Saturday May 16 2009

Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA, USA

Showtime Boxing

ESPN2 Friday Night Fights Results for 15 May 2009

 ATLFightSports prediction for Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson vs. Devin Vargas:  Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson by KO5.

Result:  Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson by TKO 6. 

OK, so we missed it by a round, but you can't say that we weren't right on the money with our fight analysis.  Devin Vargas must have done something seriously wrong for Joe Deguardia to put him in the ring against "Kingpin" Johnson.

	HARRAH'S RESULTS
	May 15, 2009
	On May 15th Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presented a thrilling five bout card at The Concert Venue at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. The card was broadcast live on the always exciting ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights". KINGPIN CEMENTS POSITION AS TOP AMERICAN HEAVY The main event bout of the evening carried heavy implications for boxing, especially heavyweight boxing, as two of America's best heavyweight prospects Kevin "Kingpin Johnson (21-0-1, 8KO) and "Devastatin" Devin Vargas (17-0, 7KO) put their undefeated records on the line to stake their claim as the number one American heavyweight in the world. Round one started out with Vargas looking to get inside and land combinations against Johnson as Johnson looked to measure Vargas from the outside with his jab. Early on it was clear Johnson had the quicker hands but the smaller Vargas was outworking the bigger Johnson. Round two began with both fighters trading heavy shots. Johnson began unleashing a lethal left hook but Vargas would respond well as he continued to press forward and land shots to both the body and head while on the inside. Vargas landed thunderous blows to start the third while Johnson laid on the ropes shaking his head as if the punches had no affect. With thirty seconds left in the round Johnson landed three vicious left hooks that stunned Vargas. With Vargas against the ropes Johnson began unloading heavy shots. Right as the ten second bell sounded Vargas took a knee to avoid further punishment.   In the fifth round Johnson forced Vargas to take another knee. Just as Vargas seemed ready to go he landed a huge right hand and left hook that seemed to get Johnson's attention. The fighters closed the round exchanging blows. In the sixth round Johnson began showing he was just too fast and too strong for Vargas as he began landing at will. With Vargas taking punishment against the ropes his corner threw in the towel, giving Johnson the TKO victory. It was a very entertaining fight and the biggest win in Johnson's career. Johnson improved his record to 22-0-1, 9KO's as he scored his third consecutive knockout in a row, this time against highly regarded, undefeated 2004 Olympic team captain Devin Vargas. With the loss Vargas's record falls to (17-1, 7KO's).   TERON WINS STAR BOXING DEBUT In the co-feature bout of the evening Jorge "The Truth" Teron (23-1-1, 15KO) made his Star Boxing debut a successful one and avenged the only loss of his career when he defeated the always tough and game Aldo Valtierra (25-11, 13KO) in a ten round lightweight affair. From the opening bell Teron showed he was much quicker and much shaper then the Mexican Valtierra. Valtierra hung tough but the longer Teron continuously peppered him with crisp combinations to both the body and head from the outside while Valtierra kept coming forward looking to score on the inside. Valtierra gave a very spirited effort, but in the end Teron was busier and more accurate with his punches, earning him a clear cut ten round unanimous decision. Undercard Results:Bruce Seldon TKO 5 Gabe Brown Chuck Mussachio W6 Carl Daniels John Lennox W4 Robert Brown   Photos by Star Boxing photographer Marty Rosengarten   Kevin Rooney Jr. Director Media Relations Star Boxing email: pr@starboxing.com phone: 718 823-2000 web: http://www.starboxing.com

Lineup and weigh-in Information for ESPN2 Friday Night Fights

Article on 2004 Olympic Captain Devin Vargas vs. Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson

ATLFightSports Prediction for the Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson vs. Devin Vargas:

Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson by KO 5.

Why:    Even though Devin Vargas brings the amateur pedigree and a professional record of 17-0 and 7KOs, he is nowhere near the professional level of Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (21-0-1, 8KOs).  Vargas has been matched “soft” through his pro career and is now stepping up against the #5 WBA, # 10 WBC, #13 IBF ranked heavyweight in the world.

	HARRAH'S WEIGH-IN RESULTS
	May 14, 2009
	All participants for Star Boxing's ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" show at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City weighed-in today. Below are the listed weights for Friday night's show. RIGHT: VARGAS, LEFT: JOHNSON Main Event - Heavyweights 10 Rounds Kevin Johnson - 246 Vs. Devin Vargas - 225 3/4 _________________________________   (L TO R) VALTIERRA, JOE DEGUARDIA, TERON Co-Feature - Lightweights 10 Rounds Jorge Teron - 136 Vs. Aldo Valtierra - 135 _________________________________ Heavyweights 8 Rounds Bruce Seldon - 226 Vs. Gabe Brown - 359 _________________________________ Light Heavyweights 6 Rounds Chuch Mussachio - 177 1/2 Vs. Carl Daniels - 177 1/2 _________________________________ Cruiserweights 4 Rounds John Lennox - 197 Vs. Robert Brown - 191 _________________________________ Heavyweights 4 rounds Tyyab Beale - (TBA) Vs. Kimani Cunningham - 224 _________________________________     The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, in association with Harrah's Resort. Tickets are priced at $90 and $60 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1(800) 745-3000 or going online to ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Harrah's Resort box office.     Kevin Rooney Jr. Director Media Relations Star Boxing email: pr@starboxing.com phone: 718 823-2000 web: http://www.starboxing.com

	VARGAS READY FOR THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE
	This Friday May 15th, 2004 Olympic team captain, Devin Vargas (17-0, 7KO) will be in the fight of his life when he takes on Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson (21-0-1, 8KO) in the main event on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. DEVIN VARGAS Johnson, who many believe is the top American heavyweight contender, is ranked as the WBA #5, WBC #10, IBF #13 rated heavyweight in the world and will surely be Vargas's toughest opponent to date. Both Vargas and Johnson are promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing. Originally Vargas was supposed to square off against former WBA heavyweight champion of the world Bruce Seldon on the undercard, but when Johnson's opponent dropped out, Vargas jumped at the opportunity to take on Johnson. For Vargas this will be the first time he has fought as the main event on Friday Night Fights. He fought once before as the co- feature and he made the most of his opportunity, brutally stopping the usually tough and durable Dave Brunelli at just one minute and thirty seconds of the very first round. Coincidently the fight also took place in Atlantic City. "Last time I fought in Atlantic City it was on ESPN2 and I came out and destroyed my opponent. I don't plan on anything different happening this time around," stated a focused Vargas. Some might question why an unbeaten Olympian at such an early stage in his career would take such a risky fight, but to Vargas he doesn't look as much at the risk but more at the reward. The winner of this fight clearly establishes themselves as THE top American heavyweight and puts themselves one step closer to a world title opportunity something that Vargas is well aware of. "This is a great opportunity for me and my career," stated an excited Vargas. "People say that he is the top American heavyweight, so when I beat him, I will take that position." Regarding coming in as the underdog for the first time in his professional career Vargas does not seem to be too worried about the task at hand. "I know Kevin is very confident and thinks this is an easy fight for him but he is going to be in for a rude awaking come this Friday. He is a big talker, he likes to run his mouth and say this and that, but I let my fists do the talking in the ring. Kevin has skills and more professional fights then me, but I have way more amateur experience then him. I fought the best in the world as an amateur and I beat the best in the world. I have been waiting for this type of opportunity my entire life, and I plan on making the best out of it come May 15th." Not only is Vargas confident that he will beat Johnson, he feels he has the ability to stop him. "I am ready to go the full ten rounds if I have to, but I would love it to be a short night. I definitely have the advantage in power over him. Some people take a look at my record and say I don't have knockout power because I have only stopped seven of my seventeen opponents, but even the guys I went the distance with I hurt at some point and then they went into survival mode. It would be great to be the first person to beat Kevin, but it would be even better to knock him out." "I want to thank my promoter Star Boxing for giving me this opportunity and I want to thank all my fans that have supported me throughout my career. I hope everyone tunes in this Friday because they are going to see a very exciting fight."   The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, in association with Harrah's Resort. Tickets are priced at $90 and $60 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1(800) 745-3000 or going online to ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the box office at Harrah's. ABOUT STAR BOXING: Star Boxing has been in operation since 1992 and has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.   Kevin Rooney Jr. Director Media Relations Star Boxing email: pr@starboxing.com phone: 718 823-2000 web: http://www.starboxing.com

Latest Boxing Results & Videos

April 10th - 18th 

Inside the Miguel Cotto & Evangelista Cotto Brawl

As many of you already know, WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto’s rocky relationship with uncle/trainer Evangelista Cotto hit an all time low on Thursday 9 April 2009 when a disagreement in training turned into a family brawl!  Yes, fists were flying, people were fired (Evangelista Cotto), and cars were damaged (Miguel’s 2009 Jaguar).  Neither Miguel nor Evangelista were available for comments but Miguel did release the following statement on 9 April 2009 to the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia …

”This afternoon, after concluding my training session for my next fight, I sustained an incident with my uncle Evangelista Cotto. This is a family and very personal matter, which is why I ask that you give me the space and respect in my intimacy needed to cope with situation. Let it be known that as of this moment Evangelista Cotto will no longer form part of my corner, but at the same time, you should all rest assured that I will continue to work tirelessly for my next scheduled fight in June, where I will successfully defend my title with pride for all Puerto Ricans.”<br><br>

 I wish I could say that this is the end of the story, but things look like they are going to get worse for Miguel Cotto before they can get better.  Below is the latest and greatest form the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia, as they dug a little deeper into what happened and interviewed the investigating Police officer.  There are many details in the article including the injuries suffered by Evangelista Cotto during the brawl.  I took the liberty to translate the article for our non-Spanish speaking readers, the original article can be found immediately after the English version.

Serious Injuries

By  Antolín Maldonado/arios@elnuevodia.com

 Caguas - Miguel Cotto could face charges of aggravated assault for the violent incident that played out yesterday with his uncle and trainer, Evangelista Cotto, who suffered a fractured nasal bone, cervical trauma, and trauma to the chest.

This emerges from the investigation conducted by the Police officer, from the District of Caguas, Quinones Antonio Flores, who said that was the diagnosis of Dr. Michelle Ramirez in the emergency room of the San Juan Bautista Clinic. According to Quiñones Flores, Evangelista could also face charges of assault and property damage.

"We're going to bring charges of assault, plus damages, since Evangelista followed Miguel after the assault had ended in Bairoa, and caused damage to Miguel’s apartment and car" said the officer outside of the emergency room where the coach came to for medical attention. Quiñones Flores explained that, although neither is interested in pressing charges, the case will go to court because there was a crime committed. "We are going to cite them both so we can write a normal incident report, because blows were exchanged and that constitutes a crime. As police officers we have to address the situation because there were calls and a complaint. If it wasn’t for the glass, boxing would have ended for Miguel," the officer added, referring to the cinder block which Evangelista Cotto allegedly threw at Miguel, while the boxer was sitting inside his 2009 Jaguar.

Quiñones Flores said the prosecutor in charge of the case is Elba Rivera Melendez.

Translation by: C.J.    9 April 2009

Spanish/Original Version can be found here: Serias Lesiones

Weekend Boxing Results

April 3 & 4 2009

Saturday April 4 2009

Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Timothy Bradley defeats Kendall Holt by 12 Rounds Unanimous Decision

Comment:          It is always a pleasure to watch fighters fight the best in their division; such was the case with this 140lbs WBC/WBO unification bout.  Despite being down in the first round (by a left hook) and again in the closing seconds of round 12 (by a right uppercut and a slight push), WBC champion Timothy Bradley (24-0, 11KOs) was able to outwork WBO champion Kendall Holt (25-3, 13KOs) through 12 rounds and become the WBC/WBO super lightweight champion.  The judges’ score cards were all in favor of Bradley and they read; 114-112,115-111,115-111.   Fight Video Part 1   Fight Video Part2   Fight Video Part3

Librado Andrade defeats Vitali Tsypko by 12 Rounds Unanimous Decision

Comment:          Librado Andrade (28-2, 21KOs) easily defeated IBF #2 Vitali Tsypko (22-3, 12KOs) in front of a friendly crowd in Montreal? I guess that’s what happens when you make a habit of fighting other boxers in their back yard and proving yourself as a warrior in front of their fans.  Andrade dropped Tsypko in rounds 2 and 7 on his way to a 117-109, 117-109, 120-106 unanimous decision.  Next for Andrade may be a rematch against Montreal’s own, IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute.   Fight Video Part1  Fight Video Part2  Fight Video Part3

Saturday April 4 2009

Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Texas, USA

Edwin Valero defeats Antonio Pitalua by 2^nd Round KO

Comment:          What can one say about Edwin Valero (25-0, 25KOs)?  Oh yea, amazing!  Valero made his USA lightweight debut in impressive fashion as he disposed of fellow KO artist Antonio Pitalua (46-4, 40KOs) in two rounds.  Immediately after the fight the newly crowned WBC lightweight champion (Valero) called out Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao.

Ronaldo Reyes defeats Julio Diaz by 5^th Round KO

Comment:          On a night where former IBF lightweight champion Julio Diaz (36-5, 26KOs) was supposed to take one step closer to a title shot, Ronaldo Reyes (31-4-2, 20KOs) stepped up and won the biggest fight of his unheralded career.  Whether we blame it on the 10 minute delay that kept both fighters waiting in the ring before the start of the bout, or the many wars Julio Diaz has been a part of throughout his career, it was easy to see from the 1^st round that this would be Reyes’ night.  While Diaz seemed to be pushing his punches for most of the rounds, Reyes used sharp counter punching to gain the advantage and stop the former champion in the 5^th round.

Michael Katsidis defeats Jesus Chavez by 7^th Round TKO

Comment:          I have to give props to the former WBC featherweight champion Jesus “El Matador” Chavez (44-5, 30KOs) for moving to lightweight and taking the fight against former WBO lightweight champion Michael Katsidis (25-2, 20KOs).  Now let’s talk about the fight.  Even though Chavez showed everyone he still has the heart of a champion by taking everything the younger, stronger, Michael Katsidis had to offer, it just wasn’t enough to keep his corner from stopping the fight before the start of the 8^th round.  On the other hand, Katsidis showed why he is considered by most as a legitimate force in the lightweight division by dishing out a beating to the proud but outgunned former champion Jesus “El Matador” Chavez.  During his post fight press conference Katsidis stated that he wants Amir Khan after he fights Joel Casamayor “to make wrongs right.”  As far as the fight against Khan is concerned…Let’s not hold our breath on this one fight fans, Khan is managed by Frank Warren and we all know what that means.

Vicente Escobedo defeats Carlos Hernandez by 10 Rounds Unanimous Decision

Comment:          Rising lightweight prospect Vicente Escobedo (20-1, 12KOs) defeated former champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez in a hard fought (10 rounds) battle of wills.  Escobedo was able to jump to a quick lead on the scorecards by depositing Hernandez on the canvas with perfectly placed right hands in each of the first two rounds.   To “Famoso’s” credit, he rose from the canvas both times and battled the younger man for the rest of the fight and had his moments along the way.  Hernandez was credited with a knockdown in round 8, but it was not enough to tip the judges’ score cards in his favor.  The judges rewarded Escobedo’s efforts with scores of, 96-91, 94-93, and 95-91.

Saturday April 4 2009

Burg-Waechter Castello, Dusseldorf, Germany

Alexander Povetkin defeats Jason Estrada by 10 Rounds Unanimous Decision   Fight Video Part1  Fight Video Part2

Francesco Pianeta vs. Albert Sosnowski  draw 12 Rounds  Fight Video Part1   Fight Video Part2

Alexander Fenkel defeats Ruben Groenewald by 5^th Round TKO

Friday April 3 2009

Pepsi Pavillion, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Randall Bailey defeats Francisco Figueroa by 4^th Round KO   Click For Fight Video

Shawn Porter defeats Eloy Suarez by 1^st Round KO

Mark Davis defeats Steve Gonzalez by 8^th Round Unanimous Decision

Cedric Boswell defeats Harold Sconiers by 1^st Round TKO.

Breaking News
Klitschko vs. Haye is on!!!

Chavez Wins...In His Father's Shadow 

     Saturday night at The Plaza de Toros Monumental in Tijuana, Mexico, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (39-0-1, 29KOs) pounded out a close but unanimous decision against a very game Luciano Cuello (23-1, 10KOs), and captured the WBC Latino Jr. Middleweight title.  The judges’ scorecard read; 96-94, 96-95, and 98-92 (which was later changed to 97-92).  After the fight Chavez Jr. and his promoter expressed interest in seccuring a fight against Oscar de La Hoya or Pound for Pound kingpin Manny Pacquiao.

     It is a known fact that you can’t please everyone all of the time, but when your name is Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., it seems you just can’t please anyone at anytime.  It doesn’t matter if you stood toe toe with your opponent for 10 rounds, finished every combination with a well placed left hook to the body, or even won and deliver the most exciting fight of the night, if your father is a Mexican Boxing Legend and you share his name, you just aren’t good enough.  I could go on and on talking of how Chavez Jr. didn’t have an amateur career, how he is learning on the job, or how he has progressed as a fighter, but none of those facts matter.  The only thing that seems matters to most boxing writers and fans is making unfair comparisons, and reminding Chavez Jr. of how he will always live in his father’s shadow.

Click For Fight Video Part1   Click For Fight Video Part2   Click For Fight Video Part3

Weekend Boxing Results & Videos

Saturday March 28 2009
Plaza de Toros, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defeats Luciano Leonel Cuello by 10 Rounds Unanimous Decision

Fernando Montiel defeats Diego Oscar Silva by 3rd Round TKO
Comment:  Fernando "KOchulito" Montiel (39-2-1, 29KOs) joins Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., as the only Mexican boxers to win world titles in three different weight divisions. Montiel easily disposed of Diego Silva (24-2-3, 12KOs) in the 3rd round to add the WBO Bantamweight belt to his collection.   Click For Fight Video

Humberto Soto defeats Antonio Davis by 4th Round TKO
Comment:  It was business as usual for WBC Super Featherweight Champion Humberto "La Zorrita" Soto (47-7-2, 30KOs) as he dropped Antonio Davis (26-5, 13KOs) four times in four rounds en route to a 4th round TKO.  Soto is on a three fight win streak that includes a unanimous decision victory over Francisco Lorenzo, a fighter to which he lost on a controversial disqualification by referee Joe Cortez.   Click For Fight Video

Antonio Diaz defeats Javier Castro by 10 Rounds Unanimous Decision

Saturday March 28 2009
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Oklahoma, USA

Andre Dirrell defeats Derrick Findley by 6th Round TKO
Comment:   Super Middleweight Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13KOs) prooved to be too fast, too big, too strong, and too much for Derrick Findley (13-3, 8KOs).

Harry Joe Yorgey defeats Ronald Hearns by 9th Round KO
Comment:  This was the fight of the night on Showtime's saturday night broadcast.  Undefeated Harry Joe Yorgey (21-0-1, 10KOs) came in as the underdog, and left as a jr middleweight contender by knocking out fellow undefeated prospect Ronald "The Chosen One" Hearns (21-1, 17KOs).   Click For Fight Video

Anthony Dirrell defeats Dominique Azeez by 1st Round KO

Bowie Tupou defeats Marcus Thode by 1st Round KO

Chazz Witherspoon defeats Travis Fulton by 3rd Round TKO

Friday March 27 2009
Nokia Theater, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Eddie Chambers defeats Samuel Peter by 10 Rounds Unanimous Decision
Comment: I hate to say "I told you so.", but I did.  Unless Samuel Peter takes his chosen profession seriously, he will eat his way out of contention in the heavyweight division.  At 265lbs plus, Peter was easy pickings for Eddie Chambers.  The only reason Samuel Peter went the distance was Eddie Chambers unwillingness to finish him off. 

John Molina defeats Carlos Vinan by 2nd Round TKO

Francisco Santana defeats Antonio Johnson by 6 Round on points

Ismayl Sillakh defeats Carlos Reyes by 3rd Round TKO

Shawn Estrada defeats Ray Craig by 1st Round TKO

Friday March 27 2009
UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Luciano Perez defeats Miguel Hernandez by 5th Round TKO

Andrzei Fonfara defeats Kendall Could 6 Rounds on points

Henry Coyle defeats Dave Saunders by 5th Round TKO

Danny Williams defeats Jose Guzman by 1st Round TKO

Friday March 27 2009
Bellanhouston Sports Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Ricky Bruns defeats Michael Gomez by 7th Round TKO

Kenny Anderson defeats Nathan King 10 Rounds on points

Andy Morris defeats Youssef Al Hamidi 4 Rounds on points

Kris Hughes defeats James Ancliff 4 Rounds on points

Friday March 27 2009
A La Carte Event Pavillion, Tampa, FL, USA

Derrick Samuels defeats Roberto Valenzuela by 7th Round TKO

Nicholas Iannuzzi defeats Theo Kruger by 6th Round KO

Weighing In On Peter vs. Chambers

    Hunger is usually a good attribute for a fighter to have, but when the word is used to describe the six foot Nigerian Samuel Peter, it is meant to describe his weight, and his ever expanding waist line.  Peter, a the former WBC heavyweight champion, current WBO #5, WBC #5, IBF #5, and WBA #6, tipped the scales at 265lbs. during Thursday’s weight-in for his fight against “Fast” Eddie Chambers (6”1’, 223lbs). Peter is 8lbs heavier than he has ever weighed for a fight in his professional career!   I can only think of one word to describe Samuel Peter’s approach to his pugilistic career…disappointing.  Unfortunately, Peter is not the first to eat his way out of heavyweight contention. James Buster Douglas, Toney Tubbs, and David Tua did it before him, and I can assure you that Peter will not be the last.  So, as we watch the former WBC heavyweight champion huff and puff his way around the ring to the rhythm of Eddie Chambers beating on his head…join me in saying “The buffet is at the back of the theater Samuel!”

26 March 2009

     Promoter Don King has filed an official protest with the WBO, WBA, and the British Boxing Board of Control in regards to the result of the Amir Khan vs. Marco Antonio Barrera result.  King claims that the fight should not have been allowed to continue after an unintentional head butt (in the first round) opened a gash high on the forehead of Barrera.  The blood flow could not be stopped and as it streamed into Barrera’s left eye and blinded him for most of the remainder of the fight.  The protest also claims that the referee and ring doctor did not have the fighter’s safety in mind when they failed to stop the fight in the fourth round after calling for time and examining the wound.  The doctor and referee allowed the fight to continue for the rest of the fourth round and stopped the fight in the fifth, after fight was official and would go to the scorecards.

     King hopes to get the result reversed from a win for Amir Khan by Technical Decision to a no contest, and for an immediate rematch to be ordered by the sanctioning bodies.

Two time world champion Giovanni Parisi (41-5-1, 29 KOs) died in an automobile accident in Itali at the age of 41.  Parisi was champion at Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight, his career included a gold medal at featherweight in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.  Rest in Peace.

Mexican boxing legend, and former World Bantamweight Champion (1955) Raul “Raton” Macias Guevara passed away at age 74.  Macias’ accomplishments include a bronze medal for Mexico in the 1951 Panamerican Games, and he represented Mexico at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.  Raul “Raton” Macias Guevara, orgullo de Mexico, ejemplo para el mundo. – a pide of Mexico, an example for the world.

     With a sold out Palladium Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Derek “The Black Lion” Edwards (24-0, 12KOs) defeated Anthony “Ice” Greenidge (13-2-1, 5KOs) by split decision to capture the NABA Super Middleweight Championship, and the number fifteen spot in the WBA Super Middleweight Rankings.

     What was sure to be a brawl due to the bad blood between the two camps in the weeks leading to the matchup, turned into a very entertaining match of tactical prowess and skill.  Derek Edwards is known for his aggressive seek and destroy style, while Anthony “Ice” Greenidge is the prototypical boxer with lightning fast hands, excellent footwork, and sharp counter punching, but on this night they both abandoned their comfort zones.  Edwards came out as the counter puncher allowing the fight to come to him, while Greenidge was the aggressor looking to land the big punch. 

     The first round was the blue print to “The Black Lion’s” victory as he was able to time and perfectly counter Greenidge’s hooks and overhand rights with straight rights that had every intention of putting his opponent on the canvas.  With fifteen seconds left in the first round, Edwards caught Greenidge with a left hook on the temple as Greenidge committed the ultimate sin for a boxer when he pulled straight back after delivering a combination.  Edwards was unable to capitalize on this opportunity as the bell rang and “Ice” returned to his corner on shaky legs.  Whether it was youth or great conditioning, the twenty one year old Greenidge didn’t show any adverse effects from the closing seconds of the last round as he answered the bell for the second round and resumed the battle. 

     The action was brisk and the rounds flew by as both combatants had their moments in the fight, but it wasn’t until the 7^th round until Anthony Greenidge finally had his biggest opportunity of the match.  During an exchange in the middle of the ring Greenidge countered a right hand with a perfectly placed left hook to Edward’s jaw that stopped “The Black Lion” in his tracks.  “Ice”, realizing his opponent was hurt, jumped in and proceeded to unload the heavy artillery to the crowd’s delight.  Edward’s took some good body punches and uppercuts while leaning on the ropes but was able to ride out the storm behind a tight defense, and answered with power punches of his own that made his opponent back up and re-access the situation.

    The action slowed for the next two rounds as both fighters conserved energy for the tenth and final round.  After hearing encouragements from their corners before coming out for the final round, the fighters met in the middle of the ring and started to make their final run at each other.    Neither fighter was able to gain the advantage for most of the 10^th round, so with ten seconds remaining in the fight, they stood toe to toe unloading on each other as the crowd cheered and applauded them to the finish.

     In the end the judges’ score cards read 98-93, 98-92, and 94-98, for the new NABA Super Middleweight Champion and WBA 15^th Ranked fighter, out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Derek “The Black Lion” Edwards.