The International Boxing League

[kenyan_cheena]

NIGERIANS READY TO MAKE SOME NOISE
IN THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE

Friday 31 May 2002

The International Boxing League's African selection trials stopped over in Nigeria this week with the Surelere Stadium in Lagos playing host to a promising five days.

Having been the venue for a Heavyweight Boxing Federation African Boxing League fight card back on the 9th of May, the stadium has been a hive of activity this week. IBL Chief Director James Molk sees a bright future for boxing in Nigeria.

"Of course, this is a nation that takes pride in its achievements," said Molk. "Especially in the sporting arena. They've enjoyed some great success on the soccer field in recent years and I think it will be the same with boxing. We've already seen some of their fighters make impressive career starts in the HBF's African League and I see no reason why they can't make some noise in the IBL."

Numbered amongst those who have elevated themselves above the pack this week are a pair of Light-Heavyweights, 22 year-old Celestine Amakochi and 21 year-old Taribo Keshi. Both men are of a similar build and style, having shown solid punching power and fitness. Perhaps the one thing that differentiates them is the speed of Amakochi's hands. He would have to be one of the faster punchers in the Light-Heavyweight ranks and a number of scouts believe that combination of speed and power will see him go far in the league. Amakochi is a good friend of HBF African League competitor Omovo Okocha, who was present at this week's trials back on Monday.

"Amakochi shows a helluva lot of upside," said IBL scout Ray Moore. "The guy will be a success in the IBL, I guarantee it. Not even taking his physical skills into account, he's hungry, determined and intensely proud of who he is. He just has a burning desire to represent his country in our sport and that's gonna make him an even more dangerous opponent."

[kenyan_cheena]

Okay, just a little note on my plans for the HBF/IBL for the next few days.

Next up will be a summary of a pre-Indianapolis fight card interview with HBF President Michael Vincennes followed by a review of the card itself (including the Jimmy Young-Elmer Ray blockbuster).

On Saturday the 1st of June I'll complete the week's selection trial summaries and then post the results of the Japanese fight card, which features Gene Tunney in the Main Event.

[Jeff1787]

Ok, I've read the entire post...KC this is very good stuff.....

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Jeff1787

Ok, I've read the entire post...KC this is very good stuff.....

Thanks, Jeff. I think your guy makes his first appearance in next week's selection trials.

[kenyan_cheena]

INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE
SELECTION PROCESS REACHES HALFTIME

Saturday 1 June 2002

While most of the boxing-following public has spent today analysing last night's exciting Jimmy Young-Elmer Ray HBF bout, the International Boxing League have been busy finishing up the latest round of selection trials for their World Championship regional qualifying tournaments. It's now four weeks since the process of determining their inaugural contestants began, meaning they've now reached the midpoint, with four more weeks to come before the trials are complete.

***

A dynamic 17 year-old Middleweight has been the major standout at the Colombian trials. Rodrigo Valdez has impressed with his aggression and power at Bogota's Estadio El Campin, with some of the scouts already touting him as an early favourite to be crowned the IBL's first World Middleweight Champion.

"He's a wrecking machine," said IBL scout Michael Jacobs. "That right hand is as lethal a punch as I've seen in these trials. The kid doesn't stop. He just keeps coming forward, keeps throwing."

Valdez stands 5'8" and displayed a ripped, muscular frame, showing that he's ready to go whenever the tournaments get underway.

***

The Heavyweight Boxing Federation may not have been a big success in Italy, but it's been an entirely different story as far as the International Boxing League is concerned. Some 150 hopefuls showed up at this week's trials, which were also attended by Olympic Gold medallist Nino Benvenuti and Bronze medallist Duilio Loi.

A tough, aggressive Welterweight named Bruno Arcari dazzled observers during his trial bouts. The 22 year-old possesses a potent jab and will surely be one to watch during the European qualifiers.

"He has a lot of mongrel in him," said the IBL's European representative Malcolm North. "He loves to mix it up on the inside, loves going toe-to-toe with his opponents. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that he's going to be one of the more entertaining competitors we see during the tournaments."

***

Korea has embraced the sport of boxing with almost the same enthusiasm as their regional neighbours Japan and this week's trials at the Busan Asiad Stadium have drawn big crowds.

There have been a number of promising trialists on display, but none moreso than the 5'10" Light-Heavyweight Chong-Pal Park. The 17 year-old's stature stands him out from the rest of the Korean hopefuls, most of whom will occupy the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions.

"I guess you could say it's unusual," said IBL scout David Goward. "But the kid has some talent, that's for sure. He's a good all-round puncher, but we are a bit cautious about putting him straight into the regional qualifying tourney. It's likely he'll be placed in the Future Contender series."

There was, understandably, not a big supply of suitable opponents for Park to trial against this week, leading to him going in against some Middleweights and even some of the bigger IBL staffers, who were more than willing to take a punch to allow the teenager to show his ability.

"If that's what we have to do to help the kid succeed, so be it," laughed Goward. "I'm looking forward to seeing him in action."

[kenyan_cheena]

Hello, all.

I'm not sure if you've noticed it from the posts I've made, but documenting these IBL trials is, at times, a bit, well, tedious. It's a little difficult to come up with different ways to write what is basically the same thing over and over. So with the trials that don't involve any "name" fighters or any of you who signed up for it, I'll be keeping it pretty brief. I'm not going to waste time with detailed descriptions of fighters when it's not really necessary at this stage.

Anyway, that previous post finished up week four of the IBL trials, so it'll be all HBF for the next four or five days in the universe, starting with a brief article on the washup from Young vs Ray and then onto the Japan fight card featuring Tunney in the Main Event and Shavers in the prelims.

Some of you who will feature in the HBF will make your debut appearances in the thread during the coming week as the federation's new round of auditions get underway in Miami, Los Angeles and London, which is something to really look forward to.

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Hello, all.

I'm not sure if you've noticed it from the posts I've made, but documenting these IBL trials is, at times, a bit, well, tedious. It's a little difficult to come up with different ways to write what is basically the same thing over and over. So with the trials that don't involve any "name" fighters or any of you who signed up for it, I'll be keeping it pretty brief. I'm not going to waste time with detailed descriptions of fighters when it's not really necessary at this stage.

Anyway, that previous post finished up week four of the IBL trials, so it'll be all HBF for the next four or five days in the universe, starting with a brief article on the washup from Young vs Ray and then onto the Japan fight card featuring Tunney in the Main Event and Shavers in the prelims.

Some of you who will feature in the HBF will make your debut appearances in the thread during the coming week as the federation's new round of auditions get underway in Miami, Los Angeles and London, which is something to really look forward to.

Yeah, the trials can't be the most exitcing or action-packed thing to write about I could see how that would get tedious.

Cool to hear that us HBF boys will finally start showing up soon should be interesting to see what you do with me, Mike, and the rest of the gang.

[javier_83]

nooo why do i loss :@

i need to train harder!!

[franklin_1]

Maybe it's the fact that it is almost 2 am or maybe that I can't read very well, but could you tell me if I have shown up yet by chance?

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by franklin_1

Maybe it's the fact that it is almost 2 am or maybe that I can't read very well, but could you tell me if I have shown up yet by chance?

Not yet. Once the IBL North American selection trials move further east, you'll show up. I'll let you know when you do.

[kenyan_cheena]

FEATHERWEIGHT DUO SET TO
TEST FENECH DOWN UNDER

Friday 7 June 2002

When it was announced in early April that Australia's Jeff Fenech would be fighting in the International Boxing League's Featherweight division, the general consensus was that the Sydney Olympics bronze medallist would be the class fighter in the league's Asian World Championship qualifiers. There didn't appear to be anyone else in the region to match his talent, so that opinion seemed reasonable enough.

Fast forward to today and the situation is not so clear cut, because a pair of previously unknown teenage Featherweights have put their hands up at the IBL's Sydney Entertainment Centre selection trials this week.

17 year-old Johnny Famechon has shown a toughness and boxing intellect that will serve him greatly during the upcoming tournament. Born in Paris, France, his family moved to Australia when he was five. Famechon started boxing as an amateur when he was just thirteen and his performances at this week's trials have shown the benefit of experience.

Born and raised in the inner Sydney suburb of Millers Point, 18 year-old Albert Griffiths has dazzled observers with what has been called a "masterful defense".

"I don't think I've ever seen a fighter with so much defensive skill," said IBL Chief Director Raymond Bell. "The way he's able to evade punches while pretty much standing on the spot is incredible. Some of his opponents couldn't get near him. It was really something to see. But he's got speed in those fists of his, also. Not that strong, but in his case, I don't think that matters. Guys couldn't hit him, and they had trouble avoiding his punches, which is a winning combination."

Since the commencement of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments back in early January, these past five days have probably been the busiest period for the sport. Besides the IBL's selection trials (now in their fifth week) and the federation's usual daily fight cards, the HBF has also been staging their own selection trials or "auditions" as they call them, where fighters will be drafted into their upcoming Qualifying League. It's a great time for boxing, to say the least.

Australia's biggest HBF chance Peter Jackson will be back in the ring on Monday night against the Englishman Bruce Woodcock. The card will take place at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, extending boxing's latest stay in Australia. Having wrapped up his training on Wednesday, Jackson has enjoyed his visits to the SEC during the past two days and is excited about what Australia will offer the IBL.

"That Light-Heavyweight from Melbourne is just plain nasty," said Jackson. "Somogyi, I think his name is. Just an incredible puncher, really. I haven't seen too many guys with that type of ability to connect with their shots. The guy is like a sniper. I spoke to him a little and there's a lot to the guy. Just a really positive, confident vibe coming from him."

Indeed, the fellow Jackson was refering to is 22 year-old Melbourne native Mark Somogyi. Having stepped onto the platform at Central train station on the Saturday before the trials started, the Light-Heavyweight is at the top of the list amongst those who've shown their talents during these past five days. As Jackson said, Somogyi possesses a distinct punching ability. During his trial bouts, scouts have estimated that he's landed close to 68% of punches thrown, head and shoulders above anyone else.

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

So another TBCB member appears and this Somogyi is the exact opposite of the version from Javier's tournament who would be lucky to land 10% of his punches even against the most defenseless face first slugger in the world.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

Somogyi has also rubbed a number of journalists the wrong way with his confident, forthright attitude. He seems to be a man who doesn't suffer fools lightly and his bluntness when answering some of the more silly questions directed his way has been, in this reporter's opinion, a breath of fresh air.

It appears that the IBL have discovered a young man who could very well become not only a successful competitor, but one of the great characters of the sport.

As mentioned earlier, HBF competitor Peter Jackson has been a feature at these trials for the last two days, but his good friend and Olympic medallist Jeff Fenech has been here the whole week. The tough Sydneysider celebrated his 21st birthday back on the 28th of May and spoke with a smile about the day.

"One of the rare days when I didn't train," he said. "It was also my uncle's birthday, so it was a double celebration. We had a lot of family over at the house for lunch, had ourselves a great barbeque into the afternoon and then a nice dinner in the city. A great day."

While some might assume that Fenech would be keen to avoid offering any advice to fighters who he'll be competing against, the truth is he's done the exact opposite. He's spent considerable time talking to, amongst others, both Famechon and Griffiths, watching their trial bouts and offering advice on things they can improve.

"I'm just so happy that there's a couple of fellow Aussies in my division that will be able to compete," said Fenech. "Everyone knows how I feel about this sport and how I want our country to excel at it, so if I can help these guys out I'm going to do it."

[kenyan_cheena]

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHTS LIGHT UP
ST. LOUIS SELECTION TRIALS

Friday 7 June 2002

In a couple of months from now, when International Boxing League scouts look back on this eight week adventure known as the IBL selection trials, the one thing that will really stick out for those who worked the St. Louis, Missouri trials will be the extraordinary rivalry that developed between a trio of Light-Heavyweights named Michael Nunn, Scot Long and Jack Fox.

For the past five days, they've engaged in a war of words and fists, with the trash talking and trial bouts between them some of the most vicious these scouts have seen to date.

"No, I ain't seen nothing like it before," said IBL scout Michael Bowen. "There is real hatred there between these three, real desire to destroy the other man, especially from Fox. That brother is just crazy."

Indeed, out of the three, Jack Fox has shown the most aggression and hostility. Born in Indianapolis, the 22 year-old currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska and to say he's an intense individual would be an understatement. Loud, bossy and bragadocious, Fox fights like his life depends on it and has not been shy in showing up his opponents, often daring them to take a shot at him by keeping his arms at his side and sticking his chin out. Those who have taken up the offer often wished they hadn't, as Fox is an excellent counter puncher. He's shown a great ability to adapt during bouts, aswell as a lethal killer instinct. It wouldn't surprise to see a number of Fox's upcoming tournament bouts finish with his opponent lying on the canvas, out cold.

Without a doubt, no one else who has had more of an impact during these St. Louis trials, although the two men that Fox has been feuding with have surely given him a run for his money.

Having grown up on a Missouri dairy farm, Scot Long moved to McCune, Kansas when he was nineteen, where he worked construction. Having displayed a tremendous ability to take punishment, this southpaw has not backed down from the challenge that Fox has presented. The two went at each other in an absolute slugfest on Wednesday which had IBL personnel and fellow trialists watching, mouths agape. Fox had the better of the three rounder, but he was clearly frustrated when it was over as he had been unable to put Long on the canvas, despite landing a number of crushing blows.

"He's one helluva fighter," said Long. "But it takes a lot more than basic strength. It's one thing I'm mighty proud of, my ability to stay on my feet no matter what you throw at me. Jacky Fox discovered that on Wednesday and so will everyone else once the tournament kicks off."

23 years old, Long has been quoted as saying that he enjoys a good drink and that he developed his boxing skills during many a late, eventful night at his local bar. Whether that's true or not, one thing is certain: he's a fighter with a ton of guts and determination, a superbly fit young man who will give the Light-Heavyweight division a mighty shake.

Somewhat undersized for a Light-Heavyweight, Iowa native Michael Nunn is blessed with superb boxing ability. Standing 6'3", the lanky 22 year-old possesses a cheeky sense of humour, something that seemed to get under Jack Fox's skin and was no doubt partly responsible for the animosity that Fox felt towards him.

"The brother needs to chill a little," said Nunn. "Not take himself so seriously. Not try to be so hard, you know? But, he's been bringin' it more than anyone, and I ain't the type to turn the other cheek."

IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran has said that Nunn is one of the most gifted boxers he's seen to date and it will be interesting to see how he matches up against some of the bigger, stronger Light-Heavyweights during the regional qualifiers.

***

Of course, it hasn't just been those three Light-Heavyweights that have impressed during these trials. A pair of Middleweights have also shown some fantastic talent, adding to what is already a stacked field in the division.

Born and raised in Independence, Missouri, 22 year-old Greg Moe has a self-assurance that backs up his ability in the ring. He's just as capable of controlling an opponent with a potent jab as he is of pummeling them into submission with power shots.

Well known in his hometown particularly and on the national stage in general due to his exploits playing quarterback at Southwest Missouri State University (where he earned the nickname "G-Money" due to several clutch performances), Moe's announcement that he was turning his back on a likely NFL career to become a professional boxer shocked many but he has since taken advantage of his celebrity status. A number of prominent Independence businessmen have provided him with considerable financial backing, giving him access to some of the most high-tech training facilities and equipment available.

Unsurprisingly, Moe turned up in peak physical condition for this week's trials and made his presence felt with a series of awesome displays.

"That young man is going to be an international star one day," said Douglas Moran. "He's got the looks and the skills to be both a promoter's dream and a genuinely successful sportsman. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action."

The other Middleweight that has caught the IBL's attention is Minnesota native Mike O'Dowd. Standing 5'9", O'Dowd has brought a no-nonsense approach to St. Louis with him, impressing with his work ethic and respectful attitude.

He may not be the most flashy or spectacular fighter, and he's not the strongest, either. But O'Dowd is a skillful boxer, can take a punch and will most likely find himself right in the thick of it when the regional qualifiers reach their final stages.

"Tremendous," said Douglas Moran, when asked his opinion of the St. Louis selection trials. "It's just added to the anticipation everyone connected to the International Boxing League is feeling ahead of the tournaments. We'll be moving on to Indiana next week and if we have just as much success there as we've had here, I'll be a happy man, to say the least."

[kenyan_cheena]

That'll be all for the HBF/IBL today.

I'll get back into it at this time tomorrow (or thereabouts), when I'll write up the reviews of the HBF auditions in LA and London (which feature more of our TBCB community) and also the HBF Friday night fight card from Arkansas.

[SAL]

Win or lose.........I'm proud to finish standing on my two feet. Give me a few more rounds and Fox is mine.

[javier_83]

everybody loose here :P

[kenyan_cheena]

MOLK ISSUES PRESS RELEASE ON
START OF IBL REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

Saturday 8 June 2002

One month and one day since announcing the International Boxing League's scheduling policy, Chief Director James Molk has issued a press release revealing the exact date of when the IBL's regional qualifying tournaments will commence.

The release reads:

As you would know, the International Boxing League's selection trials are scheduled to come to a conclusion on Wednesday the 26th of June.

Based on what they have already seen, our team of scouts are currently in the early stages of compiling lists as to who will take part in our regional qualifiers and who will be placed in the future contender series, a task that will be ongoing as the trials continue.

The final competitor lists will be complete by mid-July. Then, on the evening of Monday, the 22nd of July, the league will host a special dinner at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas. At this dinner, the list of the 600 individuals who have been selected by the IBL will be made public, as will the breakdown of the regional groups in each weight division.

Back on the 7th of May, I made an announcement concerning the way we will schedule our fight cards. At next month's dinner, a lottery draw will take place to determine the exact sequencing of our events.

As the IBL features five weight divisions, we will be using a format where each week, all the fight cards from a particular division are held. This is the fairest format, as it means that the competitors in each division will all be fighting within a few days of each other for the duration of the tournaments, and will therefore each enjoy the same amount of recovery time between bouts.

In the lottery draw, there will be five balls with the names of each weight division contained inside them. They will be drawn out of a bowl to determine the schedule of when each division competes. In addition, there will be a draw to determine on which day of the week each of the six regional group's fight cards take place, from Monday through to Saturday. The matchups for series one of the tournaments will also be revealed.

The debut fight card of the International Boxing League will be held on Monday, the 26th of August 2002.

I am greatly looking forward to this event, as are all the staff of the International Boxing League. It will be an evening that will mark the true birth of our organisation, one that will push the popularity of our wonderful sport into the stratosphere.

James Molk
Chief Director
International Boxing League

[kenyan_cheena]

"DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH"

Saturday 8 June 2002

In the seemingly unlikely nation of Ghana the International Boxing League has discovered a pair of fantastically-talented fighters, one of whom has the potential to make it all the way to the Lightweight World Championship bout, according to IBL scouts.

A native of Ghana's capital city Accra, 21 year-old Azumah Nelson is a 5'5" pocket rocket, a Lightweight with power in both hands and excellent boxing skills. From a family that is well known and regarded, it's been said this week that Nelson will make an excellent ambassador for his homeland on the international stage, with many believing that ambassadorship will be simply the beginning for him.

IBL Chief Director James Molk has been doing more than just drafting press releases this week. Having scrutinised the talent in Ghana, he's come to a positive opinion on the young man.

"He's World Championship material," said Molk. "I have absolutely no doubt about that. He is the number one standout of all the trialists we've seen in Africa during the past five weeks and I think it would be fantastic if such an unassuming gentleman as Azumah Nelson was to win our inaugural Lightweight Championship."

Nelson is a reserved individual, a man of few words but one who always has a smile on his face. Something of a contrast, 19 year-old Ike Quartey presents an intimidating exterior. Standing 5'8", he's a muscle-bound Welterweight with what league scouts have called "ferocious power", much of it manifest in a bazooka-like left jab.

"That kid is frightening," said IBL scout Ray Moore. "I mean it. The power in those fists is something to see. He just packs one helluva punch and his defense is pretty impressive, also. Uses that peek-a-boo style, you know? Takes a lot of punches on his arms and gloves, but not many in the face. He's going to be a dangerous opponent."

"These are diamonds in the rough that we've found," said Molk. "To be perfectly honest, I didn't expect much when we set down here. But these two have just blown that out of the water. There's a few other promising kids, also. One young kid from Senegal, calls himself Battling Siki. He's just sixteen and raw but he's got talent and we'll be placing him in the future contender series. I tell ya, I couldn't be happier with what we've found here."