Gba

[CONN CHRIS]

Originally Posted by Ian Lord

Dates - August 2006



19th - Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez

LW: Edwin Rosario v Sean O'Grady

I'd prefer an Oklahoma venue, but so be it.

[Ian Lord]

You settled for the extra money to go and fight in his back yard. You're cutsmans skills may be called into play for this one.

[Ian Lord]

5th - San Antonio, TX

Topping the bill of this club show held at the Sunset Station was a middleweight contest between Virgin Islander Julian 'The Hawk' Jackson, and Leonard Townsend from Chicago, IL. Townsend entered the ring with an 0-8 record and the crowd wondered how a fighter with such an abysmal record could top the bill. Never mind.
Jackson took a tentative opening round, then opened up in the second, staggering Townsend numerous times but failing to put him down. The bell finally sounded, much to Townsends relief. 'The Hawk', sensing he had his prey, came swarming out for the third, and was all over Townsend, dropping him for a count of eight following a solid right-left to the head then a booming right hand. Townsend staggered to his feet, but everyone knew the end was nigh. Jackson came in raining punch after punch and didn't let his foe of the hook, until, at the 2.27 mark, the referee decided he had seen enough and saved Townsend from further punishment.
Jackson improved to 6-0 [3] and looks very promising, but now needs to step up a level of opposition and maybe get a few ten-rounders under his belt.

In another middleweight contest, also slated for eight, New Jersey's Mark Medal made short work of Brazilian Roggerrio Cacciatore, finishing him off after 2.20 of the first. Medal, after throwing, and missing, with some wild punches finally nailed his foe with a solid cross. Cacciatore was counted out. Medal improves to 6-5-1 [2] and always looks good against the level of foe in front of him, but usually falls short when he steps up.

Washington middleweight Keith Holmes improved to 7-6 [2] with a unanimous eight round points decision over Pennsylavania's 'Irish' Chris Walsh. Scores were 78-74, 77-75, and 77-76. A pretty uneventful match between two boxers with no punch.

Another eight round middleweight contest saw John David Jackson from Los Angeles box his way to a comfortable points decision over Anthony Bartinelli to improve to 7-6 [1]. Scores were 78-75, 79-73, and 79-74.

Ohio lightweight Harry Arroyo had too much for game Filipino Tirso Albia. Albia had a good opening round but then Arroyo, now 3-3 [1], took control and won a unanimous decision with scores of 79-73 [x2], and 78-74.

The opening bout of the evening, a lightweight contest, saw Freddy Cruz of the Dominican Republic score his first win in four fights when he scored an eight round unanimous points victory over the crude Japanese puncher Yatsune Uehara with scores of 77-76 [x2], and a score of 79-74 which looked a bit wide. It was a close fight.

[Ian Lord]

12th - London, England

European middleweight champion, Maurice Hope, put his title on the line against the undefeated Sumbu Kalambay. Kalambay seized control from the opening bell, and didn't let up. There was a gulf in class between the two fighters, and it didn't look as though it would go the distance. To the surprise of most people in the London Arena it did, but it was a one sided beating. Hope to his credit, went the distance, finishing the bout with a badly swollen left eye. He hit the deck for a flash knockdown in the tenth round following a combination to the head.
Scores at the end of this twelve rounder were 119-107, and 120-106 [x2], all for the new champion Kalambay, who improves to 12-0 [6]. Hope drops to 3-4 [1] and has so far had a dissapointing year. After losing a brave world title fight to then champion Marvin Hagler in January, he lost his Commonwealth title to Ayub Kalule on a cuts stoppage in May, and has now lost his European title. He still holds the British title and must defend that against mandatory challenger Alan Minter before the end of the year.

The man who beat Maurice Hope for his Commonwealth title, Ayub Kalule, lost it here tonight in his first defense against Jamaica's Mike 'The Bodysnatcher' McCallum. It was a close bout, as reflected in the scoring of 115-113 [x2], and 114-114. Not much in it, with both men relying on their boxing skills rather than opening up, although McCallum won the ninth andn tenth rounds big, which probably swayed the fight in his favour.
McCallum improves to 7-2 [2], whilst Kalule drops to 5-4-1 [3] and has called the new champ out for a re-match.

Excellent middleweight contender, Michael 'Second To' Nunn met Italian tough guy Vito Antuofermo over ten rounds. It was a risky fight for the Nunn team to take, with Nunn having everything to lose if he suffered a defeat against his opponent. Nunn must surely be due a title fight of some sort, and not many could see the reasoning in him taking on the unranked Antuofermo who has got just the tools to beat Nunn. However, Nunn took the fight comfortably, winning every round by doing everything correctly against an opponent who came forward all night but was forced to eat a lot of leather. The thing is with Nunn at this stage of his career, he has won all his fights easily and not looked very exciting, although in his last bout he had to get up of the canvas to beat Iran Barkley. It will be interesting to see him in against the elite of the division, the likes of world champ Gerald McClellan, Marvin Hagler, and James Toney.
The scores of 100-89 [x2], and 99-90, represented the ease of Nunn's win. He improves to 11-0 [5]. Antuofermo drops to 6-6 [3].

Fight of the night was a ten round lightweight bout between Mexico's Bazooka Limon and Ugandn Cornelius Boza-Edwards. Limon advanced on Boza-Edwards all night, with Cornelius boxing on the back foot and catching Limon as he came in, but not without taking a few himself. Limon hit the deck in the fourth round after walking onto an uppercut. He just managed to beat the count and was thankful to hear the bell as he reagined his feet. He was also down for a five count in the last round. Both men finished the bout bloodied. Scores were 97-90, 97-91, and 97-92, all for Boza-Edwards.

Another good lightweight contest saw Claude Noel win a unanimous decision over Charlie Brown with scores of 97-95, and 98-94 [x2]. It was a close, give and take contest, with Noel pulling away at the end. The winner improves to 4-2 [2], whilst Brown drops to 3-3 [1].

South African heavyweight Gerrie Coetzee improved to 10-10 [3] with a unanimous win over Australia's Colin 'Kid' Wilson. Wilson was down twice in the second, but went on to hear the final bell. Scores were 77-73 on all cards.

[CONN CHRIS]

Kalambay is undefeated and African champion in my universe Ian. Good fighter, but with Dave Sands and Mpush Makembe at the top of the division he may not go any further. I'll watch how he does here though.

[Ian Lord]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

Kalambay is undefeated and African champion in my universe Ian. Good fighter, but with Dave Sands and Mpush Makembe at the top of the division he may not go any further. I'll watch how he does here though.

I always felt the Kalambay was a lot better fighter than people gave him credit for IMO.

Glad you're following along Chris.

[Ian Lord]

19th - Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez

Puerto Rican lightweight, Edwin 'Chapo' Rosario, coming off a twelve round defeat to Livingstone Bramble in the semi-final of the lightweight elimination tournament, faced a tough opponent in his first fight since, when he met Oklahoma's Sean O'Grady. O'Grady, known as 'The Bubblegum Kid', was on a five fight winning streak.

The opening round was busy, and close, with plenty of leather hurled at each other but not a lot between them. O'Grady then took the next three rounds comfortably, with Rosario seeming to walk onto his punches. The fifth had the crowd on their feet, as both men went toe to toe, in an action packed round. It was close, with O'Grady probably just edging it. However, for the sixth, after strong words from his trainer Kevin Rooney, Rosario came tearing out, firing in shots left, right, and centre at a stunned O'Grady. The onslaught continued, and it was obvious that by the end O'Grady was staying on his feet through instinct. The referee mercifully stepped between the two men at the 2.47 mark, with O'Grady leading on all three cards at the time of the stoppage, 49-46, 48-47, and 50-45. Rosario improves to 3-1 [3], whilst O'Grady drops to 5-2 [2].

Chief support saw Puerto Rican heavyweight, Carlos 'Sugar' DeLeon, blast out American journeyman Marvin Camel inside a round. The end came at the 2.47 mark, with a bewildered Camel exhausted and reeling from pillar to post. DeLeon improves to 5-4-1 [1]. It was his first stoppage win.

Middleweight prospect Carlos Santos, Puerto Rico, who lost for the first time last time out against fellow prospect Michael Nunn [ko by 7], in this same arena, was looking to get back on the winning track. Unfortunately he picked the wrong man when he met tough Philadelphian, Bernard 'The Executioner' Hopkins. Hopkins was in control from the outset, although Santos had a good fifth round, causing Hopkins right eye to puff up in the process. The end came in the seventh at the 2.40 mark when Santos, after already being down twice, was counted out following a combination of blows to the head. Hopkins improves to 7-4 [4], whilst Santos drops to 5-2 [3].

It was ten rounds of boxing between lightweights Sammy Serrano, Puero Rico, and Hilmer Kenty, USA. Serano started of the stronger of the two and taking the earlier rounds, whilst Kenty came on over the second half of the fight, including a big last round where he opened a cut over the left eye of Serrano, which puffed up in the process. It could of gone either way but Kenty got the nod by way of split decision with scores of 96-94 [x2], 94-96. It really was that close. Kenty improves to 4-2 [2].

Heavyweight debutant Ronnie Otto, Portland, Oregon, scored a six round unanimous decision over Puerto Rican Ossie 'Jaws' Ocasio. Scores were 76-75 on all three cards. Ocasio was dropped for a flash knockdown in the second.

The opener saw Philadelphia's 'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon win comfortably over Anthony 'Big Hand' Willis, putting him down for a count of five with the last punch [a cross], of the fight. Scores were 80-68 [x3]. The winner improves to 9-9-1 [5].

[CONN CHRIS]

Tough way to go down Sean. Ah well.

Good memories are always brought back for me with a mention of O'Grady - fond remembrances of fights on free t.v.

How about a less 'lively' opponent next time Mr Commissioner?

[Ian Lord]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

Tough way to go down Sean. Ah well.

Good memories are always brought back for me with a mention of O'Grady - fond remembrances of fights on free t.v.

How about a less 'lively' opponent next time Mr Commissioner?

I probably will try and match him a bit easier next time out after meeting Rosario. However, the vacant regional lightweight titles will be getting filled soon, so you never know.

[Ian Lord]

26th - Las Vegas, NV.

Caesar's Palace hosted the re-match between world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe and number one contender Larry Holmes after they fought to a twelve round bore draw in April. There were no fireworks in that bout and the crowd were hoping they would witness more action this time. More importantly though, whatever happened this bout would go down in history as being the first fifteen round title fight in GBA history. A lot of experts predicted that the winner would be the one with the most stamina over the championship rounds [13-15] as both men seemed equally matched. If that was the case then it didn't bode well for champion Bowe, as he has been accused of cutting corners during his preparations in the past and being ill-disciplined when it came to food.
At the opening bell Holmes came out and went to work with his jab, arguably the best in the business. Bowe's no slouch when it comes to the jab either, but looked a bit off in the opening round and it went to Holmes. Bowe had a good second round, his best of the fight, and won it comfortably, but it went downhill from hereon-in for the champ. Holmes peppered Bowe with the jab for the next nine rounds with Bowe looking a bit sluggish, although the seventh round was even. His left eye started to swell up as a result of the jab. It all came to an end in the twelfth when, halfway through the round Holmes opened up. He was landing shot after shot with Bowe on queer street when referee Mills Lane stepped in and saved the now former champ from further punishment at the 2.58 mark. Holmes was ahed 109-101 on all three cards at the time of the stoppage.
The new champ was jubilant and improved to 12-1-1 [8], whilst a disconsolate Bowe dropped to 8-2-1 [4] and must now face up to life as a former champion. Holmes, who went into the bout as North American champ, has now relinquished that title and it will be contested for by the mandatory challenger James 'Buster' Douglas, and an as yet unnamed opponent.

The chief support in this all heavyweight bill saw former world kingpin 'Iron' Mike Tyson, New York, get his previous form back when he met Cincinnatti, Ohio's Tony 'TNT' Tubbs. The opening round saw Tyson come out looking for an early finish with Tubbs looking to survive by boxing on the retreat and trying to tie TYson up when he came in close. Tyson won the round by landing the better shots, with Tubbs being a bit negative. The second round was closer with Tubbs putting on some neat boxing skills and Tyson again looking to land the big shots. It was close. However, the end came after 45 seconds of the third when Tyson connected with a hook to the head out of the blue that sent Tubbs crashing to the canvas for a ten count. The winner improves to 12-5 [11] and say's he wants to be a two time world champion. Tubbs drops to 8-8-1 [2].

Former contender Greg Page got back on the winning track after being blasted out in one round in his previous outing against Bruce Seldon, when he won a comfortable eight rounds unanimous decision over perrennial loser Jody Ballard. Scores were 80-70 [x2], and 79-71. Ballard was down twice in the sixth. Page improves to 12-6 [8] and could be a major player in the heavyweight division as long as he stays focused.

Trevor Berbick made short work of John Tate, knocking him out at 2.44 of the second round following an uppercut. Tate's right eye was swollen and he also had a gash under his left eye.

Former world title challenger Tony 'TNT' Tucker entered the ring against Michael 'Dynamite' Dokes seriously overweight. However it didn't seem to matter as he knocked Dokes out at 2.50 of the second following a good opening round from Dokes.

Young heavyweight hope George Foreman made it three wins out of three when he knocked out fellow undefeated heavyweight R.T. Davis with two seconds left of the fight. It was an eight rounder and it didn't go all 'Big' George's way, as he tasted the canvas for the first time in his short career in the sixth round.He'd put Davis down in the previous round and also put him down twice in the eighth before putting him away. Foreman improves to 3-0 [2]. Davis drops to 1-1.

[Ian Lord]

AP - New heavyweight champion of the world, Larry Holmes, made a heroes return to Easton, Pennsylvania today. He was mobbed by fans as he cruised through the streets in an open topped sports car, proudly displaying his world title and flanked by his trainer Richie Giachetti, who has been with him from the beginning.
Holmes took the title from Riddick Bowe on Saturday night via twelfth round stoppage. Holmes was leading comfortably on points at the time, although it was a dreary fight. However, it will go down in the record books as being the first fifteen round fight in GBA history.
"This is a dream come true," the new champ told reporters. "I knew I'd one day become champion of the world. I'm going to be a true champion. A champion these people can be proud of. I'll defend against all comers."
When asked who his first defence would be against, Holmes was unsure. Giachetti interjected. "We're looking at a number of opponents at the minute. Something will be concrete soon. We're hoping to make his first defense right here in Easton."
Holmes' career got of to a shaky start, getting knocked out cold by Mike Weaver in his pro debut, however, he has gone undefeated since then,including a draw with Bowe. He also won the vacant North American title when he beat former world champion 'Iron' Mike Tyson over twelve cracking rounds in December, 2005. He has now vacated that title.

[Ian Lord]

Results and Rankings for August, 2006.

Heavyweight

Larry Holmes TKO12 Riddick Bowe
[wins World title]
Mike Tyson KO3 Tony Tubbs
Greg Page W8 Jody Ballard
Carlos DeLeon TKO1 Marvin Camel
Tim Witherspoon W8 Anthony Willis
Tony Tucker KO2 Michael Dokes
Gerrie Coetzee W8 Colin Wilson
Trevor Berbick KO2 John Tate
Goerge Foreman KO8 R.T. Davis
Ronnie Otto W6 Ossie Ocassio

Middleweight

Sumbu Kalambay W12 Maurice Hope
[wins European title]
Mike McCallum W12 Ayub Kalule
[wins Commonwealth title]
Bernard Hopkins KO7 Carlos Santos
Michael Nunn W10 Vito Antuofermo
Julian Jackson TKO3 Leonard Townsend
Keith Holmes W8 Chris Walsh
Mark Medal KO1 Roggerrio Cacciatore
JD Jackson W8 Anthony Bartinelli

Lightweight

Edwin Rosario TKO6 Sean O'Grady
Cornelius Boza-Edwards W10 Bazooka Limon
Hilmer Kenty W10 Sammy Serrano
Claude Noel W10 Charlie Brown
Harry Arroyo W8 Tirso Albia
Freddy Cruz W8 Yatsune Uehara

Heavyweight

World Champion:
Larry Holmes 12-1-1 [8]

1. Riddick Bowe 8-2-1 [4]
2. Lennox Lewis 16-1 [10] Commonwealth champ.
3. Evander Holyfield 10-4 [8]
4. Mike Tyson 12-5 [11]
5. Oliver McCall 11-2 [3]
6. James 'Buster' Douglas 7-5-1 [2]
7. Tony Tubbs 8-8-1 [2]
8. James 'Bonecrusher' Smith 11-8 [4]
9. Pinklon Thomas 8-7 [7]
10.Bruce Seldon 5-2 [3]

Middleweight

World Champion:
Gerald McClellan 10-1 [8]

1. Marvin Hagler 6-1 [4]
2. Mike McCallum 7-2 [2] Commonwealth champ.
3. James Toney 6-1 [2] North American champ.
4. Sumbu Kalambay 12-0 [6] European champ.
5. Bernard Hopkins 7-4 [5]
6. Ayub Kalule 5-4-1 [3]
7. Maurice Hope 3-4 [1] British champ.
8. Michael Nun 11-0 [4]
9. Alan Minter 5-6 [2]
10.Frank Tate 8-5-2

Lightweight

World Champion:
Title Vacant

1. Livingstone Bramble 3-0 [1]
2. Roberto Duran 4-0 [3]
3. Edwin Rosario 3-1 [3]
4. Claude Noel 4-2 [2]
5. Charlie Brown 3-3 [1]
6. Cornelius Boza-Edwards 2-1-3 [1]
7. Bazooka Limon 2-3 [2]
8. Jim Watt 4-1 [2]
9. Ray Mancini 1-2 [1]
10.Sean O'Grady 5-1 [2]

[CONN CHRIS]

Well, at least I have Holmes to cheer for! He's done exceeding well here considering the competition.

[Ian Lord]

Holmes has always been a favourite of mine. Not the most exciting of fighters a lot of the time, but that jab of his was awesome.

[Ian Lord]

New heavyweight champion of the world, Larry Holmes, will make the first defense of his title against the number eighth ranked fighter James 'Bonecrusher' Smith, 11-8. The bout will take place in December, exact date not decided yet. Holmes' management team are trying to make his first defense in his hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania, although that isn't really known as a 'fight-town', so it's not 100 percent certain yet.

James 'Buster' Douglas, who was the mandatory challlenger for the North American heavyweight title recently vacated by Holmes, will face Evander Holyfield in October. The vacant US title will also be on the line. Recently dethroned world champ Riddick Bowe was originally put forward to meet Douglas but he declined. He has stated he will be back in the ring before the end of the year.

[CONN CHRIS]

That's a relatively safe first defense for Holmes.

Bonecrusher is another guy that gets a bad rap sometimes in my opinion. I generally found him an entertaining fighter to watch.

[Romdawg88]

Great stuff here, good to see Tyson pick up a win hopefully it'll be a start of a nice little winning streak. Looking forward to Tyson/Foreman if it ever happens that should be a ton of fun while it lasts.

[Ian Lord]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

That's a relatively safe first defense for Holmes.

Bonecrusher is another guy that gets a bad rap sometimes in my opinion. I generally found him an entertaining fighter to watch.

Yeah, Holmes should get by Smith.

I remember Bonecrusher knocking out Bruno when all Bruno had to do was get through the round to win the fight. I was gutted.

[Ian Lord]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Great stuff here, good to see Tyson pick up a win hopefully it'll be a start of a nice little winning streak. Looking forward to Tyson/Foreman if it ever happens that should be a ton of fun while it lasts.

Glad your enjoying it Romdawg, and I hope you had a good holiday.

Tyson/Foreman, now that would be something.

[Ian Lord]

Dates - September 2006

10th - San Antonio, TX
Sunset Station

MW: Julian Jackson v Shinji Takehara [8 x 3]
HW: George Foreman v Lawrence Christopher [8 x 3]
HW: Greg Page v Derek Amos [8 x 3]
LW: Ernesto Espana v Freddy Cruz [8 x 3]
LW: Sammy Serrano v Tirso Albia [8 x 3]
MW: Reggie Johnson v Larry Banks [4 x 3]

17th - Las Vegas, NV
Mandalay Bay

WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
15 ROUNDS

Gerald McClellan [champ] v Marvin Hagler

HW: Lennox Lewis v Bruce Seldon [10 x 3]
HW: Oliver McCall v Pinklon Thomas [10 x 3]
MW: John David Jackson v Mark Medal [8 x 3]
LW: Harry Arroyo v Lee Cargle [8 x 3]
LW: Rolando Navarette v Jorge Monzon [8 x 3]

24th - Las Vegas, NV

VACANT WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE
15 ROUNDS

Livingstone Bramble v Roberto Duran

HW: Mike Tyson v Carlos DeLeon [10 x 3]
LW: Charlie Brown v Hilmer Kenty [10 x 3]
HW: Gerrie Coetzee v Ossie Ocassio [8 x 3]
MW: Iran Barkley v Juan Carlos Barretto [8 x 3]
MW: Keith Holmes v Chris Walsh [8 x 3]