Andre Ward vs. Chad Dawson Fight Week Schedule

"WORLD CHAMPIONS-MADE IN AMERICA"

ANDRE WARD VS CHAD DAWSON

MEDIA FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

12:00PM      WARD vs. DAWSON - OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT  (Media Only)

                     Kings Boxing Gym

                     843 35th Avenue

                     Oakland, CA 94601

                     12:15 PM Andre Ward                      1:00 PM Chad Dawson

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

                      All Day Antonio DeMarco and John Molina, Jr. Interviews

                      Available on Request

                                                                  

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

11:30 AM WARD vs. DAWSON - FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE (Media Only)

                      FAZ RESTAURANT

                      1111 Broadway (between 11th St & 12th St)
                      Oakland, CA 94607

      

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7  

12:00 PM WARD vs. DAWSON COUNTDOWN FANFEST* 

                       OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

                       City Center Square

                       Oakland City Center (across from City Hall)

                       601 12th Street, Oakland, CA

                       *Celebrities, Sponsor Booths (including 95.7 The Game, Corona,

                       Everlast, HBO, Oracle), Food, Music, Interactive Boxing Activities,

                       Radio remotes, Radio Personalities, Prizes

                  *FREE ADMISSION

                       (FANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ARRIVE EARLY)   

2:30 PM WARD vs. DAWSON OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN

                       OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

                       OFFICIAL WEIGH IN HOST:

                       AMERICA'S GOT TALENT HOST, NICK CANNON  Location: Oakland

                       City Center (same location as FanFest)

3:00 PM         MAIN AND CO-FEATURED EVENT FIGHTERS

                       ON SCALE - 3 PM MOLINA-DEMARCO

                       WARD-DAWSON IMMEDIATELY AFTER MOLINA-DEMARCO WARD

                       vs. DAWSON COUNTDOWN FANFEST*

                       OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

                                   

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

4:00 PM  ORACLE Arena Doors Open

5:00 PM  First Fight

6:45 PM  HBO® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Telecast Begins

                        POST FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

                        IMMEDIATE AFTER WARD-DAWSON

                        Courtside Club, Oracle Arena

To Download Official Ward vs. Dawson Bout Sheet Click Here 

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION:

News Media will enter Oracle Arena via the "E Lot" and check-in to receive
their credentials at the Credential Table located in South Hall beginning
at 2 PM and ending promptly at 7 PM.  The Media Center will be located in
the Sam Skinner Room.

PARKING: Media should park in Lots G or GG and enter the building through the E Lot. Parking is free of charge.
 
About: "Ward vs. Dawson - World Champions - Made In America''
Andre Ward vs. Chad Dawson World Championship showdown, set to take place September 8 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The co-feature will see WBC Champion Antonio DeMarco battle John "The Gladiator" Molina Jr. in a 12-round fight for the WBC Lightweight title. Both bouts will be televised live on HBO® World Championship Boxing at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Promotions in association with Antonio Leonard Productions and SOG Promotions and sponsored by Corona, City of Oakland, Azad Watches and 95.7 The Game.
 
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 and are available for purchase online at www.oraclearena.com, www.ticketmaster.com.  Tickets are also available at the ORACLE Arena box office.

Garcia Wins Five-Knockdown War, Godoy Outpoints Hargraves

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Garcia (right, with Jhonnathan Zamudio) won a thriller in San Diego.

Junior welterweight Jonathan Garcia (9-0, 7 KOs) recovered from a pair of early knockdowns--the first two of his competitive boxing career--only to floor Tijuana's Pedro Arcos (8-3, 6 KOs) three consecutive times and earn a thrilling first-round stoppage at the Four Points Sheraton in San Diego.

"I really didn't feel the first knockdown," Garcia told Norcalboxing.net.  "It was a looping right hand as I was drawing back.  He just stunned me.  The second knockdown was another looping right hand.  I recovered quick, though."

After rising to his feet for the second time, the promising prospect heard a familiar voice in trainer Jose "Pastel" Hernandez.

"My corner told me to breathe, and I did, and I was able to recover," Garcia added.  "I hit him hard with a left hook to the body, and he went down.  I could tell I hurt him really bad."

Garcia would add two more knockdowns to close the show in style.

"The second one was a right to the head, and by then, I felt confident I could knock him out," Garcia said.  "The third one was a left hook, then a right hand.  The ref stopped it immediately."

The rising 140-pounder is glad to have learned his lessons after a victory than a defeat.

"I know not to get too confident next time before the fight," Garcia said.  "I'm going to keep practicing, keep my guard up, and work hard in the gym." 

GODOY OUTPOINTS HARGRAVES IN FOUR

 Godoy (left) and Hargraves (right) gave the fans a show on the undercard.

Oscar Godoy (8-2, 3 KOs), a gymmate of Garcia's in Watsonville, sent Richard Hargraves (3-1-1, 2 KOs) to the canvas in the first round, but had to weather a spirited rally from the San Francisco native en route to a unanimous decision.

"I knocked him down in the first round with an overhand right," Godoy said.  "He threw a jab, and I threw a combination and caught him over the top right before the bell."

Hargraves, a skilled boxer and decorated former amateur, shook off the early 10-8 deficit and according to Godoy, continued to come forward and make him fight tooth-and-nail for the win.

"It was a tough fight," Godoy said.  "He kept coming.  I was trying to counter-punch him because he was trying to establish his jab, and he was definitely stronger than he was when we fought in the amateurs.  I did feel his punches.

"Even after the knockdown, I didn't want to get too wild because we knew he was a strong fighter.  If I was looking for the knockout, he might catch me, especially with the great corner he had with Ben [Bautista] coaching him."

Godoy and Hargraves have received similar treatment in the pros so far in that they have had to fight above their natural weight of 147 pounds.  With this bout taking place at a contracted 148, Godoy admitted that he would prefer to continue campaigning at welterweight.

"My opponents have been heavier than me," said Godoy, who has now won four straight.  "If I had it up to me, I'd fight at 147.  This is great for my confidence knowing I can beat real fighters.  Richard gave me a really tough fight."

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.

Hargraves-Godoy on Jonathan Garcia Card in San Diego

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

A trio of Northern California prospects bring their talents to the southern tip of the state Thursday as Richard Hargraves meets Oscar Godoy on a San Diego card headlined by Jonathan Garcia.

Hargraves (3-0-1, 2 KOs), one of San Francisco's most decorated amateurs of all-time with a National PAL bronze medal to his credit, is coming off a six-round points victory over Michael Faulk in Minnesota last month.  While the City product has been fighting at junior middleweight, he has stated several times he would prefer to compete at welterweight.

Godoy (7-2, 3 KOs), from Watsonville, has endured a similar narrative in the early stages of his pro career, bouncing between 147 and 154 pounds.  Since a seventh-round stoppage loss to Joshua Marks to start the year, Godoy has found his rhythm and earned three straight wins, including a near-shutout of Roberto Crespo on ESPN2 in June.

Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs), a rising junior welterweight from Watsonville with an impressive offensive arsenal, faces Pedro Arcos (8-2, 6 KOs), who saw a six-bout unbeaten streak snapped in May by Rigoberto Flores.

"New Boys on the Block" is promoted by Don Chargin in association with Jorge Marron Productions, A & T Gym, and Bobby D. Presents.  The card begins at 7 p.m. and takes place at the Four Points Sheraton.  Tickets still available at Sandiegofights.com or by calling 619-420-8866 or 619-743-0698.

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.

Results from Fairfield: Sanchez, Avila Stop Foes

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

After a brief scare in the sixth, Sanchez imposed his will on Leyva. (Erik Killin)

Alan Sanchez TKO10 Manuel Leyva (1:46)
Manuel Avila TKO3 Vicente Alfaro (2:04)
Paul Mendez TKO3 Loren Myers (3:00)
Jonathan Chicas UD4 Jose Mendoza (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Joe Gumina UD4 Payton Boyea (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)

Venue: Allan Witt Sports Center (Fairfield, CA)
TV: TeleFutura
Promoter: Don Chargin/Paco Presents/Jorge Marron/Golden Boy

FULL RESULTS: Beautiful Brawlers Pack the House

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Melissa Monroy defeated Haley Zepada in an exciting opener to Saturday's card. (Norcalboxing.net)

Another capacity crowd filled the Pacifica Moose Lodge for the second annual Beautiful Brawlers all-women's card Saturday.

"I think events like these are so important for the girls to get the exposure and experience," said pro unified flyweight world champion Melissa McMorrow of San Jose.  "I wish I had something like this for me when I was an amateur.  It's really awesome and inspiring."

Female fighters from all over the West Coast descended upon the Peninsula to demonstrate the further growth of an American amateur program that yielded gold and bronze medals at the inaugural Olympic women's boxing competition at the London Games earlier this month.

"This is just the beginning," said tournament director Blanca Gutierrez.  "We love the Moose Lodge.  It's given us women a place to shine, but I think we're outgrowing this building, and we're looking for a bigger venue.  The sponsors have been great, and everyone's out for the same thing, to build a foundation for the next Olympic team."

Brenda Gutierrez poses with her belt after the victory. (Norcalboxing.net)

A plethora of nationally-ranked boxers made appearances on the card, such as Sacramento's Brenda Gutierrez, Avenal's Marisol Lopez, and Palm Desert's Paola Estrada.  Fresno's Ellie Salinas took home the 13-and-under Best Boxer award, while Reno's Maritsa Guillen captured the same honors in the 14-and-over division.

"We get the best of the best, make even fights, and that's what builds these girls' confidence," added Gutierrez, who has been working with Martha Salazar and Eliza Olson to make the event a reality. "Everyone should leave here today win or lose knowing they fought the best at their weight, and knowing that they put on a great show."

FULL RESULTS

66 POUNDS:
Melissa Monroy (Caballero BC) dec. Haley Zepada (Vacaville PAL)

133 POUNDS:
Brenda Gutierrez (Caballero BC) dec. Tatiana Almaraz (Old School BC)

128 POUNDS:
Jasmine Jones (Vacaville PAL) dec. Becky Villagran (Pacific Ring Sports)

87 POUNDS:
Graciela Ortega (Caballero BC) dec. Jessica Juarez (Ocean Boxing)

120 POUNDS:
Ariana Garcia (Double Punches BC) dec. Megan Siordia (BabyFace BC)

157 POUNDS:
Ayana Brumfield (Orgullo Boxing) dec. Valerie Ontiveros (Ocean Boxing)

113 POUNDS:
Destiny Navarro (Sparta BC) dec. Alyson Vejar (Mighty Mites)

118 POUNDS:
Veronica Hernandez (Dreamland BC) dec. Odalys Camacho (Unattached)

89 POUNDS:
Clarissa Hernandez (Sparta BC) dec. Ellie Salinas (Velarde's TC)

127 POUNDS:
Jessica Galvez (Mighty Mites) dec. Adriana Ramirez (Fat City BC)

105 POUNDS:
Marisol Lopez (Avenal King's BC) dec. Danika Lara (Sparta BC)

95 POUNDS:
Stephanie Valdez (Duarte BC) dec. Samantha Enriquez (Sparta BC)

167 POUNDS:
Martha Fabela (Oakland BC) RSC-1 Ayla Sagote (BabyFace BC)

126 POUNDS:
Ariel Arismendez (Hard Knocks Gym) dec. Renata Ramirez (Duarte BC)

118 POUNDS:
Iris Contreras (DF Boxing) dec. Joselina Ortega (Velarde's TC)

132 POUNDS:
Maritsa Guillen (Mighty Mites) dec. Lisa Porter (Matador Boxing)

149 POUNDS:
Rebekka Holt (3rd St. Gym) dec. Kayla Jones (Warm Springs Indian Nation)

124 POUNDS:
Federica Bianco (State Street Boxing) dec. Maddy Banuan (3rd St. Gym)

113 POUNDS:
Paola Estrada (Av Boxing) dec. Casey Morton (B Street Boxing)

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT 13-AND-UNDER: Garcia vs. Siordia

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT 14-AND OVER (TIE): Guillen vs. Porter, Estrada vs. Morton

BEST BOXER 13-AND-UNDER: Ellie Salinas (Velarde's TC)

BEST BOXER 14-AND-OVER: Maritsa Guillen (Mighty Mites)



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.

VIDEO: Fairfield Solo Boxeo Weigh-in Staredowns, Interviews

By Ryan Maquiñana 
CSNBayArea.com 

Griffin Stops Collins, Returns to Win Column

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Griffin (right) poses with Collins after returning to the win column Friday night. (Adam Collins)

RESULTS FROM SACRAMENTO:
Otis Griffin (24-10-2, 10 KOs) TKO2 Adam Collins (11-8, 8 KOs)
Alonso Loeza (2-6-1, 2 KOs) TKO3 Juan Martinez (0-1)
Alberto Torres (1-0) UD4 Christian Silva (0-1)
Jose Alvarez (3-1) SD4 Gregorio Viramontes (0-3-1)
John Abella (2-0, 1 KO) TKO2 Misael Martinez (0-6)
Michael Ortega (2-0-1, 1 KO) D4 Clevan Ishe (3-8-1, 1 KO)

Venue: DoubleTree Hotel (Sacramento, CA)
Promoter: O.P.P. Presents

This Weekend in NorCal Boxing: Trio of Cards in Sactown, Pacifica, and Fairfield

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

A trio of boxing cards hit Northern California this weekend, with plenty of local talent to go around. CSNBayArea.com takes a quick look at the upcoming pro fights in Sacramento and Fairfield as well as the all-female amateur show in Pacifica.

LINK: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/news/This-weekend-in-NorCal-boxing?blockID=762591&feedID=8306

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.