Boxing can be a difficult field to make your name in, and even more difficult to crack the mainstream code, but at 20 years old Michael Perez will have an opportunity to lay the groundwork when he takes to the ring on May 14 at Paradise Theater in the Bronx.

“Well I’m the first televised bout of the night on Telefutra, so I’ve been stepping up training. A lot of hills, a lot of different things in this camp” Perez said in regards to his training.

The 20 year old captured a Golden Gloves title in 2008 and has since put together an unblemished record of 7-0 with 3 ko’s. Signing a deal with Golden Boy Promotions, the young fighter is optimistic on the road ahead, and making his television debut, will be a major building block. Currently campaigning at lightweight, Perez notes that the division has its share of exciting prospects that could make the coming years interesting for fighters and fans alike.

“I see a lot of young guys coming up that could make for good fights soon. Hylon Williams, he’s a Golden Boy Prospect as well, I’d like to fight Saddam Ali, there are a lot of different guys at lightweight.”

No opponent has been named thus far for May 14, but Perez remains excited at the prospect of making his t.v. debut. While still getting his feet wet in the pro’s, Perez is already no stranger to the big stage. Signing with Golden Boy promotions has brought Perez the opportunity to fight on the undercards of major events including Mayweather vs. Marquez, Malignaggi vs. Diaz, and Kirkland vs. Julio.

Making his debut in late 2008, Perez has been dubbed with the nickname “Michaelangelo The Artist”and as a Newark, New Jersey resident will have an opportunity to build on his East Coast following when he does battle in the Bronx.

“I’d just tell anyone who doesn’t know me yet to follow me. I’m coming up, I have a crazy work ethic, and I’m going to have some good fights coming up”

Twin Cities, MN- Previously undefeated lightweight Jeremy Mclaurin(7-1, 5 ko’s) suffered a shocking unanimous decision loss to underdog Hector Orozco this past weekend in Hinckley, but the St. Paul based fighter wants to make it clear he plans to return with a sharpened focus.

“I was just stuck in the mud all night, I have no excuses, I lost my drive somewhere in the last few months and stopped hitting the pavement. I was running on treadmills and waking up at 9AM instead of six. I tip my hat to Hector and I’ll take the positives from this loss, and build toward my future.”

Prior to April 2nd Mclaurin had been followed by whispers of a potential showdown with Gary Eyer (8-0, 6 ko’s) of Duluth, who stopped Brad Patraw on the same card, but plans now likely point to Mclaurin returning to 130 and taking on two or three more fights before an Eyer bout comes to fruition.

“If there is one positive from Friday I’m happy to be able to take a learning experience like this early on in my career rather than later, and on a bigger stage. I want to thank all my fans, and supporters for sticking by me, and I plan to bring you a better show next time around.”

McLaurin stopped Orozco in February, and no plans have been mentioned at this time for a third bout between the two. Also in action Friday Tyler Hultin and Tim Taggart fought to a draw, Donny Tierney edged Dan Copp, and in the main event middleweight Andy Kolle dominated Matt Vanda for a unanimous decision win.

Minneapolis, MN- Minnesota’s top junior middleweight prospect and former national champion Javontae Starks(3-0 3 ko’s) suffered the first setback of his career this month when he was forced to pull out of his bout with Bobby Kliewer(10-9 6 ko’s) on April 2.

Starks suffered a back injury while training alongside stablemate and former amateur elite Jamal James,who will make his pro debut April 2. Although disappointed with the cancellation Starks plans to return to the ring in May, and remains open whatever fight that is brought to the table, including Kliewer.

“I’ve fought the best in the world I’ve trained with the best and been recognized as the best, I’m not afraid of any fight” Starks noted.

Starks insists the injury will not remain a problem for much longer, and feels he could have fought, but the risk was just too great at this stage of his career.

“I feel like I could have fought and won, but it’s how I want to win that’s important this early in my career”

Starks and his team aim to return to training during the first week of April, and hope to take to the ring as soon as possible, a date in late May the most likely scenario.

Javontae Starks is expected to be on hand April 2 to support close friend Jamal James, and Midwest Sports Council stablemate Jeremy McLaurin in their bouts. The card is headlined by the long awaited rematch between Matt Vanda and Andy Kolle for the Minnesota State Middleweight title. Tickets are available at grandcasinomn.com.

Starks trains at the Circle of Discipline Gym in Minneapolis alongside fellow celebrated amateur Jamal James. Under the direction of trainer Sankara Frazier Starks aims to put his home state of Minnesota on the boxing map. After capturing National and regional titles in the amateur ranks, he made his professional debut in late 2009.

With an undeniable will, and professional level skills Starks aims to become a beacon of hope for Minnesota fight fans.

This Saturday night, Manny Pacquiao will put his streak of brilliance on the line in one of the world’s most remarkable buildings. Four months ago the Dallas Cowboys’ brand new billion dollar stadium was poised to hold the long awaited showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather, but it was not to be. While boxing fans from all four corners of the globe were dejected when the fight was scrapped, Joshua Clottey was gleaming from ear to ear. The Ghana native steps into an opportunity of a lifetime on one of the biggest stages imaginable, and presents Manny Pacquiao with what some say will be his most demanding physical challenge to date.

Manny Pacquiao

Record: 50-3-2 (38 KO’s)

Former Flyweight, Super Bantamweight, Featherweight, Junior Lightweight, Lightweight, Junior Welterweight and current WBO Welterweight champion. Currently recognized as the number one fighter in the world pound for pound.

Age: 31

Home: General Santos City, Philippines

Notable wins: Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera

Notable losses: Erik Morales

Joshua Clottey

Record: 35-3 (20 KO’s)

Former WBO Welterweight champion

Home: Bronx, NY via Accra, Ghana

Age: 32

Notable wins: Diego Corrales, Zab Judah

Notable losses: Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Carlos Baldomir

Speed/Athletecism

Weighing the athleticism variable in a Pacquiao fight is almost a formality. There is only one man in boxing that can match the Pac Man’s athleticism and that’s Floyd Mayweather. Clottey is a strong, formidable opponent but as far as speed and athleticism will go this will be a mismatch. If Clottey is going to beat Manny Pacquiao it’s going to have to be by doing something other than trying to outwork the Pac Man. Pacquiao is in a different stratosphere and I see his athletic skill set as the gamebreaker in this fight.

Advantage: Pacquiao

Matt’s Take: Pacquiao has tremendous athleticism and in terms of putting combinations together, his hand speed is second to none. They are essentially his bread and butter. Clottey has decent athleticism and average speed at best, but doesn’t heavily rely on either to help him emerge victorious. Many of the shots he landed in his fight against Miguel Cotto were due to terrific timing, not quick hands.

Advantage: Pacquiao

Power

This one is a bit trickier. Do you look at knock out percentages or brute strength? One would imagine Clottey is the stronger man, but Pacquiao has knocked more welterweights lately than Clottey, who has recorded one stoppage since 2004. I’d lean with Pacquiao here as well. I firmly believe the brunt of Pacquiao’s power is in his killer instinct. It was hard to find a those instincts in the Joshua Clottey that fought Cotto, and that could be his downfall in this bout. Where Clottey slips up, Pacquiao will capitalize.

Advantage: Pacquiao

Matt’s Take: It’s no secret that Manny Pacquiao has true pound for pound punching power ala Thomas Hearns; just ask naturally bigger opponents in Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya. In his two fights at welterweight (where he meets Clottey), Pacquiao has used fast, hard combinations to batter the aforementioned Cotto and De La Hoya, making him a heavy handed fighter even as an undersized 147 pounder.

Clottey’s power has always been underrated in my book. Clottey, easily the biggest active welterweight, has tremendous physical strength and the ability to throw noteworthy punches at any given time. He hurt former world champion Zab Judah and also made things quite uncomfortable for Cotto in their June 2009 match up. He possesses a unique punching style, which I have always been a fan of, which includes body-head combinations and double hooks up top. While the man known as “Hitter” can definitely do damage if he connects, Pac Man’s other alias is “The Destroyer” for a reason.

Advantage: Pacquiao

Defense/Chin

If Clottey has a shot at knocking off Pacquiao it lies in his defense. Clottey survived twelve rounds with Antonio Margarito, and I hate to go there, but who knows what was in Margarito’s gloves at that time. Clottey’s defensive success may be a testament to his refusal to take risks, but that flaw nudges him ahead of Pacquiao in this category.

Pacquiao hasn’t hit the canvas in years, but he has hit the canvas nonetheless. If I see one scenario that has Clottey winning this bout it’s a product of him using his strength and defense to control the pace of the bout. Clottey won’t make himself as presentable a target like Pacquiao’s most recent opponents and that may be the one thing that could propel him to a decision victory.

Advantage: Clottey

Matt’s Take: Pacquiao has had a good chin since day one. Although he was twice knocked out as a severely weight drained youngster, he has consistently shown the ability to take a punch. The best proof of his proficient chin is something he once was; a poor defensive fighter. The old, lighter Pacquiao had no problem trading punches with anybody at any time, but the 140-147 lb version boxes and moves a lot more effectively. Moving up in weight gave him the opportunity to build up his legs, thus he avoids punches far better than in years prior. On the contrary, he had trouble avoiding Cotto’s jab in their November super fight and against a strong fighter like Clottey that could be a problem.

Like many African fighters, Clottey has an effective high guard defense and a good beard. His defensive style is very effective and he rarely gets hit with flush shots. Basic or not, Clottey’s defensive abilities are frustrating for opponents. His chin isn’t an easy target to find, but even when he was hit, Clottey weathered the storm. The rugged Ghanaian has never been seriously hurt and his only trip to the canvas (against Cotto) was due to him being off balance.

Advantage: Clottey

Heart

Yet another category that is hard to pick against Manny in. On top of being arguably the fighter of the decade, Pac Man has taken part in several fight of the decade candidates. Surprisingly, I saw more heart from Manny in his first bout with Marquez than I have seen in a long time. After putting his man down three times in the first round only to have him claw back into the fight, Manny stayed with it despite giving up the draw.

Clottey will come into Cowboy’s stadium with a world of desire behind him, but heart is something that either you have or you don’t. I believe Joshua Clottey does to an extent, but anyone who lets a defeated Miguel Cotto survive, and throw enough punches to steal the bout from him will have trouble matching the heart, desire and killer instinct of Manny Pacquiao.

Advantage: Pacquiao

Matt’s Take: Pacquiao is as gutsy as they come. He’s a number of times and never had any issue adopting to take on a bigger fighter (see above). His willingness to exclusively mix it up when he fought the world’s best in lower weight classes simply can not be overlooked, even if he has changed his style a bit. Manny has also taken the heart of many of his opponents, such as De La Hoya, Hatton, Cotto and Barrera.

Manny may very well take exactly that from Clottey, since this is perhaps his biggest weakness. The late, great Arturo Gatti and even a more fragile fighter like Floyd Mayweather have fought multiple times with hand injuries and other distractions, proving when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Unfortunately this isn’t the case for former WBO Welterweight champion.

Clottey went into a shell after injuring his hand against Margarito in 06, squandering a good start en route to losing a decision. Against Cotto, he didn’t fare much better, electing to cover up on the ropes rather than throw back consistent combinations when the rugged Puerto Rican applied heavy pressure. Unless his questionable antics change, he is in for a rough night against an opponent who has snatched the heart out of some of boxing’s best.

Advantage: Clottey

Experience

Joshua Clottey will take part in a fight that draws the eyes of the sports world onto him, and it will be the first time that he has done so. Pacquiao meanwhile has been to this dance before. Pac Man has captured titles at a number of weight classes, stared down boxing legends, and had the morale of an entire country on his shoulders.

Clottey is by no means a wide eyed kid in over his head, the 32 year old has fought all over the world against different breeds of boxers, but it’s hard to find a resume` that measures up to Pacquiao’s. It’s been reported that ticket sales are around 45,000, a far bigger audience than either fighter is accustomed too. I don’t know that either man has a case of stage fright but on a scale this big I’d have to give the edge to Pacquiao.

Advantage: Pacquiao

Matt’s Take: When I say Pacquiao has fought everyone, I mean Pacquiao has fought everyone. Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Marco Antonio Barrera (twice each) and Erik Morales (three times) among others, there are very few noteworthy opponents he missed along the way. In addition, Pacquiao fought all of the aforementioned opponents on pay per view and has delivered masterpieces when the most eyes were on him.

Whether it is an asset to how dangerous of an opponent he is or the fact his inability to capitalize under the bright lights, Clottey is lacking in experience compared to Pacquiao. His most notable opponents were Cotto, Margarito, Judah, the late, great Diego Corrales and Carlos Baldomir. Outside of those five, three of whom have beaten him, Clottey’s fought mostly gate keeper type opponents.

Advantage: Pacquiao

The Verdict:

I have a shot for shot screenplay of this bout playing out in my head. It’s of an aggressive Manny Pacquiao overwhelming Joshua Clottey with a high volume of punches. Clottey is game, but careful. He knows that taking a risk of any kind will land him into deep trouble so he finishes the fight by kicking it into safety mode. Pacquiao doesn’t walk through Clottey the way he did Hatton and Cotto, but walks away with an impressive decision.

Verdict: Pacquiao UD

Matt’s Take: Clottey is regularly criticized for not throwing enough punches. His loss to Cotto serves perfect example of why he is a fighter that can do far more on the offensive end, but for one reason or another, chooses not to. Rather than going to take the title from the champion by making sure his hands were consistently busy, Clottey had too many Punchless spurts and cost himself the fight; as he did against Margarito.

Pacquiao throws terrific combinations and moves well enough to avoid return shots from his much slower opponent on Saturday night. The Filipino icon’s busy hands and Clottey’s inability to get going on a steady basis will spell trouble for the latter. Clottey’s natural size advantage, good chin and defense will likely help him make it to the final bell, albeit as a loser in the majority of the rounds.

Verdict: Pacquiao UD

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

On the cusp of boxing’s super-season the world’s focus remains on Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. While we await their hopeful showdown both men have tall tasks in front of them this spring. Mayweather will face Shane Mosley on May 1, a bout that will be touched off on in the coming weeks, while Pacquiao dukes it out with the upset minded Joshua Clottey. I have compiled the thoughts of a number of boxers, and am lucky enough to be able to put together an amazing list of predictions. I consulted fighters from lightweight to heavyweight, male and female, amateur prospect to world champion, from America to Australia to see how they see this event playing out. Some were elaborative, while some kept it short and sweet. See how their predictions match up with mine and your own, and tune in March 13 to see who’s vision plays out.

I think Pac will overwhelm Clottey with a lot of activity, I look for a late stoppage or unanimous decision. I also see very game and tough Clottey throughout. – Steve Forbes, former super featherweight world champion

Manny is too fast and elusive for Clottey. Clottey is Strong, stronger than Cotto but he doesn’t throw enough punches. Pacquiao’s speed will be too much. –Bobby Gunn, cruiserweight world title challenger

Pac is too fast and too strong for Clottey, too awkward to be honest. I love Josh but he had Cotto and let him get away, if he doesn’t have the killer instinct with Pac he is done. It will be a great fight but I give Pac the edge. –Ishe Smith, junior middleweight contender

I pick Manny by decision because Clottey fights safe enough not to be ko’ed but too safe to win the fight.- Jeff Mayweather, world class trainer, former lightweight contender

This is a much more difficult fight for manny than people think. It will be a hard fought bout with pac winning on points. –Billy Dib, featherweight contender

I like Clottey by a twelve round decision. He’d have to be able to take the punishment then work. –A.K. Laleye Contender Season 4 participant

It will go the distance and it will go to Pac-Man. – Jason Litzau, NABF super featherweight champion

I like Clottey’s relentless pressure. I think Pac-Man’s fire is going to ignite Clottey, it will be a close fight but Clottey comes out with the decision. –Hasim Rahman Jr. world class amateur fighter.

I’m Going with Pacquiao by U.D. 🙂 – Mia St. John former female lightweight world champion

A dangerous fight for Pac-Man because of Clottey’s size and strength but I think the speed will be too much for Clottey to overcome. I’m going with Pac Man and I will be VERY impressed if he wins by stoppage. – Caleb Truax, WBF International super middleweight champion.

Mmmm, I don’t know, this is a pick ‘em – Nate Campbell, former undisputed lightweight champion

My only thoughts are do I get to fight the winner? – Emanuel Augustus, former IBA champion

This is a tough one. Clottey is such a physical terror for any welterweight to handle and he boasts an iron jaw. Still, I think Pacquaio will get by him. Not because of speed, power, or combination punching, but because he’s got too much riding on a potential showdown with Mayweather/Mosley. Great fighters find a way to win and I think Pacquaio will do just that. –Ryan Coyne, cruiserweight prospect, Contender Season 4 participant.

I said it prior to the Cotto fight, and it proved obsolete but I’ll say it before this one too, Clottey has to knock Pacquiao out. If you think Mayweather-Pacquiao isn’t still in HBO’s fold this fall you’d have to be punch drunk. For Clottey to derail this event he’s going to have to stop Pacquiao which I don’t see happening. I thought Oscar, and Cotto would both be too big for Pac-Man but I’m not making that mistake again, Pacquiao at his best is not too small for anyone. It will come down to aggression and Pacquiao will win that war every time, I’ll take Manny via wide UD. – Brett Mauren, 15rounds, Phantom Punch Productions

Final Tally

Pacquiao : Mauren, Forbes, Gunn, Smith, Mayweather, Dib, Litzau, St. John, Truax, Coyne

Clottey: Laleye, Rahman Jr.

Neutral: Campbell, Augustus

With as many different viewpoints as we have just seen, someone’s call is bound to play out, and we will find out which one on March 13. Please support these exciting fighters as their careers unfold and stay tuned for the Mayweather-Mosley prediction piece in the coming weeks.

In the biggest fight of his life Bobby Gunn showed up, fought his heart out, and was told he had had enough. With a world title opportunity lost, at age 35 it may have looked as though Bobby Gunn was finished, He’d like people to know he is far from.

“That fight was for the Ring world title, there are a lot of titles but everyone knows the Ring title is the only real one, very few men can say they have fought for it”

Thomasz Adamek earned a victory over the game Gunn, but failed to knock the New Jersey native down or stop him completely, as the Gunn corner made their desire to continue clear. Something of a consolation can be found in Adamek’s last two outings, where he stopped veteran Andrew Golota and outpointed Jason Estrada, at heavyweight.

“There were no knockdowns in that fight and I felt like I could have kept going and won a couple more rounds if it would have continued. I got to see him recently and he was about 220, I told him I was glad he wasn’t that big when we fought! He laughed and gave me a hug I really like the guy, it’s nothing against him but I didn’t agree with the ruling that night.”

Gunn may have had a chance to peer into his own future that night however, when he watched Ran Nakash do battle on the same card.

“A fight with Ran Nakash is in negotiations and I really like that fight. He’s 22-0 and it will be a great opportunity for me, it will be a great fight.”

A win over the undefeated Nakash would springboard Gunn right back into title contention and that is something he goes into this fight fully aware of.

“If I fight this guy Nakash and get the win I could be fighting for a world title again by the end of the year, I’d love to fight the Cunningham- Godfrey winner.”

Prior to the whisperings of a showdown with Ran Nakash Gunn was offered a bout in Nigeria with Bash Ali, an opportunity he also would have savored. Traveling to Africa would have been a rare opportunity, and a nice pay day.

“They offered me a number I couldn’t refuse but just my luck the fight fell through because of the things going on with their president. How would the president effect boxing? Well the fight was funded by the Nigerian government so things just didn’t work out.”

If anything can be learned through Bobby Gunn’s story it is that it’s never over until you decide it is. Having a world title opportunity fall through his fingertips by way of controversial stoppage, and missing out on a major pay day in Nigeria, Gunn still finds himself in the driver’s seat. In a sport where one shot can make or break an outcome Bobby Gunn has more than a puncher’s chance against Ran Nakash, but with Gunn’s power one shot may be all it takes. Now in position to put himself back into title contention Gunn offers east coast fans, and boxing enthusiasts across the country something that is easy to root for.

At 36 years old Gunn insists he feels the best he ever has and aims for another run at the title. With his previous conqueror finding success in the heavyweight division , he sees the cruiserweight door as wide open and has a message to relay to his fans.

“Just when you think it’s over, it’s just beginning”

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (February 1, 2010) – Minnesota’s middleweight champion is slated to make his return to the ring this Friday. Andy “Kaos” Kolle (19-2 14 KO’s) will take on power punching Pat “The Cat” Coleman (29-15 20 KO’s) on February 5 at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Kolle is coming off of a highlight reel knockout of Anthony Bonsante in March, and an impressive stoppage of Anthony Shuler in June. Although Kolle has been inactive for six months he insists that February 5th presents an opportunity to not only get back into action, but turn some heads in the Twin Cities.

“I am really looking forward to getting back into the ring, it has been too long! It has been a few years since I have fought in the Twin Cities so I can’t wait to come and show the boxing fans there what I got. I don’t know much about my opponent but that is nothing new to me so I will be ready for whatever he brings to the table”

Kolle vs Coleman will be promoted by Midwest Sports Council in association with RDS Company and will bring Boxing to the Venue made famous by Prince in the mid 80’s.

*Co-Main Events:

Heralded prospect and former Olympic prospect Javontae Starks (2-0 2 KO’s) finally gets to fight in his hometown. Starks, who is already being discussed as a future Title Contender, will do battle for the first time in his native Minneapolis when he takes on Matt Ellis (2-1) in the co-feature.

*Feature Bouts:

Starks’ stable mate Jeremy McLaurin (6-0 4 KO’s) from Coon Rapids will also be in action against local brawler Hector Orozco from Hopkins. Minnesota Bantamweight Champion Antwan Robertson (5-1-1), Minneapolis; Latin Sensation Jose Hilario (1-0) of St. Louis Park; and Don Tierney (1-1) of St. Paul round out this talented fight card.

*Fighters subject to change.

Page 2 – “Fight Night @ First Avenue”

Weigh-In Scheduled – February 4th @ 3:30 p.m. – Target Center

The next scheduled media event for “Fight Night @ First Avenue” is the weigh-in, set for 3:30 p.m., Thursday, February 4th at First Avenue. We recommend picking up your Fight Night @ First Avenue media credentials at that time. Please contact Brett Mauren at (612) 275-2885 for Media Credentials. Video highlights of featured fighters are available to all media outlets upon request.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for “Fight Night @ First Avenue” (18+) are on sale now at the First Avenue box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 651-989-5151 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Arena seating ticket prices are $25, $35 (reserved-stage). VIP ring side tables are also available by calling 612-388-5228.

Minneapolis, MN- Minnesota’s middleweight champion is slated to make his return to the ring this February. Andy “Kaos” Kolle(19-2 14 ko’s) will take on Pat “The Cat” Coleman (29-15 20 ko’s) on February 5 at First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN.

Kolle is coming off of a highlight reel knockout of Anthony Bonsante in March, and an impressive stoppage of Anthony Shuler in June. Although Kolle has been inactive for six months he insists that February 5th presents an opportunity to not only get back into action, but turn some heads in the Twin Cities.

“I am really looking forward to getting back into the ring, it has been too long! It has been a few years since I have fought in the Twin Cities so I can’t wait to come and show the boxing fans there what I got. I don’t know much about my opponent but that is nothing new to me so I will be ready for whatever he brings to the table”

Kolle vs Coleman will be promoted by Midwest Sports Council in association with RDS Company and will bring boxing to the venue made famous by Prince in the mid 80’s. In addition to the anticipated return of Andy Kolle heralded prospect Javontae Starks(2-0 2 ko’s) will do battle for the first time in his native Minneapolis when he takes on Matt Ellis(2-1) in the co-feature. Starks’ MSC stablemate Jeremy McLaurin(6-0 4 ko’s) will also be in action against Brandon Quintana (2-4).

Decorated amateur Tony Lee(1-0) is slated to fight Javier Segura, while fellow prospect Jose Hilario takes on Hector Orozco. Rounding out the card will be Donny Tierney (1-1) taking on Andrew Kato, and Zach Schumach(1-2-1) taking on Lenny McQuen in his professional debut.

The Event will be 18+ and Tickets are available at www.first-avenue.com