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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Finding the Truth? Boxing at La Princesa & Manny By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Sat, 31 Jan 2015  Boxing Fans, The continuing saga about the quietly disclosed Arizona amateur boxing coach who was stopped from working a recent Silver Gloves event after his credentials were thought to be suspicious, by authorities working the venue, is still under an investigative microscope despite verbal and written claims the matter has been resolved; so, I had to change our latest headline from ?exonerated Coach? to where is the truth or ?Book Gate? continues; take your pick, sports fans. Sometimes the truth is a ?bugger? to find. Unfortunately, while amateur and professional sleuths comb for the truth, Arizona kids peripherally connected to the complicated matter wonder what effect the end result will have on their athletic life and personal aspirations. Sad tidings are a part of life and in a news cycle that is saturated with truths and half-truths; journalists are faced with the dilemma to find the truth. Hopefully, my words will reflect that lofty goal. For those out of the loop pugilistic fans who have turned their attention to ?deflate Gate ? and other mesmerizing current events; here is a brief re-cap with news breaking wrinkles added to the complexion of my initial report. My source is a handful witnesses who claim to have knowledge of the incident and were near the event scene when the incident happened. To say the journey to find the truth is over would be na?ve. To simplify the incident, I am providing a list of declared atrocities allegedly committed by a well-known boxing coach who is battling health issues in addition to possible criminal charges. His critics have vowed to pursue the matter until all questions surrounding the allegations are fully answered. The coach, under investigation, denies any wrongdoing and he is entitled to a fair hearing and investigation. He does have the backing of USA Boxing Arizona President Jacob Magallanez who seems to think the incident is blown out of proportion. Without further interruption, here are actual allegations and assertions forwarded to the National office in Colorado which initially seemed to turn a blind eye and deaf hear at the mere mention of possible impropriety. In the immortal words of fabled television detective Joe Friday (played by the late actor: Jack Webb)? here are just the facts? asserted by a cadre of accusers who demand answers and ask for impeachment of the Arizona boxing coach, in question. The ailing coach fears the pursuit of him is a witch-hunt based on jealously and potential political gain. (1) Accused Arizona coach presented his coach?s book to Silver Gloves authority in Pasadena, California (2)California Official took notice of the book and saw what he thought were glaring irregularities in the document. First, he noticed a picture of the coach in the book which is very rare. Second, the signature validating the presented document didn?t match the officials ?John Hancock? on file. (3) The coach was asked to produce a Social Security Card and he couldn?t. He was then asked to provide a Social Security number and he provided a number that didn?t belong to him. (4) This same coach vouched for a fighter with New Mexico Credentials; who later identified as an Arizona fighter who lost in the Arizona State finals and then qualified in the State of New Mexico where he won a walk-over contest thus advancing automatically. (5) Another peculiar discovery, according to a key witness, was the coach told the official he lived in California when in reality he is considered an Arizona resident and his listed phone # is Arizona authentic. The beleaguered boxing coach does own property in the state according to the accused and a supporter. (6) One former associate claims he saw the coach take a razor blade and cut out a page in his book to make his fighter look less experienced. What we know may be just the tip of the iceberg. The President of USA Boxing Arizona (Jacob Magallanez) is very cautious to discuss the issue and I know several Arizona boxing insiders who really like the beleaguered coach including yours truly, but my role as a journalist precludes me from hiding the accusations or passing moral judgment. Magallanez steadfastly defends the coach and a verdict of guilty would undeniably tarnish his Presidency. Bottomline: At this point and time the investigation continues; there is talk about rule and procedure changes that are beyond my field of expertise. My only concern protect and maintain the integrity of the sport and protection of the kids who work so hard to reach their goals; please let the truth be known and complete a thorough and impartial search for the truth and calmly announce the findings and administer justice and reform if needed. It is unfortunate this story is breaking on the eve of the 2015 National Silver Gloves Tournament held 2/5-7 in Independence, Missouri and hopefully athletic performances from Arizona Athletes will not be affected. Venue Change: Bout Maker Boxing Promotions posted notice (social media) that their February 21 boxing show scheduled for the Press Room in down town Phoenix would be moved to La Princesa, formerly known as the Firefighters Union Hall at 1431 E. Dunlap in Phoenix. I requested a press release from Erica Cardenas (Cardenas Marketing + Public Relations) and she a two page a two page presser since I don?t subscribe to social media services. The communiqu? mentioned size as a primary motive for the move. I would suspect parking space as the second obvious reason. La Princesa has three hundred seventeen marked parking spaces at no cost to their ticket holders; while their initially proposed site (Press Room) presented a huge parking challenge, so it is a victory for the boxing patron worried about paying $10-20.00 for parking space or a pretty penny at your friendly police pound. As for size, the new venue has a seating capacity of 600-750 depending on configuration of the room. I contacted the Pressroom for comment on the cancellation, but owner Jason Charles and his associates failed to respond. The?Phoenix Showcase? card will feature 7 bouts with tough Super Bantamweight Walter (?Wachito?) Santibanes (7-2) and fellow Phoenix Super Bantamweight Fernando Samaniego (7-1-1) headlining the Main and Co-Main Events respectively in scheduled for six round bouts. The under card features 4 round action from local up and coming prospects including Cameron Dunkin prot?g? super flyweight Alexis Zazueta (4-0), Bantamweight Ryan Riddell, Kandyce Williams vs. Jillian Lybarger, Super Featherweight Tim Riddell (2-0), Misael Chacon vs. Manuel Mendez. Tickets are available at the BMBP box-office (3614 N. 15th Avenue, BLDG A) or at the Event site on the day of the Phoenix Showcase. General Admission tickets are on sale at $35.00 each while ringside seating is priced at an $45.00. Promoter expects a sold out venue, so don?t wait?Phoenix boxing patrons are famously known to wait until the last minute to purchase event tickets. Event doors open at 6 p.m. and 1st fight commences at 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All bouts subject to change. News Briefs: Super Middleweight David Benavidez was said to be off the Iron Boy 2/28 card due to injury (swollen left hand) suffered in last fight; however tests revealed no break or ligament damage so there is an outside shot he may fight on the Iron Boy IXX card, after all. Victor Castro was set replace Benavidez in the headliner bout, but he may have to settle for co-main.?.. Verizon Telecommunications and Pepsi are offering free events including concerts and free autograph signings?.Tickets for the 2/28 Iron Boy show are available at the Celebrity Theater box-office in Phoenix and online through the Iron Boy Promotions website. The NFL Experience opened to a rousing reception on Saturday 1/24. Singer/actress Jordin Sparks was tabbed for Grand Marshall Honors at the More News: Arizona Boxing News & Notes photographer Ronaleen H. Omega covered Super Bowl week action including the official press conference on Monday 1/28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. She was unable to secure an interview with Maddie & Tae a popular country music flavored singing duo who are nominated for a Grammy, but there will be other days and moments for the 19 year old aspiring photo journalist. Super Bowl festivities continued through 2/1 in Phoenix and Glendale; the Verizon set-up (downtown Phoenix) is free with Player signings and the crowds were huge on opening day. The event runs through 2/1?catch it if you can. Our delaine lands on next to last day of the Super Bowl Week, so I hope fans are able to celebrate the world wide televised event as their leisure time dictates. Short Jabs: Boxing Champ Alexis Santiago is rumored to be pursued by one or two boxing promotional entities; what effect that will have on his March 20 title fight at the Renaissance Hotel is anyone?s guess?. Interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Jose Benavidez Jr. will sit down with his advisors next week and start the search for his next opponent. Trainer and father Jose Sr. said it won?t be Mauricio Herrera who fought and lost a controversial interim title bout to Benavidez. Herrera reportedly told Team Benavidez that he was looking for bigger fish to fry. Golf Tournament: Benavidez was the only boxer invited to make an appearance at the benefit for Dementia research and awareness at the Legacy Golf Course on 32nd Street North of Baseline Road in Phoenix. Special thanks to the following local boxing gyms that contributed to the worthy cause: Top Level, Busted Knuckle, Iron Boy, Gent?s Boxing, Phoenix Boys and Girls Center and Camelback Boxing. Also, I would like to personally thank Andy Bayless (Twin Peaks Sports Bar & Restaurant on Camelback Road) for his generous donation. Andy is a legitimate boxing fan and the affable businessman has a heart of pure gold; ditto his wife Caroline, co-owner. Michael Carbajal, 5 Time World Champion and member of Boxing?s Hall of Fame failed to show thus spoiling a special presentation planned by the International Boxing Federation to honor the native born Arizona champ with a ring commemorating his ten IBF title defenses. His finance spoke to me via phone at 10 A.M. and she said the champ wasn?t able to attend due to a stomach virus; we hope he recovers quickly and fully. Also guilty of being absent were Hall of Fame boxers Terry Norris, Carlos Palomino and near elected HOF candidate Ruben Castillo. Ironically, Norris was co-chairman of the event. I was looking forward to talking to all four men at the event and a special thanks to Jose for attending and boxing and the following boxing/MMA personalities: Matthew Valenzuela (Executive Director, Arizona Boxing/MMA Commission), Christopher Flores, MMA fighter/trainer and Wes Melton, International Boxing Referee.. The tournament chairman failed to announce the boxers? absence which was regrettable. Organizers were happy with the end result. Despite what he reports, Univision Sports Anchor Felipe Corral didn?t win the tournament. I will give more event details in next column. Boxing News: Amateur rivals Albert Alvarez (Red Warriors Boxing) and William Northern (Rodriguez Boxing) may not meet again as amateurs. Northern is turning professional thus ending the possibility of the two renewing their rivalry after Northern defeated Alvarez in the last Gene Lewis Tournament. Alvarez wants 2-3 more amateur fights before joining the professional ranks. I guess he has given up his 2016 Olympic dream as expressed last year. Former 2008 IBA Continental Heavyweight boxing Champion Carlos Barnett (11-2) is making his return to the ring after a six year layoff on the 3/20 Fight Hard Promotions Card at the Renaissance Hotel. Barnett started sparring last week at Sonny?s Gym in Goodyear Arizona to see what he has left in the tank; his waistline has expanded. Former Philly Boxing Announcer Larry T is reportedly set handle mike chores for the event. The 35 year old Barnett?s opponent is yet to be named. Fight Hard Co-partner Sonny Gutierrez keeps promising a release of the full card, but I did find out that Roger Woods from Tucson is the official matchmaker for the event. Newcomer Vincente Cano is on the card with Mario Esparza and Keenan Scott Carbajal. The best bout on the Work Hard Card appears to be the match-up between super lightweights Abel Ramos 10-0-2 from Casa Grande Arizona and Ezequiel Avilez fighting out of Baja, California, Mexico with a record of 11-0-3. Whoever loses takes one giant step back from challenging for a minor title. Abel is trained by Brother Jesus, who pays his household bills by working as a mail man; his son (Jr.) is a standout amateur boxer. 36 year old boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is the subject of a new Documentary Film co-directed by Ryan Moore and Leon Cast, who won an Oscar for his directorial work in the highly acclaimed Film, Muhammad Ali: When We Were Kings! His latest cinematic presentation is available on ITUNES and selected movie screens across the world; wonder if Floyd will watch it. As for their potential duel, Mayweather has reiterated that he will never get in the ring with Pac Man as long as the fighter is associated with Bob Arum, Top Rank CEO and President. The two met and talked briefly in the Philippines. A spokesperson for Top Rank believes the long rumored match between the two future Hall of Fame boxers will happen this year?geez, we have never heard that sentiment before! Breaking News: News sources are reporting that the two legendary have comes to a verbal agreement to meet and decide who the better fighter in a matter of days. If so, get ready for non-stop hype! Fight Chatter: Brandon Rios put a whipping on Mike Alvarado and immediately started clamoring to meet the colorful Victor Ortiz, a fighter with the questionable heart in the ring. They dislike each other with a passion according to sources supporting both camps?. Lightweight contender Raymundo Beltran has signed with manager extraordinaire Cameron Dunkin. Former featherweight champion Angel Manfreddy and former lightweight champion Terrence Crawford were scheduled to pay a visit to Central Boxing at 17th Avenue & Van Buren (Phoenix) on Saturday , 1/31. Manfreddy is working on a self-portrait documentary while Crawford?s trip to the famous Phoenix gym is for some workout time and maybe catch the big game on Sunday, 2/1. Canadian Middleweight Champion Janks Trotter refused to sign sent contract to rumble with Roy Jones prot?g? Eric Johnson. Henri Westcott, Trotter spokesperson) was miffed at the suggestion the two boxers were scheduled to meet at Ft. McDowell on March 13. Westcott and his Fan Base Promotions legal team were ready to turn the issue over to their legal team. Johnson is no longer on the card and Trotter is fighting in Boston, Massa chutes in the near future. Westcott told me the money offer to go toe to toe with Johnson was a paltry amount compared to the loot he will make in the home city of the Red Sox. Ralph Velez Jr.is scheduled to announce the event; still waiting for an official bout sheet. More Chatter: Fight Hard Promotions is slow in getting out information on their March 20th show in Glendale, Arizona at the Renaissance Hotel: no reason given for withholding info sought by the boxing public?. The 68th Annual Arizona State Golden Glove Championships will be presented by Tecate Beer on 2/21-22 at The AZ Event Center, 1300S. Country Club Drive, Suite # 105, Mesa Arizona 85210; attending is a great way of supporting amateur boxing. Fans wishing more info can call602-779-8536, 480-779-7716?. Phoenix veteran fighter Rollin Williams is looking for a fight after he thought he was going Eric Johnson, but Johnson was unable to perform for whatever reason. The 48 year old Rollin wanted rematch with Andrew Hernandez who beat him (UD) at the Phoenix Convention Center last year, however, Hernandez was (according to insiders) asking for too big a purse for the card budget. As we put this column to bed, Hernandez reportedly has agreed to a rematch with Jerry Odom (9-1) in New York. The lone Odom loss was to the charismatic Hernandez Via disqualification in their first encounter after Odom made the mistake of hitting Hernandez while the 29i year old Phoenician boxer had dropped to one knee symbolizing submission. Referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stopped Odom?s immature and unsportsmanlike conduct and awarded the contest Hernandez who left with a DQ (disqualified) win after trailing on all of the 4 rounds, so the after the bell onslaught keeps Hernandez undefeated and probably raises the purse and interest in the rumored rematch; date could be released soon?. Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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