By David Martinez

WBO bantamweight champion Jorge Arce avenged a 2009 draw with former titlest Lorenzo Parra with a 5th round knockout win in their non-title fight in Mexicali, BC, Mexico.

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko won a hard, but unanimous, decision over Dereck Chisora. The bout was held at the Olympiahalle in Munich, Germany.

Paul Williams rebounded from his less than stellar performance in July 2011 against Erislandy Lara to win a one-sided 12 round unanimous decision over Japan’s Nobuhiro Ishida in their junior middleweight bout.

Undefeated IBF light-heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud reatined his title with a “controversial” 12 round split decision over former WBA champ Gabriel Campillo. The official scorecards were 116-110, 114-112 for Cloud and third card had it 115-111 for Campillo. My “unofficial” scorecard had Campillo winning the fight 114-112.

( Member of Boxing Writers Assc.)

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez finished their trilogy Saturday night or have they?  A few observations on the fight begin with the Oscar De La Hoya syndrome.  In 2004, De La Hoya was beginning his promotion for his bout with Bernard Hopkins and the promotional team thought of a having a double header with Hopkins defending his title while De La Hoya would attempt to wrestle German fighter Felix Sturm title away. Hopkins won his bout but De La Hoya found the German Middleweight a little more than he could handle. While De La Hoya took the early rounds, Strum dominated the second half of the fight and most observers had him winning the fight  seven rounds to five but he lost by that score.  While De La Hoya threw nearly double the punches, Sturm was more accurate, connected on more punches and his punches started to shake De La Hoya.   Many of the judges gave the close rounds to De La Hoya and there were many who wonder how much the prospective Hopkins-De La Hoya fight was a factor in the scoring.  Many Marquez fans will be wondering; did the prospect of a Mayweather-Pacquiao color the judges’ decision in a fight with many close rounds?

There is the Ken Norton Syndrome that affected Team Marquez.  In his third fight with Ali, Norton gave the last round away as he thought he had the fight in the hand. In addition, he gave away another round in the middle of the fight.  He lost a decision that he should have won by simply giving away the last round in a fight that was much closer than Norton thought. Team Marquez told their guy that he had the fight in the bag, so Marquez simply took the foot of the gas pedal and lost the last round, a round that could have cost him the fight.  Marquez should have known better and so should have his corner.  Team Marquez had as much to do with their fighter losing as any one.

This was a close fight with many close rounds but it was not a robbery as this fight could have been scored in either way.  Here are the facts. Pacquiao threw more punches, connected on more punches and both men were similar in accuracy.  It could be said that Marquez punches may have been more impactful but HBO Harold Lederman gave the fight to the PACMAN and Dan Rafel of ESPN called it a draw even though his scorecard actually had Pacquiao ahead.    This was a close fight but Pacquiao winning the fight can be supported just as the opposite could be the truth.  The judges gave Pacquiao the benefit due to his aggressive nature and more activity and the statistic support that decision.

Does this mean that Mayweather is more likely to fight Pacquiao after this bout?  Well maybe but if Pacquaio had more trouble with Marquez than Mayweather, Mayweather had more trouble versus Ricky Hatton but Mayweather may conclude that fighting Pacquiao may be a nice way to ensure his legacy while making a ton of money since he is a wizard at defense and counterpunching.   Pacquaio does have one advantage, he can always pursue a Marquez IV but I doubt that Team Pacquiao are anxious to fight Marquez a fourth time unless there is no Mayweather fight on the horizon.    Marquez-Pacquiao IV only happens if Mayweather simply says no mas to a Pacquiao.

There was the Tim Bradley fight against Joel Casamayor.  My problem with Tim Bradley is that he had his chance to make good money with a fight against Amir Khan to see who the best junior welterweight in the world is, but Bradley said no.  His reason was simple, he wanted a Pacquaio fight and his promoters figured that a Khan fight was too much of a risk. The problem with their vision is simple; Bradley who had beaten Khan would be a more attractive fight than a Bradley who refused to fight Khan.   There is no big money in fighting Bradley, so Pacquiao would rather wait for Mayweather or fight Marquez a fourth time since there is more money with each fight.  Bradley wants to make him more marketable to team Pacquaio, go fight Khan.  Beating an old Casamayor, whose best weight was as a junior lightweight and lightweight, is hardly a resume enhancer if you are pursuing a Pacquaio.  There is only one fight that makes sense for Bradley and that is Khan.

Best fight of the evening was Bredis Prescott versus Mike Alvarado.  This fight saw Prescott three minute away from victory before Mike Alvarado stopped Prescott in the final round. The fight featured high drama plus good action. All you can ask for in a fight.

( Member of Boxing Writers Association & International Boxing Research Organization )

Zab Judah found himself with one more opportunity to win a big fight, this one from Amir Khan and become an elite fighter once again.  At the age of 33, Judah moved down in weight to the 140 pound division but Khan would be a big fight. As for Khan, he came into the fight as the younger and bigger fighter against an older but experienced boxer who has his share of big fights.  This fight happened because Tim Bradley chose not to fight Khan and Khan simply moved to the next best thing; Judah.

Khan began the first round by jabbing and looking for openings whereas Judah showed patience as Khan early jabs missed.  Khan long jab kept Judah a safe distance and where Judah did managed a right hook from his southpaw stance; he did very little offensively.

In the second round, Judah avoided many of Khan punches, but he did very little counter whereas Khan continued to control the real estate between his opponent.   By the third round, Khan physical feature started to take control but Judah managed to slip left hands but they had little effect on the bigger Khan.

Khan lengthened his lead on the scorecard as he easily score with some excellent rights that were followed by jabs. As the fourth and fifth round progressed, Khan punches were getting more accurate including a nasty left hook with minute left in the fifth round that stunned Judah.    A few seconds later, a Khan right sent Judah reeling before another right on Judah belly button sent Judah down for the count.  Judah did not try to get up and tried to claim a low blow but it became obvious that he did not have any answer for Khan.

Amir Khan looked at his very best this evening as he dominated an excellent fighter and showed that he may be the best junior welterweights.  Tim Bradley is the undefeated junior welterweight champion but he had a chance to fight Khan to answer the question who is the best junior welterweights.  Khan offered Bradley a 50/50 cut and while some figured Tim Bradley is waiting to be part of the Pacquaio sweepstake maybe Bradley may be a little nervous about facing Khan.

Over in England, two very big men fought for the British heavyweight champion but what was at stake was a place for the right to face a Klitschko.    Dereck Chisora faced Tyson Fury in the battle of Britain.

Fury used his height and quicker hands to win an easy decision but in the second round, a Chisora left staggered Fury but after that, he boxed his way to victory. After the second round, Fury unleashed combinations to out work Chisora. Going into the eighth round, Chisora was told by his corner either fight or it is over. Chisora unleashed a right that forced Fury to retreat. The tenth round may have been the best round of the fight as both fighters let loose punches. Fury began the round with a three punch combinations to the body followed by series of other combinations before Chisora connected on his own combinations that forced Fury to retreat. By the end of the round, Chisora looked exhausted from throwing punches and from that point, it was Fury fight to finish off.

Fury took the final two rounds and is now the champion of the British isle and the rest of the commonwealth.  Last December, Chisora was prepared to fight Wladimir Klitschko but Klitschko pulled out with an injury and now he is looking up at fellow British Fury for a shot at the title.   Fury showed continuous improvement but after only fifteen fights, the question that remains, is he ready for a Klitschko?

Johnny Ortiz, Dub Harris, David Martinez

( photo taken October 18, 2002 )

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian

Last month the boxing world lost a friend, Maurice “Dub” Harris, who passed away peacefully on June 27, 2011 at the age of 94. He was a highly decorated veteran of the United States Army serving in both World War II and the Korean War.

Dub, along with Everett Sanders (original founder), Charlie Casas, and Gordon Del Faro, was one of the charter members of the World Boxing Hall of Fame that started in 1980. Dub served five terms as president (1982), (1985), (1989-1990), (1995-1996), (1997-1998). Dub remained active as Chairman of the Board and President’s Advisor until failing health in 2005 forced him to depart the World Boxing Hall of Fame after twenty five years of dedicated service with the goal to always strive for excellence.

I officially met Dub in November 1996 when Deborah Sutherland set up an appointment to have him interview me to become a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. I was not shy about telling him about how I wanted to serve and offer my boxing expertise to the organization. He was delighted with my interview and I was always remember what he told me, “Don’t let me down,” which became the motivating sprit that he sincerely embedded in me and lit the torch I burned for the next ten years I served the World Boxing Hall of Fame. We often kidded about “Don’t let me down” between us, in which he would always look at me with that smile he had for the chosen ones whom he considered on his team.

From that moment forward we became close friends in service, Dub being president and me being a director of the board. Later he personally appointed me as his boxing historian. Dub was respected by everyone on the board and many others within the boxing circles he traveled. He gave much to the community, supporting such organizations as the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Youth Foundation, Shriner’s Hospitals, and the John R. Wooden Award hosted by the Los Angeles Athletic Club just to name a few.

Trudie Latka, who has severed honorably with the World Boxing Hall of Fame since 1992, says “Dub knew all about the things he didn’t know, and knew how to use others talents to unite to solve, which made him a great leader in all aspects of the word”.

Joey Olmos, a life-long icon in boxing for over sixty years and who served as Los Angeles Boxing Commissioner for many years, says, “Dub was one of a kind, dedicated, friendly, humble, and knowledgeable. He was well loved and will be missed immensely.”

Johnny Ortiz, who served with nothing less than 100 percent support to the World Boxing Hall of Fame for 12 years, says “In all my years not many have had my utmost respect. Dub Harris was a man who commanded my respect from the very moment we met. He emitted a radiance, a brightness, that went out to all that were fortunate enough to be around him. He is now in a much better place, a place he richly deserves.” To quote William Shakespeare, “We will not look upon his like again.”

With the passing of Dub, I personally will never forget him as my president and the opportunity he gave me in his trust, and in return to fulfill my commitment to never let him down. I consider myself blessed to have known such a wonderful man. May his soul rest in peace in heaven – Maurice “Dub” Harris.

Four years ago, July 15, 2007, I brought you this website in living color. The initial brain storming of this website I owe to John Boitnott, who approached me in early 2007 and simply told me, “Why not,” that I have all the ingredients to bring the world my love and passion of boxing. He also said that he would be honored to help me by being my producer. So, a dream became a reality and  dmboxing.com  was born.

In these past four years I have attained much respect from a growing fan base by giving you boxing as I live it every day of my life. In addition, a unique and select group of people have bonded and given me their expertise, and they have certainly enhanced this website in what it has become today and will be in future.

This group of people currently includes producer John Boitnott; proof reader and photo editing Bob Quackenbush; proof reader Kathy Kraft; photographer Ray Luna; and boxing writers Rusty Rubin, Jim Amato, Rick Farris, and Tom Donelson.

There are also the personable t-shirt and hat girls and the various boxers who have contributed in a special, giving way displaying my products in a professional manner.

As a “Happy Anniversary” special for the next 30 days, until August 15th, I am offering my official website t-shirt and hat (both products) at the low price of just $20.00! This is a savings of almost 25 percent as each product sells individually for $13.00 and I will include FREE shipping to anywhere in the continental United States of America.

To order, please send your check (NO cash) to the address listed below and include your t-shirt size. This special price is just my way to thank you for making this website one of your choices in boxing!

David Martinez Boxing
Post Office Box 41536
Santa Barbara, CA 93140

On a quarterly basis, I will continue to thank the many people that make this website the success that it is:  my producer, writers, proof readers and crew. Without these key people I would literally be a faceless captain of a ship with no support crew; they will be mentioned in detail next week when this website officially celebrates it’s four year anniversary.

Those of you who know me personally know I live boxing every day of my life and have for the past 50 years. I have used this website as a bright beacon to give you my very best in boxing; that is my intent, my only intent.

I receive a lot of fan mail that is sent to my email address, and I truly respect every opinion from each of you. I am intrigued by many comments and it’s my honor to be able to respond with my own personal opinion and truthfulness.

There was one comment I received that I must share with you (see below) from Antonio Santiago in Puerto Rico. He said some nice things and touched on a subject that I have had many ask me about: who are the greatest Mexican born boxers of all time.

For my fan base that might have missed the feature article covering that subject, my producer, John Boitnott, will post it in full detail again in about ten days for your viewing on this website.

For the record, in my opinion, the top Mexican-born boxers of all time at the pinnacle of their careers (alphabetically) are Miguel Canto, Julio Cesar Chavez, Ricardo Lopez, Ruben Olivares, Vicente Saldivar, Salvador Sanchez, and Carlos Zarate.

The key words are “Mexican born”.  I have had people ask me about Jose Napoles, Pancho Villa, Carlos Ortiz, Manuel Ortiz… they are certainly worthy, but none were born in Mexico.

For the record, in my opinion, the greatest Puerto Rican-born boxer is Wilfredo Gomez (I have had many ask me that, as well) with Felix Trinidad right behind him at number two.

In closing, I would like to bring two items of boxing interest to your attention:

(1) My friend J.J. Johnston, along with his associate Nick Beck, have written a book that every boxing fan will enjoy called “Babyface and Pop”.  It is the true story of one of the greatest champions in boxing history, Jimmy McLarnin.

(2) Another boxing website that I fully support, and its founder and president Edgar Gonzalez, who does an excellent job, is  www.MyBoxingFans.com.  I encourage you to check out.

I strive to bring you the best in boxing and thank you for your loyalty to this website.  May God bless each and every one of you – thank you!

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

This week on July 2, in Hamburg, Germany, Wladimir Klitschko puts his IBF and WBO belts up against fast and hard hitting David Haye and his WBA belt.

Klitschko is taller by 3 1/2” and has a 3” longer reach, but Haye does have power, although he doesn’t show much one-punch ability to take his opponent out. At 35, he’s also five years older than Haye and has fought better name fighters.

The question with Klitschko in the past has been his chin, which seems to have held up well in recent fights. Being knocked out does not equate to having a glass jaw.

As I see it, Haye has to wear Wladimir down in order to have a decent shot to win, and unless his legs betray him, I don’t see that happening.

Klitschko by decision or late stoppage.

Glove 2 Glove:

One of the founders of the World Boxing Hall of Fame passed away. Dub Harris, also an honored veteran of WWII left us on June 21. Thanks Dub, you were one of the great guys I was privileged to meet and get to know.

Prayers for the soul of Nick Charles, who lost his brave battle with cancer. Nick was a great guy and a God fearing person. He will be missed.

Needless to say we need prayers for the return to health of former champ Gerald McClellan, who is confined to wheelchairs.

On behalf of these great fighters who have given their all in our great sport, we thank you for your ongoing prayers.

If you know of any boxing people in need of spiritual uplifting and/or prayers? Just drop us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests. Your name will not suddenly appear on anyone’s mailing list. In short, there is no obligation. Every prayer request is welcome and I know the recipient will appreciate it.

God listens!

Rusty Rubin, formerly the award winning managing editor of Ringsports.com as well as the now defunct Ringsports Magazine, is the author of three highly acclaimed boxing books! “Woozel, Boxing and Me”, “Off the Canvas” and “Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” co-authored by Tom Donelson. These books are all available at Authorhouse.com, and all major book retailers. They are all more than worth the purchase price, or contact me via this website for a personally autographed copy at a small extra charge.

In these hard economic times, any or all of these books will make an excellent and inexpensive presents to the boxing fan(s) in your life. They are especially appreciated gifts if the recipient is tired of watching re-runs of sit-coms and the far-less than significant reality shows. Being laid-up a bit of late, I should know. Where’s the “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports” when you need it? Make your friend or loved one ‘look sharp’, ‘feel sharp’ and be ‘sharp.’ So how are you fixed for books? You’d better check.

You and the book-gift recipient will be glad you made the right choice (or the write choice)!***

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

First, a continuing wish a speedy and full recovery to Oscar de la Hoya and Mia St. John who are both undergoing rehab treatment.

This week on June 25, in Cozumel, Mexico, Tijuana native and veteran Humberto Soto takes on Motoki Sasaki, from Japan, for the WBC lightweight title.

Also this week on June 25, I wish my friend and boxing historian David Martinez “Happy Birthday”.

The Fight:

Soto, 31, 55-7-2, seems to have been around forever, but is still four years younger than the largely unheralded Sasaki, who rarely fights outside of Japan.

On the surface it seems like a fight that Soto should dominate, as he has fought far bigger names than Sasaki. There is a however, here. Sasaki has fought mainly Japanese fighters, and there aren’t a lot of folks here who know their names, let alone their toughness.

Still, I can’t go against the younger and more experienced Soto, especially since the fight is in Mexico.

Humberto by TKO early, in what looks like a short, but action packed bout.

Glove 2 Glove

On a personal note, I would request prayers for my wonderful wife Lois, who is dealing with a still unclearly diagnosed condition.

Prayers are requested for the health of outstanding trainer Joe Sousa, who is fighting the fight of his life against cancer.

Prayers for the complete return to good health to my old friend, promoter, and ex-wrestler Jack ‘Moe’ Smith who had complete reconstructive knee surgery a couple of weeks back. Moe’s a fighter and making a complete recovery.

Please pray for my Aussie mates and Glove2Glove member John MacDougall, who had to deal with health problems for his wife of many years Gwen, who is in a nursing home John, a former Commissioner is having problems after a hip replacement surgery. Both need your prayers for recovery and inner strength.

Please say prayers for Phill Grazide of Santa Rosa, CA. a big supporter of amateur boxing, who is suffering the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

On behalf of these great fighters who have given their all in our great sport, we thank you for your ongoing prayers.

If you know of any boxing people in need of spiritual uplifting and/or prayers? Just drop us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests. Your name will not suddenly appear on anyone’s mailing list. In short, there is no obligation. Every prayer request is welcome and I know the recipient will appreciate it.

God listens!

To join us, or just request needed prayers, drop Dave Wilcox a line at ubtdave@earthlink.net

Glove2Glove, which has been a long-time integral part of the defunct Ringsports.com magazine and website. It is a program I wish to continue a long after I have left the sport and this earth. I want to thank Dave and Deborah Wilcox, who have offered to take over the program and promised to continue it indefinitely. This generous offer means a lot to me. We always welcome new members.***

Thanks and God bless.

By Tom Donelson

( Member Boxing Writers Association and International Boxing Research Organization )

This past Saturday, HBO boxing after Dark had an evening of knock out boxing as the card featured knock out artists in both bouts.  Adrien Broner came into the bout as an undefeated fighter with 16 knockouts in 20 wins against the tough Jason Litzau, who goes for broke.  In the second bout, Mexican sensation Camelo Saul Alvarez challenged British veteran Ryan Rhodes.

In the opening round of the first fight, Litzau and Broner posed more than fight as they felt each other out with little action until the last thirty seconds when Broner attacked with vicious combinations.  The Broner attacked began with a left hook that missed followed by a right that stunned Litzau.  The right hand paralyzed Litzau for a brief moment and Litzau did not quite know where he was; Broner added a solid right, left hook, a right upper cut that send Litzau eyes rolling back and then concluded with a left hook sending Litzau down along the rope.  The referee did not bother to count as it was self evident that Litzau was not going to get up.

In the main event, Rhodes and Alvarez exchanged a few polite punches before Alvarez exploded with some combinations near the end of the first round as he connected on a series of combinations with the right hand showing the most pop.  Alvarez showed patience in the second round as he waited to see what Rhodes, who jabbed tentatively as the memory of those stinging rights in the first round still fresh in his minds.  When Rhodes turned southpaw, he proved vulnerable to Alvarez’s right as Rhodes looked ineffectual.

Alvarez showed some defensive skills as he moved his head against Rhodes and avoided many of Rhodes’ punches.  Alvarez occasionally would attack and never feared his opponents’ power. Rhodes started to connect on a few punches in the third round but they had little effect.

In the fourth round, Rhodes tried to move closer but he felt the impact of Alvarez’s power as Alvarez unleashed quick combinations. With 45 seconds left, one of those combinations ending with a right hand sending Rhodes down for a brief moment but Rhodes spent the rest of the round retreating to avoid any more power shots.

In the fifth round, Alvarez mixed up body shots with head shots as he slipped right crosses and left hooks to the body.  Rhodes’ corner essentially told their fighter, “Forget about points; you have to knock the guy out to win.”  Rhodes knew that in Mexico that he would have trouble winning a decision but he found out early, Alvarez punches carried power plus he had hand speed.   Rhodes connected on some solid shots in the sixth but they had little impact on his younger opponent.

After eight rounds, it was looking like a white wash as Rhodes did very little to discourage his opponent and in the eighth round, Alvarez body shots made Rhodes winced.

The ninth and tenth were not much different from the rest of the fight and with two rounds, Rhodes had a problem. He had not worn down or hurt Alvarez and Alvarez could hit Rhodes anytime without fear of reprisal.   In the final round, Alvarez came out to end the fight and he unleashed a series of combinations which Rhodes did little to deflect. Alvarez continued to press and a six punch combination pounded Rhodes, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Nor was this a controversial stoppage as Rhodes’ corner was ready to throw in the towel.

Alvarez showed that he is a star rising in the junior middleweight division as he combines power with solid technical skills as he brushed aside Rhodes – by twelfth round TKO.