PBC honored the passing of the “greatest” of all time with a touching opening ten-bell count.
Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions
Two time Russian Olympian Artur Beterbiev (10-0, 10KOs) scored a knock out over Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna ( 23-3, 15KOs) in the 4th round of the light heavyweight title bout, at the Bell Center in Montreal, Canada. Beterbeiv had his way with the overmatched Maderna. Artur scored 2 knockdowns in Round 2. Beterbeiv would lay in wait for his prey in Round 4 dropping Maderna twice in the 4th round before (Maderna’s) corner threw in the towel. Time was 56 seconds.
Bryant “GoodFella” Perrella (14-0, 13KOs) retains his blemish-free record with a spectacular second round TKO against David Grayton (14-1, 10KOs).
The Floridian maintained accuracy and speed in the opening round, letting himself go, sending a dazed and footloose Grayton tumbling to the mat, 2:19 in the 2nd.
Hard Rock Live Arena Seminole Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida
IBF Lightweight Champion, Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (25-0, 13KOs) won via split decision over Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (22-2-1, 10KOs). Round 2, Bey was credited with a knock down, which upon review was a clash of heads. ‘Kid Blast’ controlled the fight by keeping Bey at arms length. It would seem, Barthelemy would win by unanimous decision. However, this is the world of boxing and in this world nothing is ever that easy. Two judges scored the fight 116-111 and 117-110 for Barthelemy. However, another judge scored the fight 116-111 for Bey, astounding bemused the crowd.
Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (13-0, 10KOs) won by knock out over Carlos “El Guerrero” Galvan (12-5-1, 11KOs). In the 4th round, Plant landed a hard shot to Galvan’s body, which sent him down for the 10 count.
Bantamweight Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriquez (15-0, 10KOs), clenches bragging rights for his native; Puerto Rico, in a one-sided match up against Alberto Guevara (24-3, 9KOs). Guevara would be on the receiving end of a left eye cut, after an accidental clash of heads in the 4th round. Rodriquez won by unanimous decision. The scores were 99-91, 100-90, and 99-91.
Sunday May 8, Lackland Center Jenkins Arean, Lackland Florida.
Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions Islam vs. De Angel
PBC’s gift to mother’s featured up in comer Super Middleweight Kanat Islam (20-0, 17KOs) vs. Juan De Angel 18-3-1, 17KOs). Round 1 saw Islam land the vicious body shots, which seem to take the steam out of De Angel. in round 2, more of the same, De Angel trying to keep Islam off of him but doesn’t have power which Islam respects. In Round 6, De Angel suffers an ankle sprain which causes him to hit the canvas. De Angel would get up but could not put any weight on the right ankle. As such, the Referee calls the bout giving Islam a TKO in Round 6.
In a no holds barred matchup between friends, Miguel Cruz (13-0, 11KOs) pulled out a tense win against squad mate Samuel Figueroa (10-1, 4KOs). The ‘Frenemies‘ started the bout out cautiously feeling each other out. However, Cruz established a stiff jab which set the tone for the rest of the bout. The rounds would start with Cruz landing the more meaningful shots. It was a toss up going into round 8, with the busier Cruz taking the win. Scores were 78-74, 77-74 for Cruz, and 77-75 for Figueroa.
Dennis Galarza (13-1, 8KOs) pulled out a unanimous decision win against Yardley Suarez (15-4, 9KOs) in an 8 rounder. Galarza controlled 5 of the 7 rounds by keeping his opponent at the end of his jabs. Suarez would experience a surge of energy in the 5th taking advantage of Galarza’s lack of defense. Galarza stayed with a steady pace creeping along the outside, to seal the win. Scores were 77-75, and 78-74×2
On Saturday, April 30, 2016, Welterweight Andre Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) scored a vicious 4th round knockout over rival Victor Ortiz (31-6-2, 24 KOs) in front of a raucous crowd at the StudHub Center in Carson, California. Ortiz knocked Berto down with a straight left in Round 2. In Round 4, Berto would land an uppercut which sent Ortiz to the canvass. Berto finished Ortiz off with a strong combination which ended the fight.
The DC Armory in Washington DC hosted Showtime Boxing. In a stunner, Badou “The Ripper” Jack (21-1-1, 12 KOs) retains his WBC Super Middleweight title against Lucian Bute (32-4, 25 KOs) with a majority draw. Jack would box effectively throughout the 12 rounds, landing his right at will to Bute’s head and body. The 1st round saw each fighter feeling the other out. Jack would begin to dictate the pace of the bout with an effective jab and crisp right. The Ripper’s perpetual motion threw off Bute’s timing. Probably thinking he was winning the fight easily, Jack coasted the last three round. Bute would capitalize by pressing the action and landing his left on a clearly tired Jack. The fight ended with Jack landing 61% of his power shots. Judge Stephen Rados scored the bout 117-111, Judges Glen Crocker and Omar Mintun Sr. both had it 114-114. Jack will face DeGale in a Super Middleweight unification bout in the fall. On 05/26/2016, the WBC stated Bute tested positive for the banned susbtance enobosaram. The fight will probably be rulled a no contest.
Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions
After the fight, Jack stated, “I won the fight, but everybody saw it though so it’s all good. I feel I landed more punches than him. But everybody saw it though, so that’s what matters. He was very tough. I may have given away a couple of rounds, maybe the last one or two rounds or so but I won the fight clearly. Right now I’m just going to relax, go home and see my beautiful daughter, take some time off and be back in the fall with DeGale.”
Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions
IBF Super Middleweight Champion, “Chunky” James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs) won a controversial unanimous decision over Rogelio “Porky” Medina (36-7, 30 KOs). Porky took the fight to DeGale pressuring the champ from the opening bell. DeGale would resort to posturing by sticking his tongue out which did not win over the DC crowd. ‘Porky’ would respond by spitting at DeGale. Medina would continue to press the action in the later rounds with strong body punches and left hooks. DeGale would counter Medina’s shots with crisp rights. The later rounds would see DeGale begin to show the effects of the body shots by staying on the ropes. Medina would capitalize with effective combinations to the head and body. In the end, a battered and bruised DeGale would get the unanimous decision win 115-113, 117-111 2x much to the dismay of the DC Armory crowd.
DeGale on his performance, “The boxing skills are too good. If I’m being honest, he’s a very strong fighter, but skills pay the bills. I watched this guy years ago and this guy didn’t have the engine like that. He’s gotten better and stronger in the last year and a half. I’m a bit disappointed – I should be taking out people like Porky Medina, no disrespect to him.”
Medina on DeGale, “I pressured him and came here to give a good fight and good performance. That’s what I came to do tonight. I don’t know what he came to do. He just came to run, and avoid going to war with me as much as possible. I don’t see how they can give the decision to someone that doesn’t want to fight.”
Photo Courtesy of Minnie Larry
Chris Pearson (14-1, 10KOs) in convincing fashion, won a uniamous decision over Joshua Okine (28-7-1, 17 KOs). Pearson got off to a quick start stunning Okine in the 1st round with a stiff jab. In Round 2, Pearson would throw a vicious low blow which sent Okine to the mat and left every man present cringing. Okine would recover and pick up the pace in the later rounds but it was too little too late as Pearson takes the decision win 99-92.
Photo Courtesy of Minnie Larry
In a Super Lightweight bout, Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (28-1, 19 KOs) dominated Samuel Akoako (21-10, 15 KOs). Bogere was the quicker of the two combatants landing effective combinations against the slower Akoako. “The Lion” would stalk his prey over 10 rounds, winning a unanimous decision. Scores 100-90 3x
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.
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.
Mike Stafford, the man behind Broners success and trainer since childhood, speaks with boxhernews.com, giving viewers a glimpse into the soul of the man…WBA (Super) Super Lightweight Champion Adrien Broner (31-2, 23 KOs).
Photos Courtesy of Minnie Larry
Saturday March 12th– Oohs and Ahh’s notify onlookers of the champs’ arrival. Adrien “The Problem” Broner strides through the double doors at the Sugar Ray boxing gym to take in a night of amateur bouts, at the Golden Gloves boxing tournament. With a few accompanying friends in tow, he tries making his way to his seat. However, when you’re one of the most successful and outspoken millennial, in the sport, the trek to finding a seat, can seem like a monumental task. As he makes his way through the crowd, Park Police Officer, McCracker, approaches the Phenom and asks for a picture. The often publically brash, Broner, appears honored by the request and obliges the serviceman. As more and more attendants become aware of his presence, Broner stops to shake hands, take more pics and engage every person wanting to be noticed.
Photos Courtesy of Minnie Larry
The night of fights seem to preoccupy Broner’s mellow mood. In just 2-weeks, he will go head to head with fellow boxer, Ashley Theophane,(36-6-1, 11 KOs) who’s a member of the esteemed Money Team. Now, for most, going against any part of the Mayweather machine, would cause one to tremble in intimidation, however 26-year old Broner seems the least bit phased, as he interrupts an intense day of training, to support amateur boxers.
After my many attempts at getting the athlete to speak to me, when I am denied again, do I find myself simply staring at him, waiting for some volcanic like eruption to ooze from his mouth? “The Problem” simply states, “I don’t do interviews”, and he says it with a smile. Ohh Kay, what was that?! The publically feral, and habitually flippant super lightweight champ, I was expecting, gave me a stern, but gracious response. While I know probing him will not be in my best interest, I notice something. What I’ve come to believe about his persona non grata, may be an allusion, a well formulated character, who lives in stark contrast to the man himself. Now my mind and eyes are warring trying to make sense of the person I believed Broner to be, and the kind, generous superstar seated just a couple of feet away.
Photos Courtesy of Minnie Larry
Once the dust is settled and the fights begin, it’s easy to see the man affectionately known as “Coach Mike” standing off to the side, studying each person entering the ring. Most of the attendees don’t take a second look at the kind gentleman standing towards the back. While unassuming, the always smiling Mike, lurks in the backdrop, quietly. As the many fighters test out nerves and prepare for their moment of stardom, none of the potential prospects pay attention to the one person, who could develop their talents, just like he did with his most famed protégé.
Photos Courtesy of Minnie Larry
While his appearance isn’t lost on everyone in the packed gym, his show of support for the hungry talent, speaks louder than any knuckle crunching and faces splitting action taking place inside the square-ring. The Ohio born Stafford, on the surface is the complete contradiction to the aura emanating from his famed apprentice. Mike keeps Broner feet planted on the ground. When Mike is in the room, everyone including Adrien Broner listens.
Photo Courtesy of Minnie Larry
Famed Trainer Mike Stafford took a moment out of his time to talk about Adrien Broner, and offer a couple clues into solving “The Problem”:
As a man; Adrien Broner (he) cares about kids. He got 7 kids now, he is a good father. He has over 20 members at my gym. He helps the kids at my gym. He provides transportation, meal money and uniforms, whenever I come to him he cuts a check; that’s the type of guy he is. Adrien employs a lot of people. He has over fifteen people he employes.
When you see negative articles about him?
You know you got to remember he’s a kid, an inner city kid too. He did a lot of growing up. He is not pushing or smoking dope, he always tested negative for drugs. Most of these guys test positive for a lot of stuff.
Next fight against Ashley Theophane?
Training going great, Adrien is a World Champion, and he acting like a World Champion. It just so happen its Floyd’s fighter. Adrien did not call Ashley out, Ashley called Adrien out, and Al Haymon made the fight happen. Its going to do wonders for Ashley to get in the ring with Adrien. A lot of fighters do not want to fight Adrien. I’ve seen him knock guys out with a jab. Adrien is an all time talented kid. He’s not going let any one steamroll him and take his belt. His smartness is there; all is left is to raise his hand on April 01.
Adrien Broner takes on Ashley Theophane Friday, April 01, 2015 at the DC Armory.
BoxHerNewsdotcom 