(MEXICO CITY) An exciting bantamweight (54kg/118 pounds) bout between Memphis Force Ernesto Garza and Mexico City Guerrero Braulio Avila ushered in a new age of boxing as The World Series of Boxing (WSB) launched its inaugural season at the World Trade Center Mexico in Mexico City Friday evening. The Guerreros were impressive throughout in front of 1,050 hometown fans, winning all five bouts and jumping to an early 1-0 record in the unique team format. Photos by Hogans Photos.
Created by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) under the leadership of its President, Dr. C.K. Wu, the World Series of Boxing is a groundbreaking tournament designed to reshape the world of international boxing at both the Olympic-style and professional levels.
"This was an exciting start for WSB Americas," said Ivan Khodabakhsh, Chief Operating Officer for the WSB, who was in attendance. "The bouts were closer than the results showed and the fans got a great experience with this new, high-velocity style of boxing. So many people have worked tirelessly to launch the WSB and now that we've had two events, there's a true sense of accomplishment. But much work remains in order for us to get where we want to be by season's end."
WSB Americas is comprised of four franchise locations including Miami, Fla., Memphis, Tenn., Los Angeles, Calif., and Mexico City. During the regular season, each team will play each of the other teams four times (twice home and twice away). The top team from each conference, plus the best second-place team worldwide, will then enter the playoffs during April 2011. The team and individual championships will then take place in May 2011 in Macau, China.
Long-time boxing analyst and former lightweight world champion Sean O'Grady had a front row seat to the WSB launch and claimed it a success: "I've been waiting 30 years for something like this to come along in this sport," he proclaimed.
Led by head coach Francisco Bonilla, the Mexico City Guerreros featured a team comprised of four Mexican fighters, Brazilian Yamaguchi Florentino and a supportive mariachi band.
"In the beginning I was very nervous," said Avila, who got the shutout started for the Guerreros. "It took me a moment to get through the emotions of the first couple rounds and adjust to this new style. All of this is very exciting with the music, format and all of our fans, but it's a new experience. By the end, I felt strong."
The Memphis Force had difficultly adjusting to the extreme altitude of Mexico City (7,350 feet) compared to Memphis which sits at 331 feet above sea level. Many of the Force boxers opened leads the first two rounds only to watch them disappear as the fights entered the latter rounds. Boxing for the Force were four U.S. fighters and Mongolian Olympian Munkh Erdene Uranchimeg.
"Guys had fights they could have won," said Memphis Force head coach Anthony Bradley. "We learned a hard lesson tonight that this isn't amateur boxing anymore and there's a big difference in this type of style from what they are used to. They might have been good amateurs, but they now have to prove themselves in this new format. The altitude was a big factor but you can blame us for not doing the technical things to win the fights. We'll be much better our next time out."
"We congratulate both teams on the skill and heart they showcased in the ring tonight and for all those involved in Mexico City for providing a great launch event," said Eric Parthen, WSB Americas Managing Director. "The first bell of the WSB has rung and now we'll work to ensure our other franchises can launch with the same type of success next week."
WSB Americas action will continue Tuesday, November 23, when both the Miami Gallos and Los Angeles Matadors each make their season debuts in Miami at the AmericanAirlinesArena. The Memphis Force will make their home debut at the Desoto Civic Center on November 26 against the Gallos, while the Guerreros will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Matadors on November 28.
Results:
Bantamweight -- MC Guerreros Braulio Avila UD Memphis Force Ernesto Garza, 49-46, 50-45, 50-45
Lightweight -- MC Guerreros Juan Romero UD Memphis Force Munkh Erdene, 48-47, 47-47, 47-47
Middleweight -- MC Guerreros Yamaguchi Romero UD Memphis Force Chris Jones, 49-46, 49-46, 49-46
Light heavyweight -- MC Guerreros Javier Ortega UD Memphis Force Robert Brant, 48-46, 50-44, 48-47
Heavyweight -- MC Guerreros Juan Martinez SD Memphis Force Javonta Charles, 46-48, 47-47, 47-47
Additional Quotes:
Ernesto Garza (Memphis Force): "It felt great to be one of the first two representatives of the WSB to box and to represent the Memphis Force," said Ernesto Garza. "Being in there was a lot different than the amateurs, you just feel it a lot more. I saw the nice setup and the music and the fans and I knew this was professional."
Robert Brant (Memphis Force): "Despite the loss this feels great to boxing this style. Without the headgear you have much greater vision. It's a beautiful thing to be fighting like a pro and being able to do this (boxing) full-time instead of half-way like when you're an amateur. You have to learn to protect yourself more and be conscience of where your head is and your opponents. You also got to learn to conserve your energy through five full rounds. We'll go back to the drawing board as we've all learned a lot from this."