Donaire Public Workout Highlights Busy Upcoming Saturday for Local Pros and Amateurs

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

Donaire is back in San Carlos to meet and greet his fans. (Sean McDonough/Top Rank)

 

• The region will enjoy an eventful Saturday on June 2, starting with Nonito Donaire having a public workout in San Carlos at his training grounds of the Undisputed Gym.  As has become customary with Team Donaire, it will be free to the public, with food provided.  This time however, the "Filipino Flash" will allow fans to who sign up between 12-1 p.m. to work out alongside him before the actual workout begins at 1 p.m.  Donaire will unify his WBO junior featherweight title with South Africa's Jeffrey Mathebula in an HBO-televised tilt on July 7 in Carson.

Garcia Floors Martinez Three Times En Route to Decision Win

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Garcia continued his winning ways in the Midwest. (Team Garcia)

Junior welterweight Jonathan Garcia of Watsonville remained unbeaten with a unanimous decision victory over Leo Martinez in the latest edition of TeleFutura's Solo Boxeo series.

Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) sent Martinez (15-16, 7 KOs) to the canvas three times, but the cagey veteran from Chicago made it to the finish line at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

The fight will air via tape delay at midnight on the West Coast.

"It felt good going six rounds," Garcia told Norcalboxing.net.  "It was a good experience for me.  I was trying to knock him out, but this guy had conditioning and he kept getting up."

Garcia also said he would like to fight three or four more times before the year is over.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

CSN NorCal Pound-for-Pound Top 10: May 2012

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/news/NorCal-Boxing-Pound-for-Pound-Top-10-May?blockID=714228&feedID=8306&awid=5252682210000530428-766

Watsonville's Unbeaten Garcia Fights on Solo Boxeo Tonight

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Garcia (right) after sparring with Andre Berto last year. (Team Garcia)

One of the region's top prospects, Watsonville junior welterweight Jonathan Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs), will put his perfect record on the line against veteran Leo Martinez (15-15, 7 KOs) on TeleFutura's Solo Boxeo at midnight.

The bout will be the co-feature to Mark Salser-Rodolfo Armenta and take place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Garcia, a very good combination puncher who trains with Jose "Pastel" Hernandez at the Pastel Boxing Club, will be taking a step up in competition against Martinez, a Chicago resident who has lost three straight but has shared a ring with fighters like Almazbek "Kid Diamond" Raiymkulov, Francisco "Gato" Figueroa, and Eric Aiken.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

CSN Weekend Boxing Notes: Mayfield Coming Home, Donaire Fights July 7

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/news/Boxing-Notes-Mayfield-coming-home-Donair?blockID=714464&feedID=5474&awid=5623438532143412446-766

FULL RESULTS: Region 11 Amateurs Shine at Adidas Nationals

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Several Northern and Central California fighters left their mark on the 2012 Adidas National Championships at the Oxnard PAL last week.  Here are some of the tournament's stars from Region 11:

Macedo (fourth from right) turned some heads last weekend. (Suzie Howard)

• Novato Boxing Club's Rudy Macedo stole the show.  The 152-pounder was competing in his first Open competition and did not disappoint.  Not only did he win one of the two welterweight finals, he earned the award for Best Boxer in the entire Men's Open division.  Macedo is definitely one to watch, especially since he only turned 17 two months ago.

• Sacramento Dogg Pound's Mario Ayala dropped a close decision in the 123-pound bantamweight final to Jorge Ruiz of Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista.  Ayala has been making some noise in national tournaments in recent months, and this latest run was no exception.

• Victor Torres, a 108-pounder from Modesto PAL, lost to Javier Padilla of Indio B&G in the Open light flyweight final.

McCargo (left) finished an impressive run in the finals, while Rosales and Carranza won theirs. (Jasper McCargo/Robert Rodriguez)

• A pair of Oakland Boxing fighters, 201-pound heavyweight Jasper McCargo and 152-pound welterweight Reyes Manon, made it all the way to their respective Open finals before dropping decisions. A couple of Novice pugilists from the same club, Isaac Rosales (119 pounds) and Iran Carranza (152 pounds) took home championship belts.

• Eros Correa and Andy Vences of San Jose PAL took the Open 114-pound and 132-pound divisions, respectively.  Correa bounced back from the 2012 National Championships, where he was unable to compete and solidify his spot on the Olympic Team after failing to make weight.  Meanwhile, Vences will be traveling to Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, to compete in their national tournament after earning a national team tryout at last month's Mex Games.

• Alameda Multi-Choice's Stalacia Leggett advanced to the women's Open 132-pound final, where she fell by decision to Lisa Porter of Gio's Boxing.

 Valdivia came away with the 165-pound Open title. (Daniel Valdivia)

• In a matchup of Region 11 stalwarts, Daniel Valdivia of Bakersfield PAL outpointed CYC's Daniel Thomas to take the 165-pound Open middleweight title.

• In the Junior Olympic Open division, Efren Lopez of Fresno's Main Event Boxing Club took the 125-pound tourney to add that title to his growing collection.  Lopez won the Central California J.O.'s at 119 pounds earlier this month.

• S.F. Ring of Fire's Charlie Sheehy continued his dominance over the Junior Olympic Intermediate Division with another tournament victory at 114 pounds, where he also won Best Boxer.

Morton shows off her new hardware. (Taylor McCorriston)

• Casey Morton of B Street Boxing of San Mateo/CYC of Concord took home the women's 119-pound Open crown and the women's Best Boxer Award after a decision win over MaryGuenn Vellinga of Stoneman Boxing. Morton is coming off an impressive showing at the U.S. Nationals.

Below are ALL the final results from the 2012 Adidas National Tournament. Special thanks to Jason Zaragoza of Oxnard PAL for supplying Norcalboxing.net with the scores!
 

FULL RESULTS

Mayfield Serves Notice in Beatdown of Serrano

By Jake Donovan
BoxingScene.com

What began as a battle of unbeaten prospects resulted in a showcase performance for the winner.

Karim Mayfield had no issues whatsoever in storming through Ray Serrano en route to a fifth-round knockout in their ESPN2-televised headliner Friday evening at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY.

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE: http://www.boxingscene.com/karim-mayfield-serves-notice-beatdown-ray-serrano--53029

CSN Weekend Boxing Notes: San Jose's New Champ

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

LINK TO ARTICLE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/news/Boxing-notes-San-Joses-new-champ?blockID=710412

CSN Spotlight: S.F.'s Mayfield puts NABO title on line tonight

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

LINK TO ARTICLE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/news/SFs-Mayfield-puts-NABO-belt-on-line-Frid?blockID=710198&feedID=2539&awid=8455594263472588292-765

Mayfield-Serrano Face to Face at Presser

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Mayfield (right) shot a smile at Serrano at Wednesday's presser. (Prize Fight)

San Francisco's Karim Mayfield and Philadelphia's Raymond Serrano finally faced off ahead of their ESPN2 Friday Night Fights showdown at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y.

The unbeaten pair will square off for Mayfield's NABO junior welterweight regional title Friday.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

San Jose's McMorrow Upsets Kentikian in Germany for Unified Flyweight Title

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

A jubilant McMorrow and Croft were triumphant in Germany. (B Street Boxing)

There's a new unified women's flyweight champion of the world, and she resides in San Jose.

Melissa “Mighty” McMorrow pulled off women’s boxing’s upset of the year Wednesday with a majority decision win over previously unbeaten WBA/WBO/WIBF flyweight boss Susi “Killer Queen” Kentikian in Hamburg, Germany.

Judges Ingo Barrabas and Lahcen Oumghar turned in 96-94 tallies in favor of McMorrow (7-3-3), while Frank Michael Maass saw it 95-95.

Novato's Alcantara Scores Upset Over Sarnoi

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Alcantara celebrates his upset win over Sarnoi. (PHOTOS: Jim Wyatt)

In a featherweight battle, Novato's Jonathan Alcantara decked Walter Sarnoi in the fifth and came away with a unanimous decision victory last Saturday at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula.

San Leandro's Glenn Donaire Returns June 15 vs. Lozano

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

Glenn Donaire is back on June 15. (Team Donaire)

San Leandro-based flyweight Glenn Donaire (19-4-1, 10 KOs) will return to the ring on June 15 against Puerto Rico's Daniel Lozano (11-0, 8 KOs) in a bout that will take place in Kissimmee, Fla., and will be televised by Telemundo.

Donaire is coming off a NorCal Fight of the Year Candidate against Omar Salado in March that was heavily contested but won by the East Bay fighter via unanimous decision.  Since coming back from a  three-year hiatus, Donaire is 2-0 with two knockouts.

Meanwhile, Lozano is 10 years younger than Donaire and has never faced anyone of his caliber until now.  In his last outing in February, he decked Manuel Galaviz twice with body shots en route to a first-round stoppage.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

"Bizy" Months Ahead for SFC's Mayfield, Knight, Coley, and Hargraves

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Bautista and Miller pose for the camera. (Alexis Cuarezma)

"Bizy" Ben Bautista will live up to his moniker for the next two months, as the head man at SFC Boxing in downtown San Francisco has an active stable of fighters.

Saturday saw his son Izaiah drop a decision in the Region 11 Junior Olympic 101-pound final against Fresno's Conrad Rendon in Arvin, and pro featherweight Denis Madriz stopping Fresno's Luis Villagomez on cuts hours later in Woodland to earn his first pro win.

In addition to accompanying Karim Mayfield for his ESPN2-televised NABO junior welterweight regional title defense against Raymond Serrano in Albany, N.Y, this Friday, Bautista has corresponded with another charge, amateur welterweight Raquel Miller, half a world away.

Full Results from Woodland: Escobedo-Ruiz & the Undercard

By Ryan Maquiñana

BoxingScene.com

WOODLAND, CALIF. – Vicente Escobedo continued to re-invent himself as a junior lightweight contender Saturday night with a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Ruiz on TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo.

“My plan is to go forward,” Escobedo told BoxingScene.com.  “Whoever’s in the way, whether it’s Broner, or anyone else, it doesn’t matter.  I want to get my title, and I want to stay at this weight class.  I’m ready.”

A large walk-up crowd filled the Woodland Community Center to watch Woodland native Escobedo as the sweet sounds of Frank Sinatra permeated the Northern California air from the D.J. booth throughout the night.

FULL RESULTS: Northern vs. Central California Junior Olympics

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

National Junior Golden Gloves champ Guerrero of Lathrop advanced to National J.O.'s. (Manteca Bulletin)

USA Boxing's Region 11 crowned its Junior Olympic champions in Arvin Saturday as Northern California's best young amateurs met their Central California counterparts.

The Senior Open winners will now advance to the National Junior Olympics in Mobile, Alabama, on June 18-22. 

Special thanks to CCA head Armando Mancinas for providing Norcalboxing.net with the winners for the Senior Open bouts!

FULL RESULTS

Nonito Donaire Starts Camp in San Carlos

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Donaire was too much for Vazquez in February. (AP)

WBO junior featherweight champion Nonito Donaire has returned to the Undisputed Gym in San Carlos where he will begin training camp for a scheduled July 7 defense against former unified junior bantamweight champ Cristian Mijares of Mexico at Carson's Home Depot Center.

Donaire became the first Bay Area fighter to win belts in four different weight classes after a split decision nod over Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in February.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

CSNBayArea.com's NorCal Boxing News & Notes (May 11, 2012)

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

The weekend NorCal News & Notes article is HERE. Inside you'll find the inside scoop on:

-Karim Mayfield's guest appearance on Chronicle Live
-Vicente Escobedo's next fight on Saturday
-Robert Guerrero's press conference to announce the Aydin fight
-Jose Ramirez earning a trip to the London Olympics
-Raquel Miller in first-round action at the World Championships

Win a Glove Signed by "Money" Mayweather or "Chente" Escobedo!

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Note: The glove in the picture above is not the same one in the raffle, but it is indeed signed by Floyd Mayweather.

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, Vicente “Chente” Escobedo will be back in town at the Woodland Community Center defending his NABO regional junior lightweight title against Juan Ruiz.

Woodland’s own Escobedo spent his childhood at the Woodland Boxing Club located in the Yolano Recreation Center and is now inviting everyone to “help the kids” by purchasing a raffle ticket to win an autographed glove signed by Floyd "Money" Mayweather or one signed by Escobedo.

Paco Presents Boxing has been contributing a portion of the proceeds to the Center from previous matches and would like the community to join in the effort.

Olympian to Olympian: Vicente Escobedo '04 to Jose Ramirez '12

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

In this Norcalboxing.net exclusive, Vicente Escobedo, preparing for his May 12 fight against Juan Ruiz in his hometown of Woodland, had some words of congratulations and advice for new Region 11 Olympian Jose Ramirez of Avenal.  Escobedo and Oakland's Andre Ward were the last Olympians out of the area when they traveled to Athens eight years ago.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

Region 11's Ramirez is London-Bound After Points Win in Brazil

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

Region 11 will have an Olympian in Ramirez for the first time since Andre Ward in 2004. (Team Ramirez)

The U.S. Olympic Team is growing in numbers every day, and Wednesday night saw the addition of lightweight Jose Ramirez, who defeated Canada’s Alejandro Rynn in the quarterfinals of the Americas Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A body shot from Ramirez late in the second round caused one of three standing-eight counts and was emblematic of the Fresno State University sophomore’s dominant performance at the Maracazinho venue.

“He fought how I thought, with a tight defense. Then he kept coming forward trying to power punch and smother my punches,” Ramirez told BoxingScene.com after the fight.  “I outboxed him and broke his defense with combinations and angles.”

Ramirez, a 19-year-old fighting out of the King’s Gym in Avenal, Calif., secured his trip to London by making the semifinals in the weeklong tournament.  Now the 132-pounder can finally call himself an Olympian, a feeling that brings as much pride as it does relief.

Escobedo to Hold Public Workout in Woodland on Wednesday

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

"Chente" will work out in Woodland on Wednesday. (Roy & Marlene Marquez)

NABO regional junior lightweight champ and NorCal P4P No. 4 Vicente Escobedo is heading home to Woodland on Wednesday, May 9, for a free public workout three days before his Saturday night title defense against Juan Ruiz at the Woodland Community Center.  The festivities will take place at the Yolano Recreation Center on 1285 Lemen Ave., #B, at 5 p.m.

RELATED CONTENT FROM NORCALBOXING.NET:
Ticket Information, Matchups, and Free Public Weigh-in on Fri., May 11 in Capay

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

Avenal's Ramirez, Gausha One Win Away from Olympics

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

Ramirez is one win away from London. (Rick Mirigian)

Lightweight Jose Ramirez and middleweight Terrell Gausha cruised to victory in Monday’s opening round bouts at the Americas Olympic Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanazinho, putting them in Wednesday’s quarterfinals and one win away from entry into the London Olympics.

Ramirez, a 132-pounder from Avenal, Calif., caused three standing-eight counts en route to a third-round stoppage of Trinidad and Tobago’s Michael Alexander. 

“It feels good to get the hard one out of the way.  There was no tomorrow without it,” Ramirez told BoxingScene.com/Norcalboxing.net.  “I had some jitters and I’m glad to get them out.  It’s been a long road to get back to this point.”

Arum: Nonito Donaire vs. Cristian Mijares July 7 in Carson

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

 

Donaire and I discussed matchups with the 122-pound division in February. (CSNBayArea.com)

After endless speculation surrounding Nonito Donaire's next fight, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has informed BoxingScene.com that the "Filipino Flash" will make the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight title July 7 against Mexico's Cristian Mijares in Carson's Home Depot Center.

July 14 at Cowboys Stadium seemed to be the most likely date, but Arum has changed his mind.

Donaire (28-1, 18 KOs) became the first Bay Area fighter to win title belts in four divisions when he defeated Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by decision last February for the WBO junior featherweight crown.  The San Leandro native currently stands atop the Northern California Pound-for-Pound Top 10.

Meanwhile, Mijares (45-6-2, 21 KOs), a former top 10 pound-for-pound fighter and unified junior bantamweight champ, is on a nine-fight winning streak punctuated by a fourth-round knockout of Eddy Julio in April.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

Andre Ward's Manager: S.O.G. to Return in September

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

 Ward will come back in September, per manager James Prince.

James Prince, manager of Oakland’s unified super middleweight champion Andre Ward, revealed that his fighter will likely return in September.

Originally, “S.O.G.” had hoped to return on June 2, but Showtime’s decision to hold a quadruple-header in Carson shelved those plans.  Prince was subsequently asked about late June or July.

“Andre’s wife is having a baby during that time, and he wants to be able to be there for her as any father should,” Prince told CSNBayArea.com Saturday afternoon.  “We’ve been looking at September dates for him to come back instead at Oracle.”

After defeating Bernard Hopkins, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson publicly called out Ward.  The super middleweight king has gone on the record stating that he would be interested in such a fight.  The question is if it would take place at 168 or 175 pounds.

LINK (IN SIDEBAR): http://www.csnbayarea.com/05/05/12/Mayweather-remains-unbeaten-defeats-Cott/landing.html?blockID=702972&feedID=2539

VIDEO: Mayweather Says Pacquiao Fight Won't Happen

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net


Here's a brief video I put together on my trip to Las Vegas, which includes a ringside point of view for Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto's ringwalks as well as Floyd's postfight press conference where he explains why the Manny Pacquiao fight will never happen.

FULL REPORT: Mayweather vs. Cotto (Recaps of EVERY Fight on the Card!)

By Ryan Maquiñana at ringside

CSNBayArea.com

LAS VEGAS -- Despite a game effort from underdog Miguel Cotto that made the fight more competitive than expected, Floyd Mayweather (43-0, 26 KOs) took a unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas that netted him the WBA 154-pound title Saturday night.

“You’re a hell of a champion.  You’re the toughest guy I ever fought,” Mayweather told Cotto after the bout.  “When the fight’s on pay-per-view, you want to give the fans what they pay for, and that’s excitement.”

Cotto (37-3, 30 KOs) had several successful moments over the course of the 12 rounds, utilizing calculated pressure that involved a venomous body attack complemented by left hooks upstairs.  The Puerto Rican star even caused an unfamiliar sight—blood streaming down Mayweather’s nose following the eighth round.

Ultimately, however, Mayweather’s ability to fight off the ropes and land looping shots around the high guard of Cotto in the later rounds would earn him the victory.

READ MY FULL RINGSIDE RECAP INCLUDING SUMMARIES OF ALL EIGHT FIGHTS ON THE "RING KINGS" CARD: http://www.csnbayarea.com/05/05/12/Mayweather-remains-unbeaten-defeats-Cott/landing.html?blockID=702972&feedID=2539 

RELATED PICTURES: 
Copy of Nevada commission's judges' scorecard for Mayweather-Cotto
Copy of Nevada commission's judges' scorecard for Canelo-Mosley
CompuBox numbers for Mayweather-Cotto
CompuBox numbers for Canelo-Mosley

Daly City's Julaton Back in the Win Column with Decision over Segura

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Julaton was back to her winning ways on Friday. (Team Julaton)

Despite giving up a four-pound advantage at the scale, Daly City's Ana Julaton (11-3-1, 1 KO) had no issues in a unanimous decision victory over Yolanda Segura (8-4, 7 KOs) Friday night in the latter's native Yucatan Peninsula, Mex.

The day before at the weigh-in, Julaton came in at the contracted weight of 126, but Segura was four pounds heavy.  Despite being a full weight class smaller, "The Hurricane" accepted the challenge on the condition that Segura forfeit 25 percent of her purse to the former WBO junior featherweight champ.

Now Julaton hopes her win will spark some debate among Mexican fight fans, especially since her intended next target, WBA 122-pound champ Jackie Nava, defends her belt Saturday against Diana Ayala.

For the full report, check out Ryan Songalia's writeup for GMA News.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, his archive for BoxingScene.com, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

Cotto-Mayweather: What You Need to Know

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

Does Miguel Cotto have a chance Saturday against Floyd Mayweather, Jr.? Here's my take for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.  Please click the picture or link and hit "Like" or "Recommend" to show your support for boxing coverage in mainstream media outlets like CSN Bay Area!

I will be ringside in Las Vegas tomorrow, so don't be a stranger.  Enjoy the fights, everyone!

LINK: http://www.tinyurl.com/mayweathercotto

Where to Watch Mayweather-Cotto in the Bay Area, Sacto, Fresno, or Salinas

By Ryan Maquiñana

Norcalboxing.net

UPDATED MAY 3, 2012: Added two Sacramento bars and Hooters San Bruno to San Francisco/Peninsula bars.

If you can't watch Mayweather vs. Cotto (Saturday, 6 p.m. PST) from the confines of your own home, and you're looking for a place that will show it in the Bay Area, the Sacramento area, or the Central Coast and Central Valley, Norcalboxing.net brings you the most comprehensive guide on the net!

The guide is split into sports bars and movie theaters.  The sports bars have their respective cover charges listed, while the movie theaters vary in price depending on where you go.  

Please bookmark the page, because it is being updated constantly when a new spot opens up.

For a comprehensive preview on the main event and entire televised undercard, check out my weekly boxing column at CSNBayArea.com, which will come out this Thursday.  

If you're wondering where I'll be on Saturday, I will be ringside covering it for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, so follow my Twitter (@RMaq28) for all the latest updates from Las Vegas.  Good luck and enjoy the fights!

To access the guide in its entirety, read below:

Andre Ward: "We'll Bring Chad Dawson Down to 168"

By Ryan Maquiñana

BoxingScene.com

 My interview with Andre in Atlantic City after he won the Super Six.

Unified super middleweight champion Andre Ward addressed the recent speculation on a potential fight with new light heavyweight boss Chad Dawson.

“That’s a fight that can be made and should be made,” Ward said before breaking down the bout.  “I think my style matches up well against any fighter.  I have to believe that.  If I don’t believe that, then I’m in the wrong business.  Chad is a very skillful fighter.  He’s a southpaw.  He’s a good fighter. We’re going to have to get it done if Chad Dawson is the next opponent.”

Ward, from Oakland, Calif., then talked about the proposed weight for such a clash.

Julaton: "First I'll Beat Segura, Then I Want Nava!" (EXCLUSIVE Photos)

By Ryan Maquiñana

BoxingScene.com 

Julaton is primed to bounce back Friday night in Mexico. (Team Julaton)

Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton (10-3-1, 1 KO) will enter the ring in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula Friday night under different conditions than usual.

The Filipina’s fight with Yolanda Segura (8-3, 7 KOs) will mark the first time in 11 bouts that a title belt will not be on the line or in her possession.  In addition, the longtime 122-pound champ will be competing north of junior featherweight for only the second time in her career.

BREAKING: Segura came in at 130 pounds, four over the contracted limit.  Julaton will still take the fight after Segura agreed to forfeit 25 percent of her purse to "The Hurricane."  Segura can also not weight more than 132 pounds by fight night.

Sacramento's Griffin Outpointed in Dallas by Agnew

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Griffin, seen here landing an uppercut in 2009, dropped a decision Thursday night. (Team Griffin)

Cedric Agnew (23-0, 13 KOs) stayed unbeaten with a unanimous decision over Sacramento's Otis "Triple O.G." Griffin (23-10-2, 9 KOs) to secure the USNBC light heavyweight regional title Thursday night in Dallas.

"The kid followed me around like a mommy for 12 rounds not throwing a punch and they gave him the decision," Griffin said. "I feel like Glen Johnson."

S.F.'s Miller Travels to China for Women's World Championships

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Miller (front row, second from left) and Team USA are ready for the World Championships. (Delilah Rico)

San Francisco's Raquel Miller, the national amateur champion at 152 pounds, is on the next plane to China as Team USA will compete in the 2012 AIBA Women's World Championships from May 9-20.

After a lengthy stay at the USA Boxing Training Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., Miller is eager to make history in Qinhuangdao as the first female fighter from The City to come home with a gold medal in international competition.

"I'm a little nervous about this 16-hour flight, but I'm excited to do this for my city," she said.  "Camp was really good because it gave me an opportunity to really work on my speed and upping my punch count.  I'm in a good place and I'm ready to take it."

Happy Birthday to Juaquin Gallardo and Alejandro Perez!

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

  Gallardo (front row, far left) back in his amateur days. A young Diego Corrales is to his left. (Gabriela Mendoza)

Norcalboxing.net would like to wish a Happy Birthday to North Salinas' Alejandro "El Alacrán" Perez and Oakland's Juaquin "Killer" Gallardo!

The 35-year-old Gallardo (18-8-1, 5 KOs), one of the greatest amateurs the region has ever produced, was the 1995 National Golden Gloves champion at 106 pounds and was an Olympic Team alternate the following year. During a pro career where he has moved up in weight and won the WBC Latino regional 140-pound title, "Killer" currently resides in Vallejo with his family.

Perez (16-3-1, 11 KOs), is coming off a highlight reel knockout of Derrick Wilson in February (above). The 26-year-old is a regular at Hollywood's Wild Card Gym and is campaigning for a world title shot at featherweight.  A former USNBC regional junior featherweight champ, Perez scored one of the Knockout of the Year candidates in 2011 when he flattened Antonio Escalante in Fairfield.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

Tickets for Guerrero-Aydin July 28 at HP on Sale Friday

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Gilroy's Robert Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KOs) returns to the ring on July 28th at HP Pavilion in San Jose against Turkey's Selcuk Aydin (23-0, 17 KOs) for the vacant WBC interim welterweight title.

The winner becomes the mandatory challenger for Floyd Mayweather's full WBC 147-pound crown, if he chooses to defend it after his 90-day jail term begins in June.  If not, whoever emerges victorious at the Shark Tank will eventually be elevated to champion.

Henry Wofford and I spoke about the fight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area last month:



Ticket prices are $252, $127, $62, and $26.  They will go on sale this Friday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. PT, and will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or at the HP Pavilion Box Office.

The main event will be televised on Showtime at 10:00 p.m. PT/ET, with the undercard to air on Showtime Extreme starting at 8:00 PT/ET.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

*This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to Norcalboxing.net or provide a link to the original article.

Bundrage-Spinks II Headed for Guerrero-Aydin Undercard at HP on July 28

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Bundrage (right) stopped Spinks in 2010.

According to BoxingScene's Rick Reeno, the rematch between IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius Bundrade (31-4, 18 KOs) and former holder Cory Spinks (39-6, 11 KOs) will be scheduled for July 28 on the undercard of Robert Guerrero's interim welterweight title bout against Selcuk Aydin.

In their first fight two years ago, Bundrage stopped Spinks in five rounds to capture the crown.  Now they will renew their rivalry at San Jose's HP Pavilion in a bout that will likely be televised on Showtime.

Golden Boy Promotions won Tuesday's purse bid at the IBF's office in New Jersey with a winning bid of $211,000.  Don King entered a bid of $51,000.

Norcalboxing.net's Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.