Rogelio Medina destroys J'Leon Love in Round 3

Rogelio Medina of Sonora, Mexico made a deafening statement at the Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada. Medina knocked out former unbeaten and crowd favorite J'Leon Love in the Shobox main event.

Medina just took three rounds to destroy the Mayweather promoted and crowd favorite Love. The stunning knockout victory silenced the crowd in attendance.

J'Leon Love started the fight on the balls of his feet. He moved and danced like a graceful ballerina and tagged Medina with pot shots.

But in several occasions, Medina was able to put him in the corner of the ring. But Love is slick enough to dodged the punches from Medina and move to his side. It happens like three or four times in the first two rounds.

In Round 3, Medina again was able to keep in the corner. Medina ducked the left hook from Love and counter with his own left hook. Down went Love! Face first. He tried to beat the count. But he was badly hurt. He's legs were unstable. Referee Tony Weeks stopped the contest. The official time: 39 seconds in Round 3.

With the lost, Love's opportunity for a world title shot might be gone in the wind. But we don't know. With current boxing scenario and the sanctioning bodies that the sport has -- titles are everywhere.

Andre Berto returns

Former world champion Andre Berto returns to the ring on September 6. He will open the three-fight Showtime Championship Boxing in US Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio. Former undefeated Adrien Broner will headline the triple header.

Andre Berto (28-3, 23 KO's) will return to the ring and will be up against unknown Steve Upsher Chambers (24-3-1, 6 KO's) of Philadelphia for a 10-round welterweight bout.

This will be Berto's comeback fight since losing to Jesus Soto Karass in July 2013. Berto lost to Karass in a very entertaining fight. Berto chose to stand his ground taking power shot after power shot from the heavy handed Mexican. He was hurt several times. But landed also his own power uppercuts that hurt Karass. He even dropped Karass with a left uppercut to the body in the 11th round.

However, in the final round, Karass landed a beautiful counter left hook that sent Berto down. Berto was able to got up and beat the count. But the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight.

After that, Berto didn't fight the remainder of 2013. He will return on September 6 after more than one year in the sideline. And after recovering also from a shoulder surgery. Berto's comeback fight will determine how much he has in the tank. Berto is always an entertaining fighter and one of my favorite.

 

Hopkins vs Kovalev set on Nov 8 at Boardwalk Hall

In a press released from Golden Boy Promotions, Hopkins vs Kovalev will takes place at the Boardwalk Hall in Altlantic City on Saturday, 8th Nov. 2014.

Since the August 4th official announcement of the Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins vs. Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev light heavyweight title unification fight, the boxing world has been waiting and wondering when and where the two will meet and put their respective titles on the line. The wait is over as Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events announced today that the fall's most anticipated boxing event will take place Saturday, Nov. 8 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

I believed that this is the first time wherein a Golden Boy exclusively promoted fighter in Bernard Hopkins to air fight back on HBO. Earlier, Golden Boy Promotion top man Oscar De La Hoya told that the so called "cold war" in boxing has ended.

Austin Trout wins UD on FNF season finale vs Daniel Dawson

 

[caption id="attachment_3931" align="alignnone" width="800"] Austin Trout celebrates after defeating Miguel Cotto in December (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)[/caption]

Is Trout back? Austin Trout gets back to the winning tab after back-to-back losses in 2013, against Saul Alvarez and Erislandy Lara.

Former junior middleweight titlist and Transnational Boxing Rankings Board ranked number 4 in the same division Austin Trout (27-2, 14 KO's) got up from two knockdowns in Round 3 and took control of the fight. He got the judges nod and won a unanimous decision against live underdog Daniel Dawson. The scorecards were 97-90 in all three judges.

The 36 years old Dawson (40-4-1, 26 KO's) surprised the highly favorite Trout halfway in Round 3. He tagged Trout with hard counter right hand that almost sent Trout out of the ring. Trout got up; although not severely hurt, but it’s obvious he felt the shot. Trout tried to come back and mount his attack in the last ten seconds of Round 3. But Dawson caught Trout again with a counter right hand that sent Trout down again. Dawson right hand did tremendous success in Round 3. He throws it down the middle as a counter to Trout’s lefty stance.

In Round 7, Trout (accidentally) stepped on Dawson’s left lead foot. Dawson was limping going back to his corner. In Round 8, it is obvious that Dawson hurt his left foot as he is not able to move the way he moved in the earlier rounds. Trout sensing the adversity of his opponent stepped up his offense and threw hard shots that sent down Dawson.

To Dawson's credit, he was there not just to fight. He came to win. Obviously hurt from the knockdown and with hurting left foot, Dawson got up and continued to fight.

But Trout never look back and became more aggressive in the remaining rounds. He’s looking for a knockout and had Dawson in trouble several times. But the underdog fought with his heart out and refused to go down for good.

With the win, Trout is looking to get back to big fights and hopefully fights again before the year ends.

Mike Jones returns to the ring vs Jaime Herrera

[caption id="attachment_3908" align="alignnone" width="728"] Photos by Maryanne Owen[/caption]

New trainer confident, a New Mike Jones will show up, Saturday at Bally’s Atlantic City

Las Vegas, NV—Former world-title challenger Mike Jones wrapped up his preparations yesterday at the Top Rank Gym here for Saturday’s 10-round comeback fight against Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

It has been more than two years since Jones last fought. He was stopped in the 11th round of his IBF world welterweight title fight with Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. That was June 9, 2012.

Since then, Jones, 31, moved from Philadelphia, PA, to Las Vegas, was idle for two years while working out daily in Las Vegas gyms, and now is trained by Ismael Salas and Miguel Diaz.

“Boxing is a mental game just as much as a physical one,” said Salas, pictured above with Jones, Diaz and Richie Sandoval. When we first worked with Mike for this fight, we talked for a long time and worked on renewing his fighting spirit. He is a great fighter and he needs to think that when he walks into the ring he will be a powerful force.

“Mike is very strong and hits hard. He is in top condition; just look at him. After two years off, you will see what hard work and mental toughness did for Mike. He’s ready to fight.”

Salas has worked with 10 world champions, the most recent being Jessie Vargas, of Las Vegas, the current WBA junior welterweight champion.

Jones, who has won 26 of 27 pro fights, 19 by knockout, makes his fourth appearance at Bally’s, where he has defeated Lenin Arroyo, Raul Pinzon and Henry Bruseles.

Herrera, 25, is 11-2-1, 6 K0s. He comes into Saturday’s fight off the biggest win of his career, a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Michael Finney, of Pahrump, NV, last March 29 in Las Vegas. Herrera’s management has been asking for this fight ever since word got out in May that Jones was fighting again.

The scheduled eight-round middleweight semifinal features Thomas LaManna, of Millville, NJ, against Jamaal Davis, of Philadelphia, in a prospect- vs.-veteran crossroads match. LaManna is 14-0, 7 K0s; Davis 14-11-1, 6 K0s. Ismael Garcia, of Vineland, NJ, and Gilbert Alex Sanchez, of Camden, NJ, collide over six rounds to determine the best junior middleweight prospect in South Jersey. Garcia is 6-0, 3 K0s; Sanchez 4-4-1, 2 K0s.

ABOUT AUGUST 23
The Jones-Herrera and LaManna-Davis fights top an eight-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. www.gofightlive.tv will stream the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and Top Rank, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Porter vs Brook: Final Presscon quotes and photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME and GBP/Hogan photos

The most anticipated fight this Saturday night, Shawn Porter vs Kell Brook held the final press conference and here are what the fighters' have said:

SHAWN PORTER, IBF Welterweight World Champion

"There was good energy today and the crowd really got me going. I have a lot to offer to this sport. I'm one of the quickest and strongest guys in my weight class. And I'm probably the most confident too. But I can't help that. It's my personality, it's who I am.

"Saturday night, you're going to see it all. You're going to see some boxing, you'll see some aggression, you'll see intelligence, some power and quickness. The whole nine yards.

"I've done enough homework to know that I can beat him. This has been a long time coming, and I look forward to defending my title on Saturday night. Everybody in the UK better stay up late for this one. I'm hoping to get some new fans over there after this is over."

KELL BROOK, Undefeated Welterweight Contender

"This has been a long time coming, but I've finally arrived on the top stage now. It's every fighter's dream to win a world title, and it's all I've been thinking about through all the training and waiting.

"I know Shawn Porter is a very tough customer and a very worthy champion. But this is my time. I'm so ready mentally, and physically, I've got my family here. I'm just in the best place of my life. I'm very confident, totally prepared and Saturday could not come quick enough for me.''

SAKIO BIKA, WBC Super Middleweight Champion

"He ran around the first fight and I should have won. It's nothing new for me to fight in the States and I just have to go there and knock him out so there's no need for a judges' decision.

"I don't need to sit here and talk much. He's doing enough of that for the both of us. We'll see who's doing the talking after I get through with him on Saturday night."

ANTHONY DIRRELL, Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender

"I'm definitely ready to fight. If I wasn't I sure couldn't make it happen in two days. I'm basically going to stick to my game plan from the first fight, but with a few tweaks. I want to leave nothing to chance.

"It's been nine months since our first fight. You can't call Bika a real champion. I beat him the first time; this time it's going to be worse. There's going to be a new champion on Saturday. It's going to be a helluva fight, but I'm going to burn him.

"I already won my toughest fight when I beat cancer. A big part of my motivation on Saturday is knowing that Danny Jacobs [a fellow cancer survivor who captured the WBA middleweight title last Saturday on SHOWTIME] will be calling the fights from ringside for SHOWTIME.''

OMAR FIGUEROA JR., WBC Lightweight World Champion

"This is the hardest I've ever trained for a fight and now I'm back on one of boxing's biggest stages. I know Estrada likes to come forward so that should make for an exciting fight for the fans.

"This is another very big fight for me. This fight is for my family and all my friends back in Texas.

"I expect a rough fight, but I know I will win."

DANIEL ESTRADA, Leading Lightweight Contender
"I'm dedicating this fight to my family and the memory of my younger sister, Janyn, and her five-year-old daughter, Emery, who died after they were in a car crash less than three weeks ago.
"It's been a very difficult, emotional time for all of us. My sister, who was 27, has always been my biggest supporter in boxing. She always told me that if I continued to work hard I would make it to the top and become a world champion.
"I'm using what she always said to me as motivation for this fight. As bad as we all feel, there was never really a time when I thought I would abandon this opportunity. I know she would want me to take the fight.
"I've been waiting a year to fight for the title and on Saturday I'm going to take advantage of my shot. I recognize Figueroa as a great champion for what he brings to the sport, but I'm a Mexican warrior. I'll show you all that on Saturday.''
DEONTAY WILDER, Undefeated WBC Continental Americas Champion

"I'm right at the door. All I've got to do is ring the bell or knock to get inside. Everybody has their opinion on who I should fight, and I know this is a risk fight. Jason [Gavern] comes to fight every time. And you've got to respect that. I've definitely not looking past Jason, but I'm looking through him.

"I love boxing, and I love what I do. I love being surrounded by other fighters and champions. I love the atmosphere and the fans, just everything that's involved with boxing. I was very eager and very hungry to get back in the ring."

JASON GAVERN, Veteran Heavyweight

"This is kind of cool for a former policeman like me to be on a card like this and I thank everyone involved for making it happen.

"Wilder is 31-0 with 31 knockouts for a reason. But I love to fight and look forward to putting on a good show like I always do.''

JORGE LINARES, Former WBC Featherweight & WBA Super Featherweight World Champion

"This is a must-win fight for me which is why I've prepared for a very hard fight. I know I have to win to get my title shot. But I'm not here just to win but to look good.

"I have three losses on my record, but in my heart I feel I've lost only once [against Antonio DeMarco]. I certainly can't afford to lose on Saturday. I'm anxious and ready to go.''

JASON QUIGLEY, Unbeaten Super Middleweight Prospect
"My weight is always pretty good because I've never gone up and down between fights; I always try to maintain top conditioning.
"I really enjoy being a pro and being part of all the fight-week activities before a fight -the workout, press conference and weigh-in. It's great to be surrounded by so many great fighters and so much media.
"Saturday is my second pro fight and I'm totally focused and ready to perform.''

Shawn Porter vs Kell Brook official weigh in at 1 PM PT

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream
The most anticipated match-up between two top welterweight star, Shawn Porter and Kell Brook will hold official weigh in on Friday at 1 PM PT at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Mayweather vs Maidana II undercards: Santa Cruz, Vazquez, Angulo; more

The rematch between boxing pound-for-pound kingpin Floyd Mayweather Jr. and hard-hitting Argentinean fighter Marcos Maidana has revealed the undercards.

The main event of Mayhem is already a guaranteed entertaining fight this September on Showtime PPV. I could say this based on their previous encounter, as Maidana gave everything the boxer that calls himself "the best ever" can handle.

Maidana gave trouble, roughhousing Mayweather towards the ropes and winning the early rounds that seldom you can find on all Mayweather previous opponents. Yet, the undercards seemed promise the same level of fireworks, adding in Mexican stars in keeping with the Mexican Independence Day tradition.

Here are the Mayweather vs Maidana II undercards:

Fast rising young star Leo Santa Cruz puts his lightweight crown on the line against Manuel Roman as the co-featured main event. While Miguel Vazquez faces Mayweather Promotions' star Mickey Bee.

The all out aggressor Alfredo Angulo will also be seen back in action, takes on James De La Rosa. John Molina Jr. fights the hard-hitting Humberto Soto in a 10-round Jr, welterweight bout.

"All Access" in advance of Mayhem: Mayweather vs Maidana 2

Danny Garcia destroys Rod Salka in an overkill matchup

[caption id="attachment_3818" align="alignnone" width="1800"] Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / SHOWTIME Golden Boy Promotions/Hoganphotos[/caption]

Danny Garcia (29-0, 17 KO) took good care of business. And destroyed Rod Salka in Round 2 of their junior welterweight bout, (actually a catch-weight at 142 lbs.) at the Barclays Center in New York, on Showtime’s triple header.

There’s nothing to say about this fight. The moment this fight announced, boxing writers already drafted their recap for this fight. They thought, Salka is overkilled in this match-up. That was the case tonight.

I hate when boxing writers are writing off an underdog. I inclined to favor underdogs, at some level. But this one is an exception.

I look at every angle, but I can’t see any angle Rod Salka can pull an upset. So, I drafted my recap too.

There is not so much of resistance from Salka (19-4, 3 KO). Garcia overpowered Salka. no answer to Garcia’s power and skill. In Round 1, it’s obvious that Salka would like to pull a Mauricio Herrera type of game plan. He tried to move around and he heard the bell that signaled Round 1 has ended. But in the second round, Salka didn’t hear the bell.

In the second round, Garcia dropped Salka and then followed up with intensity that forced Salka on his knee. Salka was able to continue but it was obvious that it’s just a matter of seconds — he’ll visit again the floor. Salka stood his limited ground, banged his chest, inviting Garcia to come in. He got what he wanted. Garcia threw a decoy punch to body and followed up with his signature left hook in full force that sent Salka flat on his back.

The referee didn’t bother to count and waved it off at 2:31 in Round 2. I saw also the white towel float in the air. But that was not needed. The referee stopped already the fight.

When, I saw the left hook landed clean on Salka’s chin. I whispered “God please keep him safe”. The power and impact behind that punch is tremendous because Salka didn't even saw it. And Garcia is way too heavy that night compared to the unknown lightweight underdog. Weight limit in each weight class are there for a reason. That’s why, I pray for Salka’s safety after that punch landed.

Well, I hope we will not see this kind of stay busy match-up more often because it sucks. And it doesn't make any sense even to the favorite fighter. Just for the sake of staying busy? Or they just wanted a paid sparring?

Its official! Bernard Hopkins faces Sergey Kovalev for light heavyweight unification bout

IBF, WBA and WBO Championships all on the line as The Alien vs. Krusher comes to the East Coast in November on live on HBO World Championship Boxing

(August 4, 2014) -- Speed, savvy and defense will come face-to-face with explosive power and force this November when Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins takes on Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev in a Light Heavyweight Unification title fight, Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events announced today.

Hopkins, incredibly just two months short of his 50^th birthday, is seeking to add the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship to his collection of IBF and WBA belts. Kovalev, who burst on the scene just a year ago, has never lost a fight and has won 23 of his 25 victories by knockout.

"Everything I do at this point in my career affects my legacy," Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KOs) said. "I've set and broken many records, but becoming the oldest undisputed light heavyweight world champion is the goal and Kovalev stands in the way of that goal. He's another young, hungry fighter and just like the ones that came before him, he will leave the ring beltless."

"I respect Bernard Hopkins for taking this fight," said the 31-year-old Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KOs). "When I came to America, it was dream to fight the best and now I am fighting, I have my chance. He says he is alien. He punch, I punch, then we see who is gonna go to Mars."

In April, Hopkins defeated Beibut Shumenov to win the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship, breaking his own record as the oldest fighter in history to win a world title, which he set in May of 2011 after defeating Jean Pascal at age 46. Kovalev comes off of the third defense of his WBO Light Heavyweight Title on HBO, defeating Blake Caparello by TKO on Saturday night. Hopkins vs. Kovalev is set to take place in the first half of November and will be held on the East Coast at a venue still to be determined.

"Golden Boy Promotions has been crystal clear that we will make the best fights for our fans no matter who else is promoting it, where it takes place or what network broadcasts it; this is Exhibit 'A' of our keeping that commitment," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "At 49 years of age, Bernard continues to electrify crowds with lightening quickness and impregnable defense; Sergey hits with thunderous force and is an early-round knockout threat every time he steps in the ring. With those two forces coming together, fans are in for a real treat."

 "Throughout boxing's history, great champions have always been motivated by fighting the best," said Main Events' CEO, Kathy Duva. "Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya are both living legends who never back down from a challenge. Sergey Kovalev made it clear that all he wants to do is test his skills against the finest in the world. Main Events has always been able to deliver the biggest fights for its fighters and their fans. Since George Foreman defeated Joe Frazier in 1973, HBO has been synonymous with boxing at its highest level. It shouldn't be any surprise that when you combine those elements, you get the most anticipated fight of the year."

"Sports capture our imagination when elite athletes seek superlative challenges of the highest stakes, which is precisely the caliber of fight these two intrepid champions have given their fans by choosing to face-off against one another," Peter Nelson, Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports said. "Hopkins vs. Kovalev is a destination event, and HBO is delighted to present this light heavyweight unification championship to our subscribers."

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com or www.hbo.com/boxing

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/main_events, www.twitter.com/hboboxing,www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/krusherkovalev

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/maineventsboxing and www.facebook.com/hboboxing.

Funny Diego Chaves reaction after disqualified by Vic Drakulich

Here's a funny reaction (above picture) of Diego Chaves after he was disqualified by referee Vic Drakulich. I can't help but to keep on laughing at his reaction. His make face at the disqualification loss against Brandon Rios says it all. He has no idea of why he was disqualified despite several warning from Drakulich.

"Truly, I don't know (why he was disqualified)," Chaves said, "because during the (eight) rounds we fought, I was taking headbutts and rabbit punches. I don't know what I did." added Chaves via an interpreter.

Prior to the DQ, Chaves has been deducted a point in Round's three and seven due to excessive holding. And ultimately Chaves was disqualified in Round 9 due to the same reason -- excessive holding. And as per Rios, Chaves is poking his eyes with his thumb.

"I didn't want to headbutt him. Every time I'd get in, he'd grab me, then he'd put his finger in my eyes." says Rios.

I really don't know also what happen in this fight. What I'm certain is that I think referee Vic Drakulich mishandled this fight. I saw several worst fight but not ended in way the fans don't want it and the fighters don't want either.

"This is not the way I wanted to win. I don't know if I was winning or not. Chaves has tremendous skills. But come on, man, don't fight dirty." Rios told Jim Lampley.

Brandon Rios vs Diego Chaves preview

Two fighters with come-forward style will clash tonight, as Brandon Rios boxing Diego Gabriel Chaves at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To make it straightforward and without beating around the bush, I can say that: this is an entertaining fight without any significant outcome to the current welterweight landscape. Just pure entertainment. If you love watching two people punching in the head -- this is the fight you are looking for. This is a match-up of two people willing to trade punches without taking a step back.

Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 23 KO) has develop his brand of boxing. He's known for his all out aggression, hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back-with-a-smile style. But in his last two bouts wherein he lost to Mike Alvarado in a rematch and to Manny Pacquiao via wide margin unanimous decision, Rios was not able to show his brand of Rios boxing. Alvarado and Pacquiao implemented a game plan that exposed how "one-dimensional" Rios is. Okay fine. Rios might be one-dimensional but I'll forget about that because this time he will face another fighter that is more than willing to stay in the pocket and trade bombs after bombs. We will see both men walking each other in the ring. We will see blood! We will see war!

Argentinean Diego Chaves, (23-1, 19 KO) despite the visa issues and all was able to touch down on US soil with Arum's influence and Sen Reid. Everyone is not certain if Chaves is on or will be replaced until Wednesday. And he eventually arrived on Thursday morning, making him skip the final press conference in the afternoon.

Chaves, is former undefeated in 22 fights with 18 KO's prior to the Kieth Thurman bout. He was able to hung around with heavier arsenal Thurman for 10 rounds. He gave Thurman everything he could handle -- perhaps the toughest fight of Thurman. And I think, Chaves can hang around even more rounds against Rios who doesn't have exactly that one-punch-lights-out power. Rios breaks down an opponent with volume punching. He will break you down with his will to win. His best punch: the left hook to the body and right upper cut upstairs, once you will get tag with those punch in succession that will bring you down. And besides Rios has a remarkable chin and was not stop in his career.

Well, I will not get surprise if this bout will go to the distance. This will depend on who's willing to put more defense. Even if both men can handle each others' power, there's always threshold on how much a boxer can absorbed and still upright. I'm certain that if both men feel that they can absorb each other's best punch -- they will forget defense. If they do that, there might be a stoppage, but that would be not earlier than round 9.

On Saturday night, let's forget about those PPV fights that we all know whose gonna win and those same-card-different-opponent bullshit cards. Tonight we will see a boxing fight. And I believe Rios and Chaves will deliver.