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Southern California Gym Hopping

We visited numerous Southern California boxing gyms during the past week. It’s clear that boxing is about to erupt very soon in the area.
In between press conferences and meetings, one of the most important duties in my opinion is visiting those houses of boxing where the truth is actually shown in front of your eyes.
Boxing has a clarity that can’t be disguised. You can talk to all the trainers, promoters and match makers in the world who spew out reasons why this fighter will beat that fighter. In reality, all one needs to find the truth is visit the gym and see in person.
One of the first gyms on our target list was the new boxing facility owned by WBC featherweight titleholder Daniel Ponce de Leon. Located in Montebello, it’s a spanking brand new boxing hub that has two boxing rings. The entire gym has a shininess and sparkle as if put together by an interior design artist. Ponce de Leon was not present when we arrived.
Putting on head gear and gloves was San Diego’s junior featherweight contender Chris Martin (picture of Martin above by Al Applerose). The slick counter-punching 122-pounder recently signed a contract with Thompson Boxing Promotions. He’s scheduled to fight on Feb. 22, at the Ontario Doubletree Hotel on a Thompson fight card.
Martin is a veteran at age 26 with 30 professional bouts in six years as a prizefighter. Only two times has he tasted defeat and his next opponent Jose Angel Beranza is one of the guys that handed it to him. Martin wants revenge.
“He was the first guy to beat me,” said Martin (25-2-3, 8 Kos). “He took away my jab. That won’t happen again.”
Inside Ponce De Leon’s gym Martin is sparring with a tall southpaw. The junior featherweight’s team drove all the way from San Diego to get sparring. Either the other trainer pulled a fast one or there was a mix up, but Martin decided to spar the lefty though he’s scheduled to fight a right-hander. He didn’t want to waste the trip.
It wasn’t a good sparring session. The lefty was tall and rangy and both tangled many times with their feet. One thing Martin doesn’t need is an accidental butt that leads to a cut and postponement. If the fight falls through due to injury, then nobody gets paid.
Watching the entire proceedings was Alex Camponovo, the matchmaker and operations director for Thompson Boxing. He’s not pleased at all that Martin was forced to spar a southpaw. But after several unproductive rounds the session is over and Martin walks out of the ring unscathed. There’s a sigh of relief. Martin is fighting the main event in a few weeks.
The San Diego boxer has recently exhibited newfound power with two consecutive knockouts. It’s one of those revelations that happens to some fighters when they reach a certain age or certain technical level with their boxing expertise. For Martin it might be both of those reasons.
“I honestly think I already had it,” says Martin about his punching power. “But I always try to win each round and the fight. The last thing I have on my mind is going for the knockout.”
Camponovo has guided two fighters – Tim Bradley and Yonnhy Perez – from their earliest fights to world titles. He also has Josesito Lopez on the cusp of winning a welterweight world title should he get an opportunity. Now he has a few more prospects and contenders under his supervision. Martin could enter that championship fold.
“I want to be in a position to fight Nonito Donaire,” says Martin. “I’m hoping to get a title shot.”
Standing five feet away was East L.A.’s Xavier Montelongo, a very fast former amateur star who is making the difficult transition to professional prizefighting. So far he’s fought three times in a prize ring and remains undefeated. One fight ended in a draw.
Montelongo
As an amateur Montelongo won numerous national titles and performed on the international stage as well. But amateur fighting differs greatly from pro fighting, which prefers power over speed. Knockdowns count for much more than quick touches from a jab. After years of perfecting the amateur style Montelongo is now revamping his fight technique to the pro style of power boxing.
“It’s difficult and it’s tough,” said Montelongo honestly. “In international boxing you can’t beat the Russians or Cubans if you go for power. It’s more touches.”
During sparring Montelongo used his quick reflexes to avoid punches by moving his head and taking a few quick steps out of range. Before he was more accustomed to scooting out of danger and moving around the ring. Audiences don’t like to see what they perceive as running. Mexican fans especially do not like to see this and will tell you with their collective boos. Montelongo is adapting and it shows in the sparring session.
“Every day I’m getting better,” says Montelongo. “My speed is my advantage.”
The East L.A. boxer has a tough assignment against Pedro Toledo on Feb. 22, on the Thompson Boxing card. Toledo’s last fight was a rugged four round war against Derrick “Whup Dat Ass” Murray that saw both hit the deck from punches.
“I got to get his respect early,” said Montelongo.
While we spoke WBC featherweight champion Ponce de Leon walked into his gym and greeted everyone. He’s preparing for his title defense on March 2, against Puerto Rico’s Jayson Velez in New York City. It should be a very difficult fight. I can’t remember a Mexican winning a decision in New York City the past 10 years. Ponce de Leon will have to win by knockout or he won’t retain the world title. Just ask Mexico’s Juan Carlos Burgos.
Next, we headed to Montebello P.A.L. where former junior middleweight world champion Sergio Mora and others train. It’s not open when we get there so I made a few calls to see what else was going on.
South Gate
I received a phone call from one of the trainers that they’re headed to South Gate to get some sparring. I’m in the area and tell them I will meet them.
The gym is called Casillas Boxing Gym and is located on Garfield Avenue. It’s south of Firestone Blvd. and has a big storefront window that makes it easy to spot the boxing gym and numerous heavy punching bags hanging inside.
Sal Casillas is the owner of the gym and is a former prizefighter from Huntington Park who was the last fighter to step in the ring at the historic Olympic Auditorium. He fought Vernie Torres and lost a technical decision. The famed boxing arena never hosted another fight card and was soon sold to a Korean Church. That was in 2005.
Casillas was a very tough opponent for anyone. Whether it was a fledgling fighter or a true contender Casillas battled with a fury and intensity that contrasts with his congenial demeanor outside of the ring. He was bad news for anyone who took him lightly. For years he competed with some of the best in the region and was never overwhelmed. If not for short arms and stature he might have reached the highest level of boxing. He is one of those fighters that I label as “true professionals”. He trained extremely hard and was always prepared to fight at a moment’s notice. That’s the mark of a true professional.
It was good to see Casillas. I hadn’t seen him in years and had heard he was training boxers. His prize pupil is Edgar Valero who has two knockouts in two fights. Casillas also has about 100 kids who are being taught the sport of boxing. Every day Casillas opens the gym at 8 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. That’s dedication. We talked off and on between his chores and supervision. The fighter I had expected to see spar did not show up and it’s getting pretty late in the evening. We part ways and Casillas asks me to return to see his prospect. I tell him I will return. Next week we’re headed toward the desert.
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Avila Perspective, Chap. 317: Callum Walsh, Dana White and More

As Callum Walsh stood on the observation deck at the top of the Empire State Building with fists clenched, it harked back to actor Jimmy Cagney, an actor of Irish descent, yelling “Top of the world, ma,” in the 1949 motion picture White Heat.
The Irish-born Walsh brings that kind of attitude.
Once again Walsh (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to New York City and this time faces Scottish warrior Dean Sutherland (19-1, 7 KOs) in a super welterweight match set for 10 rounds on Sunday, March 16, at Madison Garden Theater.
UFC Fight Pass will stream the 360 Promotions event.
Flanked by master trainer Freddie Roach and managed by Dana White it brings questions as to the direction that Walsh will be steered. It was just revealed that White will head a new boxing promotion outfit with big plans to make a more UFC type of organization.
Is Walsh part of the plans?
It’s a lot to digest as the hot prospect from Cork, Ireland proceeds toward world championship dreams. Can he cleanse his mind of this major distraction?
Walsh and Sutherland are both southpaws who are meeting at the crossroads in the heart of New York City. At this point of their careers a loss can mean rebooting and taking a few steps backward. The winner moves on to the next crucial step.
Sutherland, 26, hails from Aberdeen and has never fought outside of his native Scotland. It’s a lot to ask of someone whose country’s population of 5 million is dwarfed by New York City’s 8.2 million inhabitants all packed together.
Ireland’s population is also 5 million. So basically, both Walsh and Sutherland are on even terms when they enter the prize ring on Sunday.
Who knows what kind of competition Sutherland faced in Scotland. He beat two undefeated fighters and also conquered two foes who each had more than 100 losses on their resumes.
Meanwhile, Walsh has faced only one undefeated fighter but handled veterans like Benjamin Whitaker, Ismael Villareal and Carlos Ortiz Cervantes. But you never know until they meet face to face. Anything can happen in a prize ring.
Walsh has a three-fight knockout streak. Sutherland has slept two out of his last three foes. They will be joined by several Irish fighters on the card plus Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin.
Dana, Turk and TKO
The announcement earlier in the week that Turki Alalshikh together with TKO Group Holdings that include Dana White and Nick Khan formed a new boxing promotion company.
White, who does not own UFC but guides the MMA ship, works for Endeavor, the parent company of UFC and WWE. Their events are all shown on ESPN, the powerful sports network (albeit WWE’s flagship weekly show “Raw” recently moved to Netflix). It seems Endeavor has decided to allow White to guide its boxing program too.
Where does that leave Top Rank?
It seems the partnership plans to rid boxing of the many sanctioning organizations and have only one champion per division. The champion will be given a Ring Magazine belt. Recently, Turki Alalshikh purchased The Ring magazine from Golden Boy Promotions. This seems to have been the plan all along.
Is this good for boxing?
Mark Shapiro, the president of TKO Group Holdings, said:
“This is a strategic opportunity to re-imagine the sport of boxing globally. TKO has the deep expertise, promotional prowess, and longstanding relationships. HE Turki Alalshikh and Sela share our passion and vision for evolving the current model. Together, we can bring the sweet science back to its rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem.”
DAZN all day
Three boxing cards take place on Saturday beginning with WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball (21-0-1) the human cannonball, defending against former champion TJ Doheny from Liverpool, England. The first bout begins around 9:30 a.m. (Pacific Coast Time). Ball likes to charge forward and punch. Doheny is no slouch and has experience.
Later, Matchroom Boxing presents a show from Florida that features Edgar Berlanga (22-1) fresh off a solid contest against Canelo Alvarez. He fights undefeated Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (20-0-1) in a super middleweight match. Also, Ammo Williams (17-1) returns to face dangerous Patrice Volny (19-1) in a middleweight clash. The card starts at 3:30 p.m. (Pacific Coast Time.
Saturday evening MarvNation presents Amado Vargas (11-0) meeting Eduardo Hernandez (8-2) in a super lightweight contest at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Start time is set for 8 p.m. (Pacific Coast Time). The son of the great Fernando Vargas remains undefeated.
Fights to Watch
Sat. DAZN 11:30 a.m. Nick Ball (21-0-1) vs TJ Doheny (26-5).
Sat. DAZN 3:30 p.m. Edgar Berlanga (22-1) vs Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (20-0-1) ; Ammo Williams (17-1) vs Patrice Volny (19-1).
Sat. DAZN 8 p.m. Amado Vargas (11-0) vs Eduardo Hernandez (8-2).
Sun. UFC Fight Pass 3 p.m. Callum Walsh (12-0) vs Dean Sutherland (19-1).
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A Fresh Face on the Boxing Scene, Bryce Mills Faces His Toughest Test on Friday

“He wants to test himself and find out just how good he really is,” said International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Russell Peltz regarding super lightweight Bryce Mills. Peltz, who has dealt with a wide range of fighters throughout his lifetime in boxing, recognized the fire that burned inside Mills at a local show in Philadelphia in early 2022. At the time Mills had less than ten professional fights under his belt.
Mills hails from Liverpool in upstate New York and trains in nearby Syracuse. Currently 17-1 (6 KOs), he’s undefeated in his last 11 since losing a split decision to a Puerto Rican fighter from the Bronx who had fought much stiffer competition.
The fight in question that caught Peltz’s eye was arranged by the well-known and respected matchmaker Nick Tiberi who paired Mills in an intriguing fight against Daiyaan Butt, a tough and skilled fighter from the Philadelphia area. They fought at LIVE Casino in South Philadelphia on Feb. 24, 2022.
Although the crowd on hand that night favored Butt, Mills, although then only 20 years old, wasn’t intimidated and was the clear-cut winner at the end of their exciting, back-and-forth battle. This showed Peltz that Mills was serious about seeing just how far his ability could take him.
That’s why Peltz decided to join forces with Mills. Despite being semi-retired, Peltz is still active enough to help guide fighters through the ever-changing wild west landscape that is boxing. Since their union after Mill’s victory over Butt, Mills has been on a nine-fight winning streak heading into what Peltz believes is the toughest test of his career this Friday against Alex Martin 18-6 (6 KOs) of Chicago.
“I didn’t want him to take this fight, it’s a dangerous fight for him. Martin is a southpaw and is tricky, he’s a veteran and is experienced. His father (Mills’s father) called me and said that Bryce wanted the fight, to his credit,” says Peltz. One look at Martin’s resume and it confirms what Peltz stated. All six of Martin’s losses came against fighters with outstanding records including a former world title challenger. Martin also holds some quality wins over undefeated prospects that were at similar points in their careers to where Mills currently is in his development.
Bryce Mills looks like a fighter (he’s always in shape), acts like a fighter (testing his craft against all comers), walks the walk of a fighter, and fights with a fan-friendly pedal-to-the-metal style. That is a winning combination that could be the breath of fresh air the boxing world could surely use and on Friday night at the Wind Creek Events Center in Bethlehem, PA, live on DAZN, Mills is going to have the opportunity to put the boxing world on notice.
***
DAZN will televise the Mills-Martin fight along with a main event that features undefeated middleweight Euri Cedeno (10-0-1, 9 KO’s) against Ulices Rivera (11-1, 7 KO’s). Knockout artist Joseph Adorno (20-4-1, 17 KOs) and undefeated Reading, PA super featherweight Julian Gonzalez (15-0-1, 11 KOs) appear in separate bouts on the undercard. Tickets for the Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotion show are still available through Ticketmaster. Lobby doors open at 5:00 pm. First bell is at 7:00.
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High Drama in Japan as ‘Amazing Boy’ Kenshiro Teraji Overcomes Seigo Yuri Akui

Overshadowed by countrymen Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani, Kenshiro Teraji embossed his Hall of Fame credentials in Tokyo tonight with a dramatic 12th-round stoppage of Seigo Yuri Akui. At stake were two pieces of the world flyweight title. A two-time world title-holder a division below (108), Teraji (25-1, 16 KOs) was appearing in his 16th world title fight.
This Japan vs. Japan matchup will go down in Japanese boxing lore as one of the best title fights ever on Japanese soil. Through the 11 completed rounds, Akui was up 105-104 on two of the cards with Teraji up 106-103 on the third. However, judging by his appearance, Akui was more damaged. The stoppage by Japanese referee Katsuhiko Nakamura, which came at the 1:31 mark of the final round with Akui still standing, struck some as premature but the gallant Akui was well-beaten.
A second-generation prizefighter, Kenshiro Teraji, 33, came bearing the WBC 112-pound belt which he acquired this past October with an 11th round TKO of Nicaraguan veteran Cristofer Rosales. The 29-year-old Akui (21-3-1) was making the second defense of the WBA strap he won with a wide decision over previously undefeated Artem Dalakian.
Although Teraji keeps on rolling – this was his seventh straight win which began with a third-round blast-out of Masamichi Yabuki, avenging his lone defeat – things aren’t getting any easier for the so-called “Amazing Boy.” In his last three fights, which include a hard-earned majority decision over Carlos Canizales, he answered the bell for 35 rounds.
By and large, fighters in his weight class don’t age well. While Teraji is starting to slip, he has no intention of retiring any time soon. His goal, he says is to unify the title and eventually move up a notch to pursue a world title in a third weight class. The other pieces of the 112-pound title are currently the property of Mexico’s Angel Ayala who defends his IBF diadem against Yabuki later this month and LA’s Anthony Olascuaga who was in action on tonight’s undercard.
Other Bouts of Note
Olascuaga, a stablemate of Junto Nakatani, trained by 2024 TSS Trainer of the Year Rudy Hernandez, advanced to 9-1 (6) with a hard-earned unanimous decision over Hiroto Kyoguchi. The judges had it 118-110 and 117-111 (scores condemned as too wide) with the third judge having it 6-6 in rounds but scoring it 114-113 in acknowledgement of the knockdown credited to Olascuaga in round 11, the result of a short left that produced a delayed reaction.
Olascuaga was making the second defense of his WBO belt in his fifth straight trip to Japan. In his lone defeat, he was thrust against the formidable Teraji as a late sub, acquitting himself well in defeat (L TKO 9) despite having only five pro fights under his belt and having only 10 days to prepare. Kyoguchi (19-3) had previously held titles in the sport’s two smallest weight classes.
In a big upset, Puerto Rico’s Rene Santiago, thought to be well past his prime at age 32, wrested the WBO light flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Shokichi Iwata who was making the first defense of the title he won with a third-round stoppage of Spain’s previously undefeated Jairo Noriega. Tokyo’s Iwata was a consensus 9/1 favorite.
Santiago, who advanced to 14-4 (9), won by scores of 118-110, 117-111, and 116-112. It was the second loss for Iwata who had knocked out 11 of his first 15 opponents.
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