Quick Shots

 

Marshall Kaufman: Boxing Trainer

 

Christy Brunner : Victor in Battle of Lancaster

This girl Christy has a winning personality and a fighting spirit. She didn't let a previous setback stop her from making Catherine Beck wish she were somewhere else this night. Christy was always strong and athletic, but looks hard to beat as she uses her boxing skills to outclass and outpunch an opponent who showed great heart.

Ivan Matute -- Fast and Furious

I met Ivan in two different gyms. He's currently at Brian Pedone's where I had a chance to work with him just a little. He's coming along very well under Brian's excellent tutelage and positive influence. Ivan came to the PA gyms with some experience in the sport from when he lived in New York. Check him out...he's nice...

Josh Rivera--Young, Well-Schooled, and Determined

I don't know if the young Mr. Rivera is 14 or whether he's turned 15, but he's shown steady improvement, a great work ethic, natural athletic talent, and fierce determination. The opponent was no shrinking violet and brought a lot of fight to this match.

Pacquiao KOs Hatton--Who Knew?

I did, and so did a lot of other people. I didn't pay for the fight and didn't see it yet but Hatton is unidirectional. He could probably beat a guy who just stood there and didn't punch back. Punching back against Pacquiao was probably a little bit like punching a puff of smoke. In this case, the smoke punched back. If you've seen Manny Pacquiao fight, you've seen he is capable of volcanic explosion.

If you looked at the Hatton-Mayweather fight, you would see Hatton lunging toward Mayweather in a corner. In my memory, I keep thinking I see Mayweather grinning. Then boom, it's over!

Freddie Roach must have seen Mayweather grinning before he knocked Hatton out. In the pre-fight hoopla, I saw Freddie Roach grinning, too. And this time I wasn't day-dreaming.

I'm glad Ricky Hatton made 7 or 8 million from the fight. Not bad for what Mayweather calls a good "class-B fighter."

Picking the Right Boxing Gloves - Associated Content

Picking the Right Boxing Gloves - Associated Content

Broadway Boxing from B.B. King's in New York

I'm at a burn-out crossroads with boxing so it's refreshing to watch the new young guns (and some older ones) on Broadway Boxing. Interesting matchups last night. I liked the 4-rounders by virtual unknowns--that's sometimes more exciting than the "big names." Put me on your mailing list--we're in Pennysylvania but fully intend to make it over there on some fine evening...

BTW, what's up with Curtis Stevens. I've heard nothing lately.

HBO Saturday Night: Paul Williams Decisions Winky Wright

It was the type of fight that appeals more to inveterate boxing fans than the World's Best KOs Crowd. Wright is a specialist, one of boxing's top surgeons, but it looked a bit as if he'd been suffering from a hangover when he faced a busy Paul Williams.

Seeing Paul Williams in fast action was almost enough to make you forget about his whipping against an inspired and much shorter Carlos Quintana a while back. Williams was looking like everything they say he is against Wright, who may have been sluggish due to a long layover, but had his stuff working as usual. It was the famed Wright defenses which kept him from getting KOd but his face looked battered at the end. The thing I liked about Williams is that he seemed to be enjoying himself in the ring, and smiled amiably several times while walkig toward his corner. Williams' athleticism is akin to that of Jermaine Taylor's but "The Punisher" seems to have developed a great deal of restraint after his upset by Quintana. He knows when to hold 'em and knows when to fold 'em. Meanwhile, Williams pivoted fluidly out of tight spots and left Wright looking like he needed a GPS to track him.

Winky didn't look bad at all, I thought, just slower and much less productive as you would expect from a 37 year old. Williams, meanwhile, knew where he was in the ring all the time and delivered speedy combinations with a great deal of authority. I look for Paul Williams to do great things so long as he stays focused on boxing and doesn't let the peripherals get to him. The boxing life has its own particular hazards, as most people know.

Winky Wright's story is a great story and he's one of the ring legends you hope would retire though he's not going to. In this fight against Williams, he showed heart, spirit, and determination up to the final rounds. I'm glad it went to a decision with Wright keeping his feet and his dignity intact.

Such as it is...

King, McCain seek pardon for boxer Jack Johnson -- Newsday.com

King, McCain seek pardon for boxer Jack Johnson -- Newsday.comArizona Senator John McCain's been involved with boxing for a long time. He boxed for the Naval academy before he entered the Naval Air Corps. I learned something new in reading this story. I knew "of" Peter King, from New York and rather liked him. What I didn't know about was his own involvement in boxing.

Jack Johnson was one of the most riveting figures in boxing history and his prosecution under the Mann Act was the direct result of WAIC, that dangerous affliction of people unwilling to face the facts. In his prime, Johnson was the best American fighter around. I've always thought of him as the "inventor" of modern boxing. Before Johnson, boxers always moved around the ring straight up in the manner of robots.

A little boxing history there, kids. And if you get a chance to read about an interesting time in boxing history, read an autiobiography or two about Jack Johnson. You'd be in danger of learning something...

Boxer Holt seeks winning jolt - USATODAY.com

Boxer Holt seeks winning jolt - USATODAY.com

How to Get That Multi-Million Dollar Job: Help Wanted in Heavyweight Division

Yesterday, I watched the Heavyweight boxing match between returning Vitali Klitschko and a certain Cuban Cruiserweight Mr. Gomez and I wondered why no one is applying for the job of Heavyweight champion of the world.

The ranks in the lighter weight classes are brimming with talent, but the Heavyweights of our era are clumsy behemoths who prefer the bludgeon to the scalpel. I'm not one of those people who doesn't appreciate the Kitchscko brothers, and their varied talents and interests. As boxers, they're not bad. But what irritates me in the Heavyweight ranks is that there is a lack of brilliance in the division.

In yesterday's match, Gomez was a beefed up Cruiserweight who took a shellacking at the hands of a six foot seven inch mesomorph with a powerful right hand. The best you could say of Gomez is that he was tough and brave and tried his damndest to make a fight out of it, largely without any special talent. He was a strong guy and tried to get close but was battered in every attempt. Gomez fought with his head straight up most of the time, didn't attack the body, and marched forward to deliver an occasional power shot, most of which fell short of the taller man's head.

There was a paucity of jabs from both boxers, who pawed at each other's forward hands to create openings. That's a legitimate tactic when you have a southpaw in the mix but you've got to have a real jab, too, if only to please the purists if not to hurt your opponent with it.

So Kitschko won, stopping the smaller guy within 9 rounds and I was glad for the end. Klitschko did pretty well for his tuneup, and the big question is what was the tuneup for? If there is to be a battle of behemoths, then he might fight Valuev. However, the safer choice for Klitchko's return may be Maskaev, another case where the tall stature and size may figure greatly.

I'm just wondering why there are such few applicants to the million dollar job. Surely, there's someone out there. Help wanted: Heavyweight Division.

AFP: Boxer Hatton plans to shock Pacquiao with speed and moves

AFP: Boxer Hatton plans to shock Pacquiao with speed and movesMy fight guy in Nevada, David Rosetti, tells me Hatton is the sure-fire winner. Size and power will be too much for Pacquiao at 140 lbs, Rosetti says. Rightly or not, though, the Pacman has the wildness factor going for him. Hatton may be too workmanlike, lacking in passion, and uninspired. Contrast that with wild-eyed and wild-punching Phillipino. I'm going against the Nevada odds here, and I'd say to look for the unexpected in this fight.

ESPN Friday Night Fights: Glen Johnson Conquers Daniel Judah (again)

It was the classic Glen Johnson script. The man on a hinge bobbed and weaved, slipped and punched with the precision of a fighting machine. In the end, there was no doubt as to the outcome as Johnson had a bit to much for the game Judah. Judah fought the wrong fight much of the time and was unable to use his height or to keep Johnson away.

Johnson is either age 40 or pushing it but age hasn't caught up with him. I wish, therefore, that Chad Dawson had taken a rematch with Road Warrior Glen Johnson instead of taking the easy fight against Antonio Tarver. I have great respect for Tarver, but he's already accomplished what he would as a fighter and it's time for him to geton with it.

Johnson is the people's champion and, if Dawson is to be really "bad Chad" instead of "half-bad-Chad", he's got to get to Johnson before old age does.

Marquez KOs Diaz in 9th Round

The action was non-stop and brutal with Diaz putting maximum pressure on Marquez who was rocked and wobbled in the early rounds. There was no doubt in the opening seconds that it would be a fight to the finish. If the heat wasn't enough in the first three rounds, it became unbearable in the fourth and blisetering in the fifth as both fighters delivered sharp and powerful combinations.

Diaz kept marching forward, rarely being forced backward. Marquez backed to the ropes and blasted away from there with short rights and body shots. Blood began to ooze from Marquez right eye in the 5th and the cut men worked to close it. Marquez' corner told him he was winning, winning by a very little.

In the sixth, Marquez went back to the ropes and Diaz worked at a pace only slightily slower than the buzz saw speed of the first 5 rounds. Blood began to flow from Marquez again in the sixth. Marquez showed small signs of weakening but punched like a madman, sometimes throwing three shots with the left hand, uppercuts and hooks, landing clean blows.

It was an even battle as Shields told his fighter, Diaz, not to ease up on the pressure, not to let Marquez rest. The corner worked on Marquez's bloody face. Marquez is tough as he fights off the ropes and idiot Lederman with his nasty voice tells the world that Diaz is up 2 rounds at the 7th. Which I thought was bullshit.

Marquez worked more in the center ring and landed hard combinations but Diaz pushed him to the ropes and fought like a modified Joe Frazier, body shots and hooks and straight punches, jabs mostly. There's no pressure like Diaz pressure and Diaz' back is dry, no sweat, and Maruquez has to be tired at the end of the round.

What's happening here is that both fighter are great, beyond great. This is going to come down to a contest of body and will and Diaz seems just a tad freshers. Marquez corner tells him to work in the middle of the ring, not the ropes--"you're beating him in the middle", they say.

In the next round Diaz is astill the bull moving forward, catching and cutting Diaz with uppercuts from both hands. Marquez works miracles with multiple lefts as Diaz surges in the 8th and Marquez pivots out of the corner and lands a piston left.

There's blood all over both faces, blood in the ring. It's a bullfight and a dogfight combined Marquez works the middle,rocks Diaza with lefts, left hooks, Diaz wobbles, stumbles, goes down. The bell rings with everybody going crazy and Diaz' face smeared with blood.



"Listen Juan...you're not moving your head," says Diaz corner. "Use your feints on him now. Dont stand in front of this man."

The replay shows Marquez landing big uppercuts and left hooks as Diaz staggers.

Marquez makes a mid-fight stand and now the announcers begin to talk of Marquez being the bigger puncher. This is a reversal out of nowhere, out of hell. Has Diaz lost his way in the 9th?

Diaz pushes Marquez into the corner. Diaz can't miss with the left jabs but Marquez suddenly explodes with a 4 punch combination that drops Diaz to the canvas . He gets up but Marquez moves in like a Matador trying to kill the beast. He's a finisher, stepping in with the certainty of an executioner, advancing on angles, landing the kill shots. Diaz is down, hard down, on the canvas barely moving. It's over, an unbelievable KO in an unbelievable fight.

I'm speechless. Viva Mexico! Unbelievable!

Which Boxer Had the Best Hook? - Associated Content

Which Boxer Had the Best Hook? - Associated ContentI kind of agree with commentator Rich Thomas. When I think of a hook from a "regular" fighter I think of a left hook. A right hook from a southpaw. Of course, I agree with that guy, Moeursalen, whomever he is...

Robert Guerrero Fight in San Jose

Interview with Two-Time Featherweight Champion Robert Guerrero
I spoke with former IBF featherweight champion Robert Guerrero about his upcoming bout on HBO, his future plans, his wife's health and how it feels to be fighting at 130 lbs.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1501550/interview_with_twotime_featherweight.html

Moore and Sockwell

 Here, James Moore spars with future champ, RJ Sockwell.

James Moore Lacing Up

 Moore seems to have faded from the boxing scene and looked like a shadow of his former self during his last outing. Is he overmatched, or was it his recent marriage that affected him? I guess that's cruel...and misognyny, too...SAT Word!.... But I always liked the guy and hope he can make a comeback.

The Evening Workout Vs. The Morning Workout - Associated Content

The Evening Workout Vs. The Morning Workout - Associated Content

Two-Ton Tony Galento: A Boxing Falstaff - Associated Content

Two-Ton Tony Galento: A Boxing Falstaff - Associated Content

Boxing Profile: Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe - Associated Content

Boxing Profile: Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe - Associated ContentRiddick "Big Daddy" Bowe is a Brownsville Boy who was heavyweight champion once but who could forget the parachutist dropped into the Bowe-Holyfield fight?

Boxing promoter Irish Ropes moving on without John Duddy

Boxing promoter Irish Ropes moving on without John DuddyA while back, Middleweight John Duddy took a sparring workout at Jesse Harris's then Lower Main Street Boxing Gym. Gentleman John seems to have struggled a bit more than he should have in his last outings and it will be interesting to see what he comes up with under new management. Here's the story, written by someone else.

How to Buy and Use Boxing Hand Wraps - Associated Content

How to Buy and Use Boxing Hand Wraps - Associated Content

From Larry Holmes Gym....The Visitor

 

Louis..

 

Louis & Vaughan

 

Arce Vs. Darchinyan: The Sparks Are Flying Feb 7

Darchinyan's got the punch in this 115 pound battle but he's very unorthodox in his approach. Unless he gets to Arce early with power, he's going to make mistakes, and Arce will capitalize on them. Arce's nickname is "El Travieso"--that describes him to a "T." Travieso means "trouble." Jorge bristles with trouble, an enfant terrible of the boxing ring, and is inclined to enter the ring riding stallions with a lollipop in his mouth. My greatest nightmare is to have Ricardo Mayorga and Jorge Arce show up at my house for dinner unannounced. I'd need lots of Valium. Darchinyan toutes his win over Christian Mijares as the main reason he'll beat Arce. Remember that it was Mijares who upset Arces earlier on. But Arces doesn't like that sort of fan base calculation and isn't giving an iota of respect to the Armenian:

"Darchinyan's greatest strength is his mouth. I am not intimidated by the devil; why would I be intimidated by him? His biggest weakness is his chin. When he gets hit flush, he doesn't get up."

RJ Sockwell: How We Do

 

Vic Darchinyan Vs. Jorge Arce Fight Preview - Associated Content

Vic Darchinyan Vs. Jorge Arce Fight Preview - Associated ContentFlyweight matchup set for Feb 7. I expect to see "El Travieso" live up to his nickname, which means "troublemaker," according to my Mexican-American-Italian bro-in-law. My colleague, Jake Emen, writer of this piece, thinks the Vic will win by TKO, mostly because Vic beat Christian Mijares who beat Jorge Arce. I don't believe in triangulations--styles make fights. Vic's definitely a hitter,though, but the Mexican Arce is a high-voltage current who is sure to light up Darcinyan's life.

Boxer Vaughn Edwards: Training Day

 

 

 

 

Shane Mosely Deserves the Big Money Fight

Friday Night Fights had Brian Kenney with Shane Mosely last night and, of course, everyone wanted to know about the business of the gloves. Mosely rightly absolved the boxer and said that only the trainers should be held accountable. He told Kenney that Margarito had hand problems which required a "special" wrap. Just how special, we don't know, but the California Athletic Commission is looking into it and both Margarito and his Corner have been suspended.

So Mosely's at the top of the welterweights, just where he should be, given his performance against Margarito. And looking around for oppponents. There are only two obvious places to look: the retired Mayweather or the active genius of Manny Pacquaio.

I'd like to see Mayweather lured out of retirement, but that would have to be like right now. Waiting until Mosely gets older is not going to endear him to fans.

The Top Five Rising Stars in Boxing - Associated Content

The Top Five Rising Stars in Boxing - Associated ContentStory by Jake Emen, sportswriter/entrepreneur and former boxer.

Shane Mosely Demolishes Antonio Margarito in Sold Out Staples Arena - Associated Content

Shane Mosely Demolishes Antonio Margarito in Sold Out Staples Arena - Associated Content

How Good is Yuriorkis Gamboa? - by Jake Emen

How Good is Former Cuban Olympic Boxer Yuriorkis Gamboa? - Associated Content

Mike Tyson Early History by Rich Thomas

Mike Tyson Crashes the Party - Associated ContentClick here for some early Mike Tyson history...

"Half-Bad" Chad Dawson Rematch with Antonio Tarver Ducks Road Warrior Glen Johnson - Associated Content

"Half-Bad" Chad Dawson Rematch with Antonio Tarver Ducks Road Warrior Glen Johnson - Associated ContentClick on it...and I'm sure you won't hesitate to comment.

How to Become a Boxer - Associated Content

How to Become a Boxer - Associated Content

Half-Bad Chad Rematch with Tarver Ducks Real Champ Glen Johnson

Boycott HBO’s Tarver – Dawson II

I have to weigh in on this one. Last night I watched a ShoTime replay of Glen Johnson’s matchup with “Bad” Chad Dawson in April of 2008. The victory went to Dawson but so did the beating he got at the hands of a 39 year old fighter who appeared to be at the top of his game. Dawson’s a good fighter alright, but he was severely hammered by the veteran Johnson, who has to be America’s most ripped off fighter of all time. Win or lose, I’ve never seen Johnson fail to press his case and deliver brilliant boxing performances most of the time. Even at his worst, Glen Johnson is a highly efficient boxer-puncher capable on any given night of beating anyone in the division. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to beat the wily coyotes who promote the fights and the judges who are swayed by the spotlight, the hype, and the television twilight of professional boxing.

Dawson is about a foot taller than Johnson and scored points in the early rounds, but not decisively. Johnson knows how to move forward, has an ample defense, and is willing to absorb blows to close the distance between himself and the opponent. His punches are slick, straight, accurate, and well-timed. Dawson ate enough leather that he could have made a sofa out of it. Rocked several times, Dawson refused to go down. Dawson’s a good fighter, and trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad wanted him to box and box and box, but Johnson had the key even as Dawson tried to lock the door. The Road Warrior Glen Johnson bored in punching to the body, doubling left hooks, uppercuts in close, and clean straight rights. Johnson’s punches were so well-timed and accurate that Dawson’s face took on a dispirited look around the middle of the fight, a look that lasted to the end when he was interviewed.
Dawson’s a nice fighter alright, but he was reduced to the role of a U.N diplomat when he tried to explain that he “dominated” Johnson. Almost nobody was fooled, yet HBO just announced a Tarver-Dawson II, which is tantamount to an insult to your boxing IQ. Tarver looked feeble against a lead-footed and plodding Clinton Woods in the inappropriately named Main Event. HBO’s attempt at humor with a rematch of Dawson-Tarver should be replaced with a match between Road Warrior Johnson and Half-Bad Chad.

Danny Sandoz' Dominating Performance at Sherman Theatre Boxing Show

No pictures available since I was the fight announcer, but then again, I was close to the action as Danny Sandoz at 115 lbs swarmed over opponent Joes Martinez of Harrisburg Boxing in the last event. Danny has always been a talented boxer and a student of the game, but it’s sometimes hard for him to get sparring with people at that weight class. The result is that Danny has mostly had to spar with immensely bigger sparring partners. It’s something most of us wouldn’t want to do but it comes with the turf when you’re in that weight class.

A key difference in this match was that Danny managed to get some good sparring in with Giovanni Acosta, who weighs in at 132 lbs. That’s still a significant weight difference but it’s better than sparring with middleweights.

Danny was a switched on fighter as he came forward firing punches from all angles for three rounds. It was a dominating performance, and Sandoz said later he wasn’t taking any chances. Danny’s got a great win record but has sometimes boxed more cautiously than he did at the November 8 match with Martinez.

Martinez was strong and landed an occasional power shot but was frustrated and missed with a lot of his punches. Meanwhile, it must have felt, from Martinez’ side, that he’d been overmatched. Martinez seemed not to have an answer for Sandoz’ relentless barrage and elusive movement.

For more coverage of the November 8 Boxing Show, hit up on Brian Pedone's Heavy Hitters Website at http://phhboxing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=35

Boxing Returns to Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg: Pedone's Heavy Hitters Host Tournament

Amateur boxing returned to the Sherman Theatre November 8 hosted by Brian Pedone’s Heavy Hitters Gym of Stroudsburg. There were 15 scheduled bouts scheduled in weight classes ranging from the 110 pound class to a super-heavyweight division—upward of 201 pounds. The overall event was successful and there was lively audience interest in the show. Boxing fans are the most passionate of all fans in any sport, and that is often a mixed blessing. In any case, I don’t have time to cover each individual bout but I’d like to mention some of the highlights. We had great participation from boxing clubs both inside and outside the Middle Atlantic Region. We’re grateful to the coaches who made such a great effort in getting their boxers to the event. Unless you know the sport from inside, you have no idea how much time, effort, dedication, and money it costs to get your boxers prepared for the ring. Ring referee Wendell Holmes deserves a shout-out for great officiating and a long trip far away from home. And Dr. Dunleavy. And Brianne Schanenberger. And Christi-Christi. And Katie-Katie. And the sound guys from the Sherman Theatre. Middle Atlantic officials were also a great help in getting our show on the road. So…the highlights….

Brian Pedone’s Heavy Hitters didn’t have a dog in every fight. In the fifth bout, Jack Buchinsky represented Extreme Fitness Gym of Wilkes-Barre in the super-heavyweight division against Anthony Morrison of Fast Lane Boxing of West Philadelphia. The Great Zahir always brings it whenever he comes to town. The Bruiserweight Morrison cranked up his game to land thudding blows against the advancing and very durable Buchinsky. Buchinsky had some new stuff as he began to dominate in the second and third rounds, landing short hard punches inside and a crashing left hook that might have crushed rock. Buchinsky prevailed in this battle of the big dogs. I’d have no interest in fighting either man. I'm too little and too scared.

RJ Sockwell Turned Pro in 2008

 

Shadow Boxer

 

Alone in the Ring

 

Girl Fight: Christi and Brianne

 



Boxing buddies Christi and Brianne are working out the rules of engagement. They're pretty good at keeping it real and keeping us from thinking too highly of ourselves. Remember, man, that thou are dust and it's women who do most of the dusting.

Vaughn "Razor" Edwards

 Vaughn's a classy young man, solid, and methodical in his approach. When he gets his game going on, it keeps you busy, and then comes the shot from nowhere. Some people at the gym call him "KO". Oh, and he takes pride in being a good student at his local high school.

Smilin' Josh

 Josh is quiet, but happy quiet. He's a student of boxing, and takes the grueling workouts in stride. He's a strong kid and getting stronger.

Brian Pedone Warms Up His Fighter

 
 
 

Jordan "Dempsey" Demko

 

Jordan's friendly, really. Doesn't he look friendly? Come to the fights November 8 and see Jordan be friendly. Friendly, and focused.

Yeah, Ron--You Box With Your Hands Up

 
 
 

Danny Sandoz: Big Hair, Big Heart

 

 

 

With so much fight packed into a 112 pound frame, Danny's a sure bet to get to the top of the pyramid. Danny's a quick study, a student of the game. His brain, like his body, moves in fast motiion.

Don't Call Me Reginald!

 

My name is Reggie.

Reggie's Back

 

Reggie has a background in martial arts, converted to boxing at the Jesse Harris Boxing Gym. Reggie took a flyer to Florida when his father died, and returned to Pedone's gym several months ago to fulfill a promise to his father.

Ron: The Happy Warrior

 

This is Ron. Aside from keeping everyone's spirits up during those grueling days at the gym, Ron is instrumental in keeping the gym functioning and well-organized. He's something of a technology buff and often films boxing events for the gym. He's learned to fight extremely well and refuses to be anyone's victim.

Nick Skips Rope

 

Nick's been on the Pedone Team for several months, after a long stint at Jesse Harris boxing. It's a neighborhood thaaaang!

But what happens if I miss?

 






The focus or punch mitts require a certain amount of focus on the part of the person holding them, plus a degree of trust in your boxer's accuracy. Here, Brian Pedone is in an entirely exposed position while Luis Ramos sets up a combination. Your eyes might bug out, too.

Focus Mitts: Luis Ramos

 

Luis Ramos with Trainer Brian Pedone

 Brianne, Business Manager for Pedone's Heavy Hitters keeps a watchful eye in the background.

McCain Champions Boxing Regulations in Lonely Fight - WSJ.com

McCain Champions Boxing Regulations in Lonely Fight - WSJ.comSenator McCain has for a long time been an ardent supporter of boxing. I've seen him front row many times at big fight televised events and he's worked hard to push legislation favorable to boxers. McCain boxed at the Annapolis Naval Academy and has been committed ever since. Read the story--click on the headline.