Danny Garcia looks Floyd Mayweatheresque against Robert Guerrero

On Saturday night at the Staple’s Center in Los Angeles, Danny Garcia (32-0, 18 KO) squared off against two-time World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-4-1, 18 KO) for the WBC welterweight title.

At first, this appeared to be just another “cherry picked” fight by Garcia. Garcia handpicked Paulie Malignaggi (35-7, 7 KO) in his last fight, which was Garcia’s first fight in the welterweight division. Garcia ended up winning by TKO in the ninth. In Garcia’s second fight at 147 lbs, it looked like he was at it again, cherry picking another opponent.

Guerrero’s last two fights have been pretty merciless. He won, in controversial fashion, against journeyman Aaron Martinez and lost by unanimous decision in a brutal fight against the WBA title holder Keith Thurman. Knowing that Garcia did not look his best prior to the Malignaggi fight, I anticipated a pretty decent fight. I was right.

[Read: http://theboxingdiary.com/2016/01/danny-garcia-defeats-robert-guerrero-picks-up-welterweight-title.html]

Guerrero came out like a bat out of hell pressuring Garcia. Guerrero had his moments, going to the body and placing the right hook here and there.

But Garcia was disciplined. He did not get into the war Guerrero wanted to get him into. The Philadelphia native, used the “Philly” style against Guerrero. He counterpunched Guerrero magnificently with counter rights and looping left hooks, catching him flush on the side of the head. Garcia also had very subtle but effective body punches once Guerrero tried to bully him against the ropes and in the corner. Garcia’s ring IQ was OUTSTANDING, using angles and circling left to right, confusing and frustrating Guerrero.

Garcia truly showed he is a complete fighter. He could dance and he could put the pressure on you. He reminded me of someone possibly conducting surveillance on Garcia. That someone was seated ringside. That someone is the “retired” Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Erik Morales to train Moises Fuentes against Donnie Nietes

Instead of signing Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera as his manager and trainer, Moises Fuentes (23-2, 12 KO) signed another Mexican great in Erik "El Terrible" Morales to his team to handle the job.

Morales will be training Fuentes, if the fight pushes through, against longest-reigning Filipino boxing champion Donnie Nietes in a trilogy at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

According to Mike Angel Lopez of Philboxing.com, "Fuentes who is under the promotional banner of Zanfer Promotions, has dropped Marco Antonio Barerra as his manager and trainer and has signed with Erik Morales."

It was earlier reported that Nietes will face Fuentes for the third time instead of fighting someone else as the co-featured bout of Nonito Donaire title defense in Manila on April 23. Instead, Nietes will headline a separate fight card in Cebu.

Both Morales and Barrera are special in the heart of Filipinos as they both had thrilling battles with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

Pinoy Pride 35: "Stars of the Future" undercards

ALA Promotions' Pinoy Pride Series on its 35th installment will be back at its home base in Cebu for another spectacular fight card. Junior featherweight standout "Prince" Albert Pagara (25-0, 18 KO) will headline the card against Nicaragua's Yesner Talavera at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino on 27 February. The event will be telecast by Philippine giant network ABS-CBN.

The 21-year-old Filipino has been touted as the next big thing in Philippine boxing. He's been undefeated for 25 fights, 18 fights inside the distance. Pagara has decent power in both hands. He's been impressive in his American debut, knocking out William Gonzalez in Round 6 at the Stub Center, Carson in October 2015. I'm expecting him to challenge for a world title this year.

It was also ALA promotion's US debut after a successful international venture held first in Dubai in September 2014.

Pagara knocked out Jesus Antonio Rios in Round 1 during Pinoy Pride's return to Dubai in August 2015.

Meanwhile, Talavera (15-3-1, 4 KO) has never been stopped in his three career defeats. This will be his first fight outside of his native Nicaragua.

Undercards

Now on it's 35th installment, the successful Pinoy Pride series will be back at their home turf giving the Cebuano fans back their fighters. Below is the full list of under-cards.

• Mark Magsayo vs. Edwardo Montoya, Featherweights 10 Rounds


• Kevin Jake Cataraja vs. Chatpetch Por Pakdee, Flyweights 8 Rounds


• Melvin Jerusalem vs. Florante Condes, Jr. flyweights 8 Rounds


• Jeo Santisima vs. Marco Demecillo, Featherweights 8 Rounds


• Elmo Traya vs. Romeo Jakosalem, Jr. welterweights 8 Rounds


• Muhammad Radhwin vs. Melchor Roda, Featherweights 4 Rounds


• Esneth Domingo vs. Vic Ejercito, Junior Flyweight 4 Rounds

Danny Garcia defeats Robert Guerrero, picks up welterweight title

Danny Garcia picked up another title, this time in the welterweight division, via a unanimous decision victory over the very durable Robert Guerrero at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California on PBConFox Saturday night.

Garcia (32-0, 18 KO) was able to weather the early onslaught "The Ghost" brought in the first four rounds. But starting Round 5, Garcia took control all the way to the final bell. He's so precise with his counter punching. He continuously landed the overhand right and right hook to Guerrero's head.

Garcia, 22, of Philadelphia, was sharpshooting, while on the defensive end. He constantly moves to avoid the left hand of Guerrero in the southpaw stance.

Guerrero (33-4-1, 18 KO) made his final push through in the final minute of the twelfth, the barrage was not enough to turn the fight around. In the second half of the fight, Guerrero looked old and obviously tired as he kept on eating hard after hard shots from the more precise Garcia.

Three judges at ringside have it 116-112.

Watch: Live stream Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley Jr. III press conference

Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. will meet Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 pm EST in Los Angeles for the kick-off press conference to officially announce their April 9 fight.

David Lemieux returns to the ring vs James De la Rosa in Montreal

MONTREAL (Jan. 19, 2016) - After a sell-out at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, in New York, on October 17, 2015, Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions is proud to announce, that former IBF Middleweight Champion, David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs) will keep his promise to return to his hometown, Montreal, Quebec, Canada for his first fight of 2016. On March 12, hometown fans, will witness, Lemieux's grand return against San Benito, Texas' "King" James de la Rosa (23-3, 13 KOs) in an exciting battle at Montreal's Olympia Theatre, live on Indigo and all pay-per-view channels across Canada starting at 9:00 p.m. ET.

"I am happy to be fighting in my hometown," said David Lemieux. "I'm very hungry to get back in the ring and I am ready to climb my way back to the top of the middleweight division. I know de la Rosa is a serious threat and I can promise all my hometown fans that I will be ready to give them all a great show on March 12."

"A new trainer and a new strength and conditioning coach, have created a new James de la Rosa," said James de la Rosa. "I have no problem going to his hometown to show him and everyone else, that he isn't what he is hyped up to be. I'm going to Montreal to win."

"The goal is to offer our devoted fans a major gala and a memorable evening," said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. "We owe our success to our loyal supporters and when David promised to box in Montreal he created a hope, by honoring it, and now fans will witness the grand return of their champion.James De La Rosa is a serious opponent whom we cannot take lightly and I know David will be ready for him on March 12."

"David Lemieux is one of the great champions of the middleweight division and we can't wait to see him back in action," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "Golden Boy Promotions is behind David 100 percent and fighting against James De La Rosa will be a big test for him and his first step on his journey to once again becoming a world champion."

"James is always game for big opportunities, he has never met a fight he didn't like,' said Adrian Clark, President and CEO of AC Sports Management, LLC and manager to James de la Rosa. "There will be fireworks in Montreal on March 12 and after the smoke settles, James de la Rosa will stand victorious."

Charles Martin stops Glazkov

Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KO) captured a version of the heavyweight title as he won a technical decision stoppage over Vyacheslav "Czar" Glazkov (21-0-2, 13 KO) in a co-featured Showtime boxing card in Brooklyn.

The taller Martin used his height and size advantage fighting tall against a smaller opponent in Glaskov. In the first two rounds, both fighters started slow and worked from the outside.

Early in the third round, Glazkov slipped and as he stands up looked like something was wrong with his leg. In the final sequence, Glazkov threw a punch to the body and Martin countered a right hand that landed on Glazkov's gloves. But Glazkov fell down on the canvas and in tremendous pain, motioning to his knee. The referee initiated the mandatory count to signal an official knockdown. Glazkov told the referee that he's unable to continue.

It was later found out by the ringside doctor that the injury was possibly a torn ACL. Right after the fight, Glazkov left the arena for medical attention.

Martin is now the second American that captured a piece of  the heavyweight title.

Watch: David Haye vs Mark de Mori full fight

David Haye (27-2, 25 KO) did not waste any time in the ring during his comeback fight in three-and-a-half-year. He finished the job in two minutes, hammering Mark De Mori (30-2-2, 26 KO) out with heavy blows to head and body with real bad intention. With the win, Haye was talking about a possible fight with Anthony Joshua, which he considered to fight by the end of the year.

"I think a bigger fight would be with Anthony Joshua. That could happen by the end of the year. I think he's great. I think he's big, strong, athletic, punches hard, great amateur pedigree. He looks great. Ticks all the boxes. That's why I'm back in boxing, for the big fights. I need that" says Haye.

What do you think of Haye's performance?

Where to watch: David Haye vs Mark de Mori

And oh! Before I will totally forget, there's another heavyweight match happening on the other side of the Atlantic.

David Haye is back in action tonight vs Mark de Mori after 3.5-year absence inside the boxing ring.

Here's all you need to know about fight time, date, venue and more...

Fight venue: O2 Arena in North Greenwich, London

Fight time: Set to kick off on Saturday, January 16 at around 9.45 pm.

TV coverage: Dave in the UK. Coverage begins at 9 pm.

Live stream: The fight also can be seen worldwide via YouTube live streaming, and you can watch it here at TBH through the YouTube channel embedded below:

Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka where to watch

Since the match is free to watch even to non-Showtime subscribers, the heavyweight title match between undefeated American heavyweight Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka can be watched online here at TBD, through Showtime live streaming YouTube channel embedded above.

Before their heavyweight match on Saturday night, Wilder and Szpilka met at the weigh-in on Friday afternoon. You can watch the highlight of the weigh-in here: http://theboxingdiary.com/2016/01/watch-deontay-wilder-vs-artur-szpilka-weigh-in-recap.html and see the official weight results here: http://theboxingdiary.com/2016/01/official-weights-deontay-wilder-228%C2%BE-artur-szpilka-239.html

Official Weights: Deontay Wilder 228¾, Artur Szpilka 239

Undefeated American heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder and Poland's Artur Szpilka weighed in results this afternoon for Saturday night's Showtime Championship Boxing main event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Wilder (35-0, 34 KO) will make the third defense of his heavyweight title against Artur Szpilka (20-1, 15 KO).

Also in action for another heavyweight title bout,  Vyacheslav Glazkov (21-0-1, 13 KO) takes on Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KO).

Below were the official weights:

• Deontay Wilder, 228¾ vs. Artur Szpilka, 239


• Vyacheslav Glazkov, 218 vs. Charles Martin, 249

Watch: Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka: Weigh-In Recap

Watch the above highlights of the recent weigh-in of Showtime's boxing card this Saturday night, featuring Deontay Wilder and Artur Szpilka. Video credit Showtime Sports

American heavyweight titlist Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34 KO) and Artur Szpilka (20-1, 15 KO) hit the scales earlier today for their heavyweight boxing match at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York.

The undefeated American official weight during the weigh-in 228¾ pounds, while Poland's Szpilka weighed in several pounds heavier than Wilder at 239 pounds.

FRANKIE "PITBULL" GOMEZ ADDED TO ESTRELLA TV &BOXEO

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 11, 2016) - Undefeated Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez (19-0, 13 KOs), one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the sport, will make his first appearance of 2016 in the ring on the February 5 Boxeo Estelar card on Estrella TV against former IBA Super Lightweioght Champion Silverto "Chamaco III" Ortiz (29-16, 15 KOs) of Chicxulub, Yucatan, Mexico's. Gomez is scheduled to participate in a 10-round co-main event headlined by former World Champion Randy "El Matador" Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) who will return to the ring against Ruben Garcia (15-1-1, 6 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 10-round super bantamweight bout, from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In addition, former eight time world champion in three weight divisions Sugar Shane Mosely will be in attendance to host a meet and greet with fans at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fans with tickets to the fight will have an opportunity meet and interact with the living legend before the Estrella TV live broadcast begins.

San Antonio's rising star Hector "El Finito" Tanajara Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) will open up the broadcast in a four-round super featherweight fight. Fighting on the non-televised undercard but streaming live on Ring TV, Rocco Santomuro (12-0, 1 KO) of Las Vegas will participate in a six-round bantamweight fight and Coachella Valley favorite Neeco "Rooster" Macias (10-0, 5) from Palm Desert, Calif. will fight in a six-round super welterweight bout against Paul Mpendo (8-13-4, 4 KOs) of Kampala, Uganda. Also from the Coachella Valley, the undefeated Alberto Fundora (6-0, 2 KOs) is scheduled to fight in a four-round supper middleweight bout, all opponents will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $75, $65, $45 and can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

East LA's Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez is known for his excitingstyle and powerful punches. He is the owner of 13 knockouts in three rounds or fewer and can also box, as shown in his near-shutout victories over longtime contenders Vernon "Ice Man" Paris in July of 2014 and Jorge "Pantera" Silva in October of 2015. A decorated amateur who won the 2009 United States Championship and earned a Silver medal in the 2009 World Championships, Gomez is ready to face the top opposition in the division and chase his dreams of a world championship in 2016.

Silvero "Chamaco III" Ortiz of Chicxulub, Yucatan, Mexico is an experienced fighter with more than 50 professional fights under his belt and former owner of the IBA Super Lightweight Title. A professional since 2000, Ortiz has fought some of the toughest welterweights in the division including former WBA Super Lightweight and Welterweight World Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana, former three-division world champion Humberto "La Zorrita" Soto and was last seen in the ring against former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion, Pablo Cesar "El Demoledor" Cano. Now, the 33-year-old will be looking to start fresh in 2016 and begin a new chapter in his career when he takes on rising welterweight contender Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez on Feb. 5.

Hailing from San Antonio, Hector "El Finito" Tanajara Jr. has been fighting since 2007 and during that time has won eight national championships. In 2012, he qualified to attend the Veles Cup in Kurgan, Russia and took the gold medal in his weight class and was selected as one of seven to go to the 2016 Olympic trails. Decinding instead to become a professional boxer and sign with Golden Boy Promotions in 2014, Tanajar Jr. is now the owner of an undefeated record of 4-0 with three knockouts. Tanajara will look to continue his winning streak in 2015 when he fights on Feb.5.

Featherweight prospect, Rocco Santomuro of Las Vegas is looking to kick off 2016 with a victory in his first fight of the year on Feb. 5. Undefeated since his professional debut in 2009, the 29-year-old, was last seen in the ring against Daniel Quevedo in May of 2014 winning the bout via unanimous decision. Now, the fighter is ready to take his career to the next level when he faces an soon to be announced opponent on one of the biggest undercards of his career thus far.

Coachella Valley favorite, Neeco "Rooster" Macias from Palm Desert, Calif. is a familiar face to fans in Indio, having fought at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for most of his professional career. The popular southpaw, knows how to attract a crowd and will look to add to his win total and fan base when he fights on Feb. 5. A professional since 2013, 24-year-old Macias, is coached by his father Al and this family affair has resulted in 10 consecutive victories without a loss.

Paul Mpendo of Kampala, Uganda has had a long career in and out of the ring since his professional debut in 1997. Now fighting out of Portland, Orgenon the 44-year-old is looking to start fresh in 2016 and enhance his record with a victory. Mpendo, was last seen in the ring in March of 2015 taking on Marcelino Pineda and in December of 2014 facing Joshua Conley.

20-year-old Alberto Fundora of Coachella, Calif. is quickly making a name for himself in the super middleweight division. Undefeated since his professional debut in 2014, the new comer has stayed busy fighting frequently in front of his hometown at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Fundora was last seen in the ring taking on Philip Lars, defeating the fighter via first-round technical knockout and defeating Ricardo Romero via unanimous decision.

Donaire, Nietes, Tabuena share PSA's "Athlete of the Year" award

Battle-tested boxing champion Nonito Donaire will be named, for the fourth time, as Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) "Athlete of the Year" along with longest-reigning Filipino boxing champion Donnie Nietes and golfer Miguel Tabuena.

The trio will be honored during its Annual Awards Night on Feb. 13 to be held at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

Nonito Donaire

"That's awesome" was Donaire's reaction when he learned about the award according to Ronnie Natanielz. After his knockout defeat against Nicholas Walters at featherweight in 2014, Donaire registered three successive victories going back down to the 122-pound division in 2015. He demolished William Prado in two rounds in March 2015 at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, which I was able to watch live at ringside. In July 2015, Donaire duplicated his performance wiping out Anthony Settoul in Cotai Arena. Donaire topped his performance in 2015 with a bruising 12-round unanimous decision victory over tough-as-nails Mexican banger Cesar Juarez.

Donaire got the prestigious award first in 2007, and then again in 2011 and 2012.

Donaire was unable to attend the awards night in 2011 and 2012 causing 2012 PSA president Rey Bancod disgust about Donaire's no-show. In 2012, Donaire was in deep training in the US for his fight against slick boxer Guillermo Rigondeux, which he lost via decision. This time, I'm hoping Donaire would be available as he will be in Manila for his training for a fight in April.

Donnie Nietes

Picking Nietes to share the "Athlete of the Year" award is a no-brainer. He's was defeated only once in his career. He broke the record of Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, one of the greatest Filipino boxers, as the longest-reigning Filipino champion. He will be facing Moises Fuentes in a rubber match for his next title defense.

Miguel Tabuena

Tabuena defeated Scott Barr of Australia to win his first-ever Philippine Open championship. The 22-year-old golfer highlighted his performance by winning the Asian Tour.

PSA president Rey Mallari said Donaire, Nietes, and Tabuena “again showed and proved to the world what Filipino athletes are made of as proof of their triumph and success in their respective fields last year. As the country’s sources of pride, all three are truly deserving of the Athlete of the Year honor.”

Donnie Nietes to defend title against Fuentes in a trilogy

Looks like another tough title defense for the veteran Filipino champion.

Longest reigning Filipino champion Donnie Ahas Nietes will be facing again Moises Fuentes for his title defense this coming April in Cebu City Sports Complex.

Nietes first fought Fuentes to a majority draw in 2013 at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino. In a rubber match in 2014, Nietes knocked out Fuentes in Round 9.

It was a back-and-forth action prior to the knockout. But in Round 9, Nietes landed a left and right combination that forced Fuentes to take a knee. Nietes jumped in and fired shots on Fuentes who was already down on the floor. The referee initiated the mandatory count, and Fuentes managed to get up to continue the fight. But instead of resuming the fight, the referee deducted a point on Nietes for throwing punches on Fuentes while still on the floor.

Fuentes took a breather for the deduction, and I thought he can survive the round as he was able to regain his footing.  But Nietes was so patient on his attack as Fuentes tried to come back.  A counter right hand hurt and sent down again Fuentes to the floor that opted the referee to waive the off without initiating the mandatory count.

This could be a very exciting match-up as both guys really know each other for 21 rounds. The first bell is round 22. For sure the fighters will immediately pick up what they left in Round 9 of their rematch in 2014.

Pacquiao-Bradley III gets negative reaction

Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will face American Timothy Bradley Jr. for the third time this coming April. But the Pacquiao-Bradley III gets a negative reaction from fight fans and showed that they aren't interested in another rubber match.

Pacquiao's first fight with Bradley was in June 2012. He lost via split decision on what had been dubbed as the biggest robbery in boxing.

A pointless rematch

Pacquiao didn't demand an immediate rematch. He believed that he clearly won the fight and there's no point in a rematch. Fight fans shared the same sentiment.

On his next fight, Pacquiao chose a fourth fight against fierce rival Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012.

Although Pacquiao scored two victories and a draw against Marquez during their three encounters, fight fans were still interested to see another fight. The first three encounters were very competitive and explosive. So why not do it for the fourth time?

Marquez shocked the boxing world! He knocked Pacquiao out in Round 6, ending their rivalry without controversy.

With the devastating defeat, Floyd Mayweather Jr. became even more elusive at that time.

Pacquiao picked Brandon Rios for his next fight. He showcased a one-sided beat down on Rios and proved to critics that he still got it.

Taking on the pointless rematch

Pacquiao then took a Bradley rematch in 2014 -- a rematch he earlier considered as unnecessary.

On the rematch, Pacquiao convincingly defeated Bradley, which further cemented the claim that he won the first fight.

Pacquiao finally squared Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what has been the biggest revenue fight in boxing history. Pacquiao lost in a near snooze fest rather than a promised slugfest in May 2015.

Another pointless rematch

With Pacquiao now coming off from a defeat, we are being sold again for another Bradley rubber match.

Many believed that a third fight is pointless. The first two fights were neither thrilling nor memorable to say the least. But to Arum's business point of view, it is the most viable fight for Pacquiao. Naa... You know... in-house fighters. The talking point is that Bradley is a different Bradley with Teddy Atlas on his side.

"This is a different Timothy Bradley under the aegis of Teddy Atlas. This is not me just saying that. The Bradley that fought Rios, whatever you thought about Rios, was a different fighter. It's still Bradley, but a new Bradley with Teddy. And at this point of his career, can Manny handle that? Remember, Manny is also coming off an injury" said Arum.

But if you are among those boxing fans who believed that Pacquiao-Bradley is a pointless rubber match, then who do you think Pacquiao should fight next?