"Prince" Badi Ajamu - The Boxing Prince Isn't Done Yet!

By Ken Hissner

There are quite a few boxers almost hitting 40 and some beyond that hoping for that “George Foreman” jackpot! One thing different about Prince Badi Amaju is that he didn’t start boxing professionally until 12 days shy of 29 and is always in tip top shape whether he has a fight or not. In 8 ½ years he has had 31 fights and the big one with Roy Jones, Jr. in July of 2006 was the one opportunity that “got away”!

The Prince from Camden can be seen at most of the fights whether in Atlantic City or Philly and he is quiet and keeps to himself waiting for that one more opportunity. This writer if my memory serves me right only saw The Prince once and that was in his last fight in July of 2009 when he defeated DeAndrey Abron, 15-5, out of Youngstown, OH. He had a very unusual style that kind of reminded one of “the old days”! He won 10 out of the 12 rounds on the scorecard of Steve Weisfeld which means he won big!

“The first man that ever taught me how to fight was James Forchion. He owns a barber shop on Marlton Pike, in Camden, NJ. I later had a Camden police officer train me. He took me to Philadelphia’s Bozy Ennis who trained me for the National Golden Gloves, Diamond Belt, US Everlast, and the Eastern Olympic Trial qualifiers. My amateur record was 33-3 with 20 KO’s,” said Amaju.

“I got him late in the amateurs. He came over with a Camden police officer and asked me to train him. He can fight. I trained him for his first 14 professional fights of which he won all of them. He’s really a nice person and was very coachable,” said Bozy Ennis.

Back to the professionals the Abron fight was his first fight since he defeated Craig Cummings, 53-6-1, for the vacant World Boxing Foundation and the NBA light heavyweight title at the Knox Arena, in Olive Branch, MS. It was a long ride for 2 rounds of boxing but sometimes its better when it turns out that way. Cumming’s retired at the end of the second round. That was in January of 2007.

Before that The Prince put his WBO NABO title on the line against Jones. They ended up in Qwest Arena, Boise, ID, in July of 2006. It seemed like the time to take on the former pound-for-pound best since he was coming of 3 consecutive losses. The 6 fight win streak of the Prince’s was stopped.

The Prince has collected his share of minor titles starting back in August of 2003. After losing for the first time after compiling a 15-0-1 record he went into his opponent’s back yard in Detroit losing to Rico Hoye, 12-0, for the vacant IBA Continental title over 12 rounds.

Next The Prince would win his first title defeating Mike Alvarez, 9-3-2, for the USA Pennsylvania State title stopping his opponent in 6 rounds. He followed up in his next fight winning the vacant International Boxing Council Inter-Continental title stopping Sam Hill, 15-4-1, at the legendary Blue Horizon. This is the same Hill who defeated Gold Medal and world champion David Reid.

After back to back stoppages of Ray Berry, 19-12-2, in Philly and AC, The Prince traveled to Quebec City in Canada and lost to Otis Grant, 32-2-1, by a majority decision. Need I say more? Next he won by a majority decision at the Blue Horizon over veteran Derrick Whitley, 22-21-2, who was never stopped in his career.

Fred Moore, 29-2, was The Prince’s next victim in Tampa, FL, stopping Moore in the 10th and final round. In Moore’s next fight he won the NBA title at that time in July of 2004. The WBC Continental Americas vacant title was up for grabs next in December as The Prince defeated Greg Wright, 21-11-2, which would be Wrights last fight. This bout was in Kissimmee, FL.

It would be 10 months before The Prince defended that title halting Orlando Rivera, 15-3-2, who won 6 of his last 7 fights. Just 2 months later in December he won the vacant WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) title defeating Thomas Reid, 34-16-1, in St/ Petersburg, FL.

In a Continental defense and for the vacant WBO NABO title The Prince defeated Galen Brown, 22-3-1, in Atlantic City, NJ, where he hadn’t fought in 4 years. He stopped Brown in the 10th of a scheduled 12 round bout. It would be 6 months later when he would face Jones.

It all started in January of 2001 at the Blue Horizon when The Prince stopped Lavarius Thompson, 2-3, in the 2nd round. In his next 13 fights he would fight several boxers more than once such as Robert Marsh, Roderick Knox and Alton Rice. It wasn’t until April of 2002 that he didn’t win his fight when he fought to a draw with Anthony Bonsante, 20-3-2, at Dover Downs, in DE, over 8 rounds. Bonsante you may remember as one of the “Contender” show’s participants.

The Prince had 10 fights his first year in 2001. Things didn’t slow down until 2005 when he only fought twice. In 2002, 2003 and 2004 he had 5 fights each year. He has never lost in his home state of NJ in 8 fights or in PA, where he fought 13 times. As far as trainers in his corner they are Denny Brown and recently added Buddy McGirt.

What the Prince needs is one more opportunity. Chuckie “The Professor” Mussachio is the World Boxing Foundation United States Champion at 17-1 (5) from Wildwood, NJ. This is the title that the Prince won back in 2007 and defended in his last fight in 2009. This would be a possible match-up for that title plus the New Jersey State title. Dee Lee Promotions has promoted both fighters.

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Charles steps in to face Green!

According to Trainer Rich Stoltenborg, Chris "Smooth Operator" Green of Asbury Park will now face surging Atlantic City native Osnel Charles Saturday night at Bally's in AC.

A winner of six straight Charles, 7-2, most recently outpointed local favorite Danny McDermott in Newark. Prior to that, he also defeated two opponent's in their hometowns, beating both Victor Vasquez and Zachary Smith on points.

Green, 4-1 (2 KO's), will look to win his second straight bout since suffering a setback last June against highly regarded Yaundale Evans in Miami.

Green and Charles will do battle over six rounds.

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Bally's Fight Card Preview!

By John Wall

This Saturday after a long cold winter, the heat is on at Bally’s in Atlantic City when super middleweight prospects clash in the main event of a Pound for Pound Promotions eight bout professional card. Philadelphia’s Farah Ennis puts his unblemished record (17-0 11 KOs) on the line against the also unbeaten Oxon Hill, Maryland resident Alexander Johnson (10-0 4KOs) in a ten round contest.

This should be a serious test for Johnson making his Garden State debut after a standout amateur career. For the well traveled Ennis he looks to add to the momentum following his last bout at Harrah’s in Atlantic City when he TKO’ed Victor Lares for the NABF belt.

In the heavyweight co-feature the heavy handed Amir Mansour (12-0 9KOs) of Wilmington, Delaware will try for his lucky thirteenth win against Laredo, Texas native Hector Ferreyro (21-9 6KOs).

The other heavyweight fight of the evening will be a western shoot out when Los Angeles, CA’s Damian Wills (29-2-1 22KOs) steps in against durable Las Cruces, New Mexico resident Arron Lyons 12-9-1 9 KOs).

Also featured will be favorite son of Bayonne the city that put the “Garden “ in the Garden State Bobby Rooney (11-3-1 6 KOs) in his first bout 2009 when he squares off against Walter Foster (4-3-1 4 KOs) of Berkley, Missouri.

Locals Victor “The Viper” Valenzuela (8-1 1KO) of Passaic, Chris “Greetings from Asbury Park” Green (4-2 1KO) and popular junior middleweight Thomas LaManna (1-0), a senior at Millville HS, round off what should be a top night of boxing.

This writer will be on hand to cover all of the action from ringside so make sure to stay tuned for an in depth report from all of the action that transpires!

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Jorge Diaz discusses aftermath of Kennedy bout!

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Cruz-Guzman added to April 23 card in AC!

Welterweights Ronald Cruz and Manuel Guzman, who live and train within forty miles of each other in Pennsylvania, will take their in-state rivalry to New Jersey when they meet in an eight-round contest Saturday evening, April 23, in the Palladium Ballroom at Caesars Atlantic City.

The Cruz-Guzman fight will serve as the semifinal to the scheduled 12-round main event which features Omar Sheika, of Paterson against Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, for the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) cruiserweight title. The first of seven fights begins at 7.30 p.m. in the 1,450-seat ballroom, the first time it has been used for boxing.

Cruz, 24, of Bethlehem, PA, is coming off a pair of strong performances. He knocked out Jeremy Bryan, of Paterson, NJ, last Oct. 30 at Bally’s Atlantic City, then followed with a third-round K0 over Dillet Frederick, of Fort Myers, FL, on Feb. 26 in the same ring.

A pro less than 28 months, Cruz is 11-0, 8 K0s.

Guzman, 28, of Lancaster, PA, comes into this fight having lost an eight-round decision to former U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali last Dec. 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Ali is unbeaten in 11 pro fights himself.

Prior to that, Guzman got off the floor in the first round and knocked out Ardrick Butler, of Philadelphia, PA, in two rounds July 9, 2010, at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall.

A pro since 2006, Guzman is 7-10-2, 3 K0s. He has never been stopped and was the first boxer to beat then-undefeated Tommy Rainone, of New York, in 2008.

Five additional fights complete the card.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-736-1420). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.

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Bobby Rooney - and Beetlejuice - Ready for Battle on April 2 at Bally's Atlantic City!

ATLANTIC CITY (March 30, 2011) - When Bayonne, NJ's favorite son Bobby Rooney Jr. returns to the ring for the first time in nearly two years against Walter Foster in a light-heavyweight bout this Saturday, April 2 at Bally's Atlantic City, the loudest voice among his sizable cheering section will come from the smallest person.

Lester Green, better known to audiences as Beetlejuice, has been Rooney's biggest supporter since he turned professional in 2003.

"Beetle is an adviser to some degree, as well as a motivator," said the 11-3-1 (6 KO) Rooney, who also works as Beetle's manager. "When someones calling you a dirtbag while you're doing your running, it has to get you pumped."

"He's my brother and I help him whenever I can," said Beetlejuice, who has risen to cult stardom through his appearances on the Howard Stern Show. "I want to be there with all the success. I'm 100% right behind him."

Rooney's bout with the 32-year-old Foster, 4-3-1 (4 KO), of Berkeley, Missouri is scheduled for six rounds and will be part of the Pound for Pound Promotions event headlined by undefeated NABF super middleweight champ Farah Ennis (17-0, 11 KO) of Philadelphia facing Alexander Johnson (10-0, 4 KO) of Oxon Hill, MD.

Rooney and Beetlejuice have been close friends ever since Rooney's late brother Sean discovered Beetlejuice in a Jersey City bar and brought him to the attention of Howard Stern.

Together, Rooney and Beetle travel the country making appearances, which recently included Miami to film a movie called Girls Gone Dead, which starred Ron Jeremy and Jerry "The King" Lawler.

Rooney feels that his closest ally gives him an edge on fight night.

"I think it intimidates my opponents when they see him walking me to the ring," said Rooney. "I know I'd be intimidated if I had someone fighting me with Beetlejuice walking him to the ring.

"He steals the spotlight from me, but it takes some of the pressure off of me, too."

Aside from his own career, Rooney continues the tradition set by his father as he now runs the Bayonne Police Athletic League Gym where he originally started boxing. After Rooney Sr. retired from the gym in 2006, Rooney Jr. took over and the gym won back-to-back New Jersey Golden Gloves team championships in 2009 and 2010.

Rooney hopes to win a third consecutive team championship this year, having entered five boxers in this year's tournament with all five making it to the finals, which are set for the middle of April.

"People always ask me if this is my final fight, but if I come out and say that then I might as well retire today," said Rooney. "I still feel great because I'm not a drinker, never been into cigarettes or drugs. I don't feel my age at all."

The heavyweights will also be in the spotlight, as Damian Wills (29-2-1, 22 KO) of Los Angeles, CA faces Arron Lyons (12-9-1, 9 KO) of Las Cruces, NM and Amir Mansour (12-0, 9 KO) of Wilmington, DE faces “Hurricane” Hector Ferreyro (21-9-2, 12 KO) of Laredo, TX. Both matches are scheduled for eight rounds.

Former three time Daily News Golden Gloves champ and National Golden Gloves champ Steven Martinez (8-0, 7 KO) will also be in action in a four-round junior middleweight matchup against an opponent to be named later.

The rest of the card will be comprised of top young talent including bantamweight Victor “The Viper” Valenzuela (8-1,1 KO) of Passaic, NJ; lightweight Chris Green (4-2, 1 KO) of Asbury Park, NJ; junior-middleweight Thomas Lamanna (1-0, 1 KO); and light-heavyweight “The Bull” Anthony Caputo-Smith (9-0, 7 KO) of Kennett Square, PA.

Tickets, priced at $75 and $50, can be purchased at the Bally's Atlantic City Box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, calling Pound for Pound Promotions at 201-223-0155 or online at ticketmaster.com.


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Teon Kennedy Speaks on victory over Diaz!

http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Human:380836

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Gamboa demolishes Solis, Garcia Stops Garcia and Kennedy tops Diaz in AC!

By Matt Yanofsky and Eugene Sirota (Ringside)

Yuriorkis "El Ciclon de Guantanamo" Gamboa kept his featherweight title with a sensational fourth round knockout of Jorge Solis. Gamboa decked Solis a total of five times and finished the show with a blazing combination, forcing Referee David Fields to stop mercifully stop the bout at 1:31 of the fourth round.

Time of stoppage was 1:31 of round 4.

Gamboa, of Miami, FL by way of Cuba, is a perfect 20-0 with 16 KO's. Solis, a former interim titlist at 130 lbs, slips to 40-3-2 with 29 wins by way of knockout.

In the co-feature, Oxnard CA's Mikey Garica maintained his perfect record by knocking out previously unbeaten Matt Remillard of Manchester, CT. Garica was much busier throughout the fight, as he scored three knockdowns en route to a TKO at the conclusion of the tenth.

Garcia improves to 25-0 (21 KO's), as the once promising and gutsy Remillard falls to 23-1 with 13 KO's.

In a sensational action fight that did not have a dull moment, Teon "The Technician" Kennedy retained his USBA super bantamweight title via twelve round unanimous decision. Both men landed a massive amount of clean head shots in the early rounds, with Diaz working in lose quarters and Kennedy doing damage from the outside en route to scoring a flash knockdown in the third.

In the sixth,Kennedy scored a vicious knockdown and Diaz was seconds away from being stopped until he was saved by the bell. Diaz, a New Brunswick native, showed tremendous heart and battled back into the fight when the going got tough, but Kennedy's two aforementioned earned him a victory in a fight of the year candidate.

Scores were a far too wide 118-109, 117-109 and 115-111.

Kennedy, of Philadelphia, improves to 17-0-1 (7 KO's). Diaz loses for the first time and is now 15-1 with 9 knockouts.

Former Division 1 All-American and current NFL defensive back Tommy Zbikowski struggled to a four round unanimous decision victory over tougher than advertised Caleb Grummett. Zbikowski, who previously scored two first round knockouts, displayed excellent body work in the opening two rounds before showing signs of fatigue. Grummett pushed the fight in the third, but was deducted a point for repeated low blows. Both men were tired in the final round, with Grummett again controlling most of the action inside of the ring.

Scores were 39-36 twice and 38-37.

"This was definitely a wake up call for Tommy," said new trainer Emmanuel Steward. "(Grummett) was (biggr and stronger) than we all expected and this is the difference between football and boxing."

Zbikowski of Arlington Heights, MI, is now 3-0 with 2 KO's. Grummett, an MMA veteran, heads back home to Grand Rapids, MI with a 0-1-1 record.

Scores were 38-37 and 39-36 twice.

Fighting for the first time since enduring a serious jaw injury, Passaic's Glen Tapia scored an impressive six round unanimous decision over game Newark native Eberto Medina. After rocking Medina in the second, Tapia scored a knockdown on his off balance foe with a straight left in the very next stanza. In the fourth, Medina came on strong, pushing Tapia around the ring. Medina was the aggressor again in the fifth as he stalked Tapia, landing several clean combos. Tapia, sensing he ahead on the cards, kept his distance in the final round as he coasted to victory.

Scores were 60-52, 59-53 and 59-94.

"I realize I couldn't fight like that anymore," Tapia said of his decision to take his time more than usual. "This is something we worked on in camp and I kept my composure (throughout the bout)."

Tapia, a fan favorite and rapidly improving junior middleweight, improves 9-0 with 5 KO's. Medina falls to 5-6 with 1 KO.

Former top rated amateur and super bantamweight prospect Miguel Cartejena of Philadelphia, PA won a four round shut out decision over game Omar Gonzales. Cartajena was the far more skilled fighter of the two, but Gonzales hung in tough and finished the bout on his feet.

Cartejena is now 1-0. Gonzales returns to San Antonio, TX at 2-6.

In the opening bout of the evening at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in AC, featherweight Camilo Perez stopped overmatched Desi Williams after the first round. Perez, 2-0, of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, scored two knockdowns in the opening three minutes, forcing Williams' corner to halt the bout.

Williams returns to Durham, NC at 0-2.

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Ellison Helps "Sharp Shooter" Sharpen His Skills For Upcoming HBO Bout

Newark native Wanzell Ellison recently finished serving as a chief sparring partner for unbeaten featherweight contender Matt "Sharp Shooter" Remillard in liue of his bout with fellow undefeated rising star Mikey Garcia, which takes place next Saturday in AC.

Remillard, who recently hired Mikey "Red" Skowronski as his trainer, brought Ellison into his training camp at the Passaic Police Athletic League for three weeks.

"The sparring was intense," said Ellison, a former amateur star. "People in the gym were amazed with the sparring and we were both working hard so I could get him ready for his fight."

Ellison reportedly sparred sixty rounds with Remillard and feels that the Connecticut native is ready to shine.

"I am confident that he will win based off of how hard he worked in the gym. People tell me Garcia throws a lot of punches but the way I saw Matt work in the gym I know he'll be ready!"

According to Ellison, his next bout may take place April 2 in AC.

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Eriksson to battle Smith April 2;Lamanna Returns!

Dover light heavyweight Todd Eriksson informed GSFS that he'll battle undefeated Anthony "The Bull" Smith Saturday, April 2 at Bally's in AC. Eriksson, 2-5-1 (1 KO), spent much of his career fighting on his opponents' turf. Two of his defeats came in AC against Garden State residents Isiah Seldon and Troy Maxwell.

Dubbed as "The Bull", Smith is a perfect 8-0 with 6 KO's as a professional. The Kennett Square, PA native has a bout scheduled for Friday in Deleware and most recently scored a first round stoppage last December.

Eriksson and Smith are slated to duke it out over six rounds.

Millville High School Senior Thomas "Corlflake" Lamanna, 1-0 (1 KO) is slated to face debuting Heath Kline March 18 at Harrah's Casino in Chester, PA in a four round junior middleweight bout.

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Mariusz Watches Haggler Tumble; Charles Outpoints McDermott in Newark

Heavyweight Mariusz Wach of North Bergen remained unbeaten following a sluggish third round stoppage over Jonathan Haggler Saturday evening at Essex County College in Newark.

Typically when a 23-0 fighter headlines, the prospects of a notable fight could is on the horizon, but Wach is clearly a work in progress. In the first two rounds, little action took place, as Haggler threw wild shots while Wach struggled to get his hands moving on a consistent basis. A few ringsiders noted that neither fighter truly won either of the two stanzas in a tough to watch affair between the big men. Thankfully, that all changed shortly thereafter.

In the very next round, Wach landed a combination that had Haggler out on his feet. The 6’7 250 lb Pole then connected with a few unanswered shots, sending Haggler down face first. Although none of Wach’s follow up punches was anywhere near devastating, Haggler remained on the canvas and was counted out by Referee Sparkle Lee.

Time of stoppage was 1:22.

Wach, pronounced Vahk, improves to 24-0 with 12 KO’s, picking up the WBC Baltic Heavyweight crown in the process. Haggler heads back to Winston-Salem, NC at 23-4 (18 KO’s).

In what was easily the evening’s best fight, Atlantic City based lightweight Osnell “Prince” Charles outpointed popular Jersey City native Danny “Little Mac” McDermott. Charles effectively landed well timed up-jabs and straight right hands to the head of McDermott, while the latter landed the harder punches.

McDermott was surprisingly docked a point in the fifth round after using his shoulder to push Charles out of a clinch. This only sparked a fire in McDermott, who clearly won the round by aggressively attacking Charles. With the bout up in the air in most people’s eyes, Charles fought a perfect sixth, tagging McDermott with a number of precise punches to ultimately seal the deal.

One judge had the bout 57-56 while the other official tallies were shockingly wide at 59-55 and 59-53. GSFS scored the bout 57-56 for Charles, who would have settled for a draw on our card had McDermott not been docked a point.

“I was never worried (that the decision would go against me)”, said Charles. “My trainer said keep sticking the jab out there (and I knew) I was going to win the fight going into the last round.”

Charles’ victory was his sixth in a row since a 1-2 start. McDermott slips to 8-3-1 (3 KO’s) following his second straight thriller where he came up just short.

In what looked more like a sparring session than an actual professional bout, Atlantic City based pole Rafael Jastrzebski shut out Bowerston, OH’s Randy Campbell. Jastrzebski controlled the bout from bell to bell, winning by scores of 40-36 on al three cards.

After beginning his career 0-6-1, Jastrzebski earned a fourth straight win. Campbell is now 3-4 with 2 KO’s.

In a matchup between two pugilists who share names with successful NBA players, lightweight Scott “Bang Bang” Burrell destroyed Tony Parker in the opening round. Burrell, a former amateur standout, needed little time to show that the novice parker didn’t belong in the ring with him, decking the North Carolinian three times before the bout was stopped at 1:39.

Burrell, of Brooklyn, NY by way of the UK, is 2-0 with both wins coming by KO. Parker returns to Wilson, NC at 0-3.

Newark’s Eddie Edmonds scored a second round KO over Wilson, NC’s Charles White, scoring three knockdowns in the process while barely breaking a sweat in a middleweight affair.

Edmonds improves to 2-1-1 (1 KO). White falls to 0-2.

Time of stoppage was 57 seconds.

Crowd favorite Rashad Bogar, also of Newark, impressively halted Miguel Corcino in the second of a scheduled for round welterweight contest. Bogar dropped Corcino in the opening round and twice more in the second, putting the previously undefeated Camden native down for good with a monstrous right hand.

Bogar ups his professional ledger to 3-2 with 2 KO’s. Corcino slips to 2-1 (2 KO’s).

In the opening bout of the evening, Newark junior lightweight Wanzell “Venom” Ellison kicked off a successful night for the Brick City by demolishing Jimmy “Stick Hands” Smalls inside of two rounds. After outboxing Smalls in the opening stanza, Ellison decked his foe with a right hand. Although he could’ve made it back to his feet, Sticky Hands didn’t want to get stuck in another bad situation and let Referee David Fields count him out at 2:49.

Ellison, who sported a nifty light green ring outfit, remains undefeated at 4-0 (3 KO’s). Cincinnati, OH’s Smalls is 0-1.

The card was promoted by Prize Fight and Global Boxing. Fans unable to make it to yesterday’s card can check out the action anytime at gofightlive.tv or on Fox Sports Net via tape delay.

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Sheika-Wilson II Set for April 23!

Atlantic City, NJ—It took one year to nail down, but Omar Sheika, of Paterson, NJ, and Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, meet for the second time when they collide in a scheduled 12-round contest Saturday evening, April 23, in the Palladium Ballroom at Caesars Atlantic City.

At stake, in addition to revenge for Wilson, will be the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) cruiserweight title. The first of seven fights begins at 7.30 p.m. in the 1,450-seat ballroom, the first time it has been used for boxing.

Sheika, 34, scored a fourth-round knockout over Wilson on Mar. 26, 2010, in Hamilton Township, NJ. Wilson, unknown at the time, started fast, won the first round, but played to the crowd, stood and danced between rounds in his corner, then slowly ran out of gas and ideas. The fight turned late in the second round when Sheika found his range and Wilson’s body. By the fourth, it was over.

After that, Skeika (30-10, 21 K0s) knocked out Jim Strohl, of Las Vegas, NV, again in Hamilton Township, then lost a 10-round decision to world-rated Romanian light-heavyweight Adrian Diaconu, in Montreal, Canada.

A pro since 1997, Sheika remains one of boxing’s most exciting fighters. He has wins over Simon Brown, Glen Johnson and James Butler and he fought for world titles four times as a super middleweight, losing to Joe Calzaghe, Eric Lucas, Jeff Lacy and Markus Beyer.

Sheika has been a popular performer on television and was in Fight-of-the-Year candidates with Scott Pemberton (twice) and Thomas Tate and he also boxed Roy Jones, Jr.

Though Sheika has been campaigning as a light-heavyweight, the rematch with Wilson will be at a catch-weight of 185 pounds.

Wilson, 28, calls himself the “Ultimate Warrior” for his willingness for take on the best any time, any place. He has come a long way since losing to Sheika.

Though he dropped a six-round decision in his next fight to lefty Julio Cesar Matthews, of Reading, PA, Wilson has been climbing the ladder.

He knocked out fellow-Philadelphian Reshawn Scott in one round, then held Andres Taylor, (then 16-1-1) to an eight-round draw in Taylor’s backyard of Johnstown, PA.

Wilson followed with his most impressive showing when he came from behind to knock out Aaron Williams, (then 20-2-1) in seven rounds in what was supposed to be a Mayfield Heights, OH, homecoming for Williams.

A pro less than three years, Wilson is 9-5-1, 4 K0s, and eager to stay in the fast lane.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-736-1420). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.

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"Cornflake" LaManna wins pro debut in style; Chambers, George, Williams and Ramos also victorous in AC!

By Eugene Sirota

Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna needed only 51 seconds to stop Anthony Williams (0-3, Wilson, NC) in his first professional bout at Bally's in Atlantic City Friday evening.

Williams wasted no time as he came out swinging wildly at the opening bell. As the two exchanged combinations in the middle of the ring, LaManna landed several clean shots in between the wide punches of Williams. Williams was pushed back into the ropes where a follow-up barrage from LaManna forced referee Randy Neumann to step in and call an early halt to the bout.

In the main event of the Goosen Tutor promoted and ShoBox televised card, super bantamweight Rico Ramos(19-0, 10KOs) of Los Angles maintained his perfect record beating Alex Valdez in convincing fashion over 10 rounds. Ramos staggered the two-time title challenger early-on in the 1st and again in the final round, but the veteran Perez (23-5-3, 17KOs) of Obregon, Mexico was able to hold-on and survive. The judges scores were 98-92 and 97-92(x2).

Chicago's Don "Da Bomb" stopped previously unbeaten Cornelius White, knocking the Houston fighter down 3 times en route to a 1st round TKO. George improves to 21-1-1, 18 KOs while White drops to 16-1 15 KOs.

Philly's "Fast" Eddie Chambers won his IBF title eliminator against Derric Rossy via 12 round unanimous descion. Chambers used superb defensive skills and precise counter-punching to fluster Rossy all night. The judges scores were 115-112, 117-110, 120-107.

Atlantic City's John "The Eastern Beast" Brown was stopped in the 6th round of his bout with 2000 Olympian Ricardo Williams. Brown fought valiantly in what is likely to have been his last fight in his hometown, but ultimately took enough damage to justify trainer Julio Sanchez decision to throw in the towel.

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Thomas LaManna Poised to Impress in his Pro Debut

By Eugene Sirota

With just hours remaining until he steps into the ring for the first time as a professional, it would be understandable for Millville, NJ's Thomas LaManna to have a few butterflies in his stomach. However, as I interviewed the high school senior over a tray of his mother's homemade baked ziti just after he weighed in at Bally's, he spoke with the confidence of a veteran who's been down this road before.

Self-assured without being cocky, LaManna speaks with maturity well beyond his nineteen years. Although the man he's facing, Anthony Williams (0-2 of Wilson, NC), hasn't fared too well in his pro career to this point, Thomas isn't taking his opponent lightly. "I have prepared for this fight by sparring with the best guys around" LaManna said of his work at the Atlantic City PAL with Shamone Alvarez, Patrick Majewski, Osnel Charles, and Decarlo Perez.

With this fight happening in his own backyard (he's expecting close to 300 friends and family to be in attendance), many distractions are bound to pop up. However, LaManna has not allowed to his focus to be derailed. "Everyday its: school, gym, home." Thomas said of his regimen, "That's it, and I never take a day off, not even Super Bowl Sunday."

The man responsible for handling all those distractions outside the ring (as well as working his fighter's corner) is none other than Thomas' father Vincent. Many of this site's readers probably know Vinny LaManna from his days as a promoter in the 90's. In addition to having over fifty fights under his belt as a promoter, the elder LaManna has managed Ray Mercer, Bert Cooper and Michael Covington.

Guiding your own flesh and blood though the toughest business there is no enviable task, but Vinny LaManna is defiantly up to it. Not only does he have an abundance of experience to draw on, he has also has the help of trainer Hassan Hammed-El and cut-man Joey Eye.

Speaking with father and son, the bond between the two was clear, but don't expect Vinny to baby his son. "He doesn't get any special treatment" said Vinny "I look after all my fighters like they my kids anyway."

Thomas LaManna's fight is scheduled for four rounds in the junior welterweight division.

Other local fighters in action:
Atlantic City's John "The Eastern Beast" Brown (24-18, 11 KO) takes on 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams (16-2, 9 KO).

Promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and sponsored by Corona, tickets are priced at $75 and $50 may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail outlets, Ticketmaster Call Center 800-745-3000 and Bally's Atlantic City (day of event).

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AC Undercard Announced for Friday!

Exciting junior featherweight boxing sensation Rico “Suavecito” Ramos (18-0, 10 KOs) will risk his #1 world ranking when he takes on former world title challenger Alejandro Valdez (23-4-3, 17 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico in a scheduled 10-round bout this Friday, February 11 at Bally’s in Atlantic City. The opening televised 8-round bout showcases undefeated super middleweight Cornelius “Da Beast” White (16-0, 15 KOs), of Houston, TX against another knockout artist Don “Da Bomb” George (20-1-1, 17KOs) who hails from Chicago, IL. Both bouts can be seen on SHOWTIME at 11PM ET/PT.

Just added to the event, in an off-TV twelve-round rematch is an IBF heavyweight title elimination bout between the IBF’s #2 top rated contender Eddie Chambers (35-2, 18 KOs) and IBF #9 Derric Rossy (25-2, 14 KOs). Also, former 2000 US Olympic Silver Medalist, Ricardo Williams (16-2, 9 KOs) returns against former world champion John Brown (24-18-2, 11 KOs) in a six-rounder. Promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, tickets priced at $75 and $50 call 800-745-3000.

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Gamboa-Solis Headlines March 26 in AC!

By E.A. Sirota

The much anticipated bout between New Brunswick's Jorge Diaz (15-0, 9 KOs) and USBA super-bantamweight champ Teon Kennedy (16-0-1 7 KOs) has found a home on the undercard of Gamboa vs Solis on March 26.

Both fights, along with an interesting match between Mikey Garcia (24-0, 20 KOs), of Oxnard, California and Matt Remillard (23-0, 13 KOs), of Hartford, Conn., will be televised on HBO's "Boxing After Dark". Boardwalk Hall's Adrian Phillips Ballroom will host the Top Rank promoted card which is being sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City.

Even though Diaz will be fighting in his home state, Kennedy figures to bring just as many supporters down from his native Philadelphia, which is actually half an hour closer to AC than New Brunswick. The fans of these two fighters will help provide the "local flavor", in what will be, "a great card for Atlantic City", according to Top Rank VP Carl Moretti.

With Gamboa's WBA and IBF featherweight titles on the line, it is the first world title fight in Atlantic City of 2011. It is only the second time the Cuban-born Gamboa has fought in AC, the first was 1st round TKO of Gilberto Luque at Bally's back in 2008.

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ShoBox Returns to AC February 11!

By E.A. Sirota

Gooesn Tutor Promotions returns to Atlantic City on February 11 to stage a card that will be aired live on ShoBox: The New Generation. Taking place at Bally's, it will be the first card of 2011 that will be held in Atlantic City.

Rising super bantamweight contender Rico "Suavecito" Ramos (18-0, 10 KO) of California headlines the show, taking on Sonora Mexico's Alejandro Valdez (23-4-3, 17 KO) in the main event scheduled for ten rounds. The twenty-three year-old Ramos is coming off a 2nd round KO victory of Heriberto Ruiz this past November.

As you may remember, that bout was broadcast on ESPN2 as part of a "Salute to the Troops" special from Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. Up against a two-time title challenger in Valdez, Ramos hopes to fair better than the last Goosen Tutor promoted boxer to fight in an Atlantic City venue in Paul Williams.

In the co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Cornelius "Da Beast" White (16-0, 15 KO) of Houston makes his East Coast and TV debut against Chicago's Don "Da Bomb" George (20-1, 17KO). Even though George is coming off a tough loss, this is still a gigantic step up for the untested White.

With only two of his prior foes able to claim a winning record, it is debatable whether White's impressive KO % and streak of thirteen straight stoppage victories are a product of his own skill or his over-matched opponents' lack thereof. Expect fireworks when these two, both with something to prove, step into the ring.

Tickets priced at $75 and $50 may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail outlets, Ticketmaster Call Center 800-745-3000 and Bally's Atlantic City (day of event).

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Peruvian Trio To Return February in AC!

Manager Nelson Fernandez informed GSFS that his renowned Peruvian Trio of Carlos "Mina" Zambrano, Jonathan Maicelo and Juan "JZ" Zegarra will all return in February at one of AC's casinos.

According to Fernandez, the card will be promoted by the Gulf Stream Group, which recently promoted a card in North Bergen headlined by Paterson's Ossie Duran, and will likely take place February 12.

Peru's ATV will air the bout internationally and domestic TV details have not yet been discussed.

MORE TO FOLLOW

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Locals Alvarez, Mussachio Highlight Saturday's Card at Bally's Atlantic City

By E.A. Sirota

Atlantic City welterweight contender Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez will square-off against Ayi Bruce of Ghana this Saturday at Bally's Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. The scheduled twelve round bout will serve as the main event of a card promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing. Alvarez (21-2 12 KO’s) is coming off the biggest win of his eight year pro career, a seventh round knockout victory over Alexis Camacho this past March. With a win over the experienced Bruce (17-3 12 KO’s), Alvarez would capture the vacant IBA title and would be one step closer to a major title shot in 2011.

Philadelphia’s Raymond Serrano, whose last win came over the aforementioned Bruce in October, will face Geoffery Spruiell in the co-feature. Even though twenty-one year old Serrano (13-0 6 KO’s) is sixteen years his opponent’s junior, he enters the ring with almost as much pro experience as the Spruiell (8-9 2 KO’s).

In other action, Wildwood native Chuck “The Professor” Mussachio will battle Floridian Theo Kruger in an eight round light heavyweight bout. Mussachio (15-1 5 KO’s) is seeking his forth straight victory since losing to Tommy Karpency last October.

Mussachio, who also currently works as a guidance counselor at a nearby elementary school, is one of the true nice guys in the sport. Where some athletes are praised for merely staying out of trouble, Mussachio actually improves his community everyday through his work with troubled youths.

Millville junior middleweight Ismael Garcia (2-0) will fight for the second time in three weeks when he takes on Joe Yerdon of Berlin, NY. Garcia scored a unanimous decision over Corey Preston (who happens to also be on the card against Philadelphia's Rashad Brown) last month at Harrah's.

In a battle of New Jersey based super middleweights, Atlantic City’s, Isiah Seldon (2-0, 1 KO), the son of former heavyweight titleholder Bruce Seldon, will square off against the always tough Dover native Todd Eriksson (2-4-1, 1 KO) in a four round bout.

Rounding out the card is female junior welterweight Althera Sanders fighting an opponent to be announced.


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Ennis Makes a Thundering Statement; batters Lares in AC!

Emerging prospect Farah “Quiet Storm” Ennis picked up the vacant NABF Super Middleweight title after impressively stopping lionhearted Victor Lares Friday evening at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City.

From the opening bell, Ennis peppered his opponent with just about every punch he threw. Ennis had success to both the body and head, consistently tagging his Corpus Christi, TX based counterpart as if he were a novice sparring partner. The Philadelphia, PA based prospect managed to steer clear of a number of Lares’ slow and wild hooks, regularly making him pay for it. Lares, who displayed tremendous heart, was decked once in round four and twice in the sixth before Referee Eddie Cotton stopped the contest following a fourth knockdown in the seventh stanza.

Time of stoppage was 2:35.

“My whole game plan was to work his body because he had a hard head,” Ennis said of his gritty opponent as he spit out blood in the hallway of the arena. “Whoever wants (to try and take my title) can come after it!”

Ennis is now 17-0 with 11 KO’s. Lares falls to 16-6 with 4 KO’s and won the hearts of many with his toughness.

In the co-feature, heavyweight hopeful and St. Josephs University graduate Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon forced game but overmatched Alexis Mejia’s to retire following one sided four rounds. Witherspoon connected at will with hard jabs and right hands, causing Mejia’s’ left eye to close. The Paulsboro native almost had Mejia’s out in the fourth, but a number of clinches towards the end of the round helped the latter stay on his feet for the time being. Mejia’s corner wisely threw in the towel before the fifth.

Witherspoon improves to 28-2 with 20 KO’s. Mejia, who has been stopped in four of his last five starts, heads home to Paterson at 11-6 (5 KO’s).

Light heavyweight Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell of Atlantic City stopped late replacement, Khalil Farah at the end of the first round. Harvell beat Farah, from pillar to post in the first three minutes of the fight and scored a knockdown before Referee Samuel Viruet pulled the plug.

Harvell ups his professional ledger to 7-0 (3 KO’s). Farah, a Philadelphia native who likely took the fight to help balance out the funds while he attends Temple University, is 6-7 with 1 KO.

Philadelphia’s Keenan Smith improved to 3-0 and scored his first knockout after stopping debuting Anthony Royal of Newport News, VA. At the weigh-in, Smith and Royal exchanged some heated words, so this fight was hotly anticipated; only one man lived up to the pre fight hype. Smith dominated the battle of long and lean lightweights, breaking Royal’s will with a two fisted attack en route to knocking him out after consecutive right hands 1:20 into the fourth.

Good looking super middleweight prospect Joel De La Paz of Atlantic City scored a unanimous decision over Virgil Hill trained and GSFS' very own “Trouble” Troy Maxwell. De La Paz connected with a number of solid punches and busted open the face of Maxwell, who displayed the heart of a lion in a losing effort. Scores were 40-36 on all three cards.

De La Paz is 6-0 with 4 KO's. Maxwell, of Galloway, is 2-2.

Ishmael Garcia of Millville outboxed Corey Preston over four rounds en route to scoring a shut out decision in a junior middleweight contest. Garcia is 2-0. Preston of Cincinnati, OH remains winless at 0-2.

Junior lightweight Joey Tiberi demolished Tonio Parker in one minute and 54 seconds. Tiberi, a member of Delaware’s most famous boxing family, scored two knockdowns. The Newark native improves 2-0 with both of his victories coming via first round KO. Parker of Wilson, NC is 0-2.

The card was promoted by Spartan Fight Promotions.


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