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American Cancer Society To Benefit From Jamaal Davis’ October 4th Fight.

Posted in Uncategorized on September 30th, 2008 by admin

The ever likable Philadelphia middleweight, Jamaal ‘Da Truth’ Davis  7-4 (6KOs), announced that sponsorship from DiamondBoxing.com has been secured for his fight against against fellow Philly boy, Chris Hall 3-4-1(2KOs), at the National Guard Armory, Philadelphia on Saturday 4th October.

As October is Cancer Awareness month the sponsorship monies have been donated to the American Cancer Society in the name of his young bride, Patrilla, who passed away just one week before Christmas 2007 after battling breast cancer for many years.

Sharron Baker and Jamaal Davis

Jamaal who has been busy preparing for his upcoming fight took a few minutes off to say “I really appreciate the love I’m getting from Rob and Diane at Diamond Boxing with this sponsorship. It’s a big thing for me, they took the time to come and speak with us at the gym and gave me the chance to voice how things are for me and just how hard it was for me to continue my career after losing so much by losing my wife, who was just 25 years old when she passed. They’ve shown me great  love by supporting myself and the American Cancer Society by getting the message out there so others can be aware and look after themselves. I cannot thank them enough and intend to be a great ambassador for them and the ACS by finding ways that I can help cancer sufferers and their families.”

Robert of Diamond Boxing, who fully appreciates all that Jamaal went through during those traumatic times, as he also recently lost a treasured family member to breast cancer, mother Rosalyn Meltzer, said “Diamond Boxing is dedicated like Jamaal Davis to help in anyway possible to raise money for the fight against cancer. We are hoping the boxing community comes together and supports the effort. Jamaal and his family have faced challenging times with the passing of his Jamaal’s wife Patrilla last year to breast cancer. Throughout they courageously stood together, now with all their strength and heart they are doing what it takes to help fight cancer. Diamond Boxing is honored to participate and hopefully one day soon there will be a cure for this deadly disease.”

On fight night, Team ‘Da Truth’ as well as family members and some of the fighters, such as IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, from The James Shuler Memorial Gym will be wearing custom made Diamond Boxing/American Cancer Society shirts to show their support of Jamaal, Diamond Boxing and the American Cancer Society.

Headlining the Philadelphia Worldwide promoted event will be former world junior middleweight champion Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma, 25-5-1 (15 KOs) against Martinus ‘Magnificent’ Clay 13-18-4 (5KOs) from Wilson, North Carolina.

The co-feature fight will star middleweight Simon ‘Slick Fighting Irish’ O’Donnell, 6-1 (3 KOS), a native of County Galway who fights out of Philadelphia against an opponent yet to be officially announced.

Another Philadelphia resident, Dennis Hassan 4-2 (2KOs) takes on Brooklyn, New Yorker, William Jeter 3-1 (2KOs), in a super middleweight contest. All the way from Dublin, Ireland, Patrick Hyland 14-0 (7KOs), has come to take on Santiago, Dominion Republic native, Elvis Luciano Martinez 11-26-2 (5KOs), in a featherweight battle. Patrick’s twin brother, Paul 12-0 (4KO’s), is also in action, competing in the Super Bantamweight class, against the Colombian born Miami resident, Felix Flores 14-9-1 (11KOs).Taking part in an all Philadelphia Lightweight match are, former World Heavyweight Champion ‘Terrible’ Tim Witherspoon’s son, Tim Jnr. 0-1 and Kywame Hill 1-3 (1KO).

Pete Suski (Promoter), Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma, Sharron Baker,
Jamaal Davis and Tom Moran (Promoter)

The last word has to go to Jamaal who said “Please come out and support us and the American Cancer Society on Saturday. If you can’t make it to the fight please look out for the many events that will be taking place throughout October, which is cancer awareness month.”

Date:

Saturday 4th October 2008

Location:

National Guard Armory
2700 Southampton Road
Philadelphia

Tickets:

Tel: 866 777 5077

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Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak Dismantles Greenleaf

Posted in Uncategorized on September 27th, 2008 by admin

Ringside Report by: Diane Bennett www.diamondboxing.com

Last night at the Huntington Hilton Hotel, Long Island, NY, Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs), with his fans packed into the grand ballroom ,he did disappoint them. In workman like fashion the Polish power punching light middleweight Wolak dismantled former WBF title challenger Chad Greenleaf (10-10-1, 4 KOs) . The “Raging Bull” coming off his first career loss to Ishe Smith back on June 1st was all business right from the opening bell, attacking Greenleaf. It did not take Wolak long to land a barrage of solid shots that finished Greenleaf off in the 3rd round recording a TKO at the 2:40 mark to the delight of his fans. 

Wolak works on the inside

 In the co – feature match New York State heavyweight champion Darrell Madison squared off against Elfair “The Wyandanch Warrior” McKnight, in a six-rounder. This bout was a true heavy weight clash with Madison weighing 249 and McKnight weighing in at 240. However, these two heavyweights put on a great showing, slugging it out for all six rounds. In the end it was Madison who came away with the victory.   

 

Heavyweights Madison and McKnight collide

On the undercard Brooklyn light heavyweight Will Rosinsky (2-0, 3 KO), three-time U.S. National Golden Gloves champion took on Michael “The Snake” Ciccone (1-5).The Snake Ciccone was no match for Rosinsky who floored Ciccone at the 2:07 mark of the first round.  

Will Rosinsky knockout of Michael “The Snake” Ciccone
 
Welterweight Chris Algeri improved to 4-0, 3 KOs with a first round knockout victory over New Yorker Clarence Smith (0-2).

Chris Algeri celebrates

Middleweight Henry White (3-2-1) from Clevland, Ohio outscored home town Tom Rainone by split decision.

 

A happy Henry White  

Light middleweight Lambros Karaolides, fighting out of Astoria Queens, making his pro debut against Rakeem Carter ( 0-5-3) recorded a 1st round TKO when referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stopped the bout at the 2:27 mark. 

Light middleweight Lambros Karaolides first win
 
In a four-round cruiserweight match, Egyptian-born Ahmed Samir (4-0) took on Andrew “Came to Fight” Hutchinson (2-10-2) in the opening bout. Samir came away with a unanimous decision win; the judges scored the bout 40-36, 39-37 and 39-37 all for Samir.  

Ahmed Samir gets his hands raised in victory

Highlighting the evening was an awards presentation honoring the achievements of former Olympian and five time world champion Virgil Hill, who was presented with a plaque from event promoter Bob Duffy (Ring Promotions),  

 

Bob Duffy (Ring Promotions) and Virgil Hill

 

Photos By:Robert Epstein

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Mission Accomplished Ballagou Captures Belt at

Posted in Uncategorized on September 27th, 2008 by admin

Mission Accomplished Ballagou Captures Belt at “KnockOut Poverty’ Event

Ringside Reporting: Diane Bennett – Diamond Boxing

A few missions were accomplished last night in New York City at the “KnockOut Poverty” landmark event which was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom. With many great performers inside and outside of the ring the night was a great hit. Lots of money was raised for the charitable organization, All for Africa which, helps fight poverty in Africa. With star performers on hand the boxing got started with the Continental Africa Cruiserweight Championship belt on the line. The bout pitted Jaffa “The African Assassin” Ballagou from Toga against tough veteran Manu Ntoh from Cameroon. The bout was original scheduled for eight rounds however, due to the cancellation of other fights previously scheduled this bout was changed to twelve rounds. Ballagou who has been absent from the ring for two years due to promotional and managerial issues got off to a very slow start, showing some ring rust do to the long layoff. Ballagou also had to deal with the powerful Ntoh who is a multiple World Muay Thai champion and has only been knocked out 3 times in 33 professional boxing matches. Ballagou felt Ntoh power in the very first round when Ntoh connected with viscous shots that landed Ballagou to the canvas. Ballagou was able to survive the first round knockdown, he still was very lackluster throughout the early rounds, between a few of the early rounds referee Eddie Claudio even had to tell Ballagou that he had to show more action. Ballagou was able to gain some momentum and appeared to be getting some of his old swagger back towards the latter part of round 3.

In round 4 Ballagou was able to even the knockout score recording a knockout of his own. Ballagou kept things going in rounds 5 and 6 then appeared tire out after the 6th. Ntoh who was game throughout, picking his spots to load up and often connecting with hard body shots, was ahead on the scoring cards going into the 11th round. In the 11th knowing he most likely needed a knockout to win the belt Ballagou staggered the fatigued warrior Ntoh with a left he was then able to finish Ntoh off with set of combinations, the referee stopped the bout at the 2:47 mark of the roind. The delighted Ballagou afterwards spoke about his early rust and plans to get right back into training at Church Street Gym. Ballagou is hopeful that his new management team can act quickly and start planning his next bout. He says he will continue to work on building up his endurance and that he will take on anyone in the light heavyweight division, mentioning the names of Roy Jones Jr., Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson. Oddly enough Glen Johnson was in attendance watching this bout.

The shortened boxing card which was narrowed down to only two bouts due to visa problems and illness of participants. However, the second bout on the card did not short change the fans. Former Olympian Eromosele “Bad Boy” Albert faced Ossie Duran in a twelve rounder for the IBF Continental Africa light middleweight title. This one was a slugfest right from the opening bell, both fighters gave it there all, landing barrages of punches throughout all 12 rounds. Both fighters left their jabs at home and were just throwing heat at each other. They battered each other, not discriminating against either the head or the body, landing to all places. As the match ended it appeared that Duran was a little more active landing the cleaner shots, but the judges scored this one a draw. The cards showed a big disparity in the scoring one judge had it 116 - 112 Duran another had it 117-111 Albert and the third judge scored the bout even at 114 -114.Diamond Boxing had this one 7 rounds to 5 for Duran (115 – 113).

 

The completive bouts were presented by Bob Duffy’s Ring promotions and the night also featured outstanding musical performances. Headlining the musical festivities was Grammy Winner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Youssou N’Dour who impressed the crowd with his entertaining performance. The night was kicked off with an amazing African dance routine highlighted by bongo and acrobatic performances. Diamond Boxing has proudly contributed to the All for Africa cause to view the on-line charity auction http://www.allforafrica.org/.

Photos By: Robert Epstein

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Philly’s James Shuler Memorial Gym the Foundation of Boxing Champions

Posted in Uncategorized on September 21st, 2008 by admin

Philly’s James Shuler Memorial Gym the Foundation of Boxing Champions

BY:  Diane Bennett www.diamondboxing.com   

  

 

James Shuler Memorial Gym

James Shuler Memorial Gym

 

 

 

 

 

When you write about James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym and its boxers your words need to be golden, each word needs to be carefully thought out each word must be crisp and precise. Most of all your thoughts need to have passion and desire, you need to be dedicated to your story and be able demonstrate commitment.  Since these are the keys to the James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym from the crispness of their hits, to their passion, dedication and desire to be successful, the boxers, trainers and coaches at Shuler’s expect only the best of themselves. Commitment runs rampant within the gym walls from the up and coming amateurs to the experienced professionals they all share the same goals. When it comes to boxing history especially the rich Philly Boxing History no one at Shuler’s comes up short either. They can tell you about the greats from Jolting Jeff Chandler to Bernard Hopkins, from Bob Montgomery to Tim Witherspoon.

Each boxer training on the day we visited wasted no time to show us the love they have for their sport and for each other within the gym. And it was for the love he had for the late James Shuler that Percy “Buster” Custus opened the James Shuler Memorial Gym in 1994.Cutus a trainer had met Shuler while he was working out at Joe Frazier’s Gym the two established a special relationship. They were friends for over 14 years, until Shuler’s life was cut short when he passed away from a fatal motorcycle accident in March 1986.

Percy "Buster" Custus

Percy

 

 

 

The city of Brotherly Love holds true to form in Shuler’s when we chatted with Gee Culmer, Jamaal Davis, Steve Cunningham, Marianne Marston, Jason Sia, Sharron Baker and Percy Custus himself each one in their own words described the support and encouragement they exude for each other. It was Jamaal Davis who said it best if it wasn’t for everyone in my Shuler Gym family I would not have been able to go forward with my career after the passing of my wife Patrilla to cancer last year “There is nothing else I would rather do than be in this gym”. Davis spoke about how at 4AM he can call his trainer Sharron Baker and without hesitation she will pickup the phone and listen to him. He told us how Steve Cunningham and his family was there every step of the way to help him deal with the challenging times he was facing and how Nazim Richardson (trainer of Bernard Hopkins) and Percy Custus guide him, “They are my father figures” Davis says. Davis who has dedicated his career to his wife is scheduled to fight on October 4th at the National Guard Armory in Northeast Philadelphia.

  

 

Jamaal Davis and trainer Sharron Baker

Jamaal Davis and trainer Sharron Baker

 

 

 

The training is fierce no session goes without extreme intensity as their trainer’s guide them through  their workout the Shuler Boxer’s push each other along. Each one rooting on the other to throw a harder punch, to snap the jab, to get the extra sit up in it just does not stop. Inspiration does not fall short at Shuler’s either. Gee Culmer easily pointed to IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham when asked who inspires him to work hard. Culmer stated “Steve Cunningham has the blueprint of hard work locked up “He Cunningham is always in top shape before a fight, after a fight, six month’s after a fight, he is always in the same top shape”. Cunningham who works out each day with a chest protector (flack jacket) filled with 25 to 30 pounds of weights draped over his body has one of the top physics in the sport to go along with his 21-1 record. Cunningham who is waiting to hear a date for his mandatory title defense against number one challenger Tomasz Ademek, which he is anticipating will be scheduled for late October or November. Cunningham has not fought in the United States since his January 2006 knockout victory over Bryon Lloyd at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Cunningham is anticipating the fight against Ademek to take place on home soil. In the meantime it’s business as usually for Cunningham who has been in two training camps and has been sparring throughout the year to stay sharp. Cunningham is setting his sites on being the true unified champion, he wants to hold all the Cruiserweight belts and after a recent trip to the Induction weekend at the Boxing Hall of Fame, Cunningham has set another goal for himself. He was so taken by the Hall of Fame experience that it’s now a goal of his to be inducted one day. The Hall of Fame experience as Cunningham says “Motivated me so much that all my punches have extra snap on them now”.

Steve Cunningham IBF Cruiserweight Champ

Steve Cunningham IBF Cruiserweight Champ

There have been many legendary boxers to come out of Philly the list is pages upon pages long with the names of George Benton, Boogaloo Watts, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Joe Frazier and Bernard Hopkins. Well Gee Culmer and the rest of the boxers at Shuler’s know there boxing history, they can tell you stories about all of them. Through films, videos and books they have learned the history of their sport. Culmer who has achieved a 15 -1 record and has fought 10 of his fights at the Philly landmark The Legendary Blue Horizon, can tell you how Archie Moore ended Philadelphia’s own Harold Johnson’s unbeaten streak at 24 when he recorded a unanimous decision victory over Johnson on April 26, 1949 at Convention Hall in Philly. Culmer can tell you how Jeff Chandler beat Julian Solis twice the first time taking the WBA bantamweight title from Solis and the second time defending the title. It’s this type of passion Culmer has about the sport he loves. Culmer also has the love of fighting in The Legendary Blue Horizon were the who’s who of Philly Boxing have fought. Culmer says ‘It’s like a ritual fighting at The Legendary Blue Horizon” “It has a tradition of its own, so many greats have fought there” “It’s the ghost of past fighters, there spirits are still in the building”. Culmer knows so much about the sport if there was a Jeopardy show on boxing Culmer would be the Champion. However, the only championship Culmer has on his mind right now is working his way up towards the Super Middleweight Championship.

Gee Culmer and Buster

Gee Culmer and Buster

Without doubt it’s true Philly Brotherly Love that these boxers, trainers and coaches have for their sport and each other inside and outside the walls of Shuler’s Gym. They say that Madison Square Garden in New York is the Mecca of Boxing well then Philly’s James Shuler Memorial Gym has to be the Foundation of Boxing Champions.       

  

 

Steve Cunningham with IBF Championship Belt

Steve Cunningham with IBF Championship Belt

 

 

 

  

 

Complete photo gallery at http://www.diamondboxing.com/pics.php

 

 

 

 

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BUTTERBEAN PHOTO GALLERY FROM BLACKPOOL ENGLAND

Posted in Uncategorized on September 18th, 2008 by admin

BY: Robert Epstein www.diamondboxing.com

We had to go to the seaside town of Blackpool in England to find the one and only Eric Esch better known as “Butterbean”. Esch took on Mark Potter for the EBF World Title in a bout held at the Syndicate Nightclub.

Butterbean now at the age of 40 was no match for Potter who clabbered Butterbean with jabs and straight rights The younger Potter was able to take Butterbean down at the 2:50 mark of the very first round.

 Photos provided from ringside by: Sean Keaton P4P Event Photography

Butterbean and Potter stand-off

Butterbean and Potter stand-off

More Butterbean Photos at http://www.diamondboxing.com/pics.php

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Butterbeans right eye nice

Check Butterbeans right eye nice

Butterbean takes a shot to the head

Butterbean takes a shot to the head

Butterbean in defeat

Butterbean in defeat

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Marquez- Casamayor and Bradley – Cherry Recaps

Posted in Uncategorized on September 17th, 2008 by admin

BY: Diane Bennett

Let’s take a few seconds to go through last Saturdays fights. The big one of course was Juan Manuel Marquez 11th round TKO over Joel Casmamayor. With the win Marquez claimed the WBO Lightweight Championship. Marquez looked great in beating down Casamayor, he was systematic in his attack and beat Casamayor to the punch the whole night. Marquez who never stopped punching landed a few big shots in the 10th round which helped him establish complete control going into the 11th round. In the 11th round Casamayor tried to fight back but it was the tough Marquez who landed a big right with about 30 seconds left in the round send Casamayor to the canvas. Casamayor was able to beat the count but the relentless Marquez nailed him again with another right several seconds later and Casamayor once again was on his back. After the second knockdown referee Tony Weeks stopped the fight. Marquez improved to 49-4-1, 36 KOs

Marquez

Marquez

www.Diamond Boxing.com “The Bling of the Ring” was on target with this one predicting a late round knockout by Marquez.

Marquez vs Casamayor

Marquez vs Casamayor

We were totally off track in the WBC Super Lightweight clash between Champion Timothy Bradley and Edner Cherry. Diamond Boxing “The Bling of the Ring” was looking for an upset in this one calling for a Cherry Bomb knockout over Bradley. However, it was the dominating Bradley landing and landing punch after punch. Bradley floored Cherry in the 8th round with an over hand right to the face. Cherry recovered from the knockout but could not mount any sort of attack the remainder of the fight. Bradley easily won on all three judge’s cards to retain his title.   

The anticipated fight between Joan Guzman and Nate Campbell was called off when Guzman who had trouble making the 135 pound lightweight limit became ill. Guzman who was 3.5 pounds overweight at Fridays weigh-in refused to fight telling his promoters that he was not healthy enough to go into the ring with Campbell. Guzman who has issued an apology blaming only himself for coming in overweight. Guzman thought he would be able to make weight based on previous training camps were he would come in overweight and then slim down by fight time. We will have to hold on for a while to see what will be next for Campbell.

Campbell - Guzman Face-off

Campbell - Guzman Face-off

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Lightweight Weekend ” Our Thoughts” “Campbell, Marquez and Cherry”

Posted in Uncategorized on September 12th, 2008 by admin

 

Face off Campbell vs Guzman

Face off Campbell vs Guzman

Lightweight Weekend “Our Thoughts”

On the slate this weekend is another set of Lightweight thrillers. After last weekends Breidis Prescott surprising first round upset knockout over Amir Khan what can possible happen on Saturday night. The Bling of the Ring was caught off guard as most the boxing world was with Prescott’s 54 second victory.

We thought this would be a walk in the park for Khan and another stepping stone up the lightweight ladder, Instead Khan and trainer Rubio now have to go back to the drawing board and continue to develop this youngster’s defensive skills, as his chin is desirable.

Last weekend we also saw The Baby Bull Juan Diaz get back on the winning track and capture the IBO Lightweight belt at the same time. Diaz looked good in a well executed fight plan, picking his spots to explode on the slower Michael Katsidis and coming away with a split decision victory.

Diaz was short changed by judge Glen Hamada who scored the fight 115 – 113 for Kasidis while the two other judges had it 115 – 133 and 116 -112 Diaz. Diamond Boxing “The Bling of the Ring” scored the fight 116 – 112 the way of Diaz. With the win Diaz is right back in the mix for a major title bout perhaps facing the winner of Saturday Casamayor – Marquez battle. Let’s move on to this weekends Lightweight match ups.

Joel Casamayor vs Juan Manuel Marquez

They are set and roaring to go “The Challenge” is on Saturday night September 13th Joel Casamayor (36-3-1, 22 KOs) will take on Juan Manuel Marquez (48-4-1, 35 KOs) for the Ring Magazine World Lightweight title. Casamayor coming off his March 22nd 10th round knockout victory over Michael Katsidis will be challenged by the crafty veteran Marquez. Through the years of facing the likes of Pacquiao, Berrera and John in title bouts, Marquez will not be fazed by the scrappy Casamayor. This bout should not go to the cards look for the heavy favorite Marquez to take Casamayor out by TKO in the latter rounds. This bout will be broadcasted on HBO PPV starting at 9PM EST.

  Nate Campbell (32 -5-1, 25 KOs) vs Juan Guzman (28 -0, 17KOs)

Ok he is trained by Floyd Mayweather Senior, Ok now Guzman could not weight today missing the 135 pound limit, Ok now no titles will be on the line Saturday night. Does this play into the hands of the cagy Nate Campbell of course of course. We see this as a Nate Campbell victory and once again Campbell who this time is almost a two to one underdog will pull off the upset. Look for Campbell to score a unanimous decision victory in this one. And as Nate says it will be Guzman 28 and Nate referring to Campbell’s last victory over previously undefeated Juan Diaz.  The Campbell –Guzman bout will be shown on Showtime starting at 9PM EST.        

Super Knockout Special Prediction tomorrow night in the Timothy Bradley (22-0, 11KOs) – Edner Cherry (25-5-2, 12KOs) WBC light welterweight title bout. Edner Cheery will land one of his Cherry bombs to take out Champion Timothy Bradley and capture the belt. Cherry is listed as an 8 to 1 underdog.   

  

 

 

 

 

 

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Houston Boxing Hero’s Diaz & Juarez Victorious

Posted in Uncategorized on September 8th, 2008 by admin

Bloodied and defeated Jorge Barrios

Bloodied and defeated Jorge Barrios

BY: Diane Bennett

Diamond Boxing hit the big city of Houston this weekend to take in the Juan Diaz vs Michael Katsidis clash held at the Toyota Center and shown on HBO Boxing After Dark. The weekend got off to a great start with the weigh-in held out side the Toyota Center on Friday. We were all greeted by the Golden Boy himself Oscar De La Hoya. Hitting the scales first was hometown hero Juan Diaz who weighed in at 134.5 Diaz was followed by Katsidis who also came in at 134.5 pounds.

Besides the appearance of De La Hoya the highlight of the weigh-in was the co – featured fight between Houston’s Rocky Juarez and the excitable Jorge Barrios. Barrios who was 5 to 6 pounds over weight a few days prior to the weigh-in needed to hit the scales fully naked and with a little prayer made the 130 pound limit. As for Juarez he needed two tries, on the first attempt we weighed in at 130.5 a half of pound over.  So now it was Juarez turn to lose the draws, the second attempt was successful Juarez was able to trim the half of pound and make the 130 pound mark.

Kudos to De La Hoya who stood around after the weigh-in to take questions from the media and then walked around to sign autographs for the hundred or so fans which gathered around to take in the weigh-in.

Fight night was great as the city of Houston was hosting a major boxing event which it has not done in quit a while. Fans were lining up well prior to the 6 pm start time in anticipation of seeing their hometown hero’s Diaz and Juarez. With many other hometown boxers on the card it was sure to be a feast for the Houstonian boxing fan.

The home town boxers were pitching a shut out going 4 for 4 with Roque Moreno (making his pro debut),Jermell Charlo, Lanard Lane and Crystal Delgado taking the first four bouts. The streak ended when Junior Lightweight Elizar Renteria fought Olvin Mejia to a draw.

No fear Houston got it back on track when up and coming lightweight Hylon Williams scored a unanimous decision victory over Jessie Ortiz. All three judges scored the four round fight the same 40 – 36 for Williams. 

As the stars entered the Arena and the fans started to pack in the Toyota Center the electricity was mounting. As Michael Buffer introduced George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, Ron Artist ( Houston Rockets), Dancing With The Stars Mario Lopez and of course Oscar De La Hoya the fans went wild.

CHAVEZ vs LEDESMA  

There was an extra treat for us boxing fans this night as former champion Jesus Chavez now at the age of 35, looking to get back into the title hunt took on Andres Ledesma in a 10 round lightweight bout. It took a while for Chavez to get into gear and then bombs away in the 7th Chaves clobbered Ledesma on the side of the head with a left hook and dropping him. Ledesma was able to recover and survive the round. However, Chaves was back at him in the 8th and in the 9th Chavez completed his mission scoring a TKO victory on a right upper cut at the 42 second mark of the 9th round.

 

JUAREZ vs BARRIOS

Rocky, Rocky, Rocky the screams for Rocky Juarez never stopped echoing throughout the Toyota Center. And Juarez did not let his fans down in true Rocky Balboa fashion Juarez bloodied and bruised Barrios and at the 2:55 second mark of the 11th round Juarez gave Barrios a headache connecting with a viscous right to the head, Barrios could not recover and the fight was stopped by the doctor with Barrios tooth hanging out and blood splattered all over him. Early on these two warriors traded shots with Barrios suffering a cut over his right eye in the second round. Barrios delivered several low blows throughout the bout which cost him point deductions in the 3rd and 9th rounds. After the point deduction in the 9th it appeared to excite Barrios who then kicked it up a notch. With Barrios knowing he needed a knock out to win he started to load up on power shots which lead to a classic 10th round with these two banging on each others heads for all 3 minutes of the round. Finally Juarez was able to conquer Barrios in the 11th and take the WBO Latino Junior Lightweight Title with him. Rocky Juarez dedicated this victory to his grand father who pasted away a year ago.               

DIAZ vs KATSIDIS

This bout was for the IBO Lightweight Championship. Both Diaz and Katsidis were coming off their first losses of their careers. Both fighters desperately needed to win so the stakes were high. In the early going Diaz looked sharp and focused on executing his game plan which called for crisp combinations and avoiding brawling with Katsidis. Diaz did just that taking the lead through the first six rounds, Diaz connected on upper cuts various times throughout the first few rounds. By the time the second round ended Katsidis and his corner had to deal with a nasty cut above his eye. Throughout the bout Katsidis tried to lean on Diaz and bully him, Diaz would not stand for any of that and was able to control the action with his boxing skills. Katsidis however, held tough and was able to capture some of the middle rounds.  Katsidis looked solid in rounds 7 and 8. Diaz arose again in the 9th and got back to boxing, picking very carefully his moments to open up an Katsidis, it was those quick flurries by Diaz which allowed him to finish strong. This when went to the score cards in the end it was Diaz eking out a split decision victory and capturing the IBO Lightweight Championship. Two judges had it 116- 112 & 115-113 Diaz while judge Glen Hamada scored it 115-113 for Katsidis.

Diamond Boxing scored the fight 116-112 for Diaz.

Post Fight Coverage 

In the post fight dialogue the bruised Katsidis thought he had won however, was prepared for a hometown Diaz decision.

The delighted Diaz in his post fight remarks told the crowd that he was never hurt by Katsidis and had to be well prepared since he did not want Katsidis to put him on his butt in his own hometown.

In the post fight press conference Diaz said he has thankful to Oscar De La Hoya for saving him from the big haired guy getting chuckles from all who gathered in the press room. Both De La Hoya and Diaz will be watching next weeks Casamayer – Marquez fight as the winner being a potential next opponent for Diaz.  De La Hoya also mentioned that they will look to have future bouts in Houston for Juarez and Diaz. 

For full fight photos check out Diamond Boxings Photo Gallery:

http://www.diamondboxing.com/pics.php 

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s September

Posted in Uncategorized on September 3rd, 2008 by admin

Lewis to be inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame

Lewis to be inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame

BY: Diane Bennett

So its September start of Football Season and start of an awesome fight schedule with Juan Diaz facing Michael Katsidis on Saturday September 6th to get us started. The schedule is strong all the way until the December 6th De La Hoya - Pacquiao clash. For the full fight schedule check http://www.diamondboxing.com/schedules.php

 

 

 

 

 

We are heading to Houston and will be ringside to bring you the blow by blow coverage of the Diaz – Katsidis brawl and yes this one should be a brawl. Both fighters coming off their only professional defeats are looking to regain their winning ways. We are sticking with our earlier prediction giving this one to Diaz the more established boxer by unanimous decision.

 

 

Hall of Fame News

The World Boxing Hall of Fame has elected its 2008 inductee class which includes Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker, Marvin Johnson and Greg Haugan. The hall plans to induct these greats on November 15th at its 29th Annual Banquet of Champions which will be held at the Los Angeles Marriott for more information check www.wbhf.org.  

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Peter vs Klitschko

Posted in Uncategorized on September 3rd, 2008 by admin
BY: Diane Bennett

Klitschko and Peter getting ready to face off on Oct. 11th

Klitschko and Peter getting ready to face off on Oct. 11th

 

 

Vitali Klitschko after a three year lay off and at the age of 37 will now seek to regain his championship honor. Klitschko is set to square off against Sam Peter in a 12 round bout to be held in Berlin, Germany at the O2 World Arena. Klitschko at the NYC press conference on Wednesday declared himself fit, in great shape and ready to go. Still there are skeptics since Klitschko has attempted to comeback before only to back out due to some type of injury. The fight will be for Peter’s WBC belt. Peter who has a record of 30-1 winning 23 by knockout ironically his only defeat came at the hands of Vitali’s brother Wladimir back in September 2005. Wladimir scored a unanimous decision victory over Peter at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. Wladimir is now the holder of the IBF, WBO and IBO belts. Part of Vitali’s comeback mission is to hold a heavyweight belt at the same time as his brother a victory over Peter will complete that goal.

Can Klitschko reclaim his world title from Sam Peter that is the question? Klitschko is going to have trouble in this bout, after being out of the ring for three years the rust will show. Klitschko is going right after one of the better heavyweights without attempting a tune up or two. Even with the legendary Emanuel Stewart who trains brother Wladimir acting as advisor, will not be enough for the slightly favored Klitschko to pull this one out.

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