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Arizona Boxing News & Notes with Don Smith: Castro Punishes Santiago, Golden Glove Results & More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Thu, 01 Mar 2018  Boxing Fans, Iron Boy 43 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on 2/24 drew 2,650 fans (sellout) to watch the USNBC WBC Super Bantamweight championship fight between popular Phoenix fighters Alexis Santiago (21-6-1 draw) and Carlos Castro (20-0). The partisan crowd favored Santiago aka ?Beaver? but Castro won the title when Santiago?s corner threw in the towel at the 1:50 mark in the 10th and final stanza. It was a lopsided contest with Santiago struggling to get inside and missing more times than he landed punches. Castro, on the other hand, was the busier fighter throwing at least 2 -3 times the number of punches and landing them at will. I had Castro winning all the rounds with the possible exception of the first stanza. The loss was Santiago?s 3rd consecutive defeat and despite his abundance of personal charm, Mayweather Promotions may decide to drop him from their stable of fighters. It was an ineffective performance. It was a very impressive performance by Castro who hopes to parlay the victory into a world title shot. According to a fellow scribe, Bruce Trampler, Top Rank matchmaker, was in the house to scout Castro and local favorite Francisco C de Vaca for possible matchup with TR fighters, no names mentioned. Despite the disappointing headline bout; the remaining 6 bouts on the card were entertaining and at the end of the night, fans appeared very satisfied as they exited the venue. The first bout of the evening was an 8 round match between Joshua ?Don?t Blink? Greer Jr. (16-1-1) & Basilio Nieves (15-6). The incredible fast paced action in the first round led to a knockdown and Greer continued his assault into the second & 3rd round until the contest was stopped at the 2:12 mark in the 33d round. It was short war but exciting. Greer, from Chicago, is quite the fighter and a possible title contender in the near future; fun to watch! The second fight was another action packed bout. Eduardo Ayala (2-0) changed strategy against Lenny Correa and it almost cost him a win in a battle of 168 pounders. Ayala (Madison Boxing) came out boxing and looked unbeatable but then the 23 year old Phoenix fighter decided decide to slug it out with Correa( Pro Edge Boxing) and the two pugilists engaged in wild exhibition of bomb throwing and Correa broke Ayala suffered a broken nose in the 3rd round but managed to hang tough and slug it out with the bullish Correa while the ring physician kept a close eye on a very bloody nose. I was informed after the fight that Ayala?s nose was broken and despite his desire to fight again soon, it will be at least 3 months before he gets clearance to fight again. Ayala won the approval of the judges with scores of 39-37 x 3. I was sitting ringside and my notebook received a splattering of blood as did a young woman sitting a few fit from me. My recommendation for Ayala is to lose 20-22 pounds and box more. In the 3rd bout, super middleweight James McGirt Jr (27-3-1) used his superior experience and power to break down Gilberto Rubio (8-7) and score a stop at the 2:40 mark of the second round. I talked to the 35 year old McGirt at the weigh-in and he has no illusions about his career; one that has been stopped and re-started several times over the years. He thinks he has a 3-4 year open window and will let nature take it?s curse. Heavyweight Dante Stone (0-1) is very agile for a boxer who tipped the scales at 314. After suffering a 1st round knockdown, Stone represented himself welll but the 10-8 first wound might have persuaded the judges to render the verdict to Cortez (2-1) with scores of 39-36 x2 and 38-37. I had the bout closer and so did a majority of the fans. It was an exciting bout although it got a bit sloppy towards the end. I was very impressed with Stone despite his 60-70 pound extra baggage; good 4 round fight. A draw would have been a fair decision. The much maligned Francisco C de Vaca (18-0) turned in a very professional performance in knocking out journeyman Christian Esquivel (30-13-) at the 1:59 mark of 6th round. The 125 pound victor told me he wants to change his career a bit and perhaps sign for a few bouts outside of Arizona. Most fans think he is signed with Iron Boy but he isn?t. Off his performance, ?Panchito? is ready for higher caliber opponents. 40 year old light heavyweight Fidel Hernandez came in a little over the contractual weigh agreement but the Iron Horse had a enough finesse and juice to defeat Cesar Barraza by scores of 60-54x 2 and 59-55 in their 6 round co-main event. It was a gutsy performance by a fighter who leads by example. Fidel is a proud coach and role model for kids who have self-doubts. In the final round, the crowd helped him cross the finish line. Boxing News: WBC World super middleweight champion David Benavidez, fresh from successfully defending his title, is expected to fight again around June or July. I spoke to his father/trainer Jose Sr. and he told ABNN that David?s right hand, bruised and bleeding, during the fight is on the mend and the swelling has gone down considerably. As previously reported, there was no surgery required and there is no structural damage to the hand. Ronald Gavril, his opponent, sustained a broken nose, broken ribs, fractured jaw and other injuries during the bout. How he managed to go the distance is remarkable and a testimonial to his courage. Whether or not he will fully recover and continue fighting is questionable. David has been prescribed hand exercises to strengthen both of his hard punching mitts. His father and I discussed future opponents for both of his fighting sons (David & Jose Jr.). I suggested Andre Dirrell for the younger Benavidez if the former champion is able to defeat Jose Uzcategui in their upcoming rematch. In actuality, Team Benavidez has a foe in mind for David (not Dirrell) and I promised not to disclose his name until the deal is finalized. His promoter, Sampson) is thinking about a venue and location. In the past, his promoter has mentioned Arizona as a fight site possibility but money talks; so we will see. As for Jose Benavidez, we were on the same page and agreed on a potential opponent. Once again, I can?t disclose the name but it a veteran with name recognition. After the title fight, the Benavidez family flew to Mexico to attend a charity event for the pope. Giving back is very important to the Benavidez family. At the end of our conversation Jose Sr. told me that he and the boys were headed to Brooklyn, New York for a meet and greet at neighborhood Victory Outreach Church. They were scheduled to pass out toys and the flyer read: ?No entry fee?. The event takes place on Friday, March 3 between the hours of 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thank you guys for your consent to help kids who will be inspired by your visit. In our last column, I promised to print more of the Q & A session I had with David in Corpus Christi Texas. And to me, breaking a promise is comparable to lying to a priest on Sunday. ABNN: Your dad (Jose Sr.) gets a bad rap, why is that? DB: I don?t know, jealously I guess ABNN: You were home schooled, was that a different experience? DB: Yes, it was different, I was by myself and I became more dedicated. I missed doing the bad habits and hanging around the wrong people because I became more focused, home school was good for me. ABNN: were you a good student, did you excel in any subject or did you just get by? DB: Laugh, I just got by. ABNN: You?re 21 but do you think you?re a lot stronger person than most people think you are? DB: Yeah, my dad raised me tough, I am tough, I know who I am, I know where I am going and I know what it takes to be better. I feel like I am my biggest critic, I know I want to be better in everything I do. I am not going to let people walk over me just because I am young. I know what I am made of. ABNN: Thank you David for your time More Boxing News: Phoenix Boxer Mark Garcia (Madison Boxing) was unable to fight on the Iron Boy 43 card at the Celebrity Theatre on 2/24. A medical red flag was discovered during a routine medical exam. Mark was scheduled to fight Chris Sullivan (debut) on the 2/24 card at the Celebrity. According to his management team, Sullivan will launch his career in California in the near future. We wish Garcia the best and hope treatment will remedy the problem. ...Garcia?s coach (Ricky ?El Peligroso?) celebrates a birthday on Friday March 3. Ricky hopes to obtain permission to hold a ?Smoker? on March 24 at Madison Boxing Gym on North Central Avenue in Phoenix. To ascertain confirmation on time and date, dial the boxing coach at 602-434-7770 for details.......cruiserweight/heavyweight B J Flores (34-3-1-21 knockouts) was introduced during intermission at the Iron Boy 43 show in Phoenix at the Celebrity and he told a sold out crown that he plans to fight in the near future. I wasn?t able to hear details of his impending match but I hope his next ring performance doesn?t put boxing fans to sleep. His last 2 performances have been real yawners. B J is a likeable guy but at age 39, retirement should be a serious consideration....My sources tell me that suspended light heavyweight Trevor McCumby (23-0-18 knockouts) is back in the gym and waiting for his suspension to end in May. The same source tells us Trevor is in the best shape ever and motivated to restart his career...... Welterweight Luis Oliveras (13-0-9 knockouts) hasn?t settled his disagreement with management (Florida attorney Tony Gonzales) but isn?t ready to announce his retirement. Luis has recently taken over ownership of Gent?s boxing Gym in North Phoenix and is currently working with lightweight Ivan de la Madrid (3-2). Ivan will fight prospect Joseph Adomo (5-0) on the March 17 under card at Madison Square Garden. Congratulations to Luis and his wife who became parents to son Xavier, 4 months ago. Luis has been inactive for 14 months......Boxing trainer Alan Viers is currently working with Henry Cejudo on the MMA fighter?s striking technique at the ?Lab?. Henry is a former Olympic Gold Medal winning wrestling champion....Alan?s brother Wayne is training boxers at Gent?s Boxing Gym....amateur boxer Lilly Keating is recovering from a serious car accident and she is expected to return to boxing next month. Her vehicle was T boned and the other driver was cited for failure to yield; fortunately she (other driver) had a valid driver?s license and insurance. Lily is one of several Arizona boxers preparing for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo....Top rated Arizona amateur prospect Fernando Martinez has to postpone his boxing to Bulgaria after his 17 year old cousin (Marcos Rodriguez) was shot (early February) in the head late at night near 47th Avenue & Bethany Home Road in Glendale. The 15 year old shooter was arrested and is currently awaiting trial. Marcos is conscious but hasn?t spoken since the incident. Fernando hopes to return to boxing soon. ABNN wants to thank Dick?s Sporting Goods for introducing new restrictions on gun purchases including a refusal to sell assault rifles. We hope boxing fans will support Dick?s sporting Goods by purchasing their boxing gear there even though I find the store a bit pricey on some of their items.......Fight Hard Promotions CEO Rigoberto Ledezma vows to promote a boxing show in the valley within the next few months. He has been promoting show in Mexico; but, is beginning to listen to vices who are asking him to promote a show in Arizona; no timetable set... Luis Espinoza will be on the Iron Boy 44 card; he is taking care of a family issue Mail Bag: Maria Elena Rodriguez wants to know if Kelly Fenn and her family are still associated with the annual Arizona State Golden Glove Championships. Answer: Kelly was absent at this year?s event which was presented at Sonny?s Gym in Goodyear on 2/24 and reportedly organized by USA Boxing Arizona in her absence. I asked several people connected with USA Boxing Arizona if Ms. Fenn was still the GG CEO and I couldn?t get a coherent answer, fueling speculation that she has resigned or removed from her position as director of the long standing Arizona tradition. In recent years, attendance at the event has been puny and the number of matches has reached new lows; causing tongues to wag and some finger pointing. I have known the Fenn Family for several decades and I wish them the best in every endeavor they undertake. Al Fenn, Kelly?s late father, meant so much to Arizona boxing that I hope her rumored departure, if true, was of her own volition. ABNN will continue to monitor the situation and thank you Kelly for your contribution to amateur boxing; our prayers are with you and your family. Box Fan Expo Update: 3 Time World Champion Fernando ??El Feroz) Vargas will attend this year?s Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 5 (Cinco de Mayo weekend) at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas Nevada. His acceptance to appear was confirmed by a press release dated 2/27 and sent to our assignment desk. His ring conquests include Raul Marquez, Yori Boy Campas, Ike Quartey, Javier Castellejo and Winky Wright; all former world champions. Organizers of the event expect many more members of boxing royalty to attend the ultimate fan experience. In past years, the expo has welcomed Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Mikey Garcia, Zab Judah, Riddick Bowe, Mia St. John Keith Thurman Leon Spinks, Timothy Bradley Leo Santa Cruz and many more. The retired Mexican/American boxing champion Vargas chalked up 26 wins, 5 losses and 22 knockouts (according to BoxRec) during an illustrious professional career that began in 1997 and ended in 2007. He now owns and operates a boxing gym. According to the press release, Vargas will have both at the event and fans are encouraged to stop by to look at merchandise and memorabilia items. ABNN readily endorses the concept of Box Fan Expo and we encourage all boxing fans seeking more information to go to the website: http://www.boxfanexpo.com. Tickets are available online at: http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com. Box Fan Expo will commence at 10 a.m. on Saturday May 5 and conclude at 5 p.m. on the same day. Fans, with tickets, can participate in an array of events including autograph sessions, photo sessions, face-off?s with your favorite boxers and a chance to purchase boxing Merchandise and Memorabilia. Remember, the May 5 Expo coincides with the mega fight between Saul ?Canelo? Alvarez and Gennady ?GGG? Golovkin that will take place at T Mobile Arena later in the evening in Las Vegas. It makes boxing sense to combine the 2 events and celebrate the Cinco de Mayo weekend in Gran Moda; Spanish for grand fashion. Arizona Golden Glove Tournament Results: The annual Arizona State Golden Glove Championship Tournament was held on 2/24-25 and the attendance at Sonny?s boxing gym in Goodyear, Arizona for the 2 day event was very impressive. ABNN was on hand for part of Sunday?s boxing matches and our staff member covering the event was able to acquire results from both days. We suspect some of the names are misspelled due to our inability to translate some of names on the handwritten list; although we wrestled with the task for some time. In the future, we hope all boxers will check the spelling of their name and correct if necessary. In individual honors, Taylynd Stuhr (Sonny?s Boxing) was names best female boxer while Noah Contreras (Mohave Boxing) took the trophy for best male boxer. Here are the names of the champions crowned at the event and presented a trophy: GG winners age 18 and beyond will advance to the Golden Glove regional tournament held in Las Vegas, March 3-4. Tournament Champions: Aaron Williams (Martillo?s Boxing), Sylvestre Insunza ( 12th Avenue Boxing), Joel Marquez (Rodriguez Boxing), Eva Dion (Dan?s Boxing), Adolfo Benitez (Hammer Boxing), Juan Ramirez (Rodriguez Boxing), Joaquin Camberos (12th Avenue Boxing), Yahir Miranda (Hammer Boxing), Thomas Scott (Unattached), Jesus Olmedo (Sonny?s Boxing), Miguel Castro (IronGloves), James Bahe (Bahe Boxing), Roger Curry (IronGloves) Taylynd Stuhr (Sonny?s Boxing), Jermone Jones Jr. (101 Fitness), Myron Bridges (New Corner), Myshelle Allen (101 Fitness), Daniel Lopez (Boxing Inc.), Jaden Walker (Dan?s Gym), Josh Tomozolli (Unattached), Rommel Mageo (Sonny?s Boxing), Brandon Martinez (Neutral Corner) and Trini Ochoa (Broadway) Amateur Notes: Golden Glove competitors Myron Bridges (New Corner)and Danny Barrios (Sonny?s Boxing) plan to try the professional ranks in the near future. Both young men are outstanding athletes and human beings; ABNN wishes them the best. Reminder, the 3 day Gene Lewis Invitational Tournament is scheduled for 11/9,10,11 at the Broadway Recreation Center, located at 59 E. Broadway Road in Mesa, Arizona; contact Josh Benjamin at 480-834-1216. The event is looking for volunteers; so please call Mr. Benjamin and lend a helping hand. Showtime Boxing: ShowTime will present three Championship Boxing Shows in the month of March and all three are worth marking on the calendar. On March 3, the network will present Wilder vs. Ortiz, a pair of heavyweights who know how to punch and Ortiz is capable of beating the American which would upset fight fans who want to see Wilder fight Anthony Joshua sometime this year. Joshua will fight Joseph Parker on Showtime, 31. On March 10, unbeaten Mikey Garcia (30-0) has a rendezvous with Undefeated IBF Junior welterweight kingpin Sergey Lipinets (13-0)on Saturday March 10 at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio Texas. A win by Garcia would mean the 30 year old Californian picks up his 4th title in 4 different weight classes. The fight will be broadcast on Showtime; but, ABNN hopes to be at the Coliseum to cover what promised to be an intriguing fight. We are waiting for our credential approval. Garcia is the overwhelming favorite but Lipinets is a natural junior welterweight and that could be an advantage over Garcia who is moving up to claim a piece of history. A look at statistics shows Lipinets, born in Kazakhstan, Is 28 and 2 years younger than the Mexican/American fighter who many critics call the best pound for pound fighter, today. Lipinets manager Andrew Zack disputes that claim openly telling ABNN that in his opinion, Garcia hasn?t fought anyone worth mentioning. Sergey also has a 1 inch height advantage but Garcia best Lipinets in reach by 1 inch. Physically, the fighters match up well. Garcia holds a higher % in the knockout out rate but the majority of his Ki?s came in lighter weight divisions. Sergey KO rate hovers slightly above 70 %. The fight was originally scheduled last month but a hand injury forced Lipinets to seek another date and here we are one week away from a fight that I am looking forward to watching and personally, I don?t think Garcia will have an easy time with the Kazakhstan fighter as predicted in several print and online columns. Lipinets can take a punch and his conditioning is always superb. On the record, Lipinets hand injury has completely healed according his management team. Tickets are still available at the Coliseum and online through Ticketmaster. Prices start at $20.00 each + a standard handling fee. ABNN suggest fans watching this card in person, arrive early; the undercard is worth watching. Under-Card: Rances Barthelemy vs. Kiryl Relikh for the vacant WBA Super lightweight title..... Richard Commey vs. Alejandro Luna (lightweights) ....Mario Barrios vs. Eudy Bernardo (super lightweights).... Giovanni Delgado vs. Brandon Figueroa (super bantamweights)...Josesito Lopez vs. Hector Lopez (welterweights). Fight fans should now that the title fight between Oscar Valdez and Scott Quig is on ESPN virtually the same time; our readers are smart, they know what to do. Our next column will feature the ESPN Matchup. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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