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Philippines, 24 Apr 2024 |
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Arizona Boxing News & Notes: May 5 in Question? Manny?s Future & News & Notes By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Thu, 08 Mar 2018  Boxing Fans, The recent announcement that Saul ?Canelo? Alvarez failed a drug test administered by VADA in February has boxing fans around the world worried. The Mexican superstar boxer was expected to meet Gennady Golovkin in a much hyped rematch at T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 5, Cinco de Mayo weekend. Bob Bennett Executive Director of the Nevada Athletic Commission will review the findings and make a decision on whether the fight will proceed as previously advertised. The possible loss of the May 5 event would rock the city of Las Vegas immensely; millions of dollars would be lost and boxing fans might feel betrayed if the result is factual without a plausible explanation. Alvarez blames the failed test on contaminated meat he ate in Mexico. Alvarez, in a published story, says he is shocked and embarrassed over the result and will submit to further tests to prove his innocence. On a positive note, the Canelo result may force boxing and athletic commissions around the world to re-evaluate their methods of testing and educate athletes on anything and everything that puts their life and career in danger. Most us, medically speaking, has been treated or misdiagnosed for a malady we didn?t suffer from. And I know of at least one fighter, locally, who was misdiagnosed with a blood disorder that was later proven false. As a result of the error, his boxing career was inactive for two years. Thankfully, the young man is back boxing although some potential foes believe the wrongful diagnosis and refuse to fight him. As a remedy to relieve some of the problems, I propose anti-doping classes open to promoters, managers, corner men and boxers free of charge. It could save careers and lives. Don?t expect this common sense approach to be approved; we are still waiting for baseline concussion testing to be implemented. Mr. Bennett is in a difficult situation. If he cancels the bout, fans around the world will be upset. And if he approves of the fight to continue, based solely on the test result, critics will say he buckled under pressure. It is a catch 22 situation, he will have to resolve after listening to many opinions; good luck; sir! Manny?s Future: Every week I get emails from boxing fans who want to know the next step boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will take regarding his illustrious boxing career. At age 39, he is well past his prime but his millions of fans want want ?The Mexican Executioner? to end his career on a winning note and they are fearful he will end his boxing career like so many other legends; broke and in bad health. I have talked to Top Rank (Manny?s promoter) on several occasions and I left our conversations convinced that Manny will be equally matched and not over matched in his final bout or two. After all, he is a Senator in the Philippines; beloved and respected by fans all over the world. In my opinion, TR is every secretive about the subject of Manny. I sent an email to their media relations department and was told that no new information is available. As to the rumors that the Filipino legend has split with longtime trainer Freddy Roach; my inquiry is waiting for a response. The two men have been a team for longer than I can remember. In recent years, he is occupying some of his time promoting fighters such as world champion Jerwin Ancijas who successfully defended his title in Corpus Christi, Texas. ABNN is just as curious about his next move as all of his fans and when we know something; they will know. News & Notes: Several of our readers wanted to know more about the upcoming May 5 Box Fan Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. The most frequent question asked was does the admission fee($30-$40) include autographs? The answer is no but there will be some free autographs; it depends on the fighter or the fighter?s representative. The Expo doesn?t control that aspect of the event. Alonzo B (spokesperson for the Expo) informed ABNN that some (Guests) sell merchandise and give out an autograph. However, all fans are welcome to meet the fighters available. The Expo will feature music (DJ), ring card girls and a variety of activities conducted at various booths on May 5. For tickets and more information, go online to the Bon Fan Expo website. ABNN will continue to monitor event updates and pass them on to our readers. Iron Boy Promotions warns fighters that continuously turn down fights for questionable reasons; they?re in danger of losing their welcome card with the organization. According to our source, welterweight Eddie Brooks (9-4-3 knockouts) has already made the prohibited list after his failure to secure medical tests in time to fight Abel Ramos (18-2-2-13 knockouts) on the Iron Boy 43 card. This message won?t set well with some fighters who are welcome to send their comments to: dswriter1928@gmail.com and ABNN will print their opposition to the policy; names will be withheld upon request. Iron Boy show #44 is scheduled for 4/28 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix and some fighters planned for the card include: flyweight Elihu Soto 5-0-3 knockouts, flyweight Francisco Chavez 2-0-1, flyweight Adrian Servin 5-0-1-2 knockouts, super middleweight Fidel Hernandez (18-4),super flyweight Luis Espinoza (8-0-3 knockouts), featherweight Jesus Ibarra, 3-0-2 knockouts) and super bantamweight Edward Ceballos (7-1-1-3 knockouts). Also on the tentative lineup: 118 lb. Christian Sullivan, (debut), heavyweights Waldo Cortez (2-1-1 and Adam Stewart (4-0-1-2 knockouts). Possible Special Bout: There is a growing rumor that newly crowned USNBC WBC Bantamweight Champion Carlos Castro (20-0-9 knockouts) could be on the card and his bout might be telecast on ShowTime; no further details at this time; but, if it happens, it would be a coup for Iron Boy. Most Iron Boy shows present 8-10 bouts; ticket prices range from $25,-$55.00 plus service charge. 1st bout commences at 6 p.m. More Inside Stuff: No word on how many applicants have applied for the vacant Arizona Executive Director?s position that opened up with the sudden resignation of Juan Estrada. The filing deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday 3/7. I contacted Caroline Oppleman (PIO) for an answer and she wasn?t able to furnish me with a current number; preferring to wait for the total number of filed applicants. We can tell our readers that matchmaker Mike Sanchez and former Arizona Peter McKinn have confirmed they are vying for the position and we wish them luck. One applicant (name withheld) said he/she changed his/her mind after failing to find out where to send the application; communication: what a concept. ABNN left for San Antonio Texas to cover the Lipinets/Garcia bout (3/10) at Freeman coliseum hours after our latest journalistic effort was released. Ticket sales, according to our source are picking up momentum and fans can call 210-556-7390 for available seating. The venue has a seating capacity 10,000 and promoters expect a sellout. It is a historic fight with Miguel (aka Mikey) Garcia attempting to become the 3rd pugilist to win a title in 4 different weight divisions. The other 2 fighters to accomplish the feat are boxing icons, Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao, 2 future halls of famers. Sergey Lipinets (13-0) thinks he can prevent the 30 year old Garcia (37-0) from joining the special club. If you can?t motor or fly to San Antonio, catch the event on ShowTime.....Until Next Time! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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