gsfightscenearchives: March 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Douglin Destroys Greenleaf in the Big Apple!

Denis "Momma's Boy" Douglin of Morganville needed just 87 seconds to destroy Chad Greenleaf tonight at BB King's in New York City. His frustrations finding a fight at junior middleweight seemingly gave him a burst of energy in the squared circle, as a hard left hook to the head and a follow up barrage on the defenseless Greenleaf forced the stoppage.

"I felt strong and really like fighting at this weight", a relieved Douglin said after the bout. "I plan to stay here and a good diet can make this possible."

Douglin, who improved to 8-0 with 4 KO's, is looking to return next month.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Douglin Scales in at 156 for Tomorrow Night's Fight!

Denis "Momma's Boy" Douglin weighed in at 156 lbs for his first fight below the middleweight division when he takes on West Virginia's Chad Greenleaf (12-14-1, 5 KO's) tomorrow night at BB Kings in New York City. Douglin, a 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion, has been trying to move down in weight since December, but previously had difficulty finding a counterpart for various reasons.

Douglin and Greenleaf meet over six rounds.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRANDON JACOBS!

GSFS caught up with New York Giants Running Back/Boxing Manager Brandon Jacobs. Brandon spoke with us about his involvement in boxing, plan for his fighters and 2010 outlook for the Giants.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Perez Brothers Return in April!

Newark's Mikey and Alex "Brick City Bullet" Perez are both slated to get back in the ring outside of the Garden State next month.

Mikey, a 6-0 lightweight that won the 2008 National Golden Gloves title, takes on Florida based Georgian Sergi Ganjelashvili (4-4-1) on the second in Las Vegas. The bout comes on the eve of the Jones-Hopkins card, thus an abundance of media members are likely to be on hand.

"Its cool to be on these big cards, but I would really love to fight back home since there are a lot of people who want to see me", The 20 year old stated emphatically.

Perez and Ganjelasvili meet over six rounds.

Mikey's older brother Alex notified GSFS last night at the fights in North Bergen that he is scheduled to face Octavio Narvaez (7-9-1, 4 KO's) the 24th on the Tomas Adamek-Cris Arreola card in Ontario, CA. Narvaez, a tough Nicaraguan, dropped his last six bouts against top level opposition, but made an everlasting impression amongst locals. Narvaez came close to stopping Carldstat's Vivian Harris back in 2008, decking him twice in the opening round before getting stopped in the 6th.

Perez, a promising welterweight prospect, has just one fight since Decemebr of 07', winning a minor title last March in Puerto Rico. The lanky southpaw has also received kudos for work as a sparring partner in the past, mimicking former world champion Carlos Quintana for Miguel Cotto and Joel Julio prior to their fights against him. At 10-0 with 6 KO's, Perez is looking to get re acclimated and stay busy.

"I am training real hard and looking to get past issues", Perez said about his inactivity and problems unrelated to boxing. "I am ready to get back in there and do what I have to do."

Perez and Narvaez are scheduled to duke it out over six rounds. Ironically, the card is being co-promoted by Totowa based Main Events, who handle the aforementioned Adamek.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Miller Tops McDermott in a Ballroom Brawl!

Pound 4 Pound Promotions' maintenance crew would have been wise to remove ring following the co-feature as Jersey City’s Danny “Little Mac” McDermott and Brian Miller seemingly fought in a phone booth throughout the eight round main event.

Miller came into the bout with a boatload of confidence as did McDermott. Both men were looking to stamp their ticket as a rising prospect in the lightweight division. Neither wanted to lose. Each refused to quit. But following eight competitive rounds, Miller’s consistency and conditioning helped him score the minor upset.

Miller of Schenectady, NY improved to 8-0-3 (3 KO’s) after pulling out an entertaining eight round split decision over the popular McDermott. McDermott got off to a solid start over the first two rounds, landing a number of hard head shots on his hard charging opponent. Miller controlled the pace of the third round by volume punching and crowding McDermott, as the latter began to show signs of fatigue.

Rounds four through six were action packed, with the heavier handed McDermott landing hard shots while Miller continued to keep his hands busy from bell to bell. Neither fighter gave an inch and the majority of the standing room only at North Bergen’s Schuetzen Park remained on their feet.

McDermott had difficulty regaining his wind in the seventh, as struggles making weight and consecutive action packed rounds can be torture for any fighter. The multi time Golden Gloves champion fired heavy hooks, but Miller slipped under a majority of the punches and remained busy in close quarters. With the fight up in the air, the two exchanged leather as if there were no tomorrow, with McDermott landing the bigger punches and Miller once again keeping his hands moving in a definite Garden State Fight of the Year candidate.

The first two scorecards read 77-75 McDermott and 78-74 Miller. The third judge somehow scored the bout a ridiculous 79-74 but unlike the majority of asinine scorecards, this one didn’t go to the hometown fighter. GSFS scored the ultra competitive contest 77-75 for Miller, who won the WBF All Americas title in the process.

“It was definitely a tough fight and knew it was going to be, but I give 110% every time I enter the ring”, Miller said after the fight.

As a fighter who received two questionable draws in his opponent’s hometown, Miller initially thought the final scorecard was going to be responsible for his first defeat.

“I fought twice in Jersey before and this is boxing. If you fight in the other guys hometown and the fight is close, the decision can go against you. Fortunately this wasn’t the case tonight.”

McDermott drops to 8-2-1 (3 KO’s) after the tough defeat.

Hard hitting Union City based super middleweight Jason “Monstruo” Escalera embarrassed previously unbeaten Jesus Torres, stopping him inside of one round. Torres entered the squared circle for the first time in 11 years, but would have been better off staying away for good. From the moment Escalera landed his first shot, Torres was clearly looking for a way out. His opponent had no problem giving him one. Escalera dropped him three times en route to a TKO victory at 2:14.

“I was very disappointed with my opponent”, Escalera said after a quick night of work. “I figured he was going to give me more of a challenge because of his record but as you saw, I got him out of there quickly.”

Escalera moves to 8-0 (7 KO’s). Torres heads home at 5-1-1 (4 KO’s)

Newly signed super bantamweight Elion “Nono” Kedem of Queens, NY via Israel earned a hard fought six round unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s Pedro Salcedo. Kedem controlled the majority of the action and was the busier fighter, but the game Salcedo had his moments as well. Scores were 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56. Kedem improves to 11-3-4 (7 KO’s). Salcedo falls to 3-3 (2 KO’s).

In an all-Jersey matchup between two raw fighters, Todd “Viking” Eriksson of Dover viciously stopped Newark’s Eddie Edmonds. Both fighters missed with a number of wild shots in the opening two rounds, but Eriksson managed to briefly hurt Edmonds. Eriksson lined up a huge right hand in the third, sending his opponent tumbling to the deck. Edmonds, who has a striking resemblance to actor Luis Guzman, got up on unsteady legs, forcing the stoppage 59 seconds in.

Eriksson wins his first bout and is 1-3-1 (1 KO). Edmonds, whose father is a local promoter, drops to 1-1-1

With former world champion Paulie Malignaggi guiding his ring walk, welterweight Christian Martinez of The Bronx impressively stopped debuting Union City native Hector Collado in three rounds. Martinez was clearly the more polished fighter and needed little time to prove it, decking his counterpart seconds after the opening bell. Martinez controlled the second round and ended Collado’s night with a big right hand at 1:09 of the third. Martinez is now 3-0 with all 3 coming by way of KO.

In the opening bout of the evening former National Amateur Champion Steven Martinez destroyed debuting North Carolinian Michael Ransome in 1:59. Martinez, a talented Bronx based Middleweight, put Ransome down twice. Martinez is now 4-0 with all four wins coming by way of kayo.

Dubbed as “March Badness”, last night’s card was Pound 4 Pound’s seventh consecutive show at Schuetzen Park. Notables on hand included New York Giants running back/boxing manager Brandon Jacobs, former IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham and the aforementioned Paulie Malignaggi.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Action Packed Card slated for tomorrow in North Bergen!

Pound 4 Pound Promotions returns to the elegant Schuetzen Park Ballroom for what looks to be a solid night of boxing topped by one of the Garden State’s most entertaining up and comers. Tomorrow night’s card is Pound 4 Pound’s seventh consecutive show in North Bergen and one of their first featuring a title bout.

Jersey City’s Danny “Little Mac” McDermott (8-1-1, 3 KO’s) is taking a step up in competition to challenge unbeaten Brian Miller (7-0-3, 3 KO’s) for the vacant NABC Lightweight title over eight rounds. McDermott, a crowd pleaser making his seventh appearance at Schuetzen Park, is fighting eight rounds for the first time. The multi time Golden Gloves champion won his last four bouts comfortably since his lone defeat, most recently stopping Italian import Floriano Pagliara inside of two rounds.

Miller also has a reputation for coming to fight and has been in hostile territory before. The Schenectady, NY based 24 year old battled to a draw against both Ryan Belasco and Linwood Hurd in their hometowns.

Hard hitting super middleweight Jason “Monstruo” Escalera takes on unbeaten Jesus Torres (5-0-1, 4 KO’s) in the six round co-feature. Escalera, 7-0 (6 KO’s), has been a regularly discussed prospect since viciously knocking out Alan Lawrence in the amateurs a few years back. This is his first bout since August 09, but considering he has an opponent who has been out of the ring more years (11) than he has months, Escalara looks to be in position for a quick knockout victory.

Newly signed featherweight Eilon “Nono” Kedem (10-3-4, 7 KO’s) makes his Pound 4 Pound debut against Puerto Rico’s Pedro Salcedo (3-2, 2 KO’s). Kedem, who hails from Israel looks to rebound from a second round knockout loss to Eden Sonsana.

Also featured on the card is former amateur standout Steven Martinez against Michael Ransome, Christian Martinez batteling Hector Collado and a local match up between Newark’s Eddie Edmonds and Dover’s Todd Eriksson.

Tickets are available by calling 561-503-9948.

WEIGHTS FROM NORTH BERGEN!

Danny McDermott 135* Brian Miller 134 (NABC Lightweight Title)

McDermott initially .8 lbs over

Jason Escalera 169 Jesus Torres 173

Eilon Kedem 122 Pedro Salcedo 122

Todd Eriksson 167 Eddie Edmonds 161

Hector Collado 145 Christian Martinez 143

Steven Martinez 154 Michael Ransome 159

Note: Opponents for Patrick Farrell and Victor Valenzuela fell out at the last minute. Eriksson replaces Abe Torres.

Venue: Schuetzen Park

Tickets: 561-503-9948

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Tamara to defend IBF title May 29 in Argentina!

Manager Nelson Fernandez informed GSFS that North Bergen based Colombian Carlos Tamara will make the first defense of his IBF Junior Flyweight championship May 29 against four time title challenger Luis Alberto Lazarte in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tamara, 21-4 (15 KO's), captured the title January 23 by scoring a dramatic stoppage over Brian Viloria in the Philippines. The 2004 Olympian was hoping to take Viloria's spot in the proposed title unification with WBO champion Ivan Calderon, but the unbeaten Puerto Rican signed to face another opponent.

Lazarte, who has challenged for belts at 105,108 and 112, looks to make the most of his fifth opportunity ala Jose Lopez, and will have the hometown advantage. The Buenos Aries native is currently 46-9-1 with 18 KO's and has won his last six bouts since dropping a decision to Daniel Reyes. His in ring antics however must be questioned, as four of his nine professional defeats have come via DQ.

For the record, Tamara will next have to face the winner of this Saturday's IBF eliminator between Ulises Solis and Bert Batawang. According to IBF rules, Tamara will have to fight Solis or Batawang by October 24 2010.

International television rights for Tamara-Lazarte are currently in the works, but the bout is expected to be aired in Colombia and Puerto Rico.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Douglin Set for Junior Middleweight Debut Next Wednesday!

Morganville's Denis "Mommas Boy" Douglin has desperately attempted to drop to 154 lbs since December. The 2008 National Golden Gloves champion was slated to face Joshua Snyder in his junior middleweight debut, but last minute problems with paperwork canned the bout after the weigh in.

Douglin was next scheduled to battle fellow prospect Latif Mundy February 6 on the Adamek-Estrada undercard, but Mundy withdrew, leaving the unbeaten prospect scrambling for a last minute 154 lb opponent. No luck. Douglin was forced to pack on the pounds shortly before the weigh in, as late replacement Eddie Hunter scaled in at 167 lbs. For the record, Douglin outpointed Hunter easily, but was frustrated with his inability to find a junior middleweight counterpart. That was until now.

Douglin's debut at 154 finally appears set for next Wednesday in New York City against 27 fight veteral Chad Greenleaf. Greenleaf has a losing record, but has shared the squared circle with notables such as Mount Arlington's Pawel Wolak, 2008 Olympian Demetrius Andrade and unbeaten Jesse Lubash.

"I don't know much about him and his record doesn't seem to be flattering", Douglin, who is 7-0 with 3 KO's, said about his 12-14-1 opponent. "This is my first fight at 154 though so it will be a good test."

If all goes well on the 31st, Douglin plans to stay at junior middleweight and establish himself as one of the top up and comers in the division.

The Douglin-Greenleaf bout is scheduled for six rounds and is taking place BB King Blues Club & Grill. Dibella Entertainment is the promoter.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Diaz Gets Past Lopez; Tapia Stops Rodriguez in Key West!

Featherweight prospect Jorge "Kid" Diaz of New Brunswick improved to 13-0 with 8 KO's after earning a close unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Mexican Alejandro Lopez. Diaz got off too a strong start, dropping Lopez in each of the first two rounds with hard left hooks, but quickly cooled down.

Lopez battled back in the middle rounds, using snappy and consistent one-two combos to keep the shorter Diaz out of range. Although he was noticeably tired, fighting in an eight rounder for his first time, Diaz pressed the final stanza to take the bout.

Scores were 76-74 on all three cards, as the two knockdowns turned out to be the difference maker. Lopez drops to 13-1 (2 KO's) with the defeat.

Former amateur star and highly touted Passaic based junior middleweight Glen Tapia outslugged Carlos Rodriguez for two rounds before the referee stopped the contest prior to the third. Tapia came out firing from the opening bell, landing a number of hard left hooks and body shots on Rodriguez, who had some success as well. Rodriguez was rocked and nearly dropped in the second and spent the majority of the round eating leather prior to the stoppage.

Tapia, who returns April 17 in Atlantic City and has been fighting regularly on Top Rank cards, improves to 5-0 (4 KO's). Rodriguez slips to 3-3 (3 KO's).

The card was aired on Fox Sports Espanol.

Diaz and Tapia are both promoted by Pound 4 Pound Promotions and are expected to be on hand for Thursday's night card in North Bergen.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Q&A with Jorge Diaz!

From the second the opening bell sounds, New Brunswick’s Jorge “Kid” Diaz is ready to go to war. The all action Diaz has already been in a number of entertaining bouts, making him a pugilist that thrives on giving fans their moneys worth in the entertainment department. Although he was a notable local prospect following a good amateur career, Diaz gained notoriety outside of the Garden State after viciously knocking out 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy last October.

On Saturday night, Diaz, 12-0 (8 KO’s), looks to take another step in the right direction when he takes on unbeaten Mexican Alejandro Lopez in Key West, FL on Fox Sports Espanol. We had the opportunity to catch up with Diaz, who is just two days away from his first televised bout.

GSFS: Saturday night you are taking on an unbeaten opponent in Alejandro Lopez. What do you know about him besides that he is 13-0 with 2 knockouts?

JD: That on March 20 he will be 13-1 with 2 knockouts (laughing)!

GSFS: This will be your first time on National TV. Does this add any extra pressure for you?

JD: No not at all. All jokes aside I know Lopez is a boxer but I am going to come in and apply pressure and make it a war. In terms of pressure fighting (on TV), there isn’t any because I know at the end of the day win, lose or draw, I am going back to the projects, so I have everything to gain!

GSFS: You are known as an action fighter who goes for the knockout. Considering this is yet another step up and your first eight rounder, are you planning to box a little more and take your time?

JD: I am prepared to go eight hard rounds to the point where I am so tired after the bout that I feel like passing out! Leather will still be flying though because that is how I fight!

GSFS: There are a lot of good up and comers in the featherweight division such as Mikey Garcia, who has been featured on TV as well. Who is on Jorge Diaz’ radar considering he has been moving up?

JD: That isn’t my job I just go out there and fight. Everything else is up to my promoter Pound 4 Pound, my manager Sal Alessi and trainer Mike Skowronski.

GSFS: I know you were in camp with two time world champion Juan Manuel Lopez last year. What was it like to spar with one of the top fighters out there?

JD: It wasn’t what I expected. I got there the first day, worked out and it didn’t go as I wanted. I wasn’t pleased with what I did. The experience actually makes me not want to go back to a training camp. They ended up changing my opponent anyways.

Editor’s note: When Diaz was in camp with Lopez, both were preparing for fights on October 10 at Madison Square Garden.

GSFS: Moving back to October 09’ when you had the best win of your career against 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy. You were put in with a skilled boxer and an enormous amateur pedigree. Coming into the bout, were you worried at all about the fight considering it was a huge step up in competition?

JD: To be honest with you, I didn’t know who he was until I knocked him out. I don’t get into that, I just fight. They tell me the day I am fighting I say ok. They tell me (Barthelemy is the new opponent on short notice) I said ok. I just fight.

GSFS: So I take it you don’t watch tapes of your opponents based on your last statement?

JD: Yeah I leave that up to my coach. I am not the coach you know so I let him (Mike Skowronski) do that. I don’t watch any tapes but maybe in the future I will.

GSFS: Being that you are an action fighter from New Jersey with a warrior mentality and are willing to take two punches to land one, is the late Arturo Gatti a fighter you try to emulate?

JD: It would be a pleasure to be mentioned in the same sentence as him. However Gatti is Gatti, Jorge Diaz is Jorge Diaz. I do whatever it takes to win the fight but it would be nice to help Arturo’s legacy live on, but it isn’t my initial plan.

GSFS: What is your plan from Saturday forward if you are victorious and it were up to you.

JD: Sh*t if it was up to me, I would get paid like $40,000 (laughing). They told me if I win on Saturday, they are putting me in Yankee Stadium (on the Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman) undercard on June 5, but first I have to take care of business.

GSFS: Is that something you are potentially looking forward to because that will be a big card with 30,000 plus fans there?

JD: That right there would be to me, the highlight of my life! My only highlight I have in boxing is beating Yan Barthelemy. Now if I do get to fight at Yankee stadium, that would be such a great privilege since it would be the first fight ever at (the new) Yankee Stadium. That would be history!

GSFS: Jorge thanks for the time best of luck Saturday. What do you have to say in closing to all your fans and the readers on Gardenstatefightscene.com?

JD: I hope I don’t disappoint y’all on Saturday. Make sure to tune in watch. I will give you 100%!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Bryan-Abril April 17 in AC!

GSFS was notified that multi-time national amateur champion and Paterson based Junior Welterweight prospect Jeremy "Hollywood" Bryan will take on Kenny Abril over eight rounds April 17 in AC as part of the Kelly Pavlk-Sergio Martinez undercard.

A perfect 13-0 with 6 KO's, Bryan has looked terrific thus far as a professional. In his first eight rounder December 4 in Newark, Bryan demolished 17 fight veteran Darren Fallen inside of two rounds.

Abril, a Rochester, NY based southpaw, is unbeaten in his last five fights and sports a 9-3-1 record with 5 KO's. His last bout took place in June of 09, where he outpointed the late Sebastien Hamel. Although he doesn't know much about Abril, the always confident Bryan had little concern about who will emerge victorious.

"I am going to do what I have to, which is to go out there and steal the show by winning", Bryan stated emphatically.

Bryan is promoted by Pound 4 Pound Promotions, who have had a number of their fighters appear on Top Rank (the promoter of record on April 17) undercards.

Shamone Alvarez “Bring on Whoever!”

Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez is looking to get back into contention following his impressive 7th round TKO victory over hard hitting Alexis Camacho March 6 in his hometown of AC. Alvarez, now 21-2 with 12 KO’s, is hungry as ever to prove that he belongs among the upper echelon welterweights, even though both of his defeats came when he stepped up. We had the opportunity to catch up with the confident Alvarez. Here’s what he had to say.

Garden State Fight Scene: Shamone, congrats on your knockout victory over Alexis Camacho. Tell us about it.

Shamone Alvarez: I am very happy that I won. This was a very difficult fight for me and I won it and won it (impressively). I am happy and pleased.

GSFS: It was impressive, but you do have a bunch of wins over Camacho type opponents such as Jose Luis Cruz. Some would question you ability to beat a top guy since both of your losses were when you stepped up against Joshua Clottey and Delvin Rodriguez. Are you planning to switch things up so you can beat one of these guys?

SA: I am waiting to see what (promoter) Joe (Deguardia) is going to do but I am willing to fight any of these guys. (Mike) Jones, that boy (Antonin) Decarie, and I would love a rematch against Delvin or Joshua Clottey to show I can beat those guys. The Delvin fight was bs but its whatever. I have my daughter and my lady so they are my motivation!

It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me because I will put them down and beat the hell out of them to show that I am worthy. Now I am what Clottey once was; a fighter who isn’t respected or looked upon and look where (Clottey) is now (getting big fights).

GSFS: We know that you are promoted by Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing. Who manages and trains you?

SA: Arnold Robbins is my trainer and manager. William Johnson, the father of (the late Levander) Johnson is my assistant trainer. I have strength and conditioning coach (as well), plus Donnell Parker is my third man in the corner.

GSFS: You previously mentioned Mike Jones, who just won in AC and like you, has a local fan base. Mike is also eager to get a big fight and has been on the ESPN-Fox Espanol type cards. Is he somebody you are willing to fight to make it to the next level?

SA: Yes! Joe and I have discussed this. I was at his last fight against (Henry) Bruseles and I was looking at him like I am ready to step up and take on this guy.

GSFS: Is Shamone Alvarez calling out Mike Jones?

SA: I am calling out anybody I am calling out Jones, Decarie, Clottey, Delvin, all of these guys! I am not calling them out because I have beef or anything, but I want these guys because I am willing to fight anybody. If Mike Jones is guy they want me to fight that’s fine. Delvin is cool too. I would also love to fight Clottey again since he was the first to beat me. I really want to fight anybody I don’t want to specifically say Mike Jones. It’s also up to Joe and my manager.

GSFS: Most of your fights have been in or around Jersey. Are you willing to travel whether it be to Canada, Las Vegas or wherever?

SA: Yes! I was going to fight (unbeaten) Saul Alvarez but they wanted to do it in Mexico. I will fight him in Vegas or wherever but he is their golden boy. We were scheduled to fight Antonin Decarie before but we had to pull out with a knee injury. I am down for whatever as long as its fair.

GSFS: I believe Saul Alvarez’ next fight will be on the Mayweather-Mosley undercard on May 1 (cutting in).

SA: Yeah I knew (his next fight) was on some big undercard. If we fight in Vegas that is cool with me but if we were to fight in Mexico it would have to be for a lot of money. Once I beat him, I will be in position for a big money fight. So it is about the money, but it also isn’t about the money if you follow.

GSFS: What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?

SA: I am just looking to fight! Joe and I have spoken (about future bouts). It would be nice to have three more fights this year but realistically, as a ten or twelve round fighter, I should get two more bouts. Like Antonio Tarver said, if you keep on winning, they will have to give you a shot!

Tomasz Adamek Training Camp Update!

In preparation for his April 24th fight against Chris Arreola, (28-1, 25 KOs). Tomasz Adamek, (40-1, 27 KO’s), is in Houston, training with Ronnie Shields. Shields, no stranger to making cruiserweights into heavyweight champions, was a key part of the training staff that guided Evander Holyfield to his heavyweight titles.

Shields had this to say about his first weeks of training Tomasz, “I like Tomasz. I am very impressed with his work ethic. When it comes to training Tomasz is determined to give you his all, 100% of the time.” When asked if he could compare Adamek to Holyfield in any way, Shields said the similarity was not in boxing style, but in the way they both like to work hard.

“Right now we are working with mitts, shadow boxing, and heavy bag. I have watched him shadowbox and have learned a lot, now we know what we have to tweak. It’s already working and I am really pleased. Having all these weeks to train will make a big difference.” Shields added “Adamek is a believer of winning fights first in his head, then with his fists. Exactly my way of thinking, my kind of fighter. What Arreola expects and what he will actually get are two very different things. I think we are going to surprise him a lot. If he thinks this is going to be an easy fight he is wrong!”

Adamek spoke highly of Shields, “I like Ronnie, he has become my friend. He’s a quiet man. He is always watching, watching. I can tell he is focused only on me. Everyday he teaches me more. I was used to fighting European style, now I am learning more US style. More movement, more combinations.” Adamek summed it up by saying, “It is very hot in Houston, but I feel coming to training camp with Ronnie was the right choice for me. Each day I feel better, stronger. I feel a difference.”

Shields is laying the groundwork. Roger Bloodworth, who helped train Adamek in his last fight, is currently in camp with David Tua. He will join the Adamek camp after the Tua fight. Shields and Bloodworth have worked together close to 20 years. They have co-trained Eddie Hopson, Andrew Golota, David Tua and Pernell Whitaker. They have set up an intense training schedule with the help of conditioning coach, Brian Caldwell.

Adamek’s former trainer, Andrew Gmitruk, was advised by his doctor to give up training because of a health concern. Adamek spoke of Gmitruk, “I have a long relationship with Andrej. He taught me so much about boxing. I am sad that he had to stop training me, but his health is the most important thing.”

Kathy Duva is ecstatic about the new training team, “We are so pleased to have assembled this incredible team to train Tomasz. I feel this is a winning combination. I am happy to reunite with old friends like Ronnie, Brian and Roger. Each is a top notch professional and all of their records speak for themselves.” Duva added, “Main Events has had a lot of success over the past 25 years with all of three of them. Either working alone or in various combinations, with a number of our fighters, going all the way back to former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield.” Duva said, “I have no doubt that Tomasz will follow in Evander's footsteps to become only the third cruiserweight champion to move up and win the heavyweight crown. This achievement would make him a three time world champion by the way, and the first man ever to achieve a Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Crown Trifecta.”

But first this team will work together to ensure that Adamek will be successful as he entertains the fans in his first HBO appearance. The fight will take place on April 24 when Goossen Tutor Promotions and Main Events in association with Ziggy Promotions present “RING OF FIRE” on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (11:15 PM ET/PT) at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. The scheduled 12-round main event will be for the NABO and IBF Heavyweight International Championship.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Adamek-Arreola Promo!

We found this nice promo put together by a fan for the highly anticipated April 24 match up between Tomasz Adamek and Cris Arreola. Check it out.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Mike Jones-Hector Munoz on Pavlik-Martinez Undercard in AC!

Unbeaten Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, takes on Hector “The Hurricane” Munoz, of Albuquerque, NM, in the fifth defense of his North American Boxing Association (NABA) welterweight title in a scheduled 10-round contest on Saturday evening, April 17, at in the 10,000-seat Boardwalk Hall.

In the scheduled 12-round main event, to be televised by HBO, Kelly Pavlik of Youngstown, OH, defends his WBC/WBO middleweight titles against Sergio Martinez, of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Jones, 26, scored the biggest win of his career Feb. 27 when he earned a unanimous 10-round decision over former world-title challenger Henry Bruseles, of Gurabo, Puerto Rico, in front of a standing-room-only crowd in the Grand Ballroom of Bally’s Atlantic City.

A pro since 2005, Jones is 20-0, 16 K0s. He was ranked No. 8 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 16 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) prior to the win over Bruseles.

Munoz, 31, has a record of 18-2-1, 11 K0s. In his last fight, Munoz was stopped in the 12th round by undefeated top contender (No. 3 WBA, No. 2 WBO) Antonin DeCarie, of Montreal, Canada.

Tickets for this blockbuster card are priced at $50, $100, $200 and $350. They are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (1-800-745-3000). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.xcom and www.Ticketmaster.com.

McDermott-Miller To Battle March 25 for NABC title in North Bergen!

Sources informed GSFS that Jersey City's Danny "Little Mac" McDermott, 8-1-1 (3 KO's), will step up in competition to take on unbeaten Brian Miller March 25 for the NABC Lightweight title in the main event of Pound 4 Pound Promotions "March Badness".

Miller is an unbeaten 7-0-3 with 3 KO's, and has entered enemy territory before. In just his third pro fight, the Schenectady, NY based Miller took on 9 fight veteran Ryan Belasco in Carney's Point, which is near the latter's hometown. In his most recent bout, Miller became the first man to stop rugged New Yorker Jose Guzman. While Miller will likely present problems, McDermott is excited as ever to enter the squared circle.

"I'm ready for this fight with Miller," said McDermott, a veteran of 50+ amateur fights. "He's a tough kid but he's not tougher than me. It’s gonna be a hell of a fight. This is a life and death fight and I’m training that way. I don’t look at this as a sporting event; I look at this fight as if it’s gonna be an all-out street fight."

A local favorite and Arturo Gatti protege, McDermott will be fighting for the first time since stopping Floriano Pagliara in May. The all-action McDermott will fight in an 8 rounder for the first time and is making his fifth consecutive appearance at Schuetzen Park.

A number of other local favorites including Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Farrell, and Chris Green are also slated to appear on the card.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Alvarez Stops Camacho in 7!

On Saturday night, at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presented a thrilling, action-packed night of professional boxing, that had the packed house in attendance asking for more. The five bout card was headlined by Atlantic City's own, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez taking on hard hitting Alexis Camacho.

Alvarez and Camacho wasted no time getting acquainted, as they both came out in the first firing.

In the 2nd, the southpaw Alvarez began finding the range for his left hand, landing two short overhand lefts that rocked Camacho.

As the fight progressed from each round to the next, Alvarez got stronger and stronger. To Camacho's credit, he showed guts, and a very good chin, as he continued to press forward as Alvarez's punches found their mark time and time again.

In the 7th Camacho seemed to be tiring and Alvarez began pouring it on. Just when it looked as though Camacho might be getting back into the fight, landing some vicious punches to the body of Alvarez, a huge straight left hand from Alvarez sent Camacho flat on his back. The referee began his count, but the ringside doctor had seen enough and climbed through the ropes, halting the contest at 1:30 of the 7th round.

It was a very impressive showing for Alvarez as he looks to get himself back into title contention. With the win Alvarez improves to 21-2, 12KO while Camacho drops to 17-3, 16KO.

MADDALONE DOMINATES

In the co-feature bout of the evening, heavyweight fan-favorite, Vinny Maddalone, improved his record to 33-6, 24KO, with a vicious five round beat down of Dominique Alexander (19-8-1, 9KO).

Maddalone came out in the first, stalking Alexander. It was evident that Alexander was going to look to box and stay on the outside against the heavy-handed Maddalone. Maddalone had an answer for that though as he began unleashing thunderous right and lefts to the body of Alexander.

In the third round the body shots began to take their toll and Alexander's movement slowed, allowing Maddalone to pin him against the ropes and bomb away. A big overhand right dropped Alexander just as the third round was coming to an end.

Maddalone continued where he left off in the 4th, dropping Alexander with a barrage of punches midway through the round and again at the end.

In the 5th a huge left hook to the body dropped Alexander for the fourth time, and the referee had seen enough, calling a halt to the contest at 1:09.

Other Results:

Chuck Mussachio W6 Richmond Dalphone

Ismael Garcia W4 Josh Mercado

Joey Dawejko W4 Kimani Cunningham

Friday, March 5, 2010

WEIGHTS FROM AC!

Shamone Alvarez 147.5 vs Alexis Camacho 147.5

Vinny Maddalone 232.5 vs Dominique Alexander 222.5

Chuck Mussachio 172.5 vs Richmond Dalphone 176  

Josh Mercado 149 vs Ismael Garcia 151

 Joey Dawejko 225.5 vs Kimani Cunningham 236

Promoter: Star Boxing

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Danny McDermott Returns to North Bergen on 3/25 in First Title Fight

Lightweight prospect Danny "Little Mac" McDermott will look to add the NABC title to his trophy case when he returns to action on Thursday, March 25 at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen. The fight will be McDermott's first eight-round assignment, headlining Pound for Pound Promotions' "March Badness" card. McDermott's opponent will be announced shortly.

"It's an honor to fight for my first professional championship in front of my hometown fans," said McDermott, 8-1 (3 KO) at the Irish eatery The Quays in Hoboken. "Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of being called 'champion'. This is just a start but I can't look past the task in front of me. 2010 is going to be my breakout year."

The Jersey City native McDermott will make his first ring appearance since knocking out Floriano Pagliara in two rounds last May. Pagliara has since beaten undefeated prospect Antonio Espinosa and went the distance with 13-0 fighter Diego Magdaleno. McDermott's amateur career consisted of 50+ bouts but most of his experience came from sparring with champions Arturo Gatti, Bones Adams and Paul Malignaggi, among others.

"Pound for Pound is glad to be back in Schuetzen Park and proud to have Danny McDermott as a headliner," says promoter John Lynch. "Danny is always an exciting fighter and we expect him to thrill the crowd as usual."

Schuetzen Park, which is gaining a reputation as New Jersey's most popular venue for club shows, is often called "The House that McDermott Built", due in large part to McDermott's five exhilarating wars in the ballroom. The North American Boxing Council belt has been worn by former great Felix Trinidad, as well as Joshua Clottey and Stevie Johnston.

The card will also feature fellow Jersey City native Patrick Farrell, as well as Victor Valenzuela, Steven Martinez, Eilon Kedem, Chris Green and Abe Torres.

Tickets, priced $100, $50 and $35, can be purchased by calling (561) 503-9948. Schuetzen Park is located at 3167 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen, NJ.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Bobby Gunn Takes Aim at Ran Nakash!

By Brandon Estrict

Last week, it was reported here on Gardenstatefightscene.com that the proposed fight between Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn, 21-4-1 (18), and Nigerian cruiserweight Bash Ali, 66-14 (46), has been scrapped. The fight, which would’ve taken place February 27 in Africa, was a bit unusual from the start.

For starters Ali has not fought in nearly six years, and would be 54 by the time the opening bell dings. Fifty-four years old; that isn’t a typo! Gunn, who took the fight based on the financial reward and the opportunity to visit Africa, was aware that things were in limbo. More than two weeks ago, politics came into play as the powers that be in Nigeria placed a hold on the fighter purses for the bout. As of last Saturday, Gunn was informed that the Nigerian government did not intend to lift that hold. Ultimately, the fight was off.

The cancellation of that fight may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Where one door was slammed shut, another may be creaking its way open. Recently, rumors have surfaced about a possible matchup of Gunn and undefeated Israeli cruiserweight prospect Ran Nakash, 22-0 (16), who regularly fights in Philadelphia. That bout could take place early as April in Atlantic City.

Gunn, who fights out of Hackensack, would enjoy the home court advantage if everything works out as expected. Although his last fight took place in Newark, he didn’t quite have the support of the hometown crowd. Not going into the fight at least. That was last summer when he took on then IBF/Ring Magazine Cruiserweight Champion and North Jersey's adopted son, Tomasz Adamek, whose Polish fans turned out in droves to fill the Prudential Center to near capacity.

Adamek went on to score a fourth-round TKO victory, but many ringside observers felt the fight was stopped prematurely. Gunn was overmatched, but he took Adamek’s best shots without flinching and continued to fight. Much like Paul Malignaggi’s decision defeat at the hands of Miguel Cotto four years ago, Gunn turned in a signature performance in a losing effort while winning over the hearts of many in attendance.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Bobby, who is ready for whatever comes next.

BE: Bobby, always a pleasure. In the wake of this Bash Ali thing, it looks like an even better opportunity has come knocking. What’s the latest?

Bobby Gunn: Well Brandon, I wanted to see Africa more than anything, it’s a beautiful place! But we didn’t want to be out there driving around for 24 hours not sure if I’m going to get my purse though. It ended up that it didn’t clear (his purse for the fight) so that was it.

BE: And what’s going on with Ran Nakash?

Gunn: We got offered to fight Ran Nakash a little while ago and we said we’d take it. They’re working out all the details now, I believe. He’s 22-0 (16) but he never fought nobody like me, Brandon! You know if I fought a guy like Adamek who’s known for putting guys then what’s Ran Nakash going to do to me? Adamek, all due respect to him, is a great fighter and a destroyer but he hit me with everything and couldn’t put me on my ass. I’m not worried about Ran Nakash.

BE: Back to Adamek for a moment, what do you think of him fighting Chris Arreola?

Gunn: I don’t know, Brandon, but it’s going to be a great fight and I wish him so much luck and nothing but good things in life. Adamek is a great champion. I was upset that our fight ended how it did but it isn’t his fault. I’m just saying, and this was on the very same day that the great Arturo Gatti passed away, if you would’ve stopped Gatti’s fights because of cuts or punishment, then we never would’ve got the chance to see how special he was. In our fight, there were no knockdowns and the cut the doctor stopped it on only needed one stitch afterward! The better man won that night, I’m just saying as a warrior, as a gladiator, let me go out on my shield you know?

BE: Absolutely, a fighter at heart should be afforded that opportunity unless the situation is extreme. Wrapping up Bobby, what’s your prediction for Ran Nakash?

Gunn: Brandon, I’ll knock him out in five rounds! He hasn’t fought anyone like me. I’m the gatekeeper here so in reality he won’t beat anyone if he can’t beat me. And he won’t. I would just be over the moon to get that fight, or maybe work something else out with Bash Ali. Neither of those guys goes five rounds with me. No matter what anyone says about me without seeing me, I’ve done it the hard way and I fought for the real Cruiserweight championship of the world against the number one guy. That’s something that can never be taken away.

BE: Thanks for the time, Bobby. Always great talking to you and I wish you the best of luck.

Gunn: Hey, thanks a lot brother. Hopefully we’ll get this fight and we can talk again soon!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

NEW JERSEY POUND FOR POUND LIST!

GSFS is happy to present our inaugural pound for pound list, which will be updated on a regular basis. Unlike regular P4P lists, this one was a bit tricky, as many fighters are at different stages. In compiling the list, we factored resume with potential and what each fighter has left. Without further ado, here is who we think are New Jersey’s best.

1. Tomasz Adamek Heavyweight Secaucus: Adamek, easily Jersey’s best fighter, has impressed thus far since vacating his IBF/Ring Magazine Cruiserweight titles to move up in weight. The beloved Pole most recently took a competitive decision over 2004 US Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, where he was hit a few more times than one would have liked.

Next up is an April 24 HBO showdown with heavyweight contender Cris Arreola in Arreola’s home state of California. This is fight fan’s dream, thus had been discussed within boxing circles in recent months since both men like to mix it up and have tremendous chins. Outside of a matchup with WBA champion David Haye, is there anything better that we could have asked for?

NEXT FIGHT: April 24 vs Arreola

2. Carlos Tamara Junior Flyweight North Bergen: Tamara went from a virtual unknown to one of the most talked about fighters locally after his stunning 12th round TKO over IBF Junior Flyweight champion Brian Viloria in the Philippines. Viloria, a Filipino-American, was up on points early, but Tamara rallied back late to end the fight in devastating fashion, giving him one of the best wins by a local fighter in years.

The 2004 Colombian Olympian was chasing a fight with WBO champion Ivan Calderon, but reports indicate Calderon has a fight lined up against another opponent in May.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

3. Kendall Holt Junior Welterweight Paterson: Holt was shockingly stopped after six rounds by unknown South African Kaizer Mabuza last Saturday in Atlantic City. Holt was expected to win the fight – an IBF 140 lb eliminator – en route to taking on the winner of this weekend’s Juan Urango-Devon Alexander fight, but this wasn’t the case. Holt had a good opening round but after that, it went all down hill.

Mabuza took the fight over and Holt’s corner stopped the fight following the sixth. With back to back losses, especially considering how he lost to Mabuza, Holt has a tough road back. With that said if he can refocus himself and get back to the Kendall Holt who beat Demetrius Hopkins, he can still be a major player at 140 lbs.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

4. Pawel Wolak Junior Middleweight North Arlington: The rapidly improving Wolak impressed in a virtual shut out victory January 23 at Madison Square Garden over once beaten Ishmail Arvin. Wolak’s defensive adjustments make him a potential player in the 154 lb division with another win or two. Since his last two fights have been on Top Rank’s most recent cards at MSG, expect him to return on the Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman undercard.

NEXT FIGHT: June 5?

5. Mike Arnaoutis Junior Welterweight/Welterweight Atlantic City: Arnaoutis dropped a debatable split decision to Tim Coleman December 3 in New York City. The bout wasn’t pretty, but Arnaoutis appeared to do enough to warrant a close decision. Unfortunately, two of the judges didn’t think so. Arnaoutis, who has struggled to make 140 lbs recently, is taking a risk by moving up to 147 lbs to challenge contender Delvin Rodriguez April 2 on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights. In addition to taking a tough fight in a new weight class, Arnaoutis is fighting at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, where Rodriguez is a fan favorite. The cards are really stacked against him in this one.

NEXT FIGHT: April 2 vs Rodriguez

6. Shaun George Light Heavyweight Wayne: George is yet another local fighter who suffered a devastating loss last time out when he was stopped on July 10 by fellow 175 lb contender Chris Henry. George got off to a strong start but faded after the second round en rout to being viciously in round six. After some time off, George is reportedly back in the gym and close to signing with a new promoter. The talent is definitely there with George and at age 30, he can get right back into contention with a few notable wins.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

7. Shamone Alvarez Welterweight Atlantic City: Alvarez fell just short last March against the aforementioned Rodriguez, dropping a split decision in an entertaining fight. The volume punching Alvarez also lost a decision to Joshua Clottey a few years back, which has caused some to question if he can truly hang with a top welterweight. He returns to the ring Saturday night in AC against hard hitting Alexis Camacho. A loss would likely destroy his career while a victory can help push him towards a minor title fight.

NEXT FIGHT: March 6 vs Camacho

8. Prince Badi Ajamu Light Heavyweight Camden: Ajamu was scheduled to face fringe contender Daniel Judah November 20, but surprisingly missed weight by 10 lbs, canning the fight altogether. Since then, he has been on a hiatus and his next move is unknown. Whether he fights on at cruiserweight (which appears likely since he is 38) or light heavy, he will be a handful for any contender/up and comer.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

9. Jeremy Bryan Junior Welterweight Paterson: If this list was purely on potential, Bryan would easily be number one. He is a good boxer and has shown the ability to apply pressure as well. In his most recent bout, Bryan demolished Darren Fallen, decking the experienced veteran three times en route to a second round TKO.

Bryan is scheduled to return April 17 in AC as pat of the Kelly Pavlik-Sergio Martinez undercard and is definitely ready for a step up in competition. If he is victorious on the 17th, hopefully we can see him on an ESPN, ShoBox or Top Rank Live (who have a good relationship with Bryan’s promoter Pat Lynch) card in the near future.

NEXT FIGHT: April 17 vs TBA

10. Vivian Harris Junior Welterweight Carlstadt: Once upon a time Vivian Harris was the WBA champion and the most avoided man in the 140 lb division. Unfortunately for Harris, it seems all too long ago. Harris’ skills have greatly diminished and he honestly hasn’t been the same since getting viciously knocked out by Junior Witter in 07’. Since then, Harris had to come off the canvas twice to beat journeyman Octavio Narvaez, battled to a scary no contest with Noe Bolanos and was controversially stopped by unbeaten power puncher Lucas Matthysse on February 20.

Harris had a few good moments against Matthysse, but it’s clear he isn’t what he once was. Due to the controversial stoppage (the referee strangely halted the bout after Harris was buzzed by a single punch) a rematch appears in place for April 2 on ShoBox. His resume can get him a notable fight if he wins the rematch, but a loss would all but likely end his career.

NEXT FIGHT: April 2 vs Matthysse?

Honorable Mention:

Jorge Diaz Featherweight New Brunswick: Outside of Adamek, Diaz is the most entertaining fighter in Jersey. He returns March 20 against unbeaten Alejandro Lopez on a Top Rank Live card from Florida. His October 2009 knockout over Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy was one of the best in recent memory.

Francisco Contreras Junior Welterweight Irvington: Contreras made a major statement in his National TV debut February 5, blowing away Juan Castaneda inside of one round on ShoBox. The cement fisted Contreras has been kept busy by promoter TKO Boxing. Hope to see more of him soon.

Bobby Gunn Cruiserweight Rochelle Park: Gunn captured the hearts of local fight fans with his gutsy performance against Tomasz Adamek on July 11. Gunn’s chin and willingness to mix it up with Adamek earned him more respect than all of his wins put together. Gunn recently notified us that he is targeting a showdown with unbeaten Ran Nakash and hopes the bout will take place in AC.

Patrick Majewski Middleweight Atlantic City: Majewski, an all action Pole, has solid wins over Latif Mundy and Jimmy Lubash. Like Adamek, his willingness to mix it up makes him worth the price of admission.

Jerson Ravelo Super Middleweight Newark: Talent wise, Ravelo is as good as anybody in Jersey, but many have questioned his ability to beat a top fighter (three of his four losses came to world champion Andre Ward along with contenders David Lopez and Allan Green) and how much he has left in the tank due to injuries. A self proclaimed refocused fighter, Ravelo hopes to surprise his harshest critics and show why he was a highly touted prospect coming out of the 2000 Olympics.

Triple Main Event March 26 in Hamilton!

On Friday night, March 26th a big night of boxing will commence from beautiful Hamilton Manor in Hamilton, New Jersey as Nedal Promotions LLC will showcase former four-time Super Middleweight world title challenger Omar Sheika, Cast member of the Contender Ahmed “Baby Face” Kaddour and perennial Welterweight contender Terrance “The Heat” Cauthen in separate co-features that will headline the eight bout card.

In one co-feature, Sheika of nearby Paterson will battle rugged vet, Jose “Macho” Medina in a eight round Light Heavyweight bout.

Sheika has a record of 28-9 with nineteen knockouts and is looking for one more big run as he is now campaigning in the Light Heavyweight division.

The thirty-three year old Sheika won his first fourteen bouts as he became a fan favorite by appearing on many nationally televised shows. After suffering his first loss, Sheika racked up six impressive wins in a row that included victories over two world champions in Simon Brown and Glen Johnson. Those wins catapulted Sheika into his first world title bout where he was stopped in five by the legendary Joe Calzaghe.

After the Calzaghe fight, Sheika went 3-1 and earned a shot at WBC champion Eric Lucas. Sheika dropped the unanimous decision and then went on two lose his two successive bouts.

Sheika went on a three fight winning streak to set up a shot at IBF champion Jeff Lacy. Sheika fought very well before dropping the unanimous decision (Sheika lost by just two points on two cards). That fight earned a trip to Germany and a fight with WBC Markus Beyer.

One again, Sheika came up just short and dropped a very close unanimous decision.

Since that fight, Sheika has gone 2-1 with the lone defeating being a stoppage loss to the great Roy Jones Jr. In his last bout, Sheika stopped Theo Kruger in eight rounds on Septermber 23rd in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Medina of Philadelphia has a very deceiving record of 15-17 with eleven knockouts.

Medina won his first nine fights, including eight by knockout.

After dropping back to back fights to Tybius Flowers and Nurhan Suleyman, Medina scored two more wins.

Medina started upping his level of competition and his wins became fewer and further in between.

Medina has lost to fighters such as Shamone Alvarez (10-0); Roberto Garcia (17-2); Perennial Middleweight contender David Lopez (29-12); Rasheem Brown (17-3); Marcus Johnson (13-0); Julio Garcia (40-3); Anthony Dirrell (14-0); Adam Hubinger (12-0); Isaac Rodriguez (13-0); Tyrone Brunson (20-0-1) and his last bout to Dyah Davis (16-1) on January 16th in Macon, GA.

In the second co-feature, former star of The Contender Season 1, Ahmed “Baby Face” Kaddour will battle underappreciated Jerome Ellis in a Jr. Middleweight bout scheduled for eight founds..

Kaddour is of Lebanese decent and spent time in Demark, Houston and has been training in New Jersey for this fight and he will bring in a record of 21-2 with nine knockouts.

Kaddour very quietly built up a record of 18-0 with nine knockouts before being picked for the Inaugural season of The Contender.

On the show, Kaddour showed an outgoing personality and quickly gained fans worldwide.

Unfortunately, Kaddour dropped his only fight on the show when he lost a unanimous decision to Ishe Smith (13-0). Kaddour came back on the show and dropped a five round unanimous decision to future Welterweight title challenger Alfonso Gomez (11-2-1).

Since the show, Kaddour’s career has been littered with inactivity as he has only fought four times in almost six years.

Kaddour won a eight round unanimous decision over Maxell Taylor (12-1) as part of the popular SHOBox series.

After a fourteen month layoff, Kaddour fought to a disputed draw with Jesus Valverde and just two months later he took an eight round split decision in the rematch.

Then after almost a three year break, Kaddour came back scored six round unanimous decision to Mike Ermis (6-7-2) last September 12th in Denmark.

Kadoour will be taking on the tough Jerome Ellis.

Ellis has a record of 12-10-2 with ten knockouts and like Medina, he has fought some very tough competition.

Ellis won his first five fights (including a split decision over Ed Peredes, who is now 24-3). Ellis then dropped two in a row which included a unanimous decision to then 14-2 Said Ouali.

After a 2-0-1 stretch, the native of Coconut Creek, FL lost to then hot prospect Anthiny Thompson (17-1) by unanimous decision. Ellis then scored an eighth round stoppage over Kevin Cagle (16-1) before dropping a six round unanimous decision to Irving Garcia (10-2).

Ellis scored three straight wins including upset stoppages over Felix Cepeda (7-0) and Neil Sinclair (28-4).

Ellis stepped up the competition as he has gone 1-6-1 in his last eight with some of those losses being to Future Middleweight title challenger Billy Lyell, Future Welterweight title challenger Miguel Angel Rodriguez (28-2); then undefeated prospect Henry Crawford (18-0-1); Hot welterweight prospect Antowne Smith (12-0-1). Ellis has a draw with welterweight contender Richard Gutierrez (24-2.) in Ellis last outing, he was stopped by hot prospect Shawn Porter (10-0) in four rounds on November 21st in Tunica, Mississippi

In the third eight round co-feature, Terrance “The Heat” Cauthen of nearby Trenton will battle Isam Khalil of Sweden.

Cauthen is a former U.S Olympian who has had a solid career fighting some of the better welterweights in the world and sports a record of 33-6 with nine knockouts.

Cauthen, a fourteen year pro started his career by winning fourteen consecutive bouts before being stopped by Teddy Reid on August 6th, 1999.

That did not deter Cauthen as he then went on to reel off eleven more victories to push his record to an impressive 25-1.

Cauthen then stepped it up and dropped two in a row including losing a decision to pound for pound resident Paul Williams.

Cauthen then went 6-0-1 including win over former U.S. Olympian Dante Craig.

He has gone 1-3 in his last four bouts as he has been in with Sechew Powell (21-1); Cauthen then defeated undefeated Alexis Camacho (16-0); but losses to Shamone Alvarez (19-1) and his most recent fight, which he was stopped by undefeated Canadian Antonin DeCarie (21-0) last October 3rd in Montreal.

This will be a huge step up for Khalil, who has an impressive record of 15-1-2 with nine knockouts.

He was undefeated in his first fifteen fights (13-0-2) until he was stopped in four rounds by rugged Doel Carrasquillo.

Since then, Khalil has won two in a row including a four round unanimous decision over Serjejs Savrinovics on March 27th, 2008 in Sweden.

This will be Khalil’s fourth fight in America after fighting in Sweden, England, Hungary, Germany, Finland and Spain.

That is not all the action scheduled for the card an exciting undercard has been put together which includes:

Alando Swain will make his pro debut in a four round Super Middleweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Billy Salser (3-0, 2 KO’s) battles Joe Njau (0-3) in a four round Light Heavyweight bout.

Marcus Smith (0-1) takes on Rami Ibraham (2-8-1) in a Lightweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

The big boys will get it on as Tomas Cabrera (1-2, 1 KO) and Bryant Jennings (1-0) will fight in a Heavyweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased are priced at $125 (VIP with Dinner); $80 (Ringside) and $50 (General Admission) and can be purchased by calling The Hamilton Manner (609-581-6782); Nedals Inc. (609-396-3005); Kaars Inc (609-396-3000); and Nedal (609-227-6959)

First bout is 7:30 with doors opening at 6:30

The card will be broadcast on www.gofightlive.tv

The Hamilton Manner is located on 30 Route 156 off of Rout 130 in Hamilton.