Boxing will not survive in America if only the multimillionaire promoters are doing well. So this year, I’m going to work harder at publicizing local shows. Instead of wasting money on more pay-per-views, I say we all put that money toward attending local shows and support boxing locally. Whether it’s with a group of guys with cheap tickets or dressing up with the lady and sitting ringside, it’s a lot better than another night in front of the TV.
Joey “Eye” Honored as Philly Promoter of the Year
A great way to enjoy local boxing in the Philly area is at one of Joey “Eye” Intrieri’s shows at Harrah’s Casino in Chester, PA. They’re good enough for Joey to be named 2011’s “Promoter of the Year” at the recent “Salute to Philly Boxing” dinner. And we need not wait long for his next show. Friday, February 24th, Joey is again at Harrah’s with a card featuring Tony Ferrante against Omar Sheika in a light heavyweight battle.
Ferrante needs a win if he is ever going to make a move in the division and Sheika is known for action fights. There’s not a bad seat in the house and general admission is only $45. If you want to really impress the lady for a great night, VIP ringside is only $100.
Add Jorge Diaz to Fighters to Watch in 2012
Earlier this week, I received an e-mail from a reader who was somewhat offended at my lack of coverage given to super bantam/featherweight Jorge Diaz of New Jersey. I will admit, the reader was right. For whatever reason, I have not given Diaz the attention he deserves. At 16-1 (10), he holds a quality win over Alejandro Lopez, who then knocked Teon Kennedy from the undefeated ranks. Diaz’ only loss was to Kennedy, in a fight many ringside observers felt was much closer than how the judges scored it. So keep an eye on Diaz in 2012 as he looks to put the Kennedy loss behind him and moves toward contention in the 126-pound division.
Mikey Faragon Headlines Staten Island Show Thursday Night
Lightweight prospect Mikey Faragon of upstate New York opens his 2012 campaign this Thursday at the Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn against Andres Ledesma. Promoter Greg Cohen tells Maxboxing that he expects Faragon to make a huge move in the lightweight division and hopes for a breakout fight sometime around April or May on “ShoBox.”
Faragon has steadily improved over the past two years and at 16-0 (7) looks ready to make that step up in competition. However, this Thursday will likely be a one-sided affair, given that Ledesma, 16-19-1 (11), comes into this fight 3-18 since 2005. Cohen plans to keep Faragon busy and would like to see him fight almost once a month. I doubt that will happen but if he can enter the ring six times in 2012, we might see him facing some real contenders by year’s end.
Australian female Diana Prazak, who Cohen feels is one of the best female fighters in the world at 130 pounds, will face Lucia Larcinese on the card as well.
Junior middleweight Glen Tapia was scheduled to appear but pulled out due to a hand injury.
Dannie Williams and Willie Nelson Score Wins in Key West
Lightweight Dannie Williams is ready to make his move and trainer Jack Loew wants it sooner rather than later. Loew said on Friday that it’s getting harder for Williams to stay motivated when facing lesser competition. While Loew did praise Williams’ performance in stopping Fernando Trejo, 33-18-6 (19), in six rounds, Loew feels it’s time for Williams to make the step up to facing true contenders. As I mentioned last week, a fight with Philly’s Hank Lundy is in the works and could be a classic battle between two one-loss fighters, Lundy’s hand speed and movement versus Williams’ pressure and power.
Loew feels Williams’ mental game has caught up to his obvious physical skills and hopes to take the training to the next level including a new nutritional regimen.
Between Williams, Lundy, Faragon, Michael Perez and up-and-comers Jake Giuriceo and Angel Ocasio, the lightweight division on the East Coast is quite interesting.
Welterweight Willie Nelson was successful in his first bout with Loew, his first outing since his lone defeat. While I believed this year would be a comeback year for Nelson, almost starting from scratch, Loew disagreed saying that Nelson is just a fight or two away from a big fight and it’s just small adjustments he needs to reach the next level.
Loew will have several amateurs fighting against a team from Canada at St. Lucy’s Hall in Campbell on Saturday, February 4th.
January 21st – A Great Night for East Coast Boxing
In addition to Main Events debut on NBC Sports Network “Fight Night” next Saturday, Lou DiBella will host the year’s first Broadway Boxing show at the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, featuring Gabriel Bracero, 18-0 (3), against former champion DeMarcus Corley. I’m not a big fan of Corley continuing his career at this point but he should give Bracero some good rounds. At 37, Corley 1-8 in his past nine bouts and loser of six straight (and although very durable), there is little chance of him being relevant again. I can’t help but believe it’s time he stopped taking punches to the head for a living.
Puerto Rican featherweight Luis Orlando Del Valle, 14-0 (11), will also appear on the card. I will have a full update on the card in the coming week.
Keep in mind tickets start at just $45 for both the Philly and New York shows, two great chances to support local boxing.
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