Voting Ends Tonight for the NorCal Boxing Awards!

Only 10 hours left to support your favorites in the Inaugural CSNBayArea.com Northern California Boxing Awards! Winners will be announced either Thursday or Friday. Click the link below to vote!

http://www.tinyurl.com/norcalawards

Descriptions for the CSNBayArea.com NorCal Boxing Award Nominees

Still wondering who to vote for? Check out these brief synopses on each nominee in each category. Remember, deadline to vote is December 26 at 11:59 p.m. PST!

RETURN HERE TO VOTE: tinyurl.com/norcalawards

MALE PRO FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the male professional fighter who has achieved the most success in 2011

Nonito Donaire (San Leandro) – won 2 belts at 118 with brutal KO of Fernando Montiel in Feb., shut out Omar Narvaez in first defense in Oct.

Robert Guerrero (Gilroy) – won 2 interim belts at 135 with dominant decision over Mike Katsidis in Apr.

Karim Mayfield (San Francisco) – won NABO regional belt at 140 with UD over Patrick Lopez (Oct.); first man to stop Steve Forbes (Jun.)

Eloy Perez (Salinas) – regional NABO champ at 130; won 4 times in ’11 over guys a combined 83-13-1

Andre Ward (Oakland) – world champ at 168; lopsided decision over Abraham in Jun. and Carl Froch this Sat. for WBC/WBA/Ring 168 belts and Super Six title

FEMALE PRO FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the female professional fighter who has achieved the most success in 2011

Ana Julaton (Daly City) – successfully defended WBO 122 title 3 times (decisions over Franchesca Alcanter, Angel Gladney, Jessica Villafranca)

Ava Knight (Chico) – joined Julaton as 2^nd women’s world champ (draw with Kaliesha West, KO2 of Arely Mucino for title in Nov.)

Melissa McMorrow (San Carlos) – won NY state title; went 2-1; split with Keisher McLeod and beat Eileen Olszewski

Carina Moreno (Watsonville) – went 1-1; lost WBC/WBO 108 belts to Yesica Bopp; UD over Sharon Gaines

MALE AMATEUR FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the male amateur fighter who has achieved the most success in 2011

Aaron Coley (Hayward) – Central Pacific Region 165 champ

Eros Correa (San Jose) – Last Chance Qualifier 108 champ; US Olympic Trials gold (first NorCal guy since Ward)

Michael Fernandez (San Francisco) – National Desert Showdown 165 champ

LaRon Mitchell (San Francisco) – US Nationals 201+ silver; US Olympic Trials silver

Ricardo Pinell (San Mateo/S.F.) – NorCal Golden Gloves 165 champ

Andy Vences (San Jose) – California 141 PAL champ; National PAL bronze

FEMALE AMATEUR FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the female amateur fighter who has achieved the most success in 2011

Tatiana Almaraz (Concord) – defeated Morton, took Ruelas to the limit in loss

Brenda Gutierrez (Sacramento) – Central Pacific Region 132 champ

Raquel Miller (San Francisco) – 165 gold at Desert Showdown; bronze at National PAL; only NorCal fighter in 2012 US Olympic Trials

Casey Morton (S.F./San Mateo) – Central Pacific Region 125 champ; US Nationals quarterfinalist

Shanne Ruelas (Fresno) – National PAL champ at 125; Central Pacific Region 119 champ; US Nationals quarterfinalist

Elizabeth Rodriguez (Gilroy) – Central Pacific Region 108 champ; US Nationals semifinalist

COLLEGIATE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the collegiate fighter who has achieved the most success in 2011

J.R. Abellon (USF) – Western regionals finalist at 141

Ramsey Ayloush (USF) – Went 9-1, 8 KOs at 160; finalist in Western regionals

Pablo Diaz (San Jose St.) – Western regionals champion at 147; natl quarterfinalist

J.C. Oviedo (Cal) – Western regionals semifinalist at 126; national quarterfinalist

Pat Welde (Santa Clara) – Western regionals finalist at 140; national semifinalist; only NorCal All-American

PRO PROSPECT OF THE YEAR

For the most accomplished pro fighter in 2011 who has not yet challenged for a regional belt (minimum five bouts)

Manuel Avila (Fairfield/Vacaville) – jr. featherweight; 5-0, 3 KOs in ’11; stopped Frank Gutierrez and SD win in last fight vs. David Reyes; now 6-0 (3 KOs)

Bruno Escalante (San Carlos) – jr. bantamweight; 4-0, 3 KOs in ’11; Now 5-0-1 (3 KOs)

Jonathan Garcia (Watsonville) – jr. welterweight; 3-0 3 KOs in ‘11; beat Frankie Martinez; now 6-0 (5 KOs)

Brandon Gonzales (Sacramento) – middleweight; 2-0, 0 KOs in ‘11. Beat 2 tough gatekeepers in Lester Gonzalez and Ossie Duran; now 15-0 (11 KOs) and closest top Top 10 rankings out of everyone on the list

Guy Robb (Sacramento) – jr. lightweight; 6-0, 2 KOs in ’11; decisioned unbeaten Pablo Armenta and knocked out Hugo Ramos; now 7-0 (3 KOs)

Alan Sanchez (Fairfield) – welterweight; 4-0, 1 KO in ’11; stopped Clint Coronel and beat Cristian Favela; now 9-2-1 (3 KOs)

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR

For the fighter most exemplary to the Northern California community in 2011

Robert Guerrero (Gilroy) – involved in several cancer awareness charities; has returned to boxing after putting career aside for family

Ana Julaton (Daly City) – involved in Filipino-American community in Bay Area

Karim Mayfield (San Francisco) – involved with at-risk youth at SFC Boxing in S.F. Tenderloin

LaRon Mitchell (San Francisco) – coaches kids at S.F. Ring of Fire and is HS football coach at Lincoln HS in S.F.

Andre Ward (Oakland) – involved with church community at the Well in Dublin

PRO FIGHT OF THE YEAR

For the most exciting, competitive professional bout in 2011 from start to finish involving at least one Northern California fighter

Guy Robb MD4 Manuel Morales (Mar. 25) – Extreme action from the opening bell to the final one, with both fighters trading heavy leather and taking each other’s best shots; standing ovation in Fairfield was almost a minute long postfight

Lamont Williams UD4 Juan Hernandez (Apr. 15) – Crazy first round where both were down and Hernandez down in the second

Kaliesha West D10 Ava Knight (Jun. 18) – Exceptional display of skill and heart; tactical but entertaining

Alan Sanchez TKO7 Clint Coronel (Jun. 24) – Blood-and-guts slugfest where Coronel’s pressure meshed with Sanchez’s matador boxing style; Coronel stopped on cuts

Manuel Avila SD4 David Reyes (Oct. 15) – Reyes down in third but both fighters having moments on inside; Avila narrowly escaped on Hopkins-Dawson undercard

Ulises Soriano MD4 Jhonnathan Zamudio (Oct. 28) – Good back and forth action where both men almost took turns unleashing their offense on the other

AMATEUR FIGHT OF THE YEAR

For the most exciting, competitive amateur fight in 2011 from start to finish involving at least one Northern California fighter

Jose Ramirez W3 Adam Fiel (Mar. 13) – Ramirez, 2-time defending natl champ, was floored by Fiel in 3^rd and escaped with win in 132 Regional Golden Gloves final

Andy Vences W3 Vicente Guzman (Mar. 13) – Vences overcame onslaught by Guzman in round 2 and turned tide with hellacious combinations in 141 Reg. Golden Gloves final

Eros Correa W3 Louie Byrd (Aug. 3) – Correa avenged two previous losses to three-time defending natl champ Byrd with 25-25 barnburner that was decided by 132-131 tiebreaker

Tatiana Almaraz W4 Casey Morton (Dec. 2) – Both fighters were relentless in attack with Almaraz taking over an even fight in the fourth

Terry Fernandez W3 Vince Hernandez (Dec. 2) – Absolute war of attrition between two heavyhanded sluggers that Fernandez captured via a standing 8-count in the final round

ROUND OF THE YEAR

For the most exciting, competitive round in 2011 from the opening to final bell

Jose Ramirez vs. Adam Fiel – Rd. 3 (Mar. 13) – Ramirez down with left hook but recovered to outbox Fiel in final round

Andy Vences vs. Vicente Guzman – Rd. 2 (Mar. 13) – Guzman winning round until Vences throws 8-punch combination that scores and turns tide of fight

Guy Robb vs. Manuel Morales – Rd. 4 (Mar. 25) – final chapter of a war that saw monster power shots landed but neither fighter backing down; was followed by minute-long standing ovation from fans

Lamont Williams vs. Juan Hernandez – Rd. 1 (Apr. 15) – Both guys down in first as they traded with reckless abandon early

Alan Sanchez vs. Clint Coronel – Rd. 6 (Jun. 24) – Coronel, eyes streaming blood, continued to come forward as Sanchez played matador and tried to put counters behind his left jab

Terron Grant vs. Alonso Loeza – Rd. 4 (Sep. 16) – Good back and forth action that seesawed throughout the three minutes

PRO EVENT OF THE YEAR

For the most entertaining, well-promoted Northern California-based pro show in 2011

Golden Boy/Don Chargin’s “Perez vs. Gonzalez” (Feb. 18) – Two of boxing's brightest up and comers (Eloy Perez, Mercito Gesta) in first televised card in SF since Mayweather-Chavez

Brian Schwartz/CP Presents/37 Mgmt./454 Ent.’s “Julaton vs. Alcanter” (Feb. 25) – Beautiful venue in Craneway Pavilion and enlisted musical entertainment to add diversity to product

Golden Boy/Don Chargin’s “Perez vs. Escalante” (Mar. 25) – Upset of the Year Candidate, Fight of the Year Candidate, and 2 KO of the Yr Candidates

Uppercut Boxing’s “Martinez vs. Banks” (Apr. 22) – A couple upsets and entertaining card overall

Golden Boy/Don Chargin’s “Perez vs. Jimenez” (Sep. 2) – Historic 60th anniversary card for Chargin; Perez made statement with KO of Jimenez

AMATEUR EVENT OF THE YEAR

For the most entertaining, well-promoted Northern California-based amateur show in 2011

Mateen Boxing Club’s “S.F. Regional Golden Gloves” (Mar. 13) – 2 Amateur Fight of the Yr Candidates, emergence of LaRon Mitchell

Aleman Boxing’s “U.S. Independence Day Boxing Championships” (Jul. 2) – One of the most packed shows in the Central Valley in recent times

Boxing SF’s “Summer Amateur Championships” (Jul. 26) – Like Winter Championships, featured high-profile atmosphere

3^rd St. Gym’s “Fight Night” (Sep. 9) – The most thrilling card out of the prolific total from Paul Wade this year

BabyFace/Bad Girls Boxing’s “Beautiful Brawlers” (Sep. 10) – First all-female amateur card in history

Kennel Boxing’s “Battle at the Kennel #2” (Nov. 12) – Excellent matchups in San Leandro and smart move to do it the same day as Pacquiao-Marquez III to whet fans' appetites

Boxing SF’s “Winter Amateur Championships” (Dec. 2) – Card had pro feel and several entertaining bouts as Bay Area legends past and present met in the ring and interacted with fans

VENUE OF THE YEAR

For the pro or amateur venue with the best overall atmosphere and fanbase of 2011

Craneway Pavilion (Richmond)

Longshoremen’s Hall (S.F.)

Fairfield Sports Center

King’s Gym (Oakland)

Polk St. Gym (S.F.)

Red Lion Hotel (Sacramento)

Salinas Sports Complex

KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR

For the most spectacular, stunning, and sensational pro knockout or referee stoppage of 2011 by a Northern California fighter

Joe Gumina TKO1 Jose Hurtado (Feb. 18) – Outright destruction by Gumina, who wasted no time in swinging for fences and connecting with an overhand right; more of an accumulation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEdyjIaWGQE#t=1m00

Nonito Donaire TKO2 Fernando Montiel (Feb. 19) – Beautiful left hook had Montiel swimming like fish without water; got up miraculously and was stopped on feet after http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chxmYF4m2xg#t=0m52

Manuel Avila TKO2 Frank Gutierrez (Mar. 25) – Avila shot a straight right hand that had Gutierrez dropping straight down to the canvas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpiDr_Vn2Lo#t=6m55s

Alejandro Perez TKO1 Antonio Escalante (Mar. 25) – Short right hand crushed Escalante over the top http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYB0P0ky6C0#t=3m01s

Eloy Perez KO2 Daniel Jimenez (Sep. 2) – Supposedly featherfisted Perez had Jimenez reeling into the ropes for good with a variety of shots culminating with a left hook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxacops4mSc#t=5m55s

Ava Knight KO2 Arely Mucino (Oct. 29) – After a knockdown was ruled a slip, Knight finished the job with a peach of a left hook to end it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1D11_B7JkQ#t=6m05

PRO TRAINER OF THE YEAR

For the pro trainer based in Northern California who has accomplished the most in 2011 with his/her fighter(s) from both a strategic standpoint as well as through individual development

Ben Bautista (SFC Boxing) – Karim Mayfield (140 NABO champ), Ava Knight (112 female IBF champ)

Max Garcia (Garcia Boxing, Salinas) – Eloy Perez (130 NABO champ)

Virgil Hunter (King’s Gym, Oakland) – Andre Ward (168 WBA/WBC/Ring champ), Brandon Gonzales (160 prospect), Mike Dallas (140 prospect)

Al LaGardo (Vacaville PAL) – Manuel Avila (122 prospect)

Angelo Reyes (West-Wind, Berkeley) – Ana Julaton (WBO 122 female champ)

Ray Woods (Bloodhounds, Sacramento) – Guy Robb (130 prospect)

AMATEUR TRAINER OF THE YEAR

For the amateur trainer based in Northern California who has accomplished the most in 2011 with his/her fighter(s) from both a strategic standpoint as well as through individual development

Ben Bautista (SFC Boxing) – Aaron Coley (165 Central Pacific champ), Raquel Miller (165 Natl PAL bronze)

Eddie Croft (B Street, San Mateo) – Ricardo Pinell (NorCal Golden Gloves 165 champ), Vince Hernandez (165), Casey Morton (125 Central Pacific champ)

Jimmy Ford (Ring of Fire, S.F.) – LaRon Mitchell (US Natls silver, US Olympic Trials silver at 201+)

Blanca Gutierrez (BabyFace, Pacifica) – Raquel Miller (165 Natl PAL Bronze), several female fighters, Keynoe Fenner (165)

Candelario “Candy” Lopez (San Jose PAL) – Eros Correa (108 US Olympic Trials gold, Last Chance Qualifier champ), Andy Vences (CA PAL champ, Adidas Natl Champ, Natl PAL bronze at 132)

Karl Sharrock (Old School, Concord) – Alex Acosta (152 NorCal champ), Tatiana Almaraz (Female Fighter of the Yr candidate)

UPSET OF THE YEAR

For the most improbable and impactful win by a Northern California underdog in 2011

Alejandro Perez TKO1 Antonio Escalante (Mar. 25) – Perez came off long layoff and was opponent for former title challenger Escalante, who was blasted early

LaRon Mitchell W3 Lenroy Thompson (Jun. 22) – Thompson was #1 201+ fighter in America before losing clear decision to Mitchell at US Nationals

Terry Fernandez RSC-1 Michael Fernandez (Jul. 26) – M. Fernandez was coming off Desert Showdown title at 165 before getting KOd at BoxingSF Summer Championships

Eros Correa W3 Louie Byrd (Aug. 3) – Byrd was three-time natl champ but fell to Correa by tiebreaker after 25-25 score. (punches counted were a razor-sharp 132-131 in favor of Correa)

MANAGER/ADVISOR OF THE YEAR

For the Northern Califonia-based manager/advisor who has done the most to put his/her fighter(s) in the best position to succeed in 2011
Ben Bautista (San Francisco) – Has been on board for Karim Mayfield’s NABO title run and Ava Knight’s IBF world title after yrs of both fighters going unnoticed

Kathy Garcia (Salinas) – Has steered Eloy Perez to 4-0 record this yr and WBO title shot vs Adrien Broner next yr

Angelo Reyes (Berkeley) – Has secured worldwide media attention for Ana Julaton; went into foe’s backyard twice and won

Bob Santos (San Jose) – Handles Robert Guerrero who beat Katsidis easily; has now entered him in running for Mayweather on May 5

Ricky “Repo Ric” Steve (Fresno) – Handles several young fighters including Escalante, Robb, Mike Ruiz of Fresno, Roman Morales of San Ardo

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

For the promoter, professional or amateur, who has done the most for Northern California fans in 2011

Aleman Boxing – Held several successful amateur shows in Fresno, especially the local Silver Gloves

BabyFace/Bad Girls Boxing – historic first ever all-female amateur card in Pacifica

Boxing SF – High-profile amateur cards including Summer and Winter Boxing Championships that had pro feel and were matched and publicized well

Don Chargin/Golden Boy – First time NorCal had eight televised cards from one promoter in a year (all on TeleFutura); included his 60^th anniversary show in Salinas; would’ve been seven but Guerrero-Maidana at HP Pavilion in SJ was called off

Goossen Tutor – Has promoted Andre Ward into a Super Six trophy

Uppercut Boxing – Held two entertaining shows in Sacramento area

Paul Wade/3^rd St. Boxing – Held most amateur shows in SF jampacked with bouts

COMEBACK FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the male or female fighter, professional or amateur, who has best overcome adversity away from the ring in 2011 to achieve unexpected success

Glenn Donaire (San Leandro) – Ended 3-yr layoff by stopping Alex Sanchez for WBO Latino 112 title

Vicente Escobedo (Woodland) – Defeated both Walter Estrada and Rocky Juarez after loss to Robert Guerrero; now 130 contender

Karim Mayfield (San Francisco) – Came off 1-yr layoff to spar w Pacquiao, sign w promoter Prize Fight, be the first to stop Steve Forbes, and beat Patrick Lopez for NABO 140 title

Paul Nave (San Rafael) – came back at age 51 to fight in San Rafael; lost gutsy decision

Alejandro Perez (Salinas) – after 2 yr layoff, blasted Antonio Escalante to score ShoBox fight with Diego Magdaleno, which he lost in competitive decision

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

For the person in the sport, participant or non-participant, who most deserves recognition for their contribution to Northern California boxing

Paris Alexander – trainer at multiple gyms in S.F., former contender and regional beltholder

Joe Burke – longtime trainer at King’s Gym in Oakland; worked with several Bay Area greats over the years

Don Chargin – celebrated 60 years of promoting with card in Salinas (got start in SJ)

Dan Goossen – has promoted several NorCal fighters and held shows in NorCal; Guerrero’s former promoter and Ward’s current one

Charles King – founder of King’s Gym in Fruitvale District of Oakland; has trained several Bay Area greats and his gym has been Andre Ward’s home since day one

Paul Nave – has fought several times in Marin County including this year at age 51; former WBF welterweight champ

VOTE RIGHT HERE: LINK

Big Day for NorCal Boxing

1) Check out CSNBayArea.com later today for my Andre Ward vs. Carl Froch preview.

2) We will also have the final list of nominees for the Inaugural NorCal Boxing Awards--and how YOU, the FANS, can vote and have your say!

3) Tune into Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (@CSNAuthentic) at 7pm PST tonight (11pm replay) as Barry Tompkins and I join Jim Kozimor on Chronicle Live (@ChronLiveCSN) to talk about Ward-Froch, and if time permits, the year in NorCal boxing!!!

Here are some listings for your area if you need to know where you can find CSN on your TV: http://www.csnbayarea.com/info/channels-bayarea

4) NorCal fight fans, come support your local fighters on Thursday for the free public weigh-in, which takes place at 3:30 p.m. in Woodland at Paco's Restaurant (435 Main St.). Fairfield welterweight Alan Sanchez, Sacramento jr. lightweight Guy Robb, and S.F. jr. welterweight Jonathan Chicas will hit the scales for the Solo Boxeo Tecate show.

TeleFutura Solo Boxeo Hits Woodland Thursday/Friday!

By Ryan Maquinana
Maqdown.com
TeleFutura Solo Boxeo Tecate comes to Woodland, CA, for both the weigh-in and six pro bouts.

The weigh-in is open to the public and will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at Paco's Restaurant on 435 Main Street. Tickets ($60 VIP, $40 Reserved, $30 Bleachers) will be on sale all week at Paco's.

The actual fight card occurs on Friday at the Woodland Community Senior Center on 2001 East Street. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

More information about the fighters can be found in my CSNBayArea.com column last week under the subheading "War in Woodland Next Week."

Golden Boy will promote the show in association with Don Chargin, Paco Presents, and Jorge Marron.

BOUT SHEET (click to enlarge)

Inaugural CSNBayArea.com NorCal Boxing Awards - Who Do You Nominate?

We at Comcast SportsNet Bay Area are going to have our Inaugural NorCal Boxing End-of-Year Awards on Thursday, Dec. 29. I have put together a panel of local boxing media who will vote on a variety of categories for both the local pros and the amateurs.

Unfortunately, while there are no trophies or plaques for the winners, the purpose behind the awards is to recognize the hard work and dedication from everyone involved in keeping the sport alive and punching in the region.

Please check out csnbayarea.com/fightsports next Thursday, Dec. 15, (where I have my weekly boxing column) for a list of the nominees.

Here are the categories (unless specified, applies to both amateur and pro):

Male Pro Fighter of the Year

Female Pro Fighter of the Year

Male Amateur Fighter of the Year

Female Amateur Fighter of the Year

Collegiate Fighter of the Year

Pro Prospect of the Year*

Pro Fight of the Year

Amateur Fight of the Year

Event of the Year^

Round of the Year

Knockout of the Year

Upset of the Year

Venue of the Year

Pro Trainer of the Year

Amateur Trainer of the Year

Manager of the Year

Promoter of the Year

Comeback Fighter of the Year

Lifetime Achievement

* must not have fought for a regional belt yet (minimum five pro bouts)

^ entertainment value/promotional skill for the show as a whole

For the sake of geography, eligibility is limited to the northern border of the state all the way down to the imaginary horizontal line between Monterey and Fresno.

If you have any nominees, please state your case by sending me an e-mail to rmaquinana@gmail.com, and we will consider it. Thank you!

Pro Ambience Makes S.F. City Amateur Championships Special (Review & Results)

By Ryan Maquiñana

Maqdown.com

An estimated 1,200 filled the Longshoremen’s Hall in Fisherman’s Wharf on Friday night to send a message to the city of San Francisco that the sweet science is alive and kicking.

The communion shared was the Boxing Union's S.F. Amateur Winter Championships, and the fans were treated to 14 entertaining bouts that were well-matched throughout the evening.

“It was amazing to have this kind of support from the local fans,” said middleweight Ricardo Pinell, who defeated Keynoe Fenner in the main event. “It felt like I was fighting in the pros with the atmosphere.”

Entering the venue, the fight experience echoed something one would see at a professional show, with a cordoned-off VIP section, taco and beer lines, a live DJ, and even ring card girls. With last night’s sellout marking the third successful boxing show at the venue this year, it’s safe to say that The City has the infrastructure in place to support an even bigger event in 2012.

During an intermission between bouts, the amateurs got a glimpse at what they aspire to be one day, with past Bay Area greats like Johnny Nava, Andy Nance, and Paris Alexander sharing the ring with the new wave of stars that included prospects Jonathan Chicas and Joe Gumina, NABO jr. welterweight titlist Karim Mayfield, new IBF flyweight champ Ava Knight, and five-time world title beltholder Robert Guerrero.

RESULTS

In the headlining bout, Pinell (B Street Boxing, San Mateo) defeated fellow 165-pound middleweight Fenner (BabyFace Boxing, Pacifica), coming out ahead on all five judges’ cards, 5-0. However, the fight was closely contested, with the margin of victory hanging in the balance until the final round. While Fenner had early success pinning Pinell on the ropes, his southpaw foe ultimately proved elusive, counterpunching and keeping the fight in the middle of the ring where he boxed his way to victory.

Junior welterweight Jesus Reyes (3^rd St. Gym, S.F.) took a 3-2 decision over Miguel DeLeon (E. Palo Alto Boxing Club). The early moments were marked by both fighters trading of left hooks with bad intentions. As the bout wore on, DeLeon looked to set a foundation for his offense with a left hook to the body, while Reyes tried to sit back and set traps for his opponent. Eventually, Reyes’ punches emerged as the more effective ones in the eyes of the judges in a very close bout.

In the only four-round bout of the night, Tatiana Almaraz (Old School Boxing, Concord) pulled away in the last frame to capture a 5-0 decision over Casey Morton (B Street Boxing, San Mateo). Virtually tied after the third, Almaraz opened up an assault that caused Morton to pause ever so briefly and induce the referee to give her a standing eight. But Morton's pressure gave the boxer-puncher Almaraz all she could handle, especially in the second round when she cut off the ring and scored off a four-punch combination.

Nationally-ranked lightweight Eric Altamirano (Concord Youth Center) outlanded Abraham Morones (Multi-Choices, Alameda) en route to the 4-1 decision. The taller Altamirano kept the rugged Morones at bay at the end of his long jab and some solid body work.

The knockout of the night came at the hands of middleweight Francisco Madrigal (Bad to the Bonez, Modesto), who sent Paulo Amparado (Univ. of San Francisco) reeling into his own corner with a screamer of an overhand right in the second round. Official time was 1:51.

Lightweight Eduardo Alvarado (3^rd St. Gym, S.F.), only 15 years old, continued to impress with a 3-2 decision over Christopher Vazquez (Unattached, San Jose). Most of the bout was fought in close quarters, and Alvarado’s shots were slightly cleaner.

In a matchup of southpaws, Brandon “Dino” Adams (3^rd St. Gym, S.F.) blasted his way to a 5-0 decision over Marcelo Nazarian (Novato Boxing Club). Adams scored three standing eight counts, with a short left hand being his prime weapon.

The fight of the night occurred between middleweights Terry Fernandez (Phight Club, Oakland) and Vince Hernandez (B Street Boxing, San Mateo). Fernandez might have earned the judges’ nod by a 5-0 decision by being a little busier, but both fighters had their moments in an all-out brawl. Fernandez scored a standing eight in the second round off a couple stinging right hands, while Hernandez pressed throughout, landing some punishing shots of his own on the inside.

Junior welterweight Alex Berrios (U.S. Kick-Boxing & Karate, Hayward) utilized his southpaw stance and right hook to outslug pressure fighter Carmelo Diaz (The Park Gym, S.F.) by a narrow 3-2 decision.

Featherweight Jessi Lopez (B Street Boxing, San Mateo) took a hard-earned 5-0 decision over tough southpaw Andrew Moy (445 Boxing, S.F.). While Moy had arguably been on the wrong end of the cards in his last two Boxing Union shows, this time the judges got it right, as his pro style caused him to be too dependent on his accurate counter-punching. Meanwhile, Lopez took the fight to Moy, and was rewarded by the judges by pushing him to the ropes and landing upstairs with overhand rights.

Stelacia Leggett (Multi-Choices, Alameda) stopped fellow lightweight Nargis Shagasi (Univ. of San Francisco) with a barrage of power shots at 0:26 in the second round.

In the first of two youth bouts, 85-pounder Khalid Mahasin (BabyFace, Pacifica) was the aggressor throughout and held off a tough challenge from Ernesto Cuellar (Richmond PAL) to take a 5-0 decision.

The second youth fight, a clash between 75-pounders, was cut short when a punch from Paris Wallace (Unattached) caused blood to stream from the nose of Joseph Santos (San Jose & Boxing Fitness) at 0:35 of the second round. While Santos was fine to continue, his corner was unable to stop the crimson flow, and the referee stopped the fight.

Opening the night’s action, Jessie Henderson (E. Palo Alto Boxing Club) employed a quick left hook and smoothly put his punches together in bunches to capture a 5-0 decision over Humberto Otoya (U.S. Kick-Boxing & Karate, Hayward).

A bantamweight scrap between Bobby Santos (San Jose Boxing & Fitness) and Juan Benitez (Richmond PAL) was cancelled when the latter pulled out of the fight.

Ryan Maquiñana is the boxing correspondent at Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Advisory Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at www.maqdown.com or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

Almaraz, Morton Ready for War at the Wharf Tonight

By Ryan Maquiñana

Maqdown.com

NOTE: For my latest article and video for Comcast SportsNet on Ricardo Pinell, who fights Keynoe Fenner in Friday’s main event, click here.

In an anticipated amateur showdown, Casey Morton (B Street Boxing, San Mateo) meets fellow featherweight Tatiana Almaraz (Old School Boxing, Concord) on the undercard of the San Francisco Winter Boxing Amateur Championships tonight at the Longshoremen’s Hall in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco.

Morton, a tough-as-nails pressure fighter from San Francisco by way of Hawaii, was NorCal’s representative at U.S. Nationals in the 125-pound division this year. Her training camp was aided by the presence of world-ranked flyweight contender Melissa McMorrow and trainer Eddie Croft. Of course, the ultimate test comes tonight.

Meanwhile, Almaraz is a native of Concord who is known around Bay Area circles as a trusted sparring partner for two world champions—WBO jr. featherweight boss Ana Julaton and new IBF flyweight queen Ava Knight. With Karl Sharrock in her corner, she looks to build her own name with a memorable performance.

I was able to catch up with both fighters to get their respective takes on Friday’s matchup in some Maqdown.com Bonus Coverage.

ALMARAZ ON THE MATCHUP WITH MORTON:

“I’ve seen her fight once in Fresno the day I fought Shanne Ruelas. She’s aggressive and keeps coming at you. I’ve been hearing she’s been getting better everyday, especially with her footwork, so I can’t wait to fight her. Everyone’s been asking me when the fight is, and now it’s here, so I’ll give everything I have. I’ve been working hard for this.”

ALMARAZ ON HER FIGHTING STYLE:

My combinations and power have gotten better, too, and I feel like I’ve been getting stronger every day. My trainer and I have come up with the gameplan, and I know what I need to do on Friday.”

ALMARAZ ON FIGHTING ON A BIGGER STAGE THAN USUAL:

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this. I’m ready for this. I’m ready to fight right now. I’ve never fought in front of an audience this big. The BabyFace card in Pacifica was a big card, but nothing like this with 1,500 people.”

MORTON ON THE MATCHUP WITH ALMARAZ:

“I’m really excited to fight her. We’ve been wanting to fight for a long time—nothing personal, it’s just that she’d be a really good opponent. I can’t wait.”

MORTON ON HER FIGHTING STYLE:

“I’ve always had a pressure, come-forward style, and when I came to Eddie, he fixed my feet and helped me be a lot more defensive oriented.”

MORTON ON FIGHTING ON A BIGGER STAGE THAN USUAL:

“It’s amazing. We don’t get the spotlight on amateur boxing a lot, so the glamour, the posters, the interviews, and the big setup at Longshoremen’s Hall is amazing. It’s a privilege to be a part of it.”

For ticket information to tonight’s 16-bout S.F. Amateur Boxing Winter Championships card (Doors open at 6 p.m.), visit BoxingSF.com.

Ryan Maquiñana is the boxing correspondent at Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Advisory Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at www.maqdown.com or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

CSNBayArea.com NorCal P4P Poll Voting Rules and Panel Members

BASIC VOTING RULES

CURRENT VOTING PANEL

MEDIA: Ryan Maquiñana, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area/Boxing Scene; Ray Markarian, The Sweet Science; Truth Esguerra, Philippine News/Fil-Am Network; Mark Ortega, Leave it in the Ring/Undisputed Fight Magazine; Ramon Aranda, 3 More Rounds; John Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing; Mario Cabrera Jr., Boxing Republic; Kim Martinez, Leave it in the Ring/Undisputed Fight Magazine; Mario Ortega, 15 Rounds; Richie Tomassini, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area; Darren Velasco, 8 Count News.

Our next poll will take place in mid-December. If you are a media member or fan and would like to vote in our next poll, please send all requests to RMaquinana@gmail.com.

Where to Watch Pacquiao-Marquez III in the Bay Area

Bay Area fight fans can watch Saturday night's

Pacquiao-Marquez III Pay-Per-View event
at these locations (cover charge indicated):

EAST BAY

Karim Mayfield Presents Scorpio Fight Party
Chic Attire/21+ and over
2507 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
Guestlist: Robertston.Paul78@yahoo.com
$10 General Admission
$50 VIP includes afterparty

Ricky's
15028 Hesperian Blvd.
San Leandro, CA 94578-3512

(510) 317-0200

$25


SAN FRANCISCO

Abbey Tavern*
4100 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 221-7767
$20

Danny Coyle’s
668 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 558-8375

$20

Jillian's Billiards Club*
101 4th St. # 170 (in S.F. Metreon)
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 369-6100
$30

Kezar Pub
770 Stanyan St.
San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 386-9292

$20


SOUTH BAY

Britannia Arms*
173 W. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 278-1400
$10

SmokeEaters
29 S. 3rd St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 293-9976
$15

*I have actually been to these places.
Doors usually open at 5:00 p.m., and telecast starts at 6 p.m.

Kobe Bryant visits Manny Pacquiao

What do you do when you're currently unemployed? If you're Kobe Bryant, the answer is watch Manny Pacquiao work out. (PHOTO: Top Rank)

Otis Griffin Claims Robbery in Idaho, Files Protest

Otis Griffin is filing a protest with the Idaho State Athletic Commission after his split decision defeat to Shawn Hawk on Oct. 20. Here's a copy of the scorecard from that night. (click to enlarge)

Grading Trent Baalke's Drafts Among the Great (and Not So Great) Ones of Niner Past

It's year two of the Trent Baalke Era in San Francisco, and while the 49ers are 5-1, many have attributed the success (and rightfully so) to the on-field leadership of Jim Harbaugh.

Still, the general manager (pictured, right) deserves his share of credit for actually hiring Harbaugh (although let's be straight, it's a small share since everyone and their mother knew the coach was the object of the much-maligned Yorks' desire, with the fact that Baalke shared the same agent as Harbaugh being a major factor in his promotion to GM).

So far, Baalke has overseen two drafts in the 49ers' War Room, and the final judgment of his picks evolves on the field with each passing game.

How has he done? With a bit of Niner history in mind, I decided to compare his 2010 and 2011 bounties with those of his predecessors, whether good (2000), bad (2005), or ugly (every single day of the Terry Donahue regime).

Let's start with the idea that there's a difference between awful, bad, solid, good, very good, and great drafts. Of course, this was a late-night blog, so please excuse the lack of grammatical detail.

AN AWFUL draft yields 0 Pro Bowlers, maybe 1 starter, and 1-2 contributors. Plus, the starter might just be a placeholder until they find someone better. EXAMPLE: 1992 Draft had a starter in safety Dana Hall (who would soon be replaced by Tim McDonald), and 1 contributor in Mark Thomas (who would be booted to Carolina three yrs later as a 4th-string DT). See 2002-03 Drafts for further reference.

A BAD draft yields MAYBE 1 Pro Bowler (but usually not), 1 more starter, and 1-2 contributors. But the starter is just a placeholder until they find someone better. EXAMPLE: The 2005 Draft yielded a Pro Bowl RB in Gore, but also an unproductive and overpaid starter in QB Alex Smith, as well as 2 contributors (OLs David Baas, Adam Snyder). The 2008 version would fit this mold, too. Chilo Rachal starts, but he's more of a placeholder at guard, and Josh Morgan is a contributing backup at WR who's only starting because Braylon Edwards has not lived up to expectations. The rest stunk, including DT Kentwan Balmer. 2004 is panning out that way, with a Pro Bowler in punter Andy Lee, a serviceable starter in DT Isaac Sopoaga, and a contributor in CB Shawntae Spencer, who's now 3rd-string (not to mention a bust in WR Rashaun Woods).

A SOLID draft yields MAYBE 1 Pro Bowl player OR at least 2 more competent starters instead AND 2 contributors. EXAMPLE: The 1990 Draft had the Pro Bowler (CB Eric Davis), 1 more starter (DE Dennis Brown), and 2 contributors (KR/PR Dexter Carter, OT Frank Pollack). Another instance would be the 2001 Draft, which didn't have a Pro Bowler, but 3 good starters in DE Andre Carter, RB Kevan Barlow, and LB Jamie Winborn, along with contributors like TE Eric Johnson and WR Cedrick Wilson.

A GOOD draft yields 1 Pro Bowl player + at least 2 more competent starters, and at least 1-2 contributors (either backups or STers). EXAMPLE: Walsh's 2000 Draft had the Pro Bowler (LB Julian Peterson) and 4 competent starters (CB Ahmed Plummer, DE John Engelberger, CB Jason Webster, safety John Keith) along with 3 contributors (LB/ST Jeff Ulbrich, backup QB Tim Rattay, LS Brian Jennings). In this era the 2006 Draft fits that bill, with 1 Pro Bowler (TE Vernon Davis), 2 starters (LBs Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson), and 2 contributors (backups like TE Delanie Walker and RB Michael Robinson).

A VERY GOOD draft yields 2 or more Pro Bowl players (with one possibly but not necessarily being Hall of Fame caliber), 2-3 more competent starters, and 1-2 contributors. EXAMPLE: the 1994 Draft yielded 2 Pro Bowlers (DT Bryant Young, LB Lee Woodall), 3 starters (FB William Floyd, kicker Doug Brien, and CB Tyronne Drakeford), and 2 contributors (Anthony Peterson and Kevin Mitchell were both backup LBs/STers). Can you honestly say the 2010-11 Drafts come even close to this level? Hell no.

A GREAT draft yields everything above with around 2 or more Pro Bowl players being Hall of Fame caliber or game-changers during their primes if they fall short of that. EXAMPLE: The hallowed 1986 Draft where Bill Walsh pulled in 4 Pro Bowlers (LB/DE Charles Haley who is looking at Canton potentially, WR John Taylor, RB Tom Rathman, OT Steve Wallace) and 4 starters (DE Larry Roberts, DE Kevin Fagan, CB Tim McKyer, and CB Don Griffin). THAT is one of the all-time gold standards of drafts and what I would actually consider to be GREAT.

Now let's look at Baalke's first draft last year.

1-Davis - Unless he turns it around, looking like a BUST right now.
1-Iupati - Good pick and a no-brainer.
2-Mays - BUST, and I'll admit I was wrong. I thought he'd be a good pro.
3-Bowman - Coming into his own. Good pick.
6-Dixon - OK but he just lost his job to Hunter. So-so.
6-Byham - Out for the year.
7-Williams- 2 catches, but 7th rder. Wash.
OVERALL - TWO good picks and one SOLID one...not a bad draft, but outstanding either

Based on that rubric, the 2010 Draft yielded a guy who has the POTENTIAL to make a Pro Bowl in guard Mike Iupati but hasn't done it yet, 2 starters in OT Anthony Davis (who is showing signs of bust) and an emerging LB in Navorro Bowman, in addition to a decreasing contributor in backup RB Anthony Dixon. That's somewhat solid.

Now for draft number two out of the mind of Baalke this year.

1-Smith - Becoming a sack machine. Good pick.
2-Kaepernick - Hasn't played so we can't tell yet. I liked the pick and even commented on him in one of your own notes BEFORE the draft.
3-Culliver - So far, solid pick. Has come in and contributed.
4-Hunter - Great pick for the value, has unseated Dixon.
5-Kilgore - Not much yet
6-Johnson - No longer with team
6-Jones - In and out of roster
7-Miller - Jury's out, but looking good so far opening holes for the ground game
7-Person - See above
7-Holcomb - See above

The 2011 Draft has a good pick in LB Aldon Smith, a starter in FB Bruce Miller, solid contributors in converted CB Chris Culliver and backup RB Kendall Hunter, and we're still waiting on the rest to get a shot (backup QB Colin Kaepernick and WR Kyle Williams). By the way, none of the guys I named in that '11 class DON'T EVEN START yet. So give Baalke back-to-back solid grades for now.

To further illustrate my point as far as differentiating solid and good, or good and very good, compare the 49ers 2010 Draft with the Patriots' 2010 Draft, whom the 49ers had not ONE, but TWO picks ahead of:

1-McCourty (Pro Bowl With 27th pick)
2-Gronkowski (leads all AFC TEs in rec, TDs, yds now)
2-Cunningham (contributor as backup DE)
2-Spikes (starting MLB)
3-Price (3rd string WR, bust right now)
4-Hernandez (2nd among AFC TEs in rec, TDs, yds to...Gronkowski)
5-Mesko (starting P)
THE REST- not on depth chart

1 Pro Bowler, 1 starter who should be a Pro Bowler in Gronkowski this year (but hasn't done it yet), another 2 starters in Spikes and Mesko, and 2 more contributors in Hernandez and Cunningham. Not saying the Niners' draft should be THIS awesome, but THAT is good to very good.

Or how about the Steelers 2010 Draft, which is what would qualify in my book as a "good" draft?

1-Pouncey (Pro Bowl with 18th pick, who like McCourty was both behind Davis and Iupati)
2-Worilds (starting OLB)
3-Sanders (3rd string WR...a contributor at best)
4-Gibson (not on depth chart, bust for now)
5-Scott (starting LT)
6-Butler (not on depth chart)
6-Sylvester (James Farrior's backup at ILB, contributor)
6-Dwyer (not on depth chart)
7-Brown (Hines Ward's backup, contributor slightly)

That's 1 Pro Bowler, 2 starters, and 2 (maybe 3) contributors. THAT'S a good draft with potential to be very good down the line, just not yet. No projections on what they might do. This is the snapshot of that draft RIGHT NOW. Do either of Baalke's two drafts stack up with this? Not quite.

If the Steelers and Patriots are too successful for your tastes, let's dig a little deeper. One franchise in a similar situation to the Niners is Seattle, a team the Niners somehow went neck and neck with last year before losing the West and a playoff spot to. Here's their 2010 draft, which offers a decent comparison since they had 2 first rounders like Baalke did.

1-Okung (starting LT)
1-Thomas (starting FS)
2-Tate (2nd string WR, contributor, picked after Mays)
4-Thurmond (starting CB)
4-Wilson (cut)
5-Chancellor (starting SS)
6-McCoy (2nd string TE, contributor)
6-Davis (off depth chart)
7-Konz (off depth chart)

That's 4 starters and 2 contributors, compared with the Niners' 3 starters and 1 contributor, so I think it's pretty comparable, if not superior to Baalke's with SIMILAR environments. Only Chancellor is a placeholder starter since he just won the job last year. Before you whine that Okung was 5th overall, Anthony Davis was drafted ahead of Earl Thomas.

To summarize, Baalke has been adequate, and to be honest, solid isn't chopped liver, but it's not the same as above average or outstanding. Harbaugh is proving he is a good coach on the verge of being very good in the near future with what looks like a run at a division title and the postseason, but Baalke?

Outside the draft, he's made a couple winning deals in free agency or the trade market (KR/PR Ted Ginn, CB Carlos Rogers), but a few clunkers as well so far (a calculated one in Edwards). As far as the draft is concerned, you see above.

While Baalke's showing he's better than the abject failure Terry Donahue, he's got a long way to go to show he can build a team from the ground like a Ted Thompson or Thomas Dimitroff, much less that he has the stuff of legends like Bill Walsh, Bill Polian, or even Ron Wolf.

Harbaugh's running away with NFC Coach of the Year now, and since no one's really talking about Baalke, it's probably a sign that he will continue to be evaluated and scrutinized for the raw or veteran talent he brings Mr. Handshake, because for the 49ers to make the jump from playoff contender to Super Bowl champion, they're going to need a bit more than a very good coach who is complemented by a very solid general manager. He's a work-in-progress that we will continue to monitor.

Now I ask you. Where would you grade Baalke's two draft classes?

Vences, Miller Win Bronze Medals at National PAL

By Ryan Maquiñana

Maqdown.com

San Jose’s Andy Vences could not recover from an early deficit to Toka Kahn Clary of Providence, R.I., falling 24-16 in Friday night’s lightweight semifinals of the National PAL in Toledo, Ohio, earning a bronze medal in the process.

“He got his timing down good,” Vences admitted. “He was a southpaw and he stayed on the inside.”

Vences could not control the tempo, and it ended up becoming his undoing after winning his first two bouts in the tournament.

“[Clary] was catching me during moments where I would throw and when my guard was open, he caught me between my gloves,” Vences shared. “He’s very technical.”

The score was 8-3 in favor of Clary after one round, and 18-9 heading into the third and final frame, when Vences finally mustered some offense. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late.

“In the third round, I gave him a hard time with more pressure, but I should’ve been doing that from the beginning,” Vences lamented. “Once he realized he was up, he was playing keep-away.”

2011 has allowed Vences to stuff his trophy case, with gold medals in the California Golden Gloves and the National Adidas Tournament in the light welterweight division.

Now adding a bronze medal from the National PAL, Vences will now hope to qualify for next year’s Olympics by winning the USA Boxing National Championships in the spring at his new division of 132 pounds.

“I feel strong at 132,” Vences said. “Finishing with the bronze, it’s been a big year. I’m looking forward to Nationals next year and hopefully still get that Olympic spot.”

Meanwhile, in the women’s middleweight division, San Francisco’s Raquel Miller lost in the semifinals, but when her conqueror, Andrecia Wasson of Centerline, Mich., won gold, it was reason to celebrate.

Wasson’s win yielded a third-place finish for Miller and allowed her to qualify for next spring’s Olympic Trials.

“I’m really proud of her,” Miller’s coach, Ben Bautista of SFC Boxing said. “Her hard work and dedication paid off in the gym. Now we have to focus on making the Olympics.”

Stay tuned later this week for a feature on Miller’s momentous achievement.