The International Boxing League

[kenyan_cheena]

ZULU BROTHERS TURNING
HEADS IN JOHANNESBURG

Friday 10 May 2002

Two teenage brothers from the province of KwaZulu-Natal have turned out to be the find of the International Boxing League's South African selection trials. Hailing from a region that was once a South African bantustan,* Benedict and Delron Khumalo have stood out strongly above the pack during what has been, admittedly, an underwhelming five days.

"I won't lie," said IBL Chief Director James Molk. "We were hoping and expecting to find more talent than we have here in South Africa. Now, whether those expectations were unrealistic or not, we'll have to evaluate later. But I will say that the two Khumalo brothers are just a fantastic story."

19 year-old Benedict is a Welterweight with speed to burn, a terrific left jab and great footwork. Delron is 14 months younger and a Featherweight whose strengths are his punching power and killer instinct.

"He put every guy that we put him in against on their backsides, even some of the Lightweights," said Molk. "The kid has talent, but he's not as polished as his brother. A bit raw, I guess. It's a possibility that he'll find a place in our Future Contenders series. Benedict is just a very impressive fighter. I can really see him qualifying for the World Championship tournament."

Both brothers displayed an amiable nature outside of the ring, impressing many with their good manners and willingness to assist with the staging of the trials.

"Both of them are perfect gentlemen," said Molk. "It'll be a pleasure and honor to have them numbered amongst the ranks of the International Boxing League's competitors."

(to be continued)

* A Bantustan was a territory designated as a tribal "homeland" for black South Africans and Namibians during the apartheid era.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

The Khumalo brothers weren't the only trialists to receive positive feedback from Molk and his team. A Johannesburg local, Lightweight fighter Brian Mitchell impressed many with his fitness and relentless, aggressive attitude while Eastern Cape-born Featherweight Welcome Ncita showed lightning fast hands and fancy footwork.

"That Ncita kid, it's like he's on rollerskates," said IBL scout Jimmy Bail. "He moves in quick, lands some shots and then is back out of range again. He really frustrated most of the guys he went up against, including the younger of the two Khumalo brothers. As for Mitchell, I can already see that he's going to be successful. He's got some real talent and he's smart in the ring. Don't be surprised if he qualifies for the World Championship tournament."

The International Boxing League will pack up and move on to Zambia on Sunday and Molk expressed some sadness at having to depart.

"We've had a great time here," he said. "The hospitality that we've received has been incredible. As I said, we would have liked to have found more talent here, but we'll try to look at this as a good start rather than a disappointment. I know that with our efforts and those of the HBF, our sport will continue to grow in strength and popularity here in the future."

(Up next ... all the news from Japan's selection trials)

[kenyan_cheena]

UNHERALDED LIGHTWEIGHT
STEALS THE SHOW IN OSAKA

Friday 10 May 2002

A 19 year-old Lightweight who has never boxed competitively in his life has upstaged a pair of Olympians and several other highly-regarded locals during this week's International Boxing League Japanese selection trials at the Osaka Dome.

IBL Chief Director Raymond Bell confirmed today that Tokyo-born Yamada Tsubasa impressed his team of scouts moreso than any of the other individuals who trialed this week, including Sydney Olympians Jaguar Kakizawa (also a Lightweight) and Featherweight Mitsonuri Seki. Standing 5'9", sporting a cleanly-shaven pate and a ripped, wiry physique, Tsubasa displayed the type of skill that the IBL's scouts could have only hoped to find here in Japan. Despite the country's overwhelming enthusiasm for the sport and based on its level of success in the amateur ranks, the league was realistic about the level of talent they would find here.

But Tsubasa has exceeded those expectations and then some, leading Bell to proclaim that the young man could very well become one of the IBL's first World Champions.

"He's just a fantastic fighter," said Bell. "Ring smarts, outstanding speed, an excellent defense and considerable power. If he really dedicates himself to it, there's no reason why he can't make it all the way to the tournament final."

Tsubasa would have surely been aware of all the hype surrounding his performances at these trials, but he has taken it all in his stride. He possesses a relaxed, laid-back personality out of the ring and between his bouts was seen either conversing with other trialists or sitting in a corner with a pair of earplugs in his ears, listening to the chilled instrumental hip hop of his musical hero, Japan's own DJ Krush.

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Ha, I love it of course Yamada looks like the baddest man out of Japan. It'll be interesting to see how you, Javier, and the others in the IBF end up doing.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Ha, I love it of course Yamada looks like the baddest man out of Japan. It'll be interesting to see how you, Javier, and the others in the IBF end up doing.

Thanks, Romy.

Just to let you all know, there'll be a post coming up in the HBF that will bring all of you who signed up for it one step closer to inclusion in my universe...

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation of post #63)

Of course, Tsubasa's talent should not be overstated. There were a number of other trialists who showed that they are just as deserving of a spot on the IBL's roster, with Bell confirming that the final number of Japanese fighters selected would probably be "about twenty".

As expected, Olympians Kakizawa and Seki assured themselves of a place in the league. But there were others who surprised the IBL scouts, such as Saitama-born Middleweight Masashi Kudo. The 22 year-old possesses a killer left hook and an ability to fire right back after absorbing damage. He displayed an aggressive attitude and a penchant for finishing off his opponents when he has them in trouble and will surely take some beating when he steps into the ring.

Tokyo's Kazuo Kobayashi likes to be called "Royal" and he will undoubtedly cause some damage in the Featherweight division. This 24 year-old has a mean streak in him that is accentuated by some serious punching power and, like Kudo, a liking for the quick knockout.

"The people of Japan should look forward to their fighters having success in the IBL," said Bell. "There really are some talented boxers here who have a great chance of challenging for a Championship."

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Thanks, Romy.

Just to let you all know, there'll be a post coming up in the HBF that will bring all of you who signed up for it one step closer to inclusion in my universe...

Sweetness, good to hear. I'm going to make a guess that the post will be the HBF annoucing more tryouts or something long those lines.

[kenyan_cheena]

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT DUO IMPRESS
AT CANNES SELECTION TRIALS

Thursday 16 May 2002

One is a tough 17 year-old who has been fighting as an amateur since the age of 14. The other is a 28 year-old showman from Marseilles with a penchant for pipe smoking. Both have caught the eye of scouts at the International Boxing League's selection trials at the Palais Des Sports in Cannes during the past four days.

Both Light-Heavyweights, Georges Carpentier (17) and Petite Fourie (28) have put their hands up as certainties for the IBL's regional World Championship qualifying tournament.

Having started as a Welterweight in the amateur ranks, Carpentier will fight as a Light-Heavyweight in the IBL. Standing 5'11", the Lens-born teenager has displayed not only quick hands but also surprising punching power, with a killer right hand and good footwork.

"He's really going to be one to watch," said the IBL's Malcolm North. "Because he started so young, he's already a lot further along than others his age. He has a great brain for the sport, a cunning ring tactician. He told me that ever since he started back in '99, he has just lived and breathed boxing. His friends are still messing around, getting in trouble with girls and the law, but Georges has no desire for any of that. The French Olympic team overlooked him for Sydney because they thought he was too young, but this kid just has a natural talent. I would have loved to see him in action down in Australia. Before we came into the picture, he was preparing for Athens but he's forgotten all about that now. He's already said that becoming the inaugural IBL Light-Heavyweight World Champion is his first goal, so that tells you how serious he is."

Fourie is quite an unusual fellow. At times, he has shown an extroverted, flamboyant disposition out of the ring, while also being laid back and mellow. He is much more analytical and deliberate inside the ring, with the IBL scout's report stating that he "lacks aggression and a killer instinct", but also mentioning that he is an "intelligent fighter with a solid defense and excellent stamina" and that he is "economical but accurate" with his punches.

He's been a favourite of the local press during these past four days, entertaining them with amusing, odd anecdotes and observations. His lack of aggression during the trial bouts has earned him the nickname "The French Pastry", but it's pretty clear to this reporter that he'll be anything but when the IBL's tournaments commence. He may not score many knockouts, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the words "unanimous decision" next to his name quite often in the future.

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Hm, my spider sense is tingling this Fourie cat sounds familar. I keep getting flashes of a bear when I read his name.

[bear]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Hm, my spider sense is tingling this Fourie cat sounds familar. I keep getting flashes of a bear when I read his name.

Yep. There is bear sign on the trail.

Bear

[kenyan_cheena]

Guys, feel free to PM with any other details (besides what you already provided in the sign up thread) you'd like me to include about your fighter. Nothing ridiculous please, just things that will help me bring the character to life. It could be as simple as hair style, whether he's handsome or butt ugly or a few likes and dislikes (music, etc.). Some of the stuff that Fallschirmjager included in the sign up thread was a bit silly, so I won't be including all of it.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation of post #68)

Amongst the other trialists to impress were Welterweight Roger Menetrey and another 17 year-old, Featherweight Eugene Criqui.

Menetrey is a hard-hitting, aggressive slugger who possesses a lethal left hook and solid stamina. Criqui shares a similar aggressive disposition, but will rely much more on his tactical skill and ability to accumulate points behind an excellent left jab.

"I'm very happy with the talent we've uncovered here," said North. "Our expectations have probably been exceeded, so we can't complain about that."

WASHINGTON NATIVE SHINES IN IDAHO

The International Boxing League were under no illusions in regards to how successful their Boise, Idaho selection trial would be. IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran and his staff arrived in "The City of Trees" knowing that their chances of finding the same kind of talent that they had left behind in Los Angeles would be slim. Even so, Moran would be the first to admit that the nine young men who were picked out from a field of some fifty trialists were worth the journey.

A pair of Portland natives did enough to convince the scouts that they will be more than capable of competing in the league's regional qualifying tournaments. 22 year-old Lightweight Ray Lampkin showed quick hands, some excellent boxing skills and a solid defense. Using impressive ring movement, he was able to outmanouver and outfox his opponents before tagging them with three and four punch combinations, often concluded by the use of a nasty right cross. Likewise, 18 year-old Middleweight Denny Moyer displayed a stiff left jab, an effective left hook and a textbook uppercut. While seriously lacking in the power department, his punching skill, stamina and sharp intellect will go a long way towards seeing him achieve success in the IBL.

"Those Portland fellas have got some real talent," said Moran. "But I would have to say that the one person who has really stood out for me has been that Washington kid, Freddie Steele. Damn, he can fight! He can box, he can slug, he's as fit as they come and he's got real knockout power in both hands. I tell ya, he's just 17 years old, but you wouldn't know it. He fights like he's been at it for ten years already. We actually put him in against Moyer, and it was all the Portland kid could do to stay on his feet. This Freddie Steele kid is going to be an absolute star. Everyone who's been following the IBL these last two months would know that our Middleweight division will just be stacked with talent. Well, Freddie Steele is just going to make it even tougher."

A home state Light-Heavyweight by the name of Harry Matthews gave the IBL scouts a taste of some serious punching power, but showed a tendancy to go out too hard. Perhaps he was trying too hard to impress the scouts, but at just 16 years of age, he might be a bit too raw to be thrown straight into the regional qualifiers.

"That Matthews kid has a ton of potential," Moran said. "But he needs someone to get in his ear and tell him that he doesn't need to knock every guy out in the first round. We think that by putting him in the Future Contenders series, it will give him time to learn more about the science of the sport. But don't doubt it, he has the potential to be a future World Champion."

The IBL's North American selection team will move on to Houston, Texas next week, where Moran believes they will continue to unearth more American boxing talent.

"What we've done these past two weeks is just the beginning," Moran said. "There's still a wealth of talent out there, just waiting to be discovered."

(Coming up: all the action from the selection trials in Brazil, Thailand and Zambia)

[kenyan_cheena]

"VERY PROMISING", ACCORDING TO IBL SCOUTS

Friday 17 May 2002

As the second week of their tournament selection trials draws to a close, the International Boxing League confirmed today that it has turned out to be a very promising period, especially in Brazil and Thailand where a number of skilled boxers have been discovered.

***

A trio of Welterweights were the highlight of Thailand's selection trial, which was hosted by the majestic Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel in Cholburi.

In a country where kickboxing is a religion, the league has been surprised by the talent on show, with 24 year-old Saensak Muangsurin being the pick of the bunch. The 5'7" slugger has an awkward style, with the fact that he is a former kickboxer going a long way towards explaining that. Muangsurin is an aggressive fighter with a solid offensive arsenal and excellent stamina.

However, he will have solid competition for national bragging rights in the form of 19 year-old Saman Sukothai and 17 year-old Boon-Nam Panomyaong, both of whom employ a similar style to the former kickboxer.

"There's a ready made rivalry for us, right there," said IBL Chief Director Raymond Bell. "Three talented Thailand Welterweights. I've been told that they don't like each other very much, either. There's a lot of pride that will be on the line when these guys step into the ring, so that will be something to see."

***

Three individuals from three different countries have emerged as the cream of the crop at Brazil's Sao Paulo selection trial.

Dennis Andries, a 25 year-old Light-Heavyweight from Guyana has impressed with his toughness and deceptive punching power. Another Light-Heavyweight, Uruguay's Dogomar Martinez has unveiled a left jab that has been described by more than one IBL scout as "a thing of beauty", while Brazil's own Joao Henrique will be his country's greatest hope when he contests the Welterweight division tournament.

"There are definitely some guys here who will be competitive in the tournaments," said IBL Chief Director Stephen Joseph. "It's a diverse group of fighters who will make some noise in the months to come."

***

As for the league's visit to Zambia, Chief Director James Molk was realistic as he spoke about it today.

"Like the HBF, we've made it our goal to spread the gospel of our fine sport throughout the world," he said. "We knew, even before we arrived here that the chances of finding some terrific talent would be slim, and as it turned out we were right. But that doesn't mean that we should ignore countries like Zambia. We haven't found a hidden gem here, but two of the trialists impressed us to the point where they've won themselves a place in our league."

One of those two men is Light-Heavyweight Lotte Mwale, a 26 year-old with a lethal left hook who will surely have a puncher's chance in the regional qualifying tournament.

For Molk and his selection team, it's on to the Congo next week, where the Stade de la Revolution in Brazzaville will be the hosting venue.

"We're optimistic about the Congo," said Molk. "We've heard that there's been a lot of enthusiasm and expectation there for our arrival, so I'm looking forward to next week."

[kenyan_cheena]

TEXAS WELCOMES
THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE

Friday 24 May 2002

The International Boxing League's North American selection trials stopped in on the Lone Star State this week, with Houston's Reliant Park Pavilion playing host as another group of talented boxers were unearthed.

IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran was particulary impressed by an 18 year-old Lightweight from New Orleans named Joe Brown, who dazzled those in attendance with his rapid fire combinations.

Standing 5'7", the lanky youngster had spoken of how he grew up in poverty and that he was working in a grocery store when he heard that the IBL would be coming to Houston. Having always had aspirations to be a successful, famous sportsman, Brown started training immediately and during these past five days he's shown a hunger and determination that no one else at these trials has been able to equal.

"That kid has just got passion running through his veins," said Moran. "I don't think I've met anyone so hungry to succeed. He's just worked his backside off to impress us this week and he's more than done that."

Amongst the number of others to have turned heads were another Lightweight from Dallas named Rocky Lockridge and a Fort Worth-born Welterweight named Donald Curry. Blessed with a killer left hook, Lockridge displayed solid all round skills. Although his defense was shown to be somewhat suspect, this was countered by some serious punching power. By contrast, Curry appears to be a defensive master, leaving many opponents swinging at thin air during his trial bouts. But he's also the possessor of a dangerous offensive arsenal, with an excellent jab and a punishing left hook. Curry will definitely be one to watch in the Welterweight division.

"We are making fantastic progress," said Moran. "With each passing week of these trials we are simply unveiling more excellent talent. Even at this early stage I have to say that our inaugural World Champions will have really earned their titles when all is said and done."

[kenyan_cheena]

THREE WEEKS DOWN, FIVE TO GO

Saturday 25 May 2002

The third week of the International Boxing League's World Championship tournament regional selection trials came to a close today. As had been the case during the first two weeks, a number of unexpected gems were discovered during the past six days.

***

In the Philippines it's been a big week for boxing, one where the country has played host to both the International Boxing League and the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's South-East Asian Boxing League. At Quezon City's Araneta Coliseum, the IBL have been running their eyes over the nation's best talent and they like what they've seen. In particular, a pair of teenage Lightweights have impressed above all others.

17 year-old Gabriele Elorde and 16 year-old Ben Villaflor look like they have the talent and belief to go far in the IBL. Although not the strongest fighter Elorde has an excellent technique. He is aggressive but is also very sound defensively, with a lightning fast jab and left hook that have earned him the nickname "Flash" during these trials. Villaflor is of a similar style but possesses greater strength. The two young men have circled each other this week and when the IBL finally put them in against each other, sparks flied as they competed to get an early bit of one-upmanship, knowing that they'll clash again once the qualifying tournament commences.

"Those two kids look good enough to carry the hopes of their nation on their shoulders," said IBL Chief Director Raymond Bell. "It's clear that it's a matter of great pride for them, not just the representation but which one of them will prove himself to be the best. That will be some fight when they get in the ring together."

***

At Berlin's Estrel Convention Center, the IBL enjoyed a mildly successful week, with a 21 year-old Welterweight named Gustav Eder putting his hand up as one to watch.

Hailing from the city of Dortmund, Eder impressed with his suberb fitness and ability to take a punch, in addition to being an excellent tactician. He may not be blessed with power, but he has tremendous speed in those fists of his.

Olympic Light-Heavyweight bronze medallist Graciano Rocchigiani spent considerable time at the selection trials and he was quite happy with what he saw.

"There are some promising fighters here," he said. "Especially that Welterweight named Eder. He should be good enough to make the World Championship tournament, just from what I saw of him. I also met an interesting guy who said he was from America originally, in Connecticut. His name was Scott Mundt. Uh, he said he moved over here a couple of years ago and lives in Zeitz, which is his grandfather's hometown. Looked very fit, tough and strong, but he said that he's too heavy for the IBL. He said that maybe if we had been around ten years ago, he'd have been able to try out at Light-Heavy. He told me that he would be auditioning for the HBF when they come here next month, so he's a guy you should look out for. Funny thing is that he was an accountant back in the States, which is exactly what I am thinking of studying some day. You know, I won't be able to box forever and I'll need something to do when I eventually retire. We had a nice conversation about it, and he encouraged me to go ahead with it. So, yeah. It's been an interesting week."

***

The International Boxing League's Congo selection trials unveiled a number of promising fighters, but two in particular stood up above the rest. Cornelius Boza-Edwards of Uganda, a Lightweight who will celebrate his 21st birthday on Monday and a heavy-hitting Light-Heavyweight named Shabani Mputu earned themselves a place in the regional qualifiers with some eye-catching performances during their trial bouts.

***

Perhaps misled by the superb talent of Light-Heavyweight Gold medallist Mauro Mina, the IBL were expecting big things from their stop over in Peru. It didn't quite work out that way, although they did discover another skillful Light-Heavyweight in 19 year-old Francisco Avelino. The young man said that he was inspired by Mina's heroics at the Sydney Olympics and will be hoping for even a fraction of that kind of success in his own professional career.

[kenyan_cheena]

MIDDLEWIGHT OLYMPIAN BOOKS
HIS PLACE IN SALTILLO

Thursday 30 May 2002

In the lead-up to the International Boxing League's selection trials, all the talk out of Mexico centred on 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medallists Salvador Sanchez (a Featherweight) and Vicente Saldivar (Bantamweight). The two teenagers had been fierce rivals in the amateur ranks during the past few years and when it was announced early last month that they would both be competing in the IBL's Featherweight division, it literally caused pandemonium in their homeland. Only days later, it was confirmed that the two bitter enemies had been involved in an ugly nightclub brawl in Mexico City, further stoking the already flaming fires of their feud.

Well, the IBL finally arrived in Mexico this week, with Saltillo's Estadio Saltillo playing host to what has been an exciting four days so far. It's been a time when some of Mexico's less renowned but equally talented fighters have had a chance to shine. Amongst them is another Sydney Olympian, one who, if he had been as successful, would be spoken of in the same breath as those two young gold medallists.

Fighting eventual bronze medallist Marcel Cerdan in the quarter-finals, Middleweight Javier Aguirre paid the price for a poor performance by the judges, losing on points 21-19 in a bout that he appeared to win by a comfortable margin. A number of clean, punishing blows that he landed went unrecorded on the scoreboard and despite the protests of the Mexican team, the result stood.

Now 21 years-old, Aguirre still wonders what could have been if he had won the fight.

"I would have been up against Spinks in the semi-final," he said. "I fought him probably five times in the amateurs and it would have been something to take him on at the Olympics. It hit me pretty hard to be robbed of that opportunity and it took me a while to get over the disappointment. Sometimes, when I hear all the talk about Sanchez and Saldivar, I think "that could have been me." But being here in Saltillo this week has given me a lot of confidence for the future. I really believe that I can be successful in the IBL."

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Those French bastards robbing Javier of his rightfully shot at Spinks. Javier is my pick to win the middleweight division and is the guy I'm most going to be rooting for in this league.

[CONN CHRIS]

Originally Posted by kc

Funny thing is that he was an accountant back in the States,

'Professional opponent' might be an unattainable goal for this guy.

[SAL]

It seems fitting to see Javier get screwed after he has screwed a couple of fighters on their contracts that he is promoting in the MBF.