Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz finished Lateef “Power” Kayode Thursday night by way of TKO in the first round and went on to claim the interim WBA heavyweight title of the world.  Ortiz, (22-0, 17 KOs), came from Miami with his goal of winning a world title and was able to do just that.  Kayode (20-1), who trains in Los Angeles, had said he was ready to knock out Ortiz and was looking forward to a fight with Wladimir Klitschko.  Although the finish was a controversial one, the night was full of exciting rounds with the undercards at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

The main event of the night was a scheduled 12 round fight for the WBA interim heavyweight title between Ortiz and Kayode.  Ortiz had said that his first goal in life was to come to the US from Cuba in order to seek better care for his then-ill daughter.  She is in good condition now and since he has accomplished that, now he wants to move on to his second goal: becoming a world champion.

Kayode, originally from Nigeria, was training under Freddie Roach and was also the former WBO, NABO and NABF cruiserweight champion.

When interviewed before the fight, Oscar de la Hoya said he definitely predicted a knockout in this fight. He said he just was not sure who it would be from.

The bell rang and both boxers moved in with heavy hands.  Ortiz landed a left hook and then a right hook to the body which dropped Kayode but referee Robert Byrd decided he had lost his footing and slipped.  Ortiz, with his lower guard of the two, stalked Kayode and both look for the knockout.  Kayode could not seem to find his reach and was at a disadvantage.  Ortiz hurt Kayode with a wide left hook.  Ortiz then cornered Kayode who proceeded to almost sit against the corner and take the punishment without punching back.  At two minutes and 55 seconds of the first round Byrd stepped in and stopped the fight.  Many in the crowd were displeased with the decision along with Kayode and his corner.  Kayode kept saying that he was defending himself, however, Byrd was interviewed and stated that he stepped in because he was taking too many punches.  Malignaggi said, “If you’re okay, do something about it!”  He goes on to say that Kayode could have taken a knee and that he was obviously throwing punches after the referee stepped in so he was cognizant, he just did not show it when he was cornered.

Ortiz went on to win by TKO and got his title.  For him, it looks like he has accomplished his two main goals in life.  For Kayode, it seems he may have to go back to the drawing board if he wants to fight the likes of Klitschko.

– 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

World Boxing Association number-five ranked Heavyweight, undefeated Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KO’s) has been preparing for WBA Interim Heavyweight championship bout against fellow undefeated top rated contender Luis Ortiz ((21-0, 18 KO’s) on September 11 at  Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The resident of Hollywood, California and native of Lagos, Nigeria has been prepping for this major opportunity at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach.

“It’s going to be a great fight for both of us.  It is a great opportunity to prove myself in the Heavyweight division,” said Kayode.

Despite moving up from Cruiserweight, Kayode is not at all intimidated by Ortiz who will have close to a three-inch and 20-plus pound weight advantage.

“He is strong and big.  I know that and it doesn’t concern me at all.  I spar a lot of big guys out here and I am used to it.”

Kayode knows that a win over Ortiz will be the gateway for major opportunities in the Heavyweight division.

“I have been doing my job as I know this is a big opportunity.  This fight will give me a Heavyweight title belt and that will only lead me into bigger fights.”

Kayode gives a lot of credit to the man who helped secure this opportunity.  That being his promoter Greg Cohen.

Cohen has a great history in the Heavyweight division as he has worked with Hasim Rahman, Shannon Briggs, James Toney and Samuel Peter to name a few.

Said Cohen, “Lateef is a bonafide Heavyweight with one punch power in either hand.  Most people don’t realize that the majority of his 21 fights have taken place at heavyweight (12 out of 21).  After speaking with Freddie over the past few months, he implored me to do whatever needed to be done to secure the Ortiz fight, as Freddie believes the styles match up perfectly for Lateef to be successful. Both fighters are undefeated, extremely strong & both guys know that it’s sink or swim time. At the end of the day I think Lateef’s power and execution of Freddie’s game plan will be the difference in the fight. It Won’t be easy, but on September 11th,  I expect Lateef’s hand to be raised in victory and a new major player in the Heavyweight division will have arrived.”

“I want to thank Greg Cohen for putting this together and I know on September 11, I will come out victorious.  It is an Opportunity that I have to take.”, continued Kayode.

The fight will kick off a monstrous fight weekend in Las Vegas as it will be a prelude to the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana that will take place two nights later at the MGM Grand.

“I want to thank the fans that will come to and watch our fight.  It will be the start of a great boxing weekend.  They say nobody wants to fight Ortiz.  Well I am not scared and I will be there.  I am not scared of anybody.”

Kayode has much riding on the fight as he wants to follow in the footsteps of Peter and become the 2nd Heavyweight champion from Nigeria.

“My people back home will be very happy.  For me to come home with the Heavyweight championship would be great.  I am going to prove to everybody that I am the best and I will bring that title home to Nigeria.”, finished Kayode.

– PRESS RELEASE

George Foreman protege Brent Bowers: Skip Scott is a very hard-punching heavyweight

Brent Bowers, the long-time chief sparring partner and cornerman for the great George Foreman, says he has helped Houston heavyweight Skipp Scott find the true potential of his punching power.

Scott (16-1, 10 KOs) will be looking to exert his newly improved power when he faces Gerald Washington (11-0, 8 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event on Thursday, April 3, when Golden Boy Live! presents “Night Of The Heavyweights,” a tripleheader of heavyweight action on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, from the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

In the 10-round main event, unbeaten Cuban Luis Ortiz will take on long-time top contender and world-title challenger Monte Barrett and, in the televised opener, 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale will face veteran Nagy Aguilera.

Tickets for Night Of The Heavyweights, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are on sale now at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

The towering Scott, who stands a massive 6′ 8″ has put together a Texas “Dream Team” of trainers for his big showcase, including Bowers, who spent many years learning from Foreman, one of the heaviest punchers in boxing history.

“The one problem he (Scott) was doing offensively was he didn’t have the proper snap in his shots,” said Bowers. “He was relying on his strength too much. We were really able to improve his power by getting him to put that snap in his punches and start twisting his leg properly. Even with the guys I’ve been in the ring with and worked with, I would still say Skipp Scott is a very hard-punching heavyweight.”

Bowers, who has sparred over 500 rounds with “Big George”, in addition to working with several other world-class heavyweights over the past 29 years, says he tweaked Scott’s defense as well.

“I noticed he was keeping his right hand in front of his face, instead of to the side, so we got him to stop doing that. His defense is much improved as well. He’s going to be a vastly improved and much more powerful version of himself on fight night. People will be surprised, most of all his opponent.”

Bowers says the fight with Washington will be the true test of Scott’s ability to utilize what he’s been shown. “He’s very good. He’s got the ability and he can become a champion. After this fight, we’ll know exactly where he’s at. This is his time to show everyone what he’s made of.”

On fight night, Scott’s corner will be manned by legendary Hall-of-Fame Trainer Jessie Reid and well-respected Houston boxing staple, Aaron Navarro.

“Night Of The Heavyweights” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Fantasy Springs Event Center doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight starts at 5:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is located at 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio, California. For more information on Brent Bowers, please visit apboxing.com. For more information on Skipp Scott, please visit Keeppunching.com.

Former title challenger Monte Barrett steps in to face Luis Ortiz

INDIO, CALIF. (Mar. 21) – The Apr. 3 FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes tripleheader is now complete, as former heavyweight world title challenger Monte Barrett returns to the ring to face unbeaten Cuban contender Luis Ortiz in the main event of the highly anticipated “Night of the Heavyweights” Golden Boy Live! event at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In previously announced televised heavyweight bouts, Vallejo, California’s Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington risks his perfect professional record in the 10-round co-main event against Houston’ Skipp “Strictly Business” Scott and 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale goes for 10 straight wins when he takes on veteran standout Nagy Aguilera.

Plus, unbeaten rising star Diego “The Golden Kid” De La Hoya will appear in a six-round junior featherweight bout and exciting prospects Santiago “El Lobito” Guevara, Neeco “The Rooster” Macias, Michael Hunter and Stephan Shaw will also be seeing action on this stacked card.

Fight fans in attendance at Fantasy Springs are in for a special treat as former heavyweight contender Gerry “Gentleman” Cooney will be on hand as a special VIP guest to meet and greet those at the event. One of the hardest punchers in heavyweight history, Cooney is best remembered for his knockout wins over Ken Norton, Ron Lyle and Jimmy Young, as well as his epic 1982 challenge for Larry Holmes’ title.

Currently ranked number two in the world by the WBA, 34-year-old southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (20-0, 17 KOs) graduated from the legendary Cuban amateur boxing program with nearly 350 wins and numerous titles. When he turned professional in his adopted home state of Florida in 2010, he set his sights on gold of a different sort; a heavyweight world championship. Thus far, Ortiz has been unstoppable with five-of-his-last-six wins coming by way of knockout, making it clear that he will take out anyone in the way of his pursuit of a title.

Equipped with top-level heavyweight experience few can match on the current landscape, Queens, New York’s Monte Barrett (35-10-2, 20 KOs) has been in the ring with the best of the best over the course of his career, including Wladimir Klitschko, Tim Witherspoon, Hasim Rahman, David Haye and David Tua. Eager to get back in the heavyweight race, Barrett has specialized in spoiling the rise of the highly-touted, handing Dominick Guinn, Owen Beck, Eric Kirkland and Tye Fields crushing losses. He hopes to add Ortiz to that list on April 3.

An elite level prospect that has made an impression in each of his fights to date, Mexicali’s Diego “The Golden Kid” De La Hoya (3-0, 3 KOs) has shown remarkable skills and power in his knockout wins over Luis Cosme, Abraham Rubio and Sergio Najera. On April 3, the 19-year-old will meet an opponent to be named in a six-round junior featherweight bout.

One of the newest members of the Golden Boy Promotions team, Mexico-born junior lightweight Santiago “El Lobito” Guevara (6-0, 3 KOs) is a talented fighter with a bright future in the fight game. Scheduled for a six round bout on April 3, the Los Angeles resident is ready to impress fans at Fantasy Springs.

Palm Desert’s Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (3-0, 1 KO) is an action fighter who loves to scrap when the bell rings. In February, the southpaw won his third professional fight, decisioning Victor Altamirano in four rounds, the same length of his junior middleweight bout this April.

“Night of the Heavyweights” will live up to its name as the night will with two more heavyweight showdowns. In a heavyweight bout scheduled for six rounds, Van Nuys’ Michael Hunter (3-0, 3 KOs) will be seeking yet another knockout when he faces Jackson, Tennessee’s Rodrigo Ray (5-6-1, 2 KOs), and in the opener scheduled for four rounds in the heavyweight division, St. Louis’ Stephan Shaw (2-0, 2 KOs) will look for victory number three.

Opponents for De La Hoya, Guevara, Macias and Hunter will be announced shortly.

“Night Of The Heavyweights” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Fantasy Springs Event Center doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight starts at 5:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Golden Boy card on Apr. 3 features rising heavyweights

INDIO, Calif. (March. 5, 2014) – The big men of boxing are on their way to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on Thursday, April 3 when Golden Boy Live! airs “Night Of The Heavyweights,”a tripleheader of hard-hitting heavyweight action on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes. In the 10-round main event, unbeaten Cuban star Luis Ortiz looks to continue his race towards a world title fight against an opponent to be announced shortly.

Plus, Vallejo, California’s Gerald Washington risks his perfect professional record in the 10-round co-main event against Houston’ Skipp “Strictly Business” Scott and 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale goes for 10 straight wins when he takes on veteran standout Nagy Aguilera.

Currently ranked number two in the world by the WBA, 34-year-old southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (20-0, 17 KOs) graduated from the legendary Cuban amateur boxing program with nearly 350 wins and numerous titles. When he turned professional in his adopted home state of Florida in 2010, he set his sights on gold of a different sort; a heavyweight world championship. Thus far, Ortiz has been unstoppable with five of his last six wins coming by knockout and has made it clear that he will take out anyone in his way on the road to the title.

With six of his professional wins taking place at Fantasy Springs, 31-year-old Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (11-0, 8 KOs) has clearly found a home away from home in the Indio venue. A former standout football player at USC, Washington discovered a new athletic life in the boxing ring and he has continued to impress with his poise and power. In January, he halted Arron Lyons in five rounds and on April 3, he steps up to face Skipp Scott.

After losing his first professional bout in 2006, Houston’s Skipp Scott (16-1, 10 KOs) hasn’t lost since earning his nickname “Strictly Business.” A staple on the Texas and Louisiana fight circuit, the 35-year-old Scott scored the biggest win of his career in January of 2013 when he defeated Kertson Manswell for the WBF Intercontinental title. Now the six-foot-eight inch Scott is hungry for more and he is ready to let the fists fly against Washington.
Undefeated since turning professional after the 2012 London Olympic Games, Alhambra’s Dominic Breazeale (9-0, 9 KOs) has yet to let any opponent go the distance and he has no intention of starting now. After fighting six times in 2013, Breazeale kicked 2014 off to a great start with a third-round stoppage over Homer Fonseca in January at Fantasy Springs. On April 3, the 28-year-old will see if he can defeat a crafty and experienced foe in Nagy Aguilera.

A native of Santo Domingo who now makes his home in the state of New York, 27-year-old Nagy Aguilera (19-7, 13 KOs) has a wealth of experience. A veteran of fights against boxing greats and former World Champions Antonio Tarver, Samuel Peter, Chris Arreola and Tomasz Adamek, Aguilera has won three of his last four fights, which is a hot streak he will take with him into the ring against Breazeale.

“Night Of The Heavyweights” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, will go on sale Friday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m. PT at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.FOXSports.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @breazealeboxing, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @Swanson_Comm. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on Twitter at @FOXSports @FOXSports1 and @FOXSportsPR.