RENO, NEVADA — Northern California-based prospects Brandon Gonzales and Karim Mayfield passed perhaps the toughest tests of their professional careers thus far, notching decision victories over tough journeyman opponents before a standing room only crowd at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino on Friday night.

Rising middleweight Gonzales (11-0, 9 KOs) of Sacramento, California outboxed rugged gatekeeper Darnell Boone (16-15-2, 6 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia, topping the veteran via eight-round unanimous decision. Boone, 163, has been in with just about everyone from 154- to 168-pounds, but Gonzales, 163, proved to be the more complete fighter.

Gonzales flashed power early on, landing a clean left, right, left hook combination that rocked Boone late in the first. Luckily for the Atlanta resident, the bell came seconds later, before Gonzales could really follow up. Gonzales landed well in the second, but was in no rush to try and force a knockout. Boone woke up a bit in the third, but he could not match the varied attack Gonzales threw at him.

Boone changed up his approach in the fourth, bouncing on his toes at a distance and leaping in with the occasional well-timed punch. The pace of the fight slowed in the fifth, which made it easier for Gonzales to settle in and control the fight with his superior boxing skills. Outside of the two-way action that closed the fight, Boone was content to stay in a defensive posture for the final few rounds. Gonzales took what he could get and cruised to the decision. Scores read 80-71, 78-74, 79-73 for the undefeated “Flawless” Gonzales.

When Gonzales buzzed Boone late in the first, it looked as though the Sacramento prospect may become only the second fighter to stop the durable journeyman. “You have got to give credit to his experience,” said Gonzales after the fight. “I got him hurt, dug down to the body, but he dipped down low and survived those final seconds in the round. I couldn’t get him out of there, he survived, and you have to give him credit for that.”

While a knockout win would have been an eye-opener, Gonzales seemed satisfied with the decision victory. “I think we made the adjustments, and maybe if we had a ten or twelve-rounder, we possibly could have got him out of there,” said Gonzales. “He is an experienced guy, we got the rounds in, and I think I passed the test.” Gonzales is slated for a May 22nd card back at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno.

Unbeaten light middleweight prospect Karim Mayfield (12-0-1, 7 KOs) of Daly City, California edged Mario Jose Ramos (17-7-1, 3 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona to win a six-round majority decision. Mayfield, 150, had trouble with the awkward style the southpaw journeyman Ramos, 150, employed throughout the fight. It was mostly one at a time for Mayfield, but he still landed the clean, more telling blows each round. Scores read 59-55, 58-56 for Mayfield, with one even score at 57-57.

Perhaps some of Mayfield’s difficulties with Ramos could be explained with the brief amount of time he had to prepare for the southpaw, after originally scheduled orthodox fighter Jason Davis withdrew two weeks ago. “He had an awkward style,” admitted Mayfield. “We had a southpaw switched to us within the last two weeks. With the change of opponents, we had to make a different transition. I only had two sparring sessions with a southpaw, so combinations weren’t rolling the same way. Nevertheless, he was real durable opponent, and it was a learning experience.”

Very few fighters have ever looked good against Ramos, but Mayfield was hoping for a more decisive conclusion to impress those watching ringside. “I wanted to make a statement and get him out of there, but he was real durable guy and been in with some top guys,” said Mayfield. “I hit him with some good shots, but we will go back to the drawing board. It was my first fight against a southpaw as a professional and we came out with the victory, so I am happy about that.” Mayfield hopes to land a fight by May, but is slated to fight in June in San Francisco on a card promoted by his brother LaRon’s Mo’ Betta Entertainment.

Rounding out the boxing portion of the card, debuting Omar Zaldivar (1-0) of Reno scored a four-round unanimous decision over Tom Peterson (0-1) of Modesto, California. A mixed martial artist by trade, Peterson, 154, displayed a raw fighting style that was likely better suited for that combat sport. The hard-charging, more technically sound Zaldivar, 154, pressed the fight from the outset and had Peterson in trouble for much of the fourth. Peterson lasted the distance, but lost the fight by scores of 40-36 three times.

MMA

In a quickie, Adam Albright (4-1, 3 Submissions) of San Francisco, California disappointed the home crowd as he submitted popular local attraction Josh Turner (2-2, 2 Submissions) of Reno in the opening round in the night’s main MMA attraction. Albright, 175, quickly gained control of Turner, 175, eventually cinching in with a guillotine choke hold. Seconds later Turner asked the referee for relief at 1:30 of the round.

In the highly-anticipated female MMA bout, Nicole Johnson (2-1) of Roseville scored a three-round unanimous decision over Jenny Trujillo (1-1) of San Jose, California.
After a brutal, back-and-forth first-round, the pace slowed and Johnson, 140, gradually took control of the fight. Trujillo, 145, was determined and had her moments in the fight. However, all three judges scored the bout 29-28 for Johnson.

Rick Randolph (5-3, 3 KOs, 2 Submissions) of Roseville, California scored a first-round submission win over Ryan Wong (1-2, 1 KO) of San Jose in the opener. Randolph, 205, took Wong, 205, to the mat early in the first and held positioning control through nearly the entire round. At 4:05 of the round, Randolph locked in a triangle choke to secure the submission victory.

“Reno Xtreme Fights IV” is scheduled for May 22nd at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, with Reno native Joey Gilbert slated for the main event. Let’s Get It On Promotions also holds a July 3rd date at the Reno Events Center to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the Jack Johnson-James J. Jeffries fight.

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.

From the second the opening bell sounds, New Brunswick NJ’s Jorge “Kid” Diaz is ready to go to war. The all action Diaz has already been in a number of entertaining bouts, making him a pugilist that thrives on giving fans their moneys worth in the entertainment department. Although he was a notable local prospect following a good amateur career, Diaz gained notoriety outside of the Garden State after viciously knocking out 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy last October.

On Saturday night, Diaz, 12-0 (8 KO’s), looks to take another step in the right direction when he takes on unbeaten Mexican Alejandro Lopez in Key West, FL on Fox Sports Espanol. We had the opportunity to catch up with Diaz, who is just one day away from his first televised bout.

MY: Saturday night you are taking on an unbeaten opponent in Alejandro Lopez. What do you know about him besides that he is 13-0 with 2 knockouts?

JD: That on March 20 he will be 13-1 with 2 knockouts (laughing)!

MY: This will be your first time on National TV. Does this add any extra pressure for you?

JD: No not at all. All jokes aside I know Lopez is a boxer but I am going to come in and apply pressure and make it a war. In terms of pressure fighting (on TV), there isn’t any because I know at the end of the day win, lose or draw, I am going back to the projects, so I have everything to gain!

MY: You are known as an action fighter who goes for the knockout. Considering this is yet another step up and your first eight rounder, are you planning to box a little more and take your time?

JD: I am prepared to go eight hard rounds to the point where I am so tired after the bout that I feel like passing out! Leather will still be flying though because that is how I fight!

MY: There are a lot of good up and comers in the featherweight division such as Mikey Garcia, who has been featured on TV as well. Who is on Jorge Diaz’ radar considering he has been moving up?

JD: That isn’t my job I just go out there and fight. Everything else is up to my promoter Pound 4 Pound, my manager Sal Alessi and trainer Mike Skowronski.

MY: I know you were in camp with two time world champion Juan Manuel Lopez last year. What was it like to spar with one of the top fighters out there?

JD: It wasn’t what I expected. I got there the first day, worked out and it didn’t go as I wanted. I wasn’t pleased with what I did. The experience actually makes me not want to go back to a training camp. They ended up changing my opponent anyways.

Editor’s note: When Diaz was in camp with Lopez, both were preparing for fights on October 10 at Madison Square Garden.

MY: Moving back to October 09’ when you had the best win of your career against 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy. You were put in with a skilled boxer and an enormous amateur pedigree. Coming into the bout, were you worried at all about the fight considering it was a huge step up in competition?

JD: To be honest with you, I didn’t know who he was until I knocked him out. I don’t get into that, I just fight. They tell me the day I am fighting I say ok. They tell me (Barthelemy is the new opponent on short notice) I said ok. I just fight.

MY: So I take it you don’t watch tapes of your opponents based on your last statement?

JD: Yeah I leave that up to my coach. I am not the coach you know so I let him (Mike Skowronski) do that. I don’t watch any tapes but maybe in the future I will.

MY: Being that you are an action fighter from New Jersey with a warrior mentality and are willing to take two punches to land one, is the late Arturo Gatti a fighter you try to emulate?

JD: It would be a pleasure to be mentioned in the same sentence as him. However Gatti is Gatti, Jorge Diaz is Jorge Diaz. I do whatever it takes to win the fight but it would be nice to help Arturo’s legacy live on, but it isn’t my initial plan.

MY: What is your plan from Saturday forward if you are victorious and it were up to you.

JD: Sh*t if it was up to me, I would get paid like $40,000 (laughing). They told me if I win on Saturday, they are putting me in Yankee Stadium (on the Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman) undercard on June 5, but first I have to take care of business.

MY: Is that something you are potentially looking forward to because that will be a big card with 30,000 plus fans there?

JD: That right there would be to me, the highlight of my life! My only highlight I have in boxing is beating Yan Barthelemy. Now if I do get to fight at Yankee stadium, that would be such a great privilege since it would be the first fight ever at (the new) Yankee Stadium. That would be history!

MY: Jorge thanks for the time best of luck Saturday. What do you have to say in closing to all your fans and the readers on Gardenstatefightscene.com?

JD: I hope I don’t disappoint y’all on Saturday. Make sure to tune in watch. I will give you 100%!

For more New Jersey boxing news, go to gardenstatefightscene.com

RENO, NEVADA — Two of Northern California’s most promising young fighters, Brandon Gonzales and Karim Mayfield, top the bill against experienced opponents at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino tonight, as Let’s Get It On Promotions hosts the third edition of their boxing/mixed martial arts series “Reno Xtreme Fights.” Fighters weighed in Thursday at the casino’s Xtreme Sports Bar & Lounge.

Heading up the boxing side, Brandon Gonzales (10-0, 9 KOs) of Sacramento, California will be taking on potentially his toughest opponent to date in Darnell Boone (16-14-2, 6 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia in the night’s eight-round middleweight main event. Gonzales has stopped his last four opponents, the last two coming at the Grand Sierra, but could likely be headed for a distance bout Friday. Boone has beaten four previously undefeated prospects, and drawn with another. Furthermore, Boone has been stopped only once, and that came five years ago. Gonzales and Boone both scaled 163-pounds.

In the main supporting bout, unbeaten Karim Mayfield (11-0-1, 7 KOs) of Daly City, California will take on venerable journeyman Mario Jose Ramos (17-6-1, 3 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona in a six-round welterweight fight. Mayfield is coming off an impressive fifth-round knockout of Francisco Santana last November. Santana’s only previous defeat came at the hands of Mayfield in a close bout in 2008. Originally Mayfield was readying himself to fight Jason Davis, but a third-round stoppage defeat earlier in the month ruled the Washington-based journeyman out of the fight. Ramos, a sturdy southpaw, presents a different challenge. Ramos has been in with the better competition, including Lamont Peterson and Demetrius Hopkins. Few have looked good against Ramos, and a convincing win would be a great notch in Mayfield’s belt. Mayfield and Ramos both weighed-in at 150-pounds.

The first boxing bout of the evening pits two debuting light middleweights, as Reno’s Omar Zalvidar takes on Tom Peterson of Modesto, California in a four-rounder. Peterson, who has fought professionally in mixed martial arts, weighed in 154-pounds, as did Zalvidar.

The MMA portion of the card is comprised of three fights. Ryan Wong (1-1, 1 KO) of San Jose, California will take on Rick Randolph (4-3, 3 KOs, 1 Submission) of Roseville, California in a three-round light heavyweight bout. Wong and Randolph both scaled 205-pounds.

In the evening’s female bout, Jenny Trujillo (1-0) of San Jose will take on Nicole Johnson (1-1) of Roseville in a three-round featherweight fight. Trujillo weighed in at 145, while Johnson scaled 140-pounds.

Rounding out the card, Josh Turner (2-1, 2 Submissions) of Reno will meet Adam Albright (3-1, 2 Submissions) of San Francisco, California in a three-round middleweight fight. Turner and Albright both scaled 175-pounds Thursday.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Let’s Get It On Promotions, are available online at GrandSierraResort.com.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

Super middleweights, 8 Rounds
Gonzales 163
Boone 163

Welterweights, 6 Rounds
Mayfield 150
Ramos 150

Light middleweights, 4 Rounds
Peterson 154
Zalvidar 154

Mixed Martial Arts Weigh-in Results:

Light heavyweights, 3 Rounds
Wong 205
Randolph 205

Featherweights, 3 Rounds
Trujillo 145
Johnson 140

Middleweights, 3 Rounds
Turner 175
Albright 175

Photos by Mark Ortega

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.

March 19, 2010 (Düsseldorf, Germany) – – IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko weighed in at 244 pounds (111 kg) for Saturday’s title defense against mandatory challenger Eddie Chambers on Saturday night at the 51,000-seat Espirit Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany. Chambers scaled in at 209 pounds (95kg).

To say that Olympic-style drug testing is the right thing to do is the equivalent of a beauty-pageant contestant saying she believes in world peace. Between believing in it and doing it, however, there are arguments about procedure, ego and potential rancor, otherwise known as devils in the details. If it was so obvious and so righteous, we already would have seen Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

We haven’t, of course.

I couldn’t help but wonder if we ever will after listening to Mayweather advisor Leonard Ellerbe, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, Shane Mosley attorney Judd Burstein and Travis Tygart of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) talk Thursday in a conference call about an agreement for blood-testing before the Mayweather-Mosley fight on May 1 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

USADA officials met with both fighters and their camps last weekend. According to a Golden Boy release, the random testing can begin on Monday.

“If you’re clean, you have no reason not to be part of this program,’’ Tygart said. “In fact, you demand it.’’

Fact is, however, demand for the procedure, from sport to sport, is not exactly universal. Perhaps it was just coincidence, but as Tygart talked, World Anti-Doping Agency President John Fahey took some pointed shots Thursday at Major League Baseball and the Players Association. In a story from Montreal, Fahey urged baseball to do what Mayweather and Mosley will, Mark McGuire didn’t and Pacquiao wouldn’t.

In boxing, the blood-testing demand has only been heard from Mayweather, whose insistence killed the deal for a March 13 bout with Pacquiao, the Filipino icon who just said no to the comprehensive process and instead battered Joshua Clottey around like a blocking dummy last Saturday at Cowboys Stadium.

There’s a part of me that wants to admire Mayweather. It’s the same part that wants to agree with Ellerbe when he says that Mayweather is exercising some overdue leadership in a forever fractured business.

“Obviously with Floyd being the face of boxing, he wanted to clean up the sport,’’ Ellerbe said

I’m not sure what kind of face Tygart’s lieutenants will see when they show up, unannounced with test tubes and needles in hand, at the Big Boy Mansion in Las Vegas for a random test. The face of boxing might look at them as though they were Filipino journalists and throw them out onto the Strip. There’s another part of me that is wary of Mayweather, whose many faces can make him as hard to read as he is to hit.

To wit: Weight-gate. Before he humiliated Juan Manuel Marquez in a one-sided September decision, he willingly paid him $600,000 — $300,000 per pound – for being two over the catch-weight in their contract.

Then, he refused to step on Home Box Office’s unofficial scale the next night before opening bell. When asked why, he said it was nobody’s business.

Perhaps, it is an apples-to-oranges comparison, but the weight flap provides a glimpse at Mayweather’s unpredictable nature. He has taken the high-ground with the blood-testing demand. But the demand is nothing more than a beauty contestant’s prayer for world peace if he isn’t compliant with a process that Olympic athletes have called inconvenient, if not intrusive.

USADA enforcement power is another issue altogether. If an Olympic athlete tests positive for a banned performance-enhancer, the penalty can be a suspension for as long as two years. That punishment is part of an agreement with the International Olympic Committee. In boxing, however, the sport still is regulated by state commissions, which for Mosley-Mayweather means Nevada.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has the power to license fighters. It also has the final say-so in whether to revoke or suspend a license. USADA can poke, prod, draw and recommend. But it can’t suspend. Mayweather’s blood-testing demand looms as another argument for a federal commission, which Arizona Senator John McCain has tried to put into place for years.

According to news reports this week, the New York State Athletic Commission will consider Olympic-style testing after a study by its medical board. Ellerbe said he hopes the New York study will create momentum that will result in more vigilant testing in other states.

Mosley-Mayweather, Tygart says, “shows it is affordable at the right level. I always say it (a sport) can’t afford not to do it.’’

With legislative budgets in crisis during a lousy economy, however, chances of uniform blood testing from state-to-state appear slim.

Maybe, the fighters themselves can change that, although the nature of the beast is conflict, which precludes cooperation and fosters suspicion that whatever is done or said — including Mayweather’s blood-testing demand in the abortive Pacquiao talks — is driven by a personal agenda.

Nevertheless, Mosley, more than Mayweather, could be the real face of that movement. By now, it’s no secret that Mosley was tied to the BALCO scandal. He said he inadvertently took performance enhancers before a victory is 2003 over Oscar De La Hoya. He has a defamation suit against BALCO founder Victor Conte, who says he knowingly took performance-enhancers. Burstein says Mosley was misled.

“Shane would not be doing this is if there were any doubt in his mind that he is a clean athlete,’’ Burstein said.

Let’s just say that Mayweather gets Mosley and then other fighters to join him in a chorus for blood-testing. Maybe, then it works. Mosley has said he would fight Pacquiao without the testing he will undergo before and after the Mayweather bout. But let’s say that Mosley changes his mind. Let’s say he, like Mayweather, demands that blood-testing would have to continue against Pacquiao.

Something tells me we’ve already said too much for Pacquiao and his promoter, Bob Arum. In Dallas, Arum already has plans for Pacquiao to fight Edwin Valero, or Marquez, or even Antonio Margarito, who can re-apply for a license revoked in California more than a year ago for tampered hand-wraps.

In a prepared release Thursday, Mayweather and Mosley asked other fighters to follow them

But it sounded as if Arum had something else to say, something like:
See ya.’

NOTES, QUOTES
· In talking to the media a week ago in Dallas for the first time since his gloves were found to be loaded with a plaster-like substance before a loss to Mosley in January, 2009, Margarito took an initial step toward convincing the public that he deserves a second chance in the United States. But he needs to say more. Again, Margarito said that he didn’t know disgraced trainer Javier Capetillo had tampered with the wraps. Okay, but he also needs to say “Sorry, I should have known.’’
· After a long absence, boxing might return to Phoenix under the Showdown Promotions banner, which also represents Margarito. Showdown has reserved two dates, July 17 and July 31, at Wild Horse Pass Casino in the Phoenix suburbs.
· The more Top Rank watches 17-year-old Jose Benavidez Jr., a junior-welterweight from Phoenix, the more it sees an emerging star. Benavidez is 3-0, including a third-round stoppage of Bobby Hill on March 12 in Dallas on the eve of Pacquiao’s decision over a passive Clottey. Although hard to judge, Benavidez’ performance was solid. More significant, perhaps, there were young fans surrounding him after the bout. They stood in line to get his autograph. He has charisma, which is almost as fundamental to stardom as a jab.
· And Arum, on whether Pacquiao would have enough time to continue his boxing career if he wins a seat in the Filipino Congress: “If Filipino Congressmen are the same as U.S. Congressmen, they sit around and do nothing most of the year. So why wouldn’t he be able to fight?’’

Photo by Chris Farina /Top Rank

Dusseldorf, Germany (March 18, 2010) – American heavyweight “Fast Eddie” Chambers – rated #1 in the WBO – took time after his training in Dusseldorf, Germany for an interview two days before his scheduled World Championship bout against WBO/IBF Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Said Chambers, “It’s coming down to the wire and I am steadfast on my mission to beat Wladimir Klitschko and bring those titles back home to the United States. It’s go time and I’m as ready as I will ever be.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Germany’s Golden Boy is former amateur star Jack Culcay 2-0(1). He sprang to prominence in 2007 as an amateur when he came from know where to lose in the final of the Chemistry Cup which saw Culcay 24, win a place on the national team for the 2007 World Championships where he lost a Quarter Final match to American Demetrius Andrade. He followed that with Silver in the 2008 European Championships, however it was when he took home the Gold from last years World Championships that he really came into his own. Since then he’s signed professional forms with Klaus-Peter Kohl’s Universum, fighting twice winning both. He appears to have a bright future. Here’s what one of Europe’s rising stars had to say.

Hello Jack, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hi Anson

Anson Wainwright – You debuted last last year and have taken your record to 2-0(1) when can we expect to see you back in the ring?

Jack Culcay – My next fight will be on the 24th of April, its my first fight in Hamburg so I am really excited.

Anson Wainwright – How have you found the move from the amateur’s to the pro’s? What have you found the biggest change?

Jack Culcay – I am glad that I finally turned pro end of last year. The biggest change now is the atttention from the media which really lacks in the german amateur boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Last year you won Gold in the World Amateur Championship’s. What can you tell us about the tournament from your point of view and what it meant to you?

Jack Culcay – It was a great tournament with very competitive fights. This tournament was my greatest achievement so far, you have to keep in mind that I am the first german amateur world champion in 14 years.

Anson Wainwright – What sort of reaction did you get in Germany for winning the World Championship? Did you get sponsor deals appearance’s on TV? How popular are you in both Ecuador & Germany?

Jack Culcay – The reaction in Germany was amazing, they were saying in the papers that no other fighter in Germany ever got as much attention in the press before his first fight as I did. I also got offers from various sponsors, however I only want sponsors that perfectly fit me. Me and my manager Moritz Klatten believe that only like that you can create long term partnerships. The reaction in Ecuador was also great and believe me I havent forgotten where I was born. My dream is to fight for a world title in Ecuador and also in the USA one day.

Anson Wainwright – You also fought in the 2008 Olympics but lost in the first round. What are your thoughts on the Olympics?

Jack Culcay – When I fought Kim Jung Joo the end result was 11:11, but because his world ranking was better then mine I lost the fight. That was the hardest point in my career. However I was still happy at least to be part of the olympics.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your toughest opponent in the amateur’s? What current pro’s have you fought in your amateur career?

Jack Culcay – My toughest opponent was Andrej Zamkojov in the final of the World Championships in Milano. I fought plenty of fighters that turned pro including Demetrius Andrade, Karo Murat and Oliver Güttel

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Ecuador and have moved to Germany where you now live. Can you tell us how this came about?

Jack Culcay – My mother is German and when I was young my parents thought that I can get more opportunities in Germany. So when I was 5 we all moved to Germany.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger years? Ecuador isn’t known for it’s Boxing background, how did you get into Boxing?

Jack Culcay – I got into boxing through my father. He attached a heavybag to the ceiling of our living room and the rest is history. My father was my trainer in the beginning of my career and he still works my corner now in the pros.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your time when your not Boxing?

Jack Culcay – I love hanging out with my family and my girlfriend and playing with all my nephews.

Anson Wainwright – Several fighters from other countries currently fight in Germany and are world Champions but word is that TV companies in Germany are clamping down on the dates. What are your thoughts on this and how it may effect you?

Jack Culcay – They are saying that a few stations are going to clamp down but so far it didnt happen and if you look at the viewership of boxing I dont see any reason why.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your favourite fighter growing up?

Jack Culcay – I had three favorite fighters growing up. First it was Muhammed Ali, then Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jnr.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Jack Culcay – My goal is obviously to become world champion. And when I say world champion I really mean it on a international level, I am not afraid to fight outside Germany.

Thanks for your time Jack.

Thanks Anson, all the best

NEW YORK (MARCH 16, 2010)—This past Friday night, Tony “TNT” Grano was cruising along in his ten round heavyweight bout with Mark “Oak Tree” Brown and just like their first fight that occurred on September 27th, 2008, Brown landed a huge right hand that sent Grano to the deck.

Grano was visibly hurt as he was sent through the ropes and almost out of the ring from what Brown describes as his “Super Punch” right hand.

But unlike their first encounter, Brown was not able to pull off the improbable comeback as Grano escaped with a unanimous decision and now is 17-1 and will look for a significant bout after this win plus his stoppage win over previously undefeated Travis Kauffman.

Fans can now this exciting fight, on-demand on www.gofightlive.tv

There was some solid talent on the undercard as Super Bantamweight contender Mike Oliver moved to 23-2 with a third round stoppage over former world title challenger Kermin Guardia.

Some of the stars of the future were on display as five undefeated fighters saw action and four gained wins.

Former U.S.Olympian Sadam Ali went to 6-0 with a ninety second over Jose Duran

Joe Smith Jr. went to 3-0 with three knockouts with his first round knockout over Carlos Adams in a Light Heavyweight bout.

David Bauza (4-0) was pushed to the distance for the first time as he won a majority decision over Eric Quinteros.

Super Feathererweight Eddie Soto moved to 3-0 with a first round stoppage over Joey Ortega.

In a close fight, Manuel Antonio Lopes remained undefeated (5-0-2)but had to settle for a majority draw with Greg McCoy in a four round in a Super Middleweight bout

Fans can now view this exciting night of action by for just $9.99 by clicking

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=632

THREE BIG FIGHT CARDS INCLUDING THE RETURN OF ERIK “EL TERRIBLE” MORALES NEXT WEEK ON GFL

Next weekend www.gofightlive.tv will present three terrific events that will feature fighter that range from prospects, to former title challengers, world champions and future Hall of Famers.

POUND FOR POUND BOXING—TAPED ON 3/25/10

Some of the best young talent on the east coast as John Lynch’s Pound for Pound Promotions returns for the third time on GFL.

The card will take place at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ

In the main event, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott (8-1-1, 3 KO’s) takes on undefeated Brian Miller (7-0-3, 3 KO’s)

McDermott of Jersey City, NJ is a very popular Lightweight and will be looking for his fifth consecutive win and is coming off a very impressive second round stoppage over Floriano Pagliara back on May 7th.

Miller of is just twenty-four years old and is taking a step up in competition as this will be good test for the Schenectady, New York native.

One result that stands out for Miller was his four round draw with then nine fight veteran, Ryan Belasco in Belasco’s backyard when Miller was in his third fight.

Five undefeated fighters plus some local favorites round out the undercard as Lightweight, Christan Martinez (2-0, 2 KO’s) will take on debuting Hector Collado in a Lightweight bout.

Jr. Middleweight, Steven Martinez (3-0, 3 KO’s) will look to stay perfect in a four round bout.

Super Middleweight, Jason Escalera (7-0, 6 KO’s) will look to start a new knockout streak when he takes on an opponent to be named.

Good looking Super Featherweight prospect, Victor Valenzuela (7-0, 1 KO) will see action in a six round bout.

Exciting cruiserweight, Patrick Farrell (5-0, 3 KO’s) will battle Chris Stallworth (9-2, 3 KO’s).

Plus Chris Green, Abrham Torres and Eilon Kadem will fight in separate bouts

Ordering details will be announced shortly

TRIPLE MAIN EVENT TO TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 26TH FEATURING AHMED “BABY FACE” KAADDOUR; OMAR SHEIKA AND TERRANCE “THE HEAT” CAUTHEN

On Friday night, March 26th in Hamilton, New Jersey, Nedal Promotions will present a terrific night of boxing that will have three exciting co-features.

In the main event, former member of The Contender: Season One, Ahmed “Baby Face” Kaddour (21-2-1, 9 KO’s) takes on the tough Jerome Ellis (12-10-2, 10 KO’s)

This will be Kaddour’s second bout back from his three year hiatus and first in the United States in close to three and a half years.

He made a name for himself as one of the most outspoken and charismatic fighters on the Inaugural season of The Contender.

He battles Ellis who despite his record has the propensity to score the upset as he did when he knocked out then 28-4, Neil Sinclair on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights.

In the second co-feature, former three-time world title challenger, Omar Sheika (28-9, 19 KO’s) will take on Philadelphia based slugger, Garrett Wilson (7-3, 2 KO’s).

In the third big fight of the night, perennial Welterweight contender and former U.S. Olympan, Terrance Cauthen (33-6, 9 KO’s) takes on Isam Khalil (15-1-2, 9 KO’s) of Sweden.

Cauthen will look to get back on the winning track after dropping successive fights to Shamone Alvarez and Antonin DeCarie and have one last run in the Welterweight division.

To do that, he first must get past Khalil, who brings in a solid record against untested opposition.

Eight big fights which also includes undefeated Light Heavyweight, Billy Salser (3-0, 2 KO’s) taking on Joe Njau in a four round bout.

To watch this great fight, fans can click:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=637
Morales sets sights on
another Pacquaio fight

“El Terrible” headlines “The Champion Returns” PPV Mar. 27 vs. Alfaro

Garay vs. Henry WBA Eliminator in co-feature

Three-division world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales, the last opponent to defeat Manny Pacquiao, returns from a 2 1/2-year layoff March 27 to headline “The Champion Returns” pay-per-view event, live from Monterrey, Mexico.

Morales (48-6, 34 KOs) may have his sights set on a fourth fight against Pacquaio in the not too distant future, but the iconic Mexican warrior must first get past former WBA lightweight champion and Nicaraguan KO specialist, Jose “Jicaras” Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs), Mar. 27 in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC Intercontinental welterweight crown.

At a recent Televisa event honoring Mexico’s best athletes of the last decade, Morales expressed his desire to fight Pacquaio at 147 pounds, in addition to fulfilling his dream of becoming the first Mexican to capture world titles in four different weight classes.

“The two opponents who have defined my career are Junior Jones and Manny Pacquaio,” Morales said. “Defeating Jones (TKO4) was important to me because he had stopped something like 32 Mexicans in previous fights. Defeating Pacquaio (DEC12) is my greatest accomplishment in the ring. I remember seeing him cry after our fight. I would love another chance at Pacquaio and I also look forward to fighting Juan Manuel Marquez in the future. At 147, I’m faster than ever and freer with my body so I can get the most out of it. First, though, is my fight against Jose Alfaro on March 27th in Monterrey on pay per view. Alfaro is a great young fighter and a former world champion. A wicked puncher who will bring his best, he has a big heart into the ring, and always gives fans everything he has.”

In the 12-round co-feature, former 2-time WBA light heavyweight champion Hugo Hernan “Pigu” Garay (32-4, 17 KOs), rated No. 3 by the WBA, meets WBA No. 4 rated Chris “Hard Hittin’” Henry (24-2, 19 KOs) in the WBA Light Heavyweight Eliminator.

Top contender Denver Cuello (19-2-5, 10) squares off against No. 2 Juan “Churritos” Hernandez (15-1, 12 KOs) – continuing the ongoing Philippines-Mexican rivalry, respectively — in the 12-round WBC Interim Strawweight title fight.

El Paso’s undefeated NABA title-holder David “Nino” Rodriguez (32-0, 30 KOs) takes on 1996 Brazilian Olympian Daniel Bispo (22-12, 16 KOs) in a 10-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.

TO ORDER THIS CANT MISS EVENT, CLICK:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=635

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was present to capture the vivid pictures as Golden Boy Promotions along with DiBella Entertainment announced the long awaited American debut for WBA Super Lightweight champion Amir Khan as he will take on former IBF champ Paulie Malignaggi on May 15th at WaMu Theater in Madison Square Garden

HOBOKEN, N.J. (Mar. 17, 2010) – Three-division world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales, the last opponent to defeat Manny Pacquiao, returns from a 2 1/2-year layoff March 27 to headline “The Champion Returns” pay-per-view event, live from Monterrey, Mexico.

Morales (48-6, 34 KOs) may have his sights set on a fourth fight against Pacquaio in the not too distant future, but the iconic Mexican warrior must first get past former WBA lightweight champion and Nicaraguan KO specialist, Jose “Jicaras” Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs), Mar. 27 in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC Intercontinental welterweight crown.

“The Champion Returns,” presented by KO Entertainment and Box Latino, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

At a recent Televisa event honoring Mexico’s best athletes of the last decade, Morales expressed his desire to fight Pacquaio at 147 pounds, in addition to fulfilling his dream of becoming the first Mexican to capture world titles in four different weight classes.

“The two opponents who have defined my career are Junior Jones and Manny Pacquaio,” Morales said. “Defeating Jones (TKO4) was important to me because he had stopped something like 32 Mexicans in previous fights. Defeating Pacquaio (DEC12) is my greatest accomplishment in the ring. I remember seeing him cry after our fight. I would love another chance at Pacquaio and I also look forward to fighting Juan Manuel Marquez in the future. At 147, I’m faster than ever and freer with my body so I can get the most out of it. First, though, is my fight against Jose Alfaro on March 27th in Monterrey on pay per view. Alfaro is a great young fighter and a former world champion. A wicked puncher who will bring his best, he has a big heart into the ring, and always gives fans everything he has.”

In the 12-round co-feature, former 2-time WBA light heavyweight champion Hugo Hernan “Pigu” Garay (32-4, 17 KOs), rated No. 3 by the WBA, meets WBA No. 4 rated Chris “Hard Hittin’” Henry (24-2, 19 KOs) in the WBA Light Heavyweight Eliminator.

Top contender Denver Cuello (19-2-5, 10) squares off against No. 2 Juan “Churritos” Hernandez (15-1, 12 KOs) – continuing the ongoing Philippines-Mexican rivalry, respectively — in the 12-round WBC Interim Strawweight title fight.

El Paso’s undefeated NABA title-holder David “Nino” Rodriguez (32-0, 30 KOs) takes on 1996 Brazilian Olympian Daniel Bispo (22-12, 16 KOs) in a 10-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.

Tickets are available to purchase at www.superboletos.com.

Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Kahn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr., and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

Arguably the best pure boxer in the game today Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon 33-0-1(6) will look to end his 9 month hiatus from the ring when he reappears on 29 May in Bayamon, Puerto Rico against WBO Interim champion Johnriel Casimero 14-0(8). The fight will be Calderon’s 6th defence of the WBO Light Flyweight title he won in 2007 when he bested Hugo Cazares. Altogether mighty mite Calderon 35, has taken part in 18 World title fights going 17-0-1(2) beating 9 past or present world champions a along the way. So far collected 2 world titles previously the WBO Strawweight crown & currently the WBO Light Flyweight title. Here’s what he had to say.

Hello Ivan, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly it has been mentioned that your next fight will be against your Interim champion Johnriel Casimero. What is the target date & where will it be? What do you think of him as a fighter?

Ivan Calderon – Yes, my next fight will be with Johnriel Casimero. This fight is scheduled for May 29, 2010 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. I think Casimero is a young good and strong fighter.

Anson Wainwright – How have you recovered from the cut on your forehead from your previous fight with Rodel Mayol? Did you have to have plastic surgery?

Ivan Calderon – Yes, I believe I have recovered from the cut on my forehead. No, I just had eight stitches.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about team Calderón. Who is your trainer, manager & promoter? Also what gym do you regularly use to train at?

Ivan Calderon – Team Calderon is composed of Jose Sanchez, my trainer along with Felix Pagan Pintor. My physical trainer is Angel Cotto and my cut man is Miguel Diaz. My manager and promoter is Puerto Rico Best Boxing Promotion with Peter and Ivan Rivera. I train at Wilfredo Gomez Arena Gym in Guaynabo.

Anson Wainwright – You had an impressive amateur career in which you appeared in the Olympics. Can you tell us what titles you won & what your final record was?

Ivan Calderon – As an amateur I competed in the Central American Games in 1998 winning a bronze medal. I also competed in the Pan-American Games in 1999 and was the only Puerto Rico boxer to win a medal [bronze].I went to the Olympic Games in Sydney Australia in 2000. My amateur record was 110 wins and 20 lost.

Anson Wainwright – Your thought of as one of the best pure boxers in the sport. What can you tell us about how you go into fights knowing that your going to have to box and go the full 12 as you don’t really have a big punch?

Ivan Calderon – I dedicate myself to training very hard. I train not for 12 rounds but for 15 rounds. My punch is not that big, but my ability to out box my opponent. Over passes my punch.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Guaynabo and how you first became involved in Boxing?

Ivan Calderon – I moved to Guaynabo with my father at the age of fourteen. I did a lot of street fighting and one day my brother invited me to a gym. He quit and I stayed. I recognized that I was born to box. At the age of 17 I decided to get serious about my career in boxing.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What weight do you walk around at between fights?

Ivan Calderon – When I’m not boxing I’m dancing. I love to dance. I also spend my free time with my children. We have a four track and bikes. We do a lot of outdoor sports. When I’m not in training I weight about 118-120 pounds.

Anson Wainwright – Your nickname is Iron Boy why is that?

Ivan Calderon – I was called Tyson in the early years, but it was changed to Iron Boy by my promoter.

Anson Wainwright – You have won 2 world titles in 2 different weight classes beating 9 world champions. What goals do you still have in Boxing?

Ivan Calderon – My goal in boxing is winning in another weight class [112].

Anson Wainwright – Thirty five is thought of as old for a Light Flyweight, what are your thoughts on that? Do you look at things and have a time in your head that you’d like to retire? What would you like to do with your time then? Will you stay involved in Boxing?

Ivan Calderon – I think the age factor is not important. It is how you feel and your ability that counts. Retiring is not in my thoughts right now. When I retire, I will keep on training young boys to become good boxers and world champions.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero growing up?

Ivan Calderon – My boxing hero was Iron Mike Tyson and Wilfredo Gomez.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Ivan Calderon – To my fans I say, always follow your dreams. Believe in yourself, work hard, live clean, believe in God and your dreams will come true.

Thanks for your time Ivan, keep up the good work.

Thanks Ivan Calderon Marrero.

PHILADELPHIA (MARCH 16, 2010)—On Saturday night April 10th, some of the best amateur fighters in the state will participate in the annual Golden Gloves Open Eastern Regional Championships at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

The competition is sponsored by Joe Hand Promotions with all proceeds going to the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Computer Lab.

This is the fifteenth year that Joe Hand Promotions has been involved with this great event.
“We are always honored to be involved with the Golden Gloves. We have been involved since our gym was located on Howard Street.”, said Joe Hand Sr., CEO of Joe Hand Promotions.

“It’s a great opportunity for us along with so many of the local businesses to give back and help some of these kids not only compete but it gives them a chance to further their careers while it helps raise money for our boxing gym and computer lab which helps hundreds of kids every year”.

Those business leaders will be honored for their contributions on April 10th.

The winners of the night’s bouts will then head to Pittsburgh for the state title and then The National Golden Gloves Tournament in Little Rock, Arkansas, May 2nd-May 10th.

There have been many great fighters who have fought in the Golden Gloves and have gone on to have distinguished professional careers such as Chazz Witherspoon, Danny Garcia, Demetrius Hopkins, Rock Allen, Shamone Alvarez and Rasheim Jefferson.

There also will be a special celebrity boxing exhibition that will feature Mike Fera, who is the president of Local 592 and head of the Cement Masons taking on Liam Mulvy, who is a currant boxing documentary producer as well as a former amateur boxing champion in the United Kingdom.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling Joe Hand Promotions at 1-215-364-9000.

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street.

ABOUT THE JOE HAND BOXING GYM
Started by Joe Hand Promotions in 1995, the Joe Hand Boxing Gym has been a community landmark for over 15 years. Joe Hand, Sr., a retired Philadelphia police detective, saw the gym as a safe place for Philly’s children and young adults to come and hone their skills in boxing or spend time learning computer skills for their futures.

A world of opportunity is right here, as kids are mentored by educators and athletes, guiding them down what can be a difficult path. The Joe Hand Boxing Gym offers regulation boxing rings, brand new equipment, and a modern computer center where children from the community can participate in the educational process.

While the Light Heavyweight division is largely dominated by 40+ year old veteran’s in the shape of Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jnr, Antonio Tarver & Glen Johnson there are a few younger guys who are looking to break through. One of these is Welshman Nathan Cleverly who is a former protege of Joe Calzaghe having learnt his trade early on with his his countryman. However when the Calzaghe’s relationship with Sports Network deteriorated Cleverly had to decide what he was going to do. He chose to stay with Frank Warren who promptly rewarded his young charge with a shot at the vacant Commonwealth title which Cleverly impressively won. Fast forward 16 months and it’s been onwards and upwards as Cleverly has dominated all in his way winning the British Title last summer and most recently claiming the European crown. Cleverly took time out of a hectic schedule. As well as being a Boxer he’s in Cardiff University where he’s studying for a Maths degree. Next up he hope’s to become Wales 10th World Champion.

Hello Nathan, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly Nathan, you won the European Light Heavyweight title last time out. What can you tell us about the fight? How did you rate your performance?

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah it was a great fight, a great occasion for me being the main event on such an occasion. It was such a big night of Boxing. A lot was on my shoulders, a lot of pressure, a lot of expectation. I think i showed a mature performance and pulled off a very good victory, in very good fashion. It was a very good display.

Anson Wainwright – It’s been a whirlwind 12 months since you won Commonwealth title and then added the British title last summer and now the European crown. What can you tell us about what has happened?

Nathan Cleverly – It’s happened so quickly in the space of 16 months i’ve had 7 Championship fights within those 7 fights i’ve picked up the Commonwealth title. I beat Tony Oakey, he was one of the toughest guys out there at the time. That was my first championship fight at Light Heavyweight, my first 12 rounder, i was 21 years of age. That was a massive break through onto the championship scene. I followed that with a series of KO victories. Followed by the British title fight, that was on ITV4 a lot of the Boxing public were able to see it with it being on terrestrial tv.

Anson Wainwright – Some people liked McIntosh going into your fight, seeing it as a 50-50 fight.

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah i think it was the manner in which i beat McIntosh. It was a standout fight which i dominated, another great performance. That was for the British title. Then obviously a nice defence against Courtney Fry who was a star amateur (Fry fought at 2000 Olympics) that was a nice defence for the Lonsdale belt that set me up nicely for the European title which i won in good fashion. So yeah it’s been a tremendous 16 months. Which has happened so quickly, it’s great it’s become reality. I’ve put my dreams into reality.

Anson Wainwright – Any idea when you’ll be back in action?

Nathan Cleverly – I think it’ll be around June time now. I’ve had a bit of a break since the last fight because it’s been such a busy year. I’ve Freshened up and I’ll comeback even stronger. So yeah, i think June time.

Anson Wainwright – Your currently a Maths Student as well as a Boxer. How do you divide your time between the two?

Nathan Cleverly – It’s challenging but at the same time very enjoyable. It’s nice that the Maths studies draws me away from Boxing sometimes which can be a good thing. It can be to much and get on top of you. Maths pulls me away an vice versa with the stress of the studies. Yeah it’s challenging around exam time and fight time. But the rewards are there when i pass my exams and have success in my title fights. All the hard work is worth it for that one moment.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use to train at mainly?

Nathan Cleverly – Frank Warren who i’ve signed a contract with is my promoter & manager. Obviously my dad Vince and Alan Davies are my co-trainers. At the moment it’s working out to be a great team. The results are there to show.

Anson Wainwright – Your record of 19-0(9) doesn’t suggest you are a big puncher however you have stopped your last 6 opponents all inside 8 rounds. What do you attribute this too? How much do you think your power has come on over the last year?

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah it’s to do with a number of things. I couldn’t put my finger on one thing. Growing into a true Light Heavyweight with natural development, age, moving from a young man to a seasoned pro. Your going to get stronger with that. And a few changes in training with my Dad and Alan have obviously worked. I’ve probably turned into a world class puncher as well as a technical and fast boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Earlier in your career you were with The Calzaghe’s. Though you are no longer with them do you still speak or have any sort of relationship with Joe or Enzo or any of the other fighters from that camp?

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah, obviously i lost a bit of contact with them at the start when we went our separate ways. But Joe has always dropped me a text before every fight wishing me all the best. Obviously we don’t live far from each other. I see him out in the local town over a couple of nights. We get on great. They know i made the right decision and it’s no point Boxing ruining our friendship. We’re still friends. It’s a pity we had to break away. I had to do what was best for my career.

Anson Wainwright – Your from Cefn Forest in Wales, can you tell us about your younger days and how you first got into Boxing?

Nathan Cleverly – I was brought up in a place called Phillipstown in New Tredegar which is a notorious rough area. There aren’t many facilities around, so i found myself involved in street fights. I was very competitive. I wanted to channel my aggression & excess energy into a controlled environment which was the boxing gym. I found i had a talent for fighting. Since my first amateur fight i’ve never looked back. I knew my career was in Boxing.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your spare time when your not Boxing or studying?

Nathan Cleverly – I just try to relax and take my mind away from Boxing. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from my books and stress of study. I just try to get away from them when i can. I have a few games of Football with my mates locally. A few nights out, it’s good to have a healthy social life. I go away on a few weekends around the country. Anything really that gets me away from Boxing and studying.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your Boxing hero?

Nathan Cleverly – I’d say Joe Calzaghe & Oscar De La Hoya. Joe was an inspiration to me when i first started Boxing. De La Hoya was a brilliant fighter. He has a brilliant attitude he takes on everyone. He’s a great speaker, looks good. He’s a good role model.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Nathan Cleverly – To be undisputed Light Heavyweight champion. I think that’s would be great would be great. That’s where i see myself really. Maybe in a couple of years holding all the titles at Light Heavyweight. Beating all the top names out there. That’s the ultimate.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans in Britain and for people who may see this in America?

Nathan Cleverly – Just sit up and take note of my career. Everytime i step into the ring i excite, put a good show for the supporters & fans. I put my heart on the line. I look to entertain and put on a show. I hope the fans enjoy the journey to collect a world title.

Thanks for your time Nathan & good luck with your studies and Boxing.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Word out of Chris John’s camp is that the 30 year old WBA Featherweight champion will return to the ring on 22 May in his native Bali, Indonesia against an as yet named opponent. who will be selected from the WBA top 15. John 43-0-2(22) will be making his 13th defence of which 6 have taken place on home soil, though this will be his first since January 2008. It will also be John’s first fight since he came down with Dengue fever after his last fight.

Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez is looking to get back into contention following his impressive 7th round TKO victory over hard hitting Alexis Camacho March 6 in his hometown of AC. Alvarez, now 21-2 with 12 KO’s, is looking hungry as ever to prove that he belongs among the upper echelon welterweights, even though both of his defeats came when he stepped up. We had the opportunity to catch up with the confident Alvarez. Here’s what he had to say.

Garden State Fight Scene: Shamone, congrats on your knockout victory over Alexis Camacho. Tell us about it.

Shamone Alvarez: I am very happy that I won. This was a very difficult fight for me and I won it and won it (impressively). I am happy and pleased.

GSFS: It was impressive, but you do have a bunch of wins over Camacho type opponents such as Jose Luis Cruz. Some would question you ability to beat a top guy since both of your losses were when you stepped up against Joshua Clottey and Delvin Rodriguez. Are you planning to switch things up so you can beat one of these guys?

SA: I am waiting to see what (promoter) Joe (Deguardia) is going to do but I am willing to fight any of these guys. (Mike) Jones, that boy (Antonin) Decarie, and I would love a rematch against Delvin or Joshua Clottey to show I can beat those guys. The Delvin fight was bs but its whatever. I have my daughter and my lady so they are my motivation!

It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me because I will put them down and beat the hell out of them to show that I am worthy. Now I am what Clottey once was; a fighter who isn’t respected or looked upon and look where (Clottey) is now (getting big fights).

GSFS: We know that you are promoted by Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing. Who manages and trains you?

SA: Arnold Robbins is my trainer and manager. William Johnson, the father of (the late Levander) Johnson is my assistant trainer. I have strength and conditioning coach (as well), plus Donnell Parker is my third man in the corner.

GSFS: You previously mentioned Mike Jones, who just won in AC and like you, has a local fan base. Mike is also eager to get a big fight and has been on the ESPN-Fox Espanol type cards. Is he somebody you are willing to fight to make it to the next level?

SA: Yes! Joe and I have discussed this. I was at his last fight against (Henry) Bruseles and I was looking at him like I am ready to step up and take on this guy.

GSFS: Is Shamone Alvarez calling out Mike Jones?

SA: I am calling out anybody I am calling out Jones, Decarie, Clottey, Delvin, all of these guys! I am not calling them out because I have beef or anything, but I want these guys because I am willing to fight anybody. If Mike Jones is guy they want me to fight that’s fine. Delvin is cool too. I would also love to fight Clottey again since he was the first to beat me. I really want to fight anybody I don’t want to specifically say Mike Jones. It’s also up to Joe and my manager.

GSFS: Most of your fights have been in or around Jersey. Are you willing to travel whether it be to Canada, Las Vegas or wherever?

SA: Yes! I was going to fight (unbeaten) Saul Alvarez but they wanted to do it in Mexico. I will fight him in Vegas or wherever but he is their golden boy. We were scheduled to fight Antonin Decarie before but we had to pull out with a knee injury. I am down for whatever as long as its fair.

GSFS: I believe Saul Alvarez’ next fight will be on the Mayweather-Mosley undercard on May 1 (cutting in).

SA: Yeah I knew (his next fight) was on some big undercard. If we fight in Vegas that is cool with me but if we were to fight in Mexico it would have to be for a lot of money. Once I beat him, I will be in position for a big money fight. So it is about the money, but it also isn’t about the money if you follow.

GSFS: What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?

SA: I am just looking to fight! Joe and I have spoken (about future bouts). It would be nice to have three more fights this year but realistically, as a ten or twelve round fighter, I should get two more bouts. Like Antonio Tarver said, if you keep on winning, they will have to give you a shot!

For more New Jersey boxing news, go to gardenstatefightscene.com

GRAPEVINE, Tex. – To look across the atrium of the Gaylord Texan resort on a Sunday morning – Alamo replica here, River Walk replica there – is to wonder: How did this place get built between Dallas and Fort Worth and not Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand? It would work well on the Strip; borrow a roller coaster from Arlington’s Six Flags and name the compound Texas Texas.

Bright as the atrium is with late-winter sunshine filtered through its domed ceiling, the natural light is but a solar imitation of what shone down from the roof of Cowboys Stadium Saturday night. To sit underneath “Jerrytron” is to bathe in artificial light so gentle and brilliant you start to wonder, Why can’t we do something like this with the sun?

A gentler question, itself, than what ringsiders asked as Saturday became Sunday: Why can’t we do something with Joshua?

No, Mr. Clottey did not acquit himself gloriously in his largest challenge before the largest crowd to see a prizefight in America since 1993. Mr. Pacquiao did. Of course.

The main event of “The Event” saw the fighting pride of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao, unanimously decision Ghana’s Joshua Clottey by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 119-109. The minority card in that trio is the one that had it right. The match was for a welterweight title, but only one man seemed to care.

Here’s the pep talk someone needed to give Joshua Clottey in his dressing room before the fight: “Josh, they call you ‘a good loser’. You make fun fights with guys expected to beat you, and you lose. You’re not going to win by decision tonight. So help me God, Josh, if you let this fight go 12 rounds, you damn well better not go to another post-fight press conference and say you were robbed. If you don’t stop this little guy by the end of the sixth, I’ll knock the microphone right out of your hand before I let you whine to the press again!”

Actually, that speech should have been given on the first day of training camp and followed by breakfast recitals each morning for the next six weeks. Clearly it wasn’t. Or it was, and Clottey’s impervious to speeches as he is to opponents’ punches.

Rather than a resentful b-sider ready to use every ounce of his likely 20-pound advantage on Pacquiao, we got a Ghanaian gentleman fully committed to winning the perfect way or no way.

At least he committed to something.

Clottey committed to a few uppercuts in the 10th round too, to be fair, but by then his discouragement had won the race with Pacquiao’s fatigue – a race on whose outcome the fight pivoted.

For the first time since he began making superfights, on Saturday Manny Pacquiao fought scared. Not cautious, like he began with Oscar De La Hoya or Miguel Cotto; not patient, like he began with Ricky Hatton. Scared. Muscle memory ensured Pacquiao’s combinations were tight and well-schooled. But quite often in the fight’s opening half, Pacquiao threw his hands because it was the one way to keep Clottey from punching him. And Pacquiao wanted no part of being punched by Clottey.

But everything had to be just right before Clottey would even attempt the feat. It was reminiscent of the way novelist Philip Roth once described the opening forays of a poet who discovered the craft late: He set off with all the confidence of a person who’s never succeeded at anything.

That’s not counterintuitive as it looks. It’s an apt way to depict someone who cruises through life attributing all past failures to carelessness: Once I decide to mean it, the world will be jarred by my genius.

That man needs things to be unconditionally perfect before he begins. Clottey fought like a guy who had 36 or so rounds to find the perfect platform for landing his perfect combination on Pacquiao. He was in absolutely no hurry. He was never in trouble; he knew in the first round that Pacquiao – for all his unorthodox angles and speed – didn’t hit anything like a natural 147-pounder does, certainly nothing like Antonio Margarito, a supernatural welter, did.

Pacquiao, though, had Clottey figured out quicker still. Not enough credit is given to Pacquiao’s ring IQ. But he’s been in 56 prizefights, guys, so maybe now’s a good time. Pacquiao noticed in round 1 that so long as his hands were in motion, Clottey’s were still. For the next 35 minutes, then, Pacquiao simply moved his hands every time Clottey found confidence enough to throw more than a meek, range-finding, right-hand lead. Clottey’s only meaningful punches all night came when Pacquiao imitated his shell defense.

Then Pacquiao would sample Clottey’s power, decide he wanted no part of it and start his body back in motion. And Clottey would follow along, expertly cut off the ring, then show Pacquiao’s onrushing knuckles the full brunt of his forearms. An unofficial count had Pacquiao striking Clottey’s gloves, forearms, ribs and face 1,300 times. Pacquiao didn’t have enough power to shake Clottey – nobody does – but he had power enough to keep Clottey from throwing back. That’s getting the job done.

So what’s next for the best fighter in the world, perhaps the only entertainer in history that could interest 51,000 people in a fight with Joshua Clottey? Probably not Floyd Mayweather. Their emissaries now speak different languages: My guy’s ticket sales against your guy’s pay-per-view buys. Probably Antonio Margarito, whose apology-free rehabilitation tour made him ubiquitous last weekend: Lobby, weigh-in, elevator, ringside, restaurant.

Promoter Top Rank’s masterful matchmakers will watch closely when Margarito next fights with unloaded gloves. You’ll know he’s more shot than you think if he and Pacquiao plan a two-step for September.

That’s how they dance in Texas. And after Cowboys Stadium was “The Event” last week, there are now reasons galore to make a second step in Arlington.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

Photo by Chris Darina / Top Rank

Sunday Sizzler Radio Show:Fast Eddie Chambers Interview! As well Marc Abrams LIVE on air!! – A disgruntled Ross Thompson Live, Pacquiao Clottey and other Fight recaps and upcoming fight previews! 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD – A weekly Sunday boxing show covering Boxing from all angles. Alongside boxing aficionado Danny “NYD” Stasiukiewicz, and a special feature with Billy from Philly.

Dusseldorf, Germany (March 14, 2010) – American heavyweight “Fast Eddie” Chambers – rated #1 in the WBO – arrives in Dusseldorf, Germany with his team a week before his scheduled World Championship bout against WBO/IBF Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.

“I am on a mission to beat Wladimir Klitschko and bring those titles back home to the United States. This is serious business and I am going for it, but I also know that I want to take in this experience and enjoy the ride. I am not going to make any fancy predictions. I’m just going to win.”

ARLINGTON, Tex. – Manny Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach promised a stoppage. Pacquiao couldn’t deliver. He didn’t have to. The building did it for him.

Cowboys Stadium’s star-power was the show stopper Saturday night in Pacquiao’s unanimous decision over Joshua Clottey.

From former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman among celebrities at ringside to a blue-collar crowd paying $8.50 for a bottle of domestic beer in the cheap seats, it was also a show that demanded a rematch. Not with Clottey.

But with the building.

“Of course,’’ said Reyna Aldrete, a Filipina-American and nurse in the Dallas area who showed up at Cowboys Stadium with a poster that included a red heart next to one name, Manny. “Who wouldn’t want to come back here?

Aldrete, one of many in pro-Pacquiao crowd, was also one of many who witnessed her first event at Cowboys Stadium. NFL games are expensive, even more expensive than a beer. In Pacquiao, she saw reason to return. A reason an encore.

A couple of hours before the first televised fight, Irish middleweight John Duddy’s split decision over Mexican Michael Medina, there were more ushers and beer vendors than customers. On the 11,250 square feet of high definition viewing on a screen nicknamed the “Jerrytron,” most of the seats looked the same: Virtually empty.

They didn’t stay that way for long.

Like anticipation for the main event, the crowd first grew slowly, then steadily. Suddenly, it looked as if it was big enough to be another municipality between Dallas and Fort Worth. Call it “Jonestown,” another local nickname for an NFL arena identified by the Cowboys’ celebrity owner, Jerry Jones.

The expectation was 45,000. At opening bell for Mexican lightweight Humberto Soto’s unanimous decision over Chicago’s David Diaz in the last fight before the main event, you didn’t need high-definition to see more people in more seats than Jones and promoter Bob Arum had envisioned. The crowd was reported to be 50,994 before Clottey and Pacquiao ever stepped through the ropes. That makes it the third biggest U.S. crowd to ever watch a fight in an enclosed arena.

The boxing record is 63,350 at the New Orleans Super Dome for Muhammad Ali’s victory over Leon Spinks in a 1978 rematch. A crowd of 58,891 at San Antonio’s Alamodome in 1993 for the Julio Cesar Chavez-Pernell Whitaker draw is second on the list. Pacquiao-Clottey might not be on any list if the roof had been opened at Cowboys Stadium. The crowd was less than half of the127,000 at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for a Chavez’ victory over Greg Haugen. It also was less than half of about 108,000 at Cowboys Stadium a few weeks ago for the NBA All-Star Game.

Seats in the upper deck at Cowboys Stadium were never made available for Pacquiao-Cotto. They were hidden, almost imperceptibly, by a dark curtain.

But there were more than just empties behind those curtains. There was potential, hidden for one night, but there and waiting if Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.,fight. If they ever do, it might finally raise the curtain on a boxing renewal that has been forgotten as often as it has been forecast.

The forecast was there in Pacquiao’s familiar, yet enigmatic smile, as he paraded into the ring to the pounding beat of Eye Of The Tiger. When the crowd wasn’t chanting his name, it must have been smiling with him at the sight of a future that for one night was as bright as that screen 40 feet above the ring.

By the seventh round, there was some impatience. There were scattered boos at a fight that not even Pacquiao’s whirlwind pace could alter because of the stubborn, durable Clottey, who is hard to hurt and won’t be rushed. His defense, upraised gloves, hid his face the way those curtains hid the upper deck. It didn’t make him popular. But he was never the star anyway.

Pacquiao was. The chants and cheers resumed for him in the 10th, 11th and 12th rounds. In the end, it was his victory and his stadium, “Mannytown.”

For the boxing business, it could have been something more. It was in the building.

ARLINGTON, Tex. – “The Event” was promoter Top Rank’s largest happening in years – a championship prizefight featuring the worldwide phenomenon of Manny Pacquiao in a breathtaking new edifice before the largest domestic boxing audience since 1993. So as one sportswriter thought to put it, “Joshua Clottey fought like a loyal Top Rank employee.”

Much to experts’ surprise and ringsiders’ chagrin, Pacquiao (51-3-2, 32 KOs) had no trouble whatever with the tense and tentative Clottey (35-4, 21 KOs), beating him to the punch roughly 1,200 times and cruising to a lopsided decision: 120-108, 119-109 and 119-109.

Clottey – who once changed his moniker from “Hitter” to “Grand Master” and might next try “Reluctant” – surprised even knowledgeable fans with his complete unwillingness to hit until conditions were perfect. It took no expertise to know Pacquiao would never grant him such conditions, and so, after some initial nervousness, Pacquiao spent the first round keeping Clottey uncomfortable.

Then in round 2, Pacquiao began to exploit the obvious disparity in the men’s reflexes, moving casually and snapping jabs and hooks to the body. An ill-advised retreat by Pacquiao, though – hands up, chin tucked – brought life to Clottey’s hands, which by then had been dormant for four minutes. Through the fight’s opening quarter, whoever was punching was winning. That happened to be Pacquiao most of the time.

Somewhat frustrated by his inability to hook around Clottey’s shell defense in the fourth round, Pacquiao – in an uncharacteristic bit of clowning – threw a hook with both hands at the same time, resulting in a warning from the referee. Clottey, on the other hand, was far too respectful, following Pacquiao around the ring as if waiting for the other man’s approval before throwing his next punch.

At the fight’s midpoint, it was a shutout: Pacquiao 6-0. A while later, it would be 12-0.

If Pacquiao felt any psychological pressure from being stalked by a bigger man, after the opening rounds he didn’t show it. Boxing confidently and discouraging Clottey whenever he had to, Pacquiao took rounds 7, 8 and 9 as easily as he’d taken their six predecessors.

In round 10, things got interesting for just that many seconds as Clottey landed four punches in-a-row for the first time in a half hour of boxing. Then Pacquiao got serious, came out his shell and took away Clottey’s spirit yet again. The championship rounds saw no new excitement. Clottey fought as if happy to have spent 36 minutes in a ring with Pacquiao, and nothing like a challenger should.

If there was suspense at the reading of the judges’ cards it was sparked by a doubt that all three judges would give Pacquiao all 12 rounds. They didn’t, of course. End of suspense.

“I can’t believe it,” Pacquiao (modestly) said of his victory after the fight.

Neither could the rest of us, Manny, unfortunately enough.

HUMBERTO SOTO VS. DAVID DIAZ
If Mexican lightweights Humberto Soto and David Diaz wake up feeling a wee bit cheated of due affection on Sunday morning, they’ll be well within their rights. Both men gave what they had to the crowd and judges, Saturday, though neither party was paying them much mind.

In a fight significantly closer than two judges had it, Soto (51-7-2, 32 KOs) defeated Diaz (35-3-1, 17 KOs) by unanimous decision – 115-111, 117-109, 117-109 – to become the WBC lightweight world champion.

A fine indication of the Cowboys Stadium crowd’s interest in fighters not nicknamed “Pacman,” though, came at the midway point of round 2 – just as Soto scored a flash knockdown – and continued for five minutes, as the capacity crowd invoked a part of eighties sports lore, doing the wave for 10 stadium-wide swells.

Unbeknownst to many of the wavers, though, a very good fight was going on before them. Despite being the slower, less technically sound man in the ring, southpaw David Diaz was handling everything Soto hit him with and still stubbornly marching forward. Diaz’s experience – comprising many more fights at lightweight than Soto – told, as he was undissuaded by the smaller man’s accurate counterpunches.

Round 9 featured especially feral action as Diaz blasted Soto with left crosses, and Soto fired back with left hooks and uppercuts. While Soto was landing the more accurate punches, Diaz was surely getting his money’s worth from each exchange.

The next round saw an ounce of give in Soto. Diaz’s relentlessness – probably his most distinguishing trait as a prizefighter – took a bit of resolve from Soto’s legs and some snap from his punches. Combined with Soto’s evident fatigue, Diaz’s constant hustle made the championship rounds extremely close.

After embracing before the 12th and final round, Soto and Diaz then committed to a mutually brutalizing finish, using shoulders, elbows, heads and low blows to wear one another out. Diaz’s legs gave first, though, tossing him onto his knees with 10 seconds remaining in the match. That knockdown, and the one that came in the second round, combined to give Soto a victory on the one card that properly captured the fight – judge Gale Van Hoy’s, interestingly enough.

ALFONSO GOMEZ VS. JOSE LUIS CASTILLO
Whatever motivation Mexican Jose Luis Castillo had for rising to 145 pounds and then fighting anyway did not sustain him for all of 15 minutes Saturday. So his corner wisely canceled the final five rounds of his fight with fellow Mexican Alfonso Gomez – waving things off after round 5. With any luck, they’ll cancel Castillo’s future hopes of fighting, next.

Meeting Gomez (22-4-2, 10 KOs) in “The Event’s” second televised match of the night, Castillo (60-10-1, 52 KOs) began in a way that looked initially tentative and then outright sluggish. He threw few punches with authority but seemed at least partially engaged in the fight’s opening three minutes.

An exchange in the next round spoke volumes about Castillo’s chances, though. Closing space against Gomez – who’ll never have the class Castillo showed in his prime (many years ago) – Castillo got a bit too close, and Gomez simply tossed him away, a welterweight throwing a lightweight. Then round 3 saw a clash of heads that sent Castillo spinning towards the referee as if already looking for an honorable discharge.

Rounds 4 and 5 saw Gomez land right uppercuts that took far greater effect than Castillo’s counter left hooks. After dragging his feet back to the corner at the end of the fifth, Castillo made no protest when his corner stopped the match.

While you never wish to speculate about a prizefighter’s financial well-being, today, Castillo – once marked by an obsessive will to win – appears to be going through the motions merely for a paycheck. Dangerous motions, indeed. You can no longer love boxing and still hope Castillo keeps fighting.

JOHN DUDDY VS. MICHAEL MEDINA
If you weren’t sure how things might go when Ireland’s John Duddy (29-1, 18 KOs) squared off with Mexico’s Michael Medina (22-2-2, 17 KOs) in “The Event’s” first televised fight, a 10-round middleweight match, you needed look no further than the color of both fighters’ gloves: Green.

That color said Irish, and so did two judges, scoring a split-decision victory for Duddy: 96-93, 93-96, 96-93.

After starting fast, seasoning his shamrocks with chile by putting left hooks on Medina’s body, Duddy collected a pair of right-hand counters in round 3 that slowed his attack and made onlookers think that if Medina were the larger man, Duddy might be in genuine peril.

After five rounds, both guys’d had enough of jabbing and commenced to swapping left hooks and counter right uppercuts, with Duddy winning most exchanges and Medina scoring with plenty of his own punches.

By the eighth round, the hooks each man had landed on the other began to tell on the fighters’ legs, as Duddy and Medina had both slowed considerably. But in an effort to sap Duddy’s reserves further with hooks to the liver, Medina’s left glove strayed south one too many times, resulting in a point deducted from the Mexican’s tally for low blows.

Befitting their proud fighting traditions – Irish and Mexican – Duddy and Medina closed the fight winging punches without regard for defense or respect for one another’s power. The luck of the Irish prevailed, though, and Duddy escaped with his split-decision victory.

UNDERCARD
“The Event’s” final off-television match saw Fort Worth’s Arthur Trevino (5-3-3, 2 KOs) wage a sustained four-round featherweight scrap with Arizonan Isaac Hidalgo (6-5-2, 1 KO). One ringside judge declared Hidalgo the winner of every round, 40-36, while the other two saw the rounds split, turning in cards of 38-38. The official result, then, was a majority draw.

Before that, California super welterweight Rodrigo Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) walk directly through Calvin Pitts (5-12-1, 1 KO), needing until only 2:21 of the second round to stop the overmatched Texan. It was a very limited test for Garcia, whose unblemished record was never in danger.

Local interest was piqued when two super bantamweights from Dallas – Roberto Marroquin (13-0, 10 KOs) and Samuel Sanchez (4-2-1) – touched gloves and came out fighting in Saturday’s fourth undercard match. Local interest then reached a peak when a second-round left hook from Marroquin felled Sanchez with such violence that no count ensued. Marroquin was declared the winner by TKO at 1:36 of round 2.

The afternoon’s next fight was of patronymic importance to Mexican fans if no one else, as Salvador Sanchez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) and Jaime Villa (8-8-2, 3 KOs) made an enjoyable eight-round featherweight match that featured some hooks, some uppercuts, some fouling and plenty of misses. After scoring an early knockdown, the Mexican named after a famous prizefighter, Sanchez, stopped the Mexican named after a famous revolutionary fighter, Villa – throwing left hooks to the liver till 1:09 of round 6, when Villa could not continue and Sanchez became the victor.

Before that came a featherweight bout between the Philippines’ Michael Farenas (26-2-3, 23 KOs) and San Antonio’s Joe Morales (20-13, 4 KOs), ended as a no-decision at 2:25 of the second round when an accidental collision of heads opened a deep gash over Morales’ right eye, causing the ringside doctor to prohibit further action.

Saturday’s action began with an eight-round bantamweight slugfest between Filipino Eden Sonsona (19-5, 6 KOs) and Columbian Mauricio Pastrana (35-13-2, 24 KOs). After dropping Pastrana several times in the middle rounds, Sonsona brought the match to a sudden end at 1:33 of the final round – striking Pastrana with a left cross of such authority that no count was attempted.

Announced attendance was 50,994 – the largest American crowd to see a fight in 17 years.

First bell of “The Event” rang through Cowboys Stadium at 5:20 p.m. CT.

Photos by Chris Farina/Top Rank

New York State Heavyweight champion Darrel “King David” Madison is willing to fight anyone at any time, but has repeatedly been rebuffed. As a southpaw with good boxing ability and a strong amateur record, matchmakers have been heartbreakers, as Madison’s aspirations to fight the best is yet to come. After last night’s impressive performance at the Yonkers PAL Gym, it’s perfectly understandable why Madison has been turned down time and time again as an opponent.

Madison of Central Islip, improved to 15-1 (4 KO’s) after battering Providence, RI based gatekeeper Robert Wiggins over two one sided rounds. With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Madison entered the ring in multi-colored checkered trunks and a brand new game plan. Madison previously boxed his way to skillful decision victories, which weren’t always entertaining, but the Irish style trunks seemingly turned him into a new fighter.

Madison came out unusually aggressive in the opening round, tagging Wiggins with a number of right hooks and body shots to take the first three minutes of the fight with ease. The former amateur standout went back to work in the second, buzzing Wiggins on a number of occasions with a heavy onslaught of punches. Madison was ready for more, with a group of his fans cheering him at ringside, but Wiggins wasn’t. The latter surprisingly remained on his stool after the second round and was met by a chorus of boos for doing so.

“I have been in the gym with him before and am surprised he quit”, Madison said after the fight. “Now I want a fight with (unbeaten Harlem based) Tor Hamer. He has a big mouth so let’s see if he can back it up!”

Wiggins falls to 20-8-1 (12 KO’s) with the defeat.

The co-feature pitted a counter puncher against an opponent who simply didn’t punch. O’Shea Brothers Boxing newly signed light heavyweight prospect Ronson “Perfectly” Frank scored an eight round shut out decision over Raynard Darden of Detroit, MI. Frank took his time in the early going, waiting for opportunities to counter, but Darden didn’t give him the chance simply because he didn’t move his hands.

Frank stepped up his punch output beginning in the third round, using a nice southpaw jab, body blows and right hooks. Darden was decked hard in the fourth with a nice check hook, but the hardcore veteran did a good job of surviving throughout the contest. Scores were 80-71 on all three cards.

Brooklyn’s Frank improves to 14-0 (7 KO’s), while Darden, who had longtime friend and Dibella Entertainment matchmaker Joe Quiambo assisting in his corner, falls to 11-22-1 (4 KO’s).

In the fight of the night, local featherweight Nydia Feliciano and Jennifer Han battled to an entertaining six round draw. Han, who entered the ring with a deceptive 0-1 record, had good ring generalship and worked behind a peppering jab. The hard charging Feliciano, who has a Juan Diaz type style, pressured Han, and found success with combinations in close quarters. Neither fighter cared much about avoiding punches, thus many clean shots landed in one of the most entertaining woman’s fights in recent memory. Scores were 59-55 Han, 58-56 Feliciano and 57-57, forcing the draw.

The Bronx based Feliciano remains unbeaten at 2-0-2. Han returns to El Paso, TX with a 0-1-1 record. 15Rounds scored the closely contested bout 58-56 for Han. On an interesting note, one of Feliciano’s cornermen shouted instructions while talking on his cell phone during the fourth and fifth rounds. Perhaps he was telling one of his confidants about the entertaining bout just inches away?

Crowd favorite Lambros “Linheart” Karaolides, 6-0 (4 KO’s) pounded out a one-sided six round decision over Medford, NY’s Ashantie Hendrickson in a junior middleweight contest. Karaolides, an Astoria based Cypriot outpunched his game opponent from bell to bell. Scores were 60-54 and 59-55 twice. Hendrickson falls to 1-6.

If boxing was UFC, Brooklyn light heavyweight Ariel Espinal would have received a nice bonus on his check for knockout of the evening. Espinal, a true fighter at heart, stepped into the squared circle on 24 hours notice with unbeaten Hajro Sujak. Espinal was less than two weeks removed from his last bout, a fourth round TKO over Anthony Pietrantonio, in Atlantic City and wasn’t in the best of shape. Like the majority of out of shape fighters, Espinal was looking to end the fight early. Success!

Espinal scored a jaw dropping second round KO over Sujak with a monstrous overhand right. Sujak crashed to the canvas and the referee Ricky Gonzalez took more time than necessary to direct Espinal to the neutral corner ala Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade. It made little difference. Gonzalez eventually began to count and Sujak bravely stood up, but only to fall a split second later. Time of stoppage was 2:59.

Espinal improves to 8-13-3 (4 KO’s), while The Bronx’ Sujak drops to 5-1 (2 KO’s).

Good looking bantamweight prospect Raul Lopez of The Bronx forced Puerto Rico’s Reinaldo Cintron to quit on his stool following the opening round. Lopez and Cintron mixed it up early, but the latter got dropped by a hard left hook to the body about 2:30 in. Lopez gunned for a knockout, throwing a terrific body combination, but his badly hurt opponent managed to get out of the round on his feet. Cintron’s corner threw in the towel shortly after the round ended, as their fighter had enough.

Lopez, who received praise as a sparring partner for world champion Carlos Tamara, ups his record to 3-0-1 (3 KO’s). Cintron heads home with a 1-2 professional ledger.

In the opening bout of the evening, former New York Golden Gloves champion Chazz McDowell shut out iron chinned Mexican Filberto Nieto over four rounds at junior lightweight. McDowell hit the defensively inept Nieto with everything he had, but Nieto had no quit in him. McDowell, of Yonkers, improves to 2-0 (1 KO). Nieto falls to 1-6.

The “St. Patty’s Day Brawl” was promoted by O’Shea Brothers Promotions, who have put together a string of scintillating club shows in recent months. Their next card is slated for April 2 at the Masonic Temple in Brooklyn.

Marc Abrams
We always see something new from Pacquiao. Being that Clottey has a strong and is a very good fighter. he will competitive early until he gets stopped with a body shot in round eleven.

Norm Frauenheim
Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision. It’s hard not to agree with Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach. After all, Roach is on a roll. He predicted Pacqjuiao would stop Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao delivered. He predicted Pacquiao would knock out Ricky Hatton. Pacquiao delivered. Now, he is predicting Pacquiao will be the first fighter to stop Clottey. Sorry, not this time. Durability won’t win this fight for Clottey, whose hard head might be dangerous if it collides with Pacquiao in a bloody butt. But durability will keep Clottey around after the final bell and in the middle of the ring to hear how the judges’ scored 12 rounds.

Natashia Aiello
Paquiao by body shot KO in the 6th

Adam Berlin
Joshua Clottey is the bigger man. He has a strong chin, a super-tight defense and while he’s not a one-punch KO artist, his punches do damage. But Manny Pacquiao is too quick and too smart to be daunted. And with Freddie Roach in Pacquiao’s corner, Joshua Clottey will be fighting two men, not one. (I still don’t understand how Clottey’s team didn’t hire a veteran trainer to help their charge between rounds; it’s unconscionable. Joshua Clottey will be all alone in the Lone Star state.) Clottey will prove PacMan’s toughest test, but in the end Clottey won’t be busy enough and Manny will win by decision.

Rick McKenzie
As good and as dominant as PacMan has been as of late, I still have doubt in my mind that he can continue at this torrid pace of making mince meat out of men. Clottey is truly bigger and will come in the ring 20 pounds heavier…I got Clottey By KO/TKO in the 10th.

George Phillips
I am going to go against the norm and state the Clotty will be the man to dethrone the king, well maybe. Manny is the best pound for pound right now and we all know what he can bring to the ring. He has a trainer in Freddie Roach that can devise a battle plan that would make General Lee jealous. On the flip side of the coin, this is a true welterweight fight and unlike previous fights for PacMan there is no catch weight. Clotty was fighting at 147lbs when Manny was a flyweight. Plus, Clotty will probably be walking into the ring at 160lbs after re-hydration. Clotty will bring a armored tank defense that could frustrate the champion. For Clotty to take advantage of this, he will have to up his punch count and will have to take advantage of Manny’s attack style of boxing to land effective counter punches. Should Clotty not capitalize on his defense then Manny will wear him down after 8 or 9 rounds.

Clotty has never been stopped and I do not see that streak ending. Will Clotty do enough to pull off a decision? Perhaps. A draw could be in the making as well. Look for a great fight well worth the PPV cost.

Anson Wainwright
Over the past few years when Pacquiao fights there seem to be several possible outcomes and Pacquiao has some how managed to do what hardly anybody though he could do. Beat up Oscar, annilate Ricky Hatton and stand toe to toe with Cotto scoring stoppages in each one. While Clottey is a tough skilled guy who has a solid chin, impressive defence it all points to Pacquiao using his speed and picking Clottey off to score a points win but that’s conventional wisdom. I’m looking for Pacquiao to do what very few think he can do and that’s stop Clottey. Pacquiao in the tenth.

Mario Ortega Jr.
Pacquiao UD12 Clottey

Joshua Clottey is a good welterweight, but Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter. Pacquiao will be too quick handed for Clottey to open up out of his shell, and Pacman will win a wide decision. Clottey is too sturdy, and leaves too few openings for Pacquiao to score his fifth consecutive stoppage.

Johnny Schulz
So do I dare pick against pick against Pacquiao? I truly believe that Clottey has much more to offer as a challenge than his past 3 fights. I also know that he has a better chin than his last two for sure. Does the Pacman train continue its steamrolling ways? I believe this is where he gets stopped in his tracks. Not sure when or how, but I smell an upset. Pacman has everything to loose and Clottey everything to gain. All in all great fight. I could totally be off base here but, I dare to go there. -JSizzle

Alejandro Echevarria
Come Saturday night Joshua Clottey will once again step in the ring with the elite of the sport. In Manny Pacquiao, Clottey will be facing one of his most formidable opponents to date and if he wants to be considered one of the elite, he must win. No matter how close he makes this fight, Clottey must win in order to leave behind the stigma of always coming up short on his most important fights.

Only constant and effective pressure from Clottey forcing Pac-man to fight going back will give him the opportunity. If he can’t accomplish this for most of the fight, Pacquiao will dominate with his speed, volume of punches and multiple angles. In the end, the man from the Philippines will outhustle and outwork his opponent to earn a unanimous decision.

Matt Yanofsky
Pacquiao by decision. Pacquiao is far too fast and busy for the
offensively passive Clottey. The latter’s defense and physical strength
should be proficient enough to guide him to the final bell however.

David Winston
Unanimous decision for Pacquiao. Clottey is too defensive a fighter to outpoint the speedy and dynamic PFP champ. Manny will throw twice as many punches as his opponent. The “X Factor” will be Clottey’s obvious physical advantages. Can Pacquiao’s biggest/strongest foe actually hurt him?

Photo by Chris Farina/ Top Rank

The first fight between Tony Grano and Mark Brown back in 2008 reminded me that heavyweight fights can be entertaining. It featured big punches, multiple knockdowns and a thrilling come from behind conclusion. It was in short, everything right about heavyweight boxing. The rematch between Grano and Brown, sadly, featured everything that is wrong with heavyweight boxing: Clinching, inactivity and the lack of drama that seems to permeate every fight over 200 pounds.

Instead of letting it all hang out as he did in the first fight, Brown came into the fight thinking he was Muhammad Ali circa 1974. From the first bell he covered up and invited Grano to come in and wear himself out, hoping that Grano would punch himself into exhaustion and an easy KO. Problem was, Grano wasn’t having any of it. No amount of posturing and chest beating would get Grano to lay down more than the occasional flurry. Grano was content to stay on the outside and use the jab, piling up points and ensuring that he avenge the loss to Brown nearly two years prior. Ironically when Grano did come in to open up, Brown would bear hug and attempt to toss Grano around the ring. As the rounds progressed, Grano began to retaliate and the grappling and wrestling began in earnest. Referee Joey Lupino spent at least 20 seconds of each round admonishing both fighters for their unsportsmanlike tactics. Though Grano was winning rounds, he wasn’t making it look pretty.

His best moment came in the 7th when he managed to get Brown to the ropes and give himself enough space to tee off with rights and lefts to Browns chin. Brown was shaken but not so much as he couldn’t simply resort to clinching again. The sole moment of drama came in the 10th as Brown finally put forth an effort to punch, unleashing a full power overhand right that landed as Grano was moving back. Grano fell sideways into the ropes in dramatic fashion but the second he rose it was clear he was more off balance than hurt. Oddly, Brown didn’t even try to jump on Grano and did more posturing than punching over the final 2 minutes. The scores were no surprise: 98-91 and 97-92 (twice) all in favor of Grano. As bad as the fight was, it was a good win for Grano who at 17-1-1 13KOs can now start thinking of taking on someone ranked in the top ten. For Brown his 41 years of age and 15-3 7KOs record would, in any other division, warrant retirement. But in the heavyweight division, it’s still possible Brown can land himself a significant fight in the near future.

Former super bantamweight prospect Mike Oliver climbed one step closer toward once again being a player in the division by dispatching former minimumweight titlist Kermin Guardia in 3 rounds. Oliver kept Guardia at bay for much of the first 2 rounds with a fast jab and the occasional straight left hand. Midway through the second Oliver began to mix in right hooks which the complacent Guardia seemed unwilling or unable to avoid. In the third, a right hook caught Guardia moving backwards and deposited him on the canvas where referee Johnny Callas reached the count of 10. The knockout was Oliver’s first since 2006 and a good way to get him back into the divisional mix. With the win, he’s now 23-2 8KOs. Guardia falls to 37-12 21KOs.

Local up and coming middleweight David Bauza was given all he could handle from Erix Quintros in a close and entertaining 4 round scrap. Bauza was bombs away from the beginning and rocked Quintros with left and right hooks as he regularly switched between the southpaw and orthodox stance. For the first two rounds Quintros had little to offer in return but in the third, he began to fight back and put together combinations that drove Bauza to the ropes. Quintros had Bauza in some trouble near the end of the third as he landed a 4 punch combo that caused Bauza to clinch simply to keep his balance. At the end of the fourth one of the judges scored the fight even at 38-38 but was overruled by the other two who favored Bauza by scores of 39-37 and 40-36. Bauza remains unbeaten at 4-0 3KOs while Quintros drops his second fight in a row and slips to 2-5 1KO.

2008 U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali may not have frightening power but what he lacks in power he makes up for in speed. Welterweight Jose Duran got a taste of that speed for two and a half rounds before finally succumbing to it. The bout was all Ali from the start as he flashed combinations from different angles, peppering Duran with shots to the body and head. Duran was simply too slow to mount any offense and the rare punches he landed had little effect on Ali. Midway through the third Ali shot a blindingly fast left hook to the head of Duran which sent him crashing to the canvas. Duran (now 6-5-2 3KOs) struggled but was unable to beat the count of 10 giving Ali (now 6-0 3KOs) the knockout victory.

In the most entertaining bout of the night, super middleweights Manuel Lopes and Greg McCoy fought to a highly competitive majority draw over 4 rounds. The bout seemed like it would be one-sided at the onset as Lopes used the ring well and pot-shotted the onrushing and wild McCoy to good effect. The first two rounds were all Lopes who began to get increasingly bold as the minutes ticked away. He began dropping his hands and trying to trade with McCoy which almost proved to be his undoing. McCoy took full advantage of Lopes bravado and dished out a number of overhand rights that began to fall with regularity onto the chin of McCoy. By the fourth, McCoy had the confidence he needed to rush Lopes and launch a determined assault. McCoy backed Lopes into his own corner and uncorked yet another overhand right, this time stunning Lopes badly. McCoy tried to follow up and finish the fight but Lopes clung on till the bell and narrowly escaped defeat. Scores were 38-38 (twice) and 39-37 Lopes. McCoy, who has yet to win as a pro, now stands at 0-1-1 while Lopes clings to his unbeaten record of 5-0-2 1KO.

A mere 43 seconds was all light heavyweight Joe Smith Jr. needed to take the fight out of Carlos Adams. Smith dropped Adams with nearly the first left hook he threw and when Adams rose, Smith put an end to the fight with a single right hand. Referee Johnny Callas stopped his count at 7 when it was clear Adams wanted no part of the fight. Smith seems to have potential and will be an up an comer to look for in the future. He improves his record to 3-0 with 3KOs while Adams drops to 2-8.

The opening bout of the evening was a scheduled 4 rounder between junior welterweights Joey Ortega (2-17 1KO) and Edwin Soto (3-0 2KOs.) The fight was a mismatch from the beginning as Soto got right to work battering Ortega with 3, 4 and 5 punch combinations. The beating opened a cut on Ortega’s nose midway through the first and Ortega simply had no answer for the blows Soto rained down. Midway through the second Soto threw a right hand that caught Ortega flush and stunned him. The follow up barrage of 10+ unanswered punches prompted referee Dick Flaherty to call a halt to the bout. The stoppage was a bit premature but merciful to say the least. Time was 2:31 of round 2.

A heavy Pittsburgh contingency watched as undefeated welterweight and former IBF lightweight champion Paul “The Pittsburgh Kid” Spadafora 44-0-1(18KO) brought a throw back style and look to the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale while picking up a TKO8 win over Italian Ivan Fiorletta 24-6-2. The southpaw Spadafora controlled the entire fight with slick boxing excellent footwork, and brutal body shots. Spadafora had to fight through plenty off rough housing from Fiorletta throughout the fight, referee Frank Gentile had his hands full all night until he waived his arms in the 8th round. Fiorletta took a point in round six for throwing a couple knees to Spadaforas’ head, while throwing elbows and holding excessively throughout the fight. Spadafora looked much improved as the fight wore on gaining speed and accuracy. He often landed sharp three punch combinations mostly ending with a right body hook that connected almost always. The undefeated Spadafora ran off track and had a 32 month layoff and becoming incarcerated due to a string of drug, alcohol and weapon charges.

Local heavyweight and fan favorite Eric “The Viking” Leander 9-1(8KO) was violently knocked out by fomer amatuer standout Jason Barnett 12-10(6KO) in the Co-Main event of the night in front of a huge Viking crowd donned in horns cheering on their fighter. The first round started with Barnett catching the Viking with an array of jabs and setting up a booming right hand that sent the Viking to the canvas. The round ended with Barnett peppering the Viking with a four punch, right left combination that sent Leander to the canvas and was barely saved by the bell and staggered to his corner. The next round started with an exhausted Leander just able to muster a pawing jab and getting beat to the punch. A hard right hand into a solid left hook dropped Leander at :41 seconds in the second round giving Leander his first loss of his career. Leander brings no amateur experience and a very dangerous brawl and maul style that failed versus a skilled boxer, as the smaller Barnett proved tonight.

In the third fight of the night Willie Herring 12-6-3 pulled off another big upset with a second round KO over Dieuly “The Untamed Beast” Aristilde 7-2, who was coming off of the biggest win of his career, a KO over Elijah McCall just a few weeks ago in a war. Herring started the fight before the opening bell with some mental warfare playing to the crowd and mocking Aristilde. Which had its payday as Aristilde left his game plan of boxing and setting up punches in the corner. Instead he chose to engage in a power right hand contest. The Untamed Beast was knocked down in the first round and in the second with a great left hook that downed the Haitian fighter for good at 1:55. This was a tough loss for the proud Haitian, and a questionable one in regards to why his team would rush him into the ring just weeks after a war.

Rances Barthelemy 4-0 (3) defeated Robert Guillen 5-6-3 (1).Barthelemy and dominated the action in a four round jr lightweight fight. Both men traded some good body shots but Barthelemy was the clear winner of most of the exchanges. The cards read 39-36 40-35 40-35.

Light heavyweight Abdulah Dobey 4-0 (4) earned a big KO3 win over Gevonte Davis 4-6-1 (2). Dobey came out swinging hard to the opening bell and knocked Davis down in the 2nd with a stiff body shot and in the third with stiff right hands, doubled them up, staggering and dropping Davis to the canvas at 1:53 for the final count.

Yoelvis Gamboa improved to 4-0(2KO) with an excellent left hook KO over Milton Ramos 2-2-2. Gamboa showed improvement since his debut, however still very raw. Gamboa the younger brother of world featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamoa 17-0, slipped a big right hand and landed a crushing left hook that ended the bout at 1:42 of the third round.

Cruiserweights Sullivan Berrera 3-0(3KO) and Reggie Pena 6-3(1KO) rumbled in round one and exchanged wild shots on the way to an exciting first round. Pena got deducted one point for holding round 2. The fight ended with a perfectly placed left hook by Berrera on the chin of Pena dropping him to the canvas in a violent manner. The end came at 1:45 in the second round.

So, the Pittsburgh Kid is back, the Viking got mauled, the Beast tamed, and some great looking prospects showed their stuff in an exciting card in Fort Lauderdale tonight.

Notable fighters in attendance were Allan Jackson, Jameel McLine, Joel Julio, John David Jackson, Yorkis Gamboa and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker…JSizzle and NYDanny Stasiukiewicz reporting ringside.

GRAPEVINE, TEX. – Tasty local appetizer cards have become a staple of promoter Top Rank’s superfight weekends, and Friday night’s fare at the Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center – an opening course for “The Event” on Saturday – was no exception. Featuring a Filipino and a Mexican in the main event and crowd-pleasers from around the world in seven other matches, the card delighted its capacity crowd in a sweeping luxury compound northwest of Dallas.

Filipino flyweight Richie Mepranum (16-2-1, 3 KOs) and Mexican Hernan Marquez (25-1, 18 KOs) made a fantastic 10-round battle in Friday’s main event, one in which the light-hitting southpaw from the Philippines absorbed everything the Mexican could throw his way and hung on to win a unanimous decision: 99-91, 96-94 and 98-92.

After starting slowly before a suddenly quiet crowd, Mepranum and Marquez gradually increased their punch output through the next six rounds, turning the eighth into the beginning of a three-stanza crescendo in which both fighters threw knockout blows, while failing to finish – or even much hurt – the other man.

Though the fans in attendance were evenly split between Filipinos and Mexicans, there was little outrage expressed from the Mexican side over the judges’ awarding the fight to Mepranum.

SAMUEL PETER VS. NAGY AGUILERA

Friday’s co-main event saw a fit and fired-up Samuel Peter (34-3, 27 KOs) box, counter and then blitz Dominican Nagy Aguilera (15-3, 10 KOs), winning by technical knockout at 2:24 of the second round.

Clues to Peter’s newfound seriousness were in evidence at Thursday’s weigh-in when the “Nigerian Nightmare” – whose fitness and heart have been questioned in the past – tipped the scale at 237 1/2 pounds, his lowest weight since 2001. After that, Peter showed surprising patience and technique (and abdominal muscles), countering Aguilera whenever the Dominican hung his jab. One such counter, a patented overhand right from Peter, took Aguilera’s knees from under his thighs, dropping him early in round 2.

Peter, never a shy finisher, showed uncharacteristic finesse after that, taking his time and waiting for Aguilera to hang one more jab. Aguilera complied, hanging another left hand – and Peter blasted him with a right cross that sent Aguilera sprawling into the ropes where Peter assaulted him till the referee waved an end to the match.

JOSE BENAVIDEZ VS. BOBBY HILL

In a showcase bout to close the opening hour of Fox Sports Español’s telecast, undefeated Phoenix prospect Jose Benavidez (3-0, 3 KOs) – a seven-time national amateur champion now fighting under the Top Rank banner – made decisive work of southpaw Mississippi lightweight Bobby Hill (1-4), stopping him at 2:59 of round 3. Benavidez, who at 6-foot-1 is an enormous 135 pounder, showed the joy of battle and willingness to exchange one hopes to find in a young prizefighter.

At times, though, that joy of battle led Benavidez to show the amateurish habit of dropping his lead hand to waist level while throwing the right cross. Under the watchful eyes of trainer Freddie Roach and mentor Jose Benavidez, Sr., however, that perilous habit should be eradicated soon.

“This was the first left-hander I’ve fought as a pro,” Benavidez said after the third opponent of his career. “But I had a lot of experience against them in the amateurs, and body shots always work.”

“After the second round, I was worried,” Jose Benavidez, Sr. said about a cold from which his son had been suffering all week. “But I told him to do what he had to do.” And that he did.

UNDERCARD

The night’s second televised bout saw super welterweight Houstonian Omar Henry (8-0, 7 KOs) race out his corner and ruin Mexican Francisco Reza (5-2, 4 KOs) in a half minute of relentless offensive assault. Henry dropped Reza 10 seconds into the match with lefts and rights everywhere. Reza rose and then dropped 10 seconds later. At 0:32 of round 1, the fight was over – Henry by TKO.

The evening’s final pre-television match saw Filipino welterweight Dennis Laurente (34-3-4, 17 KOs) decision Ghanaian strongman Ben Tackie (29-12-1, 17 KOs) in a competitive eight-round welterweight scrap. Though each round was close and Tackie clearly thought he’d won at least four, the official scorecards did not agree, unanimously seeing things for Laurente by scores of 77-75, 77-75 and 78-74.

Before that, Freddie Roach-trained Mexican heavyweight Andy Ruiz, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) made quick work of Texan Luke Vaughn (0-2), stopping him with a textbook left hook to the liver at 1:55 of round 1. That was about the only thing that looked like it does in a textbook, as Ruiz – at 271 pounds of much more than striated muscle – wore a physique bearing no resemblance to that of his trainer’s most famous charge.

Starting the card was undefeated Washington D.C. lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (30-0, 20 KOs) in a 10-round bout with overmatched Puerto Rican Juan Ramon Cruz (16-8-1, 12 KOs). Peterson moved well, using his shell defense and waiting for openings, and did exactly what an undefeated contender is supposed to do with an eight-loss journeyman, off-television.

After felling Cruz in round 2, Peterson landed an impressive right uppercut/left hook combination in the third to begin the end of Cruz’s night. Dropped a second time, Cruz rose once more, got clipped with a right uppercut and dropped a third time. And so his night ended by TKO at 1:11 of the third round, preserving Peterson’s unblemished record.

The evening began about a half hour later than scheduled, as an ambulance had to be located before the card could commence. Attendance was good in the convention hall despite Friday’s card being made mostly for television.

Doors for Saturday’s fights open at 5:00 p.m. CT. 15rounds.com will have full ringside coverage of “The Event” in its entirety.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top rank

ARLINGTON, Tex. – Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey tried to play it straight when they were asked to pose. The stare-down is supposed to be serious stuff. One blink signals fear. But Pacquiao and Clottey laughed like kids at play. They couldn’t stop laughing.

A weigh-in, a well-rehearsed ritual, can be funny. One in front of Cowboys Stadium Friday was more laugh-in than weigh-in. Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) and Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs) made the welterweight limit, Clottey at 147 pounds and Pacquiao at 145 ¾, for their fight Saturday night at the $1.2 billion arena.

After they stepped off the official scale, they must have laughed off another quarter pound or two. The Clottey camp played the straight man, the tomato can. Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach delivered the punch lines.

Clottey camper Gjin Gjini, owner of John’s Gym in New York, leaned over and told Roach that if the corners were fighting, Clottey’s corner would win in a beat-down. It was the equivalent of one kid telling another kid: My dad can whip your dad. No wonder they were laughing.

“He tells me that if the corners were fighting, we’d get beat up,’’ said Roach, who didn’t recall Ginji’s name and referred to him only as “the Albanian.”

At 50, Roach is well-past his best days as a brawling featherweight. Nevertheless, he has managed to become a target for insults from opposing corners. Floyd Mayweather, Sr., spouted dismissive poetry and few other things at Roach before Pacquiao knocked out Ricky Hatton. Joe Santiago took his rhetorical shots at Roach before Pacquiao’s stoppage of Miguel Cotto.

“When Manny fights Floyd Mayweather Jr., no telling what will happen between me and Roger Mayweather,’’ Roach said of Floyd’s uncle and trainer, also a former fighter. “Roger really doesn’t like me.’’

Anger at Roach from opposing camps might just be rooted in Pacquiao’s recent run of dominance. Nobody has been able to beat the Filipino, who was heavier than he has ever been at an official weigh-in. The Pacquiao reign isn’t expected to change against Clottey in a ring above the 50-yard line and beneath the biggest and brightest high-definition screen in this video universe and maybe a few others.

An undercurrent of rancor between the Clottey camp and Roach starts with Lenny DeJesus, who moved into Clottey’s corner as the lead trainer when Godwin Kotey of Ghana could not get a U.S. visa in time to travel to Dallas.

DeJesus was Pacquiao’s cutman. His role ended in 2005 after the Filipino’s loss to Erik Morales. It also was the last time Pacquiao lost. That fight represents some important history. DeJesus hopes it repeats itself. Roach has been making sure that it won’t. Pacquiao was badly cut over the left eye in the fifth round by head butt. DeJesus couldn’t stop the bleeding. Pacquiao, bothered by a river blood the flowed over and into his eye, couldn’t see well enough to stop Morales. Pacquiao lost a decision. DeJesus lost his job.

With Clottey, DeJesus has an opportunity at revenge with a durable fighter whose best weapon might be a head butt. A clash of heads against Cotto in June almost allowed Clottey to escape New York’s Madison Square Garden with a major upset instead of a loss by split decision.

“We won’t be there for that to happen,’’ Roach said of the head-butt possibility. “We’re at perfect fighting weight.”

Roach paused and added:

“We’re where we want to be.’’

Pacquiao has been for a while. That’s no joke.

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Seven-time world champion and “Fighter of the Decade” Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and challenger Joshua Clottey weigh in(Pacquiao 145.75 lb, Clottey 147 lb) at Cowboys Stadium Friday for their upcoming World Welterweight championship on Saturday,March 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas on HBO Pay-Per-View

Manny Pacquiao 145 3/4 – Joshua Clottey 147

PHILADELPHIA (MARCH 11, 2010)—This Saturday night in Arlington, Texas the first big fight of the new decade will take place as pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao will battle Joshua Clottey for the WBO Welterweight title at the beautiful Cowboys Stadium

Clottey will be wearing the Cov Glove for the big bout which will be fought in front of over 45,000 fans in the stadium, millions on HBO Pay-Per-View and countless around the world.\

The Cov Glove is a synthetic texture that covers the tape around the wrist. The Cov Glove protects the fighter from having his tape come loose.

“Joshua has been a big supporter of the product since day one”, said David Price, founder and CEO of Cov Glove

“For him to wear it in such an important fight shows that he has confidence in the product and hopefully the fans all over the world are able to see the value of the Cov Glove in this fight.”

GRAPEVINE, Tex. – Antonio Margarito had hoped to fight Saturday night in Texas. He won’t. But he did show up Thursday night at the official hotel for the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight Saturday night and talked about his comeback in Mexico, his hopes for a fight in the United States and said again that he never knew his ex-trainer tried to load his gloves with a plaster-like substance before a loss to Shane Mosley.

“It was not my fault,’’ Margarito told 15 Rounds in a crowded lobby at the Gaylord Texan when asked about the glove controversy. “It is something my trainer did wrong.’’

Margarito’s license in California was revoked after his former trainer, Javier Capetillo, told the California State Athletic Commission that he inadvertently placed pieces of a plaster-like substance in his hand wraps. The substance was found when Mosley trainer Nazim Richardson asked Capetillo to re-wrap the hands before a bout at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in January, 2008.

Margarito’s license was revoked for a year. He was able to re-apply on Feb. 11. Promoter Bob Arum had planned for him to fight on the Pacquiao-Clottey undercard. Arum said there wasn’t enough time to complete the process. Margarito can apply anywhere, but there has been public pressure for him to first re-apply in California.

“I’m letting my attorneys handle that,’’ the Spanish-speaking Margarito said through an interpreter.

Meanwhile, Margarito, who has reunited with trainer Robert Garcia, said there is nothing he can do about public suspicions that he had to know his gloves were loaded.

“I can only go into the ring,’’ he said. “Only in the ring. That’s where the truth is.’’

Margarito said he is planning to be at Cowboys Stadium Saturday night because he hopes to fight Pacquiao, a heavy favorite over Clottey. There already is speculation that Arum will make a Pacquiao-Margarito fight if another round of talks for Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. unravel a second time.

Margarito, who said he been training in Tijuana for a May 8 comeback in Mexico against Carson Jones, also said he would agree to a rematch with Miguel Cotto, whom he beat badly in July, 2008 in Las Vegas.

“Just name the time and the place,’’ he said. “Anytime, anywhere.’’

Photo by Chris Farina/ Top Rank