Connect with us

Articles of 2007

Contenders Ready for Big Time

Published

on

Alfonso Gomez and Sergio Mora are striving for more than success, they seek a steppingstone to respect.

Just like million dollar baseball players from other countries like Japan, Mexico and Korea seek respect by coming to this country, fighters Gomez and Mora who are promoted by the Contender show are anxious to show their talent against the elite in professional prizefighting.

Gomez (17-3-2) faces Ghana’s Ben Tackie (29-7-1, 17 KOs) in a welterweight match while Mora meets Elvin Ayala in a middleweight contest at the Home Depot Center on Tuesday. The fights will be televised by ESPN.

The stakes are extremely high.

Should Gomez pass the test of Tackie’s iron head, then he’s probably headed to a showdown with Mexico’s favorite son Julio Cesar Chavez. Fighting the son of a boxing icon is no easy matter, but first comes the roughest fighter from Ghana.

Gomez gained a considerable measure of respect when he stopped favorite son Arturo Gatti last July inside 12 rounds. Many boxing fans and experts felt Gomez was a hyped product of the Contender reality television show.

If one had followed Gomez’s career you could see that aside from being one of the most likeable participants on the reality TV show, he also had a habit of walking through hell to get to whatever goal he sought. Gatti was in the way and Gomez mowed him down.

Mora (19-0, 4 KOs) finds himself poised to meet the new middleweight champion Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik should he beat boxer-puncher Ayala (18-2, 8 KOs) from New Haven, Conn. It’s a fight he’s biting the bit to prove he’s not afraid of high stakes warfare.

The East Los Angeles boxer known as “the Latin Snake” had been eager to face Jermain Taylor for the title, but after several venue changes “to make it seem like they were trying” the Taylor people tried to lure Mora to Memphis. That was flatly refused.

“All along I thought I was going to fight Taylor but when they moved it to Memphis my team voted against it,” said Mora.

He took a lot of heat from boxing fans, especially with Taylor’s people screaming that Mora was afraid.

But the knockout of Taylor by the booming fists of Pavlik leaves the door wide open for Mora to walk through. He’s anxious to prove everybody wrong.

“Nobody expects me to stand a chance against Pavlik,” said Mora on Monday. “First I have to win this fight before thinking about Pavlik.”

Against Ayala, a boxer stylist with some pop, Mora expects to face a defensive fighter.

“I guess I’ll have to be the aggressor,” says Mora, who’s ranked in the top 10. “This is a big fight for me.”

Boxing Chatter

Calzaghe-Kessler

Great Britain’s Joe Calzaghe and Denmark’s Mikkel Kessler are just weeks away from unifying the super middleweight division.

Kessler, the WBA and WBC titleholder, will travel to Cardiff, Wales to face local hero Calzaghe, the WBO and IBF titleholder in front of an expected 63,000 fans. That’s a lot of boxing fanatics. The record is held by Muhammad Ali’s second fight against Leon Spinks at the Superdome in New Orleans in 1978.

Kessler’s last win was a one-sided 12-round affair against local fighter Librado Andrade last March. Calzaghe’s last fight was a quick stoppage of Peter Manfredo in April.

Both fighters are undefeated.

The Nov. 3 fight will be televised live from Wales on HBO.

Nightmare in St. Lucia

Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola, the rising heavyweight star out of Riverside, will be fighting on a boxing card from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia on Nov. 16.

“It looks like the opponent is going to be Teke Oruh,” said Arreola’s trainer Henry Ramirez. “He’s a big guy.”

Oruh (14-0-1, 6 KOs) is a Nigerian heavyweight who fights out of Las Vegas.

The fight card is promoted by Goossen-Tutor Promotions and will also feature undefeated middleweights Andre Ward (13-0, 8 KOs) against Roger Cantrell (12-0, 8 KOs). Ward, a former gold medal winner in the 2004 Olympics, is facing a stiff test in Cantrell who packs good power.

“Andre Ward is a great fighter,” said Cantrell a Native American from Washington. “But I guarantee he’s never faced anybody like me.”

Fighters attend WBHOF

New IBF flyweight champion Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire was a special guest of honor at the World Boxing Hall of Fame on Saturday. The speedy Donaire knocked out former champion Vic Darchinyan last July in a fight that surprised those who had never seen the Filipino fight before.

Donaire is looking for a match against any of the Mexican champions including WBC junior bantamweight titleholder Cristian Mijares. But he’s hoping for a match against the other Mexican star Jorge Arce.

“We’ll see if Arce wins his next fight,” said Donaire at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. “I hope he comes through OK.”

Arce is training in Montebello. He’s set to fight on Dec. 1, in New Mexico. No opponent has been named.

Wayne McCullough and his charming wife Cheryl attended the festivities too. The Irish-born fighter known as the “Pocket Rocket” is still one of the most popular fighter on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Everywhere McCullough walked he was greeted by admirers. Recently the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization’s boss Dana White hired him for his MMA company. I predict one day McCullough will be an ambassador to the U.S. for North Ireland. It’s hard to believe the guy can be so nice outside the ring and so ferocious inside.

Speaking of ferocious in the ring Christy Martin the “Coalminers Daughter” also appeared at the Hall of Fame ceremony. The former welterweight champion looks great. She’s promoting fights and also keeps an eye out for possible talent.

The 28th annual WBHOF ceremonies took place in Ontario, California where boxing has boomed during the last 10 years. The current WBHOF president is Adolfo Perez.

Cory Spinks defense

Cory Spinks (36-4, 11 KOs), who holds the IBF junior middleweight title, could be facing former titleholder Verno Phillips (41-11-1, 21 KOs) who is ranked number three by the IBF.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles1 week ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles4 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles4 hours ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles1 day ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles4 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles1 week ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending