10/08/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com attended the press conference at the Palms Casino for the Antonio Tarver (27- 4,19 KO's) vs Chad Dawson (26 - 0, 17 KO's) fight scheduled for October 11, 2008 at The Pearl at The Palms.  This fight is for the IBF Light Heavyweight Title.  The title is currently held by Antonio Tarver.  Tarver won the belt by defeating Clinton Woods on April 12, 2008.  In order to take this fight, Chad Dawson relinquished the WBC Light Heavyweight title that he earned by defeating Tomasz Adamek on February 3'rd 2007.  Dawson had made three successful title defenses before giving up the title.

     Promoter Gary Shaw spoke first and introduced the fighters, managers and trainers.  Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Dawson's trainer, spoke first.  He mentioned that Chad has been in Las Vegas training for 8 weeks already and that he is in tremendous shape.  Chad Dawson's manager, Mike Criscio, was next at the podium.  Criscio pulled $50,000.00 in cash out of his briefcase and challenged the Tarver camp to accept his bet that Dawson would win the fight.  The Tarver camp later declined.  Criscio then brought Chad Dawson up to speak.  Chad said that "it was time to put up or shut up".  Dawson kept his comments short and mentioned that he will do his talking in the ring. 

     Jimmy Williams,  Tarver's trainer, who has known Antonio since the age of 10 stated that he felt this fight is a "mismatch" in Antonio's favor.  It was then Antonio Tarver's turn to address the media.  Tarver stated that he has "been a fixture in the boxing game for over 11 years", and that he is giving Chad Dawson an opportunity to prove himself.  Tarver went on to say that he has not been ducking Dawson for 3 years as has been mentioned.  Tarver said that Dawson needed to prove himself before a fight between the two could be made.

     Gary Shaw stood between both fighters as they posed, and it became fairly heated as Dawson and Tarver began to jaw at each other.  Dawson had to be pulled away.  It appears that there is a real dislike between these guys.

     Tickets priced at $153.00, $303.00, $503.00 and $753.00 are still available and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, 702-474-4000, or in person at The Pearl box office.

9/24/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com attended the press conference for the fights this Friday night, 9/26/08 at The Orleans Casino, presented by Crown Boxing.  The action packed card consists of 6 fights with the main event featuring Victor Hugo Correa (8-1) vs Jason Davis (10-1).  On hand was former World Champion Greg Haugen, who is currently training Davis.  Tickets are still available for $25.00 and $50.00 ringside.  The first bout is at 7:00 PM.

This is the 13'th night of fights that Crown Boxing has put on at The Orleans.  The sports book at The Orleans will be offering action as the main event as well.  As always, it should be a great night at the fights this Friday.



8/22/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com attended the weigh in for the fights this Saturday night, 8/23/08 at The Grand Ballroom in The Tropicana Casino, presented by Zeferino Entertainment.  The action packed card consists of 5 fights with the main event for the vacant NABO Super Lightweight Title.  Tickets are still available and are $35.00 and $75.00.  The first bout is at 7:00 PM.

Marvin Cordova Jr (19-0-1) 143 lbs  vs  Derrick Samuels (15-3) 139 lbs (Main Event)
Akinyem Laleye (9-1) 179 lbs  vs  Issaiah Henderson (11-6) 171 lbs
Torrance Daniels (10-4) 125 lbs  vs  Hassan Wassma (5-6-2) 124 lbs
Aaron Williams (17-1-1) 199 lbs  vs  Zack Page (16-20-2) 198 lbs
Jose Pacheco (0-1-4) 117 lbs  vs  Caesar Grajeda (4-0) 117 lbs



7/3/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com attended the press conference for "Kendall Holt vs Ricardo Torres", presented by Top Rank Inc., Shobox, and Planet Hollywood Casino.  The fight takes place on July 5, 2008.  Doors will open at 4:30.

Appearing on the packed  9 bout under card will be rising star Lamont Peterson (24-0) vs Rogelio Castenada (24-13-3).  Two younger brothers of Zab Judah will be fighting, as well as, female boxer Ana Julaton, trained by Freddie Roach.

     Kendall Holt stated how hard and intense his 6 week training camp was and that no matter the outcome, he feels he prepared as well as he could.  Torres kept it short and is ready to fight.  This fight, and the Lamont Peterson fight, will be televised on Showtime.  Tickets are still available at The Planet Hollywood Box Office.




7/2/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com attended the press conference for "Tuesday Night Boxing" @ the Las Vegas Hilton on July 8, 2008.  Doors will open at 5:30 and prices range from $25.00 to $75.00 for ringside seats.  The Sterling Promotions card is as follows:

Kevin "The Flushing Flash" Kelley (59-8-2) vs Jaime Palma (13-11-1) 10 rounds Lightweights
Hermann Binek (7-0) vs TBD Heavyweights
Dynah Davis (12-1) vs Dante Craig (17-7-1) 6 rounds Light Heavyweights
Former UFC Star, Ricco Rodriguez (1-0) vs Chad Davis (0-1) 4 rounds Heavyweights
Former UNLV Star, Kaspars Kambala (2-0-1) vs Theron Johnson (1-1)  4 rounds Heavyweights
Lynel Burton, son of former Champ Lonnie Smith, (Pro Debut) vs Chris Finley (0-1) 4 rounds Welterweight

     Come out and see this exciting card as the Las Vegas Hilton gets back into the boxing business.  The card will be taped and later televised on Ch. 21, July 12'th at 11:00 PM.





6/26/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com attended the Top Rank fights at The Orleans Arena tonight.  This was the third time that we have seen Vanes Martirosyan fight in person, and he has certainly convinced us.  I think that not only will Vanes be a future title holder, but he will be a Superstar as well.  Vanes has a great trainer in Ronnie Shields, and he displays speed and power when he fights.  He already has a large Armenian following and after the fight, was very gracious and forthcoming to the media.  Vanes let us know that he hurt his hand while fighting Angel Hernandez.  Vanes is now 20-0, 13 KO's, and has an extremely bright future.

     On the same card, Anthony Peterson 27-0, 19 KO's picked up the NABF Interim Lightweight title.  We were also very impressed with his work rate, he threw just as many punches in the 12'th round as he did in the early rounds.  Peterson is also very approachable to the public and media.  Surely, these two fighters are superstars in the making.
 




6/06/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com has learned that Las Vegas resident, and undefeated Welterweight Champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr, has decided to retire.  Below is the media release that Floyd sent out.  Vegasboxingnews.com wishes Floyd best of luck in the future 

Dear Media:

It is with a heavy heart that I write you this message today. I have decided to permanently retire from boxing. This decision was not an easy one for me to make as boxing is all I have done since I was a child. However, these past few years have been extremely difficult for me to find the desire and joy to continue in the sport. I have said numerous times and after several of my fights over the past two years that I might not fight again. At the same time, I loved competing and winning and also wanted to continue my career for the fans, knowing they were there for me and enjoyed watching me fight. However, after many sleepless nights and intense soul-searching I realized I could no longer base my decision on anything but my own personal happiness, which I no longer could find. So I have finally made up my mind, spoken to my family, particularly my mother, and made my decision. I am sorry I have to leave the sport at this time, knowing I still have my God-given abilities to succeed and future multi-million dollar paydays ahead, including the one right around the corner. But there comes a time when money doesn't matter. I just can't do it anymore. I have found a peace with my decision that I have not felt in a long time. Finally, I want to personally thank all of my fans for their loyalty and dedication as my career comes to a close. I always believed that their enthusiasm and support helped carry me to victory with every fight I ever had. It was a great joy to have fought for all of you. Now I hope you understand my decision and wish me well with the rest of my life.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.

 5/14/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com was at the Planet Hollywood Casino today for the final press conference for the May 16'th ESPN "Friday Night Fights", headlined by former Heavyweight champ Chris Byrd.  The fights are presented by Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, and UNLVtickets.com, televised by ESPN.

     Chris Byrd (40-4-4), 21 KO's will take on Shaun George (16-2-2), 7 KO's in the main event.  The lightweight fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.  The co featured bout is between featherweights Koba Gogoladze (20-2), 8 KO's and Ji-hoon Kim (13-5), 8 KO's.  The opening bout that will be televised on ESPN will feature rising Junior Welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov (7-0), 6 KO's.

     Chris Byrd will be making the move down to Light Heavyweight for this fight.  His weight has dropped dramatically from 225 lbs all the way down to 175 lbs.  Chris stated that he lost the weight by running and adhering to a strict diet.  To get ready for the fight, Chris sparred with good friend and Cruiserweight champ, Stevie "USS" Cunningham.  Chris said that he feels faster fighting at 175 lbs.

     When asked why he decided to move down to Light Heavyweight, Byrd said that "once I started running, the weight just kept coming off".  He went on to add that he thinks there are a lot of fights out there for him at Light Heavyweight, he named Roy Jones Jr, and that he had no desire to fight his friend Steve Cunningham at Cruiserweight.

 


 5/08/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com has learned that the May 31'st fight between Zab Judah and Shane Mosley has been postponed due to Zab Judah's arm injury.  Refunds will be give at point of purchase.  Hopefully a new date will be made for this matchup.


5/07/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com was at the Orleans Casino today for the official press conference for Friday night's (May 9'th 2008) Crown Boxing's card.

     The main event is for the IBA Heavyweight Championship belt.  Current title holder Carlos "Boom" Barnett (11-1-0), takes on challenger Franklin "Yah Yah" Lawrence (9-1-2).  Both fighters claimed to be in great shape. 
 
     It was also announced that, for the first time, wagers would be accepted in the Orleans sportsbook for the Main Event.

Also fighting on 5/9/08: 
Heavyweights: Kaspers Kambala (1-0-1) vs Emile Whiterocks (pro debut)
Middleweights: Rodrigo Aguiar (4-3-0) vs Simon Ruvalcaba (4-9-2)
Cruiserweights: Patrick Liles (6-0-0) vs DeMark Scott (1-1-1)
Bantamweights: David Springer (0-0-1) vs Jose Pacheco (0-1-3)
Featherweights: Brian Battease (2-0-0) vs Tomas Bernal (3-6-2)

     Tickets are still available, but are going quickly.  Get there early, get your tickets, place a bet on the main event, and enjoy the fights!

4/18/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com was at the Planet Hollywood Casino today for the official weigh-in for Saturday night's Bernard Hopkins / Joe Calzaghe "Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Championship fight".

     Sylvester Stallone, Michael J. Fox, Chuck Zito, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Zab Judah, Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz, Vinny Pazienza, Amir Khan, Tony "TNT" Tucker, James "Buddy" Mcgirt, and thousands of Welsh fans were among those in attendance.

     Both fighters weighed in at 173 lbs.  After the weigh-in Bernard put up 7 fingers to intimate that he intends to knock out Calzaghe in round 7.




4/17/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com was at the Planet Hollywood Casino today for the final press conference by Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins.  The press conference began with Enzo Calzaghe presenting Bernard Hopkins with a cane.  Joe Calzaghe kept his comments short, reminding those in attendance that he is happy to be fighting in the U.S. and looks forward to beating Hopkins.

     After the official press conference, Bernard Hopkins held court with the reporters on hand.  Bernard stressed that he is a defensive fighter and tries not to be hit.  Hopkins said, "I will not be another Arturo Gatti", who is known for his action packed fights.  Bernard went on to say that he agreed to take a 50/50 purse split for the fight and that he didn't have to do that. 

     Hopkins went on to say that he knows how to pressure southpaws and intends on counter-punching with accuracy.  Bernard finished it up by abating that come Saturday night, "You will see a little Jersey Joe Walcott, a little Ezzard Charles, a little Sugar Ray Robinson, and a lot of Bernard Hopkins".




4/15/08

     Vegasboxingnews.com was at the Planet Hollywood Casino today for the public workouts by Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins.  Both fighters gave media interviews for about 15 minutes then followed it up by working out in the ring for about 15 minutes.  Joe Calzaghe had father/trainer Enzo Calzaghe with him, and Bernard Hopkins was accompanied by trainer Freddie Roach.

      Chris Byrd (40-4-4), 21 KO's will take on Shaun George (16-2-2), 7 KO's in the main event.  The lightweight fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.  The co featured bout is between featherweights Koba Gogoladze (20-2), 8 KO's and Ji-hoon Kim (13-5), 8 KO's.  The opening bout that will be televised on ESPN will feature rising Junior Welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov (7-0), 6 KO's.     Chris Byrd will be making the move down to Light Heavyweight for this fight.  His weight has dropped dramatically from 225 lbs all the way down to 175 lbs.  Chris stated that he lost the weight by running and adhering to a strict diet.  To get ready for the fight, Chris sparred with good friend and Cruiserweight champ, Stevie "USS" Cunningham.  Chris said that he feels faster fighting at 175 lbs.     When asked why he decided to move down to Light Heavyweight, Byrd said that "once I started running, the weight just kept coming off".  He went on to add that he thinks there are a lot of fights out there for him at Light Heavyweight, he named Roy Jones Jr, and that he had no desire to fight his friend Steve Cunningham at Cruiserweight.  

 

      Chris Byrd (40-4-4), 21 KO's will take on Shaun George (16-2-2), 7 KO's in the main event.  The lightweight fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.  The co featured bout is between featherweights Koba Gogoladze (20-2), 8 KO's and Ji-hoon Kim (13-5), 8 KO's.  The opening bout that will be televised on ESPN will feature rising Junior Welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov (7-0), 6 KO's.     Chris Byrd will be making the move down to Light Heavyweight for this fight.  His weight has dropped dramatically from 225 lbs all the way down to 175 lbs.  Chris stated that he lost the weight by running and adhering to a strict diet.  To get ready for the fight, Chris sparred with good friend and Cruiserweight champ, Stevie "USS" Cunningham.  Chris said that he feels faster fighting at 175 lbs.     When asked why he decided to move down to Light Heavyweight, Byrd said that "once I started running, the weight just kept coming off".  He went on to add that he thinks there are a lot of fights out there for him at Light Heavyweight, he named Roy Jones Jr, and that he had no desire to fight his friend Steve Cunningham at Cruiserweight.  

 

      Chris Byrd (40-4-4), 21 KO's will take on Shaun George (16-2-2), 7 KO's in the main event.  The lightweight fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.  The co featured bout is between featherweights Koba Gogoladze (20-2), 8 KO's and Ji-hoon Kim (13-5), 8 KO's.  The opening bout that will be televised on ESPN will feature rising Junior Welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov (7-0), 6 KO's.     Chris Byrd will be making the move down to Light Heavyweight for this fight.  His weight has dropped dramatically from 225 lbs all the way down to 175 lbs.  Chris stated that he lost the weight by running and adhering to a strict diet.  To get ready for the fight, Chris sparred with good friend and Cruiserweight champ, Stevie "USS" Cunningham.  Chris said that he feels faster fighting at 175 lbs.     When asked why he decided to move down to Light Heavyweight, Byrd said that "once I started running, the weight just kept coming off".  He went on to add that he thinks there are a lot of fights out there for him at Light Heavyweight, he named Roy Jones Jr, and that he had no desire to fight his friend Steve Cunningham at Cruiserweight.  

 

            

     The majority of the crowd were on hand to see Joe Calzaghe, and they made themselves heard with various Joe Calzaghe songs and taunts for Bernard Hopkins.

     Bernard took it all in stride and predicted a knockout of Calzaghe.  Bernard Hopkins shadow boxed and also put on a jump rope exhibition for the crowd.  Joe Calzaghe displayed his hand speed while he was in the ring.  As it stands now Calzaghe is the clear betting favorite in this match up.