You know that feeling? We’ve all been there. It is two to three hours before official weigh-in and you’re still a few pounds over. You jump on a bike with your rubber suit on and ride till you drop. You’ll do just about anything to lose those last few pounds. The moment of truth is here. You walk into the weigh-ins exhausted and almost pass out. You make weight then run for the nearest steak house for a nice T-bone and mashed potatoes. Now its fight time and you walk into the ring. The round starts and you get knocked right out. Was that worth all the pain and suffering?

 

 

Your fighting weight is something you should focus in on during training. You should start when your last fight is over or when you’re starting to training for your first fight. There are several things you should factor into your fighting weight and training. These include, body fat percentage, nutrition, and hydration.

 

 

Your ability to lose weight should be based on lean mass versus fat mass. As a boxer you should keep your body fat around 8-12% ( you may start seeing performance declines if you’re under 8%, and medical issues may arise if you’re under 3%). This is something you can have measured at the beginning of training camp and checked periodically until the day of weigh-ins. The gold standard of body fat measurement is hydrostatic weighing. This is when you’re put on a huge scale and weighed under water. This is complicated and time consuming, but well worth the accuracy. This is usually done at a sports science center by exercise physiologist. The next best measure is skin fold measurements. Special calipers are used to measure the surface fat over several muscles. Skin fold caliper measurements are taken by a personal trainer. When done by an experienced trainer this can be as accurate as hydrostatic weighing. Next, you have bioelectrical impedance. The units are usually easy to use electric devices which send an electrical impulse through your body. Body fat percentage is taken based on the speed that electricity passed through your body. These devices are the cheapest and easiest way to keep track of your body fat but, do not give you the accuracy of hydrostatic weighing. With all of these methods of body fat analysis it is important to be well hydrated. The use of a urine dip stick test is always a good idea to enforce the integrity and accuracy of the exam.

 

 

Nutrition is always an important part of keeping your body fat and even total weight down. The body has many places in which it stores unwanted waste and fluid. The colon seems to be a big spot for the unwanted waste. Food such as red meat, and pasta and drinks like cola can irritating the gut or even sticking to it. You can easily lose 10 to 20 pounds with a good colon detoxification diet. This diet is always good to do after a fight or before training camp. The diet tends to make you weak and tired for the first few days until the body gets adjusted to the new clean energy source. Foods such as fish, chicken, brown rice and greens are great in helping relieve the body of this unwanted waste as well as shed some unwanted water weight. I also like adding green tea, or tropical fruit juice made of goji berries, acai berries or pomegranate. Just like a great sports car your body needs premium fuel.

        

The last part of the puzzle is hydration. Simply put “Your body is largely made of water.” Muscles, blood, and organs all have a high percentage of water. Starving yourself of the precious nutrient will just lead you onto a road to ruin. We all remember this year Olympics and Gary Russell Jr. Cramps, fainting, shock, increased blood pressure, even heart attacks are all possibilities when you’re dehydrated. So, while you like the heat and pump you get from a rubber suit workout, do you really want the complications. I remember taking naps in a sauna with a plastic bag and 4 layers of clothes on just to lose weight. Not a smart idea. Stay hydrated. Drink at least 2 glassed of water 15 minutes before a workout. 1/2 every 15 minutes while you workout. Your more then welcome to add carb drinks if you’re going for a hard workout that will last longer then an hour. After your workout is done be sure to drink 1-2 cups of water for ever pound you lost during your workout. Stay hydrated, be smart.

 

 

To sum things up. Get your body fat checked. Stay around 8-12 % body fat as a goal for your weight class. Growth spurts will affect this in younger boxers. Everybody has a weight they feel the strongest in, so learn to fine tune your weight and listen to your trainer. They can tell you what class you look crisp in. After a fight don’t go crazy. You can put on 5-10% of your total body weight just so you can recover. This will help make it easy to get back to weight for the next fight. Always remember to watch what you eat during training. Like the saying goes “ You are what you eat.” If you eat junk you will fight like junk. Eat like a champ and you will be a champ. Always stay hydrated and I don’t mean drink a bottle of vodka every night. Water is key! Add some carbs, in the form of pure high antioxidant fruit and vegetable drinks.  Following these suggesting will help lead you to making weight with no complications. No more stress and you will feel better when you fight. Always remember you can have that T-bone and potatoes with a glass of wine for your victory dinner.

 

Dr. Pietro Baio DC
Performance Edge Chiropractic, P.C.
7315 Ave U
Brooklyn, NY 11234
(917)-309-5464
PBaio_DC@yahoo.com
myspace.com/performanceedgechiro

Diamond Boxing-  Ring Side Report www.diamondboxing.com

 
Last night at BB King Blues Club in Times Square a special “Pink Night” boxing card was held in support of breast cancer awareness month, with all of the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  All fighters who participated wore pink gloves and the ring canvas was also pink in support of the nights cause.

The action was crisp all night long in the main event former WBO Junior welterweight champion Randall Bailey faced off against another former champ DeMarcus “Chop-Chop” Corley. Bailey was looking to avenge an earlier 2003 lose to Corley. Both fighters came to win, delivering solid shots on a consistent basis throughout the eight round bout. It was Bailey who got the best of Corley in the third, Bailey connected with one of his bullets that landed Corley to the canvas. Corley was able to get back to his feet, once back on his feet Corley shook his head at Bailey to acknowledge the Bailey blow which caught him. After the third round knockdown Corley was able to hold his ground the rest of the way and often produced staggering shots of his own. The fight ended with Bailey getting the unanimous decision from the judges who scored the bout all for Bailey 78-73, 79-72 and 79-72.With the victory Bailey improves to 38-6, 34KOs while Corley drops to 31-10,17KOs.

In the other featured bout local Staten Island favorite Gary Stark Jr. (22-2, 8 KOs) took on Leivi Brea (16-8-3, 8 KOs) in a six round junior featherweight clash. It took Stark’s a few rounds to find his groove and he found it big time in the third. Stark’s with his fans cheering him on took Brea to the canvas in the third with a series of body blows. The quicker Starks was at it again in the sixth decking Brea for the second time to make matters worst for Brea the referee dedicated a point from him for holding during he round as well. At the end two of the three judges gave all the rounds to Stark with scores of 60-51 while the third judge scored the bout 59-52 for Stark. After the fight the humble Stark thought he was still not at his best feeling he was a little sluggish, especially in the first few rounds. Super Bowl Champion NY Giant Brandon Jacobs helped Stark celebrate the victory in the middle of the ring. 

Two-time NY Golden Gloves champion and 2008 National Golden Gloves champion Tor Hamer, a recent Penn State graduate, made his pro debut at heavyweight taking on Joe Rabotte (2-4, 1 KO) in a four rounder . The 225 pound Hamer who had a 34-1 record as an amateur, lived up to expectations  by taking out Rabotte in the second round to record a TKO victory. 

Brooklyn’s Philip Jackson Benson making his pro debut as a middleweight knocked out Robert Harris in the first round.

In an entertaining opening bout Hajro Sujak (3-0, 1 KO) from the Bronx, NY scored a majority decision victory over Richmond Dalphone (0-4-2).

The card was cut short when two bouts had to be cancelled, fan favorite Edgar Santana’s bout against Luis Rodriguez from Mexico was called off due to visa issues for Rodriguez and Wil Rosinsky had his bout cancelled due to a injury suffered by his opponent.

Ringside Bling – Many great local sports and boxing stars were hand to take in the action including super bowl champion NY Giant running backs Brandon Jacob, Armad Bradshaw and former NY Knick Charles Smith. Fresh off his first round knockout victory on the Hopkins – Pavlik undercard Danny Jacobs was at ringside along with his gym mate and 2008 Olympian Sadam Ali. Former champions Iran Barkley, Emile Griffin and Junior Jones were also in attendance.      
More great photos can be found at http://www.diamondboxing.com/pics.php

Amazing action shots from the Kelly Pavlik vs Bernard Hopkins fight October 18, 2008 from Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall.

BY: Robert Epstein www.diamondboxing.com

Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik was pitted against Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins in a twelve round light heavyweight battle from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. Pavlik listed as a heavy favorite at 4 to 1 odds and is looking to be the first one to knock out the future Hall of Famer Hopkins.

Hopkins who entered the ring last wearing a black executioner mask was looking to get back on the winning track after dropping his last fight back in April, losing by split decision to Joe Calzaghe. The undefeated Ghost Pavlik who hails from Youngstown, Ohio was not only the betting favorite he also was the favorite among the fans.

The old warrior Hopkins came out in the early going looking quick and on the offense which goes against his customary defensive style. Hopkins in round two earned Pavlik’s respect after landing a hard left to Pavlik’s face and stunning the younger Pavlik. In rounds three and four Hopkins continued to be the first to the punch and producing more output, Pavlik still on the defense at this point. In the fifth Pavlik started to take to the offense opening it up slightly however, the ageless Hopkins still was able to deliver the greater connect rate. Through five this bout was all Hopkins pitching a shut out.

Hopkins looking strong as the fight entered the middle rounds and in the seventh round in un Hopkins like fashion hit Pavlik in the face with a showboat windmill right hand. Pavlik still on the defense in the eighth lost a point for hitting while holding. Pavlik recovered the point when Hopkins was penalized in the ninth also for hitting and holding. Hopkins did not let Pavlik mount any type of offense, Hopkins landed the cleaner, harder and more effective punches throughout the middle rounds.

Pavlik knowing he needed a knockout in order to keep his undefeated streak going still could not reach Hopkins in the latter rounds. The tenth and eleventh rounds still went to the fresh Hopkins as he landed in consistent fashion to the head of Pavllk. In the twelve Hopkins stood in the middle of the ring and ripped bullets square to the face of Pavlik. The bout ended with Hopkins and Pavlik still going at it afterwards the never shy Hopkins just looked into media row and gave all the press who doubted him a long stare down.

This one did not need the judges the whole world knew the outcome but for the official record the bout was scored 119-106, 118-108 and 117-109 all for Bernard Hopkins.

Undercard Action

The WBC World Featherweight Title was on the line when Billy Dib (21-1, 11KOs) challenged champ Steven Luevano (36-1-1, 15KOs) in a 12 round bout. In the early going both fighters did not produce much output as the sized each other up. Luevano took this one over in the middle rounds dominating the light punching Dib. The 27 year old Luevano went on to score a unanimous decision victory winning on all three of the judge’s score cards 116-112, 115-113 and 117-111.   

Marco Rubio faced off against Enrique Ornelas in a 12 round WBC Middleweight title eliminator. Rubio entered the bout as a three to one favorite, however the tough Ornelas stood toe to toe with Rubio throughout the twelve rounds. Both fighters fought this one in the center of the ring exchanging blows round after round. Midway through the fight Rubio was able to land several solid shots to the head of Ornelas causing swelling around Ornelas eyes. This one was even going into the eleventh, Rubio took charge in the eleventh landing numerous combinations which hurt Ornelas. In the twelve Rubio came out strong looking to take out Ornelas however, Ornelas had other plans. Ornalas was able to fire back in the round landing a nice right that got Rubio’s attention. Both fighters closed bout exchanging blows to the crowds delight. The judges had their work cut out for them in scoring this hard fought close bout. The cards came back with a split decision, giving the victory to Rubio, two judges gave the fight to Rubio 115-113 and 116 -112, while one judge had Ornelas the winner 115-113.

Daniel Jacobs hailing from Brooklyn New York took on Tyrone Watson in a 6 round middleweight bout. Jacobs the Golden Child did not have to break a sweat in taking out Watson in the first round. Jacobs using both hands landed devastating shots to both the head and body flooring Watson twice in the first round. The first knockdown came on a viscous right to the head, Jacob’s finished Watson seconds later with two left hooks to body. After the second knockdown Watson laid on the canvas for a few minutes in pain from the Jacob’s body shot barrage. With the victory Jacob’s improves to 11-0, 10KOs while Watson’s record dropped to 7-2, 4KOs.

Yuri Forman improved to 26-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Vinroy Barrett.

Hot young Golden Boy prospect Danny Garcia recorded a third round TKO over Deon Nash. With the knockout victory Garcia ups his record to 8-0, 7KOs.

To start the night unbeaten Qu’id Muhammad dropped Samuel Gutterez in the forth round taking away a TKO win.  

For complete fight photos check out the photo gallery http://www.diamondboxing.com/pics.php

BY: Diamond Boxing www.diamondboxing.com 

Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik is set to face Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins in a light heavyweight battle at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on Saturday October 18. The bout will be shown on HBO PPV starting at 9PM EST. Pavlik is listed as a heavy favorite at 4 to 1 odds and looks to be the first one to knock out the future Hall of Famer Hopkins.

Pavlik who is coming off a 3^rd round knockout victory over Gary Lockett in a bout also held at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, will be stepping up to fight Hopkins at a catch weight of 170 pounds in this non title bout. Pavlik will also be putting his perfect record of 34 -0 on the line against the 43 year old Hopkins. The Ghost as many refer to him as will also carry the boxing torch with him into the ring. If he could defeat Hopkins in a decisive manner the pound for pound champion status could be his. With the likes of De La Hoya, Mosley, Roy Jones Jr. and European greats Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe winding down their careers, Pavlik can become the one boxing looks towards to carry the sport to the next level. This may include a major bout on national television to rival the MMA Events shown on CBS. Pavlik is likable he has that All American image, he is from the working class town of Youngstown, Ohio  and likes the family lifestyle. He trains in his home town at the local gym under the watchful  eye of his trainer Jack Loew  and after his first victory over Jermain Taylor back in September of 1997 Pavlik gained a great deal of fan respect. In that bout Pavlik survived a second round knockdown and came back to over power Taylor, knocking him out in the 7^th round. Pavlik in that second round demonstrated the heart of a champion, not many would have been able to comeback from the Taylor barrage like Pavlik did. The second round recovery sealed the Pavlik name in boxings all heart club. America likes heart, America likes Champions and in Pavlik they have both.

So now the next hurdle for Pavlik is the 43 year old six packer from Philly Bernard Hopkins. The crafty veteran Hopkins will not go lightly into the night. He will use his defensive style to his advantage, looking for the right moments to attack Pavlik and don’t forget the first round of Hopkins last bout with Joe Calzaghe. Hopkins caught Calzaghe in that first round and recorded a flash knockdown, even though Hopkins did not win the Calzaghe bout, he hung in there for all 12 rounds and actually was ahead on one of the judges score cards. So this will not be an easy task for Pavlik, who may just need to settle for a scorecard victory. Pavlik may not get the big knockdown over Hopkins but a workman like victory still will earn Pavlik a big victory over a well known and respected boxer. This will elevate Pavlik to another level and one step closer to the elite boxing status of pound for pound king.

For more great boxing photos be sure to check our amazing photo gallery

http://diamondboxing.com/pics.php

As athletes we are always looking for that added edge, that little extra something that makes us better then the next guy. In my mind one such edge is breathing. Yes, breathing! Something we do subconsciously, without thinking, but if trained it can be an ally to a good boxer. How we breath is important in may ways and how we train ourselves to breath properly is even more important. I like adding yoga or pilaties to my workout once or twice a week to help with breathing control. The boxer who controls his breathing will be the least winded. You will also have more energy and look the freshest after a fight.

 

 

 

 

The thing to understand is there are two basic types of breathing. The first type is abdominal breathing. Abdominal breathing is when you breath though your abdominal region, concentrating on bringing your stomach in when you exhale and out when you inhale. The second type of breathing is rib cage breathing. This is how you breath when you get exhausted. You begin to use secondary muscles located in the front of your neck. These muscles are used to lift the rib cage up and down. This type of breathing can take a lot more energy out of you then abdominal breathing and can lead to you to drop your chin or lean your head forward, opening you up for a possible knockout punch. Another important factor in breathing is knowing where you breath in from. Do you breath in from your mouth or nose? If your breath through your mouth you leave your jaw open for a good knockout punch. The more winded you get the more this will happen. Concentrating on a combination of nose and abdominal breathing will help lead you on the road to success. To help train your breathing and strengthen your core I suggest yoga or pilates. Think your to macho for yoga or pilates? Think again.

 

Yoga is a great exercise to train your body to breath better. Brought to us from the Hindu religion, yoga is a form of meditation that brings together proper breath and stretching. You’re holding your positions and breathing though your sticking point to help lengthen the muscles and allow proper oxygen flow to the area being worked on. Yoga will help you gain strength and flexibility through isometric position holding. Holding each pose and breathing through what is being felt will allow for a physical and spiritual improvement in your training. It is a great way to end your day or just get over a tough one. Guys, its not just for woman any more.

 

Pilates is great for core control and breathing. The slow controlled smooth movements are great for your focus and relaxation. It is something extra to add on your days off or when your feeling stressed. Pilates was started by Joseph Pilates. Pilates is known for his work with the ballet. What people don’t know is Mr. Pilates was originally a rehab specialist who worked on injured German soldiers and then became a boxing trainer before he was a ballet guru. He was brought to the US and had his first studio given to him by non other then Max Schmeling, a former Heavy weight champ. So, while some of his exercises my look soft and pretty, they are brought about though adaptations of what he did for soldiers and boxers alike.

 

Yoga and pilaties will not only help you with your breathing but, it will also increase your abdominal strength as well. A big thing to understand is that the abs are lengthened when you have tight psoas muscles. This will limit the amount of air inhaled per breath. Through these exercises, your abs will be strengthened and the psoas muscles will be stretched to increase your breathing ability.

 

I am more then sure that adding these two practices to your training will aid in reaching your goals. The controlled breathing and meditation will allow you to use less energy then someone who just comes out to brawl. You will expend less energy and have a clearer mind to help make those crucial split second decisions that can win you the fight. If your to embarrassed to go to your local yoga or pilates studio, I suggest you find a good instructor and see if he or she will come to your gym to work with you and your training partners.

 

Dr. Pietro Baio DC

Performance Edge Chiropractic, P.C.

7315 Ave U

Brooklyn, NY 11234

(917)-309-5464

PBaio_DC@yahoo.com

myspace.com/performanceedgechiro

Jamaal Davis addresses the fans about Cancer Awareness

Boxing fans this is a one and only chance for you to support Cancer Awareness and win an autographed T-Shirt signed by many of the great boxers featured and in attendance at the Shamrocks and Dreams Event in Philly on October 4, 2008. The shirt has been signed in person by Hall of Famer Jeff Chandler, Former Heavyweight Champ Tim Witherspoon and his son Tim Witherspoon Jr. (who just got his first victory), IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham, Former World Junior Middleweight Champion Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma, Current NABA Light Heavyweight Champ Yusaf Mack, Irish Boxing Up and Coming Stars Paul Hyland, Simon ‘Slick Fighting Irish’ O’Donnell, Patrick Hyland.

Jamaal Davis with the autographed shirt being auctioned for Cancer Awareness

This pink cancer support t-shirt has a special meaning and it’s a symbol of the Courageous efforts of Philadelphia Boxer Jamaal Davis, who is doing what ever it takes to highlight the importance of cancer awareness, Davis is a young middleweight from Philadelphia who lost his wife Patrilla, who passed away at the age of 25 last December after battling breast cancer for years. Davis who was decked out in pink for Cancer Awareness Month, fought a four round bout on the October 4^th Shamrocks and Dreams Event in honor and memory of his wife. Davis and his kind hearted trainer Sharron Baker have also autographed this shirt. All proceeds from this auction will be donated to The American Cancer Society in memory of Patrilla Davis.

Adamek and Cunningham set to battle for the belt on December 11th

Steve Cunningham current IBF Cruiserweight Champ who is preparing for his December 11^th title defense against Tomasz ‘Polish Warrior’ Adamek at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Is also contributing to this great cause and supporting Davis his gym mate by giving the winner of this auction a chance to meet him and watch one of his training sessions at The James Shuler Memorial Gym.

 

Steve Cunningham with IBF Championship Belt at Shulers Gym 

Champion Steve Cunningham will also sign a pair of boxing gloves for the winning bidder.

Please help KO Cancer by bidding on this awesome boxing package all proceeds (100%) from this auction will be donated to The American Cancer Society. Winning bidder has the option to make a check payable to the American Cancer Society for the total of the winning bid.

 

Sharron Baker (left) and Jamaal Davis (center) surrounded by family

Steve Cunningham and the winning bidder must agree on a mutual time for the meet and greet.

EBAY Auction Link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220293483907

For more on the October 4^th Shamrocks and Dreams Boxing Event and Jamaal Davis http://www.diamondboxing.com/newsstory.php?list=4119

For more on Steve Cunningham

http://www.usscunningham.com/

For more on American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

For more on Diamond Boxing  http://www.diamondboxing.com/

BY: Diamond Boxing www.diamondboxing.com

He is the former world junior middleweight champion whose life story has been made into a motion picture, premiering throughout the film festival circuit. Ouma is also looking to get back on the winning trail in the square ring and make another championship run. On October 4^th The Dream took on Martinus ‘Magnificent’ Clay 13-19-4 (5KOs) from Wilson, North Carolina in a 10 round junior middleweight battle in Philly. In the bout Ouma overcame a slow start and was able to dismantle the game Clay in the sixth round. Ouma floored Clay twice in the sixth, after the second knockout with the agreement of Clay’s corner the fight was stopped at the 1:38 mark of the round.

This was a key victory for Ouma who was coming off three prior losses over the last three years. Ouma lost a title bout to Jermain Taylor in 2006 followed by losses to Saul Roman in 2007 and Cornelius Bundrage back in March of this year. Look for Ouma who over his career has faced the top competitors in his division to once again work his way up the talent ladder until his title chance is realized.  

Ouma’s life has also been realized through a movie which is produced by Kief Davidson and Legendary Academy Award winning actor Forrest Whitaker who is one of the Executive producers. The movie portraits Ouma’s incredible life journey from his days of being kidnapped from school at the age of six by the rebel army who was seeking to overthrow the Ugandan government, all the way through his championship boxing days. The movie has already been showcased at Tribeca Film Festival, receiving high marks.

You still have a chance to catch the movie Kassim ‘The Dream’ which is scheduled to play at the following locations through the end of the year:

Hamptons Film Festival
October 15 - 19, 2008

Chicago International Film Festival
October 16 - 19, 2008

Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival
October 13 - Nov 12th, 2008

San Francisco Documentary Film Festival
October 17th - October 30th, 2008

U.S. Sports Film Festival - Philadelphia
October 23rd-26th, 2008

AFI Los Angeles Film Festival
October 30th - November 9th, 2008

St. Louis International Film Festival
November 13th - 23rd 2008

IDFA Amsterdam - International Premiere
November 20th-30th, 2008

For complete ringside coverage of the October 4th event

http://www.diamondboxing.com/newsstory.php?list=4119

Reporting Ringside: Diane Bennett  October 4, 2008

Boxing fans who attended the Shamrocks and Dreams event promoted by Philadelphia Worldwide at The Northeast National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were treated to a card full of hard punches, knockouts, upsets, first time victories, comebacks and one heart warming story.

You will read about Tim Witherspoon Jr. first professional victory, Paul Hyland’s first career defeat and Kassim Ouma’s first victory in his last four fights.

This night however, belonged to Philly’s own Jamaal Davis a young middleweight who took on another Philly boxer Chris Hall in a 4 round battle. Davis was not fighting for a championship belt, he was fighting with a champion’s heart while supporting cancer awareness month. It was not to long ago, last December that Jamaal’s young bride Patrilla passed away at the age of 25 after battling breast cancer for years. Davis all decked out in Pink entered the ring for the second bout of the night with the thoughts of his wife in his heart. Davis who has dedicated his career to honor his wife was determined to get back on the winning track after suffering three straight defeats. Tonight Jamaal did not let her down he simply out boxed his fellow Philadelphian Chris Hall for four rounds just like his trainer Sharron Baker planned. Davis earned a unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the fight for Davis who improved his record to 8 -4.

Jamaal Davis works on the inside

After the fight the humble Davis with his whole family in the center of the ring, this included his two children, his mother, his mother in-law and his trainer Sharron Baker. Davis, thanked all his fans for their support, love and most important asked everyone to be aware of Cancer. Davis who plans to fight on not only for the love of boxing but for the determination to do what ever he could to help raise funds for the fight against the deadly cancer disease. Along with Diamond Boxing, Davis has his sights sets on other events to help promote Cancer Awareness. It’s Jamaal Davis on this night that should get the headlines for his courageousness, for the love and devotion he gives to his family, to his sport and his never give up attitude. IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS: Cunningham who was on hand to support Davis also saluted the efforts of Davis.

Jamaal Davis addresses the fans about Cancer Awareness

Davis along with Diamond Boxing will be auctioning off a autographed pink T- shirt which was signed by many of the boxers who participated on the card and by many of the champions in attendance. The auction will take place on E-Bay and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.    

Jamaal Davis

Former world junior middleweight champion Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma, 26-5-1 (16 KOs) was pitted against Martinus ‘Magnificent’ Clay 13-19-4 (5KOs) from Wilson, North Carolina in a 10 round junior middleweight battle. Ouma coming off three straight defeats was looking to get his career back on track. At the early stages of the match Ouma who was sizing up Clay was able to land a few jabs but in most part was not that active. Ouma started to get into a groove in the third round while producing more output. Through the first four rounds the game Clay was able to hold his ground and actually buckled Ouma twice in the forth with powerful combinations that woke Ouma up. From that point forward Ouma dominated Clay, looking very sharp in the fifth round Ouma with the momentum now on his side dropped Clay twice in the sixth. After the second knockout with the agreement of Clay’s corner the fight was stopped at the 1:38 mark of the round.

Ouma works off the ropes

Clay takes a knee and gets counted out

The amazing and challenging life story of Kassim Ouma is being made into a motion picture which will be released this winter. Legendary Academy Award winning actor Forrest Whitaker is one of the Executive producers. The movie portraits Ouma’s incredible life journey from his days of being kidnapped from school at the age of six by the rebel army who was seeking to overthrow the Ugandan government all the way through his championship boxing days.

Kassim Ouma close up

In a four round Featherweight clash Paul Hyland from Dublin, Ireland put his undefeated record on the line against Lucian Gonzales. Both boxers came to battle slugging it out throughout. It was Gonzales who got the better of Hyland in round three landing solid body shots which he followed with a wicked combination knocking Hyland to the canvas. The hurt Hyland was able to finish the round the dazed Hyland after the bell walk to the wrong corner. In the forth round Hyland demonstrated his toughness and was able to gut out the round, while warding off the blows from the tough Gonzalez. In the end the three judges scored the fight for Gonzales 39-36,38-37 and 38-37. With the win Gonzales advances his record to 8-4, while Hyland’s record now stands at 12-1.   

 

Gonzales lands to Hyland’s body

In one of the co-featured fights up and coming star middleweight Simon ‘Slick Fighting Irish’ O’Donnell, 7-1 (4 KOS),a native of County Galway who fights out of Philadelphia. O’Donnell took on Antonio Baker (3-11-1, 4KOs) in a 6 rounder. O’Donnell in workmen like fashion was able to break down Baker and take him out in the fifth round. O’Donnell come away with a TKO victory after the referee stopped the fight at the 58 second mark of the fifth round.   

Team O’Donnell with IBF Champ Steve Cunningham

All the way from Dublin, Ireland, Patrick Hyland 15-0 (8KOs), faced off against Santiago, Dominican Republic native, Elvis Luciano Martinez 11-27-2 (5KOs), in a four round super featherweight battle. Martinez was no match for Hyland who just dismantled him in the second round. Hyland floored Martinez with a beautiful right in the first round and finished his business in the second round, dropping Martinez for a second and third time.      

Elvis Martinez gets counted out after being knockdown by Patrick Hyland

To start the evening off Tim Witherspoon Jr. the son of Former Heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon in his second professional fight took on Julius Edmounds in a four round welterweight clash. Witherspoon Jr. did enough to earn his first professional victory by majority decision, two judges scored the fight 39 -37 for Witherspoon and the third judge had the fight even at 38-38.     

Tim Witherspoon Jr. and Witherspoon Sr. raise fist in victory 

Reporting Ringside: Diane Bennett www.diamondboxing.com

Philly boxing fans were treated tonight when world ranked Heavyweight, “Fast” Eddie Chambers made his hometown return to The Famous Blue Horizon. Chambers took on Livin Castillo (14-6, 9KOs) from Ecuador in the eight round main event promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions. Chambers, 32-1 with 18 knockouts is one of the top heavyweights in the world and returned to the ring at The Legendary Blue Horizon where he racked up seventeen straight wins between 2002 & 2006.With former Heavyweight contender and recent college graduate Randall “Tex’ Cobb looking on from ringside, Chambers did not disappoint his hometown fans, after starting slow Chambers put it into gear in the third round connecting with upper cuts, followed by a set of body punches to slow down the game Castillo. In the fifth Chambers once again attacked Castillo’s body and at the end of round Castillo had enough of Chambers. At the 2:59 mark of the fifth round the referee stopped the bout with Castillo anguishing in pain.Castillo had to be taken to the hospital after the fight to get his jaw checked out.

Chambers lands with an uppercut

Castillo can’t take no more referee stops the fight

“He was a tough guy.  I hit him with some good shots and I know I hurt him a few times” said a victorious Chambers. “I played with him a little too much and I should have had him out there before that.  I am going to get right back in the gym and look for something bigger maybe in December.” 

Chambers gets his hand raised in victory

The women were also in the house tonight featured in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout, Ana Ingham all the way from Karlstad, Sweden put her undefeated record of 6-0-1 against Kimberly Harris (5-13) from Tampa, Florida.Ingham who is trained by former Olympian champion Mark Breland looked solid through out the six rounds and went on to record an unanimous decision victory.  

Ingham connects with a left to the head

Mark Breland with the winner Ingham

Darren Fallen (11-4-1,6KOs) from hometown Philadelphia was pitted against Carlos Pena (5 -16-2, 4KOs) in a Junior Middleweight battle. Fallen who is trained by Buster Custus out of James Shuler Memorial, out scored Pena winning by split decision. Fallen who got into his groove in the latter rounds, softened Pena up with jabs and then opened it up in the sixth round landing a bunch of power shots. The late round rally helped Fallen secure the victory.

Team Fallen in victory 

David Orosco (0-2) from Atlanta, Georgia challenged undefeated Joselito Collado (5-0,2KOs) from Queens, New York in a super feather weight bout. Both fighters in warrior like fashion slugged it out for all four rounds. Throughout the bout Orosco and his corner complained about low blows. In the third round it appeared the referee had stopped the bout when Orosco stopped fighting briefly, with Collado jumping on the ropes in celebration the referee decided to let them continue. In the forth Collado connected with a bunch of combinations sending Orosco to the canvas. Orosco was able to survive the knockdown and finish the round, sending this one to the score cards. All three judges gave the fight to Collado 40-35, 40-35 and 39 -37.

  

Collado works on Orosco on the ropes

Carlos Zambrano (3-0) took on Rasool Shakoor (1-4-1) in a 4 round featherweight battle this one was all Zambrano, who from the opening bell the quicker Zambrano was the first to the punch. Zambrano was able knock down Shakoor in the second round and went on to record a unanimous decision victory.

Carlos Zambrano connects

Donta Woods from Atlanta, Georgia making his pro debut took on Shawn Woods from Orlando, Florida also making his debut in a 4 round Light Heavyweight clash. Woods took care of business flooring Guzman twice in the first round. Guzman was able to make a mild comeback in the second round connecting on Woods with a few shots towards the end of the round. However, it was all Woods in the third round knocking Guzman to the canvas for the third time, this time referee Clark stopped the bout at the 19 second mark of the round. Woods is one to watch, this youngster looks strong and packs solid punches with both hands.  

The winner Donta Woods

Photos of the Stars in Attendance

Former Heavyweight challenger Tex Cobb

 Vernoca Michael making the crowd aware of KnockOut Cancer month

Philly’s own Hines, Hall of Famer Chandler and Mack

Jackie Frazier