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Friday, November 21, 2008

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

Sunday, November 16, 2008

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.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Alone in the Ring

 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Brian Pedone Warms Up His Fighter

 
 
 
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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.
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Yeah, Ron--You Box With Your Hands Up

 
 
 
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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.
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Don't Call Me Reginald!

 
My name is Reggie.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Focus Mitts: Luis Ramos

 
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Luis Ramos with Trainer Brian Pedone

 Brianne, Business Manager for Pedone's Heavy Hitters keeps a watchful eye in the background.
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Friday, October 17, 2008

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.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Boxing: November 8 at the Sherman Theatre

 
Action at ringside with Brian Pedone, Ahemo Ninji-Harris, Lucas Robinson, Danny Sandoz and the referee....
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Thursday, October 9, 2008

Josh and Miguel Sandoz in Training for Nov 8

 
Josh works out hard and works out often. Here he assists Miguel Sandoz on the punch mitts. Miguel is looking forward to win number 2. Miguel won his first match this past July at the Allentown Sportsfest event.

Meanwhile, Josh is a quick, strong kid, and no one except his mom and dad know how old (actually, young) he is. He's a student of the sport, moves well in the ring, and punches with authority. One of the things people don't realize about boxing is that boxers who do well in school also do well in the boxing ring. The same learning skills are involved, plus one or two more. Josh is proof of it--come take a look on November 8.
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Brianne, Christi, and Danielle

 
Asin many other areas, it's sometimes more difficult for women. In amateur boxing, it's sometimes difficult to find match-ups for women simply because there are fewer of them. We're hoping to have a match-up for Danielle (in black pants, white shirt) but it's never assured. Brianne (in reddish shirt) is instrumental in producing the November 8 boxing show at the Sherman theatre. She's co-organizer of the event and works in publicity and--oh, yeah--she boxes, too. Christi (pictured working the speed bag) is a newcomer to boxing and will not be boxing. Not yet, anyway. She's a well-conditioned athlete who punches harder than you'd believe. She'll lump you up, son, and I ain't lyin'.
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Jordan Demko: The Storm is Building

 
Meet Jordan Demko. A straight "A" student at East Stroudsburg University, Jordan will be fighting at 165 pounds on November 8 at the Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg. Quiet and self-contained, Jordan is a disciplined athlete who boxes with an all-out intensity. Don't bet on the other guy.

Among the professional fighters he admires, Jordan cites Antonio Margarito and Kelly Pavlik as two of his favorites. Pavlik's from Ohio and so is the retired fighter at the top of Jordan's list: Ray "Boom-Boom" Mancini.
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Boxer Vaughn Edwards: Run Silent, Run Deep

 





















Vaughn Edwards is one of the boxers scheduled to make a first appearance on the November 8 USA Amateur Boxing Matches at the Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA. Vaughn is quiet, and an A student at East Stroudsburg High School. Don't let the polite, thoughtful manner lull you--Vaughn has gotten in touch with his "inner beast", and will be firing long-range rockets inside the boxing ring.
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