Diaz-Lucero Tops AC Card!

By John Wall

Rising star Jorge “King” Diaz of New Brunswick takes one step closer to the prize this Saturday night when he faces crafty veteran and former world title challenger Emmanuel Lucero of Mexico City, Mexico in a featherweight match up. The bout headlines an eight fight card this Saturday, October 30 at Bally’s Atlantic City.

Diaz (14-0 9 KO’s) is fresh off a KO victory at Yankee Stadium on the undercard of the Cotto/Foreman clash. The New Brunswick native’s star status started to rise when he defeated 2 time Olympian and former Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy at Madison Square Garden last year.

Mr. Lucero (24-5 14 KO’s), a former New York Golden Gloves Champion, will look to regain the top contender form he displayed when he faced Manny Pacquiao for the IBF super bantamweight title and Daniel Ponce de Leon for the WBO NABO crown.

Highly touted Glen Tapia (7-0 6 KO’s) of Passaic, just back from Baguio City, Philippines where he served as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, puts his unblemished record on the line against Quinton Whitaker of San Antonio, Texas making his fourteenth pro appearance and only the second outside of his native Texas.

In a light heavyweight matchup we will see Union City’s Jason “Monsturo” Escalera (9-0 8KO’s) take on Cleoney Fuqua (2-2 2KO’s). Escalera out of the Union City Boxing Club had only 25 amateur bouts but in that short unpaid career he managed to win the New Jersey Golden Gloves Tournament. A prolific body puncher with knock out power in both hands, he will be more than a challenge for Fuqua.

The best fight of the undercard looks to be a junior welterweight matchup featuring Passaic, NJ’s Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan (14-1 7KOs) facing Ronald Cruz (9-0 6KOs) of Bethlehem, PA. Bryan the 2004 and 2005 national golden gloves champion’s one loss came at the hand of Vincent Arroyo at Boardwalk Hall. Cruz is no stranger to Bally’s Atlantic City having fought there 3 times in the last 2 years.

Bobby Rooney Jr. (11-3 1 KO) of Bayonne takes on veteran light heavyweight Tyler Stevens of St Louis, MO. Rooney, a fan favorite , has been around the New Jersey fight scene for almost 10 years.

In the card’s only heavyweight matchup we will see Amir Mansour (10-0 7 KOs) of Newark, Delaware do battle with Alexis Mejias (11-5 5KOs) of Paterson. The southpaw Mansour has a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.

Pound for Pound promotions in conjunction with Bally’s Atlantic City has once again put together a top notch night of boxing featuring some of New Jersey’s elite up and coming local fighters. Fight fans are in for a treat.

Judah Enlists the Armed Forces!

Never one to waste an opportunity to make a big impression, Zab Judah has enlisted the support of the United States Armed Forces as he prepares to take on Argentine Knock out artist Lucas Matthysse on Saturday, November 6th at Newark's Prudential Center.

Part of HBO's acclaimed "Boxing After Dark" series, the Judah-Matthysse match-up will mark Judah's second appearance at the Newark landmark as he works his way back to the top of the junior middleweight division. Designated as an NABO Junior Welterweight title bout, the 12-round clash also will determine the number 2 position in the IBF ratings, where the title once held by St. Louis' Devon Alexander now stands vacant.

Judah has arranged for 200 members of the US Armed Forces to attend the event as his personal guests. In addition, a color guard involving members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, will present the colors during the National Anthem.

"It is going to be an honor to present the colors on November 6th. On behalf of the service men and women that will be in attendance that evening we thank Zab Judah and Main Events Boxing for their generosity and support to the United States Armed Forces". said Staff Sergeant Derek Bishop.

Judah explained, "In honor of all the heroes who get in the ring and put their lives on the line to defend our country every day, I invited the Armed Forces to join me on Nov. 6th when I take on Lucas Matthysse. He's from Argentina, you know, so I want as many of my homeboys in the service to be there as possible and give me their support!"


The New York City Joint Service Color Guard is comprised of 8 service members from all 5 branches of the Armed Forces. There are 3 soldiers from the Army, 2 Marines, 1 Sailor from the Navy, 1 Coast Guardsman and 1 Airman from the Air Force. The Soldiers are assigned to the New York City Army Recruiting Battalion out of Fort Hamilton, New York. The Marines are assigned to the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines out of Garden City, New York. The Sailor is from the Navy Operation Support Center in New York City. The Coast Guardsman is assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York located at Fort Wadsworth, New York.

The Airman is assigned to the 314th Recruiting Squadron located in Burlington, New Jersey. There are several members of the team who are combat veterans from both conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The anthem singer is a service member as well currently serving in the Coast Guard. There will be other service men and women in attendance as well form all 5 branches all currently stationed in and around the New York and New Jersey areas.

Ossie Duran: “I’m Hungry!”

Paterson’s Ossie Duran has every reason to believe he is one of the hungriest fighters in the sport. Dubbed as “The Ghanaian Gladiator”, Duran’s spent much of his career fighting in his opponents’ backyards and has yielded mixed results. At 24-8-2 (9 KO’s), he’s dropped close decisions against favored and well regarded fighters in James Kirkland, David Lopez and Fernando Guerrero. He also holds victories over former contenders Jaime Moore and Jonathan Reid.

On November 12, he will enter the squared circle against fellow tough luck contender Matt Vanda at North Bergen’s Schuetzen Park in a role he’s far from accustomed to; as a hometown favorite. GSFS exclusively spoke with Duran about his journey as a fighter and future outlook.

GSFS: This will be one of the first fights for you in quite some time where you won’t have to fight in your opponent’s hometown. How does that feel?

OD: It feels good! I am training hard to put on a good show for my fans in New Jersey.

GSFS: Matt Vanda is pretty similar to you career and record wise. Both of you have some losses with a number of them coming to good fighters. Do you expect this to be a tough fight?

OD: Yeah I have seen some of his (fights on tape) and I don’t underrate any fighter. This is going to be a good fight.

GSFS: What do you see leading you to victory?

OD: I am going to use my jab and good defense. I am going to keep on doing what I have in training camp. I am training hard for a good performance.

GSFS: As mentioned, this fight will take place in your hometown, but you are a New Jersey transplant since you didn’t grow up in the area. A lot of fans and media don’t know much about you yet. What kind of crowd are you expecting to bring for your first fight near Paterson?

OD: Since I have been in New Jersey, I have gone around to a lot of different gyms, so I think people have seen (what I can do in the ring). I also have a lot of friends who come to my fights and travel to see me, so I expect a lot of people to be there cheering for me.

GSFS: What can fans who haven’t previously seen you expect come November 12?

OD: A different Ossie Duran! I have been in the state for a few years now and see how (they fight over here) so I have transformed my style. I am becoming a powerful puncher so fans will like what they see.

GSFS: Vanda is a tough fighter but is generally viewed as a stepping stone opponent. Although you’ve fallen short in the past, the boxing world knows that you can hang with a top notch fighter. If you are victorious, who is on your radar?

OD: Right now I am focused on Matt Vanda and to take him out. This is all that is on my mind right now worrying about how to take him out.

GSFS: I know you have trained all over the world including in Africa, England and Rhode Island amongst other places. You mentioned that there are differences in New Jersey boxing. What made you realize it is different and how have you adapted?

OD: When I was in Rhode Island, I wasn’t comfortable because I (basically worked out with the same fighters) in the same place. Here I go to different gyms and spar with different people, so it’s like a competition. I have sparred a lot of good fighters so that has made me pick it up.

GSFS: There is a lot of good competition in the New Jersey area between 154 and 168 lbs. Who are some of the better fighters that you have worked with?

OD: There are a lot of guys. I’ve worked with Danny Jacobs, Yuri Foreman, Omar Sheika, Jerson Ravelo and a lot of other guys such as Momma’s Boy (Denis Douglin) and all these young guys too.

GSFS: What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?

OD: I want to get a piece of the cake (make significant money) and become a world champion! Right now I am hungry and everybody is going to see that on the 12th.

LOS CAMPEONES DEL MANA AVAILABLE FOR FREE!

Local fight fans can check out last Saturday's card in Union City for free at http://www.behindthering.tv/pms/members2.php#v5. The card, which was promoted by Mike Indri's Dignity Promotions, saw locals Jonathan Maicelo, Carlos Zambrano, Elvin Sanchez and Juan Rodriguez all score thrilling victories.

GSFS' Matt Yanofsky also served as a guest commentator during two of the bouts.

Judah-Matthysse Winner to fight Mabuza for IBF Title!

Main Events CEO, Kathy Duva, received notification today from Lindsey E. Tucker, Jr., Championship Chairman IBF/USBA, that the IBF has granted formal sanction approval for the Judah - Matthysse fight. The fight will take place on November 6, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Mr. Tucker stated the IBF Jr. Welterweight title is vacant and the winner of this eliminator for #2 will fight #1, Kaizer Mabuza, for the vacant IBF Jr. Welterweight Championship.

Fight Details:

Judah vs. Matthysse, a twelve round NABO junior welterweight championship and IBF #2 eliminator bout, is part of an exciting night of boxing at Newark's Prudential Center. The show is presented by Main Events, Super Judah Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions. Doors open at 6:00pm, first bout to follow immediately. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 11:15pm ET / PT.


Tickets priced at $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside) can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling TicketMaster at 800-745-3000 or www.Prucenter.com.

Spartan Fight Promotions Returns To AC November 19

On Friday night November 19th, Spartan Fight Promotions presents a night of championship boxing that is dubbed BATTLE II that will take place from the Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City.

In the main event, undefeated Super Middleweight, Farah “The Quiet Storm” Ennis will look to capture his first title as he will take on rugged Victor Lares for the NABF Super Middleweight title that will be scheduled for twelve rounds.

In the co-feature, top American Heavyweight, Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon will take on Mike Sheppard in a fight scheduled for eight rounds.

Ennis has a record of 16-0 with ten knockouts and is coming off a third round stoppage over Reggie Pena on August 28th in Atlantic City as part of SPARTAN FIGHT PROMOTIONS: BATTLE I and is quickly becoming a force in the loaded Super Middleweight division.

He has been one of the most active fighters around as this will be his sixth fight in 2010 and he has stepped the competition with each bout. His previous five bouts have produced knockout victories for Ennis.

The twenty-seven year old has a very diverse style as he has won fights by displaying his terrific boxing ability while in other bouts he has shown awesome knockout power like the aforementioned bouts.

In those bouts, Ennis has stopped Emanuel Gonzalez (9-6) in three rounds, Frankie Santos (17-8-4) in two rounds, Steve Walker (24-24) in one round and Ennis stopped grizzled veteran Demetrius Davis (20-23-5) in three rounds on July 30th in Philadelphia.

The twenty-seven year old Ennis turned pro in February of 2006 by scoring a second round stoppage over Sylvester Golding in Philadelphia.

This will be the first title opportunity for Ennis.

Lares of Corpus Christi, Texas has an impressive mark of 15-4 with four knockouts and is former two time Texas State champion.

Lares went 8-1 in his first nine bouts before winning the Texas state Middleweight championship with a seventh round stoppage over Eddie O’Neal on November 18th, 2004.

After going 2-1 in his next three fights, Lares won the Texas State Super Middleweight championship with an eight round unanimous decision over Fernando Vela on August 10, 2007.

Lares will be looking to redeem himself after faling short in his two biggest fights to date as he lost a close unanimous decision to David Medina (17-2) on April 5, 2008 and Lares was stopped in two rounds two to future world title challenger Daniel Jacobs (12-0) on December 6, 2008 as part of the mega Oscar De La Hoya – Manny Pacquiao undercard in Las Vegas.

In Lares last bout, he scored a second round stoppage over Julio Perez on May 15, 2010 in Kingsville, Texas.

Witherpsoon has a record of 27-2 with nineteen knockouts and is regarded as one of the top American Heavyweights.

Witherspoon, twenty-eight years old of Philadelphia, PA, won his first twenty-three bouts with fifteen knockouts as he defeated the likes of Michael Alexander (11-0); Talmadge Giffis (24-6-3); Jonathan Haggler (18-1); which set up a big showdown with fellow undefeated and rising star Chris Arreola (23-0)

On June 21, 2008 Arreola scored a third round disqualification win in a fight that Witherspoon boxed well but decided “To bring out the Philly in him” and slug with the heavy handed Arreola.

Witherspoon went on to win three consecutive starts which included an eighth round stoppage over Adam “Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-1) on the undercard of the Jermain Taylor – Jeff Lacy battle in Memphis, Tennessee.

In his last bout, Witherspoon took out perennial contender Livin Castillo (16-8) in seven rounds as part of SPARTAN FIGHT PROMOTIONS: BATTLE I on August 28th at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

Witherspoon is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and has a degree in Pharmaceutical Sales and he is very involved in the community as he is a mentor in many youth groups in the tri-state area

Sheppard of Palestine, West Virginia has a record of 15-11-1 with eight knockouts.

He has shared the ring with contenders Clifford Etienne and Joey Abell.

Sheppard won the West Virginia Heavyweight title with a ten round unanimous decision over Clarence Moore on November 21st, 2008.

Sheppard will be looking to break a two fight losing streak as those two fights where contested for titles.

On March 19th, Sheppard dropped a ten round unanimous decision to Chauncey Welliver for the WBC Continental Americas title.

In his last bout, Sheppard lost a debatable majority decision to Nicolai Firtha on August 20th in a bout for the NABA USA title.

Some of the best prospects in the region will be featured on the undercard such as undefeated Light Heavyweight Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell

Harvell of Atlantic City has a record of 6-0 with two knockouts and will see action in a scheduled six round bout.

Joel De La Paz of Atlantic City will risk his undefeated mark which reads 5-0 with four stoppages will take part in a Super Middleweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

The son of the former Heavyweight champion of the world, Isiah Seldon (2-0, 1 KO) will be fight a middleweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight Ismael Garcia (1-0) will fight an scheduled four round bout.

Joey Tiberi (1-0, 1 KO) will fight a four round Super Featherweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be undefeated Heavyweight William Miranda (1-0) of Allentown, PA in a four round bout.

Harvell, De La Paz, Seldon, Garcia, Tiberi and Miarnda’s opponent will be names shortly.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $125; $90; $60; $40 and be purchased through Ticketmaster (1 800 736 1420); The Harrahs Box Office or GNP Fitness (609 348 4999)

Zambrano Speaks on Victory!

North Bergen based Peruvian Carlos "Mina" Zambrano scored a career best victory over rugged Lante Addy last Saturday at Washington School. Zambrnao, a gifted boxer, showed solid power and put on a great show, stopping Addy with a vicious multi punch combo in the eighth round. Addy, who previously went the distance with two time Olympic Gold Medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux, was stopped for the first time as a professional.

Zambrano also stamped his ticket as one of the top prospects in the Garden State.