Who will get the nod to fight Robert Guerrero?
Robert Guerrero seems eager to fight in December, but the problem seems to be finding a quality opponent on such short notice.
Guerrero was recently linked to Amir Khan for a rumored clash in Brooklyn in December. But those rumors have been squashed when Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya told Kevin Iole he was finalizing a showdown between Khan and Devon Alexander on Dec. 13.
Various boxing sites have alleged Guerrero is rumored to fight Josesito Lopez, and a far fetched rumored Juan Manuel Marquez showdown. Where those actual rumors started is anyone’s guess. But the fact remains, Guerrero seems to have a shortage of welterweight opponents in site.
A showdown with Lopez, could be a bout full of fireworks and knockdowns. Both fighters’ styles appear tailor made for each other to produce a all-out war. Lopez can pick and choose his punches if he pleases, but also has a tendency to relentlessly exchange blows with his opponent creating excitement in the ring, as he did against Marcos Maidana last year. Guerrero’s approach is similar to Lopez’, with the only difference being his southpaw stance.
Guerrero or Lopez do not have the power to mow fighters down and both have proven to take a punch just as well as they deliver one. But the advantage would have to be in Guerrero’s favor. This bout could be the most exciting bout that fight fans could see, based on the possibility of opponents ready to take on a December date with Guerrero.
The far fetched Marquez rumored bout is unlikely to happen. At least this year. Marquez, who last fought in May against Mike Alvarado, may not be willing to take the bout on such short notice and could possibly eye a return in March or possibly April. Despite Marquez’ age, 41, a showdown with Guerrero would be a treat for fight fans. Marquez has seemed to enjoy fighting southpaws in the past, most notably Manny Pacquiao.
Although Guerrero does not posses the same skill set at Pacquiao, there are a few similarities in their styles. Marquez could possibly use his experience of four fights against Pacquiao in his favor to a victory over Guerrero. But with Marquez’ age could play a significant role and become a disadvantage.
The great thing about boxing is fight fans could speculate all they want, but at the end of the day anything can happen inside the squared circle on any given night. Marquez may have the able to defy the laws of age as several of his peers have, most recently Bernard Hopkins. The age factor, along with the orthodox counter punching of Marquez against the southpaw would be big story lines if this fight were to take place next year.
But as far as a December bout for Guerrero goes, anything can happen, just as the Khan and Alexander fight did out of no where.
Other possibilities could be Shawn Porter, a rematch with Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz or even Jesus Soto Karass. It’s anyone’s guess who will get the nod. Guerrero may not even fight again this year and eye a fight in early 2015.
The only thing certain about Guerrero’s future opponent, it will be an exciting night of boxing.
– Jose Quintero @JoseSwift8755
US Editor for BehindTheGloves.com
Second round devastating knock out sees Cuellar defeat Juan Manuel Lopez
The fifth fight of the night was a scheduled 12 round bout for the WBA featherweight interim title between Jesus Cuellar (25-1, 19 KOs) from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Juan Manuel Lopez (34-5, 31 KOs) from Rio Pierdas, PR. The 27 year old Cuellar came in with a reach of 71” while the 31 year-old Lopez with that of 69”. Cuellar had a great deal of support from the crowd of 4,000 as many Argentineans had traveled to Las Vegas to watch the Mayweather vs Maidana rematch Saturday night.
Both fighters moved in at the start of the first round and met each other in their southpaw stance with a high guard. Cuellar was pressuring forward, fainting with his hands and landing strong power punches. Both connected with hooks at the same time but Cuellar was able to follow with three right hooks to the head. By the time the round was over, a mouse had begun to form under Lopez’ right eye.
Round two began and both boxers began to flurry. At one minute and 36 seconds of the second round Lopez was knocked out by Cuellar with a one-two combination and was unable to stand up. In fact, he seemed to not even know where he was, such was the power of the punch from Cuellar. Cuellar had landed a few quick hooks after the combination but a review of the tape clearly showed that Gonzalez was already out and was taking punishment as he was falling to the ground.
Charlo stops Gonzalez in the seventh
The fourth event for the night was an eight round middleweight bout between Jermall “Hitman” Charlo (19-0, 16 KOs) from Houston, TX and Norberto Gonzalez (20-5, 13 KOs) from Puerto Rey, Mexico. The 24 year-old Charlo came in at 6’0” and a reach of 73.5” while the 33 year-old Gonzalez came in at 5’10” and a reach of 71”. Gonzalez had never been stopped in his career. Charlo had said he was interested in fighting Carlos Molina after this event.
As the first round began, Charlo came in with his left hand down while Gonzalez had a higher guard and was bobbing and weaving but backing up from the pressure. Charlo exhibited his quicker hands in the first round, mainly by sticking the jab. He also cut off the ring from Gonzalez very effectively while he stalked him and used a head-body combination.
The beginning of the second round found Gonzalez in trouble against the ropes but he was able to dig deep and fight his way out with a one-two combination. He tried moving to his left and his right but was unable to evade Charlo. Charlo landed a beautiful double jab and a straight right combination.
Round three found Charlo landing a low blow without much effect on Gonzalez. He was warned by referee Kenny Bayless and the round continued. Gonzalez began to show obvious signs of fatigue by puting his arms down and breathing with his mouth open.
Even though he had been warned about the low blow, Charlo landed another low blow in the fourth round. This left hook had power behind it and actually dropped Gonzalez. His face showed nothing but excruciating pain and it looked as though he might use the full five minutes allotted to him. Bayless, meanwhile, took a point away from Charlo.
After the round, Charlo’s corner told him not to worry about the point deduction and to just relax. He was instructed to forget about the body shots and just shoot uppercuts while Gonzalez was covering his face.
Charlo came out strong and determined in the fifth round with straights and backed Gonzalez. Gonzalez was not active at this point and was just protecting his face, however, a powerful right hand from Charlo dropped him and sent him through the ropes to the edge of the ring. He did not land the punch but it had enough power behind it to make contact with Gonzalez’ gloves and knock him down as a result of squaring off and not having balance. Gonzalez quickly got up with a smile on his face and continued taking punishment for the rest of round. Charlo moved in for the kill but Gonzalez was saved by the bell. The punch stats for the round were 40% landed for Charlo but only 11% for Gonzalez.
In between rounds Gonzalez complained to his corner of a cramp on his right leg and had it massaged. The commentators believed this may have been a result of bad footing. As round six began he came out swinging but showed no determination after that with the exception of a few one-two combinations and smothering Charlo.
After the end of the round, Charlo’s corner told him Gonzalez was ready to quit and to get him in the corner again. They also tell him to use uppercuts when his guard was high. Punch stats for the round showed Charlo landing 21% of his jabs and Gonzalez 14%.
Shortly after the seventh round began, Charlo took the advice of his corner to heart because he landed two straight rights, a left hook and an uppercut only for Gonzalez’ corner to stop the fight. Charlo won by TKO at one minute and 23 seconds of the seventh round.
“J Rock” Williams gets decision win against Eliezer Gonzalez
The third event of the night consisted of an eight round junior middleweight match between Julian “J-Rock” Williams Jr. (17-0-1, 10 KOs) from Philadelphia, PA and Eliezer “Pop” Gonzalez” (14-1-0, 9 KOs) from San Juan, PR. Williams, who was wearing red, white and blue in honor of the 9/11 anniversary, is known to be a very active fighter and had a reach advantage over Gonzalez at 72.5”.
Gonzalez, wearing black with Puerto Rican colors, had said he had not had as many fights as he wanted due to managerial problems. He also stated he came to Las Vegas to avenge the defeat of his fellow Puerto Rican Felix Trinidad by William’s fellow Philadelphian Bernard Hopkins. In addition, Gonzalez was also trained by Felix Trinidad Sr.
The first round of the fight started out with both boxers meeting at the center of the ring, Gonzalez with his guard high and Williams with his left hand lowered almost in a teasing manner. Gonzalez started stepping back as Williams pressured forward with a wider stance. They both tried to feel each other out; typical of any first round activity, but they eventually started landing power punches almost in an attempt to end the fight early. Before the end of the round, Gonzalez took a power left hook to the face from Williams.
Round two began by Williams effectively using his straight right as instructed by his corner to back up Gonzalez. He was also sticking the jab with precision and Gonzalez did not seem to do much to avoid it.
The third round was interesting because Williams began bobbing and weaving more and began talking to Gonzalez. As to what exactly he was saying, that is not know. He began landing more punches with his quick hands and Gonzalez was able to land a one-two combination before the end of the round. Punch statistics showed that both of them were even in punches landed at 29%.
Round four started out with both boxers getting tangled and referee Jay Nady breaking them up. Williams’ corner instructed him to set up the knockout but Gonzalez continued to clinch. A powerful uppercut by Williams backed Gonzalez. As Nady tried to separate them again, Gonzalez tried to punch Williams in the back of the head as his back was turned to him. Nady warned him for this and for holding, signs that he was becoming desperate.
As the fifth round began, Williams’ corner told him to throw more than one punch at a time but the most he was able to do in the round was land a big right hand. The power punches for the round were at 47% for Williams and 28% for Gonzalez. It was the half-way point of the round and Gonzalez was aware he was losing the fight but he was still trying to stay in it.
The eight and final round began and still no signs of fatigue from either fighter. Both came out to finish strong. Before the end of the round, Williams was able to land a fierce right hand before getting another one-two combination from Gonzalez.
Williams went on to win the fight by unanimous decision with a 35% rate of punches landed compared to 21% for Gonzalez.
Errol Spence stays unbeaten with convincing win against Bolanos
The second event of the night was an eight round middleweight bout between Errol Spence Jr. (14-0, 11 KOs) from Desoto, TX and Noe Bolanos (26-11-1, 16 KOs) from Obregon, Mexico. Spence, the 24 year-old former 2012 Olympian southpaw is known for using his reach advantage and was clearly going to be able to do that in this fight. He had a 72” reach compared to Bolanos’ 69”.
Round one began and Spence came in with a very high guard, almost hypnotizing Bolanos. Bolanos came in with a decent guard himself. They both came off to a very slow start in order to feel each other out. Spence was looking for his range with his quick hands, particularly his almost invisible jab. Bolanos, on the other hand, was not avoiding the punches. He was moving to Spence’s left at times, as one would expect an opponent to do with a southpaw. However, he still seemed to be hypnotized by Spence’s movement and was standing right in front of him at times. Unfortunately for him, he was not able to find his reach and tag Spence. Spence was very active throughout the round and was landing with precision and power.
In between rounds, you could hear Derrick James in Spence’s corner asking for the jab while Jesus Fuentes, in Bolanos’ corner, was telling him in Spanish to circle to the left.
The bell rang and round two began. Bolanos was still missing on his punches and falling forward after losing his balance. At one point, Spence landed a mean left hook and the crowd sounded as if though they felt it just like Bolanos. Spence, however, kept his composure and did not look for the finish. Spence, unlike Bolanos, was able to use his hand speed to block his punches as well as for attacking.
The round ended and there seemed to be some confusion in Bolanos’ corner. He told referee Robert Byrd that he could not go on because he had injured his left hand during the round. This was a point of comical relief for commentators Paulie Malignaggi and Brian Custer as they seemed to have believed that it was impossible for him to have hurt his hand since he never used it to block a punch. They go on to say that that it was actually Spence’s hands that convinced Bolanos not to come out for a third round. The fight ends and Spence wins by TKO. Final punch stats for the fight were 45% landed by Spence and 25% by Bolanos. Bolanos landed 14 punches throughout the fight.
Josesito Lopez prevails after defeating Rafael Cobos on an unanimous decision.
The first fight of the night was a scheduled eight round welterweight bout between Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez (33-6-0, 19 KOs) from Riverside, CA and Rafael Cobos (15-5-5, 3 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico in which Lopez gained the unanimous points decision. Lopez, who is currently ranked 11th in the WBC welterweight division, was hoping to use this as a stepping stone after losses to Canelo Alvarez and Marcos Maidana. He has won 3 fights since these losses. He is hoping to fight Amir Khan by the end of this year.
As the first round began, Cobos came out very active with his jab but seemed to be very heavy on his front foot. Lopez, who seemed to have the height and reach advantage, was setting the pace with his jab and trying to keep Cobos at a safe distance. Cobos, however, did not seem deterred and kept moving forward and began to clinch Lopez. Lopez used this time to connect with a few body shots. For a few seconds, Lopez actually seemed to step back as Cobos attacked and they both traded and clinched once again before the bell rang.
Round two started off with Cobos complaining that he was getting hit behind the head and clinching Lopez more to avoid his punches. At this point, referee Tony Weeks had to separate them in what would be one of many occasions throughout the fight. Lopez was still able to connect, though, and landed a massive right hand to the head before the bell rang.
The third round of the fight began with Lopez putting more pressure on Cobos and aiming for the body. In one instance, he threw a straight left to the body. One can only speculate that he was hoping for a weaker mid-section on Cobos’ part and that this would lead to a finish. Instead, Cobos continued to get tangled on purpose with Lopez to prevent further punishment.
At this point in the fight, Cobos still had a high guard and was bobbing and weaving but without much effect. Lopez had a slightly lower guard and was coming in straight but was using better balance and foot-work to attack and evade counterpunches. By the end of the third round, Lopez landed 37% of his punches while Cobos landed only 27%.
Round four did not see any sign of tiring on either side, however, Cobos was still not able to find his reach despite his spurts and flurries. They both smothered each other for the most part until Lopez was able to land an uppercut to the chin and push Cobos to the ropes before the bell rang.
At the halfway point of the fight, Cobos turns the heat on and begins to increase the pressure, gains his confidence and faints punches. He definitely does not seem shy at this point of the fight. They both begin to pick up the pace and Lopez capitalizes on his left hook. The statistics for this round showed 47% power punches from Lopez and 27% from Cobos.
The following round showed Cobos bleeding from his nose but not deterred from trying to win this fight. In between rounds, Gerald Espinoza from Cobos’ corner instructs him in Spanish to use his overhand right.
Round seven of the fight showed Lopez increasing his tempo and Cobos lunging with his left hook but still missing for the most part. He was also protecting himself more by lowering his elbows and moving them closer to his body, showing signs that Lopez’ strategy with his body punches had worked. Most of the round still consisted of a lot of grappling. At the end of the round, each boxer waited for the other to make a move. When Cobos started off after Lopez, Lopez quickly landed a one-two combination.
The eighth and final round consisted of much of the same material throughout the rest of the fight: grappling and Tony Weeks breaking up the boxers. At the end of the fight, it is safe to say Lopez never expected to go eight rounds with a B level boxer like Cobos. This was actually not one of his best performances and at times seemed like a sparring session. This is an indication he may have to go back to the drawing work and do some more work before he takes on the likes of Amir Khan. The statistics for the fight overall fight showed Lopez with 30% punches landed and Cobos with 26%. Lopez went on to win by unanimous decision.
– Nader Gamez / @NaderGamez
– Contributor for www.BehindtheGloves.com
]]>Ortiz (22-0, 19 KOs) dropped Kayode approximately a minute into the first round. Kayode (20-1, 16 KOs) beat the count and was later stunned with an Ortiz left hook followed by a flurry of unanswered punches. Referee Robert Byrd stepped in and stopped the contest with seconds left in the round.
Although few punches landed cleanly, Byrd felt Kayode had taken enough damage. Kayode voiced his displeasure with Byrd after the stoppage.
With the stoppage, Ortiz becomes a mandatory challenger to WBA regular heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev.
The co-main event saw Juan Manuel Lopez (34-5, 31 KOs) versus Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar (25-1, 19 KOs).
Lopez, 31, entered the ring with hopes for one more big-payday and another shot at a world championship. The former two division champion contemplating retirement after being knocked out by Fernando Vargas July 12.
Cuellar retained his WBA interim featherweight championship.
Lopez was knocked out in the second round after Cuellar forced him against the ropes and landed a three-punch combination. Referee Kenny Bayless immediately stopped the bout as Lopez dropped to the canvas.
Lopez’ devastating loss to Cuellar derails his hopes and may likely force him into retirement.
Also in action on the card, Jermall Charlo stopped Norberto Gonzalez in the seventh round in his quest to landing a world championship bout.
Charlo (19-0, 15 KOs) had a point deducted in the fourth round after landing a lowblow on Gonzalez. Charlo dropped Gonzalez (20-5, 13 KOs) in the fifth round with a straight right hand. Charlo inched closer to a world championship opportunity with the win after having his hopes delayed when Carlos Molina was arrested days before their IBF junior middleweight championship bout March 8.
Josesito Lopez (33-6, 19 KOs) was also victorious in a lackluster performance against Rafael Cobos. Lopez dictated the action by effectively landing body shots on Cobos (15-5-5, 3 KOs) en route to a unanimous decision, winning 80-72 on each scorecard.
Lopez, 30, earned his third consecutive win after suffering consecutive loses to Saul Alvarez and Marcos Maidana. The Riverside native’s name has been in the running for possible opponents for Amir Khan in December.
Thursday’s performance could possibly tamper hopes of a December showdown with Kahn.
Errol Spence Jr. and Julian Williams were also victorious Thursday night.
-Jose Quintero/ @JoseSwift8755
US Managing Editor for www.BehindTheGloves.com
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Victor Ortiz announces November return
Eight months since having his comeback hopes derailed by Luis Collazo, Victor Ortiz announced his return to the ring.
Ortiz (29-5-2, 22 KOs) took to Instagram Wednesday night, announcing he will return to the ring in November. Details will be announced soon, according to Ortiz.
“Heads up, I’m back in the ring on the first week of November,” Ortiz stated. “I’m Stoked about it! Thought it would be late October but apparently as of today coach Joel Ortiz stated to me the first week of November.”
Ortiz has just one win in his last five bouts, including three straight losses. The southpaw stepped in the ring with Collazo in January after a 19-month layoff due to a broken jaw suffered in a 2012 bout against Josesito Lopez.
Lopez was a late-replacement for Andre Berto, who Ortiz scored his last victory over in 2011, after he tested positive for a banned substance weeks prior to their rematch. Berto (29-3, 22 KOs) is coming off a victory over Steve Upsher Sept. 6.
After the victory, Berto said he would like to avenge the first loss of his career in a rematch with Ortiz. Berto also listed Robert Guerrero and Jesus Soto Karass as fights he seeks.
While a November turnaround for Berto appears to be a reach, a tuneup fight for Ortiz could lead to the possible rematch in 2015.
Following his loss to Collazo, Ortiz began working with Diaz in Indio, alongside Deigo and Jesse Magdaleno. Ortiz stayed busy over the summer promoting his box-office movie Expendables 3.
-Jose Quintero/ @JoseSwift8755
US Managing Editor for www.BehindTheGloves.com
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Photo courtesy of Dominic Serna
Josesito Lopez stops Aron Martinez in five
RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF–In a Thursday night edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, fans at Agua Caliente Casino, were treated to a solid night of boxing. Thomas Williams Jr (17-0, 12KO) started the evening off with an impressive performance against Enrique Ornelas (34-9, 22KO) and Josesito Lopez (32-6, 18KO) brushed aside the challenge of Aron Martinez (19-3-1, 4KO) without too much fuss.
Williams Jr, a southpaw with knockout power, stalked the smaller but experienced Ornelas throughout the relatively short lived contest. He connected early in the first round with a neat uppercut, on the inside, that would set the tone for the evening. Ornelas, who has been the distance with Bernard Hopkins and Beibut Shumenov, found some success with the right hand but the outcome of this affair was never clouded in doubt. The end came at 2.48 of the third round when Ornelas, having been dropped in the second round, went down again as a result of another crisp Williams Jr combination. The light-heavyweight, signed to a managerial deal with Al Haymon, is certainly one to watch for the future.
In the main event, Josesito Lopez proved too much for Aron Martinez and the bout was brought to a halt when, bizarrely, Martinez turned his back on the action following what appeared to be perfectly legal blows. The action in the first round was fairly tentative but both fighters where letting their hands go. Lopez, coming into the fight having won only one of his last three, started the more aggressive. A win would have given new life to the career of Martinez also, but it was clear that Lopez was the hungrier from the outset.
I can’t recall too many highlight reel shots but, as expected, it was the strength and power of Lopez that was proving the difference. Martinez was offering glimpses of technical ability but his lack of power afforded Lopez the freedom to do as he pleased. A cut opened up above the left eye of Martinez and you could feel the end was in sight. Lopez forced his man into the corner and began to unload heavy shots to the head and body when Martinez inexplicably turned his back on the action. Referee Jack Reiss was quick to step in and call a halt to the contest, but it seemed to be the right decision. Martinez lodged half hearted complaints in the corner but his actions did not convey those of a man desperate to continue. “There are many things you can do when you are hurt. You can grab, hold, run or you can take a knee. You can’t turn your back in professional boxing.” said Reiss to ESPN’s Bernardo Osuna.
The other on-air bout featured Immanuel Aleem who improved to 8-0 as he made light work of Michael Noriega. His brother Moshea momentarily dazzled spectators with his flashy footwork, a la Naseem Hamed, as he came out victorious in an exciting display. Philadelphia born Dennis Hasson also looked sharp as he scored a stoppage victory in his first fight in over 18 months. The exciting card was presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and heavyweight hopeful Chris Arreola was amongst those in attendance, as he prepares to take on Bermane Stiverne for the WBC heavyweight title on May 10 from The Galen Center at USC.
-Terry Strawson / [email protected]
-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com
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Josesito Lopez, Thomas Williams Jr. score special ESPN2 knockouts
Rancho Mirage, CA (April 25, 2014) In front of a huge crowd at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and telecast on a Special Edition ESPN Thursday Night Fights and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates and presented by Corona Extra, former world title challenger Josesito Lopez of nearby Riverside, California made a huge statement with a dominant fifth round stoppage of Mexican veteran Aron Martinez in their scheduled ten-round welterweight battle.
In a bout featuring outstanding two-way action from the opening bell, Lopez took the fight over in the third round with crunching left hooks to the body and battering right hands to the head of Martinez.
In the fifth round, Lopez poured it on the game but outgunned challenger trapping him in a neutral corner with a big right hand causing his mouthpiece to jettison out of the ring. Seemingly panicked, Martinez turned his back on Lopez causing referee Jack Reiss to call an immediate halt to the action at the 1:19 mark of the stanza.
With the win, Lopez improved to 31-6-0 (18KO’s) while Martinez moved to 19-3-1 (4KO’s).
Following the victory, Lopez credited his excellent conditioning from training in San Diego with top heavyweight contender Chris Arreola and longtime trainer Henry Ramirez.
In the scheduled ten round co-feature, Washington D.C.’s Thomas Williams Jr. continued to put the light heavyweight division on notice, scoring a third round stoppage of former world title challenger Enrique Ornelas of Guanajuato, Mexico.
Drilling the aggressive Andrade to the canvas in the second round, Williams Jr. dropped him again in the third to earn the stoppage at the 2:48 mark of the stanza.
Williams Jr. improved to 16-0-0 with 12KO’s while Ornelas moved to 34-9-0 (22KO’s).
Said Williams after the fight, “I wanted to take my time, he’s an experienced veteran. He made a couple mistakes and I was able to capitalize on them. Hopefully I continue to move up in the rankings towards a title opportunity.”
In undercard action, super middleweight Immanuel Aleem of East Meadow, New Jersey improved to 8-0-0 (4KO’s) with a second round stoppage of Brawley, California’s Michael Noriega, now 4-3-0 (4KO’s).
Displaying very fast hands, Aleem earned the stoppage at the 2:04 mark of the second stanza.
In a four round welterweight clash, Maurice Lee of Covina, California continued to shine with a four round majority decision against Pasco, Washington’s Eduardo Melendrez. Scores were 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38.
With the win Lee improved to 4-0-0 (2KO’s), while Melendrez fell to 0-4-1.
Junior middleweight prospect Moshea Aleem of East Meadow, New York earned his fourth victory with a spirited efforts, taking a four round unanimous decision over Edward Cordova of Provo, Utah.
Dropping Cordorva in the second, Aleem went on to win by scores of 40-35 on all three score cards. Aleem improves to 3-0-0 (2KO’s) while Cordova falls to 4-7-1 (1KO).
Van Nuys, California lightweight Juan Funez returned to action stopping Acapulco, Mexico’s Sergio Najera in the final round of their scheduled four rounder.
Fighting evenly for the first three rounds, Funez halted the action with a huge left hand at the 1:48 mark, improving to 5-0-0 (3KO’s) while Najera’s record moved to 6-14-2 (1KO).
In a highly entertaining four round middleweight clash, San Bernardino, California’s Joshua Conley improved to 8-0-1 (6KO’s) taking a four round unanimous decision over Jamal Harris of Los Angeles, California, now
5-8-4 (3KO’s).
Rounding out the card, Philadelphia based light heavyweight Dennis Hasson improved to 16-0-0 (5KO’s) with a second round stoppage of Roberto Ventura of Tabasco, Mexico, now 14-9-0 (13KO’s).
About Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa:
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, a Four-Diamond property in Rancho Mirage, and Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs offer the hottest slots, a variety of table games, and high-limit gaming, plus fine dining, shopping, relaxing spas and luxurious hotel rooms, all in a gorgeous resort setting. Both resorts are owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which also owns the world-famous Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon hiking trails, and Indian Canyons Golf Resort. For more information visit their website at www.hotwatercasino.com
For more information, follow Dan Goossen/Goossen Tutor on Twitter @DanGoossen & @GoossenTutor,
-PRESS RELEASE
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Josesito Lopez, Aron Martinez ESPN2 weigh-in results & photos
Rancho Mirage, CA (April 23, 2014) The Official Weigh-In for “TRAIN WRECK”, a Special Edition of ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights telecast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates and presented by Corona Extra (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) were held at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, California.
Promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, doors will open at THE SHOW in the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa at 5 p.m. PT with the first bell at 5:30 p.m. PT.
TEN ROUND MAIN EVENT
JOSESITO LOPEZ, 146.4 vs. ARON MARTINEZ, 146.8
TEN ROUND CO-FEATURE
THOMAS WILLIAMS JR., 174.8 vs. ENRIQUE ORNELAS, 174.4
Six Rounds
DENNIS HASSON, 176.6 vs. ROBERTO VENTURA, 169.2
Four Rounds
JOSHUA CONLEY, 159.2 vs. JAMAL HARRIS, 160
Four Rounds
IMMANUEL ALEEM, 160.6 vs. MICHAEL NORIEGA, 161.2
Four Rounds
JUAN FUNEZ, 126 vs. SERGIO NAJERA, 124.6
Four Rounds
MOSHEA ALEEM, 154 vs. EDWARD CORDOVA, 153.4
Four Rounds
MAURICE LEE, 135.6 vs. EDUARDO MELENDREZ, 136.6
Remaining tickets starting at $20.00 may be purchased at THE SHOW Box Office. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 just off Interstate 10.
-PRESS RELEASE
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Josesito Lopez’s fight with Aaron Martinez surrounded by “what ifs”
Imagine this — Josesito Lopez scores a victory over Marcos Maidana last summer, sets the boxing world on fire after beating Adrien Broner six months later and scores a mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather.
Sounds crazy, right?
That’s what is so wonderful about boxing. Anything is possible with one punch. If Lopez would have stopped Maidana when he staggered him early in their June clash at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, would Lopez be training today to fight Mayweather instead of Aaron Martinez? That is not saying anything bad about Martinez, but a fight against No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world is a bit more lucrative.
Lopez (31-6, 18 knockouts) will continue to do what he does best, overcome the odds. Lopez, who burst on the fight scene after scoring a jaw-breaking victory over Victor Ortiz in 2012, has never had anything handed to him.
The self-proclaimed “Riverside Rocky” makes his return to the ring Thursday at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA, as he takes on Martinez (19-2-1, 4 KOs) on ESPN’s special Thursday edition of ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.
Although he scored a victory over veteran Mike Arnaoutis in December, Lopez’s performance was unimpressive and he was knocked down in the third round. Lopez said he needs to take care of business against Martinez.
Martinez, 32, is a year removed from his last fight, a majority decision over Alberto Herrrera. Both Martinez and Lopez have fought one common opponent, Jessie Vargas. Martinez lost a unanimous decision in 2012, and Lopez lost a controversial split decision in 2011.
Both men are looking for a big win, leading to a more lucrative fight this fall. Lopez seems to have an advantage, as he is has the sport’s most influential man in his corner, Al Haymon.
A win against Martinez could lead to a fight on Mayweather’s undercard in September. Possible and realistic opponents; Ortiz, Robert Guerrero, Andre Berto, Devon Alexander or maybe even Paulie Malignaggi, if he chooses not to retire.
If Martinez pulls off the upset over Lopez, chances are he will not secure a big-name fight and he will be just another guy to hand a fading Lopez his third loss in four fights.
Prediction: Lopez by knockout
-Jose Quintero / @JoseQuinteroDD
-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com
Josesito Lopez headlines Apr. 24 on ESPN2 against Aaron Martinez
Sherman Oaks, CA (April 2, 2014) – Goossen Tutor Promotions is excited to announce a special Thursday edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra set for APRIL 24 at the beautiful and luxurious Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. The fights will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and will be available on computers, smartphones, Xbox, Apple TV and Roku via WatchESPN.
Headlining the ESPN Thursday Night Fights will be a sensational 10-round welterweight clash between former world title challenger and Southern California fan favorite Josesito Lopez of Riverside, California against cross-town rival Aron “El Asesino” Martinez of East Los Angeles, California.
Co-featured on the LIVE telecast will be a 10-round light heavyweight clash between recent ESPN Friday Night Fights knockout victor and world ranked contender, Thomas “Top Dog” Williams of Fort Washington, Maryland and tough as nails Mexican veteranEnrique Ornelas of La Habra, California.
Tickets for the ESPN Thursday Night Fights, priced at $40, $30 and $20 can be purchased through The Show Box Office Monday through Sunday 8AM – 8PM PST or online at http://www.hotwatercasino.com.
“This is Josesito’s opportunity to put himself right back into the mix of one of the hottest divisions in boxing today,” said Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions. “Quite frankly, Martinez knows the same thing. What’s at stake here is someone’s career, which will bring out the very best from both fighters in what will be terrific for the Southern California boxing fans and those watching the ESPN telecast.”
Continued Goossen, “Along with the great main event, the other star of the ESPN telecast will be where the action takes place. Agua Caliente’s premier concert and events theatre, The Show, will be hosting it’s first world-class boxing telecast where Lopez and Martinez will be joining past headliners like Matchbox Twenty, Tony Bennett, Jay Leno and many more.”
“Because we are off our normal Friday night home, we asked Dan Goossen to provide fight fans with something special for a Thursday night edition of Friday Night Fights,” saidBrian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “Having Josesito López headline this card certainly delivers on that promise. López and [Aron] Martínez are action fighters who will deliver a great show.”
Fondly known as “The Riverside Rocky” for his valiant performances and movie star looks, Lopez, 31-6-0 (18 KO’s), is returning to battle following an eighth round stoppage of tough Mike Arnaoutis on December 13.
Among the outstanding performances on his action packed ledger is Lopez’ memorable stoppage of former world champion Victor Ortiz on June 23, 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Taking the fight on short notice and moving up in weight, Lopez thrilled boxing fans with a ninth round stoppage of Ortiz in a battle that featured outstanding two-way action throughout the fight prior to Ortiz succumbing to a broken jaw necessitating the stoppage.
Lopez has twice challenged for world titles over the last eighteen months coming up short in outstanding efforts against Canelo Alvarez and Marcos Maidana but is anxious to return to title contention in 2014.
Known in boxing as a true spoiler, Martinez, 19-2-1 (4 KO’s), has built a reputation for upsets including wins over highly regarded prospects Prenice Brewer, Dashon Johnson and Joseph Elegele.
Like Lopez, Martinez will be making his first start of 2014, having fought on April 26, 2013 in Ontario, California winning a unanimous decision over Alberto Herrera.
On January 24, undefeated light heavyweight prospect Thomas Williams Jr. made an emphatic statement in his first nationally broadcast fight coming off the canvas in the first round to drop perennial contender Cornelius White twice in the same round before the stoppage televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights. The KO win earned Williams the WBO NABO Light Heavyweight Title and a top-10 ESPN Sportscenter spot.
Sporting a record of 16-0-0 with 11 knockouts, the 26-year-old southpaw Williams will look to continue his climb up the world rankings in his clash against the battle tested Ornelas. Williams is currently world ranked #6 by the WBO and # 10 by the IBF.
The 33-year-old Ornelas, 34-8-0 (22 KO’s) has faced a long list of world champions and ranked contenders over his 14-year career and will be looking to use his vast experience to defeat the hard charging Williams.
Included among the notables on Ornelas’ ledger are boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, world champion Beibut Shumenov in addition to Robert Stieglitz, Sam Soliman, Marco Antonio Rubio and Bronco McKart.
A full undercard featuring Southern California area prospects will be announced shortly.
-PRESS RELEASE
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Henry Ramirez leans Ortiz over Collazo
Riverside, Calif., trainer Henry Ramirez celebrated his birthday today and spoke to BehindTheGloves.com a bit about tomorrow night’s welterweight clash between Victor Ortiz and Luis Collazo.
Ramirez trained Josesito Lopez to a career-defining victory over Ortiz in June 2012, a fight that resulted in a broken jaw for Ortiz as he retired on his stool in the ninth round. Ortiz has been laid off since that loss, taking a hiatus that included an appearance in Dancing With the Stars and in The Expendables 3 film.
“Style-wise, Collazo is a tough out for almost anyone,” said Ramirez. “Add to that, Victor is coming off a long layoff, it could get interesting. I favor Ortiz but wouldn’t at all be surprised to see him struggle or lose.”
Golden Boy Promotions previously tried cherry-picking a title shot at 154-pounds for Ortiz, attempting to line up IBF champion Carlos Molina for him on the Mar. 8 Canelo Alvarez-Alfredo Angulo pay-per-view. Cooler heads in the IBF prevailed as they neglected to sanction the fight. The Ortiz-Collazo fight is a welterweight bout, and Ortiz has indicated that he’d like to take fights in both the 147 and 154 pound divisions in the future.
Should Ortiz win tomorrow night, a rematch with Lopez or even Marcos Maidana are fights that people would want to see at 147 pounds. Trainer Ramirez has previously said he had no real interest in his fighter facing Ortiz again, but has had a change of heart.
“We’re going to put him in another tune-up type fight in mid-April and then after that we would welcome any big fight possibilities–Ortiz included,” said Ramirez.
Ortiz previously gave an interesting interview where he said that neither Lopez nor Maidana were in his league.
“I would like to go back and destroy them just for the sake of it,” said Ortiz to Boxingscene in December. “They’re not on my level and they never have been…not Lopez, not Maidana. Mayweather is the only one where I could probably say we are going to be in for a war. Those other guys, they don’t belong. They got me on a bad night, but nine out of ten times I beat them.”
Ramirez responded to Ortiz’s outlandish statements in an interview with Koncrete Jungle a few months back, blasting Ortiz.
“I don’t like the motherf*cker,” said Ramirez candidly. “I can’t stand him, I think he’s a phony motherf*cker. Me personally, I’m the type of person, give the man credit and move on. I would have so much respect for Victor if he said, ‘You know what man, I lost, it happens, I’m gonna try and bounce back and be better for it.’ The guy comes up with every f*cking excuse, ‘Oh this, oh that, oh he got lucky and broke my jaw’.”
“The way he says he was winning nine to nothing, breezing through the fight, if the fight was that easy why not finish three more rounds if you weren’t getting touched?” continued Ramirez. “The reality is he was in a war he wasn’t expecting.”
Ortiz may not be a future Hall of Famer, but he will always generate interest in his fights because you never know what you are going to get out of him on any given night. That makes rematches with Lopez and Maidana particularly interesting if he can get by Collazo tomorrow night.
-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega
-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com
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