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Articles of 2004

'Mighty' Mike Arnaoutis wins again

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Cestus Management's junior welterweight sensation “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis claimed yet another devastating victory last Friday night, stopping the durable and highly regarded Jauquin “Killer” Gallardo with 20 seconds left in the 3rd round of a scheduled 10-round contest.

Speedy southpaw Arnaoutis set the pace from the opening bell, probing Gallardo's defense with snapping jabs and long, laser-straight left hands.  Having seen enough of his adversary to determine a weakness and act accordingly, “Mighty” Mike delivered a stunning combination in round 2 of the action, culminating in a left to the body and a right hook to the head that put the “Killer” down hard.  To his credit, Gallardo rose to his feet and survived the round, withstanding in the process the brutal and dangerously accurate body attack of a determined “Mighty” Mike.  Gallardo returned to his corner with blood flowing from his mouth and eye.  Arnaoutis returned to his corner with the blood of his opponent coloring his formerly white trunks.  In the 3rd, two clashes of the fighters' heads caused a deep cut to open on Gallardo's scalp, further bloodying both pugilists.  As the final 30 seconds of the round set in, Arnaoutis struck again, flooring Gallardo with a powerful straight left hand and causing Referee Raul Caiz to immediately stop the action.

Says the triumphant Arnaoutis, “Gallardo is a brave fighter.  I put him down, and he got up and kept going.  He is a good, strong fighter, but it wasn't his night, it was our night.  My night and a night for my Cestus team.  No matter who I get in the ring with, it's always our night. Steve Farhood said on TV that I show something new and impressive every time I fight.  This time it was the right hook, which is a punch that I've been working on in training with team Cestus.  I want everyone who watches to see something different every fight, so that they know that I'm getting better every time.  This was a great year for us, but it's only the beginning.  I have faith in my team, and I know Cestus Management will get me to the top of the boxing world.”

It was indeed a great year for the “Pride of Greece,” and one that concluded with 3 consecutive action-packed appearances on the Showtime Network's ShoBox: The New Generation series, considered the premier showcase for up-and-coming pugilistic talent in the world.

Says Advisor Mike Michael, “I couldn't be more pleased, I really couldn't.  This is a kid with only 14 professional fights, and look at the progress he's making every single time.  They said 'Mighty' Mike couldn't beat Urango because Urango was such a big puncher.  Well, my kid got in there and he showed everyone how schooled and technically sound of a boxer he is. They said he couldn't beat Feliciano because Feliciano was too tough and too durable, and he had so much experience against top guys.  Freddie Cadena couldn't beat him.  Arturo Morales couldn't beat him.  Jermaine Marks, Speedy Gonzales, they couldn't beat him.  Well, 'Mighty' Mike stepped up and knocked Feliciano out in one single round.  And Gallardo, they said Mike couldn't beat Gallardo because Gallardo was a kid with the same amateur experience as him.  They said Gallardo had seen it all.  They said that Gallardo had been in with better fighters than my kid and given them the toughest fights of their careers.  Well, 'Mighty' Mike stood in there with Gallardo and showed everyone exactly what he's made of. And my kid handed Gallardo the first knockout loss of his entire career.

“I want to thank some people for all their help, specifically Gary Shaw and Gary Shaw Productions, for putting together these fine shows and keeping the fight fans entertained.  Also, George Horowitz, Adam Geisler and my good friend Fritz Zivic at Everlast, who allow us to use their quality products.  And last but certainly not least, another great friend of mine, legendary cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran, who did our handwraps and cuts for this fight.  His help is very, very much appreciated, as is the help of everyone I mentioned.  We hope these people continue to be a part of our Cestus Management family over the coming year.”

Boxing fans are advised to keep their eyes on young “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis, as the exciting Greek pugilist plans to fight at least 5 times over the coming year, defending his undefeated 12-0-2 record, his WBO-NABO junior welterweight Championship title and, most importantly, his standing as one of the hottest prospects in the fight game.

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Articles of 2004

2004 Boxing Pound for Pound List

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The final boxing pound-for-pound list of the year for 2004.

1. Bernard Hopkins: The top guy from beginning to end, Hopkins took care of Oscar De La Hoya with a body shot in the biggest fight of 2004. Now, he'll wait for Jermain Taylor to progress a little further, or he'll go the rematch route with Felix Trinidad. Either way, Hopkins stands to earn a lot of money in 2005 and extend that all-time middleweight reign.

2. Floyd Mayweather: How long has it been since we've seen Mayweather in a meaningful fight? Certainly not in 2004, when he outpointed the difficult DeMarcus Corley. He's slated for a January outing against a no-name. Enough stalling, already, “Pretty Boy”. Fight someone we care about (preferably Kostya Tszyu), or you'll lose your #2 position sometime in 2005.

3. Felix Trinidad: “Tito” stormed back with a magnificent knockout of Ricardo Mayorga in 2004, and now hopes to capitalize on it with big money fights. He'd like nothing more than a rematch with his only conqueror, Hopkins, but he may also opt for old nemesis Oscar De La Hoya. Either way, Trinidad is sure to fight a big fight sometime in the coming year.

4. Kostya Tszyu: What a difference one fight makes. As recently as late October, the boxing world was wondering whether Tszyu was even serious about the sport anymore. We found out with a second round demolition of Sharmba Mitchell. And that made the junior welterweight division very attractive. Tszyu has several options now, including Arturo Gatti and Mayweather or even a hop up to welterweight to challenge Cory Spinks. Let's hope one of them happens in 2005.

5. Manny Pacquiao: Pacquiao fought twice in 2004, and what a fight the first one was. His thrilling war with Juan Manuel Marquez was the best brawl of the year, and there is a chance that the two rivals will go at it again in 2005. If not, Pacquiao has a list full of options: Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, etc. Pacquiao will fight one of them in the next year.

6. Marco Antonio Barrera: Another guy thought to be washed up when the year started, Barrera resurrected his career for the second time with a masterful victory over Paulie Ayala and a close decision over rival Erik Morales in another great fight. Barrera is obviously shooting for a return with Pacquiao, who decimated him in November 2003. Barrera says it was an off-night. Hopefully, we'll find out if that was the case.

7. Winky Wright: Winky entered the “superstar” realm in 2004 with a pair of decision victories over Shane Mosley. The first was very impressive, as Wright practically shut Mosley out. The second was closer, but proved once again that Winky was the superior fighter. He'd like a shot at Trinidad or Oscar De La Hoya, but neither will happen. He'd probably be best off shooting for a name like Fernando Vargas or Ricardo Mayorga.

8. Juan Manuel Marquez: After several years on the outside looking in, Marquez is finally in a position to make some money after his courageous performance against Pacquiao. He rose from three first-round knockdowns to wage the fight of his life in a fight that was ruled a draw. It would also be interesting to see Marquez against countrymen Barrera and Erik Morales.

9. Erik Morales: “El Terrible” fought another great fight against Barrera, but, again, it was in a losing cause. He has now lost two of three to his fierce rival, and probably wants nothing to do with him anymore. But, eventually, talk of Barrera-Morales 4 will come up again. In the meantime, Morales could shoot for Pacquiao or Marquez.

10. Glencoffe Johnson: The newest entry, Johnson pumped some life into boxing in 2004 with a pair of upsets of Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver. Now, he's set to make some really big money in rematches with either, or a shot at old conqueror Hopkins. Either way, Johnson is better than anyone imagined.

11. Jose Luis Castillo: Castillo made some comeback noise of his own in 2004, beating Juan Lazcano for his old vacant title and decisioning Joel Casamayor for another big win. He says he wants Kostya Tszyu next, and if that materializes, boxing fans will be in for a treat. If not, Castillo vs. Diego Corrales is a great fight.

12. Oscar De La Hoya: Hard to erase that picture of De La Hoya grimacing in agony courtesy of a Hopkins shot to the ribs, but the “Golden Boy” had no business fighting at 160 pounds. He should drop down to junior middle or even welterweight again if he has any hope of regaining his past form. But 2005 could be the final year for one of boxing's all-time great attractions.

On the brink: Antonio Tarver, Diego Corrales, James Toney

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Articles of 2004

Heavyweight Joe Mesi Bringing Lawsuit

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As reported by the Buffalo News, Joe Mesi is suing the New York State Athletic Commission and the MRI center that conducted tests on the heavyweight boxer after his bout with Vassiliy Jirov. Mesi reportedly suffered brain injuries in the Jirov bout, which has left his boxing status uncertain.

The lawsuit alleges Mesi's medical records were improperly released to the NYSAC. The records, the lawsuit goes on to allege, were then released to the media, prejudicing Mesi's right to have his status reviewed by the appropriate boxing authorities.

The lawsuit does not seek specific monetary damages, as the extent of damages will be affected by whether Mesi is able to resume his career as a leading heavyweight contender.

Mesi hopes to have his status reviewed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission within the coming month. The ruling of the NSAC promises to be key in whether Mesi will be able to resume his boxing career.

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Articles of 2004

The Best in Chicago Boxing Returns

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Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum's Top Rank Incorporated along with Miller Lite presents SOLO BOXEO DE MILLER, THE ARAGON RUMBLE, another installment of The Best in Chicago Boxing on Friday, January 14th, broadcast live internationally as part of Telefutura's Friday night professional boxing series.

The newly remodeled Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. near the corner of Lawrence and Broadway in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood and is easily accessible, just 4 blocks west of Lake Shore Drive and just 4 miles east of the Kennedy expressway. There are three large parking lots located within a 1/2 block of the Aragon Ballroom. Additionally, the Howard Street Blue Line stops just across the street. Doors will open at 6pm with the first bell at 7pm.

Headlining the action packed card is the American debut of super-bantamweight Ricardo “PIOLO” Castillo, 12-2 (6KO's) of Mexicali, Mexico as he squares off in a scheduled ten rounder against WBO Latino Champion, Edel Ruiz, 24-12-3 (13KO's) of Los Mochis, SI, Mexico. Castillo will be accompanied to the ring by his brother, World Lightweight Champion Jose Luis Castillo.

In the co-main event of the evening, one of Chicago's most popular fighters, middleweight “MACHO” Miguel Hernandez, 14-1 (9KO's), battles hard swinging local veteran “MARVELOUS” Shay Mobley, 7-4-1 (2KO's), of One In a Million Inc.in a scheduled eight rounder.

The huge undercard bouts include;

Carlos Molina vs TBA, six rounds, junior middleweights
Frankie Tafoya vs TBA, four rounds, featherweights
Ottu Holified vs. Allen Medina, four rounds, middleweights
Francisco Rodriguez vs. LaShaun Blair, four rounds, bantamweights
Rita Figueroa vs. Sarina Hayden, four rounds, junior welterweights

Said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, “it was a terrific evening last month and our fans were thrilled to be at the Aragon to watch David, Speedy and Luciano. David Diaz's fight against Jaime Rangel was a fight people will talk about for a long time. Our commitment to our fans is to make every event of ours better than the last one. This main event is terrific, both guys are very tough Mexicans who won't take a step back.

The fans love Miguel and Mobley figures to be a very tough opponent. Him and David Estrada had a six round war last June at our show. And the undercard showcases a lot of new, younger talent that is coming out of Chicago right now. Tafoya and Holifield have both had very successful beginnings to their careers and Francisco Rodriguez comes with fantastic amateur credentials and David Diaz says he has all the talent to be a great pro.”

“We've got big plans for 2005 and this show should take up right where last months show left off. The huge crowd loved the action last time and I'm sure they'll say the same thing this time.”

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