Brick City Boxing

By- Danny Serratelli

In the main event Acelino Freitas, 38-1 (32), came away with a split decision victory over Zahir Raheem, who fell to 27-2 (16). It was a very unpredictable fight that at first glance appeared to be action packed. However, a closer look revealed that most of the action did not amount to either fighter landing many clean punches in a number of the rounds. There was a lot of holding, pushing, slipping, and missing, which made most of the rounds difficult to score.

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By- Darius Ortiz

The image of Acelino Freitas standing over a shell-shocked Daniel Alicea was as frightening as it was amusing.

Less than a minute into their fight and Alicea had been disconnected from his senses, stumbling around the ring like a man whose contact lens had popped out. Referee Micky Vann waved off the fight. The crowd went wild, and Freitas stood triumphant.

Who cared that Alicea couldn’t even get approval from the WBO to fight for the title. It didn’t matter that “Popo” had never fought anyone remotely in his league. At that moment, Freitas looked unbeatable.

That all changed one January night in Las Vegas. Freitas and Joel Casamayor, two of boxing’s finest, were set to meet in a long-awaited showdown.

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Brick City Boxing is pleased to bring fight fans an amazing gallery of images taken by photographer Thierry Gourjon from Lou DiBella's Broadway Boxing Series held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on April 20th, 2006.

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If you have ever attended a Ring Promotions boxing event you know you will get your money’s worth. Even though these fighters are young prospects, the fans witnessed a night filled with many competitive bouts.

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BLOOMFIELD, NJ (April 27, 2006) – Undefeated top-10 heavyweight contender Calvin Brock will appear in-studio on the April 28 broadcast of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights”, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Brock will discuss his upcoming June 24 bout against fellow-undefeated heavyweight contender Timur Ibragimov (21-0-1, 13 KO’s).

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Monticello, NY April 27, 2006 — This Friday April 28, Ring Promotions returns to Mighty M Gaming at Monticello Raceway for an exciting night of professional boxing featuring young talent. Ring Promotions is looking forward to their third consecutive sold out show.

The main event features cruiserweights Newton Kidd (6-4-1 4 KOs), taking on Jamal McKay (5-9-2 1KO). The card features plenty of exciting young talent such as Cory Jones, Luis Sanchez, Ronson Frank, and Steve Marcantonio.

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New York, April 27—Duva Boxing president Dino Duva calls Brian Minto a “real sleeper in the heavyweight division.” Minto, a native of Butler, PA, has put forth a nifty 23-1 career mark, registering 14 victories by way of knockout. “The Beast” will square off against a top quality opponent in Billy Zumbrun (19-6-1, 11 KO’s) of Ogden, Utah, in the eight-round co-feature heavyweight matchup, this Friday night, April 28, at the Mohegan Sun. ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will televise from 8:00 to 10:00 PM/ET.

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New York, April 25—Cedric Kushner has launched a new boxing promotional company entitled Gotham Boxing, which will make its debut with The Premiere at the Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center on Eighth Avenue at West 34th Street on Wednesday night, May 24, featuring Brooklyn heavyweight contender Shannon Briggs vs. Chris Koval in the main event for the vacant USBA Heavyweight Championship, it was announced today.

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New York, April 24—Granite fisted heavyweight slugger Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter will return to action on Friday night, April 28, as he headlines a 1-2-3 punch of Duva Boxing heavyweights live at the Mohegan Sun. ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will televise the action.

Peter, 25-1 (21 KOs), will tangle with Detroit’s 7-foot-tall Julius Long (14-7, 12 KO’s) in a 12-round main event battle for his NABF heavyweight championship. In addition, the evening will also feature surging heavyweight contender Brian “The Beast” Minto, 23-1 (14 KOs), who will face Billy Zumbrun (19-6-1, 11 KO’s) of Ogden, Utah, in an eight-round scrap, and “The New Italian Stallion” Mike Marrone, 13-0 (10 KOs), the Vero Beach brawler coming off an ESPN2-televised thriller in his last fight, will take on Ohio’s Dan Whetzel (7-5-1, 4 KO’s).

Tickets for the event are priced at $75, $40 and $25, and are available through the Mohegan Sun box office, and Ticketmaster. Customers may log on to www.ticketmaster.com, call any ticketmaster phone number or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

Byrd's Big Heart Not Enough To Pull This One Off...

Byrd, a true overacheiver and champion wanted this fight Wladamir Klitschko. Despite the years, and Wladamir's problems since the first fight with Byrd (a unanimous decision for Klitschko), Byrd still had no answers for the big guy. Chris Byrd showed that he has a giant heart, but that was not enough for him tonight. He came to fight, and gave it his best shot, however he was never able to mount an offense. Byrd gallantly tried to get inside the long reach of Wladamir Klitschko all night, but paid a price for it.

Byrd was dropped twice in the 7th round, and got up from vicious shots that most men would been incapable of rising from. Byrd was also bleeding profusely when referee Wayne Kelly stopped the fight after the 2nd knockdown at :51 of round number 7. With the victory, Klitschko takes Chris Byrd's IBF title that he has held for over 3 years, a major achievement in the heavyweight division at this time.

By- Danny Serratelli, ringside for www.DoghouseBoxing.com

Last night Newark, New Jersey’s Super Middleweight contender Jerson Ravelo, 16-1, 11 KO's, returned to Lou DiBella's Broadway Boxing Series and scored his second consecutive 1st round Knockout. In his first fight after about a year and a half layoff, Jerson returned last month making his first appearance on the Broadway Boxing series. He scored a first round against Raynard Darden, 9-13, 4 KO’s. Last night the knockout came against an opponent who gave Jeff Lacy some trouble until Lacy caught up with him in round number 8. The opponent, Donell Wiggins, 24-8, 14 KO's, was expected by many to be a tough opponent. However, Jerson who is as calm and cool as they come felt him out for about a minute and then shot a right hand that was a thing of beauty. The lone right was timed perfectly and it was apparent immediately that Wiggins would not beat the count.

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Undefeated featherweight Jason Litzau to headline card

BLOOMFIELD, NJ (April 19, 2006) – Main Events returns to North Bergen’s Schuetzen Park for “Back to the Future III”, the third in a
series of planned boxing events in north Jersey, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The main event features a
10 round featherweight contest between undefeated WBA #13 ranked featherweight Jason Litzau (17-0, 15 KO’s) and awkward Nepalese southpaw Debind Thapa.

Tickets, priced at $150 (VIP), $50, and $25, can be purchased by calling Main Events at (973) 893-9100. The $150 VIP ticket entitles the owner to a dinner, drinks, and a “Meet and Greet” with boxing celebrities in attendance.

Litzau (17-0, 15 KO’s) is ranked #13 by the WBA. In his last bout on Jan 28, 2006, the 22-year-old St. Paul, MN impressively stopped former world title challenger Carlos Contreras on the Arturo Gatti-Thomas Damgaard undercard (TKO 6). Contreras had gone the distance with world champions Johnny Tapia and Lehlo Ledwaba, and with world title challengers Art Simonyan and Adan Vargas. Litzau has stopped 10 opponents n the first round.

“I chose Thapa as an opponent because he is as unorthodox as he is,” says Litzau. “In order to be a world champion and be one of the sport’s elite fighters you have to beat all styles. This is an excellent learning experience for me”

Thapa (20-5-1, 11 KO’s) once challenged for the NABF super flyweight and NABF super bantamweight titles.

The following fighters will also appear on the May 11 card:
Allen Litzau (10-1, 6 KO’s) has won his last nine bouts, five by knockout. The 24-year-old St. Paul, MN native competes at featherweight.

Wayne Johnsen (11-1, 6 KO’s) is a 28-year-old light heavyweight from Lyndhurst, NJ. In his last bout on March 10, 2006, Johnsen stopped Clifton Robertson in five rounds at Schuetzen Park (TKO 5).

Alex Perez (4-0, 3 KO's) is a 23-year-old junior middleweight from Newark, NJ who has stopped three of his four opponents. He is a former NJ Golden Gloves Champion.

Henry Crawford (9-0-1 3 KO’s) is an undefeated 25-year-old welterweight from Paterson, NJ who captured the most impressive win of his career on Nov 30, 2005, at Schuetzen Park when he destroyed Tony Grygelko in one round (TKO 1).

Jerson Ravelo (15-1, 10 KO’s) represented the 2000 Dominican Republic Olympic Boxing Team. The 28-year-old light heavyweight lives in Newark, NJ. He has won his last two bouts, and has stopped six opponents in the first round.

Main Events Featuring the RoundCardModels between the rounds...

Silence Mabuza vs. Ricardo Vargas in IBF Bantamweight Eliminator in Main Event; Knockout Artist Curtis “Showtime” Stevens in co-feature***
New York, April 18—It’s fight week, and the ever-popular Broadway Boxing Presented by Turning Stone Resort & Casino returns to the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center with knockout artist and Broadway Boxing standout combatant Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (11-0, 10 KO’s) returning to the ring this Thursday night, April 20th. The stellar card is headlined by an IBF Bantamweight Eliminator for the number one ranking featuring Silence Mabuza (18-1, 15 KO’s) of South Africa against Ricardo Vargas (39-11-3, 13 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico in the main event. Dan Rafael of ESPN.com has called Vargas-Mabuza “by far the highest profile bout on this popular monthly series.”

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Sunday Night Fights:
SNY to Air “Broadway Boxing” on Sunday Nights
* * *
Bob Papa, Steve Farhood and Brian Adams Will Call the Action on SNY

[New York] April 18, 2006 – SportsNet New York (SNY), the television home of the New York Mets and New York Jets, today announced a landmark agreement with DiBella Entertainment, a full-service sports and entertainment company and New York’s leading professional boxing promoter, to televise Broadway Boxing Presented by Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Broadway Boxing will air on the second Sunday following live Broadway Boxing events beginning with the April 20th event – and feature matches from venues in the five boroughs and the greater New York Metropolitan Tri-State area. Bob Papa will serve as the play-by-play announcer for the April 20th event, along with Steve Farhood and Brian Adams serving as the color commentators. The announcement was made by Jon Litner, President of SportsNet New York and Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

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Huntington, NY, April 14, 2006 — On May 18, Frankie G Productions along with Bob Duffy’s Ring Promotions return to the Huntington Townhouse in Long Island with an absolutely stellar card. The co-main event spotlights hot up and coming prospect Joe Greene (9-0 7 KOs) of Brooklyn, facing Newark’s Eric Graham (10-3-2 5 KOs) in an 8-round affair. The second half of the co- main event marks the return of “Contender” cast member Jimmy Lange (26-3-1 18 KOs) facing an opponent to be determined. Also added in a 6-round special attraction is James McGirt Jr. (11-0 7 KOs) son of world famous trainer and two-time welterweight champ James “Buddy” McGirt. Also scheduled to appear on the card is exciting female boxer Jamie McGrath (1-0).

The “sweet science” gives back to the community as Frankie G and Ring Promotions have not only put together one of their best cards but have, for the fifth time, made this a charity dinner event. Charity donations are going to be contributed to three very significant organizations, The Veterans from Northport Hospital, the Huntington Station Fire Department, and the Veteran Boxing Association-Ring 8. In addition to the generosity of Frankie G and Bob Duffy, The Contender’s Jimmy Lange is donating his entire purse to Ring 8. “This is very important to us, giving back, especially to these three organizations who have contributed so much to the community,” stated Frankie G. “We are proud to be able to give back to the Veterans who fought for this country, to the volunteer fire department who risk their lives to keep us safe, and to Ring 8 who ties the retired boxing community together.” For anyone who has been to a Ring Promotions event one thing is for sure, you will get your money’s worth. To Promoter Bob Duffy, a 20-year veteran of the sport, nothing is more important than to put on quality fights. This being their 18th show, Ring Promotions have built a very fan-friendly reputation. “Brilliant matchmaking by Pete Brodsky is what makes our events stand out,” states Duffy. “No one wants to pay good money to see one-sided fights and first round blowouts. We are committed to bring the fans an exciting night of action and competitive fights that they deserve.” It is this attitude that has made Ring Promotions and Frankie G Productions events a success.

This event is expected to have 8 exciting bouts, an updated card will be announced in the coming weeks. Prices for this event are $160 (VIP Ringside), which includes 2-hour cocktail party, cigars, and a seven-course meal served at your ringside table with all drinks included; $30 (General admission). The Huntington Townhouse is located at 124 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station in Long Island NY. VIP reception starts at 5:45pm, General admission doors open at 6:30pm. For ticket information contact Frankie G (631) 673-3520, Bob Duffy (516) 313-2304, or Women Academy

Saturday, June 10, Madison Square Garden, New York - Pay Per View
12 Rounds, WBO Junior Welterweight Championship

Champion, MIGUEL COTTO, 26-0, 22 KOs, Caguas, Puerto Rico
VS.

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, 21-0, 5 KOs, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Tickets- $300, $200, $100, $50
Call 212-307-7171
www.ticketmaster.com
www.thegarden.com

WBC Continental Americas Light Welterweight Champion
Malignaggi’s legacy begins vs. Cotto

TEWKSBURY, Mass.– An avid New York Yankees fan, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (21-0, 5 KOs), has returned to the heart of Boston Red Sox country to train once again with famed strength-and-conditioning coach, Mike Boyle, in preparation for Malignaggi’s breakthrough June 10th mega-fight against World Boxing Organization light welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (26-0, 22 KOs) at Madison Square Garden.

Malignaggi’s manager, Sal LoNano, first brought Paulie to Massachusetts a year ago to follow the path of his former fighter, “Irish” Micky Ward, who trained under Boyle for his trilogy against Arturo Gatti. Malignaggi has won two straight fights since then against a pair of 16-1 fighters when they entered the ring against him, Jeremy Yelton (DEC8) and Donald Camarena (DEC10) for the WBC Continental Americas light welterweight championship. The latter set-up the aforementioned June 10 showdown for the now WBO No. 10 rated Malignaggi against Cotto.

“I’m going to cash in on this opportunity; my legacy begins by beating Cotto for the WBO title,” the outspoken Malignaggi said. “I just don’t want to be the next great Italian fighter, I want to be the next great fighter in the world. I’ve been under a microscope and ‘dissed’ by people, but I’m going to prove my detractors wrong.
“Cotto’s coming to my house. He’s going to find himself unwelcome with nothing there for him except knuckle sandwiches from me. I’m a fresh 21-0 without being in any wars. Cotto’s a worn-out 26-0 with a lot of mileage on him. I’m going to make him 26-1. (Ricardo) Torres put him down and (Chop Chop) Corley had him going. Cotto needed some hometown help from the ref to beat Corley.”

Brooklyn-native Malignaggi, who’ll return next month to Gleason’s Gym (NYC) for a solid month of training and sparring, right now is close to his hand doctor, Dr. Stephen Margles, the Burlijngton, Mass.-surgeon who also repaired Ward’s fist, as well as Vinny Paz’, Harry Simon’s and others boxers. Paulie’s thrice operated- on right hand, according to him, feels 100-percent for the first time since his third pro fight.

“Miguel Cotto is a one dimensional fighter and anybody who thinks he can box lives in dreamland,” Paulie continued. “I’m going to expose his slow feet and hands. No surprises with him, he’s going to keep coming forward, but he’s had problems making weight and staying strong as rounds go by. I’m going to take him into deep waters.

Cotto’s going to have to answer some questions about his poise. How is he going to react when I’m two inches away from him and then the next second I’m gone? This is a big fight and coming from Brooklyn, fighting at Madison Square Garden is very special for me. My legacy starts June 10 when I have the WBO belt around my waist. I’m only 25 and this is just the beginning for me.”

Anything in the Cotto bout surprise you?

“I was surprised by the way Cotto came out in round one. He was throwing more punches than I expected and fighting in a different style than I’d seen him fight. He was using his jab more . . . After the first round I said I better get busier or this is going to be a long night.”

When did you feel that you were taking over the bout?

“In the fifth or sixth round Ronnie Shields told me to box Cotto and that he wouldn’t be able to touch me if I did. I started using my jab more and boxing more, and I felt pretty comfortable after that . . . The key was the jab. Every time he set up to throw something, I’d pop him with a jab or two and he wouldn’t be able to get off . . . He showed great sportsmanship when it was over. After the decision he shook my hand and thanked me for the opportunity to challenge for my title . . . It was a tough fight, but there are other fights that I’ve had that I consider tougher, like the Ubaldo Hernandez fight. That was the first time I was knocked down and cut.”

Next is your mandatory against Lakva Sim, the fighter you beat for the title. Any thoughts?

“Sim is a good, tough fighter. But I can’t help but wonder whether the fight will happen or not because I was supposed to fight him three times already. It’s not his fault. Things happen. I just wonder whether something else will happen to prevent the fight. I want to fight him again because he’s a worthy challenger. I think he’s one of the top-5 lightweights in the world.”

Should you get by Sim, who would you like to fight?

“There are lots of guys up there at the top: Castillo, Corrales, Freitas. I’d like to fight any of them—any of them who will give me the opportunity . . . Castillo’s style probably matches up best with me because he comes straight forward and I come forward. It would make for a great fight.”

After our conversation Diaz left the gym to go home and prepare for his afternoon classes at the University of Houston Downtown where he is a junior with a 3.0 GPA who majors in Government. Today Diaz had to attend three courses: “Corrections & Criminal Justice”, “Policing in America”, and “Criminology”.

Is it difficult going back to class after a big fight like Saturday’s?

“Yes, it is. When I got home on Sunday all I wanted to do was rest and watch TV, but I had to force myself to do some homework . . .This week is especially important because I have exams, so I have to get on it”

Berto vs. Garcia on April 14th on ESPN2;
Estrada vs. Cintron on April 19th on ESPN2;
Broadway Boxing Presented by
Turning Stone Resort & Casino April 20th
featuring Silence Mabuza vs. Ricardo Vargas in IBF Eliminator and Knockout Artist Curtis Stevens

New York, April 11 - The Malignaggi-Cotto and Taylor-Wright championship mega fights in June are not the only DiBella Entertainment attractions on the horizon. The month of April promises to be a particularly busy month, with a trio of DBE main events set for the next two weeks.

Olympian Andre Berto (10-0, 8 KO’s) will make his ESPN2 Friday Night Fights debut this week on Friday, April 14th, when the Winter Haven, Florida native steps back into the ring against Horatio Garcia (14-6-1, 9 KO’s) at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA. Berto will be shooting for his 11th straight win as a pro in an eight round welterweight affair. Tickets are priced at $150 (Ringside), $80 (Floor), $50 (Lower Bleachers) and $35 (Upper Bleachers) and may be purchased at the Agua Caliente Casino Box Office located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, or by calling 1-760-321-2000.

David Estrada and Kermit Cintron will square off on Wednesday April 19th in a 12 round IBF Welterweight #2 Position Eliminator at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, FL. The talented Estrada (18-2, 9 KO’S) returns to the ring nearly a year after losing a tough decision to “Sugar” Shane Mosley. The heavy hitting Cintron (25-1, 23 KO’s), is rated number five by the IBF, with his only loss coming against WBO Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito. The fight will be aired on ESPN2 at 10:00PM ET/7:00 PM PT. Tickets are priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $20. To purchase, call 561-366-3481.

On Thursday night, April 20th, the ever-popular Broadway Boxing Presented by Turning Stone Resort & Casino returns to the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center with knockout artist Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (11-0, 10 KO’s) back in action. The card is headlined by an IBF Bantamweight Eliminator for the number one spot featuring Silence Mabuza (18-1, 15 KO’s) of South Africa against Ricardo Vargas (39-11-3, 13 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico in the main event. In the co-feature, Stevens steps up in class as he duels veteran Carl Daniels (49-7-1, 31 KO’s) in an eight round super middleweight contest.

The Brooklyn bomber Stevens has yet to disappoint the Big Apple fans, reeling off 11 straight victories while displaying a knockout punch unparalleled in his division. Fans of Broadway Boxing will also see Newark’s Jerson Ravelo (15-1, 10 KO’s) in his second fight back after a long layoff, against Donnell Wiggins (24-7-2, 14 KO’s) in another eight round super middleweight affair. The card will also feature New York City’s flashy Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (3-0, 3 KO’s) as well as Ireland’s hard hitting James Moore (5-0, 4 KO’s) in a junior middleweight six rounder. Super Middleweight Juan Cabrera (3-0, 2 KO’s) from Manhattan is also in action along with Irish cruiserweight Mark Clancy (4-0-1).

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $80, $60 and $40, and are available by calling DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577. Broadway Boxing Presented by Turning Stone Resort and Casino will air on a later date on MSG Network in New York, Fox Sports Net New England, Comcast Sportsnet Chicago and in high definition on HDNet. Along with Turning Stone Resort and Casino, the site and title sponsor, Broadway Boxing is also sponsored by HBO Sports, Locatestock.com and Gallagher’s Steak House

Debuting On ESPN2 Friday Night Fights April 14th From Agua Caliente Casino In Rancho Mirage, California

New York, April 10 - When promoter Lou DiBella signed Olympian Andre Berto a little over a year ago prior to his pro debut, the president of DBE called the Winter Haven, FL native his “most hotly recruited fighter coming out of the 2004 games." Recalls DiBella: "I spent more time scouting Andre than any other Olympian.”

The knockout artist Berto has delivered the goods, and then some, reeling off ten consecutive victories as a professional, including eight by way of knockout.

Berto shoots for eleven in a row in his ESPN2 Friday Night Fights debut when he steps back into the ring to face a stern test against Horatio Garcia (14-6-1, 9 KO’s) at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA. Airtime is at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT on Friday, April 14th.

"Everyone should stayed tuned because you are going to see a glimpse of the future in boxing," said Berto. "It's great to have the opportunity to showcase my talents to the country on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights."

"I thought from the beginning he would be an outstanding pro," said Friday Night Fights commentator Teddy Atlas, who covered Berto during the Olympics for NBC Sports. "He has a pleasing style, is strong, and likes to come forward. I am looking forward to Friday's broadcast."

This will be the second straight national television appearance for Berto. He last fought on February 3rd on ShoBox against the then undefeated Jonathan Tubbs at the Northern Quest Casino in Spokane, Washington. Berto’s combination of speed and power overwhelmed Tubbs as the former Olympian kept his perfect record and torrid knockout rate in tact, stopping Tubbs in the third round.

Previously competing on the undercard of Taylor-Hopkins II at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on December 3rd, the Winter Haven, Florida native put forth another brilliant performance, demolishing Taronze Washington (8-2, 4 KO’s) with a knockout at 2:50 of the first stanza, his third straight opening round KO.

Tickets for Berto vs. Garcia, which is the televised co-feature to the Heavyweight clash between Audley Harrison and Dominick Guinn are priced at $150 (Ringside), $80 (Floor), $50 (Lower Bleachers) and $35 (Upper Bleachers) and may be purchased at the Agua Caliente Casino Box Office located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, or by calling 1-760-321-2000.

Originally published by Doghouse Boxing

Floyd Mayweather did enough to win the fight against Zab Judah last night, but it was certainly closer then what the HBO commentators and at least one of the judge’s scorecards would lead you to believe. The official judges had the fight scored unanimously for Mayweather, 116-112, 117-111, and 119-109. My card read 115-113 for Mayweather, but it appeared that Zab also came very close to stealing a few rounds that I gave to Floyd, which ultimately means it was a very close fight, and at the very least a close fight on paper.

Floyd is as cool as they come, and he never loses his cool, rarely takes chances and he does not appear to make mistakes (at least any that opponents can exploit). While Zab matched him in speed, at least in the early rounds, Floyd took his time and fought a very controlled fight. Floyd is not temperamental like Judah and many other fighters. He fights at a steady pace and builds on his work. He looks like he can talk on his cell phone and smoke a cigarette during his fights; he is as cool and relaxed as any fighter in recent history. Although it is difficult to compare the two, he almost reminds me of the old George Foreman (after the comeback), but obviously smaller and with blazing speed. Nothing takes him out of his rhythm.

Judah to his credit entered the fight confident and did a admirable job, especially early. He won 3 of the first 4 rounds on my card, and was boxing well. Early in the fight Floyd looked off, possibly because of a hand injury he said he suffered, but more likely because Judah was the fastest guy he has fought as a professional. Floyd could not do the things he does to men with regular human speed early, and Zab seized the moment. However, Floyd who is always prepared, would later say, “I knew Zab was a frontrunner” and it turned out to be the case in the late rounds when Zab lost some of the fire that he entered the fight with.

Zab was visibly discouraged in the later rounds, and whether it was his stamina, Floyd’s power or just frustration with Floyds speed and defense, the momentum was shifting. In the 10th round, which was one of Floyd’s better rounds, his trainer/uncle Roger Mayweather jumped in the ring to confront Zab after he landed a low blow and a blow behind the head. In a fight that was not dirty, it was not a wise move by Uncle Roger Mayweather, and I quickly had images of Peter McNeeley vs. Mike Tyson in my head. The official ending in that fight came when McNeeley’s chief second, Vinnie Vecchione, jumped into the ring and as a result his fighter, McNeeley, was disqualified.

After a brawl in the center of the ring in which everyone appeared to get involved, order was resumed and the fighter’s touched gloves before the action resumed. The truth of the matter is that the foul by Judah did not appear to be that big of a deal, and Floyd was more then capable of handling the situation himself. It was questionable if it was intentional, and regardless it was Floyd’s responsibility to protect himself after the low blow. Anyway, Floyd won the round, Uncle Roger was removed from the corner and the fight resumed. If it was intentional, it did seem to help Zab out a little, like a pitcher who throws “chin music” high and tight to a hitter who has been pounding him in a baseball game. As Floyd would later say, he was in a “zone” and the extra fight that broke out in the ring seemed to take him out of it.

The fight appeared to be one that the viewers may have been better off watching with the volume turned off. Lampley in particular was quick to say how Floyd was giving Zab a beating after Floyd had 1 or 2 good rounds. Merchant added that Zab may have been content to just survive the distance at about the same time. The best broadcasting of the evening was surely done by former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. How a fighter’s face looks, the punchstat numbers, and who the announcers are rooting for should not have much to do with who wins the fight. Judah was in the fight, and at just about his worst point of the fight, trainer/uncle Roger Mayweather, as Floyd would later say, appeared to break Floyd’s rhythm, and in the process give Zab a second wind.

This was a good fight, and a close fight. People complain when rules are ignored, but also are often glad when certain rules are not enforced. Mayweather’s glove hit the canvas in the second after Judah connected with a punch. By definition, this is a knockdown, and easily could have been called one without much controversy. Was Floyd knocked down and hurt…no. Did his glove touch the canvass after Judah hit him with a punch…yes. Could Mayweather have been disqualified in the 10th under the rules when his trainer jumped in the ring during the round, it appears the answer is yes, would anyone want that to happen (other then Don King)…no, it was good for boxing that the referee and security took control of the situation and the fight resumed.

Both men showed a lot of class in the post fight interviews. It was a good fight, and there were no excuses. Floyd mentioned that he hurt his hand early, and Zab mentioned that he was being restrained during the melee that broke out while Floyd’s trainer, and uncle Roger was choking him (Lampley would later mistakenly say that Zab complained that Floyd was choking him during the fight). Judah showed that despite a lot of criticism after the Baldomir fight that he can still compete on the sports highest level. Floyd again showed the focus, conditioning, intelligence and professionalism that make him the sports current pound for pound champion.

Tune in tonight to see Zab Judah and Floyd Mayweather do their thing out in Las Vegas. Mayweather is the recognized pound for pound champ in boxing, and Zab is the former champ who is recognized for taking things for granted and despite his accomplishments, he is considered by many to be an underachiever.

This fight will not be the blowout everyone is expecting. The question on the street is not, "Who do you like", but "How do you think Floyd will win?" Zab will be ready for this fight, and is probably the only guy around right now who can match Floyd's freakish speed. The problem is that Floyd trains as hard as anyone does in boxing, and that is just scary.

In the end this fight can go either way. Unlike in most of his fights where Floyd's skills are just too much for guys to handle, Zab can hang with him. While Zab has showed some vulnerability in his chin, Floyd hasn't… will tonight be the night? This is an intriguing matchup, and it is possible that Zab can pull off the upset. However, the difference comes down to focus, conditioning, and intelligence. These three qualities that Floyd has shown fight in and out are qualities that Zab seems to take for granted.

The only prediction here is if Zab comes in top shape and focused we have a great fight. If he doesn't, Zab should feel the power and early and he will become reluctant to make it the fight it could have been. The guess here is in Zab's last chance to shine as a top guy, he comes to fight and earns the peoples respect back win or lose.

New York City's Roberto Benitez 4-0, 3 KO's picked up a 2nd round TKO last night over Yamin Mohammad, who fights out of Ohio, and fell to 4-11-1. Benitez ended the action at 2:06 of the 2nd round at the State Fairgrounds in Tampa Florida. The fight took place on the undercard of Nate Campbell 28-5-1, 24 KO's vs. Isaac Hlatshwayo, 23-0, 9 KO's.

Nate “The Galaxy Warrior” Campbell, was dealt a loss in a fight he apparently thought he had won after some confusion in the ring after the final bell. However, the South African Hlatshwayo's undefeated record remained intact at 23-0, 9 KO's as he defended the IBO belt.

As it turned out, at the end of 12 rounds, Campbell was ahead only on Judge Mark Streisand's card 115-113. The the other two judges had Hlatshwayo, ahead. Judge Richard Green's card read 117-111, and judge Peter Trematerra had it 116-112 both for Hlatshwayo after 12 rounds.

New York City's own.....Roberto Benitez
The 2004 United States Olympian will be fighting on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights in Tampa this Friday, April 7th 2006 TELEVISED NATIONALLY (9PM ESPN2).

Roberto Benitez, 3-0, 2 KO's -vs- Yamin Mohammed
On the undercard of:
I.B.O. Lightweight World Championship fight featuring:

NATE "The Galaxy Warrior" CAMPBELL, 28-4-1, 24 KO's
–vs- ISAAC HLATSHWAYO, 23-0, 9 KO's

There will be 8 more fights on the card which will be broadcasted live from the Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa Florida.

Tickets are $20, $40, $75 and $125 and are available through ticketmaster.

LOCATION Guaynabo Boxing Fest (a suburb of San Juan)
Puerto Rico

DESCRIPTION Mesi's first fight in two years since his medical suspension is slated for eight rounds against 6’4”, 250 lbs journeyman Ron Bellamy.

RESULT Saturday evening Baby Joe Mesi re-entered the ring for the first time in more than two years and improved his record to 30-0.

In an eight-round bout against Ron Bellamy in Puerto Rico, Baby Joe Mesi proved the victor by unanimous decision.

On April 11th, the bout will be replayed with Mesi providing color commentary as part of an exclusive delayed webcast. For more details about this webcast...
www.webcastfundraiser.com/