Tag Archives: boxing

boxing, Showtime Boxing

JULIO CEJA & HUGO RUIZ READY TO PUT ON ANOTHER SHOW IN SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE REMATCH SATURDAY, FEBRARY, 27, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM HONDA CENTER SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader  Headlined By Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Against Former Titleholder Kiko Martinez

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Click HERE To Watch The Full First Fight Via
Premier Boxing Champions YouTube
 
Click HERE For Photos From Their First Fight From
Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 9, 2016) – Hard-hitting Mexican warriors Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) and Hugo Ruiz(35-3, 31 KOs) engaged in a memorable back-and-forth battle for the WBC 122-pound world title last August and they are eager to meet in the ring again to deliver another explosive fight. The eagerly awaited return bout is part of a tripleheader on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Headlining the event is undefeated featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz in his first title defense against former champ Kiko Martinez.  Rounding out the televised tripleheader is a 10-round fight betweenundefeatedheavyweights Gerald Washington and Oscar Rivas.
Ceja recovered from a third-round knockdown to claim world title glory with a fifth-round stoppage of Ruiz, and he has promised once again to leave the fans thrilled.
“One thing I can tell you, is that this fight will be as exciting as the first one,” said Ceja. “You don’t want to miss it. War is coming.”
When Ceja and Ruiz clashed in Los Angeles last August, it was the U.S. debut for both and was also on a card headlined by Santa Cruz.
“I knew it was a big step up in my career to get a fight in the U.S.,” said Ruiz, “It was very emotional to be fighting in front of so many Mexican fans on such an important card.”
In an excellent two-way matchup contested in the middle of the ring, Ceja and Ruiz combined to throw 373 power punches in just five rounds, with Ceja benefiting from a 96-67 advantage in power punches landed. It was the sharp-shooting Ruiz who struck the first big blow of the match however, as he caught a lunging Ceja with a perfect left hook that put him down with just under a minute left in the third round.
“He definitely hurt me with that punch,” said Ceja. “I went straight into his hand and to the floor. But thanks to my great conditioning, I recovered fast. I train in the altitude in Mexico and that gives me the strength to fight 15 rounds. I’m working just as hard this camp.”
“I feel like I have the advantage in speed and power,” said Ruiz. “I was looking for the knockout from the beginning and I will do that again on February 27.”
Showing little effect from the knockdown, Ceja made it through the third and had a solid fourth round against the lanky Ruiz. He began to work effectively inside the long reach of Ruiz and buzz him with left hooks and uppercuts. It was a perfectly timed left hook with 58 seconds remaining in the fifth round that put Ruiz down. Ruiz made it to his feet, but Ceja continued to batter him with both hands until the referee, Raul Caiz Sr., stepped in and stopped the fight at 2:34 into the round.
“Ceja came into the fight very aggressively and he put just the right amount of pressure on me,” said Ruiz. “This defeat is behind me now, but I did gain experience from the defeat that I will take into this fight.”
Both men know that there is plenty of work to be done in training camp.
“There is no way to get into a comfort zone against Ruiz,” said Ceja. “Just because I beat him, it doesn’t make this fight easier. He’s smart, experienced and he won’t make the same mistakes again. He’s a guy who works distances perfectly and knows when to attack. We made mistakes in the first fight that we’re going to fix.”
“I’m working on my defense and on putting more pressure on him throughout this fight,” said Ruiz. “I have to be aware of his left hand. The hook hurt me last time so I have been working on getting my right hand up to block it. I have to use my skills to be victorious.”
With a world title on the line once again, expect similar fireworks when these two proud Mexican sluggers share the ring in Anaheim.
“I want all my Mexican fans to come out and watch this fight, you will not regret it,” said Ceja. “I want to keep my belt for a long time and I want the fans to remember my name.”
“This is going to be another very explosive fight,” said Ruiz. “Expect a lot of punches, but this time I will be walking out a world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports. Santa Cruz vs. Martinez is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, UK Boxing

Khan Stops Quaye To Secure WBU Crown

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On Saturday night, Great Britain’s Tasif Khan secured both the World Boxing Union (WBU) and Global Boxing Union (GBU) World Super Flyweight Championships at the Cedar Court Hotel in his hometown of Bradford in the United Kingdom.

 

Khan, who only returned to the sport, following a two year sabbatical, just over twelve months ago, put in the performance of his career, in front of a pack house that included a number of British star boxers, such as interim WBA World Lightweight Champion Derry Mathews and former British, Commonwealth, European and WBC World Champion Junior Witter as well as various local dignitaries such as the Mayor of Bradford and local MP Imran Hussain.

 

Khan also received support from the British Army, who turned out in force to watch their man being lead to the ring by the band of the Yorkshire Regiment.

 

After a slow first round, during which both combatants barely threw a shot in anger, Khan proceeded to utterly dominated Accra, Ghana’s Isaac Quaye from the second stanza right through to the sensational sixth round, during which Khan really stepped up the pace and sent the Ghanaian to the canvas three times in very short succession, the last of which was a perfect right to the chin that sent Quaye crashing backwards and prostrate on the canvas in such a spectacular manner that the Ghanaian’s corner-man immediately jumped into the ring before referee Lee Murtagh had barely started the count. NB. Quaye was perfectly fine albeit a little dazed after rising.

 

Following the bout a clearly elated Khan spoke briefly.

 

“This is the greatest day of my life, it’s a dream come true and to be crowned World Champion in front of my home crowd really is the cherry on top.

 

I have to say a big thank you to Isaac (Quaye), he’s a great fighter and it couldn’t have been easy for him to walk into the Lion’s Den with such a partisan crowd shouting out their support for me.

 

Also have to say a big thank you to Stephen (Vaughan) and his team for putting on such a great show for the fans and for believing in me, the same to Rio (WBU Europe President & MBC Vice President Gianluca Di Caro) for giving me the chance to box again and more importantly to fight for the WBU title, I’ve always wanted a WBU belt around my waist ever since watching Ricky Hatton win it when I was just a teen.

 

Huge thanks as well to GBU President Juergen Lutz for allowing me to fight for his title also.

 

Finally I’d also like to thank all my fantastic fans that turned out to support me tonight, as well as the Mayor of Bradford and my local MP Imran Hussain for their support, and last but definitely not least my sponsors; Broadway Solicitors Oldham, Kingsland Business Recovery, Vista Gym Benidorm and 3X Sports, as without you guys I could never have achieved my dream – thank you all so much”

boxing

Salita Promotions Wins Big! Detroit Brawl a Motor City Success on Saturday Night

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Detroit Brawl Banner
Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions wishes to thank the multitude of fans and everyone involved in the great success of his debut “Detroit Brawl” show in Detroit last Saturday, February 6.
Held at the beautiful Masonic Temple Downtown, the well-attended “Detroit Brawl” featured a night of entertaining fights with an old-school Detroit feel. Even Detroit greats Thomas Hearns and Hilmer Kenty were in attendance.
“I was very happy with the entire event,” said Salita. “The fans came out, the fighters fought hard and in that classic venue, it felt like a boxing show from days gone by. I wish to thank everyone from Kronk and especially Javan Hill, as well as Dennis Turner and the staff at the Masonic for all their help. And to the Detroit boxing community in general, who helped get the word out on the show and helped make it such a success.”
Salita, who says this was the first of a series of regular shows, says he won’t rest on the success of the first event for long.
“We are looking at doing the second Detroit Brawl in early spring,” he said. “It is so apparent that this city loves its boxing and I’m proud to be bringing it to them.”
Dates and venue “Detroit Brawl 2” will be announced in the near future.
Results from the inaugural Detroit Brawl
Detroit Brawl Results
Dimash Niyazov (9-0-3, 4 KOs) W6 (UD) James Lester (10-10, 4 KOs)
Scores: 58-55, 58-55, 59-54.
James Gordon Smith (9-0, 6 KOs) KO2 Antwan Robertson (10-15-1, 5 KOs)
Time: 2:21.
Eudy “AK47” Bernardo (21-0, 15 KOs) KO 2 Ben Odamattey (16-13-3, 9 KOs)
Time: 1:18.
Edward Williams (11-1-1, 4 KOs) W6 (UD) Angel Figueroa (4-3-1)
Scores: 60-54, 59-55, 60-54.
James Ballard (6-0, 3 KOs) TKO3 Nathan Bedwell (5-16, 2 KOs)
Time: 1:39.
Emilio Salas (5-1-1, 3 KOs) KO2 Karinn Davis (2-6, 2 KOs
Time: 2:16.
Serdar Hudayberdiyev TKO4 Kevin Shacks (0-2)
Time: 1:33
Kane Heron (3-0, 2 KOs) TKO1 Brian Otey (0-2)
Time: 1:33
boxing

Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales Rapidly Rising in Light Flyweight Division

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MANAGUA, Nicaragua (February 8, 2016) – Nicaraguan light flyweight world title contender Cristofer “El Latigo” (The Whip) Rosales is fighting out from the long shadows cast by his famous cousin, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, professional boxing’s new pound-for-pound king.
Rosales (17-2, 13 KOs) headlined a show, promoted by promoter Marcelo Sanchez‘ Pinolero Boxing, last Saturday night in Managua.  He recaptured the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedecentro light flyweight title that he held in 2014 but never defended, defeating Ulises Martin (9-2-1) by way of a ninth-round technical; knockout for his seventh consecutive victory.
“This young man just loves to fight and he is a joy to work with,” Pinolero Boxing spokesperson Michael Schmidt commented.  “He has been extremely active with 19 fights in less than three years as a professional boxer.  With his stablemate, Bryon Rojas, fighting (WBA Super world minimumweight champion) Hekkie Bulder next month (Mar. 19), representing the fourth Pinolero Boxing fighter to challenge for a world title in the past year, it is fair to say that Rosales is highly motivated knowing he has a promoter able to put him in position to challenge for a world title shortly.”
The 21-year-old Rosales, also the reigning Nicaraguan light flyweight champion, is currently world rated at No. 7 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), as well as No. 10 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 12 by the WBA.
A slick boxer who can also crack, evident by his 13 knockouts in 17 pro victories, Rosales is closing in on his first world title shot against Japanese world champions Yu Kimura (WBC) and Ryoichi Taguchi(WBA), or Filipino Donnie Nietes (WBO).
boxing

Undefeated prospect Toka Kahn-Clary Returns to ring this Saturday night vs.  Gabino Cota in Studio City, California

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Kahn-Clary picture courtesy of
Top Rank

CRANSTON, RI(February 8, 2016) – Rising super featherweight star Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary(17-0, 11 KOs) returns to action this Saturday night against Mexican opponent Gabino “Flash” Cota (18-5-1, 16 KOs) at Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, California.

A decorated American amateur boxer (131-11 record), his career highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 2010 National Golden Gloves Tournament, Kahn-Clary is a native of Liberia who passed on a shot to make the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, turning pro three years ago.
Kahn-Clary’s impressive second-round stoppage of Sergio “Cuatito” Lopez (19-10-1, 13 KOs) last November was supposed to lead him graduating to a 10-round fighter.  His promoter Top Rank’s show this Saturday, headlined by Alex Saucedo vs. Clarence Booth, doesn’t have a single 10-round fight, in favor of three 8-rounders including Kahn-Clary vs. Cota.
“That really doesn’t matter to me,” Kahn-Clary said.  “I trained to beat this guy, not how many rounds.  I’m a lot better fighter than I was a year ago.  I’m a lot more relaxed in the ring.  I think more as I’m moving in the ring, adjusting a lot better, and my combinations are coming out a lot better.”
A former WBC FECOMBOX and Mexican featherweight champion, Cota is a dangerous opponent who has knocked out 16 of the 18 fighters he’s defeated as a professional.
“Cota may have lost four of his last six but they were all title fights or on television against name opponents,” Kahn-Clary’s head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr. noted. “He has some pop, throws a zillion punches and just keeps coming forward.  This is a good step up for Toka.
“Toka is ready for this fight.  He’s had a lot of good sparring. Toka is aggressive, well-conditioned, a good defensive fighter who can crack.  There wasn’t a 10-round fight available on this card but we wanted this fight.  Toka’s still only 23 so there’s no reason to rush things.”
Cota is battle tested having fought world title challengerJonathan Oquendo, Puerto Rican Olympian Orlando Cruzand Russian champion Andrey Klimov.
“I like fighting guys that come to me like Cota,” Kahn-Clary remarked.  “It makes my job easier.  I can setup my punches and fights against guys like this aren’t as much as a chess match.  I’ll be landing hard shots and fans like that better than a chess match.”
Follow Kahn-Clary on Twitter and Instagram @TokaKahnClary, or friend him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/tokakahn.
amateur boxing, boxing, Golden Gloves, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale

FNU COMBAT SPORTS SHOW FEATURING AUTHOR JEFF DANIELS

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Our latest interview with a true class act. Jeff Daniels took to the task of telling his older brother Terry Daniels’ amazing story with a passion for posterity and a supreme sense of attention to detail. Despite having no book-writing experience, Daniels created what he considered to be as classic as a Beatles album when he finished crafting his masterpiece about a bygone era in the sport of boxing and his brother’s battles with some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division. You can buy the book here: http://amzn.to/1WQMNFO, access Jeff’s site here: http://jeffdanielscompany.com/index.php/about-the-author and watch a short YouTube video promoting the book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PDH_Laa6lY. Jeff shares some insights into the writing process during our interview here and takes us back in time in this amazing episode.

boxing, NFL, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS MAKE SUPER BOWL 50 PREDICTIONS

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Click HERE For Full Article Via premierboxingchampions.com

Click HERE To Read About The All-PBC Football Team Via premierboxingchampions.com


(Former world champ Andre Berto with Denver Broncos Running Back Ronnie Hillman –
Photo via instagram.com/Andre Berto)

See below for Super Bowl 50 predictions from PBC fighters:
Andre Berto: I’ve got the Panthers by a dime. Man, that Broncos’ defense is ferocious! I’ve never seen any team get after a guy like they got after Tom Brady. So how is my boy Cam Newton gonna handle them? Have you seen Cam run? He’s gonna run right over them.
Against the Patriots, that defense was allowed to be ferocious, but Cam won’t allow that. As for [Broncos running back] Ronnie Hillman, he’s my dude; he’s just gotta work on them hands a little bit.
Dominic Breazeale: I’ve got the Panthers winning, 35-21. Cam Newton is just having way too much fun, and at this point, I would have to say the guy is unstoppable.
Omar Douglas: I’m going with Panthers. Cam Newton has played great all season and almost went undefeated. He is not your average quarterback. He can throw the long ball or run it in for a touchdown. And on top of it all, he’s having fun. It’s hard to beat a guy like that!
Omar Figueroa Jr.: I don’t want to give a prediction. I love the Broncos like I love the San Antonio Spurs. But the Panthers are the Golden State Warriors of football right now. I see the Broncos having a really hard time keeping up.
Miguel Flores: Carolina has been smashing everyone, and Denver has been somewhat inconsistent. But after the Broncos’ most recent games and their showing on defense, I will have to stick with the famous cliché: “Offense wins games, defense wins championships.”
The Panthers have shown that they can be great offensively, but their defense hasn’t always been on point. So I’m going with the Broncos in a tight one.
Danny Garcia: I’m going with the Panthers. They’re rolling right now. They’ve got youth and energy, and they’ve got a lot of momentum going into the game. If they just stay focused and don’t party and get caught up [in the hype], they’ll win it.
Terrell Gausha: Panthers, because my bro that I went to high school with plays for Carolina: wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. Plus, I think they are just that good.
Tony Harrison: Carolina Panthers all the way. As a former high school quarterback, I love what Cam is doing for the game. He’s amazing. Also, many people don’t know but my younger cousin, Devin Funchess (pictured above with Harrison while at the University of Michigan), plays wide receiver for the Panthers. So I’m always going with family in any situation.
Julius Jackson: I’ve got the Broncos. They have a better system as far as demonstrating an ability to play as a cohesive unit. That’s what will give them the edge.
Jamal James: I’m gonna have to go with the Panthers, because Cam Newton has been handling business. Plus, that team has kinda been an underdog. But every time people count them out, they come out and refuse to lose, which is something I respect and relate to.
Amir Khan: I would have to say that the Broncos have the veteran leadership in Peyton Manning and they’ve been there before, so they have the better overall experience. But in the end, the youth and explosiveness of Cam Newton will win the day in what will be a hard-fought Panthers’ victory.
Paulie Malignaggi: I’m going with the underdog Broncos. Maybe it’s just going with my heart, but I’m a Manning fan, mainly because his brother is the QB for my New York Giants, so I’m keeping it in the family.
Abner Mares: I’m taking the Panthers. Cam Newton has a style on and off the field that just dominates. It’s the Panthers’ year, Cam is a tremendous leader and QB, and it’s time for a new dynasty to be born.
Shawn Porter: I think this is gonna be a great Super Bowl! It’s a very evenly matched game. Both teams are solid on both sides of the ball and have great quarterbacks. Peyton Manning is trying to solidify his status as an all-time great QB, and Cam Newton is trying to establish himself as a future great. I’m having a really hard time picking a winner, but personally I would love to see Cam Newton and the Panthers win.
Michael Seals: I’ve got to go with the Panthers. I’m gonna take Billy the Kid-Cam Newton-over the Old Deputy Sheriff, Peyton Manning.
Errol Spence Jr.: The Panthers will win because the Broncos’ defense will not be able to contain or stop Cam Newton. And the Panthers’ pass defense is too good for a shell-of-himself Peyton Manning. I went to school with [Broncos defensive end] Von Miller, but I want Cam to win.
Antonio Tarver: It’s a destiny type of year for Cam Newton and the Panthers. I don’t think anyone is gonna stop them. While my heart is with Denver and the wise old veteran Peyton Manning-us old guys gotta stick together-I have to put my money on Cam and the Panthers.
All I pray for is to go out like Peyton Manning: attempting to win it all before I retire. But I have to say the Panthers will win.
Austin Trout: I’ve got the Panthers winning. They’re just playing with great team chemistry and great leadership in Cam Newton. But I’m still J-E-T-S till I D-I-E.
Sammy Vasquez Jr.: It’s simple: Panthers all day. They’ve been on fire. Cam Newton deserves it now after putting in the years with the team and all the hard work. They work together as a team, and that’s a great part of being successful.
Deontay Wilder: I like the Panthers because Cam Newton is just on a different level, a force to be reckoned with.
Thomas Williams Jr.: I’m taking the Broncos simply because of the experience factor. Cam Newton’s year has been phenomenal; he is an MVP for sure. But I think Peyton Manning’s postseason and all-around experience will outweigh Cam’s magic.
This will be just another walk in the park for Manning, who has been in the tougher, more grueling games over the course of his career.
Final tally: Panthers 17, Broncos 4.
boxing, ShoBox

GH3 Promotions Hector Frometa headlines a stacked undercard on Friday, February 19 at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City

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Full night of boxing to take place before terrific ShoBox: The New Generation card, Live SHOWTIME®
John Magda to battle Christopher Brooker in opening televised bout
Nutley, N.J. (Feb. 5, 2016) – It will be a big night of boxing on Friday, Feb. 19, at theAdrian Philips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City as GH3 Promotions presents ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Four bouts will be showcased on the televised portion. In the main event, Adam Lopez (14-0, 7 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas, will take on Mario Munoz (16-0-1, 10 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a ten-round battle for the WBA Fedalatin Super Bantamweight title.

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis (12-0, 10 KO’s) of Lynn, Mass., will battle Jerry Odom (13-2, 12 KO’s) of Washington, D.C.

In an eight-round super featherweight bout, Lavisas Williams (8-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Rochester, N.Y., will battle O’Shaquie Foster (9-1, 6 KO’s) of a Houston, Texas.

Recently added is an eight-round super middleweight bout between undefeated John Magda (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Rutherford, N.J., taking on Christopher Brooker (7-1, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia.

The combined record of the eight competitors is an astounding 90-4-2 which equates to a 94.8 winning percentage.

Before the cameras roll, an outstanding undercard has been assembled by GH3 Promotions.

GH3 Promotions Hector Frometa (1-0) of Miami, Fla. via Cuba, will take on Jordan Rosario (0-2) of Jersey City, N.J., in a four-round welterweight bout.

In a six-round junior middleweight bout, Arturo Trujillo (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Easton, Pa., will battle Jeffrey Wright (3-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Milwaukee, Wisc.

In a six-round junior middleweight bout, Anthony Young (11-1, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City, will battle Skender Halil (8-1, 8 KO’s) of Fort Worth, Texas.

In a six-round heavyweight match, Brendan Barrett (3-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Little Egg Harbor, N.J. will square off with Dan Pasciolla (6-1) of Brick, N.J.

Elijah Vines of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Danny Rosenberger(0-1-2) of Saint Petersburg, Fla., in a welterweight bout.

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at 1 800 736 1420.

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith & Jr. Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing

Sammy Vasquez Jr. welcomes Billel Dib to ProBox Management stable

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Miami, FL (February 5, 2016) –  Pro Box Management is proud to announce the signing of junior lightweight contender Billel Dib to a management contract.

Dib of Sydney, Australia has a record of 18-1 with nine knockouts and is a former two-time Australian Super Featherweight champion and the current WBO Interim Oriental champion.  He is currently ranked number-twelve by the WBO.
Dib won his first nine bouts before his only blemish, which was a split decision that he later avenged with an eighth-round stoppage over Dylan Sendeckyi.
Since then. Dib is currently riding a ten fight win streak in which he captured the WBO Interim Oriental Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Brent Elliot. a
Dib is the cousin of former IBF Featherweight champion. Billy Dib.
“Being around, training with my cousin and seeing his success is a great motivation for me.  I look forward to becoming the second Dib in the family to become world champion,” said Dib.
“I am very excited to have signed with ProBox and to be represented by Henry Rivalta and Gary Jonas.  You can’t help but notice how many good fighters that have and how well they have built their careers, I am looking forward to them doing the same with me.”
“The Dib’s are very family oriented and my father and I were impressed were impressed by the family culture,”said Dib.
“We signed Billel because he has all the characteristics that we look for.  He is a hard worker, well spoken, good looking action fighting young man, who is very marketable .  We definitely think he can be a significant world champion sometime soon,” said Gary Jonas.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® CONTINUES CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® WITH PAULIE AYALA-JOHNNY TAPIA I & II, PLUS ISRAEL VAZQUEZ-RAFAEL MARQUEZ I, II & III

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UNRIVALED “RIVALRIES”

 Click HERE to Watch Round 12 From Ayala-Tapia I & Tune-In Tonight To Re-Live The Full Fight (SHO EXTREME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT)

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 4, 2016) – Round 2 of the SHOWTIME Sports® 12-round celebration commemorating 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® continues in February with “Rivalries’’ onSHO EXTREME®.

 

This month will be highlighted by five of the most exhilarating and memorable fights in boxing history: the two Paulie Ayala-Johnny Tapiabattles and the first three Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez wars.

 

Ayala-Tapia I was 1999 Fight of the Year; Ayala was 1999 Fighter of the Year.

 

The initial three Vazquez-Marquez showdowns are universally acknowledged as among the best of all-time and were consensus Fight of the Year winners in 2007 and ’08.  Additionally, the third round of Vazquez-Marquez II earned Round of the Year honors in ’07 while the fourth of Vazquez-Marquez III was 2008 Round of the Year.

 

These epic rivalries will air on “Throwback Thursdays” all month long at10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME and are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.  Each fight will be wrapped with brief context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer.

 

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of February:

  • Today/Thursday, Feb. 4: Ayala vs. Tapia I
  • Thursday, Feb. 11: Ayala vs. Tapia II
  • Thursday, Feb. 18: Vazquez vs. Marquez I & II
  • Thursday, Feb. 25: Vazquez vs. Marquez III

 

In celebration of the best rivalries on SHOWTIME, see below for a special column from SHOWTIME Sports expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood.

 

 

RIVALRIES

By Steve Farhood

 

Boxing without rivalries would be like elections without debates.

 

Rivalries are natural, especially in boxing. Who is the best prospect in the neighborhood?

Who is the best bantamweight in Mexico? Who is the best fighter in the entire world?

 

Fans want to know, and so do the fighters, especially if a one-on-one matchup is likely to provide a definitive answer.

 

The best example comes from the best rivalry in history, regardless of sport: When Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier clashed in their rubber match in Manila, they were fighting for something much greater than the world heavyweight title. They were fighting for the championship of each other.

 

Ali-Frazier … Robinson-LaMotta … Louis-Schmeling … Barrera-Morales … Mayweather-Pacquiao … Pep-Saddler … Leonard-Duran … Holyfield-Tyson: Boxing history has been told through its juiciest rivalries.

 

In 30 years of memorable fighters and unforgettable fights, SHOWTIME boxing’s history can largely be told through its rivalries as well.

 

On SHOWTIME EXTREME, we’ll be focusing on two rivalries in particular: Rafael Marquez-Israel Vazquez and Paulie Ayala-Johnny Tapia.

 

Marquez-Vazquez is the equal of any pairing in recent history. So compelling were the battles, so consuming was the rivalry that many fans can’t tell you what the final scoreboard read. It didn’t matter all that much.

 

(Fittingly, the fighters split four bouts.)

 

What made Marquez-Vazquez different from most rivalries: They were defined more by similarities than differences. Most rivalries feature stark contrast. Think Borg-McEnroe. Or Bird-Magic. Or Evert-Navratilova. But Marquez and Vazquez were both classy champions from Mexico who needed each other to raise their profiles and all-time standings.

 

They gave us no trash-talking, no posturing, no hatred, real or imagined. Instead, they punched and bled and fought proudly and at the highest level. And because of the classic ring drama they created, that was more than enough.

 

Suffice to say that two of their bouts were chosen as Fight of the Year. And Marquez-Vazquez III was surely among the best fights I’ve covered live in my 37 years in boxing.

It was a bit different with Ayala and Tapia. When they first fought, Ayala wasn’t a familiar name. Tapia, on the other hand, was an undefeated and long-reigning champion with a unique personality and a distinctive ring persona.

 

A suitable rival is exactly what Tapia needed to fully realize the potential that we sensed when he soundly defeated New Mexico rival Danny Romero two years before.

 

A pair of controversial decisions, the contentiousness that marked the negotiations preceding the rematch, and Tapia’s raw emotion made Ayala-Tapia a particularly bitter rivalry.

 

It was a memorable rivalry as well.

 

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