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Arizona Boxing News & Notes with Don Smith: ?Battle of the Belts?, Hoskins Back, Head Gear? By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Thu, 19 Feb 2015  Boxing Fans, Heavyweight Billy ?Bronco? Wright will headline the ?Battle of the Belts? 3/13 six fight card boxing show at the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center located on the grounds of the Ft. McDowell Casino Complex in Fountain Hills, Arizona 85264. Fight fans will be able to view the six fights (2 title bouts) on ?Get Fight Live TV PPV?. Other stories covering the event have represented the venue as a casino which it isn?t. The card is limited to six bouts to accommodate PPV coverage; beware of heavy traffic and gauge your departure time accordingly. The 50 year old Wright is a Native Arizonian (Morenci) and he is the reigning WBC Latin American & Fecabox Champion. His last loss was via knockout at the hands of tough Tony Tucker in 1998. The mammoth heavyweight was also knocked out by former champions Francis Botha (5 round TKO) and Michael Moorer (2nd round TKO). His two belts will be at stake on 3/13/15 in a ten round contest versus Gilbert Matheus Domingos (22-2-20 knockouts). I met the affable Wright once at an Iron Boy Press conference about 6-7 months ago and asked him why he was still fighting and he told me he still loves the sport and feels strong and although he hasn?t fought a top ten contender in years; his record is impressive (46-4-37 knockouts). The title tussle is scheduled for 10 rounds. The 29 year old Domingos, 21 years Wright?s junior) will make his USA debut against Wright and it will be only his second fight outside of his native Brazil where he has one loss; his other setback came in Switzerland. The Co-Main Event presents Milorad Zizic (11-0-5 knockouts) Vs. Louis Rose (11-2-1-3 knockouts) in a scheduled 8 round tiff to decide who wear the vacated NABF Heavyweight Crown. Zizic Milorad hails from Montenegro while Rose maintains his residence in Lynwood California. Milorad reportedly has a strong fan following in his homeland and parts of Europe and they?re subscribing to the PPV telecast in large numbers according to a spokesperson for the event. There is some Arizona flavor on the card in addition to Wright, undefeated Phoenix super featherweight Emmanuel ?Manny? Nieves (2-0) will do battle in a scheduled four round contest with 23 year old Percy Peterson (1-6-1) from Stockton California. Peterson accustomed to fighting as a lightweight will shed a few pounds to accommodate super featherweight Nieves. Also, 20 year old Phoenix lightweight Wilberth Lopez (5-4) will tangle with 33 year old Kenner, Louisiana boxer Demond Brock (8-3) in a scheduled for six rounds bout. The Arizona lads: Lopez and Nieves are entertaining to watch. Brock fought as a super lightweight in his previous fight. It was Lopez who beat Keenan Carbajal (5-1-1) (3rd round TKO) in a debut fight for both boxers. Since the encounter, local boxing fans have asked for a rematch without a confirmed response. Carbajal is fighting on the Night of Glory Card in Glendale on March 20 at the Renaissance Hotel. Rounding out the 3/13 card is an 8 round match between Solomon Egberime (22-4) and Gerardo ?Pippin? Cuevas (17-12) and a debut matchup between Jeff Tabrizi and Carlos Castillo for a scheduled four rounds. A spokesperson for Roy Jones Jr. Promotions (Promoters of the show) reports ticket sales of 600 for the first 5 days. The Jones folks know how to work corporate sponsors. Ticket prices start at $20.00 and are available at the Fort McDowell Gift Shop and online. If you go, doors open at 6 p.m. and for those who stay home and watch; call your PPV facilitator for details. My staff wasn?t able to locate a direct number to the box-office, but we suggest ticket seekers call 480-789-5300 and ask for a transfer to gift shop. 
Amateur Boxing Note: The quality Inn, located at 1410 South Country Drive in Mesa is offering a special rate to boxing fans who stay at the popular Inn during the Arizona State Golden Gloves Championship Tournament held at the nearby Mesa Event Center, 2/20, 21 & 22; if interested call 480-964-2897?. Remember, your tush in a paid seat at the event helps the hard working Golden Glove winners go on to the Nationals. Walt Hoskins, beset by personal issues that required healing time and a respite from the rigors of boxing, called to announce his return as head coach of MCSO Boxing Club. The venerable veteran coach has put together a team of respected coaches including Chris Alvarado (interim head coach), Mike Bojorquez and Tony Sandoval. In addition to announcing his return to boxing, Walt wanted to thank everyone who was supportive while he was grieving the loss of his son and wife. A long time staple in Arizona amateur boxing, Walt is committed to rebuilding the MCSO boxing program and he thinks he has the horses and team to do so. Before he put his phone back in its cradle, Mr. Hoskins confided in me that he knew recently resigned and disgraced boxing coach Jose Lopez (Azteca Boxing) wasn?t an accredited member of USA Boxing Arizona and he wanted to set the record straight on what position his wife (Lydia) held at the time of her death. Mrs. Hoskins resigned as Secretary of the organization almost one year before her passing due to failing health. President Jacob Magallanez told me the position remains open out of respect to her invaluable contributions to the organization and he decided an extended time of grieving was appropriate. Her replacement could be decided by a special election or appointment until the regular calendar year election cycle is due. Walt said he was appreciative of the president?s remarks. Hoskins sounded strong and resolute on the phone during our 8 minute conversation. One final note: Walter will continue in his position as Treasurer of USA Boxing Arizona. Commission Meeting: On 2/9 the Arizona Boxing/MMA Commission held their monthly meeting and here are some of the highlights gleaned from the meeting based on Greg Stiles (PIO) email and subsequent written communiqu?s and telephone calls. For a complete report, go to the commission website. Here are a few details from the monthly meeting. Perennial Phoenix favorite Rollin Williams will have to wait until March 9 (next commission meeting) to get the thumbs up to continue his boxing career. Since his return to the sport, the 48 year old Williams is 0-4 and all boxers in the state of Arizona over age 36 need approval from the commission. Williams told me he feels great and ready for more action; for what?s worth, he has my vote to continue his career. Nathan Hyland (CEO -President of Rage in the Cage) was approved to promote a Rage in the Cage MMA Event on April 25, 2015 at the Tucson Convention Center and the Rage in the Cage Executive plans a show in the Prescott Valley Center, May 30, 2015. The energetic promoter is also involved with the World Series of Fighting ?MMA Event; held at Comerica Theater and televised by NBC Television on March 28. It is a powerful promotional coup for Arizona and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts to host a mainstream television fighting event in the state?.congrats to Hyland and others involved in the show. In other approvals at the meeting, Ray Sefo (World Series of Fighting) was granted approval for a corporate promoter?s license and Adrian Romo was granted approval for an Individual Promoter?s license. Mr. Romo has ties with the Blue Water Resort & Casino where he presents MMA Events and is producing two shows scheduled for June 20 and October 17th respectively. Boxing Notes: Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Carlos Barnett boxing comeback won?t happen on the Night of Glory Card at the Renaissance Hotel?s Media Center in Glendale on March 20. Fight Hard Promotions insiders think he needs a little more time before he is ready for primetime competition. Carlos last fought 5-6 years ago; so taking off the proverbial ring rust takes a little time?.The official weigh-In for the Phoenix Showcase boxing show in Phoenix at La Princesa is scheduled for Friday, February 20 not 2/2 as advertised on a Media Advisory received by this journalist on 2/17. I called Bout Maker Boxing Promotions to alert their office of the mistake and the staff member thanked me for calling it to their attention and Erica Cardenas (PR person) sent out a corrected advisory within an hour of being notified about the error; we all make mistakes. The Weigh-In (2 pm) will be held at the Fuego Bar & Grill located at 9118 W. Van Buren in Tolleson, Arizona 85353. Tickets for Phoenix Showcase ($35.00 +) are available by calling 602-252-0553.The venue (La Princesa) is located at 1431 E. Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix; plenty of parking and event doors open at 6 pm, 1st bout scheduled for 7 pm. Headgear Controversy? The AIBA is pushing ahead with plans to adopt bare headed competition for future Olympic boxing participants. The proposal meets with stiff opposition from parents and boxing advocates who believe passage would lead to removal of headgear for younger kids and an increase of serious head injuries. Sometimes, domino theories come true, but not always. For example, drinking a beer doesn?t necessarily lead to drinking hard liquor and smoking a doobie doesn?t mean the smoker will turn into a crack head. It is a tough call to force young adults, 18 years and over, to wear headgear when their boxing future may see them as professionals and not wearing protective headgear; however I do strongly urge that boys and girls 17 and under adhere and comply with existing rules that prohibit fighting bare headed in sparring sessions and sanctioned competition . Advocates of no headgear think the sport is sexier without a head cover and if they really believe that; let them take the first shot. If you have thoughts on the subject, contact the AIBA at: info@aiba.org. The Arizona boxing community appears divided on the issue. Iron Boy XIX: WBO NABF Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin (19-0-1 w/ 17 knockouts) takes on Brazilian Raphael Zumbano Love (35-9-28 knockouts) in a special 10 round feature bout on the 2/28 calendar set Iron Boy XIX card at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Main Event honors go to Phoenix favorite Victor Castro (13-0-6 knockouts) in an 8 round lightweight contest versus Mexico?s Ivan Zavala (6-8-2 knockouts) in an 8 round battle. According to one source, Zavala is better than his record; fans will be the judge. The co-main feature announcement was very iffy at deadline; however, Saul Hernandez is rumored to face undefeated bantamweight Francisco C. de Vaca (9-0) in a 6 round bout; if he agrees to terms the issue of co-main event nominee is a wrap. The backup plan might pit undefeated Phoenix super bantamweight Carlos Castro (7-0) versus veteran Jesus Navarro (22-9-16 knockouts) from Mexico. In other Celebrity Theatre action, Middleweight Joey ?The Boxer? Ruelas (8-1-1) returns an injury to battle Russ Niggemyer (2-6) in a scheduled 4 round contest. Local favorite Edgar Brito (3-0-1) meets nemesis Jesus Pacheco in a rematch of 123 pounders; the contest is scheduled for four rounds. Brito won a split decision victory in their previous professional meeting. SMS prot?g? Luis Olivares (7-0-5 knockouts) has overcome a career threating torn ligament injury and will fight Miguel Zuniga (12-7-7 knockouts) at 143 for a scheduled 6 rounds. Before the injury, Olivares was considered a prime Arizona prospect. He trains at Busted Knuckle Gym and expect his sometime sparring partner Light Heavyweight Trevor McCumby to be in the audience on 2/28. Olivares is scared of no done; not even if he has a pen. Also on the card, Fuentes Gym (Phoenix) prot?g? Jose Herrera faces New Mexico?s Fernando Alvarez in professional debut for both fighters with strong amateur resumes. The remainder of the card is comprised of Brian Mendoza (3-0) vs. Javier Nieblas, Daniel Garcia (1-0) vs. Stephan McCray (0-4) and Emilio Garcia (9-1-1 is unmatched, but matchmaker Mike Sanchez is in the hunt for da challenger. Wrap Time: I covered the Phoenix Showcase card in previous columns before BMBP matchmaker Edward Rodriguez added James Stewart to fight featherweight Tim Riddell and Gabriel Braxton will take on fellow bantamweight Fernando Samaniego. I commend Maritza Saenz for booking a female match (Williams vs. Lybarger), but her smartest move was cleaning house and upgrading her surrounding crew. It takes courage to take out the broom and make sweeping changes, but she did it and Arizona boxing is better for it. Walter Santibanes meets Jazzma Hogue in the Main Event at the La Princesa in Phoenix on Saturday 2/21?? almost forgot, GGG in almost forgot, GGG in 5 and please hope the Manny & Floyd soap opera is over, soon, please?. Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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