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Boxing Articles By Ginamarie Russo
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By Ginamarie Russo November 18th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
The Bronx's Francisco "El Gato" Figueroa "can't stop, won't stop." He is on his journey to greatness and is paving the road with vigorous training, concentration and his fitness program.
Currently at 20-3-1 (13), Mr. Figueroa always had a positive, happy-go-lucky attitude growing up. Even getting questionably sent home from Miguel Cotto's training camp, EL Gato rises above.
SaddoBoxing: You were Miguel Cotto's sparring partner in preparation for his fight against Manny Pacquiao. How was your experience? And did you sense any problems?
Francisco Figueroa: "Cotto and my personalities don't mix. There was a personality clash. We didn't say too much to each other. It was never a "hi, bye" sort of thing. I was doing everything asked of me as a sparring partner. I was near, so close, to Manny Pacquiao's moves and angles. I push myself, and am competitive. I am self motivated, so even at 180 lb, which I was at during his camp, I stayed competitive. I have never had a complaint before. And I sparred with Sugar Shane, Arturo Gatti, Ricky Hatton, Andre Berto. I'm a sparring partner, but I'm a boxer first."
SB: You had Pacquiao winning. What did you observe about Cotto during his fight against Pacquiao?
FF: "Yes, I did have Pacquiao winning. Then when I was watching the fight, the first two rounds were all Cotto, he had them. He also had the weight advantage. I thought, maybe he fooled me." More...
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By Ginamarie Russo October 21st, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
 NABF Female Featherweight Champion Jennifer "The Razor Barber" will be facing Gloria Ramirez at the Irvine Marriott in Irvine, California on October 29.
This co-main event six-rounder will not be a defense for her title, but it will give Barber a tough competitor.
Ironically, a few months ago, Barber had foreseen the addition of women's boxing to the Olympics as a major stepping stone to gain more recognition and respect among the sport. This year it was decided that women's boxing will take place in the 2012 Olympics.
SaddoBoxing: How is your preparation and training going for your bout with Gloria Ramirez?
Jennifer Barber: It's been good. I've been sparring nine rounds for three minutes, so training has definitely been stepped up.
SB: How are your sparring partners?
JB: They're good. Good for training. I've been mostly sparring with amateur boxers. Also, Mia St. John too. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo September 3rd, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
Joelo Torres was the co-main event last week on DiBella Entertainment's "Broadway Boxing" show at BB Kings in Manhattan and he graciously spoke afterward in an exclusive interview with SaddoBoxing.
He was originally billed as the main event, but the fight with David Armstrong fell through so Torres, 11-0-1 (7), faced Washington Hago 5-4 (3), and won by knockout in just the first round.
SaddoBoxing: First off, very impressive win Joelo! I know they changed your opponent last minute, how did you deal with that?
Joelo Torres: Thank you. I always train hard. Since the fight fell through, my manager Ricardo Figueroa found an opponent who stepped up to fight. I trained for a tougher fight, and so against Hago, I knew it was going to end early. I studied him a bit in the first round, then I took care of him!
SB: So your next fight is on a triple header bill, also featuring Kermit Cintron and Carlos Quintana?
JT: Yes, if all goes accordingly. It will be October 24 in Puerto Rico. I will be fighting eight rounds. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo September 2nd, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
WBO super bantamweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez, 26-0 (24), came out to DiBella Entertainment's Broadway Boxing last Wednesday night and generously took the time to speak with SaddoBoxing.
From Caguas, Puerto Rico, the 26 year old southpaw will be defending his belt the fifth time on October 10 at Madison Square Garden, meeting the challenge of Rogers Mtagwa 26-12-2 (18).
SaddoBoxing: You are approaching your fifth title defense in October. How is the preparation going?
Juan Manuel Lopez: I've been training in Puerto Rico. I run at night because the fight usually takes place later on in the evening. And I box midday through the afternoon.
SB: That's the physical aspect; how do you mentally prepare?
JML: Well, to me it is just another day in the office. Training hard keeps me focused. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo August 28th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
The bantamweight division has an upcoming force who proved to be competition on Wednesday night at DiBella Entertainment's Broadway Boxing in New York City.
Eddie Irizarry produced an exciting win over Felix Flores in a six rounder, setting his record to 7-1-(2). Flores was down in the first couple rounds, and Irrizary fought hard to ensure victory.
Irizarry won the 2004 Golden Gloves and has a dream of becoming a champion. This Bronx native credits boxing with saving his life.
SaddoBoxing: How was training for this bout?
Eddie Irizarry: Training was great. I focused a lot on left handed sparring because of Felix Flores. I sparred 30 rounds with left handed guys from Gleason's Gym.
SB: How is the competition in the bantamweight class?
EI: Well, weight is never an issue for me, so I am always ready. I am always focused and effective with training. There is competition, but like I said I am ready for the challenge. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo August 25th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
 Fighting out of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, undefeated light welterweight Joelo Torres, 10-0 (6), will be facing David Armstrong, 20-11 (12), on DiBella Entertainment's Broadway Boxing series at B.B King's in Manhattan on August 26th.
Torres has fought such opponents as Mike Gonzalez and Christopher Fernandez, and won his last fight against Omar Serrano by way of knockout in just the first round.
Torres is ready to take on Armstrong in an eight round main event. SaddoBoxing spoke with him and his manager Ricardo Figueroa of Real Fighters.
SaddoBoxing: You are facing David Armstrong Wednesday night; how have you been preparing to fight him and are you familiar with his style?
Joelo Torres: I am comfortable fighting him, even that he is a right handed fighter.
Ricardo Figueroa: Joelo's a complete fighter, we feel confident against his style.
SB: How has training camp been in Puerto Rico?
JT: I have the same approach and am progressing with my trainer Uri Ramos. The regime is tougher and the intensity is increased. I've been concentrating on technique, in-fighting, to pick apart my opponent. During training, I focused on technique such as slipping. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo August 7th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
 Since turning pro in June, 2005, middleweight Peter Quillin has confidently pounded his way to a superb 20-0 (15) record. Over the last 16 months, the Brooklyn based "Kid Chocolate" has defeated the likes of former world title challenger Antwun Echols, Colombian bomber Dionisio Miranda and most recently, rugged battler Sam Hill.
The 26 year old contender will now face seasoned Indianapolis veteran Jose "Seek and Destroy" Spearman, 27-15-5 (11), at the M2 Ultra Lounge in New York, NY on August 19. SaddoBoxing had the good fortune to interview Peter about his upcoming bout, coming back from injury and much more.
SaddoBoxing: You are facing Jose Spearman on August 19th at M2 Ultra Lounge. In terms of being a test or a challenge, what does your opponent offer you?
Peter Quillin: "Well, he's got some losses and I'm undefeated, but I know that one punch could change the fight. I don't overlook that, regardless who my opponent is. I always do the best I can".
SB: You experienced a hand injury during your last fight. How is the hand now?
PQ: "The surgery was done by Dr. Melone and it is 100%. I broke it during my last fight, and still stopped my opponent, Sam Hill, in the 10th round, and he was known to be a survivor in the ring. My hand is healed, it's great, its 100%". More...
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By Ginamarie Russo July 17th, 2009 All Boxing Articles
© Ginamarie Russo / Saddo Boxing
Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment made a recent trip to Puerto Rico to finalize signing of junior welterweight prospect, Joel "Joelo" Torres.
DiBella comments, “I have no doubt in my mind that Joelo has the qualities to become a big star in Puerto Rico.
"From now on, we will be helping him in everything that we can so he can reach his potential.”
Torres' manager, Ricardo Figueroa of Real Fighters, was also on hand. His efforts have helped Torres succeed and has been supporting "Joelo" since the early days of the junior welter's career. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo June 15th, 2009 All Boxing Articles
Boxing's NABF female featherweight champion, Jennifer "The Razor" Barber, is as passionate about the sport as passion gets.
She sees the setbacks of being a female in the boxing world and dare she allow it to hinder any of her spirits. When this lovely 26 year old fought in France, it forced her to see how proud Europe is of both male and female boxers.
"America dwells on the stereotypes of people, there is way more respect for the individual boxer in Europe," Barber said.
Barber also feels that adding women's boxing in the Olympics will catapult female boxing to another level, reaching more people. "The Olympics are the mecca of sports, and we need to see more females fighting on T.V.".
She also brought up a stunning point, saying, "Would males want their daughters, or even sons, to be treated that way?"
Only turning professional two years ago, Barber has learned to stay disciplined from this sport. "When you are down and out, get up and keep going." She keeps positive people around her, which is why she has been very successful, yet continuously fervent about her goal to be a world champion. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo June 13th, 2009 All Boxing Previews
Miguel Cotto graced Trinity Boxing Club, in downtown Manhattan, with his presence and sweat earlier this week.
He is facing Joshua Clottey tonight, defending his WBO welterweight title at Madison Square Garden, where he is continuously adored by his large fan base.
As the gym felt the city heat trickle through the window, the un-phased Cotto paced himself for the duration of his tough regime that ran around an hour and forty minutes.
It included landing precise punches to the pads, lengthy jump roping, shadowboxing, advanced stretching technique. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo June 11th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
In the ring, his actions are so accelerated, you wish there was slow motion control. It is the result of drive and agility and also how Robert Guerrero was dubbed "Ghost."
Since he was a child, he has been very swift when he boxes. Guerrero has a rare prowess on how he fights and prepares to fight.
Guerrero has been at Gio's Brooklyn Boxing Gym in Burbank, CA where he is in training camp for his main event fight on June 12th against Efren Hinojosa at the HP Pavilion in San Jose on ESPN.
SaddoBoxing: Do you face any challenges with boxing?
Robert Guerrero: "There are always challenges in boxing, anything can happen. I am ready all the time."
SB: Why did you move up in weight?
RG: "In the featherweight division, I was a two time IBF world champion. I had four champion defenses and 16 knockouts thus far. I moved up in weight and vacated my title to chase another. There is more competition at super featherweight. It is easier to make weight and I am stronger and faster." More...
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By Ginamarie Russo June 10th, 2009 All Boxing Articles
Standing at 5 foot 11, a hairline away from 6 feet, Yakub Shidaev is a 20 year old junior welterweight who's amateur career was split between two countries.
Shidaev's nationality is Chechen but he was born and grew up in Kyrgyzstan. Chechens were considered terrorists in the USSR because they tried to break away from Russia. It was a very uneasy place to be as war broke out in 1993.
Shidaev and his family moved to America in 2000 and when he was 12 years old, he started to box. "I had a fight in sixth grade," Shidaev says. The other kid was bothering him and so they began wrestling, "I held him, I didn't hit him. I had to learn to protect myself."
He met with trainer Coach Stan Ward in 2001. Frequently returning to Kyrgyzstan, Shidaev fought in the nationals, both America and his native country, becoming a two time national champion in Kyrgyzstan. He made his pro-debut on Febrary 14, 2009, knocking out his opponent in just the first round.
Prior to lacing up his gloves, this energetic pugilist used to get into physical fights. "Since I started boxing, I have never got into a fight." Boxing is not just an interest for Shidaev, it's a way of life and has taught him self discipline and self control. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo April 27th, 2009 All Ringside Boxing
Friday Night at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ was indeed a very green night.
Fans were urged to take mass transit to help decrease emissions and preserve our planet. The fans not only created awareness about helping our Earth, they clearly indicated being loyal followers of John Duddy.
The ring card girls went green by announcing the rounds and ditching the paper signs. I realized, I am always green by using my BlackBerry, never pen and paper.
The co-main event was a 10 rounder between junior middleweights. Kassim Ouma, currently, 26-6 (16), and Gabriel Rosado currently 12-3 (7).
In the first two rounds, Ouma's southpaw stance clearly caused a challenge for Rosado and by the third round Ouma had Rosado in a hold, seizing his punches.
By the fifth round Ouma was consistent as he released and landed his right jab, and Rosado appeared hungry to dominate. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo January 26th, 2009 All Boxing Articles
Joel "Joelo" Torres has been keeping himself quite busy since his hand has healed. He is currently preparing for his main event, a six-rounder on January 31 against the durable Omar Serrano in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Torres is fighting at 140 lb and has been sparring 8 to 10 round sessions. Torres has been following a vigorous weight training and conditioning routine, which has accelerated his readiness for the upcoming fight.
The law in Puerto Rico that Joelo has urged to be passed, which is allowing children 12 years and under attend a sporting event for free, has maintained the attention of the town Mayor.
The Mayor has become quite involved in supporting his mission and the town has purchased 100 tickets for January 31st, and are also providing two school buses to ride the fans to and from the event.
Joel Torres' endeavors don't stop there. In February, he will be featured as the co-main event in Caguas, P.R., which is Miguel Cotto Promotion's first event of this year. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo November 8th, 2008 All Boxing Interviews
© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing
Last week during the conference call hosted by Roy Jones Jr, I had asked him if he were to compare his upcoming fight with Joe Calzaghe to the Roman Coliseum, who would he be? The exotic animal or the gladiator and why?
"I am the gladiator in this fight," Jones stated, "I am the gladiator because the gladiator is the underdog, and people doubt me."
Wednesday, at the final presser in Manhattan, I had followed that up with Joe Calzaghe. I asked him "Joe, I asked Roy last week who he would be considered in this fight if it was during the Roman Coliseum days; the exotic animal or the gladiator - who would you be?"
Calzaghe stated, "I am the gladiator, " to which I replied, "No, Roy said he is the gladiator." Calzaghe laughed and shot back "Hey that's not fair, you gave him a choice, and I am stuck being the animal?" More...
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By Ginamarie Russo November 6th, 2008 All Boxing Articles
For all of those who would like to go back in time and hear about Muhammad Ali through they eyes of those around him at his most pivotal and thrilling moments, you can. My school, Hofstra Univeristy on Long Island, is hosting an incredible two-day event, and here is all you need to know. Hope to see you there!
The Hofstra Cultural Center of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY has presented international conferences on a variety of public figures such as the U.S. presidents from FDR through Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Babe Ruth, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and John Steinbeck, now turns its attention to boxing legend Muhammad Ali for an in depth examination of his life and impact on the world of sports, November 13 and 14, 2008.
This two-day conference is titled The Greatest: From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali.
As a brash young man, Cassius Marcellus Clay was known as "The Lip from Louisville, Kentucky." Over the years, he has inspired millions of people throughout the world not only with his boxing prowess, but also with his courageous opposition to war and other violence, his faith and his humanitarian efforts. He has also made his mark with his words, which are now in vogue even among the hip-hop generation.
The Hofstra conference features the participation of Ali’s former trainer, business manager, other colleagues, noted sports print and broadcast journalists, sports and pop culture historians and even the author of On the Waterfront. Featured speakers include:
• The New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dave Anderson
• Sports journalists Bill Gallo, Stan Isaacs, Wallace Matthews and Phil Pepe.
• Boxer Chuck Wepner, who fought Ali in March 1975 in Cleveland. That fight is said to have inspired
Sylvester Stallone to write the movie Rocky.
• Author of The Contender and Free to be Muhammad Ali, Robert Lipsyte
• Boxing referee Arthur Mercante - refereed Ali/Norton, Ali/Frazier, Frazier/Forman fights
• Ali business manager Gene Kilroy
• Ali trainer Angelo Dundee
• Boxing Guru and Historian Bert Randolph Sugar and HBO Sports Commentator Larry Merchant
• CW 11 sports anchor Sal Marchiano
• Screenwriter and author of On the Waterfront and author of Loser and Still Champion: Muhammad Ali, Budd Schulberg More...
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By Ginamarie Russo October 31st, 2008 All Ringside Boxing
**With Slideshow**
© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing
The Star Boxing show at Roseland Ballroom in New York started off with a thrilling four rounder between lightweights Jose Guzman and Luis Lopez, which ended with a win by knockout for Guzman, still undefeated at 4-0 (3) while Lopez dropped to 2-8-1 (2).
The next undercard bout was between cruiserweights, Ahmed Samir, 4-0 (0), and Tyronne Smith, 5-6-2 (2). Samir threw effective combos, and accurately switched his foot positioning, which led him to victory.
Bryant Pappas was most certainly the crowd favorite as his name was chanted when he stepped into the ring with fellow junior middleweight Chris Morton. Pappas displayed how he is a fast, rightfully aggressive fighter, and Morton did his best to keep up, showing great determination and effort.
It was Pappas that the crowd was cheering for, as he won by knockout in just the first round, advancing his perfect record to 7-0 (7) while Morton dropped to 1-3. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo October 15th, 2008 All Boxing Articles
In 2007, Philip Jackson Benson was the number one ranked amateur in the country and two out of the three times that he made it to the finals, he came out a Golden Glove Champion. Now, Benson has earned his way into the professional realm of this sport and will make his first pro debut on October 22, 2008 at BB King Blues in Times Square, New York versus opponent Robert Harris.
This 23 year old fighter, who admires Pernell Whittaker, is the newest addition to the middleweight division and definitely a vigorous force, as many of his opponents were KO'd in round one. I spoke with him in his raw habitat, Gleason's Gym.
Benson admitted that, "as a child, I was rough. I was small and fought bigger kids. In fact, I have a picture of my third grade class and my hand is up, ready to slap someone, because they stepped on my toe."
Talk about precise reaction. He stepped into the gym to get in shape for basketball, however, boxing was the sport that held his interest. His goals are to be world champion, unify all belts and hold them.
What is his strategy is to get there? Partly, it is his natural competitive instinct as well as his massive talents. Benson says his trainer Harry Keitt, "instills in me to stay focused, stay hungry, also be humble. Never stay too comfortable."
His team keeps him in the zone, both mentally and physically. He is so submerged in training, that when we wrapped up our conversation, he immediately began some strength conditioning exercises and is definitely a product that derives from the discipline of being a fighter. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo October 7th, 2008 All Boxing Articles
Boxing is a sport, a science and an art. There are those that perform in the fierce ring who thrive to be there, while others are in need of a shake to their core. Do not step into the fighter's square when you do not have the full mental and physical devotion to lay upon your opponent.
The spotlight is only as big as the two fighters in the ring, with no room for external factors. Presently, this outrageous and wonderful sport is not given the recognition it rightfully deserves. Whether the boxer is popular or controversial is irrelevant to the influence of the talent that lies within a champion.
In order to be the man, you've got to beat the man. A championship belt should be acknowledged as merely giving the boxer leeway to earn fights with the best. After the boxer has his "greatness" tested against the very best in the business, he is now a true advocate of himself and boxing. Don't just stand behind the belt, stand behind your heart.
Step out of the ring if you're just there for the pay, step out of the ring if you're just there for the limelight. You aren't running this sport, you are ruining this sport. Acknowledge and recognize those who step in with unmannered innate aptitude.
Knockout power is seen, by many people, as a necessity that validates the meaning of a worthy fighter. You take a look at the records of champions, some with at least half as many knockouts as fights and then there are those with very little or no knockouts. They are still in the game. In fact, I am more impressed by the boxer with a lack of knockout power because I am left wondering...what else is he bringing in that ring with him? Something else. More...
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By Ginamarie Russo September 17th, 2008 All Boxing Articles
What makes boxing a pure sport goes beyond the direct physical contact between the two fighters. It is a metamorphosed natural sport. There are no weak team players to avoid, nor strong team players to rely on. It is every man/woman for him/herself.
When these fighters are doing their thing, bring in some tropical trees and add a waterfall to the backdrop--it becomes an ultimate test of survival of the fittest. Not all fighters display animalistic behavior, many incorruptible pugilists are indeed a rare breed of humans. The fighters who portray a spectacle of wild-like conduct, are clearly lacking enough reason and logic to look at boxing as being something beyond a barbaric sport. Those with intelligence, candor and respect, while engaging in a savage sport are the warriors.
A fighter lacking dignity and respect to their rival is like the tiger versing the gladiator. A primitive fighter vs righteous fighter and even the sweetest fight, can turn sour. Present day, this is the clash between dirty fighting and pure fighting. The lion and other exotic animals may have defeated the gladiator, these sneaky fighters may climb up the totem pole of fame and glory, however, that is where it ends.
There is no true achievement or something to be proud about. The gladiators put their weapons to use and put up the gates of their minds to struggle and battle for their lives, to be the final winner. Many were brutally killed, some escaped. Like today, many honest prizefighters have maintained their honor and conquer with their sincere ploys. In today's world, what baffles me is when the ignorant conniving fighters creep up the ladder of success. All built on falsity.
When I was in Rome earlier this year, this quote at the Roman Coliseum caught my eye and my mind, and sparked a thought about how these prizefighters must be fully dependent on their intellect and physical senses: "When the actor with his gaping mouth walks silently upon his high cothurni, which render him, gigantic, the spectators are griped by fear. But when his voice booms out, they flee from the theater, as if they were pursued by a demon" by Philostratus, 'The Life of Apollonius of Tyana.'
Undefeated, or defeated, place these solid, pure fighters of today inside the Coliseum, and they have an incredible fortuity at conquering the lions and the tigers. Put in the dirty players, and it is dog eat dog. Just a bloody mess, no endeavor, no hero.
After all, spectators continue to flock arenas around the globe to watch the battles of our modern day gladiators.
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