BY:Carl Hewitt

Golden Boy Promotions’ Lightweight Tournament is packed with intriguing matchups involving some of the division’s finest talent, and it very well may be the best card of boxing we’ll see in 2009, but Saturday’s duel between Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan ‘Baby Bull’ Diaz is interesting because it pairs one of the sport’s most accomplished practitioners over the past decade with one of its most promising young fighters. Marquez’s achievements in the ring require no validation, and neither does his performances in his biggest fights - he’s taken on the best in three different weight divisions and acquitted himself splendidly. Whether Marquez secures that elusive third match with Manny Pacquiao is irrelevant because his high standing in boxing history is assured. Furthermore, many boxing fans are still not convinced that the Filipino superstar won either fight, and even more will assess his career with raised eyebrows if he doesn’t settle the score with his toughest adversary, once and for all. So, even though it appears that Marquez fights on only to force a third bout with boxing’s pound-for-pound king, it says here that Marquez’s legacy is complete without any additional engagements with the Pac Man. In fact, it could rationally be argued that Marquez has yet to suffer a definitive defeat inside the squared circle. Diaz, on the other hand, is looking to regain his perch atop the Lightweight Division, a perch he grudgingly relinquished last March in a shocking upset loss to Nate Campbell - shocking only because the odds makers never saw it coming and Diaz had looked so dominant in capturing the WBA title from Julio Diaz five months earlier. ‘Baby Bull’ rebounded nicely and recaptured his previous form against Michael Katsidis in his last outing, but Marquez is a huge step up from the Aussie brawler - and that’s what makes this fight one worth watching!

Analysis: Was the loss to Campbell just an “off night”, or was it a harbinger of future difficulties for Diaz against versatile boxer-punchers? Few boxers are more versatile than Marquez, so on the surface, it would appear that Houston’s finest fighter could be in over his head, but let’s not forget what got Diaz to this point in his career - namely, a measured approach in the ring, sound fundamental boxing and maturity characteristic of a seasoned veteran with years of experience. The loss against Campbell had more to do with Campbell and less to do with Diaz. The ‘Galaxxy Warrior’ was able to cut Diaz over the left eye in round five and had the wherewithal to exploit that cut. ‘Baby Bull’ fought bravely with the cut, but was clearly handicapped. Minus the cut, would Diaz have had enough to hold off Campbell that night? That’s open to conjecture, but the fact remains that even though Diaz didn’t fight his best fight against one of the division’s better fighters, he still fought competitively enough to lose by close split decision. The CompuBox numbers would indicate that it wasn’t a close affair, but Diaz’s ring generalship, even under adverse circumstances, probably bought him a few more rounds than he merited.

Prior to that loss, thirty-three fighters were unable to solve the young lightweight. One loss has done little to derail the momentum of Diaz’s career and his willingness to jump right back into the fire against one of boxing’s top five fighters speaks volumes about the confidence and self-assuredness of not only the fighter, but his management team as well. And let’s not forget that not too long ago, the 34-1 lightweight/college student was being mentioned as a potential opponent for Ricky Hatton at 140 lbs., in what would have resulted in a fairly even matchup, if I may say so myself! Going from Katsidis to Marquez is akin to playing the Charlotte Bobcats one night and the Los Angeles Lakers two evenings later, but if there’s one fighter in the lighter weight classes who can handle such a severe step up in class, it’s Diaz. Why? Because his attack isn’t based upon raw punching power. His power is good, but not concussive. Hence, he’s more of a boxer-puncher who uses angles, footwork and well-timed counter-punching to get the job done. But will Diaz have to bring even more to the table to get the job done against the highly-skilled Marquez, a natural featherweight whose career spans nearly sixteen years? The odds makers don’t think so, but the odds makers don’t do the fighting. And despite his stoppage of lineal lightweight champion, Joel Casamayor, it’s safe to assume that Marquez doesn’t possess true lightweight power. What Marquez has in abundance is ring savvy and tons of big fight experience. In recent fights, he’s opened up his offense more in an attempt to become a more “fan-friendly” fighter, but in the process, he’s had serious defensive lapses that have caused him to taste the canvas on more than one occasion. While such lapses probably won’t prove fatal against Diaz, they could expose Marquez to unnecessary punishment. Diaz has been nothing if not accurate and efficient with his punches, so any lapses by Marquez Saturday night could lead to the same type of swelling and cuts he suffered against Barrera and Pacquiao. That’s the predicament Marquez faces - fight aggressively and provide lots of excitement, intensifying the fans’ calls for a third Pacquiao fight, or rely on his superior technical boxing skills and risk losing yet another close and disputed decision. It’s definitely something Marquez will ponder repeatedly in the final few days leading up to the bout.

Prediction: As gifted a technical boxer as Marquez is its defensive lapses at key moments in his biggest fights that have continued to trip him up and prevent him from separating himself from his more-celebrated contemporaries. Had he avoided the knockdowns in both Pacquiao fights, its doubtful Marquez would have even ventured north to the Lightweight Division and there probably would have been an exciting rematch with Barrera. Even in the Barrera victory, Marquez was forced to pick himself up from the canvas. Luckily and oddly, the knockdown he suffered at the very end of Round 7 was not scored as one. The strange scoring of that fight aside, it’s puzzling to see a fighter as skilled as Marquez on the canvas so often. Is it merely quirks of fate and something technical that can be corrected in the gym or does it have more to do with the fact that Marquez is a far better fighter while counter-punching and becomes a more available target when attempting to lead? In any event, his opponent Saturday night is very good at forcing the action, but even better at countering, so there’s a very good chance that this fight will come down to whose jab is most effective in the early rounds. The fighter able to establish his jab will win this fight. Two factors that weigh heavily in Diaz’s favor are the fact that he’s the natural lightweight and he’s already faced a crafty opponent in Campbell. What Diaz learned from the Campbell fight is that he’s at his best when he gets inside, fires his punches and maneuvers out of striking distance; that’s what he did against Katsidis and the Aussie was never really in the fight. Will he be able to do that against Marquez? It’s doubtful that he’ll enjoy that same kind of offensive success in this fight, but if he can get Marquez moving forward for most of the fight, that means that his jab is working, and if his jab is working, the combinations to the head and body will be all that more effective. Marquez is no spring chicken, but his stamina in the late rounds has never come into question and his sense of when to apply pressure and when not to is peerless. However, I just can’t wrap my mind around Marquez as a lightweight and am not entirely convinced that he’ll be dominant at this weight. Diaz on the other hand, looks quite comfortable at 135 lbs. and continues to improve technically each fight. This is a nearly dead-even fight and though I’d normally favor the more experienced and technically-sound Marquez against virtually any other opponent, he’ll be facing a Diaz who knows that a second loss in the division within a year could prove fatal, a Diaz who knows his strengths and is unlikely to neglect them again. I don’t see an all-out war evolving at any time in this fight, but I do see Diaz matching Marquez combination-for-combination and having enough in the tank to score a razor thin decision victory. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Marquez win because he’s truly an all-time great, but Diaz is the future of the division and is hungry to erase any lingering memories of the loss to Campbell last year. Diaz by UD.

Aftermath: Both fighters are classy and well-respected pugilists. For Marquez, the question is whether or not to continue pressing for another Pacquiao fight. Win or lose against Diaz, Marquez has to decide whether to remain at 135 lbs., an unnatural weight for him, or return to his more natural weight class of 130 lbs. There’s no guarantee that Pacquiao will ever fight as a lightweight again and a victory over Hatton in March will lead to a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. Marquez can make plenty of noise in either the 130 or 135 lb. divisions, with or without a third bout with Manny, and kudos to him for fighting the two best lightweights in his new division right off the bat! It’s one of the reasons Marquez is so highly-regarded and is assured a place in Boxing’s Hall of Fame. A victory for Diaz on Saturday night will lead to larger purses and a spot against the winner of Golden Boy Promotions’ upcoming Lightweight Tournament. There have been relatively few indications that Diaz has any plans of fighting at 140 lbs. in the near future, because with Hatton’s days in boxing numbered, it’s doubtful even a victorious Diaz would be on the short list of future opponents for England’s ‘Hit Man’. There are plenty of potential opponents on tap for both Diaz and Marquez. The 135 lb. division is a bit deeper than the 130 lb. division, so win, lose or draw, expect Marquez to continue campaigning at the lightweight limit. Just don’t expect to see him in the ring with Pacquiao again. 2009 will be an exciting year for the Lightweight Division, with Marquez and Diaz right in the thick of things. And that’s a good thing!

 

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

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

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

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