13 December Last Saturday night in San Antonio Tony Ayala Jr. showed good power in thumping shots off the head and body of a tough Tony Menefee , resulting in a corner stoppage in the 8th round. Ayala Jr. looks impressive with his combination power shots and subtle head movement. I think he can be a player at 154 pounds in late 2000. In the most entertaining fight of the night formerly undefeated WBU S. Bantam Champ Carlos Navarro got more than he, or his promoter Cedric Kushner , bargained for when 11-4 bantamweight Carlos Contreras turned the tables after the 3rd round and took the fight to the Champion. Contreras was relentless and forced Navarro to the ropes time and again with crisp combinations. And credit should also go to the WBU officials who judged the fight fairly. Contreras via unanimous decision. And in a dreadful bore of a fight that I personally apologize for because I brought one of the fighters, James Coker won a 10 round middleweight boo-fest over survivor Urbano Gurrola , my guy. Gurrola's performance was embarrasing and even though I was working his corner I'd rather see a guy go out bravely and attempting to win, not the cowardly way he fought against Coker, who is a limited fighter but always makes the effort to win. Also, local crowd-pleaser Rudy Hernandez delivered again for the San Antonio fight fans in a losing split decision effort versus Orlando Hollis in an 8 round welter clash. The walkout fight saw another local SA fighter, Arturo Ramos , get a gift draw in a 6 round lightweight bout against Jose Luis Baltizar . Good night of fights for the 5400 in attendance.

Results from last Saturday night in Arena Mexico produced something of a shocker when rising superfly KO artist Gerson Guerrero was dropped in the 3rd and then schooled for the remaining 9 rounds by Raul "Baby" Juarez in a losing effort to defend the FECARBOX Title. Yes, this is the same Juarez who 4 weeks ago was in the No Contest with Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson . And in what was described in worse terms than the Coker-Gurrola match, Hugo Dianzo retained the WBC CA Bantam belt with a dreadful performance over Ricardo Medina via decision. Also, 10 rounds feather - Alejandro Estrada KO6 Andres Ferrer. 4 rounds bantam female - Ana Maria Torez Draw4 Marianna Juarez . 4 rounds feather - Isaac Chavarria W4 Juan Carlos Martinez. Late result from 2 weeks ago: 10 round bantam - Francisco Mateos W12 Cruz Carbajol .

6 December Pedro Alsonso Teran knocked out Roberto Castro in the 4th round last Friday night in Mazatlan, Mx. Alberto Ontiveres via decision over Manuel Sarabia in a 12 round super fly bout.

20 November As appeared in Fightnews.com -OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Raul Juarez Responds The following is an official statement from Wayne Harrison of Mexico City Boxing News on the Mark 'Too Sharp' Johnson vs Raul Juarez clash last night: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was working the corner for Raul Juarez during last nights no contest with Mark Johnson and would like to make a few points. 1. We are well aware that at the time Johnson landed the low blow we were trailing on points. Our side didn't expect to win the early rounds, but our plan was to get Johnson into some exchanges that would pay dividends later in the bout. This was accomplished in our view. 2. At no point in the bout did Mark Johnson exhibit any strength or power that would deter or that hurt Raul Juarez. He was fresh after each round and ready to continue the battle. Of course Johnson is quick and talented, but doesn't possess the power to compete at a weight class above 115lbs. 3. Juarez felt that is was Johnson who looked for an easy way out by landing an INTENTIAL low blow. The fight was rough with a) borderline low punches by both fighters. b) elbow by Juarez. c) shoulder thrown by Johnson. 4. It was a full 15 minutes following the low blow until Juarez was able to regain movement in his right leg. And a total of 45 minutes until he was able to stand. 5. To imply that Juarez quit or looked for an easy way out is unfair and unjustified. This fighter has always fought with bravery and courage. Mark Johnson took the easy way out by resorting to an illegal blow. Being known as "Too Sharp" implies an ability to accurately control and pin-point your punches. Yes, he's "Too Sharp" and knew exactly where he was throwing the punch. 6. And not to be completely negative, we would like to thank the gracious and friendly people of Washington, DC. They were professional in every way. Thank you, Wayne Harrison and Raul Juarez

20 November Recent Mexico Boxing Notes: Diego Morales lost the WBO S. Fly belt to Nicaruaguan Adonis Rivas and Juan Manuel Marquez was victorious is stopping Remigio Molina via TKO in the 8th round. Last Friday in CD. Juarez, Saul Duran WTKO8 Jose Luis Juarez. Juarez is the Mexican lightweight champion but his belt was not on the line. This was Juarez' first defeat. Superwelter - Quirino Garcia WKO3 Victor Maciel. Superfeather - Juan Carlos Ramirez W10 Darryl Pickney . Last night in CD. Neza, a suburb of Mexico City: 10 bantam - Oswaldo Guerrero WTKO2 Felipe Lopez. 10 feather - Aldo Valtierra WTKO7 Benjamin Aragon. 10 bantam - Gabriel Mira WTKO3 Ren Fernan. Bantam - Ramon Euroza WTKO3 Rudy Santos. Yesterday at the Arena Mexico, main eventer Victor Rabanales went AWOL, not showing up for the bout agaisnt Hector Mancina. The semi-main featured young bantam prospect Alejandro Barrera pounding down Marino Jiminez for a 5th round TKO in a scheduled 8. I'm very high on Barrera who had an extensive amatuer career, is quick handed, and throws good combinations with pop. He's now 8-0.

16 November As expected, Jesus Chavez stopped Aderryl Johnson last night in Mexico City to retain his NABF S. Feather Title. Chavez followed his normal path to victory - punishing body shots, constant aggression, and head snapping right hands. Our favorite referee, Gelasio Perez, of course stopped the punishment in the at 1:12 of the 5th round. Also, #1 WBC Strawweight and NABF Title holder Jose Antonio Aguirre had an easy night stopping the overmatched Juan Carlos Moreno in the 2nd. Erik Ortiz , minifly, continued to look impressive in beating the tough Alfredo Virgin in the 11th round to win the FECARBOX Title. In an 8 round S. Feather bout, Genaro Trazancos WKO4 Ricardo Ramirez. Female action: 4 rounds minifly - Andrea Benitez Wmaj4 Susana Morales. 4 rounds S. bantam - Ivonne Munoz W4 Berenice Chavez.

The Mexico City Boxing Commission has been accused by manager Carlos Rosales of attempting to steal two of his better prospects. According to reports, when boxers Genaro "Poblanito" Garcia and Aldo Valtierra stopped by the commission for a regular medical exam, an employee of the boxing commission offered the fighters money and fights to sign a new contract with an unnamed member of the Mexico City Boxing Commission. This practice of "pirating" boxers away from their legitemate managers is rampant in Mexico, and the MCBC regularly denounces the problem. So, if the above overture to the two fighters is indeed true then things need to be looked into by the authorities. A paticular case of "pirating" that is receiving attention right now involves the welterweight fighter Miguel Rodriguez and his original promoter Raul Cruz of Mexico City. After developing Rodriguez into a 13-0 prospect, moves were made against the interests of promoter Cruz by the Robert Mittleman and Zeke Luna cabal. This issue is now before the courts of Mexico as Cruz is taking legal action against the Mittleman/Luna group for contract interferance. Returning to the fighters under Carlos Rosales, Genaro Garcia , 19-2 bantam. is scheduled to fight this weekend in CD. Neza and then December 18 in Houston, Texas while Aldo Valtierra , 16-3 feather, last week received his papers to allow him to travel to the US.

Ricardo Lopez is negotiating his return to the ring. He wants 1.5 million dollars for a fight against Michael Carbajol . Things are moving closer for Goyo Vargas vs Floyd Mayweather to happen early next year, probably late January. My prediction if this fight happens: Vargas will stop Mayweather inside of 9 rounds. Next Saturday in Mexico City, the ancient one, Victor Rabanales is scheduled for 10 rounds versus Hector Mancina . Rabanales, who has been insisting for 5 years that he is 34 years old, is 38 or 40 depending on who you talk to. But he is still a tough dog and still fights at his former championship weight of 118lbs. Mancina is 18 years old and has a disputed record of 9-6-3 if you believe the commision, or 19-4 if you believe the fighter. I'll go with the commission record on this one.

15 November Last Saturday in Mexico City, rising featherweight Cesar Figueroa scored a second round knockout over Jaime Hernandez. 6 rounds S. Bantam - Simon Reyes W6 Arturo Hernandez. 6 light - Jorge Luis Lopez Wtko2 Ricardo Juarez. 4 light - Miguel Angel Huerta Wtko2 Ernesto Olarte. 4 feather- Marco Antonio Monroy Wtko1 Antonio Ramos. While the above was happening, I was sitting in a bar in Acapulco watching the Holyfield-Lewis rematch. The early rounds were tough to score, but from my seat it was Holyfield who wanted to fight. Lewis had his moments later, notably in the 9th with a nice uppercut, but the bottom line is Lewis lacks heart and balls . He is more concerned about not taking any risks. And those little baby jabs that he throws don't score points with me. Lewis is just a big strong guy with sub par coordination and a lack of balls. I had Holyfield winning 8 rounds to 4. Too bad the judges felt inclined to reward Lewis' pussy-style of fighting. Tonight in Mexico City Jesus "El Matador" Chavez defends the NABF S. Feather Title against Aderryl Johnson.

10 November This Sunday in Oregon, Manuel Garnica , coming off a points win over Gabe Rueles , will try to get another victory over a seasoned opponent in John-John Molina . Look for Garnica to get thrashed by Molina, who is still strong and dangerous, while Garnica doesn't possess enough power to keep Molina at bay. Reules had definitely seen his better days when Garnica was able to out-hustle and out box him. But in this fight Garnica has bitten off more than he can chew and won't see the final bell. WBA Superbantam Champ Nestor Garza is to defend his title in Japan on Nov. 20th against Koza Ishii . There is talk of a possible rematch between Erik Morales and Wayne McCullough to happen sometime after Erik's planned defense in Mexico City slated for December. Adan Vargas' challenge for the WBC Bantam Title vs Veerepol , originally scheduled for Dec. 11 in Thailand has been rescheduled for Jan. 14th. This doesn't seem to bother either Adan or his father/trainer Goyo Sr., who claim that whenever the fight takes place Veerepol will be knocked out by the 6th round. RESULT: JOHN JOHN MOLINA W10 MANUEL GARNICA.

9 November Jesus "El Matador" Chavez will defend his NABF Superfeather Title in Mexico City's La Boom Discotec on November 15 against Aderryl Johnson . Chavez was the former #1 WBC contender but has recently been moved back to #2 due to his US Visa proplems. I'm not familiar with Johnson, but it will surprise me if he can last longer than 5 rounds with the hard shots Chavez will inflict to the mid-section. I also don't think Johnson has arrived in Mexico City to date. If this is the case the altitude will surely get to him. A minimum of 10 days hard training is needed to adjust to the 1 1/2 mile height of Mexico, and if he hasn't started by now then it will be a short (and painful) night for him on the 15th. Also scheduled on the card is #1 WBC Strawweight and NABF holder Jose Antonio Aguirre defending against Juan Carlos Moreno . Also rumored to be appearing is former WBA Superbantam Champ Enrique Sanchez vs TBA.

Now that Marco Antonio Barrera has pulled out of a relatively easy fight on Nov. 20 due to the flu, I think it is time to start questioning Marco Antonio's dedication to the fight game. Maybe he's got the flu, maybe not - who cares. But his opposition of late hasn't been too stellar and he, not Erik Morales , seems to be the reluctant warrior. Word around the gyms is that a fight with Erik Morales would be his last fight. I don't see it this way and have picked Barrera to beat Morales, going so far as to pick the round (8) in which he would stop Morales. But there seems to be a major lack of confidence among the people who work out in the gym with him and maybe they know something I don't. I'm starting to get a bad feeling that his fight with Morales will never come off. Hope I'm wrong on this one. There is also a story going around that Morales will have a voluntary title defense here in Mexico City sometime in December - we'll see.

7 November In a difficult 10 round fight last night at the Arena Mexico, Melchor Cob Castro got the decision nod over taller Francisco Garcia . Garcia used effective jabs and looping left hooks to the body, but it wasn't enough as Castro gutted it out and pressed the fight on the inside. Scored 97-93, 96-94, 96-93. Castro currently holds the NABF Minifly and WBC Continental Minifly belts, while Garcia is the current Mexican Minifly Champion - but no titles were on the line last night. In the 10 round semi-main, superbantamweight Cayetano Sesmas looked to get back on track after getting KO'd a few months back by Francisco Mateos. Well, Sesmas connected with a solid right to the chin of Antonio Herrera that sent him to the canvas at :23 seconds of the opening round. Who knows if Herrera could have risen because the stupid referee Gelasio Perez swooped down like an out of control maniac and waved off the fight while holding Herrera down. Absolutely no attempt was made to check the condition of the fighter, and we were only 23 seconds into the bout. Again this referee shows his incompetence and blows what was the best matchup (on paper at least) of the whole card. Also, 8 rounds lightweights - Miguel Angel Alvarez Wtko6 Erick Perez. 4 rounds bantam - Hugo Vargas Wsplit4 Jhony Gonzalez. 4 rounds feather - Juan Carlos Martinez W4 Gerardo Leon.

2 November Look for the WBC to strip Princess Hamed of the belt he recently won from Cesar Soto because Hamed refuses to give up the WBO belt. This coming Saturday in Mexico City, Melchor Cob Castro takes on Francisco Garcia in a minifly bout. Gerson Guerrero plans to make a quick return to the ring following last Saturday's victory. He is scheduled to defend the FECARBOX flyweight title again on December 11. Juan Carlos "Ranchero" Ramirez is a possible opponent for Marco Antonio Barrera on the Nov. 20th Top Rank/Forum Boxing co-promotion from Las Vegas. The sad ending for Julio Cesar Chavez looks certian to take place early next year. Soon Chavez will undergo some cursory medical exams mandated by the WBC that he will pass and then he'll get the green light to face destroyer Konsta Tszyu . This will be a massacre and the only way Chavez will leave the ring intact is if he quits on his stool before the shallacking really begins. I'll give the fallen warrior 3 rounds before he quits. Adan Vargas has a firm date to travel to Thailand to challenge for the WBC Bantamweight Title against Veeraphol Sahaprom on December 11th in Bangkok. Vargas has improved greatly over the past year and has developed a solid punch, especially to the body. However, it will be very difficult to lift the belt in the Champions hometown. I'll go with Veeraphol by controversial decision. Mexico City lightweight Pedro Alonso Teran is tentatively scheduled to fight in Mazatlan on Nov. 19.

30 October The hardest punching flyweight in Mexico is not the most exciting to watch, but he sure does pack lighting in his fists. Gerson Guerrero fought a mostly cautious and defensive fight until blasting Hugo Cazares with a right hand as the bell sounded to end round 4. Cazares beat the count and stumbled to his corner, where the doctor ruled he was in no shape to continue. Officially Guerrero gets the Tko win at :01 of the 5th in this defense of the FECARBOX Title. Guerrero is now 16-2(11) and ranked #11 by the WBC. In the 10 round semi-main, Super-lightweight Leoncio Garces destroyed Arturo Murua in the 2nd round with a wicked left hook that bounced his head off of three ring ropes and sent Murua to the dressing rooms (and possibly the hospital) on a stretcher. In a spirited 4 round female flyweight bout, impressive Mariana Juarez stopped capable Maribel Zamora in the 3rd round. Also, 4 rounds bantam - Jose de la Cruz W4 Moises Diaz. 6 rounds fly - Abel Ochoa W6 Jorge Manero.

29 October Last Saturday I was ringside at the Paulie Ayala vs Saohin Condo WBA Bantam Title match. Ayala retained by a wide point margin, but the fight was brutal and very competitive. Each time Ayala would snap off a quick 3-punch combination Condo would storm back with hard right hands. I understand why Condo was a long time #1 contender and Tapia didn't choose to defend against the Thai fighter. He was tough and had a rock solid chin. Many at ringside commented that this fight was more physical that Ayala's fight with Tapia when he won the belt. CONGRADULATIONS PAULIE!!!

In Mexico City last Saturday, Everado "Zihua" Morales scored a 3rd round technical knockout over Rafeal Chavez in the 10 round Main Event fight. Morales campaigns at 115 pounds and improves to 16-6-4(11) while Chavez falls below .500 to 8-9(6). Also, 8 rounds fly - Cecilio Santos W8 Jorge Godinez. 6 feather - Jose Luis Gaspar W6 Jose Popoca. 6 bantam - Francisco Dianzo Wtko5 Gilberto Martinez. 6 bantam - Roman Campos W6 Trino Cordoba.

I got to see the replay of the Erik Morales vs Wayne McCullough fight. Morales has good skills but he fights like a robot with no emotion. I fully expected he would be able to win by knockout, but McCullough put up a game effort. I think it's less of a question of McCullough chin, which is solid, but more a question of Morales' punching power. Were Morales to fight with some aggression and determination he could have had an easier night. There was no need for him to look for Wayne, he was right there all night. If we look down the road to a Morales vs Barerra match-up early next year I think Barrera will have his way with Morales and will stop him in 8 rounds. Barrera is just too strong for Morales. Speaking of Barrera, he'll be on a big card being promoted by Top Rank and Forum Boxing November 20 in Southern California. Also scheduled is WBO 115lbs. Title holder and younger brother of Erik, Diego Morales . Plus Juan Manuel Marquez , who recently blew it against Freddy Norwood . None of these guys have announced opponents to date.

17 October Mexican Welterweight contender Jose "Maestrito" Luis Lopez has inked a promotional deal with Bob Arum's Top Rank. Lopez is a former WBO Welter Champ, and better known for his controversial draw with Ike Quartey . If Lopez is able to get on track with a few solid wins, and maintain his focus in the gym I see him meeting Oscar De La Hoya sometime late next year. In the past Lopez was with Main Events. There are also rumors that another former Main Events fighter, Jesus "Matador" Chavez , has hooked up with Top Rank and will appear on a November PPV card from Mexico. Following the recent split in the Duva family it looks like their is a reshuffling of the deck for fighters under the Main Events group.

17 October In recent Mexican Title bouts, Oscar Larios successfully defended last Friday night by stopping Jorge Munoz in the 12 round on the Paez vs Castillo undercard. Also last Friday in Sinaloa, Hector Quiroz made a first successful defense of the Mexican SuperLight Title by knocking out Oscar Delgado in the 3rd round.

16 October Julio Ceasar Chavez and Gabriel Ruelas ought to throw a party to welcome another former top-level fighter who has recently proved to everyone he shouldn't be in the ring any longer. I'm speaking of Jorge "Maromero" Paez , who was knocked out in 4 last night by Jose Luis Castillo . And with Gabe's brother Rafeal fighting on November 17th there's a good chance this little party will really take off.

16 October Tonight in Mexico City Hugo Dianzo , Mexican Bantam Champ, #3WBC, stopped Arturo Valenzuela in the 10th round. I've said for a long time that Dianzo is easy pickings, but for some reason no one can beat him. Valenzuela had a few opportunities but was never able to capitalize. Rounds 8 and 9 could have been scored 10-8's for Dianzo even though Valenzuela didn't go down. For a fighter with 23 wins and 4 defeates Dianzo looks very amatuerish from my seat. He holds (alot), pushes, throws awkward punches, has bad balance, and can't seem to throw a good combination without getting tangled up with his opponent. But, hey, he keeps beating the guys they put in front of him - and he hasn't been fighting bums - so I guess he deserves a title shot as well as anyone else. If I were the champion he'd be on my short list as an easy defense against a top 5 ranked boxer. Also, 10 rounds straw - Martin Acevedo W10 Jose Manuel Perez. 6 rounds feather - Roman Poblano Wsplit6 Jamie Ortiz. 4 rounds fly - Adriana Chamosa W4 Lizeth Apango (these females showed better skills than any of the male fighters on tonights card, except Acevedo). 4 rounds feather - Martin Honorio W4 Issac Chavarria.

15 October Earlier this year Enrique Jupiter fought Danny Romero to a draw on ESPN2 in a fight which many thought Jupiter deserved the decision. Well, poor Enrique has been waiting patiently by the phone and it isn't ringing. Romero on the other hand is taking another baby-step on Oct. 23rd when he faces 11-4-1 Carlos Contreras on the Paulie Ayala WBA Bantam Title defense in Ft. Worth. This is Romero's tune-up for a possible shot at Ayala's Title. The view from here is Romero has unfinished business with Enrique Jupiter. Jupiter is now in that unfortunate position of being too "difficult" an opponent, while not sporting a good enough record, 31-9-2, to get into a title fight. Promoters!! Give me a call and I'll put you in contact with Jupiter's manager. He's training hard and waiting by the phone.

15 October It is being reported that #1 WBC Bantamweight Adan Vargas has secured his world title shot against Champion Veerapol Sahaprom of Thailand on December 5 in the champions home country. Always difficult to win in Thailand, but Adan has looked very strong in recent fights, has an excellent technical style, and knocks out opponents with hard body shots. I'm very high on both Vargas brothers, Adan and Goyo. As a defending Champion in his home court (and Thailand of all places) the edge has to go to the hard hitting Saraprom. Look for Vargas to visit the canvas, but I have no doubt he will rise and finish the fight. But I don't think he'll be able to leave the kingdom as the new champion. As for Goyo, there is still talk of his fighting Floyd Mayweather . I'm not sure if the WBC actually replaced #1 Ranked Jesus Chavez with Goyo as the mandatory, but we're likely to see Goyo vs Floyd sometime early next year. And I'm back to my previous prediction: Goyo will stop Floyd Mayweather and FM will have wished he'd taken "the slave contract" offered by HBO.

12 October This Saturday night in Arena Mexico top 10 WBC Bantamweight and Mexican Champion Hugo Dianzo 21-4-1 (13) defends against Arturo Valenzuela 18-2-1 (15). To date I haven't been too impressed with Dianzo, but he keeps winning. Valenzuela, from red-hot Tijuana, has been training in the mountians near Mexico City so should be in top shape. I see the title heading north after Saturday night. Speaking of Tijuana, this Saturday Jorge "Maromero" Paez takes on tough Jose Luis Castillo . Following Paez dramatic Knockout loss to Augie Sanchez a few months back he said he was looking for one more farewell fight before a final retirement. If he thinks Castillo will be an easy foe to close his career with then he's in for a surprise. Look for Paez to go the way of recent train crashes Julio Ceasar Chavez and Gabe Ruelas . Also in TJ, Oscar Larios defends the Mexican Super-Bantam Title against #1 ranked Jorge Munoz .

9 October Ricardo Lopez has announced his retirement. Check out The Neutral Corner for a translation of his announcement. But my opinion is that Lopez will be back in the ring next year. Tonight in Mexico City Alejandro Estrada got some help when the ref prematurely stopped his 10 round bantam match with Ulyses Flores in the 5th. Estrada dropped Flores in the second and overall looked good, but the slow handed Flores was able to land looping rights and lazy left hooks that seemed to give Estrada some problems. Estrada is promoted by Ricardo Maldonado and they have massaged his record to an impressive 20-1, 15 knockouts. Look for him to appear soon under Forum Boxing in Southern California. Also, 10 rounds straw - Jesus Vargas W10 Martin Zepeda. 10 rounds Fly - Valerio Sanchez Wtko1 Jose Vargas. 4 rounds light - Aldo Romero Wsplit4 Neftali Fuentes. And in what almost became 1999's winner for tradegy/comedy, Ernesto Olarte and Ricardo Juarez battled for a third consequitive time to settle their previous two draws. Olarte looked to have things in the bag in a close fight until the 10 second alert to end the 4th and final round. At that point Juarez landed a right hand that dropped Olarte on his butt. He beat the count and we went to the scorecards. Judge A: 38-37 Olarte, Judge B: 38-37 Juarez, Judge C: 38 - ......37 Olarte. So after 3 tries Olarte by split decision.

9 October Tonight in Mexico City promising, but overly protected, Alejandro Estrada goes against catcher Ulyses Flores in a 10 round bantamweight match. Flores poses an early danger because he is aggressive and has a good punch but if the fight goes past 4 rounds it should be all Estrada. Following tonight, Estrada should be ready to step up his competition level and move onto the international stage.

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