FAREWELL
FIGHT CARD FOR CORN WEDNESDAY,
JANUARY 25, 2012
J.J.
Corn says he is ready to hang up the gloves following
16 years and 73 bouts as a professional prize fighter.
Known as The Native Sensation throughout his ring
career, Corn will try to add his 48th win this Saturday
against another local veteran in Boyd "Peek-A-Boo"
Davis. Davis, who now runs the Peek-a-boo Boxing Gym
in River Falls, WI, will ironically be coming out
of retirement to face Corn. Davis (10-8) last fought
in 2007 but looks to be in great shape at the age
of 43.
Cory Dellenbach of the Shawano Leader News recently
did a story looking back on Corn's career and his
final bout...
SAVAGE
AMATEUR BOXING RESULTS MONDAY
JANUARY 23, 2012- BY DALE JACKSON
Lots
of hard work from promoter and ATT Savage owner Eric Aasen
resulted in an exciting amateur boxing show on January
14th in Savage, MN. The main event saw Olympic hopeful
Robert Brant win an exciting decision over Jonathan Guyer.
Savage boxing coach and match maker Dale Jackson called
a featured bout between Dalton Outlaw and Puol Both the
fight of the night. For a recap of the afternoons bouts
by Mr. Jackson...
REST
IN PEACE FRANK JIMENEZ 1943-2012 THURSDAY
JANUARY 19, 2012 - BY JAKE WEGNER
Francisco
Ramon Jimenez, better known to local boxing fans as Frank
Jimenez, passed away on Thursday, January 12th. He had
recently celebrated his 69th birthday. Jimenez was an
accomplished amateur boxer from southern Minnesota, where
he and his boxing brother, Fred, first made headlines...
BOXING
GIVES BEST FRIENDS SOMETHING SPECIAL MONDAY,
JANUARY 9, 2012 - BY RAY KILGORE
Cerresso
Fort and Dalton Outlaw opened "Element Boxing",
a Saint Paul gym, less then a year ago but you might
think it has been around for years considering the number
of students and boxers that frequent the gym. The two
boxers are splitting time between the business and time
in the ring as both say they have upcoming fights.
Journalist Ray Kilgore recently visited Element to profile
Outlaw and Fort. Kilgore offers a glimpse at both mens
roots in the ring, how they started Element Boxing,
and what the future may hold...
"GOLDEN"
OPPORTUNITY FOR TRUAX THURSDAY,
JANUARY 5, 2012 - BY JESSE KELLEY
In
approximately 15 days, 11 hours, and 25 minutes of this
writing, "Golden" Caleb Truax (18-0-1, 10 KO's)
will put his undefeated record on the line in front of
a nationally televised Showtime audience against Brandon
"Flawless" Gonzales (15-0, 10 KO's). The bout
will take place at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
"I couldn't be more excited about fighting on Showtime"
said Truax. "This is a step in my career that I've
been aiming for since I began"...
IS
JONATHAN PEREZ BORN TO REIGN? FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 23RD, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
One
should assume that when Perez says, "I will die in
the ring if I have to," he is speaking figuratively,
since no sane person would expect Perez, 20, to risk his
life for the sport. They do, however, want entertainment;
and so far, he has fulfilled that wish by going 2-0 (2
KOs) since turning professional in December of 2010. "I
never dreamed I was going to turn pro," Perez said.
"I was happy that night because in the past [as an
amateur] I was always nervous."
While it's too early to tell what skills Perez will display
down the road, the emotions etched in his face when he
talks about boxing, the passion in his voice, and his
physical appearance all suggest good things...
WILLIAMS
STOPPED IN CHICAGO WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 21, 2011 - BY JESSE KELLEY
This
past Friday night in Chicago was supposed to be a second
beginning for the boxing career of Phil "The Drill"
Williams. As Williams prepared to head out to the Windy
City to fight, boxing fans and figures back home were
largely in agreement that this was a prime opportunity
for the "old" Drill to resurface. Positive
text messages and phone calls including some from former
ring rivals of Williams was further proof of that. Williams
had six weeks to ready himself to face the up and coming
but still improving prospect Andrzej Fonfara. And Williams
himself said it would be a new beginning. But after
getting stopped by Fonfara in the third round last Friday
night, one can only hope that the new beginning will
still come the next time around...
QUICK
WEEKEND MN RESULTS SATUDAY,
DECEMBER 16, 2011
From
Fightnews:WBC #1 and WBO #3-rated middleweight
Marco Antonio Rubio (53-5-1, 46 KOs) stayed busy as
he continued his long wait for a world title shot with
a fifth round TKO over tough guy Matt “The Predator”
Vanda (44-14, 24 KOs) on Friday night at the Mandalay
Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The big-punching
Rubio’s hard shots had busted up the game Vanda
by round four and referee Kenny Bayless stepped in to
stop it in the fifth with Vanda under heavy fire. Time
was 2:42... From Fightnews: WBO NABO light heavyweight champion
Andrew “Polish Prince” Fonfara (20-2, 12 KO)
needed just three rounds in his scheduled for ten round
bout against Phill Williams (11-5, 10 KO) to boost his
impressive record as a light heavyweight to eight fights
and eight KOs. Fonfara knocked out Williams after just
1:25 of round number three. “We knew that Phil
can hit, so I decided to be aggressor, don’t let
him set his punches up,” said Fonfara after his
fight in front of around 2,800 mostly Polish fans in
UIC Pavillion in Chicago.
“He hit me hard, maybe once or two, but I knew
that I can attack behind my double jab anytime I want.
After the second round, my trainer Sam Colonna asked
me to use my left hand more aggressively. Knowing that
Williams is afraid of my right hand power, I did a little
fake, and he stepped directly into my left hook. Right
cross just finished the fight,” said the 24-year-old,
ranked currently by WBO at #8.
PHOTOS
AND FULL REPORT FROM CHICAGO TO COME
VANDA-RUBIO
STREAMED LIVE TONIGHT FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 16, 2011
Tonights
bout between Matt Vanda and Marco Antonio Rubio will
be streamed live at www.wbcboxing.tv. The card begins
at 9pm Central time. Vanda's strength and conditioning
coach Lenny McQuen said things got heated last night
at weigh-ins after Rubio's team made a comment about
"A quick knockout". Vanda and his team reportedly
fired back as words were exchanged. The video is below.
VANDA
AND WILLIAMS SCALE WATCH Thursday,
December 15, 2011
Weights and photos by Chris Cozzone/Fightnews
From
the Mandalay Bay for tomorrow night’s Promociones
del Pueblo/Sampson Boxing card at the WBC Convention:
Marco
Antonio Rubio 161.5 vs. Matt Vanda 157.5*
* For the WBC Latino middleweight title: Rubio was 1.5
lbs. over weight and has elected not to lose the weight,
forfeiting rights to title and $1,500 to Vanda.
By
Jesse Kelley at the Scales
From
Chicago, Illinois
Promotor 8 Cound Productions
Phil
Williams 172 vs. Andrzej Fonfara 172.5
Luis Santiago 148 vs. David Laque 147
Daniel Sotelo 138 vs. Tony Dunaski 132
*MN
Fighters in Bold
BRUNETTE
BOXING SHOW THIS SATURDAY Thursday,
December 14, 2011
Brunette
Boxing is hosting another night of amateur bouts this
Saturday, Dec. 17 at the East View Rec Center in Saint
Paul. Teams from all over Minnesota and into Wisconsin
will be competing. For all the info on the show visit
www.BrunetteBoxing.com or
WILLIAMS,
FONFARA SPEAK ABOUT SHOWDOWN Thursday,
December 14, 2011 - BY JESSE KELLEY
The
Windy City showdown between Phil "The Drill"
Williams and Andrzej "The Polish Prince" Fonfara
is fast approaching. The two light heavyweights will meet
in this Friday's main event, which is promoted by 8 Count
Productions at the UIC Pavillion in Chicago, Illinois.
Both fighters say they will be going into the fight confident
of victory...
DEC.
10 UPPERCUT AMATEUR RESULTS Thursday,
December 14, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
Saturday
night was what boxing is all about. In front of a packed
house, where many fans stood to watch the show, Uppercut
gym put on a 15-bout card that saw everything from some
controversial bouts, to too-close-to-call bouts, to masterful
boxing. Professional fighters s Phil Williams, Antwan
Robertson (who came in style with a fur coat), Jonathan
Perez, Ismail Muwendo and Jeremy McLaurin, were all in
attendance. But tonight belonged to the amateurs...
HALSTAD
MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF Thursday,
December 1st, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
Tom
Halstad’s recent success as a trainer has been a
long time in the making. Halstad has become good at his
profession through indirect and unorthodox ways. He was
a self-taught boxing enthusiast with no amateur experience
who learned the characteristics of a good trainer by the
failures, struggles and redemptions of his parents, Judy
and Duane.
“I saw early on how my parents worked their butts
off to keep what they had,” Halstad said. “Ever
since I was young, my parents had always been like, ‘Learn
from your mistakes.’ And they taught me to work hard...
A.
LITZAU RETURNS TO ACTION TONIGHT Friday,
November 23, 2011
UPDATE:
Allen Litzau lost a 6 round unanimous decision to John
Lewus. Scores Read 59-55 twice and 58-56.
Reports: CyberBoxingZone
- Fightnews
- Chicago
Tribune Saint Paul's Allen Litzau (13-6) returns
to action in Chicago tonight against former title challenger
John Lewus (25-4-1). Litzau and Lewus (pictured left
at weigh-ins) weighed in at 144. Lewus went the distance
with Kennedy McKinney, Vuyani Bungu and Orlando Canizales
as a bantamweight during the 90's. Litzau, who has been
training amateur boxers recently, will be coming in
at the highest weight of his career. Litzau was Nationally
rated as an amateur and shared some of his past fights
with us recently which can be seen in the video below...
FAREWELL
FIGHT FOR CORN
"The Native Sensation" JJ Corn will hang the
gloves up after 15 years in the game. But before he does,
Corn returns to action January 7, 2012 on a fight card
in Menominee, WI. Corn says he will continue to train
and promote after this last fight against an opponent
to be named shortly. Also featured will be hard hitting
Marcus Oliveria along with more Native talent...
November
18th, 2011
TITLE
BOUT FOR VANDA
November
18th, 2011
Matt
"The Predator" Vanda (44-13) faces what could
be his toughest test as he takes on Marco Antonio Rubio
(52-5-1) on Dec. 16 at the Mandaley Bay Casino in Las
Vegas. Up for grabs is the vacant WBC Latino belt.
"My fight is for the WBC Latin title" Vanda
told Minnesotaboxing.com. "It only makes sense...I'm
Mexican"!
CONTRERAS,
WATSON THRILL DULUTH CROWD Friday,
November 23, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE - Photo's by John D’Auria
Zach
“Jungle Boy” Walters hosted an amateur card
that was creative and filled with solid action. The event
took place on Thursday Nov. 17th at Grandma’s Sports
Garden in Duluth . Manny Contreras stopped Ryan Watson
in an action packed main event...
NEW
START FOR WALTERS part 2/3 Friday,
November 18, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
PART
2of 3: "Zach almost lost everything, but he
has stayed on track because he believes in himself and
in a God who loves him,” his mother, Sharyn, told
Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount in 2006. If
Walters ever needed his faith, it was after his retirement.
“I struggled to keep up with bills and maintain
my pride in self,” Walters said. “My whole
identity was jacked up. I felt like I was crawling,
learning how to walk again.” At one point, Walters
wrestled with the possibility of doing what his heart
told him he shouldn’t. “I have thought about
a ‘farewell fight,’” he said. “I
got a few calls for short notice fights with pretty
nice paydays in early 2010. These were tough to turn
down, 'cause I needed the money.”...
WALTERS
REMAINS PROMINENT FIGURE part 1/3 Wednesday,
November 16, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
PART
1 of 3: On a recent business trip I stopped at a local
McDonalds for lunch and had a conversation with a social
worker from an agency called North Homes. As we spoke
about various topics, the young lady impressed me with
her ability to recite the different locations of boxing
gyms in the area. Somehow our conversation turned to Zach
Walters and his local popularity. “He’s very
big up here,” she said. “You know the mayor
gave him his own gym.” She turned to a kid who looked
to be 13 and said, “If you want to box, I can take
you there.”...
VANDA
STOPS KILFIAN IN 3 Tuesday,
November 14, 2011 - BY JESSE KELLEY
Matt
"The Predator" Vanda knocked out Harley
Kilfian in round three last Friday, November 11th
at the Armory in Saint Paul, MN.
Vanda landed a hard right followed by a left hook
to the head that dropped Kilfian for the count :29
seconds into the third round.
In other action, Antonio Johnson (8-1, 4 KO's) took
apart game Silas Ortley (4-10, 3 KO's), dropping him
three times before the end came :25 seconds into the
5th.
Antwan Robertson (8-7-1, 5 KO's) won an 8 round split
decision over Brad Patraw (7-4, 4 KO's) to even the
fight score at 2 wins apiece.
In the opener, Tony Lee (5-1, 2 KO's) took a 5 round
unanimous decision over Mike Davis (5-9, 4 KO's)...
WEIGHTS
FROM MNPLS Thursday,
November 10, 2011
Matt Vanda 166.5 vs. Harley Kilfian 165.5
Brad Patraw 121 vs. Antwan Robertson 119.5
Tony Lee 139 vs. Mike Davis 139
Antonio Johnson 155 vs. Silas Ortley 157
* Aaron Green's opponent Karl Knothe decided to
take a different fight out of state instead
Promoter: MSC/RDS
Venue: Saint Paul Armory
More details to come on weigh-ins
SMOKIN'
JOE PASSES
Click
Here for Larger Picture
Joe
Frazier (left) at a press conference for the final bout
of his career, 1981 in Chicago against Floyd "Jumbo"
Cummings. The matchmaker, Ron Peterson is shown pictured
right wearing shades with his partner Bill Cooley (One
time owner of the Met Center) in the middle. The sad news
of the passing of boxing legend Smokin' Joe Frazier hit
the news a few days ago. RIP Joe Frazier. November
9th, 2011
PATRAW,
ROBERTSON ROUND 4 Wednesday,
November 9th, 2011
Bantamweights
Brad Patraw and Antwan Robertson will meet for a fourth
time this Friday night as the co-main event to Matt
Vanda-Harley Kilfian. Patraw holds the edge so far,
winning the first and third meeting. Local fans hope
for the fireworks the rematch produced however as the
two fighters traded bombs for 8 rounds in that bout. Brad Patraw: Training for this fight has gone
well. Bob (Van Syckle) is showing me a lot of new things
and Jason (Litzau) has been helping me out a hell of
a lot as well. Come November 11th I am coming to make
another statement against Antwan only this time even
bigger then before. There will not be a reason for a
fifth fight, mark my words. Antwan
Robertson: I am extremely motivated to even the
score with Brad. I showed him what I am capable of in
the second fight and I am going to do it again on Friday
night. I am not just going to knock him out. I want
to make a statement. I plan on knocking him out cold
in the first few rounds.
FRIDAY
NIGHT BOXING LINE-UP Tuesday,
November 8, 2011
Pro Boxing Returns to the Saint Paul
Armory this Friday, November 11. Fighter interviews
coming soon.
MAIN EVENT - 8 ROUNDS - 168 LBS
Matt
"The Predator" Vanda (43-13) St. Paul, MN
vs. Harley Kilfian (9-7) Menominee, WI
5
ROUNDS - 140 lbs
Tony "Too Sharp" Lee (4-1) St. Paul, MN vs.
Mike Davis (5-8) Minot, ND
4
ROUNDS - Heavyweights
Aaron "Gorilla" Green (3-0) Minneapolis, MN
vs. Karl Knothe (0-0) Minneapolis, MN
5
ROUNDS - 154 lbs
Antonio Johnson (7-1-1) St. Paul, MN vs. Silas Ortley
(4-9) Sioux Falls, SD
4 Rounds - 154 lbs
QUICK
WEEKEND RESULTS Friday,
November 5, 2011
• Raphael
Butler was stopped in round 3 against Chris Arreola
last night. .Butler was dropped multiple times but fought
back hard throughout the bout. For the full fight video...
•
From Queensberry-rules.com: In bonus coverage junior
middleweight prospect Hugo "The Boss" Centeno
looked in control early against "The Fighting Chihuahua"
Hector Orozco but the Minnesotan came back in
the third to turn up the pressure and land some shots
of his own. Centeno regained his footing in the 4th
but ended up taking more damage than he probably expected
against the game Orozco. Centeno (10-0, 6 KOs) secured
the six-round decision 59-55 and 58-56 (twice), but
the crowd clearly favored the Fighting Chihuahua.
ANDERSON
CONFIDENT IN HIS FIGHTER Friday,
November 4, 2011 - By Jesse Kelley
Minnesota's
favorite underdog "The Fighting Chihuahua"
Hector Orozco will step through the ropes in front of
a televised audience (Telefutura) as he faces undefeated
Golden Boy Promotions prospect Hugo Centeno Jr. within
hours from now. Orozco and trainer Rick Anderson know
they have taken a risk in taking the bout with Centeno
Jr, who will have experience, size, and hometown advantage
among other things over the Minnesotan tonight. But
Anderson says the decision to take the fight was very
calculated and that the rewards for a big performance
could pay off.
"In order to accomplish big things, you have to
take chances" said Anderson. "I think this
one is going to pay off. I am really confident in that.
If things go well in this fight, which I think they
will, we have already gotten several different offers
for good fights"...
VIDEO:
BUTLER, ARREOLA PRESSER Friday,
November 4, 2011 - Video Courtesy of Pepe Rodriguez /
WBC
BUTLER
WEIGH IN PHOTO
Photo Credit Ron Peterson
Rochester's
Raphael Butler (right) and Chris Arreola pose in Mexico
after weigh-ins for Saturday nights heavyweight clash
on Espn Deportes Chris
Arreola 240.46 vs Ralph Butler 255
November
3rd, 2011
WILLIAMS
FACES FONFARA
Phil
"The Drill" Williams (11-4) heads to Chicago
on Dec.16 to face Andrzej Fonfara (19-2). Williams says
the bout will be at light-heavyweight and is scheduled
for 10 rounds
October 30, 2011
VIDEO:
KOLLE STOPS WAYKA, LAASE WINS Saturday,
October 30, 2011
Andy
Kolle (24-2) sent James Wayka (16-11) to the canvas a
total of five times in under two rounds last weekend at
the 4 Bears Casino in ND. Wayka put up a fight though
and went punch for punch with Kolle for the first half
of the round. Kolle's trademark left hand would change
any success Wayka was having however later in the first
as it was down hill for Wayka following the first knockdown.
"The fight went great" said Kolle. "The
game plan that Jason (Hendrickson) had was just setting
into place when I put him down the first time. James was
game and came in shape ready to fight...
LIVE
RESULTS FROM NEW TOWN, ND Saturday,
October 22, 2011
8
Round Main Event Andy Kolle Vs James Wayka
• Andy "Kaos" Kolle (24-2, 18 Ko's) stopped
James Wayka (16-11, 8 Ko's) by TKO in the second round
moments ago in North Dakota. Kolle sent Wayka to the
canvas three times during the bout. Full fight video
to follow as well as more details. Quick results courtesy
of Todd Bechthold at ringside. -9:47pm
RJ Laase Vs Alan Moore
• RJ Laase moves to (7-1, 4 Ko's) with first round
destruction of Alan Moore (2-13) of Indiana. Laase dropped
Moore three times in the round with head shots. -7:57pm
Dustin
Mason Vs Tony Dunaski
• Dustin Mason improves to (2-0, 2 Ko's) with a
first round KO over former sparring partner Tony Dunaski
(0-1). -7:48pm
Tyler Hultin Vs Tony Dewey
• Tyler Hultin improves to (2-0-1, 2 Ko's) with
a first round TKO win over Tony Dewey (0-4) of Indiana.
Hultin stopped Dewey with a body shot. -7:40pm
KOLLE
REMAINS FOCUSSED HEADING INTO FIGHT Friday,
October 21st, 2011 - BY JESSE KELLEY
Tomorrow
night marks the return of Andy "Kaos" Kolle
(23-2, 17 KO's) as the Duluth resident steps in the
ring to face James Wayka (16-10) of Wisconsin in the
headlining bout at the 4 Bears Casino in ND.
Kolle is coming off a setback loss to Caleb Truax (18-0-1,
10 KO's) on May 27th in Saint Paul and looks at the
fight with Wayka as a way to not only get back on track
but also to put to work different techniques he and
new trainer Jason Hendrickson have been incorporating
into camp. A camp which has included 6 hour round trips,
2 days a week for Kolle, Hendrickson, and team apiece.
Wayka is a recognizable name around Minnesota who's
known for his slickness and pop in the ring when properly
prepared for battle. Kolle says he remains focussed
on moving forward in his boxing career following the
Truax bout and that begins with what he hopes is an
explosive performance against Wayka...
TRUAX
FACES OPPONENT CRISIS Thursday,
October 20th, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
Caleb
Truax is in a little trouble. After his win over Andy
Kolle this past summer in a highly anticipated fight,
the 27-year-old finds himself without a local big-named
boxer to generate a buzz and keep his career moving
since getting national fights are not easy. His chief
trainer, Tom Halstad, might relocate to Las Vegas next
year and has said he will try and convince the undefeated
Truax, 18-0-1, 10 KOs, to consider the same; a scenario
Truax says he is not willing to rule out. “At this
point I don’t know,” Truax said. “Vegas
is the Mecca of boxing, and if a person is serious about
their career, right now that’s the place.”
Truax did, however, say. “I am a Minnesota boy
and it would be difficult to leave.”...
LAASE,
KOLLE PREPARE FOR SATURDAY Wednesday,
October 19th 2011 - BY JESSE KELLEY
Duluth
boxer's Andy Kolle and RJ Laase were at the Uppercut
Gym in Mnpls last night for the final time before heading
to the 4 Bears Casino in New Town, ND this weekend for
Saturday nights fights. Kolle faces slick boxer James
Wayka in the main event. Both Kolle and Laase have been
traveling to the Cities to work with new trainer Jason
Hendrickson after the retirement of Chuck Horton. Laase's
manager Todd Bechtold says he has never seen Laase so
dedicated to boxing as the hours of drive time to the
Cities would suggest. "Sometimes you have
to roll with the punches" said Laase referring
to the sudden change in coaches and scenery. "Life
is full of changes, good and bad. Its how we adapt to
the change that matters. I'm not stopping for nothing.
I have 7 years left to leave my mark in this game and
I'm going to do what I have to do to make it!"
Laase (6-1) says that the work with Hendrickson and
sparring partners at Uppercut have been very beneficial
in preparation for his bout against Allan Moore who
he admits knowing very little about. An interview with
Kolle is scheduled to run shortly.
KAYONGO
READY TO MAKE IMPACT Tuesday,
October 4th, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
No
one would have wagered that 147-pounder and self-described
boxing junkie Mohammad Kayongo would disappear from the
game for over two years. In November 2009, Kayongo was
on a several-fight winning streak and had just won a small
title by stopping James Todd with a third-round TKO. However,
his swift exile from the sport, immediately after the
fight, KO’d Kayongo’s career more completely
than he'd expected.
“I
see this as a journey,” the boxer said in a low tone
as his wife, Nora, rubbed his back for comfort. “There
were some hurdles to get over.” Unfortunately the
obstacles involved outside distractions, injuries, and
other commitments, all of which stripped Kayongo of the
boxing identity he had tenaciously carved out ever since
he was an eight-year-old growing up in Uganda...
UPPERCUT
AMATEUR BOXING RESULTS Tuesday,
October 4th, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
For
the second Saturday in a row, amateur boxing offered
unbelievable action, first with the Brunette’s
card last weekend and then with Uppercut’s card
last Saturday night. Uppercut, one of Minnesota’s
premiere gyms, brought out some of Minnesota’s
well-known figures in the sport, including: internationally
renowned judge Denny Nelson, former State Light Heavyweight
champion Zack “Jungle boy” Walters, and former
State Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Bullet”
Bonsante. Saturday’s fights offered both causal
and die-hard fan a mixture of action to suit their preferences,
and the action got started with...
BRUNETTE
BOXING RESULTS Tuesday,
September 27, 2011 - BY RAY KILGORE
On
Saturday night, Brunette boxing showcased a 10-fight card
that kept a decent-sized crowd entertained for over two
hours. Admission price was a steal at $10.00 and under,
because all evening, the matches provided every fan, regardless
of their tastes, with all kinds of action, from pure boxing
skills to stoppages to toe-to-toe give and take and heart-thumping
slug-fests. And the action started with...
WEIGHTS
FROM ILLINOIS Thursday,
September 22, 2011
Photo
courtesy of John Hoffman
Sergio
Montes de Oca 120 vs Antwan Robertson 118
Antwan Robertson (7-6), is coming off a win two
weeks ago in Illinois and says that he is very focussed
for this fight and plans on bringing the victory home
to Minnesota. De Oca brings a 4-1,1 KO record to the
ring as a pro (17-4 as an amateur).
LOWRY
STOPS LOVELESS IN INDIANA Friday,
September 16, 2011
41
year old Troy "TNT" Lowry (28-11, 15 KO's)
knocked hometown hero Travis Loveless (20-1, 17 KO's)
out cold in the fifth round moments ago in Indiana.
Lowry, who was unable to put much of a training camp
together due to work, was behind on the cards going
in to the fifth but landed a crushing right hand to
the head sending Loveless to the canvas at 1:32. Lowry
sent word from Indiana that he hopes to face MN Middleweight
champ "Golden" Caleb Truax next.
Minneapolis heavyweight Boris Shishporenok (7-3) was
stopped by James shorter (1-0) earlier on the card in
the second round. Shishporenok's trainer Ron Peterson
said that Boris injured his arm before the stoppage.
FAULK
HELPS PREPARE MAYWEATHER JR Friday,
September 16, 2011
"It's
money time!" yelled former IBF jr. middleweight champ
Kassim Ouma, cutting my telephone interview with St. Paul's
Michael Faulk short. Money time is the term used by Floyd
Mayweather Jr and his team of fighters put together to
help prepare him for tomorrow nights PPV clash with Victor
Ortiz. And Faulk is one of the fighters that was brought
in by Mayweather and his team which also include Ouma,
Sechew Powell, and Deandre Latimore. In fact, Faulk was
the first fighter brought in to camp late July and has
stayed on board until the end of camp despite other fighters
being sent home.
"Floyd is just so hard to hit, he is that good"
said Faulk. "I can't imagine what it will be like
sparring anybody else out there from now on after sparring
with Mayweather. He puts in the hardest workout I have
ever seen and that is after he gets done sparring!"
The former nationally ranked amateur Faulk spoke with
Minnesotaboxing.com about his time spent in the Mayweather
Jr. camp, what he has coming up and more. The full story
will be posted shortly. Mayweather vs Ortiz can be seen
live on PPV tomorrow night.
MCLAURIN'S
VICTORY CHANGED TO UD Monday,
September 12, 2011
Jeremy
McLaurin won an action filled decision over Gary Eyer
in last Friday's main event at the Grand Casino in Hinckley,
MN. The bout was action packed but McLaurin seemed to
be the busier offensive fighter as he dictated the pace
of the fight. However, judge Scott Moe saw the fight a
draw, giving McLaurin a majority decision win while being
comfortably ahead on the other two scorecards. Minnesotaboxing.com
learned moments ago that Executive Director of the Mille
Lacs Band of Ojibwe Jim Erickson came across a tally error
while preparing results for FightFax which came in round
8 on Moe's card. The score was mistakenly tallied 10-9
for Eyer but Erickson says Moe actually scored the round
10-10. With the correction, Moe's card has McLaurin up
77-76 on Moe's card according to Mr. Erickson.
FRIDAY
NIGHT PHOTO REPORT Saturday,
September 10, 2011 By Ray Kilgore and Jesse Kelley at
Ringside
Jeremy McLaurin (9-2, 5 Ko's), won a majority decision
76-76, 78-74 and 79-73 over Gary Eyer (8-2, 6 Ko's)
in the off TV main event Friday night at the Grand Casino
in Hinckley, MN. The bout featured good action throughout.
In other action, Harley Kilfian stopped Tim Taggart
by TKO after a deep gash over Taggart's left eye by
a punch put an end to the fight. Hector Orozco evened
the score with Tony Lee by winning unanimously. TJ Gibson
shocked Al Sands, stopping him in round four...
TAGGART
VS KILFIAN TONIGHT IN HINCKLEY Friday,
September 9, 2011
Friday
nights fight card at the Grand Casino in Hinckley has
the potential to be one of the best all MN undercards
in years. Aside from the televised main events, Jeremy
McLaurin moves to the featherweight division to battle
Gary Eyer. Tony Lee will now rematch Hector Orozco, and
Al Sands faces TJ Gibson.
But no Hinckley boxing show would seem right these days
without local slugger Tim Taggart Jr. mixing it up on
the card. Taggart is never in a dull match and this Friday
sees him moving up to the light heavyweight division to
face recognizable and tested Wisc/MN fighter Harley Kilfian...
HINCKLEY,
MN SCALE WATCH Thursday,
September 8, 2011
Gary
Eyer vs Jeremy McLaurin Photo Courtesy of Kaos Boxing
Hector Sanchez 143 vs Vincent Arroyo 143
Lateef Kayode 198 vs Felix Cora Jr. 198
(NABA Cruiserweight Championship)
Gary Eyer 124.5 vs Jeremy McLaurin 125
Harley Kilfian 172 vs Tim Taggart 175
Tony Lee 142.5 vs Hector Orozco 143
Al Sands 199.5 vs T J Gibson 197.5
Venue: Grand Casino Event Center
Promoter: MSC/RDS/Gary Shaw
TV: ShoBox The New Generation
CERRESSO
FORT READY FOR BATTLE Thursday,
September 8, 2011
"Sir"
Cerresso Fort (11-0) is set for the biggest test of his
pro career this Friday night in Florida. Fort, who has
spent the last few weeks training down south, will face
Florida's Marcus Upshaw in the 21 fight veterans backyard.
Upshaw is a tall and rangy fighter that has faced almost
exclusively good competition while compiling a record
of 13-7-1 "I am so excited to be able to showcase my skills
to the Florida people. I love fighting back home in Minnesota
but it's time to get out there and take that next step.
I will be back fighting in Minnesota soon but now it's
time to go out there against a good opponent and bring
that win back home." ...
SEPTEMBER
9 HINCKLEY BOXING UPDATE Thursday,
August 29, 2011
PRESS
RELEASE:
Minneapolis, MN – What was originally scheduled
to be a highly anticipated local boxing event will now
have the eyes of the boxing world on Grand Casino in
Hinckley, MN as Justin Seurer’s Midwest Sports
Council and Bob Stein’s RDS Company have teamed
up with Gary Shaw Productions to add two nationally
televised fights on Showtime Network’s “ShoBox:
The New Generation” to a stacked professional boxing
card on September 9th.
In
the televised opener the #1 ranked cruiserweight contender
in the world according to the World Boxing Association
(WBA) Lateef Kayode (17-0 14 Kos), under the guidance
of famed trainer Freddie Roach, will look to continue
his winning ways as he takes on tough cruiserweight
veteran Felix Cora Jr (22-5-2 12 Kos) of Galveston,
Texas.
Closing
out the televised fights will be a matchup of up-and-coming
contenders in the junior welterweight division. California’s
Mauricio Herrera (18-1 7 Kos) will look to capitalize
off of his win over Mike Dallas Jr this past June on
ESPN2 as he takes on the upset minded Hector Sanchez
(19-1 9 Kos) from Puerto Rico. The winner of this bout
will put themselves into title consideration.
A
highly anticipated matchup between two Minnesota fighters
will serve as the local main event as the always entertaining
Gary Eyer (8-1-1) from Duluth, MN will take on Jeremy
“Lights Out” McLaurin (8-2) from Minneapolis,
MN. The winner of this featherweight matchup will position
themselves in the hierarchy of Minnesota fighters looking
to make their mark on the national level. Also featured
on the undercard will be a light heavyweight matchup
between Tim Taggart and Harley Kilfian. Hector Orozco
will meet Sam Morales in a welterweight fight, exciting
cruiserweight Al Sands will meet T.J. Gibson and St.
Paul’s Tony Lee will meet an opponent to be announced.
Tickets
are currently available at the Grand Casino Hinckley
box office or by going to www.ticketmaster.com. Opening
bell time for this exciting night of fights will be
at 7:30 p.m.
MN
HALL OF FAME BANQUET UPDATE Wednesday,
August 25, 2011
MNBHOF
PRESS RELEASE: The 2011 Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame
banquet scheduled for October 11th at the Nicollet Island
Pavilion is now right around the corner. Social Hour is
5 to 7 pm with Dinner and Inductions beginning right at
7 pm. Because we sold out our original venue so fast,
one advantage of running at the Nicollet Island Pavilion
is that we can accomodate much larger crowds. Last year
we had 252 people at the Induction. This year, we already
have 370 tickets sold and that number continues to climb
higher each day. We will be on the radio up in "Bobick"
country next Tuesday the 30th on KTLF 960 AM radio for
their Partyline Program from 10 to 11 am and then on again
around 11 am on 92.1 FM with Al Windsperger talking boxing,
Bobick, and the HOF.
Right now, we not only have a great many present pro fighters
coming, but a ton of our past greats such as: Bob "Iceman"
Coolidge, Danny Morgan, Brian Brunette, Gary "The
Hammer" Holmgren, Bobby Rodriguez, Rafael Rodriguez,
Will Grigsby, Larry LaCoursiere, Richie Albrecht, Rocky
McCaleb, Rocky Sekorski, Jim Beattie, Don Weller, Tony
Bonsante, Clem Tucker, George Anderson, Chuck Gardner,
Saverino Garcia, and many more, and of course, our living
Inductees of Duane Bobick and Mike Evgen. This does not
count any of our past great trainers that are coming or
our present fighters such as Walters, Kolle, Kost, Truax,
Litzau, Abell and others that are coming to honor the
past fighters that came before them. As I have done before,
I encourage all of you to come out and support your state
Hall of Famers this year. It's gonna be a helluva good
time and we hope to see all of you there. If interested,
simply go to our website www.mnbhof.org and check out
the ticket info tab to find out how to get your tickets.
Please come out and meet our past greats and mingle and
network with almost 400 other people as obsessed with
boxing as we all are. We now have the room, so come on
out! Thanks guys!
S.
LEDOUX, R. HAMILTON SERVICES
Scott
LeDoux Memorial service will be held Wednesday, Aug
12th, 1 PM, at the Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox
Ave. S., Mpls. Private interment Hillside Cemetery. Visitation
will be 1 hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers,
memorials preferred to ALS Association. Washburn-McReavy
Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000 A celebration of the life accomplishments of Ryan Hamilton
will be held Sunday, August 28th from 3:00pm - 7:00pm
at the Kellogg Square Apartments Party Room/ Patio located
at 111 Kellogg Blvd E in St. Paul, Mn. Any Donations will
be used to help the family with Funeral expenses and the
remainder will be donated to Safe Zone. Email or Call
651 983 1178/ cjmengel@stkate.edu Carolee for more info.
SCOTT
LEDOUX PASSES Thursday,
August 12, 2011
MN
boxing hall of famer Scott LeDoux passed away late yesterday
afternoon after a long bout with ALS. From fighter,
to politition, LeDoux was known as a guy who stood tall,
not only in stature, but also for the way he fought
for what he believed in outside of the ring. LeDoux
helped put Mn boxing on the map throughout the 70's
and went on to help bring boxing back to MN in 2006
as he headed the newly formed boxing commission.
PATRICIA
"RYAN" HAMILTON WILL BE MISSED Sunday,
July 31st, 2011
Ryan
Hamilton, founder and editor of www.LiveFromRingside.com
passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer
last Sunday, August 7, 2011 at the age of 32. Preceded
in death by great-grandparents Alfred & Clady. Survived
by mother, Christine; father, Carlos Franklin; sister,
Brittany; brother, Jeremiah; godmother, Elizabeth Petty;
and a host of other family and friends. Ryan was able
to help many amateur boxers over the years through her
work as an editor, photographer, writer and friend to
many. A private memorial service will be held. A public
celebration of life in honor of Ryan will be held at
a later date to be announced.
MINNESOTANS
COMPETE AT OLYMPIC TRIALS Sunday,
July 31st, 2011
QUICK
RESULTS POSTED TO THE RIGHT Olympic team trials
have begun and Minnesota has three fighters competing
today. COD's Adonis Frazier informed us that Mnpls' Damarius
Russell, who is now in the Marines stationed in Camp
Lejeune, N.C. will be first of the Minnesotans to compete
today at 1pm in the 165 pound division against Antoine
Douglas of Burke, Va.
Oakdale's Robert Brant, who qualified for the trials
yesterday will battle Sijuola Shabazz of Las Cruces, N.M.
The two lightheavy's have met a number of times throughout
the amateurs splitting wins in the process. Finally,
heavyweight Jonathan Hamm, fighting out of the
Rice Street Gym, boxes Brett Rather of Las Vegas in the
6pm session along with Brant. Hamm was recently featured
in the Star Tribune by writer Rachel Blount. The story
paints a wonderful picture of Hamm, who is highly regarded
around the Nation for his ring skills...
FREE
AMATEUR BOXING/COMBAT SPORTS SAT. Thursday,
July 28th, 2011
Savage
Entertainment is hosting a free show this Saturday and
Neisen's Sports Bar & Grill in Savage, MN. Amateur
boxing begins at 4pm while the rest of the day features
kick boxing and Thai boxing...
RYAN
HAMILTON IN OUR PRAYERS Friday,
July 23rd, 2011
Ryan
Hamilton, who is the face of amateur boxing journalism,
is now in the fight of her life. Ryan's friend Carolee
Mengel shared the following note via Ryan's website forum.
Please keep Ryan in your prayers. I just wanted to let everyone know that Ryan Hamilton
who is the founder of Live From Ringside is now fighting
the fight of her life.Ryan has a brain tumor called an
astrocytoma, Doctors believe she has had it most of her
life if not all, she has had surgeries, chemo and radiation
non has been effective in stopping this tumor from growing...
2011
MN Hall of Fame Saints Day Recap Friday,
July 1st, 2011
The
2011 Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee's were announced
Thursday, June 30th at the Saints baseball game at Midway
Stadium. Included in this years class is Mike O'dowd,
Jackie Graves, Johnny Ertle, Duane Bobick, Mike Evgen,
"Papa" Joe Daszkiewicz, Emmett Weller, George
Barton, and Charley Kemmick. For the full recap...
OAKDALE
AMATEUR BOXING SUNDAY Wednesday,
June 22, 2011
The
Rice Street Rocker Mike Evgen hosts the 3rd annual Summer
Fest amateur boxing eventat Walton Park in Oakdale, MN
this Sunday afternoon at 1pm. Admission is free and the
weather forcast looks clear!
Walton Park is located at 1584 Hadley Ave. North, Oakdale,
MN, 55128
WEEKEND
RESULTS Saturday,
June 18, 2011
•Saturday
night: Antwan Robertson (6-6-1) lost an 8 round
unanimous decision to Steve Canell (7-4-3) in Canada.
Patrick Cape (6-11) lost by TKO in round two against
Sean Eklund (9-4)...
Unbeaten
super featherweight Adrien Broner (21-0, 17 KOs) destroyed
Jason Litzau (28-3, 21 KOs) in the first round on HBO
in Mexico. Broner trapped Litzau in the corner and battered
Litzau to the deck. Time was 2:58. With the win, Broner
claimed the vacant USNBC title. -Fightnews.com
For video...
•
Friday night: Unbeaten welterweight and former
amateur standout Javontae Starks (5-0, 4 KOs) won a
four round split decision over Antonio Gamez (6-4-1,
1 KO) Friday night in Texas. Scores were 39-37 and 40-36
Starks, 39-37 Gamez. -Fightnews.com
For video...
LITZAU,
BRONER MAKE WEIGHT Friday,
June 17, 2011
Jason
Litzau (129.6) and Adrien Broner (128.3)
both made weight Friday afternoon in Mexico. The two
battle in Saturday nights HBO co-feature. Photo courtesty
of Golden Boy Promotions.
ROBERTSON,
CAPE IN ACTION SATURDAY Friday,
June 17, 2011
The
busy weekend on the road for MN pro boxers continues
as "Lil Superman" Antwan Robertson and "The
Raging Bull" Patrick Cape head to Canada to fight
this Saturday night in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Robertson
(6-5-1) will face 30 year old Steve Canell (6-4-3) in
a super bantamweight bout. Cape (6-10) returns for the
first time since last September to box Sean Eklund (8-4),
who is the nephew of Mickey Ward.
WEIGHTS
FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS Thursday,
June 16, 2011
Photo
Courtesty of Sean Hickman
Antonio
Gamez 150 vs Javontae Starks 147.75
JASON
LITZAU: THIS IS MY TIME Wednesday,
June 15, 2011 - By Jesse Kelley
"God
has a plan for us all and I truly believe this is my
time. Broner is going to have to wait another day for
his".
Those were the last words Jason Litzau spoke to MinnesotaBoxing.com
last week following one of his final sparring sessions
prior to leaving for Guadalajara, Mexico for this Saturday
nights showdown with Adrien "The Problem"
Broner. The two Super Featherweight contenders meet
on the HBO televised undercard headlined by WBC World
Super Welterweight champion Canelo Alvarez as he makes
his first defense against Englands Ryan Rhodes...
STARKS
RETURNS, ESPN SWING BOUT Wednesday,
June 15, 2011
Austin,
TX- Fans across the nation may get their first look
at Minneapolis native Javontae Starks (4-0, 4 ko’s)
when he does battle with Antonio Gamez (6-3)at the Frank
Erwin Center in Austin Texas. Starks will take on Gamez
in the swing spot of this weekend’s telecast of
Friday Night Fights. If one of the televised bouts is
ended prematurely due to a knockout or any other avenue
Starks’ long awaited debut with Prize Fight Promotions
will see national air time. Slated to appear in the
card’s feature spots are Fernando Guerrero taking
on Grady Brewer, and Karim Mayfield going up against
Steve Forbes. Starks signed with Prize Fight earlier
this year after compiling a 4-0 record in his home state
of Minnesota. Friday will mark the end of an inactive
streak dating back into 2010 and Starks says he’s
ready to jump back into action. “I’m excited
man, Just to get back in there and show people what
I’m all about. I’m ready to represent my hometown
on the national stage.” Starks noted. The 6
foot junior middleweight will pay tribute to a hero
of his this Friday with his ring attire. Starks will
wear trunks resembling those of Diego “Chico”
Corrales, a man he considers a source of inspiration.“I’m
going to tip my hat to Chico with the trunks that I
wear, I’m excited about that. That’s one of
the guys that I really admire and have a lot of respect
for.”
Starks commented.
Friday
Night Fights from Austin, TX will air this Friday night
on ESPN2.
MINNESOTANS
COMPETE IN NY FOR MASTERS Monday,
June 6, 2011
Congratulations
to the Uppercut Gym boxers who competed in New York
City last week at Gleason's Gym for the 2011 Masters
tournament. Alfonso Vasquez, Steve McComas, Jack Kennelly
and Laura Steberg all competed with Vasquez and McComas
placing first in their division.
PRESS
RELEASE: EDWARDS OPPONENT NAMED Thursday,
June 2, 2011
Minneapolis,
Minn. – Former Minnesota Vikings player and current
NFL free agent Ray Edwards (1-0) looks to continue his
journey into the Heavyweight ranks against undefeated
Larry Butler (1-0) at Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley,
Minnesota on June 24, 2011. Those who witnessed Edward’s
first professional boxing match will recall Larry Butler’s
vicious battle against Van Goodman. Both Edwards and Butler
are coming off impressive victories on May 20. Edwards’
fight will be the featured bout on a scheduled six fight
card promoted by Justin Seurer’s Midwest Sports Council
in association with Bob Stein’s RDS Company. Tickets
can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. Fights
will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Casino Hinckley Event
Center. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at www.ticketmaster.com.
Prices range from $30 to $100 for the closest look at
the action. Weigh-ins will be held on Thursday, June 23,
2011 at Grand Casino Hinckley. The weigh-ins will be open
to the public.
TRUAX
WINS STATE TITLE IN THRILLER Saturday,
May 28, 2011
In
a clash for the Minnesota State middleweight title,
unbeaten Caleb Truax (18-0-1, 10 KOs) won a ten round
split decision over Andy Kolle (23-3, 17 KOs) on Friday
night at the Saint Paul Armory in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Scores were 96-94, 97-93 for Truax, 96-94 Kolle.
IBF
#8 welterweight Said Ouali (28-3, 20 KOs) scored a third
round stoppage of late sub Dumont Welliver (18-24-1,
6 KOs), who took the fight on short notice after Ouali’s
original opponent Jhon Berrio was a no show.
"Sir" Charles Meier (5-2) won a unanimous
decision over Silas Ortley (4-9-1). Scores were 39-37
on all three cards.
Jake Backus (1-2) won a majority decision over Philip
Adyaka (0-3).
Aaron Green (3-0) knocked out Zak Jensen (0-2) at 1:13
of the 1st round.
Mike Richman (1-0) stopped Bruce Johnson in Rd 4...
VIDEO:
WEIGHTS, BACKUS, ADYAKA INTERVIEWS Friday,
May 27, 2011
Weigh
In footage from last night at ACR Gym in Coon Rapids
plus interviews with bantamweights Jake Backus and
Philip Adyaka who meet in a bout that could rival
the fireworks that should take place during the main
event State title bout between Andy Kolle and Caleb
Truax. The action takes place a few hours from now
at the Saint Paul Armory.
WEIGHTS
FROM THE ACR GYM Thursday,
May 26, 2011 - 10:15pm
More Photos and video including interviews with Jake
Backus and Philip Adyaka will be posted tomorrow morning. Minnesota
State MiddleweightTitle Fight
Andy Kolle 160 vs. Caleb Truax 160
Said Ouali 153 vs. Dumont Welliver (weighs in tomorrow) (Ouali's original opponent Jhon Berrio was a no
show)
Aaron Green 265 vs. Zak Jensen 280
Charles Meier 161.5 vs. Silas Ortley 160
Jake Backus 118 vs. Phillip Adayka 120
Mike Richman 150 vs. Bruce Johnson 151
Michael Faulk injured his back and his bout with Trent
Mcnutt is off
Venue: National Guard Armory, Saint Paul, MN
Promoter: Seconds Out Promotions
TRUAX,
KOLLE WEIGH INS TONIGHT Sunday,
May 22, 2011 - 11:15am
Tonights
Weigh Ins for the big showdown between Caleb Truax and
Andy Kolle will be held at the ACR Boxing Gym in Cool
Rapids at 5:30pm. The Weigh Ins are open to the public.
ACR Gym is located at 9418 Foley Blvd. Coon Rapids, MN
or visit http://www.lykesacrboxing.net/ for more info.
VIDEO:
KOLLE VS. TRUAX HAS ARRIVED Sunday,
May 22, 2011 - 11:15am
Caleb
Truax vs Andy Kolle fight week has arrived. In five
days the State's two top middleweights will settle
scores, answer questions, and give Minnesota fight
fans the showdown they have been waiting for. Minnesotaboxing.com
dug through our photo/video archives and put the following
video together to kick off fight week. So turn up
your speaker volume and let the countdown begin.
FULL
REPORT: EDWARDS DECISIONS GIBSON Saturday,
May 21, 2011 - 9:55pm - Report By Ray Kilgore - Photos
By Jesse Kelley
Cerresso
Fort (right) stopped Tim Taggart Jr. in the co-featured
bout Friday night in Hinckley
Leading
up to Friday's night fight at Grand Casino Hinckley,
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards, 26, and
his trainer, Jeff Warner, did a good job of talking
up Edwards as the next best heavyweight.
"Ray
will be the first to come from pro football as a starter
and destroy the heavyweight division," Warner told
a local newspaper before the fight. "He's a modern-day
Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson combined."
Well, Edwards, who was rumored to have received $5,000
plus 50 percent of the live gate, was far from either
Ali or Tyson, taking a four-round unanimous decision
over T.J. Gibson winning by scores of 40-34, 39-35,
40-34 on all three cards.
The 6'5", 258-pound Edwards quickly discovered
that 5'9" Gibson wasn't willing to come in and
lie down, as many expected he would...
QUICK
RESULTS FROM HINCKLEY Friday,
May 20, 2011 - 10:00pm BY JESSE KELLEY
FULL REPORT AND PHOTOS TO FOLLOW
Ray
Edwards won a four round unanimous decision over TJ
Gibson Friday night at the Grand Casino in Hinckley.
Edwards was surprisingly composed for much of the
action despite never having been in a real boxing
match prior to tonight. Edwards boxed behind his jab
and avoided the few punches that ended up coming his
way from Gibson, particularly fending off looping
rights well with a high left guard. The crowd grew
restless as the fight went on while waiting for the
heavy leather to begin to fly. Edwards did score two
knockdowns (1st and 3rd rounds) but the action was
largely missing as both fighters waiting to counter
the other. If the bar hadn't been set so high prior
to the fight with bold predictions and comparisons,
Edwards would probably be receiving more praise for
his composure in the ring from fans and media. But
as it stands, most in the arena were left wanting
to see more. Edwards says he is anxious to get back
in the ring and grow as a fighter.
In other action, Cerresso Fort put an explanation
point on his ring return against Tim Taggart with
a second round knock out. Fort put Taggart down once
in the first but the fight still remained a back and
forth shoot-out with both fighters having their moments.
Fort put a sudden end to the action however in round
2 with a counter right to the head that put a dazed
Taggart down to his seat where referee Joe Cortez
stopped the action.
Jamal James won an exciting and close decision over
Hector Orozco. James landed the sharper blows but
Orozco was in his face from start to finish with non-stop
punching. The crowd seemed split on who took this
one but the judges were unanimous.
Larry Butler won by TKO over Van Goodman due to a
nasty cut over the left eye
Tony Lee battered a game Ronnie Fuentez winning by
TKO in round 4
Jonathan Perez stopped Ray Torres in round 2
VIDEO:
WEIGH-INS PLUS GIBSON, FORT, TAGGART Thursday,
May 19, 2011 - 10:00pm
Weigh-Ins
went off without a problem last night at Throwbacks
in Woodbury for tonights fights at the Grand Casino
in Hinckley. Watch the weigh-ins plus words from TJ
Gibson as well as co-main event fighters Cerresso Fort
and Tim Taggart below.
JUNGLE
BOY GYM Thursday,
May 19, 2011 - 1:47pm
Zach
Walters' recent retirement from professional boxing may
have brought an end to a colorful career in the ring but
it has hardly kept him away from his Duluth gym. In fact,
after just a year after hanging the gloves up himself,
Duluth amateur boxers can now be heard calling Walters
"coach" as they enter what is now called The
Jungle Boy Gym. Tonight is another milestone for Walters
as he helps host the first amateur boxing event under
the new name. Those bouts tonight at Grandma's Sports
Garden in Duluth can be seen live online at www.ifan.tv.
But before we let Walters turn the page to the next chapter
of his boxing life, Minnesotaboxing.com asked Walters
to share with us his favorite memory in the ring. Like
many other Minnesota boxing fans that followed Walters
throughout his career, the former MN State light heavyweight
champ chose his 2005 bout against Jesse Sanders. The arena
was packed, the ring was crowded by media and blinding
flashes, and the blood was flying that night in Duluth...
FRIDAY
FIGHT NIGHT WEIGH IN ALERT Thursday,
May 19, 2011 - 6:53am
Weigh
Ins for tomorrow nights fight card in Hinckley will happen
at Throwbacks Grille & Bar in Woodbury, MN. The event
gets kicks off at 6pm tonight (Thursday). Visit our schedule
link for more info on the card. Throwbacks is located
at 1690 Woodlane Dr., Woodbury, MN 55125. Or visit Throwbacks
online for directions at www.Throwbacksbar.com.
WEEKEND
RESULTS: BRANT, FIGUEROA Wednesday, May 18,
2011 - 9:08am
Minnesota
amateur boxer Rob Brant picked up a title while Danny
Figueroa lost a hard fought battle over the weekend.
Oakdale's Brant traveled to California where he competed
in the 2011 Adidas National boxing tournament, picking
up the light heavyweight title.
Hasting's Danny Figueroa (3-2) lost a 4 round decision
to 2008 Olympian Javier Molina (6-0) in a jr. middleweight
bout. The full fight can be viewed below.
BOXING
MEETS BASEBALL JUNE 30TH Wednesday,
May 11, 2011 - 9:08am
Join
the MN Saints baseball team and the Minnesota Boxing Hall
of Fame as they pay tribute to the Class of 2010 including
Scott LeDoux, Will Grigsby, Don Riley and other boxing
greats as well as announce the Induction Class of 2011
with an on field ceremony before the game on Thursday,
June 30, 2011...
VIDEO:
SARGENT VS PURITTY Tuesday,
May 10, 2011 - 9:42pm
In
light of football player Ray Edwards making his pro debut
in a few weeks, Minnesotaboxing.com was able to track
down former Minnesota heavyweight John Sargent's bout
with high school/college football star turned boxer Ross
Puritty. Puritty went on to be one of the toughest and
most durable football player turned boxers in the sport.
Puritty is probably best known for his come from behind
stoppage win over Wladimir Klitschko in 1998. Sargent
did not match the impressive physique of the athlete Puritty
but went on to dominate the six round bout which took
place January 6th, 1991 in North Dakota...
FORT
RETURNS AGAINST TAGGART THURSDAY
May 6, 2011 - 7:41am
St.
Paul, MN- Middleweight boxer Cerresso Fort (10-0 8 ko’s)
will make his return to the ring May 20, ending an inactive
stint that began in July of 2010. Fort, who recently opened
a gym Fort will be in action against Tim Taggart(5-2,
2 ko’s). The bout, which will take place at Grand
Casino Hinckley, will mark Fort’s first action in
his home state of Minnesota since December of 2009, when
he stopped Michael Davis in two rounds...
TRUAX
VS KOLLE: THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE THURSDAY
APRIL 28, 2011 - 6:53pm
In
just under a month, fight fans will see two of our state's
top draws battle it out in the capital city of Saint Paul
to determine who the number one middleweight is in Minnesota.
Both Caleb Truax and Andy Kolle say they have been trying
to get this fight lined up for years. What they have a
hard time telling you on record is just how badly they
have wanted to take a swing in the ring at the other.
The lack of "rivalry" talk doesn't come from
fear but rather the similarity both guys share in avoiding
trash talk in and out of the ring. As the old saying goes,
they like to let their fists do the talking.
And judging from the words the fighters and their camps
share away from the mic, there will be plenty of jaw jacking
coming out of those fists when May 27th finally arrives...
BUTLER
VS PRICE LIVE STREAM UPDATE WEDNESDAY,
APRIL 26, 2011 - 2:31pm Updated
at 4:30pm
Raphael
Butler took a huge right hand from David Price to the
side of the face that dropped him hard early in round
one moments ago in England. Butler was seriously hurt
but made it to his feet where he was put down for good
seconds later.
I will try to provide a live stream of Raphael Butlers
fight against David Price from England. It appears the
fights start around 3:30pm local time. Click the following
link and play the "Sky Sports 1 " link on the
right hand side of page. If the link goes down I will
try to find a working one... CLICK
HERE
THE
PRICE IS RIGHT FOR BUTLER TUESDAY,
APRIL 26, 2011 - 10:11pm
Raphael
"The Silencer" Butler (35-9, 28 KO's) returns
to action tomorrow night against British heavyweight hopeful
David Price (9-0) in Liverpool, Merseyside, UK. Last time
out, Butler traveled to Canada where he appeared to out
bang or at the very least take half the rounds with local
undefeated fighter Neven Pajkic despite finding himself
surprisingly far behind on all three judges cards after
10 rounds of action.
The man he will try to take out this Wednesday night is
fellow 27 year old former Olympic bronze medalist David
Price. Minnesotaboxing.com talked with Butler last week
after sparring at the Upper Cut Gym...
BUTLER
AND COMPANY WORK AT UPPERCUT SATURDAY,
APRIL 23, 2011 - 10:18am
From
left: Raphael Butler, Aaron Green, Brett Rogers, Heath
Roth, Van Goodman
Raphael
Butler has been in the cities preparing for his April
27th bout in England against David Price (9-0). Butler
along with Aaron Green (who is now set to box on
the undercard of Caleb Truax vs Andy Kolle, May 27th
in Saint Paul) have been getting work in via heavyweight
round-robin style sparring sessions this week at the
Uppercut gym in Mnpls. Duluth's Al Sands, Mnpls' Van
Goodman also joined MMA fighters Brett Rogers and
Heath Roth in the ring. Minnesotaboxing.com caught
up with Butler to discuss the upcoming bout with Price
which will be televised on Skysports. I will post
an online link to view the fight live along with the
full interview shortly...
EDWARDS
HAS LOCAL HEAVY WEIGHTS KNOCKING FRIDAY,
APRIL 15TH, 2011 - 3:45pm
Minnesota
Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards will make his professional
boxing debut on May 20th at the Grand Casino in Hinckley,
MN.
Despite having no prior boxing experience, pro or amateur,
Edwards has National media outlets buzzing in anticipation
for the soon to be prize fighter to step off the gridiron
and through the ropes. Espn and Sports Illustrated are
among those joining in the conversation. The news has
not gone unnoticed by local Minnesota heavyweights either.
Minnesotaboxing.com has received "call outs"
from local boxers looking to welcome Edwards to the sport...
VIDEO:
MIKE EVGEN HIGHLIGHTS SATURDAY,
APRIL 9TH, 2011 - 11:26am
19
years ago today "The Rice Street Rocker" Mike
Evgen beat Louie Lomelli at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in
St. Paul to become the IBO Jr. Welterweight champ. Evgen
said in a 2005 interview with Minnesotaboxing.com that
he considers his 1992 win over Lomeli to be his best and
toughest win as a professional. Evgen shared these videos
with us which show rounds 1 and 12 of his bout with Lomelli
as well as a 7th round stoppage clip over Billy Betts
in 1990 at the old Venetian Inn in Roseville...
FORT,
OUTLAW OFFICIALLY OPEN GYM TODAY SATURDAY,
APRIL 2ND, 2011 - 8:36am
Element
Boxing and Fitness, headed by local boxers Cerresso Fort
and business partner Dalton Outlaw both invite you to
the gym's grand opening this afternoon from 1pm-4pm. The
gym is located at 506 PRIOR AVE. in Saint Paul, MN. Minnesotaboxing.com
mistakenly reported the opening to be last week. It will
be a chance to mingle with both past and present boxers
as well as learn more about what Element Boxing and Fitness
has to offer.
VIDEO:
TAGGART VS MEIER Tuesday,
March 22, 2011 - 3:57pm
Tim
Taggart and Charles Meier engaged in 6 round bloody battle
last month at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN. Taggart
came out on top in the end as both fighters put it all
out there for the fans to see that night. For those of
you who missed the fight Minnesotaboxing.com presents
Taggart vs Meier...
UPDATE:
TRUAX VS VANDA POSTPONED! Tuesday,
March 22, 2011 - 3:57pm
Just
when we thought it was time to start getting ready for
Caleb Truax vs Matt Vanda, news comes in that the fight
is off. The New Jersey Boxing Commission didn't like the
fact that Vanda fought Yory Boy Campas last month in Mexico
because he was on suspension in NJ for traces of marijuana
in his post fight drug test against Ossie Davis last November.
NJ has now put Vanda on a 9 month suspension and the MN
Commission has said they will honor it here in MN. Word
is that Vanda and Truax might still meet in November when
the suspension is up and seeing Truax in action early
June is still an option being looked at but nothing is
set at this time. I am also told that negotiation between
Truax and Andy Kolle's camp are back underway for a possible
showdown. Kolle is currently set to headline a card May
21st in Duluth but does not have an opponent locked in.
Stay tuned for more.
TRUAX
EYES FIGHT WITH VANDA Monday,
March 21, 2011 - 10:55am
By
Ray Kilgore: Caleb
Truax, fresh off his battle with Phil Williams already
has his sights set on the recently announced showdown
on May 27 against rival Matt Vanda: "I
have all the respect for Matt. He worked out at my gym
and taught me a lot," said Truax.
"I learned a lot from him. Now it's time to come
full circle and get in the ring with him and show him
what I got."...
Where
the Red Ferns Grow…the story of Silk's Grove Sunday,
March 20, 2011 - 10:40pm
By
Jake Wegner: I had been reading about it for a
while; this "cloak and dagger" piece of land,
which to most, served as one of the most scenic and relaxing
spots in Saint Paul during the 1870's and 80's. Churches
took riverboat excursions there for 4th of July celebrations,
and journalists often wrote of a tract of land about a
mile south of Kaposia that served as a hotspot for large
picnics and fun. Known to all as "Silk's Grove",
this scenic and lush plot of land had a secret; for the
grasses that absorbed laughter and games, also soaked
up blood and spit. And the many oak and spruce trees that
made for excellent hide and seek spots, also made for
strong ring posts. It was indeed, a picnic paradise…and
a prize ring secret. Yet today, some 126 years later,
time has managed to erase them both. Perhaps it is precisely
this fact that led many to tell me that finding this spot
would be almost impossible.
Oh, ye of little faith...
WASSWA,
KILFIAN STOPPED ON THE ROAD Sunday,
March 20, 2011 - 10:24pm
Minneapolis
featherweight Hassan Wasswa (5-13-3) was stopped in the
third round last night in Canada by Tyson Cave (14-1)...
Menominee Wisconsin’s Harley “The Sandman”
Kilfan (8-7) also lost by stoppage in Maryland to Alex
Guerrero (6-0-1)...
Last
weekend saw Jeremy McLaurin stopped in the opening
round in Vegas and Oakdale's Rob Brant go (0-3) in World
Series of Boxing action. This weekend Minneapolis featherweight
Hassan Wasswa travels to Canada to face flashy boxer
Tyson Cave while local amateur shows can be seen tonight
in Duluth and Saturday at the Uppercut Gym in Mnpls.
Last Saturday, McLaurin (8-2) traveled outside of his
home state for the first time to battle undefeated prospect
Juan Gonzalez (11-0, 10 KO's). McLaurin, who stood a
few inches shorter then his opponent, Stood and traded
with Gonzalez from the start. McLaurin was able to land
some decent body blows and chopping overhand shots but
Gonzalez kept his guard high and his punches found their
target early as an uppercut followed by another head
shot dropped the Minnesotan. Referee Vic Drakulich stopped
the fight at 1:56 as McLaurin was getting to his feet
to continue.
Memphis Force light heavyweight Robert Brant
continued to look strong in the early going of his bout
against Ahmed Elbiali of Florida only to lose the lead
down the stretch last Sunday night. Worldseriesofboxing.com
reported the following... Ahmed Elbiali (Sunny Isles, Fla.) came into his light
heavyweight (85 kg/187 lbs) bout against Robert Brant
(St. Paul, Minn.) determined to keep the Gallos in contention
for the win. It was an uphill battle for Elbiali, as
the more experienced Brant forced his opponent to chase
him around the ring. But Elbiali took his time and wore
Brant down with solid punches to the head and body,
getting the decision, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47. This weekend is busy for our amateurs as well as
one of our pro's. 31 year old Hassan Wasswa (5-12)
returns to Canada for the 5th time in his last 6 bouts
to face south paw Tyson Cave (13-1) on Saturday night.
Cave holds wins over locals Antwan Robertson and Darby
Smart in 2010. Amateur Boxing: Saint Patrick's Day boxing takes
place tonight at Grandma's Sports Garden in Duluth.
For those that can't attend, the fights can be seen
live starting at 7PM at www.ifan.tv
The 2011 Golden Gloves Region 1 tournament tournament
is this Saturday at the Uppercut Gym in Minneapolis.
Doors open at 7pm.
"LIGHTS
OUT" IN LAS VEGAS, FIGHT STREAM FRIDAY,
MARCH 11TH , 2011 - 9:07am UPDATE
Jeremy
"Lights Out" McLaurin left for Las Vegas on
Wednesday to prepare for his bout against Golden Boy Promotions
prospect Juan Gonzalez (10-0) this Saturday. McLaurin's
fight will be on the off-TV undercard to Showtime's Pay
Per View clash between Miguel Cotto and Ricardo Mayorga.
"I am following my dreams out here in Vegas and looking
to bring home a win" said McLaurin. Toprank will
be streaming the undercard live tonight which includes
McLaurin's fight. To watch
UPDATE:
Kliewer was stopped in the opening round. Bobby Kliewer
(right) faces off with Daniel Jacobs at today's weigh-in's
in California. Kliewer faces Jacobs (who is in the new
EA Sport Fight Night Champion game) tomorrow night in
an off TV HBO bout. Kliewer's trainer Johnny Johnson (seen
in the background) told Minnesotaboxing.com that Kliewer
is in top shape for this fight and hasn't left the gym
since his bout with Tony Bonsante in December.
"LIGHTS
OUT" TV SERIES MARCH
4TH , 2011 - 9:54PM
Coon
Rapids lightweight Jeremy McLaurin (8-1) will be featured
in a new TV documentary series on the CW Twin Cities starting
this Sunday morning (March 6th) at 2:35am. "Lights
Out" is a series which follows the boxer and gives
a closer look into his life including his early days in
orphanages and jumps from foster homes to the present
where his family backs his dreams of becoming a successful
prize fighter. For a promo...
TRUAX
VS VANDA FINALIZED THURSDAY
MARCH 3RD, 2011 - 3:52PM
"Golden"
Caleb Truax and Matt "The Predator" Vanda have
signed to face each other on May 27th at the Armory in
Saint Paul. Truax, fresh off a victory over Phil Williams
says he is excited to face Vanda in another all MN marquee
main event. "I'm looking forward to getting in
the ring with Matt on May 27th. We both have a big following
so hopefully we can pack the fans in and give them a great
show" said Truax.
Vanda is coming off of a UD loss to Yory Boy Campas on
February 18th in Mexico and looks to get back in the win
column against Truax. "Caleb's a good fighter
but I know exactly how to beat him. I think this is a
fight the fans have wanted to see for a while. I can't
wait to get back in the ring in May" said Vanda.
TRUAX
DECISIONS WILLIAMS IN HINCKLEY FEBRUARY
27TH, 2011 - PHOTOS AND REPORT BY JESSE KELLEY
"Golden"
Caleb Truax (17-0-1, 10 KO's) of Osseo, MN remained
undefeated Saturday night at the Grand Casino in Hinckley,
MN with a hard fought majority decision win over Phil
"The Drill" Williams (11-4-1, 10 KO's) of
Minneapolis, MN. Truax and Williams battled to a 10
round draw on April 23rd of last year. Both fighters
fought cautiously for the better part of the first meeting
and after three rounds Saturday night, it seemed fans
were in for another cautious chess match.
The punches began to fly however near the end of round
three and the action was constant for the remainder
of the fight. Scores read 95/95, 97/94, 96/94..FOR
FULL FIGHT REPORT...
TRUAX-WILLIAMS
SETTLE WEIGHT ISSUES FEBRUARY
26TH, 2011
The
main event between Caleb Truax and Phil Williams is
on tonight despite trouble at last nights weigh-ins.
Caleb Truax weighed in at 161, a pound under the contracted
weight of 162. Williams weighed 165, three pounds over.
After being given 2 hours to shed the weight Williams
still weighed 164.5. The two camps were later able to
come to an agreement on a purse deduction because of
the weight and the fight remains on for tonight in Hinckley,
MN. Stay tuned to the Twitter feed to the left for live
results tonight.
Main
Event 10 Rounds
Phil Williams 164.5 Caleb Truax 161
Semi-Main Event
Rob Diezel 130.5 Ismail Muwendo 129.5
Charles
Meier 161 Tim Taggart 164
Justin
Danforth 146.5 Jamal James 145
Alexander
Tousignant 144.5 Tony Lee 140
Zak
Jensen 227.5 Serhiy Karpenko 287
VIDEO
INTERVIEW: TRUAX VS WILLIAMS 2 PREVIEW FEBRUARY
24TH, 2011 - BY JESSE KELLEY
TAGGART
IN ACTION THIS SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 23rd, 2011
By
Daniel Guden, PhilBoxing.com: Supermiddleweight
prospect Tim Owen Taggart Jr. will return to the square
ring after nine months in a boxing promotion entitled
"Saturday Night Fights" this February 26 at
the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN
Taggart (4w-2L-2D) will face St. Paul City based Charles
Meier (4-1-1, 2KO) in a 6-round non-title showdown.
Taggart
is under the tutelage of Florida based Henry Foster and
is wrapping up his preparations for this bout. The author
writing for Sunstar Superbalita and SportsManila.net and
reporting for DYRF Rayo Fuerza in Cebu spoke over the
phone with Minnesota based boxing judge Tim Taggart Sr.
who said that they are not familiar with Meier's style
and have no tapes of his fights.
"We
have no idea about this boxer (Meier) but my son (Tim
Jr.) is ready for the fight"...
OFF
TO SEE THE WIZARD - DICK MOORE FEBRUARY
23rd, 2011
By
Jake Wegner: I had come across his name many times
while researching the lives and careers of other 19th
Century Minnesota prizefighters. Over and over I'd see
his name in print, and with nice accolades beside it.
"A boxing master," one newspaper called him.
"He has the moves and agility of James J. Corbett,"
proclaimed another. Those were comments that caught my
attention more than a little. But it was when I came across
an 1893 newspaper article from the east coast, while Moore
was campaigning out in Boston, that really interrupted
my research on my previous subject of fascination, and
turned my sights on Mr. Moore...They called him "The
Wizard" and "Gentleman Dick". We call him
our own...
KOLLE'S
IBO WORLD TITLE BOUT OFF FEBRUARY
21st, 2011
HORTON
GYM PRESS RELEASE: Due to circumstances beyond our
control, Andy “Kaos” Kolle will not be fighting
Avtandil Khurtsidze (22-2-2, 13 KO's) of Kiev, Ukraine,
for the IBO World Middleweight title. Chuck Horton, Kolle’s
trainer, for personal reasons, will be unable to join
the team in Tbilisi, Georgia for the March 13 bout. Kolle
was ready to bring Minnesota and Duluth a World title
but things do not always go as planned. Horton has informed
the promoter, Elite Boxing Promotion, of the Ukraine and
they would like to work with us in the future.
Horton’s Gym Promotions announced today that they
have a venue and date for Kolle’s next fight. May
21st has been approved by the Minnesota boxing commission
and Kolle, among others, will be featured on the card.
More information on the full card’s line-up will
be given in the upcoming weeks.
VANDA
DROPS DECISION TO CAMPAS IN REMATCH FEBRUARY
19TH, 2011
Matt
Vanda (42-13) lost a unanimous decision to Luis Ramon
"Yory Boy" Campas(96-15-1) late last night in
Mexico. The fight was delayed over an hour because of
a failed power supply. Once things got started it sounds
like the leather flew for 10 back and forth rounds. More
details to come.
VIDEOS:
VANDA ARRIVES IN MEXICO FOR CAMPAS FEBRUARY
16TH, 2011 UPDATES NOW UP
32
year old Matt "The Predator" Vanda (42-12) has
been in Mexico preparing for Friday nights rematch with
Yory Boy Campas (95-15-1). The bout takes place in Navojoa,
Sonora, Mexico. Vanda, and his cornermen Jesse Garza and
Leonard Mcquen have been documenting the trip and will
be sending video footage for us to see throughout their
stay in Mexico.They also sent word that the fight will
be replayed this Saturday night from 9-11pm on Azteca
America.
Keep checking back for the latest video's...
ALFARO
OUTSLUGS EYER IN DULUTH FEBRUARY
14TH, 2011
Vicente
Alfaro (5-1) won an 8 round split decision on Saturday
night in Duluth over Gary Eyer (8-1-1). It was a non
stop slugfest from beginning to end. Both men continued
to trade heavy punches throughout the bout and each
showed incredible heart in the process but Alfaro
was landing more frequently as Eyer was unable to
sustain a constant attack like he has in past fights.
Both fighters let their punches fly in the closing
moments of an action packed fight. When the smoke
cleared, Alfaro had earned a split decision victory
by scores of 78-74, 78-74 for Alfaro and 78-75 for
Eyer.
In other action RJ Laase won a unanimous decision
over Hector Orozco in an entertaining 6 rounder.
Aaron Green (2-0) stopped Jordan Zeigler (1-1) in
round one.
Al Sands (2-0) stopped Zack Zeigler (3-2) at 2:25
of the opening round.
Dustin Mason (1-0) stopped Andrew Selvig (0-1) in
the opening round.
FOR FULL DETAILS AND MORE PHOTO'S...
WEIGHTS
FROM DULUTH FEBRUARY
11TH, 2011
Gary
Eyer and Vicente Alfaro were on a mission during training
camp to prove doubters wrong that said they could not
make the bantamweight (118) limit. They ended up doing
that and a whole lot more moments ago at tonights weigh-ins.
Eyer weighed in at 114 while Alfaro came in even lighter
at 113.8 (no those are not misprints) for their main
event clash set for tomorrow night.
Photo Credit: Jason Hendrickson
Gary Eyer 114 vs Vicente Alfaro 113.8
RJ Laase 138.5 vs Hector Orozco 139.5
Aaron Green 276 vs Jordan Ziegler 229
Al Sands 201.5 vs Zack Ziegler 221
Dustin Mason 135 vs Andrew Selvig 136.4
EYER
SET FOR ALFARO, 118lb DIVISION FEBRUARY
8TH, 2011
"Stone
Cold" Gary Eyer (8-0-1) and Vicente Alfaro (4-1)
are set to battle in this Saturday's main event at Clyde's
Iron Works Restaurant in Duluth. Eyer, 25, will test
the waters at 118 lbs against a formidable opponent
in Alfaro."Alfaro is from the same camp as Levi
(Cortes, who Eyer defeated in thrilling fashion
in 2009) so he has to be tough. He has a good coach
(Fernando Ortiz) and in all the picture's I have
seen he has huge arms for a small guy" said
Eyer when asked to give his thoughts about facing Alfaro...
WEEKEND
RESULTS - JANUARY 28TH & 29TH JANUARY
28TH , 2011 - UPDATED FEBRUARY 3RD
Mnpls
featherweight Hassan Wasswa (5-12) lost a hard fought
rematch to Steve Cannell (6-4-3) last Saturday night
in Canada. Official scores show Wasswa was swept on
the cards but reports as well as words from Cannell
himself reveal Wasswa putting up a tough effort. For
a full recap of Wasswa's fight
On Friday night, Corey Rodriguez (5-2-2) was stopped
in the fifth round by Achour Esho (10-0). Multiple reporters
at press row informed Minnesotaboxing.com afterwards
that Rodriguez dominated the first four rounds, dropping
Esho hard in the fourth. Esho came back strong in the
fifth however and Rodriguez was caught with punches
along the ropes where the referee stopped the fight
despite protests from Rodriguez. For multiple fight
recaps Fightnews>
Maxboxing> Joey Abell was stopped at 2:18 of the first round
by Chris Arreola. Abell landed some nice shots early
but was caught on the ropes with a big right followed
by a barrage of shots where the ref waived the fight
off. Jon Schmidt was dropped three times by Shawn Estrada
on his way to a first round KO loss. Both bouts were
seen on the ESPN telecast. For photo-report
SCHMIDT
READY FOR NEXT CHALLENGE JANUARY
27TH , 2011
By
Marty "Wolfman" Lindquist - Jon Schmidt
(10-1) will face his toughest test tomorrow night in California
against former Olympian and prospect Shawn Estrada (10-0).
It's not known for sure if the bout will be the televised
opener on ESPN but Schmidt says he plans to make the best
of the opportunity regardless. Prior to the this fight
being finalized, one of Minnesota's more colorful personalities
caught up with Schmidt to discuss his career to date for
the Minnesotaboxing.com readers. Here is how the conversation
went..
LITZAU
REVISITS CABALLERO WIN JANUARY
26TH , 2011
Super
featherweight contender Jason Litzau (28-2, 21 KOs)
has shot into the limelight following his shocking upset
victory over highly regarded world champion Celestino
Caballero on November 27th. Litzau overcame lopsided
betting odds with the victory, in some cases as high
as 13-1. Now rated in the top five by the WBC, WBA,
and the IBF, Litzau admits he was surprised when told
he was such a wide underdog in the hours leading up
to the fight. “To all my fans that bet on me, Merry Christmas!
Santa came to town. And for everybody that bet on Caballero,
I hope your broke as sh*t...
RODRIGUEZ
CONFIDENT GOING INTO FIGHT FULL
STORY JANUARY
26TH , 2011
Corey
Rodriguez (5-1-2) will travel to Chicago this Friday,
January 28th to face undefeated Achour Esho (9-0) at the
UIC Pavilion. "Hopefully it will be a great night for Minnesota!"
said Rodriguez. "Joey Abell, Jon Schmidt and myself
all have important fights. Jason Litzau set the tone for
Minnesota and we are going to continue it."...
JAN
7TH HYATT CARD POSTPONED JANUARY
4TH, 2011
Tony
Grygelko of Seconds Out has confirmed that the boxing
card scheduled for January 7th at the Hyatt in Minneapolis
has been postponed. The IBF title eliminator main event
between Yusaf Mack and Otis Griffin is still said to be
the headliner with prospect Ismail Muwendo also featured.
"Golden" Caleb
Truax (16-0) will now be fighting in the co-feature. The
new date will be either the first or second week in February,
with the 4th being the most likely date. Details to come
as they are available.
Francisco
Ramon Jimenez, better known to local boxing fans as Frank
Jimenez, passed away on Thursday, January 12th. He had
recently celebrated his 69th birthday. Jimenez was an
accomplished amateur boxer from southern Minnesota, where
he and his boxing brother, Fred, first made headlines...
Cerresso
Fort and Dalton Outlaw opened "Element Boxing",
a Saint Paul gym, less then a year ago but you might
think it has been around for years considering the number
of students and boxers that frequent the gym. The two
boxers are splitting time between the business and time
in the ring as both say they have upcoming fights.
In
approximately 15 days, 11 hours, and 25 minutes of this
writing, "Golden" Caleb Truax (18-0-1, 10 KO's)
will put his undefeated record on the line in front of
a nationally televised Showtime audience against Brandon
"Flawless" Gonzales (15-0, 10 KO's). The bout
will take place at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
One
should assume that when Perez says, "I will die in
the ring if I have to," he is speaking figuratively,
since no sane person would expect Perez, 20, to risk his
life for the sport. They do, however, want entertainment;
and so far, he has fulfilled that wish by going 2-0 (2
KOs) since turning professional in December of 2010. "I
never dreamed I was going to turn pro," Perez said.
"I was happy that night because in the past [as an
amateur] I was always nervous." 
Tonights
bout between Matt Vanda and Marco Antonio Rubio will
be streamed live at www.wbcboxing.tv. The card begins
at 9pm Central time. Vanda's strength and conditioning
coach Lenny McQuen said things got heated last night
at weigh-ins after Rubio's team made a comment about
"A quick knockout". Vanda and his team reportedly
fired back as words were exchanged. The video is below.
Brunette
Boxing is hosting another night of amateur bouts this
Saturday, Dec. 17 at the East View Rec Center in Saint
Paul. Teams from all over Minnesota and into Wisconsin
will be competing. For all the info on the show visit
www.BrunetteBoxing.com or 
The
Windy City showdown between Phil "The Drill"
Williams and Andrzej "The Polish Prince" Fonfara
is fast approaching. The two light heavyweights will meet
in this Friday's main event, which is promoted by 8 Count
Productions at the UIC Pavillion in Chicago, Illinois.
Both fighters say they will be going into the fight confident
of victory...
Tom
Halstad’s recent success as a trainer has been a
long time in the making. Halstad has become good at his
profession through indirect and unorthodox ways. He was
a self-taught boxing enthusiast with no amateur experience
who learned the characteristics of a good trainer by the
failures, struggles and redemptions of his parents, Judy
and Duane. 
UPDATE:
Allen Litzau lost a 6 round unanimous decision to John
Lewus. Scores Read 59-55 twice and 58-56. 
Zach
“Jungle Boy” Walters hosted an amateur card
that was creative and filled with solid action. The event
took place on Thursday Nov. 17th at Grandma’s Sports
Garden in Duluth . Manny Contreras stopped Ryan Watson
in an action packed main event...
PART
1 of 3: On a recent business trip I stopped at a local
McDonalds for lunch and had a conversation with a social
worker from an agency called North Homes. As we spoke
about various topics, the young lady impressed me with
her ability to recite the different locations of boxing
gyms in the area. Somehow our conversation turned to Zach
Walters and his local popularity. “He’s very
big up here,” she said. “You know the mayor
gave him his own gym.” She turned to a kid who looked
to be 13 and said, “If you want to box, I can take
you there.”...
Bantamweights
Brad Patraw and Antwan Robertson will meet for a fourth
time this Friday night as the co-main event to Matt
Vanda-Harley Kilfian. Patraw holds the edge so far,
winning the first and third meeting. Local fans hope
for the fireworks the rematch produced however as the
two fighters traded bombs for 8 rounds in that bout.
Minnesota's
favorite underdog "The Fighting Chihuahua"
Hector Orozco will step through the ropes in front of
a televised audience (Telefutura) as he faces undefeated
Golden Boy Promotions prospect Hugo Centeno Jr. within
hours from now. Orozco and trainer Rick Anderson know
they have taken a risk in taking the bout with Centeno
Jr, who will have experience, size, and hometown advantage
among other things over the Minnesotan tonight. But
Anderson says the decision to take the fight was very
calculated and that the rewards for a big performance
could pay off.
Andy
Kolle (24-2) sent James Wayka (16-11) to the canvas a
total of five times in under two rounds last weekend at
the 4 Bears Casino in ND. Wayka put up a fight though
and went punch for punch with Kolle for the first half
of the round. Kolle's trademark left hand would change
any success Wayka was having however later in the first
as it was down hill for Wayka following the first knockdown.
"The fight went great" said Kolle. "The
game plan that Jason (Hendrickson) had was just setting
into place when I put him down the first time. James was
game and came in shape ready to fight...
Tomorrow
night marks the return of Andy "Kaos" Kolle
(23-2, 17 KO's) as the Duluth resident steps in the
ring to face James Wayka (16-10) of Wisconsin in the
headlining bout at the 4 Bears Casino in ND.
Caleb
Truax is in a little trouble. After his win over Andy
Kolle this past summer in a highly anticipated fight,
the 27-year-old finds himself without a local big-named
boxer to generate a buzz and keep his career moving
since getting national fights are not easy. His chief
trainer, Tom Halstad, might relocate to Las Vegas next
year and has said he will try and convince the undefeated
Truax, 18-0-1, 10 KOs, to consider the same; a scenario
Truax says he is not willing to rule out. “At this
point I don’t know,” Truax said. “Vegas
is the Mecca of boxing, and if a person is serious about
their career, right now that’s the place.”
Truax did, however, say. “I am a Minnesota boy
and it would be difficult to leave.”...
No
one would have wagered that 147-pounder and self-described
boxing junkie Mohammad Kayongo would disappear from the
game for over two years. In November 2009, Kayongo was
on a several-fight winning streak and had just won a small
title by stopping James Todd with a third-round TKO. However,
his swift exile from the sport, immediately after the
fight, KO’d Kayongo’s career more completely
than he'd expected.
For
the second Saturday in a row, amateur boxing offered
unbelievable action, first with the Brunette’s
card last weekend and then with Uppercut’s card
last Saturday night. Uppercut, one of Minnesota’s
premiere gyms, brought out some of Minnesota’s
well-known figures in the sport, including: internationally
renowned judge Denny Nelson, former State Light Heavyweight
champion Zack “Jungle boy” Walters, and former
State Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Bullet”
Bonsante. Saturday’s fights offered both causal
and die-hard fan a mixture of action to suit their preferences,
and the action got started with...
41
year old Troy "TNT" Lowry (28-11, 15 KO's)
knocked hometown hero Travis Loveless (20-1, 17 KO's)
out cold in the fifth round moments ago in Indiana.
Lowry, who was unable to put much of a training camp
together due to work, was behind on the cards going
in to the fifth but landed a crushing right hand to
the head sending Loveless to the canvas at 1:32. Lowry
sent word from Indiana that he hopes to face MN Middleweight
champ "Golden" Caleb Truax next.
"It's
money time!" yelled former IBF jr. middleweight champ
Kassim Ouma, cutting my telephone interview with St. Paul's
Michael Faulk short. Money time is the term used by Floyd
Mayweather Jr and his team of fighters put together to
help prepare him for tomorrow nights PPV clash with Victor
Ortiz. And Faulk is one of the fighters that was brought
in by Mayweather and his team which also include Ouma,
Sechew Powell, and Deandre Latimore. In fact, Faulk was
the first fighter brought in to camp late July and has
stayed on board until the end of camp despite other fighters
being sent home.
Friday
nights fight card at the Grand Casino in Hinckley has
the potential to be one of the best all MN undercards
in years. Aside from the televised main events, Jeremy
McLaurin moves to the featherweight division to battle
Gary Eyer. Tony Lee will now rematch Hector Orozco, and
Al Sands faces TJ Gibson.
Finally,
heavyweight Jonathan Hamm, fighting out of the
Rice Street Gym, boxes Brett Rather of Las Vegas in the
6pm session along with Brant. Hamm was recently featured
in the Star Tribune by writer Rachel Blount. The story
paints a wonderful picture of Hamm, who is highly regarded
around the Nation for his ring skills...
The
Rice Street Rocker Mike Evgen hosts the 3rd annual Summer
Fest amateur boxing eventat Walton Park in Oakdale, MN
this Sunday afternoon at 1pm. Admission is free and the
weather forcast looks clear! 
•Saturday
night: Antwan Robertson (6-6-1) lost an 8 round
unanimous decision to Steve Canell (7-4-3) in Canada.
Patrick Cape (6-11) lost by TKO in round two against
Sean Eklund (9-4)...
Unbeaten
super featherweight Adrien Broner (21-0, 17 KOs) destroyed
Jason Litzau (28-3, 21 KOs) in the first round on HBO
in Mexico. Broner trapped Litzau in the corner and battered
Litzau to the deck. Time was 2:58. With the win, Broner
claimed the vacant USNBC title. -Fightnews.com
For video...
•
Friday night: Unbeaten welterweight and former
amateur standout Javontae Starks (5-0, 4 KOs) won a
four round split decision over Antonio Gamez (6-4-1,
1 KO) Friday night in Texas. Scores were 39-37 and 40-36
Starks, 39-37 Gamez. -Fightnews.com
"Stone
Cold" Gary Eyer (8-0-1) and Vicente Alfaro (4-1)
are set to battle in this Saturday's main event at Clyde's
Iron Works Restaurant in Duluth. Eyer, 25, will test
the waters at 118 lbs against a formidable opponent
in Alfaro."Alfaro is from the same camp as Levi
(Cortes, who Eyer defeated in thrilling fashion
in 2009) so he has to be tough. He has a good coach
(Fernando Ortiz) and in all the picture's I have
seen he has huge arms for a small guy" said
Eyer when asked to give his thoughts about facing Alfaro...
Caleb
Truax (16-0) will now be fighting in the co-feature. The
new date will be either the first or second week in February,
with the 4th being the most likely date. Details to come
as they are available. 
