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Boxing Odds and Ends: Roiman Villa’s Remarkable Rally and More
Boxing Odds and Ends: Roiman Villa’s Remarkable Rally and More
Through the first 15 rounds of Saturday’s Showtime pay-per-view, the “A-side” had won every round. Demetrious Andrade pitched a shutout over Demond Nicholson in the 10-round opener and the second match of the quadruple header, pitting Rashidi Ellis against Roiman Villa, was following the same tack. Ellis, who seemingly had too much class for Villa, won the first five rounds on all three scorecards without breaking much of a sweat. “He’s on cruise control,” said a blogger on social media.
Had the Ellis-Villa fight continued along this path, the first three fights would have resulted in monotonous shutouts (Boots Ennis defeated his uninspired opponent by three identical 120-108 scores) and there would have been considerable wailing about what a rip-off Showtime was feeding fight fans at a suggested list price of $79. But Villa kept plugging away and his pertinacity paid off, producing high drama and getting the matchmaker off the hook.
Although he won rounds 9, 10, 11 on all three cards, Villa still needed a big finish to pull off the upset and he finished with a flourish, knocking the previously undefeated Ellis down twice to cop a majority decision.
The noted boxing scribe Cliff Rold drew a parallel between Villa’s comeback and that of Jorge Paez in his 1988 match with previously undefeated Calvin Grove. Paez knocked Grove down three times in the 15th round to eke out a majority decision and snatch away Groves’ IBF featherweight title. The match was televised live on a Thursday night from a Mexicali bullring on the old USA Boxing network.
This reporter was reminded of a more famous fight, the first meeting between Julio Cesar Chavez and Meldrick Taylor at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1990. To be certain, it’s an imperfect comparison. Entering the final round, Chavez had a higher hill to climb than did Villa against Ellis who managed to make it to the final bell whereas Taylor did not, falling shy by 2 seconds. Also, Taylor suffered considerably more damage than Ellis – he had to be hospitalized and was never the same – whereas it appears that Ellis may be able to rebound from this mishap and fight his way back into a position of prominence in the welterweight division. He would likely be a small favorite over Villa in a rematch.
Roiman Villa, who was born in Venezuela and has Colombian citizenship, brought an impressive record into Saturday’s fight: 25-1 with 24 knockouts. But aside from one fight in Panama, all but two of his fights were in South America against suspect opposition and he was extended the distance when venturing outside this region, losing a 12-round split decision to a Mexican in Los Mochis, Mexico, and winning an 8-round decision over a Detroiter of Puerto Rican descent in Atlantic City.
The rap on him remains – he’s heavy-handed, but a one-dimensional grinder – but he set himself up for some nice paydays with his hard-earned triumph over Rashidi Ellis and reminded us of Yogi’s saying that it’s never over until it’s over.
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The Showtime event was a bonanza from the standpoint of the live gate. When it comes to packing an arena, no one moves the needle quite like Gervonta “Tank” Davis who performed as expected in the main event, defeating Hector Luis Garcia who was all in after eight rounds.
In each of his last four fights – at NBA arenas in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and now Washington, DC – there was nary an empty seat. An announced crowd of 19,371 — heavily dappled with stars from the sports and music worlds — attended Saturday’s show at Capitol One Arena, this coming on the heels of setting a Barclays Center record for a boxing match with an announced crowd of 18,970 for his match with Rolly Romero. And keep in mind that Gervonta was a heavy favorite in all four of those fights.
The promoters would be wise to park his forthcoming bout with Ryan Garcia (likely in April) at LA’s SoFi Stadium, the site of last year’s Super Bowl and tonight’s national title game in college football. A sellout is assured.
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The first notable member of the boxing fraternity to pass away in 2023 was trainer Hector Roca, a fixture at the iconic Gleason’s Gym going back to the days when it was located on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Roca suffered a fatal heart attack on Jan. 2 while a patient at a Brooklyn hospital. He was 82 years old.
A native of Panama where he was a world-class bicycle racer, Roca moved to New York in 1975. One day, while working as an apprentice cutter in the garment district, he wandered into Gleason’s at its third incarnation near Madison Square Garden and never looked back. Over the years, he helped train 21 boxers who captured world titles including Arturo Gatti, Buddy McGirt, and Iran Barkley.
Roca’s main claim to fame was that he trained Hilary Swank for her role as boxer Maggie Fitzgerald opposite director Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman in the 2004 award-willing film “Million Dollar Baby.” Swank gave a shoutout to Roca and the legendary gym on national television during her acceptance speeches after winning “Best Actress” at the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Roca went west to finish his training for Swank, residing in a house that Swank rented for him in the hip LA suburb of Venice Beach. Swank often cooked his meals and according to Roca she was one helluva cook.
Among the many tributes to Roca on social media was this heart-warming missive from Heather Hardy: “Today I lost my coach, my dad, my mentor and the only man in the world that I trust.”
May he rest in peace.
Photo credit: Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions
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Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More
Liam Paro the saucy Aussie from Brisbane surprised the world in his last effort. He’s back for more.
Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) defends the IBF super lightweight world title against Brooklyn’s Richardson Hutchins (18-0, 7 KOs) whose arms are as long as his first name. The Matchroom Boxing card will be shown from San Juan, Puerto Rico on DAZN.
The last time Paro fought also took place in Puerto Rico when he upset then-champion Subriel Matias last June. It was like watching Bambi beat up the big bad wolf.
How did he do it?
The southpaw Aussie (pictured on the left) used a persistent attack that emphasized quick punches while pressing forward against the powerful Matias. Leverage was his game and he maintained the pace for 12 rounds to lift the title from the Puerto Rican.
The challenger Hitchins poses a different threat. Though he won a close decision in his last fight against Argentine slugger Gustavo Lemos, the Brooklyn fighter used his length and clinches to nullify the constant attacks.
When Paro and Hitchins meet, both like to clinch on the inside. Its when they fight at arms-length that the battle will be decided.
“Hitchins is mandatory for a reason. He’s worked his way up there, and we know that this isn’t an easy task. We’re at the world level now where every fighter is elite,” said Paro.
For Hitchins the opportunity arrived quickly.
“I respect Liam, because he’s not one of those guys that will mess around,” explained Hitchins. “Liam has never been in the ring with an opponent like me.”
Also on the Matchroom card, lightweight Marc Castro (13-0, 8 KOs) meets Agustin Quintana (20-2-1, 13 KOs); super feather Hector Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs) meets Christopher Diaz-Velez (29-4, 19 KOs); and flyweight Yankiel Rivera (6-0, 2 KOs) fights Angel Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KOs).
Israel Vazquez R.I.P.
In the boxing world, not every champion becomes financially rich. Some like Israel Vazquez become rich in adulation and respect. Few prizefighters were as beloved as Vazquez.
The Mexico City native was perhaps the greatest ambassador of boxing. Wherever he went fans were drawn to his smile and friendliness. Everywhere I encountered Vazquez fans surrounded him like a long-lost cousin.
Sometimes I wondered how this humble human being could be the same beast in the boxing ring that fought epic battles against many of the best fighters of the early 2000s. Vazquez was like a werewolf once he put on those gloves.
Managed by Frank Espinoza and son he quickly developed a fan base in the Southern California area. Nothing came easy for Vazquez though he was trained by legendary Freddie Roach, it seemed Vazquez was always destined to encounter crazy obstacles.
I vividly remember at the Arrowhead Pond, Sycuan Casino, and especially Fantasy Springs when he was there as a spectator and one of the fighters did not appear. Vazquez was there about to eat a hot dog with relish and was asked if he could fight? He put on his trunks and gloves and won the fight.
Who does that?
His battles with Oscar Larios and Rafael Marquez were some of the most brutal yet captivating boxing wars ever seen. I remember his third fight with Larios taking place in Las Vegas. He was a 5 to 1 underdog. It didn’t make sense. Vazquez won by knockout.
I attended three of his four battles with Marquez. The first one took place at the Home Depot Center now called the Dignity Health Sports Park. The two Mexico City super bantams savagely slugged it out. But Vazquez suffered a severe broken nose and could not breathe. The fight was stopped and I remember the HBO announcers criticizing his manhood for not continuing.
Vazquez went on to defeat Marquez twice in subsequent fights that were all captivating wars and emblazoned both their names in history. No other battles could match their ferocity.
Yet, outside of the boxing ring, Vazquez was revered and beloved as the most kind and generous fighter.
The last time I saw Vazquez was at a Hall of Fame luncheon in Commerce, California a year ago. He asked if it was okay to sit next to me. Me a nobody and him a Hall of Fame fighter. I was invited by Nancy Rodriguez, another wonderful human being and a boxing official, to attend the luncheon. I always feel tongue-tied sitting next to greatness. It was the last time I spoke to Vazquez.
The fighter known as “El Magnifico” fought for the last time in 2010 at Staples Center. His eye was badly cut and his manager Frank Espinoza retired the revered champion. Three years later, I ran into Vazquez at a boxing card in Cancun, Mexico. I couldn’t find my transportation and there was El Magnifico about to enter a taxi cab with six other people. He spotted me and said to join them in the cab. But there was not enough room. He offered his spot in the cab. I told him “no thank you, those are your friends but thanks for the kind offer.”
That was Israel Vazquez. One of the best human beings I ever met.
Top Rank in Arizona
Two world title fights headline a Top Rank card in Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 7. ESPN will show the pivotal matches.
WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza (25-0 21 KOs) defends against Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) whom he wrested the title from a year ago.
“I’ve always wanted a rematch. because it was a war where we both gave everything. So, he deserved it, I deserved it, and the people deserved it,” said Espinoza.
Mexico’s Espinoza has a long reach and power that kept Ramirez off-balance when they fought in 2023. It should be a very interesting rematch.
Another rematch pits Oscar Valdez (32-2,24 KOs) against WBO super featherweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) who defeated him when they met in August 2023. Their first encounter was brutal.
“It’s going be difficult for both me and Valdez. However, we don’t need much. All we need is for the bell to ring for us to go to war,” said Navarrete.
Fights to Watch
Sat. DAZN 4 p.m. Liam Paro (25-0) vs Richardson Hitchins (18-0).
Sat. ESPN 7:30 p.m. Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1) vs Oscar Valdez (32-2); Rafael Espinoza (25-0) vs Robeisy Ramirez (14-2).
Photo credit: Melina Pizano / Matchroom
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The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake
The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake
PRESS RELEASE — CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 5, 2024 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum is thrilled to announce the newest class of inductees to be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 5-8, 2025 in “Boxing’s Hometown” Canastota, NY.
The Class of 2025 includes Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, “The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz and Michael “Second To” Nunn in the Men’s Modern category; Yessica “Kika” Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis and Mary Jo Sanders in the Women’s Modern category; Cathy “Cat” Davis in the Women’s Trailblazer category; referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin (posthumous) and referee Harry Gibbs (posthumous) in the Non-Participant category; broadcaster / journalist Randy Gordon and television producer Ross Greenburg in the Observer category; Rodrigo Valdez (posthumous) in the Old Timer category and Owen Swift (posthumous) in the Pioneer category.
Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.
“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2025 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees to earn boxing’s highest honor,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 5-8th in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.
For more information on the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.
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Navarrete-Valdez and Espinoza-Ramirez Rematches Headline Phoenix Fight Fiesta
The annals of boxing abound with iconic rematches, and there’s a good chance that list will get longer after this Saturday in Phoenix’s Footprint Center with Top Rank’s ESPN card featuring Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) versus Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) and Rafael Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs, against Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs).
Valdez’s ties to the local area and multiple Arizona appearances give his bout against Navarrete top billing, but WBO featherweight titlist Espinoza’s initial encounter with Ramirez was the better bout the first time around, deemed Fight and Upset of the Year by many observers.
That’s not to say Navarrete-Valdez 1 didn’t hold plenty of drama as Navarrete captured the WBO junior lightweight belt with a relatively widespread unanimous decision. Valdez got himself into an immediate bind in the first fight by walking into Navarrete’s jab, enabling Navarrete to score early with looping right leads from his six-inch reach advantage. Valdez’s corner implored him to stay patient but it seemed there was no avoiding a firefight that played into Navarette’s always busy hands.
By round 3 Valdez’s face was heavily marked and often on the defensive, waiting to establish an offense that never fully arrived. Though he scored with some big shots down the stretch, his swollen right eye closed by the 9th frame and the eventual outcome seemed obvious.
“I know there’s a lot of pride at stake in a Mexico versus Mexico battle,” said Navarrete. “I believe this will be an even better fight than before because we’re familiar with each other. I know I have to push Valdez to his limits.”
“I made mistakes the first time, the biggest one was trying to knock him out,” reflected Valdez. “I still have a few fights left in me, not everyone gets a second chance. I know what I needed to train for (this time) and I’ll make the most of it.”
Offense was never a problem for either Espinoza or Ramirez, who traded knockdowns in a give-and-take affair that might have gone either way. It was the gloved-up version of mongoose versus cobra as two time Olympic gold medalist Ramirez charged in behind blurring punches up the middle while the much taller Espinoza fired shoulder level combinations. In this case, it was the underdog cobra who triumphed.
Three days from first bell an unofficial consensus of online odds listed the previous winners as favorites, Espinoza by a hair and Navarrete by a solid margin. While the initial winners may still have an edge, that all disappears after the bell, and previous action indicates a pair of pick-em contests isn’t unlikely.
Boxing history is also full of tie-breaking trilogies, too. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if that’s what we’re looking at again in both these cases.
Adding to the electric atmosphere in Phoenix are a solid batch of undercard extras featuring multiple first-rate performers that should get the audience more than ready for the night’s headliners.
Top Rank junior welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado, 21-0 (15) from Nuevo Leon, meets skilled Dominican Jackson Marinez, 22-3 (10) in a contest that could qualify as main event worthy in many locales.
Undefeated southpaw heavyweight Richard Torrez, Jr, who earned the silver medal in that division for the USA at the 2020 Olympics faces off against Mexican big boy Issac Munoz Gutierrez, 18-1-1 (15) who reportedly packs a respectable wallop. None of Torrez’s pro opponents have made it to the final bell.
San Diego’s highly ranked welterweight title challenger Giovani Santillan, 31-1 (17) faces Fredrick Lawson of Ghana, 30-5 (22). Lawson has dropped his last two outings but that was against good opposition and he won’t be an easy test.
21 year-old DJ Zamora, a hot prospect at 13-0 (9) from Las Vegas meets experienced Roman Reynoso, 22-5-2 (10), from Argentina and emerging new stablemate Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez, 11-0 (7), who recently signed a long term Top Rank contract faces Gerardo Antonio Perez, 12-6-1 (3).
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