Random Thoughts and Blizzards -- SecondsOut

By Steve Kim, SecondsOut.com

Because of the length of my last article ("Larry Merchant Reflects on Douglas-Tyson), I didn’t really get a chance to comment on what took place this past weekend in boxing and beyond. And with the way it’s snowing all across the country (by the way, it’s about 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky out here in Southern California), I’ve decided that it’s more appropriate to call these blizzards and not flurries.

So here goes...

- I think Gerry Penalosa, alongside Glen Johnson, are the two hard-luck fighters of this past generation. I, like the overwhelming majority of you out there, thought that the crafty old Filipino southpaw did more than enough to outpoint the ever-reluctant Eric Morel in their bantamweight tilt. Penalosa, after a slow start, began to walk down Morel and hit him consistently with body shots. And take away the two clashes of heads, and Morel never really landed anything of significance.

Yet, inconceivably, judges Duane Ford (115-113) and Paul Smith (116-112) tabbed Morel the winner. The look on Penalosa’s face as he walked back into his dressing room said it all. A man who had always given an honest effort in this sport seemingly can’t get an honest call in Las Vegas. This is the second time I think he’s gotten the shaft in “Sin City,” as he was jobbed against Daniel Ponce De Leon a few years ago.

Just look at Penalosa’s record; it’s littered with close, controversial losses on foreign soil. I’m not sure that this fine technician will ever get the credit he deserves but he was certainly a pioneer for fighters out of the Philippines.

- Speaking of judging in Nevada, that’s already three highly suspect decisions in 2010, as far as I’m concerned. First, it was Vanes Martirosyan getting a questionable call against Kassim Ouma, then the horrendous call in the Beibut Shumenov-Gabriel Campilllo fight and, most recently, Morel-Penalosa. All three decisions had some head-scratching margins of victory on certain scorecards, all favored the “house fighter” and were, once again, judged by the same suspects we’ve seen for years (Seriously, Duane, is one Ford that needs to be traded in).

During the period when I was pushing Pacquiao-Mayweather to take place in Dallas, I got some emails telling me how Texas didn’t deserve any big fights because of the presence of Dickie Cole, the man who botched the first bout between Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz. Well, the way I look at it, Nevada goes three-deep in Coles and if you believe that fights should be kept out of jurisdictions where questionable calls have been rendered, well, pretty soon we’d have to stage fights on Mars and Venus.

- Speaking of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, just looking at the set-up, which hosted over 108,000 fans for the most recent NBA All-Star Game, just how in the world was Pacquiao-Mayweather not going to land in that venue? It’s funny how other professional sports actually promote newer venues that are state-of-the-art and modern and- get this- actually allow some real fans to enjoy the events live and in-person. If the powers-that-be who run boxing were running the NBA, they would probably try and stage the All-Star Game at the old Reunion Arena before realizing, of course, that it was demolished.

Then they’d just settle for the Thomas and Mack Center.

- “Latin Fury/Pinoy Power III” wasn’t that bad in the beginning; in fact, I enjoyed the first two fights, but the last two bouts were an abomination. I found Bernabe Concepcion holding off Mario Santiago’s late charge rather entertaining and I enjoyed the performance of Penalosa (regardless of the result) but Fernando Montiel beating up on an overmatched Ciso Morales and Nonito Donaire beating up on a midget, Manuel Vargas, was anti-climactic, to say the least. What I found interesting is that if you would have reversed the order of the fights, you might have thought this show gained momentum. Instead, the last two bouts really left something to be desired.

- Speaking of “The Filipino Flash,” it’s time for Donaire to rematch Vic Darchinyan. Bottom line, since knocking off “The Raging Bull” in 2007, his career has actually meant less than the guy he beat. While Darchinyan has gone up in weight, won major titles and remained a Showtime staple, Donaire has become “Mr. Pinoy Power.” Was he better off with Gary Shaw?

But enough with the no-hopers and facing Vern Troyer next, make the most meaningful fight possible and become relevant once again. That would be Darchinyan and nobody else. And no Montiel for Donaire. Let “He Wears Short-Shorts” Montiel take care of Morel for once and for all. It should be Darchinyan-Donaire II or bust.

- I’m becoming a fan of Ji Hoon Kim and, no, he’s not related to me in any way. But because he’s a rugged, fun, television-friendly fighter, as he showed once again by stopping Tyrone Harris in five (in a stoppage that was just a tad premature). My friends call me Steve “Mexi-Kim” because I spend so much time in the Montebello/East LA area and eat so often at Rafael’s, but looking at this guy, I think I have to give him this honor. Just look at his career. No amateur pedigree, took losses early and often, but has rebounded strongly and has an aggressive two-fisted attack and should stay away from slick boxers.

Yeah, this guy is the real “Mexi-Kim.”

- This past weekend was the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and, for about the 18th straight year, I didn’t watch it. When the Michael Jordans, Dominique Wilkinses and Clyde Drexlers of the world decided it was beneath them, it was no longer worthy of my viewership. But I write this because, on the same day that Buster Douglas shocked Mike Tyson and the rest of the world in Tokyo, Japan, Wilkins was winning his second dunk contest in Miami, Florida.

But I was wondering, is Spud Webb toppling “The Human Highlight Film” in the 1986 contest in Dallas the dunk contest version of Douglas-Tyson? Think about it. Webb, was thought to be a novelty, a short little guy, who came in at 5’7”, given virtually no chance of beating the likes of ’Nique, his brother Gerald, and Terence Stansbury. In fact, he probably would’ve been listed as a 42-1 underdog.

Yet, somehow, Webb executed every slam to perfection and upset a guy who was perhaps the greatest dunker of all-time. And like Buster, Webb, never re-captured that magic he had that afternoon at the Reunion Arena (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzUXYaf-0rw).

To Wilkins’ credit, he never suffered a free fall quite like “Iron Mike.” But he was eventually traded to the Clippers.

- Two more thoughts regarding the dunk contest: First, I think Jordan getting the nod over Wilkins in 1988 was a hometown decision that boxing could be proud of. If it wasn’t in Chicago, Wilkins would be a three-time champion. And speaking of which, is Nate Robinson (who just won his third dunk contest) this realm’s John Ruiz? I’m not saying he isn’t explosive and all that, but c’mon, Dominique only won two in an era when the game’s best players routinely participated in the event.

- Am I the only one who really isn’t all that excited by a possible Amir Khan-Paulie Malignaggi match-up? Seriously, can you tell me why this bout will be exciting? In fact, I wasn’t all that high on Khan facing Juan Manuel Marquez, which would’ve been a hook-up of two counter-punchers. But Malignaggi is a guy who’s never really involved in entertaining affairs and he may not hit hard enough to exploit the shaky beard of Khan.

- Saw a great documentary on VH-1 as part of their “Rock Docs” series, “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America” that chronicled the history of this groundbreaking dance show. This show was truly revolutionary in many aspects. When I grow up, I want to be Don Cornelius.

Any questions or comments can be sent to Steve K-nelius at k9kim@yahoo.com... You can also follow me at twitter.com/stevemaxboxing… You can now become a fan of Maxboxing at facebook.com/MaxBoxing…

Source: secondsout.com

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Pinoy Power 3 Updates: Eric Morel gets questionable nod against Gerry Penalosa in WBO eliminator -- Examiner

By Chris Robinson, Examiner.com

Moments ago at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, former champion Eric Morel escaped with a highly questionable split decision over fellow former champ Gerry Penalosa. Despite appearing to land the more effective shots all night, Penalosa came up short on two of the judges’ cards.

The first round saw Morel gain a slight edge as he circled his older foe, looking sharp as he landed the occasional one-two. Penalosa, as has always been the case, pushed forward with little emotion showing on his face.

Penalosa picked things up a bit in the second, landing a nice right hand to Morel’s body. Morel wisely continued to box from a distance, using his length to his advantage. The early ringside buzz on the fight was that it was a pick em’ type of fight that could go in favor of either guy.

Rounds three and four were slow stanzas as neither man could fully take control of the action. If anything Penalosa seemed to slowly be on his way to feeling out Morel, who saw his inactivity drop noticeably as the fight wore on.

The fifth round was Penalosa’s best of the night as he broke through with a crashing left hand that seemed to stun Morel momentarily. Morel was showing excellent coordination but wasn’t able to mount any kind of attack against his San Carlos City foe.

The crowd began to chant for Penalosa in the seventh as it appeared Morel was content to move and box away from danger. Unfortunately the chants died down as the action also came to a standstill.

The eighth was another solid round for Penalosa, who had tagged Morel repeatedly with flush counter shots. Morel was having trouble coping with Penalosa’s southpaw attack and the fight looked to be slipping out of his reach.

Morel seemed to realize that he needed to do something to change the tide of the bout and came out stronger in the ninth. Morel began to turn his focus to the body but his shots didn’t appear to be fazing Penalosa. Later in the round Penalosa landed a clean left-right combination that rocked Morel’s head back.

The championship rounds saw a bloodied Penalosa press with his attack and he seemed to be edging the rounds with his desire and activity. Morel is obviously a student with much craft to his game but he was unwilling to engage enough to make an imprint in the fight.

Still, Morel and his team celebrated upon news that he was the winner of a split decision victory. Upon hearing the decision Penalosa threw his arms in the air and his face told the tale of a man full of much agony, obviously baffled with the call.

Morel will now challenge WBO Bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel, who blasted out Ciso Morales in the first round following the Morel-Penalosa scrap.

Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at Trimond@aol.com, www.Twitter.com/CRHarmony, and www.Facebook.com/CRHarmony.

Source: examiner.com

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Donaire Gets Cakewalk Win Over Undersized Foe Vargas -- The Sweet Science

By Michael Woods, The Sweet Science

Nonito Donaire looked rock-solid in the main event of the Latin Fury-Pinoy Power PPV card from the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas on Saturday night. But he was a super flyweight in with a man who battled as a minimumweight/straw-weight boxer, so no one should lose themselves in exultation at the third round stoppage victory for the "Filipino Flash." For those of you unfamiliar with that weight class, that meant Manuel Vargas weighed in at 105 pounds for that September bout against Donnie NIetes. For this scrap, he was 114 pounds, but Vargas may as well have been 100 pounds, dripping wet with flop sweat as he readied himself to surrender to the heavy handed Donaire (115 pounds; 22-1; from General Santos City, Philippines).

The challenger Vargas (age 28; 26-4-1 entering; from Mexico; ex straw-weight champ) took the bout on just three days notice, after Gerson Guerrero failed an eye exam. He was in the gym training for a March 12 bout, against 108 pound champion Rodel Mayol, so he was keen to make more money, and fight on a bigger stage. This was a non-title affair. The official time of the finish was 1:33 of the third. Donaire landed 35 punches of 106 thrown, while Vargas landed just four of 45.

In case anyone out there was fantasizing about a PPV price markdown, what with the switcheroo of foes, let it be said that Guerrero may well not have made it past three himself. His record isn't built on the firmest of foundations...

In the first, the 27-year-old Donaire, whose sole loss came in his second pro outing, showed a height and reach edge, in a big way. There looked to be a two division gap between the men. The latecomer backed up, mostly to his left. When he came forward, he paid; a left hook clanked his head with a minute to go. Donaire is such a calm customer, and he looked to be totally non flustered by anything Vargas showed him. In the second, a right hand buzzed the underdog. Then another. It didn't look like we'd see the sixth, let alone a distance scrap. Vargas' mouth hung open, but he wasn't shy. He'd hurl the occasional overhand right that Donaire evaded with relative ease. In the third, Donaire dropped Vargas with a left-right-left-right-left combo, and he lay on his back, cooked. Ref Joe Cortez counted to ten.

Gerry Penalosa (age 37; from the Phillipines; , a 20 year pro; 54-7-2 entering; two time world champ; 118 pounds) took on Eric Morel (34; born in Puerto Rico; 1996 Olympian; ex fly champ; 117 pounds; 41-2 entering) in a fight for the vacant WBO world bantamweight crown. Morel used his legs to great effect, and came away with a split decision win (115-113 for Morel, 115-113 for Penalosa, 116-112 for Morel), a decision at odds with the announcers working the show. TSS agreed with the 116-112 Duane Ford card for Morel, liking his dialed in pugilism, while as always coming away with mad respect for Penalosa's cajones.

Morel looked the peppier of the two thirtysomethings in the first. He circled left, away from Gerry's left. The Filipino got the right hook to the body untracked in the second. Morel tried to take some steam out with a groinshot. Morel came out with a pile of power shots to start the third, sending a message. But really his legs spoke loudest; his mobility if used properly could give him an edge. Gerry's left eye swelled up by this juncture. In the fourth, Morel moved well but where was the O? It came at the end of the round actually, maybe enough to get the judges' nod. Morel didn't slow down in the fifth, but we wondered if he could stay energized and moving for the duration. In the sixth, the action stopped for a head clash. Gerry's right eye was cut. Then his left eye sprung a leak, again from an accidental head bump. The doc looked at Gerry, and he pronounced him fit to continue.

In round seven, Morel kept on keeping on, getting in, getting off, and getting away. That is, until a minute left, when Gerry landed a combo. The blood from the left eye bothered Gerry's vision in the eighth, but he kept chugging forward. He won the round, as Morel's dancing dropped off. In round nine, Morel was back on message, but Penalosa's body work was sharp. In the 10th, Morel's ring generalship looked to be the difference, if you are the sort who prizes that, even if there wasn't excessive offense to augment it. In the 11th, Morel didn't fade. He kept clear of Gerry's power launches, but was he throwing enough to win the rounds? He was on my card. In the last round, Morel kept on his Segway, maybe too much for what was almost certainly a megatight fight. We'd go to the cards. Steve Farhood had Gerry up big, Al Bernstein a bit less, and Nick Charles also saw Gerry the victor. TSS did not. The stats said: Morel went, while Gerry was.

Champ Fernando Montiel (age 30; from Mexico; three division champ; 118 pounds; 39-2-2 entering) hooked up with Ciso Morales (118 pounds; 14-0 entering; from the Philippines), in a defense of his WBO 118 pound belt. Montiel likes to sweep with the left hook and voila. Morales ate one, to the gut, and went down with a minute left. He hit the deck, laying on his belly, and couldn't beat Robert Byrds' count. On replay, viewers saw that it wasn't a groin shot, but a belt-line crack thrown as Morales jabbed, which felled the kid. He didn't protest a crotchshot, for the record. The time: 2:06 of the first.

Filipino Bernabe Concepcion (age 22; 126 pounds; 29-2-1 coming in) won a UD10 from Puerto Rican Mario Santiago (age 31; 126 pounds; 21-1-1 entering) in the TV opener, and put himself ahead in the JuanMa sweepstakes. The lefty Santiago circled, and used his jab to good effect in the first. Bernie did get off a sharp right with Santiago's back to the ropes two minutes in. Manny Pacquiao sat in the audience, rooting on the fellow Filipino. Bernie got heated in the second, and his right hand touched up the Puerto Rican multiple times. Bernie fired after the bell in the third, showing distaste for a low blow earlier on. Santiago backed up, but it was hard to decipher his strategy in doing so. He didn't counter smartly, make Bernie pay if he got out of position. Why wasn't he using a heigh and reach advantage, his corner wondered. Bernie scored a knockdown off a right at 1:40 of the sixth. Could he finish? Santiago got his head, and his legs looked solid enough to stick around awhile. Santiago indeed got something done with body shots in the ninth. He knew he needed a late surge. That came in the tenth--he forged ahead, and got aggressive, and whaled away. A right uppercut was sharp, and he snapped with both hands. Where was this furor the rest of the way? He gestured at and screamed at Bernie, and won the last round by a wide margin. We'd go to the cards. 98-91, 96-93, 97-92, they said, all for the Filipino. He went 145-387 and Santiago was 149-789, supposedly, but this was a clear case of the stats giving a mistaken impression. So, how will Concepcion fare in a WBO featherweight title crack against JuanMa? He'll be the underdog, let's put it that way. JuanMa will like his lack of volume, his squared up style, his lack of pinpoint accuracy.

SPEEBAG Pacquiao took the mike and talked up his foundation, the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, which is accepting donations to help defray medical costs for the Filipino fighter Z Gorres, who suffered a brain injury in his last bout, against Luis Melendez on Nov. 13 in Las Vegas. TSS readers can send money to: The Manny Pacquiao Foundation C/O Top Rank Boxing, 3980 Howard Hughes Blvd Suite 580, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109.

---Afterwards, Donaire said he'd next like to fight Darchinyan next.

Source: thesweetscience.com

Montiel blasts out Morales in one -- 15Rounds

By Marc Abrams, 15Rounds.com

Fernando Montiel remained his WBO Bantamweight title with a body shot knockout over Ciso Morales.

Montiel landed a left to the body and a grazing right that sent Morales down for referee Robert Byrd’s ten count and the bout was waved off at 2:06.

Montiel, 118 lbs of Los Mochis, Mexico is now 40-2-2 with thirty knockouts. Morales, 118 lbs of Talabon Bohol, Philippines is now 14-1.

Gerry Penalosa turned back the clock and fought through two nasty cuts but showed his experience but still came up on the short end of a close split decision loss to Eric Morel in a WBO Interim Bantamweight title bout.

Morel boxed very well over the over the first few rounds as he jabbed and moved in and out befuddling Penalosa. That didn’t last long as Penalosa was very patient and began to apply pressure in little bunches as he would land some pesky three and four punch combinations. In round six, two accidental headbutts opened up two separate cuts around the eyes of Penalosa but despite the blood, the fight was allowed to continue and that seemed to light a fire under Penalosa.

Penalosa looked to be getting the better of the action over the second half of the fight with his work rate whereas Morel would land some jabs and move but not many power shots behind them. Penalosa could very well have taken five of the last six rounds but it wasn’t to be as Morel got the split decision by scored of 116-112; 115-113 with Penalosa gaining a card 115-113.

Morel, 117 lbs of Madison, WI vis San Juan , PR now will gain a shot at Fernando Montiel with a record of 42-2. Penalosa, 118 lbs of San Caious, Philippines is now 54-8-2.

Bernabe Concepcion hung on for a unanimous decision over Mario Santiago in a Featherweight elimination bout.

Concepcion had a lot of success early as he landed winging rights hands and backed up Santiago with some flush shots. Santiago was jabbing but little else as he ate those shots. In round six, a booming right sent Santiago to the deck and and he was hurt. Concepcion tried to end things but Santiago held him off and landed a enough shots that Concepcion was backing off towards the end of the round.

Concepcion took the next couple rounds to build up his comfortable lead on the cards. Santiago got foing towards the end of the ninth and carried that momentum into the final round as he rocked Concepcion with a barrage of punches against the ropes and Concepcion looked to be in trouble. Concepcion tried to fire back in a wildly entertaining exchange that thrilled the crowd for the last thirty seconds of the fight.

It was too little, too late for Santiago as Concepcion, 126 lbs of Catandunes, Philippines, won by scores of 98-91; 96-93; 97-92 to raise his record to 28-3-1and earn a shot at WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez in June. Santiago, 126 lbs of Ponce, Puerto Rico is now 21-2-1.

Source: 15rounds.com

One Last Run for Penalosa -- SecondsOut

By Steve Kim, SecondsOut.com

Back in April, Gerry Penalosa was conclusively defeated by Juan Manuel Lopez in an attempt to win the Puerto Rican’s WBO super bantamweight title. After nine, mostly one-sided rounds, his trainer, Freddie Roach had seen enough. And if it were up to Roach, it would have been the last time Penalosa would have ever fought professionally, in a career that spans 63 fights and began in 1989.

But alas, Penalosa faces Eric Morel this Saturday night at the Las Vegas Hilton for the interim WBO bantamweight title as part of Top Rank’s “Latin Fury/Pinoy Power” pay-per-view card.

"I felt it was the right time for him [to retire]," Roach said this past Saturday afternoon from his Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. "Gerry pleaded with me. I gave him one more chance. He said he was going back down to his weight class where he belongs. The Morel fight was put together, I said, ’OK, Gerry, you fight Morel, he’s not a big puncher. If you can beat him, get you a title fight, then that’s it. Win, lose or draw, we’re going to call it a day.’ He said OK."

But Penalosa, 54-7-2 (36), says that retiring after the loss to “JuanMa” never entered his mind. "No, no, no. I love this sport so much," he said after his workout at the Wild Card on Saturday. "I know I’m the king of 118, at bantamweight, so I had to go back. Nobody can beat me at this weight."

What was clearly evident was that he certainly wasn’t going to beat Lopez, who was simply too young, fresh, talented, and ultimately, too big and strong for the Filipino.

"Yeah, he was just too big. The thing is, he was too big for me. 122 is not my weight," he agreed. Penalosa landed some clean counter right hooks, but he simply couldn’t shake the gifted Lopez. "I hit him hard but I don’t think he felt it. So I told myself, ’Oh, he’s too big for me. 122 is not my weight.’"

Roach says, "Gerry’s really not a ’22-pounder and never was.. Size really was the difference in that fight. He just couldn’t hurt that guy and he did hit him some good shots and Gerry’s a pretty good puncher. He was just way too big for him by fight time." After the ninth frame, Roach threw in the towel. He was hopelessly behind on all three scorecards and he didn’t possess the pop to turn the tide, there really was no good reason to continue.

"Personally, I wanted to fight," said Penalosa. "I was waiting for the exact time but I trust Freddie so much. When Freddie said no in the seventh round, I said, ’Gimme one more round, coach.’ In the ninth round, he said, ’Gerry, I’m stopping the fight.’ I told him I respect whatever decision you make.’"

As you see Penalosa work mitts with Roach and hit the heavy bag, you see the consummate, skilled professional he is. Before there was a Manny Pacquiao, there was Penalosa.

"He’s very smart, very clever," Roach says of his old pro. "I asked Manny the other day, ’Who’s a better boxer, you or Gerry?’ He said Gerry is. Gerry is the best boxer from the Philippines, technique-wise. But he’s getting up there in age."

He still looks very good as he does his floor work, but then, everyone looks pretty good when facing air. "I saw him get shook in sparring, one day," said Roach, of a recent session with the Cuban phenom, Guillermo Rigondeaux. "I was a little concerned because I don’t think he’s quite taking the shots he used to. But Rigondeaux can punch, though."

The 37-year old southpaw stylist says he still has the same zeal for the sport he did as a younger practitioner of the sport.

"Yeah, I really love this sport. I love it. Being in the gym, I love it. This is my passion," said Penalosa, who unlike his older brother, will not get into the business of training fighters. "No, I don’t think I have the patience," he says, laughing.

Helping matters in this upcoming fight is that Morel, himself, is 34 years old and not exactly the most aggressive fighter you’ll ever see.

"I don’t think he comes forward. I think he just runs, he’s not that good, compared to Lopez or the one that I fought before [German Meraz]. No way, no way," is Penalosa’s assessment of Morel, 41-2 (21). Old legs are much more effective coming forward than backing up, which may occur against Morel. "I think so, I think that’s what Freddie wants me to do.. That’s what I want to do," he says of being aggressive. "I don’t know if he will run that much. I don’t think people want to see a boring fight. So I expect him to come forward so it’s a good fight."

But regardless, if the man in his corner does not like what he sees on Saturday, he will not hesitate to have a quick hook.

"100-percent," said Roach, "because I won’t let him get hurt and if I don’t see what I want to see out there happening, I will pull him out. Gerry respects me enough that he won’t go somewhere else, he will retire."

THE EVENT

Tickets for the March 13th bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey at Dallas Cowboys Stadium are moving well.

According to Bob Arum, "about 30 (thousand tickets) and change," have been sold. He is optimistic that all 45,000 tickets will be sold and, "Certainly over 40,000."

There could be a significant change on that show’s undercard. There is a strong possibility that the return of Antonio Margarito will be pushed back to May 8th.

"Because California has sent a letter to Texas, etc.," explained Arum on Monday afternoon. "It got complicated and we have no time for complication because the fight we’re promoting is Clottey and Pacquiao. So instead we’re going to do an interim lightweight championship [fight] between Humberto Soto and David Diaz."

SUMMER TIME

Arum is hoping to stage a blockbuster summer tripleheader.

"Yuriorkis Gamboa is fighting in Germany on March 27th and then he’s going to fight in the United States on HBO, probably in July against Celestino Caballero. We’d do split sites (with Juan Manuel Lopez) and if everything’s OK, we’d put Valero on that card with a top 140-pound guy."

(In regard to Valero, there is mutual interest in a bout that would pit him with WBO champion, Tim Bradley. Gary Shaw told Maxboxing on Monday that his goal is to make Bradley-Valero for the first Saturday of June on Showtime. Arum told me he’d have no problems matching Valero with “The Desert Storm.” I’ll have a full-length feature on that issue tomorrow.)

WHO DAT FLURRIES

Mercito Gesta, a promising young Filipino fighter I saw last week at the gym, gets back to work on Feb. 25th at the Four Points Sheraton in San Diego. Gesta, is a lightweight with a mark of 16-0-1...I understand that there is quite the bidding war for amateur standout Frankie Gomez, who’s a real aggressive, two-fisted banger...I was told that Telefutura is considering getting back into the boxing business, which would be great. But Univision/Telefutura has lingering money issues to contend with...What did Arum think of Brandon Rios this past weekend? "I thought he was spectacular. I was pleasantly surprised. He fought a real guy and he made it look easy."...Hey, who dat say was going to beat those Saints? Well, I did, actually, as I tabbed the Colts to win the Super Bowl. But Sean Payton was brilliant on the sideline. While the Colts seemingly played not to lose, Payton was more than willing to roll the dice and let it rip. (Jay Johns, that’s for you!!!)...I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com... twitter.com/stevemaxboxing…

Source: secondsout.com

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