By David Martinez

In a fight that was as spectacular as it was billed, WBO Featherweight champion Orlando Salido came back in round ten to retain his belt over Juan Manuel Lopez last Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a fight that was aired by Showtime.

After a feel-out round in the opening stanza, these two boxers certainly put on a show for the ages. Salido had a terrific round three and was winning round five until he was knocked down by Lopez. From that point on, the bout was toe-to-toe action, with round nine being a candidate for “round of the year”. In round ten, Salido put Lopez down with an uppercut and as Lopez tried to regain himself, referee Roberto Ramirez wisely halted the contest 32 seconds into the round.

I was surprised that Lopez chose not to box tactically using his lead right hand jab, but instead was determined to slug with Salido which led to his demise in this classic rematch. At the time of the stoppage, the ringside judges had it 85-85, and 86-84, 86-84, both for Lopez.  On my personal unofficial card, I had Lopez ahead 86-84.

David made an appearance recently on DoghouseBoxing.com with another interview. Check it out here:

Adrien Broner / Eloy Perez
Marcos Madiana / Devon Alexander

By David Tyler
doghouseboxing.com

Boxing expert, David Martinez is paying doghouse boxing another visit. This time to provide expert analysis of this Saturday’s fights on HBO at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

David Tyler : David, I am looking forward to Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark. I believe these are two quality fights. Your thoughts about this fight card?
David Martinez : The fight card will feature two very promising fights. I am impressed that HBO will start this year’s Boxing After Dark fights with four really good boxers.

DT : I like the Adrien Broner/ Eloy Perez match-up. One of these two guys will take a giant leap forward with an impressive victory. Agree?
DM : Certainly I would agree. Adrien Broner has a great opportunity to be one of boxing’s next superstars. Both of these fighters have undefeated records but Eloy Perez has two draws and one no-decision. As I examine the resumes of both fighters…it’s the knockout percentage that gets my attention. Broner has a 22-0 record with 18 knockouts. Perez has seven knockouts in 26 fights. We have discussed this before…on the surface it looks like one fighter has more power than the other guy…maybe that’s true but you really have to take a close look at the opponents and their records.

DT : So I shouldn’t take it for granted that Broner will score a knock out?
DM : Both of these fighters are very good…legitimate top 10 boxers in the Featherweight division. Perez needs to be very careful during the first two or three rounds. Broner brings a lot of raw power to the ring and it’s those early rounds that will dictate if Perez has enough boxing skills to avoid those punches and counter with some shots of his own. This will be a very competitive fight.

DT : David, this fight takes place in the Junior Lightweight Division 130 pounds. Can you give me your top five active fighters in the Featherweight and Junior Lightweight divisions?
DM : Let’s start with the Featherweights (126 lbs.) – 1. Yukiorkis Gamboa, 2. Chris John, 3. Orlando Salido, 4. Juan Manuel Lopez, and 5. Johnny Gonzalez. My Junior Lightweights (130 lbs.) — 1. Takashi Uchyama, 2. Adrien Broner, 3. Juan Carlos Salgado, 4. Roman Martinez, and 5. Eloy Perez.

DT: Good picks and both Broner and Perez make your top five. Can you pick the winner of the fight?
DM: If forced to pick a winner, I would go with Broner…he is younger, appears to have more power, and I just think that this is his time. Both of these fighters have been very active. I think that Broner has fought better opponents and that may be just the edge to carry him in this fight.

DT: Next, HBO’s main event this Saturday, February 25th, will be the Marcos Maidana/ Devon Alexander fight. Let’s take a look at this fight.
DM: This is another competitive fight with two fighters in the top 10 at Junior Welterweight level. Neither one of these fighters will have trouble making the 147 lbs. They have both fought at Welterweight during their careers. This will be a 10 round fight…not 12 rounds.

DT: Marcos Maidana is a very entertaining ‘gunslinger’ type fighter. Your thoughts about Maidana?
DM: What can you say about Maidana with that great victory over Victor Ortiz. That’s what the fans remember about Marcos Maidana. Let’s take a look at the flip side of Maidana. When he fought Erik Morales, I had that fight even after 10 rounds. Of course you could say that Morales fought the fight of his life or you could take the position that Maidana has some flaws in his style. Maybe you could make a case that Morales was the more experienced fighter. Let’s give Maidana credit for closing the show by winning the last two rounds for the victory. That fight was one of last year’s top contenders for ‘fight of the year.’ My resources told me that he had a very successful training camp in Puerto Rico. His trainer, Rudy Perez, has had health problems so Maidana will have a new trainer in his corner.

DT: We spoke earlier that Maidana has had trouble with two fighters that had the advantage with boxing skills…Amir Khan and Erik Morales. Your thoughts about Devon Alexander?
DM: Alexander is another top 10 fighter. Very good boxing skills…what you would call a ‘pure boxer.’ Both he and Madiana a former Junior Welterweight champions. Alexander has not fought in eight months and that may be a factor in this fight. On the positive side for Alexander is that it’s home turf in St. Louis and it’s only a ten round fight. He is a lefty and he has a lot to prove in this fight. I thought he would beat Tim Bradley and I was wrong. Devon Alexander will be highly motivated to establish himself as a solid contender in the Welterweight division. Yes, we spoke about the fact that I will always take a pure boxer over a pure puncher. So if you ask me who I would pick…I’m going with Alexander.

DT: David, can we take a look at your list of top five active fighters in the two Welterweight divisions?
DM: Let’s start with the Junior Welterweights — 1. Timothy Bradley, 2. Lamont Peterson, 3. Amir Khan, 4. Marcos Maidana, 5. Devon Alexander. Now the Welterweights — 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr., 2. Manny Pacquiao, 3. Victor Ortiz, 4. Andre Berto, 5. Vyacheslav Senchenko.

DT: Good picks — What really stands out it that HBO is presenting two fights with fighters ranked in the top five of their respective divisions.
DM: All four of these boxers are top quality fighters. These are not fighters on their way up the ladder or have seen their better days. All four boxers are still in their prime…each has a lot to gain with a victory. I really appreciate the fact that HBO is presenting these type fights to their subscribers.

DT: I am looking forward to both fights and I agree this could be the ‘perfect storm’ brewing Saturday night. All four of these boxers will come to fight, they will be in great shape, they are highly motivated to win…a boxing fan’s dream! David thank you very much for your valuable insight for these fights.
DM: I am always happy to help and we will talk again. Take care.

Readers: For more about David Martinez, check out his website at dmboxing.com. Once again, the fights will be presented on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, this Saturday, February 25th, from the Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri…the hometown of Devon Alexander.

These fighters are at the stage of their careers where these are very important fights that will play a huge role in determining

In life we have friends; I have many, and two that ceratinly stand out for their talents are Johnny Ortiz and Anthony Prieto.

Johnny Ortiz – I am delighted to announce that a new revised edition of his publication “MY LIFE AMONG THE ICONS” has been recently released for purchase. I have known Johnny for the past twenty years and he has truly emerged as one of my best friends, and I consider him to be one of the most knowledable boxing authorities that I have ever met. I hope that you will join me to support the publication of his book, which is a fascinating memoir of a raconteur whose life intersected with the giants of sports and the glamour of Hollywood. To purchase your copy, you may order online by contacting the publisher at: authorhouse.com or by calling 1-800-839-8640

Anthony Prieto – I am grateful for a friend who is very talented in singing and artistic drawing, and so devoted in working as a volunteer with the California Condor Recovery Team. I have known Anthony for most of my adult life and we first met because our mutual love for boxing. I attend many of the concert events in which he performs, as I truly enjoy his flavor of Latin music. There are two CDs currently available: “Anthony Prieto by Anthony Prieto” and “Life Love and Desire / Anthony Prieto.” To purchase these CDs, you can go to the following websites: lacimamusic.com, cdbaby.com, or amazon.com.

If for any reason you want to contact Johnny or Anthony directly, I can accomodate this if you would so kindly go through me to arrange it, as I respect their privacy. In knowing both, they would honor any request you might desire of them.

Thank you for your support for my two friends; I respect both for their talents and I consider myself blessed to have them as my friends!

1) On July 4, 1912 in Vernon, California, Joe Rivers lost his bid for the lightweight title vs. Ad Wolgast when the bout ended in one of the most controversial finishes in boxing history … the outcome was ?
answer is ~ double knockout

2) When Larry Holmes won the WBC heavyweight championship (vs. Ken Norton) on June 9, 1978 … his manager and trainer was ?
answer is ~ Richie Giachetti

3) What former heavyweight champion was the referee for the lightweight title fight between Joe Gans vs. George Memsic on September 27, 1907 ?
answer is ~ James J. Jeffries

As I prepare for my annual holiday vacation, I want to make sure that I reach each and everyone who reads this column (and even those who do not), the very best wishes for the holiday season.

Both ShowTime and HBO have a nice early Christmas present on tap for boxing fans.

Let’s take a close look at two fights which will be held at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, on December 11.). The double main-event figures to have more action than most of the fight cards you’ve seen this year. What would you expect from some tough bantamweights?

In the first bout, hard hitting Vic Darchinyan, 34, from Australia, takes on undefeated 25-year-old, Mexican Abner Mares. This bout is going to be a classic boxer versus slugger match, with Mares, 20-0-1 (13, much preferring to box and Darchinyan, 35-2-1 (27), always ready, willing and able to tee off.

Except for Darchinyan’s power, this bout really offers little to choose from. Darchinyan is a southpaw, which may create problems for Mares, who does have a 3 ½” reach advantage.

I make it a point to pick a winner, and so I’ll give a slight edge to Mares to take a hard-fought decision in a fight that will see a lot of blood fly.

The other bout, for the IBF bantamweight title features champion Yohhny Perez, a tough 31-year old Colombian taking on former IBF champ Joseph Agbeko, 22, from Ghana.

Perez, 31, is a talented boxer with a mark of 20-0-1 with 14 knockouts, while Agbeko, 27-2 (22), wants his title back.

Perez, seems to have a bit of a problem with his defense, so my gut feeling is that the African fighter will take a close decision in a very tough toe-to-toe brawl.

Both fights are scheduled to be shown on ShowTime.

On HBO, a couple of light welters compete for the WBA crown, from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

These two fighters are better know in Europe than in America as they have seen most of their action out of the USA.

Amir Khan 23-1 with 17 knockouts from the U.K., takes on Marcos Madana 29-1 (17) for the WBA light welterweight title.

On paper this bout also appears to be a toss-up. Madana 29, from Argentina, having more ring experience, but Khan a slight edge up in opponents talent as well as punching power.

Another seemingly great fight for the viewers, but a nightmare in regards to a confident prediction from yours truly.

Now that I made my semi-cop out, it’s time to ‘man up’ and pick Khan the winner by a decision.

Glove 2 Glove:

A number of people have left us before the holiday season has begun.

Please say prayers for the souls of: Henrietta King, (promoter Don’s wife) 87;
Former middleweight with a big punch, Danny Nardico, 85; South African light heavyweight Herbert (The Hawk) Hlubi and Charles Scioli, 97, a well known celeb in both amateur and pro boxing.

Prayers for the return to health of former women fighter Christy Martin who is recovering in Florida.

Prayers requested for the return to health of Archie Wright, 2, who wandered into some dangerous substances.

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.

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 uplift and/or prayers? Just drop us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests, or put your name on anyone’s mailing list. 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.***

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and for great holiday gifts for boxing fans, let me suggest a couple of books for the loved one in your life to read.

It’s time to get your Christmas shopping done, and we are going to help!

Rusty Rubin, who was formerly the award winning managing editor of Ringsports.com as well as the currently defunct Ringsports Magazine, is the author of three 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.

Please allow me to recommend, two other great books, the “Arc of Boxing” by Mike Silver and “My Life among the Icons” by Johnny Ortiz.

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.

You and the gift recipient will be glad you did!***

I really like knowing David Martinez. Of course there’s his endless boxing knowledge – his ability to analyze a fight – even as it’s happening. I respect his advice big time.

One of the best things he does is something that only happens at Halloween. He will dress up like a masked wrestler. So let me share with you now a photo of this years 2010 edition of him at a party posing with young lady – Kim. He will always accommodate others for a picture and let me say that it’s my absolute pleasure to serve as his producer since this website started back in July 2007 – thank you David!

be sure to stay posted to dmboxing.com every month for your complete boxing schedule

FRIDAY – August 6, 2010 (ESPN2)
from: Chicago, Illinois
James De La Rosa vs. Michael Rosales (Welterweights)
Patrick Lopez vs. Prenice Brewer (Junior Welterweights)
Mike Mollo vs. Franklin Lawrence (Heavyweights)

FRIDAY – August 6, 2010 (Showtime)
from: Hinckley, Minnesota
Chris Avalos vs. Christopher Martin (Bantamweights)
Lateef Kayode vs. Alfredo Escalera, Jr (Cruiserweights)

SATURDAY – August 7, 2010 (HBO)
from: St. Louis, Missouri
Devon Alexander vs. Andriy Kotelnik (WBC / IBF Junior Welterweight Championship)
Tavoris Cloud vs. Glen Johnson (IBF Light Heayweight Championship)

SATURDAY – August 7, 2010 (Fox Sports)
from: Jalisco, Mexico
Gennady Golovkin vs. Milton Nunez (Middleweights)
Roman Gonzalez vs. Manuel Vargas (Junior Flyweights)
Julio Julio Emilio vs. Zapir Rasulov (Welterweights)

FRIDAY – August 13, 2010 (ESPN2)
from: Ontario, California
Manuel Quezada vs. Chris Arreola (Heavyweights)

SATURDAY – August 14, 2010 (HBO)
from: Montreal, Canada
Jean Pascal vs. Chad Dawson (WBC Light Heavyweight Championship)

SATURDAY – August 14, 2010
from: Panama City, Panama
Anselmo Moreno vs. Nehomar Cermeno (WBA Bantamweight Championship)

SATURDAY – August 14, 2010 (Fox Sports)
from: Laredo, Texas
Ji Hoon KIm vs. Miguel Vazquez (vacant / IBF Lightweight Championship)
Miguel Garcia vs. Cornelius Lock (Featherweights)

SATURDAY – August 14, 2010
from: Los Mochis, Mexico
Donnie Nietes vs. Mario Rodriguez (WBO Strawweight Championship)

WEDNESDAY – August 18, 2010 (ESPN2)
from: Monroe, Louisiana
Erislandy Lara vs. Michael Medina (Junior Middleweights)
Yordanis Despaigne vs. Frank Paines (Light Heavyweights)

SATURDAY – August 21, 2010
from: Newark, New Jersey
Tomasz Adamek vs. Michael Grant (Heaveyweights)
Joel Julio vs. Jamaal Davis (Junior Middleweights)

SATURDAY – August 21, 2010
from: Erfurt, Germany
Marco Huck vs. Matt Godfrey (WBO Cruiserweight Championship)
Robert Helenius vs. Gregory Tony (Heavyweights)

FRIDAY – August 27, 2010 (HBO)
from: Santa Fe, Argentina
Lucas Martin Matthysse vs. Rogelio Castaneda, Jr (Junior Welterweights)
Sebastian Andres Lujan vs. Emilio Julio Julio (Welterweights)

SATURDAY – August 28, 2010 (Fox Sports Net)
from: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Giovani Segura vs. Ivan Calderon (WBA Junior Flyweight Championship)

MONDAY – August 30, 2010
from: Donetsk, Ukraine
Vyacheslav Senchenko vs. Charlie Jose Navarro (WBA Welterweight Championship)

Allow me to thank my many friends in boxing for their calls, cards and visits during my recent illness….I’ll be as good as new as soon as the good Lord allows science to discover how to make a complete skeletal transplant. Seriously, the prayers mean a lot to this old scribe.

In the upcoming fight department, July 31, Saturday, should be a hum-dinger at Mandalay Bay on Pay-Per-View.

The again veteran counter puncher Juan Manuel Marquez faces a rematch with Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz for the WBO/WBA lightweight title. This fight is a rematch of a recent Houston, where Marquez stopped Diaz late.

Diaz, at age 26, (35-3, (17), is ten years younger than Marquez and has a big reach advantage.

Marquez, 50-5-1 (37), remains the best counter-puncher in the business as he proved when he stopped Diaz in his Texas hometown.

Not only does Marquez boast more fights, but far better competition, but when you deal with age, it doesn’t always mean as much.

A pick here looks easy, as Diaz’ only three losses came in his last six fights, while Marquez and time keeps marching on. The logic here is that if Diaz can’t beat Marquez at home, why think he would do better in far more neutral Las Vegas?

I don’t. Therefore, in a war, Marquez stops Diaz again, late.

This should be an outstanding PPV buy.

Glove 2 Glove:

Boxing lost two more outstanding people over the past few weeks.

Former heavyweight contenders Mac Foster and Johnny Calon went to their final rewards. Prayers for their souls are requested

Tough fighter and great competitor Scott LeDoux, who was always in shape (as I prefer to remember him) has ALS and has been given less than six months to live.

Also prayers for the recovery of the mother of boxing historian Scott Crouse would also be very much appreciated.

God listens.

Sad to report that Genaro Hernandez’ cancer has returned. We ask for your prayers to help “Chicanito” in his battle against this relentless foe.

Prayers for the return to health of Casey Guerrero, wife of popular boxer, Robert. “The Ghost’s” wife is having a recurring bout with leukemia.

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 uplift and/or prayers? Just drop us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests, or put your name on anyone’s mailing list. Every prayer request is welcome and I know the recipient will appreciate it.

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.***

1) Who served as a sparing partner for Sugar Ray Leonard in preparation for his 1978 bout with Floyd Mayweather, Sr. and who he would fight later in his career?
answer is – Thomas Hearns
 
2) In 1971, top welterweight contender Armando Muniz briefly taught at Cal State Los Angeles … what subject ?
answer is – Hispanic Studies
 
3) What cities (in order) were considered for the Jack Johnson vs. Jim Jeffries “Fight of the Century” heavyweight championship, July 4, 1910, before Reno, Nevada was finally chosen ?
answer is – San Francisco, CA / New York, NY / Hoboken, NJ
 
 
NOTE: as a popular feature offered by  dmboxing.com  there are always three new RING TRIVIA questions posted every month … with answers available for viewing about three weeks later!