Peltz Boxing returns to The Blue Horizon 3-6-09

They said it would never happen in a million years...but to the surprise of many it was recently announced that J. Russell Peltz struck a 6 fight deal which will bring his promotional outfit back to the building he made famous, The Legendary Blue Horizon. The talk of the boxing town starts with a potential lights out card on March 6th which will see the world rated and current NABA Welterweight champion Mike Jones make his first title defense against LA's Larry Mosley (15-3-2, 6ko's) in the 10 round main event. Jones is a hot name right now and was even pegged by the well respected Steven Kim of www.maxboxing.com as the sports prospect of the year in 2008. In Jones last fight, he posterized Luciano Perez with one of the best left hooks in recent memory, a punch which cleaned up a wild, sloppy slugfest in Reading, PA. Mosley was once a highly decorated amateur who has been a pro since 2000 and is the cousin of Sugar Shane. He is best remembered in this town for boxing to a 12 round draw against Miguel Figueroa back in 2005. He also held the previously world rated Golden Johnson to a draw in his very next fight. He has dropped his last two fights since then and is dangerously close to falling permanently into "opponent" status. It will be interesting to see how Jones fares against the experience of Mosley, as the Cali native is best known for his outstanding hand speed which is the type of fighter Jones has yet to see.

In the co-feature we will see rising super bantamweight Teon "The Technician" Kennedy (11-0, 5ko's) face Andre Wilson (11-1-1, 9ko's) of Mississippi in a scheduled 8 rounder. The fight will be at 120 lbs give or take a pound. It was originally expected that Teon would get a warm up fight of sorts but Wilson, a southpaw, should pose a good test for the North Philly Technician. Wilson's only loss came while fighting in an undefeated opponents backyard and his most recent wins include early knockouts over Francisco Rodriguez (now 14 - 2) & a 10 round decision win over the well traveled Alex Baba, a fighter who has fought quite a few names in the business. Teon is a fighter that some feel is the best prospect in the city. He and his team have eyes on a shot at the divisions USBA title very soon, and this is the type of fight should prepare him for stiffer challenges down the line. Just don't look past Wilson, who is already has a top 30 ranking in the WBC after only 13 fights.

The undercard is looking very good as well with Philly middleweight Jamaal "Da Truth" Davis (8-4, 6ko's) set to face Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor (13-20-3, 6ko's) in a fight that will mark Davis' first match as a member of the Peltz boxing stable. In Davis last outing, he convincingly beat Chris Hall at the National Guard Armory. In Bono's last fight, he showed his is not done yet despite his record as he hung in there with the well regarded Derek Ennis over 8 rounds at The Arena last month. This one could turn out to be a very good action fight since both men prefer to come forward and bang it out.

Some are saying that Kensington's Dennis Hasson (6-0, 2ko's) is in for the stiffest test of his young career when he faces Philly's Garrett Wilson (3-1, 1ko) in a scheduled 6 round Super Middleweight contest. Hasson has been on a steady rise since turning pro last year and in that time gaining a solid fan base but Wilson is no slouch and seems dedicated for this one as he is dropping down 2 weight classes which can only mean he is in top physical condition.

Kaseem Wilson (10-1-1, 3ko's) continues his comeback when he takes on Martinus Clay (13-19-4, 5ko's) in a scheduled 8 round Jr. Middleweight contest. Wilson recently returned from a 15 month layoff to win his last fight by unanimous decision. Clay most recently was knocked out by Kassem Ouma back in August. While that was a bad night, he has proved in the past he can hang with any fighter who thinks he is an up and comer. Styles might clash in this one though as neither fighter seems comfortable being the aggressor, more relying on movement and counter punching.

Victor Vasquez (8-2, 5ko's) looks to have his hands full (at least on paper) as he is set to take on the undefeated Rod Salka (6-0, 2ko's) of Bunola, PA. Vasquez recently returned from a 6 month medical suspension to stop Mario Galan inside of 2 rounds at The New Alhambra. Not much is known about Salka and his record doesn't indicate that he has walked murderers row. Anyone who knows Victor Vasquez knows he will make his opponent fight so we will learn a lot about Salka here.

Alex Sanchez (1-0, 1ko) is set to take on the pro debuting Tyrone Miles in a 4 round Jr. Middleweight contest.

Bozy's Gym hopeful Derek Bivins (1-0) is also scheduled for action against North Philly's Luis "Smurf" Esquillan in a 4 round Super Featherweight battle.

Get your tickets at www.peltzboxing.com or by calling 215-765-0922

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com

Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene

5 Philly careers shortened by tragedy by Ken Hissner

There have been many careers shortened for various reasons and Philly fighters are no exceptions. There were 3 due to eye injuries and 2 do to death of which one was a killing! Their combined records were 112-8-2. Of the 3 with injuries, 2 went on to become well respected trainers. They have all been inducted into the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame. Ken Hissner takes an in depth look at the shortened careers of Gypsy Joe Harris, Wesley Mouzon, Dick Turner, James Shuler & Tyrone Everett , all great fighters from back in the day.

Harry Yorgey to fight Ronald Hearns on ShoBox March 28th!

It's been reported on ESPN.com that Bridgeport's Harry Joe Yorgey (21-0-1, 9ko's) will face Detroit's Ronald Hearns (21-0, 17ko's) as the opening fight on the March 28 edition of Shobox: The Next Generation in a battle of undefeated prospects / fringe contenders in search of a road to the big time. Yorgey, another former #1 on the Philly Keith local top 10 pound for pound list, moved on from the Philly circuit over a year ago and recently won two yoheim titles with a 12 round thumping on the previously undefeated Jason LeHoullier in Tennessee back in August. The fight was ruled a majority decision but the judges must have been intoxicated. Moving forward, with the legal and managerial obligations which kept him from fighting out of the way, it looks like Team Yorgey and their new promoter Art Pellulo are wasting no time to make their run at the top. His opponent, Ronald Hearns, son of the old school icon Tommy the Hitman, is also a well regarded young fighter who has already had major exposure on the big networks. Both are a bit older than most at this stage of their career but all that means to me is that both will lay it all on the line in a fight that has potential to be a very good rumble. Yorgey is more of the boxer, Hearns is more of the puncher, and both want a crack at the world title soon. It is a great piece of matchmaking here and the winner is in line for a shot at the winner of the IBF title fight between Cory Spinks - Deandre Latimore so be sure to tune in. In the main event, hot Light Heavyweight prospect Andre Dirrell will go in against an opponent TBA soon. Give him hell Harry!

Eddie Chambers to fight Sam Peter on ESPN March 27th!

It is official, Philly lightening fast heavyweight contender "Fast" Eddie Chambers (33-1, 18ko's) will fight former world heavyweight champion Sam Peter (30-2, 23ko's) of Africa on ESPN Friday Night Fights, March 27th in LA. To say the least, it's a prime opportunity for the former area headliner. Chambers, the original #1 on the Philly Keith top 10 pound for pound list, made his bones as a youngster coming up through the Blue Horizon. He won his first 29 fights and was in position to get a crack at Wladimir Klitschko's belt until dropping an IBF title elimination fight to Alexander Povetkin in Germany last January.

Since losing by decision overseas, Fast Eddie has reeled off three straight wins against limited competition. Peter, who has recently been labeled a quitter by some, is coming off a horrible spanking at the hands on Vitali Klitschko in a fight where Peter refused to get off the stool after 7 one sided rounds. Whether that quitter label is warranted or not, it is easy to forget that less than a year ago, Peter was one of the most feared Heavyweights in the world, scoring some highlight reel KO's as a prospect, contender and as a champion against good competition.

It's an old fashioned crossroads fight and many are saying the winner will get a great opportunity soon after while the losers career will be in the toilet. Call me a homer but I love Fast Eddie's chances in this one as a big lug like Peter will be baffled by the hand speed and movement that Chambers presents. Then again, I have been wrong in the past and Peter has power to punch through brick walls and Chambers has never really been rocked before. Tune into ESPN2 to see how it all goes down.

LaJuan Simon to fight Arthur Abraham in Germany March 14th!

USBA Middleweight champion LaJuan Simon (20-0-2, 12ko's) just got an opportunity of a lifetime as he was offered a crack at Arthur Abraham's 28-0, 23ko's) IBF Middleweight title on March 14th. The fight will take place at Ostseehalle, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany which is Abraham's backyard. It's a big jump up for Simon who most recently plowed through anonymous journeyman Jose Spearman while Abraham was last seen blowing out big named Edison Miranda on national TV. It's a tall task for the Philly native going into enemy territory but stranger things have happened.

Former Philly world champion Charles "The Hatchet" Brewer knows all about fighting for and defending titles overseas in enemy territory. Hatchet had a chance to get a few words in with LaJuan about his upcoming fight against the man many feel is the best middleweight in the world. Read it here

Ray Robinson blows out Darnell Jiles on ESPN!

photo courtesy of Kevin Rooney Jr./ Star Boxing
On the February 13, 2009 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights, Philly Jr. Welterweight "The New" Ray Robinson (10-0, 4ko's) bulldozed the previously undefeated Darnell Jiles (8-1, 3ko's) of Rochester, NY scoring a 3rd round TKO in the nights co-main event. Robinson, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing of NYC, stepped up the competition and convincingly got the job done on this night, consistently outworking his 20 year old standout foe, and then broke the seal late in the 3rd, connecting with a lot of left handed bombs that almost had Jiles out of it. Jiles, to his credit, did survive the attack but between rounds his corner called for the stoppage due to the beating and an obviously broken right hand on Jiles.

It's a big win for the young Philly 140 lb southpaw prospect out of the Front Street Gym and a credit to the sport when two young hopefuls with good records throw the politics out the door and decide to go in against one another. Give Jiles his due as well. The former amateur standout from Rochester still has a bright future and will be very well served from a fight like this. Many out there still would like to see Jiles and South Philly's "Hammerin" Hank Lundy settle the score from their lights out fight which ended in a draw from last year. A rematch that Jiles camp questionably stated Lundy didn't want any parts of.... I don't know about all that Joe Tessatore! Either way congrats to both fighter and also to ESPN for putting together such an interesting fight.

Click here for the ESPN pre fight night analysis of Robinson vs. Jiles & Camacho vs. Molina

Ray Robinson to fight Darnell Jiles on ESPN 2-13-09

This week on ESPN Friday Night Fights, look for Philly Jr. Welterweight "The New" Ray Robinson (9-0, 3ko's) as he takes on the undefeated Darnell Jiles (8-0, 3ko's) of Rochester, NY in the evenings 8 round co-main event. Robinson, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, will be stepping up for the toughest test of his young career.

Jiles, a 20 year old standout, is best known in this town for holding South Philly's Hank Lundy to a draw on ESPN last summer in what turned out to be a very good two way fight. There are a lot of parallels here as both have nearly the same record, both were highly touted amateur, both are southpaws and both are considered to be very good prospects at the 140 lb mark. If there is any advantage here, it goes to Robinson due to his recent activity as Jiles has been on the bench since March of last year. It is not often that two young, undefeated fighters are willing to put their records on the line like this, hopefully it translates into the exciting fight that many expect it to be.

 

The evenings main event will feature Alexis Camacho (17-1,16KO) who recently appeared at The New Alhambra, taking on Carlos Molina (14-4-1,5KO) in a battle of Star Boxing welterweights. 7 bouts total are scheduled which feature quite a few undefeated newcomers.

 

The fight will take place at the Roseland Ballroom on W. 52nd street in Manhattans Theatre district. For more info go to www.starboxing.com

 

Nakash blows out Carrol in 2, Shmouel wins return bout at The Blue!

photos by Anthony Gargano / www.pixgargano.com
At the Legendary Blue Horizon this Friday, boxing fans flocked to the Broad street for a solid 6 fight card which saw undefeated Israeli heavyweight Ran Nakash continue his knockout streak when he dismissed the light challenge of Ryan Carroll, dispatching the Delaware, Ohio native in less than 2 rounds. Nakash, a hand to hand combat instructor in the Israeli Army, used a body assault to pave the way to victory as Carroll's flabby midsection wasn't built to withstand the power punches downstairs. During this short fight, Carroll was dropped to his knees twice from shots to the bread basket. Midway through the 2nd, referee Steve Smoger saw enough and call a halt to the contest as it became apparent that Carroll was ready to gas out at any moment. Now at 17 - 0, Nakash should be on the doorstep of a good fight against someone capable of presenting a stiff challenge.

photos by Anthony Gargano / www.pixgargano.com

In the co-feature, Pittsburgh Jr. Welterweight Khristian Geraci had a rough night. Not only did he get bombarded with boo's as he entered the ring due to wearing a Steelers jersey (a first class football organization btw), he was also bombarded with rights and lefts from his opponent, Elad Shmouel who wasted no time in his return to the ring after a 14 month layoff. Shmouel, who also serves in the Israeli Army, showed he was still explosive and in this one, didn't waste much time finishing the job late in the 2nd round. Geraci tried but he was no match for the Kosher Pitbull who vows to get back on track and put together another winning streak.

photos by Anthony Gargano / www.pixgargano.com

In a 6 rounder, Julius Edmounds of Philly's Frankford section pounded out a unanimous decision win over the previously undefeated Lindwood Herd of Atlantic City. The majority of the contest was spent in the wheel house as both men traded shots at close quarters. A lot of the rounds were tightly contested by Edmounds stepped it up at the end of every round to clearly take the advantage. I wouldn't mind seeing an Edmounds - Victor Vasquez dustup sometime....

photos by Anthony Gargano / www.pixgargano.com

Southwest Philly's Ardrick Butler earned his first win as a pro with a split decision over Anthony Abrams in a good Jr. Middleweight match. Butler showed flashes of the tools which made him an amateur champion back in 2005 and Abrams didn't lay downin his retun from a 3 year layoff. Butler flashed a quick doble & triple jab and threw some nice combinations to the body. At times he was too active, other times he laid back and took pictures. Abrams knew one direction and that was forward which left little time for relaxation. In the end it went to the scorecards which read 39 - 37 for Abrams but that judge was over ruled by a 39 - 38 & 39 - 37 tally for Butler.

photos by Anthony Gargano / www.pixgargano.com

In the fight of the night, South Philly's John Turner had New Yorks Marcus Bianoci in trouble early but the Gleason's Gym representative sucked it up and fought back to score a 2nd round TKO in a fight that was stopped on the advise of the ringside physician due to trouble with Turners leaky nose. There have been reports that Turner also broke his hand in 3 places in the 1st round though that hasn't been verified. In this short slugfest, both threw and landed some bombs, Turner got caught late, let's see a rematch!

photos by Anthony Gargano / www.pixgargano.com

In the opener, Ronald Cruz scored a 3rd round knockout over the pro debuting Adam Duncan. Cruz started out fast, scoring 2 knockdowns in the opening round but Duncan toughed it out and was competitive through 2. In the 3rd, Cruz landed a lot of heavy shots to cause the ref to step in and end it.

photos by Anthony Gargano / www.pixgargano.com

The fights were brought to you by Vernoca Michael & Don Elbaum. To see more pictures of the night go to www.pixgangano.com

Fred Jenkins Article

Ken Hissner drops in to tell the tale of Longtime Philly trainer Fred Jenkins, who started training fighters in 1973 and now runs the boxing gym at the ABC recreation center at 26th & Masters. In his time, he has taken in many young fighters and trained them to become top amateurs and even molded a few of them into world champions. Click here to read the article in its entirety.

Yusef Mack wins the NABF Light Heavyweight title from Chris Henry by split decision in Maryland!

Photo by Mike Greenhill / www.fightnews.com

Live on ESPN Friday Night Fights (Feb 6, 2009), West Philly's Yusef Mack stamped his ticket into the upper echelon on the worlds Light Heavyweight boxers with a 12 round split decision win over Houston's Chris Henry, a fighter ranked in the top 10 of nearly every major sanctioning body. Mack dominated the early going ,in particular the 6th round where he bombarded Henry with many consecutive hard overhand rights which would have put most men out for the count. To Henry's credit, he absorbed the punishment and stormed back down the stretch as Mack began to tire, arguable sweeping round 7 - 11. With the fight hanging in the balance, Mack gained a second win and once again began to land some heavy lumber on Henry, which sealed the victory in this exciting, two way action fight. It went to the scorecards with two judges seeing it 116 - 112 & 115- 113 for Mack, while the villainous Malik Waleed continued his streak of burning Philly fighters somehow saw it 116 - 112 for Henry. With the win Mack is in prime position to land a title fight in the 175 lb division with his eyes on Romania's Adrian Diaconau.

In the co-feature, "King" Gabriel Rosado showed a lot of heart fighting in enemy territory and put on a competitive & entertaining 8 round Jr. middleweight fight against the still undefeated Fernando Guerrero but came up a bit short on the scorecards when it was all said and done. It was a close fight through 5 rounds which included Rosado scoring a knockdown in the 3rd with a short right hand on the inside. Guerrero upped the pressure down the stretch and the Maryland southpaw's activity and cleaner punching secured the win. With that said, give Rosado his props for walking into the lions den and being booed by a sellout crowd of over 4,000 all who came to see the hometown hero Guerrero and not folding under the pressure. Keep your head up Gaby!

Off TV, Philly Light Heavyweight Farah Ennis (9-0, 4 KOs) continued his rise as he outpointed Chris Archer (10-6, 6 KOs) over four by scores of 40-36 on all cards.

Ran Nakash headines @ The Blue Horizon 2-6-09

photo: Anthony Gargano www.pixgargano.com




The boxing tandem of Vernoca L. Michael & Don Elbaum return to The Legendary Blue Horizon on February 6th with Israeli knockout artist Ran Nakash (16-0, 12ko's) being promoted to headline attraction for the first time in his career, taking on Delaware, Ohio's Ryan Carroll (7-1, 4ko's) in a scheduled 8 rounder. It's not quite the step up people want to see out of Nakash but it isn't horrible either. Nakash, who serves as a hand to hand combat instructor in the Israeli Army, has become quite the crowd draw in recent months after spending the early portion of his stateside career fighting less than formidable opposition. That all changed in September when he stepped up, and knocked out South Philly slugger Larry Robinson :50 into the first round, opening the eyes on many who now say Nakash could evolve into a real threat in the cruiserweight division. Since that night Nakash returned to The Blue in December to knockout worn down journeyman Harvey Jolley in 7 rounds. For Carroll, this will mark the first time he will fight outside of his native Ohio where he fought some decent competition. The last time he really stepped it up, he was mowed down in 1 round by Aaron Williams. Since then, he returned a year later to squeak out a split decision over Mike Word. Let's see how this one works out.

Former hot prospect Elad Shmouel (18-2, 9ko's) is also said to be returning after a 14 month layoff to face the ever dangerous fighter TBA. Shmouel, who also serves in the Israeli Army, participated in the Philly 2007 fight of the year when we went toe to toe with Lenny DeVictoria in a non stop slug fest. Though it was a sensational scrap, his name lost a lot of luster when he went down for the count late in the 6th round. The road to a rematch starts here as Shmouel looks to have a tune up before taking on his stiffest challenge once again. Aside from the loss, Shmouel can pop with the best of them, let's hope this rematch takes place sometime in '09!

Former Amateur standout and current Jr. Middleweight Darren Fallen of Shulers Gym is scheduled for 6 rounds of action against former NY Golden Gloves champion Jason Thompson. Fallen has returned to win his last 2, Thompson has lost his last 2.
Look for John Turner, former amateur champ Ardrick Butler, Julius Edmonds and more. For tickets call 215-763-0500 or watch it on www.gofightlive.tv

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com

Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene

Yusef Mack & Gabriel Rosado headline Friday Night Fights in Maryland 2/6/09

It's a big night for Philly fighters on February 6th as quite a few young hopefuls travel to Maryland for tough fights on national TV. It starts off with West Philly's Yusef Mack (26-2-2, 18ko's) taking on Chris Henry (23-1, 18ko's) of Texas with Mack's NABA & Henry's NABF Light Heavyweight title on the line in the main event on ESPN's Friday Night Fights. Mack is once again in the world ratings and once again finds himself on the doorstep of a major fight against a top contender. With a win, he is in, no question about it. In the past he hasn't been able to get over the hump but with making weight no longer an issue, his supporters believe this will be his time to shine. The haters say he is going to choke. Mack has looked very good so far at 175 lbs but Henry will be his toughest challenge to date in this division. Henry recently fought WBC champ Adrian Diaconu in the champs home country of Romania and left short handed losing a close decision. Like Mack, with a win, he is striking distance of another title fight.

It doesn't end there because there have been hot rumors of North Philly Middleweight "King" Gabriel Rosado filling the void in the co-feature to take on big time Maryland ticket seller Fernando Guerrero (12-0, 11ko's) for a scheduled 10 rounder. Rosado, fresh off a stretch as Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley's chef sparring partner, looks to once again play the role of spoiler and pull the rug from under a home town hero in that fighters back yard. Guerrero put his name on the map in August on Shobox when he mopped the ring with the then unbeaten and untested Tyrone Watson. Rosado will provide a much tougher test and has a legitimate shot to come home victorious.

It has also been mentioned that Farah Ennis & Coy Evans will fight in separate bouts on this card as well. Get the full ESPN write up & scouting report here http://phillykeith.com/MackRosadoESPN.htm


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com

Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene

Blue Horizon Press Conference videos 2/5/08

Don Elbaum talks, fighters introduce themselves...



Bernard Fernandez of the Philadelphia Daily News talks about the upcoming card



John DiSanto presents Elad Shmouel the 2007 Bennie Briscoe Award for Fight of the Year



John Turner & trainer Joe Black talk about their upcoming fight




If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com

Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene

Naazim Richardson leads Shane Mosley to victory over Margarito

photo courtesy of www.fightnews.com

Congrats go out to Philly based trainer Naazim Richardson for once again formulating the perfect plan to pull off a one sided victory in a fight where the "experts" tabbed his man as a heavy underdog. First it was Bernard Hopkins 12 round schooling of Kelly Pavlik in Atlantic City. This time around, Brother Naazim was the architect behind what you can argue as the single greatest performance in the Hall of Fame career of "Sugar" Shane Mosley. Coming in as a 4 to 1 betting underdog because of swirling questions of declining performance and out of the ring problems, Sugar Shane stuck to the script and knocked the grease off of Margarito for the duration of their fight, eventually stopping the steel chinned Mexican early in the 9th round. The wily vet also snagged Margarito's team with an illegal substance in the hand wraps, leading to a suspension for both Margarito and trainer (where were the inspectors???).With this victory, it is a must that Richardson gets his due on a national level and have his name mentioned in the same breath of great trainers such as Freddy Roach, Emmanuel Stewart as the best in the business. Also note that "King" Gabriel Rosado was the chef sparring partner in Big Bear as Team Mosley prepared for action. More on Rosado below.


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com

Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene