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RSR CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Tonight Friday July 25th

RSR CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Tonight Friday July 25th
RSR Press Release-July 25, 2008

Our very own CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt will appear tonight, Friday July 25th, with Host Glenn Harris on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show live from 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Sports Talk is seen in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland. Make sure to tune in for nothing, but lots of talk about boxing. You might even be able to call in and ask "Bad" Brad a Boxing question.

Team RSR Fight Picks: Miguel Cotto Vs Antonio Margarito

Team RSR Fight Picks: Miguel Cotto Vs Antonio Margarito
Compiled by Brian Wilbur-July 25, 2008

This Saturday, the two best welterweights in the world, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto, will square off in one of the most highly awaited fights of the year. Cotto earned his reputation as one of the world’s best pound for pound fighters with an impressive and undefeated championship resume, including wins over Shane Mosley and Zab Judah. Miguel is an extremely skilled boxer but many times elects to trade shots with his foes to show off his tremendous power.

Margarito came up the hard way, learning his craft in the pro ranks instead of the amateurs and attaining three losses as a teenager. Once Antonio put his game together he became a menace in the boxing ring. Margarito is a volume puncher and a power puncher with a granite chin, making him a handful for opponents. When Cotto and Margarito meet we will be treated to a battle between two top-notch champions in their primes. See who the team of writers at RSR are picking to win in this modern addition to boxing’s storied Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.

Love MMA and Can Write? RSR Wants You!

Love MMA and Can Write? RSR Wants You!
RSR Press Release-July 25, 2008

RSR is currently seeking writers (2 positions available) to cover the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, conduct interviews, attend live Mixed Martial Arts events, and get their work out to the world. If you are interested in writing about the sport you love, write well, can write on a consistent basis, meeting deadlines, and have the ambition to get right into the MMA world, rubbing elbows with the biggest names in the sport, then this is for you. If you meet the requirements and are interested, please email RSR’s Managing Editor, Geno McGahee, who will go over the specifics of the position and consider you for hire.

To Submit Your Application To Be Reviewed by RSR Management Click Here

James McGirt JR Takes on Raymond Joval on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights

James McGirt JR Takes on Raymond Joval on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights
By Geno McGahee-July 25, 2008

James McGirt, JR., 18-1, 9 KO’s, is on the rebound after a TKO loss in his last fight to Carlos De Leon, JR., and he’s up against a tough customer in Raymond Joval, 37-4, 16 KO’s, in a ten round middleweight contest, headlining this week’s ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights card.

McGirt, JR., is the son of the legendary James “Buddy” McGirt, and is probably sick of hearing that. It’s been good for his career though and has gotten him a lot of attention, but there is a lot of pressure on him as well. He is trying to fight out of his father’s shadow and make his own mark in the sport and choosing Joval as the comeback opponent says a great deal. He wants to prove that he belongs in the upper class of the middleweight division and erase his last defeat.

Joval is on a four fight winning streak. His last defeat was to Fernando Vargas in 2005 in a fight that could have gone either way. Since then, he stopped Shannan Taylor to capture the IBO Middleweight Title, and outpointed Willie Gibbs, in two recent encounters. If McGirt, JR., can get beyond Joval, it will make a big statement to the boxing world, and I don’t know if he can.

Heavyweights will clash in an eight round bout. Gary Wilcox, 21-3-1, 7 KO’s, who has been feasting on horrible opposition lately, will be taking on Nagy Aguilera, 8-0, 6 KO’s, and when you talk about horrible opposition, look no farther than the record of Aguilera. The combined record of his opposition is 25 wins, 38 losses. He is padding his record with career losers. This is a step up for him, although Wilcox’s opposition has been suspect lately, he has taken on many fighters that have come in with a winning record.

Jeff Lacy Edges Epifanio Mendoza in ESPN2 WNF’s Slugfest

Jeff Lacy Edges Epifanio Mendoza in ESPN2 WNF’s Slugfest
By Russ Greenspan – July 24, 2008

World rated (WBC#12/IBF#10) super middleweight Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy, 24-1, 17 KO’s scored an extremely hard fought and arguably questionable ten round majority decision over power punching Colombian Epifanio “El Diamante” Mendoza, 28-6-1, 24 KO’s, in Wednesday nights’ entertaining main event brawl at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon, California.

Lacy promised that there would be Fourth of July type fireworks on display in his pre-fight comments, but it was the former IBF 168 pound ruler who was thrice lit up and nearly dropped, in rounds two, six, and eight; in fact, “Left Hook” only remained upright after that last Mendoza assault, by grabbing his visibly surprised foe around the waist, and tackling him in a manner that would have impressed NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

Despite his early setbacks, Lacy generally controlled the action during the contest’s first half by keeping inside of Mendoza’s longer reach and working to his head and body. But Mendoza looked to have gotten Lacy’s better during rounds six through nine, landing harder, more frequently and with greater conviction against his fading adversary.

Mendoza might have been able to salvage a draw on the Judge’s cards had he carried the tenth stanza, but Lacy fairly pulled himself together and dominated that frame’s exchanges, sealing his opponent’s downfall. Official scores read 95-95 (as did mine), 96-94, and an “Are you kidding?” 97-93.

Paul Williams: The Winner and Once Again Most Avoided Man in Boxing

Paul Williams: The Winner and Once Again Most Avoided Man in Boxing
By Eileen Teran-July 24, 2008

For a minute, Paul “The Punisher” Williams, 34-1, 25 KO’s, was given the title of the “Most Feared Man in Boxing,” stripping it from Antonio Margarito, (along with the WBO Championship belt) when he beat him in a unanimous decision at the Home Depot Center in California, this time last year.

After that, he faced problems getting a fight - I guess you would if you’re the most feared guy in the sport. But eventually, Carlos Quintana took him up on it, and handed Williams his only professional loss in his first title defense of his WBO belt.

Williams wanted revenge, and he got it, when he blasted Quintana in the first round of their rematch at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut in early June. The referee stepped in to stop the fight before it even really got going. Williams hammered Quintana in the first minute of the match, and though Quintana got back up, he took a lot more punches and was on his way down again, when the fight was called to an end.

So, now, here we are again. Left to ponder: will Paul Williams materialize into the superstar of the welterweight division that we envisioned him to be when he put on that amazing performance against Margarito, or has this little Quintana detour altered his reputation and marketability a great deal?

Should he face Quintana again in a rubber match? Does he need to? Should he look for another tough opponent in the super competent welterweight division? Who?

Sometimes a loss can be a good thing. Obviously not when the guy gets very hurt, but if it helps him to learn some big lessons within the boxing ring, I don’t think it’s all that bad. Sometimes guys can get too caught up in the hype, the belts, the reputation, and they lose sight of the fact that they’ve got to go in there and get it done every time, that nothing is going to be given to him because of the result of his last fight.

In Williams’ case, he lost focus after climbing the mountain of victory over the eternally tough Antonio Margarito, and becoming the WBO World Champion. That and the fact that some guys didn’t want to get in the ring with him, first former IBF Champ and RSR Feature Writer, Kermit Cintron (due to injury) then former Undisputed Champion, Zab Judah turned down his offer, which did seem to lend credence to the moniker of most feared.

Antonio’s Book Club: Boxing For Cuba

Antonio’s Book Club: Boxing For Cuba
By Antonio Santiago-July 24, 2008

Cuban boxing has, over the years, established itself as a world player in the sport’s amateur ranks, with people like Teofilo Stevenson, Juan Hernandez, Roberto Balado, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Felix Savon, Ariel Hernandez and so many others impressing us with their wins at the Olympic Games, at the Pan American Games, world Championships, regional tournaments, etc.

A further more have gone on to fame as professional boxers by escaping Cuba’s professional boxing-outlawing government and establishing themselves in other countries. Such people as Jose “Mantequilla” Napoles, Ultiminio “Sugar” Ramos, Jose Legra, Joel Casamayor and Juan Carlos Gomez have found greatness outside of Cuba. It remains to be questioned, then, how big could Cuba have been in professional boxing’s history if Castro and his government had not outlawed professional boxer from the country of Jose Marti?

With that in mind, I set to look for a good, boxing book to review and ran into “Boxing For Cuba,” by author Guillermo Vincente Vidal. It was not, I was warned by the editorial home’s secretary, a boxing book per se, but, intrigued by my find, I still agreed to receiving a copy. It turns out that the book is one that mixes a person’s life trials with his love for his family, country and his beloved sports of boxing and baseball.

Guillermo Vincente Vidal provides us with his autobiography in a serene but unstoppable pulse. Despite all of his problems in life, Vidal is not embarrassed to tell us about them, instead turning his book into an all-American read about reaching the so called American Dream despite many tribulations he found on the way up.

What he does through is mixing life with boxing as a metaphor. Vidal’s view of life was without question influenced by his love for boxing. Just like in my case, Vidal enjoyed growing at a family where boxing was beloved, if not downright revered. During summers in Playa Santa Lucia, near the large city of Camaguey, the Vidals used to box inside a makeshift boxing ring located at the Vidal’s beach property, “Casa Rojugui”. Guillermo Vidal’s father, Dr. Roberto Vidal, was an amateur boxer of some consequence around Camaguey in his younger days, and he had been a disciplined student of the sport of cauliflowers. The nickname “Rojugui” would be later on used by Vidal and his two brothers as they were split from their parents and had to travel across the United States, from Florida to Colorado. They used to enjoy getting together and making, as the author put it, their own “little Rojugui.”

Farewell to a Popular Champion: Armando “Mando” Ramos

Farewell to a Popular Champion: Armando “Mando” Ramos
By Dan Hernandez-July 23, 2008

“Mando sold out the Olympic Auditorium in his ninth pro fight. He could have been Oscar De La Hoya.”--Famed Boxing Promoter, Don Chagrin

Born in Long Beach, California, on November 15, 1948, “Mando” as he was best known, died unexpectedly at his home in San Pedro, California, on July 6, 2008. He was one of the most popular and crowd-pleasing fighters in Southern California in the 1960s.

Mando began fighting at the age of nine and had a very successful amateur career before turning professional at the tender age of 17. He used a forged birth certificate to obtain his boxing license, suffering a suspension when the ruse was found out, resuming his career and becoming the youngest World Lightweight Champion in history when he was victorious over Carlos “Teo” Cruz by an 11th round knockout in February 1969. He had one successful defense before losing his belt to Ismael Laguna in 1970. He regained the WBC version of the lightweight title by winning over Pedro Carrasco in 1971, and lost this championship to Chango Carmona in 1972. He was knocked out in the last few fights of his career, retiring in 1975, just shy of his 27th birthday.

Mando was as well known for his partying ways and playboy lifestyle as he was for his slam-bang boxing style. He had been quoted as saying: “I never really trained” and “I went to the gym every day, but I drank and partied every night.” The consensus is that Mando could have been an all-time great; he had all the boxing tools, and in addition had movie star good looks, and flamboyance.

Instead of maintaining the star status he earned, he fell into a serious drug and alcohol addiction in the 1970’s. He was able to overcome these addictions in the decades following and founded “Boxing Against Alcohol and Drugs,” B.A.D.D. Organization, and was active the rest of his life with the development of young fighters. Ramos was inducted into the World Hall of Fame in 1988 and participated in many of their events.

Ask the Champ

Ask the Champ
Hosted by Former IBF Welterweight Champion Kermit Cintron-July 23, 2008

Hello boxing fans. Congratulations to my friend, Andy Lee, on his win over Willie Gibbs over the weekend in Ireland.

We have just a few days before we see Antonio Margarito fight Miguel Cotto. I hope that fans are more excited about this then they were Oscar De La Hoya/Floyd Mayweather, JR. Rightfully so. This is going to be a great fight. A fight it will be. I think it will be very intense and packed with plenty of action. I don’t think we will see the Manny Pacquiao kind of action. I believe that we will see a more aggressive, overwhelming kind of action. I am excited and can’t wait for the fight to get here. May the best man win!

A Move Up?

Champ,

At this point in your career, are you willing to fight up-and-coming prospects in the welterweight/jr. middleweight divisions in order to get your name back in the mix?

I'm thinking of guys like Yuri Foreman, Dmitry Salita, or Vanes Martirosyan...

Gopal Rao

Hi Gopal,

I have said many times before that I will fight anyone. I will do whatever it takes to accomplish my goals. I have encountered some obstacles and detours along the way, but I will take whatever route I have to to get to the top. All of the opponents that you mentioned seem decent.

Antonio’s Reliable Source: Boxing & Entertainment Rolled into One

Antonio’s Reliable Source: Boxing & Entertainment Rolled into One
By Antonio Santiago-July 23, 2008

Third round. Here we go again. The world has kept on moving even if Starbucks announced that it is closing 50 stores. Celebrities keep rotating around the famous coffee store and other places, and I am happy to be here to report for you. Like the jab-uppercut combination, the world’s famous people keep doing their thing. And I keep on dreaming about dating some of them. I guess that makes me one of you, ah? We are pretty much the same, which explains why we are so obsessive about those who are not the same as us. I just hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it for you.

Too Bad for Men My Age

Touch Magazine reports that Ashley Olsen, 22, is dating a 30 year old man, Lydia Hearst’s former boyfriend, Justin Bartha. The article says Ashley, after dating older men like 36 year old cycling champion, Lance Armstrong, is finally dating ’men her age’. That may not be accurate, but since George Foreman showed us 40 is still young, I had kept hopes I’d be one of those 40 year olds who dates 20 year olds. Clearly, in Ashley Olsen’s case, neither Foreman nor me need apply. At least for now, that is…

The Invisible Four Division Champ: Leo Gamez

The Invisible Four Division Champ: Leo Gamez
By Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett-July 23, 2008

The proliferation of sanctioning bodies and “world titles” has done much to blur the overall landscape of our sport over the last quarter century. Gone are the days of one recognized championship. Now it has come down to a handful of recognized “major world titles” and the remote chance that somewhere down the line the stars will come together and the money will materialize for a unification, or even partial unification match to determine on some level, just who is the champion in a given division.

Of course even in this day and age winning a major world title is still a considerable feat. Recently, while expanding on the unique talent that is Manny Pacquiao after he managed to his fourth major world title in as many weight classes, I took the liberty to point out that all but a handful of pugilists manage to ascend such a steep slope. Despite all of the alphabet soup marring the clarity of our time-honored sport, only a select few manage to reach the summit. Going further, I pointed-out that winning a second major world title, or even a third or fourth, in as many weight classes was an even more difficult and unlikely feat. To many, this issue may come down to old fashioned hair-splitting and maybe even some microscope work, but the odds suggest it takes considerably more than just some good connections, timing and a considerable dose of good luck. I hold that there has to be a degree of greatness involved.

Over the course of writing that article, I decided to review the short list of those special fighters that have managed a fourth world title in a fourth weight class in order to add context to Pacquiao’s recent feat. I have for a long time considered myself a fairly knowledgeable individual when it comes to boxing, but I have to admit a raised eyebrow when I came across the name of Leo Gamez. Like Manny, Gamez managed to win four major world titles in four different weight classes. A former world Flyweight champion, Gamez became the first Flyweight boxer in history to win world titles in four different divisions. Even more amazingly, he managed to do it ever so quietly, right under our noses!

Born in Venezuela and fighting out of the orthodox stance, Leo Gamez embarked upon his unlikely career with a four round decision on Valentine’s Day in 1985. In April that same year, he got his second victory, another four round points win, this time over Alcides Hernandez, also in Maracay. With those two wins, the diminutive “Torito” had scored six consecutive knockout wins, including two over Rafael Lara, and one in his first fight outside Maracay, held in August at El Guayabo, where he beat Jose Escorcia in the fourth round. In November of 1986, he would go on to beat Escorcia's brother, Alberto, also by knockout in four rounds, at Maracaibo.

On February 2 of 1987, he suffered his first career blemish when he was held to a two round technical draw by Rafael Bolivar, at Maracay. On April 30, Gamez received his first shot at a title, when he faced Pedro Nieves for the National Light Flyweight title. Gamez won the championship with a second round knockout. He defended the title once and won a handful of non-title bouts before reducing weight in order to get his first world championship opportunity.

On January 10, 1988, Gamez fought for the vacant WBA Minimumweight Title against Bong Jun Kim. In what also was his first fight abroad, “Torito” became a world champion for the first time when he outpointed Kim over twelve rounds in South Korea. He had several managerial problems after that, however, and he was able to defend that title only once, knocking out Kenji Yokozawa in three rounds in Japan. After the win, Gamez took an extended layoff after suffering an arm injury in the gym, a layoff that would last some eighteen months.

On October 29, 1989, Gamez returned to active ring duty, dispatching Victoriano Hernandez in five rounds. After another win, he attempted to win the WBA Light Flyweight Title against Myung-Woo Yuh, once again, in South Korea. Gamez lost a controversial twelve round split-decision; many fans and observers thought he deserved the win, and the WBA ordered an immediate rematch. On November 10 of that same year, he would again fight Woo Yuh in South Korea, losing this time by a more clear-cut twelve round unanimous verdict.

Disillusioned, “Torito” was inactive for the better part of a year. Having been promised a title try by the WBA, he returned to active ring duty in South Korea, where he moved-up to 112 pounds to challenge WBA Flyweight champ Yong Kang Kim, losing by unanimous decision. This time undaunted at the setback, Gamez won four before once again dropping weight in order to challenge for a world title.

Jeff Lacy and Epifanio Mendoza Clash in ESPN2 WNF’s Main Event

Jeff Lacy and Epifanio Mendoza Clash in ESPN2 WNF’s Main Event
By Russ Greenspan – July 22, 2008

Wednesday July 23, world rated (WBC#12/IBF#10) former IBF super middleweight champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy, 23-1, 17 KO’s, renews his quest to once more ascend to the 168 pound throne, taking on dangerous Colombian KO artist Epifanio “Diamante” Mendoza, 28-5-1, 24 KO’s, in a ten round bout at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California. Golden Boy Promotions is staging this encounter, which headlines a WNF’s card.

Lacy entered the pro ranks in 2001with a great deal of fanfare after having compiled an impressive amateur resume, including various national titles and a berth on the 2000 U.S. Olympic squad. The St. Petersburg, Florida native quickly rose to prominence in the super middleweight division, earning the IBF belt via eighth round TKO over talented and far more experienced Syd Vanderpool, in just his eighteenth fight.

After four successful title defenses, Lacy met his Waterloo in a March, 2006 unification scrap against Welshman Joe Calzaghe, who easily outpointed “Left Hook” over a dozen one sided rounds.

“Left Hook” remained out of action for nine months, then won a rematch majority decision against tough Ukranian Vitali Tsypko; it was thereafter discovered that the winner had suffered a badly torn rotator cuff early in the bout, but nonetheless “gutted it out” over the ten round distance.

Following corrective surgery and a nearly one year layoff, Lacy took on and vanquished one time “Contender” stalwart Peter Manfredo, JR., unanimously over ten hotly contested rounds, but he has not been in a prize ring since December, 2007. “This is going to be my first fight this year and my first time fighting at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa,” said the 31 year old Lacy, who promised that “I’m going to make it a good one and I will definitely make the statement that I’m ready for another title shot.”

Presidential Pugilism: John McCain Vs Barack Obama, Part II

Presidential Pugilism: John McCain Vs Barack Obama, Part II
By Daniel “Tex” Cohen-July 22, 2008

There is no such thing as clairvoyance. In fact, there is still a factionalized, philosophical argument over what does exist in terms of personal intuition. At any rate, human beings can only make judgments based on a thought, a feeling, or both.

Because of that universal inability, there is no perfect way to officially establish who will win the Presidential Megabout this November. What is known as that most pundits are picking Obama (McCain is roughly a 2-1 underdog), fighters out of Obama’s camp have all been successful lately and these styles are meant for fireworks. Obama’s southpaw positions and slick, cunning work inside and outside of the puncher’s box are prefect to muddle and confuse the uncertain McCain. If Obama can get started early, he can take away the legs and movement of the bulldogging McCain and dominate him in the Championship “Purple” Rounds. On the other hand, McCain can box Obama from the right and pound him against the ropes with the mighty right fist of anti-terrorism, hoping to batter his opponents into submission.

McCain’s main problem is that he is simply outgunned in almost all arenas. McCain’s power advantage is neutralized by Obama’s footwork. McCain is strong enough to drill open the ANWR territories but right hands don’t hurt if they can’t find their target. If early polls and training sessions are an indication of the election results and all that we know holds true, the election will turn out something like this:

Training Camp

Obama’s training camp leading into the fight will be covered in reporters. As he swivels in and out of different punching bags, sparring with Democratic Heavyweights and showing off his famous ring dance, reporters and referees alike will prepare to baby him. Obama is a young, likable character with a smooth attitude and a young looking face. He will stand very much in the opposite corner of the grizzly, older McCain.

Speaking of McCain, his training session will take place across town. Very few will come, and those that come will be mostly naysayers. Most fighters have personality: When he is not filled with rage as he is in the ring, McCain lulls most people to sleep. While that approach has plenty of pop in a fight, the tactic makes for a boring style.

Terry Norris, McCain’s trainer and infamous creator of the Willie Horton Hit and Hold Technique.

At a press conference-debate a few weeks before the fight, McCain will look Obama in the eye and tell him, “I’m going to take you out in good time young man. I plan to personally beat the S*** out of you.”

Geno’s Boxing Corner

Geno’s Boxing Corner
By Geno McGahee-July 22, 2008

The Biggest Fight in Boxing

At the current time, Alexander Povetkin is most likely next in line to face the IBO/IBF/WBO Heavyweight Champion, Wladimir Klitschko, in what should be a very easy fight for “Dr. Steelhammer.” Honestly, Povetkin presents less of a challenge then Calvin Brock or Sultan Ibragimov did. This is a fight off with pay, but he is the mandatory and will get his shot. Povetkin did defeat an uninspired Eddie Chambers and an over the hill and spent Chris Byrd to get this opportunity. Uninspired seems to be the best word to describe the American heavyweight. Tony Thompson could have beaten Wlad but didn’t have the ambition to release the tiger. I don’t know who was more frustrated, the viewer or Thompson’s corner men. Whatever the case, it looks like a cakewalk for Wlad until he faces the man that I think will give him the best challenge and the public the best show. I am not talking about Sam Peter and I’m certainly not speaking of Chris Arreola. I am talking about the giant, Nikolay Valuev, who should figure out the puzzle of John Ruiz this time and walk away with a decision to claim the WBA version of the title. Betting against Ruiz has bankrupted a lot of people throughout his career, but I think that Valuev is the goods.

A bout between Nikolay Valuev and Wladimir Klitschko would be huge overseas, but the spectacle of Wladimir taking on a larger man with an intimidating look and such a relaxed style would bring in the masses. Valuev’s career hasn’t been pretty in the early stages, but he has learned through his extensive professional career and is ready to take his crack at the “people’s champ.”

Klitschko being such a flawed champion, the intrigue is there automatically with any fighter that has resilience or a punch. Valuev has both. He is the most confident fighter in the game as he casually walks around the ring and tags his opponent. As big as he is and as heavy as he is, he can go twelve rounds with ease, much the way that George Foreman did. He didn’t rush. He knew that he would eventually get them and Valuev knows that too.

Love Boxing and Can Write? RSR Wants You!

Love Boxing and Can Write? RSR Wants You!
RSR Press Release-July 22, 2008

RSR is currently seeking writers (2 positions available) to cover the sport of boxing, conduct interviews, attend live professional boxing cards, and get their work out to the world. If you are interested in writing about the sport you love, write well, can write on a consistent basis, meeting deadlines, and have the ambition to get right into the pugilistic world, rubbing elbows with the biggest names in the sport, then this is for you. If you meet the requirements and are interested, please email RSR’s Managing Editor, Geno McGahee, who will go over the specifics of the position and consider you for hire.

To Submit Your Application To Be Reviewed by RSR Management Click Here

A Heavyweight Nightmare: Can Chris Arreola Make His Championship Dreams Come True?

A Heavyweight Nightmare: Can Chris Arreola Make His Championship Dreams Come True?
By Eileen Teran-July 22, 2008

There’s a new guy on the scene, making his way up through the ranks of the heavyweight division. His name is Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola, and he’s a Mexican American.

You read it right. It’s not too often that we see a big Mexican guy in the upper echelons of the heavyweight division. They are usually doing their thing in the lower weight classes. In fact, though there have been many Mexican world champions in the smaller weight classes, there has never been one in the heavyweight division in over 100 years of prizefighting.

Arreola is making a name for himself, though, and giving Americans hope that there could be a star in their midst in the paltry division of the biggest guys competing in the sport.

Arreola was born and raised in East L.A., and he started boxing at the age of eight, taking after his dad who also boxed. By the time he was 16, he had fought about 200 amateur bouts and was showing promise, but then he lost interest and quit for a while. He came back to the sport four years later, and after training for three months was able to win the National Golden Gloves in 2001.

His laid back, lackadaisical style saw him take another break from boxing, this time for two years, but he returned in 2003 and shortly thereafter turned professional. Since then, he has been taking it one fight at a time. As he becomes more and more focused, though, the results are starting to add up like there might be something to this guy after all.

Arreola’s unique in other ways, too. Besides his nationality, he’s heavily tattooed, not super toned, and he works with a trainer, Henry Ramirez, who at 31 is only four years older than he is. Most importantly and impressively, though, is his crowd-pleasing style of bullying his opponents, applying a lot of pressure, and then wearing them down to the point where he can knock them out. Arreola’s known for doing things the way he likes to do them. They seem to be working out for him, so far.

RSR CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show Friday July 25th

RSR CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show Friday July 25th
RSR Press Release-July 21, 2008

Our very own CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt will appear Friday July 25th, with Host Glenn Harris on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show live from 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Sports Talk is seen in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland. Make sure to tune in for nothing, but lots of talk about boxing. You might even be able to call in and ask "Bad" Brad a Boxing question.

Brian’s Boxing Mailbag –Tragedy & Pound for Pound Manny Pacquiao

Brian’s Boxing Mailbag –Tragedy & Pound for Pound Manny Pacquiao
By Brian Wilbur-July 21, 2008

Before we get to the mailbag this week I ask that everyone have Oscar Diaz in their thoughts and prayers. Last week Diaz collapsed and fell into a coma during his match with Delvin Rodriguez. Oscar was rushed to the hospital and had to have emergency surgery due to brain swelling and bleeding of the brain. This kind of injury happens occasionally in boxing and when a boxer falls into a coma like Diaz did last week, the odds of survival are about 50/50. This is the same injury that took the life of Leavander Johnson in 2005.

Fortunately at the time of this writing Oscar Diaz’ condition was improving and he looked like he was going to survive this tragic injury. Again, please keep Oscar in your thoughts and send your positive energy for his full and speedy recovery.

On a lighter note, I have a terrific and diverse mailbag in store for you. The readers at RSR never cease to amaze me with their interesting, thought-provoking, and sometimes questionable email submissions.

There was a lot of feedback about Wladimir Klitschko and my positive review of his performance against Tony “The Tiger” Thompson. Fans are not satisfied with Klitschko or the state of the heavyweight division despite Wladimir’s increasing dominance. The readers and I also discuss Manny Pacquiao, this coming Saturday’s terrific welterweight showdown between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, how Kermit Cintron fits into the mix at welterweight, and Roy Jones’ chances against Joe Calzaghe among other topics.

Speaking of Cotto vs. Margarito, this is the fight that I was looking forward to the most on the boxing schedule for 2008. Margarito vs. Cotto is one of the best match ups that can be made in any division because it features two of the world’s best boxers in the primes of their careers. I encourage everyone to purchase this PPV despite the utterly nondescript undercard because it will almost surely be a candidate for fight of the year.

Now onto the first question:

Klitschko vs. Thompson Aftermath

Hi Brian,

Hope your well. After reading your last mailbag I find that we couldn’t have been further apart in our assessments of the Klitschko vs. Thompson fight. Firstly, I don’t think Thompson deserved any credit for anything he did after the first round. He was so lackluster and uninterested, that it prompted my fiance (not a boxing fan) to ask if he could have been paid money to fight so bad.

I am most definitely not making any accusations like that but for the whole fight I thought Tony looked a beaten fighter. He had no movement. He threw very few punches. He was lazy and despite initial success seemed to think he had achieved all he could. He seemed almost relieved when he was 'knocked out' and the fall against the ropes was comical.

None of the above is Wlad’s fault but he really should have dispatched Thompson earlier. If he had attacked the body I feel sure he would have. But against a guy so easy to hit and throwing so little in return I felt Wladimir’s over cautious nature again cost him. Can Wlad really expect to dominate the division if he spends all his time worrying about a big counter punch? Thompson was awkward but he gave Klitschko every chance to look good and unfortunately for me it was another poor advertisement for the heavyweight division.

Am I being unfair? Should Thompson shoulder the blame for the poor performance? (His corner expressed my frustration perfectly - although not great corner work). Has Klitschko succeeded in convincing all future opponents they have a great shot at beating him? Would you agree he doesn’t have the aura, (i.e. I’m going to knock seven shades of sh#te out of you) as his brother?

Apart from that, keep up the good work, chat to you later.

-Gerard (Ireland - glad to see Duddy avoid Pavlik).

Gerard,

I don't think you should be so hard on Thompson. He was completely overmatched but he still managed to win tactical rounds against Klitschko, something I don't believe I have ever seen anyone able to do previously. Before this, the only time I have seen an opponent win a round against Klitschko was by hurting him or dropping him. Plus, you can't argue with the punch stat numbers that said that Thompson landed more punches against Klitschko than any other Klitschko opponent ever had. With that stat your argument that Thompson wasn't throwing punches doesn't hold up.

The way the fight was going after 5 or 6 rounds I thought that Thompson was in prime position for an upset. He was confusing Klitschko, landing body punches, and looked so calm that I figured his stamina would outlast Wladimir's.

Thompson was not easy to hit and the openings that were available, Klitschko took advantage of (mostly with straight right hands). I was surprised when Thompson became less effective into the championship rounds. I attribute that to lack of experience and also, maybe Wlad doesn't have as bad endurance as we once thought.

Against Sultan Ibragimov it was clear that Klitschko was being overly cautious and was holding back. That did not please the fans and was a detriment to his performance. I don't feel that was the case against Thompson. He was simply in against an awkward guy that threw off his rhythm. At least Klitschko was throwing power punches instead of just pawing the jab for 12 rounds like he did against Ibragimov. Sure he could have been more aggressive but he was not holding back nearly as much as he did against Ibragimov. Wladimir set up his opponent, imposed his will, and then took his opponent out. It was a very solid performance in my eyes.

Wladimir Klitschko is clearly the best heavyweight around at the moment. Does he have that aura of invincibility like Mike Tyson had? No. But quite frankly, neither did Lennox Lewis and that did not stop him from putting together a hall of fame career that places him among the best heavyweights of all time. He is not the baddest man on the planet, he is a thinking man's champion in the mold of Lewis, Gene Tunney, and Jim Corbett.

Presidential Pugilism: John McCain Vs Barack Obama, Part I

Presidential Pugilism: John McCain Vs Barack Obama, Part I
By Daniel “Tex” Cohen-July 21, 2008

“Politics is the only game for adults.”--Robert A. Heinlein, Science Fiction Writer

As were his militaristic persuasions detailed in his most famous book Starship Troopers, Heinlein’s assessment of adult games was plain wrong. Clearly Pugilism, the great match of wits, blood guts and lives is the less powerful brother of Politics. They share, as familial characteristics, demagoguery, persuasion and self control. Both games are built on hierarchy. Both games work better when the people get what they want. Both could use better judges. Both are horribly boring when the competition becomes a hug fest and both are disgraceful when the competitor hits below the belt.

The key difference between the two is that Politics has very little heart.
The mega match fight on the horizon in the United States takes place on November 4th, 2008, as young Undefeated Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack “Rock Yo Mama” Obama, 22-0, 21 KO’s, takes on Three-Term Senator of Arizona John “The General” McCain, 32-1, 21 KO’s, in an election booth near you.

Riding on this fight is the Undisputed Heavyweight Political Championship of the World, also known as the Presidency of the United States. The futures markets bets are going hog wild right now, with poll numbers and odds rising and dipping from day to day. Analysts are out in droves, slinging factoids and statistics left and right:

“Obama wants to decrease taxes by 13.19473%”

Translation: Obama has a mean, strafing left that he likes to use down the center of the pipe.

The Right Fight: Antonio Margarito Vs Miguel Cotto

The Right Fight: Antonio Margarito Vs Miguel Cotto
By Jorge Daniel Perez-July 21, 2008

Eleven months ago, the world observed the highest grossing fight in boxing history, in Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather, JR. With so many movie stars in attendance, the ringside section appeared more like the annual Academy Awards ceremony rather than a boxing match was about to take place.

We saw no drama and we definitely saw no explosive action on the stage that night. It was more like a documentary of one old faded warrior digging deep and giving everything he has to make the younger fresher boxer stand his ground and fight like a warrior for once. Unfortunately, he did not succeed. Mayweather stuck to his game plan and boxed his way to a split decision in Las Vegas. It was clear that De La Hoya won the adoration of the crowd for his efforts and for his valiant attempt to make it an entertaining fight.

On July 26, the MGM Grand will host a PPV event that will probably garner a fraction of the sales it did with Oscar and Floyd. It will display two rugged, brawny combatants that only the truest fans are very familiar with. If you are reading this, you know who I’m talking about. They are IBF Welterweight Champion,Antonio Margarito and WBA Welterweight Champion, Miguel Cotto.

Last year, around this time, the fight was all set and done. Only one man stood in the way. That man was Paul Williams who Margarito needed to beat in order to do his part and get the fight with Cotto. Miguel Cotto had already taken care of business by dispatching Zab Judah with an 11round TKO, in a very entertaining and close fight. It seemed like Paul “the Punisher” Williams (undefeated at the time) was only thought of as another tough, unproven mandatory challenger for the man dubbed as the “most feared man in boxing,” but Williams showed no fear, averaging 100 punches per round to take the unanimous decision and spoiling the scheduled payday.

The Future of Boxing: Who’s Going to the Olympics?

The Future of Boxing: Who’s Going to the Olympics?
By Eileen Teran-July 21, 2008

I heard Bob Costas on the radio recently, talking about how the great boxers from the past couple generations had been Olympic stars. Guys like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayeather, JR., Meldrick Taylor, Andre Ward, and Jermain Taylor all competed for our great country before making their marks in the professional rankings.

So, I’m wondering, who’s going to Beijing that will emerge as the next crop of great boxers? Let’s get familiar with who will be making their way to China so we can keep an eye out for them as they come home and (in most cases) turn pro.

Michael Hunter’s heading over and will be fighting in the super heavyweight class. His father, Mike “The Bounty” Hunter was a low-level contender for much of the mid-1990s. Hunter is 6’2” and weighs 215 pounds, but he wants to be known in the boxing ring for his speed, quickness, and ability to box.

"I'm a fast heavyweight, but what I want people to know about me is that I use my mind to win my fights, not (power)," Hunter said. "It's the most important part of boxing, having a strong mind. I'm not what you would call a big slugger, but if you can think and take advantage of the other guy's weaknesses, you'll be successful."

A terrific Cinderella story involves the man representing the U.S. in the heavyweight division. His name is Deontay Wilder, and he just started boxing three years ago. Prior to that he was playing junior college basketball, but then his daughter Naieya was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida. He began working two jobs to help with the medical expenses, but then took up boxing upon hearing that boxers can make a lot of money.

Luckily, the 6’7” Tuscaloosa, Alabama, native picked the sport up incredibly fast and in his sixteenth amateur bout, he won the National Golden Gloves, and by his 21st amateur bout he qualified for the Olympic team.

Weekly Message Board Update

Weekly Message Board Update
By Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett-July 21, 2008

As the collective boxing world holds its breath in anticipation of the upcoming Miguel Cotto versus Antonio Margarito welterweight super fight, much has been going on at the bargaining table and in the rumors department. Found in our General Boxing Forum, the thread “Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao – December 6th” by AntonioMartin. It’s an interesting discussion into a rumor that has surfaced periodically over the last six or so months, but now, in the wake of Pacquiao’s recent success it seems to have taken on a life all of its own. It’s also an excellent segue into a review of our sport’s ever increasing trend toward staging catch-weight bouts, and if such match-ups are in fact hurting boxing in the long run.

This past week a couple of compelling discussions took center stage in our Classic Boxing Forum. “Remembering Ricky Womack” by Battlingsiki takes you on a review of the career and troubled life of the once notable prize fighter that had shared the ring with an amateur Evander Holyfield, his troubles with the law and ultimately to his untimely demise. For those of you aching to get into a passionate debate, AntonioMartin’s “Wladimir Klitschko vs. Rocky Marciano” is sure to bring out the armchair expert in anybody that has seen both of these warriors ply their trade inside the confines of the squared circle. It’s one of those debates that stirs-up passion, and whether you side with Dr. Steel Hammer or tend to lean to Peter Marciano’s take, it’s a thread worth your time and your two cents.

The RSR July Prediction League is quickly heading for the last lap, a lap that ultimately concludes with the aforementioned Cotto versus Margarito welterweight showdown next week. Currently holding a slim but distinct point lead is Remeanors, followed closely by the ever-threatening Ghoster. With but five bouts left on this month’s roster, expect the possibility of some last minute scoring drama and a shuffling of the food chain.

To register now, click here: RSR Message Board

Yuriorkis Gamboa Wins by Stunning First Round Knockout on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights

Yuriorkis Gamboa Wins by Stunning First Round Knockout on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights
By Antonio Santiago – July 19, 2008

It was go home early on Friday night in Primm, Nevada, as Cuban prospect and Olympic Games gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa, 11-0, 9 KO’s, late substitute Al Seeger, 27-4, 21 KO’s, from Savannah, Georgia. In a fight of fighters with tempestuous nicknames, the “Guantanamo Cyclone” was able to weather “The Quiet Storm” real quickly, in only 2 minutes and thirty seconds.

Seeger was substituting veteran Jose Rojas from Venezuela.

The fight began with Seeger apparently boxing very well, throwing jabs at Gamboa and keeping his distance. Gamboa was economic with his blows, reserving his energy and power for the openings Seeger would offer. It was anybody’s round until the fight finished. Gamboa landed a strong right to the head midway through, but Seeger’s activity and long arms was making it a difficult round to score. That didn’t matter anymore, however, when, at 2:30 of the round, Gamboa landed a left-right, placing the right perfectly on Seeger’s chin and Seeger went to the floor, hitting it hard. It was Seeger’s third loss in a row.

It was both an exciting and difficult knockout to see, in view of what happened only two nights before with Mexican fighter Oscar Diaz. Anyone concerned with boxing who saw the fight between Diaz and Delvin Rodriguez lived a quite traumatic situation and one that one would hope never repeats, at least when one is watching. Ringsidereport.com joins the worldwide boxing community in wishing Diaz and his family a speedy recovery and a long future ahead.

Danny Williams Holds on to British Heavyweight Title

Danny Williams Holds on to British Heavyweight Title
By Peter “The Emperor” Stitt – July 19, 2008

Danny Williams, 40-6, 31 KO’s, looked terrible in winning a majority decision against John McDermott, 25-4, 16 KO’s, in their British Heavyweight Title fight. This should be the end of Williams’ erratic career but you know the man just ignores advice and logic.

Given the gulf in experience between Danny and his challenger for the British title, the result is surprising and does not bode well for Williams’ world title aspirations. When the score cards were handed in tonight they read 114-113, 114-111 and 113-113 and they hide the information that Williams was deducted a whacking three points during the last two rounds for a low blow and a forearm smash in the 11th, and spitting out his mouthpiece in the 12th, and yet he still managed to win in spite of referee Dave Paris’ interference with the scorecard and a dreadful fifth round in which he was nearly stopped by a domestic rival.

This was not the McDermott of his fight with Skelton, John came ready to fight tonight and did not freeze but he is still John McDermott whilst Williams was talking world titles. The two were fairly evenly matched throughout the first two rounds. Danny Williams managed to hurt McDermott in the 3rd but looked tentative and, by the time they got into the 5th, McDermott’s growing confidence allowed him to land a strong right hook that clearly stung Williams and then John mounted a two minute assault on a largely covering and backing away Williams. Danny was fighting only on instinct and was lucky to survive the round without the referee intervening. Being Danny Williams, however, he then came back to win the next two rounds, not terribly convincingly but this is Danny Williams after all. He then took the next before the fight went to sleep as McDermott and Williams ran out of “go”. The most notable fact of the later stages was the points deductions against Williams and then came that result.

Universum Box-Promotion’s Christof Hawerkamp Speaks to RSR

Universum Box-Promotion’s Christof Hawerkamp Speaks to RSR
Interview by Roger T. Tubajiki-July 19, 2008

“I work for our boxers.”--Christof Hawerkamp

Based in Hamburg, Germany, Universum Box-Promotion, one of the successful promotional companies today, working closely together with Spotlight Boxing, based also in Hamburg, has become a home of many world champions, such as Felix Sturm, 2-time Middleweight World Champion, Ruslan Chagaev, the WBA Heavyweight Champion, Ina Menzer, the female WBC/WIBF Featherweight Champion, Firat Arslan, the WBA Cruiserweight Champion, and Susi Kentikian, the female WBA/WIBF Flyweight Champion.

Among former World champions under Universum Box-Promotion, there are Dariusz Michalczewski, Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and Regina Halmich, just to name a few.

Joining Universum Box-Promotion and Spotlight Boxing in 2006 as head of communication and spokesman is Christof Hawerkamp, a former PR manager and spokesman for the German professional Cycling tour and FC St. Pauli, a soccer club in Hamburg.

I caught up with Hawerkamp who not only has the responsibility to assure that the public relations be done appropriately but also has a vested interest in seeing both Universum Box-Promotion and Spotlight Boxing continue to build up high profile fights by telling his impressions how their fighters and events should be promoted.

“In boxing, it is interesting that I not only work for a famous boxing stable in Europe but also deal with impressive world champions and many talented boxers. All together, we have about 50 boxers under contract and most of them are mostly not only open to necessary circumstances surrounding the promotion of their fights, but also very polite and responsible of their acts,” said Hawerkamp.

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