SAN DIEGO’S UNPROTECTED FIGHTER, MARKETABLE AND WILLING TO BE TESTED!!!! By Ray Flores

On October 8, 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario in front of a capacity crowd one of the rarest of events took place in the main event of the evening. Two combatants of equal skill came to wage war for honor, pride, dignity, and respect. Only one would be left standing victorious. Scheduled for six rounds, these two light middleweights would go toe to toe for 4 of the best rounds of boxing the fans will have ever witnessed in along time. The hometown favorite and unbeaten fighter from Riverside, Alberto “Baby Dynamite” Herrera (7-1-1, 5 KO’s) collided head on with San Diego’s, Chris “The Last Chapter” Chatman. Chris, who trains out of the City Boxing Gym in San Diego under the coaching and tutelage of Manny Melchor former WBC/IBF champion, assisted by Carlos Ferreira and managed by Mark Dion has been a relative unknown in LA-Riverside area. He went into this fight as the underdog and was predicted to lose to the favored pugilist from Riverside. Chatman, is a former US Navy Boxing Champion out of Chicago with a record of 8-1, 4 KO’s his only loss was by way of unanimous decision in front of the hometown crowd of Olympian Demetrius Andrade in Rhode Island on October 3, 2009.

Chris came out battling at the sound of the bell in the first stanza against Herrera and scored two knockdowns in that first round and would later become the victor 2:47 in the fourth frame as referee Ray Corona stepped in to stop the fight. Both of these combatants had much to be proud of. This was truly a real credit to great match maker for Thompson Boxing, Alex Camponovo. This contest was a real credit to the spirit and heart of these two fighters and professional boxing.

What was unique about this fight one might ask? It was this, you will always have an underdog, but an underdog with a chance makes one hell of a fight. After many conversations with boxing fans one comment seems to come up time and time again. The sport needs more fighters with the confidence and guts to go toe to toe with fighters who are truly worthy opponents. They seem to understand the marketing of fighters but fail to understand that great fighters need to be tested, and tested often as was the case in this battle. Both fighters will be the better for it. These are some of boxing best prospects. Provided they haven’t scared the crap out of future opponents who may think they need to be avoided because it will hurt their marketability. Chatman has earned his right to face more opponents the caliber of Herrera.

Testing does not mean just the pretty boys of fighting, and or the local hometown favorite, but real hardcore fighters with balls and the desire to face all comers. How often have we seen fighters with a record of 15-0 fighting someone with a 26-23-0 record? Could it be said pretty often? How about fighters who never quite get that shining light yet because of their location, or actually look very good and perhaps too good, to ever get that break. Boxing is a tough sport and boxing fans realize that to make a great fight both boxers must be willing to put in the training time to perfect their skills, be willing to get into the ring with someone who can really test their heart. They must love to fight, fight to win, and rather die than give up.

Boxing has been given a black eye in the past by fighters who were not willing to go the distance, do the training, and make the sacrifices required of great fighters. How many times have the fans paid hard earned dollars to watch two “shinning stars” give an astounding ballet performance instead of a good nose to nose, blow for blow pugilistic contest who’s sole purpose is to discover who is the better combatant?

We see many fighters being brought along as carefully as a new product line from some high tech firm. Sure they fight, but who are they fighting? Are they real opponents? They all say they’ll fight anyone, any time, any place, but is that true? Too many fighters are brought along by being matched with unworthy opponents and when they finally do get that TV spot and meet someone of equal caliber just don’t do that well. Does the fighter really benefit by this practice? Do the fans get what they deserve for their hard earned dollar? Is the sport of boxing better for it? Are we spectators to the best that boxing has to offer?

Chatman and Herrera have earned their right to fight again and to fight opponents worthy of the class of professional fighters they are. Would fans love to see a rematch between these to titans of the ring? You betcha!!! Herrera will have to go back to the gym and hit it hard and wait for that next opportunity. Chris, with the help, guidance and the expertise of Mark Dion, Manny Melchor, and Carlos Ferreira will have to also be back in the gym preparing for that next fight, and hopefully due to his record not be passed over by those fighters deemed too marketable to face him in the ring.

As of this date Fox Sports has yet to show this main event, the best fight of the night. Why? It’s beyond me; I hope Fox Sports airs it soon so that boxing fans will get the chance to see what terrific fighters these two guys are and what a battle royal it was. Herrera had nothing to be ashamed of he fought with great heart against a great fighter and it so happened the better man won that night. Chris made an outstanding performance and fans deserve to see him again. He’s earned it and as with all great fighters he’ll go toe to toe anytime, anyplace with anyone. So who’s willing to step up and test him?

I have just been informed that Chris Chatman will be fighting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Mission Valley, San Diego, Ca. on November 18th. He will be facing hard hitting Lester Gonzales at the 154.0 lbs weight class for the California State Championship. Boxing fans are in for an opportunity to see this young fighter again.

 

Russell is impressive at Club Nokia

Photo by Marlene Marquez

In the main event of the evening, Thursday night at Club Nokia in downtown, Los Angeles, unbeaten featherweight from Capitol Heights, Maryland Gary Russell Jr (13-0,9KO’S) dazzled fans with speed and skills completely dominating Guadalupe De Leon (8-12,4KO’S) from Mission, Texas over six rounds. All three judges scored the fight the same 60-54 for Russell Jr.

Southpaw Russell Jr looked very sharp from the onset, throwing crisp and precise combinations while his opponent De Leon never had a chance to get going. Russell continued his assault in the second, getting closer to his adversary and incorporating uppercuts and hooks to the body to his fluid offense. “I wanted to work on my inside game,” explained Russell after the fight:” I just wanted to stay in the pocket and get comfortable in there.”

It was more of the same in the third, but De Leon was able to fire back and landed some of his own punches, because Russell chose to fight in close quarters. Russell landed a huge left hook that staggered his opponent to culminate the round. Russell kept the fight at distance a little more in the fourth, but still dominated the round. Former Olympian came out with a lot more purpose in the fifth, throwing lightning fast combinations that made swooshing sound, tattooing slower De Leon with punches throughout the frame. Realizing he would not be able to stop his rugged adversary from Texas, Gary continued to display his complete arsenal of punches, dominating the fight from the beginning to end.

Los Angeles based, African born lightweight Yakubu Amidu (14-2-1,13KO) won a six round unanimous decision over Noe Lopez (7-6,5KO’S) from Nogales, Mexico. For the first time in his pro career Amidu had to go the distance to get the win. All his previous wins came by way of knock out. Judges were in agreement: 59-55, 60-54 twice in favor of Amidu.

It was a closely contested first stanza with African fighter looking more powerful but having a hard time adjusting to his opponent’s southpaw stance. Amidu got his groove in the second and landed several powerful right hands in the round. He continued to press the action in the third, but clever southpaw from Nogales fired back and opened his own attack in the middle of the stanza. Back and fourth action continued in the fourth, which favored Amidu who was landing more telling blows; he took control of the action in the ring by the middle of the stanza, but just when it looked like the fight was in danger of being stopped Lopez came back strong to finish the round.

Amidu continued to stock his prey in the fifth forcing Lopez against the ropes taking over the fight. He continued to inflict heavy damage in the final stanza but was not able to finish the job early.

Undefeated lightweight from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fidel Maldonado Jr (5-0,5KO) wasted little time with his opponent from Atlanta Georgia, John Willoughby (2-6,1KO). Hurting him with a first left hand he threw from a southpaw stance. The non stop onslaught continued until the corner of Willoughby asked the commission to end the fight at 1:25 of the very first round.

Undefeated super middleweight, trained by Roger Mayweather, Dion Savage (9-0,5K0’S) failed to impress despite scoring a third round knock out over awkward Eddie Hunter (3-5-2,1KO) from Kent, Washington.

Savage dominated the first round, but got caught with the right hand that almost deposited him on the canvass. His opponent from Seattle, Washington seemed just as fast and powerful, but lacked skills. Savage used body work to gain an advantage in the second stanza; he continued to press the action finally landing a left hook that ended the night in the final moments of the third stanza.

 

Russell Jr in action on Thursday

 

Former amateur stand out Gary Russell Jr. Headlines this Thursday’s installment of Fight Night Club dubbed Halloween Fright Night Club, a professional boxing show at trendy Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Undefeated feather weight Russell Jr (12-0,9 KO ‘S) will face Mexican veteran, who resides in Mission ,Texas Guadalupe De Leon(8-11,4 KO’S) in a six round contest.

US Olympian, whose Olympic quest ended in a disaster as he lost consciousness at the Olympic village dorm prior to weigh in, Russell Jr is no stranger to adversity.He is also no stranger to Club Nokia. This will be his third performance under the bright lights of fashionable LA night club.

First time out in June of this year Russell Jr stopped Rodrigo Aranda within two rounds. He followed up a month later with a spectacular first round knock out of seasoned veteran, Mauricio Pastrana. Speed,speed and more speed is a forte of twenty two year old fighter from Capitol Heights,Maryland.In action for the seventh time this year Gary Russell Jr is on a fast track to fighting for a title.

Among other prospects featured on the card are African super featherweight, Akubu Amidu (16-2-1,16KO’S),who is currently training at famous Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood and East Los Angeles unbeaten lightweight Ramon Valdez. Undefeated super middleweight from Flint,Michigan, Dion Savage (9-0 , 5 KO’S) will also be featured in a six rounder against Eddie Hunter.

Club Nokia’s Fight Night Club is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and will be televised by Fox Sports Network. General admission tickets priced at $19.75 will be available at the door, but the first hundred fans to arrive dressed in Halloween costumes will be admitted for free.

 

Martirosyan promises to drop Pacquiao in sparring

Not being able to secure a meaningful fight in a while, actually not being able to secure any fight at all agitated former Olympian Vanes Martirosyan almost got into a real fight while being a spectator at Glendale Glory 3, a night of professional boxing at Civic Auditorium. For full story go to

http://www.examiner.com/sports-in-glendale-ca/martirosyan-promises-to-drop-pacquiao-sparring

 

Suleymanov Floors Gallo

Photo by German Villasenor

 
In an evenly-waged boxing match, there is always give and take, and so it was in the case of Javier “El Girito” Gallo and Khabir Suleymanov during their 10-round North American Boxing Organization bantamweight title fight at the Glendale Civic Auditorium last Friday night.
Neither backed down, and each was willing to dish out and take whatever the other offered, until late in the ninth round when Suleymanov uncorked a monster right hand that floored the shorter Gallo.

The evening was titled “Glendale Glory 3” and co-promoted by Kahren Harutyunyan’s Art of Boxing Promotions and Steve Bash of Bash Boxing, and both saw a stunned and shaken Gallo, who seemed ahead up to this point based on activity and stronger connections despite a sizeable cut above his right eye, rise to his feet, but whose eyes told a different story.
The end came with 2:51 having elapsed when the referee correctly stopped the bout. Had the fight continued, there’s no telling how badly Gallo could have been hurt.
From the opening bell, Gallo (17-2-1 with nine knockouts) set the tempo, but that’s not to say Suleymanov didn’t have his moments, like the fifth round when he opened the cut with a resounding left.
Tabbed the “Crazy Russian,” Suleymanov proved he could take Gallo’s best punch, often indicating the blow hardly fazed him.
It wasn’t clear, but it appeared Gallo was pushed to the canvas in the first round, then rallied late, and after a slow second round, upped the ante in the third round by blasting Suleymanov (11-0-0 and five KO’s) with a left, right, and another left in the middle of the round.
For good measure, Gallo landed a splendid combination toward the end of the round.
The near-capacity crowd appreciated that Gallo and Suleymanov stood in the middle of the ring, hammering away at each other, which makes for an exciting bout.
In the co-main event, Anatoliy “The Dragon Man” Dudchenko earned a unanimous decision over Chris Thomas in their six-round cruiserweight match.Dudchenko floored Thomas twice in the fifth round, the first more of a push, while the second knockdown was accomplished with a thunderous left hand late.Thomas, a former North American Boxing Association title holder, was at times awkward, clinching and holding. In sum, he failed to throw and land enough punches.
Dudchenko (10-2-0 and seven KO’s) hurt Thomas (17-14-2 and 14 KO’s) with a big right in the opening round, and after two slower-moving rounds, picked up the pace in the fourth round, finding the zone about a half-dozen times.

In the first-ever women’s match in Glendale history, Brittney Christian walked away with a majority decision in her junior middleweight clash with Holly “Lil Bear” Lawson, who made her professional debut.
Christian, at least three inches shorter than Lawson, swung from her heels at the beginning of every round, throwing multiple punches, with some landing, while others missed.Because she was shorter, Christian (2-1-0 and one KO) had to get inside in order to find the target, but too often didn’t have enough zip on her punches, which were looped, rather than straight and sharp.Lawson seemed to be the crowd favorite, but didn’t land enough telling blows, and this cost her in the eyes of two judges.

In the opening fight, Jesus “El Pollo” Hernandez was in control throughout much of his four-round lightweight bout against Stevie Marquez, taking a unanimous decision, even though he was knocked down in the first round.
Hernandez (9-0-2 and two KO’s) rebounded in the next round, decking Marquez (9-16-1 and six KO’s) with a terrific right hand.
The remaining two rounds were action-packed, but Hernandez was the more polished boxer, exacting the more effective punches.

 

Typhoon or Tornado?

Photo by German Villasenor

While Manny Pacquiao had no problems training right through typhoon in Philippines he will have to face another natural disaster, a tornado, Tijuana Tornado, Antonio Margarito. Their super welterweight championship showdown, to be fought at catch weight of 151 pounds, is scheduled to take place in Dallas Cowboys newly built monster stadium on Saturday, November 13th and will be televised live on HBO Pay Per View. For complete story go to

http://www.examiner.com/sports-in-glendale-ca/typhoon-or-

tornado

 

 

El Pollo in action at Glendale Civic

 

Following a year lay off undefeated, local featherweight prospect Jesus “El Pollo” Hernandez (8-0-2,2KO’S) will lace up his gloves inside the squared circle against Denver’s Steve Marquez, this Friday at the Glendale Civic Auditorium as part of an exciting professional boxing show dubbed “Glendale Glory 3 ”, staged by Art of Boxing Promotions and Bash Boxing.

Trained at the Maywood Boxing Club by renowned trainer of many champions, Clemente Medina, who is also responsible for the meteoric rise of super welterweight contender Alfredo Angulo, twenty two year old Hernandez is anxious to get into the ring. “We had a great training camp,” said Hernandez who currently lives in Lancaster with his dad and a co –trainer, Cesar: “I just want show everybody what I can do.”

El Pollo gave his fans a lot to cheer about last year when he faced off against a bitter rival from San Diego, Aaron Garcia twice; once in June and the second time in September. Both bloody battles that took place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California ended up in highly disputed draws.

With fans clamoring for more Hernandez sat on side lines for a whole year due to problems with his former manager Frank Espinoza.

“Steve (promoter) said he wants to see Pollo,” exclaimed his father Cesar. Should young Hernandez impress the eyes of knowledgeable boxing fans in Glendale as well as promoters, there will be more action next year.

El Pollo’s return to the ring will be on the undercard of the main event, a ten round bantamweight brawl between Khabir “Crazy Russian” Suleymanov and Javier Gallo. Both pugs promise fireworks.

Tickets priced starting at $50.00 could be purchased online at www.glendaleglory.com or by phone at 626-388-8888. Glendale Civic Auditorium will open its doors at 7:00 pm with the first fight to commence at 8:00pm.

Photo by Marlene Marquez

 

 

Margarito’s trump card.

Photo by German Villasenor

 

Reports from Oxnard that Antonio Margarito is in the best shape of his life are all true.Last week I went down to Margarito’s training camp, Oxnard Boxing Academy. Former champion turned trainer Roberto “Grandpa” Garcia is preparing Tijuana Tornado for what must be the most important fight of his life, a showdown with pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao.  According to Las Vegas bookmakers Pacman is a six to one favorite to win the super welterweight contest that is to take place on November 13that Dallas Cowboys new stadium. But team Margarito does not seem concerned about the odds. For full story go to http://www.examiner.com/sports-in-glendale-ca/margarito-s-trump-card

 

Perez edges Salcido

Photo by Ray Flores

Indio, California_ In a battle of speed versus speed and North against South unbeaten Eloy “The Prince” Perez (19-0-2,5KO’S)escaped with a razor thin majority decision victory over very game and very determined Dominic Salcido( 18-3,9KO’S) After ten brisk competitive rounds judges scored the fight: 95-95  and 96-94 twice for Perez.

Capacity crowd at Fantasy Spring Resort and Casino booed as the scorecards were announced, because  a local favorite Salcido seemed the fighter that wanted it most in the end and was the fresher one of the two. Salcido might have lost the fight, but he regained the respect of his fans with his determined and consistent performance. “Thought I won the fight by round or two,” said Salcido, 26:” I was hurting him with my punches. I stayed focused and proved myself to my fans.”

It was a contest of jabs with neither fighter getting a clear advantage. Perez pressed the action, but the only significant punch was a right cross landed by Salcido. The tactical fight between two very quick boxers continued into the second stanza evoking a few boos from the crowd. Aggression of Perez started to pay dividends in the third as was landing more and getting closer to landing something big, because Salcido’s jab was not effective; he was just pawing with it. Both pugs let their hands go at the conclusion of the fourth stanza igniting the crowd with lightening fast punches.

The crowd got restless in the fifth craving for action only to see both youngsters open up at the end of the round with neither fighter landing any significant punches. Crowd booed again in the sixth spurring Perez to go on the attack; he landed three flush right hands seemingly taking control of the round when Salcido came back with a couple of shots of his own to close the round.  In the seventh stanza Eloy landed a huge right hand flush, the best punch of the night Dominic took it well and fired back, but caught another huge left hook. Dominic landed several uppercuts in the eighth and stunned Perez with the right hand on several occasions. It was Salcido who was the aggressor in the ninth stanza, he looked more intent and focused while his adversary looked a little tired and discouraged. Dominic landed a huge right hand that stunned Perez, but he did not finish the job. Salcido controlled the action in the final stanza as both speedsters went toe to toe with very few punches landing.

Even though he won the fight Perez was disappointed. “He ran the whole night,” complained Northern California Perez:” He was awkward and he didn’t come to fight me. It was two boxers trying to outsmart each other.”

Photo by Ray Flores

Exciting young light welterweight prospect from East Los Angeles, Frankie Gomez(7-0,6KO’S) had to go the distance  for the first time in his professional career besting  rugged veteran from Las Vegas Ramon Montano(17-8-2, 2KO’S) over six rounds. All three judges scored the fight the same 60-54 for Gomez. It was a very exciting one sided fight and the crowd appreciated every punch thrown. “He could really take a punch,” said Gomez after the fight;” I controlled the fight, but I am upset I didn’t knock him out.”

In the second stanza Frankie landed combinations with a speed of lightning trapping his opponent on the ropes, but gritty Mexican veteran always answered with the fire of his own that mostly went downstairs to slow down faster Gomez a brawl broke out in the third. Frankie was getting the better of the exchanges but Montano was landing some heavy bombs of his own to keep the young prospect honest.

Frankie continued his assault in the fourth busting up the face of Montano a bit, but Mexican veteran continued to fire back and cause difficulties for former amateur stand out. Gomez upped the pressure in the fifth trapping his adversary against the ropes and firing hard shots. However iron chinned Montano always came back with his own shots. Frankie finally hurt his foe in the final stanza with bombs that he was firing from everywhere trying to end the night early, but to no avail. Montano fought back al the way till the final bell.

Photo by Ray Flores

Crowd favorite featherweight from Coachella, California, Randy Caballero (5-0,4KO’S) launched a furious assault on his opponent from Los Angeles Missael Nunez (4-10-2) over four exciting rounds, but despite all of his efforts had to settle for a decision. All three judges scored the fight 40-56 for Caballero.

Heavyweight Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (19-0-1,13KO) put an exclamation point on the night dropping Derrick Brown (13-6-3,11KO’S) three times on the way of fist round knock out. The official time of the stoppage was 2:59 of the first.

Photo by Ray Flores

Featherweight Charles Huerta (15-1,8KO’S) from Paramount, California electrified the crowd in the opening bout stopping rugged Felipe Cordova (10-2,4KO’S) from Brownsville, Texas in the very first round of their contest scheduled for eight. After suffering a single loss of his pro career, a first round knock out, a year ago in Los Angeles at the hands of speedy Derrick Wilson from Florida, Charles Huerta has regained his form of old as well as his confidence registering a fourth win in a row. “I wanted to show everybody that I put past behind me,” Said Huerta after the fight:” The first body shot I landed, did the damage and he was covering his body after that. I feel like a monster at this weight. I am twenty four and I feel great.”

Taller Huerta established a stiff jab early and then landed a left hook to the body that reverberated throughout the arena; few seconds later Charles landed a straight right hand that wobbled the legs Cordova, who was bravely trying to fight back but was getting hit with flush shots one after another until yet another right cross dropped him on the canvass like a sack of potatoes. Cordova beat the count administered by referee David Denkin, but he was in bad shape. Huerta went for the kill and unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches forcing the stoppage at 1:53 of the very first round.

Photo by Ray Flores

Deontay “The Bronze Bomber “ Wilder (13-0,13KO’S) got a lot more than he bargained for meeting a trial horse from Clearwater, Florida Harold Sconiers ( 17-21-2,11KO’S) in a six round scrap. After suffering a first knock down of his pro career Wilder regrouped and stopped the veteran at 1; 09 of the fourth stanza.

Wilder controlled the action in the first round with his jab and quick combinations; he dropped the veteran with the right hand a follow up punches in the first round, but seemed to run out of steam in the second dropping his hands low open widely for return fire. Sconiers took advantage of that and dropped former Olympic bronze medalist with a left hook right uppercut combination at the conclusion of the second stanza. The bell saved Wilder from a disaster; he took the third round to get his feet back underneath him, but came back firing combinations in the fourth , hurting and dropping his opponent early with the left hook right cross and then finishing him of with the barrage of punches.

 

Nortenos vs Surenos, Perez against Salcido

Photo by Ray Flores

In 1968 Chicano inmates of California State prisons separated in two rival outfits, Nortenos (Northerners) and Surenos (Southerners). According to prison records the longest running gang war has exploded over a pair of stolen shoes. Animosity between Nortenos affiliated with Nuestra Familia and Surenos, members of La Eme or Mexican Mafia rage on until today.

Photo by Ray Flores

On Friday night, Northern California junior lightweight Eloy Perez (18-0-2,5KO) will face Southern California Dominic Salcido (18-2,9KO) for the NABO belt. Televised live by Solo Boxeo Tecate from Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, California, this battle will have little resemblance to gang wars, even though a healthy rivalry between Northern and Southern California athletes does exist. Both guys are very quick fisted fighters with a lot of skills and a lot of talent.

Twenty three year old Perez is putting his NABO belt on the line to face Salcido. The more accomplished of the two and still undefeated Perez has been looking like a complete fighter as of late. Earlier this year he dominated very tough Southern California prospect David Rodela in Las Vegas and then went on to win NABO crown in Nevada when he bested a rugged Mexican veteran, Gilberto Sanchez Leon. This August in Pico Rivera, Southern California, Perez stopped durable Derrick Campos within five rounds. Eloy “ The prince” Perez did his training for this fight in Southern California at the Roberto Garcia’s Oxnard Boxing Academy where he sparred with the likes of Brandon Rios.

Only two years ago Dominic Salcido was considered one of the hottest young prospects in Southern California. Ricky Hatton employed him as a sparring partner to imitate the speed of Manny Pacquiao. Dominic’s big chance came two years ago when he moved up to lightweight division to face another rising prospect Vicente Escobedo. The irony is that Escobedo is from Northern California as well. Seemingly winning on the scorecards, Salcido lost focus, dropped his hands and got knocked out in the fifth stanza of a very thrilling bout. Another knock out loss last year at the hands of journeyman veteran Julio has put a once promising career in jeopardy. Long time trainer and confidant Joel Diaz broke ties with Dominic as well. Diaz said that he could not work with the guy who wanted to do his own thing and would not follow his directions. “Loosing made me a stronger person, “said Salcido, 26:” I learned that the hard way.”

Just like life sweet science affords second chances. With the new trainer Armando Huerta, father of featherweight, Charles Huerta who is also featured on the card, Dominic has a second chance to prove his skills and dedication. Crazy hairdo speedster does have the tools to beat and aggressive and undefeated Perez. Will he be able to stay focused?

Tune in October 15^th for telecast of Tecate Solo Boxeo or take a short drive to Fantasy Springs resort and Casino. I hear the swimming pool in that place is fantastic.