The Boxing News Report 10.04.08
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 10.04.2008
This week, we have a unification bout announced, plus updates on Steve Cunningham and Kasim Ouma. Also, Los Angeles boxing fans get a chance to meet Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao next week. Find out all the details on this week’s Boxing News Report!
Well October has finally kicked off and it's going to be one hell of a month. Not only do we have big fights scheduled like Pavlik vs. Hopkins and Dawson vs. Tarver but also a heavyweight title fight and press tours for upcoming bouts. With that being said, there's too much to talk about so let's get to it……right now!
Darchinyan-Mijares Unification Bout Announced
Depending on what kind of boxing fan you are, you may not necessarily jump at the sound of Darchinyan vs. Mijares but for hardcore fans who have been following these two know that we're in for a treat. Mijares (35-3-2, 13 KOs) is considered one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world with solid boxing skills, decent punching power and a sturdy chin not to mention the WBC and WBA super flyweight champion. Darchinyan (30-1-1, 24 KOs) is the IBF super flyweight champ and a former flyweight titlist and packs a wallop!
They are scheduled to meet on November 1st at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. The world championship fight is only the third time that multiple 115-pound titles will be up for grabs in the same ring. In 1997, Johnny Tapia outpointed Albuquerque, N.M., rival Danny Romero to unify titles. On May 17, 2008, Mijares won a decision against Alexander Munoz also to unify two belts.
"I'm one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world," Mijares said. "On Nov. 1, Darchinyan is going to find that out the hard way when I make history unifying this division."
Said Darchinyan: "Mijares has what I want - the remaining major belts in the 115-pound division. Let's see how great a matador he really is when he steps inside the ring and goes face-to-face with the Raging Bull. He won't be yelling ‘Toro!' He'll be screaming ‘I surrender!' "
The showdown is being co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment, KO Entertainment and Gary Shaw Productions and will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with a 12-round super middleweight (168 pounds) special attraction – Andre Dirrell vs. Victor Oganov.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday and are priced starting at $25 to $250 for ringside. Tickets may be purchased at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, as well as www.Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone, by calling 213-480-3232.
Note to fans…this one is a fight to get excited about!
Countdown to Pavlik-Hopkins Premiers Next Week
On October 11, HBO is presenting a 30-minute special analyzing the upcoming fight between middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik and former champion Bernard Hopkins.
The special, "Countdown to Pavlik-Hopkins," which will feature fighter profiles, expert analysis and forecasts for the light heavyweight matchup, will premiere on the main service on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12:00 midnight ET/PT.
The countdown special will also be available to HBO On Demand subscribers 24 hours a day from Monday, October 13 through Monday, October 27.
Danny Garcia Returns on October 18
Speaking of Pavlik vs. Hopkins, back in action October 18 is Philadelphia tough prospect, Danny "Swift" Garcia as he showcases his improving skills on the Bernard Hopkins vs. Kelly Pavlik card televised live on HBO PPV.
The young 20 year old undefeated prospect will enter the ring with a perfect record of (7-0, 6 KO's). In his last fight, Garcia stopped Tyrone Wiggins with a stiff body blow, followed by a two devastating left hooks to the head, forcing the referee to stop the bout at 1:04 of the first round.
Garcia brings a crowd pleasing style to the ring, a style that many media members are raving about. When asked about why his style is so appealing, Garcia went on to say, "I'm blessed to have power in both hands so the knockouts are coming. I'm aggressive and I let my hands go, I think the fans can appreciate that. The fans have shown great support and the media is also very supportive. It's truly a blessing."
Cunningham and Adamek to Attend 71st Annual Pulaski Day Parade
To promote their upcoming cruiserweight title fight, IBF titlist Steve "USS" Cunningham and challenger Tomasz Adamek will be present at the Pulaski Day Parade on October 5 in New York City.
The two fighters will battle in a 12 round championship bout on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Versus will broadcast the bout live.
Tickets priced at $303, $153, $78, $53, $38 go on sale on Monday at 11 a.m. and can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 201-507-8900.
De La Hoya and Pacquiao in Los Angeles Next Week
Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank
For fans who haven't been able to make it to any of the public press conferences featuring Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, there will be one final chance next Tuesday, October 7 in Los Angeles. The press conference will be open to the public and hosted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions while comedian George Lopez will M.C. the festivities. The presser will be held under the Whittier Blvd. arch and will begin at 12 noon.
Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao will of course be on hand to promote their Dec. 6th bout.
The Velasquez Twins Jump Back in the Ring on Oct. 10
Puerto Rico's hard hitting twin dynamos, Carlos (9-0, 8 KO's) and Juan Velasquez (9-0, 5 KO's), are set to return to the ring on October 10, 2008 when they face opponents later to be announced at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona, televised live on Telefutura.
Last month on the Casamayor vs Marquez undercard, Carlos looked sensational, dominating Jose Navarrete, stopping him by a fifth round TKO. When asked about his upcoming fight Carlos mentioned, "I'm ready for the next level. My team and I are happy with the way things are going for both my brother and I. I come to entertain the fans so you'll see me come for the knockout, that's what I like to do." Carlos, who fights at featherweight, will strive to stay undefeated and move on to 10-0.
Twin Brother, Juan Velasquez, boast a (9-0, 5 KO's) record and is known for his lighting fast hands. Juan is coming off an impressive second round TKO in which he demolished Edison Morillo at the 1:44 mark of the second round. "I've learned a lot in every fight so I feel my knowledge in the ring is improving." said Juan, "I'm becoming a smarter fighter. I cans see all the punches coming at me better. I love to box and use my speed to set up my punches. If the knockout is there I'll take my opponent out."
Weekend Fights
Don't forget to check out HBO tonight for a tripleheader featuring Sergio Martinez, Yuriokis Gamboa and Alfredo Angulo as part of HBO Boxing After Dark.
Juan Manuel Lopez will also be in action tonight on Top Rank's Latin Fury 6 available on PPV.
Plus Arthur Abraham defends his middleweight title against Raul Marquez, also available on PPV>
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