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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Urbina Services Set, Alvarez Vs. Mayweather & Beltran Draw By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Fri, 13 Sep 2013 Boxing Fans, Funeral & Memorial services for 17 year old National Amateur Boxing Champion Alexis Urbina are set for Friday 9/13 and Saturday 9/14. Alexis was beaten to death on Tuesday 9/3 at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. The coward(s) responsible for this senseless act of violence remain at large. His passing (officially announced on 9/6) has grabbed state, national and international headlines and touched the heart heart strings of total strangers who never knew Alexis and weren't avid boxing fans. And when the grief stricken family stepped forward and asked for help to bury their beloved son, brother and champion; the city of Phoenix and State of Arizona knew what to do. So far, the family has collected thousands of dollars from car washes, passing the hat collections, online contributions and an account set up with the cooperation of Chase Bank. A photographer/ boxing fan donated several signed Saul "Canelo" Alvarez photos with the clear stipulation that the valuable collectibles would be made available for $100.00 each and all of the proceeds would be given to the heart broken family. There are countless feel good stories Dr. Joseph Sun was out running an errand, over the weekend, when he passed by a Phoenix Taco Bell Restaurant and noticed a group of people washing cars. The physician saw Alexis Urbina's name on a sign and didn't need any more convincing. The outpouring of goodwill and love from the Phoenix community has been phenomenal. I attended a boxing event recently and saw a boy, not over six years old, pull a dollar out of his pocket and place it in a donation for Alexis jar. At the end of the smoker, the total reached almost $200.00. Anyone wishing to donate can contribute at any Chase Bank, worldwide,or go online at www.gofundme.com. Attention Alexis Urbina Soto. The Chase account is listed under Sulem Urbina Ochoa, sister of Alexis. Please copy down the below funeral service details, if you plan to attend services for Alexis. Viewing for Family and Friends will he held on Friday, September 14 at La Paz Funeral Home, 1551 W. Van Buren Street in Phoenix between the hours of 5-8 p.m. Memorial Service: Held at 602 South 16th Street in Phoenix on Saturday, September 14 (9-10 a.m.) at the Knockout Boxing Club, training facility for Alexis. Everyone is asked to wear white to the memorial as Alexis would have wished. Expect a large turnout. Arrive early and park safely. Beltran Robbed: On behalf of Scotland and the World Boxing Organization, I would apologize to Raymundo Beltran for the horrible "draw" decision rendered on September 7 in Glasgow, Scotland when he fought Ricky Burns for the WBO Lightweight Championship. Apparently, American Judge Carlos Ortiz Jr. and his British colleague (Richard James Davies) were watching a different fight. Davies scored the bout a draw while the inept Ortiz gave the nod to Burns:115-112. Ironically, a majority the Scottish press reporters covering the tile fight thought Beltran won handily. After the fight, a somber Raymundo Beltran told waiting reporters: "Politics always the same thing in boxing." The veteran Mexican fighter deserved a better fate. Burns is on the shelf for at least 6-8 months due to a broken jaw incurred early in the fight. Burns retained his crown and did mention a possible rematch. Beltran manager Steve Feder was upset over over the controversial decision , but managed to remain civil and maintain his cool.. The like-able Beltran deserves a rematch with Burns at a neutral location. Beltran & Burns read my column. Minutes before I released my column, Burns said he would give Beltran a rematch in Glasgow, Scotland and no where else. I was told that Beltran will accept the offer if it becomes a contract offer. Alvarez vs. Mayweather: The obligatory stare down and smack talking is over , it's time to rumble. The PPV buy for the highly publicized Floyd Mayweather (44-0 w/ 26 knockouts) vs. Saul Alvarez ( 9/14 junior middleweight title war between the two superstar boxers has exceeded 2 million and climbing. The venue (MGM Grand Garden Arena) was sold out in minutes after tickets went on sale. This fight isn't big, it's huge and the winner will earn enough US dollars to buy a Banana Republic or two or pay for the tuition of 10,000 students attending Trump University. Too rich for my pay grade. I was all set to interview both fighters until the Yarnel, Arizona Fire disaster (19 Hot Shot firemen perished) forced a cancellation of the Press Tour Stop in Phoenix. I received multiple numerous press releases from both camps, but finding inspiration from manufactured story lines doesn't stimulate my creative juices. However, this event doesn't much pumping or manufacturing. A legend vs. a rising star; clearly enough motivation for fans to pick up the phone and order or hang out at a sports and watch the spectacle with friends. Home viewing will cost $65.00 for regular PPV, but High Definition will cost a ten spot more. Most area sports bars are asking $10.00 at the door, amenities vary. The best deal in Phoenix is to watch it for free at Karla's Kitchen at 2428 Grand Avenue. One source tells me the food and hospitality is delicious and friendly. I will be watching the event at Twin Peaks Restaurant on Camelback Road in Phoenix for $10.00 with amenities. Both choices are excellent. Some establishments are asking $20.00 from fight fans. Mayweather is the betting favorite and he is expecting to go the distance with his much younger foe and win by decision. I like under dogs, so I will wager a meager sum on Canelo to knock out his celebrated opponent somewhere between the 8th and 10th round. Just a hunch. I think father time has finally caught up with the "Money" man. Enjoy the fight. Iron Boy 9 Show: As reported, Alexis Santiago (14-3-1) ,fighting out of Phoenix, will face Mexico's Alex Rangel (15-1-2) for the vacant WBC USNBC Bantamweight Title on September 21 at the Celebrity Theater on the Iron Boy 9 Show. Iron Boy protege Francisco "Panchito" C. de Vaca will try to stretch his unbeaten record to 3-0 at the expense of veteran Manuel Galaviz 7-11 from Mexico. Andrew "Hurricane" Hernandez hopes perform on the card, but there is an issue pending. Should be cleared before the Iron Boy 9 Press Conference at Marisco LA Vida , 1601 E. Roosevelt on Monday September 16, 5 p.m. commences.m. Weigh-In scheduled for same venue on Friday, September 20 at 5 p.m. Each fight event is open to the public. Fight night is Saturday, September 21 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Ticket prices range from $25.-$35. to $45.00 for ringside seats. All seats offer a good view of the action. Other fighters expected to weigh-in for the show include Chris Lopez, Joey Ruelas, Jose Marrufo, Victor Castro, Carlos Castro & Abel Ramos. The entire card should be nailed down by the middle of next week. Check the Iron Boy Website for updated information. Looks like a promising card. News & Notes: Light Heavyweight Allan "Ghost Dog" Green (32-4-22 knockouts) is working out in preparation for his IBO light heavyweight title bout October 17 in Australia against southpaw Blake Caparello (17-0-16 knockouts. Green's 4 career losses came at the hands of strong competition: Andre Ward. Glen Johnson, Mikkel Kessler and Edison Miranda. Green has battled weight issues, recently. Green will stay at United Central until next month. I hope to chat with the Tulsa Native next week Green is working out with Joey Ruelas. Green turns 34 on September 20, Happy Birthday......Congratulations to Cris "The Nightmare" Arreola in beating Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell. During our brief chat two weeks ago, he me that he would retire if he didn't get past Mitchell. Arreola did more than that, he knocked out the former football player in the first round. Word is the big fellow is coming back to Arizona and will watch the Iron Boy 9 show at the Celebrity Theatre on September 21. Maybe I can finish my interview with the big fellow. One bit of information I left out of my Arreola piece was his academic history. Cris dropped out of high school to handle personal issues, but passed his GED test without any problems. A good example for his daughter.....I met and watched young heavyweight fight at a recent tournament in Phoenix and i came away impressed with is demeanor. Alberto aka Albert is a remarkable young man. He should have taken less punches that afternoon,but he has skill. Albert won his match and he is a very good role model for his Red Nation Warriors Boxing Club teammates.....Team Ramos won the Team Trophy at the recently concluded Slugfest In September tournament held at Victory Outreach on September 7. Team members include: Eric Lopez, Luis Ochoa and Jesus Ramos. Best bout of the tournament Trophy went to Jesus Aguilera, Hard Knocks Gym and Fermin Legarda of Central Gym. Both young men were awarded trophies. Jesus won the bout. .... North Carolina Native Super Middleweight Derek Eards (26-2) has brought his act to the Hard Knocks Gym in Phoenix where he is hoping to re-establish himself as a top ten contender. He is currently ranked #5 in the USBA ranking. Derek wasn't happy with his previous team, so he pulled up stakes and moved to Phoenix where he he is training at Hard Knocks Gym. He starts sparring next week.....Arizona Republic writer Coty Miranda wrote a complimentary story about Strong Enough Boxing Club in Mesa. Run by the Mendes family, the club freely opens it doors to disadvantaged youth who need a new and healthy environment. Cookie & Andrew Mendes are looking for sponsors to help support their Non Profit Organization. Foreign currency accepted (just kidding), Call 602-299-8513 if you would like to become a sponsor....the amateur boxing tournament in Prescott, Arizona scheduled for 9/14 has been cancelled out of respect for the Urbina family...The Annual Copper Gloves Tournament returns to the Arizona State Fair on October 16-17. The show is free with a general admission fair ticket.....Check out Boxtober on October 26 at the Kroc Center at 1375 E. Broadway Road in Phoenix. Call 602-425-5000 for further details..... The show at the Casino Del Sol in Tucson on 9/7 did happen,but I wasn't able to get details from the promoter or Casino;very strange Blue water Resort & Casino in Parker presented Camacho Jr. Vs. Munoz on a four fight card on Wednesday 9/11. Jr. looked bad according to several spectators. ....Alexis, Rest In Peace.....UNTIL NEXT TIME! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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