Grand Rapids Pro Card Cancelled

The pro card scheduled for Friday evening in Grand Rapids has been cancelled. Fightnews.com reported the cancellation earlier in the week and state officials announced it on Thursday.

Title No Longer Part of Tyner Fight
Posted: June 20, 2009

Plans to fight for a title on the delayed June 26 pro card in Grand Rapids are off for former Detroiter Lanardo Tyner, the light welterweight told Sportssummary on Saturday.

The 33-year old Tyner was expected to fight for the (interim) WBO NABO title at the Woodland Sportsplex on a fight card that was originally scheduled for tonight but was changed earlier this month to next Friday.

The chance that Tyner will still fight on the card, he said, is at about 50 percent but no title will be involved now. The reason was financial, the boxer said.

Shimmell to Remain Amateur No Surprise
Posted: June 18, 2009

National Champion Jordan Shimmell held a press conference on Tuesday, days after winning his second national championship this year. A press release issued by Shimmell’s trainer and father, Dennis, following the event and announcing that the 20-year old heavyweight would pursue an Olympic dream rather than turn pro came as no surprise. MORE

Thomas Provides Insight on Dibella SIgning
Posted: June 18, 2009

With three pro fights under his belt, Detroiter Isiah Thomas has already caught the eye of renowned promoter Lou DiBella. Last week, DiBella Entertainment announced that it had signed Thomas to a promotional contract. MORE

opinion
Rau’shee Warren, Your Attitude is Showing
Posted: June14, 2009

Fans of amateur boxing got another look this past week at the bad attitude that is known as Rau’shee Warrren. The two-time Olympian and several time national champion has shown his unsportsmanlike conduct on more than one occasion. The latest was during last week’s semi-finals of the 2009 US National Championships held in Denver, Colorado. MORE

Photos from Fight Club Show
Posted: June 13, 2009
PHOTOS BY ANDREW STENCIL

While results from the Fight Club show from earlier this month in Waterford have not been provided, teenage photographer Andrew Stencil was kind enough to send along a few great shots of the fights. MORE

2009 U.S. Championships Conclude
Posted: June 13, 2009

The 2009 national Senior Open Championships was held, for the first time, in conjunction with the national Junior Olympics tournament in Denver, Colorado this week.

MGGA's Jordan Shimmell (201 lbs) decisioned Nicholas Kisner of Maryland to capture the gold medal just a month after bringing home gold at the 2009 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in Salt Lake City, Utah. Saginaw's Ernesto Garza III took home bronze after a box-off win on the heels of a semifinal loss at 125 pounds. Of the 33 medals awarded, those were the only two that came home to Michigan. The Great Lakes region (region 5) saw medals go to Terrell Gausha (gold-165 lbs), Rau'shee Warren (bronze-119 lbs), Eddie Alicea (silver-152 lbs), Yuandale Evans (bronze-132 lbs) and Zeddie Adams (bronze-141 lbs). MORE

Mickey Goodwin Would Be Proud
Wasson Crowned National Champion
Posted: June 13, 2009

In her first national tournament, former River Rouge Boxing's Andrecia Wasson won in the final round on Friday at the 2009 U.S. Championships in Denver. Wasson won a 7-2 decision over Pennsylvania's Brittany Inkrote in their 152-lb bout to bring home a gold medal in the premiere amateur USA Boxing tournament in the country.

The Centerline teenager was trained by Mickey Goodwin until his sudden death earlier this year; she has trained since then with Rene Muniz at Casa De Boxeo in Lincoln Park.

Also on friday: Clinton County's Tyler Lord-Wilder again lost to Chaquita Hemingway. The two women boxers have taken turns winning gold at the annual event. Lord-Wilder beat Hemingway on her way to gold in 2007 but the tables were turned two years earlier when Hemingway won. Friday results

Garza Loses in Quarterfinals in Denver

Saginaw Boxing's Ernesto Garza III dropped a 24-17 decision Thursday in the semifinal round of the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships in Denver.

Garza, the 2008 National Golden Gloves champ, lost to Maryland's Kevin Rivers in a 125-lb bout. It was Garza's first fight of the weeklong tournament. Rivers was the runner-up at the 2008 Under 19 Championships.

Marquette's Jesse Hart defeated Maine's Russell Lamour at 165 pounds to advance to the final round.

Bonas, Love Win Silver at JO Nationals

Although both hoped for just a little more, they will return home with their first national silver after fighting this week at the Junior Olympics tournament in Denver, Colorado.

Kronk's Brandon Love and Kronk’s Joseph Bonas both lost by decisions in Thursdays finals. MORE

Fighters Survive Quarterfinals at Nationals
Posted: June 11, 2009

After three days of ring action, Michigan boxers and those from the Great Lakes region continue to fight through their competition on their way to national gold at this year’s USA Boxing National Championships.

The first-ever combined Senior Open and Junior Olympics started Monday and runs through Saturday in Denver, Colorado. MORE

Four Aces Fight Club Grand Opening Friday
Posted: June 11, 2009

The newest Boxing and MMA gym in Southeast Michigan opens next week with a three day grand opening that starts this Friday.

The Four Aces Fight Club will feature training in both combat sports in a 7,500 square foot facility at 22583 15- Mile Road, between Gratiot and Harper, in Clinton Township. MORE

Preliminary Action Concludes in Denver
Posted: June 10, 2009

The first two days of ring action has concluded at the combined National Senior Open and Junior Olympics championships being held this week in Denver, Colorado.

This is the first time the Senior Open tournament, also called the U.S. Championships, has been combined with the JO championship and also the first time either tourney has been held in Denver.

Michigan fighters have faired well through the preliminary rounds. MORE

Isiah Thomas Signs with DiBella
Posted: June 9, 2009

Detroit light heavyweight Isiah Thomas has signed a contract with promoter Lou DiBella. The news came in a press release issued by DiBella Entertainment this morning.

The 20-year old Thomas made his pro debut in September with a first round knockout in Florida followed by another in Warren a month later. A technical knockout on an Oklahoma card in late March left him undefeated with three first round knockouts.

More information will hopefully be coming in the next day or so.

2009 Jr Olympic & Senior Open Photos
Posted: June 2, 2009

The 2009 state Junior Olympic and Senior Open championships were combined for the first time this year and hosted by the Big Dog Boxing Club in Port Huron two weeks ago.

Because of the more than 100 bouts and the more than fifty champions crowned, reporting adequately was not possible with other time constraints. Instead, time was used to begin building more than 40 boxer profiles for those fighters that completed signed releases at the Detroit Golden Gloves and after.

Click here to see a photoshow of more than forty pictures from the 2009 dual tournaments: Slideshow

Ten to Head for the Hills
Posted: May 30, 2009

In the first combined Junior Olympics – Senior Open regional tournament, ten young boxers from Michigan made the grade and now advance to national competition June 8-13 in Denver, Colorado.

Region 5 competition was held last weekend in Barberton, Ohio, a suburb of Akron and the birthplace of U of M’s Bo Schembechler. A male and female team for each class of competition made the journey after winning at the state level in Port Huron the week before. MORE

Love Concludes Amateur Career
Posted: May 24, 2009

Detroit notable J’Leon Love is hanging up his headgear as he prepares for the next phase of his boxing career – turning pro.

The 21-year old Love confirmed to Sportssummary on Saturday that he is through fighting as an amateur and his next appearance between the ropes – except for training, of course – would be as a professional boxer. MORE

Two Teams Head to Regionals
Posted: May 21, 2009
Revised: May 30, 2009

With national tournaments for Jr. Olympics and Sr. Open fighters rapidly approaching, teams from Michigan are preparing to leave for regional competition. MORE

Boxers Compete at State Senior Open, Jr. Olympics
Posted: May 21, 2009
PHOTOS WILL BE ADDED SOON

Boxers from across the state flocked to the waterfront last weekend to compete in the state championship Junior Olympics and Senior Open tournaments. The venue was the Seaway Terminal in Port Huron and hosted by Big Dog Boxing Club, which held the JO event last year as well. This was the first time in several years that the Senior Open was not held at a Traverse City area casino - Trigger Boxing losing the bid to host the show months earlier - and the first time that the two tournaments were combined.

More than 100 bouts were contested over the three days.

Because of the large number of contested bouts, full results will not be provided here but, instead, more photographs than usual are being presented.

National Golden Gloves
Shimmell, De Leon Win Gold in Salt Lake
Posted: May 10, 2009
By Amy Donaldson/Special to Sportssummary.com

SALT LAKE CITY - It was not the fight he wanted, but it was the result he's been working for. MORE

National Golden Gloves
De Leon, Shimmell Advance to Finals
Posted: May 9, 2009
By Kevin Walters
PHOTOS AND LINKS ADDED

Heading into the finals, 22 boxers are poised to take home a gold medal as the 2009 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions concludes after a full week of fierce competition from the country’s elite amateur boxers.

Among the nearly two dozen athletes is one from each of the two Golden Gloves franchises representing the state – Michigan’s Jordan Shimmell and Detroit’s Erick De Leon. MORE

National Golden Gloves
Ranked Boxers Remain in Play
Posted: May 8, 2009
By Kevin Walters

As the 2009 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions heads into the semi-finals, sixty-one boxers remain in position to take home a championship ring. Of those, ten are nationally ranked by USA Boxing.

Just a day earlier, heading into the quarterfinals, following three days of preliminaries, 30 ranked boxers entered the ring and two-thirds were eliminated. That’s a tough day at the office. MORE

National Golden Gloves
Six Advance in Salt Lake
Posted: May 8, 2009
By Kevin Walters
PHOTOS AND LINKS ADDED

Forty-four bouts were contested Thursday as the 2009 National Golden Gloves moved into the quarterfinal stage just two days from the moment of truth, the finals on Saturday.

Elite boxers from around the country have fallen out and others have advanced. So it is with boxers from both the Michigan and Detroit teams. At the conclusion of Thursday competition, six of the original 19 boxers from the state have advanced to the semi-finals on Friday. MORE

National Golden Gloves
Eight Fighters Advance to Quarterfinals
Posted: May 7, 2009
By Kevin Walters

The third and final day of preliminary competition has ended at the 2009 National Golden Gloves (NGG) Championships in Salt Lake City with thirteen Michigan based fighters competing. Eight boxers won their bouts and advance to the quarterfinals while five fighters were eliminated.

Among the five boxers from the state that lost on Wednesday was defending 201 pound champion Craig Lewis who this year moved up a weightclass to super-heavy at 201+ pounds. Advancing fighters include defending champion Ernesto “Ernie” Garza III of Saginaw at 119 pounds. MORE

National Golden Gloves
Defending Champ Lewis Loses Bid for 2nd Gold
Posted: May 7, 2009
By Kevin Walters

Preliminary action wrapped up Wednesday after three days of competition in three rings that saw more than 150 of the country’s best amateur boxers eliminated as their victors move into the quarterfinals.

Among the five boxers from the state that lost on Wednesday was defending 201 pound champion Craig Lewis who this year moved up a weightclass to super-heavy at 201+ pounds. MORE

National Golden Gloves
Final Five Weights Contested
Posted: May 6, 2009
By Kevin Walters

The second day of competition has ended in this years National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions with more Michigan-based boxers advancing while, for others, hopes of returning home with a championship ring were quashed.

Seven boxers from the state of Michigan competed with four moving forward, slightly better than the 4-2 ratio from Monday, as regional Golden Gloves winners from across the country competed in Salt Lake City’s Salt Palace. MORE

National Golden Gloves
Three Advance after Day One
Posted: May 5, 2009

Six boxers from the state of Michigan were among those in six weight classes that saw action in day one of preliminaries at the 2009 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in Salt Lake City, Utah. Half of those advanced and half fell short.

Boxers from the state are divided for Golden Gloves into two teams – Michigan and Detroit. Both franchises saw defeat at 165 pounds eliminating the weightclass early from any medal opportunities while both teams saw success at 125 pounds. MORE

Southwest Detroit Hosts Outdoor Show
Posted: May 2, 2009

Southwest Detroit (SWD) Boxing Club’s first club show was held today at the Cesar Chavez Academy High School.

Taking advantage of the beautiful, clear day ten fights took place in an outdoor ring at the school just blocks from SWD’s gym in southwest Detroit’s Mexicantown, amidst celebrations for Cinco De Mayo. MORE

Steward: Fundraiser Likely Raised No Money
Posted: April 28, 2009
by Kevin Walters

They crowded together in the beautiful Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham March 25. Metro Detroit’s “movers and shakers” gathered for the stated purpose of raising money to benefit the future of the Kronk Gym in Detroit – that being its amateur program.

But, Kronk patriach Emanuel Steward admitted to Sportssummary two days after the event that after everything is said and done the “Fundraiser” likely would not see a profit. If it does, it won’t be much. Hopefully, it won’t end up costing him money like the one did three years ago. MORE

AIBA Reports Record Numbers for Junior World
Posted: April 28, 2009

Nearly three hundred amateur boxers from around the globe are expected to compete at this years AIBA Junior World Championships, according to a press release issued by the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur or, more commonly called, the International Boxing Association.

A record-breaking number of 283 boxers from 47 countries have registered to compete in the 2009 tournament in Yerevan, Armenia, in southwest Asia, east of Turkey, which will take place from May 23-30. MORE

Monroe Fighters to Rejoin Detroit Golden Gloves
Posted: April 23, 2009

For nearly fifty years the boxing clubs in Monroe County have crossed state borders to fight in the Toledo (Ohio) Golden Gloves but that changes next year, Sportssummary has learned.

Boxers from Joe’s Boxing Club and the Arthur Lesow Community Center (ALCC), both located in the city of Monroe in the southeast corner of the state, will travel north instead of south to compete in the Metropolitan Detroit Golden Gloves starting with the 2010 tournament. MORE

Shimmell Makes Golden Gloves History
Three Michigan Boxers 4-Peat at Gloves
Posted: April 22, 2009

Over the weekend, boxers from across the state competed in the finals of the state Golden Gloves outside Grand Rapids and nine open class fighters advanced to the national tournament in Utah next month. Three of those won their fourth state Golden Gloves championship and one will forever have his name recorded in the history books. MORE

Two Win for Mickey
Hopkins Continues to Improve, Llamas Debuts
Posted: April 21, 2009
PHOTOS ADDED

A shortened fight card caused by two club no-shows saw quality fights none-the-less as Casa De Boxeo put together a club show dedicated to the late Mickey Goodwin over the weekend.

What was scheduled to be fifteen bouts dropped by two earlier in the day and then fell drastically as boxer after boxer failed to show for their pre-matched fights. In the end only four of the scheduled fights survived intact. Opponents were swapped in two other bouts and one was made last minute in an effort to salvage the evening. Quality matchmaking and outstanding effort in the ring did just that. MORE

First Fight for Former Mickey Goodwin Student
Posted: April 17, 2009

Eissac Llamas, 17, trained under the guidance of Mickey Goodwin for several months in 2005 before school and work took priority. He fought in an exhibition or two but did not have a sanctioned bout. That is scheduled to change on Saturday. MORE

Three Try to 4-Peat at State Golden Gloves
Posted: April 17, 2009

The West is about to meet the East as boxers from across Michigan vie for the title of Michigan Golden Gloves state champion and the opportunity to go to Utah next month for the national tournament.

The 78th Michigan Golden Gloves Championships takes place today and tomorrow beginning at 7:00 p.m. each evening. All competition will be held at the Grand Valley National Guard Armory, 1200 44th St. SW in Wyoming, near Grand Rapids. MORE

Club Show is Memorial for Mickey Goodwin
Posted: April 17, 2009

A preliminary 15-bout amateur card is scheduled for Saturday at the Kennedy Memorial Building in Lincoln Park.

The club show is serving two functions beyond the normal club show experience. MORE

Austin Watkins Wins 4th Golden Gloves Title
Posted: April 16, 2009

For eleven-year old Austin Watkins, his first fight set the tone for his amateur career. He fought Ohio’s Ke’Shawn Dixon in a 75-lb novice bout at the 2006 Toledo Golden Gloves. He left the ring with his first win – a unanimous decision – and his first championship title. MORE

Joe’s Boxing Shines at Toledo Golden Gloves
Posted: April 16, 2009

Eleven boxers from Joe’s Boxing Club in Monroe won titles at this years Toledo Golden Gloves and the club won the all around team trophy.

Very limited information was available as the tournament official from Toledo did not return calls after several days. MORE

Mihtar to Fight Ishe Smith
Posted: April 14, 2009

After weeks of anticipation it is a done deal. The contract is signed. Dearborn’s Brian “The Lion” Mihtar (10-1-0, 9 KO) will face Ishe Smith (20-3-0, 9 KO) on May 8. MORE

Tyner on Michigan Card?
Posted: April 13, 2009

Will former Detroit welterweight Lanardo Tyner be returning to Michigan for an upcoming fight? He confirmed that talks are underway for him to fight in three weeks. MORE

Golden Gloves
Michigan District Results
Posted: April 9, 2009
Rev: April 10, 2009

The National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions is less than a month away and Michigan's open boxers have been hard at work training for the event. MORE

Detroit Golden Gloves Conclude Open Class
Posted: April 6, 2009
PHOTOS BY BOB RYDER

The finals of the 2009 Metro Detroit Golden Gloves concluded Sunday with fifteen fights that included six open class bouts and the promise of a shot at national gold at next months nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah.

With fighters J’Leon Love, LeAndre White, Erick DeLeon and Craig Lewis there was little surprise that Detroit’s Kronk Gym will be aptly represented in Utah this year. But no one told their opponents they were mere stepping stones to national gold and as a result none of them played the part. Half of the Kronk hopefuls was forced to go the distance, with two cut short. MORE

Fighting for Mickey
Posted: April 5, 2009
PHOTOS BY BOB RYDER

Cody Hopkins now trains and fights out of the Casa De Boxeo boxing gym in Lincoln Park but on Sunday he was representing something more. Hopkins was the sole boxer fighting at this years Metro Detroit Golden Gloves from the now-defunct River Rouge Boxing Club. It was where Mickey Goodwin spent the last several years of his life training the next generation of boxers. MORE

Craig Lewis Looks to Repeat National Title

Craig Lewis returned to amateur competition at this years Metro Detroit Golden Gloves, held once again at the Gibraltar Trade Center in the Detroit suburb of Taylor. MORE

Detroit Golden Gloves Contest 25 Bouts
Posted: April 4, 2009
Revised: April 5, 2009 COMPLETE RESULTS ADDED
by Kevin Walters
PHOTOS BY BOB RYDER

Seven bouts were scratched in the hours between weigh-ins and the medicals, as the first full day of action prepared to get underway at the 2009 Metro Detroit Golden Gloves, seemingly repeating what started at last nights prelims when half of the scheduled eight fights were cancelled. Before the day was out two more fights were cancelled but 25 would still take place at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Taylor. MORE

Four Bouts Contested at Detroit GG Prelims
Posted: April 4, 2009

Preliminary action got off to a disappointing start Friday evening as half of the scheduled eight bouts did not take place. One boxer was unable to make his declared weight while three others failed to compete. MORE

Detroit Golden Gloves Begin Friday
Posted: April 2, 2009
ADDITIONAL BOUT SHEETS ADDED

The Metropolitan Detroit Golden Gloves take place this weekend and is expected to provide long days of action.

Tournament director Rene Muniz reported that the number of entrants this year is so large that bouts are scheduled for all three days plus a total of nine bouts will be contested at another time. MORE

Dolton Returns to Gym
Posted: April 1, 2009

Domonique Dolton returned to the gym a week ago to prepare for two possible fights.

Dolton, 19, turned pro a year ago but has had trouble getting a fourth fight. His record is 3-0 but finding opponents has been problematic as his handlers look for fight number four.

The Kronk fighter took five weeks off from gym training, returning on Tuesday for sparring, but stayed in shape, he said, largely by playing basketball.

Emanuel Steward told Sportssummary Friday that he is working to put Dolton on the April 26 Aaron Pryor, Jr undercard in Ohio and on a May 1 show at DeCarlo’s in Warren.

Cunningham Halts Muller
Posted: March 29, 2009
Story & photos by Bob Ryder

Darryl Cunningham scored a 4th round TKO over Moline, Illinois' Ted Muller at the Royal Oak Music Theatre Saturday night. MORE

Kronk Fundraiser Wednesday
Posted: March 24, 2009

Tomorrow, the famous and the not-so-famous-but-well-to-do will gather in Birmingham for what is billed as the first annual fundraiser of the newly formed Kronk Gym Foundation. MORE

Irish Hills Boxing to Relocate
Posted: March 15, 2009

The boxers of the Irish Hills Boxing Club in southern lower Michigan will soon have a new home. The gym is moving from its Brooklyn location, in southern Jackson County, to a larger facility about twenty miles closer to the city of Jackson, according to head trainer Bob Kerr.

The move is expected to be complete around the first of April and will necessitate a name change but one has not yet been finalized.

Up Next for Miguel Cotto
Posted: March 14, 2009
by Terrell James

Fresh off the five round termination of the game but outclassed Michael Jennings, Miguel Cotto’s next fight is already being discussed. The word is Cotto will make his annual MSG appearance on the Eve of the Puerto Rican day parade. The list of potential opponents is said to be down to three names; former IBF strap holder Kermit Cintron, current IBF title holder and stablemate Joshua Clottey and the young but talented WBC champ, Andre Berto. Noticeably absent from the list is the new WBA champ “Sugar” Shane Mosley. Mosley hung tough with Cotto in Nov of 07 but Top Rank promoter Bob Arum thinks Shane may ask for too much to make this fight.

Goodbye to the Detroit Rocky
Posted: March 12, 2009
By Kevin Walters

Pastor Jeff Anifer of Melvindale’s St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church told those assembled for the Monday morning service that if Heaven has a boxing gym that Mickey Goodwin was likely already helping train boxers.

Goodwin, 51, died of a stroke Tuesday at his home in Melvindale.

Mickey Goodwin Found Dead in Home
Medical Examiner Rules Out Foul Play
Posted: March 5, 2009
By Kevin Walters

Legendary former boxer and current trainer Mickey Goodwin was found dead Tuesday evening inside his Downriver home.

According to published media reports, Goodwin’s body was found about 6:30 pm on Tuesday after young boxers showed up at his River Rouge gym but the legendary pro boxer-turned-trainer did not.

Newcomer Masters Wins "Fight of Night" in Davison
Aguilar Beats National Champ
Posted: February 24, 2009
REVISED: 10:01pm, 02/24/09

A packed VFW hall in Davison was the site for twenty-two amateur fights as boxers from a dozen gyms gathered, despite the inclement weather that saw several inches of snow dumped in their path.

One fight was particularly noteworthy according to Done Wells, one of the trainers that make up the Davison Boxing Club, which hosted the event. And that’s saying something considering the quality of the matches described and some of the participants.

Smith and Garza Brawl in Inkster
Posted: February 14, 2009
Story & Photos by Bob Ryder

The Kronk Boxing Team hosted a night of 9 amateur contests at the Inkster Recreation Complex on Friday the 13th. A good sized crowd that nearly filled the gym witnessed a fine program of evenly matched bouts highlighted by the tremendous battle between James Smith of Butzel and Ernie Garza of Saginaw. The two exchanged continuous punches for the entire three rounds and were rewarded with a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd at the bout's conclusion. Smith edged out Garza for the decision win and was justly given the "fighter of the night" trophy as well. An excellent fight that had one judge at ringside saying he needed a calculator in attempting to tabulate the volume of punches as they were being thrown! Kudos to matchmaker Fikes for this one as well as several other interesting contests.

Fight Shop to Open in Dearborn
Posted: January 28, 2009

Instead of ordering the wrong size boxing shoe or improperly fitting MMA gloves out of a catalog, fighters will now have an alternative way of getting the items they need.

Boxers and Mixed-Martial Artists will be able to walk into a store starting this weekend and buy the equipment and clothing they need – after ensuring the headgear, gloves and shorts actually fit.

Cameron Meets First Hurdle at Canadian Nationals
Posted: January 21, 2009

Border City’s Josh Cameron made it past the first hurdle at the 2009 Senior National Championships in Canada on Wednesday.

Detroit Golden Gloves Scheduled
Posted: January 11, 2009

The date and location for the 2009 Detroit Metropolitan Golden Gloves has been finalized.

Packer Resigns MI GG Position
Posted: January 1, 2009

Dave Packer’s busy schedule got lightened an hour ago as he stepped down from two time-intensive positions with Michigan amateur boxing.

Slater Wins Rematch in Monroe
Posted: December 21, 2008

Joe’s Boxing held the last show of the year this weekend in the athletic building of the Monroe County Community College. It is the second time amateur boxing graced the campus in the past year.

Eighteen bouts were in order with clubs as far away as Bay City in Michigan, Defiance in Ohio and Windsor, Ontario in Canada making the drive on still-snow covered roads.

McKart Loses Title Shot
Posted: December 21, 2008

Monroe’s Bronco McKart (51-9-1, 31 KO) had his shot at the NABF Middleweight title snatched from his grasp again, this time at the hands of Russian Roman Karmazin (36-3-1), in Inglewood, California.

Kronk Boxers Dominate Dearborn Amateur Show
Posted: December 18, 2008
Story & Photos by Bob Ryder

Byblos Banquet Center in Dearborn was the site for a rare mid-week fight card on Wednesday. The Kronk team swept all but the final contest in a 10 bout card that had several outstanding fights and sustained action throughout. Emanuel Steward was in attendance and there was a good crowd present for this size venue.

MMA Public Hearing Set
Posted: December 16, 2008

After much anticipation, MMA fans are one step closer to seeing professional cage fighting a reality in Michigan.

LBC Elects New Members
Posted: December 15, 2008

A changing of the guard will take place next month within the Michigan LBC when currently serving officers step aside and new members step up to serve.

Despite Economy, Registrations at High Levels
Posted: December 15, 2008

Boxer registrations in Michigan are at, or near, record levels it was reported Sunday at the annual meeting of the USA Boxing – Michigan Association’s Board of Directors.

By the end of November, 1,145 athletes were registered according to Ali Easley, Registration Chairman.

2009 Michigan Silver Gloves Champions Crowned
Posted: December 14, 2008

The 2009 Michigan Silver Gloves championships were held December 6-7 at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Hall n Pontiac. As they have for the past several years, the Azteca Youth Enrichment boxing team played host for the two-day event for boxers under the age of 16 years.

Anthony Dirrell Wins in California
Posted: December 6, 2008

Flint boxer Anthony Dirrell made short work of Robert Kliewer a few hours ago in California with a TKO coming at 1:03 of the second round. Dirrell remains undefeated at 14-0.

It was Dirrell's second fight, and second win, since being treated for cancer. It was Kliewer's third straight loss, all of which ended early.

Paris – Ups & Downs
Part Three Photo Gallery
Posted: December 5, 2008
By Kevin Walters

In his youth, Vernon Paris often had problems with his mother’s boyfriends and, as a result, he ran the streets of Detroit, in the Schaefer and West Chicago area where he lived, even running away from home on occasion.

“They put their hands on her,” Paris said of the men that dated his mother. “(They were) disrespectful.”

Paris – Ups & Downs
Part Two
Posted: December 2, 2008
By Kevin Walters

In the eight months since he last entered a boxing ring, Vernon Paris’ life has continued along its roller coaster path, at times coming dangerously close to jumping the track.

Following his suspension from the sport in March, Paris has been the victim of a second life threatening attack, become a father for the first time and been arrested for allegedly assaulting his baby’s mother.

Paris – Ups & Downs
Part One
Posted: November 30, 2008
By Kevin Walters

Vernon Paris’ life has had its share of ups and downs with a professional record that rocketed to an undefeated 19 wins in two short years and the birth of his first child and plummeted with two attacks on his life, multiple license suspensions and an arrest.

Recently, the state of Michigan did what no man in the ring has been able to do. Stop Paris. Or, you might say, Paris stopped himself.

Hearns to Fight at Boxing Mecca
Posted: November 29, 2008

He will enter the ring, undefeated, at the most famous of boxing venues – Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Ronald Hearns (21-0-0, 17 KO) will have turned 30-years old three weeks earlier, when he climbs thru the most famous ropes in the boxing world in the most famous of places on January 17, 2009.

Former Pontchartrain is Site of Club Show
Posted: November 23, 2008

A ballroom inside the former Hotel Pontchartrain in downtown Detroit was the site for one of two club shows held in the city over the weekend.

The Downtown Boxing Club hosted the Saturday show at the Riverside Hotel, formerly the Pontchartrain, located across the street from Cobo Hall. Thirteen clubs participated in Khali Muhammad’s first club show, held the same night as a show across the river in Windsor and a night after fights at the nearby Detroit Yacht Club.

Wright’s Streak Ends at DYC
Posted: November 22, 2008

After five straight wins, relative newcomer Allah Wright of Joe’s Boxing Club lost to Butzel’s Shawn Davis at last night’s Detroit Yacht Club show.

Wright entered the 125-lb bout with a 6-2 record on the tail end of five consecutive wins, with at least two against far more experienced opponents, but that was not the same Wright that fought on Friday.

Gunplay Ends Boxers’ Debuts
Posted: November 22, 2008

River Rouge Boxing Club is less two young boxers this week as tragedy involving a handgun took the life of one boy and will forever change the life of the other.

Cunningham & Hloros Score 1st Round KO's
Story & photos by Bob Ryder
Posted: November 16, 2008

Darryl Cunningham removed Patrick Wesson from the realm of the undefeated with a convincing first round knockout in the main event at The Royal Oak Music Theatre on Friday night. Grand Rapids' Wesson came in with a perfect 7-0 mark. Closer examination of his opponents' records leading up to this fight revealed a combined log of only 4-5-1, suggesting that he had been built up on novices. Around ringside however, those that had seen him in action said he could fight. Maybe he can, but Cunningham did not give him the chance. Wesson looked shaky with the first serious exchange and was knocked down shortly after. Cunningham, realizing that he had way too much for his foe, proceeded to track him down and, unleashing a sustained attack, knocked him down and out along the ropes. Detroit Light heavyweight Cunningham is now 12-2 with 6 KO's.

Wright, Porter, Van Riper Win in Defiance
Posted: November 7, 2008

Boxers from Joe’s Boxing Club in Monroe fought November 1st at the Defiance Athletic Club "Showdown in D town" in Defiance, Ohio. Five from the Michigan club were among the 26 boxers that fought on Saturday.

Windsor Fighters Compete in Provincial Open
Posted: November 2, 2008

Amateur boxers from nearby Windsor, Ontario, Canada competed this weekend in the 2009 Ontario Provincial Championships, which started Thursday and ended tonight, at the Holiday Inn in Oshawa, about 45 minutes east of Toronto.

Relative Newcomer Wright Defeats veteran Lawson
Posted: October 28, 2008

Allah Wright of Joe’s Boxing Club entered the ring on Saturday at the Detroit Boxing Jungle with an even 2-2 record. Six and a half minutes later, his hand was raised in victory with a decision over a much more experienced Darrion Lawson of FWC Berston.

Amateurs Show in Ypsilanti
Story & photos by Bob Ryder
Posted: October 27, 2008

A Square Boxing Club hosted a card of 18 amateur contests at the Michigan Sports Academy in Ypsilanti on Saturday night. The 6pm start time got pushed to 8pm but once the first bout started all the fights went off with no breaks in between.

Sanders Stymied, Fuller Trashed
Posted: October 19, 2008
by Lindy Lindell

October 17, The Palace of Auburn Hills, MI: Short of going out there and beating Holly Holm over the head himself, Jimmy Mallo did everything he could to bring a world title back for his charge, Mary Jo Sanders. It very nearly worked, and a good thing, too, that Mary Jo finally woke up after the eighth round. Mallo had implored Mary Jo to do just that: "Wake up!" The exortings by Mallo came with a slap and the repetition of what Mary Jo wasn't doing enough of--throwing punches, and failing to throw in combination.

Banks’ Autograph Session Well Received
Posted: October 18, 2008

IBO and NABO champion Johnathon Banks made a scheduled appearance at the Applebees Neighborhood Bar & Grill in Southgate, a suburb ten minutes south of Detroit, on Thursday to sign autographs.

Weights from Auburn Hills
Posted: October 17, 2008

Weights from Thursday’s co-main events weigh-in at Auburn Hills:

Palace Card Features Two Title Fights
Sanders-Holm Rematch, Fuller-Harris Co-Mains
Posted: October 15, 2008

Joe Donofrio turns his attention once again to boxing this Friday for a night of professional boxing at The Palace of Auburn Hills that promises not one but two title fights.

After recently directing his promotional talents to the ultra-popular Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) craze with two USA vs Canada shows, Donofrio turns his attention to boxing promoting his second show of the year at the Auburn Hills venue.

Ernie Garza Earns Piazza Award
Posted: October 13, 2008

Saginaw’s Ernesto Garza III was recognized with the 35th Annual Julius Piazza Memorial Trophy for most outstanding boxer.

Tyner Gets Second Title Shot
Posted: October 13, 2008

After a hard-to-watch loss six months ago to “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis for the USBA light welterweight title, Lanardo Tyner is getting a second chance.

The former Detroiter, now transplanted to Texas, will face Lamont Peterson on November 1 in Las Vegas for the NABF championship.

Nolan Returns with Win at DeCarlo's
Posted: October 11, 2008
Story & Photos by Bob Ryder

After an absence of over a year and a half Detroit heavyweight Leo Nolan returned to ring action in the familiar confines of DeCarlo's Convention Center in Warren. As a former member of promoter John Carlisle's Team Cannon, Nolan had boxed here often in 2002-05. In this one, opponent Mike Jones of Port Huron had a big weight advantage over Nolan but when the first bell rang it looked like things would be over in a hurry. The big guys got right to it and before the round was barely half over Jones had been knocked to the canvas twice. Jones managed to weather the rest of the round and get himself back into the fight. By the third round Jones also had a bloody nose but hung in the rest of the way to make it interesting. Nolan was awarded the 8 round unanimous decision to improve to 27-1 while Jones suffered his 5th loss in a row in declining to 4-15.

Vernon Paris Jailed for Assault
Posted: October 10, 2008

Former Detroiter Vernon “Iceman” Paris who has had his share and a dozen other persons’ share of troubles that includes two attempts on his life and a lengthy suspension from his chosen profession has new troubles. An arrest.

Lord-Wilder Wins PAL
Posted: October 8, 2008

Tyler Lord-Wilder returned home from a week in California with a National PAL title.

Stipulation Puts Paris Out of Ring Another Year
Posted: October 8, 2008

Boxing fans who hoped to see Vernon Paris back in the ring will have to wait what may seem a lifetime.

In an agreement with state officials last month, Paris’ boxing license was suspended for one year to be followed by a license revocation, a penalty that will not start until a suspension for a previous offense runs its course. For his fans, that means the “Iceman” will not be boxing for at least another year.

Archie Millben Retires
Posted: October 8, 2008

Last Wednesday, G. Archie Millben had plans to do something he hadn’t done in nearly four decades. Sleep late. And, in turn, not go to work.

There was no job for him to go to.

Excellent Matches Predominate on Venetian Club Amateur Show
Posted: October 5, 2008
By Lindy Lindell
Photos by Bob Ryder

Rene Muniz put together a very fine and highly competitive amateur card of 11 bouts last night at the Venetian Club in Madison Heights, MI, that featured mostly beginners, but also showcased a contest that displayed the wares of 2008 Detroit-area Golden Gloves champ, James Fortune. Fortune, who is trained by former lightweight contender Greg Coverson of the Infinity Boxing Club, has moved up to the 165-pound weight division, had his way to the point of dominance in the first round with Eddie Gates of the Dynamic Boxing Club. But Gates proved tougher than initially expected, and in rounds two and three, Fortune knew he had been in a fight.

Garside Loses Title Bid
Posted: September 30, 2008

Windsor’s Jeannine “Heartless” Garside lost her bid for the IBFA Super Featherweight title on Sunday.

No Room at the Gym
Kronk Patriarch Evicts Former Kronk Teammate
Posted: September 24, 2008

September 12 was just about like any other day for Alexis Hloros, who works out four days a week.. After spending two hours working out, doing floor exercises and hitting the heavy bag he was about to leave the Kronk Gym for the day when Coach Raja approached him with some unexpected news.

Boxing Returns to Royal Oak Music Theatre
Posted: September 16, 2008

Boxing returns to the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Friday for another night of pro boxing from promoters Ron Remus, Heavy Hitter and CLIP. It is the second show in as many months at the venue from this trio with another show already scheduled for November.

The first show, in August, was well received and co-promoter Ron Remus reported on Monday that ticket sales were “phenomenal” and he predicted to sell out the 1,200 seat venue.

MMA Hits Meadowbrook
Posted: September 7, 2008

Generally known as a premiere concert venue, Meadowbrook Music Theatre played host on Saturday to its first-ever mixed-martial arts (MMA) caged fight.

Joseph Donofrio of Donofrio Entertainment, the promoter for the event, last year promoted the first-ever Pro-Am boxing show at the outdoor venue, located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills.

Dolton Wins in Cincinnati
Posted: August 31, 2008

He trained and trained for his second professional fight. It was supposed to take place four months earlier but it got put off for one reason and then another. Then just as suddenly as other fights were cancelled, Dolton got signed for a fight this past Saturday.

Champs Crowned in First Annual Tournament
Posted: August 30, 2008

Michigan’s newest and only non-advancing and International amateur boxing tournament ended last week after three evenings of action.

Eric McGuire of Ann Arbor’s A-Square Fight Club was the originator and host of the annual James “Lights Out” Toney Invitational Tournament held at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park hockey rink August 22-24. The event was for open-class boxers (ten or more fights) but some non-tournament bouts were part of the mix.

Ann Arbor Tourney Starts Friday
Posted: August 17, 2008

The James “Lights Out” Toney 1st Annual Invitational Tournament starts Friday and ends with championship competition on Sunday.

The state’s newest amateur boxing tournament is hosted by Ann Arbor’s A-Square Fight Club, which has held several big venue club shows in the few years since its inception including a well attended show at the field house at nearby Eastern Michigan University.

Cunningham Advances With Win Over Wallace
Posted: August 9, 2008
Story & Photos by Bob Ryder

Thursday night was the date for the latest promotion from Heavy Hitters, Ron Remus, and CLIP. Originally slated for Royal Oak's Farmer's Market the venue was changed to the Royal Oak Music Theatre and the fans were treated to a 7 all pro bout fight card.

Bernal Last Hope at Under-19 Championships
Posted: August 7, 2008
REVISED: August 13

Four Michigan boxers were among the seventy-eight amateurs fighting for gold at the Under-19 National Championships being held this week in Kansas City, but after the quarterfinals today only one still has a chance.

Under-19 Championships
Posted: August 6, 2008

Four Michigan boxers are in Kansas City this week hoping to return home with a championship title at the Under-19 National Championships that start today.

As in 2006, the national tournament is being held in conjunction with this year’s Ringside World Championships in Kansas City, Missouri. Seventy-eight boxers, aged 17-18, are expected to participate this year.

Boxing Comes to Royal Oak
Posted: August 5, 2008

The latest offering from Heavy Hitter and CLIP, with the assistance of licensed promoter Ron Remus, is set for Thursday in Royal Oak. The card has changed – as they always do – and so has the venue. But the card remains mostly competitive.

Dirrell Posts Another Win
Posted: August 3, 2008

Andre Dirrell recorded his fourth straight knockout victory with his weekend win over Maryland’s Mike Paschall. It is his longest KO streak of his pro career.

Nash Continues Loss Streak
Posted: August 3, 2008

Reggie Nash lost another fight this weekend but this time Michigan boxing fans did not have to endure it.

Furney Fights on Judah Undercard
Posted: August 3, 2008

Former Michigan fighter Scott Furney has been fighting regularly since his move out-of-state with little notice paid until this past weekend he appeared on the undercard of the Zab Judah –Josh Clottey card.

Furney (3-4-1, 1 KO) went head to head against one-time amateur standout Diego Magdaleno on August 2. The two fighters with extensive amateur backgrounds faced-off in a six round junior lightweight bout.

Crown Boxers Win Title Tournament
Posted: August 3, 2008

Lansing’s Crown Boxing returned home with two new national champs from a Title amateur tournament that took place in early June, which Sportssummary just became aware of.

Funseth Wins Silver in National Tourney
Posted: July 30, 2008

From a young age, she has been around boxing. First because her older brother was a boxer and then when the bug effected her. Today, she holds distinction as a national medal winner.

Three Win Top Prize at Junior Golden Gloves
Posted: July 29, 2008

In an era of high fuel prices and a declining local economy, a handful of Michigan hopefuls ventured westward in quest of gold. No, this is not a page from your school history book about the gold mining efforts of days gone by but rather of five young men that sought a gold emblem to wear around their neck. At least momentarily, until it then takes its place on the bookshelf with their other trophies, belts and awards.

Settlement Worked Out in Paris Complaints
Posted: July 26, 2008

Representatives of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) and former Detroit boxer Vernon “Iceman” Paris have worked out a settlement negating the need for a scheduled hearing on July 28.

Detroit Bad Ass gets Cancelled

Promoters have cancelled Friday's amateur show at Fort Wayne. Promoter Greg Ahrens confirmed on Wednesday that the planned three show amateur elimination series culminating with a promotional contract and a FSN-televised pro debut has been cancelled.

Arsenault Chalks Up KO 1 in Bay City
Posted: July 20, 2008
Story & Photos by: Bob Ryder

Despite the overcast and threatening weather, promoters Greg Ahrens, Carlos Llinas and Art Dore attracted a SRO crowd to the annual summer show in Bay City. As in the last few years, Hooters on the Saginaw River was the venue.

For Love, Injury puts Boxing on Hold Again
Posted: July 20, 2008

For the second time in eight months, an injury has forced Kronk amateur J’Leon Love to temporarily put boxing on hold.

Toney Defeats Rahman
Posted: July 18, 2008
by: Brian Haas

PECHANGA INDIAN RESERVATION, Calif. ---- It was hardly a fitting ending to a bout that was supposed to signal the end of a fighters career.

In controversial fashion, Hasim Rahman all but quit on the stool after the third round Wednesday night, giving James Toney the TKO decision and the NABO heavyweight championship.

Detroit “Bad Ass” Concept is Unique
Posted: July 15, 2008

Open class amateur boxers intending to turn pro this year will have a unique opportunity later this month.

Three promoters are continuing a standing relationship to bring professional boxing to the state with a unique tournament-style amateur event that will culminate with a professional boxing contract.

Brusso Improves, West Injury Causes Stoppage on Saturday
Posted: July 14, 2008

Detroit Boxing Jungle was the venue on Saturday in a nine-card show billed as the “Rumble in the Jungle.”

Six clubs from the metro area participated in the first of what trainer and owner Mike Awada says will be monthly Jungle shows. The Jungle gym is not the first club this year to promise monthly boxing shows – Kronk’s planned Pro-Am format has suffered from the start with cancelled pro cards and now complete cancellations for at least July and August. Hopefully, Awada will have better success.

Shamoun, Jasso Win
Posted: July 8, 2008

Despite their boxing gym being closed for the summer, two Casa De Boxeo fighters traveled to Ohio and won in club show competition.

Zach Shamoun and David Jasso competed in the latest Defiance Athletic Club (DAC) show on Thursday, July 3.

Bert’s Show is Cancelled
Posted: June 30, 2008

Friday’s boxing show at Bert’s Warehouse Theatre in Detroit has been cancelled.

New Kronk Holds First Grand Opening
Posted: June 29, 2008

Kronk once again has a presence in the city of Detroit.

Kronk coach Majed Fradi is opening the latest incarnation of the Kronk Gym on West Warren on Detroit’s far westside. Located between Piedmont and Grandville, the new gym occupies what used to be two storefronts located across from the Instinct Bar & Grill.

Historic Fort Wayne, June 20
Promoter Takes Issue with Coverage
Posted: June 28, 2008

In response to a story penned by Lindy Lindell and published here last week about the June 20th pro boxing show at Detroit's historic Fort Wayne, co-promoter Gino Cicarella of Heavy Hitter Promotions took issue. His remarks are published here, in their entirety.

Paris: Finished with the Past
Posted: June 27, 2008

Vernon Paris is finished with the past.

The young welterweight that has largely been the boxer of note in Michigan over the past year is moving forward. And, leaving Detroit behind.

Boxer Injured Friday is Doing Well
Posted: June 22, 2008

Ryan Meyer, who was felled during his boxing debut at Detroit’s historic Fort Wayne on Friday, was released the same night from a Detroit hospital and is doing fine.

National JO Crowns Three Michigan Champions
Posted: June 21, 2008

Five Michigan amateurs traveled the 450 miles from the Detroit area to Marquette, and the home of Northern Michigan University, for the 37th annual national Junior Olympics Championships that were contested June 17-20.

Garden City’s Daniel Smith (201+ lbs), just barely in the open class with under 15 fights, Lincoln Park’s Erick DeLeon (125 lbs), with more than 65 fights, and Port Huron’s Valerie Farley (132 lbs, Female) each claimed national gold in this year’s tournament.

Paris Hearing Postponed
Posted: June 21, 2008

Wednesday’s scheduled hearing in Lansing against pro boxer Vernon “Iceman” Paris was postponed, department officials reported Friday morning.

“Gorgeous” Gorges to make Debut
Posted: June 18, 2008

After six years as an amateur boxer, Andre Gorges has had enough. Sort of.

On Friday, the boxer whose mispronounced last name became a moniker makes his professional debut in Detroit.

Gjokaj to donate to injured boxer
Posted: June 12, 2008

The story of youth boxer Juan Contreras, severely injured in a sanctioned amateur bout and whose story has been chronicled several times on Sportssummary.com, has apparently touched the heart of professional boxer Luigi Gjokaj.

Flores on Chicago Card
Posted: June 12, 2008

Welterweight Federico Flores, Jr. (4-2-0, 2 KO) of Hart is fighting 31-year old Gustavo Palacios (2-3-0, 1 KO) on the Chicagoan’s home turf on June 20.

Lawsuit Filed in Contreras Injury
Posted: June 1, 2008
PART TWO

The mother of 12-year old Juan Contreras, who was injured during a club show in March, has filed suit against her son’s boxing coach, his boxing club and the sport’s governing organization, USA Boxing. The state Local Boxing Committee (LBC), as well as the Kalamazoo boxing club that hosted the youth’s March 15 fight, were also included, along with five other individuals or companies, in a 21-page complaint filed Thursday in the Ingham County Circuit Court. The case is #08-747-NO.

Love Defeats Olympian to Win Duel
Posted: June 1, 2008

Kronk Gym's J’Leon Love won his first international competition over the weekend with a points win over Dominican Republic Olympian Argenis Nunez.

Lawsuit Filed in Contreras Injury
Posted: May 30, 2008
PART ONE

A lawsuit was filed Thursday in Lansing on behalf of Juan Contreras, a 12-year old boxer, who was injured during a club show in March.

Love to Compete in Duel
Posted: May 28, 2008

Kronk Gym light-heavyweight J’Leon Love will represent the United States in duel competition this weekend.

Love, who returned to boxing in April after four months off due to a neck injury received in a traffic crash returning home from the 2008 Senior Open state championships, is one of eleven U.S. amateurs competing against boxers from the Dominican Republic this Saturday, May 31.

No Movement in Paris Cases
Posted: May 26, 2008

There has been little change in the status of two rules violations against now-former Detroit light-welterweight Vernon “Iceman” Paris as they make their way slowly through the agency that governs boxing in the state of Michigan.

Paris, who moved to Florida earlier this month after another attack on his life, faces disciplinary action from Michigan officials after failing a second drug test and skipping out without providing a sample in a third instance. Both of these latest incidents occurred within the last six months.

Contreras Responds to Mention of Hero
Posted: May 25, 2008

Did the mention of an injured boy’s hero provoke a physical response that suggests some improvement? At least two people believe so.

Michigan Boxing Commission chairman Al Low visited injured amateur boxer Juan Contreras on Wednesday and may have witnessed the youth’s first dramatic, intentional movement since falling into a coma more than two months earlier.

Youth Boxer Remains in Coma
Posted: May 15, 2008

Juan Contreras liked boxing from a young age. A young age. Juan is only 12-years old now. But he liked boxing for sometime and he bugged mom, Rosemary, for a year to let him participate before she finally gave in. That was in February. A month later, the young boxer collapsed in the ring and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Now, exactly two months later still, the boy who wanted to box lies in an Ann Arbor hospital bed in a coma. If he wakes from his coma, Juan is not expected to fully recover.

Last year undefeated jr. welterweight prospect Lanardo Tyner made the sacrifice of uprooting his family from their Detroit, Michigan home down to Houston, Texas - with the notion that following his boxing idol, former world champion Frank Tate (a fellow Detroit native), would be a boost to his professional career.

2008 National Golden Gloves
Detroit Fighters Falter
Garza wins in shortest bout of evening
Posted: May 8, 2008

Day three has wrapped up at the National Golden Gloves in Grand Rapids, with three days left to go. Wednesday was a marathon session with 81 bouts contested in three rings. Several of the state’s fighters saw their first action including heavyweights Jordan Shimmell and Craig Lewis and 112-pounder Tyler James.

2008 National Golden Gloves
Preliminary Action Continues on Day Two
Posted: May 6, 2008
PHOTOS WILL BE ADDED SOON

With three rings in use, the boxers just keep coming… and going. Another fifty-one bouts were held as day #2 concluded on Tuesday at the National Golden Gloves with a like number advancing and a like number falling.

Twenty-nine regions and 286 boxers are participating in the 81st annual tournament, being held for the first time ever in Grand Rapids. Hawaii sent no boxers to this year’s event.

Preliminary Action Gets Underway in Grand Rapids
First round is not kind to state’s boxers
Posted: May 6, 2008

The first boxers entered the ring as preliminary action in the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions got underway Monday afternoon in Grand Rapids.

Michigan’s second largest city is hosting the 81st annual installment of the Golden Gloves national open-class tournament, which is often a boxer’s final amateur tournament before turning pro. The tournament, which draws amateur male boxers aged 17-34 with at least ten prior fights, from across the country, has only been held in Michigan once before – in 2000 – in the tournament’s eight decades of existence. Twenty-nine regions and 286 boxers are participating.

Vernon Paris Attacked
Posted: May 4, 2008

Detroit light-welterweight Vernon "Iceman" Paris is reportedly hospitalized after being stabbed on Saturday, Sportssummary has learned. Early reports indicated that Paris suffered a collapsed lung and underwent surgery at Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital but attempts to confirm that information with hospital officials have been unsuccessful.

Kronk Gold Glovers Matched Tough
Posted: May 4, 2008
by Lindy Lindell

Just three days prior to their first round bouts in the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament in Grand Rapids, Kronk boxers, light-heavyweight J'Leon Love and junior-middleweight Leandre White, Detroit representatives in their weight classes, had furious fights against come-to-fight opposition at Bert's Warehouse, May 2.

Kronk Boxers Relocate Again
Posted: May 3, 2008

“We don’t have a Kronk Gym,” said Kronk trainer Javan “Sugar” Hill. Hill was part joking and part serious. Mostly serious.

Hill went April 14 to what had been the home of Kronk – above a Gold’s Gym in Dearborn – since vandals and years of decay forced their move from its original home on McGraw twenty months ago, to find the gym closed, a barricade placed in front of the door.

Experience Triumphs Unusual Night of Amateur Boxing
Posted: April 27, 2008

The latest offering from promoter and trainer Joe Bermudez’s Boundless Promotions took place Saturday evening with an entertaining mix of amateur and professional boxing in Lansing.

Youth Boxer Fighting for his Life
Posted: April 23, 2008

Crown youth boxer Juan Contreras remains in a coma today, five weeks after collapsing following a club show.

Contreras, 12, was stopped in the second round of his second amateur fight on March 15 at a Kalamazoo show. He collapsed leaving the ring and was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital before being transferred to a hospital in his hometown of Lansing. Juan has not regained consciousness and published media reports suggest he is unlikely to recover.

Monroe Hosts Toledo Golden Gloves
Posted: April 20, 2008
Full Results Added

The last of Michigan’s boxers to compete in Golden Gloves at the local level, before the national championships kick off in two weeks in Grand Rapids, took place this weekend in Monroe and Wisconsin. In Monroe, Joe’s Boxing Club hosted the annual Toledo Golden Gloves tournament, marking the first time ever that the Toledo franchise tournament has been held in Michigan. Wisconsin results will be posted when available.

Tyner Gets Title Shot
Posted: April 13, 2008

Boxer Lanardo Tyner (19-0-0, 11 KO) will fight Mike “Mighty Mike” Arnaoutis in Atlantic City for the vacant USBA welterweight title on May 9th, a fight that is scheduled to be televised on ESPN2.

Detroit Golden Gloves Conclude
Posted: April 13, 2008

The Detroit Metro Golden Gloves crowned twenty-one new champions following three days of quality amateur boxing over the weekend. Once again the Gibraltar Trade Center in Taylor was the scene and Casa De Boxeo’s Rene Munoz played host. Munoz’s years of experience of hosting both this event as well as the state Junior Olympics showed as this year’s event was very well organized and ran smoothly.

Detroit Golden Gloves Continue
Posted: April 13, 2008

Boxers from sixteen metro-Detroit area clubs competed Saturday in the first full day of action at the 2008 Detroit Metro Golden Gloves, held once again at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Taylor. Seven preliminary bouts were contested on Friday and the tournament concludes Sunday.

Detroit Golden Gloves Get Underway
Posted: April 12, 2008

Twenty boxing clubs are competing at this years Detroit Metro Golden Gloves, being hosted once again by Casa De Boxeo and held at the Gibraltar Trade Center South in Taylor.

Dolton Easily Wins Debut
Posted: April 6, 2008
PHOTOS BY SUSAN BARNES

Kronk newcomers made up the two professional bouts that shared their talents along with the areas’ amateurs April 4 in Detroit’s Eastern Market on a well-received Pro-Am card, courtesy of Sugar Hill Boxing and Undisputed Promotions. It was the first of what the two promoters promise will be monthly shows at the venue – Bert’s Warehouse Theatre - which hosted one other such show in late 2006.

Kronk Boxers have a Good Night
First of Monthly Shows Promised by Promoters
Posted: April 5, 2008
PHOTOS BY BOB RYDER

Boxing returned to Detroit’s Eastern Market district Friday night with an evening of Pro-Am action courtesy of Sugar Hill Boxing and Undisputed Promotions. It was the first of what promoters promise will be monthly shows at the venue, which hosted one other such show in late 2006.

Domonique Dolton Debut Tonight
Posted: April 4, 2008

After some months of anticipation – and one postponement – boxing fans are poised to witness the professional debut of one of Michigan’s best amateur boxers tonight.

Domonique Dolton is a familiar name and face across the state in the amateur ranks, having fought in roughly ninety bouts and amassing a nearly 76% win ratio, according to records maintained by Sportssummary. Tonight, fight fans will be witness to the start of Dolton’s professional journey. If he lives up to the promise as many expect, it will be something one can boastfully tell their children and grandchildren years from now: “I saw Domonique make his debut.”

Call-Out Provokes Response
Posted: April 3, 2008

Following his record-setting knockout victory over Francis McKechnai on Saturday, Tyrone Brunson issued a challenge to Michigan boxers Cornelius “K9” Bundrage and Brian “The Lion” Mihtar.

Soaring Eagle will happen without Paris
Posted: March 28, 2008

Boxing fans will not see Vernon “Iceman” Paris on Saturday’s card at Mt. Pleasant’s Soaring Eagle Casino, but matchmaker Bruce Kilty is confident that a good show has been put together for boxing fans.

2008 Eastern Michigan Champions Crowned

Twenty-three boxers were crowned as champions last weekend at the conclusion of the Eastern Michigan Golden Gloves championships.

Boxers Advance at Eastern Michigan Golden Gloves
Posted: March 14, 2008

Semi-final action took place Thursday, March 13, as the 2008 Eastern Michigan Golden Gloves continued in Birch Run.

In addition to the fifteen boxers that were eliminated in the preliminaries a week earlier, nineteen additional boxers fell off in the second round. The winners now advance to the finals at the same location March 22.

Paris Suspended
Posted: March 13, 2008

Detroit fighter Vernon “Iceman” Paris was suspended by Michigan officials on Monday, making him ineligible to fight at any non-Native American show for the next ninety days.

The suspension comes more than fourteen months after state officials report that Paris failed his post-fight drug test. The promising young boxer tested positive for Marijuana following a December 22, 2006 fight in Flint which Paris won over Aaron Sannipoli by knockout. That result has since been changed to a “no contest” in the official records.

U.S. Nationals
Kronk Team Eliminated
Lone Michigan Boxer and NMU Team Remain
Posted: March 12, 2008

Day three in Colorado Springs came to an end along with the dreams of three Kronk fighters who lost in Tuesday's quarterfinals at the 2008 U.S. Nationals, or Future Stars Nationals, tournament.

U.S. Nationals
Schmidt, Woodward Fall; Others Advance
Posted: March 11, 2008

After two days of ring action, 79 boxers have fought and advanced at the U.S. Nationals and 79 more have been eliminated, including two from Michigan.

MLK-NMU's Ryan Schmidt was stopped in the fourth round of the 125-lb bout by Derrick Murray of St. Louis, Missouri and NMU's Termaine Woodward lost 11-6 to Wichita, Kansas' Jeff Strum at 141-lbs, ending their medal bids.

U.S. Nationals Kick-Off in Colorado Springs
Posted: March 10, 2008

After several months of advancing tournaments, some 270 of the country's finest amateur boxers have descended on Colorado to compete in the 2008 U.S. National Championships. The week-long tournament, which is also referred to this year as the Future Stars National Championships began Sunday and runs through Friday at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Eastern Michigan Golden Gloves Prelims
Posted: March 8, 2008

Preliminary action took place Thursday as the first Golden Gloves for 2008 kicked off in Birch Run.

Thirteen Boxers Compete at Arnold Classic
Posted: March 7, 2008
Updated: March 7, 2008 10:15 pm

Forty-nine amateur boxers won contested bouts over this past weekend at the Arnold Classic boxing invitational championships held in Columbus, Ohio. Five of those were from Michigan. Three Michigan fighters were among thirty-three boxers that were unopposed and five won silver medals.

Friday Shows Cancelled
Dolton Pro Debut Delayed
Posted: March 6, 2008

For the second time in a week, state officials have cancelled a planned pro show in Grand Rapids. Both cancellations appear to be the result of the promoter, Earl Thompson III, being unable to file necessary documents - including insurance - with state officials.

This morning, organizers of tomorrow's Pro-Am show scheduled at Bert's Ballroom in Detroit cancelled the event due to forecasts for heavy snow.

Amateur Results from Defiance
Wades Brothers Win
Posted: February 25, 2008

Newcomers from Joe’s Boxing, brothers Donnie and Devin Wades, both recorded wins over the weekend at a Defiance, Ohio Boxing Club show. Donnie won against Defiance’s Daniel Casarez in a Bantam 60-lb matchup and Devin defeated Toledo’s James Coffee at 115-lbs in the Intermediate division.

Matt Niziokel also won his bout with Troy Rios, of Toledo, at 141-lbs.

Dylon Minton (70-lbs, Junior) and Taylor Carol (female 130-lbs, Intermediate) lost to host club fighters.

Four Return Home with Titles from Senior Open Regionals
Posted: February 25, 2008
by: Kronk amateur boxer, and Regionals participant, Leandre White

Editor’s Note: Four Michigan boxers returned from Illinois on Sunday with regional titles to their credit. Sportssummary was not in attendance but Kronk boxer – and competitor at the tournament – Leandre White was kind enough to share some comments on the four champions’ fights. While not traditional reporting, it is presented here nonetheless as a unique view of an event that would otherwise not be reported.

Boxing Returns to Dearborn
Posted: February 20, 2008
Corrected: February 23, 2008

Heavy Hitter Promotions and Clip Boxing have again teamed up to present a night of professional boxing this Friday at the Ford Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.

Detroit favorite Vernon “Iceman” Paris (17-0-0, 12 KO) is scheduled against Kenyan Nasser “The Silencer” Athumani (21-5-1, 16 KO) despite a reported hand injury, which caused Paris to drop off a card at The Palace earlier this month.

Flint Boxer Remains under Suspicion
Posted: February 18, 2008

At his young age, Anthony Dirrell has experienced – and endured – a lot. Success in the boxing ring, first as an amateur and then as a pro. Winning such amateur titles as the National Junior Golden Gloves, Under 19 Championships and the National PAL led to his name and picture appearing regularly in both the local Flint media as well as national news sources. He participated in the 2004 Olympics Trials, where an injury prevented his continuing. And, he has met former-world champion Muhammad Ali. As high as those positive occurrences were, Dirrell has also experienced the depths of life’s negative side.

Tyner: Airfare and No Pay were Issues
Posted: February 18, 2008

Friday's pro card at Dearborn's Performing Arts Center - the second in recent months - has generated more animosity between Detroit's two premiere welterweights - Lanardo Tyner and Vernon Paris.

As the card changes, as they always do, news from co-promoters Heavy Hitter Promotions suggests that Tyner (19-0-0, 11 KO) was originally scheduled to fight but dropped off the card because his opponent, Nasser Athumani (21-5), was too tough. Paris (18-0-0, 13 KO), meanwhile, was stepping in to fill the void despite not being 100% because of a hand injury that caused him to drop off the previous fight in Dearborn this past December.

Quintana Ends Williams’ Perfect Record
Posted: February 10, 2008
By: Brian Haas

PECHANGA INDIAN RESERVATION, CALIF. ---- A 10-inch reach and a four-inch height disadvantage didn't seem to bother Carlos Quintana on Saturday night in Temecula, as he became the WBO Welterweight champion of the world by defeating previously undefeated Paul Williams by unanimous decision.

"Paul's a good fighter but I knew I could win," Quintana said. "I think that he under estimated me. I think he looked past me. This fight was do or die for me today, and I was happy that I was able to do it."

Amateur Profiles Removed; Pro Boxers Added

Sportssummary removed more than fifty amateur boxer profiles over the weekend and began adding profiles for Michigan professional boxers.

The removal of amateur records/profiles effected some 53 boxers under the age of 18 in which at least basic infomation had been posted online and approximately 800 others that were scheduled to be posted. The boxers removed had not signed a release allowing the posting of personal information and/or photos required under the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Boxers that are at least 18 years old are not covered by the Act and their profiles were not effected. In all, fourteen releases are on file for underaged fighters and their profiles remain online.

Over the weekend, the posting of profiles of Michigan professional boxers began and will continue until the 200+ licensed boxers are included.

Those amateur boxers wishing to be included can submit a signed release, which can be printed and then mailed or faxed.

Andy Lee's Fight LIVE via Internet
Posted: February 1, 2008

Fans of Irish middleweight and Kronk fighter Andy Lee (14-0-0, 11 KO) can watch his next fight, Saturday, LIVE via the internet, according to a press release issued by Kronk Boxing.

Paris Off Friday; Card otherwise intact
Posted: January 31, 2008

The “Iceman” is off tomorrow’s pro card at The Palace, promoter Joseph Donofrio has reported.

A hand injury apparently iced young Vernon Paris’s fight, Paris promoter Carlos Llinas reportedly informed Donofrio on Sunday evening. No further information was available on the extent of the injury, which was confirmed by boxing commission Chairman Al Low, who reported that Paris was disappointed in having to cancel the fight and that he offered to appear in the ring to explain the cancellation. It is unknown whether that offer was accepted or why Paris’ camp thought it necessary to offer.

Paris, Tyner on same card but not against each other
Posted: January 28, 2008

The appearance of both men on the same card may bring a smile to the face of those that want to see a Lanardo Tyner – Vernon Paris fight but it won’t be happening February 1st when both dynamic fighters appear in the same ring but not as opponents.

A fight that seems inevitable – with both sides seemingly fanning the flames badmouthing the other – will have to wait. For now, anyway.

Michigan Boxers Earn Regional Titles
Posted: January 23, 2008

Fourteen of the state’s amateur boxers added regional titles to their resumes as they competed and won at this past weekend’s Silver Gloves regional championships in Ohio.

Boxers, under the age of 16, from five states comprising Region 2 fought during the two-day tournament held in Columbus, January 19-20. The boxers all won state Silver Gloves championships in the open division earlier this month in Pontiac.

The "Old Roy Jones, Jr." beats up an old Tito Trinidad!
Golota pounds Mollo in "fight of the Night" co-feature.
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
Posted: January 19, 2008

New York - Madison Square Garden was not nearly as filled as had been expected; quite possibly even the most ardent supporter of legendary five-time World Champion Felix "Tito" Trinidad knew the obvious. Their Puerto Rican boxing hero, who had not fought since getting thoroughly dominated nearly three years ago in his embarrassing 12 round unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Ronald "Winky" Wright, was bought out of retirement (for the not so embarrassing price of 9 million dollars) to face a bigger, stronger and faster fighter in Roy Jones, Jr.

While Trinidad tried as best he could, fighting at his heaviest weight ever only slowed him down. From the early rounds it was clear that Jones was able to handle Trinidad's biggest punches, while Tito was not able to take Roy's.

Big Dog Boxers Overrun Silver Gloves
Posted: January 11, 2008

The relatively new Big Dog Boxing Club dominated the 2008 Michigan Silver Gloves championships that were held January 5-6 in Pontiac.

2008 Michigan Silver Gloves Champions Crowned
Posted: January 11, 2008

The 2008 Michigan Silver Gloves championships were held January 5-6 at UAW Hall 653 in Pontiac. As they have for the past several years, the Azteca Youth Enrichment boxing team played host for the two-day event for boxers under the age of 16 years.

Seventy-one young state champions were crowned in three experience levels (A to C) in four age divisions (8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15) - many of them unopposed. In total, roughly 1/3 of Michigan's registered boxing clubs and 108 eligible boxers participated. Champions in the "A" class of all divisions except Bantam (novices) advance to the regionals in Columbus, Ohio January 19-21. Winners of that event advance to the nationals January 30-February 2 in Missouri.

Ann Arbor Boxing Challenge is Success
Posted: December 19, 2007
PHOTOS BY BOB RYDER

Ann Arbor’s A-Square Fight Club held its third club show in just over six months on Saturday. The A-Square Boxing Challenge III drew an impressive number of clubs despite two other shows in the metro-Detroit area the same night.

Hamtramck’s Andriy Stankevych continued to improve his record with a win over Detroit Golden Gloves champ Brandon Love in a 142-lb. matchup. The Ukraine-born 16-year old is title-less but has improved his record with several wins this year and should make a good showing at the upcoming championships.

Injury to Keep Love out of Ring
Posted: December 16, 2007

A vehicle crash last week sent Kronk Gym's J'Leon Love to the hospital and a neck injury will keep him from the ring for at least six weeks.

Love, 20, was within a few miles of home returning from the Senior Open championships north of Traverse City when the car he was riding in collided with another vehicle. The super-middleweight, who was asleep in the rear seat and not wearing a safety belt, was thrown over the front seats and into the windshield causing a deep head cut and a fractured C3 vertebrae in his neck, the boxer told Sportssummary. Love was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital where he was kept overnight.

Three Win Debuts, Fanslaw Improves in Monroe
Posted: December 16, 2007

Amateur boxing made a return visit to Monroe’s Links at Lake Erie golf course Saturday night as Joe’s Boxing Club hosted its second show there this year. With two other club shows within a reasonable driving distance – both Pontiac’s Unity Boxing and Ann Arbor’s A-Square Fight Club hosted shows Saturday as well – metro Detroit’s fighters were spread thin. Still, the card featured seven regulation bouts with about half the bouts being newcomers to the sport.

Despite a winter storm warning that threatened more than six inches of snow fighters came from as far as Battle Creek within the state and Defiance and Lima in Ohio to compete.

Mayweather-Hatton: Your Comments
Posted: December 9, 2007

Boxing fans around the world were glued to their television sets last night for the much anticipated and hyped welterweight championship fight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and England's RIcky Hatton. How would the hard-hitting Hatton do against the quicker Mayweather? By now, you know the answer to that question. By all accounts, this was one of boxing's better fights of recent years without too many disappointed fans.

Sportssummary thought it would be interesting to see what some of YOU thought about the fight. From amateur and pro boxers that dream of being the next Mayweather to the trainers and officials that share the ring with them to one of the promoters that dedicates much of his time to putting boxing shows on in the state, a dozen took a few minutes to share their thoughts:

Shimmell Wins World Golden Gloves
Posted: November 25, 2007

Jordan Shimmell won the World Golden Gloves Championships which were held November 16-17, 2007 at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota.

The two-day tournament – the first ever – included amateur boxers from the United States, Ireland, Great Britain and Puerto Rico.

Kronk Fighters Win across the Board
Banks Has Longest Fight of Career; Lee Gets 10th KO
Posted: November 18, 2007

There were a series of last minute changes as several hundred people entered the home of the Plymouth Whalers on Thursday. What two days earlier was a 4-pro, 3-amateur fight card had become a 3-pro, 4-amateur card that turned into three pro and two amateur fights as the first bell rang.

The first-ever boxing show at Compuware Arena in Plymouth and the first Emanuel Steward Kronk event in Michigan in nearly two years was drastically less than what it could have been. The 3,000 seat arena was nearly empty, Kronk’s one-time light welterweight star Octavio Lara was scratched from the card and the night’s main event was booed but the night had some redeeming elements.

Banks, Lee, Lara and Amateurs on Thursday Card
Posted: November 14, 2007

Detroit fight fans will get to see some legitimate future stars of the sport as members of the local Kronk Team enter the ring at Plymouth’s Compuware Arena this Thursday.

Cruiserweight Johnathon Banks (17-0-0, 13 KO), middleweight Irishman Andy Lee (12-0-0, 9 KO) and light welterweight Octavio Lara (7-2-0, 5 KO) will fight in front of a hometown crowd – Lee is a transplant to Emanuel Steward’s Detroit home so that sort of qualifies – for the first time in awhile. Banks’ last fight in the area was eleven months ago at Bert’s Warehouse in Detroit’s Eastern Market district; Lee hasn’t fought in the state since his pro debut twenty months ago at Joe Louis Arena and Mexican-favorite Lara’s last fight was on the same March 10 show as Lee. He retired a few months later and Thursday will be his first fight since deciding to return to the ring. How long Lara stays this time may depend on whether his passbook records a W on Thursday or not.

Tyrone Harris - it's now time to deliver
Tonight's ShoBox co-feature has the skills, yet has not shined!
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
Posted: November 2, 2007

Outside of his Lansing hometown not too many boxing fans have heard of talented lightweight prospect Tyrone Harris, and with good reason.

While compiling a commendable 21-3 record since turning pro in 2004, the former 2000 National Golden Gloves champion and amateur phenom (135-15) has come to realize that to climb the ladder of success in the vicious world of professional boxing it takes a lot more than a blistering jab and tons of physical prowess.

World Championships to Air Sunday
Posted: October 31, 2007

FOX TV will air final round action from the 2007 AIBA World Championships on Sunday, USA Boxing announced in a press release yesterday.

Williams Making Debut on EMU Card
Posted: October 22, 2007

Kronk’s Ed “Thoroughbred” Williams is scheduled to make his pro debut at a pro-am show set for this Friday at Ypsilanti’s Eastern Michigan University (EMU). The event is promoted by Florida’s Undisputed Promotions, Inc.

Williams has accrued a 15-12 amateur record over six years that includes the 2006 Detroit Metro Golden Gloves title at 151-lbs. With his pro debut, Williams is dropping ten pounds to fight at light welterweight where he says he is most comfortable.

“I’m getting older and have enough experience (to move up),” Williams told Sportssummary last week, concerning his decision to turn pro at this time. “I’m ready.”

Kronk Announces November Show Date
Posted:October 20, 2007

Second Round, Inc. has announced that the new date for the Kronk Pro-Am show will be next month and not in December as originally thought. The show was postponed from earlier this month due to the state’s budget woes that could not guarantee state inspectors would be available, as required.

The Compuware Ice Arena in Plymouth will play host to the latest Kronk boxing show on Thursday, November 15.

Tyner Warns Paris: “I’m the Man of Detroit”
Posted:October 19, 2007

Lanardo Tyner may be living in Texas but he wants people to remember that he grew up on the mean streets of Detroit and considers the motor city home. And for the 32-year old Tyner, home is where the pride is. He especially wants Vernon Paris and his team to remember that.

The national Police Athletic League (PAL) Championships were held last week and a silver medal came home to Michigan. The 33rd annual event was held at the Oxnard, California PAL gym with more than 300 boxers participating from 27 states.

Kronk amateur J’Leon Love won three matches – two by decisions and one stoppage – before losing by two points in the finals on Saturday earning his second national silver medal.

Windsor’s Josh Cameron Reaches 100 Milestone
Posted:October 10, 2007

When he entered the ring three weeks ago in Kalamazoo, Josh Cameron realized that he was about to fight his 99th amateur bout. When the Border City fighter told Coach Josh Canty they both knew that his next fight would have to take place back home in Canada.

That milestone fight took place September 29th in front of friends and family at Border City’s “Club Show XV” in Windsor, Ontario, Canada where the 17-year old has trained for the past six years.

Ski Lodge Heats Up with Boxing
River Rouge Fighters Show Promise
Posted:October 7,2007

Mickey Goodwin has to be happy this weekend. The former 40-2-1 pro fighter and owner of River Rouge Boxing Club saw his fighters leave the ring in triumph in two club shows.

The latest, Saturday’s “Brawl at the Mountain,” held in the sweltering heat of the Mt. Brighton Ski Lodge, saw Matt Templeton perhaps his best in his 15th fight as his jabs were cleaner and faster and his all-too-frequent ducking less than usual. That translated into Templeton throwing more punches that connected.

Amateurs Shine Under the Stars at Meadowbrook
Updated: September 30, 2007

Amateur boxers across the state have come to expect, at least in recent years, that fewer and fewer people will be outside the squared circle watching as they bob and weave and duck and throw jabs in their chosen sport. But that was not the case Friday.

On a pre-matched card, as ten teenage boxers – ten from Michigan and two from Ohio – climbed thru the ropes at Rochester Hill’s Meadowbrook Music Festival the crowd watching was the largest most of the teens have seen. More than 1,500 boxing fans gathered at the outdoor venue for “Boxing Under the Stars” – the latest offering from Donofrio Boxing and his first ever Pro-Am card.

His opponent’s sub .500 record could be deceiving if one looks at the quality of his opponents which included Vivian Harris, Steve Forbes, Hector Camacho, Jr, and, most recently, Damian Fuller. Logan’s losses in those fights were after going the distance. With only two of his 29 losses coming by knockout, Logan is not easily stopped but that is exactly what happened in Friday night’s battle with powerhouse Lanardo Tyner.

Amateurs to Shine in Outdoor Show
Published: September 19, 2007

In what is becoming a recent trend, amateur boxers will take to the ring in the same show as those that are making a living – or at least trying – from the sport.

On a pre-matched card, ten Michigan teenage boxers and two from Ohio will show their skills under the stars in an outdoor show at Rochester Hill’s Meadow Brook Music Festival this Friday. Twelve amateurs will compete in the senior and intermediate divisions on the front end of a 10-bout pro-am show from Promoter Joseph Donofrio.

The show will feature all teenage amateurs with the youngest being 13-years old with a medium range of experience.

The show is the first boxing event to be held at Meadow Brook, which is on the campus of Oakland University, and the first mixing of pros and amateurs by Donofrio.

Click here for copy of the fight card.

Confusion Reigns over Kronk Fight
Presser and Fight are Off
Published: September 19, 2007

The word coming from the Kronk camp is contradictory. The latest: As of 11:45 am, today, a night of boxing scheduled for October 18 and a press conference set for today have been cancelled.

The fight at Compuware Arena likely has been cancelled because of budget woes at the state level – no approved budget means no money to pay inspectors. At least that’s part of the message getting out there.

Boxing Literally Under the Stars Friday
Published: September 18, 2007

Metro Detroit boxing fans will be treated this Friday to an evening of “Boxing Under the Stars.” Literally. If the weather holds, as forecasters currently predict it will.

Promoter Joseph Donofrio, whose venue of choice until now has been the The Palace, is bringing together professional boxers and their amateur counterparts for a night of boxing at Rochester Hills’ Meadow Brook Music Festival. It is a first ever for the usual concert venue and one that Donofrio has been trying to put together since at least last year.

Donofrio Returns with Meadow Brook First
Published: September 15, 2007

Amateurs and professionals will be center stage as Rochester’s Meadow Brook Music Festival plays host to a night of boxing one week from today, courtesy of promoter Joseph Donofrio.

It will be the first offering from Donofrio this year, the first pro-am show he has ever put on and the very first time that “the sweet science” has graced the usual concert venue.

Love Represents USA in Golden Belt Tournament
Published: September 1, 2007

Dearborn Heights’ J’Leon Love left his suburban Detroit home yesterday enroute to Romania, where he will represent the United States in his first international competition since starting to box less than two years ago.

Love joins nine other U.S. amateur boxers in the 36th annual Golden Belt tournament taking place in Romania (located between Ukraine and Bulgaria in southeastern Europe) September 3-9. One boxer, in the 119-lb category, dropped out of the trip for reasons not reported by USA Boxing.

Knockouts Rule the Day in Lansing Show
Published: August 28, 2007

The first four bouts on a seven-bout professional card were over without all the ring girls even making an appearance in the ropes, much to the chagrin of most of the men in the room.

In total, five fights ended early by knockout and one by retirement (which I hadn’t heard of except in the amateur realm of the sport) and just one went the distance and to the judges Saturday night (Aug. 25) at the Lansing Center in Michigan’s capitol city.

Lansing’s George “Jo Jo” Sanchez (6-4-1, 4 KO), wearing what looked like a bathroom rug for trunks, and Paul Reyes (2-8-0, 1 KO), in the fifth bout of the evening, were the first fighters to hear the bell ending a round.

Kronk Fighters Scarce at Kronk Show
Published: August 23, 2007

On Friday evening (August 17), Kronk hosted an amateur show at the Barrister House (not to be confused with Barrister Gardens) in St. Clair Shores. Sandwiched between Pro-Am events Thursday in Bay City and Saturday in Ida, the show – which shared space with a wedding reception in another room – featured excellent matches with more than half a dozen clubs represented. Concession prices, the warmth of the boxer’s staging area and uncorrected confusion over the winner of the second bout dampening what was otherwise a great show.

On a twelve-bout card to find only three boxers from the host club – especially one as large as Kronk – is unusual, but matchmakers had plenty of other boxers to choose from as clubs from as far as Ann Arbor, Windsor (Ontario) and even Cleveland, Ohio were there.

The action in the ring was non-stop as Monroe-area boxers – both amateurs and those that recently were – put on a great night of boxing.

Several hundred people filled the American Legion hall in Ida, in south-central Monroe County, for the second Pro-Am offering in two days to have Promoter Greg Ahrens’ name associated with it. But names aside, the event was organized by co-promoter Dave Burnette of Rumble Productions who handled the pro card, with Todd Riggs putting together the amateur side of the evening.

Six from Michigan Trek to Houston
Olympic Trials Start Monday
PUBLISHED: August 19, 2007

Six amateur boxers were expected to leave Michigan yesterday enroute to Houston, Texas and the final hurdle standing between them and the Olympic Games.

Michigan Claims Five Jr. Golden Gloves
Published: July 29, 2007 .

Five Michigan boxers returned home from Nevada with titles in the annual Junior Golden Gloves championship after three days of tournament action that ended Saturday night.

Adrian Barbosa defeated Jalen Gibson of Wyoming on Saturday and Jonathan Zavala on Friday to win the top prize in the 75-lbs, 11-12 age division.

Casa De Boxeo’s Alejandro Aguilar stopped California’s Genaro Gamez in the second round of their 106-lb, 11-12 division bout. It was Aguilar’s second fight of the tournament.

Eight Continue in Mesquite
Published: July 28, 2007 11:45 p.m.

Cousins Adrian and Edgar Barbosa and Alejandro Hernandez of Warriors Boxing Club made their first appearance in the ring in day two’s semi-finals Friday at the Junior Golden Gloves in Mesquite, Nevada. Casa De Boxeo’s Alejandro Aguilar and Infinity’s Anthony Barnes also premiered on Friday. All five continued to today’s finals while two boxers that saw action starting on Thursday were eliminated.

In the 8 year old division at 55-lbs, Edgar Barbosa won a decision over Jonathan Zavala and at 75-lbs in the 11-12 age division, Adrian Barbosa decisioned Nevada’s Cesar Quinonez. Adrian’s brother, Alejandro, will make his only appearance of the tournament tonight.

Michigan Fields Near-Dozen at Junior Golden Gloves
Published: July 28, 2007 2:15 a.m.

The setting is the white-domed events center at the Casablanca Resort & Casino in Mesquite, Nevada, an hour northeast of Las Vegas, on the Nevada-Arizona border and within ten minutes of Utah’s southern border, where more than 100 amateur boxers began competing Thursday in the National Junior Golden Gloves.

The tournament, open to junior boys aged 8-16, is hosted this year by Las Vegas’ Barry’s Boxing Center, which is operated by Pat and Dawn Barry and their daughter, Dawn Sanchez.

Among the competitors are eleven Michigan boxers representing four clubs from the metro-Detroit area.

Out-of-State Fighters Dominate Club Show
Published: July 21, 2007

More than forty boxers representing five states and two countries came together in a poorly-lit ring in a dimly-lit southwest Detroit nightclub July 14 for an amateur boxing show sponsored by the Warriors Boxing Club.

The fighters came from as far as Chicago and Pittsburgh – both an equal distance away at 277 miles, or four hours – to the Palomino Club for an action-packed card. Despite the heat inside the former bowling alley-turned nightclub and the boxing ring lit by a single after-thought flood light, the crowd was standing-room-only for most of the four hour event.

Paris in Non-Existent Title Fight
PUBLISHED: July 18, 2007

Some people have called it his best fight to date. It may have been.

It was also a sham. Or, part of it anyway.

The June 29 battle between Detroiter Vernon “The Iceman” Paris (15-0-0, 11 KO) and Grand Rapids’ Ramon Guevara (8-11-0, 6 KO) was touted as a title fight. The title? The Michigan Light Welterweight Championship. The problem? There is no such thing.

The latest club show from Motown Boxing Club, held July 7 at their gym in Warren, featured just two sanctioned bouts and no Motown fighters. Approx. a dozen exhibition fights were scheduled, however. The latter were held after the departing of LBC officials and this reporter.

Flores Wins Debut
Paris Remains Undefeated

Former amateur boxer Federico Flores, Jr., gave up his amateur status when he made his pro debut recently outside Grand Rapids.

The Muskegon Area Boxing Club (MABC) fighter entered the ring against fellow-Michigander Ernesto Guevera, 29, in a welterweight bout that went the distance and saw Flores win a split decision. It was one of six fights at the Fifth-Third Ballpark in Comstock Park on June 29.

MI Boxers Compete at Summer Classic
PUBLISHED: June 24, 2007

Several club fighters from southeastern Michigan competed in the fourth annual 2007 Junior National Boxing Championships held this past week in Augusta, Georgia.

Joe’s Tony Anderson Remains Undefeated
Glass City fighters impress as well
PUBLISHED: June 18, 2007
Joe’s Boxing’s Tony Anderson remains undefeated following his win this weekend in Monroe and Ohio boxers Richard Caughhorn and Jerardo Herrera impressed.

The latest Joe’s fight night, held Friday evening, brought together nine clubs from two states for the Monroe club’s second show in five months. A standing-room only crowd filled the club house as eight Monroe boxers – seven from Joe’s and one from ALCC – were showcased at the Links at Lake Erie Golf Course.

NMU’s Clark Wins Silver at U.S. Championships
PUBLISHED: June 10, 2007
NMU boxer David Clark dropped a 25-14 decision to multi-titleholding Ronny Rios in their bantamweight bout on Friday. Clark was the lone Michigan fighter to make his way into the finals of this year’s U.S. Championships, with the exception of Clinton County Boxing Club’s female boxer Tyler Lord-Wilder who won the national title for a second time in a bout on Wednesday. See related story.

And Then There Was One
NMU Boxer Guaranteed Silver in Quest for Gold
PUBLISHED: June 08, 2007
Recent NMU graduate and USOEC boxer David Clark moved one step closer to another national title by stopping 2006 National Jr. Olympic Champ Samuel DiPace, of New Mexico, Wednesday at the U.S. Championships.

Clark knocked DiPace down twice in the early seconds of the second round after being behind on points after round one. Clark said in a telephone interview with Sportssummary that he had to change tactics starting round two. Those new tactics worked well.

Cotto-Judah: "Boxing at its Best!"
WBA title bout at MSG promises to be a "can't miss" fight.
PUBLISHED: June 08, 2007
When world champion Miguel Cotto steps into the Madison Square Garden ring this Saturday night to defend his World Boxing Association welterweight title against former undisputed champion Zab Judah, there will be 20,000, filled to the rafters, fans packed into boxing's Mecca.

Legendary promoter Bob Arum proudly announced at yesterday's MSG press conference that this would be the first wall-to-wall sellout at "the world's most famous arena" since 1983, when the great Roberto Duran knocked out undefeated Davey Moore (TKO 8: 06/16/83), taking the Bronx native's WBA light middleweight crown with his magical performance.

Four Michigan Boxers Continue at Nationals
PUBLISHED: June 06, 2007
Boxers from the Upper Peninsula’s Northern Michigan University (NMU) continue to fight their way through the 2007 U.S. Nationals Championships in Colorado Springs, while the rest of Michigan’s boxers – save for one female – are headed home early.

Just four of 19 young men and women from the state have advanced to the semi-finals. Those that have lost faced stiff competition from the country’s elite – and electronic scoring; something most may not be used to.

Junior Olympics Champs Crowned in Lincoln Park
PUBLISHED: May16, 2007
Youth boxers from across the state traveled this past weekend to Lincoln Park for the annual Junior Olympics championships held at the Kennedy Memorial Center.

Lincoln Park’s Casa De Boxeo once again hosted the twoday tournament for boxers aged 8-16. Winners aged 13 and above advance to the regionals in two weeks in Cleveland with an eye on Marquette and the national championships in June.

2007 Michigan JUNIOR OLYMPICS Championships Results
Day 1
Day 2
Un-Contested Champions

We will have more results available Tuesday.

Boxing Missed a "Golden" Opportunity
Floyd-Oscar fails to deliver to targeted mainstream audience.
PUBLISHED: May 08, 2007
When all the HBO Pay-Per-View numbers are officially announced, this past Saturday night's fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather will further confirm the fact that boxing is not dead; or at least not the business of boxing.

It's the sport of boxing which has been squeezed off practically all the sports pages of daily circulated newspapers, very rarely gets any mainstream sports news or magazine coverage (Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, etc…) and currently is getting put into a sleeper hold by WWE Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Check out our coverage of the 2007 Golden Gloves

Lively Show at Henry Hill Center
PUBLISHED: April 26, 2007
From a maximum of nine fights proposed, promoter Ron DeLeon's show at Lansing's Harry Hill Center was whittled down to just five at fight time. Heavyweight James Smedley of Port Huron cancelled out of his pro debut against Phillip Jewel on the morning of the fight. But few missed Smedley's absence as four of the five fights were crowd pleasers.

TKO’s Rule the Day at Centre Pointe
PUBLISHED: April 22, 2007
Two boxing shows in Michigan in the same night is a bad idea. Two shows in the same city is a disastrous idea. But although few people saw it (the promoter’s door man estimated 100 in attendance), those that did saw a good show and have a story that few can tell about a ring collapse swallowing a referee.

Gerald Evans’ 1 World Productions put on a six-bout professional card Saturday at the old Walter French Academy, now Centre Pointe, in his latest pro effort.

Detroit Golden Gloves Crown Champions
PUBLISHED: April 16, 2007
The first match on the final day of the 2007 Detroit Metro Golden Gloves championships in Taylor today saw the first of four fights in which fighters from the same club faced each other in the squared circle. Before a standing room only crowd in the smaller confines of the Gibraltar Trade Center than last year, 34 boxers fought for gold medals.

Caleb Chesternut and Brandon Mitchell, at 65-lbs, fought it out for the gold in the Bantam C division, both representing the Nubian Knights Boxing Club. The experience of a smoker from a Motown show was advantageous for Chesternut who won a split decision.

Action Continues in Detroit Metro Golden Gloves Tourney
PUBLISHED: April 14, 2007

The Detroit Metro Golden Gloves championships moved into the semi-final stage today in Taylor at the Gibraltar Trade Center as two new champions were crowned and nearly two dozen advanced to the finals on Sunday.

Kronk’s young camera-friendly boxer Gheith Mohammed, 10, lost to Geno Jones for the second time in both boys’ first appearance at the Golden Gloves at 80-lbs.