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All Boxing Interviews’ Articles
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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 Jane Warburton November 17th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
**With Slideshow**
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
On Saturday, SaddoBoxing returned to Shinfield's Gym to check on the "Boxing Binman", Rendall Munroe. European super bantam champion Munroe faces Italian boxer Simone Maludrottu on Friday night (20th November) at the Harvey Hadden Sports Centre in Nottingham, England.
Saturday morning was a hive of activity at the gym. Munroe and some of his stable-mates were already working up a sweat power-skipping while others were out on a run.
Today, Ovill McKenzie, Scot Haywood, Scot Slater, Dale Miles and Steven Jevons were also in training for their upcoming fights on Friday night. Other boxers in the gym included Luke Gallear, Simon Fleck, Junior Thompson and Jatinder Johal. More...
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By Jane Warburton November 7th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
**With Slideshow**
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
Yesterday, SaddoBoxing returned to Shinfield's Gym in Somercotes, Derbyshire, England to check on the progress of Rendall ‘2Tone’ Munroe as he prepares for the fifth defence of his European Super Bantamweight title against Simone Maludrottu on November 20.
It was a cold morning but I received a warm welcome and coffee from Jason Shinfield, who was already waiting at the gym.
Rendall soon arrived alongside Prizefighter Cruiserweight Champion Ovill McKenzie and girlfriend as well as light middleweight boxer Simon Fleck, who had also come to train.
Donning a few layers of clothing, Rendall began training. McKenzie – also made to wear a thick jacket – soon got in to the swing of training and it wasn’t long before he was grinning broadly! More...
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By Jane Warburton November 7th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
SaddoBoxing spoke to former British bantamweight champion Gary Davies of St. Helens, England this morning. Davies, 27, lost his title to ex-European champ Ian Napa of Hackney, London, two weeks ago and is still clearly upset at the decision.
“I am using the loss to spur me on!”, exclaimed Davies, who shot to prominence in December, 2008 by stopping former British bantam champ Martin Power before winning the vacant title by finishing off Matthew Edmonds in the seventh this past April.
Disappointed at some of the post-fight reports that indicated Napa was a clear winner, Davies is keen for a re-match to prove he can beat the ‘Dappa one’. More...
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By Jane Warburton October 24th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
SaddoBoxing spoke to Gary Davies this morning after he suffered the loss of his British bantamweight title on points to Ian Napa last night at the Bolton Arena in Bolton, England.
An obviously disappointed Davies said, “I thought I’d won it. I know I won the first four rounds definitely. I thought it was close but I was busier and I wanted it more”.
Davies lost out on points to Napa, who gets the British bantamweight belt for a second time having relinquished it earlier this year after capturing the European crown.
But Davies revealed that on Wednesday he’d had a crash on his motorcycle and was in hospital till 3 am Thursday morning. The St. Helens based man suffered cuts and bruises, a swollen knee, glass in his hand and a sore leg, but was determined he would not let it stop him from making the fight. “I didn’t want to let anybody down,” he said. 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 Jim Everett August 20th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing
This Saturday on August 22, Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz will return to the ring to face Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi at the Toyota Center in his hometown of Houston, Texas. The bout will be at a catch-weight of 138.5 pounds and for some is being considered a cross-roads fight for the two fighters.
Malignaggi 26-2 (5) is one fight removed from a one-sided TKO loss to Ricky Hatton which was stopped by his trainer Buddy McGirt. After a unanimous decision against lightly regarded Christopher Fernandez in April the “Magic Man” was scheduled to face Mike Alvarado who pulled out of their proposed show down. With limited options available, Malignaggi accepted an offer to fight Diaz at a catch-weight of 138.5 which is the first time he has fought under the junior welterweight limit for some time.
Diaz 34-2 (17) is coming off the second loss in his career when he was stopped last February by pound-for-pound champion Juan Manuel Marquez. The “Baby Bull” was applying pressure well and winning the early rounds of the Marquez showdown until he was cut badly in the eighth round and later knocked down twice in round nine, where the fight was waved off by the referee.
Saddoboxing had the privilege of speaking to Diaz in an exclusive interview to discuss his upcoming bout with Malignaggi. 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 Jane Warburton June 18th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
 Earlier this week at a press conference held at Real Hypermarket in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Irish boxer Andy Lee confirmed to SaddoBoxing that he was ‘feeling great’ and ‘looking forward to Saturday night’ when he is scheduled to fight Latvian Olegs Fedotovs in an eight round middleweight contest at Veltins Arena.
A smiling Lee looked happy as he took time out to pose for photographers after the conference between headliners Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev, who will contend for three of the four major heavyweight titles on Saturday.
Southpaw Lee has an impressive 17 win record with 13 of those wins coming by way of knockout and just 1 loss.
Born in Limerick, Ireland, Lee now resides in Michigan, U.S.A. and trains under Emmanual Stewart.
Also on the undercard, British boxer Paul Butlin faces Johnathan Banks of Michigan in an eight round heavyweight contest and Michael Sprott of Reading, England faces Alexander Ustinov of Atlanta, Georgia.
Sprott has some impressive names on his record which includes Saturdays’ headliner Chagaev, who Sprott lost out to three years ago.
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By Jim Everett June 17th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
© Mark De Mori
The heavyweights were once the glamour division of boxing but in recent years has come under harsh criticism for lack of talent, excitement and a true unified champion. Eastern European heavyweights currently dominate the division and the U.S. are pushing their best candidates forward with Eddie Chambers and Chris Arreola hoping they can get a piece of the alphabet titles.
The heavyweight division is in desperate need of new talent, a young fighter that can come up the ranks and be entertaining to watch. Enter Mark “The Dominator” De Mori from Perth , Australia . He’s a 27 years old orthodox fighter, 6’2”, 233 lbs and at first glance looks more like a body builder than a boxer, but don’t let his muscles fool you because in addition to his dominating right he can box well and is able to get very low as he bobs and weaves his way forward.
Admittedly De Mori was a one dimensional fighter early in the pro ranks, dominating his opponents most by knockout, but after suffering a knockout loss he took some time off to become a more complete fighter. The time off and on the job training has worked well for “The Dominator” as he improved his record to 15-1-2 (13).
SaddoBoxing had the privilege to get an exclusive interview with De Mori to get a closer look at this up and coming heavyweight. 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 Jim Everett April 22nd, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
 Main Event Boxing Series will host their latest installment on Friday, April 24 live from The Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey with middleweight contender “Ireland’s” John Duddy, 26-0 (17), stepping into the ring against Billy Lyell, 18-7 (3).
Although the doors open at 8:00 PM, the fans will be treated to a multi-ethnic festival that begins at 6:00 PM at Entry Plaza, at the corner of Mulberry and Edison Streets. The Fan Festival will include Irish music and dancers, food and access to meet some of the fighters. The entertainment will continue throughout the night with the Irish bagpipe band "The Shots" performing throughout the evening.
SaddoBoxing had the opportunity to speak with John Duddy in an exclusive phone interview to discuss his upcoming bout.
SaddoBoxing: This Friday you will be stepping into the ring at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ against Billy Lyell; how was your training camp in preparation for the fight?
John Duddy: “Training camp went great; I had a short time between camps. Me and Patrick started where we left off after our last fight, we have been working hard on a lot of things leading up to this fight and we are just looking forward to fighting.” More...
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By Jane Warburton April 1st, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
SaddoBoxing went along to see St. Helens boxer Gary Davies yesterday as he makes his last minute preparations before Friday night's clash against Matthew Edmonds for the British Bantamweight title.
Pulling up to the Leisure Centre off the Warrington Road in Prescot, England, I looked around at the 5-aside football taking place and the ladies hockey team arriving to play on the outside pitches and mused that you’d never imagine there was a title contender working away inside the ‘tucked away’ boxing gym.
Trainer Peter McCormick, greeted me at the doorway of the gym where many young men were busy training. Pointing me in the direction of Davies, I wandered over to the treadmill where he was already clocking up some miles. More...
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By Jane Warburton March 23rd, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
SaddoBoxing caught up with Liverpool boxer Gary Davies today, ahead of his British Bantamweight title fight on April 3 at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, England.
Davies faces Welshman Matthew Edmonds of Newport in what promises to be an all-action contest.
Davies was impressive last time out when he fought former British Champion Martin Power at Dublin University in December. Seriously ‘fired-up’ for the bout - a determined Davies scored a second round TKO over the Londoner - proving he was ‘Too Much’ for Power.
Now Davies has his sights set on a title and it seems there’s no stopping his determination. More...
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By Jim Everett February 18th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
 This past weekend, SaddoBoxing had the opportunity to speak with Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz in an exclusive interview as he completes his preparation to face the Ring Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez on February 28 at the Toyota Center in his hometown of Houston, Texas.
In 2008, Diaz, 34-1 (17), suffered his first loss, losing the WBA, WBO and IBF Lightweight titles via split decision to Nate Campbell. Consequently in his first title defense, Cambell lost the belts this past weekend, not in the ring but on the scales, unable to make the 135 pound weight limit.
The bout with Campbell was the Houston native’s last contractual fight with promoter Don King, who also promoted Nate Campbell.
After signing with Golden Boy Promotions, the "Baby Bull" charged back from his first loss refusing to take an “easy” comeback fight, winning a split decision victory against hard-hitting Michael Katsidis last September.
Although Diaz’s upcoming fight with Ring Lightweight Champion Marquez, 49-4-1 (36), is against the biggest name he has faced in his career, Diaz doesn’t seem to be phased. He is able to work harder than ever before, still take his college courses and is scheduled to graduate in May. More...
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By Jane Warburton January 14th, 2009 All Boxing Interviews
**With Slideshow**
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
On Friday, January 23, 2009, at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-On-Trent, England, Frank Maloney and Impact Boxing will be staging an exciting fight night for the Stoke fans which sees local-man Chris Edwards topping the bill.
Entitled ‘Stoking the Fire’ - it will be a double-whammy for Edwards as he takes a drop in weight to challenge for the British and Commonwealth Flyweight titles.
His opponent - Grimsby boxer Wayne Bloy - hasn’t fought since his loss to Andy Bell 12 months ago, ironically, the same Andy Bell that Edwards lost to last time out.
SaddoBoxing went along to the Impact Boxing Gym in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, today to see how Edwards was shaping up. More...
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