascal Ndomba from Tanzania, while Martin Haikali also makes a welcome return after a long layoff in a non-title 8-rounder against Nkosinathi Ntshangase in the lightweight division to conclude the lineup for one of three mouth-watering under-card bouts on the menu.

 http://www.newera.com.na/2013/10/04/road-world-titles-boxing-bonanza/

Having been crowned the Best Boxing Academy in Africa by the World Boxing Organization Convention a few days ago, the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing & Fitness Academy went a step further by taking boxing to the youth when they held a Youth Development Boxing Day at the UN Plaza in Katutura.

The UN Plaza in Katutura was the place to be for young aspiring boxers when they finally got the opportunity to step into a real ring to showcase their boxing skills.

The MTC Youth Development Tournament was organized by the best boxing Academy in Africa, the MTC Sunshine Boxing & Fitness Academy and it was attended by children accompanied by their parents who became their fans throughout the day.

The event started as early as 15h00 showcasing 24 bouts where 48 juniors between the ages of 12-17 years competed. The juniors were cheered on by a good boxing crowd which included their parents and family making this a perfect family outing for the youth.

An excited Nestor Tobias, who was recently also crowned the Best Boxing Promoter in Africa by the WBO said that the event was a resounding success and part of its mandate to take boxing not only to all corners of Namibia at all levels (professional and amateur), but also to extend this platform to the youth to inspire them to become world champions one day.

“Boxing is a very successful sport and has become one of the biggest sporting codes worldwide and we therefore need to inspire our future world champions from an early age,” Tobias said.

“We made a firm commitment to our sponsor MTC that we will put key emphasis on grassroots development and this initiative was part of many more to come,” he added.

To add excitement to the line-up, there were also 15 bouts in total with 30 senior boxers battling it out in the ring, with all boxing clubs in the Khomas region, including Nampol and the NDF participating.

“The juniors were released at about 20h30 because boxing is a very disciplined sport and we therefore need to act responsibly when dealing with the youth. We also made sure that their bouts take place in very good conditions so that they don’t hurt each other, and they were therefore protected,” Tobias said.

“The MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy is preparing for the biggest fight of the year taking place on the 5 October at Ramatex with Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses taking on Leonardo Gonzalez from Argentina and boxing fans are therefore encouraged to buy their tickets from Computicket well in advance,” Tobias added.

http://www.newera.com.na/2013/09/25/boxing-academy-africa-youngsters/

Photo: Ed Keenan –

WBO #1 featherweight Orlando Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) makes his first stop on today’s New York City media day tour La Mega radio station. Boxing’s first openly gay fighter also has a workout scheduled for the Mendez Boxing Gym. Cruz, a member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, is in his final weeks of intense training for his first world title shot against former two-time featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title on the October 12 Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Márquez WBO welterweight championship pay-per-view undercard in Las Vegas.

Photos: Ed Mulholland / Top Rank

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/orlando-cruz-nyc-media-day-227142

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In a great traditional battle between Puerto Rico and Mexico, No. 1 Contender Orlando Cruz, in his first world title shot, will battle former two-time World Champion Orlando Salido for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight Championship. The two fighters are on the call today from their training camps. Orlando Cruz is in Buffalo, NY and Orlando Salido in Mexico. In three weeks they will face each other in the ring. Also on the call is All Star Boxing’s Tuto Zabala, Jr., who is Cruz’ promoter and Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank, the promoter of the card.

For Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, boxing’s first openly gay fighter and a member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, this will be his first world title shot. Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, will be looking to complete a hat trick in regaining the title he previously held for nearly two years They will be fighting for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title on the pay-per-view undercard of the Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, Jr. vs. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Márquez WBO welterweight championship fight on Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

TODD duBOEF: We are getting ready and the fighters are gearing up for an incredible show on October 12 in Las Vegas. We talk about the great rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico and this is going to be showcased on October 12 and between the two of them, Salido, a seasoned veteran who has been in with everyone in the featherweight division and Cruz, who has earned his title shot and is a profile in courage.

TUTO ZABALA: Thanks to Top Rank and to the WBO for giving us a shot. Orlando is preparing himself in Buffalo, NY with Juan Carlos De Leon and he’s going to have a media workout in Manhattan on Tuesday the 24th. When we signed Orlando Cruz he had lost two fights in a row with his former promoter and he was looking for help. We got him four fights on the Telemundo Network and the championship shot within two years. I am very proud of him and the job we have done for him and also embraced how he came out of the closet like he did last October. It has changed a lot and it is amazing the happiness that we have in our team. Finally he has the world title shot and everything is set for him. I now want to hand it over to the WBO Latino Champion from Puerto Rico, Orlando Cruz.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am very happy. Thank you HBO for the opportunity and Top Rank and my promoter Tuto Zabala, my manger Juan De Leon. I am excited and I am ready for the fight.

ORLANDO SALIDO: It’s been great preparation and I am grateful for the opportunity that Top Rank has given me to win another world title. I know that Orlando Cruz is a very difficult fighter, he’s a great boxer, and I know that he has a lot of abilities. I have been getting real good sparring here because I know it is going to be a very difficult fight.

A lot of people thought you were done after your fight with Mikey and now you have another opportunity…

ORLANDO SALIDO: I know the fight with Mikey I wasn’t myself. It was a tough night. But that’s in the past and I know what I’m capable of doing. Right now I feel like I did before my fight with Juan Manuel Lopez and I think you’re going to see that same type of fight from me on October 12.

You’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity – how have you been preparing for it?

ORLANDO CRUZ: It’s been a while. I have been working hard and I never said “no” to any opponent. I worked really hard to get to this point and my team has been really good. Everybody is healthy and I am very happy to get this opportunity. I have a lot of respect for Orlando Salido. I am not going in there thinking that it’s an easy fight. I know how hard he has worked to get to where he is. I know how hard I worked to get where I am. I think we are both really hungry and we both want to do a really great job. I want to take the title back to Puerto Rico for all my fans.

Salido, how is your eye?

ORLANDO SALIDO: I have had injuries in the past but I have not had one injury in the training camp. So all I have to think about is this fight against Orlando Cruz and winning that fight.

How do you feel about Cruz’ style compared to [Mikey] Garcia?

ORLANDO SALIDO: They are totally different fighters. Orlando is a boxer and he tries to move around the ring. My job is to put pressure on him. I will try to cut him off and I will be throwing so many punches I will hit him somewhere. Then I will go to the body to cut him down and eventually I will make him fight my fight.

Does you think your experience will be the difference?

ORLANDO SALIDO: Without a doubt I have been in there with some great champions. I won some and I lost some and I did gain great experience fighting them. I just feel for this fight it will be whoever is better prepared. We are both hungry. We both want it. It’s just a question of who is going to be the best that night and I think I will be.

Jim Lampley, who has a gay brother, called you a hero to him…

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am happy with the situation and I have a lot of support from all around the world. It is great news for me to know about Jim Lampley and his brother. I just want to thank all of the people that have supported me. I have been working hard for this, it is something that I have been waiting a long time for. I want to win this fight for Puerto Rico and for my community. I want to dedicate my fight to the LGBT and all of Puerto Rico because they are going to have a new champion.

Are you ready for a fight with Salido’s experience?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am ready for the challenge to face Orlando Salido on October 12 even with all of his experience. He faced great champions like Juan Manuel Marquez, Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez. I worked very hard for this and am grateful for all of the support that I have, from Tuto, the WBO and Top Rank. Carlos DeLeon, the four-time world champion has been working in the gym with me giving me a lot of experience. People don’t understand how much experience you get while training in the gym. You get experience from working hard and doing what the coach tells me. I have been following what the coach tells me and on October 12 I will become champion for Puerto Rico and for all of my people.

What is the challenge in Salido’s style?

ORLANDO CRUZ: The pressure he will bring. The way he comes that is the way I will fight with Salido. I am not going to run. When I need to fight I am going to fight. When I need to box I am going to box. I am going to be the smartest guy in the ring. I am not taking anything away from Salido but on October 12 we are going to make history.

What do you think about Emille Griffith?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I want to dedicate this fight to Emille Griffith and his family. This fight will be for his community (LGBT) and all the fans of Orlando Cruz.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico rivalry…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico, this will be another fight that will bring a lot of excitement in the ring between me and Saldio and I am so happy that it happened because it makes it bigger when I beat a Mexican to bring the belt to Puerto Rico once again.

ORLANDO SALIDO: This is a great rivalry between the two countries and I know when I get in the ring I have to give my best. I always give my best because it’s important to take that victory home. Mexico vs Puerto Rico is always special and a victory over a Puerto Rican is always special for the people of Mexico.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I never refused to fight anybody. Any person Tuto Zabala put in front of me I signed the contract. If they said ‘fight King Kong’ I would fight the person no matter if it was going to be at 126 pounds or above. I don’t care who I fight inside the ring because this is what I love to do – box.

What about Mikey Garcia rematch?

ORLANDO SALDIO: I would love to get a rematch with Mikey Garcia either at 126 or 130. I know I wasn’t myself. I don’t know what happened that night but I wasn’t feeling comfortable in the ring. I would love to fight him again and I feel I would do much better and it would be a much better fight.

Is this going to be the year of Orlando Cruz?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am sure this is going to be my year. The end of 2013 and going into 2014 will be my time.

How as your life changed since you made the announcement?

ORLANDO CRUZ: My life has changed completely. I am now a different person. I am happy with the support that all of the people have given me and I just want to continue to work hard doing the things that I need to do to make history.

Salido, has Orlando Cruz ever been on your radar for a fight?

ORLANDO SALIDO: It looked to me like he was probably going to be an opponent for me. He has always been there in the top ten. As he was moving up I knew the possibility existed so I was keeping an eye on him.

What have you been thinking about since the loss to Garcia?

ORLANDO SALIDO: After that fight I had a long time to reflect on what happened. I had to take a look at my career to see if this was still what I wanted to do. I still want to do this because I still have a lot left and I think I can still do a lot of things in boxing. But on October 12 I have to show everyone that I am back and what I am capable of doing then go from there. I am not thinking about the future, I just want to show everyone that I am back.

You were supposed to have a fight in June that got canceled – how was that transition to this fight?

ORLANDO CRUZ: All of the work I was doing for June 28 I continued to do. I just changed it up a little because of the type of fighter that Salido is. All I had to do was make some adjustments and I am ready for October 12.

If you win, along with Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon, you’d be the only country to boast three world champions from the 2000 Olympic class….

ORLANDO CRUZ: It is going to be great when I become a champion on October 12. It is going to be a great honor for me to be part of the three, to be with Cotto and Calderon, when I become champion to be part of history in Puerto Rico.

Since your announcement, has media demand taken away from your training?

ORLANDO CRUZ: It has not. I have concentrated on the October 12 fight. I understand the press wants to know about my personal life but I have a team I just want to say thank you to all the Puerto Rican people and all of my friends and to not worry, I am going to be ready for the fight. I understand that all of those questions will come and I will answer the best I can but it will not take me away from the focus that I have for Orlando Salido.

After the tough fight in January many people thought you might retire. Did that enter your mind?

ORLANDO SALIDO: As far as I am concerned the opportunity came at the perfect time. I know what I am capable of doing and I know this is one of my last opportunities to win a championship so I worked very hard for this fight. I am going to be ready to win the fight.

You were knocked down a few times in your last fight – is that a worry for you?

ORLANDO SALIDO: You know, everybody in boxing, if you get hit, there are some strong punchers out there. The question is, what are you going to do? I am going to get up and try my hardest. It happens in boxing. You just have to get ready. You prepare yourself by training for each fight – do the best you can in the ring so you can do the best you can in the ring.

What do you think about Mikey [Garcia] going up to 130 especially because it seemed as though you were catching up to him in the later rounds?

ORLANDO SALIDO: I always thought he was a big guy for 126 and I think he will be even bigger and stronger at 130. I look at him like one of those guys that can go up and have no problem with it.

How do you feel about Salido beating fellow Puerto Rican fight, Juan Manuel Lopez, twice?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I have been working hard and am taking this fight more seriously than any other I have had. I know Salido is a strong fighter and I know every round he becomes stronger and stronger and I am preparing myself for that challenge on October 12.

Since your announcement in October, have the events you have been invited to taken away from your training?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I have been training hard and focusing on this fight for October 12 and nothing will take me away from that. Every day I work harder and harder. I want to thank the WBO President Paco Valcarcel and my promoter, Tuto Zabala, who work hard with me every day to keep me motivated so I will become champion on October 12.

Puerto Rico now only has one champion…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The Puerto Rican community has been supporting me and has respected my decision. Puerto Rico has one champion in Rocky Martinez and now they are going to have a second champion on October 12. Puerto Rico will soon have another champion in Danny Garcia.

There is another fighter on October 12, Lomanchenko who could be a next opponent for him…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The only one I am looking at right now is Mr. Salido. I am not looking at anyone else. When the time comes to look at my next fight, I will sit down with my promoter and my team to discuss. That will be great but my focus right now is on Salido.

What is your opinion on the landscape of Puerto Rico boxing. Mexicans have been successful as of late…

ORLANDO SALIDO: I think about what I have done against Puerto Rican fighters. I am 5-0 against them and looking to make it 6-0. I know how to fight them and my experience helps me to do that and I’ll be ready for anything that happens in the ring based on my experience on what I have done in the ring against them.

TODD du BOEF: It is great to hear this dialogue from these two great warriors as they get ready for the fight. Right now we are going to ramp up an incredible promotion with Timmy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. A release will be going out this afternoon announcing the rest of the undercard. We will have Seanie Monaghan against Anthony Caputo Smith for the WBC Continental Americas title and the Olympian Lomanchenko fighting in his pro debut in a ten-rounder against top-10 contender Jose Luis Ramirez out of Mexico. There is a lot of interest in all of the competitive fights on the show and the response has been terrific. The main event between Bradley and Marquez is one of those sit-around-a-bar or table and no one can pick a winner. We know how competitive it is and how closely matched it is. In the next few weeks we will have numerous promotional activities. Also, tomorrow I will be in Los Angeles for the Cotto media day, so if you are in LA, show up.

ORLANDO SALIDO: I think you are going to see another great fight between two guys that really want it and leave everything they have in the ring. I want to wish Orlando Cruz luck and you cant’ beat Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in the ring.

TUTO ZABALA: Thank you everyone for joining the call and we are looking for a great fight. We have the greatest promotional team in the world, Top Rank. Two of the best featherweights in the world. You have Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. You have a great main event. I am very proud of Orlando Cruz and Puerto Rico will have a new champion on October 12.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I want to thank all of the press for joining us today. I want to thank All Star Boxing, Top Rank and the WBO. I wish all the luck to Orlando Salido and Puerto Rico will have a new champion on October 12.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-87137.html

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (September 17, 2013) — It’s just 25 days until undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY, JR. and four-division world champion and Méxican icon JUAN MANUEL “Dinamita” MÁRQUEZ, both coming off Fight of the Year performances, collide in a battle for Bradley’s world title. The only two fighters to have defeated Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao in the past seven years, Bradley vs. Márquez will take place Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank^®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, All Star Boxing,Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, the Bradley vs. Márquez pay-per-view undercard is just as steeped in excitement and historical significance as the main event.

No. 1 contender ORLANDO CRUZ, boxing’s first openly gay fighter, will clash with former two-time featherweight champion ORLANDO “Siri” SALIDO for the vacant WBO featherweight title. For Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, this will be his first world title shot. Half of Cruz’s professional victories have been by knockout, including three of his last four fights — all for the WBO Latino featherweight belt — propelling him to the top of the WBO ratings. He enters this title tilt riding a two-year winning streak, highlighted by a first-round knockout of previously undefeated Michael Franco. Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, will be looking to complete a hat trick in regaining the title he previously held for nearly two years. He captured his first world title in his third attempt. After a No Decision to Robert Guerrero in 2006 and a split decision loss to Cristobal Cruz in 2008, Salido finally captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title in 2010, avenging his loss to Cruz by winning a split decision. His title reign was short-lived, losing a unification fight to World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa later that same year. Salido bounced back in a big way, stopping undefeated WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez in the eighth round in 2011 to capture his second world championship crown. Salido enters this fight having won five of his last six fights by knockout, including title defenses against Kenichi Yamaguchi in 2011 and a rematch with Lopez in 2012. He lost the title in January, by decision, to Mikey Garcia. He is currently world-rated No. 3 by the WBO.

Two-time Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist VASYL “The Great” LOMACHENKO will jump into the deep end of boxing’s international-sized swimming pool when he makes his professional debut in a 10-round featherweight bout against top-10 contender JOSE LUIS RAMIREZ. Lomachenko first gained international renown by winning gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Games as a featherweight and lightweight, respectively. Known for his all-out aggressive style of boxing, Lomachenko is equally aggressive in plotting his professional boxing plan to a world title where he insisted on making his pro debut in a 10-round bout against a seasoned veteran where a victory could propel him to a Top-10 world rating. He certainly has that in Ramirez (24-2-2, 15 KOs), of Méxicali, Baja California,México, who has won six of his last seven fights. Ramirez enters this fight fresh from a career-best victory, a 12-round decision over Rey Bautista (34-2, 25 KOs), in April. for the WBO International featherweight title, ending the No. 4-rated contender’s four-year winning streak. Ramirez is currently word-rated No. 7 by the WBO.

Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Americas light heavyweight champion “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN, one of the top boxing gate attractions in his native New York, will open up the live telecast in his pay-per-view debut. He captured the title on June 14, 2012, via an eighth-round TKO of Romaro Johnson and successfully defended it last October 24, winning a unanimous decision over Rayco Sanders. Known for his aggressive style and good punching power, especially to the body, Monaghan, 31, is currently world-rated No. 10 by the WBA. In last his fight, on April 13, he scored a first-round knockout of Dion Stanley on the undercard of the Nonito Donaire – Guillermo Rigondeaux world junior featherweight championship at Radio City Music Hall. Venturing outside the New York / New Jersey area for the first time, Monaghan (18-0, 11 KOs), of Long Beach, NY, will risk his title, undefeated record and top-10 rating against ANTHONY CAPUTO-SMITH. Smith (14-1, 10 KOs), of Kenneth Square, Pa., captured the Pennsylvania State light heavyweight title on April 19, winning a gritty majority decision over Dhafir Smith.

Remaining tickets to the Bradley vs. Márquez welterweight championship event, priced at $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, online at UNLVtickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas Concierge, or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/tss-press-releases/17242-just-25-days-til-marquez-bradley-bout

Story and photos by David Finger

The 26th Annual WBO Congress officially kicked off Tuesday morning at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Budapest as boxing insiders from around the world came to celebrate some of the exciting developments in the World Boxing Organization in 2013. The event kicked off with roll call, followed by an invocation. After approving the prior minutes from the 2012 Convention, the congress moved forward with the regional Vice President’s reports. Starting off was Vice President Mark Reels, who did reports from the NABO and the WBO Intercontinental. Although the NABO and the WBO Intercontinental both saw a slight drop in activity it still was a productive and profitable year for the regional organizations.

The NABO held an impressive 12 championship fights (with revenue of $46,760) while the Intercontinental held 20 championship fights (with a revenue of $68,560). Reels also discussed the success of the WBO in developing world class fighters. Reels discussed how the NABO has seen 54 of the 262 fighters who fought for the belt subsequently fight for the WBO title. Although Reels downplayed the statistic, expressing a desire to see that number rise, it nonetheless impressed many at the table, with President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel calling it “impressive.”

“Our issue is with quality over quantity,” Reels said during his presentation, “we have criteria for a fighter who is able to fight for a title.” Reels, however, did want to see some leniency on the issue of fighters getting sanctioned for NABO and WBO InterContinental fights, noting some good fighters who technically fell short of the high standards set by the WBO in regards to qualifications. President Valcarcel expressed concern over the idea.

Still, with all 15 NABO championship fights since last year’s convention being televised by a major TV network, Reels had an impressive year by nearly any standard. “As far as activity levels go, it is low,” Reels added, “but we really are recognized the world over.” Reels then discussed the revenue of the Intercontinental, confirming that the WBO Intercontinental collected over $40,000 of the $68,560 income in 2013.

From there Vice President Istvan “Koko” Kovacs presented his report on the WBO Europe. Although he admitted it was a “quiet year” he still was happy to announce that it Iwas still a productive year for the European continent. There were 13 Intercontinental title fights, with 9 taking place in Europe. There were also 14 International title fights, with 9 taking place in Europe, as well as 11 WBO European title fights. There were 6 WBO Youth title fights, with 4 taking place in Europe, 21 female title fights, with 5 taking place in Europe, and 32 world title fights with 10 taking place in Europe. Overall the WBO had 29 fights in Europe, a drop from 38 the previous year. WBO Europe’s revenue in 2013 was $40,500. Kovacs also commented on the previous issue with the British Boxing Board, commenting on how the WBO no longer has any problems working with the BBB. The BBB refused to recognize the WBO in previous years.

Next was Vice President Jorge Molina’s report on the WBO Latino. Molina admitted it had been a “hard year” for the Latino, with “only 25 Latino title fights in 10 months.” Still, Molina was able to point to the WBO Latino’s proud tradition and was able to proudly say that the WBO Latino continued that tradition in 2013. “#7 WBO Latino Champions became world champions,” Molina said, “and four of our WBO Latino champions have become world title holders (this year).” The WBO Latino raised $26,000 in the 25 title fights since the last convention, with 13 planned title fights to round out the year.

From there a short video on the WBO’s widely successful WBO Kids Drug Free program was shown.

Next was Andrew Smalle’s WBO Africa regional report. Smalle admitted it was a slow year, with 7 WBO Africa fights since the last convention. From November of 2012 to December of 2012 there were three title fights, with revenue of $5,050. From January of 2013 to August of 2013 there were 4 WBO Africa title fights with revenue of $4,800. However, Smalle confirmed that additional income was expected as some sponsorship allocation was expected to kick in before the end of the year. Smalle also commented on the WBO’s commitment to high standards for the quality of the fighters who compete for the WBO African belt. Smalle’s commitment to the highest standards for WBO title fights has resulted in a lower number of championship fights, but also of a growing reputation in the continent.

“It’s been a challenge but I don’t see it as a negative at all,” Smalle admitted, “it can only go up from where it’s at now. We are a young organization, and one of our proudest moments was one of our fighters winning a championship earlier this year.” Smalle noted that despite the low activity, the WBO Africa’s high standard has resulted in it being the only regional African organization that has seen all of its champions ranked in the world rankings after winning a regional belt.

Next came Leon Panoncillo’s report from WBO Asia. Similar to the other organizations WBO Asia saw a slight decline in revenue, but it has continued its commitment to quality. Since the last convention the Asia-Pacific held 14 championship fights, raising $27,700. Panoncillo also anticipated holding 10 more fights before the end of the year. The WBO Oriental title had 5 fights, with 8 more planned for the end f other year. The WBO Asia Pacific Youth title had three title fights, raising $3,750. Although Panoncillo admitted that the Youth title has “not taken off” he was optimistic that a major Filipino television network was interested in partnering up with the WBO Asia-Pacific to award a youth belt to the winner of a “Contender” like reality series involving young prizefighters in the Philippines. Panoncillo’s biggest coup came with the exciting developments of his newest title: the WBO International championship. In just one year the WBO International title has become a highly prestigious belt, with Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios fighting for the vacant belt in Macao on November 24th. Panoncillo confirmed that the WBO has custom made a new belt for the winner of that fight.

The next report came from Zhang Tao on the China Zone. Although the WBO China Zone held only 7 fight shows, the WBO is still making headway into the world’s largest market, and Tao informed the board that he looked forward to hosting the WBO in China. Joe Hernandez then spoke of the Cuban boxing scene, and his desire that the situation in Cuba would soon open up. “When it (Cuba) does come free, the WBO will be at the forefront.”

Markus Aslani followed with his report on female boxing in the WBO. He proudly announced that the WBO had a good year, with an emphasis on quality in regards to female championship fights.

After lunch there was a brief discussion on ratings by Luis Perez, followed by a report by Luis Bautista Salas, which not only focused on “loyalty” but also discussed the successful year of the WBO, with 54 total championship fights (33 men’s championship fights and 21 female championship fights). There was a brief discussion on the growth of the WBO in the British boxing scene.

“We have good working relations and we want to see how we can continue this in the future,” President Valcarcel said.

A discussion from representatives from the Japan Boxing Commission followed, which was a clear sign of the WBO’s success in breaking into a new market. At the last congress in Budapest in 2009 there was a controversy over the WBO’s inability to operate in Japan. The growth in Japan since then was a clear victory for the WBO as it moved forward in Japan.

Next came the legal report, in which the WBO legal representatives discussed several pending legal issues. Several issues regarding trademark registration was discussed, with several brands extended into 2018. They then followed up with a discussion on the recent litigation in Puerto Rico. Some confusion emerged in 2012 in regards to the administrative level, with the Puerto Rican Department of treasury moving forward with legal action against the WBO in regards to its tax exempt status.

“It’s confusion over what we actually do,” one of the legal advisors for the WBO said, “It’s a lack of knowledge of the working issues of the organization.” Although the WBO is confident that they will prevail, several members understood that even if they do not prevail in litigation, it will have little major impact on the WBO. If there is an issue we will simply change the way we disperse funds,” one legal advisor of the WBO said.

Rounding off Day One, WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel gave a special shout out to WBO Asia Vice President Leon Panoncillo over the impressive developments in Macao and the Philippines.

“We control Asia from A to Z,” Valcarcel said, “everything that occurring Asia is very important to us.”

Rounding off the night, boxing insiders visited the Lázár Lovaspark, where they were delighted by a traditional Hungarian horseshow as well as a traditional Hungarian dinner.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbo-congress-day-one-report-221703

By Gabriel F. Cordero –

A source has informed Fightnews.com that the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has asked Mexican four-division world champion and current WBO jr welterweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez to voluntarily move to the welterweight division where he would be rated #1 when he faces WBO welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley on October 12. According to the source, the WBO doesn’t consider that it is stripping Marquez’ world title but wants to reclassify him as a welterweight since hasn’t defended his 140lb crown since April 14, 2012.

However Marquez wants to keep his world champion status and has asked the WBO to wait until after the the October 12 fight before he makes a decision.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/juan-manuel-marquez-wbo-title-status-update-219301

Photo: Google images/www.aus-boxing.com —

By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 Aug 2013

Hengyang, CHINA–Australia’s Alex “Lionheart” Leapai proved true to his moniker after he eked out a workmanlike stoppage win over the very game Mexican heavyweight fighter Felipe Romero at the jampacked Hengyang Stadium here, in the process retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific heavyweight title.

The Samoa-born Leapai, who came in at 110 kilograms at the weigh-in prior to the bout, applied pressure all throughout the bout, but found himself at the receiving end of Romero’s jabs and body shots along the way. Fighting with blood oozing from his nostrils, Romero tried to outbox Leapai, but could not handle the power of the reigning champion.

Leapai scored the first knockdown of the night right at the get-go, sending Romero crashing to the canvas for the count, but could not put away the fleet-footed heavyweight Mexican who danced his way out of harm’s way.

The end came at the 2:13 mark of the ninth round after Leapai sent Romero twice to the canvas, prompting referee Bruce McTavish to put an end to the fight.

Leapai was quoted as saying he broke his hand in the first round, which could have explained why he could not finished Romero earlier than expected.

At the time of the stoppage, both judges Salven Lagumbay and Danrex Tapdasan of the Philippines scored the bout 77-74 for Leapai while Thailand’s Sawaeng Thaweekon saw it at 78-73 in favor of the Queensland-based heavyweight. With the win, Leapai improved to 29 wins, 4 losses, 3 draws with with 24 knockouts. Romero dipped to 16 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw with 11 knockouts.

Supervisor for the fight was WBO Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo assisted by WBO Australia representative Danny Leigh.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, promoter Liu Gang also sponsored a seminar for officials conducted by the WBO, where Chinese pro boxing officials learned tips from veteran fight officials Bruce McTavish, Salven Lagumbay, Sawaeng Thaweekon, and Danrex Tapdasan.

The aim was to improve pro boxing officiating in China, said the 42-year-old Liu Gang, one of China’s biggest promoters.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-85992.html

By Miguel Angel Cebreros –

On the 12th of October at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, two boxers will meet in a high stakes contest for the vacant world featherweight championship of the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Former three time world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs) of Mexico will face Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) of Puerto Rico. The card will be headlined by a welterweight fight between Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Cruz wants to become the first openly gay boxer to capture a world title.

“[Salido] already had his time and glory – now it is my time, I will be world champion, that’s what I’m working hard for. I will fight for the Latino people, for the Puerto Rican people living in Puerto Rico, and the Latin people living in the United States. This is a very good fight for me. I respect Salido, but I’m coming in there to win,” Cruz said.

http://www.boxingscene.com/orlando-cruz-salido-his-time-now-its-my-time–68290

By:  Ronnie Nathannielsz –

The World Boxing Organization will make a special belt for the winner of what promises to be an all-out action fight between “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao and exciting Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios at the Cotai Arena in the sprawling Venetian Resort Hotel on November 24.

WBO Asia Pacific vice president Leon Panoncillo announced that Pacquiao and Rios will fight for the WBO International welterweight title and “a special belt is being made for the winner” of what both Panoncillo and WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel said one of “the most spectaculatr events in the world. It will be huge.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who joined the two fighters and their trainers on a promotional tour which kicked off in Beijing on Monday and will have a press conference on Tuesday, said he expects the television coverage “to reach more people than the last Olympic Games in China (in 2008)” even as the fights being staged in Macau now emphasizes that the world is a very small place.”

Pacquiao and former world champion raced up the Great Wall of China, one of the great wonders of the world, Monday in Beijing, China.

Both fighters are making a stop in Beijing as part of their world-wide media tour which will also include stops in Shanghai, Singapore, New York and finally ending up in Los Angeles.

Arum promised that the Top Rank card on November 24 “will be outstanding because Pacquiao vs Rios is a very exciting title fight.”

Arum emphasized that Macau “is not just about gaming, it’s about bringing all sorts of entertainment and this event will do that.”

He said “people will be coming from all over, especially from the Philippines” which is less thnan two hours away by plane and since the Venetian “will be offering special packages for fans from the Philippines” where Pacquiao is not merely a two-term congressman but a hero to millions.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-85618.html

By:  Bongani Magasela –

ANY challenger has as much chance as the champion to win a fight, whether it is a voluntary or mandatory defence, says Dingaan “The Rose of Soweto” Thobela.

Thobela, who is now a promoter, was explaining why he and associate Nestor Tobias took an unnecessary gamble by pitting their charge, World Boxing Organisation (WBO) bantamweight champion Paulus “The Rock” Ambunda, against Japan’s Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda in a voluntary defence.

The fight will take place at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel and Casino in the Philippines on August 1.

Ambunda, from Namibia, won the title in March after outclassing Pungluang Sor Singyu from Thailand over 12 fiercely contested rounds in Namibia. Thobela and Tobias, who trade under the banner of MTC Tobias Sunshine Promotions, staged that fight.

These former fighters, who were trained by Norman Hlabane, should have chosen an easier opponent for their charge, bearing in mind that Ambunda is not under any obligation to face a highly rated opponent.

Kameda is a dangerous boxer who has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Intercontinental super-bantamweight and the WBC Youth and Silver bantamweight belts. Rated No 5 by the WBO, he is undefeated after 27 fights with 18 quick wins.

“Being in the top 10 says a lot about any contender; they have equal chances like the champion. This is also a vote of confidence in our fighter; the exposure is huge and the purse money is very good,” said Thobela.

He said they did not want Ambunda to sit idle, waiting to make a mandatory defence. “We had to avoid that while still putting our heads together regarding getting finance for his defence. Remember, we had to run around to get finance for Ambunda’s fight against Sor Singyu.

“We are not worried because the fight will take place in a neutral country.”

Tobias, who doubles as Ambunda’s trainer, said: “Fighting away from home is never easy; anything can happen. We therefore hope that the WBO will appoint competent officials — preferably not from Africa or Asia where the two boxers come from — so as to avoid excuses afterwards. Judges were from Europe and America when Ambunda fought Sor Singyu in Namibia.”

Ambunda is a formidable fighter in his own right. The Athens 2004 Olympian and former WBO Africa champion has defeated a number of South Africa’s top fighters, including Sthembele Kibiti (former South African and African Boxing Union mini-flyweight champion), Klaas Mboyane (former bantamweight titleist) and Bongani Mahlangu (former WBA Pan African champion). He is undefeated after 20 fights with 10 short-route wins.

http://www.bdlive.co.za/sport/othersport/2013/07/25/ambunda-to-fight-japans-kameda-in-the-philippines

Pinoy Pride XXI WBO Officials (L-R): Referee Raul Caiz Jr, Judges Salven Lagumbay, Ed Olalo, Joe Garcia and Bruce McTavish, WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo Jr, Referee Danrex Tapdasan and Judge Ulysses Glen. Photo by Dong Secuya.

No less than the biggest boxing promoters in the country are in agreement that when it comes to holding the biggest and the best events, officials of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia are at par with the best anywhere in the world.

This was nowhere more evident than during the “Pinoy Pride XXI” event at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino, where the WBO once again had a big night with two title belts being put at stake for the mega boxing promotion.

WBO Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo, who single-handedly brought the WBO in Asia into the world, takes much pride in his officials, indicating the high level of professionalism attained by the officials all through these years.

This is the same professionalism that has earned the respect of ALA Promotions, the country’s biggest promoter, as the WBO officials are noted for the amount of improvement they have racked up since the first edition of Pinoy Pride series.

“I commend you for arriving on time for the weigh-ins and rules meetings. I know you are busy in your respective fields, but you really take the time to join each rules meeting and you dress the part,” said Panoncillo, noting that WBO officials are always prim and proper during meetings leading up to fight night.

ALA Promotions patriarch, the beloved sportsman Antonio L. Aldeguer, is always first to commend the WBO officials based on how they conduct themselves during weigh-ins and fight night. WBO officials always attend weigh-ins in suits and formal attire, a big departure from the old school organizations whose officials wear jeans and shirts during weigh-ins and press conferences.

WBO Asia chairman Leon Panoncillo also makes sure everything is in order before each fight, making sure all purses, sanctioning fees and officials’ fees are turned in before the first bell. This is a far cry from stories we hear of fighters and officials not getting paid in other organizations.

Even ABS-CBN, which covers the ‘Pinoy Pride’ series and the biggest television network in the country, are apparently impressed with how the WBO runs shows in the country. Veteran sportswriter and commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz always notes how the officials score fairly and conduct themselves in the right manner.

As it is, all these is a result of long years of improving and having a keen understanding of the sport, said Panoncillo.

“We could not have done this without the support of credible promoters like ALA Promotions and leading network like ABS-CBN,” the WBO exec said.

In the Philippines, the WBO boasts of two officials who are licensed by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), regarded as the universal organization for boxing. International boxing judge Salven Lagumbay was the first Filipino to earn an ABC certification, followed by international referee Danrex Tapdasan. International judge Edward Ligas is also a regular WBO Convention attendee, just like Lagumbay and Tapdasan.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-85251.html

WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight titleholder Paulus Ambunda arrives in Cebu City early for his first world title defense on Aug. 1 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino against unbeaten Japanese prospect Tomoki Kameda.

The 32-year-old Namibian star is scheduled to arrive at Mactan Cebu International Airport at 7 tonight from South Africa.

Ambunda won the WBO belt last March in his hometown in Windhoek, Namibia. He dethroned then-champion Pungluang Sor Singyu, who beat AJ Banal for the vacant crown, via unanimous decision. It’ll be his first title defense.

Tomoki, on the other hand, is a hungry young fighter that wants to follow in the footsteps of his brothers Koki and Daiki. Koki, the eldest of the fighting Kameda brothers, is the current World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion, while Daiki is a former WBA flyweight titleholder.

Tomoki made a name in the international boxing circuit by fighting in Mexico, thus the moniker “Mexicanito”. He hopes to make a name for himself in the Philippines with a win over Ambunda.

Ambunda is unbeaten with an impressive 20-0 slate with 10 knockouts, while the 22-year-old Tomoki is 27-0 with 18 knockouts.

The main supporting bout features Marlon Tapales (22-2, 9 KOs) taking on fellow Filipino prospect Fredirex Rodriguez (11-2-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight belt.

The undercard is also beefed up with an exciting war between former world champion Sonny Boy Jaro (34-12-5, 24 KOs) and 22-year-old journeyman Gerpaul Valero (14-14, 10 KOs).

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/2013/07/21/wbo-champ-ambunda-arrives-today-293667

Estrada now in Macau, vows to bring titles back to Mexico

By:  Dale G. Rosal –

Undefeated WBO Intercontinental Flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo will depart for Macau, China today along with fellow ALA Gym stalwart and WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania for their upcoming mega bouts on July 27 at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Casino and Resort in Macau.

According to ALA Boxing Promotions Vice President Dennis Cañete, Melindo and Servania will be accompanied by their trainer Edito Villamor, assistant trainer Robert Labanza, the team’s nutritionist Abet Biagan and assistant trainer Michael Domingo. ALA Boxing Promotions CEO and President Michael Aldeguer and Cañete will follow them to Macau this Tuesday.

Melindo (29-0, 12KOs) will battle Mexican World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada in the main event of Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions card while Servania (21-0, 8 KOs) will go up against Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1, 8 KOs) of Japan in a 10-round bout.

Melindo and Servania just wrapped up their rigid training this week under the supervision of Villamor with both boxers saying they have acquired new skills which would greatly help them beat their opponents.

“I believe they are one hundred percent prepared mentally and physically,” Villamor said. “I think we will have light training for the rest of the week before the official weigh-in,” he added.

Estrada won the two world titles in a unification bout against Filipino Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria last April also in Macau where Melindo fought in the undercard beating Indonesian Tommy Seran via fourth round TKO.

Both boxers admitted that they are excited about their respective bouts.

Melindo is excited to fight and beat Estrada to bring the two titles back to the Philippines while Servania is excited as this is his first ever international fight.

Servania defended his regional title against Indonesians Angky Angkotta and Isaac Junior earlier this year.

ESTRADA LEAVES FOR MACAU

Meanwhile, Estrada is already en route to Macau for the first defense of his world titles.

According to a report posted on philboxing.com by Carlos Costa, Estrada (24-2, 18 KOs) appeared in high spirits as he walked towards his flight’s gate at Mexico’s Benito Juárez International Airport.

The 23-year-old world champion from Sonora, Mexico, is accompanied by his experienced team, which plans to fine-tune Estrada’s preparations in Macau.

“I am so motivated to make my first defense. I have done a good training and it will show in the ring. We will bring our two belts back to Mexico. I share my titles with my team and with the people of Mexico who support me,” said Estrada.

Should the Mexican beat Melindo, his promoters plan a blockbuster all-Mexican affair between “El Gallo” Estrada and popular former world champion Hernán “Tyson” Márquez.

Estrada, promoted by Zanfer Boxing and Top Rank, will be seen in action on July 27 on HBO in the United States and TV Azteca 7 in México. /with carlos costa of philboxing.com

According to ALA Boxing Promotions Vice President Dennis Cañete, Melindo and Servania will be accompanied by their trainer Edito Villamor, assistant trainer Robert Labanza, the team’s nutritionist Abet Biagan and assistant trainer Michael Domingo. ALA Boxing Promotions CEO and President Michael Aldeguer and Cañete will follow them to Macau this Tuesday.

Melindo (29-0, 12KOs) will battle Mexican World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada in the main event of Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions card while Servania (21-0, 8 KOs) will go up against Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1, 8 KOs) of Japan in a 10-round bout.

Melindo and Servania just wrapped up their rigid training this week under the supervision of Villamor with both boxers saying they have acquired new skills which would greatly help them beat their opponents.

“I believe they are one hundred percent prepared mentally and physically,” Villamor said. “I think we will have light training for the rest of the week before the official weigh-in,” he added.

Estrada won the two world titles in a unification bout against Filipino Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria last April also in Macau where Melindo fought in the undercard beating Indonesian Tommy Seran via fourth round TKO.

Both boxers admitted that they are excited about their respective bouts.

Melindo is excited to fight and beat Estrada to bring the two titles back to the Philippines while Servania is excited as this is his first ever international fight.

Servania defended his regional title against Indonesians Angky Angkotta and Isaac Junior earlier this year.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced today that the win of the super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz over Yuzo Kiyota on July 13 in Germany has been change from a Technical Decision to a TKO after an examination of the fight video.

Stieglitz (45-3, 26 KOs) beat Kiyota (23-4-1, 21 KOs) by a Technical decision last July 13 at :40 seconds of the tenth round when the referee Celestino Ramirez determined that the cuts on Kiyota were caused by an accidental headbutt and due to he was bleeding badly, the fight went to the scorecards. The result were 100-89 (Alejandro Lopez Cid), 99-90 (Terry O’Connor) and 99-90 (Ingo Barrabas), all for Stieglitz.

But after an examination of the video by the Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer (BDB) and its President Thomas Puetz, was determined that it was not an accidental headbutt and turned the result to the 10 round TKO victory for Stieglitz. The determination was accepted by the WBO.

http://www.boxingscene.com/stieglitzs-victory-over-kiyota-changed-tko-win–67906

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
The president of the World Boxing Organization has joined a growing number of the world professional boxing organizations and outstanding promoters and criticized the plan of the International Amateur Boxing Association or AIBA headed by its president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu to include select pro boxers in the Olympic Games beginning in Brazil in 2016.

Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, in answer to a query from this columnist on the AIBA plan noted that many of the  greatest WBO Champions were Olympic Boxers and they benefited greatly from their Olympic experiences.

Valcarcel said “Professional Boxing has had a great resurgence of popularity over the last 25 years, with countless new venues worldwide where Professional Boxing Championships are contested and numerous new media outlets competing for Boxing’s ever increasing television audience.   During this same period AIBA has presided over a decline in popularity and fairness of amateur boxing.”

The WBO president said “We have all recognized for many years how unfair it is that Communist Countries have permanent professional teams competing against true amateurs.   30 year old Cuban professionals have competed against 16 to 18 year old free world amateurs.  One Gold Medal is a glorious accomplishment for any athlete.  3 Gold Medals for a Boxer only happens through gross exploitation of the Boxer by the National Association.”

Valcarcel indicated that every Olympic Medalist “should be able to profit from his success and glory and attain his or her fair share of the value that the Boxer’s skills and talents generate.  Professional Boxing, whether it is conducted by AIBA or through the traditional structure, is not physical education.   It is a professional sport conducted for the entertainment of the fans, by athletes motivated by the revenue they can earn.   They make great sacrifices to reach the pinnacle of the sport.   They deserve to receive the fair reward for the sacrifices they make and the risks they take.”

He said AIBA “now wants to structure permanent National Team that competes as professionals until they miraculously reemerge as amateurs every four years at the Olympics.  They have recognized the unpopularity of the sports style they have advocated and their answer is to copy the professional style, but compete as national teams of indentured, underpaid house fighters.  “

Valcarcel insisted “No one seriously believes any of the AIBA boxers would be competitive against WBO Champions.  This is because WBO Champions are formed through free and open competition to determine the best boxers in the world.  It is tragic that AIBA is advocating that countries with many millions of people and many thousands of athletes should restrict the opportunity for its citizens to compete professionally to its National Team in AIBA structure where they are paid not like Professional Boxing Champions based on the amount of revenue that a free market will determine, but based on a set structure determined by the National Team. “

The WBO president expressed the hope that “colonialism and exploitation should be diminishing as the World progresses” even as he criticized  AIBA’s concept as  “an exploitive and foolish step backward from democracy and free markets to collective determination of opportunities and economic colonialism. “

Valcarcel referred to the April 13 WBO super bantamweight championship between Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and former Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux as “ A great example of the gross distortion of market dynamics that AIBA is perpetrating on its participants.” He pointed out that Rigondeaux “earned more in that one evening than the entire Cuban AIBA team will be paid by Cuba in their lifetimes.”

He accused AIBA under of wanting to “create a monopoly in the name of the International Olympic movement through government fiats, and there doing diminish the popularity of the sport of Boxing and the opportunities of athletes to compete and benefit from professional boxing.  Boxing is too hard a sport to ask its competitors to endure closed shops, suppressed earning and diminished opportunities.  AIBA should be reformed to return Olympic Boxing to its prior excellence and popularity.  It has no business in Professional Boxing and approaches it with the same imperious and feckless manner that it has abused amateur boxing.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/wbo-president-critical-plan-pros-olympics–67885

By:  Ronnie Nathanielz –

Ricky Vargas, the president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines or ABAP, was impressed with the performance of World Boxing Organization minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo in his successful first title defense against Colombia’s No. 6 world-ranked contender Jorlie Estrada during the Pinoy Pride XXI at the Solaire Resort and Casino last Saturday.

Vargas, who watched the ABS-CBN telecast of the fights on Sunday told the Manila Standard he liked the aggressive stance of Sabillo as he “kept chasing his opponent, who was scared and kept running.”

Vargas said the crunching left hook to the ribs that dropped Estrada, who went down grimacing in pain and was counted out by referee Raul Caiz Jr. in the 9th round was “a perfect punch. It was devastating.”

Vargas believes Sabillo has a good future in the pro ranks.

The WBO champion is likely to defend his title in Dubai this October if ALA Promotions is unable to schedule a title defense for WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes in Dubai in September.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told us the priority is Nietes.

“He needs to fight. We are trying to move heaven and earth to get a fight in Dubai, but if it can’t be done in September, we’ll have to do it here, possibly in Davao City where the last Pinoy Pride XX was very well received,” he said.

Aldeguer also said he, too, was impressed with the showing of Sabillo, who made a fight out of it against a back-pedaling Estrada. Sabillo cut the ring off well and scored with vicious body shots before eventually knocking out Estrada.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/17/sabillo-impresses-boxing-association-chief/

By Nicolas Samuilov

According to promoter Osvaldo Rivero, the super flyweight world champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Omar “El Huracan” Narvaez will make the eight defense of his title against Japanese challenger Hiroyuki Hisataka (22-10, 10KOs) on Saturday August 24 at a venue to be decided, but within the province of Chubut, Argentina, and televised by TyCSports to Argentina and much of America. Narvaez (39-1-2, 20 KOs) made 16 successful defenses of his WBO flyweight title before moving up in weight. In his last fight, Hisataka scored an upset ten round unanimous decision over former champion Sonny Boy Jaro in April. In 2010 he scored another upset, a seventh round stoppage of 28-0 Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym. Hisataka has only been stopped once, in his 2002 pro debut.

http://www.boxingscene.com/omar-narvaez-faces-hiroyuki-hisataka-on-august-24th–67722

Photo:  Peter Gercke/SES Boxing –

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- World Boxing Organization (WBO), by president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referees and judges who will work this Saturday, July 13, in the world title fights to be held in Germany and Philippines.

At the Energie Verbund-Arena en Dresden, Sachsen, Germany, the WBO supermiddleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KOs) will make his first defense when he faces Japanese Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KOs), the #10 ranked, in a Sport Events Steinforth presentation. For this fight the referee will be Celestino Ruiz from United States.

Meanwhile the judges for the Stieglitz-Kiyota bout are Alejandro López Cid from México, Terry O’Connor from United Kingdom and Ingo Barrabas from Germany. The WBO supervisor for this fight will be the President Paco Valcarcel himself.

Otherwise, at the Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, the WBO minimumweight champion Merlito Sabillo (22-0, 11 KOs) will defend his belt for the first time against the #15 ranked Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6 KOs) from Colombia. The referee for this bout will be Raul Caiz Jr. from United States.

The judges for the fight between Sabillo and Estrada, an ALA Promotions presentation, are Salven Lagumbay from Philippines and Joe García and Ulysses Glen, both from United States. The WBO supervisor for this fight will be Leon Panoncillo Jr. Free porn games I download on https://pornova.org A very convenient and understandable site with many porn games, including various hentai games

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/07/stieglitz-kiyota-referee-and-judges/

By:  Elisinio Castillo –

Buenos Aires star Yésica “La Tuti” Bopp (24-1, 11 KOs), the reigning world junior flyweight champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), will defend both of her titles against American-based Russian, Anastasia Toktaulova (14-11, 2 KOs) on Friday, July 19, in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The event will be staged by OR Promotions, and televised live by TyCSports. Bopp returns for the first time since her decision loss to Mexico’s Yesica Chavez, the current silver champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC).

http://www.boxingscene.com/yesica-bopp-faces-anastasia-toktaulova-on-july-19–67465

ALTHOUGH he is one of just three current world champions from the Philippines, World Boxing Organization (WBO) mini-flyweight king Merlito Sabillo still believes he has something to prove – that he is a great world champion and not just a one-hit wonder.

“He is very focused and wants to prove that he deserves to be a world champion. It’s a fight that will give him the recognition that he deserves,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

The 29-year-old Sabillo, a late bloomer in the sweet science, looks to put on a statement as he trades leathers with WBO No. 6 rated Jorle Estrada of Colombia this Saturday night at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

Sabillo, 22-0 with 11 knockouts, became the WBO mini-flyweight champion after an impressive eighth round technical knockout over Colombian Luis de la Rosa last March 9 in Cerete, Colombia.

“The record could be deceiving and the fact that he is No. 6 in the world proves that he may have something up his sleeve. Everyone knows the Colombians are tough fighters and they want redemption after Sabillo knocked out de la Rosa in Colombia to win the title. It should be an interesting fight,” said Aldeguer.

Estrada is 17-6 with six knockouts and has won four straight fights. He has a win over world-rated Mauricio Fuentes and has fought but lost to the likes of Carlos Buitrago, Walter Tello and Carlos Velarde.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/2013/07/07/sabillo-out-prove-himself-291309

By Allan Fox: WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KO’s) will be making his first defense of his WBO title this Saturday, July 13th, against #10 WBO, Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KO’s) at the Energie Verbund-Arena, in Dresden, Germany.

This is an optional title defense for the 32-year-old Stieglitz so he opted to take an easy fringe contender rather than a dangerous contender that might trouble him.

Stieglitz beat Arthur Abraham by a 4th round TKO last March to win the WBO super middleweight title back from him after having lost the belt last year to Abraham by a 12 round unanimous decision in August 2012.

Stieglitz and his trainer did a good job of doing their homework in studying Abraham’s fighting style and coming up with the perfect plan to beat him by coming out fast and unloading on him with nonstop punches until the fight was stopped because Abraham’s left eye had swollen completely shut.

Stieglitz won’t have to worry about coming up with any kind of perfect strategies to beat the 29-year-old Kiyota because he should be able to beat him just by showing up. The World Boxing Organization is the only sanctioning body that has Kiyota ranked in their top 15, and when you see that it tells you that there are major question marks about the talent for that fighter.

Kiyota hasn’t faced any quality fighters yet during his 11-year pro career. He’s been beaten three times in losses to Jameson Bostic, Norifumi Suzuki and Fukutaro Ujie.

If Stieglitz gets past Kiyota, he could be facing George Groves or another rematch with Abraham later this year. It’s likely he’ll choose not to face Groves yet, and instead will look to face Abraham again or go for another optional title defense.

If Stieglitz fights like he did last March against Abraham, he’d be tough for anyone in the super middleweight division to beat. He looked dramatically improved in that fight.

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/07/robert-stieglitz-vs-yuzo-kiyota-this-saturday-july-13th-in-dresden-germany/