According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the much anticipated Welterweight unification bout between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto scheduled for next Saturday in Las Vegas has been canceled due to Berto’s focus being on the recent tragic earthquake that took place last week’s in Haiti which is where Berto and his family are originally from.

The cancellation of the fight could lead to Mosley instead defending his title against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the spring.

“Since the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday evening, I have been focusing on my family and the Haitian people who are facing an inconceivable battle for survival while still trying to continue to prepare for an opportunity I have dreamt of since childhood,” Berto said in a statement. “I lost several family members to the earthquake and, after two days without word, was relieved to learn that my sister, Naomi, and her daughter, Jessica, survived, but were left homeless. I have seen the pain in my parents’ eyes as they attempt to understand what has happened to our homeland and recognize a place they once called home.

“As a result of this disaster, I am mentally and physically exhausted and, therefore, I have no choice but to withdraw from my bout on January 30.”

Berto lost at least eight family members in the disaster.

“Throughout the past six days, I have received an incredible outpouring of support, and I sincerely appreciate everyone’s prayers for the people of Haiti,” Berto said. “I hope that everyone will continue to keep the Haitian people in their thoughts and prayers as we work to rebuild this proud nation. The rebuilding of Haiti is not something that will happen overnight, but I am fully dedicated to helping the Haitian people recover from this catastrophic event.”

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who promotes Mosley, said he told Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) about the cancellation of the fight, and he was understanding.

“It’s just a very unfortunate situation,” Schaefer said. “This is unbelievable. Everyone has seen the pictures from Haiti and followed this devastating situation. We all feel very bad for Andre. We know where his focus needs to be and that is with his family and his people. I talked to Shane. Obviously, he shares the sentiment. He feels bad for Andre and understands. But at the same time he is disappointed because he is in amazing shape with two weeks to go, and now this fight fell out. He is not happy about it, but he fully understands the situation. We just wish the best for Andre Berto.”

The cancellation may pen the door for a mega showdown between Mosley and Floyd Mayweather

“That is a super fight, and now my next order of business — to see if we can put [Mosley-Mayweather] together,” Schaefer said. “That is what I am going to be doing in the coming hours. The sooner the better if we can get this potential fight done. With Shane now being available and Floyd being available, that’s a fight all fight fans and sports fans would embrace. This would be a huge showdown. Shane has wanted that fight for a while. That’s what I am going to try to do.”

“I think he made a correct decision for himself,” said Lou DiBella, Berto’s promoter throughout his professional career. “Your mental health and physical health are more important than one fight. I know that Andre has been in agony since this happened. He has been really struggling. He is mentally and physically exhausted and I don’t think he’s been sleeping. He’s been torn about whether to fight and had to make this decision. I think he’s going to go to Haiti next week.

“It’s the right decision. It’s impossible to watch those pictures from Haiti even if you’re not Haitian. But he and his family and his parents are suffering. It hits very close to home. How could any human being focus under those circumstances? I’m glad for Andre that he made this decision for himself.”

“Not one person involved in the promotion had any negative response to this decision,” DiBella said. “Everyone empathizes with Andre and his whole family. The young man’s well-being outweighs any one fight.”

HBO’s Kery Davis echoed DiBella.

“Andre Berto is a terrific athlete and an even better person,” Davis said. “We can only imagine the pain the earthquake has caused the entire Berto family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andre and we hope to have him back on HBO when he is ready to return to the ring.”

WBO Featherweight Champion Steven Luevano, Dyah Davis, Marc Abrams, LIVE!! Weekly Sunday Morning Open Line with 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz writer presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD – A weekly Sunday Morning boxing show covering Boxing from all angles. Alongside and boxing aficionado Danny “NYD” Stasiukiewicz, Marc Abrams.

We come to the end of our Pacquiao-Mayweather mourning season. Fun as it is to gnash teeth and tremble at the future of prizefighting, the sun has risen anew, men still don gloves to resolve conflicts in manly ways, and a major venue awaits a major event in a couple months. Let’s think about that.

It will help us inter the ordeal of arrogance and incompetence we’ve been subjected to since the morning of Nov. 15. More importantly, it should clear our palates for Shane Mosley versus Andre Berto. So now, some thoughts about Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey on March 13 in Cowboys Stadium – Jerry Jones’ 73-acre architectural marvel, featuring an arch truss planar section that comprises 110,000 pounds of grade-65 Luxembourg steel.

Wait, how many pounds? Check the “Architecture Fact Sheet” at Stadium.DallasCowboys.com. I’ll be in Dallas – Irving, if you want to be pedantic – in March, not because I like Pacquiao more than Floyd Mayweather or because I think Top Rank does better than Golden Boy Promotions or even because I have a soft spot for Ghanaian challengers.

I’ll be there because I want to say I covered a historic figure in a historic edifice.

A historic figure who won’t subject himself to random blood tests for performance-enhancing drugs? Yes. But.

Welcome to our era’s unfortunate cynicism. The best athletes aren’t guilty till proved innocent, exactly, but they are suspect – no matter how many times they’re proved not-guilty.

This is an opinion column, not a report, so take this in the spirit it’s intended – as Adam Carolla might put it. I felt a certain relief when Floyd Mayweather Sr.’s unsubstantiated allegations about Pacquiao got wide coverage. It felt better to have the self-imposed gag order lifted. Any writer who’s covered any other sport in the last decade and tells you he’s never wondered about the world’s best prizefighter – whoever he is or was – is being dishonest.

Stop shaking your head, because here comes something you didn’t already know. Sometime after Manny Pacquiao went directly through David Diaz in 2008, I began using a hypothetical PED-usage test on my Filipino-American friends at the boxing gym. I wanted to see their reactions. They were mixed and revealed nothing we don’t already know about how little we already know.

Did I do this to besmirch the character of a superstar athlete from a Pacific island? Not even a little. I did it for two selfish reasons. First, before I committed time, expense and words to covering Pacquiao’s future exploits, I wanted to ensure that – in the year 2020 – I wouldn’t feel the way so many pundits who provided breathless coverage of Mark McGwire’s 1998 exploits felt this week.

Second, I offered the hypothetical, because on a philosophical level, I don’t know what to think. In the 1990s, I watched a lot of baseball, especially the McGwire-Sosa race, with a suppressed suspicion something like this: If I’m the only one who knows, and nobody else broaches the subject, must it truly compromise this wonderful spectacle?

I also spent time around competitive bodybuilders and power lifters. I watched guys inject themselves with vitamins, drink amino acids, drop stimulants under their tongues before workouts, and participate in “natural” contests. That is, these were guys not using PEDs. And despite their routine departures from what you did in your basement with a Nautilus machine, they weren’t nearly big as McGwire.

The entire debate strikes me as profoundly arbitrary. At their most basic, PEDs expedite healing. That’s why Barry Bonds’ I-worked-harder defense implicated more than it exculpated: Of course you did; everyone else was too sore.

The New York Times reports a Canadian doctor performed “platelet-rich plasma therapy” on Tiger Woods. Blood was drawn, altered in a machine and then injected back in Woods’ body. Apparently this is kosher. But are you allowed to do it to a racehorse? And what’s the difference between recycling blood to help a golfer recover from knee surgery, and doing it to help a cyclist recover from fatigue?

Intent, I guess. Which is why exasperated fans want this debate to go the hell away. They slam their fists on the table and demand Olympic-style testing. But does it check for caffeine?

Yes. Why? No. Why not?

I’ve used all sorts of over-the-counter diet pills, in my day, to suppress appetite. Some euphemism for “speed” is all that works. Metabolife once worked. Then ephedrine got banned. But now you can buy it in the supermarket. If I take it with caffeine, I can replicate the Metabolife formula that was legal in 1999 and illegal in 2004. Should I be able to pass a pre-employment drug test?

Yes. Why? No. Why not?

Can anyone be sure Manny Pacquiao is clean? Can anyone be sure Floyd Mayweather is clean? We don’t even know to whom we should turn for a definition of the word “clean” at this point. We’re simply not there yet – and if “there” is an arbitrarily agreed-to list of testing schedules and banned substances that changes monthly, we can’t be sure we’ll ever be there.

I suspect Joshua Clottey of cleanliness. He bears all the late-fading hallmarks of a PED-less athlete. Or he’s just mentally fragile. Still, I give him a chance against Pacquiao – though I respect Top Rank’s matchmakers too much to give Clottey too much of a chance.

But I’m not going to Dallas to celebrate Clottey’s probable cleanliness. Or even Pacquiao’s legend. I’m going to see the stadium. I want to wander about looking for the media center. I want to see paid-for seats filled before television goes on the air. Most of all, I want to remember my time of covering the fights as something more than a tourist’s brochure of Las Vegas Boulevard South.

I want to see Cowboys Stadium so badly I’d watch Floyd Mayweather fight Nate Campbell there. Honest.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

The PAL Gym in Yonkers, NY is geographically close to Madison Square Garden but is far from the World’s Most Famous Arena. It’s a small venue, maintenance was in dire need and a poor sound system made the ring announcer difficult to hear throughout the evening. While the aforementioned issues could hurt attendance when the facility is used for another event, anyone involved in the sport will tell you that venues like the PAL Gym are a major part of boxing’s club circuit.

The main event of the Friday night’s card was an eight middleweight scrap between local favorite Jose Angel Rodriguez of New York, NY and renowned tough guy Darnell Boone of Atlanta, GA. Boone, who defeated up and coming prospects Chris Archer, Ronald Johnson, Willie Lee, James Countryman, Rasheem Brown and James Johnson, was once again looking to upset the hometown favorite, and almost got it done early on.

Boone had a solid opening round and rocked Rodriguez with a left hook in the second, providing a scare for the latter’s fans. Then Boone, like many unpredictable journeyman, completely changed his game plan; albeit not for the better. In rounds 2-8, Boone’s punch output drastically decreased, giving the speedy Rodriguez an easy opening to outbox him. Boone rarely attempted to remount an offensive attack and spent far too much time lying on the ropes, ultimately costing him the fight.

Scores were 79-73 and 78-74 twice for Rodriguez, who improves to 15-1-1 (2 KO’s). Boone, who asked promoter Brian O’Shea for a rematch following the decision, falls to a decisive 16-4-2 (6 KO’s).

Harlem based African junior welterweight Issouf Kinda remained unbeaten after a sloppy six round unanimous decision over Stephane Malenou. Kinda had success early on with a jab/right hand combo, but Malenou clinched excessively, making the bout a difficult watch.

Kinda continued to be victimized by Malenou’s holding, which cost him a point in round three in addition to a chorus of boos. Malenou had a few good moments in round four and five, but Kinda finished the bout strong.

Scores were 58-55 twice and 57-56. Kinda – pronounced Kin duh – improves to 7-0 (3 KO)’s. Malenou, a New York based Frenchman, drops to 5-6-1.

“Kinda is a solid fighter but my kid (Malenou) has been off for a year and a half”, said trainer Joey Gamache, a former two time world champion. Stephane is 5-6-1, but he wasn’t taken care of early in his career, so we are working on changing that around”.

Good looking prospect Nydia “Da Phenomenal” Feliciano of The Bronx upped her record to 2-0-1 after an impressive four round unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s Norma Faris. Feliciano dominated the action from bell to bell, tagging Faris with solid body punches and crisp hooks to the head in close quarters ala Juan Diaz. Faris was game, staying on her feet throughout the contest, but simply didn’t have enough to keep Feliciano off. All three judges scored the contest 40-36. Faris drops to 3-2 with the defeat.

In the fight of the night, Allentown, PA junior bantamweight Miguel Diaz sent shockwaves through the building after upsetting local favorite Jose “Chili” Rivera. The opening round was action packed, with the shorter Rivera pressing the action while Diaz attempted to box and move. Diaz took control in the second, using his reach advantage to tag his hard charging opponent with clean punches to the head. Both men had solid success in the third round, as the two traded shots in close range.

Rivera was cut in the fourth round from a headbutt, but the blood only added fuel to the fire. Following the accidental clash of heads, a fired up Rivera pressed the action and stole the round after being outboxed in the opening minute. The score of 38-38, the same way I had it, was overruled by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 for Diaz. Although Diaz of New Rochelle, NY dropped the decision, he did more than enough to warrant a rematch.

Super Featherweight Jonathan Cuba, 2-1 (2 KO’s), viciously stopped 0-2 Takashi Sato in the battle of Manhattanites. Cuba dropped a very timid Sato in the opening round and finished the contest in the third with a huge left hook, which sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. Sato was motionless for a moment but was able to get up under his own power to a standing ovation. Time of stoppage was 0:19.

In the opening bout of the evening, former New York Golden Gloves champion Chazz McDowell, of Yonkers stopped the Bronx’ Alex Cooper in the second of their scheduled four round super featherweight fight. McDowell dominated the action, dropping Cooper in the first round wit a jab and twice more in the second, forcing referee M.S. Murdaugh to halt the contest at 2:24. McDowell is now 1-0 (1 KO), while Cooper falls to 0-3.

The card was promoted by O’Shea Brothers Boxing, who deserve all the credit in the world for putting together a well organized and better than advertised fight card, which had a number of bouts fall off at the last minute. Notables on hand included surging heavyweight Derric Rossy and 2004 Olympian Carlos Tamara, who takes on Brian Viloria this Saturday in the Philippines for the IBF junior flyweight crown.

Manny Pacquiao arriving in Los Angeles for the upcoming press tour to promote his March 13 bout with Joshua Clottey

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Golden Boy Promotions has signed WBA Super Lightweight champion Amir Khan which will pave his way to fight in America possibly on HBO.

Khan, who had been working with Warren on a fight-by-fight basis in recent bouts, agreed to a three-fight deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s company, according to a source familiar with the agreement.

“I am really happy Khan Promotions is partnering with Golden Boy as I know that together they will be the right team to help me continue my career as an elite fighter and to expand my fan base to the United States and around the world,” Khan said. “I’m ready to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and know that Golden Boy will help me accomplish these goals.”

It is unclear if Khan will face Maidana, a dangerous opponent whom trainer Freddie Roach would prefer for Khan not to face. If Khan does not face Maidana, he could be stripped of his title. It is also possible that Maidana could step aside and allow Khan an interim bout. Golden Boy is a partner with Germany promoter Universum on Maidana’s promotional contract, so that scenario is possible.

“Amir Khan is one of the most talented fighters in the world at any weight,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “That talent, combined with his charismatic and outgoing personality, makes him a promoter’s dream, and I feel will one day lead him to being the face of boxing. We are extremely excited to team with Khan Promotions and look forward to introducing Amir to fight fans in the United States and around the world.”

On a recent trip the United States, Khan discussed a promotional deal with Golden Boy and rival Top Rank. Roach told ESPN.com that Khan called him from England on Friday and asked for him to put him in touch with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer.

“So I put them together,” Roach said. “I know Amir was not happy with the offer to fight Maidana and wanted to see if there was a better deal out there.”

Apparently, he got one from Golden Boy, which hopes to make Khan’s American debut fight against New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden, perhaps as soon as April.

Vanes Martirosyan survived a ninth round knockdown but built up enough of a points lead to win a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion Kassim Ouma at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The two put on a crowd pleasing fight which saw Ouma fight with spirit that he had not shown since his days as the IBF Jr. Middleweight champion over five years ago. Ouma was aggressive as he would be diving in while throw punches that left openings for Martirosyan to successfully counter effectively. Ouma landed some hard rights inside but Martirosyan landed the harder shots with his flurry of choice was a solid jab-right hand for which he used due to his decided height and reach advantage. In round four, Martirosyan buckled Ouma slightly with a solid right hand. Just seconds after that, the two fighters clashed heads which caused a cuts around the left eye of Martirosyam\n.

The fighters stood toe to toe on many occasions with an entertaining exchange at the end of round six. In round nine, Ouma landed a quick right hook during an exchange that sent Martirosyan to the canvas. Martirosyan jumped up quickly to show it was just a flash knockdown. In round ten both tried to close the show in dynamic fashion was Martirosyan getting the better of a hotly contested last thirty seconds of the fight.

Martirosyan, 153 lbs of Glendale, CA won by scores of 97-93, 97-93 and 97-92 to raise his record to 27-0. Ouma, 150 lbs of Palm Beach Gardens, FL via Uganda has now dropped five of six and is now 26-7-1.

Former twelve time national Golden Gloves champion, Jose Benavidez Jr. wasted no time showing off the talents that have made him one of Top Rank’s next big prospects as he dropped Steven Cox just seconds into their scheduled four round Super Lightweight bout which was the catalyst for a first round stoppage victory in his pro debut.

Benavidez, who is trained by Freddie Roach, landed a booming right that sent Cox to the seat of his pants. Cox got up and ate a few more barrages until referee Russell Mora stopped the bout at 1:21 of round one.

Benavidez, 138 1/2 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 1-0 with one knockouts. Cox, 139 lbs of Independence, MO is 1-1.

In an entertaining Jr. Lightweight affair, Diego Magdaleno remained undefeated with an eight round unanimous decision over Gerado Robles.

Magdaleno was quicker and landed the harder shots with the exception of round three where Robles landed some hard rights throught Magdaleno’s southpaw stance. Magdaleno rocked Robles with a pair of straight lefts in round seven and coasted home by winning by scores of 80-72, 78-74 and 78-74.

Magdaleno, 131 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is now 13-0. Robles, 131 1/2 lbs of Kansas City, Kansas is now 9-9.

In the co-main event Super Middleweight Dyah “Ali” Davis 17-1 (8KO) was very impressive with a fifth round TKO over Jose “El Macho” Medina 15-17 (11KO). Davis was extremely impressive with blistering jabs and accurate combinations. Medina was dropped twice and the final time his corner threw in the towel at 1:04 of the 5th. Davis is the son of Olympic Gold medalist Howard Davis.

In the second co-main even Derek Allen 2-5(2KO) silenced the crowd in Macon with a big KO upset win over Milton “Big” Wynn 8-1(5KO). Allen dropped with a vicious overhand right and the end came at 1:33 of round 1.

The fireworks began with the first bell when middleweight Jonathan “The Conquistador” Cepeda 7-0 (6KO) and Chris Govan 2-6(2KO) came out to meet each others with big bombs! Cepeda dropped Govan in the first round with a devastating left hook and another unintentional shot while Govan had a knee. Govan had a good start of the second before Cepeda dropped him twice with 2 huge rights. Cepeda remains perfect with a TKO win at 1:51 of the second.

The brawl of the night came with featherweights Danny Aquino 3-0 and David Cano 0-1. These two warriors battled from ding to dong in a delight of a fight. Officially scored a unanimous decision win for Aquino with the cards reading 40-36 and 39-37 twice.

Former 3 time NYC Golden Glove and national champion Patricia “Boom Boom” Alcivar, went uncontested as her opponent did not make the ring. Alcivar, the former Olympic athlete of the year took the opportunity to showcase her skills on focus mitts for the crowd. Alcivar is trained by former 2 time world champion. Terri “The Boss” Moss.

Jr welterweight, Alex Paracha, 4-0(2KO) from Afghanistan brawled to a unanimous decision win over Jacksonville’s’ Darrell Jones 2-3(1KO). The cards read 39-37.

Hometown hero Tobias Rice was impressive in his debut with a 4th round TKO over Nate Lovelace.

Former amateur national champion Lamar Russ 2-0(2KO) came off of the canvas in the first round to drop Shawn Actier 3 times on the way to a TKO3 at :58.

Juan Carlos Burgos scored a twelfth round stoppage over Juan Carlos Martinez in a Featherweight bout in Laredo, Texas.

Burgos dominated the action as he used his length and reach as he worked the body of Martinez, who had to lose in upwards of twenty pounds just to get near the contracted weight..

In round eleven, Burgos landed a big right that snapped the head of Martinez straight back. Burogs finished the show i the final round when he landed a hard left that sent Martinez back to the ropes and three punches later the visibly tired Martinez went to the canvas. Just a few punches later, Burgos landed a huge right that forced referee John Schlore to stop the action at 1:07 of round twelve.

Burgos of Tijuana, Mexico is ranked #2 by the WBC and has a record of 24-0 with seventeen knockouts. Martinez is now 15-101-.

Yaundale Evans scored two knockdowns en route to a six round unanimous decision over Gino Escamilla in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Evans scored thef irst knockdown in round one when he sweeping right hook sent Escamilla into the ropes and referee Freddie Ledesma ruled that Escamilla’s glove touched the canvas. In round two, Evans drilled Escamilla with a hard right hook that sent Escamilla hard to the canvas. Escamilla was on very shaky legs but somehow was able to get out of the round. Evans dominated the rest of the way to coast tho the victory.

Evans, 129 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 60-52, 60-52 and 59-53 and is now 5-0. Escamilla, 128 lbs of Laredo, TX is 5-7-2.

Former U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade made very quick qork of an overmatched Bernardo Gureca in a scheduled six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Andrade landed a counter right hook around the ear that sent Guereca down for referee John Schlore’s ten count at 1:18 of round one.

Andrade, 154 lbs of Providence, RI is now 9-0 with seven knockouts. Guereca, 154 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is now 15-10-1

In an off-tv fight, Cestus Management’s welterweight destroyer Rodolfo “LA COBRITA” Gomez impressed the charged fans in attendance at the LEC Arena in Laredo, Texas, with an impressive display of power and speed as he disposed of Oscar Roville by brutally knocking him out with a vicious assault of punches in the 3rd round. The first two rounds saw Gomez systematically dissect the tough and rugged Roville, by using an assortment of hard stiff jabs followed by perfectly timed combination’s to the head and body. In the 3rd round Gomez stepped it up by using double jabs followed by booming straight right hands down the middle that connected to the side of the head of the game Roville. Gomez sensing that Roville was hurt immediately followed up with an assortment of punches to the head and body that left Roville defenseless and backed up on the ropes taking shots, causing the referee to stop the fight in the last minute of the round. The fight was part of an ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights under card. Gomez, improved his record to 6-0 with 5 knockouts and continued his march up the boxing latter.

Gina Iacovou, who is Cestus’ CEO, said, “It was great to see the tremendous overal improvement that Rudolfo (Gomez) has made. He continues to get experience as a professional boxer and his natural strength, size, and boxing aptitude are exciting to watch in action. There is no dought that 2010 is going to be a big year for the BABY COBRA!”

Mike Michael, who is Cestus Management’s Chief Advisor, said, “The fans were treated to another great performance by “LA COBRITA”. The way Gomez utilized his natural attributes (height/reach) was impressive and his power is just frightening.” Michael added, “I would like to personally thank ESPN, the LEC Arena and Banner Promotions for featuring our fighter. So lock the doors and run for cover because “LA COBRITA” will be on the rise in 2010!”

PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 16, 2009)—Victor Vasquez and Coy Evans thrilled a near capacity crowd at The Arena in Philadelphia as they scored thrilling knockouts that highlighted a five bout card that was promoted by Greg Robinson’s Productions in association with Unleashed Beverage Company.

Vasquez and Gustavo Dailey waged a six round Lightweight war in what was the main event of the evening.

Dailey came out firing and landed some hard wining shots for which Vasquez was successful in countering and the two way battle was on from the outset of the fight. The two stood toe to toe as they exchanged being the boss for moments of a time.

Vasquez had his usual rabid cheering section helping pull through some of the tough moments but he seemed to turn the tide in round five as he landed some big right hands. In round six with the two in close, landed hard uppercuts that sent Dailey into the corner and Vasquez landed a barrage of punches that forced referee Hurley McCall to stop the bout at 2:05 of the final round as Vasquez rose his record to 11-3 with six knockouts.

Evans scored his first knockout while remaining undefeated at 6-0-1 as he took care of Vineash Rungea at 2:19 of round two of a scheduled four round Featherweight bout.

Evans dropped Rungea early in the second frame with a aquick right and shortly after landed a booming right hand that sent Rungea down again and hurt as his corner threw in the towel, saving their man from any further damage.

In an all Philadelphia Light Heavyweight bout, Tony Ferrante won a controversial split decision over Andre Hemphill in a six round bout.

Super Middleweight Tommie “Big Poppa” Speller and Middleweight Derrick Webster also scored victories

FULL RESULTS

6 Rounds – Lightweights—Victor Vasquez (11-3, 6 KO’s) 133 lbs of Philadelphia TKO 6 (2:05) over Gustavo Dailey (4-8) 133 ½ lbs of Philadelphia

4 Rounds – Featherweights—Coy Evans (6-0-1, 1 KO) 128 lbs of Philadelphia TKO 2 (2:19) over Vineash Rungea (2-15-3) 128 lbs of the United Kingdom

6 Rounds – Light Heavyweights – Tony Ferrante (9-0) 175 ½ lbs of Philadelphia S DEC over Andre Hemphill (8-14-2) 176 lbs of Philadelphia… Scores were 59-55 Ferrante, 58-56 Ferrante, 58-56 Hemphill

4 Rounds – Super Middleweights – Tommie Speller (5-3) 164 lbs of Philadelphia U DEC over Dave Cook (3-4) 164 ½ lbs of Butler, PA… Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Speller

4 Rounds – Middleweights – Derrick Webster (4-0) 159 ½ lbs of Glassboro, NJ TKO End of 2 over Antonio Walls (2-3) 158 lbs of Washington, DC

Victor Vasquez 133 – Gustavo Dailey 133.5
Coy Evans 128 – Vineash Rungea 128
Tony Ferrante 175 1/2 – Andre Hemphill 176
Tommie Speller 164 – Dave Cook 164 1/2
Derrick Webster 159.5 – Antonio Walls 158
Charles Heyward 191 1/2 – Zeferino Albino NA**

** Albino will weigh in this afternoon

Venue: The Arena
Promoter: Power Productions
First bell: 7:30 pm est

There’s been plenty of speculation about whom Floyd Mayweather Jr. could or should fight in the wake of abortive talks for a showdown with Manny Pacquiao, yet no talk about whether Mayweather will continue to demand Olympic-style blood-testing.

Let’s just say that the demand is a mandatory defense.

Without it, Pacquiao, Bob Arum, Freddie Roach and a gallery full of critics have a compelling reason to say that blood-testing was a just a ruse that allowed Mayweather to sidestep a threat to his unbeaten record from the Filipino, who now faces a dangerous date against Joshua Clottey on March 13 in Dallas. With it, Mayweather can claim a measure of consistency that says the demand was not just a convenient feint.

It’s fair to argue that Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer asked for comprehensive blood-testing at the wrong time and in the wrong venue. First, they should have introduced the idea to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the regulatory agency for a fight that had been planned for March 13 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

Pacquiao, Arum and Roach still might have said no-no-no, but they would have had to scream their complaints to a body that is supposed to regulate and not negotiate.

At the very least, the demand was confrontational in talks ruled, first and foremost, by egos easily insulted, usually suspicious and always seeking an edge. If Mayweather doesn’t stand by the demand in possible negotiations for a fight with Timothy Bradley or Paulie Malignaggi or Paul Williams, then it looks as if he were singling out Pacquiao despite the Filipino’s clean record of tests in Nevada, California and Texas.

Drug tests for a boxing license in Nevada or any other state are as outdated as a pay-phone. Then again, so are other tests, which always seems to be a split-second late or a home run short of the latest in performance-enhancing technology.

Mark McGwire finally admitted the obvious a few days ago when he said he used steroids. Gee, ya think. The biggest headline in that news story should have been McGwire’s stated belief that he thinks the performance-enhancers didn’t help him hit those record-setting 70 homers in 1998. Maybe, he thinks that only the ball was juiced. Dick Pound, a former president of the World Anti- Doping Agency, ripped major-league baseball. Arum had suggested that baseball oversee testing for Pacquiao-Mayweather instead of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

“What has emerged in the whole baseball mess is that drug use is widespread and that even the best players are involved – and still MLB is whistling past the graveyard,’’ Pound said in an e-mail quoted by the Associated Press. “If you notice, McGwire talks about steroids and HGH (and many other doping substances). These MLB positions are not indicators of a real attempt to solve the drug use problem in baseball.’’

Pound didn’t mention boxing. Then again, he also didn’t mention Marion Jones, who went to jail for lying under oath about performance-enhancers, yet never tested positive for one after the sprinter won five medals at the Sydney Olympics.

There is no reliable test. But there is consistency and that’s the only way for Mayweather to defend himself, no matter who he fights. If he and Bradley or Malignaggi or Williams or whoever take the blood-tests, it will be that much harder for Pacquiao to just say no. Without that consistency, Mayweather will be left with only a hidden agenda.

A month for champs

Muhammad Ali turns 68 Sunday. Ali plans to celebrate in his hometown, Louisville, before returning next week to his residence in Phoenix.

Speaking of birthdays, there are many to celebrate in January. Ali’s old bitter rival, Joe Frazier, turned 66 on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Another Ali rival, George Foreman, turned 61 last Sunday, Jan. 10. Bernard Hopkins is 45 today, Friday, Jan. 15.

Notes, quotes, anecdotes

· A potential prospect, Jose Benavidez, a 17-year-old junior-welterweight from Phoenix, gets his first pro tests Saturday night in Las Vegas against Steve Cox (1-0) of Independence, Mo., on a Top Rank card featuring junior-middleweight Vanes Martiroysan versus Kassim Ouma at the Hard Rock. Benavidez, a national Golden Gloves champion, got some YouTube attention for the way he handled himself against Amir Kahn in sparring a couple of months ago at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.

· News item: James Toney, a former quarterback, is trying to talk his way into a UFC bout and former NFL running back, Herschel Walker has been training for mixed-martial arts. Reaction: A Toney-Walker date in a cage can’t be too far away.

Macon, GA is in for a treat this Saturday night with the M.L.K Champion Classic. This great card will feature rising super middleweight star Dyah “Ali” Davis, undefeated heavy handed heavyweight Milton “Big Wynn, Middleweight Jonathon Cepeda, and a female bout which will showcase former 3 time NYC Golden Glove champ Patricia “Boom Boom” Alcivar.

Super Middleweight Dyah “Ali” Davis 16-1 (7KO) will be back in action in the main event vs dangerous Jose “El Macho” Medina 15-16 (11KO). Davis is the son of Olympic Gold medalist Howard Davis.

Undefeated Heavyweight Milton “Big Wynn 8-0 (5KO), GA, will face Derrick Allen 1-5, NC.

Middleweight Jonathan “The Conquistador” Cepeda 6-0 (5KO) will return to the ring facing Chris Govan 2-5(2KO). As an amateur, Cepeda was a three-time Golden Gloves and PAL champion was 35-3 with 27 knockouts.

Former Olympic athlete of the year and national amateur champion Patricia “Boom Boom” Alcivar 1-0 (1KO) will be facing Shanna Allan from SC.

Featherweight Danny Aquino 2-0 vs. David Cano who will be making his debut.

Jr welterweight, Alex Paracha, 3-0(2KO) from Afghanistan is mixing it up with Jacksonvilles’ Darrell Jones 2-2(1KO).

Cruiserweight’s Nate Lovelace and Tobais Rice will be making their debuts in opposite corners.

Lamar Ross will be facing Sean Atkins, both making their debuts.

This event will be held at the Macon City Auditorium, 415 1st Street Macon, GA. Get your tickets at TicketMaster by phone, www.TicketMaster.com, or the Macon Coliseum Box office.

JSIzzle.

Main Events’ February 6th card at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ featuring Tomasz Adamek vs. Jason Estrada is undoubtedly a local boxing fan’s best buy. Not only does the main event feature an adopted son of Jersey City, but the undercard is filling up with local talent like Morganville’s Denis “Mama’s Boy” Douglin and Jersey City’s Patrick Farrell, both of whom are making their second appearance at the arena best known as The Rock.

The card also features a top flight super middleweight contest showcasing Brooklyn, NY’s Petey “ Kid Chocolate” Quillin 20-0 (15 KO’s) for the first time in The Garden State. I. Petey has an electrifying ring presence and a level of athleticism not often seen in boxing today. His training routines include back flips in the ring and leaping over parked cars. If that doesn’t impress you enough, I advise you to be ringside for his post fight ritual, where he toss chocolate kisses to fans. I had the opportunity to catch up with Petey at New York’s Trinity Boxing Club, just prior to moving his training camp to Ohio.

John: Petey you keep yourself in great shape between bouts. You walk around at your fighting weight. What motivates you to get into the gym?

Petey: Mainly my Manager John Seip. He stays on me makes sure I train and eat like I’m supposed to.

John: Your next opponent is your most experienced to date in Fernando Zuniga 28-9 (20 KO’s). What do you know about him?

Petey: Not a lot he’s is a former belt holder (IBA Continental Super Middleweight). Not long ago he upset Carlos DeLeon Jr. I don’t know much else.

John: They call him “Little Ali”. What do you think about that?

Petey: The only Ali I know is the real Ali. He can call himself whatever he wants I don’t care.

John: No fighter is to be taken lightly, especially not one with 20 KOs, I’m sure you’re not looking past Mr. Zuniga, but what do you hope to accomplish in 2010 ?

Petey: I don’t take any fighter for granted. For 2010 I want to be bigger and better. To go into the ring with a stable mind and showcase my talents for my fans.

John: Who is on your wish list for your next fight?

Petey: Paul Williams. I’m still too small a fish for Kelly Pavlik.

John: Thanks Petey. Good Luck

MARTIN LINDSAY will make the first defence of his British featherweight title against in-form Jamie Arthur.

Their 12 rounder takes place at Leigh Indoor Sports Centre on March 19 and will be televised live by the home of boxing Sky Sports.

Belfast’s Lindsay (15-0) won the title last April with a sixth round stoppage of Scot Martin Lindsay in one the best domestic fights of 2009.

And now the 27-yerar-old is determined to make if a Celtic double when he tackles Welshman Jamie Arthur (16-2) in a clash that promises to be an all out war.

Lindsay is already in training camp and added: “Everything is going well except that is about -12 in the gym.

“You are training harder just to stay warm. The weather does have a bit of an effect on your roadwork but there are a few treadmills in the gym so you can still go in and tick away on them.”

Cwmbran’s Arthur is a 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, but retired from boxing in July 2005.

He returned almost three years later and has won seven fights on the bounce.

The 30-year-old earned himself the mandatory position for Lindsay’s Lonsdale belt after outpointing Akaash Bhatia in June.

He said: “The reason I came back was to win the British title and I think my challenge will be a helluva fight.”

The undercard is stacked with talent from Maloney’s and Steve Wood’s impressive VIP stable.

Among those fighting are Olympic bronze medallist David Price, former British super-middleweight champion Tony Quigley, British flyweight king Shinny Bayaar, Paul Edwards, Mark Moran, Karl Place, Rick Goddins and Kieran Farrell.

Tickets for are available for £40 and £80 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com

When North Bergen, NJ resident Carlos Tamara was informed that IBF junior flyweight champion Brian Viloria agreed to an April unification with Ivan Calderon, he immediately went to the history books.

In 1990, James “Buster” Douglas pulled off the biggest upset in boxing history by stopping unified heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in Tokyo, spoiling his mega-showdown with Evander Holyfield at a time when both would have been undefeated. Tyson did not meet Holyfield until six years later, when he was nowhere near the fighter he once was.

With a bout against pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather agreed to for April 8 2006, WBC Welterweight champion Zab Judah first took a stay busy fight at Madison Square Garden against Carlos Baldomir. Showtime was on tap to air the fight, further building up to Mayweather-Judah. Ultimately, Judah’s homecoming turned out to be a nightmare.

In arguably the worst performance of his career, Judah lacked focus and dropped a decision to the unheralded Argentinean. Judah, like Tyson, reportedly undertrained and lost focus with a more lucrative bout ahead of him. Although Judah-Mayweather still took place in April, the fans and media were infuriated and the fight did not receive the large-scale attention it likely would have received if Judah handled Baldomir.

Tamara, who is less than two weeks away from his second crack at a world title, is confident Calderon will have to find a new opponent.

“Viloria shouldn’t count his chickens before they hatch”, said Tamara, a 2004 Olympian. “I am dedicated and hungry to ruin his plans and become Colombia’s latest world champion.”

Tamara, 20-4 (14 KO’s), and Viloria, 26-2 (15 KO’s) meet January 23 at the Cuneta Astrodome in the Pasay City, Philippines. The card will be available in the US on pay per view.

PHOTO BY REUTERS/Maxi Jonas (ARGENTINA)

For more New Jersey boxing info click www.gardenstatefightscene.com

Although Roy Jones Jr. did not last a round when he was stopped by Danny Green in Australia, Jones will get his (at one time) much anticipated rematch with fellow legend Bernard Hopkins according to espn.com

The fight likely will be April 17 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Hopkins’ promoter, said.

“We worked very hard to keep this fight alive and we got it signed on Wednesday,” said John Wirt, the CEO of Square Ring, Jones’ promotional company. “We’re ecstatic that the fight was made and we’re looking forward to a great event. There’s been a long-standing rivalry between two of the preeminent boxers of our generation. This fight will establish once and for all who is the better fighter between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. This is the fight Roy always wanted.”

“The interesting thing is the conversations never died down,” Schaefer said. “Even after Bernard won and Roy lost, the talks continued and different options were evaluated. But I just felt from talking to Bernard and from the conversations I had with John that they really wanted to fight each other.

“I think there is so much at stake for these guys. This is an event they have been waiting for for 17 years. They would not let anything get in the way of getting this fight finally done. I believe very strongly that at this point in their careers, after everything they have accomplished, I think this is a well-deserved fight for these two guys to finally get it on April 17. Love ‘em or hate em, they are two of the most recognized names in the sport of boxing.”

“The only thing I can say about the structure of the deal is that there is still a substantial financial benefit to the guy who wins by knockout,” Schaefer said.

“Those who write Roy Jones off are making a mistake because he will come in motivated more than ever because this is a personal showdown between these guys,” Schaefer said. “They were waiting a long time for this fight and here it is. Bernard, at this point in his career, keeps on defying mother time. For Bernard, after all the accomplishments, for him to get up for a fight, he also needs that personal motivation, and he will have it against Roy Jones.

“Those two guys, after all the talking and the build up, and the ups and downs and the cheers and disappointments, finally, they are going to meet again. Bernard won’t be judging Roy on his last performance. He knows that would be a big mistake. I think they will both come at their best because of how important this is to both of them.”

When people think of pioneers in the sport of MMA, Frank Shamrock’s name is not usually mentioned. The names Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock (Frank’s brother via adoption), and Chuck Liddell—just to name a few—are much more prominent.

Plus, if it was up to the UFC, Shamrock’s name would be forgotten entirely, and as a result, a big part of the sport’s history would go unnoticed.

For the two year time period from Dec 97 to Sep 99, Shamrock was the most dominant fighter in the promotion. In his very first fight with the UFC, Shamrock submitted Kevin Jackson in just 14 seconds to win the light heavyweight title (then named the middleweight championship).

Following the Jackson win, Shamrock defeated Igor Zinoviev, Jeremy Horn, and John Lober in successive fights. After a one-fight sabbatical in Japan (a draw with Kiyoshi Tamura for the Rings promotion), Shamrock returned to the UFC for what his most memorable fight.

In a twenty-minute war, Shamrock outlasted Tito Ortiz to keep hold of the title. Ortiz finally gave in as he tapped out due to strikes at the end of the fourth round.

The epic fight with Ortiz would be the last time Shamrock would ever fight in the UFC.

“I was in the era of the beginning of free agency,” Shamrock said, when asked why he never fought again in the UFC. “That really went against the whole beginning of the company. It went against their model—the whole corporate control it all thing.”

When the UFC rolled out their list of the top 100 fights in the history of the company, Shamrock vs. Ortiz was suspiciously left off. Or maybe it was not too surprising. UFC President Dana White is definitely not Shamrock’s biggest fan.

White has often referred to Shamrock as both a “moron” and a “jackass”.

“I thought it was small-minded and silly,” Shamrock said about his exclusion from the top 100 list. “It is what it is.”

Rather than sit back and allow the UFC remove him from the sport’s history, Shamrock has done the one thing that he probably still does better than anyone else in the sport —talk.

“It’s been a blessing,” Shamrock said about not being with Zuffa. “I get more media, more press and more opportunity because of it.”

Since departing from the UFC, Shamrock has become one of the top stars for two different promotions. First, he was the face of the ill-fated EliteXC, and now, he is a top draw for Scott Coker’s Strikeforce.

Recently though, Shamrock has not had a great deal of success inside the cage. He has lost three of his last four fights (Nick Diaz, Cung Le, and Renzo Gracie), and the only win was an exciting victory against an overmatched Phil Baroni.

Nevertheless, Shamrock is not ready to call it a career just yet.

“I was looking at a March time,” Shamrock said about a possible return. “We’re still trying to see if we have a reserved March date for Showtime. Or May if we don’t get March together.”

As far as a possible opponent, Shamrock is not sure who he will be facing in the early part of 2010, but he did drop a famous name for a future opponent.

“I’d love to fight Dan Henderson,” Shamrock said. “We did a submission wrestling match a few years ago, and I got him real quick. We’ve sparred together and kind of circled each other for years.”

Shamrock believes his next fight will be on cable television instead of the larger platform offered by CBS.

“I don’t know if I have what CBS is looking for right now,” Shamrock said. “There are other guys fighting for titles. I don’t know if I can mess with the (Ronaldo) Jacare’s of the world.”

What CBS does want to televise is the man generally regarded as the sport’s top heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko.

Even though Strikeforce is building its own core of stars with fighters like Robbie Lawler, Jake Shields, and Gilbert Melendez, Emelianenko is clearly the guy everyone wants to see above all others.

EliteXC was not able to have a successful show on CBS without the drawing power of Kimbo Slice. Could Strikeforce be falling into the same problem with Emelianenko as EliteXC did with Slice?

Shamrock was non-committal when asked if CBS could broadcast a card without the prized Russian.

“I think so,” Shamrock said, “ but I don’t think it would have the same excitement.”

Emelianenko made his successful debut for the company last Nov on CBS. Another man set to start with Strikeforce at the end of the month is former NFL running back Herschel Walker.

“The question has always been—‘what would happen if you take a super athlete and plug him into MMA?’” Shamrock said about Walker’s debut. “I guess now we’ll know.”

Shamrock is excited by the prospects of Walker starting with Strikeforce even if it at the age of 47.

“I think it’s awesome, crazy and amazing,” Shamrock said. “He knows Taw Kwon Do and striking. He knows little about fighting, but he’s really knuckled down.”

Seeing Walker train mixed martial arts seriously has convinced Shamrock that Walker’s debut will not be a freak show. Unfortunately, athletes like Jose Canseco and Johnnie Morton tried making the transition in the past with disastrous results.

Shamrock believes people now have a better understanding of the severity of the sport.

“The thing that scared me from the beginning was the reality of men fighting,” Shamrock said. “It’s just so dangerous. I like that it is really a sport now, and I’m happy with the rules and regulations of the game.”

On the other hand, Shamrock is very clear with what he does not like about MMA, and it comes straight back to the UFC.

“I don’t like that it’s not always promoted as a sport and some promotions gloss over it for brand positioning,” Shamrock said.

Still, as mixed martial arts makes its way into the new decade, Shamrock will be one of the guys who will play a big role in continuing to build the mainstream acceptance. Whether it is through announcing, the media, or inside the cage, Shamrock will be on the frontline for Strikeforce.

With all the changes that have come with developing the sport, Shamrock is very happy to have been around through the whole evolution. He believes he should be mentioned in the same breath as Gracie, Couture, Liddell, and his brother.

“I consider myself one of the true pioneers. For certain.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Jan. 13, 2010) – Exciting Philadelphia junior welterweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy has predicted an impressive win by 3rd-round knockout against fellow hot prospect, Richard “El Tigre” Abril, in the 10-round “Boston Pop” headliner Jan. 22 at The Roxy in Boston’s famed Theater District.

The fight will be broadcast on a tape delayed basis on www.gofightlive.tv

Lundy, one of the brightest prospects in boxing, stunned Mexican veteran Aldo Valtierra (25-12), who boasts a win against world-rated Jorge Teron, with a first-round knockout in his last fight on Halloween night. The entertaining, highly-revved Philly boxer also stopped previously-unbeaten Jason Cintron (11-1) in the fifth round last year.

Abril (12-1, 6 KOs), a former Cuban amateur standout now fighting out of Miami, replaced Brad Solomon. Abril’s lone loss was by a 10-round split decision to Breidis Prescott, who in his following fight knocked out rising star Amir Khan in the opening round.

“The change of opponents doesn’t bother me because they’re almost the same height,” Lundy explained. “This guy (Abril) doesn’t get off as well as Solomon and I think this is an easier fight for me. He isn’t as active as Solomon. He’s slow and doesn’t use his jab. I’m going to take care of business. Abril is a good fighter. He’s coming to fight and I think it’ll be a great fight while it lasts. I’m going to use my jab, work the body, break him down and I should take him out by the third round. I’m excited to be fighting in Boston for the first time and I’m bringing a Philly style of fighting there.”

The 6-round co-feature matches intra-state rivals Chris Traietti (8-1, 5 KOs), an Iraq War veteran from Quincy, and dangerous Lawrence super middleweight Eddie “Thunder” Caminero (5-3, 5 KOs).

Two former New England amateur standouts, Peabody (MA) welterweight Simeon Dunwell (10-1, 3 KOs) and Josh “Bam Bam” Beeman (4-5-3, 2 KOs), of Providence, go at it in a 6-round match.

CES Ring of Honor Induction

CES president Jimmy Burchfield has announced that Carlos Garcia will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony at “Boston Pop.” Inductees are honored for their contributions or achievement to New England boxing. “Carlos has helped countless kids for years as boxing coach at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club,” Burchfield remarked. “He’s started out and trained former 3-time world champion Jose Antonio Rivera, multiple national amateur champion Bobby Harris and unbeaten middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez. Carlos embodies everything we believe in at CES and we’re very happy to be inducting him into the CES Ring of Honor. We’re also presenting Dr. Edgar Ballenas with a special achievement award for all he’s done to help promoters, managers, trainers and fighters over the years in New England.”

Boston light heavyweight Maceo Crowder (1-0, 1 KO), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, faces New Haven’s pro-debuting Greg McCoy. Quincy junior lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski (6-0, 2 KOs) faces Francisco Palacios (4-9-5, 1 KO) and Hartford middleweight David Bauza (3-0, 3 KOs) meets Erix Quinteros (2-3) in separate 4-round bouts.

Ticket prices for “Boston Pop” are $40.00, $50.00 and $75.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254) or going online at www.cesboxing.com.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) for more information. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 8 PM/ET.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former WBA Heavyweight champion John Ruiz has signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions and should pave the way for a mandatory title shot with currant champio David Haye in the spring.

Ruiz, whose contract with Don King expired, is due to challenge England’s David Haye for a version of the heavyweight title, probably on April 3 in London. Golden Boy also promotes Haye.

“I’m excited to become a member of the Golden Boy Promotions family and know that I have a great future ahead of me. I’m going to continue to make history and break records one fight at a time, starting with David Haye this spring,” said Ruiz, who became the first Hispanic heavyweight titleholder when he outpointed Evander Holyfield for a belt in 2001. “I know Golden Boy will help get me back to the top of the heavyweight division and to secure my place in the boxing history books.”

“John Ruiz is a very skilled and talented heavyweight and we are very excited to add him to our elite stable of fighters,” Golden Boy president Oscar De La Hoya said. “He has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to battle with the top guys in the division and will continue to do so in 2010 and beyond.”

“I saw him fight in Germany and everyone had told me how boring he was,”Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said. “But I thought it was an entertaining fight. Ruiz was the first Hispanic heavyweight champion and we are very involved in the Hispanic marketplace and we think John Ruiz hasn’t been properly exposed in that market. We want to increase his profile in the Hispanic market. That’s really the idea.

“He’s been more fan friendly in his recent fights and I think his new trainer, Miguel Diaz, is part of that.”

With Ruiz due to face Haye, Schaefer said that also played into the decision to sign him, because whatever happens in the fight, Golden Boy will have the winner under contract.

“That certainly didn’t hurt,” Schaefer said. “I’d be lying if I would say something different. But I discussed this with Adam Booth, David Haye’s manager and trainer. I informed him before we signed Ruiz and he was OK with it. Numerous promoters were after Ruiz after it became known he was no longer under contract with Don King. Frank Warren from England pursued him. If Hayemaker [Haye’s company] and Golden Boy were doing the Ruiz fight together it made sense for us to also work with Ruiz.”

The recent update we received on Z Gorres is nothing less than amazing and remarkable and most of all – inspiring.

We are constantly in touch with Datches the wife of Gorres and Tony “The Good Samaritan” Martin and his wife, Yvonne. They all keep us posted almost every other day on the progress of Gorres.
The brain surgery of Z has not affected his memory. He recognizes everyone who visits him in the hospital.

Z is no longer in the respiratory and breathes on his own and is now eating solid food and has started to talk but in whispers.

It is only his left side that still needs to recover fully. He can now move his left arm but very slowly so with his left leg. Those are the part of his body that needs to be monitored closely as he progresses to recover.

ALA Promtoions President, Michael Aldeguer is in close touch with Tamara Greene the new Medical Social Worker at University Medical Center and is the one coordinating Z’s discharge planning.

Since the time Z has been admitted several people have visited him. Among the visitors were Wakee Salud, Boboy Fernandex, Gerry Penalosa and Rodel Mayol, cutman Miguel Diaz and the Top Rank people headed by Bruce Tampler, Brad Goodman, Sean Gibbons, Dan Pancher and Richie Sandoval, Cornelius “Boza” Edward and Dr. Allan Recto.

Promoter and matchmaker non-pariel Sampson Lewkowicz with his wife and maybe a few more others who have also visited Z but without our knowledge.

We are sending the most recent photos of Z with his wife Datches and ALA trainer Tony Martin and his wife Yvonne.

Vic Darchinyan will be back in action on 6 March on Showtime in what is likely to amount to a keep busy fight while Nonito Donaire will stop Gerson Guerrero in February to set up the rematch sometime over the summer. Donaire will repeat his win then head for a fall fight in The Philippines with Jorge Arce who will KO Angky Angkota first. Nobau Nashiro will most likely rematch Hugo Cazares this time Cazares will take the title to make him a two weight world champion. Though he may not see the year through especially if he has to take the title on the road. South African Simphiwe Nongqayi is in his mid 30’s surprised everyone when he won the IBF title. He may have enough to see his way through the year as the IBF top 15 isn’t particularly threatening with the exception of Alexander Munoz who may be campaigning at Bantamweight anyway.

In a mega fight in Japan Koki Kameda’s youth prevailed as he overcame Daisuke Naito to take the WBC crown last year. I expect a big year from Kameda with him outpointing battle tested former champ Pongsaklek Wongjongkam in a close maybe controversial fight. I’d not be surprised to see Naito get another shot if he doesn’t retire. Kameda will also beat make a third defence. Thailand’s Denkaosan Kaowitchit fights Daiki Kameda in another rematch after narrowly winning last time. It wont happen this time and Daiki will claim the title making it the second weight class where two brothers hold world titles at the same time. At some point the WBA will make Daiki square off with Interim WBA champion Luis Concepcion in what should be very interesting. IBF ruler is another South African Moruti Mthalane who will successfully defend his title at home but will lose it in the second half of the year when he’s comes to Mexico to fight Herman “Tyson” Marquez. Long standing WBO ruler Omar Narvaez has been champion since 2002 and made 16 successful defence’s and at 34 you wouldn’t think he could last to much longer but he hasn’t looked like losing and will see the year through fighting twice at home.

Puerto Rican mighty mite Ivan Calderon fought twice in 09 and suffered from bad cuts in both he’ll enjoy more luck this year. He’ll fight twice more both successful defence’s which will take place in the cosy confines of his homeland. Brian Viloria finally came good on his promise last year and will keep his crown with three wins first up will be tough but limited Carlos Tamara which takes place in The Philippines. He’ll be back then in America where he’ll get a place on one of Top Ranks cards in the spring/summer. By the end of the year Viloria will be mentioned as a possible counterpart for Koki Kameda & Calderon. Power punching Giovanni Segura will continue to fight on Latin Fury cards with a stoppage over Wisanu Pornobnum an excellent fight with Francisco Rosas beckons. Rosas is teak tough and should provide a really intriguing fight for Segura but will yield late on or on points. Another possible fight is Ulises Solis who would fend off Segura’s early charge to pick apart his fellow Mexican in an excellent fight to become a two time champ. Rodel Mayol finally got over the hump to win a world title thanks to his head when he stopped Edgar Sosa. I don’t see him keeping the title with tough fights against the likes of Omar Nino & Adrian Hernandez his top contenders.

Roman Gonzalez will continue to reign supreme, first fighting in Mexico on 30 January though no opponent is know don’t expect it to be anyone to tough while Gonzalez scores a KO. Expect 2 other challengers to go the same way one of them being in Japan. Oleydong Sithsamerchai is a little to slick for anyone at Strawweight. He turned back Juan Palacios who was his toughest opponent so don’t expect any of his coming challengers to be able to take his title. Two more defence’s beckon which both go the distance. Raul Garcia will leave Baja California Sur, Mexico for the first time when he travels to South America face his toughest fight to date in mandatory challenger Nkosinathi Joyi. Joyi is also unbeaten and poses a major threat to Garcia 2 year and 5 successful defence’s. It’s one that i think will pose to much for him with Joyi taking the title via lopsided points decision. Don’t expect anyone to unseat him either as he’ll develop further and score a couple of KO victories. WBO ruler is Donnie Nietes who gets the year off to a good start when he stops Jesus Silvestre on 23 January. He’ll follow that with maybe a road trip but he’ll be good enough to keep the title.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Jermain Taylor has pulled out of Showtime’s Super Six Super Middleweight World Boxing Classic.

Taylor was due to face super middleweight titleholder Andre Ward in the second stage of the modified round-robin tournament on April 17.

“I’m going to take some time off from the sport of boxing and take myself out of [the] Showtime Sports World Boxing Classic tournament,” Taylor said in a statement. “It’s important that I give my body and mind some much-needed rest, because I have been boxing for nearly 20 years. I plan on keeping myself in shape and making a return to the sport sometime in the future.”

Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella was pleased that Taylor took his advice and withdrew from the tournament.

“I know it must have been a difficult decision for Jermain and I’m very happy for him and his family that he decided to give himself a much-needed break,” DiBella told ESPN.com.

Behind the scenes Taylor’s manager, Al Haymon, had been working with Showtime on a buyout of Taylor’s remaining tournament fights. It is unclear what sort of deal they reached, if any, before Taylor’s announcement.

“This was not an easy decision for me, having discussed it with my family, trainer [Ozell Nelson], friends and my adviser, Al Haymon, because I’m a very competitive person. But I know this is the smart road for me to take,” Taylor said. “I want to thank Showtime Sports for everything and I wish the best for my five counterparts who will continue on in the Super Six tournament. Most of all, I want to thank the many fans for their continued support.”

Taylor’s replacement is likely to be the winner of a fight between Sakio Bika (28-3-2, 19 KOs), champion of the 2007 “Contender” tournament, and Allan Green (29-1, 20 KOs). Their handlers are working to finalize a fight between the two for Feb. 5 on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series. DiBella promotes Green and Haymon manages Bika.

Late last week, DiBella told ESPN.com that “Allan has agreed to the fight and Bika and Al Haymon are working on their side.”

If Bika and Green fight to a draw, DiBella said the winner of a coin flip would become the alternate. If an injury forced the fight to be called off, the healthy fighter would get the open spot in the field.

PHILADELPHIA (January 9, 2010)—On Friday night February 5th, Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc. presents the first big show at The world’s number-one boxing venue as a big show is planned for a the annual “Valentine’s Day Special” that will feature some of the best boxers from not only Philadelphia but from Europe as well.

In the main event, Maks Liminov of Prokopyevsk, Russia will risk his undefeated record of 11-0 against new Blue Horizon crowd favorite Loren Myers in an eight round Middleweight bout.

Liminov has a record of 11-0 with seven knockouts and will be making his second appearncde on American soil after fighting his first town bouts in his native Russia.

In that American debut, Limonov stopped Skyler Thompson (11-4) in three rounds on November 7th in Tacoma, Washington.

Myers quickly became a fan favorite at The Legendary Blue Horizon after his last outing on December 4th when he battled Gee Cullmer (16-1) to one of the most controversial draws in recent memory. It was a fight where most ringsiders thought Myers dominated and should have had his hand raised and the out of towner received a standing ovation from The Blue Horizon crowd.

Myers of Fresno, California has a record of 7-7-1 with two knockouts and is coming off that disputed draw on December 4th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

In one co-feature, exciting Featherweight prospect Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter will see action in an eight round bout against an opponent to be named.

Hunter, just twenty-three years old of Philadelphia has a record of 11-1 with four knockouts and has won six straight since his lone pro defeat in 2007.

This will be Hunter’s third appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon (2-0, 2 KO’s) and first since his third round knockout over Jules Blackwell on June 6, 2008.

In a special four round Heavyweight bout, Joe Dawejko will make his hometown debut as the nineteen year old former world Jr. Champion will take on Damon Clement.

Dawejko will be looking to thrill his hometown fans much like he did in the fall of 2008 when he was crowned the winner of the AIBA Youth World Championships.

Dawejko won his pro debut on September 26th when he scored a six round unanimous decision over Royphy Solieau.

Clement of Ohio is 0-2.

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Tim Johnson (4-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Patrick Budd (2-1, 1 KO) of Dumfries, VA

Fresh off his knockout win on December 4th over Nathan Perrott, John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) of New York City takes on Ricardo Johnson (1-0) of Cincinnati, OH. In a heavyweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Jackie Davis (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will participate in a Ladies Welterweight four round fight against an opponent to be named.

Andres Gustafson of Norrkoping, Sweden will trek across the Atlantic to risk his undefeated mark (3-0, 1 KO) to take on Levay King in a four round Heavyweight bout.

In a four round welterweight bout, Ronald Cruz (7-0, 4 KO’s) and debuting Jr. Welterweight Clemente Bethea of Philadelphia will see action in separate four round bouts against opponents to be named.

Tickets are going fast for this exciting boxing event. The perfect pre-Valentine gift for your boxing enthusiast.

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

Gray Maynard scored a three round split decision over Nate Diaz in the Lightweight main event of UFC Fight Night at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA

Scores were 30-37 and 29-28 for Maynard, 155 lbs of Las Vegas and is now 10-0. Diaz, 155 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 11-6

Evan Dunham scored athird round tapout submission over Efarin Escudero in a three round Lightweight bout between undefeated fighters.

Dunham, 155 lbs of Las Vegas is 10-0. Escudero, 155 lbs of Tempe, AZ is 13-1

Aaron Simpson was almost knocked out in the first round but came back to win a close split decision over Tom Lawlor in a three round Light Heavyweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 on two cards for Simpson and 29-28 Lawlor. Simpson, 185 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 7-0. Lawlor, 185 lbs of Orlando, FL is 6-2-1.

Amir Sadollah scored a three round unanimous decision over Brad Blackburn in a Middelweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 on all cards for Sadollah, 170 lbs of Richmond, VA and is now 4-1. Blackburn, 170 lbs of Olympia, WA is now 15-10-1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 11th, 2010)—THIS Friday night, the first big boxing of the new decade in Philadelphia will take place as USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will take on Edwin Vazquez in an eight round non-title bout that will highlight an eight bout card at The Arena in South Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by Greg Robinson’s Power Productions in association with River Edge Beverage Company.

Ennis of Philadelphia will be looking to improve upon his record that currently stands at 19-2-1 with twelve knockouts and will be looking to carry the momentum of a seven fight win streak. In that streak, Ennis has scored three knockouts and is coming off a career best win when he scored an exciting twelve round unanimous decision over Eromosele Albert on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon to capture the USBA Jr. Middleweight title.

A win over Vazquez will pave the way for Ennis’ first title defense that is tentatively penciled in for April 9th.

Vazquez of Santurce, Puerto Rico has a record of 22-14-2 with eight knockouts and is looking for a win in the worst way as he has dropped five straight contests.

Those losses have come to some of the top Welterweights and Jr. Middleweights as Vazquez has lost to Matthew Hatton (30-3-1); Zab Judah (34-5); Eric Mitchell (20-4-1); Euri Gonzalez (16-0-1) and his most recent outing, Vazquez was stopped in four rounds to Cuban super prospect Erislandy Lara (5-0) on May 22nd in Miami.

Ironically Ennis and Vazquez were scheduled to meet on February 15th, 2008 but Ennis failed to make weight and Mitchell stepped in on less then twenty-four hours notice to score a very close unanimous decision.

An exciting undercard has been put together that will feature of the area’s most popular and top prospects.

In a six round co-feature, popular Victor Vasquez (10-3, 5 KO’s) takes on Gustavo Dailey (4-7, 1 KO) in a battle of Philadelphia lightweight’s.

Vasquez is riding a two fight win streak and the always crowd pleasing fighter, who is a licensed barber will look to cut down Dailey.

Vasquez is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Tyric Robinson (9-4-1) on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Dailey has been matched very tough throughout his career and he has been very active as this will be his thirteenth fight in just under two years of pro experience.

Dailey is coming off the third fight of his trilogy with Maryland prospect, Tyrell Samuel.

Dailey scored a major upset when scored a six round split decision over Samuel last July in Samuel’s backyard in Maryland. The two engaged in a return bout two months later that saw Samuel win by an eight round unanimous decision. The two fought a rubber match in November and once again Samuel scored a five round technical decision after a cut opened up over Samuel’s right eye.

In a second six round co-feature, Northeast Philadelphian, Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante battles Andre Hemphill in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Ferrante, 8-0 with four knockouts an eight round majority decision over Billy Bailey at The Arena on July 10th.

Ferrante recently came off a six week stint as the main sparring partner for the legendary Bernard Hopkins as Hopkins prepared for his December 2nd win over Enrique Ornelas

Hemphill, also of Philadelphia has a record of 8-13-2 with five wins coming by knockout has been in with top competition and this will be the THIRTEENTH undefeated opponent that he has stepped into the ring with which includes his last fight where he took a fight with Jeremiah Graziano on less then twenty-four hours notice and Hemphill was stopped in the first round of the October 2nd bout at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Good looking Super Featherweight prospect, Coy Evans of Philadelphia risks his undefeated mark that stands at 5-0-1 when he takes on Vinesh Rungea of the United Kingdom.

Evans is coming off an impressive victory over thirty-five fight veteran Carlos Diaz on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon

Rungea is much like Hemphill as his record, 2-14-3, looks deceiving due to his high level opposition. He has faced seven undefeated fighters which includes his most recent outing which was a first round knockout defeat to highly regarded Rances Barthelemy on August 28th in Hollywood, Florida.

In a four round Light Heavyweight bout, Tommie “Big Poppa” Speller, 4-3 with three knockouts of Philadelphia takes on Dave Cook, 3-3 with two knockouts in a four round bout.

6’4” Middleweight, Derrick Webster, 3-0 with two knockouts of Glassboro, New Jersey will battle Antonio Walls, 2-2 with one knockout of Washington, DC

Wahid Raheem, who is the brother of Lightweight contender and former U.S. Olympian Zahir Raheem, 3-0 with one stoppage of Philadelphia will square off with Eilud Torres (2-1-2, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a four round Lightweight bout.

Rounding out the bill will be Cruiserweight, Charles Heyward (2-2,1 KO) of Philadelphia seeing action in a four round Cruiserweight tussle.

Tickets for this outstanding night of boxing are priced at $75, $65 and $40 and can be purchased by calling Power Productions at 215-240-9987; Ticketmaster at 215-336-2000 or The Arena at 267-687-7560

By 2005 Arizona was very much the Helpdesk State, whatever hold the Grand Canyon still had on tourists’ imaginations, and a few wiseasses in a Tempe call center said we should change the state bird from a Cactus Wren to a Head Set. One such chap was Bob Benedetti. He started a local sports portal, named it Bob44.com and asked me to write for him.

So began my tenure as an Arizona boxing writer – a journey rife with pleasant surprises. The boxing-writing part of that journey continues so long as you read me. The Arizona part, though, concludes Feb. 1, the day I move to San Antonio, Tex.

What follows, then, is a meandering tour of the last five years of Grand Canyon State boxing. Please join me.

In March of my first year, Arizona boxing had attached its fortunes to a former U.S. amateur champion readying for his 15th professional fight under Top Rank’s banner. Jesus “El Martillo” Gonzales was 14-0 (9 KOs) and expected someday to approach the fame and accomplishments of Michael Carbajal – whose shadow always looms over local prizefighting.

I visited Central Boxing Gym, learned Gonzales’ training schedule and returned the next day to interview both Jesus and his father and trainer, Ernie Sr. A week later MaxBoxing.com’s Thomas Gerbasi wrote a Tuesday profile of “El Terrible” Esdrick Isaac Morales, and I sent him an email inquiring about boxing writing. He replied quickly and generously, even encouraging me to pursue a credential for Gonzales’ next fight. A month later Top Rank’s Lee Samuels introduced me to local rep Phil Soto who gave me that credential.

That year there were 23 fight cards in Arizona. Top Rank – doing business with local promoter Peter McKinn – staged about a dozen. Startup outfit Golden Boy Promotions did six of their own in Tucson.

But Top Rank’s interest in Arizona boxing crashed Sept. 17, 2005. That night, the last of the “Adiós” cards featuring Julio Cesar Chavez, saw Jesus Gonzales ruined by Jose Luis Zertuche – just before Ernie Sr. punched McKinn – then Chavez blame a broken hand for his fifth-round surrender to Grover Wiley, and finally Michael Carbajal escorted from the premises by security. Bob Arum was ringside. “¡Adiós Phoenix!” indeed.

Along the way, though, I met John Raygoza – the owner of 15rounds.com and author of the first piece I read about “El Martillo.” John invited me to Tucson where I met Desert Diamond Casino’s excellent staff. Six weeks after Top Rank said adiós, Golden Boy returned to Tucson to make its most ambitious desert show, “Boxing World Cup” – a 50-round monster between Mexico and Thailand.

The following March, with Bob Benedetti’s encouragement, I started writing for 15rounds.com. Two months later undefeated cruiserweight BJ Flores rented Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, home of the Arizona State Fair, and made a card the late Norman Mailer might have called “Advertisements for Himself.” Phil Soto, who handled seating for Flores, put me on the canvas next to The Arizona Republic’s scribe – some guy named Frauenheim. I spent the next 150 minutes laughing at 30 years’ worth of stories.

That month, the median value of a Phoenix home was $330,320.

Towards the end of 2006, the end of Arizona as a boxing destination became apparent. Don King made his last visit in the fall, staging “Red November: The Hunt for the White Wolf” on the pitcher’s mound at Chase Field. Liakhovich-Briggs, the main event, followed the worst 35:30 of heavyweight championship boxing with perhaps its most suspenseful conclusion when Shannon Briggs knocked Sergei Liakhovich onto the scorer’s table at 2:59 of the last round.

Golden Boy Promotions used Desert Diamond as a Plan-B venue 364 days later, bringing Juan Manuel Marquez and Rocky Juarez to the southern desert after lagging ticket sales, er, an injury to Marquez’s knuckle, knocked the fight out of Las Vegas.

But by then Arizona’s economy was in free-fall. Frightened Arizonans did what frightened Americans always do in bad economic times: Blame the immigrants. A novel law got passed, work visas became mandatory for Mexican fighters, and one year later matchmaker Eric Gomez called Arizona the hardest place to put a boxing card.

Showdown Promotions made a noble effort to resurrect prizefighting with a Gila River Casino card in the fall of 2008. Ivaylo Gotzev promised a rising Phoenix 13 months later. Fact remained, though, that in the four years since 2005, Arizona boxing had gone from 23 cards to eight – with only half comprising more than four fights.

This month the median value of a Phoenix home is $177,000. That’s 46 percent less than it was in 2006. You can imagine what such a reversal has done to the mortgage offices, restaurants, car dealerships and banks that employed Arizona fight fans.

Golden Boy Promotions’ last Tucson card was possibly the worst in “Friday Night Fights” history. Peter McKinn spent some of his fall in Fourth Avenue Jail. And BoxingTalk.com reports Ivaylo Gotzev filed for bankruptcy two months after “Phoenix Rising.” Arizona boxing deserved better.

As I leave for the Lone Star State, though, let me acknowledge some friends.

All the best to my three favorite local fighters – two of whom try never to fight locally – Donnie Orr, BJ Flores and Juanito Garcia. Many thanks to the good folks at SIMG in Tucson. Thanks for the good chats to Showdown’s Gerry Truax. And for providing my first credential, and being a first-rate person, Phil Soto, especially, has my gratitude.

Finally, the writers: Keep your eye on Albert Alvarez at DiamondBoxing.com. Know that there isn’t a finer, or funnier, baseball writer on the wire than the AP’s Andy Bagnato. If ever you’re in southern Arizona, get a copy of the Green Valley News; Nick Prevenas is Arizona sportswriting’s best-kept secret. And that guy named Frauenheim? Turns out he’s a legend of sorts. You can find him here every Friday.

See you guys at the Alamodome.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the saga that is or was a proposed bout between pound for pound kings, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather took even a stranger turn on Sunday night as just hours after it was announced that Pacquiao would fight Joshua Clottey on that date on Pay- Per-view, Golden Boy Promotions announced that Mayweather would be fighting on March 13th on a seperate Pay Per View in Las Vegas

“It’s a date Golden Boy has had for a long time and nothing has changed,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said. “We have been talking to Team Mayweather to see who the opponent will be. I hope to have something to announce in the next few days.”

According to sources, Mayweather’s list of potential opponents includes former junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi and Golden Boy-promoted former lightweight titlist Nate Campbell, both smaller men than Mayweather, as well as former welterweight titlist Kermit Cintron, who is a similar kind of opponent as Clottey is for Pacquiao. There is also a more remote possibility of Mayweather facing junior welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley Jr., who has ties to Showtime, which may not want to let him walk away for a possible fight on rival HBO PPV.

One opponent Mayweather will not be facing is Matthew Hatton, the brother of former junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton, whom Mayweather knocked out in a 2007 welterweight title fight. Reports in Matthew Hatton’s native England indicate that he is under consideration.

However, Schaefer that is not the case.

“There is absolutely no truth to the rumors about Matthew Hatton. I can’t tell you for sure who Floyd will fight, but I can tell you for sure it won’t be Matthew Hatton,” Schaefer said.

“It is unusual, but what can I do,” Schaefer said. “It wasn’t Floyd who walked away from the Pacquiao fight. There is nothing I can really say about it. I’ve had the date [March 13] for a long time. Initially it was for the Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones fight [which won’t come off because Jones was knocked out in a Dec. 2 interim bout]. You know what? It is what it is. I’m not getting excited about it anymore. I am sitting outside having a cigar and [expletive] it. It is what it is.

“It’s not good. Its not good for Pacquiao to go on that date, which we had for a long time. We had that date, end of story. So it’s not good. How can it be good? It’s not good for boxing. It’s not good for boxing that Pacquiao and Mayweather are not fighting each other. I worked really hard to make that happen and it’s not. And I am not belittling Pacquiao’s fight with Clottey. It’s OK. Hey, we have a piece of [the promotional contract of] Pacquiao. But is it ideal? No it’s not. Is it the end of boxing? Is the world collapsing? No it is not. We all have to look to March 14. March 13 will pass and on March 14 boxing will still be there and there will be exciting fights, and nothing will change that.”

“Nobody wants competing fights. HBO doesn’t want it,” he said. “Nobody in their clear mind can be happy about Mayweather fighting somebody else or Pacquiao fighting somebody else. But we all have to live with it and accept. I’m a boxing fan too and I am pissed off about what happened. Anyone who says anything different is lying. I wish there had been something I could do about it, so I am very frustrated and disappointed, but Floyd Mayweather will still fight

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the WBO Welterweight championship bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey is officially set for March 13 in Dallas at the 100,000 seat Cowboy Stadium.

Jones and Top Rank’s Bob Arum and Todd duBoef, who toured the facility and were Jones’ guests at Saturday night’s Cowboys playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, closed the deal for the bout on Sunday afternoon.

“Bob was persistent in keeping this alive as a place for Manny’s fight,” Jones told ESPN.com, while celebrating the deal with Arum and duBoef. “I’m so glad Bob came back to us. We are so excited about this event and that we will be able to bring a big fight here for the Hispanic boxing fans, and all boxing fans in this area, who are also Dallas Cowboys fans. It’s important for us. Manny is such an exemplary athlete.”

“I never got into the NFL or bought the Cowboys for the money. I was lucky enough to already have some,” he said. “This is about having a fighter like Manny and an event like this in our venue. When we finished the deal, I was shaking as much as I was when we beat the Eagles. I’m just as excited.”

Jones said the stadium won’t be set for the full 100,000 seating capacity as was planned for a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout. Instead, they’ll start in the 40,000-seat range.

“But that’s one of the great things about the stadium — we can expand the seating capacity as it warrants,” Jones said.

“This is going to be one of the biggest events in the history of boxing,” Arum said. “This is the most incredible stadium setting I have ever seen. It is absolutely unbelievable. This is going to be much, much more than just a boxing match. A lot of things that happen are ordained by God. We weren’t going to go here for Pacquiao-Mayweather fight because [Golden Boy CEO Richard] Schaefer wouldn’t get on a plane and come down here and see the place. So that didn’t happen. And now that fight isn’t happening. And now we are here with Manny for another fight. When people see this event and how it will be presented, nothing in the past will ever compare to it.”

Photo By Chris Farina / Top Rank