When I pitched the idea of a year end review to Editor Jesse Kelley he thought it was an excellent suggestion, so, I have attempted to look at the most noted bouts from 2006. It's essential to keep several things in mind.
First, I'll be using the personal pronoun "I," and this is important because the categories will represent my views only, and not the opinions of Jesse Kelley or his staff at Minnestoaboxing.com.
Second, as a writer/reporter it's important to maintain fairness when covering or profiling boxers, therefore, just because a boxer is chosen for a category, this doesn't mean I have an association with that boxer or gym.
Thirdly, I originally looked at a classification from the mind-set of who gets the 'award,' for a given event. But I had to challenge myself by asking: if any boxer steps in that square ring, doesn't he/she deserve an award for courage alone? Therefore, the following topics will consist of bouts and or boxers that stood out for me, but this doesn't mean that a match or boxer was or is better than another.
Fourth, most of the bouts I review will be amateurs. Professional boxing returned to MN in Nov 2006, so it's difficult to look at any key moments from this year. I will talk about Jason Litzau's defeat several weeks ago because this was a major upset for most of us.
Finally, I respect 99 percent of boxers and fighters in MN. As a writer, I know how it feels to be a boxer in the sense that both writers and boxers are criticized, and we work alone. In my years as a writer, I have never reread any publish work because like a boxer, there's always something that could have been better about the story and the work never feels done. I agree with writer Sam Toperoff when he says that boxing as a sport chooses people as fans, boxers, or writers, and he adds, "a love affair with boxing becomes a very complicated matter" and it's the thrill of seeing young MN talent reach a level that Vanda, Bonsante and Litzau has in terms of fighting on ESPN 2 and representing MN well that makes the sport all the worth while.

Lee and Rodriquez
This was an excellent bout because Toney Lee had skills, but I thought Corey Rodriquez would be too skillful for him. I'll never forget the pace of the bout. Both boxers gave their all and showed some good stuff. After the bout, I learned that Lee was just as talented as Rodriguez, and that it was too bad that there had to be a winner and looser since both boxers gave fans something special to remember.

Ismail and Carlson
When the bout sheets were passed around and I seen that this match was scheduled, my first thought was: Hoshang Ismail is too brave for his own good! Matt Carlson had an eight to ten-pound advantage over Ismail, and although the photo to the left doesn't show it, Carlson looked the physically stronger of the two from ringside.
In round one, Ismail did a first-class job boxing and moving, but in round two when Carlson rocked him, I thought Ismail was going to suffer another KO defeat. However, Ismail kept his head and made it out of round two. By round three, it was anyone's match and Ismail proved he wanted the win by digging deep and showing that he is a special kid.
(Ismail pictured left, Carlson on right)

Jason Litzau
I interviewed Litzau for a story that ran in Secondsout and I found him to be engaging, charming and sensitive. He lived his life based on a moral code of high values. At the time I asked myself is this fighter this perfect? But I was struck by one thing and that was how proud he was of the fact that ESPN 2 "Classic Channel" had been re-broadcasting his fight. My thought was how many "prospects" have fights on a classic channel this early in their careers? Litzau's lost sent the Monday-morning quarterbacks out in full force; many of them saying he will never perform at the top level again; but people forget that Litzau was beating the daylights out of his opponent until he got sloppy. If Litzau can come back psychologically, he will reach the top since his goal will be to redeem himself in the eyes of his fans.

Scott Erickson
I've taken a course with many of the referees and they have a great deal of information to learn from a manual; if this isn't pressure enough, they are expected to apply their knowledge in the ring while being evaluated from ringside by a Chief official. Scott Erickson has done a great job as a referee this year, and several weeks ago, Vern Sweeney said to me, "This guy is a good referee." Erickson works most bouts, and although he's faced criticism, he's been willing to keep at it. Erickson will become a professional referee one day and we can all celebrate because we've watched and supported him all the way.

Claus, Ruiz and Ismail
The knockouts Ismail suffered against both Joey Claus and Stanley Ruiz were devastating. The thud when Claus hit Ismail was loud. I didn't know how serious Ismail had been hurt, but I was concerned. Several fights later after Ismail was stopped by Ruiz, I told myself Ismail needs restrictions placed on him. I was worried about his health and the impact the knockouts would have on him overtime. Most boxers don't comeback after knockouts like these, but Ismail has and this says a lot about who he is as a person. (Right: Claus in blue, Ismail in white)

Santos
Edison Santos took Justin Griffin and transformed him into a good boxer. Santos worked with Ismail for Ismail's bout with Carlson focusing on defense and movement. Santos trains boxers with one goal in mind and that is to bring out the best in a kid. He motivates the kids by pushing them to levels they haven't reached and he's passionate about the sport of boxing

Fort
Cerreso Fort once had an amateur record of 80-0 and is ranked number eight in the nation. Like the Litzau brothers, his personal story is warming and shows what the power of family can do for anyone. Fort takes boxing seriously and is constantly improving on his skills by training with mega fighters like "Sugar" Shane Mosley. Fort's also an inspiration to inner-city kids working as a counselor at Job Core.

Griffin and Petro
The Justin Griffin vs. Trent Petro decision isn't the worse but it was a bad one. Sitting ringside I thought Griffin out boxed Petro from the second round on. The next morning when I watched the bout on tape, Griffin not only won, but dominated however the judges can't see what I can on tape after the fact.

Ismail
Anytime a boxer can comeback after two devastating KO's this takes belief in himself. Hoshang Ismail isn't the biggest boxer physically, but psychologically, he makes up for what he lacks in size with a big heart. Ismail is a risk-taker who will not back down from anyone. His bouts are entertaining and this makes him special because you can never count him out. ( Hoshang left works with his younger brother )

Faulk
The interview I did with Mike Faulk lasted over two hours with Faulk showing knowledge about boxing in many areas. There was a certain sadness about him in terms of boxer that haunts him daily. Faulk never believed in himself as a boxer and this has translated into inconsistent ring performances. I hope he considers using his boxing knowledge with younger kids because he'd make a fine coach.

Most anticipated fights in 2007
1. Wilton Hilario vs. Allen Litzau
2. Joey Abell vs. Raphael Butler
3. The winner of Bonsante / Vanda vs Andy Kolle
4. Andy Kolle vs. Kenny Kost or winner of Bonsante / Vanda
5. Joey Claus vs. Stanley Ruiz
6. Matt Carlson vs. Hostnag Ismail
7. Corey Rodriquez vs. Toney Lee

Minnesotaboxing.com
Editor Jesse Kelly puts in a lot of work managing this site and few readers realize this. I've been around boxing for the last eighteen years, and I write for an international site called Secondsout.com, but being a fan and being on the "other side" is different. At times I have been discouraged over the in-and-outs of the sport; however, Jesse has reminded me of the struggles he experienced when he started this site. I am asked why I don't start my own site and my response is simple: Working for Jesse has been great. He may not agree with a story, but respects a writer's piece by not making major changes to fit how he thinks the feature should look or sound. It's been a pleasure writing for Jesse and hopefully there will be many more years to come.