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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Ruiz Injures Right Hand, Ali Wish & Boxing News By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Wed, 24 Dec 2014  Boxing Fans, First, let me wish ?The Greatest? Muhammad Ali a speedy recovery from his recent battle with Pneumonia. The Arizona resident and former heavyweight boxing champion was taken to an undisclosed treatment center and released after his physicians noticed ?vast improvement? in his recovery process. Ali celebrates his 73rd birthday on January 17, 2015. I, happily join millions of boxing fans and people worldwide, who wish him the very best birthday possible and many more. I met him years ago in Dallas, Texas when I was covering the Dallas Cowboys and he came to support Cowboy RB Duane Thomas who decided to convert to the Muslim faith and Ali, also a convert, was on hand to support him with a short speech and hug as a sign of solidarity. Years later, in Phoenix, Arizona Ali was signing autographs at a sports memorabilia show and I passed by him and waved. I wanted an autograph; however, I noticed his shaking from Parkinson?s disease and thought it was inappropriate to ask for a signature from someone suffering from such a debilitating affliction; no regrets! Once again, best wishes! Iron Boy XVIII: On December 20, I hopped on a Reindeer and rumbled over to the Celebrity Theater on 32nd street in Phoenix, Arizona. The venue is ideal for boxing unless your view is shielded by ringside positioned cameramen and one of the camera men decided to wear a black thong styled underwear and the petite brief, and his hinny, were fully exposed to me and others seated near the ring; one woman left her seat and retreated from the free of charge sight. He became aware of the situation after 5 fights, excused himself and fixed the problem, but it was just a temporary fix. The truth is not always bared. I share this personal episode because the working cameraman unintentionally blocked my view of watching the last two rounds of the 6 round contests between 19 year old local featherweight Francisco C. De Vaca (9-0) and 31 year old tough guy Jesus Navarro (22-9-1) from Mexico. The judges ruled it the bout in favor of Vaca (Unanimous Decision) and I had him slightly ahead after round 4, but I saw very little of the last two rounds, thanks to the stalwart defense provided by the photographers perched atop the ring apron. Thank goodness, I wasn?t wearing glasses; moving right along. I can say without hesitation, it was gutsy of Vaca to take on a well-schooled boxing veteran and the young Phoenix based fighter showed me a lot of moxie and a new found combative dose of ruggedness that I was unaware of; 4 more such performances could earn him a shot at a minor title. At the final bell, both men deserved a fan driven thank you and they got it for their toe to toe warrior like effort If we are allowed to vote for a rematch, I say aye. Their contest was one of the two best bouts of the evening. Coincidentally, all 9 winners stepped out of the Red corner including the 5 pugilists inked by Top Rank. It wasn?t obvious during the fight but Francisco aka Panchito, injured his right hand and to what extent, we will let you know. Hand injuries are so common in boxing. His continuing after the injury is remarkable. The other splendid display of boxing exhibited at the Celebrity came from lightweights Daniel Echeverria and Noe Lopez. Both fighters are from Mexico and Echeverria entered the ring with 14-0 record with 13 of his victories coming via knockout. Lopez, 2 years older at 25 owned 19 victories against 11 defeats. In the end, Echeverria was the favorite on the scorecard of all three judges, but my vote went 100% for Lopez who out boxed his fellow countryman and keep him off balance the entire fight. In my opinion, Lopez outworked his opponent and should have celebrated victory, instead he tasted defeat. Echeverria remains undefeated at 15-0 while a disappointed Lopez saw his record dropped to 19-12. After the decision was rendered, the 25 year old turned to the crowd and pleaded his case while expressing shock. Hopefully, Phoenix fans will ask Iron Boy to set up a rematch. The crowd was less than usual for an Iron Boy show; television coverage and Christmas expenditures on gifts could have been the principal reasons for a good, but not great turnout. UNIMAS Network covered the event and after the camera lights were turned off, a mass exodus evolved even though there were maybe two more fights remaining and the boxing fans that left were cheated out of watching two very good fights. 
Andy Ruiz. In the Main Event Andy Ruiz ?The Destroyer? Jr. (24-0) retained his NABF and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titles with a unanimous Decision over 38 year old former WBO World heavyweight Champion Sergei Liakhovich who resides in Scottsdale Arizona. I thought the judges were a bit generous to the flabby looking Ruiz but he did deserve the nod over the better conditioned Liakhovich whose record dropped to 26-7 with the loss. Sergei?s lost any chance of winning by not throwing enough punches, but he didn?t deserve low the scores handed to him from the judge?s corner. After the fight I had a brief chat with the ring doctor and he said Ruiz probably fractured his right hand and the fighter told the doctor it happened in the first round of their 10 round bout. Ruiz took off before Dr. McDougal could be 100% sure of the early diagnosis. If true, Ruiz will face a medical suspension. Sergei got off to a slow start and let Ruiz build a lead after 4 rounds. The 6? 2? Mexican heavyweight?s weight was announced at 268 lbs. I thought he was heavier and he began to tire in the middle rounds. Most of his points came from slap shots to Sergei?s sides and there was a lot of hugging and grabbing throughout then fight. Sergei delivered the best shots; however his punches were spaced too far between and his tactics bordered being dirty.. I sought out comments and a half a dozen or so knowledgeable told me that Sergei could have won the fight if he had been more assertive and cleaner. He was unavailable for comment after the fight. In other bouts on the card, unbeaten 22 year old Lt. Heavyweight Trevor McCumby upped his record to 18-0-14 knockouts with a convincing TKO victory over 35 year old Milton Nunez (28-12) who looked good in the firstround and then began to wilt after taking multiple body blows from a stronger more powerful McCumby, an Illinois native who moved to Arizona several years ago. All the kid from the land of Lincoln needs to join the big dogs is to work a little harder on his lateral movement, head fakes and jabs. Once he improves in these areas, the titles will come. However, he didn?t need anything fancy to defeat Nunez who stayed right in front of the bigger and stronger McCumby. Nunez failed to come out of his corner after the end of the 5th round. I would have stayed also, if I were Nunez. Top Rank lightweight prospect Erick De-Leon (9-0) ran into a buzz saw when the Detroit Michigan fighter faced underrated Julio Sarinana of Phoenix. Julio went after De-Leon like a man possessed. Low blows became an issue and De-Leon was warned several times. Sarinana may have flopped or pretended on a couple of the low calls. It was a wild swinging affair with De-Leon winning, but not by the margins written on the scorecards. It was a six round bout and the 19 year old Phoenician gave the Michigander all he could handle. Julio works out of Pro Edge in Phoenix. I scored Erick the winner, but Julio, the lesser experienced boxer should sfeel good about his performance. 18 year old David Benavidez made his U.S.A debut as a super middleweight after 6 winning bouts in Mexico as a light Heavy. I thought his condition was good and he proved to be too much for 34 year old Azmat Umarzoda who proved to be an easy target for the bigger and stronger Benavidez. David admitted to being nervous going into the fight; however he settled down. The victory upped his record to 7-0-6 knockouts. I thought he could have knocked out his foe, going the distance is just as important for an 18 year old who needs to build his confidence and stamina. His brother Jose Benavidez Jr. (newly crowned champion) was in introduced at intermission and I thought the applause would be deafening after his title win in Vegas; however the controversy over his defeat of Herrera seems to taken a bit of buzz off his win. I didn?t see the fight; so I won?t comment-but, Junior has done a lot for the community so we can at least applaud him his good deeds; end of soap box! Super fly weight Alexis Zazueta got off to a slow start against pesky Juan Carlos Dias until his fast hands starting find their target. It was a good fight but 19 year old Zazueta was a bit strong for Dias who succumbed to Zazueta by way of a unanimous decision. It was the debut for the 18 year old, so the loss leaves him at 0-1 while Alexis improves to 4-0-3 knockouts. Zazueta (managed by Cameron Dunkin) is expected to be on the Feb. 28 Iron Boy Card along with Edgar Brito and Victor Castro. Two times Olympian Oscar Valdez (Mexico) took five rounds to knock out Jean Sotelo and he showed power and speed in taking care of business. Some people already see him becoming a world champion but I will wait until he gets more experience and tougher opponents. In my opinion his defense is suspect and his occasional showboating could be trimmed a bit. In two earlier fights, Super Bantamweight Joet Gonzalez (8-0) made quick work of Jaimie Gutierrez by ending his work with a 3rd round TKO and Top Rank prospect Pedro Duran put Victor Serrano away in the second round of a scheduled four rounds battle. For me personally, the event allowed me to watch young fighters on the way up and meet boxing figures in the community. I would like to have seen more contested fights, but the fight game is unpredictable, today?s losers may be tomorrow?s winners and so we wait for the next fight. Updates & Notes: Roy Jones Jr. Promotions promises to report 3-4 dates and venues for boxing events in Phoenix very soon. When I talked to a close Jones associate earlier this month and I was told Jones was interested in putting on a boxing show at a Arizona Casino in March, 2015, but since that conversation Team Jones has been talking to Jason Charles, owner of the Pressroom in Phoenix, about a series of shows in 2015 at the downtown entertainment Venue. More recently, the same associate said an announcement will be forthcoming and this column will be the first informed and Elvis is still living in Graceland where he makes a nightly peanut butter and Banana before he goes to sleep. The Press Room is also being considered by Bout Maker Boxing Promotions, formerly known as Ben Miranda Boxing Promotions, for a show on 2/21 and possibly other shows. The 2/21 show will probably be discussed sat the Next Boxing /MMA Commission meeting don January 12. The Press Room offers a variety of entertainment and the venue was once known as the Madison Events Center. Jason and his crew have given the place quite a facelift and trust me, it needed one. More Boxing Stuff: I expected to see representatives from BMBP at the Iron Boy boxing show (12/20) at the Celebrity Theater working the press, but I wasn?t approached by any member of their newly assembled but unannounced team. Ralph Velez, announcer for their Phoenix Convention Show, was seated at one of the ringside press tables and I was told Mr. Velez was covering the event for the Buckeye Valley News as a reporter. We haven?t spoken to each other since his controversial exit from Fan Base Promotions. Since his departure from FBP, Ralph has been active in various ventures and we wish him the best. Old friend and BVN staff photographer Rhonda Costa was assigned by the Buckeye Valley News to work the event for the community Newspaper. According to a source that allegedly inspected paperwork filed with the Arizona State Corporate commission, Maritza Saenz (daughter of Silver Star recipient and the late Arizona State Legislator Ben Miranda) is the founder and sole proprietor of Bout Maker Promotions. There are persistent rumors that Ralph Velez will take a prominent role in the new company. Arizona Boxing News & Notes hopes Ms. Saenz will contact us with her ?Bout Maker? plans for 2015. We have never officially met, too bad; boxing fans should never be left out of the loop and the reliance of social media to spread the boxing gospel is over rated and sometimes ineffective. Sonny Gutierrez, Fight Hard Promotions, was at the Celebrity with associate Rigoberto Ledezma, a former Iron Boy Promotions Sponsor. I asked Mr. Ledezma if his decision to start Fight Hard Promotion with Arizona boxing figure Sonny Gutierrez created any friction between Iron Boy CEO Roberto Vargas and he replied ?No? with a smile. He went on to add that being a sponsor wasn?t the same as being a partner. I tried to reach Mr. Vargas for comment, but the timing was inappropriate. Both men guaranteed full cooperation with the Arizona Media and hinted that a forthcoming press conference would give the Phoenix Press Corp all of the details concerning their proposed March boxing show in Avondale, Arizona at The American Sports Center. The facility reportedly holds several thousand people depending on the configuration for the event. The application for approval of the event is still pending with the Arizona Boxing/MMA Commission and that decision could be decided at the next commission meeting scheduled for January 12. As for bout sheet disclosure, the affable Sonny admitted that he has talked to several local fighters including Alexis Santiago, Walter Santibanes and Mario Esparza (signed with Fight Hard Promotions) about appearing on the card, but he wasn?t willing to give out specific names until the event and Promotional license is approved by the Commission. Santiago has been mentioned as a possible performer on the first Jones Card (if approved) and Santibanes is rumored as a maybe for the proposed Bout Maker Card. The three fighting Riddell Brothers are also mentioned as possible fighters for the proposed Bout Maker card. More Boxing Chatter: boxing trainer and manager Danny Riddell Sr. (head of the Riddell Clan) is in a bit of a feud with the Arizona Event Center in Mesa over the building of a boxing ring ordered by management of the Event Center who has filed a complaint with the Arizona Boxing/MMA Commission demanding reimbursement. Mr. Riddell refutes the complaint and reportedly seeks compensatory damage from Event Center to the tune of $5,000.00. I was unable to contact Arizona Boxing/MMA Commission for a response. Quick Jabs: Tolleson, Arizona amateur boxing sensation Ariel Arismendez was introduced at the 12/20 Iron Boy Show and she also went downstairs to sign autographs and hawk souvenirs in an effort to raise money for lofty goal of competing in and winning a Gold Medal for U.S.A. in the 2016 Olympics. Ariel is the # 2 ranked female amateur in her weight class. Once a gangly teenager, Ariel has become much stronger and one of her chief supporters (Sonny Gutierrez) predicts Gold for the young lady with the captivating smile. Ariel trains at Sony?s Gym in Avondale and the Arizona boxing community wishes her the best. More Stuff:Light Welterweight Luis Olivares was seen sparring with Lt. Heavyweight Trevor McCumby at Busted Knuckle Gym, training home for both undefeated fighters. It is a good sign that Luis is ready to fight after taking off almost a year after suffering a torn ligament in his hand; tough kid, great potential! ? I asked Iron Boy executive Roberto Vargas about his alleged business relationship with Rigoberto Ledezma (Fight Hard Promotions) and he said the gentleman (Ledezma) was a minor sponsor for several events, nothing more, nothing less. His answer ends speculation that there were major partners in the sport of boxing; it is always good to end rumors on a high note?.A Top Rank employee told me that the boxing promotions company is giving away a free picture of the Pac Man to the first 100 fight fans who purchase a $15.00 calendar featuring the lovely knockouts, Top Rank Ring Girls; go to Top Rank.Com. Good Luck, first come, first served.... super middleweight Derek Edwards, one-time Arizona resident, lost to Andre Dirrell in Canada on 12/19. He was trying to surprise Dirrell like he did Badou Jack earlier this year, but it didn?t happen?. Lightweight Victor Castro had not one but four troublesome wisdom teeth extracted recently. He was seen holding his swollen cheek at the Celebrity downstairs in the fighter?s dressing room area. He is expected to be on the February 28 Iron Boy show. South Mountain Boxing Club will host a one day amateur boxing tournament, Saturday, 12/27 at the Victory Outreach Church in Phoenix at 4655 West McDowell Road. Boxing Coach Juan Varela, MBA degree in Marketing, told USA Boxing Arizona that the weigh-in will be held on Saturday, (12/27) between the hours of 7-9 AM and the match up time commences at 9:30 AM. I asked Juan recently if he was applying for an Arizona State boxing Match Makers license (as rumored) and he was more interested in where I heard the rumor than answering the question. Juan is a talented young man who has many friends in the Arizona boxing community and he may someday run for President of USA Boxing Arizona; some of the veteran leaders, Tom Garcia and Mike Sanchez are thinking and talking about leaving the organization after years of loyalty and dedication. Arizona Boxing Fans who want to continue the boxing tradition in the State should call Richard Soto at 602-702-7053 to offer their service as a volunteer and work with the many who sacrifice time and energy for a very good cause. It is Christmas time, so I hope everyone who believes in the gift of giving will find at least get a lump of coal in their stocking. I would like to personally think the members of the Arizona Boxing community who reached out to teenager Lilly Marine in her time of grief. Lilly lost her mother to stomach cancer this month and she is in our prayers and hearts this holiday season. MMA Notes: Mosley Showdown Inc. is presenting a private MMA Event at the Phoenix Zoo on January 31 commencing at 8:30 PM. The weigh-in is scheduled on the 3oth of January at 9:00 AM, same venue. I called Mosley Inc. for details and the request is still pending, two weeks and holding. Jack is a busy man. The New Rage In The Cage MMA Company will entertain at the Prescott Valley Event Center on Saturday, January 31. Check their R.IT.C. Website for more details concerning ticket prices and lineup of MMA performers. Lance Patrick brings his brand of MMA to Wild Horse Pass Resort Casino in Chandler, Arizona. Chandler Arizona on Saturday, February 7 at 7:30 PM. Weigh-In is scheduled for Friday 6:00 PM at a location to be determined. Patrick and his promotional team will also present an MMMA show at the Resort/Casino on May 30. Parting Shot: The Seconds out Annual Boxing Awards were announced this week and writers at Seconds out voted the fighter of the year award to WBO Light Weight Champion Terrence Crawford and the fight of the year honors went to the 2014 match between Crawford vs. Gamboa. Worst Decision: Escandon Vs. Cave on ESPN and runner-up went to Benavidez vs. Herrera and the upset of the year went to Derek Edwards for his 1st round knockout of Badou Jack. Knockout of the year honor went to Andy Lee in his s battle with John Jackson and comeback of the year went to Jermaine Taylor. Hopefully, 2015 will be another great year for boxing world?wide. Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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