Colorado Boxing News

2008 Amatuer Schedule
Updated 2/10/08

COULD CONTEH HAVE BEAT CALZAGHE? By Jim Amato
Joe Calzaghe is now the toast of the British Kingdom. After his long run as super middleweight champion, Joe conquered Bernard Hopkins to become the world's best light heavyweight. Where does Joe go from here ? Next up looks to be the faded Roy Jones Jr. but what happens if Calzaghe beats Roy ? Well I know Antonio Tarver has been calling Joe out. How about Chad Dawson, Glen Johnson or Erdei ?

Too bad that Joe came along about thirty five years too late. Back then Joe would have found stiff competition right in his own back yard..Chris Finnegan and John Conteh were on there way to becoming top contenders then. Finnegan got a title shot against the legendary Bob Foster in 1972 and after a plucky performance Chris was halted by Bob in the fourteenth round. It was the Ring Magazine " Fight Of The Year. In 1973 Chris met and lost a fifteen round decision to Conteh for the European and British Empire crown. In a 1974 rematch Conteh stopped Finnegan in six rounds. Conteh was now making his way up the contender ladder. At the beginning of his pro career there were times that Conteh beat heavyweights. Before his second win over Finnegan, John had established himself a major threat to Bob Foster. Conteh had beaten Vincente Rondon and Tom Bogs leading him closer to the top. Foster came close to losing his title to Argentina's Jorge Ahumada when they fought to a disputed draw. At that point Bob decided to relinquish his crown. The WBA matched Ahumada's countryman Victor Galindez and Len " Stinger " Hutchins for their version of the title. The WBC matched Conteh with Ahumada. Galindez and Conteh emerged victorious. A fight between Conteh and Galindez would have been a dandy but it would never take place.

John would make successful defenses against Lonnie Bennett, rugged Yaqui Lopez and Hutchins. In their infinite wisdom the WBC stripped Conteh of his title and said it would recognize the winner of a bout between Mate Parlov and Miguel Cuello as the new champion. Parlov halted Cuello to capture the crown. Conteh would get a chance to regain it but the awkward Parlov scored a fifteen round decision over John. Parlov would soon lose the title to Marvin Johnson. Matthew Saad Muhammad ended Johnson's reign and Conteh would challenge Saad. John fought a wonderful fight and I had him ahead after twelve rounds but he seemed to fade in the " championship rounds " and Saad pulled out a fifteen round decision. It was close enough for a rematch but this time Muhammad handled John with relative ease scoring a fourth round knockout. Conteh would fight one more time and then retire in 1980 after a distinguished career posting a final record of 34-4-1.

How would Conteh have fared against today's Joe Calzaghe ? Very well I think. Calzaghe's swarming aggressive style would have been perfect for Conteh. John was very strong and was able to hold his own against some decent heavyweights. He was a good, solid all around boxer with a fine jab. Although not a one punch kayo artist, John was a sharp hitter. John tasted the canvas a few times in his career but he was only stopped once and as Calzaghe showed against Hopkins he's far from being a big banger. Also Conteh was not above using roughhouse tactics in the ring. I think it would boil down to a matter of tactics and Conteh had the superior talent. I'd have to go with Conteh if the bout was the " real " championship distance of fifteen rounds. If it was a twelve rounder Calzaghe might have been able to salvage a draw. If it went fifteen I believe Conteh would have finished strong to take the duke. Although John faded in the late rounds against Saad Muhammad, he was past his prime and Saad was a much more punishing puncher then Calzaghe would ever hope to be. A peak Conteh finished well in fifteen rounders againt Finnegan, Ahumada and Yaqui Lopez.

I actually shudder to think of Calzaghe in there with Bob Foster. Joe's lucky he did not fight in the 1970's and eighties.

CHAMPIONS WASTELAND ; SHOZO SAIJO By Jim Amato
Today with so many governing bodies and organizations around it has become very hard to take someones claim of " world champion " seriously. I mean there is the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBA and God knows how many more will pop up in the future. Split titles are not anything new to boxing but in days gone by it was a lot less complicated. As much as I hated it when either the WBA or the WBC " stripped " a champion of his crown for some bogus reason and then " made " their own champion. At least it kept the rift between just two claimants. In some cases there were much needed unification fights like Bob Foster and Vincente Rondon or Carlos Monzon against Rodrigo Valdez. There were also cases where a unification bout would have generated a lot of fan interest and cleared up the situation but they never came off. Some bouts that come to mind are Salvador Sanchez vs Eusebio Pedroza, John Conteh vs Victor Galindez and Carlos Palomino vs Pipino Cuevas. There is one bout that could have taken place in 1971 pitting two champions from Japan who each claimed a portion of the featherweight title. They were WBC title holder Kuniaki Shibata and his WBA rival, Shozo Saijo. Alas the fight never materialized. It seems that today Shibata is still remembered as the man who made great Vincente Saldivar surrender. What about poor Shozo Saijo ? He has been long forgotten outside of Japan and somehow that just does not seem quite fair.

Saijo was born in 1947 and turned pro in 1964. Shozo was not an instant sensation and over his first twenty fights he compiled a less then earth shaking 14-4-2 record. In 1968 he lost a decision to the highly regarded Jose Luis Pimentel. In a rematch Saijo turned the tables and he got the verdict. That led to a fight with the rugged Raul Rojas.After the retirement of Saldivar, Rojas defeated Enrique Higgins to claim the vacant WBA featherweight title. Rojas was matched with Saijo in a non title battle and Saijo copped the decision. On September 27th, 1968 in a rematch with the title on the line Saijo became the new WBA champion.

Saijo did not just sit on his laurels. He was a very active champion who defended his title five times and won seven of eight non title affairs. His only loss was to WBA super featherweight champion Hiroshi Kobayashi with no title at stake. Finally on September 2nd, 1971 Shozo lost his championship when he was hallted in five rounds by Venezuala's Antonio Gomez. Saijo never fought again. His overall record stood at 29-7-2. He scored eight stoppage victories and suffered only one knockout loss and that was to Gomez. The path of Saijo and Shibata never crossed when they both held the title at the same time.Shibata held his portion of the title from 12-11-1970 to 5-19-1972. Saijo had a longer reign from 9-27-1968 to 9-2-1971, holding his piece of the crown for nearly three years. A champion like Saijo should not be forgotten.

In conjunction with the Regional Golden Gloves (open and click on last tab), here are the results of the Regional Golden Golden Gloves Tournament - click here for the results.

CLEVELAND LIGHTWEIGHT TOMMY SALEM By Jim Amato
The proud city of Cleveland has produced their share of notable boxers. All time greats like Johnny Kilbane, Jimmy Bivins, Joey Maxim, etc...helped to put Cleveland on the fistic map. One fine fighter from Cleveland's gloried past has kind of slipped through the cracks of deserved recognition. He was a rough and tumble lightweight who campaigned in the 1950's. Although he was not blessed with great power, he was able to win twenty of his twenty eight fights. His name was Tommy Salem. Born in 1932, Salem turned pro in 1950. He was undefeated in his first twelve bouts including two wins over Tommy Tibbs. In 1952 Tommy lost an eight round split decision to rugged Charley Riley. Salem bounced back to win three straight before being outscored by Eddie Crawford. Tommy was then stopped in seven rounds by Youngstown's under rated L.C.Morgan. Salem then put together a five bout win streak that led to a 1956 fight with future champion and Hall Of Fame inductee Carlos Ortiz. The bout was held at St. Nick's Arena in New York City. Salem gave Ortiz all he wanted but dropped a spilt decision. Salem's fine performance led to a return to St.Nick's to face the highly regarded Johnny Busso. Again Tommy was on the short end of a ten round split decision. In 1957 Tommy was taken out by Walter Brown and Frankie Ippolito. He finally retired with a respectable 20-7-1 record

A SHORT ON SHIBATA By Jim Amato
Kuniaki Shibata was one of Japan's most under rated fighters of all time. He was crowned three times as a world champion in two different weight divisions. This was in the 1970's when boxers had to go the "real" championship distance of fifteen rounds.There were only two governing bodies back then, the WBA and the WBC. Born in 1947 Shibata turned professional in 1965. He was a very strong fighter with decent power but he could also be a clever boxer at times. It was Shibata's chin that would betray him on five different occasions and probably eliminated him years later as a potential Hall Of Famer. In the late 60's Shibata was stopped by dangerous Dwight Hopkins and Hubert Kang for the Orient featherweight title. Finally in 1970 Shibata shook up the world by forcing the great featherweight champion Vincente Saldivar to retire after twelve brutal rounds of action. In 1971 he stopped Raul Cruz in one round. Then he drew with Panama's Ernesto Marcel to retain his WBC title. Nine months later Marcel would win the WBA's version of the featherweight title from Antonio Gomez. In 1972 Shibata's chin was exposed again as Mexico's Clemente Sanchez destroyed him in three rounds. In 1973 Kuniaki pulled another upset by cleverly outboxing hard hitting Ben Villaflor to win the WBA super featherweight title. Shibata held on to his title with a draw against the always tough Victor Echegaray. In his rematch with Villaflor, Shibata was caught cold and flattened in the first round. Next Shibata would score another upset in 1974 with a points verdict over Ricardo Arredondo to add the WBA super featherweight title to his belt collection. Shibata was a worthy champion as he defended his crown successfully three times. In 1975 Shibata tasted the canvas again as he was stopped in two by the great champion Alfredo Escalera. Kuniaki would win three more fights and would finally hang up the gloves in 1977. In 56 fights his record was 47-6-3 with 25 KO's. In turn Shibata was blasted out on five occasions. I will be doing a full length feature on Shibata for the next issue of Boxing World magazine

In conjunction with the Colorado Golden Gloves, here are the results of the State Golden Golden Gloves Tournament - click here for the results.

Roberto Duran is my favorite fighter of all time. By Jim Amato
Because of this fact I thought I may be a little bias in my opinion of the book " Hands Of Stone ". Would I over rate it because the subject was Duran or would I be too harsh and expect too much ? All I know is when it hit the shelf, I had to have it. Although time is not a luxury for me these days I was going to make time to read this book. I'm glad I did. The author Christian Giudice did a tremendous job in researching this project. I was amazed at the number of people who were a part of Duran's life and legacy that he was able to talk too. The information he was able to gather molded this into more then just a book. It became a journey through Duran's life from his humble beginnings to the present. Family members and former opponents along with many others painted a picture of this great fighter and complex man we call Duran. That name alone stirs great memories for boxing fans around the world and the author was able to weave a superb story of one of boxing's all time greats on to the pages of this book. This is a must read for all boxing fans and if you are a Duran fan...Well what are you waiting for ?

Author: Arthur Mercante By Jim Amato
He was the best referee of my time and were some great ones. Men like Mills Lane and Joe Cortez among others. Arthur Mercante was the cream that rose to the top. Now he has written a book titled " Inside The Ropes ". It is a recollection of Mercante's travels through the landscape of boxing. Mr. Mercante has decades of memories that he shares his readers. It is a wonderful trip back in time as he talks about some of the famous fights that he acted as the third man. Patterson - Johannson II and Ali - Frazier I among others. Mercante talks about some of the best boxers he's come in contact with. Foreman, Frazier, Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and a young Cassius Clay. I thoroughly I enjoyed this book. It's a slice of boxing history through the eyes of a man who has seen it up close and personal. I highly recommend this fine book.

Results of the Regional Four Corners Senior Tournament in Phoenix, AZ held on February 22-23, 2008

Friday, February 22, 2008
Bout #1 = Mike Herrera, NM vs. Francisco Ibarra - 112 lb - Result = Mike Herrera, NM winner on points
Bout #2 = Randy Arellin, NM vs. Timothy Ibarra - 119 lb - Result = Randy Arellin, NM winner on points
Bout #3 = Jose Haro, UT vs. Paul Romero, AZ - 119 lb - Result = Paul Romero, AZ winner on points
Bout #4 = Suanitu Hogue, NM vs. Robert Rodriguez, CO - 125 lb - Result = Robert Rodriguez, CO winner by RSC-OS (Referee Stops Contest Outscored)
Bout #5 = Aaron Olmedo, UT vs. Fidel Maldonado, NM - 132 lb - Result = Fidel Maldonado, NM winner on points
Bout #6 = Daniel Calzada, CO vs. Bennie Tsosie, AZ - 132 lb - Result = Bennie Tsosie, AZ winner on points
Bout #7 = Abel Ramos, AZ vs. Ronnie Reams, CO - 141 lb - Result = Ronnie Reams, CO winner on points
Bout #8 = Ritchie Guerrero, AZ vs. Jeremy Ramos, CO - 152 lb - Result = Ritchie Guerrero, AZ winner on points
Bout #9 = John Neel, CO vs. Stephan McCray, AZ - 165 lb - Result = John Neel, CO winner on points
Bout #10 = Joey Montoya, CO vs. Sifou Sua, UT - 201 lb - Result = Sifou Sua, UT winner on points
Bout #11 = Mike Books, NM vs. Pedro Saldana, AZ - 201 lb - Result = Mike Books, NM winner by RSC-2 (Referee Stops Contest in second round)

Saturday, February 23, 2008
Bout #1 = Louie Byrd, CO vs. John Tijerina, AZ - 106 lb - Result = Louie Byrd, CO Regional Champion winner by RSC-1 (Referee Stops Contest in first round)
Bout #2 = Joseph Munoz, AZ vs. Mike Herrera, NM - 112 lb - Result = Mike Herrera, NM Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #3 = Cynthia Moreno, AZ vs. Sabrina Montoya, NM - 119 lbW - Result = Cynthia Moreno, AZ Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #4 = Randy Arellin, NM vs. Paul Romero, AZ - 119 lb - Result = Paul Romero, AZ Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #5 = Emilio Garcia, AZ vs. Robert Rodriguez, CO - 125 lb - Result = Robert Rodriguez, CO Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #6 = Fidel Maldonado, NM vs. Bennie Tsosie, AZ - 132 lb - Result = Fidel Maldonado, NM Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #7 = Vincent Mirabel, NM vs. Ronnie Reams, CO - 141 lb - Result = Ronnie Reams, CO Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #8 = Arturo Crespin, NM vs. Ritchie Guerrero, AZ - 152 lb - Result = Arturo Crespin, NM Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #9 = Jesus Correa, NM vs. John Neel, CO - 165 lb - Result = Jesus Correa, NM Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #10 = Andrew Hernandez, AZ vs. Mike Montoya, CO - 178 lb - Result = Andrew Hernandez, AZ Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #11 = Sifou Sua, UT vs. Mike Books, NM - 201 lb - Result = Sifou Sua, UT Regional Champion winner on points
Bout #12 = Terrance Perro, CO vs. Kamaal Ahmad - 201+ lb - Result = Terrance Perro, CO Regional Champion winner by RSC-2 (Referee Stops Contest in second round)

Unopposed Female Nicole Pasillas, CO - Unopposed - 114 lb weight class (There were a few other unopposed Females from the other States, but we don't have their names at this time.)

Team Trophy
1st Place = Arizona
2nd Place = Colorado
3rd Place = New Mexico

Click here for the results of the BattleQuest 7 event!

On March 7th 2008, at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in the Boxing Capital of the World ( Las Vegas, Nevada ) Promoter, Mr. Frank Luca of Crown Boxing will once again, and more than likely, provide and entertain the boxing fans with yet another exciting boxing card. Time and time again we have witnessed the exciting and well-matched boxing contests that Promoter/ Matchmaker, Mr. Luca has so very well arranged. So he always adds more excitement to the already exciting sport of boxing. These are boxing contests that no boxing fan would want to miss! So mark your calendars and be a part of the great events that are brought to you by Crown Boxing and the beautiful Orleans Hotel and Casino. Upcoming events are March 7th , May 9th , August 15th, September 26th, and November 21st, 2008. Sometimes we need only let the record speak for its self, so lets go back to July 6th, 2007. Remember? Or should I ask, how can you forget a match like “Cobra” Johnny Taunton vs. Tomas Bernal? That particular contest, I wrote saying what it really was , a real scorcher. And what about the Layla McCarter vs. Angel Martinez contest? A match where McCarter demonstrated how a Champion defeats their opponent. An excellent bout, and a bout where in my opinion, McCarter fought the near perfect fight. On January 11, 2008 an IBA Continental Heavyweight title bout was fought at the Orleans under the promotion of Crown Boxing. By split decision Carlos “Boom” Barnett defeated “Wreckless” Willy Chapman. And the list of good bouts goes on. This brings a question that at times has been raised to me; Is it my opinion that the IBA (International Boxing Association ) is a legitimate World Title? My answer, “It couldn’t be more pure. The IBA World Title (Mr. Dean Chance ) rates as highly, and is as respected as are the others. Let us be realistic and see boxing as it is today, we don‘t have as much ring talent as we once did. Boxing is far from being at its peak and so putting great boxing cards together today is really a challenging and difficult task . Promoters and match makers are for the most part good at what they do, but if the talent is not within their reach it makes for a very intense search and a very difficult job. And if we don‘t see the so-called great matches we once were fortunate to see, let’s not put the blame on the promoters and the match makers. We, the writers, photographers and boxing fans need to keep supporting the sport of boxing and one day we may once again see a ‘Thrilla in Manila.”

Always with great respect to Mr. Keith Kaiser, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Promoter Mr. Frank Luca .

“See you at the fights!” Writer, Photographer: Franco Floyd Fontanero Editor: Rose M. Fontanero

Ring of Fire MMA Championship Fighting Presents

On Friday February 22, BATTLEQUEST returns to the Denver area with its seventh installment entitled Resurrection.

BATTLEQUEST is known as a breeding ground for new talent and is the feeder show to the popular RING OF FIRE Championship Fighting promotion. The night will feature 10 matches and will take place at the Softball Country Sports Pavilion. The Sports Pavilion is a great venue for fight events as it also the home of Poor Boys Professional Boxing series.

In the main event Easton BJJ fighter Tyler "Thunder" Toner will take on Brett "B-Roller" Roller of Colorado Springs. Toner has a 6-1 record and last appeared on Battlequest 6 when he finished Wyoming collegiate wrestler Nick Mamalis. Roller (7-1) is coming off an impressive victory of Matt Hughes team fighter Jacob Hey.

In the feature bout of the evening Cody "Donnybrook" Donavon will face undefeated Ted "The German Tank" Von Roll of Oakland, CA. These two powerhouses will face off for the vacant BATTLEQUEST LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP. The under card is filled with some of the area's most talented fighters such as the charismatic Kenneth Seegrist, the powerful Ian Berg, and the athletic Brian Wood. Former professional football player Brendan Schaub makes his Heavyweight MMA debut against the veteran Drew "The Vanilla Gorilla" Knapp. BATTLEQUEST will also returns to its roots and feature K-1 rules bouts, highlighted by a match up between ROF veterans Sean Doherty and Aaron Trujillo .

Tickets can be purchased at any KING SOOPERS location or online at www.ticketswest.com . You can also charge by phone at 866-464-2626. Doors will open at 6:30 and the first bout will start promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Rows 1-2 $50.00 Rows 3-6 $35.00 Rows 7-14 $25.00 Bleachers $25.00

Visit www.rofmma.com and www.coloradofightevents.com for updates to the fight card, in depth interviews and fighter bios.

Tickets: VIP GOLD (4 person table):
$250 VIP Silver (4 person table):
$200 Reserved: $30
General Admission: $20
For more ticket information and to purchase: Bad Boyz 720.275.7972
Gumm MMA 303.358.7152
Art of War 720.297.9465
For the latest & up-to-date fight information, visit: www.ColoradoFightEvents.com www.RockyMountainBadBoyz.com
*subject to change

Sunday, Feb. 10, 3 p.m. Film Discussion
With award-winning director & filmmaker Jason Hutt. In the words of trainer Jimmy O’Pharrow, the boxer Dmitriy Salita “looks Russian, prays Jewish, and fights black.” The son of Ukrainian émigrés, Dmitriy balances his strict observation of Jewish law with the demands of the professional boxing circuit. He once said, “If anyone wants a whuppin’ from me, they got to wait until after sundown.” Orthodox Stance (the title refers to a boxing position) takes us behind the scenes to experience Dmitriy’s grueling training program, tense contract negotiations and prefight prayers. A contemporary melting pot has developed around the hot young boxing prospect, who is surrounded by a cultural collision of unlikely figures including an elderly African-American trainer, a Hasidic rabbi and a Las Vegas boxing promoter. A gripping and inspirational portrait of the American dream.

Colorado premiere. Film Sponsor Lu & Chris Law Filmmaker Sponsor Lu & Chris Law
Tickets are $8 for adults/$6 for seniors/students.
To purchase tickets call our box office at 303-316-6360 or www.maccjcc.org.
BNY Mellon Wealth Management
Denver Jewish Film Festival Screenings in the Shwayder Theatre at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 South Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80246
From Robert Bloom

Fear and confusion in Pahrump, Nevada? By Franco Fontanero
I’m of Spanish decent with my great, great, grand parents immigrating from San Lucar de Barrameda, Spain many years ago. They learned the English language and proudly raised the red, white and blue stars and stripes because they proudly were now Spanish -Americans and taught us to do the same. “Be proud to be Spanish and just as proud to be an American,” were the words of my great grandfather. My family and I are, and will forever be “Spanish”. No one can change that. And we will forever be just as proud to be “Americans”. Even though we may throw in a word or two in Spanish, English is the American way. No one has ever suggested I change my name to “Smith” or “Jones” , nor has anyone ever tried to force me to deny my Spanish heritage. As a matter of fact, no one has forced me to be an American and live the American way. My family, by choice, are Americans and by choice proudly speak the English language . Members of my family have served in the United States Armed Forces, one brother served in the United States Army, two of my other brothers served in the United States Air Force. The one brother retiring after 25 years of service, with one tour of duty in the war in Vietnam. So, in this Spanish family the American flag flies a little higher without being asked. My mother -in-law, who is Japanese, born in Okinawa, Japan, came to America legally and learned the English language. No one posted a sign, nor did she ask for a sign that read, “Japanese spoken here”. She conducted all her business in English. My father-in-law is of German decent and a retired United States Army Staff Sergeant, fighting in the Korean conflict and with three tours in Vietnam to his record. He proudly flies his American flag and shows off the medals he earned, and in English tells of stories of the wars in which he served . There will be no confusion in Pahrump or any where else in America if we all speak the same language and fly the same colors, but for those that should wish not to, keep in mind that in America we are free, free to leave if we so wish.
Proud to be Spanish and just as proud to be an American. (In reference to the controversy of the City Council to require English Only to be spoken in the city of Pahrump, Nevada, 2007.)
. “Viva Pahrump,Nevada!”

Friday, January 26, 2008 - - THE GREATNESS OF A FIGHTER By Franco Fontanero
Floyd Joy Mayweather, Jr. Born February 24, 1977 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and who was born Floyd Joy Sinclair, has proven he is the best boxer in any and every boxing arena on the planet. Have I made myself clear, yet? All those that have lost to Floyd Mayweather, Jr., stop whining already! You lost to the very best; not just to someone going around trying to impress by calling himself a pugilist. For at least the past eight years, I have said and on many occasions wrote, making the public aware that “Little Floyd” was the Big Man to be reckoned with. “He,” I said, “will do you in. Just like that old song goes, “One fist of iron -the other of steel, if the right one don’t get you- the left one will.“ Mayweather, Jr. with fists of speed, can sing you that tune all night long in the square ring. The name Mayweather sort of goes hand in hand with the word boxing. Floyd “Joy” Mayweather, Sr., once a boxer himself, even though not in the same level of his son Floyd, Jr., did however become one of the very best trainers of recent times and which at one point in time trained Floyd, Jr. with much success. “Jazzy” Jeff Mayweather also was a decent boxer who at one time won the IBO Super Featherweight Title and is today a good trainer. Then comes the mighty two-time World Champion, “The Black Mamba” Roger Mayweather. He and his nephew Floyd Mayweather, Jr. surely will go down in the books of boxing history as two great boxers and as one of the best fighter and trainer teams. Just how much more will we see of this great fighter, who in his pro career, has defeated each and every opponent that has faced him? Who is left for him to fight? Seems he has defeated all that was thought to be in his league and by no means should there be any question as to the greatness of Floyd “Joy” Mayweather, Jr. Nothing more needs to be proven . With his fists, it has all been said and done. 39 fights, 39 wins, 25 by kayo, 14 by decision. Floyd has fought and defeated Ricky Hatton, Oscar De la Hoya, Carlos Baldomir, Zab Judah, Shamba Mitchell, Arturo Gatti, Henry Bruseles, De Marcus Corley, Phillip Ndou, Victoriano Sosa, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Jesus Chavez, Carlos Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Emanuel Augustus, Gregorio Vargas, Carlos Gerena, Justin Juuko, Carlos Rios, Angel Manfredy, Genaro Hernandez, Tony Pep, Gustavo Cuello, Miguel Melo, Sam Girard, Hector Arroyo, Angelo Nunez, Felipe Garcia, Louie Leija, Jesus Chavez, Larry O’Shields, Tony Duran, Bobby Giepert, Kino Rodriguez, Edgar Ayala, Jerry Cooper, Reggie Sanders, and Roberto Apodaca. Let this be proof of the greatness of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Pound for Pound for Pound for Pound.

BOOK REVIEW : BOXING IS MY SANCTUARY: By Jim Amato
A Collection Of Essays by Theodore R. ( Ted ) Sares. If you like boxing...If you love boxing...Then you will love this book. Ted " The Bull " Sares has a way of taking the sport of boxing to it's inner core. Stripped down, mano y mano. Ask no quarter, give no quarter.

This is a man who has followed boxing for years sharing his profound memories in words that make you feel that you are almost at ringside. Ted does not shy away from anything. He shares the courage of the fighters he writes about but he also shares the tragedy of some.

This is the most heart felt boxing book I've read in years. Ted's perspective on the sport is absolutely endearing. To me he is the A.J. Liebling of our era.That is the highest compliment I can pay to a boxing writer and Ted has surely earned it.

I highly recommend the book to any boxing fan. It is like walking through history, up close and personal.

With the induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame as his crowning achievement, it has been a special year for Roberto Durán. Also, I want to thank each one of you who has supported the book: Hands of Stone: The Life and Legend of Roberto Durán, over the last year. If you have a chance, please check out the revised version: Twas the Night Before Montreal. Merry Happy New Year!
From Christian Giudice

SEVERAL REASONS WHY HANK KAPLAN IS GOING TO BE IN THE HALL OF FAME By Jim Amato February 22, 2006 - By Jim Amato
Hank Kaplan is a wonderful man. I had the great pleasure of meeting Hank at the IBHOF in June of 1998. Since that time we have stayed in periodic contact. I was introduced to Hank through a mutual friend, Jim Borgen of Warren, Ohio. Through Jim I learned just how much Hank Kaplan has done for the sport of boxing.

Hank Kaplan is to boxing what John Madden is to football. I mean that as the ultimate compliment. Hank may just be the most respected person in boxing today. He was elected President of the World Boxing Historian's Association in 1958. I was all but four years old !

Hank has been the Director Of Public Relations for Angelo Dundee Inc. since 1960. He was the Technical Director for the radio presentation of the All Time Computerized Heavyweight Tournament in 1967 and 1968. He was the Technical Director for the Marciano-Ali Computerized Closed Circuit match in 1969.

Hank was the Boxing Expert / Consultant to Sports Illustrated magazine for 23 years. Hank is a consultant on boxing history for the International Boxing Hall Of Fame. He also been a member of the IBHOF's Three Person Committee Of Induction Process since 1990. Hank has been used as a consultant by HBO, Showtime, ESPN and many major newspapers in the US and Europe. He has assisted in the research of numerous boxing books.

Hank is the founder and owner of Hank Kaplan Boxing Archives. He has one of the most extensive archives of boxing information and memorabilia in the world !

Hank was inducted in to the Los Angeles based World Boxing Hall Of Fame in 1994. He was given the George C. Beahon Award by the Rochester, N.Y. Boxing Hall Of Fame in 1999.He received the prestigious James J. Walker Award from the Boxing Writers Association Of America in 2003. These are just a handful of awards and plaudits that Hank has garnered. It will now be topped off with his induction to the Hall Of Fame in Canastota, N.Y. this coming June.

It could not have happened to a nicer and more deserving man.

Any Challengers???
In March 07 I was the only master division fighter who weighed in for Colo GG. I’m asking that if you know anyone who fights Master division 178 please tell them to start training for March 08! Thanks
Sergeant Graham Dunne
Firearms Training Unit
800 Telluride St. Aurora, CO. 80011
office 303 739 6876
fax 303 739 6870
cellular 303 981 7239

HANK KAPLAN PASSES AWAY By Jim Amato
This is such sad news. My friend Jim Borgen who was a friend of Hank's told me he was very ill. I had the pleasure of meeting Hank once a the IBHOF in June of 1998. I have a photo of he and I with a very ill Beau Jack.

Hank was # 1, the best...I would call him occasionally and we had some nice chats. He was always very giving of his time. God bless this fine person. May he rest in peace.

If you have any information on John Montes Jr. please email me.

EDDIE PERKINS ON HIS WAY TO THE HALL OF FAME By Jim Amato
In a career that spanned from 1956 to 1975, Eddie Perkins engaged in 99 professional fights. He won seventy five of those contests. He met opponents in over twenty different countries. He truly was a " world " champion.

Ediie lost three of his first five bouts but rallied to win seven straight. In 1958 he lost to Cleveland, Ohio's Cecil Shorts. He stopped Shorts in a rematch and then he outscored rugged Franke Ryff. In 1959 Eddie won a decision over Paul Armstead but lost to Carl Hubbard and was then halted by Al Urbina. It would be the only stoppage loss of Eddie's career.

1960 was a good year for Perkins as he beat Larry Boardman, Paolo Rosi and Joey Lopes. In 1961 Perkins lost a verdict to Youngstown, Ohio's L.C. Morgan. He would bounce right back to outscore the hard hitting Carlos Hernandez. That would lead to Eddie's first title shot and on October 21st he met defending WBA junior welterweight champion Dulio Loi in Milan, Italy. After fifteen rounds, the bout was judged a draw. They would meet again eleven months later and this time Eddie won the decision and captured his first world title.

Perkins reign lasted only three months as Loi won a decision in their rubber match. Loi decided to retire and on June 15th, 1963 Eddie won his second title with a decision over Roberto Cruz for the WBA and WBC titles.

Perkins would defend successfully against Yoshinori Takahashi and the slick Bunny Grant. He also sqeezed in five non title victories. On January 18, 1965 Eddie lost his crown to Carlos Hernandez. Seven months later he would lose to future great Jose Napoles.

Eddie was bound and determined to regain his title. He scored an important win over Kenny Lane but in 1966 he dropped a points call to Lennox Beckles. In 1967 he beat Adolph Pruitt and Paul Armstead but was then outpointed by the classy Nicolino Locche. Perkins came right back to beat Pruitt again. He finished the year with a draw against Joao Henrique.

Perkins put together a quiet win streak in 1968 but lost a decision in a rematch with Henrique. In 1970 Eddie re-established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He defeated Lion Furuyama, up and coming Clyde Gray and Pedro Adigue. He then lost a return match to Bunny Grant. Eddie then took out Johann Orsolics.

In 1971 Eddie defeated future champion Angel Espada but in 1972 he was upset by Victor Ortiz. In 1973 Eddie put himself in line for a welterweight title shot as he beat the rough and tough Armando Muniz to win the NABF welterweight title. Perkins would repeat his victory over Muniz in 1974.

Besides the two losses to Perkins and losses to Zovek Barajas, Marcos Geraldo and Angel Espada, Muniz was awarded a 1975 title fight with the great champion Jose Napoles. In Muniz' defense during that time period he did defeat Ernie Lopez and Hedgemon Lewis. Nevertheless in 1974 Eddie deserved a title shot especially after a win over Japan's Ryu Sorimachi. That would be Eddie's last victory. After his failure to win the middleweight title from Carlos Monzon, Napoles opted to fight a rematch with Hedgemon Lewis. This left the deserving Perkins out in the cold.

Perkins would lose a decision to future junior middleweight champion Rocky Mattioli. An aging and discouraged Perkins would then lose verdicts to Maxwell Malinga and Shoji Tsujimoto. In 1975 Eddie had his last battle loing an eight rounder in Germany to Franz Czandl.

Perkins met seven world champions and countless contenders in his distinguished career. He fought anyone, anywhere, anytime. Welcome to the Hall Of Fame Eddie.

There is a new boxing gym in Colorado Springs, Cobra's Boxing. Click here for the name, address and contact information.

Jose Torres By Jim Amato
There was a time in the mid 60's that revolved around who would be Muhammad Ali's next opponent. The former Cassius Clay was chewing up and spitting out challengers with alarming ease. His hold on the heavyweight title was reaching the point of fan boredom. Few could see any serious contenders on the horizon.

Then a tremendous boxer-puncher of Puerto Rican heritage exploded on to the scene. He was really a blown up middleweight with an extensive and successful amateur background, but boy could he fight !

He was a thing of beauty to watch. Hands held high in front of his face in the peek-a-boo style taught to him by his mentor Cus D'Amato. The flashing combinations, the burning body shots and his business like command of the situation inside the ropes. He was quite simply, a fighting machine.

When Jose Torres lifted the world's light heavyweight title from Willie Pastrano on March 30, 1965 he was truly great. Who will ever forget the picture perfect body shot that sent a pained Pastrano to the canvas. Only Willie's undeniable gameness kept him the fight until the ninth round.

Almost every conceivable positive boxing adjective was heaped upon Jose after his stellar performance. Rightfully so as Jose seemed destined to a bright and illustrious future.

Let's go back to Jose's early pro career. This young man appeared to have success stamped on his forehead. He turned professional in 1958 and won all nine of his fights that year. In 1959 he scored four straight kayos two of which were over rugged Joe Shaw and talented Al Andrews. He finished the year by drawing with future welterweight king Benny Paret.

In 1960 he stepped up in class and was forced to go the distance three times. Twice against the clever Randy Sandy and once versus tough Tony Dupas.In 1961 and 1962 Jose put together an impressive ten fight knockout streak that led to his coming out party. On May 26, 1963 Jose took on the feared Florentino Fernandez in San Juan. Florentino had unsuccessfully challenged Gene Fullmer for the middleweight crown in 1961. He was still very much a threat the night he met Torres. Time would have to wait for Jose Torres. Fernandez gave him a very rude welcoming to the big time halting an overmatched Jose in six rounds.

The loss seemed to make Jose even more determined. Less then five months later he returned to out score Don Fullmer. Jose picked right back up in 1964 reeling off seven very impressive wins. Among the victims were Jose Gonzalez, Wilbert McClure, Gomeo Brennan and a crushing one round blitz of former middleweight king Carl " Bobo " Olson.

Next came Pastrano and the championship. Then a foray into the heavyweight ranks to cop a verdict over Tom McNeely. Three solid defenses of his crown followed against capable challengers Wayne Thornton, Eddie Cotton and Chic Calderwood. The future seemed vast and unlimited.

Then came December 16, 1966. Where did it all go wrong ? It was supposed to be a routine defense against the respected former middleweight king Dick Tiger. If a stuffed welterweight named Emile Griffith proved to be too much for Tiger in taking Dick's middleweight title, how could he beat Jose ? Answer ? Tenacity, conditioning and a burning desire and relentless will to win. Jose was just outworked. It was close and debatable but nevertheless a loss.

The rematch five months later was almost a carbon copy of the first engagement. Neither fight will go down in the annals of classic encounters but little did anyone suspect that Jose only had two more dates on his dance card.

Almost a year after his second setback to Tiger, Jose traveled to Australia and beat a useful Bob Dunlop. Fifteen months later he emerged in New York. The colorful but erratic Charlie "Devil " Green all but knocked Jose out cold in the opening stanza. Call it guts, pride or whatever, Jose came out in the second round and he downed the " Devil " for good. It was high drama but also the curtain call. Jose Torres would never box again.

What Jose Torres has done in his post boxing career is a tribute to the man himself. He has established himself as a fine writer and humanitarian. He is a hero to the Puerto Rican people and rightfully so. I can give you my account of what I saw of Jose Torres, the man. It was June of 1998 and I was attending a fight show during the festive International Boxing Hall Of Fame weekend in Canasota, New York. Many former boxing greats entered the ring to have their pictures taken. Jose was among them.

The photo was taken by Mike Greenhill and I have it in my office at home. It shows over twenty smiling warriors enjoying the companionship of their peers. In one corner of the photo I notice a frail and aged Beau Jack. The now late former lightweight champion was not in the best of health at the time. What I see behind him is a man, a caring man who is not worried about smiling for the camera. I see concern etched on his face thinking only of watching out for the once robust champ.

As they say, a picture says a thousand words.