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Arizona Boxingt News & Notes With Don Smith: Mission of Kindness, Hands of Stone & Much More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Tue, 05 Apr 2016 Boxing Fans, Rhonda Costa is a freelance photographer who devotes most of her shutter time to boxing; but occasionally she finds her way on pit row where she directs her zooms and clicks to capture action and drama of fast cars on oval tracks. As a child, Ms. Costa grew up as a stutterer and she became frequent target of ridicule and laughter. Although self-conscious, she isn?t bitter and doesn?t wallow in self-pity over adverse reactions to her involuntary repetition of sounds. When we first met, she apologized for her affliction and I told her to shush! Rhonda is a busy woman whose work can be seen on her Twin Flame Images website. she channels her energy into photography and helping others even though she has to stretch every nickel she earns to provide a modest living for her and teenage daughter (Angel). Actor Robert Mitchum once told me there are two kinds of people in the world: ?those who give and those who take.? Rhonda Costa is a giver and if she knew in advance that this column took the liberty to share an example of her selflessness with our readers; she would blush, cry and then give this aging but still handsome journalist, the mother of all bear hugs; easy on the ribs. On March 20, Rhonda covered the UR PPV Show at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. In the 6 round Main Event, superstar boxer Roy Jones Jr. faced Vyron Phillips (who?) in a controversial bout that raised a few eyebrows when it was approved by the Arizona Boxing Commission. It was Phillips professional boxing match debut and he won the honor of fighting his idol by winning a contest (what?). He was promised $100,000.00 if he defeated Jones. Referee Wes Melton stopped the contest in the second round and if fans don?t know who won, the $100,000.00 check was never cashed by Mr. Jones who was embarrassed by his quick exit. 
Roy Jones stands at his corner before the bout. 
Some ring action before the abrupt end in the second round. Photos by Rhonda Costa. Arizona Boxing News & Notes dismissed the bout as pure fantasy; but we were intrigued when we heard that Ms. Costa walked up to Roy Jones and asked the legendary fighter to sign a photo and address it to Army Staff Sergeant Keith Pleva. Her request brought forth many questions and here are the answers that our respectful investigation discovered. Staff Sergeant Pleva spent 13 years in Military Service before he became a victim of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of serving two stints in Iraq and a single tour in Afghanistan. He has good days and bad days; unfortunately the bad days outweigh the good ones according to Rhonda, his dear friend. Keith and his devoted wife Ruby now reside in Clarksville Tennessee with their two children: 13 year old Andrew and 9 year old Juliana. Keith?s unfortunate struggle with PTSD has inspired Ruby and Keith to support The Wounded Warriors Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans recover from the horror of war. Rhonda met the Pleva family in Ft. Campbell Kentucky where Keith was stationed. They became good friends and helped each other according to the modest photographer. Keith is a sports junkie and he confided in Rhonda that his favorite NASCAR Driver is Keith Busch and his #1 boxer is Roy Jones Jr. Ms. Costa met Busch and asked the famous driver if he would sign a picture for Keith after she told his story. He didn?t hesitate and the gesture made the disabled Staff Sergeant and Rhonda very happy. After Jones knocked out Phillips in the second round, Rhonda asked the former champ to sign a picture for her friend which he graciously consented to and added a video message to the much appreciated thank you package. In addition to Jones, Olympic wrestler Kurt Angle (also a featured performer on the program) sent a video message to the Saint Barbara?s Medal recipient and also signed a photo for the combat veteran. It should be noted that Ruby Pleva was awarded the prestigious Molly Pitcher Award for her work in helping veterans. Arizona Boxing News & Notes would like to personally thank Roy Jones Jr. and Kurt Angle for their individual acts of kindness and we wish the Pleva family the best of luck and thank them for their continuing service in helping our vets who need a lot of TLC intervention. And to Rhonda, we salute you and if we ever said anything negative about you; we meant it?.just kidding. Profile of a Legend: Hall of Fame boxer Roberto ?Manos de Piedra? Duran has a busy year ahead of him. Shane Mosley has picked the celebrated boxer to help him prepare for his May 28th WBA interim welterweight title bout against vs. David Avanesyan and Duran is the subject of much talked about flick, ?Hands of Stone? a biopic scheduled for release later this year. Duran still lives in Panama where he remains a national hero. The Panamanian born boxer won 103 of his 119 professional fights; however, it could be argued that the 4 time world champion is best remembered for his ?No Mas? loss to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1980. Duran has denied uttering that phrase and he did continue fighting until his retirement at age 50 in in 2002. His son Robin concurs his famous father never uttered those word and most boxing historians agree with Duran?s explanation that speaking while wearing a mouthpiece is virtually impossible. Instead, the boxer admits to waving when the fight was stopped. As to what the wave meant; no one knows. Boxing thrives on controversy, remember Panama Lewis and the black bottle? The prolific boxer is the subject of a film ?Hands of Stone? to be released on August 26, 2016 nationwide in approximately 2,000 theatres. The biopic will star Edgar Ramirez as Duran, Usher Terry Raymond aka Usher as Sugar Ray Leonard and Academy Award winner Robert De Niro as Duran?s manager Ray Arcel who also managed Ezzard Charles. It has been a long road to distribution for this highly anticipated cinematic effort. The reasons for the delay have never been fully explained; but rumors place the blame on budget over-runs, script problems and cast changes which made the projected date of 2014-2015, impossible to meet. We hope to interview Duran if he works the corner of Mosley in Glendale and as a tribute to the legendary fighter; we pose 5 trivia questions to test fans knowledge about Duran-the man and legend: (1) whom did Duran fight in his last bout and what was the outcome? (2) What was the nature of the personal relationship between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran? (3) Where was Duran?s Father born and at what age did the two first meet? (4) Who was Duran?s last knockout victim? (5) Duran fought Marvin Haggler?s half-brother, can you name him? Trivia Answers: (1). He fought Hector Camacho and lost in 2001 at age 50. (2) Bitter rivalry fueled by resentment due to Leonard making 4 times the money Duran was paid in their first encounter. In the second tiff, Duran was embarrassed and frustrated over his performance. The third bout went the distance and Duran moved up to Middleweight weight class. Reportedly, to this day, they remain very cool towards each other. (3)Duran?s father (Margarito Duran Sanchez) was born in Arizona and the Mexican immigrant abandoned mother and child before Roberto was born. They would not meet until Roberto was 23 years old in 1976. (4) Duran scored a 6th round knockout over Mike Culbert in 1996 (5) Robbie Sims! Fun Note: The Maricopa County Fair opens on Wednesday April 6 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix and runs through Sunday April 17 and admission is free Wednesday-Friday before 3 pm. The Fair offers special ride deals and takes the kids to meet Sponge Bob. Take care and enjoy the Monster Truck show and other Fair events. Vargas vs. Salido: Former featherweight champion Orlando Salido (43-13?3-30 knockouts) began workouts at Fuentes Boxing Gym (16th Street & Yale in Phoenix) 3-4 weeks ago to prepare for his fight against reigning WBC Super Featherweight Champion Francisco Vargas (23-0-1-17 knockouts) on June 4 at the Stubhub Center in Carson, California; televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark. He was scheduled to leave Phoenix after a brief workout on Monday April 4 at the gym; but that date might be altered. A Salido victory could lead to lead to a rematch with Roman Martinez for the 35 year old warrior. Martinez and Salido fought to an exciting draw I n November of last year; my scorecard favored Salido. A press conference & luncheon was held on March 31 to promote the match; Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya was present. It is definitely a crossroad fight for the veteran Salido who lives in Mexico. Broner Trouble: Former world super lightweight champion Adrien Broner was expected to turn himself in to Ohio authorities on April 4 over assault and robbery charges filed by an alleged victim who claims Broner bet him a sum of money, listed as $12,000.00, that he could best the man in a little bowing action. According to written accounts, Broner lost the wager and followed the winner to the parking lot where he beat the man up and retrieved his wager. The incident occurred in January of this year in the city of Madisonville, Ohio a suburb of Cincinnati, birthplace of Broner. Broner was notified of the charges days before his April 1 battle with Ashley Theophane for the vacant WBA Super Light Weight title belt. Broner won the bout but lost the war but was later disqualified when it was revealed that he failed to meet the required 140 lbs by .4 of a pound at the official weigh-in one day prior to the fight. Broner was immediately stripped of the title and will face criminal charges in a Cincinnati Court. If convicted, he could face jail or possible prison time. He was allowed to fight for the title after Broner?s attorney promised the authorities; his client (Broner) would turn himself in after the fight. Broner was mentioned as possible opponents for Arizona?s undefeated super lightweight Jose Benavidez Jr. who, according to rumors will move up to welterweight and possibly fight Jessie Vargas. More Benavidez News: Jose Benavidez Jr., a likeable 23 year old fighter, has been criticized for staying on the ropes too long and offering more defense than offense. This corner thinks he has a world of talent and we hopes he is able to assemble the whole package. Weight issues allegedly prompted him to relinquish his interim super lightweight title and now he is working out at Mayweather?s Gym in Las Vegas; could he be leaving Top Rank soon?...?.his brother David (13-0-12 knockouts), a very good light heavy, is scary good at age 19 - will be tested on April 30 at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California when he takes on Phillip Jackson Benson (16-2). Jackson has been knocked out once in his professional career. Knockout Night At The D: Canadian Welterweight Steve ?The Dragon Claggett (23-3-1-16 knockouts) will battle Chris ?The Heat? Van Heerden (23-1-1-12 knockouts) at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) on Saturday April 16. Roy Jones Jr. Promotions is the licensed promoter of record for the 2016 ?Knockout Night at the D? series aired live on CBS Sports Network. ABNN once feuded with Claggett over the quality of his pponents and we spared with him when he denied ever verbally agreeing to fight Jose Benavidez Jr. although we had 2 reliable sources contradicting his denial. Steve has come as long ways since he fought what we commonly refer to as ?cream Puffs.? He has improved immensely and Heerden will be a good test for him. Remember, Saturday, April 16, 8 PM PT/11 PM ET oln CBS Sports Network. RJJ Promotions plans more boxing at the DLVEC in Las Vegas. The boxing world is waiting to hear if Mr. Jones will continue his boxing career? In the meantime, keep promoting! 2016 Arizona State Junior Olympic Champions: Sonny?s boxing Gym in Goodyear Arizona played host to the annual JO Tournament 4/2-3; first place winners received belts and 2nd place finishers were awarded medals. The host boxing club won Team Trophy and Daniel Ybarra (Sonny?s Boxing Club) won belt and trophy for ?Outstanding Performance.? Here is a list of the 2016 Arizona State Junior Olympic Champions. The Arizona Boxing Community and ABNN thank you becoming champions. Bantam (11-12 year olds? 60 lbs.-Ray Maldonado (Martillo?s Boxing), 65 lbs. Bryan Gonzales-Knockout Boxing, 70 lbs. Marques Silva-Madison Boxing, 75 lbs. Jameel Maldonado-Miller?s Boxing, 80 lbs. Eliaz Garcia-Sonny?s Boxing, 90 lbs. Zues Pinder-Sonny?s Boxing, 106 lbs. Marcus Camacho-Sonny?s Boxing, Female Bantam (11-12 year olds)? 70 lbs. Mariah Martinez-Knockout Boxing, 75 lbs. Mariah Bahe-Damon?s Boxing, 80 lbs. Campiones Boxing, Intermediate (13-14 year olds)? 90 lbs. Jeremiah Teran-Broadway Boxing, 101 lbs. Dorian Kahn-F1 Boxing, 106 lbs. Maximas Castro-Knockout Boxing, 114 lbs. Moices Cardenas-Courageous Catholics, 132 lbs. Aaron Garcia-Fuentes Boxing, 138 lbs Elijah Garcia ?Hammer Garcia, Female Bantam (13-14 year olds)... 85 lbs. Rosalinda Harvey-Damon?s Boxing, 90 lbs. Nieldra Harvey-Damon?s Boxing Junior (15-16 year olds) Colby Mariel-Unattached, 110 lbs. Joseph Miranda-Miller?s Boxing, 114 lbs. Jaciel Carbajal-Sonny?s Boxing, 119 lbs. Sebastian Ortega-Sonny?s Boxing, 125 lbs. Daniel Ybarra-Sonny?s Boxing, 132 lbs. Daryon Salazar-Unattached, 138 lbs. Jose Lara-Salvation Army Boxing, 154 lbs. Santiago Renteria-San Luis Pal Boxing Female Junior?106 lbs. Heighley Solano-Unattached, 119 lbs. Helenie Vasquez-Sonny?s Boxing. More Amateur Chatter: 12 year old Elijah Garcia (Hammer Boxing) is bulking up to 139 lbs. to enter the May 7-8 regionals to be held in Arizona at a to be determined location; call Richard Soto at 602-702-7053 and wish him a happy birthday (4/16) and then ask him for the location of the event?.New World Sports LLC (Neil Sarembock) is looking for a responsible person to manage his gym while Neil is working his life supporting job. The gym is located at 3306 East Van Buren and experienced trainers need to call Neil at 602-690-3292 and share their resume and story; salary commensurate with experience?.Hammer Boxing, Fuentes Boxing and Mendoza Boxing sent talent to the JO Tournament in Goodyear; but we don?t have results to pass on because of a failure to communicate with USA Boxing Arizona. Once again, we apologize to their friends and family members; it isn?t our fault. We were told at least 25 Arizona Boxing Gyms were on hand to compete; attendance was strong. Speaking of 4/16, the Madison Boxing Club will host a smoker at the 10th Street located Greenfield Elementary School in Phoenix on 4/16 with the first bout starting at 2 PM. The event will feature raffle, food and drinks; proceeds from the raffle go to the school. The volunteers at Greenfield are the best?.Coach Pete Quezada (Tucson Southwest Boxing Club) plans to enter six kids in the May 7-8 Regional Tournament somewhere in Arizona; when we know-readers will know?..USA Boxing Arizona would be better served if the organization had a full time secretary and fundraiser in our opinion! Short Jabs: Super Middleweight Andrew ?Hurricane? Hernandez and his lovely wife recently celebrated their 1st Wedding Anniversary and people said it would last?ha-ha! Worst April fool?s joke heard was pulled on an elderly couple in Phoenix waiting for their monthly Social Security Check. Someone called to tell the fixed income couple that he witnessed an unknown person taking their monthly check out of their home mail box; fortunately it was a cruel but inexpensive hoax?.No date on Jose Benavidez?s next bout; speculation doesn?t pay the bills?.according to sources, Carlos Castro and Victor Castro are expected to appear on the May 20 Iron Boy Card at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. ?..Phoenix fighter Edgar Brito career remains on hold until his contract conflict with Iron Boy Promotions ends in June or July?.Fight Hard Promotions plans to hold their next show in June at a location other than Valentino?s. The Arizona State Boxing/ MMA Commission will meet on April 21 at the Gaming Department Office. At last look, no upcoming boxing events were posted. March?s meeting was cancelled!... Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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