Team Ruiz counters Sauerland’s attack
LAS VEGAS - Team Ruiz blasted Wilfried Sauerland and his promotional company about derogatory remarks made against two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), after the latter responded to a press release in which Team Ruiz demanded a full videotape of Valuev-Ruiz II to further review for evidence of alleged corrupt practices in their August 30th fight in Berlin.
Team Ruiz’ points of contention included Judge Takeshi Shimakawa improperly keeping a running score during the fight; Ruiz not being credited with a legitimate knockdown when he floored Valuev in the second round; Judge Antonio Requena scoring two rounds even despite WBA instructions that there should be no even rounds scored in championship bouts; most importantly, throughout the fight Valuev’s cornermen received judges’ scoring results as the rounds went on.
“Team Ruiz is not as concerned with media quotes in Sauerland’s hometown newspaper,” Ruiz advisor/attorney Tony Cardinale emphasized, “as they are about quotes from international publications from several years ago like Tim Graham’s Dec. 2, 1999 column regarding the federal criminal charges against the IBF’s Bob Lee, ‘How to get ranked in boxing’ on espn.com: “Two other alleged scenarios involved George Foreman and Axel Schultz. According to the documents, Foreman’s people paid (past IBF president Robert) Lee $100,000 for an exemption to defend his title against the unranked Schulz. Big George got more than he bargained for and sweated out a majority decision. Then Schulz’s management allegedly paid Lee $100,000 to order a rematch. He did, but it never came off.” (Team Ruiz note: Sauerland was Schultz’ management team.) We had a good laugh reading what Team Sauerland said, but we are more concerned about what went on in this fight. We want to review the full, unedited Valuev-Ruiz II videotape to strengthen our position outlined in the original release about the issues.”
PunchStat results of Valuev-Ruiz II revealed that Ruiz connected with nearly twice as many power punches as Valuev, 98-52, and that the 7’ 0”, 318-pound Valuev threw 99 jabs compared to Ruiz’ 49. Valuev also instigated 79 “clear” clinches to Ruiz’ 29.
“This wasn’t the amateurs where jabs count as much as power punches,” Cardinale noted. “John had Valuev running around the ring, despite the tremendous difference in their sizes (Ruiz stands 6’ 2” and weighed 239 pounds), when Valuev wasn’t throwing that freakishly long, light hitting jab of his to hold-off John, he was holding and pushing John down.”
Upon review of the full videotape of the fight for review, Team Ruiz indicated that it planned to petition the WBA to rule the bout a no-contest and Valuev be stripped of the WBA title for a blatant violation of WBA rules. Team Ruiz will also seek sanctions against any officials involved in permitting these violations to happen.
Josh hopes to have a Wale of a time against Callaghan
Barnsley punch-machine Josh ‘The Outlaw’ Wale feels like a kid on Christmas Eve right now. In the best shape of his career and with a fight scheduled for September 20 on Hayemaker Boxing’s ‘Rhodes-show’, the unbeaten Yorkshireman can’t wait to start throwing leather.
“I’m in really good shape,” claims the talented super-bantamweight. “I’ve been on weight now for about three weeks and am just ready to go. I was ready to fight weeks ago. To be honest, it’s probably the hardest I’ve ever trained for a fight. I always train hard for my fights but this one has just gone even further.”
That’s an ominous sign for Wale’s September 20 opponent Marc Callaghan and the rest of the British super-bantamweight division. Even in his worst shape, the indefatigable Wale is fitter than most.
“I’m never really out of the gym,” Josh explains. “My dad’s got a gym in the back garden so I’m always out there training. It’s only about 10 yards away. I step out the shower and go straight into my bedroom. I’m always in training.”
Rather than worry their son is watching too much television or spending too many hours on the computer, Josh’s parents have to monitor the amount of time he spends punching the heavy bag and skipping rope.
“My dad has to pull me back all the time because I’m constantly going, going and going some more,” admits 20-year-old Wale. “I’m like one of those Energizer bunnies. I’d train all day if I could. I love it. I suppose over-training could be a thing with someone like me, but my Dad is a good judge and he can tell when I need a rest and when I should take a day off.”
Admitting he feels “comfortable throwing 200 punches-a-round”, Wale is a 7-0 (4 KO) prospect on the fast-track to professional titles. Having already won a Central Area title, Wale sees a resounding victory over the experienced Callaghan as the next step to achieving his ultimate goal of British title success.
“He’s the best opponent I’ve boxed in my professional career,” admits ‘The Outlaw’. “I’ve got to step up now and show I can deal with guys like Callaghan. I’ll respect him while I’m training but as soon as I step into the ring that changes. He’s someone in my way and I’ll look to get him out of there.
“I go in to try and win every round, but stopping Callaghan would make a real statement. Most of the other guys that have stopped him have been experienced fighters on the way to title shots. I’d probably be the youngest fighter to stop him.”
Wale started boxing as an energetic eight-year-old. Born into a boxing family, Wale has been around punch bags, rings and gloves for much of his life. This is part of the reason why the go-getting Wale feels a leash is redundant at this point in time. He’s ready to be let go.
“I’m only 20, but I’ve been sparring pros now since I was 14,” he says. “I always knew through my amateur apprenticeship that I’d eventually be boxing pros. I’ve been prepared for this since I was 14. I don’t want to be held back. Dave Coldwell got me an Area title shot in my fifth fight, and that’s the kind of progress I want to make as a pro.
“Everything’s now fallen into place with Hayemaker Boxing and I’m sure they will deliver the fights when I’m ready for them. They know my style and they know the way I think. I don’t want to be wrapped in cotton wool and I want to test myself. I just can’t wait to get going now.”
An upshot of Wale’s link-up with David Haye and Adam Booth at Hayemaker Boxing has been an increase in both profile and superlatives. Formerly known as one of the hidden gems of British boxing prospects, Wale now appears to be creeping out from the shadows. For a humble, unassuming fighter like Wale, that’s a bizarre concept to have to deal with.
“Compliments seem to be coming from everywhere at the moment,” Wale laughs. “Everyone’s saying how good I am and how I can do this and that. It’s really strange, to be honest, but that’s what you get when you put in the work and start doing well. I’ve just got to keep going now, not let it get to my head, and concentrate on my boxing.”
On September 20 at Hillsborough Leisure Centre the secret will be out. Screened live by Setanta Sports, Wale’s debut for Hayemaker will most likely be a contender for Fight of the Night. His legion of fans will be cheering each and every punch thrown – just don’t expect them to keep count.
“I always bring good support down with me,” says Wale. “They’ve followed me through my first seven fights and now I’m boxing on TV more and on higher-profile shows, I’ll probably start to attract even more fans. I’m told that I have a style that appeals to fans so I’m hoping that everyone comes away from the show remembering the performance I put on. The fans seem to think I’m entertaining, but I don’t really think of it like that. I’m just doing what comes natural. I love fighting.”
*** For more information on Hayemaker Boxing and the September 20 ‘Rhodes-show, contact the Box Office on 0114 256 56 56.
US Olympic Alternate Danny O’Connor Turns Pro September 17 in Manchester, NH
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – 2008 U.S. Olympic first alternate Danny O’Connor makes his professional boxing debut September 17 against Jose Guerrido in a four-round bout on “The Maul In Manchester” -- the seventh annual Fight To Educate – at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.
The 23-year-old O’Connor, fighting out of Framingham (MA), won this year’s US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the National Golden Gloves Tournament, both in the 141-pound light welterweight division. Danny’s most notable victory as an amateur was a dominating victory, 23-3, against eventual 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, on May 29 in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“I’ve never been so ready in my life,” O’Connor said about his pro debut. “I feel like a caged lion. I can’t wait. It’s something I’ve dreamed about and I’m excited it’s happening so close to home. I wish I had boxed in the Olympics and medaled, but I can always say a month before the start of the Olympics I beat the gold medalist.”
O’Connor was a Massachusetts high school wrestling champion when he was a sophomore. The stylish southpaw that reminds some of a cross between a young Paul Spadafora and Winky Wright, offensively and defensively, respectively, had been training less than six months when he participated in his first national tournament in 2006.
A lifelong resident of Framingham (MA), Danny has gone from a 4-time New England Golden Gloves champion, winning the novice and open titles in his first time around the circuit, to recently being profiled in Sports Illustrated (Faces In The Crowd).
O’Connor, who trains at the 401 Gym in Rhode Island, is co-managed by Rob Valle and Dave Keefe, who also is head trainer. Danny recently signed a promotional contract with Warriors Boxing. “I made a lot of sacrifices being an Olympic alternate, being away from my family for so long,” O’Connor spoke about his signing, “but it paid off and I signed a great deal with Warriors Boxing.
Dave (Keefe) made the arrangements and I met Leon Margules (Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing). I got a real good feeling right away about Warriors because Leon runs a great, well organized company. He was very genuine. I felt signing with Warriors was in the best interest of my career. I really like him. Everybody’s happy with the deal.”
O’Connor debuts on a 5-fight pro card showcasing unbeaten prospects Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (19-0, 14 KOs) and Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns (19-0, 15 KOs) separate bouts. Special guests will include boxing stars Tommy “Hit Man” Hearns, the 6-time world champion who’ll be supporting his son, Ronald, International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, and legendary trainer Angelo Dundee.
Tickets are priced at $25 and $50 and available to purchase by going to the 401 Boxing Gym, Elmwood Avenue in ranston (RI) or calling 508.397.5323 in the Framingham area. For more information about Danny O’Connor visit his web site at www.dannyoconnorboxing.com and go to www.fight2educate.com for more information about “The Maul In Manchester.” First bout will be at 8 PM/ET.
Jimmy Lange to Face Grover Wiley November 1
Jaime Palma vs. Dean White, Fontaine Cabell vs. Chad Greenleaf Added to Patriot Center Boxing Card
Fairfax, VA --- Ice Promotions announced today that Jimmy Lange will face Grove Wiley in the 10-round Main Event of the live, professional boxing card scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Patriot Center. The event marks the Great Falls, Va. junior middleweight’s first action since suffering a shoulder injury in May 2007 that has caused a 17-month layoff and led to Lange relinquishing his WBC Continental Americas 154-pound title.
Wiley, a tough, veteran fighter with a record of 30-11-1 (14 KOs), is best known for beating legendary world-champion Julio Cesar Chavez in a fifth-round TKO, sending the Mexican superstar into retirement. While the Omaha, Neb.-native has lost six of last seven fights, he has faced stiff competition, including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (who holds Lange’s former championship belt). In fact, the combined record of Wiley’s last seven opponents is an impressive 249-13-4.
A rematch between two popular Beltway boxers has just been added to the card as junior welterweights Jaime “The Punisher” Palma (13-12-1, 6 KOs) of Alexandria, Va., and Smithburg, Md.’s Dean “Pittbull” White (14-9-1, 3 KOs) will square off in an eight-round contest. Palma, who scored a unanimous eight-round decision over White one year ago, looks to get back on the winning track having lost his last two bouts after previously reeling off six straight including winning the Virginia Light Welterweight title.
White makes his third trip to the Patriot Center, where he has enjoyed mixed results. The gritty southpaw earned an impressive win over Dorin Spivey in December 2006 followed by TKO loss to highly-regarded Damien Fuller in May 2007.
Two of Lange’s previous opponents will face one another when Fontaine Cabell (22-8-2, 17 KOs) battles Chad Greenleaf (10-10-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout. Cabell earned the respect of area fans for his valiant effort and rugged performances against hometown favorite Lange in their two championship bouts held at the Patriot Center in December 2006 and in May 2007. In his last fight, the Orlando, Fla.-based Cabell fell to Freddy Muriel, a participant on season two of The Contender series.
Greenleaf, a southpaw from Parkersburg, W.Va., lost to undefeated Beltway boxer Jesse “The Beast” Nicklow in his last contest. He went the distance but lost a decision to Lange back in May 2003.
A native of Arlington, Va. and a Bishop O’Connell High School graduate, Lange has headlined all five previous professional boxing events at the Patriot Center on the George Mason University campus, including the sport’s debut at the arena on September 17, 2005. The junior middleweight drew national attention as a participant on the first season (2005) of the NBC boxing reality program, The Contender, and possesses an impressive 28-3-2 (20 KOs) record.
Ticket, priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $300 and $500 (VIP Ringside), are on sale and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling phone charge at (703) 573-SEAT (7328), logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Patriot Center Box Office. Group tickets and sponsorships are available by calling (703) 536-6060.