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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Boxing Begins a New Year, RJJ Fight & Much More By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Thu, 04 Jan 2018  Loma is ABNN's fighter of the year. Boxing Fans, 2017 is history and ABNN would like to salute those people in the boxing industry who excelled and deserve special recognition for their efforts in the sport during the past year. We realize that our picks may be panned by some fans and scribes who see the landscape differently and we respect all opinions even though ours is the most insightful, just kidding. In the category of 2017 Boxer of the Year we narrowed our choice to 6 although our original list included 10 fighters. The finalists in our subjective analysis were, Terence Crawford, Christine Hammer, Vasyl Lomachenko, Mikey Garcia, Deontay Wilder and Katie Taylor. Including Wilder on the list may upset some fans who think the American heavyweight fights fish on life support, despite that tag, he destroyed his prey. Terence Crawford is my second choice. Our winner is Vasyl Lomachenko. Lomachenko is the class of the field, he not only wins; but dominates! We excluded GGG from our prestigious list because he let up on the gas at times in his bout with Canelo although our scorecard had the champion winning decisively. The world is still waiting for their rematch date to be posted; stay tuned! Best Prospect 2017: In this category, we eliminated 21 year world champion old David Benavidez because champions aren?t prospects anymore ad we also crossed out Errol Spence who is fighting Lamont Peterson for a world title at the Barclay Center on 1/20. Here is our final five prospect list: heavyweight Daniel Dubois (6-0-6 knockouts), super featherweight Christopher Diaz (22-0-14 knockouts), Bantamweight Joseph Landeros (13-0-13 knockouts), super lightweight Regis Prograis (20-0) super featherweight Ryan Garcia (13-0-12 knockouts). Our choice is Ryan Garcia by a flip of the coin over Regis Prograis and Daniel Dubois who allegedly knocked down heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a sparring session; Joshua denies the allegation. Prograis knocked out previously Joel Diaz Jr with an awesome display of power in their short encounter. In our opinion, all 3 pugilists will become world champions when opportunity knocks; Dubois and Garcia are 20 years old while Prograis is 28. Check boxing schedules throughout the year to follow their progress. Comeback Fighter: I had 2 fighters in mind in this category (Beltran & Kovalev) and my pick is 36 year old Ray Beltran (34-7-1) because he fought his whole career for a title shot and when it came; he won the battle but lost the war. According to the state of Nevada, Beltran tested positive for using an illegal substance; an allegation he challenged but lost. On 2/16, the 36 year old veteran battles Paulus Moses (40-3) for the vacant WBO light title in Fresno California shown on ESPN and Deportes. Beltran is our comeback fighter for 2017. Best Arizona Amateur of 2017: It is a no brainer to pick Fernando Martinez as the most outstanding Arizona Amateur in 2017. Fernando trains at Mendoza Boxing in Phoenix under the watchful eye of trainer Juan Mendoza. Martinez was ready to turn professional last year but he didn?t punch his ticked because he wants to represent America in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and his skills and experience should help him land a berth on the team and represent Arizona. The young boxer is a marvelous talent and a remarkable young man. There are a handful of excellent amateurs in Arizona but none grade as high as Martinez. Among the young rising Arizona stars we have our eye on Include Mariah Martinez (Knockout Boxing), Moises Rosales (Fuentes Boxing). 154lb. Elijah Garcia (Hammer Boxing) and Zues Pinder (Sonny?s Boxing). The 14 year old Garcia is ranked #1 in the world in his weight division. Elijah will miss qualifying for the the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because he doesn?t reach 18 until after the Olympic trials start. Promoter of the Year: I asked USA Silver Medal Olympian Shakur Stevenson why he signed with Top Rank and he said he was tendered offers from all the major promotional companies but the 2016 Olympian never considered Don King because of what he heard from Mike Tyson. After careful consideration, he narrowed his choice down to Dibella and Top Rank. I asked him why he selected TR and he told me he signed with Top Rank because Bob Arum was the CEO and his record for growing champions was very impressive. Top Rank has a stable full of young fighters while Main Event Promotions lost Ward & Cotto by way of retirement this year and Kovalev; their remaining star is near the twilight of his career. The Main Event cupboard isn?t totally bare but needs restocked. Initially it was thought the New York native would sign with Mayweather Promotions but Floyd and company dragged their feet and TR stepped in and made the best offer; Golden Boy was never in the picture. Top Rank is our winner due to the number of quality shows. Fight of the Year: There is no fair way to make this call without admitting that arm chair critics can?t watch all fights and real winner may be l objectively because he/she can?t watch all the fights unless they are independently wealthy and have a serious sleep disorder. There could have been a great fight in Buford Wyoming, population of 1 that we missed. Readers understand the dilemma and besides, opinions are somewhat subjective regardless of how much thought is put in the process. I will go with Klitschko vs. Joshua with some reservations since I saw less than 5 % of all the fights and only approximately 40 % of the big boxing shows. I also cover local amateur bouts; so I have a legitimate excuse for qualifying my choice. My second choice is the Canelo vs. GGG fight even though I thought the judges were blind to call it a draw; my scorecard had GGG winning 7 rounds to 5. And I have to mention Arizona?s Abel Ramos for his outstanding effort against fellow welterweight Ivan Baranchyk at the Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Oklahoma, February of this year. Knockout of the Year: Jermell Charlo?s knockout 1st round Ko of Erickson Lubin was impressive at Barclay center in Brooklyn on October 14 over Erickson Lubin. On April 22 he knocked out Charles Hatley at the same venue in 2017. His twin brother Jermall also fought at the Barclay Center in 2017 and posted a knockout. Jermell was on my top ten lists for fighter of the year and for knockout of the year. The brothers are very talented and should have great years in 2018; easy prediction! Boxing Notes: six-time world champion Roy Jones Jr (4 weight divisions) will fight on 2/8 in his hometown of Pensacola Florida. Mr. Jones celebrates his 49th Birthday on January 16 and the former boxer of the decade (1990?s) is expected to continue his mike chores as a boxing commentator on HBO and remain as CEO of Roy Jones JR Promotions after he ends his illustrious career. The name of his opponent is unknown; happy birthday, champ and good luck as you fight in your hometown for the last time.2/8 isn?t his swan song; but, his last dance in the ring isn?t far away.... ....Trainer Danny Carbajal is on record of telling people that his grandson Keenan ?Bedo? Carbajal will be fighting for a world title in March. ABNN hasn?t been able to confirm that claim and would be shocked if it?s true...... Arizona boxers Jaime Bojado (2-0) and Christopher Gonzalez (1-0) are expected to be on Golden Boy?s next Casino Del Sol Card (Tucson) tentatively scheduled for March 9, promoted by Showdown Promotions..... 154 lb. ....Adolfo Ramos (Hard Knocks Gym in Phoenix) is looking for a card to make his debut on.......chalk up the talk about Ryan Riddell (6-0-5 knockouts) being disqualified in his last fight in Mexico as rubbish. He won by TKO. Ryan hopes to fight on the Roy Jones JR. Florida Card on 2/8and we wonder how much longer.....I want to make it ?perfectly? clear that I don?t endorse BOXABALL as a must buy for boxers but it is a nice novelty item for kids and adults who are looking for light exercise and it is safe and one of our reader received one for Christmas; available for less than 20 bucks at Amazon.com ..... Arizona?s Alexis Santiago was rumored to be on the next Iron Boy card, but you can kick that rumor to the curb. His career appears to be at a standstill after 2 consecutive losses; too bad .......Iron Boy publicist Emily Pandelakis is getting hitched (that?s married for city folks) at the next Iron Boy show (2/24) and if you bring rice to throw; Brown is preferred because it is healthier. ......The date and time for the next monthly Arizona Boxing/MMA meeting hasn?t been posted on their website; so, call 602-364-1721 to secure the information; be sure to sign in before you nap off; a little humor at 3 a.m. ......Central Boxing Gym Manager Tom Garcia is off crutches and anxious to assume his mentoring and managing duties at the gym; welcome back Tom and stay well..... At least 5 highly touted Arizona amateur boxers are expected to make their pro debuts this year; I hope they are ready and surround themselves with the right people. We will release their names in due time. Outlook for 2018: It is far too early to tell boxing fans what to expect in 2018 in the way of matchups. We hear that former world champion Tyson Fury has completed a successful stint in Rehab and is ready to resume his once promising boxing career that was derailed by what has been described as a total undeniabl meltdown. I was in Las Vegas recently browsing in a hotel gift shop and I noticed a novelty shot glass on a shelf that read: ?Rehab is for quitters?. I sincerely hope that Tyson is able to put his life together and cast out the demons that terrorized him and brought him down to his knees. Oh by the way, I bought the shot glass and gave it to a friend. Rumors are a dime a dozen. The Salido-Lomachenko anticipated rematch for 2018 doesn?t seem a possibility after the 37 year old Salido suffered a knockout loss to Mickey Roman in December of 2017; father time has apparently cost Salido a step or 2 and one more big paycheck. I am not sure anyone wants to see a sequel; the market isn?t there! Other audible 2018 rumors includes Pacquiao fighting in April possibly against Jeff Horn again; Crawford would eat the Australian alive in our opinion. Joshua and Wilder keep talking but Ortiz, Fury and Parker are making noise; so, my prediction is the two big boys will square off in 2019, don?t run to your nearest sport book and make a wager. The fight everyone wants to see is Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Mikey Garcia, a dream fight that would sell out within hours if the two sides could agree on a weight classification and price. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum drooled after a reporter, at Madison Square Garden suggested the match. Arum went on to predict that Lomachenko would kill Garcia which stirred a debate amongst the assembled reporters. It is early in the year but there are some upcoming bouts on the boxing menu that I like. For example, the Ramirez vs. Ahmed fight on ESPN in Corpus Christi Texas on 2/3 and I think the rematch between David Benavidez and Ronald Gavril has the makings of a good fight. is a chance for young Benavidez to prove that he is made of the right stuff. His detractors questioned his first go around with the 31 year old Romanian because the 21 year old wasn?t able put Gavril away. The Arizona born Benavidez promises a different ending in the rematch at Mandalay on 2/17 in Las Vegas. Some Arizona fans wanting to make the trip to support their hometown guy are complaining about ticket prices for the event and will stay home and watch the match on the tube.. The Main Event features two time division world champion Danny Garcia versus Brandon Rios on Showtime. A spokesperson for Team Benavidez told me the team isn?t upset about filling the Co-Main spot instead of top billing. I think a world title fight should receive top billing, oh well! Most fans will watch any fight but they are clamoring to see Canelo vs. GGG and I second the motion but a match between Sergey Kovalev and Adonis Stevenson held outside of Canada would excite fans unless the Haitian born Stevenson is restricted to travel due to a conviction and travel ban imposed on him years ago for pimping underage girls years ago. Arizona Boxing News & Notes uncovered the conviction after talking to Canadian authorities and reading a grievance reported by a parent online. Our investigation was conducted several years ago when Arizona Middleweight Jesus ?El Martillo? Gonzales was preparing to fight Stevenson in Montreal. Stevenson made short work of Gonzales and continues to hold the WBC Light Heavyweight title at age 40. Another boxing wish for 2018 is to see WBO middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders, Heavyweights Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua squar3e off with the winner meeting Wilder in the United Stets so American television viewers can watch the title unification bout at a decent hour. Mail Bag: Mario Chavez wants to know what I know about boxing gloves made from horse hair. I know there is such a glove and sent sent an inquiry to the Arizona Boxing/MMA Commission to see if Arizona is familiar with the glove and approves its usage. It is my understanding that that the horse hair glove is legal in Mexico and other parts of the world. I sent the question to our esteemed and knowledgeable Arizona Boxing/MMA commission for an answer and here is the official answer from Caroline Oppleman/Public Information Officer/ Tribal Liaison: Mr. Smith, Of paramount importance please see R4-3-102. Boxing Gloves at this link:http://apps.azssos.gov/public services/Title_04/4-03.pdf and this excerpt from the rules for our readers. Editors Note: Ms. Oppleman went on include an excerpt from the rules and readers are welcome to pull up the information at their own leisure. To make the explanation simpler , promoters are responsible for providing gloves for the matches. The rule states 8 ounce gloves for all matches and 10 ounce gloves for heavyweights. The commission inspectors must check and approve all gloves. I know the rules; I wanted to know if any promoter had presented Horse Hair Gloves to the Arizona Boxing Commission and what the response was. Perhaps, I didn?t ask the question properly. After receiving Ms. Oppelman?s communiqu?, I called three veteran promoters and they all said it was up to the state or country where the match is held. So, the answer is take 2-3 pairs of glove and present them to the commission and if hey disapprove of the horse hair gloves resort to the standard conventional gloves. All gloves must be new in excellent condition. Some countries and states do approve of Horse Hair Gloves. Thank you, Ms. Oppleman for your answer. .. . . ...Samuel Taylor asks when will Iron Boy Promotions start televising their shows live from the Celebrity Theatre as rumored.......the answer is soon. I have been told that Iron Boy is working with three media organizations that will cover their boxing and MMA Shows; BeIN Sports is in the mix and a PPV outlet.. Maria Delgado wants to know when Carlos Castro will fight for a title and the answer is we don?t know but he deserves a shot based on his record even though some of his opponents are suspect. Carlos is very popular with Phoenix boxing fans. Iron Boy 43: The following boxers are penciled in to perform on the Iron Boy 43 card scheduled for 2/24 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix: Fidel Hernandez, Carlos Castro, Luis Espinoza, Adrian Servin, Jesus Ibarra, Mark Garcia, Waldo Cortez, Edgar Ortiz, massive heavyweight Adam Stewart, Chris Sullivan (Ramos Boxing) and Micky Scala (Broqadway Boxing). Iron boy has decided to make some changes with previous ticket sales system and the new wrinkle favors the general public thanks to suggestions from ABNN reader Geoff Ronning. Iron Boy 43 tickets can be purchased online and at the Celebrity Theatre Box-Office. All penciled in bouts are subject to the matchmaker?s eraser. Robert Vargas is the reigning CEO of Iron Boy Promotions and to think he is presenting his 43rd show and appears to be reasonably healthy is remarkable and Mr. Vargas shows no signs of slowing down. Tickets are now on sale! UNTIL NEXT TIME! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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