Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Friday April 29th
Photo Courtesy of Premiere Boxing Champions
The Dirrell Brothers, natives of Flint, Michigan used their star power to broaden awareness, to the town’s water crisis. Friday night, the duo, fought for the people of Flint. For those who would like to help the people of Flint, #Fight4Flint has been set up for donations.
After losing to James DeGale a year ago in May, Andre “ The Resurrected” Dirrell (25-2-16KOs) came back in spectacular fashion with an impressive win over Australian Super Middleweight, Blake Caparello (22-2-1, 6KOs). Unlike his brother’s swift and furious win; ‘The Resurrected’ went the distance, stacking points against his Aussie opponent. Caparello would have his strongest lead in the 2nd round, when he sent the older Dirrell to the canvas with a left hook. Dirrell would not give up points again, showcasing his endurance. Scores were 98-1 3x.
“The Dog” Anthony Dirrell (29-1-1, 23KOs) fought like he wanted his title back, when he rocked Caleb Truax (26-3-2, 16KOs), sending him to the mat twice in the 1st round. After a lack luster performance by his own admission against Marco Rubio, Dirrell got off to a quick start with a sharp combination that sent Truax to the canvas. Truax would rise before the ten count, but “The Dog” would immediately send him back down with a devastating left right combination.
In a Super Bantamweight IBF eliminator, Jonathan Guzman (21-0, 21KOs) cruised to his 21st career win by knockout, against Daniel Rosas (20-3, 12KOs). Guzman kept the pressure on delivering his first knockdown in the 5th. Guzman was pushed into unfamiliar territory, by the tenacious Rosas, who pressed the action in the 4th with single left hooks. After the 8th round, the bout would be called due to (Rosas) receiving excessive punishment.
Name a current World Boxing Champion out of El Paso, Texas. Yeah, for many people it is a bit of a challenge. If you try thinking of a name, one would first have to come to terms with where El Paso is located. It’s one of the largest cities, in the second largest state in the Country; yet, you never hear much about it. While the 256 square miles of city outline’s New Mexico’s border, the sleepy town is not known for big names or high-profile characters.
El Paso is a town of normality, hard-workers, and family driven lifestyle. Unlike Hollywood or Las Vegas where being noticed is a challenge, in a place like ‘Sun City’ your talents or whatever makes you stand out speaks volumes. You give your community voice.
Now, that our short introduction of El Paso, Texas is complete, we can talk about why one woman, is single-handedly making people pay attention to her hometown. Jennifer Han. Han is the personification of the J-Lo hit “…Jenny from the block”. No matter how bright her star shines, she remains collected, true to herself, loyal and proud of where she’s from. We all remember the cool, confident girl next door you would love to hate, but for some reason can’t; well that’s her. When I first met Han; she was standing next to her coach/trainer Louie Burke and teammate former Super Welterweight Champion Austin ‘No Doubt’ Trout (30-2, 17KOs). Han’s quiet confidence was all I needed to be interested. After, being introduced, I quickly learned the depth of who she really is.
Jennifer Han (13-3-1, 1KO) is the IBF World Female Featherweight Champion. She is an unassuming young pugilist who has been practicing some form of combat sport since she was knee high, under her father Master Bae H. Han. On Friday, April 29, 2016, Jennifer takes on Calixta Silgado (14-5-3, 9KOs) at Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas.
BoxHerNews sat down with El Paso’s favorite daughter to discuss the many factors, playing a role in her success in and out of the ring, and why the ‘915’ is special for all the right reasons.
Minnie: What drives you?
Han: I want to be a Champion I’m proud to work hard and train hard; but I don’t have an ego, I don’t have a big head
Minnie: How do you balance your femininity with being a boxer?
Han: It’s not too difficult the male boxers treat me as one of their own. I do all the pre-stations the guys did. If I do something wrong they coach me. The guys in the gym are awesome. Outside its different, sometimes I hear people say, “you are too pretty to box.” You get comments like this all the time. Number one, I do my best not to get hit. I want to keep my brain in tack, be smart with a very good defense. I do not want to get hit. Number 2 when I’m in the ring I’m a fighter. Outside I’m just me.
Minnie: You are a 3rd degree black belt; you grew up studying martial arts. How did that play into the fighter you are today?
Han: My dad, Bae H. Han, is the Master of the Martial Art School; so I grew up doing martial arts since I was five; my father is very old fashion. He comes from Korea so he’s all about discipline and respect. So when you are taught that even when you go to different sports you carry that with you and I’m all about listening to the coach. They see what you don’t see so I believe in them and they believe in me. So I have the upmost respect for my team, for my family and even for my opponents.
Minnie: You respect your opponents?
Han: Yes, yes, I’m very competitive I am the Champion and want to stay the Champion. I train to win. I don’t train to be careful. I want to beat them but at the end of the day a lot of them are my friends. In fact one of my opponents, I fought a girl name Crystal Hoy from Vegas. She ended up being my teammate in Mexico. She is like one of the most down to earth people I ever met in my life. Boxing has amazing people.
Minnie: Tell me about your team and coach, Louie Burke.
Han: I have the best team; Austin [Trout] is an amazing champion as well. He’s going to fight for the IBF title so hopefully Louie [Burke] will have two IBF Champions. When I was an amateur I had a coach (Jerry Wright) who passed away so when I turned pro I kind of did it by myself and it was horrible.
Minnie: What changed?
Han: My manager Luigi Olcese got me an opportunity to go to Mexico and fight in a reality show. He also talked me into coming with Louie. Louie was hesitant at first because he never coached a female but he really took me under his wing and it was amazing.
Minnie: MMA in your future.
Maybe I have amazing martial art stand up experience. I did all the karate, Tae Kwan Do, Kickboxing, and of course boxing so I know stand up, but I have zero experience on the ground. If I had experience on the ground I would do MMA. Now my focus is boxing since I’m the IBF Champion.
Photo Courtesy of Fresh on Monday Productions
Jennifer Han will defend her title this Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Southwest University Park 1 Ballpark Plaza, El Paso, Texas.
Update: Han (14-3-1, 1 KOs) successfully, defended her crown by winning a unanimous decision over Calixta Silgado (14-6-3, 9 KOs).
The Barclay Center plays host to its favorite son Chris Algieri (21-3, 8 KOs). However, the Barclay could not lift its favorite son over the vicious Spence. Errol Spence ( 20-0, 17KOs) is coming after Kell Brook’s (36-0, 25KOs) IBF Title after a demolishing KO win against Chris Algieri. Spence stayed with the body shots forcing Algieri against the ropes, not giving him room to put up any defense. Algieri was dropped in the 4th by a over-hand left and again in the 5th with a left hook, after wrestling Errol to the mat. Spence delivered Algieri’s 1st and 2nd knockdowns, of his career. In the end, “The Truth” left Algieri looking pallid, while sporting a volcanic colored mountain underneath his right eye. Errol Spence pulls forward with the KO win, just 48 seconds into the 5th round.
In his first title defense, Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0-0) remains Cruiser Weight champion in a blistering battle against Steve “USS” Cunningham (28-8-1KO). Glowacki maintained point distance in the early rounds, laying Cunningham down twice, within seconds of the 2nd round. It would seem moving down in weight, proved to be Cunningham’s Achilles heel. However, the tide would turn as the fight progressed, as Glowacki’s left, lost its luster. Cunningham would hit the mat for the 3rd and final time in the 12th. The scores were 116-108, 116-109×2
The lightweight Championship goes the distance, pressing the action for 8 entertaining rounds. Marcus Browne (18-0, 13 KOs) remains undefeated. After a slip, ultimately ruled a knockdown in the 1st, Radivoje Kalajdzic (21-1, 14KOs) was so off-put by the ruling, his fight game was severely effected. By the 4th round, Kalajdzic stunned Browne with a left, seriously hurting the undefeated Browne. In the 6th, Kalajdzic delivered the first knockdown, of the Olympic champs professional career, with the same ferocity used to hurt Browne, just a couple of rounds before. Browne finishes with his ‘O’ in place. Scores: 76-74 Browne, 76-74 Kalajdzic, and 75-74 Browne.
The measure of a man is not quantified by how much money he makes, by how many cars he drives, or by how much fame he accrues. A man’s worth lies in his unyielding support for family; his love for Christ; and how he treats his fellow man. A person who possessed the latter attributes was taken from us, way too soon. The senseless murder of Former Defensive End, Will Smith has broken hearts around the globe. He was one of the nicest, kindest, funniest people. In an industry where ego,arrogance, and over confidence fueled competition, Smith never lost sight of the trueness of who he really was. Smith left quite an impression on my Former Sports Director Rob Jay and I, at the Saints Hall of Fame Celebrity Golf Classic in 2013. What I must say, is for all the good I can speak about him, he really sucked at golf. Rest well in the arms of our Lord. Interview with Ex-Saints Defense End Will Smith
The O2 Arena, in London, England sold out within 90 seconds, a testament to the hype and drawing power of Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16KOs). Olympic star, Anthony Joshua had much to prove with slogans like the “Next Big Thing” being touted around leading up to his fight with IBF Heavyweight Champion Prince Charles Martin (23-1-1, 21KOs). Joshua, who held 15 fights in his professional career, did not let the moment get to him. He started the 1st round poised looking to land his power right hand over Martin’s straight left. The 2nd round saw Martin trying to press the action to the ever-dangerous Joshua. This proved to be his downfall; Martin was hit with a straight right, which sent him to the canvass. Martin recovered but was sent back to the mat by a stinging counter-right hand. Referee Jean Pierre brought the match to a halt, after Martin couldn’t answer the 10-count at 1:52.
April 02, 2016, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD.
Photo Courtesy of Minnie Larry
NOVICE
The Golden Gloves kicked off its Championship Finals with a action packed night of boxing. Adrien Broner fresh of his vicious beating of Ashley Theophane, took in the festivities. In the first bout, Marcus Johnson (LIMLITE) defeated Joshua Woodard (Headbangers Gym) for the 123lbs Championship. In the 132lbs Championship, Blaze Fidler (Hillcrest Gym) defeated Ahmad Jones (UMAR Gym).
In an entertaining bout, Leroy Payne (Headbangers Gym) and Tariq Harris (1st Class Gym) warred in the ring; with Payne pulling off the victory for the 141lbs Championship.
Mike Crain (Dog Pound) defeated Kalonni Daily (Sugar Ray Gym) for the 151lbs Championship. Ashton Sykes (Switch Hitters) won the 165lbs Championship with a win over Antonio Haywood (Hillcrest Gym). The bout was called after Haywood could not continue due to a shoulder injury.
Leonard Poe (Hillcrest Gym) stopped Francis Poulos II (Sugar Ray Gym) in the 1st Round to win the 178lbs Championship.
The 201+ division saw two Championship fights. In the first, Thomas Mottinger (Main Street Gym) defeated Jordon Scott (Woodland Tigers) for the 201lbs Championship. Post fight, Mottinger spoke about how boxing has made him understand true sacrifice. The up and comer works hard, makes time for family, trains constantly all while attending college. Mottinger doesn’t stop there, he gives reverence to his spiritually saying, ” I hope God continues blessing me.
The 2nd bout featured Jimmy Speros (Olympia Boxing Center) who defeated Aaron Blackwell (D-Block).
Walkover:
Davonte Lee (Hillcrest Gym)Donte Lovelace (Headbangers Gym), and Rasheed Wright (Headbangers Gym) all won by walkover.
Open Division:
Malik Jackson (Limelite) won the 114lbs Championship over Paul Jerry (Fighting for the Future). Hector Soto (Downunder Gym) defeated Christopher Glen (Hagerstown Boxing) for the 123lbs Championship. In the 132lbs Championship, Tommy Avelar (Sugar Ray Gym) defeated Ebrima Jawara (Laurel Boxing Club). Avelar, was surrounded by family and friends and was just over the top excited about the next step in his burgeoning career; “Im looking forward to the regional Championship then Nation -wide BABY!”
Tyrek Irby (Headbangers Gym) defeated Joshua Lee (Umar Gym) for the 141lbs Championship after the Referee call the fight when Lee could not continue due to an arm injury. Young Mr. Irby has aspirations to win the Nationals, after which, become pro.
Mailwak Da’Goot (Hillcrest Gym) defeated Mansabory Conde (Odenton Fitness) for the 152lbs Championship. Tavon Body (Headbangers Gym) would go on to win the Jordon Payne (Woodland Tigers) for the 165lbs Championship.
Mark Duncan (Headbangers Gym) would loose the 178lbs Championship to Genc Pllana (Bowerhouse Boxing Club) The 201lb Championship was settled between Jonathan Surratt (Tony Gym) and Shak Williams (Nomis Youth Network). The Super Heavyweights closed out the night with Cortez Duncan (Umar Gym) defeating Nathaniel Copeland Jr. (D-Block)
BoxHerNews would like to spotlight one of the people who make the Golden Gloves possible. This guy is typically one of the first ones in and last one out. He is a multi-tasker who doesn’t mind giving a helping hand, where ever its needed. Bobby White; Doorman/Bouncer/all around caretaker or all put together, Chairman of the board. And By the way, did we tell you he is “Fresh -To-Def”
On Friday, April 01, 2016, in front of a sold out crowd of 8,172 at the DC Armory in Washington DC, former Super Lightweight Champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (32-2, 24KOs) stopped Ashley “Treasure” Theophane (39-7-1, 11KOs) by TKO in the 9th round. It was a rough week for Broner. He lost his title for failing to make weight and is also being forced to settle an arrest warrant for felonious assault and aggravated robbery in his hometown of Cincinnati.
Photo Courtesy Mayweather Promotions
Broner took out all his frustrations on Englishman Ashley Theophane. In the early rounds, Broner brushed off Ashley’s overhand rights with vicious uppercuts and body shots. By the middle rounds, it was only a matter a time before the battered Theophane succumbed to Broner’s power. The end came in the 9th round after a Broner uppercut wobbled Theophane. Broner would follow up with a body shot, which later, after replay was shown to be a low blow sending the battered Theophane across the ring. Theophane raised his hand to signal of the low blow, But referee Luis Pabon waived the bout; calling it at 1:10 in the 9th round.
In an entertaining bout, Leroy Payne (Headbangers Gym) and Tariq Harris (1st Class Gym) warred in the ring; with Payne pulling off the victory for the 141lbs Championship.
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