Klitschko, Brock speak!
By Jason "J-Gon" Gonzalez / Photo: Ed Mulholland
IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and his vanquished challenger Calvin Brock spoke to the press following Wladimir's seventh round knockout win on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City. "Calvin Brock was much slower than my sparring partners were," stated Klitschko. "I didn't get caught with any of the punches that he threw strong. His defense was very good so it made it tough for my timing. That's way I didn't knock him out until late." At one point, newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs broke in shouting, "Enough of all of this. Let's have a unification match, much sooner than later. I was supposed to fight you first, right here on this day!" Klitschko called for unification tournament to unify the titles. Brock stated, "This is not the end of Calvin Brock. You will see me again and I will become heavyweight champion."

Holyfield ready for next fight!
Four-time heavyweight champion heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who defeated Fres Oquendo in San Antonio on Friday night, is already talking about his next fight. "I told Evander he should at least take a week off," stated co-promoter Murad Muhammad. "So I surprised when Evander phoned me this afternoon and said he was ready to go back to work. He does not want time for rest and recreation." Muhammad said San Antonio, Houston, where Holyfield trains, and Memphis are bidding for the next Holyfield bout. He also said unnamed foreign countries are also calling.

Tokyo twinbill tomorrow!
By Joe Koizumi
A world title twinbill promoted by Akihiko Honda's Teiken Promotions will take place tomorrow (Monday) at Nihon Budokan (Japanese Martial Arts Hall) in Tokyo, Japan. WBC bantam champ Hozumi Hasegawa (20-2, 7 KOs), Japan, will risk his belt against perennial top contender Genaro Garcia (37-4, 22 KOs), Mexico, over twelve rounds. Also, WBC 105-pound ruler Eagle Kyowa (16-1, 6 KOs), a Thailander living here, will take on Mexican Lorezo Trejo (28-14, 15 KOs), over twelve. There was an official weigh-in today, and the weight of the four contestants was as follows: Hasegawa and Garcia both 117.75 pounds, while Eagle and Trejo both 105. The Mexican veteran Garcia failed in his first weigh-in as he scaled in a half pound over the limit, but shed it in less than an hour to make the weight.

Ouali stops Ramos!
Welterweight Said Ouali (20-2) stopped Mario Ramos (16-4-1) at 1:27 into round nine to retain his USBO title on Saturday night at the sold out Club Cinema in Pompano Beach, Florida. In the co-feature, middleweight Erosomole Albert (18-1) won a unanimous decision over a very tough and game Nurham Suleymanoglu (16-6). In the night's biggest upset, previously unbeaten featherweight and two-time National Golden Glove champion John Jackson (7-1) lost a controversial split decision to veteran Armando Cordova (22-28-2) after eight rounds of fast action. Last minute sub Terry Lantz (10-7) lost a decision to Damian Frias (9-1) after six rounds. The "Battle At The Beach V" was presented by Jeff Gibson/Elite Promotions.

Vidoz victorious!
By Enrico "Erik" Crociati
Italian heavyweight Paolo Vidoz (22-3, 12 KOs) outscored durable Russian Alexei Osokin (11-25-1, 4 KOs) over eight rounds Saturday night in Camisano Vicentino, Italy. The Olympian amateur star and former Euro champ Vidoz showed no effects from the KO loss suffered against Ukrainian big puncher Vladimir Virchis in July and will likely fight for the Union European crown in the upcoming year. The Vidoz-Osokin clash was promoted by Sergio Cavallari.

Holyfield decisions Oquendo!
by Byron Spurlock and photos by Robert Hughes
Former Heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield continued his quest to become a five-time heavyweight champion Friday night in San Antonio, Texas, as he defeated former NABF Heavyweight Champion Fres Oquendo in front of a crowd of 10,133 at the Alamo Dome . . .

'Cicero Chill' heats up!
by Jacob Chavez, photos by John Booz
It was a stormy night in Chicago, but not even the pouring rain could keep fans from bustling into Cicero Stadium to witness a spectacular card promoted by 8 Count Productions in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Appropriately billed as “Cicero Chill,” the main event featured a war between Rogers Mtagwa and Martin Honorio for the USBA featherweight title . . .

Torres Destroys Wiggins!
By Shamus Young at ringside
Saturday night at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA, local favorite David Torres, 17-0, took just three rounds to stop late substitute Tyrone Wiggins, 7-20-1. Wiggins enjoyed a large height and reach advantage, but Torres was easily able to slip inside Wiggins' wide punches and brutalize the body. After three rounds of body punishment, Torres landed a straight right that put Wiggins down hard. Wiggins made it to his feet at the count of 9, but was unable to respond to referee Paul Field. Time of the KO was 2:59 of the third round. In the co-main event, Nate Smith and Jess Saliway waged an all-out, back-and-forth war. Smith proved to be the quicker and harder puncher, knocking down Saliway twice in the third round before referee Jeff Macaluso stopped the bout at 2:22. Smith moves to 3-2-2, and Saliway to 2-3-1. The sold out card was the fifty first installment of Brian Halquist's Battle at the Boat series.

Shot of the Day!
Photo: Ed Mulholland

Referee Wayne Kelly orders IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko to a neutral corner after flooring Calvin Brock in round seven Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. Klitschko retained his title when the bout was stopped moments later.

Klitschko KOs Brock!
By Matt Richardson and Jason "J-Gon" Gonzalez at ringside
Photo: Ed Mulholland
IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (47-3, 42 KOs) knocked out previously unbeaten Olympian Calvin Brock (29-1, 22 KOs) in round seven on Saturday night at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City. Brock looked nervous early as Wladimir measured him with his jab from long range. Brock had some success going to the body in rounds two to four, but Wladimir got his arsenal working in round five snapping Brock's head back repeatedly. Klitschko suffered a bad cut over the left eye in round six from an unintentional headbutt. Klitschko then ended it in the seventh with a vicious assault punctuated by a huge right hand that sent Brock to the deck face first. Referee Wayne Kelly waved it off at 2:10.

With her famous father Muhammad Ali looking on, female superstar Laila Ali moved to 23-0 with 20 KOs with a four round battering of Shelley Burton (8-3, 2 KOs). The bout, which was for the WBC womens' super middleweight title, was stopped with two seconds left in the fourth.

In a crossroads battle of former world champions, five-time titlist Manuel "Mantecas" Medina (67-15, 31 KOs) won a close majority decision over "The Flushing Flash" Kevin Kelley (59-8-2, 39 KOs). Scores were 114-114, 115-113, 115-113 for Medina, who looks to be in line for another title shot as the bout was an IBF jr lightweight eliminator.

In a ten rounder for the New York state heavyweight title, unbeaten Derric Rossy (14-0, 8 KOs) pounded out a one-sided decision over Shannon Miller (14-3, 8 KOs). Scores were 98-91, 100-90, 100-90. Rossy sustained a cut over his left eye late in the bout.

In a ten rounder for the New York state jr welterweight title, Frankie Figueroa (14-2, 10 KOs) won a majority decision over previously unbeaten Joey Rios (14-1, 6 KOs). Scores were 95-95, 96-94, 97-93. "I'm the best in the Bronx, best in New York City and I proved it tonight," proclaimed Figueroa afterward.

Hot Kronk Gym middleweight prospect Andy Lee (5-0, 3 KOs) shut out Dennis Sharpe (17-2, 4 KOs) over six rounds, 60-54 on all cards.

Light heavyweight Reggie LaCrete (1-0) scored a third round TKO over Denys Lozada (2-1), who didn't come out for round four.

A scheduled heavyweight bout between Vinny Maddalone and Marcus McGee did not take place.

Romanov wins in three!
Melero knocked out in dramatic 3rd round
Former champion Juan Carlos Melero Diaz won the first two rounds and knocked down the challenger Yuri Romanov in the third, but moments later he was caught himself with a tremendous right that knocked him out for more than the count. It was the first defeat for the local from Ciudad Real, Spain. Yuri Romanov, who's the first ever European champion from Belarus, is expected to make a voluntary defence on the Boxe Masters IV scheduled for Monaco on March 3rd.

On the undercard Karim Quibir defeated Julio Vargas from Chile over six at super bantam; Super Featherweight Oscar Sanchez stopped Fernando Jose Guevara from Venezuela in five rounds on a deep cut; Petr Petrov won in four against Sunday Aderoju from Nigeria when his corner threw in the towel.

Dunne wins Euro belt!
Unbeaten super bantamweight Bernard Dunne (22-0, 13 KOs) continued his rise on Saturday night by unanimous decision over Esham Pickering (29-5) to claim the vacant European title at the Point Depot in Dublin, Ireland. Dunne won by scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 115-113.

Buhlalu gets by Dlamini!
By Gerhard Burger
Irvin Buhlalu retained his SA lightweight title when he again beat Benedict Dlamini on a highly controversial split decision in Durban on Friday night. In what may go down as the worst decision of the year in SA boxing, Dlamini won 116-115 on two cards and lost 116-112 on the third. Even though he was docked a point for holding in the tenth round and was thoroughly outworked by the challenger, Buhlalu was handed his second disputed victory over Dlamini.

Morales 136, Pacquiao 136!
The WBC's seven-day prefight weigh-ins for Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao show both fighters to be on target for making the 130-pound super featherweight limit for their PPV superfight on November 18. Today WBC representative Jose Herrera Ornelas traveled to Erik Morales' training camp and registered a 136-pound weight on Erik Morales. Yesterday, WBC representative Rudy Tellez reported that the weight of Manny Paquiao was 136-pounds, as well. There is a stipulation in the contract that if Morales fails to make 130 pounds, he will have to pay Manny half a million dollars for every pound that he is over the contracted weight.

Harrison release delayed!
The release of WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison from a Spanish jail has not taken place as scheduled. Harrison, who has been locked up since October 6 in relation to an alleged assault and other charges, was granted bail and was expected to be released Friday, however, the presiding judge who must sign-off on Harrison's release decided to take Friday off so as a result the champ will remain behind bars until at least Monday. Earlier this week, promoter Frank Warren pulled the plug on Harrison's scheduled defense on December 9 in London, but that fight could be ressurected if Harrison can get back to the U.K. early next week. If he doesn't fight, he will be stripped of the WBO title.

Kelley set for Medina!
By Jason "J-Gon" Gonzalez
Just five months after suffering what appeared to be a seemingly career-ending knockout loss to Bobby Pacquiao, former world champion "The Flushing Flash" Kevin Kelley is again right back where it all started. The remarkable veteran, now at age 39, will be showcased on the undercard of the Klitschko-Brock championship bout tonight at Madison Square Garden. It will be an IBF super featherweight title eliminator when Kelley (59-7-2, 38 KOs) challenges former five-time world champion Manuel Medina (66-15, 31 KOs). "My fights now are no longer like regular days at the office," Kelley said. "I want to fight for a world title soon and what better way to get to the top then by derailing former world champions who are trying to get back into the mix?"

Holyfield: He didn't want to fight!
By Byron Spurlock / Photo: Robert Hughes
"I'm not impressed with my performance, but I got the job done, and in the end, that's what counts," said four-time former world champion Evander Holyfield after his unanimous twelve round decision over Fres Oquendo on Friday night before 10,000+ at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. "The plan tonight was for me to box and if I can knock him out, I was going to knock him out, simple as that. Oquendo was not my type of fighter. I would have never chosen a fighter like this to fight with because they move away too much. I'm sure the fight didn't have the excitement that many were expecting but I didn't lose my focus and didn't just chase him around the ring like he wanted me to do....Ronnie (Shields) was trying to get me to take the fight to him, but the thing is, Oquendo, was not letting me fight that way because of the way he was running so much. Ronnie has told me that the most important thing is throw combinations and keep busy, but you can't throw combinations to someone who backs back all the time. I was trying to initiate the action, and bring the fight but he didn't want to fight tonight."

Mendoza back on winning track!
By Kevin Bello
Super middleweight KO artist Epifanio Mendoza was back in action in his native Colombia on Friday night, scoring a secong round TKO over Anuar Sarabia at the Elias Chegwin Colisseum in Barranquilla. Mendoza (25-4-1, 23 KOs) has previously defeated quality fighters like Tokunbo Olajide and Rubin Williams, but was coming of a KO loss to David Lopez in his last bout. In a couple of domestic title bouts, undefeated Breidys Prescott (12-0, 10 KOs) knocked out Over Orozco in the first round to capture the vacant Colombian super lightweight title and undefeated Raul Pinzon (10-0, 8 KOs) TKO`d former UBC contender Ignacio Solar in the second round to win the vacant Colombian welterweight crown. In other action, Jose Miguel Torres KO'd John Berrio (8-2, 7 KOs) in second round of a super welterweight bout. Olympian unbeaten super welterweight Juan Camilo Novoa TKO'd southpaw Raul Martinez in the second round. And in a female super flyweight bout young Paulina "Paquita" Cardona (6-1-2, 3 KOs) battle to a four round draw with Francia Bravo.

Johnson Crushes Hammock!!!
By Kurt Wolfheimer at Ringside
Rising super middleweight Wayne "Lights Out" Johnson (14-1, 9 KOs) lived up to his nickname with a spectacular 1st round knockout of formerly undefeated Josh Hammock (7-1, 5 KOs) at Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ. Hammock wanted to make a statement early and rushed across throwing a couple wild jabs. Johnson countered with a perfect overhand right that sent Hammock sprawling to the canvas and it was lights out as the referee waved off the bout at 33 seconds. Undefeated Henry Crawford had a tougher time in the co-feature but was able to wear down veteran Chris "Shaka" Henry over six rounds to capture a unanimous decision.

Shot of the Day!
Photo: Mary Ann Owen

Former world champions Kevin Kelley and Manuel Medina goof off during Friday's weigh-in. Things will be a lot more serious when they collide tonight in an IBF jr. lightweight eliminator at Madison Square Garden on the Klitschko-Brock undercard.

Hoye, Ruiz victorious!
By Francisco Salazar at ringside
Light heavyweight contender Rico Hoye (20-1, 14 KOs) scored a tenth round TKO over Sam Hill (17-7-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday night at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California. Hoye dropped Hill in the sixth with a left hook to the body and again in the tenth with an overhand right before the bout was stopped at 2:15. Earlier, light heavy contender Jesus "Chuy" Ruiz (19-4, 17 KOs) needed just 80 seconds to blow away journeyman Rodney Moore (9-18-6, 3 KOs). Moore was down twice.

Holyfield defeats Oquendo!
By Byron Spurlock at ringside
Photo: Robert Hughes
Four-time former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield (40-8-2, 26 KOs) won a slow-paced twelve round unanimous decision over Fres Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs) Friday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Holyfield thrilled the huge crowd when he dropped Oquendo with a big right hand early in round one, however he didn't follow up and Fres cracked him with a hard shot at the end of the round. Oquendo's awkward workmanlike style was able to dictate the tempo of the fight until Evander hurt him with some punches on the beltline in the sixth. Holyfield had another good round in the seventh and went on to squeak out a 116-111, 114-113, 114-113 win.

Samuels defeats Lanzas!
By Justin Stone at ringside
Derrick Samuels boxed his way to a one-sided 8 round sweep over the tough Julio Lanzas on Friday night in Tampa. Samuels used his speed to keep away from Lanzas' pressure fighting. In the sixth, Derrick bloodied Lanzas' noise and it would continue to bleed heavily the last 2 rounds. Fast combos and footwork gained Samuels the score 80-72 from all three judges

Early Results from San Antonio!
By Byron Spurlock at ringside
In an all-Texas welterweight duel, Golden Johnson (40-24-3, 18 KOs) scored an impressive eleventh round TKO over Oscar Diaz (25-2, 12 KOs). Johnson was very sharp early. Diaz was cut over the right eye in round two. The rugged and determined Diaz perservered, rocking Johnson at the end of the seventh round round. Diaz' cut continued to worsen, however, and by the end of round ten Diaz' left eye was swelling shut, plus he complained about a possibly broken hand. Johnson finally pounced and finished off Diaz with a barrage of punches prompting referee Ruben Carrion to stop the fight at :58. Johnson claimed the NABF title with the win.

In a fierce and bloody super flyweight fight, two-time world title challenger Jose Navarro (25-2, 11 KOs) won a split decision over local hero Gabriel Elizondo (25-2, 10 KOs). Scores were 97-93, 97-93 Navarro, 96-94 Elizondo. Navarro claimed the NABA 115lb title.

Heavyweight Adam Richards (15-1, 11 KOs) needed just 1:52 to demolish Vernon Woodward (8-16-1).

Female super featherweight Maureen Shea (7-0, 3 KOs) outpointed Tammy Franks (1-2) by scores of 59-55, 60-54, 60-54.

Junior middleweight Emanuel Ledesma (9-1, 4 KOs) posted a four round 40-36 shutout on all cards against Jeremiah Chapman (3-6).

Bantamweight Joseph Angel Rios (1-0) topped winless Rolando Campos (0-2) over four, 40-36, 40-36, 39-37.

Molitor claims IBF title!
Unbeaten Steve Molitor (23-0, 9 KOs) won the vacant IBF super bantamweight title Friday night with a fifth round knockout of previously unbeaten Michael Hunter (26-1-1) in Hartlepool, England. Molitor dropped the hometown hero Hunter in round four, then finished him off with a straight left at 1:32 of round five.

Honorio edges Mtagwa!
It was Rock'em Sock'em robots Friday night at Cicero Stadium near Chicago as featherweight Martin Honorio (23-3-1, 12 KOs) won a close split decision over Rogers Mtagwa (21-11-2, 16 KOs) to claim Mtagwa's USBA title. Honorio won 115-112, 114-113 on two cards. Mtagwa was up 114-113 on the third card.

Olympian lightweight Vicente Escobedo (11-1, 10 KOs) scored an impressive fifth round KO over Ramon Guevara (7-6, 5 KOs). After a combination rocked Guevara, a left hook sent him to a knee for the count.

Weights from New York City!
Mary Ann Owen & Butch Gottlieb at The Scales
Wladimir Klitschko 241 vs Calvin Brock 224.5
(IBF/IBO heavyweight championship)
Laila Ali 166.5 vs Shelley Burton 164
(WBC women's super middleweight title)
Kevin Kelley 129.75 vs Manuel Medina 129.75
(IBF jr. lightweight eliminator)
Derric Rossy 245 vs Shannon Miller 227.5
(NY state heavyweight title)
Frankie Figueroa 139.5 vs Joey Rios 138.75
(NY state jr welterweight title)
Vinny Maddalone 237 vs Marcus McGee 237
Andy Lee 160 vs Dennis Sharpe 162.5
Reggie LaCrete 174.5 vs Denys Lozada 172.5

Carvajal stops Chuc in 5!
By Felipe Leon at ringside
Former WBO bantamweight Cruz Carvajal (28-13-1, 24 KOs) was successful Thursday night in his toughest test since his eighteen month hiatus, stopping Alberto Chuc (19-8-2, 15 KOs) in round five at the historic El Foro Theatre located on Revolucion Ave. in Tijuana, MX. In the early stages of the clash, the bout was held in the proverbial phone booth as both fighters opted to throw hooks to both head and body with Cruz sprinkling in the occasional uppercut and jab to the body. In the fifth round, Carvajal began to shoot on all cylinders, scoring with jabs and hooks to the body and strong right hands which Chuc had no defense for. With a visible hurt Chuc, who seemed ready to take a knee, the official Juan Morales Lee put a halt to bout at 2:01.

Sam defeats Mirovic!
WBC #4 heavyweight Sinan Samil Sam won a one-sided unanimous decision over Australian Bob Mirovic at the Sporthalle in Hamburg, Germany, on Friday night. The 32-year-old Turk dominated the fight, rocking his foe on several occasions, and cruised to a easy decision by the scores of 118:110, 117:107 and 117:112. There were no knockdowns. With the victory, Sam succesfully defended his WBC International Heavyweight title and stands now at 27-3. He is eyeing a rematch with WBC champion Oleg Maskaev.

In a WBC International welterweight title fight, WBC #11 Alpaslan Aguzum (33-2, 14 KOs) won a split decision over WBC #4 Joseph Makaringe (30-3, 25 KOs. Also, heavyweight Goran Gogic scored a eighth round knockout over Adnan Serin. Gogic moved his record to 14-2-2, while Serin falls to 16-5.

Johnson/Maddalone in Action!
by Andre Courtemanche
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing has announced that heavyweights Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson and Vinny Maddalone, both heavyweights in their stable, will fight on separate shows this weekend. Asbury Park, New Jersey’s undefeated Johnson (11-0-1, 5 KOs) will face Philadelphia’s undefeated Michael Rhodes at Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey, on Friday, November 10. Meanwhile, Flushing, New York’s Vinny Maddalone (27-3, 19 KOs), will fight on the undercard of the Klitschko vs. Brock Heavyweight Championship fight at Madison Square Garden on November 11 against tough veteran Marcus McGee. “We’ve got two of our guys in exciting showcase fights this weekend,” says Star Boxing President Joe DeGuardia. “Kevin will be putting his skills on display in front of his home-state fans against an opponent who is undefeated and Vinny will bring his all-action style to a huge audience at the Garden. These are the types of fights that get people talking about our fighters and we’re happy to have secured the opportunities for them.”

Harrison out of jail soon!
WBO champ might be able to save title
WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison has been handed a last minute lifeline that could see him finally defend his title against Nicky Cook at the ExCeL London on December 9 after all. The Scottish two-time world champion has been languishing in Malaga's Alhaurin de la Torre jail since October 6 on alleged assault charges but was granted bail by the Spanish courts and will head back to Glasgow Saturday. Promoter Frank Warren withdrew the Harrison-Cook title fight from his big end-of-the-year show earlier this week but he will now hold talks with the WBO about re-instating the fight on the card. "It's fantastic news to hear that Scott is out on bail and is heading home to Glasgow. The important factor is to first make sure that he is mentally and physically fit to box on December 9 and if that is cleared then I will discuss with the WBO about looking to get his fight against Cook back on the show," said Warren.

David, Veerapol, Napapol win!
By Damrong Simakajornboon
WBC #3 superfly David Nakornluang (14-0, 8 KOs) successfully retained his Asian Boxing Council (ABCO) 115lb title as he won a unanimous decision over former WBA top-ten ranked Marvin Tampos (13-5-2, 10 KOs) in the main event on Friday at the Mall Shopping Center in Bangkae District, Bangkok. Scores were 116-112, 116-112 and 117-111. Fightnews scored it 116-113 for the ABCO boss. The bout headlined a huge card that also featured two-time world champion and current WBC #3 bantam Veerapol Nakornluang (54-3-2, 39 KOs) who demolished Tanzanian Michael Yombayomba with a right hook to the belly at 2:44 of round four. Also WBC #1 superbantam Napapol Kiattisakchokchai (39-2, 35 KOs) stopped Filipino Dondon Lapuz at 1:12 of round five.

Shaw inks Bradley!
By Lee Bates
In what could be considered a major signing down the road, promoter Gary Shaw inked unbeaten welterweight Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley (16-0, 10 KOs) to a muliple year contract yesterday in Los Angeles. Bradley, who is already fighting under the banner of Thompson Boxing Promotions, will be co-promoted by both promoters. "I am truly honored to be promoted by Gary Shaw," said Bradley. "He's a very straight up person and I forsee a great future being co-promoted with Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary." Bradley turned professional in 2004 after a more than 10 year amateur career where he won multiple awards. In just two years as a pro, the chiseled Bradley has already won WBC Youth titles at 140 and 147. With Shaw, he will get the television exposure he needs to get him to the next level and boxing fans will start seeing one of boxing's best hidden talents. (Photo: Thompson Boxing)

Oquendo: "I will kick his butt!"
Holyfield responds: "The time for talking is over!" 
"THE FINAL CHAPTER CONTINUED!"
With a confidence bordering on cockiness, Latino heavyweight champ Fast Fres Oquendo has repeated his assertion that he will defeat legendary Evander Holyfield in their 12-round PPV event “THE FINAL CHAPTER CONTINUED!” TONIGHT at 7pm PT/10pm ET. Oquendo made his prediction last week in his hometown of Chicago and, with hours to go before his duel with Holyfield, he said it again, "I will knock the legend out. I am done kissing Evander's butt. Now I will go into the ring and kick his butt. He had his time to shine but I will make him ancient history tonight." Holyfield has heard the boasting but it does not move him. "The time for talking is over," Holyfield said. "Fres seems pretty brave at press conferences. Now we will see what he brings to the ring."

Ten years ago - on November 9th, 1996 - Evander Holyfield stopped Mike Tyson in 11 rounds to win the WBA heavyweight title. Now Holyfield's quest for a record fifth heavyweight crown continues when “THE FINAL CHAPTER CONTINUED!”

Yorgey draws with Clay!
By Kurt Wolfheimer at ringside
Thursday night at the Wachovia Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA, the IBU junior middleweight title was up for grabs as unbeaten "Lightning" Harry Joe Yorgey (16-0-1, 8 KOs) squared off against journeyman "Magnificent" Martinus Clay (12-13-2, 4 KOs). Approximately 2,000 fans showed up to hoping to witness Yorgey, capture their first title in his career, but were shocked as Clay battled him to a hard fought draw. Scores were 96-94, 94-96, 95-95. "I felt I won the fight," Yorgey commented afterward. "We knew he was a good fighter, but I was the stronger fighter. He was busier, but I was more accurate. It was what just what style did the judges like."

"Chupete" meets "the Tsar"
Melero Diaz & Romanov make weight
Juan Carlos "Chupete" Melero Diaz and Yuri "The Tsar" Romanov made weight tonight for their European titlefight to take place tomorrow night in Ciudad Real, 200km south of Madrid, Spain. The unbeaten champion Melero Diaz (31-0, 16KOs) from Spain weighted 61,050kg while the challenger from Belarus Yuri Romanov (17-2, 11 KOs) came at the scales at 60,800kg.
Referee for the bout will be Belgian Daniel Van de Wiele, while if it goes the distance, Fabian Guggenheim, Sergio Silvi and Adrio Zannoni will score the bout.
Three European rated boxers, Oscar Sanchez, Petr Petrov and Karim Quibir, will fight on the undercard of this 6-fight bill.
Oscar Sanchez (58,950) vs Fernando Jose Guevara (58,850)
Petr Petrov (59,700) vs Sunday Aderoju (60,150)
Karim Quibir (55,350) vs Julio Vargas (54,800)

Salido denies steroid charge!
"I beat Guerrero fair and square, I don't take drugs, I never have taken drugs!"
"I am confident my name will be cleared, and I look forward to boxing for many more years to come," says IBF featherweight champion Orlando Salido. It has been widely reported that according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Salido tested positive for steroids in a urine test taken prior to his world title win over Robert Guerrero. "That statement is incorrect," says the Salido camp. "Yes, the test found levels of Nandrolone higher than normal in his system and that set off rumors of steroid usage. A physician who wishes to be unnamed until formal hearings states that Nandrolone is a substance created by the human body. And weight loss or dehydration can set off and cause abnormal amounts of Nandrolone to be produced. Nandrolone can also show up in urine in quantities above the upper limit from a combination of high-protein diets utilizing the legal nutritional supplement creatine and hard cardiovascular exercise. The NSAC findings were a higher level. Someone ran with the steroids story and that is wrong!"

Holyfield-Oquendo tonight!
By Graham Houston
We have learned by now that Evander Holyfield should never be underestimated, and I am not underestimating him in his 12-rounder against Fres Oquendo on pay-per-view this Friday. Holyfield’s quest to become undisputed heavyweight again seems like the impossible dream, but the dogged 44-year-old did look good in his last fight when blowing away trial horse Jeremy Bates in two rounds. Those close to Holyfield say that his disappointing showings against Chris Byrd, James Toney and Larry Donald were in large part due to a persistent and nagging shoulder problem. They say that the 21-month layoff has allowed the four-time heavyweight champion to be healthy again. In the fight with Bates he unloaded combinations in an impressive and hurtful way and, yes, it did look as if he had turned back the clock. (Holyfield deadpanned afterwards: “The clock never turned.”) Let us not get too carried away, though. This was a two-round fight against a tailor-made opponent — a short, slow, very hittable heavyweight who knew what it was like to be stopped. And Holyfield looked pretty good against Toney for two rounds, as I recall. Now Holyfield is in a fight that he could very well lose, one in which he is, in fact, the underdog.

Mayweather to train Ibragimov!
By Lee Bates
Trainer Jeff Mayweather, who helped prepare WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs for his title winning fight against Sergei Liakhovich, will be in the opposite corner when Briggs faces mandatory challenger Sultan Ibragimov early next year. Mayweather left the Briggs' camp prior to the Briggs-Liakhovich fight and was quickly snapped up by the Ibragimov camp, due in part to his knowledge of Briggs, as well as his abilities as a trainer (he trained 7-1 underdog Ray Austin who fought Ibragimov to a draw).

Weights from Chicago!
Rogers Mtagwa 125.5 vs. Martin Honorio 125.5
(USBA featherweight title)
Tavoris Cloud 175 vs. Douglas Lafontsee 173.5
Vicente Escobedo 134 vs. Ramon Guevara 133
Mike Gonzalez 135.5 vs. Marcus Brashears 137.5
Barbaro Zepeda 126 vs. Hassan Wasswa 126
Andrzej Fonfara 148 vs. Calvin Pitts 148
Victor Polakov 165 vs. Tyrone Dowdy 165.5

Gonzalez, Ward at the Tank!
Former WBO light heavyweight champion Julio Gonzalez and Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward will headline the next "Fight Night at the Tank" promotion on November 16 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The #2 IBF, #4 WBO rated light heavy Gonzalez (40-3, 24 KOs) will face Vitali Kopitko (24-8, 9 KOs), while the unbeaten middleweight Ward (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Derrick Findley (6-1, 5 KOs). Also scheduled are lightweight Arturo Quintero (15-4, 9 KOs) vs David Hernandez (4-4-2, 2 KOs) and jr middle Antonio Johnson (5-0, 2 KOs) against Sean Holley (8-20-2, 2KOs).

Ballroom Boxing Results!
By Gary "Digital" Williams at ringside
Below are the quick results from the Ballroom Boxing card last night at Michael's Eighth Avenue: Baltimore welterweight Tim Coleman scored a first-round TKO over John Campbell. The bout was stopped at 2:06. Coleman remains undefeated at 6-0, two KO's. James Shedrick of Philadelphia won a six-round unanimous decision over DC's Larry "The Gladiator" Brothers. Undefeated heavyweight prospect Eric Fields of Ardmore, OK registered a first-round TKO over Donald Jones of Tulsa, OK. Fields is 4-0, four KO's. Brooklyn, NY's Jorge Lara and James Franks of Newport News, VA battled to a four-round draw. Reuel Williams of Wilmington, DE won by four-round unanimous decision over Samir Mohammad of Lexington, KY. Brooklyn, NY's Martin Wright stopped Chesapeake, VA's Antwon Barrett in the third round.