Archive for the ‘Female Boxing News’ Category

German GBA and the Maltese MBC Co Host IBF Events in Berlin

Press Release
Berlin 24-05-2013
IBF Convention

Relations between the German GBA and the Maltese MBC, reached new levels as both boxing bodies through the efforts of Malta Boxing Council President Eva Rolle, co hosted the IBF Conention in Berlin between the 20 and 25 of May.

The IBF convention which is now nearing its end has been a huge success with a record number of delegates from all over the globe descending in Berlin to map out the future plans of the IBF and read the reports of the previous year activities.

This year the ‘IBF convention’ was very special for Malta and the ‘Malta Boxing Council’ as in a historical first the IBF Convention was co hosted by the German Boxing Association (GBA) and the Malta Boxing Council (MBC). Yesterday the 23rd of May was one highlight of the convention with a grand boxing dinner held at the ‘Best Western – MOA Hotel’ in Berlin. Not only was it a night of spectacular boxing but it was also a night were top sport officials and the media became acquainted with the Maltese Islands. IBF officials and several present and past world champions were presented with medals and trophies with an inscription commemorating the co hosting of this historical convention by the German & Maltese boxing bodies.

The force behind this highly successful IBF convention is without a doubt ‘Malta Boxing Council’ President Eva Rolle. Praise was heaped on Eva by all those attending this convention. Tonight will be the final event of the convention, a banquet farewell dinner during which MBC Secretary Alexander Zammit will be joining the MBC President in appealing to the delegates from the various countries to award the 2015 convention to the Maltese Islands.

More information about the IBF convention 2015 & The MBC outreach program for youths at risk will be given by Eva Rolle at a press / media conference in the run-up to the 7 June boxing night which is to be held at the Buggiba Hotel on the 30 May 2013.

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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith

Dunkin Signs Arizona Fighter, New York

Waits & Iron Boy 7

Less than 8 hours after Nonito Donaire lost his WBO Super Bantamweight title to Gullermo Rigondeaux,rampant rumors suggesting Rigondeaux failed a post fight drug test and therefor would face a suspension and forfeit the title he won from Donaire on 5/13 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. After spending a few hours trying to track down the rumors, I decided to call Donaire’s manager Cameron Dunkin who didn’t respond. Then I called the New York City Athletic Commission and tried to talk to Edison Alban in the Public Relations Department. He wasn’t there,but I did leave my information with an assistant who promised to pass on my request to Edison. After making the call, I sent a formal request asking for results of the drug test. If either party fails the test,the bout will be ruled as a “no contest” and the fighter who failed the test will be placed on suspension and fined heavily. New York administers a very stringent test and anything and everything is detected or so I’m told. A number of fighters aren’t able or don’t even try to fight to fight in New York because the state requires a very tough physical before a boxing license is issued.

While waiting for NY to respond, Laz Benitez, PIO, New York Department of State, sent an email asking me to forward specific questions, so I did. New York is good about responding quickly. His response came 20 minutes after I emailed him. The official test results will be in toward the end of April and readers will know when I know. In this day and age of social media, readers may inform me.

I mentioned placing a call to Cameron Dunkin. The reason was two fold.My second reason for touching base with him was to chat about his signing of 17 year old Arizona boxing prospect Alexis Zazueta who recently won a 114 lb division title at the Regional Finals in Nevada. The win qualifies him for the Nationals in Salt Lake City Utah In May. Alfonso Olvera, another Arizona amateur, also made it to the finals in Salt Lake. A win for both men would be huge.

Alexis has fought in state and national tournaments shows and I have watched some of his You Tube footage. Gook looking fighter with some pop in his right hand. He has all of the intangibles, good attitude, strong work ethic and an ear for listening. Based on what I have seen, my report on his is excellent and he should make a solid professional. I was calling Cameron to ask him if he was going to allow Alexis to box in the Golden Gloves National. There is always danger of an injury and for that reason, Alexis might be pulled from the Golden Gloves competition. Hopefull, Cameron or Zazuets Trainer Armondo Lopez will lift the phone and relay the decision. I always wondered why boxing didn’t pick up Pepto Bismo as a sponsor. Cameron also manages Victor Ortiz, Kelly Pavlik and many more. Dunkin is a perennial candidate for Fight manager of the year and boxers swear to his loyalty. So, he isn’t a sharp dressed man, but who cares?

Iron Boy 7: Featherweight Guy Robb has replaced Joel Diaz on the May 17 Iron Boy 7 show at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. Diaz opted out for a spot on an upcoming ESPN Card which is understandable. Matchmaker Mike Sanchez hopes to present Diaz on a future Iron Boy Card. Robb is 10-1 and will fight a yet to be be determined opponent in a scheduled for 6 round event. Vido Carbajal, Nephew of the 5 time world champ, has replaced Tim Riddell on the card and will face Wilber Lopez in a 4 round amateur contest. Other fighters in the card include: Carlos Castro, Juan Garcia, Chris Lopez, Duardo Valenzuela and Pancho C. De Vaca aka Francisco C De Vaca. Pancho was scheduled to make his debut on the last Iron Boy card, but his opponent failed to make weight. The kid can fight, so let’s hope his debut happens this time around. Oh yes, Isiah McFadden will not be on the May 17 because of the uncertainty of his contract with Fan Base Promotions. McFadden thinks his contract with Fan Base has expire, but, Sanchez say the legal uncertainty surrounding his status isn’t worth the a possible long and expensive legal hassle.

Sanchez, speaking on behalf of Iron Boy, told me the Iron Boy boxing show philosophy is to present the best of Arizona prospects and occasionally showcase a young rising star from outside the Grand Canyon state. That was the intent with Diaz.Sanchez also disclosed he is looking for Middleweights and up to give the card a more divisional balance on the future Iron Boy Cards.Iron Boy hoped to sign Heavyweight Michael Hunter for their May 17 show,but it isn’t going to happen. In other Iron Boy news, veteran featherweight Orlando Salido is working out at the Iron Boy Gym in South Phoenix. Salido, 39-12-2 may move to Arizona according to a close source.

Boxing News: The world boxing community mourns the loss of former heavyweight contender of Carl “The Truth” Williams who passed away at age 53 recently from cancer of the throat. Williams has been described as a poor man’s Muhammad Ali. May be a reach, but he was a very good fighter who unfortunately foughtin the same era as Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson….Victor Ortiz is the fifth pugilist to enter ABC Network’s “Dancing With The Stars” reality show. Expectthe former champ to be eliminated, soon….Highly touted Mario Esparza (1320 hopes to make his professional debut in May. In the meantime, the youngster is sparring with Juan Garcia and Fernando Samaniego at Grant Park Gym under the watchful eye of is trainer, Tom Garcia. Mario is a good kid and talented prospect… Central Gym protegee Daniel Garcia turned 17 on May 17 and will make his professional debut in Las Vegas sometime in August. Happy Birthday and good luck. Daniel can punch and the lad is definitely a top 10 prospect…..Alfonso Olvera won the western Regional Golden Gloves title now he will pursue the National Crown in May in Salt Lake City, Utah. If he wins, according to his Neutral Corner boxing coach Brad Carlton, the young family man who has only 1 amateur loss will turn pro. He is a good defensive pugilist with a strong right hand. and a winning attitude… 16 year old Phoenix amateur standout Alexis Urbina won the USA Boxing Youth National Title in the 141 pound division in Spokane Washington, recently. . He is trained by Brother In Law Andrew Sotowho also works with Mrs. Andrew Soto, Sulem Urbina Soto, a highly talented boxer, hopes to qualify for Mexico’s Olympic Team in 2016…..Local amateur standout Edgar Brito may turn professional in May…. …Tolugh Diamond Baier lost to Detroit prospect Erick De Leon (Top Rank) in New York at Rock City Music Music Hall on April 13. His record is 2-5-1; however, all of his professional fights were against winning fighters with a combined 67-4 record when they met Baier who didn’t turn pro until he was 32. Baier and his manager, Tom Garcia have nothing to be ashamed of. Before the boxing gentleman headed for New York, I talked to him at length and his story will be in my next column…..Light Welterweight sensation Jose Benavidez Jr. is still sporting a soft cast to protect his injured hand but that doesn’t stop him from working soup kitchens and lending his heart and soul to worthy causes. Jose and 5 time world champion Michael Carbajal are expected to attend “Night of Miracles, a fundraiser for Breast Cancer at the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix on May 4. Call 602-379-2888 for tickets. 30-40 current and former athletes are planning to attend..Doors open at 6 p.m.

Two Salutes: Former two time welterweight champion Curtis Cokes celebrates his 76th Birthday on June 15. He lives in Dallas Texas and you can be a part of his celebration by sending him a card to: Curtis Cokes, 618 Calcutta, Dallas Texas, 75241….Our second salutes goes to boxing fans Krystal V. Iglesia and Lumer Ryanyl O Agot. The sweet hearts will wed on May 27 at the Historical Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Their wedding preamble is taken from the scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. May you find happiness…Until Next Time!

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The Dragon Retains WBF World Title

World Boxing Federation Women’s World Super Featherweight Champion Ramona “The Dragon” Kuehne returned to the ring after a fourteen month injury lay-off to successfully defend her title on Saturday night, March 2, at the MBS Arena in Potsdam, Germany.

More than 3000 fans in the arena saw Kuehne dominate Brazilian challenger Halana Dos Santos for ten rounds, and score a one-sided unanimous decision: 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91. She improves her professional record to 20-1 (6), while Dos Santos falls to 14-5 (9).
Keuhne, making her fourth defense of the WBF title, made Dos Santos come forward in the first round and effectively countered the South Americans attacks. From the second round on it was Kuehne on the offensive, and Dos Santos was thoroughly put in her place with excellent boxing from the champion.
Especially in the fifth and eight rounds it was one-way traffic, and while she was not able to threaten Kuehne, Dos Santos deserves credit for not giving up and for doing her best under heavy fire. The difference in class was just too big, and there was never any doubt as to who would emerge victorious.
“It was very hard to be out of the ring for so long, but the fight was fun”, said a happy Kuehne at the post fight press conference. “The spectators were fantastic, and I hope to fight in Potsdam again in the future.”
The Ramona Kuehne vs. Halana Dos Santos WBF World Super Featherweight title fight was promoted by SES Boxing, and went out live in Germany on Sport 1 television.

 

 

Morelli WBF World Champion

Germany-based Italian Lucia Morelli won the vacant World Boxing Federation Women’s World Lightweight title on Saturday night at the Ratiopharm Arena in Neu Ulm, Germany, scoring a close majority decision over local fan-favorite Rola El Halabi.

More than 5000 fans showed up to support and celebrate El Halabi, who was miraculously returning to the ring after being shot in hands, knees and feet by her estranged stepfather in April 2011, but after an inspired and admirable performance it was not enough in the end.
Both fighters started cautiously, feeling each other out, but Morelli (18-3, 8 KOs) may have nicked most of the early rounds by being more precise with her punches. Midway through the bout things got more heated and the exchanges more frequent, as both had their success.
After ten good, close rounds Morelli was declared the victor by scores of 96-95, 97-93 and 95-95, but El Halabi must still be considered a major winner for defying the odds and coming back from tragedy to perform at world class level.
“I congratulate Lucia on the victory”, said El Halabi after the fight. “She was just a little bit better than me, but I gave it everything I had and it was not quite enough. I lost the fight, but I gained so much and I am happy. I’m back in my life!”
When asked if she perhaps should have returned against an easier opponent, El Halabi, who lost for the first time as a professional (11-1, 6 KOs), didn’t want to offer any excuses for the defeat, saying:
“I was having a hard time finding my distance and it took me two or three rounds too long to find it, but I didn’t want to return against an easy opponent. I wanted to fight someone as tough as Lucia. I wanted an honest fight, and I lost honestly. That’s the way sports should be!”
El Halabi expressed her gratitude towards the many fans in attendance, and promised them that she would return soon and eventually become a world champion again. Both camps expressed interest in a rematch, and there is no doubt that the loyal fans of El Halabi will turn out again to cheer her on.
Also on Saturday night, at the Palais des Sports in Saint-Quentin, France, German underdog Mounir Toumi survived a first-round knockdown to capture the vacant WBF International Light Heavyweight title with a split decision over Tony Averlant.
Toumi, coming off four straight victories after going 10-11 in his first twenty-one starts, showed great willpower to not be discouraged by the knockdown, and came back strong to edge the local man after ten entertaining rounds of boxing.
The three judges at ringside scored the bout 95-94, 95-94 for the visitor and 97-93 for Averlant. The new champion improved his deceivingly modest professional record to 15-11 (5), while Averlant fell to 18-7-2 (4).
The fight was promoted by Bleu Ciel Production headed by Pascal Cordier.

Hammer Outclasses Hernandez In Muelheim

altWorld Boxing Federation (WBF) Women’s World Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer had no problems dealing with durable, but outclassed, challenger Yahaira Hernandez on Friday September 7 in Muelheim, Germany. Hammer won a landslide unanimous decision in front of around 4000 fans at the RWE Rhein-Ruhr Sportshalle.
Both boxers started the fight at a high pace, but it was Hammer, 13-0 (7), who continuously had more success and it was clear early on that she was at another level than Hernandez technically. With quick hands and fast footwork, the defending champion put her challenger under pressure and rarely eased off as she thoroughly dominated the Dominican in every round.
In round four Hammer connected with a perfect right hand that send Hernandez, now 11-4 (5), to the canvas. It looked like the beginning of the end, but Hernandez didn’t seem to have trouble beating the count of referee Andre Van Grootenbruel and she gamely fought back in the reminder of the round.
In round five Hernandez came out reenergized, but Hammer soon took control again and continued her domination from before the knockdown. In round nine she again knocked Hernandez down, but the challenger proved to be as durable as they come and again beat the count.
In the tenth round, Hernandez tasted the canvas for the third time, and once more she got up to continue. After the final bell there was no doubt whatsoever that Hammer had retained her world title, and all three judges, Zoltan Enyedi, Manfred Kuechler and Frank Michael Mass, scored the bout 100-85. Hernandez had two points deducted for holding.
“I wanted to keep my promise of knocking her out, but unfortunately I couldn’t do it. But it was a good fight, and I am happy with my performance”, said Hammer after the fight. Hernandez was full of admiration for the champion, saying:
“I was surprised by the toughness of Hammer, and she really hits hard. Her punches felt as if she had rocks in her gloves.”
The fight, televised live in Germany on Sport 1, was promoted by Ulf Steinforth and his SES Boxing.

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