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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: True Pac-Man Fan Passes, Arizona Boxing & More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Thu, 05 May 2016  Omega. Boxing Fans, Ely M. Omega passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:25 A.M. while a patient at the Arizona Heart Hospital. You probably didn?t know her; but she was a very special person. So special that I took it upon myself to sleep in her ICU room for the last 13 days of her life; a small favor to grant for a friend of 32 interesting years. On the last night of her life, I was joined by 4 family members who kept a vigil until her final breath. We met in 1984 and when she (Native Filipina) found out that I was a teacher and journalist, she asked if I could help her prepare a certificate of citizenship so she could start the arduous petition process of bringing her five children and grandchildren to the USA to join her in Phoenix. It was very difficult to say no to Ely especially after she told me about the hardship conditions her family was enduring in their native country. For the record; I said yes. She succeeded in bringing four of her five children to American soil; Rolando Jr. (a son) made the regrettable mistake of admitting to INS authorities that he had smoked Marijuana as a youth; so the confession cost him an expected trip to America. Telling the truth doesn?t always set you free; especially when talking to government officials. Ely also successfully petitioned her step brother (Adam) and he now lives in a Phoenix suburb. Considering her modest income, her ability to reunite the family was quite remarkable. I am glad I could play a small role. In 2002, she suffered a stroke which slowed her mobility and forced her to use a wheelchair and cane, frequently. I became her volunteer caregiver and remained in that capacity until her life ended on that fateful April morning. The effects of the stroke altered her life; yet she summoned the strength to live a relatively normal life despite spending the last five years of her life hooked up to a dialysis machine, 3 times a week. Her well attended Rosary service was on Saturday, April 30 (at Whitney & Murphy Mortuary) located at 4800 East Indian School Road in Phoenix. After farewell words from friends and family members , her interment was at Francis Catholic Cemetery on 48th Street near Oak in Phoenix within 100 yards of her beloved Grand Daughter Angelica who died at age 2 in 1994. She made me promise to continue visiting Angelica?s gravesite, after her passing, which means I will be taking two bouquets to the cemetery on each visit. The Family would like thank MacDonald?s Floral and Gifts Shop of Phoenix and Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, also in Phoenix, for working with the family in covering expenses. Death can be an expensive proposition; Mrs. Omega was a retired widow who lived on a fixed income. Several local boxers including title contenders Ray Beltran and Andrew Hernandez called to express their condolences and Beltran volunteered to help with a fundraiser to defray medical and funeral expenses, if the family needs help. Andrew called to reflect on their introduction at a neighborhood car wash designed to pay for medical debts not covered by Mrs. Omega?s health insurance. National boxing publicist Emily Pandelakis and her two precious daughters took part in the soap & rinse party and I thank her for sending her condolences. Ely aka ?boss? was an avid boxing fan and her favorite pugilist was fellow country man Manny Pacquiao. She watched several of his PPV fights (with friends and family members) and would occasionally view free fights presented on ESPN and other accessible sources. She coaxed me into asking Top Rank Boxing to ask Manny to sign a glove for granddaughter (Ronaleen) as a gift for her 18th Birthday and Manny obliged the request. Ronaleen, a soldier in the US Army, is currently serving in Afghanistan and unfortunately was unable to secure permission to visit her ailing grandmother. When home, Ely would watch boxing events from her daybed propped up by an elbow. Despite frail health, she would usually stay awake throughout the main event. How tough was she? When I decided to travel to New York in 2008 to watch the New York Yankees play, she traveled with me by bus ( wheelchair bound) from Phoenix because she dreaded flying. Once there, I pushed her across the Big Apple and she never complained even when I hit a pothole. Ironically Ely fell ill on the day of Manny?s ?farewell? fight. She was invited by Twin Peaks owners Andy & Carolyn Bayless (Camelback Location in Phoenix) to watch the PPV Bradley vs. Pacquiao title scrap and she was planning to go; but fell ill before midday; so, the diminutive lady decided to stay home and rest. After the fight I told her the result and she was very happy; but, exhausted. By Sunday morning, her condition worsened and despite her pleas to abstain from a trip to the hospital, her son-in law (Lumer, her daughter Lanilyn) and I rushed her to the hospital where she remained until her family collectively made the decision to take her off the breathing tube which led to her death 3 hours later. No more pain: she was ready for the next journey. In addition to being a boxing fan, she was also a devout Catholic, a Democratic voter (Hillary supporter) and a terrific mother and friend who will be dearly missed. Readers can help defray her medical and burial expenses by contributing to a special Go Fund Me account set up by the family: https://www.gofundme.com/2h66jrve. The family thanks everyone for their support: Rest in peace my friend and thank you for touching the life of so many including me. Boxing Notes: Arizona welterweight favorite Abel Ramos (15-1-2-10 knockouts) traveled to Mexico on Saturday, April 30 to tangle with Javier Mercado (23-11?2-21 knockouts and the popular Ramos made it a short night with a second round knockout over the tough Mercado. FHP promoter Rigoberto Ledezma traveled with Ramos as did members of the Ramos Clan. Abel is scheduled to fight on the Iron Boy 33 card at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on May 20 against a rising prospect, who will be named soon?.. Journeyman Joe Martell has been scratched from the card for unknown reason??.Iron Boy Promotions will introduce a combat sports (not MMA) show on June 4 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix; quite a departure for a promotion company that is exclusively known for presenting boxing shows? Iron Boy CEO Roberto Vargas told me fans should like the show and he dispelled rumors that he was about apply for a license to sell medical marijuana even though he hears selling legalized weed is quite profitable; a rather wry and smoking hot observation ???Boxer Edgar Brito is still under contract with Iron Boy and wondering when he is going to fight; it has been a while since a dispute developed between the two disagreeing parties?.Andre Berto knocks out Victor Ortiz in the 4th round to extend his boxing career which was on life sport. His victory has motivated some disillusioned scribes to suggest Berto fight Danny Garcia, next?. Please give me a break and a send a post-fight refund check! More News: two Canadian boxers make the News & Notes section: welterweight Steve Claggett (Calgary, Alberta) has established ties with Busted Knuckle Boxing and will begin training there soon. BKB is expected to close their boxing operation in Tempe and move to West Phoenix; no specific timetable, but soon?.Janks Trotter, also from Alberta, fights on June 25 at the Deer Foot Inn & Casino located in Calgary, Canada. Trotter, until recently, owned a seasonal home in Buckeye Arizona. Both Trotter & Claggett lost controversial decisions in their last outings?.Victory Outreach will host Arizona vs. California on May 21 with 1st bout commencing at 2 P.M. Victory Outreach is located at 46 55 McDowell Road in Phoenix. Concession proceeds are to Victory Outreach to fund their ministry. For more information, dial Juan at 602-322-6901?.Sports Authority is closing their stores; so, when the discounts drop, load up on your boxing gear?.David Benavidez knocked out Phillip Jackson Benson (16-3) in California on 4/30 to up his record to 14-0-13 knockouts and continue his meteoric rise towards boxing stardom. The phone keeps ringing for David. Team Benavidez turned down a chance to fight on the July 15 ESPN card and took an offer to fight on Fox Sports Network (July16) as a special feature bout on the Roberto ?The Ghost? Guerrero Card, produced by Al Haymon and his boxing enterprise? The added exposure is invaluable to David and a challenge to keep his head on straight. I think he can handle the potential glory days ahead??.Junior Lopez is now managing Glory Boxing Gym in downtown Phoenix on Jackson?.Navy Seal Charles Keating IV was killed by a truck bomb planted by Isis in Iraq recently and we send our condolences to aspiring local amateur boxer Lilly Keating and her father, Eric; war is hell! C-4 as he was known attended Arcadia High School in Phoenix where he excelled as a distance runner. Once again, we extend our condolences. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has ordered the Arizona State Flag to be flown at half-mast ?.2008 US Olympic Wrestling Gold Medal winner Henry Cejudo fell short in his challenge in his attempt to dethrone UFC Champion Demetrious Johnson and ABNN doesn?t want to be a naysayer; but he wasn?t ready to take on Mr. Johnson. A Salute to ?Sugar? Shane: Former world boxing champion Shane Mosley witnessed a car accident on May 2 in Los Angeles and quickly exited his car to help free a baby that was inside one of the involved cars. The concerned Champ went to the hospital to check on the health status of the child and was relieved to hear the child would be okay. Before leaving the hospital, the boxer and parent handed two tickets for his Arizona title fight with David Avanesyan, on May 28th at Gila River Arena, to the father of the injured toddler. Mosley told KCAL TV that he was fearful of something happening to the car before the child could be rescued. ABNN salutes Mosley for his act of heroism and we hope his citizen?s response will inspire others to get involved when a situation calls for an immediate response. Phone Call: Jose Benavidez Sr. called from California to announce that he (Head Coach) is working with lightweight contender Dejan Zlaticanin and the 21-0 southpaw fighter will face fellow southpaw Emiliano Marsili in New York (32-0-1), Saturday June 11 on Showtime. At stake is the vacant WBC World Lightweight Title. Marsili hails from Italy while Zlaticanin had his cradle rocked in Montenegro. Benavidez said to pass on his regards to his friends in Phoenix and he feels Dejan, boxing sons David and Jose Jr. can continue their winning ways. The title showdown will take place at in Verona New York at the Turning Stone Resort Casin. The headline bout features Willie Nelson (25-2-1) vs. Demetrius Andrade (22-0) in what should prove to be a bruising middleweight match-up. The Ticket: The highly anticipated Canelo vs. Khan PPV Bout can be seen locally (Phoenix) at the comfortable Twin Peak Sports Bar & Grill, 21st street & Camelback Road in Phoenix on May 7; plenty of screens, great food, prompt service, lively libations and a great place to watch sports action. Proprietors Andy & Carolyn Bayless are adopting a $20.00 food and or drink spends per person request for this super charged event - instead of adding on a burdensome cover charge of $20.00-$25.00. If you go, we recommend arriving around 6 p.m. to ensure convenient parking and your preference in seating (booth or table). Under card includes WBA title fight between Luis ?The Real King Kong? Ortiz vs. Alexander Ustinov, David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia, Mauricio Herrera (lost to Jose Benavidez Jr.) vs. Frankie Gomez and Diego De La Hoya battles Rocco Santo Mauro. HBO is showing the PPV event; but fans will have more fun watching it at Twin Peaks; instead of sharing the experience on an uncomfortable sofa with Uncle George or Aunt Martha Remember, don?t do handstands in the booths and drive safely. Trevor McCumby is set to rumble on the July 23 Terence Crawford Card in Vegas on July 23; ditto ex Phoenix resident Jose Benavidez Jr. Crawford was arrested in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska recently when he refused to pay for a custom paint job allegedly done on one of his set of wheels. The dispute landed the Champion in the pokey until he boned out; he has a court date in May?..Former Champion Adrien Broner (stripped of title when he exceeded weight limit.) is facing theft, assault & Battery charges stemming from losing s bowling wager and then the former champion followed the unfortunate man into a Cincinnati parking lot and pounding the victim before absconding with the $10,000.00 wager. Safe to say, Broner isn?t in the running for a sportsmanship award. After his title strip in D.C. he turned himself in and posted bond; court date is scheduled for some time in May?. Former boxer Ike ?The President? Ibeabuchi is being held at the I.C.E. Detention Center (Eloy, Arizona) for probation violation. Don?t expect a Presidential Pardon for the problem prone athlete; just kidding. Nigeria, his native country, is fighting his extradition. More Stuff: Heavyweight Malcolm Tann?s off & on boxing comeback is back on. Tann (23-4) last fought professionally 9 years ago. The big guy (6? 4?) looks fit; now he needs to chip off the ring rust. Tann admitted to me that he would love to fight on the Mosley fight card in Gila River Arena Card; but he hasn?t been able to negotiate a response from Team Mosley. Another talented pugilist, ready to perform on the Glendale, Arizona show is Detroit Michigan Super Bantamweight Jafar Mohammad (8-1-0-8 knockouts) if called. Promoters are avoiding Jafar for some mysterious reason; it?s a shame, the kid can fight. Tann held an open workout at George Calderon?s ?Hit man? Boxing Gym off Central Avenue & Tonto in Phoenix and he looked sharp for a fighter who recently turned 37 years old. Tann, fighting out of Chandler Arizona, is being serenaded by several eager promoters and ABNN has been told a deal (pending physical) will be consummated and announced before May 7?..Congratulations to Alfredo Escarcega Jr; the young amateur pugilist graduates from high school this month and will travel to Disneyland with the family. Alfredo Jr. has halted sparring sessions until possibly August due to dental work, ouch! Fight Hard Promotions made a smart move in securing The Legends Event Center (on Camelback Road in Phoenix) for their August 26 fight card. Expect a diverse card and we hear FHP will feature a top notch female boxing star from the Dominican Republic on the card?it is time to play the gender card in boxing. FHP CEO Rigoberto Ledezma is a new voice in Arizona Boxing and he promises to shake things up; a promise I have heard before-good luck...Iron Boy Promotions is aware of Roy Jones Jr. Promotion?s interest in the Arizona Boxing market; so expect IBP to showcase bigger and better matched bouts in the future. Both promotion companies have upcoming shows on May 20 in Arizona. RJJ Promotions is very shrewd to present their shows at Casino Del Sol in Tucson which is governed by the Pascua Yaqui Nation and I expect Iron Boy to team up with Top Rank Boxing and present a PPV show in Arizona before the year ends; just an insightful hunch?.Kroc Center, in Phoenix, hosted a smoker on 4/30 and ABNN is still waiting for results. We can tell readers that 164 lb. prospect Bernardino Hernandez won his bout & 112 pound Lily Keating went unmatched as did 8 disappointed young fighters from Central Boxing?more details if they come in. We heard the show was very entertaining and well attended?.New World Sports LLC is looking for reliable person to watch over boxing gym; call Neil at 602-690-3292 for interview. Mosley Show Update: We hear that super middleweight Shane Mosley Jr. (6-1) might fight on the Mosley vs. Avanesyan card; but, but everything else about the card is as mysterious as an Agatha Christie novel. It is the type of story that investigative reporters love to search for; not really, timely and informative press releases work just fine. ABNN has reached out to Team Mosley for details and so far we have been short sheeted from any pertinent event detail; why we don?t know? Here is what we think we know aside from a possible Jesus Gonzales addition (confirmed) to the bout sheet: so far ticket sales are nearing 850-1,000. The venue holds 18,000 or so-depending on the event configuration of the spacous facility. Ticket prices range from $22.00 to $507.00 and we were told that Ralph Velez Jr. was initially tabbed as local ring announcer for the show; but, insiders tell us that Ralph has been replaced, go to his face book page for his reaction to the persistent rumor and ask him to confirm or deny, we aren?t on his Christmas list.?..ABNN also hears that rising Arizona welterweight Luis Olivares (10-0-7 knockouts) is set to do battle on the card and super middleweight Shane Mosley Jr is another possibility for the card and Iron Boy Promotions hopes to work in two or three of their top fighters on the Mosley card. The show will air on CBS Sports Network (10 P.M. ET) live from the Gila River Arena on May 28 in Glendale, Arizona beginning at 6P.M. and venue doors will open at 5 P.M. Weigh-in is one day prior to the show at the same venue and open to the public; check website for more details. The official promoter is GoBox Promotions, owned and operated by Shane Mosley. RJJ Presents: Roy Jones Promotions has two shows on the table in May. On Friday May 20 the champ and his team will bring their brand of boxing to Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona. We, unfortunately, don?t have a full lineup; but, here are the matchups we do have confirmed on the Del Sol Event; 1st fight at 7:30 p.m. (MT) & doors open at 6:30 P.M. (MT) and tickets are available at the Casino and online. In the C0-Main, Hanzel Martinez (23-2-18 knockouts) meets Isaac Nettey (22-10-1) for the WBA-NABA USA Super Bantamweight title. The other headline bout features super lightweight Emmanuel Robles 140-1 vs. Gerardo Cuevas aka Pipino Cuevas (17-15-1). Phoenix Super Feather Keenan Carbajal (10-2-1) is waiting for his yet to be determined opponent. Other bouts will be finalized in the next few days. 1st bout commences at 7:30 P.M. (MT) and doors open at 6:30 P.M. (MT). Tickets are available online and at Casino the box-office. RJJ promotions will also present a show on May 21 at the Downtown Las Vegas Center and two of the combative participants are Arizona Natives Joey ?The Boxer? Ruelas (10-1-1) and Andrew ?Hurricane? Hernandez (11-4-1). In the co-main, Ruelas has the inevitable task of meeting highly regarded John Vera (13-0) with the winner taking home the WBA-NABA USA Super welterweight title. Joey normally fights at 160; so, let?s see what the weight drop does to his chances of winning. Joey has been sparring with former middleweight contender Jesus ?El Martillo? Gonzales and our surrogate spy informed us that both boxers looked sharp. Gonzales has confirmed that he will return to the ring and fight on the Shane Mosley Card in Glendale, Arizona on May 28. He hasn?t fought since his traumatic loss to Adonis Stevenson. The undercard on the ?Knockout Night at The D? will also feature Juan Cochran 11-0 vs. Juan Antonio Lopez 10-1. Other pugilists set for combat include Jeremy Nichols, Randy Moreno and Devin Haney. Ticket prices range from $15.00-$100.00. On paper, the boxing menu looks tantalizing. Reason For Delay: as reported in the lead story of our column, I lost a very dear friend (Ely Omega) recently and her death put me in an emotional tailspin and boxing has taken a back seat during that time period. On April 16, Madison Boxing Club hosted a smoker at the Greenfield Elementary School on 10th Street in Phoenix and as customary, it our pleasure to pass on the results. Team Trophy Honors went to Knockout Boxing Club in Phoenix and Maximus Castro (Knockout Boxing Club) won the ?outstanding Bout? Trophy. Sorry to report that Ricky Ricardo (Host Coach) suffered severe injuries when a jeep, in which he was a passenger, rolled over three times and luckily missed hitting other cars. The incident happened within 48 hours after the conclusion of his boxing sow. Ricky and his two friends were headed North on I-17 in Phoenix when the accident occurred and the driver of the jeep was cited. Ricky was taken to Banner Medical off McDowell Road and 12th Street in Phoenix. The extent of his injuries included a broken rib and trauma to the back. He was expected to be released by the time reader?s ?feast? on this column. Here are the individual winners: Brian Gonzalez (Knockout Boxing)-65 lbs. *Joel Marquez (Rodriguez Boxing)-70 lbs. *Cruz Miranda (Millers Boxing)-57 lbs. *Arturo Resendez (Tucson S/W) 176 lbs. *Esau Valero (MCS) 65 lbs. *Joaquin Guzman (Sonny?s Boxing) 74 lbs. *Adrien Rodriguez (Unattached) 87 lbs. * Jesus Rubio (Peraza Boxing) 70 lbs. *Daniel Fowler (Hook City) 90 lbs. *Danny Flores (Peraza Boxing) Open *Sebastian Ruiz (Peraza Boxing) 91 lbs. *Carlos Luzanilla (Central) 100 lbs. *Maximus Castro (Knockout Boxing) 105 lbs. *Ricardo Lopez (Tucson Southwest-TKO) 114 lbs. Saman Esmaili (Unattached) 108 lbs. *Brian Velasquez (Knockout Boxing) 115 lbs. *Lilly Keating (Busted Knuckle) 120lbs * David Gamez 140 lbs. *Trini Ochoa (Power Boxing) 2nc Open * Farid Ngoga (Hard Knocks) 180 lbs. *Bernardino Hernandez (Mendoza Boxing) 164 lbs. I stayed for the entire program and was especially impressed with the following fighters: Silva Marquez (Madison Boxing), Brian Velasquez (Knockout Boxing), Farid Ngoga (Hard Knocks) and Bernardino Hernandez (Mendoza Boxing). ABNN salutes the effort of all coaches, fighters and USA Boxing Arizona personnel who participated in the event. Amateur Events: Here is a current list of upcoming scheduled Amateur Boxing Events for fans to jot down on their calendars: Saturday and Sunday (5/7&8) Sonny?s Gym in Goodyear Arizona will host the Regional Tournament at 108 E. Western Avenue in Goodyear-2 PM on Saturday & Noon on Sunday. Call Sonny at 623-806-2421 for more details. Smoker at F-1 Boxing Club on Saturday 5/14 at 18701 Thomas in Buckeye Arizona Show time starts at 1 PM and questions should be directed to Alfredo at 602-690-1209. On 6/4 San Luis PAL presents the David Lara Sr. Boxing Classic at San Luis Youth Center, 973 Park Avenue in San Luis, Arizona. Show starts at 1 PM and please call 928-919-5788 for more info; good day for a road trip! The Annual Golden Gloves Junior Nationals is scheduled for July 20-23 at the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino in Mesquite Nevada. Hosted by Barry?s Boxing (702-368-2696), 4 day passes are priced at $35.00. Group hotel booking rates (CasaBlanca) end on June 30 and can be made by calling 1-877-438-2929. Registration dates are 7/18-7/19 and competition starts on 7/20. Iron Boy 33: On May 20th, Iron Boy Promotions will present Iron Boy 33 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Here is the latest update on IBP card that is still under construction and subject to change. Tickets ($29.00 - $54.00 + service charge) Showtime is 6 PM, Doors open at 5 PM and for the thirsty: club opens at 4 4 PM. Tickets can be purchased online and at the Celebrity Theatre Box-office. Main Event: Highly regarded super welterweight prospect Danny Valdivia is the headliner for Iron Boy?s latest boxing presentation at the Celebrity Theatre. His opponent is veteran Fidel Monterrosa (35-13?1 with 29 knockouts. Fidel was born in Columbia and now resides in Mexico. Valdivia fights out of Tulane California via Mexico and his 10-0 record includes 8 knockouts. The main event is scheduled for 8 rounds; save your restroom break card until after the fight. Abel Ramos (15-1-2-10 knockouts) takes on Dario Ferman (13-0-10 knockouts) in the co-main feature that could contend for fight of the night honors. Ramos trains in Casa Grande Arizona while Ferman fights out of Mexico. The undercard remains flexible; local favorites Victor Castro, Carlos Castro, and Francisco De Vaca may or may not be on board- if not, they will be transitioned to an upcoming show. Joe Martel and Danny Martel are scratches due to injuries. Here are a number of secured bouts on the card. Some of the faces on the IBP bout sheet may be fresh to some local fans; overall, it is a good crop of young fighters who are out to prove they belong in the game: 4 round lightweight contest- David Courtney 0-1 vs. Ivan De La Madrid (debut), Daniel Garcia 2-0 will do battle with Obet Gananda (debut) in a 4 round middleweight contest. Garcia trains at Busted Knuckle Boxing and his new handlers tell us, Garcia is a new and improved fighter since his association with the Vier Brothers. Popular Maryvale High alumni undefeated 120 lb. Paul Romero 7-0-1 takes on the proverbial TBD foe in a 6 round contest. Luis Espinoza hopes to up his 2-0 record against pro debuter Obet Gananda in a 4 round 115 lb. battle. Luis is a comer in the eyes of many boxing observers. Slick and quick Daron ?Sweet Tay? Williams take on veteran Leonardo Reyes in a 4 round test. Williams was warned about some of his slick moves when he boxed recently in Phoenix, he will be closely watched on May 20. Entertaining southpaw cruiserweight Carlos Reyes is still looking for a foe as is highly touted Super Featherweight Julian Rodarte 4-0. If you go, arrive early to ensure you watch all of the fights. I feel for the early bout participants who fall victim to late arrivers; sometimes, the early bouts are the best; stay tuned for an update in our next column?...Until Next Time?? Farewell, Ely! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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