CRUISERWEIGHTS
LAST BIG FIGHT
|
|
|
Jones bruises Arslan to win WBA cruiserweight title 'The Contender' to feature two ex-title challengers; TV star Danza to host
|
|
|
Former
Cruiserweight King Steve USS Cunninghams dreams of
regaining the IBF Cruiserweight belt from the man
that took his coveted title, by close split
decision, following their epic Fight Of The Year
nominated battle back last December, were shattered
on Monday when Main Events boss Kathy Duva announced
that Tomasz Goral Adamek had relinquished the crown.
The IBF reacted quickly to Adameks resignation by announcing that Matt Too Smooth Godfrey would be the next available for the vacant title and ordered negotiations to start for the fight with USS Cunningham.
USS Cunningham, once described as the by Bad Left Hooks Steve Christ as the Worlds nicest man due to his never having a bad word to say about his fellow boxers or the would be opponents that have avoided him, took a typically philosophical stance on hearing the news by saying, "Once again, I've got my marching orders, my mission is to be two time world champion, and with Adamek vacating the title, my sights are set on beating Matt Godfrey, I honestly thought it was going to go this way since July so he's been on my radar.
It's kinda bittersweet, I've wanted the rematch since December, I thought I did enough to win the fight then and I wanted to take my belt back from Adamek, but if the rematch can't be made, this is the next best thing. I've been saying since December I'll be 2 time in '09, and I still want that. I'm ready, willing and able to fight anyone for the IBF World Title, I've been in the gym steady, like I always am and I am ready to fight."
It is expected that an announcement of the date and location of Steve USS Cunningham vs. Matt Too Smooth Godfrey for the IBF Cruiserweight World Championship will be made shortly. Go to www.usscunningham.com for more information.
B.J. FLORES TO FACE ARGENTINAN KNOCKOUT ARTIST MAURO ADRIAN ORDIALES AT “HOOK CITY” ON AUG 15TH
WORLD RANKED UNDEFEATED CRUSIERWEIGHT TO BATTLE SOUTH AMERICAN SLUGGER ON ROY JONES-JEFF LACY PPV IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
LAS VEGAS (July 29, 2009)—Undefeated cruiserweight contender, B.J. Flores will take on Mauro Adrian Ordiales of Bahia Bahia, Argentina as part of the August 15th “Hook City” Pay-Per-View that will feature the legendary Roy Jones Jr.-Jeff Lacy tussle in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Flores of Las Vegas sports an undefeated mark of 23-0-1 with fourteen knockouts is currently ranked #11 by the WBC, #6 by the WBA, #11 by the IBF and #3 by the WBO is looking forward to the challenge of the tough fighter from South America.
“He has fought many top guys held currant WBO Champ Victor Ramirez to a controversial majority decision and lost a highly competitive stoppage in their rematch.” said Flores
“I am extremely motivated as many guys did not want to fight me and I know he wants to come in here and knock me out. But I am going to be up to the challenge as my last three opponents, Darnell Wilson, Jose Luis Herrera, and Oridales had a combined fifty-nine wins and 55 knockouts when they fought me. It was just a few months ago where he was ranked in the top-ten in three of the major organizations. I am coming to show the world that on August 15th that I will be the one who scores the big knockout.”
“I know that not only do I have to win but I have to be exciting and with all the great fighters on this card, I am looking to steal the show and springboard me to a major fight after this.”
Oridales is a thirty-four year old who has a record of 21-6 with twenty knockouts.
Among those losses Ordiales has only dropped fights to major names in the Cruiserweight division and they are to the current WBO champ Victor Ramirez twice, recent world title challenger Rudolf Kraj, highly regarded contender Grigory Drozd.
In “Hook City,” two of boxing’s dominating left hookers, 8-time world champion Roy Jones Jr. and 2-time world champion Jeff Lacy, go to battle on Saturday, August 15 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi to determine the most powerful hooker and the NABO Light Heavyweight Champion. “Hook City” tickets, priced at $150, $125, $100, $75, $50 & $25 are on sale and available at the MS Coast Coliseum Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com.
The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95, as well as on Super Channel in Canada.
Team Gunn
Reflects on Adamek Fight
Hackensack, NJ - With constant ridicule from the media leading up to the fight, Bobby Gunn stepped into the ring against Tomasz Adamek last Saturday not only for an insurmountable opportunity but also to show his harshest critics that his 2007 bout with Enzo Maccarinelli was an inaccurate way to asses him as a fighter.
Coming into the bout both mentally and physically prepared, Gunn, 21-4-1 (18 KO’s), gave his all against the cement fisted Pole in front of a vocally injected sellout crowd at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. To Gunn’s surprise, his night was cut short by the ringside physician following the fourth round. While Gunn admittedly ate a ton of leather in what ultimately was the final round, he had no intentions of quitting. Even with a disappointing end to his challenge for the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight titles, Gunn has no animosity towards the doctor who stopped...more
CRUISERWEIGHT PRE-FIGHT QUOTES
Bobby Gunn - “I am looking forward to this fight. When I was younger I got off track. When I was younger my little boy couldn’t be a part of this, now he can. This fight is my dream. This is the modern day Cinderella story. No one expects great things of me. A lot of the media has ripped me off. If I didn’t come to fight this fight at my best, to fight my heart out, I wouldn’t have respect for the sport and I love the game. I’m a warrior. You know, beware of a dangerous man. Because I am, I’ve got nothing to lose.”
Tomasz Adamek - Welcome all my fans again to Newark and Prudential arena. Again I will defend my IBF Championship and Ring Magazine belt. I can make a guarantee now. Bobby Gunn and my fans around the world will see my winning effort and another knockout on Saturday night.”
In response to Adamek’s comment Bobby Gunn said with a smile “He’s not as nice as he was at the last press conference, he’s meaner now!” Kathy Duva said “yes, Tomasz Adamek has his game face on.”
Steve Cunningham –
“It’s good to be going back into the ring with my new
trainer Naazim Richardson. People are going to see an
improved Steve Cunningham on Saturday, both physically
and mentally.
“Big Truck [Wayne Braithwaite] is still a player, a former world champion, but my job is to make him look bad on Saturday.”
TRAINERS CORNER
Naazim Richardson – “Steve is heck of a human being that happens to know how to box. He’s good for the game. “This kid Braithwaite that Steve is fighting is one of the most dangerous big men out there when he shows up with his A game. It says a lot about Steve that he fights Tomasz Adamek and then comes right back to face a tough guy in Braithwaite.”
Andrew Gmitruk, Tomasz Adamek trainer (in response to the Cinderella story comment from Gunn) “It’s really nice to hear fairy tales, but those stories are for children. We are grown men. We are going to teach reality on Saturday.”
Godfrey
ready to cage Hawk on way to world title fight
PROVIDENCE (July 7, 2009) NABF and SNBC cruiserweight champion, Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey hopes the fourth time is the charm for him when he takes on unbeaten Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk in the main event on this week’s ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show from The Arena in Philadelphia.
In a battle of full-blooded Native Americans, Godfrey (18-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 6 by the WBC and No. 7 by the IBF, is a Wampanoag fighting in the 10-round headliner against a Sioux, Hawk (18-0-1, 16 KOs).
Godfrey was supposed to face Herbie Hide earlier this year in a WBC Eliminator, but Matt was unable to fight due to a hand injury, and an IBF title fight against Tomasz Adamek, planned for this weekend, fell through when Showtime passed on the opportunity to broadcast.
“I’m preparing for Hawk as if I were fighting Adamek,” Godfrey said during a break from a recent workout. “This is a very important fight because I have another opportunity to showcase my skills on live national television. Fights fall through, that’s boxing. I can’t do anything about it and all I can do is keep focused on this fight. I don’t know too much about Hawk other than I know I’m going to beat him. He doesn’t bring anything that strikes fear in me – nobody does! He’s heavy-handed and he doesn’t know how to lose. Those are his two best assets. I’m not worried but I’m still taking him serious.”
The 28-year-old Godfrey, rated No.
10-ranked by The Ring magazine, has had his three most impressive
performances fighting on ESPN FNF, knocking out Emmanuel Nwodo,
Felix Cora, Jr. and Shaun George.
“This is my fourth main event on ESPN and it’s an opportunity for
the sanctioning bodies, media and fans to see me again in action,”
Godfrey added. “Every year I believe I’m going to be fighting in a
bigger spotlight. I’m hoping that the fourth time around will lead
to a world title fight for me. I’m ready to prove that I’m one of
the best cruiserweights in the world; I believe I’m the best. When
you’re rated in the top 10 by Ring, you’re definitely one of the
best because there’s no politics involved, and it lists all of the
different champions, not just the top contenders. I’m hoping a
convincing win will push me up a little more in the ratings.”
Go on line to www.mattgodfreyboxing.com for more information.
FIGHTER BRAGGADIO
Bobby Gunn Promises
Fireworks on July 11!
Hackensack, NJ (July 4) - Every year on July 4, millions of Americans celebrate our nation’s freedom with their friends and loved ones. One of the most traditional and enjoyable ways to honor America ’s independence is to attend a fireworks spectacular.
Powerful, loud, and colorful could best describe the impressive display that keeps so many proud Americans entertained at parks and sports stadiums annually. While July 4 fireworks shows will take place at countless locations across the Land of the Free, Bobby Gunn is planning his own special extravaganza, albeit slightly off schedule.
In exactly on week, Gunn, 21-3-1 (18 KO’s), will challenge IBF/Ring Magazine Cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Nicknamed “Goral” for his astonishing chin and toughness, Adamek is universally regarded as the top Cruiserweight in the world. In facing an opponent who impressively defeated former world champions ...continue
ADAMEK
VS BOBBY GUNN
Quotes From Tomasz Adamek Workout at the World Boxing and Fitness Center , Jersey City , NJ - Picture by Tom Casino
From Promoter, Kathy Duva of Main Events: “Ticket sales are tracking way ahead of any other Adamek box office and the fight is still three weeks away. We are very excited and encouraged by the trends.”
From Adamek: When asked about his opponent Bobby Gunn - “For me every fight is a big fight. I basically prepare the same way each time; of course we make adjustments to fit my opponent. Gunn is hungry, it’s his big chance, and he could be dangerous. I am serious about this fight.”
You are known as a guy who can take a punch, how do you develop that? – “There is no practice for this. I come from a small village in Poland , Gilowice. I am a mountain guy, I am tough.”
When asked about fighting at Prudential Center – “First time I saw this place I thought it is beautiful! There is nothing like that in Poland . Many Polish people live near Prudential Center , I feel very at home there. It is very exciting to look up and see all the Polish people.”
When and why did you start boxing? – “I started boxing when I was 12, I liked it right away. My father loved boxing. He died when I was 2 years old, I don’t remember him, but he said to my Mother, ‘If we have a son, he will be a boxer’, I want to make him proud.”
“I could have many fights in Poland but I can’t get a big fight there. I knew that if I want to be a big fighter I had to come to the United States . I want to fight all the best boxers in the world, if you get a big name in boxing that is how you get the big TV contracts, how you can get your dreams.”
From Trainer Andrew Gmitruk – What are you working on now? – “You know, we keep our style because he’s been boxing about 20 years and you don’t want to change a boxer’s style, it’s dangerous to change everything. We want to keep it because it is very difficult for most boxers. He has very good footwork, very good direction, speed, a lot of jabs. He is dangerous for everybody. I have watched Bobby Gunn, we are prepared.”
Cunningham vs.
Braithwaite IBF Cruiserweight Title
Eliminator 11th July 2009
Philadelphia, PA. USA - 14th June 2009: The mouth watering prospect of two of the Cruiserweight division’s finest former World Champions, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, facing each other is finally a reality after promoter, Don King Productions, confirmed that the fight will take place on the under card of the Joseph Agbeko - Vic Darchinyan IBF Bantamweight title fight at the Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida on July 11th.
After months of on-off speculation former IBF King ‘USS’ Cunningham, and former WBC Champ, ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite will battle it out, in an IBF title eliminator, for the right to face current IBF Champion, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek later this year in his mandatory defense.
Philadelphia’s ‘USS’ Cunningham, who had his prized IBF crown wrestled from him ..more
The Dream Team - Naazim
Richardson Training Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham For Title
Challenge
Philadelphia, PA. USA - 1st June 2009 - The battle between two former Cruiserweight World Champions, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham (IBF) and Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite (WBC), is a mouth watering prospect in itself, but when you add into the equation that the winner will earn the right to face current Champion, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek, in the mandatory defense of his IBF title later this year, you just know that it’s going to be one seriously exciting, all-action affair with “Fight of the Year” potential plastered all over it in capital letters.
Now if that isn’t enough to get every boxing fan salivating at the prospect, the heavily armed destroyer, ‘USS’ Cunningham, announces that he has added even bigger guns to his already power packed arsenal by enlisting, “Trainer of the Year” ..continue
World Famous Gleason’s Gym London BRUCE ‘LIONHEART’ SCOTT
London, UK - 17th May 2009: Gleason’s Famed Trainer John Rooney Jnr. Speaks His Mind On Bruce Scott, ‘Buster’ Keeton and Prizefighter 7 - The Cruiserweights.
John Rooney Jnr. head coach and owner of the World Famous Gleason’s Gym London near Tower Bridge, spoke out on the upcoming Prizefighter 7 - The Cruiserweights, which takes place at Earl’s Court on Tuesday May 19th, and the chances of his charge, former British, Commonwealth and WBU International Champion Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, being victorious and pocketing the top prize of £25,000.
Rooney, who as a manager and/or trainer, guided many well known fighters, such as fellow Prizefighter 7 competitor Micky Steeds, British Featherweight Champion Martin Lindsay and British, Commonwealth and European Middleweight Champion Howard Eastman, to national and International glory, was chosen by ‘Lionheart’ to prepare him for his return to big time boxing, following a three year sabbatical from the sport, because as the big Jamaican simply click here
The Secret is Out: Afolabi Crowned Champion
With one whistling right hand, the "Best Kept Secret in Boxing" got out and newly crowned WBO Interim Cruiserweight Champion Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi (14-1-3, 6 KOs) couldn't be happier.
"I told you!" shouted the 28-year-old transplanted Californian. "I said this would be my coming out party and that's exactly what it was!"
Although he was considered an underdog going in to his fight against former champion Enzo Maccarinelli at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester on Saturday night, Afolabi tore into his Welsh opponent and had him hurt a few times before a picture-perfect overhand right sent him crashing to the deck in round nine. Though he rose, Maccarinelli was ruled unable to continue; making ..more
TOMASZ ADAMEK TO
DEFEND IBF CRUISER CROWN AGAINST JOHNATHON BANKS ON FRIDAY, FEB. 27
NEW YORK (Feb. 21, 2009) – A no-nonsense, non-stop action fighter who makes for “Fight of the Year” candidates more often than most, Tomasz Adamek returns to SHOWTIME to defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight title against undefeated Johnathon Banks in the main event Friday, Feb. 27, on ShoBox: The New Generation (live at 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
How exciting is the aggressive-minded Adamek? Three of his last nine fights have been legitimate candidates for “Fight of the Year”. So will Adamek-Banks turn out to be another “Fight of the Year” nominee? “You never know, you’ll just have to watch and see,’’ said Adamek, a quiet, humble man outside the ring who turns into a raging tiger inside...click here
Afolabi: "This is my Coming-out Party!" The Era of Ola begins March 14
Cruiserweight contender Ola
"Kryptonite" Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) is hosting a party on March 14,
the day he faces former champion Enzo Maccarinelli for the Interim
WBO Cruiserweight Championship at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester.
"This is my coming out party!" grins
the 28-year-old London, England-born Nigerian currently living in
California. "He (Maccarinelli) makes his base there, but what people
may not know is that the UK is my home country too. I am coming home
to win the title!"
For Afolabi's promoter, Dino Duva of Duva Boxing, being able to negotiate a ..click here
Bobby Gunn to Fight for Vacant NABA Cruiserweight Championship against Brad Gregory!
February 10, 2009, Hackensack, NJ – On February 25, Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn will attempt to win his 7th title belt as well as advance himself in the world Cruiserweight rankings. Gunn, the current WBC USNBC champion, will now be fighting for the vacant WBA NABA Cruiserweight crown.
A victory could help him surpass other credible contenders while moving him one step closer to another fight with an elite 200 lb fighter. In Gunn’s way is Brad Gregory 11-2 (9 KO’s), a Kansas native whose two losses were against much bigger and stronger ..click here
TONY DANZA’S TAKE ON BOXING AND THE CONTENDER
By Michael Amakor
Right now, Tony Danza is making a come back to boxing center stage, as the host of the popular TV reality series The Contender, now in its fourth season, and previously hosted by Rocky star Sylvester Stallone and former 5 division world champion Sugar ..MORE
'USS' Cunningham Wants Maccarinelli As Adamek Chooses Banks For First Title Defense
Cunningham vs. Adamek Press Conference Quotes
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 Newark N.J.—International Boxing Federation cruiserweight world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham and former world champion Tomasz Adamek foreshadowed their Dec. 11 meeting at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. at a press conference today at the one-year-old venue.
“I work very hard because boxing is my job,” Cunningham, from Philadelphia, said. “My goal is to be the greatest of all time. ...continue
CUNNINGHAM vs. ADAMEK
NEWARK , N.J. —International Boxing
Federation cruiserweight champion Steve “USS”
Cunningham (21-1, 11
KOs) will meet Polish-born former world champion Tomasz Adamek
(35-1, 24 KOs) at the Prudential Center in Newark , N.J. on
Thursday, Dec. 11.
The event, with full undercard, is being co-promoted by Main Events and Don more)
IBF World
Champion Steve Cunningham to make guest appearance on radio talk
show this Thursday.
IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, is to make a special guest appearance this coming Thursday evening on internet radio talk show - Fight News Unlimited Combat Show - hosted by Rich Bergeron and Tony ‘The Tornado’ Penecale.
As well as talking about his life, boxing career and the upcoming title defense against #2 ranked Tomasz Adamek, Steve will also be answering questions from listeners, either by phone or those sent via the live chat room.
Show host, ‘Rabble Rousin’ Rich Beregron, said "We've been trying to track Steve Cunningham down for months now, and we're glad to finally get the opportunity (MORE)
"Too Smooth” Godfrey heads to Germany for March 8th WBC Title Eliminator versus Kraj
“I’ve been training for this fight since Christmas,” the 27-year-old NABF champion Godfrey explained, “but I really started training camp around the first week of September for a fight (versus Jeremy Williams) that fell out right before Thanksgiving. So, I’m ready for this fight, and I want to go in and let everybody see what all of this hard work and training has done for me. People are going to see the Matt Godfrey who was so explosive against (Shaun) George and (Felix) Cora (Jr), in addition to seeing some different stuff that comes from new conditioning training that allows me to do a lot more in the ring. Click on the results of March 8 and see Godfrey as the decisive victor.”
The winner of Godfrey-Kraj not only will become the WBC’s mandatory challenger, it also has additional implications because WBC/WBA title-holder David Haye fights WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli on March 8 in London. A Haye victory reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or interim title-holder. More
“We had the DVD player going every day and we’ve noticed some different things about Kraj that we’ve worked on,” Godfrey spoke about his 2000 Olympic silver medal winning opponent, Kraj. “He’s a solid opponent with good strength and size. He’s the real deal and it’s going to be a great fight.
“I’m not concerned about fighting him in Germany. We’re going over there early to get acclimated to the weather and time. We’ll have ample time to adjust. The winner could be the new world champion or interim title holder. The worst that can happen is the winner is the mandatory contender, and that’s why I’m looking at this as a world title fight, whether it is or isn’t.”
Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.
The highly decorated U.S. amateur defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professionals such as WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-1-3, 12 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (21-0, 14 KOs), Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs).
Godfrey Punches Way to Germany For
WBC Title Eliminator versus Kraj on March 8
“Kraj won a Silver Medal in the 2000 Olympics and going overseas to fight him will be a big test,” the 27-year-old Godfrey said. “He’s very good. Kraj is a typical Eastern European fighter who does some things very well. The winner of this fight is going to be set-up nice in the WBC. I’m looking at it as a title fight.”
The WBC title eliminator potentially has additional implications because Haye, who also holds the WBA title belt, fights the same night as Godfrey-Kraj in a unification bout versus WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli. A win by Haye reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or Interim title-holder. More
“I’ve fought in Europe as an amateur but never in Germany,” Godfrey noted. “I’ve watched the surge of boxing in Europe and always knew that my title run would go through Europe, especially with cruiserweights like Haye, Enzo and Jean-Marc Mormeck. I’ve prepared mentally and I believe that I’m a world class fighter who is ready for this.”
Godfrey has been training almost non-stop since the middle of August. First, his bout against Jeremy Williams in November was cancelled when the show fell apart, and the Kraj fight was originally slated for February. He will head to Germany with his head trainer, former world light heavyweight title challenger “Iceman” John Scully, 10-14 days in advance of the show in order to get acclimated and arrange sparring.
Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.
The highly decorated U.S. amateur defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professionals such as WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-1-3, 12 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (21-0, 14 KOs), Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs).
David Haye KO's Jean-Marc Mormeck To
Win WBC, WBA Titles
Pictures by Jane Warburton
11/11/07 - David Haye has skyrocketed to the top of the cruiserweight division by knocking out Jean-Marc Mormeck in seven rounds tonight on a Don King Promotion at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan in Paris, France to forcefully annex the WBC and WBA world titles.
The 27 year old Londoner started off fast, working behind a heavy jab to launch a bruising body attack but the champion closed the distance and shook Haye with a cracking combination at the end of the second.
Haye regained control in the third behind the jab but was down in the fourth when Mormeck connected with a bracing combination of hooks. Haye beat the count and managed to land a few power shots on the oncoming champion to prevent Mormeck from running roughshod.
The champion continued to dictate the action in the fifth, pounding Haye at times with a powerful inside attack that the challenger managed to survive by using good movement and a stiff jab.
Haye regained his composure in the sixth frame, making Mormeck miss repeatedly while countering with accurate jab, right hand salvos but in the seventh, the challenger finally managed to nail Mormeck flush with a startling uppercut, left hook, overhand right combination.
Mormeck went down hard and while he beat the referee's count, the Frenchman was in no condition to continue and the Frank Maloney promoted David Haye was declared the new WBC and WBA champion.
On the undercard, French WBC Light Welter Youth Champion Ali Cheba, 23-0 (17), stopped Brazil's Wellington DeJesus, 11-1 (7), in the third and former WBA Light Welter titlist Souleymane M'baye, 36-2-1 (21), stopped Ameth Diaz, 23-7 (17), in the fourth in a WBC title eliminator.
The stoppages continued as European Union titlist Christophe Canclaux, 35-2 (21), finished ex-IBO boss Steve Conway, 34-9 (7), in three and cruiser Francisco Palacios, 13-0 (7), saw off Andrey Zaitsev, 4-8 (3), in four.
Light welter Olivier Bonine, 8-1-1 (1), outpointed Nuno Cruz, 4-7 (1), over six rounds
Mormeck vs. Haye Showdown This Saturday In Paris
WBC number one challenger David Haye has left true carnage in his wake on the climb to the top of the cruiserweight heap but the London slugger must now bring his vaunted power punching to bear upon the true world champion of the division, WBC and WBA Champion Jean-Marc Mormeck as the two clash this Saturday, November 10 on a Don King Productions promotion at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, Paris, France.
Mormeck, 33-3 (21), has savagely defended his position with wins over a superb list of challengers including Virgil Hill, Wayne Braithwaite, Dale Brown and Alexander Gurov while avenging the only loss on his record in the last ten years by defeating O'Neill Bell in a rematch this past March.
But Haye, 19-1 (18), has the firepower as evidenced by a first round destruction in April over 231 pound Polish heavyweight Tomasz Bonin, who came into the fight with Haye at 37-1 and having gone nine rounds with former Olympic Gold Medallist Audley Harrison.
Once the bell rings to start the first round, there will be no quarter given as both men have stated their only intention is to leave the other a twisted wreck upon the canvas in this winner take all world cruiserweight title bout that has "Fight of The Year" written all over it.
A high quality undercard supports the main event as Ali Cheba, 22-0 (16), meets Efren Guerrero, 16-6-3 (12), for the WBC Youth light welterweight crown.
Also on the bill, former WBA light welter champ Souleymane M'baye meets Ameth Diaz, EU light middleweight titlist Christophe Canclaux squares off with ex-IBO king Steve Conway and light welter Olivier Bonine faces Eric Patrac.
Don King Productions presents Jean Marc-Mormeck vs. David Haye for the WBC and WBA Cruiserweight Championship of the world on Saturday, November 10 at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, Paris, France.
Tickets are €190 Ringside VIP, €130 Ringside, €90 Platform and €50 General Admission and can be purchased from FNAC, Carrefour, Printemps and Bon Marche.
Matt Godfrey defends NABF title against Jeremy Williams
on “Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford”
Nov. 24 at the Connecticut Convention Center
HARTFORD (November 1, 2007) – Unbeaten cruiserweight Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey defends his NABF title against former WBO heavyweight title challenger Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams, headlining “Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford,” on November 24 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
“Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment, Inc. (CES), in association with Sports Entertainment & Media, Inc., will be taped live and aired at dates and times to be determined across the country on numerous Comcast regional stations and the American One Network, as well as internationally by KOTV. Pinnacle FiteNite is produced by 21 Lakes and distributed by Integrated Sports.
Providence native Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council, takes on Williams (42-5-1, 35 KOs), fighting out of Long Beach (CA), in the 12-round main event. Godfrey also is rated No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 6 by the World Boxing Association.
Williams, who was a trainer for the first two seasons on The Contender television reality series, campaigned as a relatively small heavyweight throughout his pro career until fighting this past August 18 as a cruiserweight, earning a win by eight-round decision against veteran Gary Gomez in Utah.
“I lobbied to bring this show to Hartford because of its rich boxing tradition,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said, “starting with the great Willie Pep and continuing with Marlon Starling and so many others. We’re thrilled that these fights and fighters are going to be shown worldwide on Pinnacle FiteNite. Matt Godfrey is No. 2 in the world and he’s going to be fighting his most dangerous opponent, Jeremy Williams. We declined to fight in Germany for the mandatory No. 1 position in the WBC to take this fight.”
Undefeated Las Vegas cruiserweight prospect Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs), former nine-time United States amateur champion, is scheduled to fight in the eight-round co-feature. On the undercard in separate bouts are WBC rated No. 23 super middleweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (20-1-1, 15 KOs), of Providence; Jackie Kallen-managed Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs), of Manchester (CT), the former WBC Youth super featherweight champion; cruiserweight Marc “The Defender” Saggese (3-0, 3 KOs), the high-profile defense attorney from Las Vegas known as the toughest pound-for-pound lawyer; Hartford junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (2-1, 2 KOs). Additional fights will soon be announced. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
“We at Pinnacle FiteNite are excited to work with an experienced, respected promoter like Jimmy Burchfield,” Pinnacle FiteNite executive producer Ritch Danner commented. “We look forward to taking our television series to the East Coast and working with CES to showcase the talents from both companies – Matt Godfrey, Jeremy Williams, Aaron Williams and others. We plan on working with CES on future shows to feature other fighters with compelling stories like Marc Saggese, who’s fighting on this show, Shawn Hawk and Chuck Mussachio, to name a few.”
Tickets are priced at $35.00 (Bronze), $50.00 (VIP Silver), $100.00 (VIP Gold), and $150.00 (limited Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Group discounts are available. Discount tickets are available for members of the Connecticut police and fire departments, men and women active in the U.S. military, and students. VIP Presidential Tables (total of 10 tables, 8 per table) are available by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254. Call CES at 401.724.2253/2254, the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261) and Connecticut Restoration (860.528.6800), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com, to order tickets or for more information. Doors will open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:45 PM/ET.
HARTFORD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Matt Godfrey: “The other night at the gym I was telling John (Godfrey’s new head trainer, John Scully) that I was surprised somebody like Jeremy Williams with 15 years as a pro, longer than I’ve been boxing (in his entire life), with all of his accomplishments, called me out after only 16 fights. It says a lot about me. I’m going to blow Jeremy Williams’ mind and everybody else’s with my ring generalship and skills. I’m not going to be a nice guy. I wish he was still on the phone but he hung up. He got under my skin a little bit, shooting his mouth off. He can’t fight. I’m going to hurt him, humiliate him. I’m the wrong guy to make an example of. Nobody fights the same. I expect him to bring his A game and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t. It’s going to be great seeing him swing at air and getting hit. Beware of what you wish for, Jeremy, I’m not the guy to make an example of.”
Jeremy Williams (by phone): “I’m not terribly impressed with Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey. I saw his last three fights; he’s okay. It’s inconsequential what ESPN says about him. He has a good record but I have more knockouts that he has fights. I’m bringing the heat. I have Rico Hoye in camp.
(Godfrey interrupts: “Ha, ha, ha. I’m the wrong guy to reckon with. You’re making a big mistake. Nobody cares about you. You’re what, 37, and have been knocked out five times. You’re the one gunning for me and I’ve only had 16 pro fights. You’re going to see a big difference in styles. You’re ever seen anyone like me. You’re going to get hit more in 6-7 rounds than you’ve ever been hit in a 12-round fight.”)
Williams continues: “The most scared puppy does the most barking. There’s no easy win to become champion -- if there is, somebody outline it and email it to me. Matt Godfrey is in my way, so be it. This isn’t going to be easy, but it won’t be the hardest fight I’ve been in. I’m glad he’s up to the challenge. I’ve had 35 knockouts in the heavyweight division. I’m ready to put myself on the line to become the Cruiserweight Champion of the World. This is a step towards that but all I’m focused on right now is beating Godfrey.”
Matt Remillard: “I’m excited to be on another big card in Hartford, headlined again by Matt Godfrey. I’ve had an amazing training camp with Paul (his trainer, Paul Cichon), a long one. I had an issue with my wrist and I’m ready to resume my career and have a big 2008. Addy and I are the two local fighters and we’re going to do our best. I love fighting here, where I won my title (WBC Youth super featherweight), and I hope to fight here a lot more. I expect a good show on November 24.”
Addy Irizarry: “I’m really looking forward to fighting in my hometown of Hartford. You won’t be sorry; we have some excellent fighters on this card.”
Darnell Wilson Victory
Sudden Lightening on Staten Island
By Ted Sares
On June 29,
Nigerian slugger Emmanuel Nwodo met streaking Darnell “Ding-A-Ling Man”
Wilson in 12-round USBA Cruiserweight Championship bout at the St. George
Theater in Staten Island on the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. Nwodo (21-3, 17
KO’s) is ranked eighth by the WBO, and had won 10 straight victories.
Wilson, a winner of three in a row, was 21-5-2 coming in, including 18
wins by way of KO.
Nwodo had won the vacant USBA Cruiserweight Title a year ago by stopping
Chris “Cold Steel” Thomas in three, but prior to that, he greatly
impressed by icing tough Imamu Mayfield in one.
This was a battle of knockout artists and promised to be a “don’t blink”
type of fight, but it proved to be something more.
In a classic ebb and flow war and with blood flowing from the eyes of each
fighter due to butts, the Nigerian went down early from a sweeping left
hook. However, he came back to win the middle rounds and grab the lead
going down the stretch. He did it primarily with good foot movement and in
and out punching and seemed in control going into the championship rounds.
However, Wilson was never really hurt and seemed to have a much better
chin; this would soon prove to be important.
In the tenth and with the suddenness of a lightening strike, Nwodo made
the mistake of throwing a right from too far away and was countered by a
short straight right and follow-up left which sent him to the canvas. The
right did most of the damage.
Still not fully recovered going into the eleventh round, the game Nwodo
came out willing and winging, but once again was staggered by the heavy
handed Wilson who hits like he has embalming fluid in each fist. The
Nigerian champion quickly found himself the prey in a track and execute
type of situation. The tracking ended on the ropes as the “Ding-A-Ling
Man” trapped Nwodo and missed with a whistling right but followed up with
as savage a left hook as you will ever see. The punch landed with full
force, leverage and impact knocking Nwodo cold. Without a doubt, it will
be the Knockout of the Year. Heck, I would dread witnessing anything
worse.
Emmanuel remained on the canvas for several scary minutes and there was a
palpable sense of relief when he finally was able to stand. Fortunately,
New Jersey has a competent commission and all necessary precautionary
measures were in place in the event of just such a situation.
This was one Friday night fight I will not soon forget. These two guys
came to rumble in the non-theatrical sense. It just doesn’t get any
better.
Thanks for the memories.
EMMANUEL NWODO TRAINING CAMP NOTES - HE MAKES HIS FIRST USBA CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE DEFENSE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRAINING VIDEO
Baltimore MD, (June 27, 2006) Right in the middle of inner city Baltimore lies the graffiti like painted and spacious Mack Lewis boxing gym opened with much fanfare in 2002 and named after the owner who once trained former middleweight champion Vincent Pettaway and Reggie Gross. Adorning its walls are posters of long forgotten fights of local legends, ocassionally Baltimore’s best boxing pugilists like former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman and others have found their way . (More)
Jirov risks potential world title fight headlining “
Thriller On The River” -
Pinnacle FiteNite” series launches July 14 at 4 Bears Casino in North Dakota
NEW TOWN, North Dakota (June 26, 2007) – Former IBF champion Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov puts his potential world title fight against WBA title-holder Vigil “Quicksilver” Hill, or any of the other cruiserweight kings, on the line July 14 when he headlines “Thriller On The River,” launching the “Pinnacle FiteNite” pro boxing series, at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.
Jirov (36-3-1, 30 KOs), 1996 Olympic gold medal winner and Outstanding Boxer, was born in Kazakhstan and now fights out of Scottsdale, Arizona. The rugged southpaw, presently ranked No. 14 by the WBA, captured the IBF cruiserweight title in 1999 by seventh-round stoppage of “King” Arthur Williams. Jirov successfully defended his title belt six times against Dale Brown (KO10), Saul Montana (TKO9), Alex Gonzales (KO1), Terry McGroom (KO1), Julian Letterlough (TKO8) and Jorge Fernando Castro (DEC12).
Jirov’s opponent in the 10-round main event on July 14 is veteran Kenny “The Raven” Craven (28-18, 23 KOs). The battle-tested Craven, who has been in with world champions such as Michael Nunn, Vaughn Bean, Oliver McCall and Henry Akinwande, as well as leading contenders Calvin Brock, Timor Ibragomov and Clifford Etienne, won two of four fights with fabled Eric “Butterbean” Esch.
“This is the fight to put me back in line for a world title fight,” Jirov said. “People will know I’m back after this fight. It’s a new stage in my life. Past is past; now is kind of going from zero to a new beginning. I’m excited about this fight and I will be bringing my best to prove that I’m still one of the top cruiserweights in the world.”
“Thriller On The River,” presented by 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in association with Sports and Entertainment Media, Inc., which launches the “Pinnacle FiteNite” monthly series to be broadcast from a wide variety of venues, will air worldwide on a taped delay basis for free.
|
RANKING |
|
|
1. |
Tomasz Adamek |
| 2. | Guillermo Jones |
| 3. | Jean Mormeck |
| 4. | Steve Cunningham |
| 5. | Giacobbe Fragomeni |
| 6. | Marco Huck |
| 7. | O’Neil Bell |
| 8. | Enzo Maccarinelli |
| 9. | Herbie Hide |
| 10. | Firat Arslan |
| 11. | Krzystof Wlodarczyk |
| 12. | Rudolf Kraj |
| 13. | BJ Flores |
| 14. | Vadim Tokarev |
| 15. | Alexander Alekseev |
| 16. | Wayne Braithwaite |
|
|
|
PAST FIGHTS |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
