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RSR & Vinny Paz Join the Fight Against Lupus

RSR & Vinny Paz Join the Fight Against Lupus
By Geno McGahee – May 20, 2008

The Fourth Annual Connecticut Lupus Charity Golf Classic is a special event and a meaningful one. The event is dedicated to the memory of Annmarie Cocozza, a woman that was consumed by the disease, but didn’t let it ruin her spirit, as she fought hard and inspired others, raising awareness and aiding research. Although she has passed, her fighting spirit lives on, and gives hopes to others that suffer from Lupus as well as the families of those who endure it.

On Monday, May 19th, RSR Lead Photographer and Host of the popular RSRTV Production “The Boxing Show,” Cedric Howard was in attendance, supporting the fight against Lupus. Also on hand, was former WBA Light Middleweight Champion Vinny Paz, showing that the heart of the champion that he displayed in the ring has transcended outside of the ring.

Stevie Johnston Headlines Wednesday Night Ex-Champ Extravaganza

Stevie Johnston Headlines Wednesday Night Ex-Champ Extravaganza
By Russ Greenspan – May 20, 2008

Former world lightweight champion Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnston, 42-5-1, 18 KO’s, returns to action in this week’s ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights’ main event, taking on world rated 135 pound contender Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry, 23-5-1, 11 KO’s, as part of a fight card held at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The promotion, aptly titled “Return of the Champions”, features bouts involving three former title holders, and its proceeds will benefit the “Wounded Warrior Foundation”, whose mission is to provide financial assistance for injured servicemembers and their families.

After a long and distinguished amateur career, Stevie Johnston entered the professional ranks in 1993, and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In March, 1997, Johnston won the WBC lightweight strap with a 12 round split decision over the vastly more experienced Jean-Baptiste Mendy, successfully retained his title three times, then lost a split nod to rugged Cesar Bazan three months hence.

Two fights later, Johnston returned the split decision favor against Bazan; but after four additional defenses, then relatively unknown Jose Luis Castillo seized the belt in Ring Magazine’s Upset of the Year for 2000, earning a hard fought majority decision over the diminutive (5’5”) southpaw. Johnston and Castillo rematched shortly thereafter, but Johnston’s initially reported decision victory became a contentious draw that left him sans title, when it was learned that Judge Ken Morita had incorrectly scored the bout in Johnston’s favor.

Johnston’s next big fight (September, 2003) was a WBC title eliminator, resulting in his first inside the distance setback, a decisive 11th round TKO at the hands of perennial contender Juan Lazcano; to make matters worse, the now ex-champ was subsequently involved in a nasty auto accident (as a guest passenger) that kept him out of boxing for more than two years.

Friend of Boxing and Supporter of Former WBA Heavyweight World Champion, Jimmy Ellis, Howard Gosser speaks with RSR

Friend of Boxing and Supporter of Former WBA Heavyweight World Champion, Jimmy Ellis, Howard Gosser speaks with RSR
Interview by Dan Hernandez-May 20, 2008

“I’d like to speak with Jimmy Ellis.”
“You can’t speak with Jimmy, no one can, and he can hardly speak due to dementia pugilistic.”

So began my conversation with Howard Gosser, onetime boxing trainer and promoter and Nashville music impresario. Howard has been a good friend of James Albert “Jimmy Ellis, former WBA Heavyweight Champion from 1968 to 1970. Born on February 24, 1940, Jimmy began his professional fighting career as a middleweight in 1961. He suffered five losses from 1961 through 1964 to top middleweight contenders, Holly Mims, Henry Hank, Rubin Carter, Don Fullmer, and George Benton. Growing into a heavyweight by 1967, he flew through the elimination tournament defeating Leotis Martin, Argentine heavy Oscar Bonavena, and Jerry Quarry. He even managed to knock Bonavena down on two occasions, which was no easy task; Joe Frazier was unable to accomplish that in 25 rounds against the Argentine.

Angelo Dundee became his trainer and manager in 1965; Dundee was also the trainer of Muhammad Ali, whom Ellis defeated when both were amateurs in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville was the hometown of both fighters. After defeating Quarry for the title left vacant by Ali’s forced boxing retirement, with a close decision in 1968, he managed a successful defense against former Undisputed Heavyweight Titleholder, Floyd Patterson. The win came via a controversial 15-round decision on September 14, 1968, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Ellis lost his title via a fifth round knockout to New York Heavyweight Champion, Joe Frazier. After the loss of his title, Jimmy lost to Muhammad Ali, in the only fight of Ali’s career that Dundee was not in his corner, and continuing the losing streak with losses to Earnie Shavers, Ron Lyle, and another knockout loss to Frazier. Jimmy’s last recorded fight was a first round knockout victory on May 6, 1975. He remained active in the Louisville community, working with youth groups, senior citizens and young fighters for as long as the dementia allowed him to function.

Long-time Louisville resident, Howard Gosser, born in Glasgow, Kentucky, on November 23, 1933, considers Jimmy one of the nicest men he’s ever met and was happy to share some of stories of Jimmy, the boxing scene in general, and a life well spent. Howard’s personal boxing career began on the National Golden Gloves Team in 1950, and included boxing while in the Marine Corp during the Korean War and included being a member of the All Service Club. Turning pro in 1953, Howard had one fight, a 4 round decision loss to one Billy Martin, and went from there into broadcasting. He then moved on to an involvement in Nashville and country music, one of his clients as a music manager and promoter was Johnny Lee, whose major hit was “Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places.” He also promoted the music and became life-long friends with then former fighter, Jimmy Ellis, the album’s name was: “Gospel with a Punch.”

The Future of Jermain Taylor

The Future of Jermain Taylor
By Eileen Teran-May 20, 2008

What’s next for Jermain Taylor? His future is so bright, he better wear shades.

He’s taking some time off after his two, difficult losses to the Middleweight Champion, Kelly Pavlik. But when he fights again in September, I think we’ll see a return to the flashes of brilliance and greatness that graced his career before he bumped into Pavlik.

Jermain has always been a classy guy, even from the young, tender age of five when his dad abandoned the family and he stepped up to take care of his three younger sisters. That maturity and strength of character are on display again as he picks up the pieces of his career from this past year.

He trained harder in his training camp for the rematch with Pavlik than he ever had before in his life. And the sting of still coming up the tiniest bit short that night begs for some reflection time. But Jermain is going to demonstrate the classic case of the losses making him a better boxer.

Jermain, 27-2-1, 17 KO’s, has it in him to learn the lessons and come back stronger. I have no doubt this will prove to be the case as his career continues for years to come. He is planning on making the jump up to the super middleweight 168 weight class, which is chock full of tantalizing future bouts with the likes of Lucian Bute, Mikkel Kessler, Anthony Mundine, and Carl Froch.

His opponent in September is likely to be Brian Vera who is fresh off of his March upset over the previously undefeated and highly touted Andy Lee. Brian Vera is a pretty skilled boxer, who’s only loss was to Jaidon Codrington in the Contender Series, in September 2007.

Jermain wanted to fight Multi Divisional Champion, Felix Trinidad, who recently loss to Roy Jones, JR., or to face Ricardo Mayorga. Taylor’s manager, Lou DiBella, thought Tito Trinidad, the aging, but still highly respected warrior, would be a good test for Taylor. And then, (again to DiBella’s way of thinking) the winner of Taylor-Trinidad could fight the winner of Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins. But Tito’s team seems to think skipping right to the loser of the Calzaghe fight is the better, more prosperous way to go.

Welterweight Meltdown: Shane Mosley – Zab Judah Cancellation Aftermath

Welterweight Meltdown: Shane Mosley – Zab Judah Cancellation Aftermath
By Daniel “Tex” Cohen-May 20, 2008

The biggest money welterweight clash to take place until Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito, the May 31st bout between Zab Judah and Shane Mosley was a battle between a slick southpaw and an all star veteran with hand speed, both seeking redemption from losses in their previous fights. I say “was,” in past tense, as the fight is now canceled. Supposedly, Zab Judah smashed his right arm “accidentally” through a shower door and needed fifty stitches to close it up.

The scenario sounds vaguely similar to the bad luck that hit Kelly Pavlik just a few weeks after knocking out champion Jermain Taylor. Pavlik put his hand through a glass window he was repairing and required stitches as well. The similarity leads one to wonder if there is an air born disease in boxing gyms that lead great fighters to a) Believe they’re in Hollywood and b) Hollywood citizens actually hurl themselves through glass windows.

Seriously, these guys should hire someone else to do the house work. Pavlik’s the champ for crying out loud. He should have the perk of some other guy having to repair his window.

As for Judah, he would have presented a challenge to Mosley by moving and picking him off as well as some of the men who have beaten Mosley in the past. Mosley, in return, would have gotten a chance to get back in the winner’s circle in one fight and throw himself in the ring with a big name fighter.

Mosley has plenty of different bouts on the table. Personally, I would schedule him with Ricky Hatton. On the other hand, a Hatton fight is contingent upon Hatton’s triumph in his next fight against a no nonsense Juan Lazcano in a clash for the IBO Title. Other offers on the table might include a showdown with Carlos Quintana, Joshua Clottey, Kermit Cintron, or Paulie Malignaggi. All of these fights involve great risk. Quintana and Malignaggi are great boxers with the type of bicycle that might bother an older Mosley. Clottey is a rugged, underrated fighter with crisp punches and a titanium chin. Cintron hits harder than most men in the sport and is much taller than Mosley.

RSR Looks Back at Martin Castillo

RSR Looks Back at Martin Castillo
By George Diaz Smith-May 20, 2008

Long time professional and amateur boxing veteran, former WBA Super Flyweight Champion, Martin “El Gallito” Castillo has retired. Martin was a great fighter retiring with a record of, 33-2, 17 KO’s.

Castillo has had most impressive credentials adhering to an amateur regiment that’s never strayed; having fought notables as a youth such as Eric Morel, Juan Guzman (three times), and Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather, JR., who he in fact beat.

Castillo’s maturity was what struck me the most about him. He was modest and soft-spoken enough to reflect upon the Mayweather fight as just one of his many battles, and regarded Floyd highly as in telling me that that was at a much lighter weight, and the PBF today is a great fighter and that is one of his very favorite.

Castillo should be entered into the California Hall of Fame, and get consideration for the bigger Halls for his unwavering and extreme respect for the amateur and professionalism that’s carried throughout an illustrious career. The 115 pound Martin, who turned 31 last January, had his last fight February 16th against Fernando Montiel, and got stopped in the fourth by a hard shot to the body.

Respectable, challenging, and feisty, Castillo was a real pleasure to have known outside the ring.

I’ll always remember his picking up the phone waiting for his plane to arrive for his trip to Mexico, which I hadn’t known at the time - and him immediately having time to speak with me with a mutual respect and concern that made me feel so privileged like I was family.

He didn’t have to take the call, we could have waited for another time, but Castillo would have none of it, and I swear to you that if I hadn’t known better, and don’t ask me how, Martin Castillo would have made that plane wait in order just to talk to me.

He also informed me of vast knowledge regarding the amateur game that is as much a part of him as the pros are, and if you had struck a conversation about the levels of those competitions, he’ll reflect with unmistakable detailing on the importance it served for him in the pro transaction.

A Trainer’s Trainer: Freddie Roach Speaks to RSR About His Boxing Journey

A Trainer’s Trainer: Freddie Roach Speaks to RSR About His Boxing Journey
Interview by Dan Hernandez-May 19, 2008

“It is a very addictive sport, very hard to give up.”--Freddie Roach

Freddie Roach started his professional boxing career in 1978. He was nicknamed “La Cucaracha” and “The Choir Boy.” He was an excellent, exciting fighter but never quite got past the best fighters of his generation, losing to former champions, Bobby Chacon, Greg Haugen, and Hector Camacho. He had a strong beginning with a record of 26-1 only to lose 12 of his last 25 fights. His professional boxing record stands at, 39-13, 15 KO’s, with 1 no decision.

His career spiraled down after breaking his hand in a decision victory over Mario Chavez in Argentina. He was ranked #7 super bantamweight in the world at the time. He underwent surgery but the hands remained brittle and mentally it was debilitating.

Born in Denham, Massachusetts, on March 5, 1960, Roach has been involved with boxing since he was introduced to the sport as a child by his father. After retiring from professional boxing in his late twenties, Freddie hooked up with his old trainer, the highly acclaimed trainer of champions, Eddie Futch. He was Eddie’s assistant for 10 years and blossomed into one of the most sought after trainers in the sport. He was voted the Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2003, 2006, and 2007.

It has been noted that Roach suffers from Parkinson’s disease due to injuries sustained during his boxing career. He blames this on the last 5 fights that he fought, losing four of those fights. His trainer and friend, Eddie Futch, had strongly encouraged Freddie to stop fighting prior to those fights. He did not follow the advice. As a trainer, he severed a relationship with one of his fighters, Wayne McCullough, who continued to fight despite a cyst on his brain. His standards are high and he expects his fighters to follow him explicitly.

Roach has been the owner of the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles for 13 years and his gym, like his career as a trainer, is flourishing, reaching beyond the Parkinson’s affliction. He has stated that the training he received from Futch is one of the main reasons for his success. Eddie had told him quite a while back: “You never want to change a guy, you want to take their strengths and refine them, and you want to take their weaknesses and make them better also. Every fighter needs to be treated as individuals, and unique individuals, as champions are, so you’ve really got to adapt to them a little bit and get inside their heads to get them to believe in you. So he’ll trust you. So he’ll listen to you between rounds.” Freddie has clearly followed the advice of his trusted mentor; his corner is quiet, confident, and positive.

CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show Friday Night May 23rd

RSR CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show Friday Night May 23rd
RSR Press Release-May 20, 2008

Our very own CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt will appear this Friday night, May 23rd. with Host Glenn Harris on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show live from 8:00 PM -8:30 PM. Sports Talk is seen in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland. Make sure to tune in for nothing, but lots talk about boxing. You might even be able to call in and ask "Bad" Brad a Boxing question.

Ricky Hatton: Poised For Greater Heights

Ricky Hatton: Poised For Greater Heights
By Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett-May 19, 2008

As a moderator on the world’s best boxing message boards I constantly come across the naysayers that love to point out Ricky Hatton’s apparent struggles and limitations. The loss to Floyd Mayweather, JR., last year was nothing more than an exclamation point for some of them. They love to point out that he has at-times looked less than spectacular scaling the welterweight mountain or failing to dispose of a certain at-the-time undefeated light welterweight contender as if he were an also-ran, undeserving of anything less than being stuffed into a cannon.

The truth of the matter is that to disparage Hatton is to disparage the forty-three fighters to whom he managed to hand the ticket of defeat. It is so easy for fans to simply sit back and pick apart the holes in a given fighter’s game. The reality of it is that so often the intangibles that make a man successful, or even in some cases great, can swiftly turn an armchair expert into a crow-eating, maker of excuses. “The Hitman” managed to amass such a record through years of practice, dedication and near supernatural focus on a singular goal. I cannot understate the odds against any man embarking on a pro career in boxing, and certainly not anybody that has the added burden of competing in the one-hundred and forty pound ranks.

Since Ricky Hatton defied the odds and the experts by overpowering and outfighting the legendary Kostya Tszyu in 2005, the naysayers have reveled in criticizing his abilities. There were chinks to his game, no doubt, but the truth tells us that despite the deficiencies, or the fact that he was more Randy Turpin than Ray Robinson, Hatton was an over achiever of notable proportions. I made him a three to one underdog to defeat Kostya Tszyu. In the days leading into the match, one of my co-workers who just happened to be three years removed from merry old town of Manchester, grilled me as to my impressions of Ricky’s chances. I remember telling him that despite my apprehension as to Ricky’s readiness, he was an undefeated 38-0 for a reason. Let’s face it, if there really wasn’t anything to him, and he had faced the likes of Tom, Dick and Harry over the course of those years and bouts, wouldn’t one of them have managed to get lucky at some point?

When Ricky took it upon himself to travel across the Atlantic to challenge Luis Collazo for the WBA Welterweight Title, not only was he going into a hostile environment, he was challenging a gifted bigger man. Never mind that Hatton really never had any business tangling at welterweight, or that he dropped Collazo seconds into the bout, Ricky was doing the unlikely. The truth of the matter is that if the naysayers were anywhere near right, Hatton would have never made it to that point back in 2006. After much back and forth, not to mention, getting rocked down to his socks in the closing seconds of a pleasing bout, Hatton walked away from the ring that night a two-division champion.

When Hatton boldly placed his cards on the table and challenged the consensus best fighter on the planet for his WBC Welterweight Title last December, the drum beat of doubt played ominously in the background. That “The Hitman” was clearly in the match for the first six rounds seems all too forgotten, or that he never really had any business fighting at one-hundred and forty seven pounds, let alone the pound for pound king. Hatton went for broke and fought for bucks and glory, and not necessarily in that order. When the curtain finally came crashing down late in the contest, and Hatton was himself emphatically handed the ticket of defeat, he took it like the true competitor he is, acknowledging the greatness of his conqueror and promising to return.

3-Time World Champion & RSR Feature Writer Jose Antonio Rivera Receives the Citizen of the Year Award

3-Time World Champion & RSR Feature Writer Jose Antonio Rivera Receives the Citizen of the Year Award
RSR Press Release
Photo by Cedric Howard-May 19, 2008

The 3-Time World Champion and RSR Feature Writer, Jose Antonio Rivera, has been honored by the American Legend (Post #435) for the outstanding work that he has been doing with the children the community, providing a role model in times that desperately needs one. The “Citizen of the Year Award” is something that is well deserved and we here at RSR congratulate him.

Weekly Message Board Update

Weekly Message Board Update
By Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett-May 19, 2008

I remember a time when there was nobody around with whom I could discuss the sport of boxing, upcoming bouts or the career direction of fighters. It was a time when I’d have to scour newspapers in the hopes of finding out results and in many cases, my only true source came a month to six weeks after the fact. I recall the period when Larry Holmes was coming back in earnest, looking to face a prime version of the undefeated “Iron” Mike Tyson – and there was no one amongst those that I knew that I could intelligently discuss it with.

Today, things have improved. One now need only to log-on to Ringside Report, go into the message boards and choose any one of our second to none forums. Doing such gives one immediate access to some of they most accommodating and dedicated hardcore boxing fans from various points around the globe.

Rumors and fight results that I once hoped to source in the mainstream media are now quickly and easily found, such as in our General Boxing Forum, an example being the thread “Chris Byrd Upset” as created by AntonioMartin. Another advantage the internet and more directly, Ringside Report, provides fans with today are the well laid out and intelligent discussions and career reviews as found in our Classic Boxing Forum. Threads such as “Larry Holmes vs. George Foreman” by Robot16 and “Looking Back at Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis” by WorkTheJab are just a few of the examples of the “look back” type of fan discussion we specialize in. Looking to post your views on some fantasy match-ups? We have those too!

We live in grand times where our sport is concerned. Enjoy it to the utmost. Let Ringside Report be your boxing pipeline. Membership is free and easy.

To register now, click here: RSR Message Board

Mijares Defeats Munoz, Unifies Belts

Mijares Defeats Munoz, Unifies Belts
By Daniel “Tex” Cohen-May 18, 2008

In a career defining fight, Junior Bantamweight Champion Cristian Mijares, 35-3, 14 KO’s, boxed, juked and jived his way to a split decision victory over Alexander Munoz, 32-3, 27 KOs, Saturday night at the Auditorio Centenario in Mijares’ home town of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico on Pay Per View.

"I do not have word to describe how I feel. It was a great fight. He was a worthy opponent, but we have the title and I'm very proud," Mijares said after the fight. "He made me work strong. He had me a couple of times, but I settled down to get the job done."

The bout was one of the biggest fights ever to take place in the Junior Bantamweight Division. The results also put Mijares in the running as a Top Ten Pound for Pound contender.

Mijares constantly flustered and confused the off balance Munoz throughout the course of the fight, sticking, moving and staying out of the way of power shots as though Mijares knew what Munoz was going to throw and when he was going to throw it.

When the fight started off, it seemed that Munoz might be able to swarm and overwhelm Mijares by constantly coming forward and dishing out consistent power shots in an effort to cause real damage. However, Mijares began slipping shots and pounding Munoz with a buffet of hooks, straight right hands and body shots from bevy of angles.

Munoz did readjust after the second round, changing his angles and coming forward more consistently. Many spectators actually gave the fighter the round.
Munoz was back in his uncomfortable crouch in the fourth round, as the southpaw Mijares broke pattern with such efficiency that Munoz appeared almost as a dog attempting to catch its own tail. That round would set the mood for the rest of the fight, as Munoz was off balance and out of his comfort zone as Mijares pot-shotted and bullied him.

Munoz tried his hardest, throwing high volumes of punches throughout. Since most of those shots did not land, his high volume turned out to be a disadvantage. Missing shots tires a fighter out and the wear and tear of the fight began to show in the late rounds as a tired Munoz continued to throw in the championship rounds but did so even more wearily. Mijares took advantage of the ensuing and increasing sloppiness of Munoz’s punches, capitalizing on every opportunity by slipping and nailing Munoz with blistering combinations.

Jorge Arce Squeaks By Devid Lookmahanak on Latin Fury 4

Jorge Arce Squeaks By Devid Lookmahanak on Latin Fury 4
By Geno McGahee –May 17, 2008

Jorge Arce, 49-4-1, 37 KO’s, didn’t do much to support his cause as a star attraction with a twelve round struggle against Devid Lookmahanak, 18-1, 9 KO’s. Arce was able to score a knockdown which was probably the difference between a victory and defeat, or a possible draw, as both fighters gave as good as they got and the winner was in doubt when the final bell rang. The majority decision was awarded to Arce, who is now in line for a shot at the WBC Super Flyweight Title.

Jorge Solis, 35-1-2, 25 KO’s, won a ten round decision over Miguel Roman, 25-2, 17 KO’s, by scores of 99-93, 99-91, and 97-95.

Lightweight, Guadalupe Rosales, 26-2, 15 KO’s, used his experience to outpoint and capture a split decision over Humberto Gutierrez, 22-1-1, 18 KO’s.

Former WBC Light Flyweight Champion, Brian Viloria, 22-2-1, 13 KO’s, stopped Fred Valdez, 10-18, 5 KO’s, in the third round. The “Hawaiian Punch” didn’t have any issues in this incredible mismatch.

Prospects Shine on HBO’s Boxing After Dark

Prospects Shine on HBO’s Boxing After Dark
By Geno McGahee –May 17, 2008

HBO presented a window into the future of boxing on their “Boxing After Dark” program, presenting three entertaining bouts and introducing three boxers that have been discussed but rarely seen.

In the main event of the evening, Yuriokis Gamboa, 10-0, 8 KO’s, didn’t live up to the hype as he struggled in a ten round decision win over Darling Jimenez, 23-3-2, 14 KO’s. Gamboa used his speed and combination punching to pile up the points, but at times, he looked very amateurish, with his hands down and throwing punches in large amounts that were mostly missing instead of pinpointing his punches to do damage. The only drama in the fight was in the fourth round when a right hand behind the ear sent Gamboa down. Outside of that, Gamboa just presented a puzzle that Jimenez could not figure out. It is yet to be seen if this style of Gamboa will take him to the highest levels of the lightweight division, but for tonight, it was good enough to capture the unanimous decision by scores of: 97-92 (twice) and 99-91.

James Kirkland, 22-0, 19 KO’s, scored his second first round knockout in a row with a stoppage Eromosele Albert, 21-2, 10 KO’s, in only 1 minute and 6 seconds…a man that had never been stopped before, and had a reputation of being a tough guy. Albert had some good wins going into this one, and this blowout by Kirkland has sent a message to all of the other light middleweights in the world. A straight left hand on the inside put Albert down on the floor and hurt badly. He made it to his feet, but he was very groggy and the referee was definitely on the fence, but he decided to let him continue. Kirkland pounced and Albert crashed to the floor again and it was over. This was a very impressive performance and one that will be remembered.

ESPN2 FNF Shocker: Shaun George Feasts on Chris Byrd!

ESPN2 FNF Shocker: Shaun George Feasts on Chris Byrd!
By Russ Greenspan – May 17, 2008

Boxing is often said to be a thinking man’s game; that being said, Chris Byrd is by now doubtless seriously questioning his decision to venture into the light heavyweight ranks, after Friday night’s one sided 9th round TKO defeat by Brooklyn, New York’s Shaun George at Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center, a bout in which the former IBF and WBO heavyweight titlist learned with brutal certainty that he could take off weight, but not turn back time.

There was utterly no hocus pocus in George’s game plan, yet Byrd looked all of his 37 years and then some throughout the match-up, suffering a first round knockdown, then absorbing a continual barrage of jabs and right hands from his 29 year old opponent over the next series of frames. In the ninth, Byrd was awkwardly felled by a right hand on the button which reportedly separated his left shoulder, then splayed face down across the middle ring ropes by another fusillade of blows, prompting referee Jay Nady to halt the action at the 2:45 mark.

Gone was the middleweight in a heavyweight’s body, the elusive defensive whiz and quick fisted tormentor of behemoth sized adversaries; in his place appeared a squared up, uncharacteristically tentative, virtually motionless 174 pound husk, who in his own words to ringside commentators after the close of round six, looked “like c__p” from the opening bell. In point of fact, things were so awful for Byrd, that had George listened to cornerman Tommy Brooks and more vigorously pressed his advantage, the ex-champ’s night would likely have concluded far earlier.

The win betters George’s register to 17-2-2, 8 KO’s, and stands to make him a player in what has now become one of boxing’s most interesting divisions. Byrd falls to 40-5-1, 21 KO’s; after three knockout losses in his last four outings (the last to a far less seasoned opponent not regarded as a big puncher), “Rapid Fire” must take some time and honestly assess his future in the sport.

This Saturday HBO’s Boxing After Dark Hits the Fans with a Triple Header

This Saturday HBO’s Boxing After Dark Hits the Fans with a Triple Header
By Geno McGahee-May 17, 2008

The very popular light middleweight, James Kirkland, 21-0, 18 KO’s, plans to capitalize on the notoriety that he received from his last bout, a first round knockout over Allen Conyers, where both fighters were down. He will be taking on Eromosele Albert, 21-1, 10 KO’s, in the main event of this HBO triple header. Albert is on a winning streak, victorious in his last eleven bouts, and has never been stopped. It will be interesting to see how he handles the powerful Kirkland.

Alfredo Angulo, 12-0, 9 KO’s, a relatively untested light middleweight will test his skills against the capable Richard Gutierrez, 24-1, 14 KO’s. If there is an upset in the making, it is this bout. Gutierrez has gone the distance with Joshua Clottey, losing a majority decision, and has had three very good victories in his last three bouts, bringing a lot of momentum going in against Angulo, who is on a knockout streak of his own, but has not faced a real challenge yet, but he will on Saturday night.

Advertise Now On Ringside Report.com "The Heart of Boxing" Website

Advertise Now On Ringside Report.com "The Heart of Boxing" Website
RSR Press Release-May 17, 2008

Is your business looking to generate additional revenue? Do you want to be linked to the fastest growing online boxing site on the net? A boxing site, which is known as “The Heart of Boxing” with readers and viewers both domestic and overseas, who grow in numbers by the day.

Well, then RSR may be the place you want to spend some of your advertising budget. We offer very competitive rates for various package deals that can place your business in an area, that without a doubt, will generate new business for your company. To get a detailed quote today about ad space, click the link below and send your information to our CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt or you can call the RSR Office at: (703) 517-2155.

Email Now For A Price Quote

Purchase the Debut Book Boxing Interviews of a Lifetime By Author "Bad" Brad Berkwitt

Purchase the Debut Book Boxing Interviews of a Lifetime By Author "Bad" Brad Berkwitt
RSR Press Release-May 17, 2008

RSR CEO/Publisher, “Bad” Brad Berkwitt’s first book: “Boxing Interviews of a Lifetime” has caused quite a stir and has gotten a reaction rarely seen. The Washington Post did a four page spread on it titled “Book Is Talk of the Boxing World”.

Author Julius Stecker of Talking Boxing called it: “The Best Boxing Book of this Boxing Generation,” and it’s not difficult to see why. Featured within the 450+ pages of exclusive and rare interviews, you find not only discussions with the biggest names in boxing, both past and present, but also entertainers that have had pugilism effect their lives. This is not just for the boxing fan. This is for everyone that wants to learn more about the sport from the eyes of the men that lace up the gloves and courageously step into the ring to the people of the entertainment world that have become addicted to this sport and enthusiastically share their memories.

As you read through the pages, you realize just why this sport has attracted so many celebrities and fans. This is a book that may change your perception on the cruelest game and is a must for your library. Boxing Interviews of a Lifetime comes out of the corner swinging and doesn’t let up until the last page.

Click Here Now To Purchase Boxing Interviews of a Lifetime

Horror Has Found a New Home: Scared Stiff Reviews

Horror Has Found a New Home: Scared Stiff Reviews
RSR Press Release-May 17, 2008

Horror and Science Fiction of all years and style have found a new home at what has become known as “The Home of Horror,” Scared Stiff Reviews. From reviews, to articles, to interviews with the biggest names in horror as well as the independent film producers looking for their break, Scared Stiff brings it all. Geno McGahee, Managing Editor for Ringside Report has assembled a group of talented and insightful writers to bring the reader the best horror experience. Scared Stiff is in no one’s pocket, and we review films honestly and do not pull punches, hopefully saving you the expense when you are going to rent a horrible horror film. We also specialize in exposing the obscure, giving the horror fan a bigger variety to choose from when looking to satisfy their horror fix.

If you want your horror fix satisfied, want to read about Aliens chasing humans, want to know who the most wanted slasher villains are, or just want to read some amusing material, Scared Stiff is your site. Visit us now!

For The Fright Of Your Life, Click Here

The Return of El Gallo: 3-Time World Champion and RSR Feature Writer Jose Antonio Rivera Speaks of His Return to Boxing

The Return of El Gallo: 3-Time World Champion and RSR Feature Writer Jose Antonio Rivera Speaks of His Return to Boxing
Interview by Dan Hernandez
Photo by Cedric Howard-May 16, 2008

“Not everybody is Oscar De La Hoya, where they can make millions of dollars a fight.”--Jose Antonio Rivera

Jose Antonio Rivera, 38-6-1, 24 KO’s, did not like the way he retired, he had absorbed a bad beating at the hands of Daniel Santos on October 6, 2007, at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York. Santos stopped Rivera with 10 seconds left in the eighth round, and Rivera’s face was covered with welts, bruises, blood, and a grotesquely swollen nose when his corner men waved a white towel. He has not fought since.

Prior to the Santos bout Rivera was stopped by Travis Simms in January of 2007 via a 9th round TKO, losing his WBA Light Middleweight Title in the process. Jose had won his title with a decisive 12 round decision over previously unbeaten, Alejandro Garcia and has an outstanding record against top competition. Pride and desire for a good payday is motivating his return.

Jose feels he is in the perfect place and at the best weight to make this venture successful. Having just finalized his divorce, he knows that his mind was wandering a bit with his domestic difficulties and he was unable to focus, as you must, to be competitive with championship caliber opponents. He has escalated to a legitimate middleweight at 160 pounds, feels he is stronger than ever, and has been able to maintain his speed.

Rivera is attempting to negotiate with the Don King Team now either to schedule him fights or to release him from his contract. He is his own manager and honestly believes that being 35 years of age will not be a detriment to achieving his dreams. Jose is maintaining a solid relationship with his children and a long-time job with the Massachusetts Court system while focusing on his return. He is also hoping to renew his writing assignments with RSR and is hoping that the fans support him as fervently as they always have.

Love Boxing and Can Write? RSR Wants You!

Love Boxing and Can Write? RSR Wants You!
RSR Press Release-May 16, 2008

RSR is currently seeking writers (2 positions available) to cover the sport of boxing, conduct interviews, attend live professional boxing cards, and get their work out to the world. If you are interested in writing about the sport you love, write well, can write on a consistent basis, meeting deadlines, and have the ambition to get right into the pugilistic world, rubbing elbows with the biggest names in the sport, then this is for you. If you meet the requirements and are interested, please email RSR’s Managing Editor, Geno McGahee, who will go over the specifics of the position and consider you for hire.

To Submit Your Application To Be Reviewed Click Here

Cristian Mijares and Alexander Munoz Fight for Unification on Pay Per View this Saturday Night

Cristian Mijares and Alexander Munoz Fight for Unification on Pay Per View this Saturday Night
By Daniel “Tex” Cohen-May 16, 2008

WBC Super Flyweight and Ring Magazine #3 tanked Flyweight Titlist Cristian Mijares, 34-3, 14 KO’s, puts his belts on the line against the power hitting WBA Super Flyweight Titlist and Ring Magazine #2 ranked Flyweight Alexander “El Explosivo” Munoz, 32-2, 27 KO’s, in a unification bout this Saturday on El Noche de Campeones pay per view in the Auditorio Centenario in Durango Mexico.

These two fighters have each been in the top ten in the division rankings for over 300 weeks. The two were integral in the recent divisional coup that consisted of Fernando Montiel’s knockout of Martin Castillo, Munoz’s domination of Nabuo Nashiro and Mijares’ decision victory over Jose Navarro.

“People all over the world, especially in my country, are going to watch two of the best fighters in the division and, pound-for-pound, in the world today,” said Munoz recently in hyping the fight. “I can’t think about unifying against the other world champs because the first step is beating Mjirares. I know I’ll be fighting Cristian at home in front of so many of his fans.”

Mijares is also taking the fight as seriously, something he alluded to in recent press conference statements.

“Munoz is a dreaded knockout fighter and that’s why he’s a 2-time world champion,” Mijares said. “All fights are different and I prepare myself 100-percent. I believe in my ability and also put myself in the hands of God. I believe it’s going to be a classic fight between a fighter and a puncher; a very tough, hard fight. I’m not looking ahead of this fight, but I’d like two or three more fights at this weight and then look at fighting for another world title at a higher weight.”

Mijares rose to power as a major player in the division in April of last year when he pounded crowd favorite Jorge Arce practically into the mat, sending blood down the face of his rival countryman. Mijares dominated on all three score cards in that fight, keeping in tact a winning streak of five and a half years to this date. In his career, he has handed Luis Maldonado his first defeat, dominated a tough, dirty Reynaldo Lopez and easily handled Navarro.

In the Navarro fight, Mijares bloodied and bruised a game but outgunned Navarro over twelve full rounds. Mijares unloaded jab after jab and worked combinations perfectly in the fight, a near shutout to the average viewer. Mijares won by a split decision that should have been unanimous, as judge Doug Tucker absurdly handed Navarro all twelve rounds.

Munoz has had very hot and cold competition in his career. To his credit, his only two losses have both come by decision against Martin Castillo, almost as if Castillo were his perfect foil. Castillo was recently dropped in four rounds against Mijares’ main competition for top honors in the division, Montiel, and later retired from Boxing. Munoz has never been in the ring with someone as good as Mijares and his true skill level is an X-factor in this fight.

Francisco Figueroa Prevails on ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights

Francisco Figueroa Prevails on ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights
By George Diaz Smith – May 15, 2008

New York’s Gotham Hall last night carried the televised ESPN2 broadcast along sides ESPN Deportes for a stellar Lou DiBella promotion that favored the young talent in primarily the super lightweight division.

In the main event, the 10th ranked WBC super lightweight in the country, Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa, 19-2, 13 KO’s, fought a very controlled pace in fighting Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, Luis “Charal” Rodriguez, 22-2, 13 KO’s.

Figueroa used a very agile and mobile style with striking hooks on either hand to get on the inside, and popped with his right jab whenever Rodriguez would set his feet from long range to fight.

By the sixth, Luis seemed to find some moderate success with his tall and lankiness there, but under some expert tutorship of Buddy McGirt, Figueroa maintained his plan to go downstairs, and break Rodriguez from bottom up.

Francisco wasn’t in any trouble throughout the fight, but you couldn’t say the same for Luis who looked more like he didn’t expect a slick light-on-his-feet type fighter who hooked to the body with regularity.

Francisco, whose smile reminds many of an Olympic Gold Medalist in Montreal name Ray Leonard, boxed with a quickness and intelligent rugged exterior of a future champion, putting the pressure on Rodriguez, who at times looked so flat in there that it seemed he was only surviving.

Francisco retained his 140 NABF trinket unanimously with scores: 117-111, 118-110, and 116-112.

The Doctor is in: Dr. George Speaks Candidly About His Work with the Stars of Boxing

The Doctor is in: Dr. George Speaks Candidly About His Work with the Stars of Boxing
Interview by Dan Hernandez-May 15, 2008

“Oscar (De La Hoya) was one the most well-rounded individuals I have ever met.” --Dr. George

Dr. George Del Junco is a member of the first family transplanted from Cuba in 1961 via Miami, Florida. His family was sponsored by the Catholic Church to come to the City of Downey in the early 1960’s to be the first of many Cuban families to establish a presence in California. He is a licensed Chiropractor and a well respected Sportsman, Trainer, and Supporter of both professional and amateur boxing for almost 30 years.

In my quest to obtain as much information about local and world-wide boxing related stories, I have often been advised to talk to Dr. George. The good doctor was receptive to the interview and was candid in his responses to my queries. He shared stories from the early days of Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley and other top fighters. He also explained his stance on the role of the Law Enforcement Community and its involvement with gangs and boxing as a way out of that environment.

I found his commentary both interesting and compelling and trust that the readers of RSR will be equally impressed with this man referred to simply as “Dr. George.”

Eileen’s Pound 4 Pound

Eileen’s Pound 4 Pound
By Eileen Teran-May 15, 2008

The term “pound for pound” was coined for the great Sugar Ray Robinson, arguably one of the best boxers of all time. He ruled the welterweight and middleweight divisions in his time, and writers and fans came up with the term so as to don him with the title of the best without him having to take on the heavy boys.

It survives today for us fans to argue over and speculate about which boxers, if matched up (regardless of weight) would have the skills, the drive, the determination, the conditioning, and defense to enable them to beat everyone else.

Boxing, like a lot of things in life, is subjective. It’s based a lot on perception. That’s why two people can see the same fight and have different opinions as to who won the fight.

So, this list is subjective, but it’s my list. I’m basing it on strength of fight schedules, records, performance, all out toughness, and it has to be said, hype does play a part in my perception of who is the best.

Number 12 – Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins.

He’s got to make the list, he’s B Hop. He was the long reigning Middleweight champion for 10 years, unified the belts, he’s body is in unbelievable condition, his mental toughness is inspiring; you can’t take away from his dominance.

I think he’s shown very little class surrounding the entire Joe Calzaghe fight. With the pre-fight comments, the dirty tactics within the ring, and then the unsportsmanlike way he handled himself after the scores were read, he’d have been a lot higher on my list if he conducted himself with more class.

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