Tag Archives: featured

Donarie wins!

Recent Fights, Tom Donelson, ,

By Tom Donelson

(Member of Boxing Writers Assc.)

 

Nonito Donarie is on the verge of superstardom and in the original capital of boxing, New York City; he faced the undefeated Argentina fighter Omar Andres Narvaez.  Donarie have beaten some of the better fighters in the lower weight division including Fernando Montiel and the power punching Vic Darchinyan.  Donarie wanted to make his point that Pacquaio wasn’t the only great Philippine fighter.

The opening minutes was a feeling out process as Narvaez boxed and looked for weakness against the hard punching Donarie.  Near the end of the round, both fighters nailed each other with solid hooks but Donarie punches were heavier.   The second round saw two technical fighters playing a chess match as both fighters look for advantage but action proved sparse as neither fighter could gain an advantage. Narvaez defense forced Donarie to move forward and threw punches, but punches missing their target.

Narvaez showed some defensive wizardry and countered effective at times as he would nick Donarie while forcing Donarie to stalk. Donarie never felt comfortable in attacking Narvaez.  In the fourth round, Donarie threw punches but all were blocked but Narvaez failed to throw punches of his own and with thirty seconds left, Donarie landed a right hand that shook Narvaez and forced the Argentine fighter to retreat.

Throughout the fifth round, Donarie threw punches after punches while Narvaez simply played possum, blocking most of the punches but he did very little to counter the bigger Donarie.   Narvaez defense frustrated Donarie, who was forced to fight a more patient fight and he was unable to get Narvaez into a firefight. Continue reading Donarie wins! →

Hopkins – Dawson and other HBO fights!

Recent Fights, Tom Donelson, ,

By Tom Donelson
(Member Boxing Writers Assc.)

Bernard Hopkins once again decided it was time to teach a young fighter the fine arts of the sweet science. Hopkins goal was to control the pace and fight when he wanted to. Hopkins waited as Dawson moved forward cautiously in the opening moments of the fight. Hopkins led with a right hand and bull rushed with his head down as he avoided jabs. Dawson missed most of his punches but he did manage to connect on a hook for the best punch of the round with Hopkins lying on the rope.

Hopkins fought at a slow pace, which was the way he liked it at the beginning of the second round. Hopkins landed a right hand but he did try to push Dawson down. Dawson landed two jabs followed by short hook. The fight proved to be a rough affair as Hopkins tried to turn this into an ugly affair. The key moment of the fight occurred when Hopkins threw a right and landed on Dawson back, who then threw Hopkins off him. Hopkins landed on the canvas on his elbow, injuring his shoulder. The referee ruled it a TKO as he declared that Hopkins could not continue. The real question was this a true TKO or not?

In the opening bout of the HBO / PPV card, Paul Malignaggi used his quick feet and fast hands to keep the tough Orlando Lara off him. The one thing that was obvious, Malignaggi hands were faster as he blistered out four or five punch combinations but Lara punches when they landed had more power. In round three saw Malignaggi outlanding Lora by an 8 to 1 margin.

In the fifth round, Lara corner told him, start fighting but Malignaggi continued to out punch his opponent, who was left throwing one single shot at a time. This continued for the rest of the fight as Malignaggi simply hit Lora when he wanted to and rarely got hit back. One example of this was in the eighth round when Lora was posing with his right hand and looking to pull the trigger; Malignaggi nailed him with four punch combination. This led to an easy decision for Malignaggi.

In the second bout, former champion Kendall Holt faced undefeated Danny Garcia in a battle of junior welterweights for the WBO version of the title. Holt used his jab in the opening two rounds to set up his right as Garcia looked tentative as he threw weak punches.

Continue reading Hopkins – Dawson and other HBO fights! →

MIKE WEAVER : AN UNLIKELY CHAMPION

Heavyweights, History, Jim Amato, , ,

By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer

If I was to tell you there was once a heavyweight who lost his first professional fight by knockout. Also this heavyweight would actually lose half of his first dozen fights. If I told you he would go on to win a piece of the heavyweight crown and be a major player in the division for well over a decade. Would you believe me ?

Well this is a true Cinderella story. It is the career of former WBA heavyweight titleholder Mike “Hercules” Weaver. Who in my opinion for nearly a five year period he was the second best heavyweight in the world.

Mike turned pro in 1972 and he was matched tough from the very beginning. He lost his debut by knockout to future contender Howard “Kayo” Smith. He would then lose a five round decision to Smith in a rematch. Undefeated Billy Ryan would halt him in two rounds and four fights later unbeaten Larry Frazier would stop Mike in the second. In 1974 Weaver would drop a ten round duke to the much bigger Rodney Bobick. Then Mike would be taken out in seven by the streaking Olympian prospect Duane Bobick.

At this point the future of Mike Weaver looked very bleak. Over the next three and a half years though Weaver would put together a fairly impressive eight fight win streak. Among his victims were Tony Doyle,Jody Ballard,Dwain Bonds and hard hitting Pedro Lovell. This put Mike into a fight with the talented Stan Ward for the California heavyweight title. Ward outweighed Weaver by forty pounds and took a twelve round verdict. Seven months later Weaver was matched with Big Leroy Jones for the vacant North American Boxing Federation heavyweight title. Jones outweighed Mike by a whopping sixty six pounds ! Jones boxed his way to a twelve round decision over Weaver to capture the crown.

The determined Weaver with resurge his career by reeling off five straight wins in impressive fashion. He took out the very dangerous Bernardo Mercado in five rounds. He then met Stan Ward in a rematch. The vacant United States Boxing Association heavyweight title was on the line. This time Mike took care of Ward in the ninth round and put himself in a position for a shot at the world’s heavyweight title.
Continue reading MIKE WEAVER : AN UNLIKELY CHAMPION →

Weekend boxing results – Martinez Beats Barker

Recent Fights,

By Tom Donelson
( Memeber Boxing Writers Association )

Sergio wins on HBO

Sergio Martinez defended his title as king of the Middleweights against undefeated British Middeweight Darren Barker but before they were to fight, Brian Vera fought Andy Lee, who was hoping to revenge his only lost to Vera earlier.
Andy Lee began the fight jabbing in the opening minutes as Vera tried to find a way around the jab coming his direction.  Over the second half of the opening round, Lee nailed Vera with two solid straight left from his southpaw stance to win the round.

In the second round, Lee control the real estate as Vera failed to change much with an occasional bull rush as Lee merely side stepped Vera.  Near the end of the round, Lee nailed Vera with a straight left that sent Vera on his seat after a Vera’s right hand missed.

Lee used Vera aggressiveness against him as Vera became open to Lee counters including solid body shots, rights hooks and a straight lefts over the first three rounds. Lee fought smartly as he used his height and jab to control real estate between him and Vera plus it allowed Lee to counter effectively.

In the fourth round, Vera did managed to connect on a couple of rights but Lee defensive skills improved over his last fight with Vera as he covered up and blocked many of Vera shots.  During the stretch run of the round, Lee connected with solid combinations and accidental head butt open up a cut over Vera’s left eye.

Continue reading Weekend boxing results – Martinez Beats Barker →

Los Angeles Boxing Legends: Frank Baltazar, Sr.

California Boxing, California Boxing Hall of Fame, David Martinez, , ,
Rick and Frank (September 22, 2007)
By Rick Farris
( a former professional boxer and boxing historian )

 

By the end of WWII, a new era in Los Angeles boxing had taken life. In the eyes of California boxing historians, such as Gabriel “Hap” Navarro, former promoter and matchmaker at the legendary Hollywood Legion Stadium, the post war years thru the 1950’s, are considered the “Golden Era” of Los Angeles boxing.

At the time, L.A. headliners such as Enrique Bolanos, Manuel Ortiz, Art Aragon and dozens more, set box office records at the Olympic Auditorium, Hollywood Legion Stadium and Wrigley Field. In addition, the “City of Angeles” had a number of smaller clubs putting on regular shows, such as Ocean Park in Santa Monica, South Gate Arena and San Bernardino, to name a few.

A couple years after the war, a skinny 12-year-old would get his first taste of boxing from inside the ropes. This would be the birth of a life long journey for young Frank Baltazar, and it would take it’s first breath at the beginning of Los Angeles boxing’s toughest, most competitive era.

Today, six decades later, the skinny kid isn’t quite as skinny, and the thick black hair not quite as dark, as when we first met, however, Frank Baltazar Sr. looks pretty much the same. Frank’s handsome latino features contradict his seventy-plus years.

The first time I saw Frank was in the mid-1960’s, shortly after he’d hung up the gloves, after a sixteen year amateur career. Frank’s education in prizrfighting took place during the sports most glorious period in California, lessons learned in countless gyms, arenas and clubs thruout the Southland. His teachers were hardened “old school” veterans, and he practiced his skills in the ring, trading blows with some of the greats of the era
Continue reading Los Angeles Boxing Legends: Frank Baltazar, Sr. →

FROM THE DESK OF: David Martinez / Boxing Historian

DMBoxing News, FROM THE DESK OF:, ,

(Fall 2011 Edition)

On a quarterly basis, I always write to thank and acknowledge the many people that make this website the success that it is. My producer, John Boitnott, is simply brilliant in putting my work together to be viewed by our many fans in a positive and professional manner. My other key people who do their part in outstanding fashion are: Bob Quackenbush (Proof Reader and Photo Editing), Kathy Kraft (Proof Reader), Rusty Rubin (In Rusty’s Corner), Jim Amato (Senior Boxing Writer), Tom Donelson (Fight Correspondent Writer), Rick Farris (Free Lance Boxing Writer), and Ray Luna (Photographer). Without these people I would literally be a captain of a ship with no crew; their input is valued beyond belief and I am so grateful.

My t-shirt, hat, and tank top girls, who pose wearing my products, add a personal touch as they contribute their beauty and support to this website.

Next month you will see middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and later this year in December you will see Harold Lederman from HBO World Championship Boxing displaying my official “collector’s edition” white website t-shirt.

I would also like to thank my t-shirt suppliers, Garrett and Jose of Isla Vista Screen Printing, for their excellent work, friendship, and personal touch in making these garments. If you are interested in their services, they can be contacted at www.THEIVPS.com or call (805) 845-1333.
I would like to encourage my fan base to take a look at boxing historian Tony Triem’s website. He goes back years further than most boxing website’s that I have seen, with very interesting views. Tony and I have something in common; we both agree that Al Nelson and Hank Kaplin were the foremost boxing historians that we have ever met. Tony’s website address is http://members.cox.net/boxer561/
Continue reading FROM THE DESK OF: David Martinez / Boxing Historian →

Mayweather – Ortiz

Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Recent Fights, , ,

By Tom Donelson

( Member of Boxing Writers Assc. & International Boxing Research Org. )

This fight was a measure of how great Floyd Mayweather still was and Victor Ortiz’s job was to test the mantle of Mayweather’s invincibility.  The buzz from many pundits that Ortiz had a chance and much was questioned about Mayweather’s age and 16 months vacation from the ring.  The universal consensus was that Mayweather would win but Ortiz may have been his toughest competitor in a while.  CNNSI.com Chris Mannix summed up conventional wisdom, “Now, the fight: I’m picking Mayweather, by unanimous decision. Ortiz is good. When you factor in his age (24) and size, he is probably the best opponent Mayweather has faced since Oscar De La Hoya. But — and this is a big but — Floyd is just in a different class. Yes, he’s older and you can’t point to many welterweights who are still in their primes when they hit 34. But his conditioning, his otherworldly skill level and the lack of wear and tear on his body make him unique…Ortiz’s only shot is to knock him out. That won’t be easy; just hitting Mayweather hasn’t been easy. But if Ortiz can work the body early, can make it an even fight over the first four rounds and make Mayweather think he needs a knockout, he has a chance.”

Mayweather started the fight with a jab and he dodged Ortiz punches before landing a couple of body shots followed by flurry of quick hands before Ortiz backed him back.  Thus the main event of the $60 PPV began.  Mayweather’s quickness showed up immediately but Ortiz managed in the second round to land a solid right hook along with body shots before Mayweather countered with a right. In what was another good round, Ortiz did not back down and may have even taken the round.

This was Ortiz high water mark as Mayweather backed Ortiz in the third round with his quick hands.  Ortiz was less effective when forced to back up and Mayweather skills started to show up.  Within the opening seconds of the fourth round, Mayweather landed thundering combinations and Ortiz looked befuddle like” what do I do now?”  Ortiz went back to his battering style and even landed a couple of punches while Mayweather smugly signaled, “I am not hurt, I am not hurt.” Continue reading Mayweather – Ortiz →

ERIK MORALES … another title fight!

David Martinez, Upcoming Fights, ,

 

photo courtesy, Ray Luna

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian

 

         In August 2007, former WBC / WBO super bantamweight (122 lbs) champion, WBC featherweight (126 lbs) champion, IBF junior Lightweight (130 lbs) and WBC super featherweight (130 lbs) champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales retired from boxing and the end career of a great champion fromMexico was put to rest.

But after a two year, seven month retirement, and to the disagreement of many boxing experts including myself, Erik made a comeback.

So, after a few fights against mediocre opponents, last April Erik fought the hard-puncher Marcos Maidana in a junior welterweight (140 lbs) bout.

Again, the boxing experts, including myself, were in agreement that it was a huge mistake and risk by an older Morales.

In a shocker, Erik took the younger Maidana the full 12 rounds in an interim title fight, and lost by decision in what I consider a candidate for fight of the year. Continue reading ERIK MORALES … another title fight! →

Klitschko & Gamboa win!

Klitschko, Recent Fights, Tom Donelson, , ,

 By Tom Donnelson

( Member Boxing Writers Assc. & International Boxing Research Org. )

 

(Wroclaw, Poland)  The Heavyweight division is the Klitschko’s brothers personal fiefdom and everyone must pay tribute by taking a licking.  Since 2004, no one has even come close to beating the Klitschko’s brothers and this past Saturday fight between Vitali Klitschko and Tomasz Adamek was no exception. Adamek, the former Cruiserweight and light heavyweight champion, proved game but no match for he was too small and did not possess enough of powerful punch to make a difference.  The other problem for Adamek, was that at the age of 40, Vitali Klitschko still possesses sharp reflex to parry of any attacks. Klitschko is one of those tall fighters who fights like a tall fighter; using his jab effectively to control real estate.  Throughout the bout, Adamek had problems with getting inside Klitschko’s jab and Klitschko averaged 40 plus jabs per round with those jabs successful blunting any attack that Adamek attempted.  Unlike David Haye, who spent most of his bout against Wladimir avoiding combat, Adamek attempted to fight.

One example of Adamek spirit and technical skills came in the fifth round in which a more aggressive approach allowed him to connect with a combination that even shook Vitali for a brief moment but those combinations were few and far between.  From the middle of the second round through the sixth, occasional rallies by Adamek gave the Polish faithful that a miracle would yet happen for their favorite son; but those moments were mere illusion in which a brave fighter managed to come up with the occasional connect but paying the price.   Adamek face at the end of the fight showed the results as all but three punches that Vitali connected hit Adamek’s face.

At the end of the second round, a Vitali right connected and sent Adamek reeling back in the rope, with the rope keeping Adamek from hitting the canvas.  The referee did not count the punch as a knockdown even thought he could.  The next time, Vitali sent Adamek reeling into the rope with another right but this time, the referee counted this as a knockdown, rightly concluding correctly that the rope held Adamek up. Continue reading Klitschko & Gamboa win! →

Can Ortiz Beat Mayweather?

Tom Donelson, Upcoming Fights, ,

 

By Tom Donelson
( Member of Boxing Writers Association & Internationl Boxing Research Organization )

Can Victor Ortiz beat Floyd Mayweather in their upcoming match? The answer is yes in the sense that any one can win a fight but no one is going to bet on Ortiz. Mayweather is the overwhelming favorite and for good reason. He is one of the best pound for pound fighters over the past couple of decades and Mayweather have yet to taste defeat.

 

Mayweather often intimidated fighters not with his power but speed.  He dominated his opponent with his defensive mastery plus a fast hand which counters his opponents before they could even launch an attack.  He has had very few close fights, the last being against Oscar De La Hoya, which was a split decision victory and two close fights with Jose Luis Castillo. Never has Mayweather been in what was considered a war and he have avoided many bruising victories.  He often comes out of fights with his face unscratched.

 

Mayweather has one chink in his armor, he is 34 years and his last fight was 16 months ago and this could dim just enough the speed and timing.   Victor Ortiz aggressive style is similar to Castillo and he could challenge Mayweather by forcing the fight to go at a first pace.   Ortiz showed against Berto that he had the heart that many felt was missing after he went toe to toe against a determined foe.  He dominated most of the action and even knocked Berto down twice to garner a unanimous victory.  In that same fight, Ortiz had to come back from being down in the sixth against the quick handed Berto. The sixth round showed the maturity of Ortiz as he no only survived a near loss but he came back in that round to knock Berto down and took control of the fight back.

 

Mayweather has the experience in big fights and his skills levels are beyond most boxing mortals but at 34, even the greats show sign of morality.  This is Ortiz opportunity for a victory that could vault him into the elite junior welterweight and puts him into position for other big fights