George Tahdooahnippah: 34-Year-Old New Kid

Published

12 years ago

February 13, 2013

When I talked to undefeated middleweight George Tahdooahnippah (31-0-1, 23 KOs) last May, he was anxious for the chance to prove himself. He had big dreams, like all fighters do — dreams of being a contender, winning a title and being a star.

While it was impressive that he’d amassed thirty wins, no losses and a draw, the names on his resume were less so. His team, therefore, was angling for a showdown with a big name opponent that summer. They wanted someone who could help put their fighter on the radar, but it never materialized. In the end, Tahdooahnippah settled on another nondescript win against eight loss fighter Gundrick King. Still, something big did happen that summer for Tahdooahnippah. The middleweight signed a promotional contract with Joe DeGuardia’s New York promotional company, Star Boxing. It was good fortune, destiny or perhaps both, the fighter told me later. Either way, he said, his goal was to let DeGuardia know that he signed more than just a flash in the pan that day. He wanted him to know he signed a good fighter and a big money ticket.

“I’d been talking to Joe for a while. I’d met him at a boxing convention. We just kept in touch. He kept an eye on me. Speaking with Joe, things just looked good on the promotional side of things. I’m 34-years-old. The time is now for me. I’m burning. I’m hungry. I’m in the best shape of my life. I had to sign with someone who would take me there as soon as possible. Joe was the best option. He’s the best promoter for me, and now here we are, about to show the world.”

Where they are now, of course, is right where any fighter yearning to do big things in the sport hopes to be someday: the week of a nationally televised main event showdown against a good opponent. It will be Tahdooahnippah’s first real shot at the big leagues. He’ll be matched up with all-action star Delvin Rodriguez on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights telecast at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut.

“This fight is everything to me,” Tahdooahnippah said of the chance. “This is the one where I am going to be recognized. I’ve been under the radar. I haven’t had the opportunities to be seen. The world is going to see how good I am. I am going to win.”

While confident, Tahdooahnippah also said he realizes what he’s up against in Rodriguez, a fighter who’s two years his junior but has already been in with world class opposition numerous times. He’s watched his opponent before, he said, and he knows he’ll be up against a guy who’s plucky enough to be one half of the BWAA’s 2011 Fight of the Year (a draw versus Pawel Wolak).

“I know he’s an action fighter, a guy people see and people like,” Tahdooahnippah said. I know he’s been in deep waters before, places I haven’t been yet. All that to the side, though, I’m not worried about him. I know what I’ve got to do. He hasn’t fought anyone like me. No one as big, as tough, as rough, as hard-hitting as me, with good boxing skills, as far as big guys go. You know? I’m not Pawel Wolak. I’m more multidimensional than that.”

Tahdooahnippah will have the size advantage come fight night. He hasn’t once fought lower than 160 pounds, while his opponent will be making his first appearance at the weight after a career almost exclusively fought at welter. He said he’ll try to impose his strength and will on the naturally smaller man, but that he won’t let the size difference lead to overconfidence. He thinks his opponent will be quick and fast–sure, but he also believes Rodriguez will be at his strongest because he won’t have had to worry about cutting as much weight as usual.

He’s not your typical prospect, this Tahdooahnippah. He’s 34 years old, married and has four children. He has a business degree, and he holds a day job as the Health and Fitness Promotions Coordinator for the Comanche Nation Diabetes Program. Perhaps this makes him less prone to looking too far past what’s right in front him: a true-blue opportunity to make it big.

“I’m ready. This is everything I’ve been training for, waiting for, dreaming about, and thinking about. I’m just ready for that bell to ring so I can put it on him.”

Despite his size advantage, Tahdooahnippah will be an underdog when the bell rings. One insider went so far as to say that he’ll be no match Rodriguez skill-wise. Still, this boxing stalwart told me, Tahdooahnippah’s size and toughness will give him a good shot.

The fighter seems to like it this way. It’s a bit admirable, in a way. He’s fought just twice outside his home state and never outside the high plains area, yet he’s actually anxious to travel hours away from home all the way to the northeast against what will clearly be his toughest opponent yet.

“I’ve been wanting to fight outside of the Oklahoma area,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to fight in someone else’s backyard. I’ve always had this vision of me being in someone’s backyard, being the underdog, the unknown fighter, the unknown person, then I go out there and shock everyone.”

He’ll get his chance. Fan favorite Rodriguez makes his residence less than an hour away from the venue.

“Being recognized on national TV will be a big thing, not just for myself but for my people, all my Native American people, not only seeing a Native American fighter in the main event, but a Native American fighter winning the main event, a person they never heard of or seen before. So then there’s a new kid on the block,” the 34-year-old said. “When I come to the ring, they’re gonna see my dancing, the drums will be there. I have a charter bus full of Comanche, my chairman, the tribal leaders. I might be fighting in his backyard, but I’m gonna be coming in full effect. A win puts me on the radar for bigger fights. My goal has always been to get on HBO so the world can see my ring entrance. I’m gonna get it. I’m gonna win. Doors will open. Then I’ll be the new kid on the block.”

Can a 34-year-old become the middleweight division’s new kid on the block? Will anyone be able to pronounce his name if he does? Tahdooahnippah thinks so, at least to the part that matters.

“It’s been like that all my life,” he said about the forthcoming nationally televised butchering of this name. “It’s just part of it. Even the Comanche don’t say my name right because they say it in the language, and it sounds different. That’s why I took the name Comanche Boy, though. I don’t expect them to get my name right, but they will say ‘hey, that’s Comanche Boy’, they’ll know there is an Indian boy out there fighting…and winning.”

So a drum will beat on ESPN this Friday night. There will be sights and sounds not typically seen. From Native American Fancy War Dancers to hip hop sounds of Native American rappers to a 34-year-old prospect taking what may be his one real shot at being boxing’s new kid: George Tahdooahnippah will have his moment. The only thing left to see then, is whether it’s the sound of a beginning, or that of an end.

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Kelsey McCarson

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2025

David A. Avila

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino

A jam-packed fight card featuring a world champion, top contenders and knockout artists delivered the action but no knockouts on Saturday in the Los Angeles area.

You can’t have everything.

Mizuki “Mimi” Hiruta (8-0, 2 KOs), fresh with a multi-year 360 Boxing Promotion’s contract deal, once again fought and defended the WBO super fly world title and this time against Argentina’s Carla Merino (16-3, 5 KOs) at Commerce Casino.

It was expected to be her toughest test.

Hiruta, who is trained and managed by Manny Robles, showed added poise and a sharp jab that created and established an invisible barrier that Merino could never crack. It was as simple as that.

A sharp right jab from the southpaw Japanese world champion in the opening round gave Merino something to figure out. When the Argentine fighter tried to counter Hiruta was out of range. That distance was a problem that Merino could not solve.

The pink-flame-haired Hiruta looks like an anime figure incapable of violence. But whenever Merino dared unload a combination Hiruta would eagerly pounce on the opportunity. It was clear that the champion’s speed and power was a problem.

For more than a year Hiruta has been training in Southern California and has sparred with numerous styles and situations in the talent-crazy Southern California area. Each time she fights the poise and polish gained from working with a variety of talent and skill partners seems to add more layers to the Japanese fighter’s arsenal.

After six rounds of clear control by Hiruta, the Argentine fighter finally made an assertive move to change the momentum with combination punching. Both exchanged but Hiruta cornered Merino and opened up with a seven-punch barrage.

In the eighth round Merino tried again to force an exchange and again Hiruta opened up with a three-punch combo followed by a four-punch combo. Merino dived inside the attack by the Japanese champion and accidentally butted Hiruta’s head. No serious damage appeared.

Merino tried valiantly to exchange with Hiruta but the strength, speed and agility were too much to overcome in the last two rounds of the fight. Left hand blows by the champion connected solidly several times in the final round.

After 10 rounds all three judges saw Hiruta the winner by decision 98-92 twice and 99-91. The fighter from Tokyo retains the WBO super fly title for the fourth time.

Bohachuk Wins

Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk (26-2, 24 KOs) defeated Mykal Fox (24-5, 5 KOs) by unanimous decision but had problems corralling the much taller fighter after 10 rounds in a super welterweight match.

It was only the second time Bohachuk won by decision.

Fox used movement all 10 rounds that never allowed Bohachuk to plant his feet to deliver his vaunted power. But though Fox had moments, they were not enough to offset the power shots that did land. Two judges scored it 97-93 for the Ukrainian and another had it 98-92

“Good experience for me,” said Bohachuk of Fox’s movement.

King of LA

In a super featherweight match Omar “King of LA” Trinidad (19-0-1, 13 KOs) dominated Nicaragua’s Alexander Espinoza (23-7-3, 8 KOs) but never came close to knocking out the spirited fighter. But did come close to dropping him.

The fighter out of the Boyle Heights area in the boxing hotbed of East L.A. was able to exchange freely with savage uppercuts to the body and head, but Espinoza would not quit. For 10 rounds Trinidad battered away at Espinoza but a knockout win was not possible.

After 10 rounds all three judges favored Trinidad (100-90, 99-91, 98-92) who retains his regional WBC title and his place in the featherweight rankings.

“I’m living the dream,” said Trinidad.

Maywood Fighter Medina on Target

Lupe Medina (10-0, 2 KOs) proved ready for the elite in knocking down world title challenger Maria Santizo (12-6, 6 KOs) and winning by unanimous decision after eight rounds in a minimumweight match up.

Medina, a model-looking fighter out of Maywood, Calif, accepted a match against Santizo who had fought three times against world titlists including L.A. great Seniesa Estrada. She looked perfectly in her element.

Behind a ramrod jab and solid defense, Medina avoided the big swinging Santizo’s punches while countering accurately. For every home run swing by the Guatemalan fighter Medina would connect with a sharp right or left.

In the fifth round, Santizo opened up with a crisp three-punch combination and Medina opened up with her own four-punch blast that seemed to wobble the veteran fighter. Medina stepped on the gas and fired strategic blows but never left herself open for counters.

Medina didn’t waste time in the sixth round. A crisp one-two staggered Santizo who reeled backward. The referee ruled it a knockdown and Santizo was in trouble. Medina went into attack mode as Santizo pulled every trick she knew to keep from being overrun by the Maywood fighter.

In the last two rounds Medina seemed to look for the perfect shot to end the fight. Santizo kept busy with short shots and stayed away from meaningful exchanges. Medina also might have been gassed from expending so many punches in the prior round.

The two female fighters both seemed to want a knockout in the eighth round. Santizo was wary of Medina’s power and dived in close to smother Medina’s firing zone. Neither woman was able to connect with any significant shots.

After eight rounds all three judges scored in favor of Medina 77-74, 76-75 and 80-71.

It was proof Medina belongs among the top minimumweight fighters.

Other Bouts

In a super welterweight fight Michael Meyers (7-2) defeated Eduardo Diaz (9-4) by unanimous decision in a tough scrap. Mayers proved to be more accurate and was able to withstand a late rally by Diaz.

Abel Mejia (8-0) defeated Antonio Dunton El (6-4-2) by decision after six rounds in a super feather match.

Jocelyn Camarillo (4-0) won by split decision after four rounds versus Qianyue Zhao (0-2) in a light flyweight bout.

Photos credit: Al Applerose

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

Published

13 hours ago

May 17, 2025

Arne K. Lang

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The first meeting between Johnny Fisher, the Romford Bull, and David Allen, the White Rhino, was an inelegant affair that produced an unpopular decision. Allen put Fisher on the canvas in the fifth frame and dominated the second half of the fight, but two of the judges thought that Fisher nicked it, allowing the “Bull” to keep his undefeated record. That match was staged last December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underneath Usyk-Fury II.

The 26-year-old Fisher, who has a fervent following, was chalked a 13/5 favorite for the sequel today at London’s Copper Box Arena. At the weigh-in, Allen, who carried 265 pounds, looked as if he had been training at the neighborhood pub.

Through the first four rounds, Fisher fought cautiously, holding tight to his game plan. He worked his jab effectively and it appeared as if the match would go the full “10” with the Romford man winning a comfortable decision. However, in the waning moments of round five, he was a goner, left splattered on the canvas.

This was Fisher’s second trip to the mat. With 30 seconds remaining in the fifth, Allen put him on the deck with a clubbing right hand. Fisher got up swaying on unsteady legs, but referee Marcus McDonnell let the match continue. The coup-de-gras was a crunching left hook.

Fisher, who was 13-0 with 11 KOs heading in, went down face first with his arms extended. The towel flew in from his corner, but that was superfluous. He was out before he hit the canvas.

A high-class journeyman, the 33-year-old David Allen improved to 24-7-2 with his 16^th knockout. He promised fireworks – “going toe-to-toe, that’s just the way I’m wired” – and delivered the goods.

Other Bouts of Note

Northampton middleweight Kieron Conway added the BBBofC strap to his existing Commonwealth belt with a fourth-round stoppage of Welsh southpaw Gerome Warburton. It was the third win inside the distance in his last four outings for Conway who improved to 23-3-1 (7 KOs).

Conway trapped Warburton (15-2-2) in a corner, hurt him with a body punch, and followed up with a barrage that forced the referee to intervene as Warburton’s corner tossed in the white flag of surrender. The official time was 1:26 of round four. Warburton’s previous fight was a 6-rounder vs. an opponent who was 8-72-4.

In the penultimate fight on the card, George Liddard, the so-called “Billericay Bomber,” earned a date with Kieron Conway by dismantling Bristol’s Aaron Sutton who was on the canvas three times before his corner pulled him out in the final minute of the fifth frame.

The 22-year-old Liddard (12-0, 7 KOs) was a consensus 12/1 favorite over Sutton who brought a 19-1 record but against tepid opposition. His last three opponents were a combined 16-50-5 at the time that he fought them.

Also

In a bout that wasn’t part of the ESPN slate, Johnny Fisher stablemate John Hedges, a tall cruiserweight, won a comprehensive 10-round decision over Liverpool’s Nathan Quarless. The scores were 99-92, 98-92, and 97-93.

Purportedly 40-4 as an amateur, Hedges advanced his pro ledger to 11-0 (3). It was the second loss in 15 starts for the feather-fisted Quarless, a nephew of 1980s heavyweight gatekeeper Noel Quarless.

Photo credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom

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Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2025

David A. Avila

Avila-Perspective-Chap-326-A-Hectic-Boxing-Week-in-LA

The Los Angeles area is packed with boxing.

Japan’s Mizuki “Mimi” Hiruta, Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk, and the indefatigable Jake Paul are all in the Los Angeles area this week.

First, Hiruta (7-0, 2 KOs) defends the WBO super flyweight title against Argentina’s Carla Merino on Saturday May 17, at Commerce Casino. The 360 Boxing Promotions card will be streamed on UFC Fight Pass.

Voted Japan’s best female fighter, Hiruta faces a stiff challenge from Merino who traveled thousands of miles from Cordoba.

360 Promotions is one of the top promotions especially when it comes to presenting female prizefighting. Two of their other female fighters, Lupe Medina and Jocelyn Camarillo, will also be fighting on Saturday.

They are not only promoting female fighters. They have several top male champions including Bohachuk and Omar “Trinidad performing this Saturday.

Don’t miss this show at Commerce Casino.

“This card is one of the deepest cards we’ve promoted in Southern California which has been proven by the rush for tickets and the wealth of media interest. Serhii, Omar and Mizuki are three of the top fighters in their respective weight classes and it’s a great opportunity for fans to see a full night of action,” said Tom Loeffler of 360 Promotions.

Jake and Chavez Jr. in L.A.

Jake Paul took time off from training in Puerto Rico to visit Los Angeles to hype his upcoming fight against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. next month.

“The fans have wanted to see this, and I want to continue to elevate and raise the level of my opponents,” said Paul, 28. “This is a former world champion, and he has an amazing resume following in his dad’s footsteps.”

Paul, who co-owns Most Valuable Promotions with Nakisa Bidarian, last staged a wildly successful boxing card that included Amanda Serrano versus Katie Taylor and of course his own fight with Mike Tyson.

It set records for viewing according to Netflix with an estimated 108 million views.

Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) is set to face Chavez (54-6-1, 34 KOs) in a cruiserweight battle at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on June 28. DAZN pay-per-view will stream the Golden Boy Promotions and MVP fight card that includes the return of Holly Holm to the boxing world after years in MMA.

No one should underestimate Paul who does have crackling power in his fists. He is for real and at 28, is in the prime of his boxing career.

Yes, he is a social influencer who got into boxing with no amateur background, but since he engaged fully into the sport, Paul has shown remarkable improvement in all areas.

Is he perfect? Of course not.

But power is the one attribute that can neutralize any faults and Paul does have real power. I witnessed it when I first saw him in the prize ring in Los Angeles many years ago.

Chavez, 39, the son of Mexico’s great Julio Cesar Chavez, is not as good as his father but was talented enough to win a world title and hold it until 2012 when he was edged by Sergio Martinez.

The son of Chavez last fought this past July when he defeated former UFC fighter Uriah Hall in a boxing match held in Florida. He has been seeking a match with Paul for years and finally he got it.

“I need to prepare 100%. This is an interesting fight. It might not be easy, but I’m going to do the best I can to be the best person I am, but I think I’m going to take him,” said Chavez.

Paul was not shy about Chavez’s talent.

“This is his toughest fight to date, and I’m going to embarrass him and make him quit like he always does,” said Paul about Chavez Jr. “I’m going to expose and embarrass him. He’s the embarrassment of Mexico. Mexico doesn’t even claim him, and he’s going to get exposed on June 28.”

Also on the same fight card is unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) who defends the WBA and WBO titles against Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs).

In a surprising addition, former boxing champion Holm returns to the boxing ring after 12 years away from the sport. Can she still fight?

Holm (33-2-3, 9 KOs) meets Mexico’s Yolanda Vega (10-0, 1 KO) in a lightweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds. Holm is 43 and Vega is 29. Many eyes will be looking to see the return of Holm who was recently voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Wild Card Honored by L.A. City

A formal presentation by the Los Angeles City Council to honor the 30^th anniversary of the Wild Card Boxing Club takes place on Sunday May 18, at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony takes place in front of the Wild Card located at 1123 Vine Street, Hollywood 90038.

Along with city councilmembers will be a number of the top first responder officials.

Championing Mental Health

A star-studded broadcast team comprised of Al Bernstein, Corey Erdman and Lupe Contreras will announce the boxing event called “Championing Mental Health” card on Thursday May 22, at the Avalon Theater. DAZN will stream the Bash Boxing card live.

Among those fighting are Vic Pasillas, Jessie Mandapat and Ricardo Ruvalcaba.

For more information including tickets go to www.555media.com/tickets.

Fights to Watch

Sat. UFC Fight Pass 7 p.m. Mizuki Hiruta (7-0) vs Carla Merina (16-2).

Thurs. DAZN 7 p.m. Vic Pasillas (17-1) vs Carlos Jackson (20-2).

Mimi Hiruta / Tom Loeffler photo credit: Al Applerose

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