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Micallef defeats Gierke to take the Malta Boxing Council – International Lightweight Title

Photos sent in by the boxing fans to Malta Boxing News

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By Don Smith – Boxing Fans,

20 – 04 – 2012

• Undefeated Junior welterweight Jose Benavidez Jr. is still recovering from surgery (right wrist) he had in January. Initially,mend time was expected to be a matter of weeks but the problem was more complicated than first diagnosed. Top Rank, Jose’s Promotion Company, was concerned enough to order a review of the ailment and now Bob Arum and his lieutenants are cautiously satisfied that the budding superstar will make a fully recovery and could return to ring action in tip top shape before Summer’s end.

Jose has become a strong and fitting good role model for the Phoenix community and his commitment to various social causes is is the perfect antidote for a sport that frequently condones and ignores bad behavior . Benavidez. was at Central Gym , Downtown Phoenix, this week in support of his younger brother David who is a highly touted light heavyweight . Jose was sporting a soft cast and declared his wrist at 40% of where he was before the shutdown.

• Still an amateur, brother David is in action Saturday, April 21 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. He is an integral part of a 10 bout card that features 8 professional fights and 2 amateur contests. At 15, he has sparred with Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez and banged with former super middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. According to observers, David is immensely talented. He may follow the path of his brother and turn professional after graduating from high school….no official word, yet. David will put his pedigree on the line in a 3 round contest against Mario Urrea.

The event , “Night of Legends 2″ is presented and promoted by Iron Boy Promotions which is anchored in Phoenix and contractually tied to the Celebrity Theatre for a series of boxing shows. In February, Iron Boy debuted their concept with a tribute to boxing luminaries Jorge Paez and Roger Mayweather. The tribute drew an estimated 2,500 fans. The venue is great for boxing but past promoters have harped about a challenging rental fee and some very thirsty boxing fans complained about the cost to whet their whistle. When Fan Base Promotions used the facility for the Gonzales/Smith Championship fight last year there was a visible lapse in security and dozens of people reportedly strolled in without any challenge.

According to their press release, this weekend’s show at the Celebrity will honor 5 time world Champion Michael Carbajal. Iron Boy Spokesperson Sam Tacheny said the legend theme may change for future shows but a commitment to quality and diversity will never waver. Here is a rundown of the Celebrity Theatre card with a little inside info.

MAIN EVENT: Abel Ramos Vs. Joaquin Chavez 140 lbs 4 rounds…Ramos made his debut last year and showed good counter punch skills. He is managed and trained by his brother but worked out with Roger Mayweather for this contest. Journalists dare being told to watch for a new and improved Abel Ramos. He is definitely a crowd pleaser. His supporters think he will eventually become a contender. Works hard and technically sound. Chavez is the underdog …not a big puncher and he may be on his horse throughout the bout.

CO-MAIN EVENT:Thomas Valdez Vs. Armando Gonzales 132 lbs 4 rounds…Valdez is trained by Mayweather and managed by Iron Boy CEO Roberto Vargas. Strong amateur background and will go in as a favorite against Gonzalez who lost in his boxing debut.

The under card features several youngsters worth mentioning… 156 pound .Juanito Gonzalez, fighting out of Phoenix, is 4-0 and all of his victories are via knockout. His last 2 bouts were cancelled ; so look for ring rust. Juanito became an instant boxing cover boy when he posed with 3 time world champion Antonio Margarito at the Blue Water Casino in Parker Arizona. Gonzalez fought on the card and the former champ had a personal and financial interest in the event. The photo has been seen around the world and Juanito is hoping his career reaches the level of Margarito’s . Gonzales is facing Saul Benitz in a 4 round test. Gonzalez trainer Andy Soto has 2 fighters in the mix on Saturday night. In addition to Juanito, 122 lb Carlos Castro will make his debut against Edgar Pinedo in a four rounder . Soto raves about Castro and describes him as fast, agressive and smart. As an amateur Castro won 3 US national titles 1 in Mexico enroute to winning 90% of his amateur bouts….sounds like a winner but you can’t lit up the Cuban until victory is assured.

Another Castro worth watching is 135 lb Victor Castro who brings a 4-0 record to his encounter with Edgar Zubia from Hobbs New Mexico. This could be the sleeper match of the evening. Hobbs sports a 3-0-1 record and the reputation of being one tough hombre. Also, flashy Emilo Garcia will face a scrappy Jesse Ruiz in a 4 round 122 lb battle that has become personal according to talk on the streets. Don’t know what the beef was but let the war begin. Newcomers Antonio Moreno and Julio Rodas will find out who is the better man in a 145 lb
clash. New faces are good for the sport. In addition to David Benavidez, Francisco C’ De Vaca is another amateur getting a bit of ink and he is trained by Roger Mayweather who thinks the kid can become a champion in due time. Fans will be the judge as the heralded De Vaca meets Edgar Brito in a 123 battle between 2 prospects eager to get it on. Iron Boy promotions is very high on De Vaca. A special shout out to Iron Boy ring announcer Ralph Velez who returns to what he does best after coping with a personal tragedy. His mike speak is top notch….should be a great night of boxing.

• A Jesus Gonzales Update …After his embarrassing 1st round knockout at the hands of Adonis Stevenson, former IBF/NABF Super Middleweight Champion Jesus ” El Martillo” Gonzales has decided he will launch a comeback but his days as a super middleweight are over. Management (Fanbase Promotions) has told him to scale down to 160 or less. According to inside sources, Gonzales has been told to train harder and stay away from junk food. Several possible opponents are rumored including Albert “The Punisher” Onolunose and former champion Antonio Margarito. A dedicate Gonzales can beat either one of them.

• Amateur Boxing Fight Night is scheduled for June 2 at the William Bloys American Legion Post 2 at 2125 S. Industrial Park Drive in Tempe, Arizona . Proceeds will benefit The Phoenix Boys and Girls Center. The event is sponsored by The Streets Don’t Love You Back, a non profit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. General admission is $12.00 and ringside seating is available for $25.00. Special kudos to Kelly Fenn or making this event happen. Kelly has become the face of Amateur Boxing in Arizona since her father Al passed away 3 years ago. It was Al who realized that sports is a viable means for kids to work off their youthful frustrations. He never charged kids to use the gym at The Phoenix Boys and Girls Center. Kelly has continued the tradition and the benefit will go towards refurbishing the facility. For more information…call 602-996-9407 or 480-600-4056. Donations are accepted. Kelly, reigning Queen of amateur boxing in Arizona, is busy preparing for the upcoming Jr. Golden Gloves (June 29-30) tournament held in Phoenix at the Victory Outreach Facility which is located at 4655 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. Winners will advance to the Nationals in Mesquite Nevada on July 20.

• Alma Canez and her Canez Boxing Promotions staff deserve high praise for their Thursday Throw Down Show at the El Zaribah Auditorium in Phoenix on April 12. The venue is perfect for boxing and Alma always puts fight fans first. Highlight of the evening was Junior Welterweights Javier Loya’s knockout victory over a tough Gabe Garcia in round 3. The win ups Loya’s record to 7-0 w/6 knockouts. Javier has a huge following that literally mobs him after every fight. His high energy performance made up for disappointing main event featuring Alex Santiago and Luis Angel Paneto in a 8 round super Bantamweight contest that left a few fans yawning. Santiago, winner by TKO, left the ring with 10-2-1 and he couldn’t be satisfied with his effort. Solid and winning performances by Jorge Marquez (4-1) , Isiah McFadden (5-2), Fernando Samaniego (4-0) and Jose Marrufo (1-2) more than compensated for a less than spectacular Main Event. In knocking out Ted Jones, 26 year old Marquez turned a few heads and put a smile on the faces of his friends who backed him through tough times. Thursday Throw Down was a good show and Alma Canez deserves a bow or two for her effort….good job!

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Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich Aims to Gain New Fans in Philly

In a bout that has the makings of a match made in boxing heaven, former Heavyweight Champion Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich takes on top Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers to open the new NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night on January 21, 2012, at 9pm, at Asylum Arena in Philadelphia.

Sergei is a native of Belarus and grew up in the former Soviet Union. He attributes his upbringing to the type of fighter and person he is today. “Growing up in Belarus was the best life lesson for me. It prepared me for all the challenges that life brings.” “It made me stronger and hungrier for a better life.” Someone once said ‘sports does not build character, it reveals it,’ growing up in Belarus definitely helped build my character!”

Since he was 12 years old, Liakhovich always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer. When Sergei was young he would cut out articles from newspapers and magazines which featured fighters like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. He envisaged becoming a boxing icon. “I knew that the United States was the most important place to be in order to make it big in professional boxing. When I was 23, I obtained one of my goals by coming to the US, it wasn’t easy. Becoming World Champion at 29 was the next big accomplishment, now I intend to continue the dream by becoming a world champion again” Sergei said.

Commenting about fighting in a city with a rich boxing heritage, Liakhovich said, “Philadelphia has so much boxing history and true boxing fans. I grew up in the working class city, so this feels like going home to me. One of the biggest compliments you can have as a fighter is when you can turn a crowd that comes to support the home town guy into your own fans by the end of the fight. It happened in Pittsburgh when I fought Brewster and I think it will happen again in Philly.”

Sergei is pleased to be on NBC Sports Network’s inaugural Fight Night show, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to be in the main event on NBC Sports Network’s opening show. NBC is an important part of worldwide TV and to be chosen for this show was a privilege. Anyone who knows me knows that I give my all each time I step in the ring. I promise you nothing less on January 21st. In fact, since our styles match perfectly, when Chambers and I mix it up, it will be a night boxing fans will talk about!”

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing,             (215) 765-0922       .

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, January 21, 9-11 p.m. – Philadelphia

Saturday, March 24, 10 p.m.-Midnight – Site TBA

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

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Ricky Hatton will be appearing on Hatton TV’s YouTube channel on Friday, 9th December at 8pm to answer questions in a special LIVE show.

The Hitman will be talking about current & past boxing issues with questions from fans all over the world in “Ask The Hitman” which is the latest in Hatton TV’s regular “Friday Fight Night” series on YouTube.

The programme will be live from 8pm to 9pm (GMT) and already hundreds of fans have sent in questions via email, Twitter and on video. There will also be the opportunity for viewers to send live comments on the night via YouTube: www.youtube.com/hattonboxing

There is still time to get your question answered by Ricky, so send us an email to tv@brandhatton.com or via Twitter: @hattonboxingtv Please make the subject of your email “Ask The Hitman” and let us know where you are in the world !

“I’ll do my best to answer as many questions about boxing, “said Ricky. “It promises to be a fantastic show.”

Hatton YouTube: www.youtube.com/hattonboxing

Official Hatton TV website: www.hattonboxing.com/tv

For enquiries please email: tv@brandhatton.com

*For viewers in a different time zone, the programme will be available to view “on demand” a few hours after the initial broadcast .

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By Alexander Zammit

March 31

The recent Hopkins- Pascal press conference in Montreal could only be described as a debacle that leaves much to be desired on the part of both boxers.

Bad behavior of this sort is what gives the sport a negative reputation. What happened (28^th) just a few days ago is most definitely not a case of a little harmless hype or even a little trash talk, involving a few harmless insults.

Looking at the released video it seems that Pascal started it all – Taking the microphone and going into a tantrum shouting repeatedly that Bernard Hopkins must take a blood test – “Will you take the stand?” Pascal screamed into the mike.

To his credit Hopkins, seems to make an effort to control himself but then loses it as well and decides to join the melee.

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Unfortunately such scenes at boxing conferences are becoming more commonplace. Excessive trash talk, personal insults, wild accusations and aggressive behavior are sending out the wrong message.

It is small wonder that boxing is losing its allure. Such reprehensible behavior is not likely to attract a family audience.

Boxers who behave badly should be penalized. Boxing commissions the world over should withhold part of the purse money whenever this type of negative, sordid behavior emerges and in extreme cases even postpone or ban the fight altogether.

At this level the participants should be acting as role models to emerging and upcoming young professionals.

Boxers should also keep in mind that those huge payouts are ultimately funded by the aficionados.

Such scenes as these are disrespectful to the sport and the fans.

Photo: Hopkins Shoving Pascal (Montreal)

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