Weights from Denver, Colorado Rise of New Age Warriors Red and Jerry's, Saturday August 22, 2009, Doors open 7:00 PM

Juan Santiago 145 lbs Vs Brad Jackson 146 lbs

Santiag

Alejandro Castillo (119 lbs.) Vs LeShaun Blair (120 lbs.)

alejandro

Brittany Cruz (R) 124 lbs. Vs DJ Morrisson 128 lbs

brittney

Art Cruz 136 lbs Vs Richard Flores 135 lbs.

Steve Marquez (136 lbs.) Vs Chris Hill (132 lbs.)

Raul Carillo (R) 151 lns. Vs Irvin Greene 154 lbs

Chris Hecht (157lbs) Vs Ryan Craft (161 lbs.)    


Tyler Pogline 147 lbs. Vs David Marquez 152 lbs

8-22-09

TKO BOXING PROMOTIONS SIGNS ROBERT RODRIGUEZ

TKO BOXING Promotions has signed outstanding amateur Robert Rodriguez of Evans, Colorado , it was announced today by Chet Koerner, its President.

“Robert was an excellent amateur and we’re proud to add him to the TKO team of international contenders and world class prospects” said Koerner.

Nineteen year old Rodriguez had a terrific amateur career compiling a record of 127-12 with eleven national championships. Most recently he was ranked #1 in the United States in 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. He is trained by his father Jeff Rodriguez in their hometown of Evans, Colorado and will compete at featherweight as a professional.

In March of this year, Rodriguez won the National Golden Gloves in Salt Lake City, Utah . His sixteen year old brother Ricky is also a standout amateur competing at the 119 pound weight class.

Rodriguez is guided by award winning manager Cameron Dunkin who also counts world champions Kelly Pavlik, Nonito Donaire and Steven Luevano amongst his vast stable.

Said Dunkin, “Rodriguez was a terrific amateur and just as important he has the skills to become a world champion. He has great experience fighting all over the world having represented the United States in fourteen international bouts.”

The pro debut of Rodriguez will be announced shortly.**

Jeff Rodriguez' Take On TKO Signing

Robert Rodriguez has signed a deal with TKO promotions and will box his first pro fight on the 22nd this month in California.**

He was first signed with Top rank but thanks to some local haters who started spreading rumers of Robert losing his last four bouts ( his last four bouts were national GG ) it caused more people to look at him more close which started a small bidding war. Anyway ( thanks Haters ) It made Robert more money and he got a nice contract. Its sad but we know now that another so called friend is in short someone who tried to hurt us. I hope everyone is well and I wish everyone good luck.

Thanks
Jeff Rodriguez

8-15-09

RESULTS FROM DENVER BY ERIC DURAN

On a cloudy and windy night, Jim Smith and Poor Boys Boxing in association with CC Edwards’ Moonlight Productions and Delgado Promotions, brought live boxing back to the outdoor venue at Softball Country. The main event saw Brad “B-Loc” Jackson return to ring following his first loss as a professional. His opponent would be David Lee Marquez of the fighting Marquez Family. Esteban Nichol, brother to Colorado prospect Shawn Nichol, made his debut against Colorado Springs Arnaldo Parra. Jacob Dominguez returned to the ring following a stellar debut. Dominguez is trained by the legendary Ron Lyle. His opponent would Carlos Landin, a debut fighter from the Delgado stable. Also, Shawn Villhauer trained Daniel Calzada made his professional debut against Leonard Leal.

Brad Jackson, a once undefeated prospect, returned to the ring following a shocking loss to Geoffrey Spuirell this past May. His opponent, David Lee Marquez, was returning to the ring following a 2-year layoff from the ring.

There wasn’t much action in the first, as Jackson stayed on the outside with a long jab. Marquez tried the occasional haymaker but was unable to find his opponent. But it was Jackson, albeit not landing many shots himself, winning the round on number of punches. 10-9 Jackson.

Marquez began round 2 with a big left hook but Jackson responded with a 4-punch combination that stopped Marquez in his tracks. Marquez is beginning to find his range, drilling Jackson with straight lefts. Jackson always seems to respond but the sheer power of Marquez wins him the round, 10-9.

Marquez comes out charging Jackson to begin round 3 and both fighters are swinging wildly along the ropes. Marquez seems winded as he stalks Jackson around the ring with his mouth wide open. Jackson is snapping the jab followed by straight rights. Marquez is back to lunging with his shots without much success. Jackson stops a Marquez charge with a right hook while earning the round.

Round 4 could be nominated for a ‘round of the year for 09’. Marquez buckles Jackson with a thunderous straight left. But as Marquez goes in for the kill, he’s leveled by a big right hand from Jackson. Both fighters are on wobbly legs but they fight on throwing wild haymakers. Marquez finds the mark again, drilling Jackson with a series of left hooks. But Marquez, again, becomes winded and although Jackson hasn’t cleared the cob webs, he catches Marquez with a left hook that dispatches his mouth piece. In a boggling move, Jackson actually points out the mouthpiece to referee Stephen Blea, prompting him to step in and allow Marquez a breather. After a brief break, Jackson catches Marquez with an overhand right and is on his way to winning the round and the fight. Seconds after the 10 second warning, Marquez throws a right hook from out of nowhere, dropping Jackson like a sack of potatoes. Jackson beats the count but is obviously on Queer Street. Referee Stephen Blea calls for the fight to continue but the bell rings to end the fight and save Jackson.

Judge John Uliberri scores the bout 38-37 Jackson. While judges Jeanne McEvoy and Steve Waldman score it 38-37 for you winner by spilt decision, David Lee Marquez.

Marquez improves to .500 at 5-5-1 while Jackson drops his second in a row, falling to 9-2-1.

Esteban Nichol, fighting out of the Delgado stable, made an impressive debut tonight. His opponent, Arnaldo Parra, was game but could not keep the stronger Nichol from over powering him.

Round 1 saw Nichol charge out of his corner and drill Parra with an overhand right, bull-rushing him into the ropes and ripping body shots. But Parra is game and actually wins the round.

In the middle of round 2, Nichols counters Parra with a right hook that floors him. Parra is able to beat the count but a like cannon ball out of a cannon, Nichol throws a left hook trailing gun smoke. Parra was able to cover up and fight off Nichol for the rest of the round. Nichol earns the 10-8 round.

Nichol is winded in round 3 while Parra basically jabs his way to an easy 10-9 round.

Parra is back to the jab in round 4 while Nichol stalks his prey looking to land one shot. And he does, a crushing overhand right that abruptly ends the fight.

Nichol is your winner by 4th KO, improving to 1-0 as a professional. Arnaldo Parra drops to 0-4 with the loss.

Carlos Landin also of the Delgado stable, walked to the ring for the first time as a professional. His opponent would be Jacob Dominguez, who made an impressive debut this past May.

Landin had an impressive opening round, outworking and out hustling Dominguez. Landin was able to establish his jab and put together combinations behind it. 10-9 Landin

Landin’s success was short lived as it was all Dominguez for the rest of the fight. Dominguez begin using his superior skills, drilling Landin with straight lefts and right hooks. 10-9 Dominguez

Dominguez is going to work on Landin in round 3, unleashing combinations onto a defensive Landin. Landin offers little in return. 10-9 Dominguez.

Round 4 is all Dominguez, while Landin continues to hold on, a left hook to the body stops him in his tracks. Landin rises but informs the referee that he cannot continue.

Jacob Dominguez is you winner by 4th KO, improving to 2-0 as a pro. Carlos Landin falls to 0-1 with the loss.

Daniel Calzada, who is trained by outstanding trainer Shaun Villhauer, made his debut tonight against Leonard Leal.

Leal had a impressive first round, countering an off balanced Calzada with right hooks and straight lefts. 10-9 Leal.

Both fighters begin round 2 swinging wildly, not much is landing, but Leal is obliviously on borrowed time with his fatigue. Calzada is ripping body shots onto Leal who is in a defensive shell. 10-9 Calzada

Calzada is on the prowl in round 3, as he continuously blasts Leal with combinations. Late in the round, Calzada put Leal down with a body shot. Leal beats the count but continues to take a beating for the rest for the rest of the round. 10-8 Calzada.

Leal fights bravely in round 4 but Calzada’s ferocious body attack in the previous rounds has done it’s damage. A barrage of body punches prompts the referee to step in and call a halt to the fight.

Daniel Calzada is your winner by 4th round TKO

Daniel Calzada improves to 1-0 while Leal falls to 0-1

8-12-09

Brittany "Pretty Girl" Cruz Video

Brittany "Pretty Girl" Cruz training for her fight on August 22, 2009 at Red and Jerry's in Sheridan, CO. All music in this video is for ...

Poor Boys Pro Boxing August 8th

	Chris Green	6-4-1	Vs. Louis Monaco	16-36-5

	Brad Jackson	9-1-1	Vs. 	David Marquez	4-5-1

	Arnaldo Parra	0-2-0	Vs. Esteban Nichol	0-0-0

	Isaac Atencio	2-1-0	Vs. 	William Deets	2-10-0

	Leonard Leal	0-1-0	Vs. 	Daniel Calzada	0-0-0

	Jacob Dominguez	1-0-0	Vs. 	Carlos Landin	0-0-0

Rise of New Age Warriors!
By Moncayo Blackbull

DENVER (IB-July17, 2009) - Airtight Boxing together with InsideBoxing.com brings you the Rise of New Age Warriors on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Red and Jerry’s, 1840 West Oxford, Sheridan, Colorado. While the world of boxing anxiously await the next wave of “power” fighters, “Rise of the New Age Warriors” will give boxing loving fans a reason to get excited.

On Tap:

Undefeated Heavyweight Jevon Langford makes his way back into the ring on August 22nd. His determination and hunger are second to none. Langford stands at 6’4” and weighs 290 lbs. undefeated in six professional bouts and the only professional athlete to box and play football simultaneously.

Langford played six years in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals as a defensive end. During his NFL career he also made his professional debut as a prize fighter and continued to participate in both sports. Now, with football behind him, he can and will focus on his professional boxing career.

Born and raised in Washington DC, Langford now makes his home in Denver, Colorado.

Juan Santiago sports a record of 8 wins, 2 losses and one draw, Santiago continues to improve and impress the boxing public. Santiago’s last three fights have been the “maturing” fights of his young boxing career. He fought Mexican amateur sensation Jose Morales on March 28th and came out with a tight and close decision. Many did not give Santiago a chance to defeat the then undefeated Mexican fighter.

Then Santiago traveled to Las Vegas and challenged another undefeated fighter Diego Magdaleno. The contest was only a four rounder and Santiago floored Magdaleno in the first round but still came up losing a decision. Santiago feels home cooking had a little to do with the outcome.

In Santiago’s last contest he faced Steve Marquez, a fighter known for his heavy hands. Critics did not give Santiago much of a chance saying Santiago will not be able to withstand the punching power of Marquez. Santiago floored Marquez in the first round and cruised to a unanimous victory.

Bantamweight Alejandro Castillo has this town rocking and rollin’ with excitement. This 18 year old kid reigns from Cuauhtémoc Chihuahua, Mexico and now lives in Denver, Colorado and has won the confidence of boxing fans.

Castillo fought his amateur career in Denver with over 45 fights, but it was not until he broke into the professional ranks that he became noticed by the boxing fans. The reason being, the level of competition he attacked in his first three bouts as a professional.

Right out the box, Castillo challenged amateur star Shawn Nichol. No one thought anything about this fight, thinking Nichols was just going to cruise and outclass the Mexican fighter. The Nichols camp even predicted a win by knock out… wouldn’t happen. Nichols would have to hang on in the fourth and final round to escape being knocked out. In Castillo’s second contest, he would give up many pounds and much height as he face six foot tall Jake Featherman. Featherman came out for the kill but his actions were short lived as Castillo put an end to the contest in the first round.

In Castillo’s last bout, he faced experience, as countryman Francisco Dominguez came into town sporting a record of six wins to three losses. What looked on paper as Castillo’s toughest fight turned out to be a class in boxing 101 as Castillo schooled Dominguez.

Fans call Castillo “La Ley” because when he steps into the ring, he is the LAW!

Don’t miss out on this sensational boxing event, tickets go on sale soon at all TicketsWest locations. For further information or to buy tickets direct, call: Steve Mestas at 720.298.1954 or Aurelio Martinez at 720.297.7654 Se habla Espanol.

7-18-09

Alvarado In Jail On Probation Violation?

According to ESPN.com and Dan Rafael:

Alvarado, unfortunately, is in jail in Colorado on a probation violation and won't be out for about nine months, which means he probably doesn't fight until at least next summer.

7-15-09

Silva-DiPace fight a no go

Top Notch Boxing of Denver is denying that a fight exists between Las Cruces’ Sammy DiPace and their fighter,Joey Silva. NewMexicoBoxing was told the fight was a go for the July 24 El Paso card. DiPace’s opponent for that card is TBA.

7-7-09

Cruz-Graf Rematch On Tap

Alesia Graf vs. Terri Lynn Cruz
WIBF/GBU jr bantamweight championship

Alesia Graf: “I don’t know what was wrong in the first few rounds. I also took two hard punches so it was no coincidence. Terri was a difficult opponent. Only with my fighter’s heart and “will of a tiger” was I able to turn the fight around. Of course, I’m not altogether satisfied with my performance. I believe this fight has earned a rematch and I herewith offer this to Terri!”

Terri Lynn Cruz: “That was a great fight and I gave everything. For a long time we were even, then it was better for me and I had Alesia on the ground twice. I’ll accept a rematch with pleasure. It speaks for Alesia and Universum - we were treated fairly here!”

Universum Promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl: “I have never shouted so much at one of Alesia’s fights as I did today….it was a great fight and Alesia overcame the knockdown and fought to the end with a lot of heart. It was a close match and we must give a rematch - the fans want to see this!”

7-7-09

Cruz Lights Fireworks On Graf

Unified WIBF/GBU female super flyweight champion Alesia Graf (24-1, 9 KOs) barely retained her regalia with a ten-round split decision over American Terri Lynn Cruz (17-6-2, 8 KOs): 96-93, 94-95, 95-94. Graf was down after an overhand right by Cruz in round six and was wobbling around till the end of the next round, digging deep to survive through the American’s fiery attacks.

7-4-09

Lonnie Levels Lester

www.FightWireImages.com In the best bout of the night, Las Vegas lightweight Lonnie Smith (8-2-2, 6 KOs) stretched game James Lester (8-3, 4 KOs), of Detroit, on the canvas at 2:10 of the third.

After an awkward half-round, Smith and Lester taking turns wrestling each other down, the two got down to business.

With a zippy left hook, Smith, trapping Lester against the ropes, dropped his man to the canvas. Lester beat the count but, hurt, was put down again, though, this time, it was ruled a trip. With his right eye bleeding, Lester ended the round in rough shape.

In the second, however, after regrouping, Lester came back strong, edging Smith with hard counter shots. Just when it looked like he had the hometown favorite in trouble, the fight was stopped to snip off the ragged, dangling ends of Smith’s glove tape. When the fight resumed, Smith came back strong, going at the body while Lester continued to counter clean.

Smith came out like a whirlwind in the third, going to the body and hurting Lester with a left hook. Again, Lester visited the canvas in what might’ve been a trip.After this, an unintentional low blow had Lester clutching his ‘nads for another short break in the action.

When the fight continued, it wasn’t for long. Instead of a left hook dazing his foe, Smith let loose with the best single shot of the night – an overhand right – that plastered Lester to the canvas for several minutes.

Official time of the stoppage was 2:10.

Cruz vs Graf

Terri 'Lil Loca' Cruz, 17-5-2, 8kos, is in Germany to take on Alesia Graf,23-1, 9kos, for the WIBF and GBU jr bantamweight championship tonight. Both boxers weighed in at 114.8lbs.

Cruz, who is Colorado's first female world champion, will look to add to her collection of championships.

7-4-09

Atencio Wins Big In Chicago

by Juan Ayllon

Chicago’s Juan Bailon (125.5 lbs., 4-1, 1 KO) found himself on his backside, but rose to fight a gutsy, but ultimately losing battle versus Denver, Colorado’s Tommy Anthony Atencio (127 lbs., 3-1, 2 KO’s).

Atencio jarred Bailon twice with sharp left hooks to the head, but caught payback later in the first round when Bailon roused the crowd with some well-placed rights that bobbled his head.

Two, a right uppercut to the point of the chin dropped Bailon for a two-count. Springing up, he received a standing eight count from referee Celestino Ruiz.

Move, Juan, move, shouted his corner. Bailon was standing directly in front of this puncher.

After a tentative start and catching some hard lefts and rights to the head, Bailon snapped Atencio’s head back with a right uppercut and put some punches together to put together a compelling round.

The two traded hard rights early in the fourth, with Atencio’s buckling Bailon’s knees as he backed up. While Bailon remained more active, Atencio appeared to do more damage with rights to the head and hooks to the midriff. This pattern was repeated in the fifth, where a big punch – I believe it was the right – drew a loud “ooh” from the crowd and dumped Bailon into the ropes, and another right jarred Bailon.

The difference in power was apparent in the sixth, where Bailon’s sharp rights landed with the impact of a broomstick and Atencio’s carried a weightiness of a rubber mallet. Two rights of Atencio’s drew special attention – one at mid round that drew another large “ooh” from the crowd and another one near the final bell that buckled Bailon’s knees and forced him to hold on.

Judges scored the bout 60-53, 60-53 and 59-54 for Terrible Tommy Atencio, Jr.

Afterwards, Atencio said, “I’d like to thank Jesus Christ, first and foremost…we worked on boxing and moving just as my dad said. That’s about it.”

6-30-09

Silva vs DiPace

According to Chris Cozzone and NewMexicoBoxing.com Joey Silva, 9-2, 4kos, will take on Sammy DiPace, 6-0, 3kos, on July 24th in El Paso, Texas.

6-30-09

Santiago wins in Denver

Last night, before a sold-out cord at the Paladium in Denver, Colo., on a card promoted by Air Tight Boxing, Juan Santiago (8-2-1, 5 KOs), of Denver, defeated Stevie Marquez (8-13-1, 6 KOs), of Fort Morgan, Colo., in a seven-round thriller. Santiago floored Marquez in the second en route to a decision, winning with scores of 70-62 x 3. In the co-main, lightweight Manny Perez (14-4-1) won a one-sided five-round unanimous decision over New Mexican Lorenzo Estrada (3-14-1), with scors of 50-45 x 3. On the undercard: welterweight Corey Alarcon (13-14) won by majority decision over Terry Buterbaugh (3-3-1), scores of 59-57 twice, and 56-56; jr. welter Tyler Pogline (2-5) won by unanimous decision over Michael Lueras (2-7) in a four-rounder; light heavyweight Pablo Gomez (1-1) TKO’d Nathan Aguilar (0-4) at :37 of round one; and heavyweight Tom Amperon (1-0) won his debut with a second round TKO over Mark Grumble (0-1).

6-29-09

"Denver's MVP's" Card Nearly Sold Out!

Air Tight Boxing's return to the Paladium has gone just as expected, sold out. The venue, which holds under 1000 fight fans, hasn't seen boxing since July 10th of '08 and the tickets are almost gone and with good reason.

The main event will pit Colorado's 130 pound champ, Juan Santiago, 7-2-1, 5kos, against the Fort Morgan Mauler, Stevie Marquez, 8-13-1, 6kos in a bout that will see Santiago walk the 'high wire' to avoid the heavy handed Marquez. Marquez has upset prospects in the past including Tony Morales and a devastating KO over Jesus Noriega.

In the co main Corey Ben Alarcon, 12-14, 4kos, has his sights set on Colorado Springs' Terry Buterbaugh, 3-2-1, 2kos, as they clash in a six rounder. Alarcon is coming off a good effort against then undefeated Marcos Herrera. Buterbaugh comes in on the heals of his draw with Jorge Carasco. Both fighters need a win and their styles will mesh for a very fan friendly affair.

Manny 'Manos' Perez, 13-4-1, 2kos, will take another 'tuner' against New Mexican tough guy, Lorenzo Estrada, 3-13-1, 1ko, after his unimpressive outing against Daniel Gonzales. Estrada upset an undefeated prospect, Willie Villanueva, 9-1, 2kos, in his last bout and will look to splay spoiler again.

Anthony Turner, 4-1, 2kos, and Tyler Pogline, 1-5, 1ko, will see action in separate bouts.

The doors open at 7 pm with a start time of 8pm at the Paladium located at 64th and Pecos in Denver. Reserved seating is sold out but limited standing room only tickets are still available by calling 720-298-1954.

6-18-09

Poor Boys Pro Boxing Official For August 8th

Jim 'Smitty' Smith and Poor Boys Pro Boxing have bought their next date and that will be August 8th at the Softball Country Arena.

This card will see Brad Jackson bouncing back from his first loss to Geoffrey Spruiell as well as Isaac Atencio's return from his loss to Victor Villereal. Also scheduled is Patrick Thompson. All bouts are against the ever dangerous TBA at this point.

6-18-09

Santiago vs Marquez-Who You Got And How?

New FrontPage Poll

Be sure to get your vote in on the new Front Page Poll. Juan Santiago vs Stevie Marquez, who you got and how?

Santiago vs Marquez is the main event on Airtight Boxing's 'Denver's MVP's' fight card at the Paladium, Saturday June 27th.

6-17-09

Lopez Looks Good 'Clubbin' Serrano

Ricky Lopez, 4-0, 2kos, was impressive tonight on the Versus Network opener against Rufino Serrano, 1-1, as he used patience and crisp combination punching to outclass 'The Animal' pitching a no doubt shut-out in the 'Fight Night Club' series debut.

Lopez' skills, speed and experience were too much for Serrano who owned, but seldom enjoyed, a sizeable height and reach advantage. Lopez controlled the distance and closed it quickly when he attacked using lead right hands before finding a home for his left hooks. Lopez was able to time right hands over and before Serrano could launch his lengthy jab. His left hooks to the body opened up the double hooks to the body and head which snapped Serrano's head back in each of the rounds. Lopez looked very sharp and his defense was noticeably better than his previous outing. His hands were high from bell to bell and he was relaxed and never winded or out of position.

Look for Lopez to show up on stable mate Victor Ortiz', with whom he shares a trainer in Danny Garcia, WBA title bout against Marcos Maidana on the 27th of this month.

6-11-09

Female boxers hoping IOC punches their ticket to Olympics

By Anthony Cotton
The Denver Post

Read The Full Report

6-11-09

Lopez In Action Tonight

Ricky Lopez, 3-0, 2kos, will be fighting on the series premiere of 'Fight Night Club' tonight at the Nokia Club in Los Angeles. The fight series is promoted by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions as they look to recapture the magic of the Olympic Coliseum shows from 25 years ago. The matchmaker, Don Chargin, earned the nickname 'War-a-Week' by providing a proving ground for up and coming fighters.

Lopez' bout will not be the typical walk-over type of fight many prospects are fed at the beginning of their career as he is in tough with Rufino 'The Animal' Serrano, 1-0. Serrano had about 12-15 amateur bouts, according to his manager, and turned pro two weeks after his final fight as an amateur. Serrano dropped his opponent twice in the first round and knocked his mouthpiece out twice in the last, but had to settle for a decision win.

After being shelved for nearly a year, Lopez broke ties with his local manager and promoter, with help from Rolando Arellano, and landed a spot on the 'Lightweight Lightning' card. Lopez showed grit in getting up from a first round knockdown to win a split decision, not an easy task in a four rounder.

The show will be televised by the Versus Network, with a local start time of 7pm. Lopez will open the telecast.

Weigh In Results by Big Joe Miranda

Ricky Lopez 124 vs Rufino Serrano 123.50

6-11-09

Denver's Louie Byrd a big hitter at home

Boxing prodigy built in his backyard with his dad's help

By Nick Groke
The Denver Post

Read the Full Story on DenverPost.com

6-10-09

Lopez more mature than he looks

By Dougie Fischer

Ricky Lopez could easily pass for a high school freshman, and the former amateur standout from Denver, Colo. knows it.

Lopez, who makes his California debut on Thursday’s “Fight Night Club” show at downtown L.A.’s Club Nokia, has come to accept his baby face.

“I get it all the time,” Lopez (3-0, 2 KOs) said of being mistaken for a teenager.

The 22-year-old junior featherweight prospect says he doesn’t mind as long as fans aren’t commenting on the way he fights.

“I was the youngest boxer ever (16) to participate in the Olympic Trials (for the 2004 Games),” said Lopez, who compiled an 89-9 record during a stellar amateur career that included 10 national titles in the ‘junior’ and ‘under-19’ classes. “I was always rated in the top-three of USA Boxing’s 119-pound division rankings as a teen. I’m used to being ‘the kid’ but I don’t fight like a kid.”

He certainly doesn’t act like a kid. At age 15 he made a very mature decision when he asked his father if his good friend from the amateur circuit, Victor Ortiz, could move in with their family.

Ortiz, a highly-rated junior welterweight who was the prospect of the year for 2008, was going through a difficult period in his life at the time.

“Victor had left his parents in Kansas to stay with his older sister, who lived in Denver,” Lopez recalled. “I had known him since we were 11 years old. I was actually bigger than him when we first met. We conquered the junior amateur tournaments together and we became good friends.

“About the time he was 14 and 15 years old, he was bouncing back and forth between his parents and his sister’s place and at some point had nowhere else to go. I asked my dad if we could take him in and we did, for a year. A few years later we took in his younger brother, Temo, for about a year.”

Ortiz, who has a contract with Golden Boy Promotions and is co-managed by the very-connected Shelly Finkel and Rolando Arellano, returned the kindness by helping Lopez out when the junior featherweight’s fledgling pro career was stagnating.

“I turned pro on May 9 last year; I had my second pro bout two weeks later and then nothing,” Lopez said. “My career hit a snag and nothing I did could get it going. Victor hooked me up with Rolando, who worked on getting me out of my old (promotional and managerial) contract, and he let me move in with him in Oxnard (Calif.), where I could get the best training.

“Victor and Rolando pushed to get me on the ‘Lightweight Lightening’ undercard in April, which was the first step in getting my career back on track.”

That first step back was a rocky one for Lopez, who had to get up from a first-round knockdown before struggling to a four-round split decision over Felipe Ramirez on the Golden Boy Promotions card in Austin, Texas.

Lopez describes himself as “a boxer-puncher” with a good jab and counter-punching ability but he had a hard time jabbing or counter punching his 0-1 opponent.

“I was the most depressed in my life after that fight,” he said. “The dude I fought had a concrete chin. He was like a terminator, he just kept coming. After the fight he told me that I hit him harder than anyone ever had, but it didn’t matter. I didn’t look good and I didn’t feel like myself. I was rusty.”

Lopez chalks it up to inactivity.

“I didn’t compete in the 2008 Olympic Trials because I had an injury that kept me out of the ring from May of 2007 to when I turned pro,” he said. “Then I was out almost a full year after my second pro bout. All I did was train and that’s not enough.

“I know that I looked like an amateur in my last fight. I only have three fights. I basically am an amateur, I throw a lot of punches and I waste a lot of energy. I’m not relaxed yet. It’s frustrating.

“Victor tells me that I’ll settle down and that it will feel more natural in the ring once I get more fights and get on a busy schedule.”

If Lopez is successful on Thursday, he might land a spot on the June 27 undercard of Ortiz’s title-elimination showdown with Marcos Maidana at STAPLES Center in L.A.

However, his fight on June 11 won’t be easy. Lopez’s opponent, Rufino Serrano of Arroyo Grande, Calif., looked impressive in his pro debut -- a brutal first-round KO -- last month.

That’s OK. Lopez believes that the four rounds he fought in April served as a wake up call.

“I knocked out my first two pro opponents and I think it went to my head a bit,” he said. “I’m glad I didn’t knockout my opponent in Austin. It reminded me that you can’t knock everyone out. I’m glad it was a tough fight because I didn’t use my skills.

“I will next time. I learned a lot from that fight.”

Lopez might look like a kid for many years to come, but he doesn’t expect to fight like one for very long.

Doug Fischer can be reached at dougiefischer@yahoo.com

Holt Edges Corn in Mahnomen By Jesse Kelley

Chris Holt 8rd split decision over JJ Corn

Read the Full Report by Jesse Kelley

6-8-09

Ex-boxer Ron Lyle muscling up on life

By John Henderson
The Denver Post

Read the full Story

6-7-09

Rob Frankel Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

'Red Hot' Rob Frankel, 27-9-1, 4kos, was just sentenced in Denver County Court to 10 years in prison after a plea bargain involving domestic abuse charges against his wife, who was several months pregnant at the time.

Frankel was originally charged with false imprisonment, kidnapping, child abuse and second degree assault. He plead guilty to second degree assault and kidnapping.

This was his third domestic charge with his wife, Crystal, with whom he has 2 children, Fionna who is 2 years old and Ginger who was born on May 15th of this year.

Frankel was on a 6 fight winning streak, including wins over Bobby Pacquiao and Ricardo Dominguez. He recently left his long time trainer and promoter Steve Mestas and Airtight Boxing to pursue opportunities with Delgado Promotions where he was being trained by Mike Alvarado's trainer Shann Villhauer.

Those opportunities are now put on hold, indefinitely.

6-4-09

No Silver Lining For Silva

by Big Joe Miranda, Ringside

Super bantamweight Khabir Suelymanoz beat Joey Silva by six round split decision. Silva is now 9-2, 4kos, while Suelymanoz remains undefeated at 7-0, 2kos.

5-31-09

Abron Stopped By Mack 'Truck'

by Jason Kotar and Ryan Macalua, Ringside

Light heavyweight Yusaf Mack (27-2-2, 16 KOs) made quick work out of former NABO champion DeAndrey Abron (15-4, 10 KOs). Mack used his quickness to beat Abron to the punch evading Abron’s wide hooks while landing combinations to the body. In round four, Abron finally landed a sharp overhand left that only urged the agressive Mack to unleash furious combinations, finally putting Abron on the canvas with a overhand right. Abron made the count but Mack refused to let him off the hook by following up with a crushing left hook. The fight was then stopped.

5-31-09

Quick Results From Softball Country

by Chris Morris

Tonight, before a packed in field of fans at Softball Country, Poor Boys Professional Boxing put on a great night of boxing showcasing wills and skills as Geoffrey Spruiell upset previously undefeated Brad Jackson and Manny Perez and Alejandro Castillo showed skill sets few from Colorado can match. The threat of rain didn’t keep the fight fans from showing up to support their local boxers and the bad weather missed the show entirely.

Brad ‘B-Loco’ Jackson, was bullied, outworked and out willed by Pueblo’s Geoffrey ‘Top Dawg’ Spruiell, 8-7, 2kos, for the better part of their six round welterweight bout winning a unanimous decision and stealing the undefeated status of Jackson. What they lacked in skill they made up for in raw action. Jackson, who is now 9-1-1, 3kos, is from Denver.

In the co-main event Manny 'Manos' Perez, 13-4-1, 2kos, who hails from Denver, showed flashes of his world class technical boxing abilities as well as the rust of his 6 months away from the ring. He outclassed, Daniel ‘Getcha, Getcha, Gotcha’ Gonzales, 9-22-2, 3kos, a very durable journeyman from Billings Montana, in a six rounder.

Perez, a lightweight, is a former WBC World Youth Champion and currently ranked #10 by the NABF (North American Boxing Federation which is the Jr. organization of the WBC, World Boxing Council). He will next fight on a local Airtight Boxing card, “Denver’s MVP’s: Most Valuable Punchers”, to take place on June 27^th at The Paladium Event Center in Denver.

The 'fight of the night' on paper turned out to be an almost non competitive affair as Alejandro Castillo used his early Roy Jones Jr. like style to frustrate and beat up Francisco Dominguez, 6-5, 1ko, for his third straight victory in as many starts. Castillo, an Abraham Lincoln High School graduate, used movement and fast handed combinations to outclass the Tijuana tough-guy and rocked him back on his heals several times in their six round bantamweight bout.

And in the opening fight of the night, a super featherweight bout, Ron Lyle trained southpaw, Jacob Dominguez, 1-0, started his career on the right foot with a bruising decision over Josh Martinez, 1-3. Dominguez was very busy and Martinez had no answers for the left handed stance. Both boxers are from Denver.

Before the live action began House of Pain Gym brothers, Juan Santiago and Corey Alarcon, warmed up the crowd with an exhibition, sans head gear. With both men having fights in the next 30 days, they had to be very careful not to bust each other up and ruin their upcoming opportunities.

Full report by Eric Duran coming Monday, he promised.

5-30-09

Alvarado Pulls The Plug On Paulie!

RMB has received confirmation, from the Malignaggi camp, that the Alvarado vs Malignaggi bout has been scratched due to an injury Alvarado suffered in training.

Malignaggi was made aware of Alvarado pulling the plug after his training session yesterday.

5-30-09

Weights From Softball Country

5-29-09

Nick Groke Throws Boxing A Bone!

Nick Groke, who writes for the Denver Post, is a boxing fan as well as a Rocky Mountain Boxing.com fan. His 'Sports Weekend' column has a nice story about the fight card tomorrow night. Thanks a ton Nick! Here is a link to his article as it appeared in this morning's Denver Post.

'Sports Weekend"

What We'd Like To See: Put 'Em Up

By Nick Groke, Denver Post

An outdoor stage at Softball Country in North Denver will be the site of a series of boxing matchups Saturday, featuring some of the area's best prospects.

In the two main bouts, Alejandro Castillo (2-0) will take on Francisco Dominguez (6-4) in a bantamweight fight and Jose Morales (5-1) goes against Roni Alvarado (1-0) at super featherweight.

Castillo, a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School, in December scored an impressive four-round decision over Shawn Nichol. Morales is a former amateur champion in Mexico.

The fights start at 7 p.m.

Visit insideboxing.com and RockyMountainBoxing.com for information.

5-2-019

Young Hot Prospect Castillo 'La Ley-ing' Down The

Law!!!

By Laz Izada, InsideBoxing.com

Boxing fans let me tell you about this kid from Denver by way of Mexico, making the airwaves his name is Alejandro “La Ley” Castillo he is an 18 year old bantamweight that recently turned pro. He is 2-0 and is not taking the route of bolstering his record by fighting nobodies. His team consist of trainer Donald Camarena and manager Aurelio Martinez, which are well known and respected in the fight game, from their years of experience. Martinez tells me that he has enough confidence in Castillo to put him up in bouts that are equally competitive in such early stages of his career.

Case in point Castillo’s pro debut was against former Jr. Olympic champion Shawn Nichol back in December of last year. He defeated Nichol by majority decision showcasing his aggressive and entertaining style of boxing. Castillo told me that his first pro victory over Nichol “boosted his confidence level”. He was then pitted against Jake Featherman in March of this year Featherman was making his pro debut standing 6” feet tall against Castillo which is 5’ 5” doubters told Castillo’s camp that they were nuts, putting him in against an opponent 5 inches taller. End result “La Ley” TKO’D Featherman in the first round.

Now the “La Ley” Castillo is back in action this Saturday Night May 30th under the lights at Softball Country Arena, 2101 West 64th Ave, Denver, Co. He’ll be taking on experienced formidable opponent Francisco Dominguez 6-4, which has 10, 4 round bouts under his belt.

Castillo tells me that he loves what he is doing, his favorite boxers are Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Julio Cesar Chavez, he started going to the gym at 12 years old , while others his age dropped out of the game he carried on and his persistence and hard work has paid off. His manager Martinez said that he saw something special in Alejandro (A well mannered kid, working, going to college and boxing).

Castillo does not like and is not into thrash talking, that in the ring he lets his hands do the talking. He is all business in the ring that is why they call him “La Ley” (“The Law”). Those lucky enough to have seen him in action, know what “La Ley” is all about, soon you will too.

For more information and tickets call 720.297.7654

5-29-09

Santiago And Hurtado Working Hard

Juan Santiago and Diosbelys Hurtado had a very heated sparring session at the Strictly Boxing gym in Brighton, Wednesday.

Hurtado is preparing for his WBC bout with Manuel Garnica, whom Mike Alvardo stopped in 4 rounds , 4 fights ago, in Florida June 12th.

Santiago is getting ready for the Airtight Boxing "Denver's MVP's" show at the Palladium on June 27th. The main event could see Santiago against heavy handed slugger Stevie Marquez, in a dangerous fight that would see Santiago walking the tightrope for as long as the fight lasted.

5-28-09

Atencio Gets Tune-Up On The Road

'Terrible' Tommy Atencio, 3-1, 2kos, will go on the road but he won't be fighting someone's prospect. Instead he will have a 'get back on track' fight against Jose Bailon 4-1, 1ko, on an 8 Count Productions show in Chicago, Ill. on Friday June 26th.

5-27-09

Hurtado Back In Action

All Star Boxing, Inc, and its Promoter Felix “Tuto” Zabala, Jr. will return to South Florida for the second time in over two months with former WBA world champion Diosbelys Hurtado on June 12th at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming in Miami. Hurtado (40-3-1, 25 KOs) of Santiago, Cuba will be facing former WBC Latin and WBA FEDECARIBE champion Manuel “El Marro” Garnica (25-10, 13 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico in clash scheduled for 12 Rounds with Hurtado’s WBO Latin welterweight title on the line.

Hurtado trains in Brighton at the 'Strictly Boxing' Gym run by Rick Lopez Sr.

5-27-09

Silva Faces Undefeated Russian On The Road

According to SecondsOut.com, Joey Silva, 9-1, 4kos, will be fighting this weekend in San Bernadino, California. Silva will step up, after a tough fight at home with Francisco Dominguez, (who will test Alejandro Castillo on Saturday's local 'Under the Stars' fight card) to undefeated Russian prospect, Khabir Suleymanov, 6-0, 2kos. Silva's last trip to California resulted in a TKO1 loss to Alvaro Muro, 5-7, at the time. Muro has lost 8 straight since the win.

5-26-09

2009 USA Boxing National Championships Tickets Currently On Sale

Julie Goldsticker - USA Boxing April 20, 2009

Nationals-news-story

The 2009 USA Boxing National Championships, the nation's premier amateur boxing event, is quickly approaching. The action-packed event, which will be contested, June 8-13 at the Denver Coliseum in Denver, Colo., will feature over 400 of the United States' top amateur boxers in junior, senior and women's action as they vie for a national title. The tournament is moving north to Denver for the first time after six straight years in Colorado Springs. Tickets for the event are now on sale through www.ticketswest.com and at King Soopers locations throughout the state of Colorado.

Tickets for all of the sessions are reasonably priced with preliminary round action single session tickets selling for $7.50 and a full day pass for $10. Preliminary round action in all of the divisions will be contested in four rings and two sessions per day, Monday-Wednesday.

Junior division championship round action will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 and tickets run only $10 for general admission and $25 for floor seating. Thursday night will feature semifinal action in the 11 senior men's weight divisions with tickets priced at $15 for general admission and $30 for floor seats. Friday evening's competition will showcase the women's talent as the female boxers compete in final round action at 7 p.m. Women's final round general admission tickets can be purchased for $15 and floor seats are available for $30.

The 2009 USA Boxing National championships will conclude with 11 championship bouts in men's action on Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. Three tiers of tickets will be available for the men's finals with upper level general admission seats priced at $15, lower level general admission tickets at $25, and floor seats available for $50.

USA Boxing is also offering a week-long pass for $50, which will include general admission seating for all six days of boxing. USA Boxing members, military, seniors and kids under 12 will all receive discounts on event tickets, and children under 5 are free in general admission seating.

Several Denver athletes are expected to compete in the event, including defending champion Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.). The event will move out of the Colorado Springs area for the first time since 2003, and will remain in Denver for the 2010 edition with assistance from a grant from the Denver-based Daniels Fund.

As the first USA Boxing national championship event following the 2008 Olympics, the tournament will showcase many of the boxers hoping to compete for an Olympic berth in 2012. Local and regional competitions are currently taking place across the nation and will run through late May to determine the boxers taking part in the event.

The U.S. Boxing Championships have been held annually since 1888, making it the longest running boxing tournament in the United States. Former champions include Pernell Whitaker, Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and Muhammad Ali (as Cassius Clay).

2009 USA Boxing National Championships Schedule and Ticket Prices

June 8-10 - Preliminary Round Action (Single-session tickets - $7.50, Full-day pass $10)
June 11, 1 p.m. - Junior finals (General admission - $10, Floor seating - $25)
June 11, 7 p.m. - Men's semifinals (General admission - $15, Floor seating - $30)
June 12, 7 p.m. - Women's Finals (General admission - $15, Floor seating - $30)
June 13, 7 p.m. - Men's Finals (Upper level general admission - $15, lower level general admission - $25, floor seating - $50)

5-23-09

Carasco Remains Undefeated

Jorge Carasco upped his record to a perfect 3-0-1 with a majority decision win over previously unbeaten Johnny Frazier, 2-1-1. This bout was part of the undercard from The Orleans in Las Vegas which saw Oliver McCall stop John Hopoate.

5-23-09

Daniels Drops Half A Dozen-In A Row

Undefeated super bantamweight prospect Christopher Martin, (15-0, 3 KOs), broke down game challenger Torrence Daniels, (12-10, 5 KOs), before scoring a TKO victory at 2:59 of round five in a scheduled eight-round bout.

After a quick start by Daniels, Martin seized momentum in round two with punishing work to the body. A right hook to the head dropped Daniels midway through round five before a left hook to the body crumpled Daniels along the ropes and sent the referee jumping in at the bell.

Read More On Daniels' Fight

5-22-09

Battle Under The Stars Shaping Up

The 'Battle Under The Stars' fight card is shaping up to be a night of great fights. Jim 'Smitty' Smith and Poor Boys Pro Boxing are making a tradition of the beloved outdoor show at the Softball Country Arena.

Last year's show saw Patrick Thompson take home the Colo/Neb Regional Title with a decision win over Victor Villereal. This year the card will see three six rounders featuring some of Colorado's finest.

First up will be Alejandro Castillo and one half of Eric Duran's 'fight of the year' candidate Francisco Dominguez. Dominguez rocked Joey Silva and gave as good as he got earlier this year coming up just short of the upset losing a split decision to Silva. Castillo started his career with a bang beating once highly touted amateur Shawn Nichol on the final Telefutura show in December and is now 2-0. Dominguez is a very respectable 6-4 with those losses coming to fighters who were 6-0 (same fighter twice), 11-1 and 8-1 for a combined 25-2, not exactly easing his way into the pro ranks. Castillo is a slickster who is trained by Donald Camarena and Dominguez is a determined banger with experience. This fight has barn-burner written all over it.

Then Colorado fight fans will see the return of the most underrated and humble fighter you'll find, Manny 'Manos' Perez. Many things have changed for Perez since his majority draw with Brandon Rios both in and outside of the squared circle.

Congratulations are due as Perez 'tied the knot' with his sweetheart LeAnn Romero and they are due a little brother for Cinco in the coming months.

Perez and long time trainer Trevor Wittman had an amicable split and Perez is now fighting out of the House of Pain Gym working with Steve Mestas, in more ways than one. Mestas is training Perez, in the interim, and preparing him for his rugged southpaw opponent, Daniel Gonzales. Who better than 'Match Makin' Mestas as he has faced Gonzales several times from the opposing corner?

This match has quickly become personal as Perez will look to avenge his stablemate's, Juan Santiago, TKO loss to Gonzales. Gonzales has been quoted as saying:

"Yeah he looks like Pacquiao, but I'm knocking this Manny's head off."

Santiago and Perez are now stable mates as Perez recently inked the first promotional contract with Airtight Boxing and couldn't be more excited. Santiago and Perez have been sparring partners for some time and prepared one another for fights including Perez' battle with Rios. When 'Red Hot' Rob Frankel unexpectedly 'jumped ship' to Delgado Promotions, it was a natural for Perez to fill the roster spot.

"No one in Colorado is capable of moving fighters the way Steve Mestas and Airtight Boxing does. The proof is in the pudding. He took a tough kid in Rob Frankel, from the 'fight club' scene mind you, to his current 27-9-1 record. That's quite incredible including national and world rankings. Now you take someone like Perez who has been fighting his whole life and has decent amateur pedigree, say 85 wins in 100 fights, and you have to be excited about the new direction in the career of Manny Perez." Was part of a statement released by Team Perez.

Perez will make his debut with Airtight Boxing on June 27th, less than one month later, at the Palladium, where he and Santiago will co-headline the 'Denver's MVP's: Most Valuable Punchers' fight card.

In the main event Brad Jackson will once again bring his undefeated record to the ring against Pueblo's Geoffrey Spruiell. Jackson continues to learn on the job and improve as evidenced by his gritty win over Ft. Morgan slugger Stevie Marquez, his toughest test to date. Spruiell is a .500 fighter and has gone 3-2 in his his last five including a spoiler win over Angel Flores in Vegas and he would love to pin the first loss on the prospect's ledger.

The undercard has a pair of 4 rounders the first of which will see Ron Lyle trained Jacob Dominguez debut against Josh Martinez who has 3 pro fights under his belt. Dominguez has been working hard and looking good in sparring with Manny Perez. Dominguez is a southpaw grinder, very similar to Daniel Gonzales.

Also added to the card will be Anthony 'A.T.' Turner, 4-1, 2kos, who will look to bounce back after the first loss of his career, in Oregon, to Dashon Johnson.

A match up is still being worked on for Jose Morales.

This show will be held at the Softball Country Arena on Saturday May 30th with the first bell at 7pm sharp.

For tickets and information please call 720-231-7724.

**Rocky Mountain Boxing still has one 'sponsorship table' available as well, please e-mail for details.

5-21-09

Weekend Rumblings-Rios, Molina, Manuel Perez & Mile High Mike

Colorado's best weekend wrap up writing by Chris Morris, covering Colorado Boxing Since 2002.

Read the Rumblings

5-19-09

Brotherhood Boxing Sends Pair To Nationals

by Stephen Blea

Eduardo Vasquez will compete at 101lbs while Gil Garcia is a heavyweight. Kyla Barraza also won a regional title but will not advance due to age. Also Jesus Vasquez lost his semi-final bout at 125lbs.

The USA Boxing National's are scheduled in Denver at the the Coliseum taking place from June 8th through June 13th.

5-19-09

Daniels & Abron On Deck

Two former World Class Athletes Program, WCAP, boxers will be fighting on the road this week and next.

First up is Torrence 'Dynamite' Daniels, 12-9-1, 5kos, will take on undefeated Christopher Martin, 14-0-2, 2kos, at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California on Tuesday night as the co-main event to Vicente Escobedo vs Kevin Kelly.

DeAndrey Abron, 15-4, 10kos, gets a shot at Yusaf Mack, 27-2-2, 16kos, in a much more winnable fight than Abron has been accustomed to lately. Abron, once 15-1, has lost 3 in a row albeit to a very high level of opposition in Valery Brudov and Zsolt Erdei over seas.

5-19-09

Davarryl Williamson In 'After The Last Round'

DENVER, COLORADO – Brain Injury Association of Colorado today announced the Denver Premiere of ‘After the Last Round’ for May 30, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the Kenneth King Performing Arts Center. The film features local Heavy-Weight Contender - Davarryl Williamson ('Touch of Sleep'), Tony Bruno and Denver’s Bill Briggs; as well as Muhammad Ali and other boxers. Producer, Director and members of cast will attend premiere.

AFTER THE LAST ROUND

“Time throws the hardest blows.”

Few other sports encompass the theatrical displays of human struggle, strength, and violence that have come to define boxing. 'After The Last Round' is a feature documentary that takes you inside the sport of boxing, exposing its life changing effects on the fighters and their families, both inspirational and tragic. Often the target of philosophical and sociological debates, the act of pugilism sets itself apart from its athletic contemporaries because its blatant displays of violence and physical intent to harm. Unlike films that have chosen to glorify the sport or blindly condemn it, 'After The Last Round', gives a courageously honest look at the many facets of boxing. The film weaves together the stories of fighters, active and retired, while revealing the controversy and social fascination surrounding the “sweet science”. Through the eyes of the fighters, their families, and the boxing community you will see how the sport has shaped both the individual and our culture. Both character-driven and informative, the film shows each characters unique journey exposing the surprising similarities in every boxer’s plight. The line between athletic achievement and self-destruction is blurred when the controversial and sometimes disastrous realities of boxing are put out on the table. From fighters coping with the long-term physical effects of their careers, to those seeking championship glory, the film encapsulates the world of prizefighting in a way never before seen. 'After The Last Round' uncovers the personal triumphs and heartbreaking outcomes of those who have chosen a life between the ropes.

For more information, visit BIAColorado.org

5-14-08

Fischer Calls Perez Bout 'Worst Night Of Rios' Career'

Worst night of pro career: Struggled mightily with Manuel Perez (then-12-4) en route to a 10-round majority draw last October. Rios simply didn’t train as hard as he should have in preparation for the bout, which took place in the high altitude of Denver, Colorado, ran out of gas early, and was outworked by Perez over the middle rounds of the bout. To his credit, Rios rallied in the final two rounds, but his form was sloppy and his punches lacked power.

5-13-09

Ric Ericson On National Golden Gloves

Colorado had a great showing at the National Golden Gloves, with 4 boxers in the finals. We earned 2nd place overall as a team in addition to the individual honors.

Louie Byrd Won the 112lb Bracket while John Franklin got 2nd place at 119lbs, Robert Rodriguez won the 125lb title and Jeffery Spencer finished second in the 179lb class.

Colorado had 4 officials at the tournament. Beau Campbell made regional finals in only his second time at the National Golden Gloves.

CC Edwards made the semi finals and had a great body of work at the tournament.

Jeanne Depriest made the finals as a Judge and I also worked a final event.

I want to congratulate all of the team members on a outstanding effort.

Ric

5-11-09

La Revolucion Results

Victor Villereal UD6 Isaac Atencio

Ernie Marquez UD6 Adrian Aleman

Raul Carrillo TKO2 Chris Asher

Mike Montoya D4 Chris Cruz

Joey Montoya TKO1 Jose Beltran

Ryan Grimaldo TKO2 Trinidad Marry

Adam Ochoa MD4 Shawn Nichol

5-11-09

Byrd & Rodriguez Bring Home GG National Championships

Louie Byrd and Robert Rodriguez both brought home national championships from the National Golden Gloves Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Byrd beat Michael Ruiz of California by decision at 112's while Rodriguez won a reportedly tough fight with Toka Kahn of New England at 125lbs.

John Franklin lost his championship to Jesus Magdelano of Las Vegas at 119lbs and Dorian Anthony of California beat Jeffrey Spencer for the title at 178lbs.

Here are the GG National Champs. All wins tonight were by decision.
106 Pounds
Miguel Cartagena, 16. Philadelphia, PA
112 Pounds
Louie Byrd, 18. Denver, CO
119 Pounds
Jesus Magdaleno, 17. Las Vegas, NV
125 Pounds
Robert Rodriguez, 18. Evans, CO
132 Pounds
Erick De Leon, 17. Lincoln Park, MI
141 Pounds
Jose Benavidez, 17. Phoenix, AZ
152 Pounds
Errol Spence, 19. Desoto, TX
165 Pounds
Naim Terbunja, 24. Shirley, NY
I178 Pounds
Dorian Anthony, 22. Lynwood, CA
201 Pounds
Jordan Shimmell, 20. Hudsonville, MI
201+ Pounds
Bryant Jennings, 24. Philadelphia, PA

5-10-09

Serrano Wins by TKO

(MAY 10) Last night at the Double Tree Hotel, in Orlando, Florida, Amanda Serrano, 125, won by a first round TKO [1:43] over Brittany Cruz, 124. The two were scheduled to fight a four-round bout on the undercard of Cmacho-Campas.

5-10-09

Cruz Weighs In

Brittany Cruz will take on Amanda Serrano tonight on the Camacho-Campas pay per view card tonight taking place in Florida.

Cruz weighed 124 while Serrano was 125.

5-9-09

Smith Outpoints Tough Palacios

by Chris Cozzone

In the opening bout of the night, lightweight Lonnie Smith (7-2, 5 KOs), of Las Vegas, had to settle for a near-shutout decision over iron-chinned Francisco Palacios (4-8-7, 1 KO), of Stamford, Ct.

Either Smith cannot punch, or Palacios can take it, for, over six similar rounds, a one-sided attack was launched.

Smacking Palacios with shots meant to hurt, Smith landed body blows and hooks through the first two rounds, then switched to rights in the third. But, try as he did, Smith couldn’t get Palacios to back off.

In the fourth, Palacios stepped up his aggression, and while landing a few clean shots on Smith, there was little firepower to turn the fight around. Smith continued to outbox and hammer away, to win with scores of 60-53 and 60-54 twice.

5-9-09

‘Lion’ Roars At Herrera

by Chris Cozzone

The best performance of the night was seen by lightweight Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (8-0, 5 KOs), of Las Vegas, who destroyed previously unbeaten Marcos “The Safari Hunter” Herrera (6-1, 1 KO), of Denver and Taos, N.M., in less than two rounds.

Bogere’s ring entrance stole the show. Adorned with a massive, moth-eaten lion’s head, Bogere walked into the ring to canned lion’s roars and a tribal beat.

A tribal beat is what he handed the taller, rangier Herrera.

Fighting cautiously in the first, Herrera let the speedier, harder-punching come in and out of range, landing jabs and rights. While trying to time a right hand on Bogere, Herrera ate a huge right hand that dropped him in the neutral corner.

Though up on shaky legs, Herrera made the count, only to be floored again on the opposite side of the ring, not 30 seconds later.

Again, Herrera made count, but when the aggressive Bogere trapped him against the ropes, soon after, to pummel him down again, Referee Kenny Bayless stepped in to end the slaughter at 2:43.

5-9-09

Weight For 'La Revolucion'

By Raul Utajara

Victor Villereal 163.3         Isaac Atencio 165.8
Shawn Nichol 118             Adam Ochoa 116
Raul Carrillo 147               Chris Asher 149
Ryan Grimaldo 150            Trinidad Marry 151.8
Mike Montoya 188            Chris Cruz 191
Joey Montoya 218            Jose Beltran 232
Ernie Marquez 112            Adrian Aleman 114

5-9-09

Colorado Teens Aiming For Junior National Titles

DENVER (AP)—When Hilario Ramirez-Medina was 6 years old, he used to follow his brother, Jose Figueroa, into the Longmont Boxing Club to watch him train.

Ramirez-Medina would do a little boxing, too, before getting kicked out for goofing off.

“I used to get thrown out because little kids don’t take training seriously,” Ramirez-Medina said. “I’d hit the bag and then play around and mess up other kids’ training. Then I’d come back the next day and try to find anyone to spar with. I didn’t care who it was.”

Nearly a decade later, the 15-year-old is taking the sweet science seriously — and he’s on a fast track to success. Ramirez-Medina didn’t start boxing competitively until this year, but in a few months he’s won the Colorado State Golden Gloves and the Colorado State Junior Olympics for his age group and weight class.

On May 15-16, he’ll compete in the Four Corners Combined Regional Tournament in Pueblo, and a victory there will qualify him for the USA Boxing National Championships at the Denver Coliseum June 8-13.

Moving the nationals from Colorado Springs to Denver will help increase the profile of the event, USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman said.

“They’ve been a well-kept secret in Colorado Springs,” he said. “With the help of the Daniels Fund we’ve been able to move our event to a city that deserves an event of this attention and puts us on a platform with what we’re trying to do.”

For Ramirez-Medina and Ricky Rodriguez, the Junior Olympic champion in the bantamweight class of the 15-16 age division, having the nationals in Denver means a chance at competing close to home.

“It’s kind of nerve-racking, but it’s challenging,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has been to the national championships before, earning a silver medal in the 15-16 age division in 2008. This is all new to Ramirez-Medina.

“I started up this year and started accelerating,” he said. “I got my first fight on Jan. 1 and I just picked up fights from there.”

In that first fight, he quickly learned to be aggressive.

“The voice of my mom came into my head that if you’re getting hit then you’ve got to hit back. Don’t just stand there and be a dummy,” Ramirez-Medina said. “So I started swinging back and won my first fight.”

He lost his next two before competing in the state Golden Gloves. On March 27, Ramirez-Medina beat Carlos Santos in the featherweight title match of the 15-16 age division.

Now he’s ready for a chance to compete on the national stage.

“I don’t expect to win a championship my first year, but I didn’t expect to win Golden Gloves my first year,” he said.

Ramirez-Medina feels confident and comfortable in the ring.

“My older brother and my mom are my idols. Going against them my whole life, looking at the other person in the ring, I know there’s nothing to be afraid of it,” he said. “I decided my older brother did it so I could do it, too. I love the conditioning. I feel more at home in boxing than I do anywhere else.”

Rodriguez, like Ramirez-Medina, won the Colorado Junior Olympics title in Pueblo. A win at the Four Corners Combined Regional Tournament next weekend would give him a chance to win the bantamweight crown a year after falling one bout short.

The 16-year-old is using last year’s experience at nationals to get him ready for 2009.

“It really motivated me,” Rodriguez said. “I’m working harder, I’m running more and doing more of everything. I’m looking forward to facing the guy who beat me last year.”

5-9-09

Marcos Herrera Stopped In Vegas

By Butch Gottlieb

The third bout featured unbeaten lightweight Sharif "The Lion" Bogere (8-0 5KOs) who stopped previously unbeaten Marcos Herrera (The Safari Hunter) who dropped to 6-1 1KO.

The card started out with "Lightning" Lonnie Smith (the son of the former champion 7-2 5KOs) winning a unanimous decision over Francisco Palacios (4-8-4 1KO) What is amazing about this bout is that for 6 rounds Smith hit Palacios with everything but the corner stool and could not stop him, let alone drop him. The final scores were 60-53, 60-54 and 60-54.

5-9-09

Byrd, Franklin, Rodriguez And Spencer, Ohh My!

Colorado fighters continue to dominate the National Golden Gloves tournament with Louie Byrd, John Franklin, Robert Rodriguez and Jeffrey Spencer all advancing to the finals in their respective weight classes.

Here are semi final results with the quarter finals below

Louie Byrd, Colorado Decision Emmanuel Folly, Pennsylvania

John Franklin, Colorado Decision James Smith, Detroit

Robert Rodriguez, Colorado Decision Kevin Rivers, Washington D.C.

Jeffery Spencer, Colorado Decision Alejandro Canez, Rocky Mtn.

Quarter Finals

Miguel Cartagena, Penn Decision Michael Benadosso, Colorado

Louie Byrd, Colorado Decision Leroy Devilla, New Jersey

John Franklin, Colorado Decision Eric Manriquez, Texas

Robert Rodriguez, Colo. Decision Lavale Wilson, Mid-South

Errol Spence, Texas Decision John Zabala, Colorado

Jeffery Spencer, Colorado Decision Thomas Williams Jr., Washington D.C.

5-8-09

Colorado Advances, New Mexico Out

The Colorado representatives are doing very well at the National Golden Gloves Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tournament favorites, Louie Byrd and Robert Rodriguez continue to dominate their divisions.

LOUIE BYRD, COLORADO DECISION ANTHONY TULLEY, CLEVELAND

JOHN FRANKLIN, COLORADO DECISION RAFAEL SANTOS, WISCONSIN

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ, COLOrado DECISION DEVONTE ALLEN, CINCINNATI

ERIC FOWLER, TEXAS DECISION FIDEL MALDONADO, NEw Mexico

WILLIAM MADERA, NEW YORK DECISION DANIEL CALZADA, COLORADO

JOHN ZABALA, COLORADO-. DECISION TERRANCE JAMON, CINCINNATI

BRADLEY BLANKENSHIP, NEV DECISION JESUS CORREA, NEW MEXICO

JEFFERY SPENCER, COLO. DECISION DERAE CRANE, WISCONSIN

STIPE MIOCIC, CLEVELAND DECISION TERRANCE PERRO, COLORADO

5-7-09

Abron To Face Mack

Light Heavyweight contender Yusaf Mack returns to action on May 30th in Tampa Florida. Mack appears on the undercard of the world title showdown of Andre Berto v Juan Urango. His opponent is former NABO and world title challenger DeAndrey Abron. Abron fell short in his challenge to former WBA title holder Valery Brudov when he was stopped after 7 rounds when Abron’s own corner had seen enough, then he was harshly stopped in 2 rounds by undefeated Russian puncher Igor Michalikin. Abron was knocked down by a solid right hand, but seemed to recover well, Michalikin jumped on him and the referee was all too quick to dive in and stop the action. Now Abron returns to his own soil to turn around his poor run of form.

Current NABF champion Mack will have something to say about that when they meet at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Mack now on a four fight winning streak has showed a new lease of life and with wins over Daniel Judah, Omar Pittman and Chris Henry in the last three and Mack is feeling invincible. “I am on top of my game right now,” says Mack, “I am stronger, faster and hit harder than I ever did before, as long as my preparation for fights goes well there is no one in the division that can beat me. Abron is a tough challenger, he is 6′3¡ and shared the ring with a couple of world champions so I am not looking past him, but he is in my way and I shall be removing him on the 30th.

5-6-09

Colorado/New Mexico At The National Golden Gloves

At 119lbs John Franklin, from the World Class Athlete Program in Colorado Springs, won his opening bout last night at the National Golden Gloves tournament being held in Salt Lake City, Utah this week. He beat Brad Heroff from the Upper-Midwest team by decision.

John Zabala won his bout at 152lbs by decision over Raul Chavarria of Omaha. Jeffrey Spencer, also from WCAP, beat Robert Hall of Knoxville by decision. Fidel Maldonaldo, from New Mexico opened with a decision win over Christopher Caffee of Indiana at 132lbs. On Monday night Ryan Gomez, also from New Mexico, lost a decision to James Thomas III of California.

5-6-09

Herrera Hits The Road

Uganda-born fighter Sharif Bogere, center in lion costume, rides ringside inside his metal cage thanks to members of his entourage. Bogere backed up the lavish entrance by keeping his unbeaten record perfect with a unanimous victory over Carlos Small Saturday night at Star of the Desert Arena in Primm.--photo by Andy Samuelson

Marcos Herrera will hit the road this week as he travels to Las Vegas to face Top Rank prospect Sharif Bogere who is fighting from Las Vegas. This bout will be the semi-main event of a card promoted by Punch Out.

Bogere was one of several fighters who disappeared and defected during the 2007 World Boxing Championship camp in Chicago. The highly touted amateur racked up an impressive 60-4 record.

This fight will see the pair of unbeaten lightweights put their undefeated records on the line in a six rounder. Herrera is 5-0, 1ko while Bogere is 7-0, 4kos. Herrera is in very tough.

On the same card Lonnie Smith, 6-2-2, 5kos, will make his second return to the ring after a two year lay off, against Francisco Palacious, 4-7-4, 1ko. Smith spent his amateur career in Colorado before moving to Vegas to pursue his professional boxing career.

5-5-09--Cinco De Mayo

T h e N a t i o n a l G o v e r n i n g B o d y f o r O l y m p i c - S t y l e B o x i n g

USA BOXING NEWS

USA Boxing to Host a One Month Out Press Conference on May 8 at the Daniels Fund Office

The Location of the first Denver Gloves Not Guns Program to be Announced

( COLORADO SPRINGS , COLO. ) – The 2009 USA Boxing National Championships are quickly approaching with the tournament opening competition on Monday, June 8 at the Denver Coliseum. USA Boxing will mark the One Month Out date with a press conference on Friday, May 8 at the Daniels Fund offices. Several prominent Denver sports dignitaries will be on hand at the press conference to celebrate the National Championship event, which will showcase over 400 of the nation’s top amateur boxers from across the nation.

USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman will present Daniels Fund President and CEO Linda Childears with a ceremonial ticket in honor of their tremendous contribution to both USA Boxing and the upcoming event. The USA Boxing National Championships are moving north to Denver for the first time with the assistance from a Daniels Fund grant.

In addition to the ticket presentation, USA Boxing will announce the Denver boxing club selected to serve as the first Gloves Not Guns facility in the Rocky Mountain region. The Gloves Not Guns program is currently being launched in boxing gyms across the United States , including Miami , Washington DC , Connecticut , Illinois and Los Angeles . The community initiative is targeted at providing young people with a positive activity to fill their time and receive a free introduction to boxing. The first Denver-area Gloves Not Guns clinic will be held in conjunction with the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships.

Two State Junior Olympic champions will be on hand at the May 8^th press conference as they prepare to compete in their regional tournament for a berth in the national championships. All of the Colorado State Champions will compete in the Four Corners Regional Tournament, May 15-16, with the winners, aged 15 and up advancing on to the USA Boxing National Championships.

Tickets for the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships are currently on sale through www.ticketswest.com and King Soopers locations throughout the state of Colorado . For any questions or additional information about the May 8 press conference or the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships, contact Julie Goldsticker at (719) 866-2304 or jgoldsticker@usaboxing.org

USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States ’ member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). It is responsible for the selection and management of the United States Olympic Boxing Team, and for the governance and oversight of USA Boxing’s national organization of 38,000 members, 1,400 individual boxing clubs, and 1,600 sanctioned events annually.

5-4-09

La Revolucion May 9th

According to local promoter Raul Utajara there will be a pro boxing show entitled "La Revolucion" this Saturday, May 9th at the National Western Stockshow Complex.

The card is set to feature the Delgado/Ghosttown Gladiators fighters including local favorite 'Red Hot' Rob Frankel, who recently left his longtime promoter and trainer, Airtight Boxing and Steve Mestas. They accumulated 37 fights together including 27 wins. No opponent has been named as of yet.

The undercard features a great local match up of super middle weights Victor Villareal and Isaac Atencio. Villareal has the experience but Atencio has yet to lose. This one should be good for fans.

Also featured on the undercard will be Shawn Nichol, 3-1, 3kos, vs Adam Ochoa, 1-0, 1ko, in a 4 round super bantamweight bout. Ft. Morgan's Ernie Marquez, 8-5-1, 3kos, will go 6 with Adrian Aleman, 5-4-3, 3kos, at bantamweight. Colorado Springs light heavyweight Mike Montoya, 2-0, 2kos, will welcome Chris Cruz to the ring in Cruz' debut. Montoya's heavyweight brother Joey will make his pro debut against Colorado veteran, Jose Beltran, 5-10, 4kos.

Bouts are also 'in the works' for Ryan Grimaldo, Raul Carillo and Terry Buterbaugh for a total of 9 professional bouts.

The doors will open at 5 with the first bell at 7pm. For tickets and more information visit www.delgadopromotions.com or www.ghosttowngladiatorsboxing.com.

5-9-09

Santiago Scores Knockdown, Still Shut-Out By Hometown Vegas Judges

The Evidence-Photo by Chris Cozzone

Juan Santiago lost a decision to 'hometown hopeful' Diego Magdelano in Las Vegas on Friday night. The bout was televised on Box Azteca after Alfonso Gomez ended his bout early.

In the opening round, Santiago lands a nice pair of hooks the second of which sends Magdelano to the seat of his pants for a legitimate knock down. Magdelano fights back and wins the remaining rounds and the fight.

I won't dispute that the correct fighter's hand was raised in victory.

Despite the knockdown, one of the judges, Duane Ford, scored the bout 39-36. So he scored the first round 10-9 rather than 10-8 as it should have been. Magdelano simply didn't do enough to overcome the most deciding factor in scoring a round, the knockdown.

Furthermore another judge, the obviously incompetent Pat Schellin scored the bout an inexplicable shutout at 40-36. The only way he could score the bout 40-36 is if he filled out his scorecard before the first bell rang.

I'm not saying Santiago deserved to win the fight, I scored the 3rd round even and had it 38-38. But, he certainly deserved to get proper credit for the knockdown he scored that apparently nobody at ringside saw.

How can anything be more discouraging to a fighter and his trainer? Going into fights as the 'opponent', the motivation is pulling off the upset and getting noticed which leads to bigger and better fights.

Schellin's scorecard PROVES that Santiago had absolutely no chance of leaving the ring that night with a win by decision.

Have you heard the old adage 'You need a knock out to get the draw'? This is a prime example of that and it should make anyone associated with boxing sick to their stomach.

One thing is for sure, Top Rank (Magdelano's promoter) had better keep the kid fighting on the home field in Vegas as he will not be afforded the judges anywhere else and he is very very 'beatable' as Santiago showed.

At the very least I believe that Schellin owes an explanation for his ridiculous scorecard and also owes Team Santiago an apology for the disrespect.

5-4-09

Alvarado Chases Gallardo For Win

By Andreas Hale, Fighnews.com. Photo by Chris Cozzone

In a fight that resembled more of a track meet rather than a boxing match, Mike Alvarado remained undefeated as he defeated Juaquin Gallardo by unanimous decision in their 8 round junior welterweight matchup. Gallardo (18-8-1, 5 KOs) was on his bicycle early and often and did nothing more than give Alvarado’s running legs an eight round test.

After chasing Gallardo around the ring for a round and a half, Mike Alvarado finally caught up to his prey and clobbered Gallardo with a crushing left right combination that floored Gallardo in the 2nd. Gallardo would survive the round and settled into survival mode for most of the fight. He tried to make things competitive by putting together brief combinations to stall out Alvarado’s forward movement in the 5^th and 6^th but was clearly outclassed on this night.

Official scores were 80-71 (twice) and 79-72. –Andreas Hale

Cordova Loses The '0'

Marvin 'Much 2 Much' Cordova lost his step up bout on Friday in Las Vegas to relatively unknown Philippine Dennis Laurente. Scores were 77-74 across the board with Cordova losing a point in the 7th for punching after the bell.

An inside source from ringside commented 'He's not ready for the big time. He didn't know how to deal with a hungry veteran'.

Cordova gets the first blemish on his record moving to 20-1-1, 11kos while Laurente puts a prospect in his place improving to 31-3-5, 16kos.

5-4-09

Green Drops Decision In Idaho

Chris 'Da Future' Green lost a decision in Idaho on Thursdaynight. He fought Michael Moncrief who was 2-5-1 coming in. Green lost a majority decision in the 6 rounder.

5-4-09

Weights From Vegas
Marvin Cordova 142 vs. Dennis Laurente 141.5
Juan Santiago 131 vs. Diego Magdaleno 129.5

5-1-09

Malignaggi vs. Alvarado For 6/27, Talks Move Forward

by Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com has learned that talks are moving forward for a potential fight between former junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (26-2, 5KOs) and rising contender Mike Alvarado (25-0, 18KOs). If a deal can be made, the fight will take place on the pay-per-view undercard to Kelly Pavlik vs. Sergio Mora on June 27 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Malignaggi suffered a tough loss to Ricky Hatton last November. He returned to action last weekend on the Froch-Taylor card, winning an eight round decision over Chris Fernandez. He wants to work his way back to a major title shot. Alvarado is a rising star in Top Rank's stable of fighters. He looks a bit green at times, but makes up for everything with his punching power. Alvarado sees action this Saturday in Las Vegas on the Pacquiao-Hatton undercard. The weekend victim is Juaquin Gallardo (18-7, 5KOs).

4-30-09

Busy Week For Colorado Boxers

This is going to be a very busy week for Colorado based fighters with everyone fighting on the road.

First up, this Thursday in Idaho, Big Chris Green, 6-3-1, 4kos takes on southpaw Michael Moncrief, 2-5-1, 1ko, in a sixer at heavyweight.

Also on Thursday, but in San Diego, Ayodeji Fadeyi, 10-6-1, 6kos, is supposed to fight Denis Grachev, 5-0, 3kos. Fadeyi has had several bouts scheduled locally, at heavyweight, this is scheduled at light-heavy, against Louis Monaco and has yet to get into the ring. He is coming off an extended layoff.

Then on Friday, Marvin 'Much II Much' Cordova Jr., 20-0-1, 11kos, has his bout with Dennis Laurente, 30-3-5, 16kos. This bout was originally scheduled for the Hatton-Pacquiao card on Saturday but has been bumped back to the TV Azteca card. There is an outside chance this bout will make the televised portion of the show as they often have two ten rounders and an eight on tap.

On the same card Juan Santiago, 7-1-1, 5kos, who is the reigning Colorado State and RMB Champion at 130 pounds, tests his mettle against highly touted Diego Magdelano, 8-0, 3kos. It will be very tough to get a decision against the hometown kid, Magdelano.

Tommy Atencio, 3-1, 2kos, who is coming of his loss to Luis Del Valle, will go in tough once again taking on undefeated Robert Marroquin, 5-0, 4kos.

4-28-09

GARCIA KAYOS GOMEZ

Photos by Chris Cozzone

_coz6997 From the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, Colo.: In the main event of a long-awaited showdown, before a soldout crowd, Elco “The Animal” Garcia (21-7, 10 KOs) floored Joe Gomez (16-2-1, 8 KOs) five times en route to a TKO win at 1:29 of the seventh round. Gomez tried to slug it out with Garcia, but was floored twice in the second, twice in the fifth, and once in the seventh before his corner threw in the towel.

In the four-round co-main, Victor Filerio (2-0, 1 KO) needed just 1:59 to stop overmatched Justin Hendrick(1-3), of Kearney, Nebr. In an eight-rounder, Rio Rancho’s Lucas “The Ghost” Galle (5-4) was outclassed through eight rounds by Abel Perry (10-3, 3 KOs), of Colorado Springs. Galle’s nose was busted up early and the flow of blood speckled ringsiders. Big rights by Perry won him a no-brainer unanimous decision of 80-72 and 79-73 twice. In a four-round bout, Vincent Mirabal (2-0) barely won his second fight with a split verdict over late sub Omar Davila (1-4). Mirabal won rounds one, three and four but was floored in the late second, barely making the count on shaky legs. Scores were 39-37, 38-37 and 37-38. In the opening round, LeShaun Blair (4-17) ended an 11-bout losing streak with a unanimous decision overJavier Segura (4-16, 4 KOs), who’s now lost seven straight. Scores were 39-37 x 3.

Gomez, Garcia at the scales

by Chris Cozzone

_coz5288
From the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, Colo. for tomorrow night’s “Four Corners Showdown” card: Both, Joe Gomez and Elco Garcia, made weight for their 10-round showdown. Peeved by comments made by Gomez in a NewMexicoBoxing.com interview the night before, Garcia called out Gomez, telling those at the weigh-in, “I’m going to be professional about this, but Joe made up comments about me on the Web. He must’ve fallen out of bed on his head to make up lies like that.” In an interview last night, Gomez said that he’d dropped Garcia in a sparring session two years ago. In response to Garcia’s outburst, Gomez merely said, “I’ll leave my comments for the ring.”

Joe Gomez 155 vs. Elco Garcia 154.4
Victor Filerio 182.4 vs. Dustin Hendrick 184.2
Abel Perry 152 vs. Lucas Galle 152.4 **
Vincent Mirabal 142.8 vs. Pedro Davila **
LeShaun Blair 121.8 vs. Javier Segura 129.8

** Mirabal was 3 lbs. over but came back 1.5 hours later at 142.8. He has until Davila weighs in to lose .8. Galle was originally 153.4, but lost a pound and settled the difference. – Chris Cozzone

4-25-09

Williamson 'Touches' Davis 'To Sleep'

Heavyweight DaVarryl Williamson (26-5, 22 KOs) extended his career with an impressive technical knockout over Carl “Iron Fist” Davis (14-3, 11 KOs). Davis gave a game challenge, but Williamson sent him to the mat with a sweeping shot in the fourth round. Davis took a knee early in the fifth before being dismissed later in the round after being floored with a picture-perfect right that caused the referee to halt the bout. Time was 2:52.

4-25-09

Camarena Retires

By Moncayo Blackbull

(Click on picture for large view)

DENVER (IB-April 18, 2009) - Champion Donald Camarena was to headline an April show but has decided to retire from the ring.

Camarena a crafty southpaw possesses all the skill to become a world champion, with only a handful of amateur fights under his belt he managed to become a respectable professional. 15 amateur fights to be exact but that’s all it took for him to win back-to-back-to-back Texas Golden Gloves. As a professional Camarena accomplished much, winning 5 regional titles that included the WBC’s World Youth, Continental Americas, and Mundo Hispano crowns.

Camarena knocked on the door to world championship... Continue

4-20-09

Alvarado Signs Extension With Top Rank

from ESPN.com

Hot junior welterweight prospect Mike Alvarado (25-0, 18 KOs) has signed a multiyear contract extension with Top Rank, co-manager Finkel told ESPN.com. Alvarado has been with Top Rank since turning pro in 2004 and appears poised for a breakout year. In January, he scored a spectacular 10th-round knockout of Emmanuel Clottey (Joshua Clottey's brother). On May 2, Alvarado returns to face Juaquin Gallardo on the untelevised portion of the Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao card in Las Vegas. If Alvarado wins, he'll be back June 27 on the televised portion of the Kelly Pavlik-Sergio Mora PPV card, likely against former titleholder Paulie Malignaggi. "The contract was coming near the end, Top Rank gave him some money and we re-signed," Finkel said. "Top Rank has done a great job with him." Top Rank's DuBoef was happy to keep Alvarado under contract. "We're very bullish on his future," he said. "I think he's our [Diego] Corrales of 2000. Blue collar fighter who is rugged and will wear you down".

4-24-09

'Lil Loca' Training With Rick Lopez Sr.

by Terri Cruz

Terri Lynn Cruz AKA 'Lil Loca', Height is 5'3" and weighing between 115-118lbs max. Born in Raton, New Mexico on June 3, 1971. Pro record is 16-5-2 with 7KO'S, Terri currently holds the 122lbs WIBA Title. Formerly held 118lbs IFBA world title from 2005-2007. Impressive wins over Heather Percival and successfully defending title it in Seoul, South Korea in route to winning a unanimous decision over Eun Young Kim. Terri became Colorado's first women's world champion boxer and has went up for many first time awards given for women's boxing which has made history for women in Colorado.

Terri lives Thornton CO and is now training at Strictly Boxing Gym in Brighton Colorado under new management and trainer, Rick Lopez Sr. If looking to fight please call Rick Lopez at 303 659-0192 or Terri at 303 963-5941. Terri trains 6 days a week at the gym running 3-4 miles a day including 3 days a week weight training. Terri contributes her success to all her hard training, teammates, God and her trainer for believing and working with her so hard. Be on the look for the surprisingly new and improved change, Terri also likes to influence young boxers by training hard to show them with hard work, believe and confidence they too can accomplish there dreams and become a world champion too. Terri comes from a family of boxers which include her Dad Arthur Cruz Sr., brothers Arturo Cruz Jr.and Noah Cruz, sister Brandi Cruz, niece Brittany Cruz, also with numerous nephews and nieces that are amateur fighters.

Terri is looking for fights and looking forward to this new year and change. Please call or email Terri at anytime, Terri's email: terrilynncruz@yahoo.com - Prepared by Terri Cruz.

4-19-09

Contestant Needed To Fight Cruz

Brittany Cruz has a date to dance, but no dance partner for her bout at the Sky Ute Casino on April 25th. If you would like to share the ring with Cruz please contact 'Match Makin' Mestas at 720-298-1954.

4-14-09

Poor Boys Pro Boxing &

Moonlight Productions May 30th

Jim 'Smitty' Smith and CC Edwards are teaming up to present an outdoor pro boxing show on May 30th at the Softball Country Outdoor Arena.

The main event will see the next step for undefeated welterweight Brad Jackson as he takes on veteran Geoffrey Spruiell in a six rounder.**

The under card has a preliminary line up including a set of four rounders featuring Josh Martinez vs Jacob Dominguez at super-featherweight. Anthony Wehr will return at light heavyweight and Alejandro Castillo at bantamweight with opponents to be announced.

C.C. Edwards and Moonlight Productions are 'importing' New Mexican Arturo Crespin for a bout and local fan favorite Manuel Perez will see action in a 'rust shaker' against journeyman Reginald Nash before seeking a rematch with Brandon Rios.

Tickets and information are available at MileHighBoxing.com or by calling Jim Smith at 303-450-9763. Prices are $50 for ringside, $35 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission. There are also sponsorship opportunities, including ringside VIP tables, available.

4-11-09

Colorado State Senior Tournament

The Colorado State Senior Tournament is scheduled for April 17-19, 2009.

On Friday, April 17th, the schedule will include:

7:00 am weigh-ins
9:00 am bracketing
10:00 am Athlete Meeting to elect two (2) representatives to the Board of Directors for the remainder of the 2009-2012 term (Please have your "Senior" Athletes attend this meeting in order for their vote to be counted). Our current Athlete Representatives are also contacting you to remind your boxers.
10:30 am interested Board of Directors/Board of Governors will meet with Pam Crowley and Jessica Cross from USAB to discuss the Gloves NOT Guns Program (question & answer session)
3:30 pm Executive Board of Directors Meeting (all registered members are welcome to attend the "open" session portion of this meeting)
5:00 pm Athlete Physicals
6:00 pm Bouts will start

Some additional items are:
1) "Electronic Scoring" will be used for this Tournament;
2) A boxer must have 5 bouts in order to enter the "open" division of this Tournament. The only two divisions are Novice and Open. A Novice boxer may have less than 5 bouts because he/she will not be advancing;
3) An "open" boxer must compete in the State Tournament in order to advance to the "Regional" Tournament. If there are no participants entered into a specific "open" division weight class, a boxer will be placed in that division from a runner-up in the weight class either above or below, if applicable.
4) A "female" waiver must be signed prior to a female boxing in the Tournament. If you need a copy of this form, contact Jeanne at the info below and she will be happy to forward a copy to you by email.
5) Any boxer who is 16 now and will be 17 on August 1st, must have all required forms signed by Parent/Guardian before they will be allowed to enter the Tournament. This also applies to the female boxer waiver.

If you have any questions on the above or need further information, please contact Jeanne.

Jeanne PresidentColorado LBC
jhd4boxing@msn.com

RMB's Response To New Mexico's Whining

by Chris Morris

So the New Mexico Boxing team got 'Shafted in Colorado'? Sounds like the same old tune we hear whenever someone fights on the road and now they are singing their version, smothered in Hatch Chiles.

The subjective ness of judging, even with the 'clickers', will always leave room for someone to complain in a close fight. Why didn't NM.com name the fighters who felt they were screwed?

Let's see if we can break it down.

These are the one's NM won so they can't be bitching.

132: Fidel Maldonado of Tuff/Atrisco dec. Esteban Nichol of Colorado.
165: Jesus Correa of Alb. Pal dec. Corey Thompson of Colorado.
201: Ryan Gomez of Alb. Pal stopped Tony Massey of Colorado.

So that leaves us these:

106: CO's Michael Benedosso dec. Luis Montano of the warriors.
112: Colorado's Louie Byrd dec. Michael Herrera of Taos.
119: Colorado's John Franklin stoped Sammy Mena of Perez Boxing.
125: Colorado's Robert Rodriquez dec. Yoel Donzales Tuff/Atrisco.
141: Colorado's Daniel Calzada dec. Edgar Zubia of Clovis.
152: Colorado's John Zabala dec. Michael Gallegos of Alb. Pal.
178: Colorado's Jeffrey Spencer stopped Tyler Cobb of Farmingtn
Superheavy: CO's Terrance Perro stopped Elijo Sena of Clovis.

I assume the 106 lb bout was close as the original results Jeanne DePriest were incorrect as she listed NEW MEXICO'S Montano as the winner when Benedosso of COLORADO was the winner.

We all KNOW Louie Byrd is a badass with international experience so I'm sure Byrd didn't need a hometown decision.

John Franklin, NOT OF COLORADO but the WCAP rather, stopped his opponent, so no 'hometowning' there, right? Same for 178's with Spencer vs Cobb and Perro stopping Sena. They complained of bad decisions, not STOPPAGES.

Robert Rodriguez at 125's, just see Louie Byrd above, these two fights were won before the boxers got into the ring, I'll bet these two Colorado Boxers OUTCLASSED their New Mexican opponents. These two have been Representing Colorado on EVERY LEVEL, International on down and they fought first timers? I KNOW without watching or knowing the New Mexican kids that they didn't win, period.

That leaves 3 bouts in question and this MUST be the three they are bitching about:

106: CO's Michael Benedosso dec. Luis Montano of the warriors.
141: Colorado's Daniel Calzada dec. Edgar Zubia of Clovis.
152: Colorado's John Zabala dec. Michael Gallegos of Alb. Pal.

So EVERY SINGLE DECISION that went against New Mexico was a bad decision? Are you sure that your team didn't simply come up short in close fights?

That's not bad officiating, that's a fighter not doing enough to distinguish himself as the winner and thus is at the mercy of judges and judging. You can ALWAYS do something about that in the RING, DURING THE FIGHT.

Also, last time I went to regionals, there were 5 judges and at least 2 were from New Mexico on each bout, was this tournament different?

Can someone, anyone who saw these 3 bouts + the Byrd and Rodriguez bouts, please give us a report on what they saw?

Look in the Mirror New Mexico fighters and coaches and be honest with yourselves and understand that close decision losses are part of the sport, period, on all levels. You can do something about it during the bout but afterwards, take your losses like a man.

Complaining has never changed anything and never will. If you don't want to take advantage of the opportunities of regional boxing tourneys, so be it, we will take the bye into the nationals. But trying to pin that decision of yours on the Colorado Officials is simply ridiculous and shows the 'SOUR GRAPES' and PITY the amateur programs who are complaining are truly looking for.

PS Hasn't the Colorado team ALWAYS walked over the New Mexican team? I've been here since 2002 and I don't ever remember New Mexico even coming close to winning the Team Trophy. Face it New Mexico, Colorado fighters are simply better and the proof is in the pudding, look at the history.

I invite all New Mexicans to voice their opinion on our

Fight Fans Forum

4-8-09

Shafted in Colorado?
From NewMexicoBoxing.com and Chris Cozzone

NewMexicoBoxing.com has received more than one complaint/account of unfair judging and reffing New Mexicans received at the hands of Colorado offiicials last weekend in Denver, Colo. Three New Mexicans came home with regional honors but several accounts had at least three more boxers victims of hometown cooking. It's gotten to the point now, that N.M. teams are pondering whether it's even worth the trip anymore

4-8-09

Delgado's Hosts Amateur Show Saturday

Delgado's Boxing and Martial Arts, which is located in Arvada just off Sheridan and Ralston at 5545 W. 56th Ave. Bouts will begin at 2pm.

For More information call Delgado's at 303-432-8994.

4-7-09

'Battle Of The Babes' Amateur Show

by Theresa Addison

June 27 get ready for the first Annual All-Female Amateur card billed as "Battle of the Babes" sanctioned by USA Boxing. We are currently looking for interested women to participate. This is a charity event to benefit LetThemBox.org and A-FightingChance.org.

It is to be held on June 27 at A-1 Boxing in Aurora and will feature Junior, Senior, and Master Division Boxers. An award will be given to the Best Boxer; a custom-made boxing robe donated by BoxxerWorld.com and Laura Saperstein, 7-0 pro boxer out of the UK. This is a pre-matched event and boxers need to commit to their matches. We hope to make the final matches by the end of April. All boxers, coaches, or gyms may contact Theresa Addison at theresa.addison@gmail.com to be added to the database.

Thank you for supporting women's boxing in Colorado.

4-7-09

Regional Tournament Of Champions

Colorado vs New Mexico

by Jeanne DePriest

RED CORNER	Weight		BLUE CORNER

COLORADO		New Mexico	Results

Michael Benedosso	106	Luis Montano	Michael Benedosso winner on Points
Louie Byrd	112	Miguel Herrera	Louie Byrd winner on Points
John Franklin	119	Sammy Mena	John Franklin winner by RSC, R-1
Robert Rodriguez	125	Yoel Gonzales	Robert Rodriguez winner on Points
Esteban Nichol	132	Fidel Maldonado	Fidel Maldonado winner on Points
Hazel Wirth	125	Maria Altamirano	Maria Altamirano winner on Points
Edgar Zubia	141	Daniel Calzada	Daniel Calzada winner on Points
Michael Gallegos	152	John Zabala	John Zabala winner on Points
Jesus Correa	165	Corey Thompson	Jesus Correa winner on Points
Tyler Cobb	178	Jeffrey Spencer	Jeffrey Spencer winner by RSC, R-1
Ryan Gomez	201	Tony Massey	Ryan Gomez winner by RSC, R-2
Elijo Sena	201+	Terrance Perro	Terrance Perro winner by RSC, R-1

4-6-09

Lopez survives knockdown, defeats Ramirez

Featherweights Ricky Lopez (3-0 2 KOs) and Felipe Ramirez (0-3) came out firing from the opening bell in a four-round barnburner.

Within seconds of the opening bell, Ramirez sent Lopez to the canvas with a straight left. The rest of the round saw both fighters unleash bombs on each other as neither fighter backed down. In a close battle, Lopez won a split decision with 38-37 on two judges scorecard and a surprising 39-36 for Ramirez on the other. –Jeff Zimmerman, Photos by Cozzone.

4-5-09

Regional Golden Gloves Match-Ups Tonight

by Jeanne DePriest

COLORADO / NEW MEXICO REGIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES
"TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS"
(SANCTION #2932015)
4/4/2009
Commerce City, Colorado
	COLORADO	WT	NEW MEXICO
1	Michael Benedosso	106	Luis Moreno
2	Louie Byrd	112	Miguel Herrera
3	John Franklin	119	Sammy Mena
4	Robert Rodriguez	125	Yoel Gonzales
5	Esteban Nichol	132	Fidel Maldonado
6	Edgar Zubia	141	Daniel Calzada
7	Michael Gallegos	152	John Zabala
8	Jesus Correa	165	Corey Thompson
9	Tyler Cobb	178	Jeffrey Spencer
10	Ryan Gomez	201	Tony Massey
11	Elijo Sena	201+	Terrance Perro

Bouts begin tonight at 7pm at the Commerce City Events Center in Commerce City.

4-4-09

Match-Maker's Corner-Mike Alvarado 25-0 (18)

By Eric 'Sugarfoot' Duran

The Fight Fans Forum has been on fire over the last few months regarding the opposition of 'Mile High' Mike Alvarado. Names like Paul Malignaggi, Victor Ortiz, and Francisco Figueroa have been discussed. All three fights could give his critics the answers they have been looking for but are they necessarily the right fights for Alvarado?

Fight Fans Forum Choices

Paul Malignaggi- His speed and footwork could give Alvarado problems, but just like the Cotto fight, Malignaggi can be worn down. I can honestly see Alvarado doing the same. And let's be honest, since the Cotto fight, Malignaggi had looked like a flash in the pan. His hand speed doesn't seem as fast, he doesn't look as slick as he used to, it's as though his peak came and went in a quick burst. What if the fight does materialize and Malignaggi shows up flat-footed and sluggish? On paper it seems like the logical fight for Alvarado's development but does it set him up for contendership. Honestly, I think Malignaggi is highly overrated.

Victor Ortiz- Yes, for hardcore boxing fans this is the fight that has them drooling at the mouth. But unless Ortiz or Alvarado captures the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, it's dangerous and senseless. Enough said.

Francisco Figueroa- I think it's the style and the record that have people wanting this fight to be made but Figueroa is still young and makes a lot of mistakes. Also, anyone who has seen this kid, he's tiny. I believe Alvarado would man handle him and the fight into a slaughter house. Youtube his fight with Francisco Rincon and get back at me.

My Choices

Juan Urango- Think about it, 2 power punching fighters locked in a phone booth, slugging it out. Also, Urango is a southpaw, something an up and coming fighter needs experience in dealing with. And Urango is T.V. compatible, meaning this could an HBO After Dark special.

Pros-