The International Boxing League

[Romdawg88]

So we're finally nearing the boxing actually starting in the IBF, jeez, it's hard to believe it's been almost a year since this thing started and the only punches thrown have been between Sanchez and Saldivar. Looking forward to seeing this league really get going.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

So we're finally nearing the boxing actually starting in the IBF, jeez, it's hard to believe it's been almost a year since this thing started and the only punches thrown have been between Sanchez and Saldivar. Looking forward to seeing this league really get going.

Damn, looking at the universe date when this thread started, I've only covered TWO AND A HALF MONTHS of the HBF/IBL in the last YEAR of real time. That's pitiful.

[CONN CHRIS]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Damn, looking at the universe date when this thread started, I've only covered TWO AND A HALF MONTHS of the HBF/IBL in the last YEAR of real time. That's pitiful.

But that has allowed me to remain unbeaten!

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Damn, looking at the universe date when this thread started, I've only covered TWO AND A HALF MONTHS of the HBF/IBL in the last YEAR of real time. That's pitiful.

I'll gladly take the slow pace you have in exchange for the high quaily of the posts you make.

Also, about Molk's dream of having one org rule them all should that ever come to pass I want a shot at the bossman SAL.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

I'll gladly take the slow pace you have in exchange for the high quaily of the posts you make.

Also, about Molk's dream of having one org rule them all should that ever come to pass I want a shot at the bossman SAL.

Thanks for the nice compliment, Romy.

I can see it now: sometime down the track, Scot Long decides to try his hand as a Heavyweight and ends up running into Romy Alvarez, both of them on the path to the top of the division. An explosive bout ensues...

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Thanks for the nice compliment, Romy.

I can see it now: sometime down the track, Scot Long decides to try his hand as a Heavyweight and ends up running into Romy Alvarez, both of them on the path to the top of the division. An explosive bout ensues...

....for all of 30 seconds before I splatter him all over the ring and send him running back to the LHWs.

[SAL]

I'll see how far I can go in the competitive LHW division for starters. If that Alvarez dud keeps calling me out, I'll set down at the dinner table and pack a few pounds on and move up to heavy for one bout and squash that round pumpkin.

Dan, don't worry about the speed of your posts. I agree with Romy that they are always worth waiting on.

[kenyan_cheena]

NEW JERSEY JACKPOT

Wednesday 19 June 2002

As expected, this week's International Boxing League selection trials at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall have been a huge success with some 500 hopefuls attending. IBL Chief Director James Molk said back on Monday that it would "be a fantastic week for the International Boxing League" and he could not have been more correct with that assessment.

"Just incredible," said Molk this evening. "It's fortunate that we had the foresight to involve our African selection team here because I don't think the American team could have handled this turnout all by themselves. In fact, I've just arranged today to extend these trials into next week because seven days is simply not enough time to evaluate all the talent we have here. Our expectations have actually been exceeded, if you can believe that."

What that means is that the trials in Miami, Florida will not commence until this coming Monday. They were all set to start tomorrow, but Molk and his team will be staying in Atlantic City until at least Saturday.

Understandably, the IBL scouts on hand have not been able to run their eye over everyone yet, but some of the trialists to have really impressed them so far include:

Harry Greb (Middleweight): This 20 year-old Pittsburgh native was virtually a shoe-in for IBL selection from the moment he announced his plans to turn professional back in April. He enjoyed a successful amateur career but missed out on representing the USA at the Sydney Olympics when he was knocked out by eventual gold medallist Michael Spinks in the selection trial final. He's shown during the past three days that he'll be a force to be reckoned with in the deep Middleweight division.

Billy Conn (Light-Heavyweight): Like Greb, Conn hails from the Steel City. He may be just seventeen, but it's clear that he has an exceptional understanding of the art of boxing. Although not blessed with knockout power, he's an outstanding boxer with great hand and foot speed and an excellent defense. He'll surely be in the mix as the Light-Heavyweight tournament reaches its later stages. Not bad for a young man who never fought as an amateur.

Joseph Saddler (Featherweight): Known as "Sandy" amongst his friends, this young man has impressed all with his explosiveness and power. He'll be turning nineteen in four days and though some look at him as a real chance in the Featherweight division, there are some aspects of the Boston native's makeup that IBL scouts have questioned. It's likely that he'll be placed in the Future Contender series.

James McGirt (Welterweight): Brash and volatile, this extroverted New Yorker has already laid down his intentions for all to hear during the past three days, proclaiming that he has Ray Leonard in his sights. Whether he can live up to those ambitious words we'll just have to wait and see, but he has a history with Leonard as the two fought in the trials for the Sydney Olympic team, with Leonard the victor. He's displayed solid skills as both a boxer and a slugger, with a potent jab and quick hands. He'll certainly be one to watch during the Welterweight tournament.

Lew Tendler (Lightweight): A southpaw from Philadelphia who will make what continues to become an intriguing Lightweight division all the more interesting. Possessing one helluva jab and a lethal left cross, he's sure to give some of his opponents fits when he steps into the ring.

Mickey Walker (Middleweight): Can this division get any more talented? Born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Walker has received a lot of support at these trials, coming out of nowhere to blow the socks off the IBL's scouts with his aggression and killer instinct. There's no doubt that this 18 year-old will be an absolute handful.

"I would estimate that as many as eighty of these guys are going to find a home with us," said IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran. "But as James has said, it'll be a careful process selecting them. There's more talent here than at any of our other trials and we don't want anyone to slip through the cracks. I wouldn't be surprised if we're still here near the end of next week."

[kenyan_cheena]

SAN JUAN TRIALS UNVEIL
TALENTED LIGHTWEIGHT QUARTET

Friday 21 June 2002

Atlantic City isn't the only place where the International Boxing League have had great selection trial success this week, with the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico hosting an event that has unveiled a rich amount of local boxing talent. This trial has proven without a shadow of a doubt that there's much more to Puerto Rican boxing than Olympic silver medallist Felix Trinidad.

In particular, a quartet of competitive young Lightweights have really stood out, their desire to impress the scouts and to outdo each other the biggest highlight of the week.

* Flamboyant 19 year-old Olympian Hector Camacho would have to be the pick of the bunch. He was defeated by eventual gold medallist Orlando Zulueta in Sydney but has illustrated during these past five days that he's matured as a fighter since then. Although not the most aggressive boxer, he's blessed with quick hands and great defensive skill and it would be quite a surprise if he's not still in the mix when the serious section of the World Championship tournament rolls around.

* Esteban DeJesus is a solid puncher, with the left hook being his primary weapon. Compared to Camacho, he has shown more aggression and a willingness to go toe-to-toe during his trial bouts, factors that will make him a dangerous opponent.

* If you want to find knockout power amongst this quartet, look no further than 17 year-old Edwin Rosario. The native of Toa Baja on Puerto Rico's northern coast has the ability to put opponents on their backsides with both fists and has an aggressive streak that will ensure that it happens often. Has shown an open dislike for Camacho's extroverted ways, leading to fireworks aplenty when the two stepped into the ring against each other on Thursday.

* A slick, sharp boxer, Alfredo Escalera has displayed an intellect in the ring that will take him far in the IBL. He's the type of fighter that won't give his opponents a minute's rest, one who is equally effective from the outside and in close.

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Go Edwin, I know who I'm rooting for in the Lightweights got to support my fellow Muckboy.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

Lightweight may be the division that has stood out the most at these trials, but that doesn't mean the others have been short on talent. A pair of Welterweights and a pair of Featherweights have also put their hands up and gained everyone's attention.

* Only 16 years old, Wilfred Benitez looks capable of going far in the IBL's Welterweight tournament. The teenager has shown a counter-punching ability that is rare in someone so young, especially when you take into account the fact that he only took up boxing eighteen months ago. Benitez is a friend of Felix Trinidad, but the two are destined to clash during the regional stages of the upcoming tournament.

* Jamaica's Simon Brown is another Welterweight that will certainly have some success in the International Boxing League. The 19 year-old represented his nation in Sydney, losing a close decision to American bronze medallist Billy Graham in the quarter-finals. His best attributes would have to be toughness, hitting power and fitness. Brown has excellent stamina, as proven in some of the endurance drills the trialists have been through this week.

* Featherweight Juan LaPorte is an excitement machine, an aggressive 18 year-old who can take a punch and give one in return. In his own words, he has a score to settle with Mexico's gold medallist Salvador Sanchez, who defeated him in Sydney and had also scored a pair of controversial victories over him in the lead up to the Olympics.

* An 18 year-old Cuban named Eligio Montalvo enamoured himself to many this week with his amiable personality and light-hearted nature. Preferring to go by the name "Kid Chocolate", this Featherweight is blessed with impressive endurance, dazzling ring movement and boxing intellect. Some might say his style is a bit showy and bragadocious but there are just as many, if not more, who will flock to see this young man when he steps in the ring.

Having flown to Puerto Rico from Panama last Sunday, the IBL's South American selection team are impressed by what they've found in San Juan.

"I'm excited about what Puerto Rico brings to the IBL's table," said Chief Director Stephen Joseph. "There is great support for our sport here and some of these guys really have the talent to go all the way to the top. I'm looking forward to seeing them in action."

[kenyan_cheena]

IBL'S FLORIDA TRIALS FINALLY GET STARTED

Monday 24 June 2002

Following a four day delay, the International Boxing League's Florida selection trials will kick off today at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. IBL Chief Director James Molk and his selection team jetted into South Florida on Saturday night having assisted during the league's busy Atlantic City trials, which are still to reach their conclusion.

"It's good to finally get here," said Molk, smiling. "We're looking forward to the coming week and we're hoping that we can find some future World Champions here in Miami."

It's been a long road for Molk and his IBL team since the start of their selection trials back on May the 6th, but by this time next week they'll be done and dusted.

"Yeah, just one week to go," said Molk. "It'll be something of a landmark moment, I guess. But it's really just the beginning for us and we're going to keep working hard towards our goal of making the IBL the most successful sports competition in the world."

Molk isn't entirely sure what his team will find in Florida, although the publicity surrounding James Ray, the cousin of HBF competitors Elmer Ray and Terone Haynes has him looking forward to seeing the Welterweight hopeful in action.

"If he's anywhere near as good as Elmer or Terone, we'll definitely have a contender on our hands," said Molk. "I'd also be surprised if we don't see a good turnout of Cuban nationals here. They were quite a presence at our Puerto Rican trials, so I'd expect to see the same here in Miami."

PROMISING FINDS IN TORONTO AND SANTO DOMINGO

While the Florida trials were delayed by half a week, the IBL has found no such problems in Canada and the Dominican Republic. Selection trials in both nations have been in progress since Thursday and have succeeded in unearthing a number of promising and talented boxers.

***

The coming week will be a big one for boxing in Canada. Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens have been playing host to the International Boxing League since Thursday while, starting today, Montreal's Molson Centre will be accomodating the Heavyweight Boxing Federation qualifying league auditions for the next week.

At the Toronto selection trials, a 17 year-old Welterweight named Jimmy McLarnin has had heads turning with his aggressive style and punching power. Born in Belfast, Ireland, McLarnin's family moved to Canada when he was three years old, settling in Vancouver.

"He started fighting as an amateur about fourteen months ago," said the IBL's Malcolm North. "The kid has something of a temper, and his fists had gotten him in trouble on more than a few occasions. He'd never thought of being a boxer before then, though, but he told me that he watched the Olympics and saw George Dixon win that silver medal. That really pushed him to take the step."

McLarnin definitely looks capable of giving the IBL's Welterweight tournament an almighty shake but there's another trialist in the same division who has also impressed during these past four days. Toronto born and raised, 18 year-old Leroy Jackson possesses lightning fists, Houdini-like defensive skills and a sharp tongue. This last was something that a number of trialists discovered while Jackson either peppered them with his piston-like left jab or contorted to evade their attempts at landing a shot on him.

"That kid has some serious talent and he ain't shy about letting his opponents know it," said IBL scout George Hadley. "His ring movement along with the quickness and crispness of his punches, it's all first class. He's gonna be a handful, no doubt."

***

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

IBL'S FLORIDA TRIALS FINALLY GET STARTED

Monday 24 June 2002

Following a four day delay, the International Boxing League's Florida selection trials will kick off today at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. IBL Chief Director James Molk and his selection team jetted into South Florida on Saturday night having assisted during the league's busy Atlantic City trials, which are still to reach their conclusion.

"It's good to finally get here," said Molk, smiling. "We're looking forward to the coming week and we're hoping that we can find some future World Champions here in Miami."

It's been a long road for Molk and his IBL team since the start of their selection trials back on May the 6th, but by this time next week they'll be done and dusted.

"Yeah, just one week to go," said Molk. "It'll be something of a landmark moment, I guess. But it's really just the beginning for us and we're going to keep working hard towards our goal of making the IBL the most successful sports competition in the world."

Molk isn't entirely sure what his team will find in Florida, although the publicity surrounding James Ray, the cousin of HBF competitors Elmer Ray and Terone Haynes has him looking forward to seeing the Welterweight hopeful in action.

"If he's anywhere near as good as Elmer or Terone, we'll definitely have a contender on our hands," said Molk. "I'd also be surprised if we don't see a good turnout of Cuban nationals here. They were quite a presence at our Puerto Rican trials, so I'd expect to see the same here in Miami."

Ha, so the Elmer Ray family tree continues to grow. Their pumping out aal of kinds of top quality boxers. Nice to see that the Florida Alliance has a presence in the IBL now.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Ha, so the Elmer Ray family tree continues to grow. Their pumping out aal of kinds of top quality boxers. Nice to see that the Florida Alliance has a presence in the IBL now.

Yep, and he'll give me the opportunity to run a cross-organisational type storyline, where the Florida Alliance guys show up at IBL fight cards. Not sure if they'll ruffle any feathers or not, though. We'll have to wait and see how successful they become as their careers progress and how that success affects them. Could be interesting.

As for these selection trials, the end really is in sight now and I'm feeling a lot of relief. I bit off a bit more than I could chew when I decided to summarise each of them, so I'll be happy once they're complete.

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Yep, and he'll give me the opportunity to run a cross-organisational type storyline, where the Florida Alliance guys show up at IBL fight cards. Not sure if they'll ruffle any feathers or not, though. We'll have to wait and see how successful they become as their careers progress and how that success affects them. Could be interesting.

As for these selection trials, the end really is in sight now and I'm feeling a lot of relief. I bit off a bit more than I could chew when I decided to summarise each of them, so I'll be happy once they're complete.

They have to ruffle some feathers come on. If there is one thing that the Alliance does good, aside from boxing, it's causing trouble.

I can bet that your ready to be done with auditions thats got to wear on you write similar things over and over again.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation of post #132)

Fresh from a stay in New Zealand, the IBL's Asian selection team arrived in the Dominican Republic capital Santo Domingo last Wednesday and it would be fair to say that the trials there have been just as successful as the ones being held further north in Toronto.

The selection team has discovered a host of talented fighters from a number of different Caribbean nations. 19 year-old Cuban Angel Robinson Garcia would probably rank as the most impressive of those who've been on display these past five days. The Lightweight possesses a great jab and an excellent defense, aswell as a toughness and determination that will make him an imposing opponent. He was beaten out by Cuba's eventual silver medallist Orlando Zulueta for a spot on the team for the Sydney Olympics and will surely be looking to extract some revenge in the professional ranks.

Local favourite Merqui Sosa is a hard-hitting 22 year-old Light-Heavyweight, an aggressive customer who will be carrying his nation's hopes for success on his shoulders in the IBL's heaviest division. Having resided for several years in Brooklyn, New York during his childhood, Sosa is glad to be living in and representing his homeland in the International Boxing League.

Jamaican Welterweight Buddy Grant is a slick boxer with quick hands and an impressive defense. It's been said by some IBL scouts that the Caribbean is not the strongest region as far as the Welterweight division is concerned, so Grant could be one to watch as the weeks and months of the regional qualifying tournaments pass by...

[kenyan_cheena]

Okay, that's all the posts I had marked down for Monday June 24 in both threads finally finished. Now on to Tuesday!

As far as the IBL selection trials are concerned, I only have two more posts to make, although both will be quite extensive. They'll be wrap-ups of those extended Atlantic City trials and also a review of the Miami one, which just started.

Following that, there will be a little story about a couple of the USA's biggest hopes in the IBL, which I'm sure you'll all enjoy.

However, the next couple of posts I make will be in the HBF thread, concerning some of the big fights that are scheduled to take place in series six of the World Championship tournament plus a review of the final preliminary fight card in the U.S. Atlantic Coast Boxing League tournament. There's also reviews of the HBF's auditions in Montreal, Moscow and Indiana to come and the big South-East Asian League card featuring Terone Haynes.

So, a lot to look forward to. I'll try my best to bring it to you all quicker than I have during the past couple of weeks...

[kenyan_cheena]

...AND ON THE TWELFTH DAY, THEY RESTED

Friday 28 June 2002

Story by James Reynolds for the New York Age

Having started back on the 17th of June, the International Boxing League's Atlantic City selection trials reached their conclusion this afternoon. Originally scheduled to finish back on Saturday, a larger than expected turnout meant the league had to extend them into a second week, making them by far the most successful of all the trials that the IBL has staged.

"We could not have dreamed of this outcome," said IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran. "We knew that this would be our biggest trial, but when I look at this list my mind boggles, really."

Of the over 500 hopefuls that turned up for these trials, eighty of them have been signed up by the league to compete in either their regional World Championship qualifying tournament or Future Contender series.

"Just from this trial alone, there's really enough talented fighters to crown a Champion in all five of our weight divisions," said Moran, excited. "It would really surprise me if at least one of our inaugural champs doesn't come from this group."

It's been an at times difficult twelve days for the league's personnel. The process of separating the truly talented fighters from such a large group has been a trying one, but Moran believes they've achieved their goal.

"I can only wonder how the public will react to what we're going to unleash upon them," he said, smiling. "Starting from the 26th of August, we'll be running six fight cards a week in locations all over the world, and for 55 consecutive weeks. And that's only taking the regional qualifiers into account."

A number of fighters who were chosen by the IBL to take part in their tournaments based on medal-winning efforts at the Sydney Olympics have been present at the Atlantic City event, including Welterweights Billy Graham and Ray Leonard and Lightweight Pernell Whitaker. Even HBF slugger and New Jersey native Joe Jeannette has been seen on a number of days.

"It's unbelieveable how much talent there's going to be in this region," said Leonard. "I'm really looking forward to the challenge that the tournament's going to present."

Some of the trialists who have really stood out as the cream of the drop during the past week have been:

Maxie Rosenbloom (Light-Heavyweight): From the tough streets of Harlem, New York, this 19 year-old has proven himself to be a masterful boxer, possessing one of the finest in-ring intellects any of the scouts have ever seen.

"The kid doesn't have much as far as knockout power is concerned but that don't really matter," said IBL scout Harry Redgrave. "His defensive skills are superb and like I said, he's got more ring smarts than anyone I've ever seen before."

Charley Burley (Middleweight): During the past week, Burley has shown to be a fighter who can do a little bit of everything: he's got a solid left jab aswell as some serious punching power and has also proven his toughness and defensive ability in a number of trial bouts.

"That Burley fella is the complete package," said Redgrave. "Listen to me when I say keep an eye on him because he's gonna be right in the mix once the World Championship tournament rolls around."

Willie Pep (Featherweight): This native of Hartford, Connecticut is going to be a superstar in the Featherweight division, according to Redgrave.

"Just an incredible fighter," he said. "Haven't seen many with that kind of defensive mastery and elusiveness. He ain't much of a banger but he's as tough as they come, can take a shot and like I said, his defense is off the charts. Smart as hell, too."

Tony Canzoneri (Lightweight): With the revelations in the last few weeks of a number of impressive international Lightweights, it looks like Pernell Whitaker will have another one to contend with in his own backyard in the shape of 17 year-old Tony Canzoneri.

Born in Louisiana but raised in New York City, Canzoneri has quick hands, is aggressive and has the type of toughness that will hold him in good stead during the tournament.

"Whitaker better be careful of that kid," said Redgrave. "If they somehow manage to meet straight off, you've got two guys right there who could easily take the title. Not a bad debut bout, if you ask me."

(See post #128 for details on the fighters who impressed during the opening days in Atlantic City)

"There really are too many of them for me to talk about," said Redgrave. "I've heard the term before and it really suits this situation: we've got an embarrassment of riches. Really, we do."

Redgrave pointed out to me some of the others who have been selected from these Atlantic City trials, telling me to look out for them once the tournaments begin:

Lou Ambers (LW, Herkimer, NY)
Joey Archer (MW, New York, NY)
Benny Bass (FW, Philadelphia, PA)
Christopher Battalino (FW, Hartford, CT)
Paul Berlenbach (LHW, New York, NY)
Jack Delaney (LHW, Bridgeport, CT)
Tyrone Everett (LW, Philadelphia, PA)
Sammy Fuller (LW, Boston, MA)
Harold Johnson (LHW, Philadelphia, PA)
Kevin Kelley (FW, Flushing, NY)
Terry McGovern (FW, Johnstown, PA)
Michael Moorer (LHW, Monessen, PA)
Tony Shucco (LHW, Boston, MA)
Harry Smith (MW, Harlem, NY)
Jeff Smith (MW, New York, NY)
Marlon Starling (WW, Hartford, CT)
Ike Williams (LW, Trenton, NJ)
Tommy Yarosz (LHW, Monaca, PA)

"Each one of them is World Championship material," said Redgrave, smiling at the implications of those words. "This thing is just going to be fantastic."

I left the Boardwalk Hall this af