Articles of 2006
Israel Is Real

A vicious, looping left hook caught Israel Vazquez in the sixth round and dropped him for an eight-count. It seemed to be the punctuation mark for a dominating performance being waged by WBO Bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez against the defending WBC Super bantamweight champion. Vazquez had been dropped twice and cut on the right side of his eyelid. Gonzalez built up a commanding lead making use of his well honed skills along with his superior height and reach. Hall of fame trainer and boxing analyst Emmanuel Steward said it best during the HBO broadcast. âGonzalez is fighting like a machine,â he would repeat at least twice. It was true. Gonzalez was fighting a brilliant, disciplined fight. Vazquez was being tattooed a swollen mask by Gonzalezâs long, beautiful jab that wouldnât allow him passage to the inside of his guard where Vazquez was most likely to succeed.
âHe was working the distance between us really well. He turned it into a very demanding fight,â remembers Vazquez. Even to the biggest Vazquez fan it looked like the fight was over after Gonzalez dropped âEl Magnificoâ the second time. Vazquez kept his composure under fire and managed to step up the action. âEven after the second knockdown, I knew I still had a chance,â Vazquez said. âI felt that after the fifth round I was getting closer to my target.â
Vazquezâs thrilling comeback against Gonzalez was the kind that builds legendary fighters. His busted up face showed the damage that Jhonnyâs powerful fists had enacted. Between his eyes, swollen muscle matter and tissue made him look like heâd survived an attack by a swarm of Africanized bees. âHis jab was incredible. Believe it or not it was his jab that did most of the damage,â Vazquez said.
The tide changed during the seventh round as Gonzalez, who had set an extremely fast pace, was tiring. âJhonny was fighting the perfect fight. He was working the jab with precision and throwing a lot of punches. I thought that eventually heâd tire out and thatâs when Israel would have his best chance,â related Vazquezâs manager Frank Espinoza. âI never lost hope. After the second knockdown I knew we were far behind but Israel showed why heâs a champion.â
Vazquez came out for the seventh round more determined than ever. A straight right caught Gonzalez and crumbled him to the canvas. Gonzalez took the count, got up and fought on to finish the round. âI knew he was in trouble at that point. I felt this was going to end soon,â Vazquez said.
Israel surveyed Jhonny across the ring before the tenth round. âI noticed he was tired, bloody and seemed hurt. I felt like I was getting in close where I wanted to be,â Vazquez said. After a strong start by Gonzalez, Vazquez landed a powerful left hook followed by a right that took out Gonzalezâs legs for the final time in one of the yearâs most dramatic moments. Gonzalezâs corner stopped the fight as the wounded warrior sat on the canvas looking like a beaten man. Gonzalezâs promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, was watching closely from front row. His expression after Vazquez dropped Gonzalez said it all. It was a look of disbelief. âJhonny is a great fighter. I felt my conditioning was superb and thatâs why I was able to recover from the two knockdowns.â Vazquez said. The fight was voted âfight of the yearâ by the World Boxing Hall of Fame and brought Vazquez some newfound recognition. âThat was a big honor for both Jhonny and me. Iâm very proud of that fight and everything weâve accomplished in the last few years.â
Vazquezâs career has surged tremendously during the past two years with spectacular wins over top competition like Oscar Larios and Gonzalez. Yet Vazquez doesnât feel like resting on his laurels. The ambitious twenty-eight-year-old plans to take his career to a new level. âThe goal is to move up to featherweight and win a second world title,â Vazquez said from his home in Los Angeles. âEventually Iâd like to move up to super featherweight. My long term goal is to win a third world title.â
Espinoza, whoâs managed Vazquez for eight of his eleven years as a professional, welcomes the idea. âI think Israel has proven himself to be the best among the Super Bantamweights. Heâs always expressed the desire to make history by winning three world titles in three different divisions and this would be the first step.â
Vazquez assures itâs not a weight issue. âI have no trouble making 122. I just feel the need to prove that I can succeed among the featherweights. This is a personal goal for me. Itâs hard to stand out when youâre a Mexican fighter because we have so many great champions. The only way to stand out is to try and make history.â
Thereâs been talk that Vazquez may fight in a title elimination bout for a featherweight title. âThe names Iâve heard mentioned are Rocky Juarez and Oscar Larios. Iâll go up against anyone they present. I saw Juan Manuel Marquez fight Jaca. If somebody offered me a fight against Juan Iâd take it. Marquez is a tremendous fighter and considered an all-time great,â Vazquez said. âYou have to beat the great ones to also be considered great. Thatâs a matchup Iâd gladly accept.â
Espinoza would rather have his charge face Juan Manuelâs little brother, Rafael, whoâs also a big name and considered the best Bantamweight in the sport. The other option for Vazquez is a unification fight against WBA Super Bantamweight champ Celestino Caballero. âI think a Rafael Marquez fight would be a big fight. I think it means a lot more than a Celestino Caballero fight at this point,â Espinoza said. âWe would fight Juan Manuel Marquez if it was offered in the future but Iâd like Israel to fight someone else for his first time as a featherweight.â
Although Vazquez is promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions recently jumped into the mix as co-promoters. âTheyâre a good combination. Sycuan and Golden Boy really made things happen for me. Iâm very grateful to both companies,â Vazquez said. âThey gave me a lot to be thankful about this Thanksgiving.â
Vazquez feels he made a strong statement in the fight against Gonzalez. âI wanted people to know that I have the heart of a champion. That Israel Vazquez never quits,â Vazquez added. âI wanted to prove that Israel Vazquez is for real and that I plan to be around for a long time.â
âThe lesson learned from Israelâs fight against Jhonny Gonzalez is that you must never give up. Whether itâs in boxing or any other situation,â said Espinoza. âHereâs a guy that was cut, hurt and knocked down twice. He was far behind. But like a champion, he came back and knocked out another world champion in spectacular fashion. If that doesnât inspire you then I donât know what will.â
Articles of 2006
Peter/Toney Ii: Peter Has The Brutal Punch

Samuel Peter claims he has dynamites in my two hands?
Heavyweight contenders Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter and James Lights Out? Toney get it on a second time this Saturday from the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. (Showtime).
The hard-slugging Peter, unlike Toney, is one of those strong, silent types notorious for letting their fists to the talking one the opening bell sounds, but the Nigeria Nightmare is as confident as ever and determined to turn Lights Out’s lights out for good.
I have got dynamites in my two hands,? said Peter, according the Lagos, Nigeria Vanguard, and I will crush James Toney once and for all. The Toney camp made the mistake of their lives by protesting and seeking a rematch. I am ready to teach him a bitter lesson.?
Sam Peter walked away with the W for Peter/Toney I at the Staples Center in LA last September, but it was by disputed split decision a verdict so disputed, there was even a dispute about the dispute which forced the WBC’s hand into mandating Saturday’s rematch.
Samuel Peter is the biggest thing to hit African boxing since Ghanaian superstar Azumah Nelson rocked the feather and junior welterweight divisions. The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Prince Olaide Adeboye, admitted, according to allAfrica.com, We are rooting for Samuel Peter, of course. He is one boy we believe in to bring back the country’s lost glory in professional boxing. I am personally making arrangement to be at the ringside to see him fight Toney again. I was at the first fight in Los Angeles in September.
Peter has the brutal punch, and to me he was the clear winner of the first fight. But the WBC Board of Governors, of which I am a member, voted 21-10 for a rematch. There was nothing those of us Africans on the board could do in the circumstances. But I believe Peter will confirm he is better than Toney and will then go ahead to meet the champion and claim the belt for Nigeria and Africa.?
Articles of 2006
Iceman Stops Tito Ortiz Win Streak

LAS VEGASâUFC light heavyweight champion Chuck âIcemanâ Liddellâs fists proved too much for Huntington Beachâs Tito Ortiz who was stopped in the third round before a sold out crowd at the MGM Garden Arena on Saturday.
The punching machine Liddell (20-3, 13 KOs) repeated his victory in UFC 66 over the much-improved grappler Ortiz who has improved his punching and blocking. Ortiz was trying to avenge his loss of April 2004.
Despite all the new weapons displayed by Ortiz it wasnât enough as Liddell pummeled the former champion and retained his title with a technical knockout at 3:59 of the third round. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bout.
âThis was the most satisfying victory of my career,â said Liddell, 36, of Santa Barbara. âTito came back real tough.â
Ortiz (15-5, 8 KOs), a former wrestler, worked on his boxing technique knowing he would need it against the former boxer Liddell. But Liddellâs experience allowed him to find the right moment to pounce on Ortiz.
âI had him hurt, I just kept throwing punches,â said Liddell who also knocked down Ortiz in the first round with a left hook.
Ortiz was gracious in defeat.
âChuck is the best fighter Pound for Pound in the (mixed martial arts) world,â said Ortiz, 31, who suffered a gash on the side of his left eye from a punch. âIâm disgusted by myself. I let my fans down.â
Other bouts
Underdog Keith Jardine (12-3-1) knocked out Forrest Griffin (13-4) at 4:41 of the first round in their light heavyweight showdown. A right uppercut followed by a left hook wobbled Griffin who was sent to the floor by a barrage of punches. On the ground Jardine landed right after right until referee John McCarthy stopped the fight for a technical knockout.
âI couldnât believe he was hurt,â said Jardine about Griffin who is known for his resiliency. âI was so nervous coming into this fight, but now I know I belong here.â
Canadaâs Jason McDonald (18-7) choked out Chris Leben (15-3) in a middleweight bout that was up for grabs. Though Leben seemed to control the fight with stunning left hands, once the fight went to the ground McDonald managed a chokehold at 4:03 of the second round. Referee Steve Mazagatti saw Leben was unconscious and stopped the fight.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (12-5) caught Brazilâs Mario Cruz (2-2) with a sneak right hand while both were tangled on the ground. Then the Belarusian pummeled Cruz until referee Herb Dean stopped the fight at 3:15 of the first round.
Third season winner of the Ultimate Fighter television reality season Michael Bisping (12-0) of Great Britain won by technical knockout over Eric Shafer (9-2-2) at 4:29 of the first round. A knee knocked Shafer groggy then Bisping knocked him to the ground and pounded him. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bludgeoning.
Thiago Alves (16-4) caught Peruâs Tony De Souza (15-5) with a knee as he attempted to dive for his legs in a welterweight contest. After that it was pretty much over as Alves pummeled De Souza at 1:10 of the second round forcing referee John McCarthy to halt the bout.
Gabriel Gonzago (7-1) proved too strong for Carmelo Marrero (6-1) in a heavyweight bout. At 3:22 of the first round Gonzago of Massachusetts manipulated his way into arm bar forcing Pennsylvaniaâs Marrero to tap out.
Japanâs Yushin Okami (19-3) pounded Georgiaâs Rory Singer (11-6) into submission at 4:03 of the third round of a middleweight bout. Okami seemed the more-rounded fighter with effective kicks to the head and more accurate punching.
Christian Wellisch (8-2) jumped to a quick start with an accurate left hook that rattled Australiaâs Anthony Perosh (5-3) in a heavyweight bout. During the first round it seemed the Sacramento fighter might end the fight but the Aussie hung tough. Wellisch won by unanimous decision.
Articles of 2006
The Sweet Science P4P Rankings for Asia

There are claims that boxing is dying. Hogwash. The heavyweight division isnât the only division in boxing and 2007 promises to be a banner year in boxing; especially for boxers hailing from Asia.
While Asia isnât Vegas or Atlantic City, it is a region packed of diamonds in the rough; undiscovered gems and potential superstars who wait for their moment in the sun.
The Sweet Science P4P Rankings â Asia
1) Manny Pacquiao â Thereâs no way to dispute Pacquiao is the best fighter in Asia, if not all of boxing. Heâs exciting, he wins with Je Ne Sais Quois and is definitely âthe manâ in boxing.
2) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam â Although his competition leaves much to be desired, his longevity and skills are undeniable. He is currently Thailandâs only world champion and is undefeated in ten years. Need I say more?
3) Chris John â A victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, however controversial, shows he belongs at the top of the heap. He easily outpointed Renan Acosta to close out 2006 and should have no trouble defending against Jose Rojas in February. A fight with Pacquiao would not be a good move on his part but a rematch with Marquez would not hurt â especially if he defeats the Mexican again.
4) Hozumi Hasegawa â Hidden away in Japan, Hasegawa is a sharp punching southpaw who put former champion Veeraphol Sahaprom to sleep. He recently bested Genaro Garcia and his herky-jerky style will give fits to any one who steps in the ring with him.
5) Masomori Tokuyama â Tokuyama has never shied away from a good fight and although he only fought once in 2006 (UD12 Jose Navarro), he ledger shows wins over Katsushige Kawashima (twice), Gerry Penalosa (twice) and In Jin Chi (twice). A fight with Hozumi Hasegawa is a distinct possibility in 2007.
6) Nobuo Nashiro â With only seven fights under his belt he took on WBA champion Martin Castillo â and defeated him. Although heâs only fought a total of nine fights, nearly all have been against quality opposition. A victory in a rematch with Castillo would cement his claim as the king of the 115-pound division.
7) Yukata Niida â This light-hitting minimumweight defended his title twice in 2006, winning a technical decision against unbeaten Eriberto Gejon (Tech Win 10) and the other on points over Ronald Barrera (W 12). Scheduled to meet Katsunari Takayama early next year â the best has yet to come for this WBA belt holder.
8) In Jin Chi â Won back the title he lost to Takashi Koshimoto in January from Rudolfo Lopez. While thereâs little uncertainty to his skills, at thirty-three, 2007 may provide some insight as to just how much he has left.
9) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai âSor Nonthachai is an exciting, top-shelf fighter with an iron chin. Has no trouble making mincemeat of mid-level opposition and deserves a title shot in 2007. Time is running out.
10) Rey Bautista â Heâs young, relatively inexperienced in big-time boxing, but will continue to shine in 2007. One of the better prospects in boxing, he should snag a title in 2007.
Asian Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine
Pound for Pound:
Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #2
Jr. Lightweight
Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #1
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9
Featherweight
Chris John (Indonesia) #1
In Jin Chi (Korea) #3
Takashi Koshimoto (Japan) #5
Hioyuki Enoki (Japan) #7
Jr. Featherweight
Somsak Sithchatchawal (Thailand) #4
Bantamweight
Hozumi Hasegawa (Japan) #2
Veeraphol Sahaprom (Japan) #3
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (Thailand) #6
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Thailand) #10
Jr. Bantamweight
Nobuo Nashiro (Japan) #1
Katsushige Kawashima (Japan) #7
Pramuansak Phosuwan (Thailand) #10
Flyweight
Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Thailand) #1
Takefumi Sakata (Japan) #7
Daisuke Naito (Japan) #10
Jr. Flyweight
Koki Kameda (Japan) #1
Minimumweight
Yukata Naiida (Japan) #2
Eagle Kyowa (Japan/Thai) #4
Katsunari Takayama (Japan) #5
Rodel Mayol (Philippines) #7
Boxing in Thailand
Thereâs no shortage of boxers in Thailand. With a huge pool of Muay Thai fighters to draw from and several talented amateur boxing prospects turning pro after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Thailand seems destined to remain a boxing powerhouse in Asia.
The country is known for having tough, determined and disciplined fighters who give their all whenever the step in to the ring. However, consistently losing while fighting abroad and padding their records with no-hopers has done nothing to enhance their reputation.
Whether because of a lack of marketability, a lack of funds or their unwillingness to travel abroad, the vast majority of boxers from Thailand remain a mystery to fans in the west. If anything though, the boxing scene involving Thai fighters will be active. In fact, itâs one of the most active in the world; since 2000, the number of fights has nearly doubled in the country.
The Sweet Science P4P Rankings â Thailand â August 2006
1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam
2) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym
3) Somsak Sithchatchawal
4) Wandee Singwancha
5) Sirimongkol Singwancha
6) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai
7) Veeraphol Sahaprom
8) Pramuansak Phosuwan
9) Terdsak Jandaeng
10) Oleydong Sithamerchai
Current Sweet Science P4P Rankings â Thailand
1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Flyweight) â Definitely the top dog in Thailand
2) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (Super Lightweight) â Heâs a seasoned fighter who has proven himself in the big-time. Heâs one Thai who can fight outside of Asia. He has an abundance of skills and one-punch power. His overall ability and ease in dispatching anyone other than championship caliber get him the runners-up spot.
3) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Super Bantamweight) â After losing to Vladimir Sidorenko heâs bounced back. Heâs young, he can punch, but the former interim champion needs to prove himself against a name fighter.
4) Somsak Sithchatchawal (Super Bantamweight) â Was his win over Monshipour a fluke or was Celestino Caballero just that good? Did Sithchatchawal catch Monshipour at the right time and can he rebound from the devastating loss? The jury is still out.
5) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) â He doesnât have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this wonât be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch heâll have a hard time competing against the âbig boys.â Although heâs now rated second by the WBC, he doesnât deserve to be.
5) Sirimongkol Singwancha (Super Lightweight) â Get this guy a fight. Heâs better than Jose Armando Santa Cruz and would have beat up Inada had the fight taken place. Heâll fight anyone but his biggest obstacle is staying motivated fighting tomato cans in Thailand. Like many Thais, he needs a fight against a name opponent.
6) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) â He doesnât have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this wonât be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch heâll have a hard time competing against the âbig boys.â Although heâs now rated second by the WBC, he doesnât deserve to be.
7) Pramuansak Phosuwan (Super Flyweight) â A genuine tough guy. Always calm and focused no matter how heated the battle. But at thirty-eight, heâll be in trouble should he fight one of the divisionâs elite.
8) Veeraphol Sahaprom (Bantamweight) â Will be lucky to get another crack at the title. Although he has a puncherâs chance of winning a belt, thatâs about all he has left at this point. A third shot at Hasegawa is unlikely.
9) Oleydong Sithamerchai (Minimumweight) â Heâs fought better than the usual opponents faced by Thais at his level and he moves up one spot with the departure of Terdsak Jandaeng. He lacks the punch and is in the wrong division to become a superstar. Heâll need to defeat a name opponent to convince me.
10) Saenghiran Lookbanyai / Napapol Kittisakchokchai (Super Bantamweight) â These two square-off in early March, supposedly to see who deserves a shot at Israel Vasquez. Kittisakchokchai has the edge in experience but some feel Lookbanyai has the edge in heart and is the favorite.
Neither has defeated a top twenty fighter and yet are ranked number one and two respectively in the WBCâs world.
In Kittisakchokchoiâs lone shot at the big-time, he was TKOâd in 10 by Oscar Larios. His dreadful performance against Larios and lack of quality opposition leads me to believe Saenghiran might have more of a shot at beating him than some suspect. Regardless, neither of them lasts longer than six rounds with Israel Vasquez.
Honorable Mention: Wethya Sakmuangklang, Denkaosan Kaovichit, Devid Lookmahanak, Nethra Sasiprapa, Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo, Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym
Thai Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine
Pongsaklek Wonjongkam: #1 Flyweight
Pramuansak Phosuwan: #10 Jr. Bantamweight
Veeraphol Sahaprom: #3 Bantamweight
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin: #6 Bantamweight
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym: #10 Bantamweight
Somsak Sithchatchawal: #3 Jr. Featherweight
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9 Lightweight
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