International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan and WBA interim champ Jorge Arce both tipped the scales at the 115-pound limit during Friday’s weigh in at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Darchinyan will defend his three 115-pound world titles against Arce, a former world champ in multiple divisions, in Saturday’s main event, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXIMG (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight champ Antonio DeMarco weighed in at 134 pounds and Almazbek “Kid Diamond” Raiymkulov measured 133 ½ pounds. DeMarco and Kid Diamond will battle for the NABO belt and a chance to move one step closer to the top of the stacked lightweight division in Saturday’s co-feature.
The once-beaten, hard-hitting Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, by way of Armenia, will be making his first defense since unifying the 115-pound division with a one-sided ninth-round knockout over Mexico’s Cristian Mijares Nov. 1, 2008, on SHOWTIME.
A winner of five in a row and 31 out of his last 32, the popular, crowd-pleasing Arce (51-4-1, 39 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, is the current WBA interim super flyweight champion and is a former WBC 115-pound and World Boxing Organization (WBO) 108-pound titleholder.
The event, co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc., will take place from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Remaining tickets, priced at $250, $125, $90, $60, $45 and $35 on sale, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (all Ticketmaster outlets), by phone, 714-740-2000, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Honda Center box office. (note: additional tickets at $35, $45 and $60 have been made available)
RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER Lincoln, Rhode Island
February 6, 2009 – “February Frenzy”
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Shawn McLean (3-4, 1 KOs), New York, NY WKO1 (0.47) Rashad Minor (1-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
CRUISERWEIGHTS
David Williams (6-2-1, 2 KOs), Philadelphia, PA WDEC6 (58-56, 58-56, 58-57) Adam Harris (10-1, 7 KOs), Worcester, MA
Jay Holland (1-0, 1 KO), Providence, RI WTKO (0:51) Kevin Varnadore (0-5), York, SC
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Joey Spina (24-1-1, 17 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO1 (1:55) Matt Gockel (12-10, 7 KOs), Topeka, KS
Joey McCreedy (10-2-1, 5 KOs), Lowell, MA WDEC8 (79-73, 78-75, 76-76) Bobo Starnino (9-5-2, 2 KOs), N. Providence, RI
(McCreedy won EBA Title)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Anthony Pietrantonio (5-2, 3 KOs), Youngstown, OH WTKO3 (0.46) Brian Macy (5-1, 2 KOs)
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Jesus Caro (4-0, 4 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO1 (1:49) Jerry Pressley (0-2), York, SC
Josh Beeman (5-2-3, 2 KOs), Providence, RI D4 (39-37, 38-38, 37-39) Jamar Saunders (2-1-1, 1 KO), Atlanta, GA
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Eddie Soto (11-0, 4 KOs), Pawtucket, RI WDEC6 (58-55, 57-56, 56-57) Sean Eklund (6-3, 1 KO), Lowell, MA
(Soto won EBA New Ebngland Title)
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
February 6, 2009 – Mexico City.
From the office of WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
The fundraiser organized by the World Boxing Council last month for former WBC super featherweight world champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez was a great success. It not only raised a substantial amount of money for Genaro, but also showed the heartfelt support of the boxing community for him and his recovery.
WBCares chairperson Jill Diamond and WBC Legends of Boxing Museum Chairman Dr. Rudy Tellez were instrumental in organizing the event that was also attended by WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman.
Doug Fischer reported on The Ring blog [excerpts]: “Last October, the 42-year-old Angelino was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
“On January 17, a dinner and auction was held in Hernandez’s honor. The fund-raising event, organized by World Boxing Cares and held at the World Boxing Council’s Legends Museum in San Bernadino, Calif., attracted more than 300 people and raised $30,000 that will go to aiding Hernandez’s family and help him pay his mounting medical bills, which aren’t completely covered by his insurance.”
Jill received a letter from Genaro after the event that said:
“Good morning Jill!
“My family and I would like to thank you and everyone who made it possible for us to have a wonderful time on Saturday night. It will be the most memorable night of my life, having you guys show me how many wonderful “Angels” were out there that night to show us that no matter whether I was still fighting in the ring or not, they were there to show me ‘Love.’ That will always be something that I will carry out for the rest of my life.
“I would also like to see if you can do me a favor, if you would be so nice to tell the people who signed the autographed poster that you sent to me that, I believe, came from New York, ‘Thank You’ for all the wonderful dedications and that with thier support and prayers, a fighter like myself cannot and will not give up!
A Big Hug To All Of Them!”
Chicanito Hernandez
On February 5, the WBC sent Genaro a check for $33,000, and President Sulaiman sent Genaro a letter that said:
“My dearest champion,
“I am very proud to have been able to send to you the $33,000 obtained from the multiple donations of the so many people that love you, many of whom attended the memorable dinner as an honor bestowed on you not only for the great boxing career that you accomplished, but also for having been a world champion in your private life. This has made you one of the most respected and well-liked boxing champions ever.
“The WBC, the members of the WBC Legends of Boxing, and Jill Diamond, all of whom worked so hard on this unforgettable event, did it with so much empathy and commitment as to leave a permanent mark on the hearts of all the people that attended, as well as on yours. Therefore, I am expressing to them the deepest gratitude from the WBC Board of Governors, all the members, and myself.
“I am sure that you will continue fighting the best, as you always have done, to defeat your problem. All of us are praying to God, knowing that He will give you a happy and prompt complete recovery.
“May God bless and be with you always, just as all your thousands and thousands of friends and fans are always in your corner.”
Jose Sulaiman
*****
WBC STATISTICS
WBC Super Flyweight World Championship
February 7, 2009
Anaheim, California – The Pond
This will be 1,707th fight sanctioned by the WBC in its 46-year history
Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Top Rank Inc.
Carina Moreno Manuel Quezada and Poppies Martinez triumphant at the Tachi Palace Casino
Poppies “Tachi Kid” Martinez improves to (2-0, 1 KO) with a majority decision over Yonas Gebreegizabher.
Throughout the whole fight, Martinez applied pressure breaking down Yonas with body blows. As the fight went into the later rounds, Martinez continued to bang the body and the judges awarded Poppies with a majority decision. Score cards read, 38-38, and twice 39-37.
Poppies Martinez has a bout scheduled at the Playboy Mansion March 21, 2009. For ticket information please call the Tachi Palace at (559) 924-7751
Moving up to 112 lbs, Carina “La Reina” Moreno ,showed superior skills while dominating a one-sided thrashing over Sharon Gaines. In the early rounds Moreno went right at Gaines letting her know that she wasn’t going to let the move up in weight take affect. Moreno’s overhand right found a home right from the opening round. As the fight went down the stretch, Moreno continued to land multiple punches at will.
“This was a good test to see how I feel at a higher weight,” said Moreno. “I feel comfortable fighting anywhere from 105lbs to 112. I’m going to get together with my management and see what’s next.”
Moreno wins another unanimous decision with scores of 79-73, 80-72 twice, extending her winning streak to 13.
WBC CABOFE heavyweight champion, Manuel “El Toro” Quezada, scored a devastating knockout over Eric Boose to keep his winning streak alive, which stands at 15.
“Early on, I was having trouble with Booses’ jab, so I had to make adjustments after the second round, said Quezada.
“My corner told me to let my hands go and take the fight inside. When I hit him with that one two combo that rocked him in the third round, I knew the KO was coming soon.”
Quezada ended the match 10 seconds into the fifth round with a right hand that landed flush on the chin of Boose, forcing the referee to stop the bout. “El Toro” improves to (26-4, 16 KO’s). There is talk of an ESPN date in late March.
UNBEATEN WARD EASILY OUTPOINTS BUCHANAN, MOLINA REMAINS PERFECT WTH KO OVER ALLOTEY
LEMOORE, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2009) – Undefeated Andre Ward (18-0, 12 KOs) pitched a 12-round shutout over outclassed Henry Buchanan (17-2, 12 KOs) of Chesterfield, S.C., to capture the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) super middleweight titles Friday in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation.
Unbeaten John “John” Molina (15-0, 11 KOs) of Covina, Calif. flattened Ghana’s Joshua Allotey (15-7, 13 KOs) at 1:28 of the third round in the ShoBox co-feature.
The doubleheader aired on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). It was promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions from The Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino.
After dismissing Buchanan in seemingly effortless fashion – he won by 120-108 on the three judges’ scorecards — both Ward and his promoter, Dan Goossen, reiterated what many have been saying: it is time for the only boxer from the United States to capture a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games to test his vast skills against a top-level opponent.
“We’re ready to Glen Johnson, Jermain Taylor or, of course, any of the champions,’’ Goossen said. “I know Andre is ready to come right back in April, early May at the latest. I think Andre is the best, most talented 168-pounder in the world and I can’t wait until he gets the chance to prove it.’’
Offered Ward: “I’m excited about the future. I’m ready for the top guy(s) now. This fight was just a prelude to what’s ahead. The right doors will open. I want to be a seasoned champ and I want to reign.
“You need to understand there are a lot of components to making a fight. First, you need the consent from a boxer that he’ll fight. Then, you need to get a network to buy it. And so on ….
“But for me it is all about winning and learning. I expected a whole lot more from Buchanan, but he walked into the ring in survival mode. He’s a tough, seasoned fighter but I think he read me wrong from the beginning.
“He’d made comments about me being a slick, pretty boy but I don’t know where he got that from. I am tough in the ring. I wanted to set the tone by meeting him in the center of the ring at the sound of the first bell. I wanted to let him know that if I am not hitting him I am still going to be in your face.
“I had Buchanan off balance the whole fight (Ward switched to southpaw a few times) and I was alert the entire 36 minutes. It’s a lot of stress on the mind and body, but I kept alert.
“I know I could have used the left hook more, but Buchanan was loading up, looking to land that one home run punch. But I didn’t want to give him that chance. It’s much better to come out with a win than to get reckless and possibly lose.’’
After a show-and-tell first round, the promising Molina dominated. At one stage in the second round, he delivered something like 28 consecutive shots before Allotey retaliated.
Early in the third, Allotey went down in a heap from a punch he claimed was south of the border. Although replays indicated otherwise, a grimacing Allotey remained on the canvas for about two-and-one-half minutes. Shortly after the match resumed, Molina connected with a picturesque left hook to the liver and that was that.
“I feel like I knocked him out twice in the same round,’’ Molina said. “I didn’t hit him low. He was just trying to buy time. But it backfired and worked against him because the longer he stayed down the more irritated I got. My trainer, Joe Goossen, and I have been working on that punch.’’
SHOWTIME will replay Friday’s telecast next Thursday, Feb. 12, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO 2.
Nick Charles called Friday’s action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
ShoBox: The New Generation will return on Friday, Feb. 27, when IBF cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek (36-1, 24 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J, by way of Golwice, Poland, makes his first defense against unbeaten Johnathon Banks (20-0, 14 KOs) of Detroit at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
On SHOWTIME tonight/Saturday, Feb. 7, the eagerly anticipated world title fight between IBF/WBC/WBA 115-pound champion Vic Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25 KOs) and former two-time world champion Jorge Arce (51-4-1, 39 KOs) will highlight a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com.