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Arizona Boxing News & Notes with Don Smith: Copper Gloves re-cap, Grace Interest, Stone Update & More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Wed, 22 Oct 2014 Boxing Fans, An overflow crowd attended the two nights of the 44th Annual Copper Gloves Tournament held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds as part of the festive Arizona State Fair. The event was held on October 15-16 and featured 7 bouts on the first night and 7 on opening night and 7 in the finale. It was two memorable nights of boxing and, as usual, the use of inappropriate flash photography and the application of Arizona State Fair rules brought an added dimension to the program. USA Boxing Arizona officials stopped fights on several occasions to warn fans and parents about the danger of implementing flash photography during bouts. The other unforgettable moment came after minutes of the last bout of the first night when two fair workers entered the fight arena (Agricultural Center) as asked everyone to clear the area immediately. I was standing next to Copper Gloves director Kelly Fenn when we were told at 9:11 there was a 9 p.m. time limit to evacuate the area even though fair goers could stand until midnight. MS. Fenn said she was told the event fans and Copper Gloves personnel could stay at the facility until 10 p.m., but she didn?t put up much resistance as she quickly gathered her paper work and exited the building. I guess the workers had received instructions from higher up although common sense should have prevailed. We finished our conversation near a musical carousel ride. The closure process was a bit more tactful the second night with this explanation as to why the area was closed early and the workers were so hardcore with their exit demands and commands. A fair worker told me the early exit was to protect the caged chickens that were on display in the room adjacent to the designated boxing area. This worker, sworn to a secret handshake, told me that two prized poultry specimens were abducted last year and it was during the Copper Gloves Tournament. The fair suspects a family decided to pluck a chicken or two instead of stopping at KFC for a finger licking good chicken bucket treat. On Wednesday night the show opened with Zues Pinder (Siege Gym) winning over Johan Rubalcana (Madison Boxing) in a battle of 65 pounders after the referee stopped the contest after the second round. The second bout featured Aaron Garcia (Fuentes) vs. Micky Scala (Broadway) and the split decision went to Garcia who was the busier boxer. Diane Avalos (Broadway) proved too strong for Shandeen Mitchell (Ramos) in earning a unanimous decision. Zion Perrins (Rodriguez) won a unanimous victory over David Ortiz (Broadway in a very competitive fight. Veteran amateur Fernando Martinez (Fuentes) punched his way to a UD victory over a very tough Mark Garcia representing MCS. I thought the scoring could have been a bit closer. Martinez is considered a pro prospect. Brash, but likeable Jesus Ramos Jr. (Ramos Gym) showed off his ?Mexican Style? skills to defeat a very competitive Mario Ruiz representing Broadway Boxing in the sixth fight of the night. Ramos, the son of trainer Jesus Ramos Sr. and nephew to undefeated fighter Abel Ramos is a 13 year old with a world of confidence. He is an 8th grade student at Legacy Traditional School who hopes to eventually compete in the Olympics and become a world champion. His favorite fighter is Juan Manuel Marquez and he admits to knowing his game can be improved. Jammel Franklin (Central Boxing) was scheduled to fight Clifford Jordon (Hammer Gym) but Jordon?s absence gave Franklin a walkover victory. The 28 year old Franklin hails from Wisconsin and he hopes to fight at 154, 11 pounds lighter than Copper Gloves weight. He is on a fast track to turn professional and his positive attitude and willingness to listen should be a plus. Here is a rundown of the remaining fight results held at the two night Copper Gloves Tournament: KC McPherson (Enuf Said) defeated Shannon Renteria (Madison n Boxing), Edwardo Ayala (Madison Boxing) defeated Bryon Bohen (Hammer Boxing) in a tense battle, Tyler E. Carlos bested Erick Munguia (Hard Knocks), Isiah Christy Grimes (Top Level)was victorious over Ruben Gonzales (Central Boxing), Kevin Morales (Hard Knocks Boxing) was outstanding in his victory over Jesus Ibarra representing Broadway Boxing, Oscar Ponce De Leon (Fuentes) won a walkover with Fabion Montes (Phoenix Boys Center), Edwardo Gamez (Broadway)victorious over Brandon Elizalde (Rodriguez Boxing), Isiah Flores (Hard Knocks) UD victor over Alvaro Martinez (Carbajal 9th Street Gym) and Francisco Chavez (Rodriguez Boxing) a walkover winner over Kevin Carbajal (Fuentes Boxing). At the tournament, I was able to talk to affable boxing veteran Rollin Williams who is making a comeback at age 48 and admits to losing his first fight back but thinks the judges got the next two wrong. Rollin is hoping to fight again in November or December and all he wants is a fair shake. Rollin manages Top Level Gym and he is a gentleman through and through. Stone Update: Controversial Phoenix Attorney Nathaniel J Carr III has been appointed to represent Damien Stone at his October 23 scheduled status hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court and his criminal trial which is penciled in for November 6. The trial date is subject to change if presiding Judge Daniel Kiley comes to the conclusion that the defendant (Stone) needs more time to prepare his defense. Mr. Carr, in an article published by The Phoenix New Times in 2012 was described as ?The King? of Maricopa County?s contract criminal-defense attorneys when it comes to collecting money. The 40 year old Stone, best known for his amateur boxing ties in Arizona, was arrested earlier this year for allegedly soliciting sex from an undercover cop, who according to the official police report, who told the prospective John that she was 16 years of age and he replied ?that?s not a problem.? It was his second arrest over the issue of prostitution. The former boxing and fitness gym owner (StoneHard Gym in Chandler) agreed to a plea agreement in Judge Rogers JP Court (Kyrene) earlier this year; if found guilty on his latest charge, he could face prison time. Because of the nature of the alleged offense, USA Boxing Arizona suspended his membership and he isn?t allowed to work with children at any USA Boxing Arizona sanctioned gym. . In recent weeks, while out on bail, Mr. Stone has visited gyms to see if he could use various facilities to workout with Dante Stone, his 21 year old son, but the request was denied by all gyms contacted; according to my sources. Dante, a heavyweight, is contemplating turning professional in the near future, but wants two more amateur fights prior to a formal announcement. Until he drops his professional relationship with his father; the debut may have to wait. USA Boxing Arizona President Jacob Magallanez is investigating a report from two boxing coaches that Mr. Stone participated as a coach in a PAL sanctioned tournament in Oakland California recently after red flags were issued about his amateur participation in events. It is not known whether or not States outside of Arizona are aware of Stone?s prior conviction and pending case. Arizona Boxing News & Notes is circulated around the world. Keep in mind; Indian Reservations are sovereign Nations and Mr. Stone is a very clever individual who might seek coaching refuge on Native land if he isn?t sentenced to prison. Grace Interest: CNN Talk Show Host Nancy Grace was in town for the Arizona Women?s Expo on Saturday, October 18 as a keynote speaker at the Phoenix Convention Center and after her address; Ms. Grace signed copies of her fictional literary works. One of her fans, a young Hispanic female, asked the former judge and prosecutor if she would be interested in investigating an assault and battery case that supposedly occurred in Phoenix in December of 2013. According to my source, details of the case mirrored the alleged incident involving a young Arizona boxer and his girlfriend. In that incident, the boyfriend reportedly choked the young woman and a police report was filed. Ms. Grace asked the woman for her name and telephone number which was written on a yellow sticky note sheet and handed to her producer who was at the show. Reportedly, the women?s right advocate and talk show host will stay in Phoenix to cover the Jodias Arias sentencing trial which is scheduled to start on Tuesday, October 21. I hope to chat with Grace about the assault and battery incident during her expected trial stay. The Whistle Blower has my contact info and she promises to keep in touch. I hope the issue gets resolved soon. Boxing News: Arizona Boxing Commissioner Michael Preston Green has been unable to answer emailed questions due to his work schedule, personal health woes and an interview request process I was unaware of. We wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully the Q & A session with him will be available to readers in my next column?.Arizona Seasonal resident Janks Trotter 8-1-1 will fight for the vacant Canadian middleweight title against Walid Smichet (21-7) in Toronto, Canada on Saturday, October 25. Smichet is trained and managed by the Grant Brothers in Canada ??former boxing champions Vasiliy Jirov and Rico Hoye worked the corner of 26 year old boxing newcomer Ismail Borlakov at the recently concluded Copper Gloves Tournament at the Arizona State Fair. Ismail, in his first amateur fight plowed his way through Damon Heywood (Central Gym) in a rough and tumble bout that netted the Kazakhstan native a unanimous decision. It wasn?t pretty, but Borlakov is one tough hombre and with more technical skills could be trouble in the ring. He can punch, but he needs to grow a little more ring poise and I am sure Jirov and Hoye will add some polish during his sessions at the Keep Punching Boxing and Training Gym in Scottsdale. Rico and Vassiliy are two of the managing partners connected with the facility. Heywood, much more experienced, bounced back after a pair of knockdowns and rallied to make the contest a bit closer?.The irrepressible Len Hayko and his daughter Kimberlee White were exhibitors at the Arizona Women?s Expo extolling the virtues of boxing as a tool to fitness used at their Jabz Boxing fitness for women center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Len is well known for his association with Bad Boy Boxing shows at Fort McDowell Casino. Check website for next show or call Len at 480-772-6000. At least twelve gyms and fitness centers were represented at the Expo. l More Boxing News: Our condolences to USA Boxing Arizona Official Walt Hoskins and his family; Lydia, his beloved wife and USA Boxing Arizona family member passed away late last week. Details of her service were pending at press time?.Sources tell me the Ben Miranda Boxing Group has discussed holding their November 22 fight at Cooperstown Bar & Restaurant in downtown Phoenix; management members of the facility are boxing fans. No official confirmation on site or date. Years ago, Local boxing promoter/manager Ricky Ricardo staged an amateur tournament at the popular bar and eatery on a Saturday during the daytime. Ricky picked up the Al Fenn Award at the recent Copper Gloves Tournament for his contribution to boxing?congratulations! Phoenix Welterweight Jose Benavidez Jr.(21-0) takes on tough 34 year old veteran Mauncio Herrera (in Vegas on December 13 as part of the Timothy Bradley under card. A Win could move Benavidez Jr. Closer to a title fight. Herrera(21-4), according to insiders, is his toughest opponent to date for the much heralded Benavidez ?.Nonito Donaire took a beating in his last bout and may be near the end of his career. Too bad, he was good for boxing?GGG continues to prove why he is a beast in the ring? Phoenix fighter Joe Martell was bumped from the Iron Boy El Paso card, the end is near, again!?..Keep an eye on Jafar Mohammad (7-1 w/ 7 knockouts), a fighter from Detroit who has moved to Phoenix and now trains at the Keep Punching Boxing Gym under the watchful eye of Vassiliy Jirov and Rico Hoye. Jafar thinks he was pranked with his one loss coming at the hands of a hometown favorite. The 23 year old super featherweight hopes a ring return in a month or two is coming. Team Mohammad feels they have a champion in the making. Detroit has produced some great fighters. What an understatement! Jafar hopes his name will be added to the list of great Detroit pugilists. Tournament Invite: On Saturday, October 25, Neil Sarembock, Owner/Instructor of New World Sports will host a one day amateur boxing tournament with action commencing at 2 p.m. off 38th Street & Washington in Phoenix inside the Swap Meet Complex. General admission is $10.00, reserved seating is $15.00 and Ringside is $20.00. The weigh-In process will be held on site between the hours of 8-10:a.m while the match-ups will be linked at 10:a.m. A total of 20 matches are predicted. New World Sports is located at 3306 East Van Buren. For more details, dial Neil at 602-690-3292, see you there. Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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