Eight months ago, Paul “The Punisher” Williams walked towards the ring at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Standing in the middle of the ring waiting for him was another threat to his rise to stardom, Sergio Martinez. Williams had already defeated Martinez in a closely contest twelve round slugfest that was already hailed by many as the fight of the year. As a featured fighter among HBO’s heavy stable of boxers, he was en route to lucrative pay per view showdowns and rumored to be in talks with the sport’s elite.

Six minutes after entering the ring, that all came crashing down.

With a looping overhand left, Sergio Martinez had knocked Williams out cold in the second round of their rematch. As Martinez and his team celebrated, Williams lay unconscious on the canvas; hovered over by ringside physicians. After a few minutes, he regained his composure and was able to take in what had happened. Instead of disappointment, anger, or great sadness, Williams had a look of shock on his face. He stood in disbelief as Martinez’ arm was raised.

He’s been here for years

On Saturday, Williams returns to the very ring he was knocked out in. Instead of going back to the drawing board and making changes, Williams hopped right back onto the horse. He will be facing Erislandy Lara. Formerly a star of the Cuban amateur system, he has since become a highly regarded up and coming fighter. As an amateur, he compiled an amazing record of 310-10.

Williams has been here before. In 2008, he suffered a decision loss to Carlos Quintana, only to come back four months later to knock him out in two minutes. Despite his two losses, Williams holds a claim that few fighters can; he has defeated everyone he has ever faced.

“I have never been in a comeback fight,” stated Williams, who takes exception to the word ‘comeback.’
“To me it’s just another fight. Some of the top guys out there, like many Pacquiao, he lost a couple times. He didn’t have a comeback fight – he just comes back and fights. This is what we do. Guys that do have comeback fights, they are guys that don’t know themselves what they are doing.”

Williams knows what he’s doing. He stands at 6’1” and towers over all of his opponents. Instead of backing away and working behind his jab, Williams stands in and slugs it out against his opposition. His exciting style has made him a favorite among fans of the sport.

In regards to Lara, Williams knows he is not a typical fighter to come back against. “He is the new lion on the block and all that. You always see on TV how the young lions are trying to overtake the old lions, but this old lion isn’t ready to leave… We are going to have to go through the rain and get wet. We are going to have to go through the fire and get burnt… I am looking forward to a rough fight. It is going to be exciting for the fans to see. I am going to be excited to see it too. I am just hoping that nobody gets seriously hurt…just hurt.”

And what of Lara’s extensive amateur background? Williams’ trainer George Peterson is not concerned. “Amateurs are all right,” stated Peterson, “but this is a professional boxing match. That amateur record doesn’t matter to us one way or another.”

The co-feature of the evening features two relative unknowns facing off in a super-bantamweight showdown with a title on the line. Champion, Akifumi Shimoda of Japan, squares off against Rico Ramos of California. This is an interesting scrap that could very well show us here the future of the division lies.

Chris Arreola continues his active comeback trail/weight loss showcase against Friday Ahunanya. HBO will showcase highlights of the match during the broadcast. Say what you want about Arreola, but he is just fun to be around. Arreola who has been fined in the past over his foul language, seemed to loosen the vocabulary of the presenters of the press conference on Wednesday. Kerry Davis of HBO began a sentence with a “Yo,” while promoter Dan Goosen dropped a profound “damn.” His having to lay off the late night tacos and beers brought about laughter at the packed press event.

The Championship event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, with the Williams-Lara bout in association with Golden Boy Promotions and the Ramos-Shimoda bout in association with Teiken Promotions and hosted by Caesars Atlantic City. The Williams vs. Lara and Shimoda vs. Ramos bouts will be broadcast on HBO’s Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 PM ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). Tickets, priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, are on sale and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

It’s been over a year since we last saw Kermit “The Killer” Cintron in action. Not since last May when he tangled, literally with Paul Williams in a fight which saw Williams topple from the ring landing on the floor outside and ultimately unable to carry on have we seen Cintron. Since then Cintron has taken time out and spent it with his family but now he’s ready to get back to work & that starts this Saturday against tough Carlos Molina live on Showtime as chief support to the much anticipated Brandon Rios-Urbano Antillon fight. It represents a welcome return for the Reading, Pa based Cintron who’s now 31 boasting an impressive 32-3-1(28). All of the blemishes on the former IBF Welterweight champion’s record were tinged with controversy of some sort. First the two fights with Antonio Margarito because of the possibility Margarito’s gloves had been tampered with like that had been prior to the Shane Mosley, leading many previous Margarito opponents to cry foul play. Whilst Sergio Martinez in many people’s opinions did enough to beat Cintron but the fight was only called a draw. Most recently of course he lost to Williams leading to a hiatus. He’s what Cintron had to say on all those fights, his return and future plans.

Hello Kermit, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You’ll be fighting Carlos Molina in a few weeks, what are your thoughts on that fight & how do you rate him?

Kermit Cintron – I think Carlos Molina’s a good fighter, very tough. He comes to fight. I have to be very prepared for this fight and I’ve been doing it. I’ve been down here (he’s training in Houston) for 5/6 weeks now. Just getting myself prepared for the fight.

Anson Wainwright – It’ll have been 14 months since we last saw you fight, why was there such a long space of time since you last fought. What have you done in that time?

Kermit Cintron – Oh yeah after the Paul Williams fight I decided to take some time off and take care of a few personal things back home. For the reasons I just wanted to spend time with my kids. I’m always on the run with training camps, so I decided to take the time off and enjoy the time.

Anson Wainwright – Of course your last fight was when you lost a technical decision to Paul Williams. He fell from the ring and injured himself. What are your thoughts on that and how did you see things?

Kermit Cintron – Well you know it’s a fight I should have won, except for the accident. Boxing’s a little shady like that, it is what it is. But I can only move forward. I was looking great against Paul Williams. I feel like I was winning every round. All I can do now is focus on future fights. Big fights coming up, and make sure I take of business and finish my fights.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & your promoter? Also could you tell us about what gym you train at?

Kermit Cintron – Josh Dubin & James Prince are my managers, they gave me the opportunity to sign with Top Rank. I’ve got Ronnie Shields as my trainer. Brian Caldwell is my strength and conditioner. We have a great team. I feel like I have the Dream Team that every fighter would want. Everybody gets along, everybody works together. I’m not longer with Lou Di Bella. When I’m in Houston, I train at the Savannah Boxing gym owned by Willie Savannah who is Juan Diaz (Former WBA, WBO & IBF Lightweight Champion) manager. When I’m home I’m not in the Boxing gym just the gym working on my strength and conditioning with Randy Yocum who’s a good friend of mine he helps me when I’m home. Brian Caldwell & Randy Yocum do talk and keep each other updated with what I have to do. So it all works out.

Anson Wainwright – There are many options at Light Middleweight, provided all goes well for you against Molina. What are you looking to do next?

Kermit Cintron – As of right now I don’t have anything. My focus is on Carlos Molina. If I don’t get passed him there’s nothing else for me in the future. Make sure I come out victorious and look good and I’m sure that’ll help get me go fights afterwards.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts about the current Light Middleweight champions WBC Alvarez, WBA Cotto & Trout, IBF Bundrage & WBO Dzindziruk?

Kermit Cintron – I think there all good fighters, there champions for a reason. One of the fighters I’d like to fight is Dzindziruk who has the WBO but I think the weakest right now that I believe to be champion is the young kid who just fought Saul Alvarez. I think it’s showed twice now that the two European fighters he fought him for the world title. Both fighters did absolutely nothing to win the fight against him.

Anson Wainwright – You drew with current Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, many people thought you actually lost that fight. What are your thoughts on that fight?

Kermit Cintron – I have to respect the judges they had it a draw. I felt I won the fight. I think it was a close fight but that I won it. I should have fought the twelfth round after they took the point from Martinez. But decided to waste time thinking I won the round but they ended up giving the round (to him) and that’s how it ended up being a draw.

Anson Wainwright – Another fighter you fought was Antonio Margarito, he stopped you twice. What are your thoughts on those fights & do you believe Margarito was using loaded gloves against you or was it just a case of him being the better guy?

Kermit Cintron – I believe in the second Margarito fight he used those wraps whatever they were. After the fight I told my manager Josh Dubin in the locker room “I’ve never been punched so hard and felt his knuckles through his gloves like I did tonight” It was weird at the time nobody knew anything but then he gets caught a few years later.

Anson Wainwright – Do you feel as though he punched harder the second time you guys fought?

Kermit Cintron – I believe so yes.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have as a professional Boxer?

Kermit Cintron – I definitely want to be a world champion again. Everybody in this game wants to make big bucks. I just want to come out on top and be one of the best fighters whoever put Boxing gloves on.

Anson Wainwright – Where do you see your future in terms of what weight classes do you want to fight at back down at Welterweight, at Light Middleweight or higher?

Kermit Cintron – I fell like I’d like to go back to 147 and win a world title there again. Hopefully it can happen, but I know for sure It can become a champion at 154. I’m not thinking higher, It wouldn’t be the right move for me. I do want to go back to 147 and challenge for a title in that weight class.

Anson Wainwright – Making 147 wouldn’t be a problem for you?

Kermit Cintron – I don’t believe so. I feel I could make the weight. The second week of training camp for this fight I was already down at 155, I had to pretty much cheat a little with my diet because I couldn’t keep my weight up. I like to stay the same (weight) until the last 2 weeks of the fight which was going to be 152. I think I can make 147 easily.

Anson Wainwright – If we can talk a little about you as a person, could you tell us about your younger days and how things were for you growing up in Puerto Rico and then Reading, Pennsylvania?

Kermit Cintron – As you know I was born in Puerto Rico, I moved to The United States when I was 8. I moved outside Philadelphia it’s called Warminster. I came to Reading because of my room mate in college and he was from there. The first year we were in college we really clicked and became really close friends so we started to make plans after our first year. I found a Boxing gym and that’s how I started Boxing.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become Interested and take up Boxing?

Kermit Cintron – I grew up around Boxing. My uncle who raised me was a professional fighter himself but I was more into Wrestling. As you know I Wrestled for a bunch of years. I ended up going to college with a scholarship for Wrestling. I ended up dropping out of school in my sophomore year to give Boxing a try. After signing to go pro after being an amateur for a year. I turned pro just to make a few bucks and ended up being signed by a promotional company which was Main Events. That’s when I started taking this serious.

Anson Wainwright – You have come a long way for a guy who turned pro without much of an amateur Boxing background?

Kermit Cintron – Yeah, I had pretty much no amateur background, no National Championships. So I pretty much had to come up the hard way. I can honestly say I’m not doing to bad.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your time when you’re not training or fighting?

Kermit Cintron – I love spending time with my kids and my wife. I try to enjoy being with them, hang out and chill. I do a lot of Golfing. My younger brother likes Bowling so I go Bowling with him.

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

Kermit Cintron – July 9th is my comeback fight after a year off. It’ll be on Showtime if you can’t make it to the fight in California at the Home Depot Center watch it on Showtime.

Thanks for your time Kermit. It’s good to see you getting back to action.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

NEW YORK, NY (June 14, 2011) – On Tuesday afternoon in New York City, WBC Middleweight Diamond Champion and universally recognized top-3 pound for pound fighter, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KOs) signed a new multiyear, multimillion dollar deal that will keep his promotional interest with DiBella Entertainment (“DBE”) for the foreseeable future.

“This is an important day for DiBella Entertainment,” said DiBella. “Sergio Martinez has proved in his recent run of fights that is no challenge he fears and that there is no challenge he cannot conquer. Together, we will look to make the biggest fights against the biggest names in boxing and we won’t stop until ‘Maravilla’ is universally recognized as, pound for pound, the best in boxing.”

Martinez, 36, originally linked up with DBE in 2007 and has gone 7-1-1 over the span. The only blemishes on his record during that time were a close decision loss to Paul Williams in a fight widely heralded as the 2009 Fight of the Yea and a universally criticized draw versus former champion Kermit Cintron in 2009 in a bout where most people thought Martinez should’ve been awarded a knockout in round seven and then had done more than enough to win after 12 rounds.

After a victory over Kelly Pavlik in win the middleweight crowd in April, 2010 and a stirring second round knockout to avenge his loss to Williams in November, Martinez was named the 2010 Fighter of the Year.

Martinez began 2011 in a big way in March, stopping previously unbeaten Sergiy Dzinziruk in eight rounds.

“I’ve never had any doubt that DiBella Entertainment is the best promoter in boxing,” said Martinez. “I have no doubt that we will continue to do great things together. This is exactly what I wanted.”

Also in attendance at the signing, which took place at a local stationary store just a few blocks from DBE’s midtown headquarters, was Martinez’s longtime adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz.

“This is about finishing what we started,” said Lewkowicz. “I believe that in Sergio Martinez t we have a grand champion who is the best fighter in the world.’’

Martinez is scheduled to return to the ring October 1 on HBO against European middleweight champion Darren Barker (23-0, 14 KOs).

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that world Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez will defend his title against Darren Barker of England on October 1st in either Atlantic City or Dallas.

The report indicated how social media played a big role in making this fight as Martinez’ promoter Lou DiBella and Barker’s promoter Eddie Hearn began fight conversations via Twitter.

“I’ve known Eddie since he was 11. Easy to make the deal,” DiBella said. “They’ve been wanting the fight and Sergio is willing to fight anyone. Barker has been calling out Sergio and he’s a pleasing TV fighter. He’ll come at Sergio and I think it will be an exciting fight, and there will be a lot of international interest, especially in the U.K. Barker’s never been beaten and he’s popular in England. He’ll have more people travel to the U.S. for this fight than travel here for (British world titleholders) Carl Froch or Amir Khan fights.”

“This is the fight we are doing,” DiBella said. “We met with HBO, they know our intention and our meetings have been positive. They know the situation. They are well aware that the fight has been offered to many top opponents. I believe we will have a deal with HBO completed this week.

“Out of the guys who are available, this is a guy who wants to fight Sergio,” DiBella said.

“Sergio would have fought any of them, but people are turning him down left and right, but Barker is a guy who wanted this fight,” DiBella said.

“One thing you can’t take away from Barker is he has the courage to face the best,” Martinez said. “He has the courage to face the best more than Cotto or Chavez. He has more courage than them. I am fighting an undefeated fighter. As I have always said, I am ready for anyone. Nobody else took a step forward to make this fight, but Barker did. I am very disappointed in Cotto. He has no balls to face me.”

“I believe that he was the best available contender,” Sampson Lewkowicz, Martinez’s adviser, told ESPN.com while at dinner with DiBella and Martinez on Monday night. “Cotto refuses to fight, Chavez Jr. is missing in action. Cotto doesn’t want any part of Martinez. Barker is qualified. He is the European champion, he is undefeated and hungry for the glory. There is nothing better than that — to be so hungry for the glory.”

“I don’t believe we’re getting the winner of Chavez versus whoever, but Sampson exacted a promise from the WBC and we’ll find out if they will honor the promise,” DiBella said. “I don’t think they will.”

DiBella said he is close to finalizing the HBO co-feature, which would pit Fort Worth middleweight Brian Vera (18-5, 11 KOs), a former participant on “The Contender,” against Ireland’s Lee in a rematch.

Martinez is the number one rated Middleweight and Barker is ranked sixth by the 15rounds.com rankings

Promoter Lou Dibella gives an explosive interview and rant at Bob Arum pertaining to Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

It’s been 8 months since we last saw Paul “The Punisher” Williams in action. On July 9th he makes his much anticipated return. For several weeks several guys were linked with Williams before it was announed he would be fighting Japan’s Nobuhiro Ishida who was coming of a stunning first round KO over James Kirkland, however many felt this wasn’t a fight worthy of HBO who promply brought in unbeaten Cuban Erislandy Lara instead. It’s not something that concerns him, he’s hungry to get back to doing what he does best and wants to make a statement following his brutal loss to Sergio Martinez. Still only 29, with an imposing 6’1 frame to go along with a wing span of 82 inches, he’s a southpaw with a high work rate making him a nightmare for pretty much everyone from 147-160. Here’s what Williams had to say ahead of his comeback.

Hello Paul, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You’re returning to action 9 July on HBO. Can you tell us about this?

Paul Williams – I’ll be fighting the Cuban Erislandy Lara in Atlantic City. I don’t want to say to much about him. I respect his ability and am looking forward to the fight but wont get caught up in a war of words with him. I am a professional and will handle myself like a gentleman. I’ll let my fists do my talking.

Anson Wainwright – What are you looking at from your performance in this fight to move forward?

Paul Williams – What I’m looking for is me to go out there and put on a good show. Like that last fight I had with Sergio Martinez they wanna know how I’m going to perform after that. I’m going to go in there and do my thing. I got caught, the best get caught. It’s not like I got beat up. For me I know there’s a possibility that can happen in a fight so I’m not worried. I just want to get in there and go to work again.

Anson Wainwright – What weight will this fight take place at? What weigh class are you intending to fight in for the foreseeable future?

Paul Williams – I don’t know it could be 54 or 60 for me it really don’t matter.

Anson Wainwright – What weigh class are you intending to fight in for the foreseeable future?

Paul Williams – I want to keep doing what I’m doing now go up and down the weight classes. Wherever we can get a big name fighter, if the money’s right and everything. If that’s the move we’re gonna make I’m game for it. I’m a fighter that’s what I do, that’s how I make my living.

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

Paul Williams – My manager is Mr Peterson, my trainer is Mr Peterson. Everybody knows him as George “Jumbo” Peterson and Al Haymon and Dan Goossen there my promoters. Well we’re down here in Washington D.C and we go to every gym around. Right now we’re actually at Club 150 Center. We go to different gyms, where the works at, we keep on the move.

Anson Wainwright – Last year you fought Sergio Martinez in a rematch, he stopped you in the second. What are your thoughts and feelings on that looking back? How difficult was this for you to deal with?

Paul Williams – After the fight we still had our party as we would if we’d won, nothing changed. I joked around with the guys. You know when you play Fight Night video games and you try to get up and put everything back together that’s how it is. Line everything back up, by that time they’d stopped the fight. I was like I’m good. I saw the doctor to make sure I was clear. Right after that fight everything went out the window, I was like it is what it is. I wasn’t crying or sad, I would have been mad if I wasn’t in shape but I was in the best shape. That first round was going to be like the second round, third round, fourth round and pick it up till the fight was over but I got caught and I have to live with it. But did I dwell on it or beat myself up on it? No I went out had my fun just like when I lost to Quintana, I had my fun. When I get back in there you better believe who ever it is is going to pay for it. As I tell everybody you can’t accept winning if you can’t accept losing. I deal with it, its business. I’d of been happy if I’d of won just like he was its competion.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve lost twice in 41 fights but have victories over both Carlos Quintana & Sergio Martinez who beat you. You have beaten Margarito, Cintron, Winky Wright etc who would you say has been the best fighter you have ever fought to date?

Paul Williams – To be honest I put all them in the same category. Not down playing their skills or anything. I never got in the ring with a guy I couldn’t do anything to, I never got in with a guy I couldn’t get off with , I always get mine in. They all have their skills. I really don’t know I just go in there to fight.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you have in Boxing?

Paul Williams – The goals I have in Boxing. I’ve accomplished just about all my goals, becoming a world champion, that’s the main thing you want to do. And becoming a 2 time champion. Now I want to fight the best out there. I’d love to get in there with Manny Pacquiao. I call out these guys’ names but you never hear these guys call out Paul Williams’s name. You know he’s (Pacquiao) the best out there and my thing is who else can you fight who is a big name besides me only Martinez and Martinez ain’t no big name. He got a big win over me but his last fight not to down play it, I saw it on TV it seemed like the whole building could of fell in and it wouldn’t of hurt anyone cos there wasn’t that many people there.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Aitken, South Carolina. Can you tell us about your younger days and what it was like for you growing up?

Paul Williams – I was born in Augusta, Georgia but raised in Aitken, South Carolina. I didn’t really have a tough upbringing. My mom raised us good, working 2 jobs to keep me and my two brothers and sisters. I can’t say any of my family were locked up or any bad stuff. We’re a pretty good family. My mom did the best she could. When I started to get to my teens I started hanging with my friends a little more but we never had any issues with the law or anything like that. I had a good upbringing, it made me who I am today, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I had a few street fights with my friends and other friends coming up in the neighbourhood that made me tougher like any normal kid would go through but nothing bad like real poor or anything like that. My mom did her best and put food on the table for us.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested and then take up Boxing?

Paul Williams – I used to be on the school bus and the driver called Lee Wells was a friend of the family, my mom knew his wife. I used to get on the bus be bad fighting and he thought I had a lot of energy. (So he said) Hell put him in Boxing. He asked me and my older brother if we wanted to box. I was like sure I’ll do it. Then we got into it and I fell in love with it.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing. What are your hobbies & Interests?

Paul Williams – I like to get in my old school car and ride up and down the highway. Go to the gun range, shoot my gun you know a little fishing. Ride my bike, be out clear my head away from Boxing. Actually I plan on doing 3 more fights then hang them up. Do my Real Estate; I’ve got some houses and apartments that’s my plan. That’s what I’m already doing so I’ll keep with that.

Anson Wainwright – Would you stay involved in Boxing in some capacity?

Paul Williams – To be honest I probably wouldn’t. I don’t want to get the urge to comeback and not be hungry and get hurt. Right now I’m hungry and want to get what I can get out of it before I get old. I’ve been doing it since I turned 17 and now I’m 29 about to be 30 on July 27. This sports for the young guys. I’ve got Mr Peterson we have a good thing going on he taught me the business side and what to do with my money. So I’ve got a good nest egg with my Real estate and Property I’m renting out. I feel like 3 more big fights then I can hang my gloves up. I’d rather be home with my kids.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve had 2 fights with Martinez would you like to do a third? Who would you like to fight?

Paul Williams – My fans would like to see it, I ain’t got to say I want him. He knows if he wants big money there ain’t nobody but me, he knows that I beat him the first time and he beat me the second time. Let’s make a third fight. There’s no way he set that punch up. It was just a lucky punch that landed but I can’t knock him for it, it landed. Don’t go saying you set it up, everybody knows that bull. It is what it is. I’d love to do a Pacquiao fight a Martinez fight.

Anson Wainwright – How about Floyd Mayweather Jnr. I know he’s with Al Haymon is that a doable fight?

Paul Williams – Everything is doable I think, lets make it.

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

Paul Williams – Oh to my fans, I’m doing good. I’m blessed. I bought some more property to rent out to people who want to live down south. They’ll see the same Paul Williams, doing the same thing putting on a good show for my people and fans, you’re going to see a good fight.

Thanks for taking time out to speak to us Paul.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former two-division world champion Paul Williams will return to the ring for the first time after being smashed in two round by Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, on July 9th when he takes on Nobouhiro Ishida in Atlantic City.

“We’ve made a deal with Golden Boy for Ishida,” Dan Goossen, Williams’ promoter, said.

“We have a verbal agreement with Ishida and we are just waiting for the signed contract to come back,” said Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions, which co-promotes Ishida with Canelo Promotions. “Ishida agreed to the fight. Everybody involved has agreed to the fight. We’re looking forward to it.”

“We figured since this young man stopped Kirkland, he was hot since Kirkland was hot,” said George Peterson, Williams’ trainer. “We said, ‘Hey, we’ll fight him.’ ”

“We are just anxious to get Paul back in the ring and to do it against someone who just had a spectacular first-round knockout over a highly respected fighter in James Kirkland. That adds intrigue to Paul’s first fight back from the Martinez fight,” Goossen said.

“My experience has told me not to have any concerns,” Goossen said. “I have seen a lot of great fighters — Tommy Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko — be on the bad end of a great punch and come back and be dominant world champions. I’ve got no reason to think that Paul Williams won’t follow in those same footsteps.”

HBO accepted Ishida as the opponent after the Williams camp turned down a number of proposed opponents, including former titlist Sergiy Dzinziruk and former title challenger Deandre Latimore.

“It’s going to be Ishida, no doubt about that, so that is who we are preparing for,” Peterson said. “But I haven’t seen him yet. I don’t know the type of fighter he is, but we just want to fight. I heard he knocked Kirkland down three times. I thought Kirkland was a little tougher than the way it seems that fight went, but you never know when you get clocked. A lot of times you don’t recover. So I will take a look at the tape in the next couple of days. But we are looking forward to fighting. All Paul wants to do is fight.”

“The big question is going to be Paul Williams,” Gomez said. “How is he? Ishida has never been knocked out. He’s not a big puncher even though he looked like one against Kirkland. When a guy is coming off a really bad knockout, are they the same? I think we’ll know in the first couple of rounds. If Ishida lands a big punch we will know. We don’t know what Williams has left in the tank. It’s not just the Martinez fight either. Williams has been fighting tough fights since the (Antonio) Margarito fight (in 2007). How much more does he have in the tank?

“Goossen and Team Williams are doing the right thing by getting a guy that doesn’t have a high knockout ratio. But I did the same thing with Kirkland and we guessed wrong. We put Ishida in with Kirkland and, surprisingly, he knocked out Kirkland. You would figure Paul Williams should win. He’s always had a good chin and throws so many punches. But what does he have left? We’ll see what happens. Ishida has nothing to lose and will probably go for broke again.”

“We can’t hang our heads in sorrow and cry over a loss,” Peterson said. “Paul is like, ‘If I take a loss, I take a loss.’ Like (in his first career loss to Carlos Quintana), he said he had a bad night with Martinez. Paul just said, ‘Hey, I had a bad night. I got caught.’ ”

“Paul had some time off, some needed time off,” Peterson said. “We are to a point where we realize that it’s going to be a struggle getting back and getting the recognition after the devastating loss. But Paul will be back and will want Martinez again, no doubt about it. After this one, he wants to fight Martinez for a third time. He is not ducking anyone.

“When I tell people we want to fight Martinez for a third time people say you do? Why not? The guy is in the fighting business. This is his occupation. Guys who shy away from a challenge, we don’t consider them fighters. They are hustlers, pick pocketers.”

Promoter Lou DiBella sounds off on Sergio Martinez and Andre Berto – Victor Ortiz

Claudia Bocanegra was present at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods to capture the vivid moments of Sergio Martinez title defense victory over Sergiy Dzinzurak plus Andy Lee’s thrilling comeback knockout over Craig McEwan

This is one of the more authentically enjoyable rides we’ve been on, isn’t it? Sergio Martinez, a man humble outside the ring as he is confident within, continues to bring pleasant surprises every time we see him. He has a naturalness to him most standout performers don’t.

Improperly packaged for most of his career and today barely promoted at all, Martinez has become the one phenomenal performer in our sport we wish to see often and are able to see often and free of additional charge. He puts a lot of people in prizefighting to shame – and what a richly deserved shame it is.

El Espectáculo de “Maravilla” kept on Saturday when Martinez went against a largely unknown but quietly heralded Ukrainian who might be named Serhiy Dzinziruk and who had made a menace of himself in Europe – as a tall, dispassionate southpaw with a jab and left cross – and dropped the previously undroppable Dzinziruk five times en route to a knockout victory at 1:43 of round 8. Martinez also retained sole consideration as the world’s middleweight champion.

The fight happened at MGM Grand in Connecticut’s Foxwoods Casino and was televised by HBO. An Argentina-born, Spain-polished Californian making a title defense against a Ukrainian resident of Germany, in Connecticut? Only a casino site fee and television contract could play backbone to that gelatinous mess.

Which almost adds to Martinez’s charm, actually. For once the innovation begins with a fighter, not his marketing. No silly press-conference antics. No vitriolic conference calls. No reheated, made-for-infomercial, hand-pad tricks. No ring entrance on a swing. No posse of buffoons wrestling Michael Buffer for the camera during introductions. Just a good-looking athlete wearing championship belts and bowing, curtain-call style, to those gathered in his name.

Followed by an artistry of motion rarely seen in boxing. No nervous feet. No Matrix-style avoidance of another’s fists. No intimidating faces at an overmatched opponent. No meaningless punches. No talking. Nothing but outstanding athleticism seasoned by its equal in confidence, presented by a man who fights whomever he is asked to fight.

It has been a long, long time, hasn’t it?

Dzinziruk was a good, undefeated fighter – another product of what was once the Soviet system that gave us champions like Vasily Jirov and the Brothers Klitschko. But that amateur perfection taught by trainers raised in the Soviet system was some of what plagued Dzinziruk, Saturday.

Across from “Maravilla” Martinez’s syrupy mobility, Dzinziruk’s thoughts were almost audible: Defend, step forward, hit by jab, hit by jab, block left cross, jab, step backwards, raise hands, step towards overhand left, throw counter right hook.

Emboldened by his co-hosts’ numerous favorable comparisons of Martinez’s style to his own, though, HBO analyst Roy Jones rose to the occasion, imagined how he might see Dzinziruk in a fight, and imparted some surprising wisdom. The best of which was his idea of Dzinziruk fighting behind Martinez; Dzinziruk, Jones explained, cannot determine what Martinez is going to do before Martinez does – for having never seen a creature like Martinez – and therefore must lead Martinez by jabbing first, if he is to have a chance.

Martinez was hittable. Martinez is hittable. He sometimes forgets an opponent has any volition of his own. Martinez mesmerizes an opponent then mesmerizes himself with his effect on that opponent.

Martinez jabbed Dzinziruk to the body. Martinez jabbed Dzinziruk to the body. Martinez jabbed Dzinziruk to the body. Martinez threw jab, cross – while changing the trajectory of his left fist to find Dzinziruk’s chin. And then Martinez took a step backwards and crouched and dropped his hands to his thighs and moved his head at short angles to study Dzinziruk while awaiting a foray he might counter before finding Dzinziruk was unable to blitz him and shifting his weight front to back to leap at Dzinziruk.

It was nothing like what a trainer would tell a kid to do in the gym. It was the creativity of a man who taught himself to box, late. It was the first successful interpretation of Roy Jones on a championship stage by any actor in the 21st century.

And it was evidence of what makes Martinez the first athlete-boxer we’ve seen who concerns himself with hitting an opponent more than not being hit by an opponent. That is, it took a dose of Latin machismo finally to give us an athlete of peerless reflexes whose priority is offensive and not some layered narrative like: I will humiliate you so you do not humiliate me.

Whatever it is that makes “Maravilla” what he is was present in round 8. After losing the better part of both the sixth and seventh, Martinez retreated with his hands low, blood coming out the side of his left eye, and moved his upper body till all was comfortably arranged.

Then he jumped forward. He hit Dzinziruk with a jab-cross combination. He did it again. Dzinziruk went down. The rest was details.

Your first instinct is to hope Martinez can make a super fight, to hope some larger canvas is available for his inspired brush. But that could be wrong.

Because life isn’t fair, Martinez will be the promotional b-side of any super fight he makes. He will be at a myriad of disadvantages from catch weights to venues to whatever else others’ handlers can think up. Better, then, that he do exactly what he is doing: fight three times a year on HBO till he’s cleaned out the middleweight division.

At 36 years-old, Martinez might not have many more chances to entertain us. But this ride will be a marvel while it lasts.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter: @bartbarry

Sergio Martinez continued his domination of the middleweight division by scoring an impressive 8th round KO over Sergiy Dzinziruk. Martinez dominated from the outset as he scored well from the outside and easily moved away from the jab of Dzinziruk. By the fourth Martinez began to open up and score more easily. Mid round, a left hand in the midst of a 4 punch combo caused Dzinziruk to take a knee. Martinez continued his dominance and scored a knockdown on a jab left hand at the end of round 5. Dzinziruk had perhaps his best round in the 7th when he finally opened up and landed some good jabs and left hands, but Martinez stormed back in the 8th and scored an early knockdown on a counter left hand. Dzinziruk rose on shaky legs only to be knocked down by a second counter left hand. He gamely fought on but one more flurry from Martinez dumped Dzinziruk on the seat of his pants and referee Arthur Mercante Jr. called the fight at 1:43 of round 8. Martinez notches another big win and improves to 47-2-2 with 26KOs while Dzinziruk loses his 0 and drops to 37-1 23KOs.

Middleweight’s Andy Lee and Craig McEwan fought an exciting ten round scrap that ultimately saw Lee come from behind to score an impressive KO. Lee started well and landed some strong right hooks over the first two rounds, a few of which visibly bucked the legs of McEwan. But McEwan began to find his rhythm in round 3 and started timing Lee with straight left hands and right hooks. Rounds 4-6 saw McEwan land some good shots which appeared to sap Lee’s strength and put him in retreat. Lee rebounded in round 7 though and began to turn the tables, landing some good right hooks that helped close the gap in the scorecards. A jab right hand combo at the end of round 9 dropped McEwan hard and Lee did all he could to finish him off. He had to wait till round ten when he landed a sweeping overhand left to the McEwan’s chin who dropped hard to the canvas. Referee Steve Smoger called off the fight without a count at 56 seconds of round ten. Lee showed heart in his come from behind victory and runs his record to 25-1 with 19KOs. McEwan loses for the first time as a pro and falls to 19-1 10KOs.

Featheweight Javier Fotuna of LaRomana, Dominican Republic scored a highlight reel KO in the first of HBO’s televised fights, knocking out a truly game Derrick Wilson (Miami, FL) in the eighth round. Wilson came to win and threw punches with reckless abandon from the start of the fight. Fortuna had the superior skills though and was able to time Wilson and land a perfect counter right that dropped him in the 3rd. Wilson rose and continued to fight hard which allowed him to survive the round. He arguably won the fourth round as he tagged Fortuna repeatedly with right hands but was again knocked down in the 6th via a left hand, right hook, left hand combo. Wilson had a good round 7 but was dropped for the third time mid-way through the 8th on a straight left hand. Again he rose and fought back gamely but ultimately paid the price for his bravery as Fortuna landed a perfect straight left counter that put Wilson out cold. Referee John Callas called the fight without a count at 2:27 of round 8. Fortuna is now 14-0 with 11KOs while Wilson slips to 8-2 2KOs.

Welterweight Thomas Durlorme of Carolina, Puerto Rico needed only two rounds to dispatch his over matched opponent Guillermo Valdes of Miami, FL. It was obvious from the opening bell that Durlorme was going to earn himself a stoppage; the only intrigue in the fight was how long it would last. Valdes was knocked around the ring for all of the first round and continued to take a beating in round 2 until referee Dick Flaherty intervened 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the round and saved Valdes from further punishment. The stoppage was premature but Valdes (now 12-3 3KOs) clearly had no chance and should be thankful he didn’t have to fight on.. The win keeps Durlorme unbeaten at 10-0 9KOs.

In the lone female bout of the card, heavyweight’s Sonya Lamanokis of Turner Falls, MA earned a unanimous decision over the formerly unbeaten Tanzee Daniel of Brooklyn, NY. From the opening bell both fighters stood toe to toe and fired shots to the body and head. This trend continued for each of the six rounds and seemingly made for a difficult fight to score. When the scores were announced though, the judges were in agreement and gave the fight to Lamanokis by scores of 58-56 and 59-55 (twice.) Lamanokis keeps her 0 and runs her record to 4-0 2KOs while Daniel slips to 4-1 1KO.

Light heavyweight Seanie Monaghan of Long Beach, NY battered Jackson, Missippi’s Billy Cunningham over 4 one-sided rounds to earn himself a unanimous decision. Monaghan pressed the action throughout the fight and consistently landed good left hooks to the body. Despite his best efforts, Monaghan never had Cunningham in trouble but did more than enough to earn scores of 40-36 across the board. He improves to 6-0 4KOs while Cunningham drops to 5-9 4KOs.

In the opening bout of the evening, junior middleweight Abraham Lopez (2-1-1) of Oxnard, CA outworked his opponent Andrew Jones (0-4) of Buffalo, NY over 4 rounds to claim a unanimous decision. Lopez battered Jones all fight with strong lead right hands and almost put him away in rounds 3 and 4. Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 (twice.)

POST FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Sergio Martinez: “I want no easy fights. They (Paul Williams and Dzinziruk) are two different fighters. Paul Williams and Dzinziruk have different tactics. Dzinziruk is a very smart fighter but I beat him at his own game – the jab. It was supposed to be a technical fight.”

“(He wasn’t hit with) nothing special. I wasn’t hurt. I felt one punch, behind my head, but that happens in fights.”

“There was no emergency (after he was cut). It was just the moment to finish.”

“(How low can he go to make a Manny Pacquiao fight) Probably 154.”

“(Head trainer filling in for his brother Gabriel) Pablo (Sarmiento) did a perfect job.”

“Cotto would be a good fight. I just want to fight the best. If Cotto is man enough, he will ask to fight Sergio Martinez.”

“I will not stop until I am recognized as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “McEwan put on one of the gutsiest performances. He was leading after eight rounds and Lee had to do something dramatic.”

“I’m proud of Andy Lee’s performance. I’ll talk next week with Manny (Stewart, Lee’s manager/trainer). It won’t be Sergio (for Andy) the next fight. This made Andy an HBO fighter – the best thing he can do.”

“It was a terrific show. It turns out Dzinziruk was the right fight. This proved that he (Sergio) is a Hall of Fame fighter. Dzinziruk is an excellent fighter but Sergio may be the best fighter in the world.”

“Pound-for-pound, (Sergio) he is the best fighter in the world. Tonight you saw why he’s going to the Hall of Fame. He is the best middleweight from Argentina since Carlos Monzon.”

“We want the biggest fight out there.”

“That’s not up to me (making a Martinez-Miguel Cotto fight). It’s up to Bob (Arum). Maybe Cotto will be man enough to ask Bob to fight Sergio? Arum’s been lining up bum after bum after bum to fight Manny Pacquiao and Cotto. People should be lining up to fight him (Sergio), the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “Sergio Martinez not only is the best 160 pound fighter in the world but he may be the best fighter in the world. I’ve been in this business since 1961 and I’ve never seen anybody with more hand speed than Sergio Martinez. We still have the best 154-pound fighter in the world. There isn’t a 154-pound fighter in the world we wouldn’t fight.”

Artie Pellulo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “We have the best junior middleweight in the world; Lou has the best middleweight in the world and one of the best, if not the best fighter in the world. Dzinziruk got up and knew he was fighting the best in the world. The better man won tonight; he fought the best middleweight in the world.”

Andy Lee: “Overall, I wasn’t happy with my performance. I hurt him early in the fight and I think that worked against me. I loaded up too much. I got into that habit and it was tough to get out. In the middle rounds I thought I was losing the fight. It was a big opportunity so I said to myself if I’m going to lose he’s going to have to kill me.”

“Basically I was flat-footed until I switched it up. Eventually I caught him at the end. I was fortunate but I deserved it. I don’t know what round it was but something inside me said I was going to take it.”

“He boxed very good. It was hard; we’re friends. I respected him before the fight and more now.”

“Sergio has great speed. He’d be a tough challenge for me.”

“I won the ninth, 10-8, but knew I needed a big finish and not leave it to the judges. One, two – he was on the ground. It wasn’t my best performance but it was a great victory. It was a hard fought fight. I showed courage and heart. I will get better.”

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO
SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK
WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion
2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996
Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine
46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)
158.8 LBS. 158.8 LBS.

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

162.6 LBS. 161.4 LBS.

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

126.0 LBS. 125.0 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIEL

Four-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion Five-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

226.2 LBS. 253.2 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

145.0 LBS. 144.0 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILLY “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

174.2 LBS. 173.8 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

149.4 LBS. 150 LBS.

MASHANTUCKET, CT (Mar. 10, 2011) – The final “Diamond Elite” press conference was held today at Comix in Foxwoods Casino Resort. The WBC Middleweight Diamond Championship showdown, featuring 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk, will be on HBO World Championship Boxing along with Andy Lee vs. Craig McEwan in a “Celtic War.” All four fighters and representatives from their respective camps were in attendance.

Below are quotes from the participants:

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “I think it’s going to be a tremendous night of boxing. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the property. Foxwoods is great and it’s been a pleasure working with the staff here.”

“This will be on television – HBO Sports – and it’s a very competitive card with the two fights on TV real TV fights. Sergio Martinez is the Fighter of the Year and had the Knockout of the Year. He’s fighting a guy who is a technically sound fighter with a great jab and defense. Sergiy will find out that he’s not in with just another fighter. I expect a very competitive fight.”

“I want to thank our sponsors: Corona, the Dominican Republic Tourism Board and Hennessey.”

“We have as terrific undercard off TV with some terrific fighters. We have a female heavyweight from New York, Sonya Lamonakis, fighting another fighter from New York (Tanzee Daniels). If you like women’s boxing, this is going to be a war.”

“This sport needs everybody pulling together. We’ve had four major promoters working together without a single problem. That’s how to elevate boxing and bring it back.

“We’re having ‘Celtic War’ five days before St. Patrick’s Day. I’m proud to promote Andy Lee. The winner of this fight will establish himself for the fighter he is. It’s the first opportunity for Craig and Andy on HBO and its stage and legitimacy.”

“My partner and one of the best judges of talent in the world is Sampson Lewkowicz. He scours the world looking for the next Sergio Martinez.”

“Some people will be a little surprised – Gabriel Sarmiento won’t be in Sergio’s corner because of a personal issue. His brother, Pablo, will be in Sergio’s corner. He’s trained Sergio before. Gabriel ran the camp until the final day of camp last Friday.”

“It’s no secret that I didn’t like this fight. HBO twisted my arm but I give them credit. This is the best possible opponent in the world to fight Sergio. Sergio agreed to fight him despite giving up his middleweight belt. He wants to leave a legacy of fighting the best and there’s no doubt that Sergiy is the best 154-pounder in the world.”

“This is what’s at stake (Diamond belt). It costs about $50,000 and has diamonds all over it. The stakes are big.”

“This (Martinez) is one of the most talented athletes and people I’ve ever worked with. Sergio is concerned with people and he has a sense of community and integrity. His nickname, ‘Maravilla,’ marvelous and he is indeed, marvelous.”

“Sergio promised me to speak in English at the next press conference. He has a great teacher and he’s done a great job.”

Sergio Martinez: “I thank HBO, WBC, my promoter, advisor, trainers Gabriel and Pablo, and my team. This Saturday you will see the best Sergio Martinez. This fight is for Argentina.”

Kery Davis, HBO: “We really have a special night of programming with the premier of the Runnin’ Rebels documentary immediately followed with world championship boxing starting at 10:30 eastern, 7:30 pacific. Sergio was a relatively unknown boxer but he beat Kelly Pavlik and followed that with unquestionably the Knockout of the Year against Paul Williams. Sergio is good looking, intelligent and he has charisma. The sky is the limit for him. He is fighting the challenge of his life. Many feel Sergiy Dzinziruk is the No. 1 154 pounder in the world. He is relatively unknown. When you put the best middleweight in the world against the best junior middleweight in the world, you should never apologize, and we don’t. Lee and McEwan are trying to make names for themselves and statements. They’re looking forward to fighting the winner of the main event. Sergio and Sergiy are stepping-up to take the challenge. Sergiy is stepping-up in weight. Sergio is fighting the toughest guy. We’re looking forward to a great night of programming.”

Scott Butera, Foxwoods Resort Casino, President & CEO: “Here at Foxwoods, we have a long-standing tradition with the sport of boxing and have hosted some of the boxing world’s most high profile fights and some of the world’s greatest athletes. As North America’s largest resort casino there are few venues in the Northeast more fitting to host this World Middleweight Championship bout featuring Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk than MGM Grand at Foxwoods and our world-class MGM Grand Theater. The event’s equally exciting undercard, dubbed the ‘Celtic War,’ pits the Andy Lee and Craig McEwan.

“And we have a ‘Who’s Who’ of industry vets on property for the big event, including Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions, and Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Promotions, as well as none other than Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“We’re always thrilled to showcase Foxwoods to a national audience, and HBO’s live broadcast of Saturday’s event will provide a great vehicle for us to do just that. We’re grateful to everybody in this room. Let’s have a great night on Saturday.”

Robert Diaz, Golden Boy Promotions: “This is what boxing is about – four promoters working together to give the public two great fights. McEwan is in a tough fight but he’s more than ready. I can tell you that for a fact. He is fighting for his family, country and himself. Remember, there years ago what happened not too far from here (Lee was knocked out by Bryan Vera).”

Craig McEwan: “This is a big stage for me. I’m ready to put on a big show and show everybody what I’ve got. Andy’s a great guy but Saturday is business. Afterwards we can go out for a pint. I’ve always wanted the (WBC) green belt and this fight will get me one step closer to that.”

Andy Lee: “Everything has been said. Craig, I know well, but I have a job to win this fight. Afterwards we can be friends. I’ve trained 100-percent and want to thank Sugar Hill and Roger Lee. I’ve had the best camp ever, in Florida, with a lot of sparring and conditioning. We’ve left no stone unturned.”

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “This is a tremendous fight, deserving to be at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. I’m happy because it is a great fight. I want to thank HBO for putting Sergiy on their card because he’s truly a great fighter. It may not turn out the way Lou and his team think.

“I am a cancer survivor. If you’re over 40, get a PSA test. It saved my life and it could save yours.

“To Lou and Sampson, thanks for taking this fight and I give a lot of credit to them because Sergio had the opportunity for an easier fight. But they took the challenge and I have a lot of respect for Sergio. I represent the best 154-pounder in the world, the single best in the world at 154 pounds, and he wanted this fight. It’s a big step up; up in weight for the fight, and they didn’t want it. I know at the end of the day, no matter what Sergio and Sampson say, it is an impossibility to knockout Sergiy. We will leave here with a win; I guarantee it!”

Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “I’ve put on more than 30 shows at Foxwoods since 1992. HBO and Ross Greenburg have a heckuva fight. They went out of their way to make it. They have the two best: best middleweight and best junior middleweight, who doesn’t know how to lose. It’s going to be great – two guys who know they need to win to move on. Boxing rewards you for winning and both know everything’s on the line. After Martinez knocked out Paul Williams, the fight we get is against the best middleweight in the world. We called Sergiy and he said make the fight. Both are in harm’s way. It’s going to be a very good show because they both know they have to win.”

Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor of Sergio Martinez: “This is my first time here at Foxwoods and it’s wonderful. HBO chose this fight because it’s the best money can buy. Gary Shaw says he guarantees he’ll win the fight. His partner, Artie Pellulo, didn’t say that. Sergio Martinez, if he doesn’t knock him out, he will beat him up. He went from 154 to 160 to be the best. There was no catch-weight because the champion is a middleweight. Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez is the champion of the people, champion of the press; the champion of everybody on earth, inside and outside the ring. I am so proud to be part of this team.”

Pablo Sarmiento, trainer of Sergio Martinez: “Every training camp for Sergio gets better than the last. Saturday you will find out that it’s the best Sergio you’ve ever seen. The challenger is a great fighter and we respect him.”

Sergiy Dzinziruk: “I want to thank everybody for this opportunity and Sergio Martinez, especially, for the opportunity to fight in such a big fight. It’s a dream come true for me. I’m very excited. It’s going to be a great fight and I will be victorious at the end of the night.”

Bob Yalen, representing the WBC: “On behalf of the WBC, Jose and Mauricio, to Sampson, Sergio on behalf of the year you had, and Lou for promoting such a great fighter and fighter, let me present these plaques to all three of them.

“I’m a historian. I don’t think people realize how great a fight this is in the ring. Argentina and Europe have a great history of middleweight fighters. The Ukraine has built a great history. These are two great fighters. I thank HBO for allowing it to happen and Foxwoods for bringing it here.”

“DIAMOND ELITE FACT SHEET”

WHAT: “Diamond Elite” professional boxing show

BOUTS:

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO

SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion

2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996 Ukraine Olympian

Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine

46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIELS

4-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion 5-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILL “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

(ALL FIGHTS AND FIGHTERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2011

WHERE: MGM Grand at Foxwoods

PROMOTER: “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. “Celtic War: Lee vs. McEwan” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

BROADCAST: The main event and co-feature will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM/ET / 7:30 PM/PT.

TICKETS: $450.00, $250.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office, online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, calling MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1.866.646.0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

INFORMATION: Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET, first HBO fight at 10:30 PM/ET.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

One of the top trainers in boxing, Gabriel Sarmiento will not be in the corner with his man, World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez when he takes on Sergiy Dzinzurak this Saturday night at The Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Gabriel won’t be in the corner because of some personal issues,” promoter Lou DiBella said, although he would not say what the particular reasons were. “It’s private, so there’s not much I can say about it. But Gabriel was with Sergio in training camp all the way, so they have worked on everything together.”

Taking over as the head of Martinez’s corner is Pablo Sarmiento, Gabriel’s brother. Pablo Sarmiento is a regular member of Martinez’s training staff and has worked in his corner for several past fights, DiBella said.

“Gabriel was with Sergio through the close of camp [last] Friday,” DiBella said. “We knew about this, but we didn’t feel the need to announce it until we had to. We are comfortable with Pablo. This is not an excuse no matter happens in the fight, and we know this is a very tough fight. Sergio said it will make no difference and that he had the best training camp he has ever had. Both of the Sarmientos were there in camp.”

Said Martinez, the consensus fighter of the year for 2010: “Pablo is from the same school [as Gabriel], so this will be OK. It’s nothing that is a surprise. I am well-trained and ready

NEW YORK, NY (Mar. 3, 2011) – Yesterday’s media conference call featured Middleweight Champion, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez in advance of his “Diamond Elite” clash with WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk on March 12 from the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods, airing live on HBO World Championship Boxing. Also on the call were Martinez’ advisor Sampson Lewkowicz, and Lou DiBella, the promoter of the event.

Below are quotes from the call’s participants:

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez:

“It definitely wasn’t a lucky punch (vs. Paul Williams II). Anybody who has seen the tape – it’s not too long – see me throwing the same punch six times and landing five and then I knock him out. It was a premeditated punch, not lucky.”

“Like Lou said, he wants me to knock this boy out; however, people don’t know the quality of this champ to knock him out. I need to do the job and I’m ready to fight, if I knock him out or go the distance. But I will predict a knockout. I’m ready for either.”

“I’m very happy and content that I finally got my dues (after Williams II) to be recognized. It’s because of the hard work in the gym that I was able to come up with this victory.”

“I never want an easy fight. I want to fight the best. Mayweather cannot fight me; Manny Pacquiao cannot fight me. So, I need to fight somebody very challenging and the best opponent, or the best challenger, is Sergiy Dzinziruk. Nobody else is left.”

“Everybody’s wrong. The fight was officially made by HBO and HBO got the best available opponent, Dzinziruk, because he has the credentials. I didn’t lose the title, only for a few months, because after I beat Dzinziruk, whoever is at 160 (pounds) I want to fight, regardless of whom it’ll be. And I have no issues with that and nobody forced me to fight because I only want to fight the best.”

“I believe that in a way I gave up the title because I have a promise to fight Zbik and I needed to give up the title. However, I’m very proud and honored to be fighting for the Diamond belt that, I believe, is the most beautiful belt I’ve ever seen. There is lots of prestige to be part of that and I thank the WBC for this great opportunity and the WBC never closed to door to me, to the contrary, the WBC opened the door. Today, I am who I am.”

“It’s really a pity in my case because of problems fighting opponents or challenges. I’m not thinking of going up to 168 (pounds) because I’d be too small physically. So, I plan to stay at 160 for the rest of the year and then see what it takes for the future. I believe I’m too small for ’68. I will give too much of an advantage to 168-pounders.”

“I’m surprised that he (Dzinziruk) talked like that (“Sergio isn’t special”). But he will find out March 12th that he was wrong. I believe I have something special.”

“Really, this is the hardest training camp I’ve ever had. Former two-time champion, Daniel Santos, is with me, who fought Dzinziruk, and the other (sparring partner), Austin Trout, is the WBA 154-pound champion. I have the best sparring partners I can get.”

“I know very well…I’ve fought similar guys (to Dzinziruk) several times in Europe, but the problem is, no press in America know them. I’m used to it and he will use all of his intelligence against me and wait for me to make a mistake to counterpunch. I know what I need to do to avoid any complications. So, I have no problem with that.”

“It was very hard and sad to give up the title. I wanted to defend that title every time I could until the end of my career. But at this time I’m happy with the outcome, if my next fight after this I will recoup the title. I will demand to fight for the title, on behalf of my promoter, if he wants me to fight at 160, so (the winner of) Zbik and Chavez Jr. must face me or give up the title to me.”

“It (Feb. 21 was his birthday) was a very happy day for me. I got up at four in the morning, as normally, and finished training at 10 o’clock at night. It was no different except that I received phone calls of congratulations from all over the world and that was happy for me. But I worked normal like every day.”

“I will never celebrate – I dislike parties – after the fight. I like to be with my close friends and have dinner. That’s special. No, I won’t party after any fight. I don’t like parties.”

“I need to dictate the pace of the fight. I will not allow him to dictate. I’m the champion and I want to be the pound-for-pound best. So, I need to prove I can dictate the fight. The strategy I plan to use is being discussed. I just started discussing it with my trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento, because we do that the last week. For now, the only thing I do is training like I would train for any other fight.”

“It will be very good for Cotto, for me, and the fans so maybe it can happen in 2011.” (In regard to a fight between Martinez and Miguel Cotto.)

Martinez’ Advisor, Sampson Lewkowicz:

“I’m very happy to be part of Team Martinez and I definitely believe I have an excellent promoter who did a great job bringing Martinez to this position. Let’s hear from the champion, a great champion in and out of the ring, Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez.”

“He (Sergio) will not get in the ring with somebody who doesn’t have the stature. He will not do it.”

“He’s never talked about money. Every time when there are negotiations with Sergio Martinez and his team, there never was an issue and that is unheard of. He is the champion of the press; he is always available for the press.”

Statement from Martinez’ Trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento (read by Martinez’ strength-and-conditioning coach Cicilio Flores):

“Gabriel apologizes. He couldn’t be here today and in fact he’s training Javier Fortuna right now, who will also be on the undercard. Victor Cayo, he’s training him now, as well as Victor Gonzalez. Again, he apologizes for not being on this conference call. It’s very important to him but all he needs to say is his fighter, Sergio Martinez, is having the best training camp and one of the hardest training camps. In fact, he is hitting harder today than his last fight against Paul Williams. He is guaranteeing a knockout. He is very excited about this fight and he isn’t taking Dzinziruk lightly at all.

Promoter of “Diamond Elite” and Martinez, Lou DiBella:

“I want to point out that, even since our call (on Tues., Mar. 1), tickets are moving very, very well at Foxwoods. I’m urging people to get their tickets as quickly as possible, particularly at lower price ranges because those are moving very quickly and there are still some great ringside seats available. But I’m very, very happy with the performance of the event at the site and I think we’re going to have a great crowd at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods. As everyone knows it’s going to be televised by HBO Sports and Andy Lee and Craig McEwan are in the opening fight.

“The fact that this fight is happening is a tribute to the type of champion Sergio Martinez is. In a lot of ways this is a no-win fight: this is the best fighter in the world, Dzinziruk, that no one knows. He is a very difficult guy to fight because of his defensive style, because of his great jab, his movement, and he’s a very well skilled guy. He’s really unknown in this country, but this is the fight HBO wanted. They wanted Sergio in a difficult match-up and it’s typically Sergio Martinez’ way. Sergio said, ‘Put him in front of me and I’m going to fight him,’ and he is. He is the boss and that’s why he’s become the ‘People’s Champion.’ He lost his WBC title and he’s now fighting for the Diamond title. Honestly, he’s doing that because he’s fighting the best and this is why he has captured the imaginations of so many boxing fans and why everybody is looking forward to March 12th to see this fighter and what he brings.

“Certainly, I’m proud to have Sampson Lewkowicz, the great boxing guy and one of the smartest men in the sport and great judge of talent, as my partner and Sergio’s advisor. I wouldn’t be promoting Sergio Martinez if Sampson didn’t bring it to my attention and that’s been one of the most fortunate things to happen to my company in recent years. Certainly, promoting Sergio Martinez has been an absolute pleasure.”

“Obviously, Sergio is looking for the biggest fights possible. We pursued the possibilities with Cotto and had conversations with Arum but the fight didn’t materialize. He (Arum) wasn’t interested in reaching out beyond his stable. But this is the most difficult fight; this is the toughest fighter out there. I said it’s a no-win situation, but if Sergio knocks this guy out at least intelligent people in boxing and the people who’ve seen Dzinziruk fight will know what an accomplishment it is.

“It’s just unfortunate that with a fight of this degree of difficulty, that the public doesn’t know the opponent. The opponent is a champion in his own right. He’s in his mid-thirties and never lost a fight and has had loads of successful title defenses. He’s a very, very good fighter. And this is consistent with Sergio’s pattern: from Kermit Cintron to Paul Williams, to Kelly Pavlik, to Paul Williams, and now to Sergiy Dzinziruk. There’s not a single fighter in the sport, not one, that’s gone through a ‘Murderer’s Row’ like that in recent fights. And like I said, that’s a credit to the greatness of Sergio Martinez.”

“One thing that makes Sergio so unusual is, yeah, I felt the way I felt, but his attitude was, ‘if they think this is the hardest guy, put him in front of me.’ There haven’t been guys like that I’ve had. I’ve promoted guys before that don’t shy away from challenges, but I’ve never had a guy like this whose attitude is: if you think this guy is the hardest, then that’s who I want to fight.”

“If HBO holds true with that as their principle goal, forward through the rest of the year and holds everybody to the same standard, then you’ll never hear a peep out of us about them insisting on us fighting anybody. And the truth is, what Sergio said is 100-percent the reality because he didn’t make a peep out of fighting Dzinziruk because he realized that’s who they wanted him to fight, and when he knew he was going to be paid appropriately, he was gung-ho to do it. “

“Sergio is studying English and his teacher is Nadia (Sergio’s translator). She’s really good and after he beats Dzinziruk, I’m going to twist his arm to say a few words in English at the press conference.”

“People who want to watch Cotto will have to pay about $50 to watch it and the same people, in all probability if they’re boxing fans and have HBO, will go back-and-forth. They’ll buy pay-per-view and go back-and-forth to watch both shows because that’s how hardcore boxing fans are. But I’m confident people want to see Sergio Martinez and that we have a great doubleheader on HBO that people will watch. So, sometimes, there are two fight cards in one night and it’s unfortunate. I prefer that there be only one – it’s better for the sport but people who have HBO don’t have to pay extra money to see this fight but they have to pay $50 to see Cotto. So, I’m guessing that even the people buying the Cotto show will switch the channel to watch Sergio Martinez.”

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50, and are available now through the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the box office at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

NEW YORK, NY (Mar. 1, 2011) – Today’s media conference call featured WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziurk in advance of his “Diamond Elite” clash with Middleweight Champion, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez on March 12 from the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods, airing live on HBO World Championship Boxing. Also on the call were Dzinizruk’s co-trainer, Buddy McGirt; his advisor, Harry Kazandjian; Josh Roy from Banner Promotions, his co-promoter; and Lou DiBella, the promoter of the event.

Below are quotes from the call’s participants:

WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk:

“It makes me very excited to know they think that highly of me. I want to thank HBO for making this fight happen. It’s a lifetime opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to fighting Sergio Martinez.”

“So far, no problems with my weight, and I feel comfortable with this weight. I’m fighting big sparring partners. Yes, I’m a 154-pounder but I’m going to fight at 160 and let’s see what happens. I feel very confident with this weight.”

“I’ve mentioned before that 30 is just a number. I feel like I’m 20 years old and I want to keep fighting and winning titles. I’m very comfortable at my age.”

“I don’t do anything out of the ordinary except live a clean life. I’ve had the same training regimen and have just added to it with experience. The main thing is discipline. If something is not right, I don’t do it. Fighting is my life, my world. All I know is how to box. I make sure my lifestyle – my health – I take care of. I’m healthy. I love fighting and want to win a few more titles. I have great discipline.”

“We have watched (tapes) in the past and more recently of Sergio’s fights. He is a great fighter and a great champion, but there’s nothing special. He is just another fighter in front of me and I hope to win.”

“With Buddy McGirt we have our game plan. We’re not thinking about what Sergio can do, we’re thinking about what we can do. There will be a lot of surprises, lots of pressure on Sergio, (for me) to win the fight.”

Dzinziruk’s Co-Promoter, Josh Roy of Banner Promotions:

“Lou and Team Martinez have reasons to be worried. Everybody knows Lou doesn’t say something like that lightly. Sergiy is the best junior middleweight in the world. He is 37-0 with 24 knockouts. He’s never lost; he doesn’t know how to lose. And it’s not like he’s been protected, he’s 7-0 in world title fights. He has made a concerted effort t to come here (to the United States).”

“I want to credit Lou, Team Martinez and Sergio. He didn’t take a soft touch after fighting Paul Williams. He’s going all out.”

“We have complete confidence in Sergiy. He’s bringing his A game; it’s all he knows. HBO will be pleased with the outcome, how it looks, and it’ll highlight Sergiy as a star.”

“I want to thank HBO, Foxwoods and DiBella Entertainment for the opportunity to get Sergiy this fight, on behalf of Banner Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions.”

“A lot has been made of weight because Sergiy is a junior middleweight. Sergio was a junior middleweight until (three fights ago when he fought Paul Williams (in their first fight). Essentially, they’re the same weight and have been for most of their careers. It’s not like Manny Pacquiao fighting Oscar de la Hoya.”

Dzinziruk’s Advisor, Harry Kazandjian:

“We’re very excited to be on the air with HBO. As Josh and Lou mentioned, it’s a tough fight for both fighters, Sergio as well as Sergiy. Sergio has proven that he’s the man in the (middleweight) division. We have all of the confidence in Sergiy. There will only be one winner at the end of the night. We wish both, good luck. “

“We hope to win. Sergiy has trained hard and March 12th American fans will see where he’s been all these years. Today is Sergiy’s birthday. We’ll celebrate that a little later, He’s turning 35. A few days ago it was Sergio’s birthday.”

Dzinziruk’s Co-Trainer, James “Buddy” McGirt:

“I want to thank Harry, Sergiy and his camp for bringing me onboard. I respect Sergiy. He said that he wanted to maintain his trainer for the past 37 fights (Olesksander Polishchuk). I said I was here to help, not take anybody’s job. I have no ego and it’s an honor for me to work with guys like him. At the beginning (training together), they looked at me, but as time went on they picked-up everything. I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to work with Sergiy.”

“He (Sergiy) is down with precision punches. You’d think he was a typical European fighter but he isn’t. He has a phenomenal jab and a better left – the difference in this fight. You see guys sparring, no, they’re more awkward than Sergio. It took them a round to figure them out and then Sergiy was dancing to his beat.”

“Sergio Martinezx is a great fighter with great hand speed. We’re working on certain tools to eliminate his speed and make our game plan better than him.”

“The key to defending an opponent with hand speed is to nullify it, not out-speed ‘em. Sergiy has the perfect punch to nullify – his right jab. I heard about it but didn’t believe it until I saw it. The jab controls the temp and makes him (opponent) think and then, it’s a whole different ball game.”

Promoter of “Diamond Elite”, Lou DiBella:

“We have a great event March 12th at Foxwoods. The undercard is terrific with HBO televising the fight between Andy Lee and Craig McEwan in ‘Celtic War’ – top Irishman versus top Scotsman prospects. There’s some tremendous talent on the undercard with Javier Fortuna fighting Golden Boy Promotions’ Derrick Wilson; ‘Boo Boo’ Andrade is one of the best prospects; Thomas Dulorme is one of the best young fighters out there.”

My champion, Sergio Martinez, is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. He has another beast in front of him for the fifth time in a row. Since the beginning I’ve said I didn’t like this fight. Technically, he (Dzinziruk) is one of the best I’ve seen. The kid is very sound. This is his toughest fight and probably the toughest fighter Sergio has faced. Sergiy isn’t well known here but he is the top ’54 pounder. It’s a terribly difficult fight for Sergio but it’s what he wants. HBO has very good fight. I’m worried but I have faith in my champion who understands the challenge.”

“The $50.00 tickets are completely sold out. Affordable $75.00 tickets are available but I’m anticipating that they’ll be going fast. Tickets are going well.”

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and are available now through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the box office at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

NEW YORK, NY (Feb. 25, 2011) – The MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office has released a small amount of $50.00 tickets today for the March 12 “Diamond Elite” championship boxing event, featuring 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez. There will be no additional tickets available at that price level after this small release.

“This is it,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We wanted to give fans one last opportunity to get in at this price point because the first batch went so quickly. The way tickets are moving makes it clear that Sergio Martinez is the fighter who the people want to see.”

Tickets are going fast and the remaining $50.00 tickets are not expected to last through this weekend. Other tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk,” are priced at $450, $250, $125, and $75 and on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs), the World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Emeritus and The Ring Magazine middleweight champion, headlines against World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk (37-0, 23 KOs), in a 12-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council Diamond middleweight title.

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT.

Ethnic rivals Andy Lee (24-1, 18 KOs) of Ireland and Scotland’s Craig McEwan (19-0, 10 KOs) battle in the 10-round “Celtic War” co-feature, matching two of the top middleweight prospects in the world. A solid undercard is also on tap, featuring undefeated Dominican featherweight Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (13-0, 10 KOs) and 2008 U.S. Olympian, junior middleweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (12-0, 8 KOs).

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm PT.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

NEW YORK, NY (Feb. 24, 2011) – “Irish” Micky Ward, more popular now than ever after the success of the Oscar-nominated movie about his life, The Fighter, has been invited by promoter Lou DiBella to be a special guest March 12 for the “Diamond Elite” event at the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Emeritus and The Ring Magazine middleweight champion, 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs), takes on World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk (37-0, 23 KOs), in the 12-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council Diamond middleweight title.

The chief supporting fight is “Celtic War,” pitting exciting middleweights Andy Lee (24-1, 18 KOs) of Ireland and Scotland’s Craig McEwan (19-0, 10 KOs), in a 10-round bout of ethnic rivalry with potential world title shot implications for the winner.

The Martinez vs. Dzinziruk and Lee vs. McEwan fights will be broadcast on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm PT.

Ward has many direct ties to the March 12 event. Here are the seven degrees of Micky Ward, in association with the “Diamond Elite” event, with quotes from the consensus 3-time Fight of the Year participant:

Lou DiBella: The last four fights of Ward’s career (2002-2003), including the famed Gatti-Ward trilogy, were by far his most lucrative with approximately $3-million in purse earnings. By no coincidence, Micky was promoted by DiBella Entertainment for the final four fights of his 18-year pro career. “Lou is a good guy and a man of his word. He promised to make me a lot of money and he did. And all we needed was a handshake deal.”

Sergio Martinez: The Boxing Writers Association of America (“BWAA”) will hold its annual awards dinner May 6 in Las Vegas. Martinez will receive its 2010 Fighter of the Year, named in honor of the great Sugar Ray Robinson, while Ward receives the 2011 James A. Farley Award for Honesty and Integrity in Boxing. “Sergio is a great fighter, one of the best in the world today. He’s also a good person.”

James “Buddy” McGirt: Ward got to know the former two-time world champion and 2002 Trainer of the Year, Buddy McGirt, up close and personal in 2002-2003 when McGirt trained Gatti for all three fights of their epic trilogy. “Buddy was a great trainer and great fighter himself. I’m still good friends with him today.” McGirt is Dzinziruk’s co-trainer.

Andy Lee: Besides the obvious “green” connection linking their Irish heritage, Ward was the color commentator for the PPV airing of Lee’s most dramatic knock-out on March 16, 2007, against former world champion Carl Daniels in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. “Andy is a good, stand-up boxer who has a lot of talent.”

Freddie Roach: Another BWAA recipient in May – third year in a row and fifth time overall as the Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year – Freddie Roach, like Ward, is a Massachusetts native. Ward’s first amateur match at the age of seven was against Freddie’s younger brother, Joey. “I’ve known Freddie my whole life. I never fought Freddie because he’s older than me. I never really thought back then that Freddie would become the trainer he is today.”

Foxwoods: Although Ward never boxed in MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods, he did fight four times in different venues at Foxwoods, winning three times against Steve Quinonez, Louis Veader and Mark Fernandez. Micky lost in the Bingo Hall to Antonio Diaz by 10-round decision on HBO. “I have great memories of fighting at Foxwoods. It’s still one of my favorite places for boxing.”

HBO: Micky fought six times on HBO (three times vs. Gatti, Jesse James Leija, Diaz and Shea Neary). “My experiences on HBO were excellent. HBO was really good for me. Everything was great, from Larry Merchant to Jim Lampley, who were MC’s at my retirement party, to everybody else at HBO.”

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm PT.

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk,” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and Super Welterweight champion Sergiy Dzinzurak met the media on Wednesday to announce their world Middleweight title clash set for March 12.

World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez talks about his March 12 title defense against Serguy Dzinzurak

Promoter Gary Shaw talks about the March 12 battle between Sergiy Dzinzurak and Sergio Martinez as well as Tim Bradley, Alfredo Angulo and Chad Dawson

WBO Super Welterweight champion Sergei Dzinzurak talks about his March 12 showdown with World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez

NEW YORK, NY (Jan 25, 2011) – The consensus 2010 Fighter of the Year, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez is gearing up for another banner campaign in 2011. It all starts on March 12 when Martinez, the recognized champion at middleweight squares off with reigning World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk at the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The winner will walk away with the prestigious World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Diamond Championship at middleweight.

In the co-feature attraction, two of Western Europe’s best, and most exciting pugilists, Andy Lee of Ireland and Scotland’s Craig McEwan do battle in a ten round “Celtic War” in the middleweight division.

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30pm ET / 7:30pm PT.

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk,” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and will go on sale Wednesday, January 26, at 10:00am ET through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

“March 12 is what world class boxing is all about,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Sergio Martinez is proving that he has no interest in resting on his laurels by taking on an accomplished champion such as Sergiy Dzinziruk. Once again, ‘Maravilla’ will show why he is not only the 2010 FIghter of the Year, but also the people’s champion.

“Those looking for a good ole fashioned knock down, drag out war to ring in St. Patrick’s Day will be fulfilled when Andy Lee and Craig McEwan duke it out. Both are old school sluggers with proud roots. Get your tickets now, because with such great action assured, they will not last.”

Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs), 35, is coming off the biggest year of his professional life. Last April, he won the middleweight championship, in just his second bout at the weight class, with a dominating 12-round victory over Kelly Pavlik at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Seven months later on November 20, Martinez, a native of Argentina by way of Oxnard, California, returned to Boardwalk Hall to face Paul Williams in a rematch of his razor thin majority decision loss to Paul Williams, which was widely heralded as one of the best fights of 2009. If their first showdown was Fight of the Year, Martinez left no doubt in 2010 in what was certainly the Knockout of the Year. Just a minute into the second round, Martinez landed a booming overhand left that knocked Williams out cold and sent shockwaves throughout the sports world. To cap off 2010, Martinez was lauded by nearly ever publication and organization – including ESPN, the Boxing Writers Association of America, Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, MaxBoxing.com, BoxingScene.com, AOL Fanhouse, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, El Paso Times, San Antonio Express-News, Secondsout.com, and The Ring Magazine – as Fighter of the Year.

“I believe my next fight could be my best fight of my career because my boxing is getting better, I am physically stronger, and I am stronger mentally,” said Martinez. “My rival is a great fighter and a great champion for several years now but on March 12 he will fight the best Sergio Martinez and the fans will witness a spectacular show and the best fight of my career.”

Dzinziruk (37-0, 34 KOs), 34, has held the WBO 154 lb. title since 2005 when he decisioned Daniel Santos in his adopted home of Germany. Since then, the native of Ukraine has defended his title successfully six times, including his last bout which served as both his American debut and debut under the joint promotional banner of Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. In that bout, on May 14, 2010, in Santa Ynez, California, Dzinziruk systematically broke down Daniel Dawson en route to a tenth round stoppage.

“First of all, it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved to fight such great champions” said Dzinziruk. “I really appreciate the opportunity to fight Sergio Martinez and show the world how good I am. I am looking forward to the fight and I am very excited. I have not tasted defeated yet and I want to keep it that way. My team and I know how much work was done by Banner Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions to make this fight and it is greatly appreciated. We’re looking forward to a great fight with Sergio Martinez.”

Lee (24-1, 18 KOs), 26, is riding a nine fight winning streak since his lone career setback: a loss to Bryan Vera in 2008. Since then, the Emmanuel Steward-trained Irish slugger has compiled some of the best wins of his career over the likes of experienced veterans James Cook, Willie Gibbs, Michael Walker, and former world title challenger Mamadou Thiam. Lee is ranked #5 by the WBA and #14 by the WBC.

“I’m looking forward to fighting,” said Lee. “This fight gives me the chance to prove how good I am. McEwan is a very good boxer. He will test me, but it’s a test I welcome. I’d like to thank my management and Lou DiBella for making this fight and giving me the chance to showcase my skills on HBO. I plan on showing everyone how good I am on March 12.”

McEwan (19-0, 10 KOs), 28, was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, but now lives in California where he trains with the world renowned Freddie Roach. McEwan is coming off the biggest win of his career on July 23, 2010, when he took a decision from former world title challenger Danny Perez. McEwan also holds a victory over Bryan Vera, the man who handed Lee his lone defeat. McEwan is ranked #12 by the WBO.

“Andy Lee is a good fighter, but I’m at my best when I fight good fighters,” said McEwan. “I’m excited to have the chance to fight on HBO and show everyone what I can do.”

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a proposed early 2011 fight between world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and three division world champion wont happen due to a big discrepancy over money between promoters Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment.

Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter, told ESPN.com that Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Cotto’s promoter, insisted on buying out the Martinez side instead of splitting the revenue on a percentage basis from what would have been a pay-per-view fight in March. DiBella did not say what percentage split he had in mind, but said it would have heavily favored Cotto, the proven PPV performer.

“The Martinez-Cotto discussions are dead because Bob doesn’t want to do any kind of co-promotion no matter what the split,” DiBella said.

DiBella said Arum offered him $2.5 million against an upside of the potential pay-per-view profits. DiBella declined and said he countered by offering to buy out Arum for $5 million against an upside of pay-per-view profits.

“Bob said no, so pretty much that’s the end of the discussion. There’s nothing more to discuss,” DiBella said.

Arum, who turns 79 on Wednesday, would not go in the details of their discussions but told ESPN.com, “We couldn’t come to terms. I talked to the Cotto people. They wanted particular terms and Lou wasn’t agreeable. Lou wanted to do a percentage deal and Cotto didn’t want to do a percentage deal. Cotto wanted to do a big number for Martinez plus an upside of the pay-per-view. I do whatever my fighters want. If Cotto wanted to fight Martinez on any particular grounds, as long as I could make some dough, of course, I would do it, not even a question.

“But I’m not going to tell you what did happen because those things are supposed to be confidential. Lou called and we couldn’t make a deal. Period.”

“I am not a paid booking agent. I am a promoter,” DiBella said. “Sergio Martinez is not an opponent. He’s a champion and right now one of the hottest fighters in boxing. Bob is entitled to take whatever kind of business positions he wants and I am entitled to say no. I went back to [Martinez adviser] Sampson [Lewkowicz] and the fighter and they not only supported my position but insisted on it.”

“He’ll fight Margarito,” Arum said of Cotto. “Margarito is going to get a physical to determine when he can fight. The earlier we can do it, the better.”

“Cotto-Margarito, at the end of the day, that’s the fight that everybody wants because that fight would do the most money,” Arum said. “The first fight did about 500,000 homes [on pay-per-view] and there’s no reason why [a rematch] shouldn’t do the same.”

Cotto has previously said he did not want to fight Margarito again because of his feelings that he cheated in their first fight. However, Arum said Cotto would do the fight.

“I know so that he is willing to fight Margarito again,” Arum said.

Sometime around what would have been the two minute mark of the second stanza, trainer Gabriel Sarmiento placed a crown on Sergio Martinez’s head, not only anointing him undisputed king of the middleweight division, but also — for my money — Fighter of the Year.

With one jaw shattering left cross, Paul Williams collapsed poetically to the canvas; blood dribbled from his mouth, his eyes cluelessly fixated on the blue mat on which he lie.

The electrifying left hand — which will likely result in Martinez winning Knockout of the Year — arrived milliseconds before “The Punisher’s” own left cross. Martinez took advantage of his counterpart’s right hand resting at his side, exposing his face to danger — exposing his chin to the Argentinian’s left hand.

Although Martinez entered and exited the ropes the champion on Saturday night, he surely wasn’t treated like one before hand. In order to make a rematch with Williams a reality, Martinez was forced to make numerous concessions to Team Williams.

For starters, Martinez, who retained his WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight titles, had to accept a catch-weight of 157 lbs., three pounds shy of the middleweight limit.

He was forced to occupy the blue corner, which was used by underdogs all night long, while Williams staked his claim to the red corner.

“Maravilla’s” name was the first one read by ring announcer Michael Buffer, which betrayed the tradition of having the challenger’s name precede that of the champion’s.

Further, Martinez’s payday of just over one million dollars was significantly less than what “The Punisher” received.

The mind games that were played and the concessions Team Maravilla were forced to make had zero effect on Martinez’s performance, however. The slick Argentinian executed his game plan flawlessly — a game plan that was jotted down on hotel parchment by Sarmiento only two days prior.

“Two days ago, I changed the program completely,” Sarmiento said, speaking through translator and Martinez advisor, Sampson Lewkowicz. “I found a big error from Paul Williams in the middle of the night and I couldn’t sleep the whole night. The next morning I changed the strategy, totally.”

“He always puts his body in front of his legs,” Sarmiento explained. “If he doesn’t put his right hand in the front, he cannot throw the left.”

After the fight, in Martinez’s locker room, Lewkowicz held up Sarmiento’s genius, which was etched into a tiny notebook. The contents consisted of a strategy that was designed to stop Williams inside two rounds. Remarkably, Martinez followed Sarmiento’s roadmap to a knockout to a tee.

Famed boxing scribe, Thomas Hauser, who was present in Martinez’s locker room before the fight, assured the rest of the media that the notebook had not been tampered with.

With the help of Sarmiento’s critical eye, Martinez knew just when to unload the thunderous left that sent Williams toppling face-first to the canvas.

Couple his obliteration of Williams with his convincing unanimous decision against Kelly Pavlik seven months earlier and you have the most deserving candidate of Fighter of the Year.

Further, with Martinez’s success comes well-deserved recognition of Gaby Sarmiento, who has made a solid case for Trainer of the Year, as well.

Yesterday, HBO announced that Martinez-Williams II was the second most watched non Pay-Per-View boxing broadcast this year, second only to the Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman bout in Yankee Stadium. Further, Martinez punched his way onto television screens everywhere when ESPN replayed the knockout on SportsCenter.

The next time Martinez steps into the ring, he will not be disrespected. With one swing of his left hand, Martinez left no doubts that he is the best middleweight boxer on the planet. “Maravilla” is the undisputed king of the middleweight division.

After all, there is a reason he wears the crown.

You can reach Kyle Kinder at Twitter.com/KyleKinder

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was in Atlantic City this past weekend to capture the images from The Friday weigh-in to Post Fight Press conference that surrounded Sergio Martinez second round destruction over Paul Williams in their Middleweight championship rematch

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Part 3

Artie Pelullo has been a recognizable face in boxing circles for many years. The Philadelphia based promoter handles fighters from all four corners of the globe and has run cards in various locations. From Las Vegas to Australia, Mexico, Canada and Brazil, Pelullo’s traveled just about everywhere imaginable.

Last night in Atlantic City, Pelullo was ringside for the Paul Williams-Sergio Martinez middleweight title bout at Boardwalk Hall. He also appeared at the post fight press conference, not to take advantage of a rare opportunity to enjoy the night of fights as a fan, but with one goal in mind; a unification bout.

Pelullo, the American Promoter of WBO Middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog, notified 15rounds that he is going to do everything in his power to push for a showdown between his fighter and Sergio Martinez.

“Pirog would absolutely love to fight a great fighter like Martinez,” stated Pelullo. “The only way fighters become names is if HBO gives them an opportunity. It has happened with (so many different guys) who were willing to take chances (against tough opponents). Pirog is willing to take a chance and he texted me saying that they were watching the fight in Russia (and that he wants to fight) Martinez.”

Pelullo then pulled out his cell phone and opened up a text message he sent to HBO’s Senior Vice President of Sports Programming Kerry Davis that said “Pirog vs. Martinez?”

“This would be unification and a great fight for both the sport and the fans. Each guy is a fan friendly fighter,” said Pelullo. who promoted premium cable bouts featuring Acelino Freitas, Ricky Hatton and Diego Corrales amongst others. “I think that (Pirog’s) sensational win over Danny Jacobs puts an interesting spin on (a potential Martinez fight). I think HBO will put up enough money to make the fight happen.”

While Pelullo is already on the Pirog vs. Martinez campaign, Davis said that HBO hasn’t begun to think about a possible match up between the two.

“I think it’s premature to talk about Martinez’ next move when I haven’t spoke to (Martinez’ Promoter Lou) Dibella, (Advisor Sampson) Lewkowicz or Sergio. We are going to hold off (on talking about it) for the time being. Artie came up to me and asked me about the fight and I think Pirog is a good fighter.”

Davis also cited that Martinez’ emergence and age, 35, could cause him to steer away from a bout with Pirog.

“Martinez is looking for the biggest fights possible. Right now, Pirog is not known in the United States. (Pirog) is an option, but I don’t believe that will be Martinez’ first option and I will have to discuss (with Martinez’ team) what (else is out there) before I start talking opponents.”

Martinez, who scored a jaw dropping and one punch knockout of Williams in the second round to retain his titles, is aiming for a showdown with Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. Pirog’s other options were not mentioned by Pelullo.

On Saturday night at Caesar’s Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs) scored an electrifying second round KO over Paul “The Punisher” Williams (39-2, 27 KOs).

The knockout, which is undoubtedly the frontrunner for “Knockout of the Year” came at the 1:10 mark of round two and courtesy of a Martinez straight left.

In December of 2009, Williams was awarded a majority decision victory over Martinez — a close fight in which Judge Pierre Benoist turned in an inexplicable score of 119-110 in favor of Williams.

Seeking his revenge, Martinez made it clear he did not want his fate decided by three judges again. Rather, this time “Maravilla” took matters into his own hands, catching and dropping Williams with a blistering straight left that he would never get up from.

After picking up where they left off last December, the first round featured both fighter’s sharing their own bit of success. “Maravilla” made it a point to mix in a few body punches, but both fighters were clearly willing to stand in the pocket and trade with one another like they did eleven months ago.

The second round, or round fourteen, seemed to continue the trend of vicious exchanges when suddenly Martinez caught Williams with an unforgiving left that landed flush. The 6’1” Williams fell crumbled slowly and majestically to the canvass where he would lay motionless for the better part of two minutes and not return to his feet for about five.

Upon seeing his opponent collapse before his eyes, Martinez ran with excitement onto the turnbuckles and raised his arms in front of the Boardwalk Hall crowd, not even waiting to see if Williams would beat the ten count.

With the one punch knockout, Martinez asserted himself as frontrunner for not only “Knockout of the Year,” but also “Fighter of the Year” — also sporting an impressive victory of Kelly Pavlik earlier in 2010.

Further, Martinez’s trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento, cemented his case as “Trainer of the Year,” an award in which he has already been nominated for. Only after the fight had come to a conclusion was it revealed that Sarmiento laid out a plan two days ago that had Martinez work Williams’ body in the inaugural round, before fainting — and faking a right — only to surprise Williams with a left that would knock him out in round two.

Like something out of a movie, that is exactly what happened as “Maravilla” executed his trainer’s plans to perfection, scoring an unbelievable knockout victory over Williams and asserting himself an “HBO A-side fighter” in the process.

With the win, Martinez retained his Ring Magazine middleweight title, as well as his WBC middleweight title.

Steve Upsher Chambers vs. Bayan Jargal — 8 Rounds, Welterweights

Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher Chambers (23-1-1, 6 KOs) squeaked out a split decision victory over the previously unbeaten Bayan Jargal (15-1-3, 10 KOs).

In the first two rounds, both fighter’s found their fare share of success, neither proving to be an elusive target.

In the first minute of round three, the two fighters were involved in a barbaric exchange with Upsher Chambers getting the better of Jargal. Upsher Chambers rocked Jargal multiple times in round three, but Jargal was unwilling to backdown, always having an answer for anything Upsher Chambers threw his way.

By round four, it was clear that Jargal was the effective aggressor, steadily moving forward while forcing Upsher Chambers to fight with his back against the ropes — which is where Upsher Chambers fought most of the fight.

In round six, with Upsher Chambers still against the ropes, Jargal unleashed a flurry of punches on Upsher Chambers, and tired himself in the process. Upsher Chambers came off of the ropes and landed a few punches of his own, drawing some “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd.

When the final bell sounded to conclude the eight round, the fight went to the scorecards. Judge Joe Pasquale scored the bout 77-75 in favor of Jargal. Judges John McKay and Judge Ron Mcnair saw the bout 77-75 and 78-78, respectively, for the winner, Upsher Chambers.

Zsolt Erdei vs. Samson Onyango — 8 Rounds, Light Heavyweight

In front of a couple hundred loud Hungarian fans, Hungary’s Zsolt Erdei (32-0, 17 KOs) coasted to a unimous decision victory over Kenya’s Samson Onyango (20-7, 13 KOs).

Erdei methodically controlled the pace of the first three rounds, throwing a steady streams of jabs and letting straight rights fly. Onyango found success when he went to Erdei’s body, but had trouble finding Erdei’s face.

In round four, Erdei continued pressuring his Kenyan counterpart. Left hooks began to land with more regularity, and Erdei’s best punch of the round was a straight right that stumbled Onyango.

Rounds five, six, and seven mirrored those of the earlier rounds, with Erdei using a consistent flow of left hooks and straight rights to get the better of his opponent.

Round eight opening up with an impressive five-punch combination from Erdei that seemed to surprise Onyango. With the Hungarian fans chanting “Knockout! Knockout!” Erdei gave it his best shot to stop his opponent, letting his hands fly.

Erdei was unable to get the knockout, but did score a unanimous decision victory over Onyango. Judge Ron Mcnair saw the bout in Erdei’s favor, 79-73, while judges John McKay and Joe Pasquale agreed that Erdei won the bout 80-72.

Tony Thompson vs. Paul Marinaccio — 10 Rounds, Heavyweight

In a heavyweight battle, schedule for ten rounds, Tony Thompson (35-2, 23 KOs) scored a 4th round TKO victory over Buffalo, New York’s Paul Marinaccio (24-6-3, 11 KOs).

In the first round, Thompson asserted himself as the aggressor, continually coming forward, working behind an effective jab.

In the second round, Thompson landed a crushing straight left that snapped Marinaccio’s head back and and put his back against the ropes — where he remained for the rest of the fight. Thompson continued to pour on, landing a solid right hook, followed by a straight left. Thompson found his opponent with regularity in the second round, while Marinaccio seemed reluctant to let his hands go.

In the third round, Thompson continued his effective aggression, immediately backing his opponent into a corner, where he then began to pummel Marinaccio. Thompson continued to score at will to Marinaccio’s head, but rarely did any work to his opponent’s body.

In the fourth round, Thompson conintued his dominance, pressing the action and forcing Marinaccio to fight with his back against the ropes. Marinaccio couldn’t ward off the aggressive Thompson, who ultimately pinned Marinaccio into a corner, where he landed three straight vicious right hooks to the right side of Marinaccio’s face before the referee jumped in between the two and stopped the fight. He called a halt to the bout at the 2:02 mark of the fourth round.

Fernando Guerrero vs. Saul Duran — 8 Rounds, Middleweight

Undefeated Dominican phenom Fernando Guerrero (20-0, 16 KOs) kept his record perfect with a fourth round TKO over the tough Mexican, Saul Duran (36-17-3, 29 KOs).

The first round belonged to Guerrero, who imposed his will on his Mexican counterpart. Guerrero teed off on Duran, landing straight lefts at will. The Dominican showed off an impressive arsenal in the inaugural round, landing a healthy mix of jabs, body punches, straight lefts, and uppercuts — all inflicting damage to Duran.

In the second round, Guerrero picked up right where he left off, landing bullet-like lefts through Duran’s defense. The heavy-handed Dominican continued to land at an alarming success rate and ultimately dropped Duran in the second round courtesy of a straight left.

In the third round, the resilient Duran — in classic Mexican fashion — kept coming forward and engaging Guerrero. Duran kept Guerrero on the ropes for the majority of round three, but it was Guerrero who got the best of the exchanges.

In round four, Guerrero finished off his opponent in style, landing a left-right-left combination to Duran’s unprotected face, sending him to the canvas for the second — and last time. Referee Ricardo Vera called a halt to the bout at the 1:06 mark of round four.

Luis Del Valle vs. Noe Lopez Jr. — 8 Rounds, Featherweight

In a bout scheduled for eight rounds at the featherweight division, Newburgh, New York’s Luis Del Valle (11-0, 9 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO victory over Mexico’s Noe Lopez Jr. (6-7, 4 KOs).

Del Valle asserted his will in the opening round, constantly coming forward and getting the better of his opponent. The second round featured a savage exchange between the two fighters, with Del Valle landing a huge straight right, but Lopez immediately returning the favor by delivering a vicious uppercut followed by a straight left.

At the end of the second round, just as the bell sounded, Del Valle stunned Lopez with an ill-intentioned straight right, forcing his legs to wobble until he collapsed to the canvas. The referee, however, disallowed the knockdown.

In the fourth round, after being hit with a crackling body shot, Lopez dropped to a knee. After beating the referee’s ten count, Lopez found himself on unsteady legs — and was dropped by two left hooks, one to the body, one to the head. It is at that point that the referee saw it fit to call a halt to the bout awarding Del Valle the TKO victory.

Willie Nelson vs. Quinton Whitaker — 8 Rounds, Welterweight

Cleveland, Ohio’s Willie Nelson took his talents to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he improved his already undefeated record to 16-0-1 (10 KOs) with a first round TKO over San Antonio’s Quinton Whitaker (7-9, 5 KOs).

Midway through the first round, Nelson dropped Whitaker with a devastating straight right that he never recovered from. Whitaker beat the referee’s ten count, but was greeted seconds later two blistering left hooks, one to the body and one to the head that forced Whitaker to the canvass once more. Too tough for his own good, Whitaker once again beat the ten count, but was immediately greeted by a flurry of punches courtesy of Nelson, which ultimately led to the third knockdown of the first round.

The referee called a halt to the bout at the 2:22 mark in the first round.

World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez talks about his rematch with Paul Williams that takes place Saturday night in Atlantic City

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