Tag Archives: Juan Manuel Lopez

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Induction caps Judging career of Clark Sammartino

Oct. 28 at Mohegan Sun

Clark Sammartino

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 19, 2017, 2017) – His induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) on Saturday night, October 28, as part of the six-member Class of 2017, will cap the boxing career of retiring judge Clark Sammartino at 13TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The other new CBHOF inductees are pioneer boxer “Professor” Charles Hadley, ring physician Dr. Tony Alessi, referee/judge Dick Flaherty, boxing writer Dan Parker and boxer/boxing contributor Hugh Devlin, Sr.
A graduate of Brown University, the now 80-year-old Sammartino has enjoyed two other careers as an oral surgeon and investment advisor at Blue Fin in Providence, in addition to his role as an international boxing judge since 1985.
“I first got into boxing because Joey Angelo married my cousin,” Sammartino explained. “He fought back in the early forties. Joey fought Willie Pep twice and Sandy Saddler. That’s what got me started. We used to have the great Monday Night Fights at Rhode Island Auditorium and I remember watching Rocky Marciano fight “Tiger” Ted Lowry there.”
Because he was a successful oral surgeon, Clark could take long weekends to judge fights all over the world. His first and most memorable world title fight was Vinny Paz-Greg Haughn I. Through his long career, Sammartino judged more than 400 pro fights, including 50 major world title fights.
The list of boxers whose fights Sammartino judged reads like a Who’s Who of Boxing during the past 32 years: Mike Tyson, Oscar de la Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez, Johnny Tapia, Naseem Hamed, Chris Eubank, Marco Antonio Barrera, Mark Johnson, Wayne McCullough, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennady Golovkin, Anthony Joshua, Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, Juan Manuel Lopez, Nonito Donaire, Acelino Freitas, Ivan Calderon, Felix Trinidad, Tommy Morrison and many more.
Sammartino, who proudly says he never missed a day of work in 40 years, has decided to retire, although he’ll remain a boxing fans for the rest of his life. “I started slowing down at my age, doing local shows and maybe three or four world title fights a year, mostly WBO and IBF,” Sammartino remarked. “I had a tough bout with pneumonia the past 5-6 months and that made working difficult.”
His CBHOF induction is a fitting ending and tremendous tribute to Sammartino and his career in boxing. “I’m humbled to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame,” he said. “This is a great way to end my career.”
Limited tickets for the CBHOF 13th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are still available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:00- p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 13th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The CBHOF’s new location is in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr.-“JuanMa” López press Conference quotes & pictures

(L-R) — Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. & Juan Manuel Lopez
(other press conference pictures below.  Press conference video available – in Spanish – upon request)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 25, 2016) – A near brawl broke out today between former world champions Wilfredo “Papito” Vázquez, Jr. (24-6-1, 19 KOs) and Juan Manuel “JuanMa” López (34-5, 31 KOs) at today’s press conference, during the traditional face-off picture, in advance of this Saturday night’s grudge showdown, airing live on pay per view from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Guerra En El Clemente: Vázquez Jr. v. López, presented by Black Tiger Promotions, is being distributed live by Integrated Sports Media in the United States and Puerto Rico, starting at 9 p.m. ET /6 p.m. PT, on both cable and satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV, Liberty Cable, Claro TV and Vubiquity.  The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Android devices or watch on the www.Fite.TV website.  Suggested retail price is $29.95.
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
WILFREDO VASQUEZ, JR.: “‘JuanMa’ Lopez and many people have belittled me.  They have disparaged my sacrifice, the food that I put on the table for my family, but Saturday I will hurt him.  I have a Maciavelli plan to destroy him so he will respect me. I respect everybody that has had a rough time.”
JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ: “Vasquez was interrupting at all times during the press conference.  He was singing out loud and during the face-to-face picture he tried to kiss me and I did not permit.  I understand that he’s afraid and what a better moment than in front of everybody including the press to release his emotions.”
CARLOS MALDONADO, President of Black Tiger Promotions:  “Security will be tripled for Friday’s weigh in so everybody can feel at ease and secure including the press.”
In other PPV fights, former world title challenger Jonathan Oquendo (26-5, 16 KOs) takes on Mexican rival Gustavo “El Gustavo” Molina (23-13, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX junior welterweight champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (11-0, 8 KOs), the reigning, will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-round bout against Edwin “Bazookita” Lopez (27-6-1, 24 KOs).
Puerto Rico Olympian Jantony Ortiz (5-0, 3 KOs) faces fellow Puerto Rican bantamweight Luis Hernandez in a 6-round match to open the PPV action.
INFORMATION:
Websites: www.blacktigerpromotionspr@gmail.com, www.integratedsportsnet,com
Twitter: @integratedPPV

JUANMA LOPEZ OPEN WORKOUT Pictures & Video

Juan Manuel López-Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr. PPV
This Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 25, 2016) – Former 3-time, 2-division work champion Juan Manuel “JuanMa” López (34-5, 31 KOs) held an open workout yesterday in Puerto Rico in advance of his showdown this Saturday night against former world Wilfredo”Papito” Vázquez, Jr. (24-6-1, 19 KOs) airing live on pay per view from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Guerra En El Clemente: Vázquez Jr. vs. López, presented by Black Tiger Promotions, will  be distributed live by Integrated Sports Media in the United States and Puerto Rico, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT,  on both cable and satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV and Vubiquity.  The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Android devices or watch on the www.Fite.TV website.  Suggested retail price is $29.95.
Link to Lopez’ video workout for download purposes
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @integratedPPV

Juan Manuel “JuanMa” López plans to KO Wilfredo “Papito” Vázquez, Jr.

Oct. 20 PPV live from San Juan, Puerto Rico
9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
TENAFLY, NJ (September 25, 2016) – Former two-division world championJuan Manuel “JuanMa” López plans to knockout bitter arch-rival Wilfredo”Papito” Vázquez, Jr., also a past world titlist, in their 12-round Special Attraction showdownSaturday, October 8, airing live on pay per view from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Guerra En El Clemente: Vázquez Jr. v. López, presented by Black Tiger Promotions, will be distributed by Integrated Sports Media live, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, in the United States and Puerto Rico on both cableand satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV and Vubiquity.  The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Android devices or watch on thewww.Fite.TV website.  Suggested retail price is $29.95.
The Vázquez, Jr. vs. López main event is presented in association with Matias Entertainment and sponsored by Best Alarms and Municipio de San Juan.
The 33-year-old López (34-5, 31 KOs), fighting out of Caguas, Puerto Rico, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight and featherweight world champion.  From 2008 to 2010, “Juanma” was one of the top pound-4-pound fighters in the world, but he hasn’t fought in two yearsheading into his much anticipated confrontation with his fellow countryman Vázquez, Jr.
“I still think I have a lot left in the tank,” López confidently said from his Puerto Rican training camp.  “This is the first fight of my career that I feel I owe to fans because of the history behind it.  I don’t think there will be any rust because I have been training for many, months and I have been inside the gym working hard.  Maybe the agility I had four or five years ago isn’t quite the same, true, but at the same time I am more mature and much more calm and more intelligent in the ring.  I definitely feel that I am a better fighter than ever before.”
Vázquez, Jr. (24-6-1, 19 KOs), the son of the great three-time division world champion Wilfredo Vázquez, fights out of Bayamón whose best known boxing son is late Hall of Famer Héctor “Macho” Camacho.  Vázquez became the vacant WBO super bantamweight world champion in 2010, knocking out previously unbeaten Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1) in the fourth round.
“I think my opponent is a very persistent fighter and a person who will do anything to meet his goals, even though that will make him behave improperly,” López added.  “I think it will be a very aggressive fight, more of a brawl, and I’m sure the night of the fight I will be the stronger fighter.  I will dominate him, round by round, and the first moment I have an opportunity to go for the kill, I will pressure him and won’t stop until I get a knockout.”

Integrated Sports Media secures Vasquez, Jr.-Lopez PPV rights in U.S. and Puerto Rico for Oct. 8 grudge match

Live from San Juan, Puerto Rico
9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
TENAFLY, NJ (September 18, 2016) — Integrated Sports Media, North America’s undisputed leader of pay-per-view distribution of major boxing events, has secured the rights to for the much anticipated showdown between former world champions Wilfredo “Papito”  Vazquez, Jr. and Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez, headlining “Guerra En El Clemente,” Saturday night, October 8, live from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Guerra En El Clemente: Vasquez Jr. Lopez, presented by Black Tiger Media, will be distributed by Integrated Sports Media live, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT,  in the United States and Puerto Rico on both cable and satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV and Vubiquity.  The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Androide devises or watch on the www.Fite.TVwebsite.  Suggested retail price is $29.95.
“We’re excited to bring North American boxing fans a true grudge match between former world champions Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. and Juan Manuel Lopez,” Integrated Sports Media president Doug Jacobs said. “It’s also a crossroads fight with the winner most likely back as a legitimate world title contender and the loser possibly facing retirement.  They really don’t like each other and sparks will be flying from the opening bell.  Additional pay-per-view fights will be announced soon and with the passion of Puerto Rican fighters, we anticipate a can’t-miss show for real boxing fans.”
“I am thrilled and happy to be able to present this highly anticipated event to boxing fans in Puerto Rico and the United States,” said Carlos Maldonado, President of Black Tiger Promotions. “The response from all cable and satellite providers has been phenomenal. This fight promises to be an all-out war in the ring, non-stop action from the opening bell until the end, which could happen at any moment. No hype; these guys really don’t like each other. “
The 12-round Vasquez, Jr. vs. Lopez main event is presented in association with Matias Entertainment and sponsored by Best Alarms and Municipio de San Juan.
The 32-year-old Vasquez, Jr. (24-6-1, 19 KOs), the son of the great 3-time division world champion Wilfredo Vasquez, fights out of the boxing hotbed of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, which is known for producing great boxers including the late Hall of Famer Hector “Macho” Camacho.  He captured the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight world title in 2010, stopping previously unbeaten Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1) by way of a fourth-round knockout.
Vasquez, Jr. made a pair of successful title defenses against 15-0 Zsolt Bedak(TKO10) and 26-6-1 Ivan Hernandez(TKO11), before losing his title belt in 2011 to Jorge Arce (TKO12) marking the only time Vasquez has been stopped in his nearly 10-year professional boxing career.  He had another world title shot in 2012, losing a 12-round majority decision to Nonito Donaire (27-1) for the vacant WBO 122-pound division championship.
Lopez (34-5, 31 KOs), fighting out of Caguas, Puerto Rico, is a former WBO super bantamweight and featherweight world champion.  From 2008 to 2010, “JuanMa” was one of the most feared punchers in boxing, as well as one of its most popular because of his electrifying performances in the ring and engaging personality.  During this stretch, he developed into one of the leading pound-4-pound fighters in the working, defeating a Who’s Who of the top super bantamweights and featherweights in the world such as 34-1 Daniel De Leon (TKO1), 33-1 Sergio Medina(TKO1), 54-6-2 Gerry Penalosa (RTD10), 37-1-1 Steve Luevano (37-1-1) and 39-5 Rafael Marquez (RTD8).
Lopez, 33, who hasn’t fought in two years, turned pro in 2005 and the gifted southpaw won his first 30 fights. All five of Lopez’ career losses have been to world champions: Orlando Salido twice, Mikey Garcia, Francisco Vargasand Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @integratedPPV

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FACTS & FIGURES FOR MILESTONE 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

 

 

Prospect Developmental Series Celebrates 15 Years With A Four-Fight Telecast This Friday, July 22, Live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT)

 

Take A Look At The History Behind ShoBox:

http://s.sho.com/29zMdfs

 

NEW YORK (July 19, 2016) – Acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports®prospect developmental series ShoBox: The New Generationcelebrates its 15th anniversary this Friday, July 22 with a quintessential four-fight telecast, live on SHOWTIME®  at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Since its inception in 2001, ShoBox: The New Generation has been dedicated to promoting competitive fights pitting promising boxers in the toughest fights of their career. ShoBox has carved out its identity by matching top talent against each other.

 

“This is certainly an accomplishment for the series, but we wouldn’t be here for 15 years without the fighters,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation.  “The credit should go to the young men who are willing to step up and take risks early in their career.

 

“As we’ve seen over the last 15 years, matching fighters tough at a young age escalates their career development, and we’re thrilled to provide the platform to introduce viewers to these talented fighters.  I’d also like to thank the promoters, managers and trainers who are willing to test their fighters at an early stage.  Working together with a diverse roster of promotional companies is vital for the advancement of the sport as we aim to find tomorrow’s stars today.”

 

After 15 years and 67 future world champions, below are some remarkable ShoBox facts and figures:

 

  • 67 fighters who fought on the series have gone on to become world champions (click HERE for full list)

 

  • July 22 is the 219th ShoBox telecast.  That means that, on average, fans have seen a future world champion on nearly one out of every three shows

 

  • An additional 75 fighters who appeared on ShoBox have fought for a world title

 

  • 150 fighters have suffered their first loss on the developmental series

 

  • There have been 96 matchups of undefeated fighters

 

  • There have been a total of 484 bouts aired on the series.  The percentage of decisions and stoppages is about 50/50.

 

  • The list of graduates who have won world titles includes: Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Tyson Fury, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Badou Jack, Gary Russell Jr., Jermall Charlo, Jermell Charlo, Andre Ward, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

  • Eight fighters won a world title in the fight immediately following an appearance on ShoBox: Joan Guzman, Robert Guerrero, Chad Dawson, Devon Alexander, Andre Ward, Rico Ramos, Jhonatan Romero and Demetrius Andrade.

 

  • There have been 11 fighters who lost on ShoBox and went on to become world titlists: Luis Collazo, Robert Guerrero, Eric Aiken, David Diaz, Isaac Hlatshwayo, Cornelius Bundrage, Rodrigo Guerrero, Ishe Smith, Gamaliel Diaz, Mickey Bey, and Badou Jack.

 

  • 22 U.S. Olympians have fought on ShoBox

 

  • There have been ShoBox shows in 71 different cities, 26 different states, and eight different countries.  The leading site for has been Santa Ynez, Calif., with 33 shows. Second is Las Vegas with 19.

 

  • Gary Russell Jr. was the first fighter to turn pro on ShoBox

 

  • The first ShoBox show came at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2001, at Bally’s in Atlantic City.  The first fight was John Molnar (18-1-1) scoring an eight-round technical decision over Victor Rosado (17-2-1).  In the main event, lightweight Leo Dorin (17-0) stopped Martin O’Malley (17-0) in the ninth round. Six months later, Dorin won the WBA lightweight crown, becoming the first ShoBoxfighter to win a world title

 

  • Steve Farhood’s Best Fighters (in no order): Timothy Bradley, Robert Guerrero, Lucian Bute, Joan Guzman, Diego Corrales, Ricky Hatton, Chad Dawson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Paul Williams

 

  • Farhood has worked all 219 ShoBox telecasts

 

Undefeated top 10-ranked super bantamweight Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs) faces Roman Ruben Reynoso (18-1-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.  In an eight-round co-feature, Jerry Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) faces Julius Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs) in a matchup of super middleweights.  Two eight-rounders will round out the four-fight telecast: O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs) meets Rolando Chinea (12-1-1, 6 KOs) in a lightweight scrap and undefeated Khiary Gray-Pitts (13-0, 10 KOs), of Worcester, Mass., will be opposed by once-beaten Ian Green (9-1, 7 KOs) in the super welterweight opener.

 

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event from Foxwoods Resort Casino are priced at $45, $75 and $150 and can be purchased by phone from the Foxwoods Resort Casino at 800.200.2882 or online at www.foxwoods.com.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.