TOP TRAINER ROBERT GARCIA, WBO SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION MIKEY GARCIA & FORMER WBA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION BRANDON RIOS, CONFIRMED FOR INAUGURAL BOX FAN EXPO TO TAKE PLACE THIS SEPTEMBER IN LAS VEGAS

MEET AND GREET the world's biggest fighters, promoters and industry people at the first time, one of a kind event For Immediate Release        Las Vegas (JULY 24th, 2014) - The Robert Garcia Boxing academy, with 2013 trainer of the year Robert Garcia along with WBO super featherweight champion Mikey Garcia, and fan favorite former WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios have confirmed that they will appear and have a booth to Meet and Greet their fans at the inaugural Box Fan Expo this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Mayweather vs Maidana rematch fight weekend.  Located in Oxnard, California, the Robert Garcia Boxing academy is widely considered as one of boxing's most successful gym in the world, with current top fighters such as Mikey Garcia, Brandon Rios, Nonito Donaire and Marcos Maidana. The gym is open from 10am to 4pm for the Pros and 4pm to 9pm for the amateur program. Over 150 kids participate at the gym every day in a after school program.  Quote from Robert Garcia:  "It's great for me to get my fighters out there to meet the fans and sell merchandise to be known to the boxing world. It's also great for me to participate with others that are going to be there.  Quote from Mikey Garcia:  "I'm glad to be part of this experience. It's a great way for all the fans to see fighters up close and on a personal level. Fans get to Meet and Greet, buy merchandise and memorabilia as well. Overall being there is a chance to see all fighters, all at once in the Boxing capital of the world (Las Vegas)."  Quote from Brandon Rios:  "I think it's cool to see all the fans at the Box Fan Expo and have all the fighters there. It's pretty cool for fans to get to meet their favorite boxers."  Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.  Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.  To Purchase tickets click: http://www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/  Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate, Meet and Greet their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today's superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.  The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media. Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as autograph sessions, photo ops, weigh in, face off with your favorite fighters and buy merchandise.  Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.  For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact  Box Fan Expo at: U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222 Email: info@boxfanexpo.com  For more info go to: www.boxfanexpo.com  Follow Box Fan Expo on twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.

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Journey continues for Demetrius Andrade WBO title fight Nov. 9 vs. Vanes Martirosyan

HBO spotlight live from Texas

ATLANTA (October 07, 2013) - The journey continues for undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (19-0, 13 KOs) as he prepares for his November 9th world title fight in Corpus Christi, Texas, against 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight championship. Andrade vs. Martirosyan will be part of an HBO tripleheader, headlined by the WBO junior lightweight title fight between defending champion Roman Martinez and challenger Mikey Garcia, and a rematch between former world champions Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan. The 25-year-old Andrade was originally slated to challenge then WBO champion Zaurbek Baysangurov last July.   The Russian pulled out of the fight with an injury and was stripped of his title belt, leaving the world title vacant to set-up the Nov. 9 showdown between the top two rated WBO 154-pounders, respectively, Martirosyan and Andrade. Andrade, fighting out of Providence (RI), has been at training camp in Atlanta with his father/head trainer, Paul Andrade.  They have brought in a half-dozen sparring partners, mostly tall with quick hand speed, to prepare for Martirosyan. "This title fight is part of my journey," the 2007 AIBA World Championships gold medalist Andrade said.  "When I first started boxing, I said that I'd fight in The Olympics, become world champion, and retire undefeated.  I will become the first boxer from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team to become world champion as a professional.  This is the opportunity I've waited for my whole life.  It is going to open my door to stardom, letting boxing fans know I'm here.  This is it! "I was supposed to fight for the world title in July but I believe everything happens for a reason.  I've had more time to work with my dad.  I'm stronger, faster and this camp has been better organized and structured than any I've had in the past.  I'm growing and developing all the time." While Martirosyan has been talking about fights with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and others, Andrade has fully concentrated on Martirosyan and the task at hand.  Their only common opponent is Angel Hernandez, who Martirosyan defeated by 10-round decision in 2008, and Andrade stopped in the second round of his last fight this past January. "He can talk all he wants about fighting other guys," Andrade remarked, "but if he thinks fighting me is going to be a walk in the park, he's going to be in big trouble.  I'm coming for him and he doesn't know how bad that's going to be for him. "He's already had 34 fights and this is his first title fight, which says something about him.  He doesn't do anything great.  He's not slick, his feet are all over the place, and he jumps in to throw punches.  He walks in, loading up to throw big punches.  He wasn't impressive against (Erislandy) Lara or even Joe Greene." Team Andrade hopes Martirosyan is looking past the slick southpaw.  "This is going to be a tough fight and we respect Vanes," Andrade's manager Ed Farris added, "but Alvarez shouldn't waste his time thinking about a fight with Martirosyan.  We're confident that Demetrius will be walking out of the ring with the WBO belt on November 9th. Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

HOT PROSPECT BRUNO ESCALANTE LOOKING TO CONQUER SUPER FLYWEIGHT DIVISION

Escalante working mitts with trainer Brian Schwartz

 

SAN CARLOS, CA (July 16, 2013) - Hot prospect, Bruno Escalante (8-1-1, 4 KOs) is looking to make a name for himself in the Super flyweight division.  Born in Cebu City, Philippines, Escalante now resides in Northern California where he trains with Nonito Donaire, Brian Schwartz and Mike Bazzel. 

Having won his last fight by knockout by way of a vicious body shot, Escalante feels his power will be more evident as he's been improving on his body attack.  His next opponent will be Manuel Galaviz(7-10, 4 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico on July 26, 2013 at Fox Theater in Redwood City, California.  Escalante vs. Galviz will be the co-main attraction of the night. 

"I know I have the ability to take out my opponents and slow them down with hard body shots," said Escalante. "I've been improving on body attack for the last few months and I can see why it's so important to go downstairs.  With every fight I'm feeling more comfortable throwing my right hook to the ribs.  I'm getting better every time I step in the ring."

Manager Herb Stone feels Escalante has the ability to become a world champion and feels his style is fan friendly.  Escalante is known for being explosive with his punches.

"Bruno has a lot of talent and he has the skills to become a world champion," Stone said. "This will be his third fight of the year and I can see the improvement with each fight.  He's becoming very popular in his hometown of San Carlos where he trains with some of the best fighters in the world.  The Fox Theater in Redwood City is becoming a great venue to build up his fan base.  I see him fighting for a regional title very soon."

Training with Nonito Donaire has been very instrumental and inspiring to Escalante's career.   Donarie started off at the smaller weights and worked his way to the top of the pound for pound list, a feat Escalante sees as inspiration.

"Nonito is one of the best fighters in the world," stated Escalante. "He suffered a loss early in his career but bounced back to gain international recognition with an incredible winning streak.  I know if I work hard I can become a world champion and represent my country with honor, just like Donaire and Pacquiao.  The time is now to take my career to the next level.  On July 26th I'm coming to make a statement."

The Fox Theater Fights is brought to you by Don Chargin Productions and Paco Presents in association with Jorge Marron Productions. 

Tickets for the Fox Theater Fights in Redwood City priced $35, $45, $50 and $60 can be purchased at the Fox Theater Box Office, online at FOXRWC.com or PACOPRESENTSBOXING.com, or by calling the Undisputed Boxing Gym (650) 631-3781 or B Street Boxing Gym (650) 342-7408.  

The Fox Theater in Redwood City is located at 2215 Broadway Street Redwood City, CA 94063.  Doors open at 6:00 PM first fight at 7:00 PM.

ROBERT GUERRERO FAN FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER CELEBRATION

May 20, 2013 - This past Saturday C.A.R.A.S and the Community of Gilroy honored Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero with a fan festival fundraiser. The Ghost was presented with a "Key to the City" by Gilory Mayor Don Gage along with proclamations from State Assembly Member Luis Alejo and County Supervisor Mike Wasserman. Robert signed autographs throughout the day.  Childhood friend World Champion Nonito Donaire joined him for a few hours. The fans were extremely happy and the event was a tremendous success.  The Shoe Palace donated T-shirts to help raise money for the Be The Match National Marrow Donor Program and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Farmers Insurance, Pacific Coast Bail Bonds, Silicon Valley Hard Wood Floors and other various vendors and sponsors also donated to the cause.  The event was an outstanding success and Robert Guerrero was thankful for the support he received from the fans. "I'm very appreciative to my fans, the City of Gilory, my family, all the sponsors and everyone who came out to support this wonderful event," said Robert Guerrero."I know there were a lot of people behind the scenes who volunteered their time so I want to thank them as well. I also want to thank Nonito Doniare for coming out and signing autographs."

ROBERT GUERRERO FAN FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER THIS SATURDAY IN GILROY CA

May 17, 2013 - Bay Area fans will get to celebrate a Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero fan festival fundraiser hosted by C.A.R.A.S and the Community of Gilroy this Saturday May 18th in downtown Gilroy, Calif.  The event activities will run from 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. and take place on Monterey Street between Fourth St. and Seventh St.  On the agenda will be food, music, dancing and a hot rod car show. At 11:25 a.m. The Ghost will be presented with the Key to the City by Gilroy Mayor Don Gage, as well as proclamations' from State Assembly Member Luis Alejo and County Supervisor Mike Wasserman. Money raised will be donated to the Be The Match National Marrow Donor Program and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Honored guest Robert Guerrero will sign autographs between 2:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m.  Good friend and fellow Bay Area World Champion Nonito Donaire is confirmed to be there signing autographs with The Ghost.

Undefeated super featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary's star shining after last Weekend's impressive win in NYC

PROVIDENCE.(April 18, 2013) - After his awesome and complete destruction of Gadiel Andaluz  last Saturday night, on the Nonito Donaire-Guillermo Rigondeaux undercard at the famed Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Providence's undefeated super featherweight prospect Toka "T Nice" Kahn-Clary's (5-0, 4 KOs) star is shining brighter than ever. Liberia-native Kahn-Clary dropped Andaluz (4-5-1, 2 KOs) three times in the opening round en route to a victory by technical knockout at the 1:32 mark. "I wanted to make a statement to fans, friends and my promoter, Top Rank, that I'm a good fighter and will be one of the top fighters in the world someday," the 20-year-old Kahn-Clary said.  "My opponent had been knocked out once in nine pro fights.  The plan was for me to out-box him and go four rounds.  We knew that he was a pressure fighter and he'd run into a lot of my shots.  I stepped back, hit him with a left, and down he went.  I didn't expect that to happen but I knew I hurt him on the first knockdown." "We hit a home run, make that a grand slam," added Kahn-Clary's head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr.  "He hit a tough guy with some really good shots.  We knew he was a tough Puerto Rican kid who would be the aggressor.  We had worked in the gym at Toka using his jab and then bringing in the left.  He did that right from the start and boom; he hurt Andaluz with a big left.   We'd also been working on Toka relaxing when he threw punches, stepping back, being quick, and accuracy.  It all paid off last Saturday night. "Toka jumped on his opponent after the eight-count.  Everything comes off his jab, he popped him with another left and put him down again, and then he did it the third time when the fight was stopped.  Everybody who is anybody in boxing was there and Toka turned in a great performance under pressure.  He proved he could do the job under the bright lights.  He's really matured and that's what has impressed me the most." Kahn-Clary's fight was the swing bout but Top Rank moved it to the second-to-last fight of the night, right before the high-profile Donaire-Rigondeaux main event, in front of a packed house.  "It was exciting to fight in front of so many people, almost like I was in the co-feature, only not on HBO," Kahn-Clary noted.  "Peter told me to calm down when I'm throwing punches and I did that.  I wanted to show all of my skills for people to see what I can do. "I'm hoping that my next fight is a six-rounder.  I'd like to fight four or five rounds.   I've had five fights now as a pro and I've only fought 12 rounds.  I need more experience because I know I'm not going to knockout everybody I fight." Promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank, Kahn-Clary was a standout amateur who captured a gold medal at the 2010 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament.  He fights out of the new Manfredo Boxing Sports Fitness gym in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

Undefeated super featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary Returns on Apr. 13th Donaire-Rigondeaux card

PROVIDENCE.(April 4, 2013) - Undefeated super featherweight prospect Toka "T Nice" Kahn-Clary (4-0, 3 KOs) returns to action April 13, fighting on the Nonito Donaire-Guillermo Rigondeaux undercard, at the famed Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Liberia-native Kahn-Clary, a 20-year-old who moved to Providence 14 years ago, is coming off (Feb. 23) another impressive win by second-round technical knockout of 18-fight veteran Pablo Cupul. Kahn-Clary faces Gadiel Andaluz (4-4-1, 2 KOs) next Saturday in what is expected to be Toka's last four-round bout before graduating to six. "This fight is a real big opportunity for me," Kahn-Clary said, "so I need to put on my best performance to prove I'm a good prospect, and that I will be one of the best fighters in the world someday. To fight on the same card as Donaire and Rigondeaux, being involved in only the second boxing show ever at Radio City Music Hall me, is an honor got me. I have to fight to the best of my ability. "I stay in touch with guys I know from the amateurs and one, (Philadelphia super middleweight) Jesse Hart, is fighting on the same card. I'm competitive and even though we're friends, I want to look better than him that night." Promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank, Kahn-Clary was a standout amateur who captured a gold medal at the 2010 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament. He fights out of the new Manfredo Boxing Sports Fitness gym in Narragansett, Rhode Island. "Toka is fighting on a five-star show headlined on HBO by the Donaire-Rigondeaux fight," Toka-Kahn's head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr. noted. "Everybody who's anybody in boxing will be there, so it's very important that Toka looks good. Top Rank has done a great job moving him, keeping him active, and finding the right opponents. Top Rank has two of the best matchmakers in boxing, Bruce Trampler and Brad Goodwin, and, someday, hopefully, they'll be finding the best fighters in the world for Toka. "Toka's matured a lot and improved the last year, getting better at his trade as he goes along. Now, he's going to body nice, sitting down on his punches, and he has a good body attack." Kahn-Clary has had four professional fights, excluding a no-contest when he suffered a cut due to an unintentional head-butt in four different states - Nevada, California, New Jersey and Rhode Island - and New York will be his fifth during the first 10 months of his young career. "Keeping active is very important for a young fighter like me," Kahn-Clary concluded. "Fighting in the ring and the gym are two different things. Even if you're in the gym working hard every day like me, it's not the same as fighting in the ring, and you can get rusty. I'm very happy that I've been so active."

Stars coming out for 88th annual BWAA Awards Dinner Apr. 11 at Capitale in New York City

NEW YORK (March 28, 2013) - A star-studded list of world champions, past and present, as well as many other boxing dignitaries have committed to attending the 88th annual Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) awards dinner on Thursday evening, April 11 at Capitale in New York City. Limited tickets remain on sale, priced at $200.00 per person, $150.00 for BWAA members. Tables of 10 are available to purchase for $2,000.00. A limited number of special VIP tickets are also available for $400.00 per person and $4,000.00 for a table of 10. VIP tickets include premium seat at dinner, photo opportunity with honorees, and a special VIP gift.   Credit card (Mastercard, Visa and American Express), PayPal, check and money order payments must be received no later than April 4, 2013. Checks should be payable to the BWAA and mailed to Boxing Writers Association of America, PO Box 153, Rockaway Park, NY 11694. In addition to 2012 honorees such as Fighter of the Year, Nonito Donaire, and Fight of the Year winner, Juan Manuel Marquez, a virtual Who's Who of boxing will be guests at the Apr. 11 gala affair. "The way things are starting to unfold this could be the best BWAA dinner in years" an excited BWAA president Jack Hirsch reported. "Every day it seems like another high profile star has committed to attend.  Our growing lineup includes Roy Jones, Timothy Bradley, Ruslan Provodnikov, Paulie Malignaggi, Steve Cunningham, Bob Arum, and Jim Lampley. We have also reached out to a major television star that is a big fight fan. She has expressed interest in attending if her schedule permits."   _____________________________________________________________________________________   2012 BWAA Award Winners Nonito Donaire                                                 The Sugar Ray Robinson Award     Fighter of the Year Robert Garcia                                                  The Eddie Futch Award                   Trainer of the Year Juan Manuel Marguez - Manny Pacquiao IV   The Ali-Frazier Award                      Fight of the Year Al Haymon                                                       The Cus D'Amato Award                  Manager of the Year Kathy Duva & Bruce Trampler                         The Barney Nagler Award               Long & Meritorious Service Steve Farhood                                                 The Marvin Kohn Award                  Good Guy Danny Jacobs                                                  The Bill Crawford Award                 Courage Overcoming Adversity Peter Finney                                                     The A.J. Liebling Award                   Outstanding Boxing Writer Dave Kindred                                                    The Nat Fleischer Award                 Excellence In Boxing Journalism Max Kellerman                                                  The Sam Taub Award                       Excellence in Broadcast Journalism ____________________________________________________________________________________________________  Bernie Awards for boxing writing winners will also be presented. A silent auction will be held. Individuals and companies may send items to be auctioned to Andriolo Communications, 1215 76th St., Brooklyn, NY 11228.   Those donating items for the Silent Auction will be listed in the event journal and may display their business cards or promotional material on the Silent Auction table. Cocktails are available at 6:00 p.m. ET, followed at 7:30 p.m. ET by dinner and the awards ceremony. For further information to online to www.bwaa.org, call or email Gina Andriolo, Event Coordinator at 917.312.6418/ginaandcom@aol.com or Jack Hirsch, BWAA President, at 516.790.7592/ajhirsch5@aol.com.

Lewkowicz Signs Oscar Escandon to Promotional Agreement

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz proudly announces the signing of undefeated Colombian super bantamweight Oscar Escandon (21-0, 14 KOs) to a promotional agreement. 28-year-old Escandon began boxing at the age of 10 under the guidance of his father, Luis Alfonso Escandon. He had over 200 amateur bouts and proudly represented his homeland in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Beijing. As a professional, Escandon won the WBC Latino Bantamweight Championship in March of 2011, he with a KO 3 of his countryman Luis Felipe Cuadrado. Escandon enjoys tremendous popularity in his hometown, the Department of Tolima's capital city of Ibague, in the central region of the Colombian Andes, about 130 miles from Bogota. He is the first athlete from Tolima to represent Colombia in an Olympiad. Expectations there are very high that he will become the first world champion from the interior of Colombia, thus changing the cycle of Colombian boxing world champions who have exclusively came from the coastal region. Escandon and manager Francisco Herrera say they're excited to finally be working with a well-respected name like Sampson Boxing and look at it as the golden opportunity they've been waiting for. "I have been waiting my whole career for someone to get me the fights I want and Sampson is the one who will do it. I have put all my trust in him," said Escandon. "Oscar is more than ready for this," added Herrera. "We will now be looking to face (WBA Champion) Guillermo Rigondeaux or (WBO Champ) Nonito Donaire. These are the level of fights Oscar belongs in." "It's an honor to have his trust and I will not disappoint him," said an excited Sampson Lewkowicz, moments after the signing. "Oscar is a tremendous talent, who has been waiting for the right opportunities. I will now secure those opportunities for him and show the world what he's made of. This is a notice to the boxing world that Oscar Escandon is coming."

Rigondeaux' strength coach Montanocordoba denies Donaire's claim

(L-R) D.J. Montanocordoba, Guillermo Rigondeaux and (in background) Gary Hyde   MIAMI (December 28, 2012) - The strength-and-conditioning coach of World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Bantamweight champion Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs), D.J. Montanocordoba, vehemently denies Internet reports alleged by Nonito "The Filiipino Flash" Donaire that, after the December 15 HBO show in Houston, Montanocordoba verbally accosted a female member of Donaire's entourage during a heated argument that took place at the Hyatt Hotel. Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight champion, reportedly searched for Rigondeaux' room and later called there and Montanocordoba's room to address the altercation. Ringondeaux was schedule to fight former world champion Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (48-2, 33 KOs), who failed his medical exam, in the Dec. 15 co-featured bout. Donaire beat Jorge Arce in the main event. "I just want to clear my name," Montanocordoba said. "I am part of Team Rigondeaux and wouldn't do anything like that. I didn't know anything, if it happened, because I was in my hotel room and not involved. I don't have a problem with Donaire or anybody in his camp. I didn't see them after the fight was over. I'm very mellow. I don't drink or go out clubbing. I concentrate on my job. I talked to a few people in the hotel lobby and went to my room. That's not my style; I don't disrespect people. I was surprised by what Nonito said. I spoke to him that Wednesday and told him how much I respected him for what he's done and that I thought he was good for boxing. He's a great fighter. I respect him and his wife, his trainer, Robert Garcia, and his other coaches. I was totally shocked when I read the report with Donaire accusing me. . "We'll be on opposite sides when if he fights Rigondeaux. As great a fighter Nonito is, I think Rigondeaux is better, and that nobody can beat him at 122. If Nonito doesn't fight Rigeondeaux, no problem, I can't disrespect him for that, but he can't go around saying he's cleaned-up the division without taking Rigondeaux' title. Hey, I respect every fighter. (Abner) Mares is great, so is (Wilfredo) Vasquez. If Nonito decides to move-up a division, I can respect that but, he has to defeat Rigondeaux to say he's cleaned out the 122-pound division, and I believe he is not capable of beating Rigondeaux. The only way they can prove who is better is by fighting in the ring. I'm confident in my ability but, even if I wasn't working for Rigondeaux, I'd still believe he's the better fighter. And I'm not taking anything away from Donaire by saying that but I believe it and I know Donaire belives it otherwise he would be willing to face Rigondeaux. "I don't conduct myself that way (Donaire's claim). At the last press conference, I had a direct conversation with Nonito, and I said I admire him and had nothing but respect for him. I've said nothing negative about him. He's has accused me of doing something that I wasn't even present for and I'm still not disrespecting him. Maybe somebody told him a story, he believed it and got angry. It just never happened." The animosity between Team Rigondeaux and Team Donaire has been building the past year, largely due to Donaire's failure to fight Rigondeaux, something that is rumored to happen in mid-2013. "Donaire wrongly accused DJ of being abusive to somebody in his entourage," Rigondeaux' manager Gary Hyde added. "I was at the Hyatt Hotel with D.J. and both of us retired to our respective rooms after the show at midnight. The next day, D.J. told me that Donaire had called him but he thought he was dreaming because he was woken from a deep sleep. D.J. definitely wasn't involved in any altercation with Donaire or his people. Team Rigondeaux has respect for Donaire. We don't condone this type of behavior, but we're furious at Donaire for accusing D.J. of this type conduct." Arguably the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, Rigondeaux is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time Cuban national champion who also captured a pair of World Championship titles during his incredible 243-4 amateur career. The multi-talented southpaw, now fighting out of Miami, is rated No. 1 by The Ring Magazine, and Donaire is its super bantamweight/junior lightweight champion.

Rigondeaux labels Donaire 'The Filipino Phony'

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CORK, Ireland (July 11, 2012) - A frustrated World Boxing Association ("WBA") Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (10-0, 8 KOs), upon learning that Nonito Donaire plans to move up to the featherweight division after his next fight, has labeled Donaire, "The Filipino Phony." "Donaire is running scared of any super bantamweights with power," Rigondeaux said from his Miami training camp. "He hasn't knocked out anybody at 122 pounds. One thing is for sure, though, he will get knocked out if he has the guts to fight me." Rigondeaux trained at Wild Card Gym with one of his favorite fighters, Manny Pacquiao, who may be wondering at this point exactly why his fellow countryman, Donaire, doesn't fight Rigondeaux to determine the contemporary King of the Super Bantamweights. "Manny fought the best fighters around when he was moving up through weight classes but this phony, Donaire, is disappointing fans all over the world, especially Filipino people, by running scared from the best fighter at 122 pounds," Rigondeaux continued. "I competed against more than 250 amateur boxers from every continent and none of those guys were paid to fight me. 'The Filipino Phony' will be paid a king's ransom to fight me, but he's scared enough to move up to 126 just to avoid fighting me. The problem he faces, though, is I will also move up to featherweight once I've cleaned out the super bantamweight division. What's he going to do then, move up to super featherweight?"   Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (Photo by Kevin Finn / Boxing Ireland) Arguably the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, Rigo is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, as well as a 7-time Cuban national champion who captured a pair of World Championship titles during his incredible amateur career. "It's beyond belief that the so-called No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in the world is scared to fight Rigo," Rigondeaux's manager Gary Hyde added. "There can be no doubt in anyone's mind that this is what's happening now with Donaire. When a member of our team, Paddy Cronan, approached Donaire at Rigo's June 9th fight to ask him if he would step-up to the plate and fight Rigondeaux, Donaire clearly indicated that he had no intention of fighting Rigo." A lethal puncher, particularly to the body, Rigondeaux looked sensational in his most recent fight last month against Teon Kennedy (17-1-2), who was decked five times before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. Rigondeaux, a savvy southpaw, is trained by Cuban coach Jorge Rubio and working with conditioning coach DJ Montanocordoba. Rigondeaux's promotional contract with Top Rank expires July 15 and discussions are ongoing with Hyde and Rigondeaux's team to determine what path to take from here on.