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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Olvera Wins, Bradley vs. Pacquiao & More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Fri, 18 Mar 2016  Boxing Fans, an estimated 775 boxing patrons gathered at Valentino?s Event Center in Phoenix on Saturday, March 12 to watch Warfare: The Battle Begins promoted and produced by Fight Hard Promotions. The boxing show was originally scheduled for 2/6 at Valentino?s; but, FHP was forced to move the event after a multitude of unforeseeable problems arose. In the 6 round lightweight Main Event, Alfonso Olvera (7-2) fighting out of Tucson, Arizona opened cuts over both eyes of Chicago?s Genaro Mendez (10-3-1) during a dominant performance that earned him a unanimous decision over the shorter Mendez who failed to get inside and execute his plan to attack Olvera?s body. A modest Olvera declined to describe the winning performance as his career best; but, some of his fans came to that conclusion. Mendez received a 45 day suspension due to the severity of his wounds (cuts) which required stitches. It was a good performance by Olvera who proved he has evolved from a one dimensional counter-puncher into a more complete fighter. Some ringside fans were disappointed that Alex Rangel (16-5-), Alex Ramos (14-1-2) and Nathaniel Gallimore were off the card due to the misconduct of 2 of their opponents and one fighter?s manager betrayal; so the attendance suffered a bi?. however, the inclusion and performance of 4 impressive fighters making their Arizona debuts was a positive addition to the playbill. Matchmakers Emily Pandelakis and Eddie Rodriquez deserve special credit for their additions to the evolving card that wound up a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Ukrainian welterweight Oleg Zubenko, one of the debut fighters, trains in Los Angeles at the Fortune Gym. The 23 year old won a lot of boxing hardware while boxing in Europe and decided to turn professional after losing in the world championships in 2015; thus ending his amateur mark at 96 wins with a mere 4 losses. I asked Oleg, at the weigh-In, why he didn?t keep his amateur status until he competed in the 2016 Olympics? and his manager, former IBF Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Anatoliy Dudchenko, also Ukrainian, replied ?Money, if he is going to get hit, it might as well be for money.? Zubenko faced Mexico?s Raudel Gaxiola (1-0) in a 4 round contest that began as if the Ukrainian would end the night early; but Gaxiola weathered a first round barrage of punches and tightened his defense to go the distance. Zubenko won all 4 rounds, however, he changed tactics in rounds 2-4 and he didn?t seem to have the power and poise he displayed during the first round. I still think Ukrainian is a prospect and I look forward to keeping tabs on his next few fights; he has our email address. The loss drops Gaxiola to 1-1 while Zubenko stands at 1-0.Zukenko might have performed better if he had entered the ring the heavy metal sounds of Metallic or Megadeath, his favorite genre of music. The less said about the featherweight shove match between Phoenix?s Edward Ceballos and Damon Simon the better. The fight was stopped in the first round as both boxers were disqualified for not adhering to referee Chris Flores commands. Ceballos was given credit for a controversial knockdown and Simon was complaining about a leg injury as he struggled to get off the floor space that he occupied with Ceballos. In summation, Simon can?t fight and Ceballos lost his cool. The bout officially ended as a no contest. In all earnest, it looked like a prelude to the projected presidential battle between Republican candidate Donald J Trump and Democrat Hillary R. Clinton. William Northan (Rodriguez Boxing) and Karel Sangster (0-1) clashed in a 4 round super middleweight contest that saw the local fighter (Northan) wear down Sangster (residence unknown) to win a unanimous decision. It was an entertaining bout. Northan (1-0) tried to turn pro last year; but couldn?t find an offer and that could explain why he displayed a little ring rust. I thought the scoring was a bit generous in favor of Northan; but he definitely deserved his hand raised as the victor; a rematch might be interesting. Mexican Welterweight Carlos Sanchez (3-0) and New Mexico?s Matthew ?Diamond Boy ?Griego (2-0) were very impressive in their 4 round bouts. Sanchez stopped Kansas Native Stephen Koesterer at the 1:31 mark of the first round. Koesterer is relatively new to boxing and he hasn?t faced anyone with the experience and power of Carlos Sanchez, a Cameron Dunkin prot?g?. The 112 lb. Griego, also with ties to Dunkin, ended Phoenix?s Luis Guerrero (0-3) early in the second round with a devastating uppercut. Griego trains at Tapia Gym in Albuquerque and the young fighter said the late champion served as an inspiration to him. I asked him about goals and the young man who turned professional earlier this year smiled and said he wants to become a world champion; don?t bet against it, he was very impressive. As for Guerreo, the former national amateur champion, he needs to regroup and show up in better condition; he has skills. Daron ?Sweet Tay? Williams (2-0) used his elusive quickness to keep Francisco Muro at bay and it was effective enough to ear Williams a unanimous decision. Muro has some pop in his punches; but Tay was able to stay away. It was a good night for boxing and the venue was comfortable; but, the lighting was inferior and too many fans were allowed to take flash aided pictures, a big no during boxing matches. Pacquiao vs. Bradley: The Pacquiao vs. Bradley WBO Welterweight Title fight will air on HBO, April 9. Some boxing fans will watch it on their home screens; but, I prefer watching the event with a noisy crowd, good food while sipping a refreshing libation - Peach iced tea, of course! As customary we shopped around to see what Phoenix venue was offering the best deal to watch Manny?s final battle and our research came to the conclusion that Twin Peaks, located at 2135 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix, Arizona topped the list. Franchise operators Andrew Bayless and Carolyn Vangelo are inviting boxing patron to view the main event and undercard without a cover charge and the only request is that guests spend a minimum total of $15.00 for food and drink per person. The couple has a long and successful history in in the food & beverage service industry including experience with California Pizza Kitchen and Buffalo Wild Wings and Andy is a huge sports fan that once sponsored Boxer Ray Beltran. The fit is perfect. Twin Peaks has been described as the ultimate sports lodge because of its size, structure and devotion to offering something for all sports fans. I am not a frequent guest; but my visits to Twin Peaks have been satisfying; the food is scrumptious, affordable and the service is friendly and efficient. Patrons don?t have to wait to get their plates or baskets cleared and getting a refill is quick. Andy and Carolyn may have thought twice about presenting the Pacquiao vs. Bradley 3 PPV event; but in our opinion it was the prudent and wise move to make. After all, this is Pac-Man?s farewell fight and after his embarrassing loss to Mayweather, a little redemption would be a nice sendoff. For fans who decide to watch the event at Twin Peaks should remember the broadcast starts at 9 PM ET & 7 PM Mountain Time. And here is the televised under-card lineup that avid fans won?t want to miss: Arthur Abraham vs. Gilberto Ramirez, Oscar Valdez vs. Evgeny Gradovich, Jose Carlos Ramirez vs. Manuel Perez, Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs. Nadjib Mohammed?words of advice: arrive early and drive safely home! Short Jabs: Boxing insiders thought welterweight champion Timothy Bradley was crazier than a potassium starved monkey on a banana filled boat when he dropped Cameron Dunkin as his manager and handed the managerial reins to wife Monica who ,to date, has proved to be a wise choice. She isn?t the first female spouse to play a pivotal role in her husband?s boxing career. Former WBC & WBA World Super Welterweight Champion Shane Mosley?s ex-wife Jane assumed the role of his personal and business manager and the arrangement led to a divorce and claims she robbed him. The 44 year old Mosley returned to ring last year with a TKO victory over poorly conditioned and over-weight Ricardo Mayorga. Publicist Emily Pandelakis is doing well in her secondary boxing role as a matchmaker a role she finds challenging. Ms. Pandelakis added two boxers (welterweight Carlos Sanchez 3-0 & and Flyweight Matthew Griego 2-0) to the Warfare Show and both young pugilists were early TKO winners?..Ray Beltran is waiting by the phone hoping to fight in May. During a brief chat with the Phoenix fighter, Arizona Boxing News & Notes brought up the name of fellow Phoenix boxer Jose Benavidez Jr. as a possible foe; but Mr. Beltran doesn?t see the suggested match-up as viable; too badTakahiro Ao doesn?t appear anxious to fight the ?Sugar? man again. We hope the classy gentleman from Mexico finds a suitable and profitable opponent, soon. In the meantime, he is working out with rising lightweight Luis Olivares and others at Busted Knuckle Gym in Tempe, Arizona. More Jabs: Bout Maker Boxing Promotions CEO Maritza Miranda Saenz and the 10th all-time victorious boxer, middleweight Ramon Luis Campas known universally as ?Yori Boy? Campas. Maritza said nothing about her boxing plans; but she did speak optimistically about her current attempt to win a seat in the Arizona State Senate as a Democrat. Her opponent is her stepmother, incumbent Catherine Miranda?. Back to Boxing: Yori Boy has earned 106 wins which ties him with the legendary featherweight Marcel Cerdan for 10th on the all-time winning list. I talked to the former world middleweight champion and the 44 year old Mexican fighter told me he expects to fight two more times this year before he officially retires. If he does continue to fight and wins two more, he will tie Julio Cesar Chavez at 108 victories and ride off into the sunset. Yori Boy is managed by Joe Diaz who now resides in the State of Montana after years of managing Top Level Boxing Gym on Jefferson Avenue in Phoenix. Yori, always accessible, signed autographs and posed for photos; thanks Champ!....The Arizona Boxing/MMA Commission lists 8 future MMA shows to be held at Arizona Casinos? but no boxing shows are listed on the official calendar. However; we have received word that Iron Boy Promotions plans a show at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on May 20 and Roy Jones Jr Promotions is working on a May 20th Card in Tucson at Casino Del Sol; no word on participating fighters. The Jones Show doesn?t need approval from the Commission because the show will be held on sovereign land controlled by the Pascua Yaqui Nation and they have their own Boxing Commission?..14 year old David Blyumkin traveled with Oleg Zubenko and his manager as a volunteer interpreter/ cheerleader and the amateur pugilist was seen celebrating Oleg?s victory over Raudel Gaxiola from his VIP seat?..I?m glad the affable teen had a seat; just kidding! Amateur Action: Fighter?s First presents Boxing?s Future at 187o1 W. Thomas Road in Buckeye, Arizona on March 19 with 1st bell set to ring at 1 PM. The flyer reads that ticket prices start at $10.00; but a spokesperson for the event acknowledged an error and told ABNN that all seats are $10.00 and we believe kids under a certain age are admitted free. If fans have questions, they should call 690-9084 and be prepared to leave message. All champions win belts and a custom made belt will be given to the winner of the bout chosen as ?outstanding.? If you go, expect to watch approximately 20 amateur bouts. The event is hosted by F-1 Boxing Club. The 2016 USA Boxing Junior Olympic Arizona State Championships will be he held at Sonny?s Gym in Goodyear Arizona on Saturday and Sunday (4-2-3). Saturday?s event starts at 2 PM and 1st bout on Sunday commences at noon. Sponsored by USA Boxing, more info (including ticket prices) can be obtained by calling 623-806-2421 and an early reminder: The JR Golden Gloves 2016 Nationals competition starts Wednesday ?Saturday 7/20/16 ? 7/23/19. JR GTG event will be held in Mesquite Nevada at the Casablanca Resort? train hard and good luck. Madison Boxing coach Ricky Ricardo revealed that he is planning a 2 PM ?smoker? on April at Greenfield Elementary School located off 10th Street in South Phoenix on Saturday April; 16 1st bout is tentatively set for 2 PM, call 602-702-7053 for more details?.The Regional Tournament hosted by Arizona is looking for a location to hold the April 7-8 event; if you have an idea-call 623-806-2421. Thank You: I would like to thank everyone who attended the Warfare Show and stood up to cheer the military veterans who were acknowledged at the special tribute ceremony during intermission time. I was one of the honored (during flag ceremony) against my wishes. I spent 13 months in Viet Nam; but, I discharged relatively unharmed, unfortunately I can?t say the same about many of my colleagues who served in what bureaucrats called a conflict. Military veteran Robert Ayala wasn?t able to attend the tribute; but he was announced. In addition to his military service, Mr. Ayala served in the Maricopa County Sheriff?s Department (30 years) and after his retirement, he ran unsuccessfully to unseat current Maricopa County Sheriff, Joe Arpaio. Speed Bag Notes: Former heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi (20-0-15 knockouts) didn?t attend the last Arizona Boxing Committee meeting as reported; but, he does have the paper work, in hand, to apply for a boxing license; however, he doesn?t appear to be in a rush to complete his physical and file his application. We do hear, from one of his peeps, that the big guy is working out at an LA Fitness Center somewhere in the Valley?.. just an educated hunch; but don?t be surprised if Victor Castro, Carlos Castro Emanuel Nieves, Francisco C. De Vaca, Paul ?Ziggy? Romero and newcomer David Courtney are on the ?still under construction? Iron Boy Card at the Celebrity Theatre on May 20. ??Yori Boy Campas hinted that at least one of his final 2 bouts could be staged in Phoenix, Arizona and there is a remote possibility it could be against Ricardo Mayorga depending on price and interest. Yori Boy is a class act?former heavyweight champion Buster Douglas will attend the Antonio Orozco vs. Miguel Acosta bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on March 25. According to a presser, the former champ will do a meet and greet with ticket holders between the hours of 6-7 p.m. prior to the fight; go online to Golden Boy Promotions for more details?.. Oleg Zubenko offered to buy the gloves he wore in his debut bout at Valentino?s; FHP was gracious enough to give them to him, he was elated. ? I want to thank the person who sent me an early birthday present. When I heard a ticking sound, I thought it was a birthday clock; fortunately I was near a pool of water and had my cell phone on me?... Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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