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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Trotter Wins in Calgary, Arsonist Hunt & More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Fri, 01 Jul 2016 Calgary, Alberta: Boxing Fans, Irish Canadian boxer Janks Trotter (10-3-1-10 knockouts) ended his 2 bout winless boxing slump with a predictable knockout over lightly regarded Mikhail Lyubarsky (Southern California) on June 25 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino, Calgary, Alberta Canada. An estimated 550 boxing fans crowded into the Chrome Showroom to watch six fights end in knockouts for fighters representing the Red corner. The night ended for Lyubarsky (3-17) when referee Joel Scobie stopped the mismatch at the 3 minute mark of the 1st round. It was an important victory for Trotter who will pack his bags and fly to Phoenix, Arizona for a career crossroads fight with Top Rank Boxing prot?g? Daniel Valdivia (11-0-10 knockouts) at the Celebrity Theatre on July 16 in the Main Event. A win over Valdivia could earn him at least a minor title bout and head him toward bigger paydays while a loss might put the brakes on a professional boxing career that that began in 2010 after a successful amateur career. In a post-fight interview, Trotter, surrounded by devout friends and devoted family members, admitted Valdivia would pose a challenge; but nothing compared to some of his personal demons he had to exorcise before he matured into the man, father and son he has become. In 2012, he faced fellow Canadian Adam Trupish for the WBS-NABF super weight title; but, he made the mistake (1st round) of dropping his hands, stepping back and allowing Trupish to counter with a wicked blow to the temple-it was good night Irene for the disappointed Trotter who became withdrawn after the fight and reluctant to talk to members of the press or his fans. A second chance for national recognition came in 2015, when Trotter fought rising boxing star Christopher Pearson in Vegas on the under card of the Mayweather-Berto title bout. It was a war until referee Robert Byrd stopped the contest in the 7th round giving Pearson a hard fought TKO victory. Trotter?s record at Deerfoot Casino is 1-1. He lost a controversial split decision to Stuart McLelland in the 2nd month of this year (2016); ardent fans of Trotter decry the decision believing McLellan was given an early birthday gift. On the record, McLellan celebrates his normal birthday in the month of October. To my surprise, Trotter wasn?t the main event attraction, instead that ?honor? went to fan favorite Joel Mills who was returning to the boxing ring after a 7 year absence. Mills (7-3-1), from Taber Alberta Canada, clubbed debut fighter Justin Schmit into a 1st round submission in a light heavy bout that wasn?t pretty; but, Mills boisterous fans loved the result. In the Mutt vs. Jeff bout of the evening, 5? 5? Johnathon Dubious (Mutt) tried on 49 year old 6? 4? heavyweight Lee Mein (Jeff) for size; but the bigger man gave him fits and referee Joel Scobey stopped the bout after Dubious chewed his corner out and decided to end the bout on his own (round 2) according to Dubious. The longest bout of the evening was a lightweight matchup between Louie Grover and Justin Schlusinski with the latter fighter scoring a 3rd round TKO victory. Announcer Tim Sweet approached me and apologized for the absence of featherweight 39 year old Roxie Lam on the card. Lam (7-1) was taken off the bout sheet when his opponent had problems obtaining a visa. Out of curiosity, I looked up his opponent?s record at the time he fought them and it was a combined 2 wins- 30 losses and 4 draws. Sweet led me to believe I was talking to Canada?s version of Willie Pep. It was a night for nostalgia; middleweight Dustin Sutley (5-1) stepped back in the ring after a 4 year MIA period and rocked Tristian Connelly (0-1) hard and often until the contest was stopped at 2:56 of the first stanza. Sutley and I know each other from his 2011 loss to American Andrew ?Hurricane? Hernandez who now owns two minor middleweight belts. Dustin told me he wants a rematch with Hernandez and when I relayed the message to Hernandez, his reply to Sutley was ?meet me in Phoenix.? Sutley was dealt a nasty gash from a head butt and Connelly had his left eye partially closed by hard right hand blows from Sutley. It was an entertaining fight while t lasted. In the first bout of the evening, Connor Bush (3-1) scored a 1st round TKO victory over Desmond Johnson (0-2). I would like to personally thank Calgary, Alberta Combative Sports Chairperson Shirley Stunzi for allowing me to cover the event on short notice. My ringside seat gave me a good vantage point and ring announcer Tim Sweet and members of the boxing commission bent over backwards to answer all of my questions. The ticket pricing was a bit stiff, $80.00 for General and $120.00 for ringside and yet the majority of fans clapped and cheered as if the price didn?t matter and neither did the quality of the matches to them and the row space was so economized that fans could massage the rear ends of the patrons directly in front of them with their knees. Americans, given the choice, might have taken the admission money and dropped it in a casino slot-who knows? The few flaws listed fall into the realm of the promoter who has a right to make money; but comfort should be a consideration. Before the fight began, I wasn?t sure what to expect. I arrived at the weigh-in (on 6/24) unannounced and promoter Eric De Guzman told me that all of the press credentials were distributed a week to 10 days prior to my arrival. I resorted to plan B and went to the commission and the Casino for help. I simply explained that my fight coverage would focus on being excluded from the event and to make my piece feel authentic, I would list their names and positions as exhibit A on my behalf. When I arrived at the Chrome Showroom 30 minutes prior to the first bell, I received two admitting wrist bands, one from the Casino and one from the Commission. I was one of two press corps members covering the fight; the other member represented Fight Fan . Com and he didn?t request credentials until he reached the venue on the night of the event. Everyone was very hospitable to me (except Eric De Guzman) during my stay in Calgary and I loved the weather, 40 degrees lower our 110 degree Arizona temperature; remember its? dry heat. I hope this honest review of the event doesn?t warrant a strip search when I go through Canadian customs on my next visit especially if it?s winter time! Search for possible arsonist: an investigation into the burning of welterweight boxer Jose Benavidez junior?s car while his late model Mercedes was parked near the Benavidez Boxing Gym in Signal Hill California on April 26 after midnight is being conducted by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The incident was kept quiet to protect the Benavidez family from potential physical intimidation. According to contacted fire officials in LA County, fire engine #60 was dispatched to the scene at 1:23 am on 4/26 and firemen found a burning car parked near the family gym located at 2225 North Orange Avenue within the city limits; fortunately no one was hurt. A spokesperson for the family told Arizona Boxing News & Notes that there is a suspect and his/her name will be given to proper authorities in the near future. According to a family acquaintance, the domestic terrorist called to brag about the car burning and promised physical harm to member(s) of the family if certain demands weren?t met. We were told the threats were taped and tucked away in a safe place until the conversation could be studied by legal advisors. In the meantime, investigators are combing through leads including the possibility that the primary suspect lives in Phoenix and harbors ill feelings toward the Benavidez family over a business disagreement between the two parties. We asked; but, did not receive a timetable on when the investigation will be completed. Needless to say, we don?t condone violence as a means to settle an alleged score, regardless of the mitigating factors. Boxing News: welterweight Luis Olivares (11-0-8 knockouts) hopes to fight outside of Arizona on July 15 or July 16 on the Iron Boy Card at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Luis is a prospect that ended his relationship with SMS Promotions recently and is looking for a new boxing suitor. Arizona scribes consider him an elite prospect that should catch on with another top notch promotional company, sooner than later; Luis trains at Busted Knuckle Boxing and Iron Boy wouldn?t confirm that he may hold a spot on the Iron Boy 34 card... ?..super lightweight Arlo Argueta (5-0-2 knockouts) walked away from boxing three years ago after considering medical concerns. The 25 year old is now working at Phoenix?s Hammer Gym in contemplation of re-starting his boxing career. Arlo is the proud father of daughter Sinaiya who turns 5 on July 9; happy birthday?.super bantamweight Fernando Samaniego (7-1-1) was seen chipping off two years of ring rust at Central Boxing Gym in Phoenix. The 24 year old seeks a return to ring action; Fernando has added a few pounds since his last ring appearance. ?.Keenan Carbajal may be added to the FHP pro/am card at legends Event Center in Phoenix on August 26?.Elijah Garcia (Hammer Boxing) won his first bout at the JO tournament in Dallas. Top Rank Show: Former world champ Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz (41-4-20 knockouts) returns to the ring on August 6 to fight Cesar Vasquez (27-3-16 knockouts at the Grand Ballroom of the Casino del sol Resort in Tucson Arizona. The event will be televised from coast to coast in the United States by Unimas. The broadcast will start with a bout between undefeated light heavyweight contender Trevor McCumby (22-0-17 knockouts) vs. Manny Siaca (25-8-20 knockouts) in an 8 round contest. Also, 2012 Gold Medalist and highly touted Russian prospect Egor Mekhontsev (11-0-7 knockouts) faces off with Alexander Johnson (16-4-7 knockouts) in an 8 round light heavyweight tussle. Tickets prices range from $25-$100.00 and are available at the Casino. It looks like a good card, so far. More Stuff: Fight Hard Promotions is holding their official weigh-in on Friday, 8/25 at Midway Nissan 2201 West Bell Road in Phoenix preceding boxing show at Legends Event Center in Phoenix on Saturday 8/26. The ink hasn?t dried but FHP hopes to sign and feature super lightweight Adrian Granados (17-4-2) and welterweight Abel Ramos (16-1-2) on their 8/26 boxing menu?.Zues Pinder (Sonny?s Boxing Gym) wasn?t able to make the trip to Dallas (6/26-7/2) for the Junior Olympic tournament; too bad! ABNN will print the names of Arizona?s JO Champions when they are released?.. Troubled Arizona boxing mentor Damien Stone entered a plea of ?Guilty? to the following: Solicitation to commit Child Abuse Class 6 Undesignated Felony on June 14. Subject (Stone) will be sentenced on August 3, 2016, before Commissioner Beresky (Courtroom 1104). His punishment could range from probation to serving time in a correctional facility?..Boxing coach Juan Mendoza and his fighter (Fernando Martinez) will receive 2015 fighter and coach of the year plaques at a Madison Boxing hosted smoker held at Greenfield Elementary School (7009 South 10th Street in Phoenix) on July 23; 1st bout commences at 2 PM. WFC 54: Super welterweight Eric ?Baby Faced Assassin? Walker aka Eric Dwayne Johnson, captured the WBC Continental super welterweight title on June 25 in Baton Rouge Louisiana with an impressive UD win Jose Qvando. The victory ups his record to 13-0 with 6 knockouts. The 33 year old is on a roll and his latest win coupled with an earlier victory over Christopher Pearson should move him closer to getting a world title shot. In other featured bouts on the WFC 54 Card, Justin Thomas knocked out David Thomas, Devin Harvey defeated former marine Clay Burns, Henry Allen earned a TKO victory over Hakeem Atkinson and Steven Lyons defeated Keenan Hickman. Check the WFC website for future MMA & Boxing events. Iron Boy 34 Update: Miguel Gloria is off the Iron Boy 34 Card at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Saturday July 16 ditto Emanuel Nieves and Ryan Riddell (1-0) will fight at 122 not 118 lbs. Here is the updated lineup for the planned show: Main Event: super welterweight division: Daniel Valdivia (11-0-10 knockouts) vs. Janks Trotter (10-3-1- 10 knockouts) ? 8 rounds, 20-30 Canadians are expected to fly in from Calgary, Alberta to watch Trotter fight Valdivia. Co-Main Event: Carlos Castro vs. TBA 8 rounds, Super lightweight Adrian Granados (17-4-2) vs. TBA 123 lbs. Luis Espinoza 3-0 vs. Leonardo Reyes (3-9) 115 lbs. 4 rounds, Daniel Garcia 4-0 4 rounds 154 lbs. vs. TBA, Daron Williams 3-0 4 rounds 130 lbs. vs. TBA. Edgar Ortiz 0-1 vs. Jhonathan Ramos 0-1 4 rounds 115 lbs. Sean O?Malley (debut) vs. David Courtney (1-2) 4 rounds 135 lbs. Eben Vargas (140 lbs.) vs. TBA 4 rounds, Eben Vargas 140 lbs. 4 rounds vs. TBA, Cliff Jordan 2-1 vs. Marcos Dominguez 3-1 super lightweights 4 rounds, Jose Canez 121 lbs. 4 rounds vs. TBA, Jose Herrera Rodriguez 128 4 rounds vs. TBA. Tickets are now on sale and adding Granados to the card plus Trotter should make for an interesting evening and the Espinoza kid gives it a 10%. Tickets are on sale at the Celebrity box-office and online. Boxing Debut: 21 year old Albert Alvarez, fighting out of Tucson Southwest Boxing Gym will make his debut on August 6 at Casino Del Sol Ava Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona on a Top Rank Card. As an amateur, the former Red Nation Warrior boxing pupil fought as a heavyweight and thanks to Duane Alvarez (father), Albert has slimmed down to super middleweight which is more suitable for his body structure. Albert lives on the Tohono O?odham Nation in Sells, Arizona and he is a graduate of Living Word Academy in Sells, Arizona. Albert?s 12 year old brother Emilio also works out at Tucson Southwest and hopes to follow in his big brother?s footsteps. Bare Knuckle Brawl: Shannon ?The Cannon? Ritch, from Coolidge Arizona has challenged undefeated Bare Knuckle world champion Bobby Gunn to a winner take all match to be held at Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida on July 30. Gunn will enter the battle with an unblemished record of 71-0 while the flamboyant Ritch boasts a BKB record of 25 wins, 2 losses and all of his wins come by way of knockout. Ritch has appeared in several television and movie presentations. According to published reports there is a winner take all side bet of $100,000.00. Both men toiled as gloved boxers at a point in time. The 42 year old Gunn (born in Virginia, raised in Canada) compiled a record of 26-6-1 while 45 year old Ritch switched to MMA after posting a 0-1 boxing mark. He is billed as the most active MMA fighter in the world and the Arizonian joins the elite duo of Travis Fulton and Dan Severn as the only MMA fighters with more than 100 wins on their MMA resume. Arizona Boxing News & Notes will monitor the event and we thank publicist/photographer Rhonda Costa for making us aware of the match-up. In some circles, Bare Knuckle Boxing is considered an underground recreational event comparable to the intimate ?sport? cockfighting. We wish both men the best of health! Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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