Showing posts with label Shane Mosley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shane Mosley. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Champion Molina Staying Active in Chicago Community While Waiting for Next Big Fight


  
IBF Junior Middleweight Champion "King" Carlos Molina is making good on his promise to be a "people's champion", as he continues to interact with the public in his beloved Chicago while waiting for his next big fight.
Last Friday at Curie High School on Chicago's Southwest side, Molina and WBA # 6 heavyweight "Fast" Fres Oquendo were guests of honor at Curie's annual Community Fall Festival. The pair signed autographs, posed for photos and spoke to young people about the importance of hard work.

"This is an amazing event, and it feels really good to give back to my neighborhood. I am grateful for the invite," said Molina, who was raised and still lives minutes from Curie.

Meanwhile, Molina (22-5-2, 6 KOs) has been staying active in the gym while fielding offers and challenges from a variety of big names including former champs "Sugar" Shane Mosley and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, as well as recent title winner Demetrius Andrade.

"I don't care who it is," said Molina. "I know everybody says that, but I mean it. I would like to bring boxing back to how it was in the old days with guys fighting all the time. Fighters fight and that's what I want to do. I'm ready to go."

Molina, a true Cinderella story in boxing, says he'd rather be a champion who defends his belt with regularity than a PPV star fighting once yearly.

"I want to be an old-school champion. I'll fight anybody. I want to be recognized as the best in my division and I feel like I am ready to go out and get victories over the top guys and unify the belts. If Mosley or Alvarez or Andrade want to be next, I'll be ready."

Molina's advisor, Luis DeCubas, says it really doesn't matter who the opponent is for his guy. "Carlos is old-fashioned that way. He'll be ready to go, no matter the date and they can put any junior middleweight in the world in front of him."
ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING
 
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it's credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
 
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

GARY SHAW SUPPORTS AUSTRALIAN BOXING COMMISSION



October 24, 2013 - Boxing promoter Gary Shaw who represents Australian fighters Daniel Geale and top contender Joel Brunker to name a few, is an avid supporter of promoting fights internationally, especially in Australia. 

After a fight between Australian Anthony Mundine and American Shane Mosley was recently cancelled due to some controversy, Shaw had this to say about his dealings with the Australian boxing commission.  

"Daniel Geale and Joel Brunker are two great fighters that I'm proud to say are part of our stable here at GSP. In all my dealings with the Australian boxing commission, I found them to be very honest and upright in every aspect of business.  I know Shane Mosley had some harsh words toward the Australian boxing scene and commission and he's entitled to his opinion, but I've always had a great deal of respect for everyone I've dealt with in Australia, including Bill Treacy, Garrie Francisco and Angelo DiCarlo to name a few."

Shaw went on to say, "Shane Mosley is a future Hall of Famer and I admire and respect him for all his accomplishments and dedication to our sport.  I don't know if Shane was dealing with the Australian commission directly or if it was the promoter that he had a problem with, but every time I did business in Australia, everyone got paid.  I'm proud to say I'll continue doing business in Australia and I find their commission to be straightforward, honest and truthful."

Thursday, September 19, 2013

PROMOTER VLAD WARTON BELIEVES EXPECTS MUNDINE – MOSLEY TO BE A RECORD SHATTERING EVENT IN AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (September 18, 2013)—On Wednesday night October 23rd, It will be an historic night of boxing at the Sydney Entertainment Center in Sydney, Australia when former three world champion Anthony Mundine (44-5, 26 KO’s) battles six-time world champion and future Hall of Famer “Sugar” Shane Mosley in a twelve round Jr. Middleweight bout for the WBA International championship.
The fight is promoted by Vlad Warton’s Millennium Events and Golden Boy Promotions.
Warton, who has promoted big fights all over the world, believes that this fight will be undoubtedly one of the biggest fights in the history of Australia.
That’s a big statement considering fights that fights such as the 1992 rematch between Jeff Fenech and Azumah Nelson as well as a fight that Warton promoted in 2003 between the great Kostya Tszyu and Jesse James Leija drew 40,000 spectators to the Telstra Dome in Melbourne
“This is a fight fan’s dream fight for Australia”, said Warton.
“Because of a legend like Shane Mosley, it will excite the fans of Australia.  Because of what he has done in his career, Mosley will have as much support as Mundine on October 23rd.  He has fought no one but the best and has beaten a lot of great fighters so to say Anthony has his work cut out for him is an understatement”
“Given the styles and Mosley’s championship experience, I would say he has an edge.”
The promoter points out there are similarities and the differences that will make this an interesting fight.
“While Mundine is slightly younger and taller, Mosley is stronger.  You have Mundine coming down from Middleweight and Mosley is coming up from Welterweight.  This fight considering the styles will provide huge excitement”
Not since Roy Jones Jr. fought Danny Green in 2009, has a fighter with the superstar pedigree of a Shane Mosley traveled to Australia for a big fight.
“This is a great opportunity to see someone as great as Shane Mosley on these shores.  He maybe 42 years old, but he is coming off a great win over a future world champion in Pablo Cesar Cano so we know he still has a ton of gas left in his tank”
Neither fighter can afford a loss at this stage in their career as it will be an extremely tough road back for the loser, yet the winner will get the opportunity for one more high profile fight.
“The winner will get a high profile fight back in the United States while the loser will go back to zero.  Anthony knows that this could be his last great opportunity. He is more mature and even though he is a three-time world champion, this could be a career defining fight.”
The fight will be televised via Pay Per View in Australia on Main Event and New Zealand on SKY Channel and tickets to the live event are $1000; $500; $200; $100 and $50
An American Television partner will be announced shortly.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Liakhovich files formal Protest of Wilder fight outcome


Wilder vs. Liakhovich
Deontay Wilder (L) is shown here hitting Sergei Liakhovich (R) with an illegal punch behind his head
(Photo by Michael Snyder / The Desert Sun)

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (September 5, 2013) - Former World Boxing Organization ("WBO") Heavyweight Champion Sergei "The White Wolf" Liakhovich has filed a formal protest, regarding the final outcome of his August 9, 2013 fight with undefeated Deontay Wilder, due to illegal punches that led to him being knocked out at 1:43 of the first round at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

Liakhovich's advisor, Attorney Anthony Cardinale, prepared and recently filed the formal protest with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), seeking the outcome be changed to a "no contest" due to obvious violations of the CSAC rules and regulations.

"I am confident that the California State Athletic Commission operates at a high level of professionalism and will not stand for Wilder's illegal tactics and change the decision to 'No Contest'", Liakhovich said. "Video and pictures support what really happened. It is illegal to hit behind the ear, on the back of the neck, and on the back of the head. Since when is swinging your hands anyway you want called boxing? How can Wilder be proud of this kind of win? I understand that everybody in America is looking for a new star but he is not it. My goal is to get a rematch with Wilder and fight him according to the rules of boxing."

The two illegal blows came in succession, first, behind Liakhovich's ear and neck area, and the second to the back of Liakhovich's skull. Video of the aforementioned incident, one in real time and the other in slow motion (see below), were filed as evidence as well as still photos like the one shown above.


Team Liakhovich also claimed that referee Tom Taylor was not in position to view the two illegal punches, despite being warned by Team Liakhovich during a pre-fight meeting about potential fouling on Wilder's part.

Based on the evidence provided, Team Liakhovich has petitioned the CSAC to hold a hearing about this claim and then change the original outcome to a "no contest."

-30-

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Liakhovich filing formal Protest of Wilder fight outcome


PHOTO SAYS IT ALL
Wilder vs. Liakhovich
Deontay Wilder (L) is shown here hitting Sergei Liakhovich (R) with an illegal punch behind his head
(Photo by Michael Snyder / The Desert Sun)

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (August 15, 2013) - Former World Boxing Organization ("WBO") Heavyweight Champion Sergei "The White Wolf" Liakhovich is filing a formal protest, regarding the final outcome of his fight last Friday night against undefeated Deontay Wilder, due to illegal punches that led to him being knocked out at 1:43 of the first round at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

Liakhovich's advisor, Attorney Anthony Cardinale, is preparing the formal protest to file with the California State athletic Commission, seeking the outcome be ruled a "no contest."

"My goal for going public is to expose Wilder and show people what really happened because it was difficult to clearly see his illegal punches on television due to the camera placement and how quickly it happened," Liakhovich explained. "I also feel that I disappointed a lot of people who believed in me and I feel it's important to explain what happened to them. Wilder's people are sending out press releases to hype him up, even more, so it's very important for me to expose him for what he is and how he fights." 
Liakhovich's sparring partner had warned him in advance about Wilder punching behind the head and, in the locker room before the fight, his team asked referee Tom Taylor to closely watch for Wilder throwing illegal punches.

According to Liakhovich, the first illegal punch hit him over the ear, and then a right behind his head wobbled Liakhovich as his equilibrium was thrown completely off balance.  Wilder than finished off a defenseless Liakhovich with a left followed by a big right.

"If he had hit me in the face, fair and square," Liakhovich said, "I would have kept my mouth shut and said he was the better man.  Everybody's going around saying nobody can stand-up to his power, 29 knockouts in 29 fights, but any heavyweight would go down from a punch behind the head.  That's why it's an illegal punch! There's nothing you can do when you get hit with a punch like that; your body just goes wobbly with no balance at all.

"If he is allowed to continue throwing illegal punches like the one he hit me with behind my head," Liakhovich predicted, "somebody is going to get seriously hurt. I can't allow him to get away with that anymore."

Liakhovich noted that he has since undergone an MRI and other medical exams, reporting that he is 100-percent healthy. In addition to protest the outcome of this fight, he also wants to expose Wilder for his illegal tactics before a tragedy results. 

"I want to thank everybody who contacted me to make sure I was okay and to show their continued support," Liakhovich concluded.  "My career will not end on a fight like this that ended because of illegal punches. I will be back in the gym next week and plan to be fighting again in a few months."

Saturday, August 10, 2013

UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT DEONTAY WILDER DESTROYS FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SERGEI LIAKHOVICH IN FIRST ROUND FOR 29TH STRAIGHT KO VICTORY



Francisco Vargas Remains Unbeaten With Impressive 10-Round Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Brandon Bennett, Jermall Charlo Improves To 15-0
With Second-Round Knockout Over World-Ranked Antwone Smith;
 Replay Is Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

INDIO, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2013) – Undefeated Deontay Wilder says two prayers in his dressing room before a fight. One is a team prayer. The other, he says, is for his opponent.

“I know I’m blessed with God-given power,’’ he said after annihilating former world heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich in Friday’s main event on ShoBox: The New Generation from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. “After our team prayer, I always pray that I don’t hurt the guy I’m fighting, that if he has a family he will be OK enough afterward to continue to provide for them.’’

Living up to his reputation as America’s next great heavyweight, the 6-foot-7, 27-year-old Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., destroyed Liakhovich, stopping him with two overpowering right hands at 1:43 of the first round. It was Wilder’s 29th knockout victory in as many starts. Liakhovich, of Scottsdale, Ariz., by way of Vitebsk, Belarus, fell to 25-6 with 16 KO’s.

For Wilder, who didn’t start to box until he was 21, it was his 17th first-round knockout since turning professional in November 2008. Six of his fights were over in the second, three were done in the third and three were finished in the fourth. He has yet to go four full rounds. Wilder is currently ranked No. 6 in the WBA and WBO, No. 15 in the IBF and No. 30 in the WBC, but he figures to move up in each of organizations after his latest, crushing performance.

In co-featured fights, Francisco Vargas (17-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Mexico City, D.F., dominated southpaw Brandon Bennett (16-1, 7 KO’s), of Cincinnati, Ohio, winning a collision of unbeaten junior lightweights with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision and promising unbeaten junior middleweight Jermall “The Hitman” Charlo (15-0, 10 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, won his ninth in a row by knockout, flattening world-ranked Antwone Smith (23-4-1, 12 KO’s), of Miami, Fla., at 2:23 in the second round.

“The victims of the two knockouts had never been overwhelmed in that decisive a manner and that makes the wins of Charlo and Wilder noteworthy,’’ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood said following the telecast. “For contrast, Vargas’ victory was a good ol’ fashioned beat-down. For a fighter (Vargas) to go 10 hard rounds like that after suffering a terrible cut and going past the fourth round for the first time was in its own way just as impressive as the two devastating knockouts.’’

After missing with a left hand and then landing a left, Wilder missed with a right before landing two hellacious right hands that left Liakhovich on his back. For all intents and purposes, the initial right hand to the side of the head would have been enough. But he caught Liakhovich with another right as he was starting to go down. The referee stopped the bout immediately. Liakhovich remained flat on his back for more than a minute.

“I’m just blessed with tremendous power,’’ said the personable, outgoing Wilder, a bronze medalist in the 2008 Olympic Games and the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics. “I don’t depend on it, but it is there. I think my real secret isn’t power. It’s my speed. I think people hear about all my KO’s and tend to overlook that.

“I think all my KO’s are helping me get a lot of people’s attention and I love that. I embrace it. I think more people are now starting to feel that maybe I can be the guy who brings the heavyweight title back to America. Honestly, I would love to be that guy.’’

Vargas, a 2008 Olympian for Mexico, looked sensational against Bennett, who was walked into the ring by his lifelong friend, budding boxing superstar-turned-rapper, Adrien Broner. Vargas, who’s appeared three times onSHOWTIME EXTREME, won the ShoBox debut for both boxers by the scores of 99-91, 99-90 and 98-92.

There were no knockdowns in a fast-paced affair, but the aggressive-minded Vargas, a crowd favorite and popular winner, mostly had his way, landing countless combinations to the head and body despite getting badly cut over his left eye in the fifth round by an unintentional head butt.

“I knew this fight was going to be complicated but I knew with pressure I could win,’’ said Vargas, an eight-time Mexican national amateur champion who didn’t turn pro until he was 25. “I was scared when I got cut because in the ring you can't tell how big of a cut it is. All the preparation and hard work that I did in the mountains of Otomi in Mexico paid off. I am very happy with this fight and with my performance.’’

Said Bennett: “His strength and speed didn’t surprise me. I just didn’t stick to my game plan. I should have stayed in the middle of the ring. I thought I had him after the first two rounds, but he closed the gap on me in the third and that got me out of my game plan. Instead of just throwing, I waited. Maybe we’ll meet again one day.’’
Charlo, who was making his ShoBox debut after two appearances on SHOWTIME EXTREME, continues to emerge from his twin brother, Jermell’s shadow. His first scheduled 10-rounder ended shortly after he decked Smith with an overhand right hand. Smith made it to his feet at the count of five, but the referee waved it off moments later.
“I wasn’t surprised at all that the fight ended so quickly,’’ Charlo said. “The fight went exactly as I expected. Everything my trainer, Ronnie Shields, said would happen happened. This is a great feeling. We accomplished everything we trained for and did exactly what we wanted to do.’’
Smith, who weighed in five pounds over the contracted weight of 154 pounds and could not weigh more than 165 for the fight, said “my weight issues had nothing to do with this. I felt normal – until I got hit.’’
Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing andRick Phillips directing.

The telecast included highlights from undefeated featherweight Gary Russell’s lopsided 10-round decision over Juan Ruiz of Panorama City, Calif. Russell, of Capitol Heights, Md., upped his record to 23-0; Ruiz is 23-13.

Friday’s tripleheader will re-air this week as follows:

            DAY                                                                CHANNEL
Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 10 p.m. ET/PT              SHOWTIME EXTREME

The three fights will be available ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Aug. 10.

Friday, August 9, 2013

DEONTAY WILDER & SERGEI LIAKHOVICH, FRANCISCO VARGAS & BRANDON BENNETT, JERMALL CHARLO & ANTWONE SMITH: BOXERS GIVE THEIR FINAL THOUGHTS



ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader
Tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 9, Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.;
Doors Open at 4 p.m. PT, Tickets Are Still Available

INDIO, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2013) – The six fighters who will compete on a tripleheader tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 9, on ShoBox: The New Generationlive on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., are set and ready to go after weighing in Thursday at Fantasy Springs.

In the 10-round main event, unbeaten, hard-hitting Deontay Wilder (28-0, 28 KO’s), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will try to extend his winning and knockout streaks when he meets former world heavyweight champion Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich (25-5, 16 KO’s), of Scottsdale, Ariz., by way of Vitebsk, Belarus.

In two terrific 10-round co-featured scraps, Francisco “El Bandito” Vargas (16-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Tijuana, Mexico, opposes left-handed Brandon “The Untouchable” Bennett (16-0, 7 KO’s), of Cincinnati, Ohio, in a clash of undefeated junior lightweights, and unbeaten junior middleweight Jermall “The Hitman” Charlo (14-0, 10 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, gets tested for class when he takes on Antwone Smith (23-4-1, 12 KO’s), of Miami, Fla.

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. Doors open at 4 p.m. PT. The first live fight is at 4:05 p.m. PT.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

WEIGHTS: Wilder tipped the scale at 224 pounds, Liakhovich weighed 232. Vargas weighed 130 pounds, Bennett 129. Charlo weighed 154 pounds, Smith 159 (Smith was fined 20 percent of his purse for coming in heavy).

Below are some final thoughts from the ShoBox fighters:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I think this is going to be a great fight. I don’t think they could have picked a better opponent for me. Liakhovich is a very tough guy. I know he is coming to fight. I don’t expect this to be easy. He’ going to put in all on the line, and that’s what I want. I want to see where I’m at. I always feel I have something to learn. At the same time, I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.
“If he shows up like he supposed to, and fights like he’s supposed to, this could be my toughest fight to date. But I know what I can do and I want people to see that. It’s great fighting in the main event on ShoBox. I expect many of my fans will be watching. I hope to make some new fans, too,

“The hard work is in the gym, in the training. I go 100 percent and I expect the same from those around me. I don’t have ‘yes’ men in my camp. If I’m doing great they let me now. If not, they say I can do better. This is a stepping stone for me, fighting the best of the best. I’m excited. 

“My approach going in is to be patient, establish my jab and use my distance to keep him away. I don’t go in looking for a knockout. They just happen. I don’t put pressure on myself to knock anybody out. I like to keep my mind clear and focused.

“This is a 10-round fight and I’m ready to go all 10 rounds. Part of me wants it to go all 10, part of me doesn’t want to put it in the hands of the judges. But at the end of the day, all I want to do is win.’’

SERGEI LIAKHOVICH

“I’m going to take him into deep waters. We’ll see if he can take as much as he can give.

“I’ve trained off and on with Mike McCallum for almost five months, but eight weeks for this fight in particular. I don’t want to make any excuses, but I had a lot of problems with my previous training camps. There was so much B.S. This may have been my best training camp ever.

“I still feel I’m a dangerous fighter. I’m very confident. Only time will tell if he made a mistake fighting me. But we will know tomorrow night.

“It’s hard to say what Wilder will bring. He’s got a very strong right hand, but he’s very predictable. I don’t see a lot of things special about him. I just know I’ll be ready for every second of every minute.

“I’ve been off 17 months, but I was off 16 months when I won the world heavyweight title. I’m happy to get a big fight like this at this point in my career.’’

FRANCISCO VARGAS

“This is a tough opponent. I’ve trained super hard. This is going to be a great fight.

“I think pressure and good defense are the keys for me. He’s a quick southpaw, but I’ve fought two southpaws in my career, including one in my last fight. Southpaws are always a problem; you always have to make an adjustment.

 “I hope he comes at me and fights inside, but I expect him to box.

“My dream was always to make the Olympic team. It’s a tough process being a pro, but my motivation to win a world title is the same as it was in the amateurs. You can only win so many medals in the amateurs.

“Fighting an undefeated fighter, this is a big step up, but we’re ready.’’ 

BRANDON BENNETT

“This is a dream come true fighting on SHOWTIME. Growing up I watched a lot of great fighters fight on SHOWTIME. I just want to look great, make it look easy and come away with a victory.

“At this point in my career, I just want to be the best. It is not about the money. I’m doing what I like to do. It’s my job and I like to fight. It’s tough to get great fights, so I am very grateful for this opportunity.

“I’m glad to be fighting often again. Fans may not know me now, but they willtomorrow. I hope to take the fight to him. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and see if I can frustrate him.

“Vargas had a lot of amateur fights, but I feel I have as much experience as he does. Conditioning-wise, I feel I can go 10, 12 rounds with no problem.’’

JERMALL CHARLO

“I can’t wait to fight him. I wish the fight was right now. He’s going to pay for not being ready to fight. I worked hard to make the weight. It makes me wonder what kind of camp he actually hard.

“I’ve been working too hard not to fight. I didn’t struggle or kill myself to make weight, but I had to work to make 154. He didn’t do his work. If I can do it, why can’t he? It’s the principal.

“Every fight is a big step for me. Smith has been in with a lot good people, but they were all guys who I feel I can beat. I don’t think he’s fought anybody as strong as me.

“I’ve trained very hard for 10 hard rounds. This is my fifth fight this year so I’m never worried about going the distance.’’

ANTWONE SMITH

“I got here around 10:30 pm Wednesday night, and thought I’d be OK with my weight but my body locked down and I got cramps. If I could have lost the weight, I would have. I’ll see how I feel when I get in there and make every adjustment I have to.

“At the end of the day, he’s never gone a distance of rounds and he’s never fought anybody. He doesn’t know if he can go 10 rounds. I want my experience to take over. I have to be smart and get into a spot where I am comfortable. I just hope I don’t go in there and hold myself back.

“There’s no doubt I’ve fought better than he has. I’ll do what I have to do to win. I don’t think this is going to affect me at all.’’