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Arizona Boxing News & Notes with Don Smith: ?The End of a Fighter?, Fight News & Notes & More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Sat, 13 Aug 2016  Jesus 'El Martillo' Gonzales. (YouTube capture) Boxing Fans, Pierre Roy, a French Canadian reader of our column, forwarded a story to our desk recently and I urge boxing fans to take a gander at it if they can find it. The story, ?End of a Fighter? was initially printed in the French newspaper La Presse and written by then staff writer Gabriel Beland. La Presse stopped printing weekday editions last year after 131 years of publishing. Mr. Roy, a French speaking Canadian, converted the story into English and emailed it to me. We are grateful for his diligence. On February 18, 2012 Adonis Stevenson virtually ended Arizona Middleweight Jesus ?El Martillo? Gonzales boxing career with a head jarring 1st round knockout (99 seconds) that became a well-played You Tube sensation at the expense of Gonzales who hasn?t officially announced his retirement; but, after more than 4 years without a fight, the boxing world would be shocked if he returns to compete although he was a paid sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather and others since his loss to Stevenson. He was rumored to fight on the Mosley title fight card earlier this year in Glendale Arizona; but, an agreement couldn?t be reached according to our inside sources. Beland scored a journalistic coup when he tracked Gonzales down 2-3 years ago and talked to him about his career and specifically his loss to Stevenson. Arizona scribes, or so it seems, failed to reach out to the Carl Hayden High School graduate and record his reaction to his huge career loss. The Beland piece gives us the fighter?s perspective on the issue. Beland talked to Gonzales (27-2) for about 40 minutes. The Phoenix native praised Stevenson as a great fighter and blames his former promotional company (Fan Base) for his humiliating loss. He said Fan Base brought him to Canada to prepare him for the bout without winter clothes and Jesus said he wasn?t provided a trainer or proper sparring partners. Fan Base (now defunct) denies the charges through a former spokesperson that was contacted and the contact actually laughed at the allegations. After a stellar amateur career, the southpaw pugilist was squired by Top Rank Boxing and eventually signed with them for a pot full of money. The business marriage seemed a good fit as Gonzales reeled off 18 consecutive victories. Then he was matched with Jose Zertuche a wily but well-traveled veteran who schooled the young boxer before stopping him in the 8th round to win a minor title. I was at the fight and heard Gonzales attribute his loss on a broken hand which was never confirmed to my satisfaction. The defeat led to a nasty riff between Top Rank and Gonzales. El Martillo moved to Texas where he tried to start over; but an attempted comeback fizzled and he was out of boxing for two years. His Texas trainer told me, Jesus couldn?t pass an MRI; therefore they released him. Jesus aka Ernie denied such a claim and threatens legal action against any story that suggests he is suffering from any type of brain trauma problem. I see him from time to time at various events and I prefer to remember him as someone who used to support his celebrity to help various causes. As for his boxing future, I hope he eventually will officially announce his retirement and take a bow and we hope he remains healthy. Rio Update: The USA Men?s Olympic boxing Team, described as weak before the Rio Games began, is surprising critics with a strong showing thus far. The only eliminated American boxer at press deadline is Charles Connell as Nico Hernandez and Carlos Balderas advanced after two impressive wins. Hernandez is assured of least a bronze medal. The hiring of USA Boxing Coach Billy Walsh seems to be paying off. Gary Russell, Shakur Stevenson and Antonio Vargas are awaiting first bouts. American women?s team representatives (Clarissa Shields & Mikael Mayer) begin their Olympic quest for medals, next week. In Phoenix, the best hangout to watch the summer games is Twin Peaks on 22nd Street and Camelback Road. The popular nightspot offers wall to wall screens, diverse drink and food menu and a homey atmosphere with prompt service. If sports are part of your life support regimen, Twin Peaks on Camelback is the place for serious fans to go. The summer games continue through closing ceremonies on August 21?.go USA and Michael Phelps gets my vote for athlete of the year! The Arrival of O?Malley: In his first professional boxing experience (Iron Boy 34) at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, 21 year old Sean O?Malley (1-0) turned a few heads with his dramatic first round knockout of lightweight David Courtney who hit the canvas three times before the contest was stopped; it was a thorough beat down?. who is this confident young man? Sean was born and raised in Helena Montana and began fighting as an MMA performer at age 16. He moved to Arizona at age 19; so he could train at the MMA LAB in Glendale Arizona. His combat sports resume includes a 4-0 kickboxing record, 2-1 amateur boxing mark, 12-2 amateur MMA stat and Sean has posted a 4-0 MMA record since his professional debut at age 20. An ankle injury in April forced him to cancel his attempt to pick up victory 5. O?Malley hopes to return to the MMA circuit in October with a match in Montana. Sean currently trains at Hammer Boxing under the tutelage of George Garcia Sr. and his son Georgie. Sean agreed to answer several questions emailed to him and here are his responses: ABNN: Boxing, in the beginning, is normally a below minimum wage paying job, know this fact; how do you survive? SO: I survive by my girlfriend; these last 5-6 months have been hard with being injured (ankle) and only getting paid $100.00 for my boxing debut. I also have a few sponsors back home (Montana) and their support is helping me out. ABNN: Most MMA fighters rely on wrestling background, what does it do for your boxing prowess? SO: Wrestling has never been my strength, I am not one to take the fight to the canvas, and I personally want to keep the fight a striking match, so wrestling hasn?t really played a role in my game. ABNN: Where are you now as a boxer and what do you have to do to get to where you need to be? SO: Right now, I don?t feel far behind considering I have been doing just boxing for a few months. I don?t know if I will be able to pursue boxing as long as I want to. Money is a big question, I can go do an MMA fight back home and make anywhere from 3-5 thousand dollars. I always tell myself I am going to be a world champion in either sport; whatever opportunity comes first. I am the kind of person you can make into a superstar. Some promoter is going to see that potential eventually. ABNN: According to substantiated reports, you got short changed (monetarily speaking) with your first bout, what do you know about the business and are you qualified to manage yourself? SO: The promoter shortchanged me. I was supposed to get X amount and I actually received 12.5 % cash and the promised balance in ticket value that I couldn?t sell. I have the contract and it doesn?t contain a clause about selling 100 tickets or else I wouldn?t get paid the full amount. So there is really noting I did wrong. The promoter was just a selfish (expletive). I was really counting on the contracted amount; my girlfriend and I needed it. ABNN: Your amateur boxing career (3 fights) was brief?did you rush your entry as a professional? SO: I don?t think I rushed into my pro debut. I have sparred with very good boxers and have done great. As far as my MMA skills, I feel I can compete with some UFC fighters. ABNN: You plan to alternate between MMA and Boxing! By pursuing both careers, aren?t you exposing yourself to frequent injury? SO: I am not trying to think too far ahead. I am just going to keep taking fights, Boxing and MMA. Right now, my next fight is scheduled for August 26 at the Legends Event Center in Phoenix followed by a MMA contest in Montana. I am always up for a boxing match; even on short notice. My immediate plan is to go with the flow. As for injuries, I train pretty smart and listen to my body. ABNN: Given your skill as a MMA fighter, do you have plans to actively pursue boxing or is it just a novelty for now? SO: To be honest, I am not sure. I train hard every day; so, I will wait and see what happens. I truly believe I can excel at either sport. ABNN: What did you learn from your first boxing challenge at the Celebrity Theatre? SO: I was super happy with first boxing fight. I wish it could have lasted longer just to get a little extra experience. I was having a blast in there. It?s a lot different feeling than being locked in a cage. ABNN: will you continue to fight at 135 lbs.? SO: I think so; but, you can never be 100% about anything. My last MMA fight was at 125 pounds and that downscale in weight made me feel miserable. I wanted to try it and see how I felt; but, I won?t return to 125 lbs. again, at least I don?t think so. Boxing News & Notes: 2020 Tokyo Olympic Hopeful and Arizona native Ariel Arismendez will fight on the Fight Hard August 26 pro/am card at the Legends Event Center and the Iron Boy 35 show at the Celebrity Theatre on September 3. Whew, she must have the stamina of the legendary wonder woman??..I chatted briefly with her as she was preparing for a photo shoot at the Pro Edge Gym on Indian School Road in Phoenix. Ariel told me she will fight at 141 in her next 2 contests and then tone down to 132 in preparation for her Olympic quest. Pro Edge is owned and operated by Chris Castaneda and his father (Santiago). Chris is a noted trainer who partners with Iron Boy CEO Roberto Vargas in producing their pro/am MMA shows at the Celebrity Theatre; next Iron Boy MMA card is scheduled for October 1.Congrats to Pro Edge client Sabrina who is working out in readiness for her upcoming wedding. No one loafs at Pro Edge. 7 boxers including: Carlos Castro, Adrian Servin, Chris Scala, Luis Espinoza and 25 year old middleweight Lenny Corea who will be making his pro debut on the September 3 Iron Boy 35 Card at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Del Sol Results: Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz (42-4-21 knockouts) scored an 8 round KO over Cesar Vasquez in the main event at Casino Del Sol in Tucson on August 6. The win pushes the former champ closer to a title shot. Other bouts at the popular Casino saw Top Rank prot?g? Trevor McCumby (23-0-18 knockouts) punish Dion Savage until the bout was stopped after 4. With his body of work, McCumby has earned the right to fight a legitimate contender. Native American Albert Alvarez (1-0) won his debut bout and Tucson?s Jesse Ruiz (2-3-2) outpointed newcomer Mike Martinez. Underrated Alfonso Olvera (8-2-2) was awarded a UD verdict over tough Jose Maruffo in a busy 6 round contest. The only surprise of the evening came when Olympic Gold Medalist Egor Mekhontsev (11-0-1) settled for a draw in his 8 round battles with Alexander Johnson (16-4-1). Also, Jensen Ramirez and Gerardo Avila fought to a majority draw while super featherweight Jesus Arevalo (2-0) scored a UD victory over Manuel Lopez (1-2-1). The event was a near sellout. Stone Update: disgraced former boxing mentor Damien Stone surrendered to Maricopa County authorities on August 12th to begin serving 90 days in jail and then be placed on supervised probation for 3 years. Stone was found guilty of propositioning an undercover female with the intent of paying for sexual favors. The working police officer told him she was 16 and at the time-he said he didn?t have a problem with her age; now he does! Due to the nature of his criminal conduct and conviction, Stone will no longer be eligible to renew his membership in the USA Boxing Arizona organization. Iron Boy 35: Jose Zepeda meets Emanuel Taylor to vie for a championship belt in the main event on Saturday September 3 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. . In the coo-main, popular Phoenix pugilist Carlos Castro takes on his first major challenge in Emanuel Taylor. Carlos knows he has to get past Taylor to prove he deserves title considerations. IBP stalwart and NABF super bantamweight champion Francisco C. De Vaca is ticketed for action on the undercard; not sure if his belt is on the line. In a special bout, Olympic hopeful Ariel Arismendez will fight on the card and here are names of other boxers expected to show off their skills: Daron ?Sweet Tay? Williams, Brandon Riddell, Luis Espinosa, Lenny Corea, Eben Vargas, Chris Scala, Adrian Servin, Emanuel Lopez, and Joey Miolla. Doors for the event open at 5 PM and 1st bout commences at 6 PM. Servin and Vargas have won numerous amateur titles and their debuts on the card will be closely watched. Speed Bag Notes: Olympic boxers Jonas Junis (Namibia) and Hassan Saada (Morocco) were arrested in Rio after sexual assault accusations were made by two female hotel maids. Both men are currently in detention awaiting trials??Junior Welterweight Ivan Baranchyk (11-0-10 knockouts) is the latest Russian boxing sensation. There is talk the 23 year old may face Arizona?s Abel Ramos in November on Showtime?Fight Hard Promotions is selling tickets for their upcoming August 26 Legends Event Center sow and printed on the face of the admission ticket is the name of Fighters First Boxing gym. A spokesperson for FHP told me it is a positive way of promoting local boxing. Fight Hard plans to continue advertising gyms on the ticket for each event at no cost until every gym is featured; a very ambitious project. 1st gym to be saluted is Fighters First in Buckeye and F-1 will host a smoker on 9/10and (Vernon Scott Libby Elementary School) for more info, dial Alfredo at (602-690-1209). The Madison Boxing Club is hosting an amateur show on 8/20 at the Greenfield Elementary School, located at 7009 South 10 the Street in South Phoenix. Doors open at 1 pm, boxing starts at 2 pm or when they are ready?humor is the best medicine. Iron Boy MMA 2: I took in my 2nd Iron Boy MMA show on August 5 at the Celebrity Theatre and the experience was fast paced and entertaining. I was particularly impressed with winning performances by Taylor Glick, Junior Cortez, Hunter Tower and Manny Villareal. Announcers Ralph Velez Jr. and Sonny Franco did a good job of dividing microphone time and promoter Roberto Vargas and his partner (Chris Castaneda) deserve credit for their effort. I was sorry to see that the advertised championship bout between Junior Cortez and Joey Trevino wasn?t for a belt because Cortez failed to make the 135 lb. weight limit; otherwise, a fun evening; October 1st is scheduled date for Iron Boy MMA 3. Fight Hard Update: The FHP pro/am show scheduled for the Legends Event Center in Phoenix on Friday August 26 is close to ready, set, go! Edgar Brito and Hector Lopez Jr. are off the card and there are questions about Brito?s future in boxing. Roy Jones Promotions is bringing three prospects to add a little spice to the playbill and Devon de la Hoya, son of Oscar, heads up an amateur contingent from Arizona that is very impressive: Fernando Martinez, Maximus Castro, Ariel Arismendez and Zeus Pinder. We have confirmed that Andrew ?Hurricane? Hernandez (13-4-1) is on the card vs. Jorge Silva (21-11-2) and Abel Ramos (16-1-2) is the headliner. The undercard will feature Alexis Zazueta (9-0), Edward Ceballos (4-1), Keenan Carbajal (12-2-1), Sean O?Malley (1-0) and Ilya Usachev, a Russian prospect making his professional debut. On the card representing RJJ is Roland Garza (9-0), newcomer Adrian Taylor (debut) and Max Ornelas (3-0). Legends Event Center is located at 4240 West Camelback Road in Phoenix. Ticket prices are $35.00 & $55.00 and available at the venue?..Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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