Andre Ward vs. Edwin Rodriguez TONIGHT on HBO!

Can Oakland's Ward continue his run of dominance against Rodriguez? (Will Hart)

I'm heading to Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif., to cover tonight's Andre Ward-Edwin Rodriguez fight from ringside for ComcastSportsNet Bay Area. The non-title bout airs on HBO-East at 7 p.m. PT and HBO-West at 10 p.m. on tape delay. Follow me on Twitter (@RMaq28) for live updates and round-by-round. 

WARD-RODRIGUEZ PREVIEW: 
http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/andre-ward-vs-edwin-rodriguez-sog-returns-saturday

RODRIGUEZ MAKES SECOND WEIGH-IN; FIGHT WITH WARD IS ON:
http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/fight-rodriguez-makes-second-weigh-will-face-ward
 
WARD'S ATTORNEY WANTS WBA PURSE RULES APPLIED TO RODRIGUEZ:
http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-rodriguez-rules-issue-places-fight-jeopardy--71750

Where to Watch "The One: Mayweather-Canelo" in Northern/Central California

Floyd Mayweather vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez airs on Showtime Pay-Per-View on Saturday, Sept. 14 starting at 6:00 p.m. PT. 

Not heading to Vegas? No problem.  If you’re not watching it at home (retail price is $64.95 for SD and $74.95 for HD), here's a list of places in Northern and Central California that will be showing the televised portion of the fight card.

If you are aware of any other places showing the fight, please email me at rmaquinana@gmail.com so I can verify and add it to the list. 

Bookmark the list and keep coming back for updates!

NorCal Pound-for-Pound Top 10: September 2013

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

 

The summer of discontent continues for the local boxing scene, as not a single fighter in CSNBayArea.com’s NorCal Pound-for-Pound Top 10 has recorded a victory since May, when No. 5 Ava Knight outpointed Linda Soto.

Since our last poll in July, No. 8 Carina Moreno and No. 9 Ana Julaton both incurred decision losses, further contributing to a dismal 2013 where No. 2 Nonito Donaire, No. 3 Robert Guerrero, and No. 10 Vicente Escobedo have already tasted defeat.

Daly City's Mahmutovic in Ukraine for Junior Worlds

Press Release
By USA Boxing

Mahmutovic is ready to shine on the world stage.

(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – After months of preparation, Team USA’s junior men will face off against the best young boxers on the planet at the AIBA Junior World Championships, September 7-15 at the Kiev Palace of Sports in Kiev, Ukraine. The 13 representatives on the United States squad closed their acclimation training camp in Assisi, Italy on Thursday in order to travel to Kiev for the event. Nearly 400 boxers from 57 nations across the globe are registered to compete in the AIBA Junior World Championships, which takes place every other year. All of the tournament participants will step on the scale on Saturday prior to the event draw and first session of competition.

Keith Thurman Commercial for Southwest Airlines (Parody)

Keith Thurman inadvertently starred in his own Southwest Airlines commercial Saturday night when he thanked the San Diego fight fans after his win. Too bad he was in San Antonio. Either way, he finished the show in style, stopping Diego Chaves in the 10th round.

CSN Bay Area Video Highlights from Redwood City

Watch all the highlights from Friday night's card in Redwood City including every single knockout, knockdown, and postfight interviews with each of the six winners!

RESULTS FROM REDWOOD CITY:

Edwin Rodriguez, Alejandro Perez Score Impressive Stoppages

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Edwin "La Bomba" Rodriguez, who spent the first portion of training camp in San Carlos, won the "Million Dollar Super Four" tournament final in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a devastating first-round stoppage of Denis Grachev on Saturday. 

Rodriguez (24-0, 16 KOs), who will receive $600,000 to $400,000 for Grachev (13-2-1, 8 KOs), scored two quick knockdowns and then wailed away on his foe until referee Stanley Christodoulou waved off the contest. Official time was 2:50.  The fight, which was televised by BeIN Sport, propels Rodriguez into the thick of the super middleweight title picture.

Perez made his Top Rank debut a successful one. (Top Rank)

Later on Saturday, Alejandro Perez made his Top Rank promotional debut a successful one as he knocked out veteran Edgar Riovalle in the seventh round at the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood, Calif. 

Perez (18-3-1, 12 KOs), a junior lightweight from North Salinas, had Riovalle (35-15-2, 25 KOs) down and out after landing a crushing left hook to the body.  Official time was 1:14.  The bout aired on UniMás.

Escalante, Local Fighters Host Public Workout in San Carlos on Saturday

Junior bantamweight prospect Bruno Escalante and three other local fighters will host a public workout for media and fans of all ages this Saturday at the Undisputed Boxing Gym in San Carlos from 12:30-2 p.m.

Escalante will be joined by San Francisco middleweight Ricardo Pinell, Redwood City cruiserweight Juan Hernandez, and San Jose junior lightweight Andy Vences.  Escalante will spar four rounds and show the tricks of the trade behind his 1-2 and his patented jump rope routine.

Click the flyer below to enlarge it for more information, courtesy Don Chargin Productions/Paco Presents.

NorCal Pro & Amateur Schedule Updated for July-August

Sacramento's July 20 card is one of four pro shows this month. (OPP Presents)

Looking for a fight card in your area over the next two months?  Click the link below for the updated Norcalboxing.net schedule, which includes every pro and Region 11 amateur card from now until September.

LINK: http://www.maqdown.com/2012/01/norcalboxsched.html

Gonzales 'Draws' with Oosthuizen, Ramirez Now 4-0, National Junior Olympic Results

Gonzales appeared to have edged Oosthuizen, but it was not the case. (USA Today Images)

NORCAL BOXING RECAP: Brandon Gonzales handed dubious 'draw' with Oosthuizen, Jose Ramirez moves to 4-0 as a pro, and Region 11 amateurs capture three golds (Ruben Villa, Isidro Ochoa, Odalys Camacho) and 10 medals in all at the National Junior Olympics.

LINK: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/gonzales-handed-dubious-draw-oosthuizen

This Week in NorCal Boxing: Gonzales Makes HBO Debut

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

Thomas Oosthuizen 167 pounds, Brandon Gonzales 166 pounds. (DBE)

THIS WEEK IN NORCAL BOXING:
-Brandon Gonzales fights Thomas Oosthuizen on HBO Boxing tonight (9:45 p.m. PT)
-Dan Goossen wins arbitration dispute against Andre Ward
-Nonito Donaire Jr. zeroes in on three possible opponents
-Region 11 wins 10 medals at National Junior Olympics

LINK: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/can-gonzales-stand-tall-against-oosthuizen

Dan Goossen Wins Arbitration Dispute Against Andre Ward

Super middleweight world champion Andre Ward was unsuccessful in his bid to break away from longtime promoter Dan Goossen, as the California commission ruled to uphold their current contract.

Here's my quick piece on the matter and a video breaking down possible reasons why "S.O.G." sought a release from his contract.

LINK TO ARTICLE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/goossen-wins-arbitration-dispute-against-ward

Region 11 Claims 10 Medals at National Junior Olympics

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Villa took home his second straight National J.O. title. (Ruben Villa)

Ruben “Dracula” Villa took one last bite out of the field in Saturday’s 119-pound final at the National Junior Olympics in Mobile, Ala. The defending champion from Salinas outpointed Las Vegas native Devin Haney and was one of four Region 11 (NorCal and Central Cal) amateurs to reach the gold medal round.

Last year’s 110-pound champion, Fresno’s Isidro Ochoa, moved up to 125 pounds and downed Ohio’s Michael Nelson in his final. Sanger’s Derek Ochoa lost by decision to New Mexico’s Aaron Perez at 106 pounds to take silver, and Bakersfield’s Odalys Camacho bested Kristy Rodriguez of Illinois for the female 114-pound crown.

A sextet of locals fell in the semifinals and will receive bronze medals: South San Francisco’s Charlie Sheehy (132 pounds), Daly City’s Suray Mahmutovic (165 pounds), Sacramento’s Angel Rios (165 pounds), Napa’s Brandon Trejo (138 pounds), Sacramento’s Amisael Jimenez (154 pounds), and Antioch’s Katrina Nahe (female 119 pounds), who represented the USF Boxing Club.

Region 11 poses for a post-tournament picture. (Lydia Razo)

As a result of the guaranteed 10 medals, Region 11 was currently tied for first place in the team standings heading into the last day of action.  However, Villa and Isidro Ochoa's results counted toward the Junior World Team's tally because they competed with the JWT in Ukraine earlier this year.

SATURDAY'S FINAL RESULTS

106 lbs/male: Aaron Perez (New Mexico) def. Derek Ochoa (Region 11/Sanger)
114 lbs/female: Odalys Camacho (Region 11/Bakersfield) def. Kristy Rodriguez (Illinois)
119 lbs/male: Ruben "Dracula" Villa (Region 11/Salinas) def. Devin Haney (Las Vegas)
125 lbs/male: Isidro Ochoa (Region 11/Fresno) def. Michael Nelson (Ohio)

FRIDAY'S SEMIFINAL RESULTS

 
119 lbs/female: Jayda Thomas (Detroit) TKO2 Katrina Nahe (Region 11/Antioch)
132 lbs/male: Keoni Adric, Jr., (Hawaii) dec. Charlie Sheehy (Region 11/South S.F.), 2-1
138 lbs/male: Mark Dawson (Philadelphia) dec. Brandon Trejo (Region 11/Napa), 3-0
145 lbs/male: Hans Perez (New York) dec. Angel Rios (Region 11/Sacramento), 3-0
154 lbs/male: Ferdinand Kerobyan (N. Hollywood) dec. Amisael Jimenez (Region 11/ Sacramento), 3-0
165 lbs/male: Manjaro Hills, Jr. (Louisiana) dec. Suray Mahmutovic (Region 11/Daly City), 3-0 

Maraon, Vasquez Fall in New Jersey

By Ryan Maquiñana

Bay Area fighters go 0-2 in West Orange, NJ, tonight as Hercules light heavyweight Paul Vasquez recovered from a first-round knockdown but lost to Lavarn Harvell on points. In the ESPN Friday Night Fights main event, a WBA bantamweight title eliminator, San Leandro's Jundy Maraon floored Juan Carlos Payano in the third frame but ended up getting knocked out with an overhand left in the seventh.

NorCal Boxing Weekend Results: Robb, Esparza Victorious

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net
 

Robb (right) celebrates with manager Repo Ric.

PRO

• Sacramento featherweight Guy Robb (11-1, 4 KOs) opened his 2013 campaign with an eight-round unanimous decision over John Herrera (4-7-1, 2 KOs) in Phoenix last Friday.  Scores were 60-54 across the board.

• Sacramento light heavyweight Otis Griffin (24-13-2, 10 KOs) dropped an eight-round unanimous nod to Thomas Williams Jr. (14-0, 10 KOs) in Atlantic City on a Showtime Extreme-televised bout.  Scores were 80-72 and 79-73 twice.

AMATEUR

• San Carlos flyweight Marlen Esparza repeated as gold medalist at the 2013 Continental Championships with a 20-11 decision over Brazil's Clelia Marquez in Venezuela on Sunday.

RESULTS: 2013 Region 11 Junior Olympic Finals

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Northern and Central California's best young amateurs faced off in the Region 11 Junior Olympic finals in Redwood Valley last Saturday.  The winners advanced to the National Junior Olympics in Mobile, Ala., from June 26-29.  Special thanks to Lydia Razo and Oscar Ortiz for the results!

SENIORS (15-16)

MEN

106 lbs.: Derek Ochoa (Valley Vipers BC, Clovis) – Unopposed

101 lbs.: Ivan Varela (McDermont BC) def. Christopher Rodriguez (Woodland BC), 5-0

110 lbs.: Jacob Flores (Unattached, Parlier) def. Kevin Montano (Concord CYC), 3-2

114 lbs.: William Young (Unattached, S.F.) def. Pedro Medrano (Backyard BC, Salinas), 4-1

119 lbs.: Ruben Villa (Backyard BC, Salinas) def. Ivan Vergara (Vacaville PAL), 5-0

125 lbs.: Isidro Ochoa (Fresno PAL) def. Uriel Sanchez (Unattached, Santa Rosa), 4-1

132 lbs.: Charlie Sheehy (South S.F. BC) – Unopposed

138 lbs.: Joseph Murrieta (Unattached, Fresno) – Unopposed

145 lbs.: Angel Rios (Unattached, Sacramento) – Unopposed

154 lbs.: Amisael Jimenez (Caballero BC, Sacramento) – Unopposed

WOMEN

101 lbs.: Jackie Corona (La Corona BC, Arbuckle) – Unopposed

110 lbs.: Caroline Rojas (Velarde’s TC, Fresno) – Unopposed

114 lbs.: Odalys Camacho (Unattached, Bakersfield) – Unopposed*

119 lbs.: Katrina Nahe (USF) – Unopposed*

*In a matched exhibition bout, Nahe defeated Camacho, 5-0. 

INTERMEDIATE (13-14) 

MEN

75 lbs.: Kevin Mendoza (Aleman BC, Fresno) - Unopposed

80 lbs.: Jonas Persaud (Concord CYC) def. Elian Lua (Main Events, Fresno) via walkover

85 lbs.: Derry Edwards (Vacaville PAL) - Unopposed

90 lbs.: Angel Cordon (Old School BC, Concord) def. Alexis DeLuna (Bakersfield PAL) via walkover

95 lbs.: Andre Conway (South S.F. BC) def. Israel Murrieta (Velarde's TC, Fresno), 5-0

101 lbs.: Allen Medina Jr. (Fresno PAL) def. Manuel Yama (Unattached, Santa Rosa), 4-1

106 lbs.: Jesus Aguilar (South S.F. BC) - Unopposed

110 lbs.: Ivan Hurtado (Napa SAL) - Unopposed

114 lbs.: Nicholas Bueno (Tulare AC) def. Isaac Rosales (Oakland BC), 3-2

119 lbs.: Cedric Salcedo (Golden State Bloodhounds, Sacramento) - Unopposed

125 lbs.: Thorn Castellon (Golden State BC, Fresno) - Unopposed

WOMEN

90 lbs.: Graciela Ortega (Dogg Pound Boxing, Sacramento) - Unopposed

95 lbs.: Chloe Beardsly (Concord CYC) - Unopposed

Knight Retains Title, Outpoints Soto in Mexico

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Knight (right) was too much for Soto in Mexico. (Pepe Rodriguez)

Reigning world lineal flyweight champion Ava "Lady of Boxing" Knight (11-1-3, 5 KOs) of Chico won a lopsided ten-round unanimous decision over Linda “Muñeca” Soto (5-2, 3 KOs) in Toluca, Mex.

"We did it again," Knight said via her Facebook account.  "Soto is a tough girl!  She has my respect."

REWIND: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/boxing-notes-knight-running-out-foes

On the same card, Knight's gymmate, Hayward's Aaron "Heavy Metal" Coley (6-0, 4 KOs), knocked out Arnoldo Pacheco (4-18-2, 3 KOs) in the first round.

VIDEO: What's Next for Mayweather, Guerrero?

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

Now that the smoke has cleared and Floyd Mayweather has kept his pound-for-pound crown intact with a unanimous decision victory over Gilroy’s Robert Guerrero last Saturday, it’s time to dissect the “May Day” aftermath and what lies ahead for “Money” and “The Ghost,” respectively.

[RELATED: Mayweather outpoints Guerrero in 12-round battle]

GUERRERO

A busy week awaits Guerrero, starting with his upcoming court date next Tuesday in New York to address illegal gun possession charges at JFK Airport.  According to his co-manager Bob Santos, Guerrero’s legal team includes Bruce Zabarauskas, a prominent attorney whose work in the boxing industry includes his successful representation of manager Rolando Arellano in his settlement with former client Victor Ortiz to avoid arbitration.

[REWIND: Guerrero faces jail time after gun arrest]

While the Queens District Attorney’s Office has remained relatively quiet since D.A. Richard Brown’s initial in March hoping that Guerrero “fights better than he thinks,” it’s still anyone’s guess whether the case will actually go to trial or if a plea deal to a lesser charge will be reached to avoid jail time.

Mayweather outpointed Guerrero over 12 rounds. (Isaac Brekken/AP)

READ THE REST: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/next-step-guerrero-mayweather

Weights from Toluca, MX: Knight 111.75, Soto 111.75

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Knight and Soto both came in at 111.75 pounds. (Pepe Rodriguez)

Flyweight world champion Ava Knight (11-1-3, 5 KOs) of Chico and her challenger Linda Soto (5-2, 3 KOs) both tipped the scales at 111.75 ahead of their Saturday showdown in Toluca, Mex.

Knight is currently ranked fifth on CSNBayArea.com's Northern California pound-for-pound top 10 regardless of gender: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/norcal-pound-pound-top-10-april-2013

Amateur News: Regional Junior Olympics, Results from Ukraine

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Suray Mahmutovic incurred an early exit in Ukraine. (Sheldon Callum)

LOCAL AMATEURS ELIMINATED IN UKRAINE

A trio of Region 11 amateurs represented Team USA at the Victory Day tournament in Uman, Ukraine, this week, with all three eliminated by Ukrainians in the quarterfinals. 

In the 138-pound division, Napa SAL’s Brandon Trejo was stopped on cuts in the second round by Alexander Schet, while Westmoor High’s Suray Mahmutovic (415 BC, S.F.) was outpointed by fellow 178-pounder Richard Gomesh.  110-pounder Evan Sanchez (Fresno PAL) dropped a split decision to Djachenko.

All three boxers are expected to compete at the National Junior Olympics.

REGIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPICS LOOMING

Ruben “Dracula” Villa, Isidro Ochoa, and other future stars compete at the Region 11 Junior Olympic Championships on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Coyote Valley Casino in Redwood Valley. 

The winners advance to the National Junior Olympics from June 26-29 in Mobile, Ala.  Here are the current bout sheets for the Seniors (15-16) and Intermediate (13-14) divisions, pitting the NorCal champs (listed first) against their Central Cal counterparts:

SENIORS (15-16)

MEN

106 lbs.: Derek Ochoa (Valley Vipers BC, Clovis) – Unopposed

101 lbs.: Christopher Rodriguez (Woodland BC) vs. Ivan Varela (McDermont BC)

110 lbs.: Kevin Montano (Concord CYC) vs. Jacob Flores (Unattached, Parlier)

114 lbs.: William Young (Unattached, S.F.) vs. TBD

119 lbs.: Ivan Vergara (Vacaville PAL) vs. Ruben Villa (Backyard BC, Salinas)

125 lbs.: Uriel Sanchez (Unattached, Santa Rosa) vs. Isidro Ochoa (Fresno PAL)

132 lbs.: Charlie Sheehy (South S.F. BC) – Unopposed

138 lbs.: Joseph Murrieta (Unattached, Fresno) – Unopposed

145 lbs.: Angel Rios (Unattached, Sacramento) – Unopposed

154 lbs.: Amisael Jimenez (Caballero BC, Sacramento) – Unopposed

WOMEN

101 lbs.: Jackie Corona (La Corona BC, Arbuckle) – Unopposed

110 lbs.: Caroline Rojas (Velarde’s TC, Fresno) – Unopposed

114 lbs.: Odalys Camacho (Unattached, Bakersfield) – Unopposed

119 lbs.: Katrina Nahe (USF) – Unopposed

INTERMEDIATE (13-14)

MEN

75 lbs.: Jonas Persaud (Concord CYC) vs. Elian Lua (Main Events, Fresno)

80 lbs.: Angel Cordon (Old School BC, Concord) vs. Alexis DeLuna (Bakersfield PAL)

85 lbs.: Derry Edwards (Vacaville PAL) - Unopposed

90 lbs.: Angel Cordon (Old School BC, Concord) vs. Alexis DeLuna (Bakersfield PAL)

95 lbs.: Andre Conway (South S.F. BC) vs Israel Murrieta (Velarde's TC, Fresno)

101 lbs.: Manuel Yama (Unattached, Santa Rosa) vs. Allen Medina Jr. (Fresno PAL)

106 lbs.: Jesus Aguilar (South S.F. BC) - Unopposed

110 lbs.: Ivan Hurtado (Napa SAL) - Unopposed

114 lbs.: Isaac Rosales (Oakland BC) vs. Nicholas Bueno (Tulare AC)

119 lbs.: Cedric Salcedo (Golden State Bloodhounds, Sacramento)

125 lbs.: Thorn Castellon (Golden State BC, Fresno) - Unopposed

WOMEN

90 lbs.: Graciela Ortega (Dogg Pound Boxing, Sacramento)

95 lbs.: Chloe Beardsly (Concord CYC)

Ryan Maquiñana is the Boxing Insider at CSNBayArea.com.  Follow him on Twitter @RMaq28.

Where to Watch Mayweather-Guerrero in Northern California

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

RELATED: CSNBayArea.com's entire archive of Mayweather-Guerrero articles

RELATED: Weights from Las Vegas: Mayweather 146, Guerrero 147

Mayweather-Guerrero airs on Showtime PPV at 6:00 p.m. PT.  Here's a list of places in Northern California that will be showing the fight card.

MOVIE THEATERS

Bakersfield - Bakersfield Stadium 14
Chico - Cinemark Chico
Daly City - Century Plaza 20 with XD
Dublin - Hacienda Crossing 21 with IMAX
Elk Grove - Laguna 16
Emeryville - Bay Street 16 with IMAX
Folsom - Folsom 14
Fremont - Century Pacific Commons
Fresno - Fresno Stadium 21 with IMAX
Hayward - Century Theatre
Milpitas - Great Mall 20 with XD
Monterey - Monterey 13
Mountain View - Mountain View Cinemas 16
Napa - Century Silverado
Oceanside - Oceanside 16
Pleasant Hill - Pleasant Hill Downtown with XD
Redding - Movies 14 with XD
Redwood City - Century 20 Downtown Redwood City with XD
Roseville - Roseville 14 with XD
Sacramento - Sacramento Stadium 14, Sacramento Greenback Lane 16 with XD
Salinas - Salinas Northridge Mall 14
San Bruno - Century Theatres at Tanforan with XD
San Francisco - San Francisco Centre with XD
San Jose - Eastridge Mall with IMAX, San Jose Oakridge 20 with XD
San Mateo - San Mateo Downtown
Stockton - Stockton City Centre Stadium 16 with IMAX
Tracy - Movies 14
Union City - Union Landing 25 with XD
Vallejo - Vallejo 14
Walnut Creek - Walnut Creek 14 with XD
Yuba City - Yuba City Theater

BARS/RESTAURANTS 

(call for cover charge)

SAN FRANCISCO/PENINSULA

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

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


SOUTH BAY

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

Axis Nightclub
2909 Lakeside Dr.
Santa Clara, CA 95054

(408) 727-3300

EAST BAY

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

(510) 317-0200


SACRAMENTO



Shenanigans (see above)
705 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(510) 317-0200

Does Guerrero Have a "Ghost" of a Chance Against Mayweather?

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Robert Guerrero will flaunt a combined 74 professional wins between them heading into next Saturday’s WBC/Ring Magazine welterweight title prizefight in Las Vegas (6 p.m., Showtime PPV).

However, the only blemishes on either record belong to Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KOs). Nine years ago, the Gilroy native incurred a one-round technical draw when Julian Rodriguez was hit on the break and unable to continue; in 2005, he dropped a shocking 12-round split decision to Gamaliel Diaz that he would later avenge by knockout.

That’s not to say Mayweather (43-0, 26 KOs) has never come close to tasting defeat during a storied 17-year pro career. It’s just that such windows of opportunity have been few and far between for the Las Vegas resident.

With the defensive labyrinth he presents and uncanny ability to strike with venomous counter right hands and accurate left hooks from various linear planes, obtaining the meaning of Stonehenge or proving the Magic Bullet Theory, I’ve heard, carry better odds on the MGM Grand casino floor than a Mayweather loss.

Consequently, any brief flashes of vulnerability he’s shown over time have been magnified and dissected by boxing junkies in hopes of piecing together the ultimate anatomy of an upset.

So what has worked? Befitting his nickname, does Guerrero have a “Ghost” of a chance on Saturday? CSNBayArea.com gathered what little reconnaissance could be found on Floyd’s fallibility and recapitulated it into three key aspects.

1. PERPETUAL PRESSURE

To illustrate Mayweather’s dominance, every single win on his ledger has ended by either knockout or unanimous decision except one—a split decision against Oscar De La Hoya in 2007.

Mayweather ascended from the 147-pound welterweight limit to the 154-pound junior middleweight class for the first time, and the bigger but past-prime De La Hoya took advantage. He pumped left jabs early and often into Mayweather’s face and chest, following them up with nonstop pressure on the ropes.

“The jab is key to unlocking that Mayweather code. I was hitting Floyd with jabs all night,” De La Hoya told Showtime last month. “When you fight Floyd, you must bang the arms. Bang the elbows. Do everything it takes to take Floyd out of his comfort zone.”

Even if most of De La Hoya’s shots failed to land, the activity alone was designed to stunt his foe’s offense and punch output. Right or wrong, the judges rewarded him for it.

In fact, De La Hoya held an 86-85 lead on two of the three official scorecards heading into the 10th round before succumbing to fatigue over the final three frames. Guerrero is cognizant of this fact but has vowed a different outcome.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/ghost-chance-against-mayweather

Knight vs. Soto Set for May 11 in Mexico

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

World flyweight champion Ava Knight of Chico will defend her title against Linda Soto in the Estado de México in Toluca, Mex., on May 11, according to Mario Cabrera of BeatTheCount.com.

Knight (11-1-3, 5 KOs), coming off a unanimous decision over Susana Vazquez in January, will now face Soto (5-2, 3 KO), who was outpointed by Jolene Blackshear that same month.

Mexican television giant Televisa will broadcast the bout as Knight continues her march toward a megafight with Ana Maria Torres.

FULL RESULTS: 2013 Northern California Junior Olympics

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Your 2013 NorCal Junior Olympic champions. (Oscar Ortiz)

A new crop of champions were crowned at the 2013 Northern California Junior Olympics at Brisbane's Ring of Fire Boxing Club this weekend.

NorCal's finest now meet their Central Cal counterparts on May 11 at the Coyote Valley Tribal Youth Council in Redwood Valley for the right to represent Region 11 at J.O. Nationals in Mobile, Ala.

 
Here are your winners, courtesy of Lydia Martinez Razo, Oscar Ortiz, and Robert Rodriguez.  Click on the photos below to enlarge the view.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2013 

BEST BOUT (MALE): Uriel Sanchez vs. Noel Temores

BEST BOUT (FEMALE): Martha Arroyo vs. Ariana Garcia

BEST BOXER, JUNIORS (11-12): Cameron Smith

BEST BOXER, INTERMEDIATE (13-14): Angel Cordon

BEST BOXER, SENIORS (15-16): Angel Rios

Khan, Ramirez Outpoint Foes; F. Guerrero Stopped in 7

Guerrero showed heart but eventually was stopped by Quillin. (Tom Casino/Showtime)

Quillin Drops Guerrero Four Times, Seventh Round TKO:
http://www.boxingscene.com/quillin-drops-guerrero-four-times-seventh-round-tko--64901

Disaster Averted as Amir Khan Edges Julio Diaz:
http://www.boxingscene.com/disaster-averted-amir-khan-edges-julio-diaz--64904

Photos: Jose Ramirez Wins by Decision:
http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-beltran-mccumby-farenas-ramirez-win--64925

NorCal Boxing TV Guide: F. Guerrero, Khan, Ramirez in Action

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

From left to right: Fernando Guerrero (Tom Casino/Showtime), Amir Khan (AP), Jose Ramirez (Top Rank/Chris Farina)

 

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Showtime, 9:00 p.m.: Hayward-based Fernando Guerrero (25-1, 19 KOs) challenges Peter Quillin (28-0, 22 KOs) for the WBO middleweight title in Brooklyn's Barclays Center.

UniMás, 11:00 p.m.: Avenal's Jose Ramirez (2-0, 2 KOs) fights Antonio Martinez (1-1-2, 1 KO) in a lightweight bout at the Erwin Center in Austin, Tex.

Showtime, 11:30 p.m.: Hayward-based Amir Khan (27-3, 19 KOs) takes on Julio Diaz (40-7-1, 29 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England.

READ MORE ON THE MATCHUPS: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/boxing-notes-fernando-guerrero%E2%80%99s-road-%E2%80%98title-time%E2%80%99

Cal Men's Basketball and Jordan Brand Unveil New Look

By Ryan Maquiñana

Maqdown.com

Solomon and Kreklow show off the new look. (Cal Athletics/John Todd/ISI Photos)

The California Golden Bears men’s basketball team unveiled a new set of uniforms on Tuesday that were in line with the university athletic department’s program-wide rebranding venture.

Junior forward Richard Solomon and sophomore guard Ricky Kreklow modeled the standard home whites and road blues that were designed by Nike subsidiary Jordan Brand and will debut next season. 

Complete with a customized sans-serif typeface, rows of polka dots down the sides, and a new bear logo featured both on the shorts and on the back of the jersey as what Nike terms an “aerographic,” the fresh duds also serve a functional purpose as well.

“When you actually put the jersey on…you can actually feel that the jerseys are lighter than the jerseys we’ve had in the past,” Kreklow said in a video released by Cal Athletics.

A customary gold uniform will accompany the blue and white sets, with a fourth gray alternate set appearing in circulation for the first time in school history.  The team wore silver uniforms in 2010 for one game to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the first Air Jordan shoe. 

While traditionalist Old Blues may decry the new complexion of Cal’s sports teams, the modern look is here to stay, and the athletes are in favor of the changes.

“It’s like a sleek, nice look now,” Solomon said.  “I like the new logo, and I like the side print.”

Two weeks ago, athletic director Sandy Barbour revealed a restructured visual identity for all 29 of Cal’s intercollegiate programs after a lengthy two-year collaborative process with Nike.

RELATED: [New Cal Bears logo and uniforms]

“We feel we have developed guidelines that respect Cal's strong tradition and universally-recognized marks,” Barbour said. “At the same time, we realize that we need to create a look designed to evolve with our changing world.”

Not everything underwent a makeover.  The iconic script Cal will remain firmly in place as the school’s primary logo.

Quartet of Region 11 Boxers Tabbed for USA Boxing Training Camp

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Members of the Junior team pose after a study break. (Omar Sanchez)

USA Boxing has summoned four Region 11 amateurs to train with the national team for a mega training camp for all levels at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

In the Elite women's division, flyweight Marlen Esparza (Undisputed Gym, San Carlos) will hone her craft with coaches Benny Roman and Eugene Hart until May 11, when the team heads to the Women's Continental Championships in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela.

A trio of local boxers in the Junior men's division will join her in Colorado.  Flyweight Evan Sanchez (Fresno PAL), light welterweight Brandon Trejo (Napa SAL), and light heavyweight Suray Mahmutovic (415 B.C., San Francisco) will train until May 7, when they head to Uman, Ukraine, for the Victory Day Tournament.  Sanchez's father Omar will be a part of a coaching staff that includes Edward Rivas and Willie Moses.

Ryan Maquiñana was the boxing producer for NBCOlympics.com during London 2012 and writes a weekly column for CSNBayArea.com.  He is a full member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Ratings Panel for Ring Magazine. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at Norcalboxing.net, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

San Jose Olympian Molina Passes Away

Team Guerrero
Press Release

Molina was a 1956 U.S. Olympian at lightweight. (Team Guerrero)

April 22, 2013 - Bay Area boxer legend Luis Molina, who was a San Jose native, recently passed away.  Molina was the cousin of Bob Santos who manages six-time and four-division world champion Robert Guerrero.  Molina was close to Guerrero and was the person who stamped the approval for Bob Santos to the young phenom in the amateurs.  

Having competed many times in the South Bay as a professional, Molina is the only boxer from San Jose to have fought in the Olympics (1956). 

In an era where there was only one champion in a total of eight weight classes, Molina worked his way to the No. 1 spot, but didn't get a title shot against Carlos Ortiz who was considered one of the best fighters of that time.

He died at the age of 74 and will be remembered by Team Guerrero and those who loved him in his hometown of San Jose California.

"Luis Molina was a great person and a good friend of mine," said Robert Guerrero. "I remember very clearly when he came to see me train at age 17 when I first signed with my manager Bob Santos.  My condolences go out to his entire family.  He will be missed by all who knew him."

"My cousin Luis was a tremendous person and fighter," said Bob Santos. "He had an incredible eye for talent.  Robert Guerrero was the last fighter he scouted and we all know where 'The Ghost' is at today. I'm please that Robert had the opportunity to know him on a personal level because he gave Guerrero advice that is invaluable.  He came from an era in boxing that is gone forever.  May he rest in peace."

This Week in NorCal Boxing: WBC Wrong to Strip Ward of Title

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

Andre Ward has been wrongly stripped of his WBC title. (Tom Casino/Showtime)

THIS WEEK IN NORCAL BOXING:

-WBC wrong to strip Andre Ward of title
-Donaire going under the knife
-Pacquiao to Asia for October return
-49ers' Gore breaks down Canelo-Trout
-Lamonakis wants loss to Salazar reversed

LINK: www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/world-boxing-council-wrong-strip-ward-title

NorCal Boxing Extra: College Boxing Champs, Robb Signs, Gonzales Gets Title Shot

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Colin Schmitt (left) and Mac Pham celebrate their USIBA national title victories. (Mac Pham)

RELATED: [NorCal Boxing notes: WBC wrong to strip Ward of title]

AMATEUR NEWS

UC Davis and USF enjoyed a successful weekend at the inaugural U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Championships, which took place last weekend at USF's Koret Center.

According to UC Davis assistant coach Joel Stern, the Aggies were named the Most Outstanding Team of the tournament, with novice featherweight Mac Pham, open light middleweight Colin Schmitt, and novice middleweight Fabian Rivera winning their respective championship bouts.

NIT middleweight champion Connor Morgan and women's bantamweight champion Adrianna Boursalian led the charge for USF, as they were two of five Dons to make the final day of championship bouts.  Teammate Nargis Shaghasi was crowned unopposed open light welterweight champion as part of the first national accolades ever awarded to women.

Here are all the results involving local fighters in championship bouts:

WOMEN:
119 lbs.: Adrianna Boursalian (USF) def. Jocelyn Lewis (Army)
141 lbs.: Nargis Shaghasi (USF) won unopposed

MEN:
125 lbs. (novice): Mac Pham (UC Davis) def. Shawn Sullivan (VMI)
152 lbs. (open): Colin Schmitt (UC Davis) def. J.R. Abellon (USF)
165 lbs. (novice): Fabian Rivera (UC Davis) def. Jack Ryan (USF)
165 lbs. (NIT): Connor Morgan (USF) def. Greg Gonzalez (Georgetown)
165 lbs. (open): Adan Gonzalez (Georgetown) def. Sebastian Doerner (USF)

Click on the photo below for results from all three days of competition.

PRO NEWS

GONZALES GETS TITLE SHOT

Sacramento super middleweight Brandon Gonzales (17-0, 10 KOs) will make his HBO debut on June 29 when he faces South Africa's Thomas Oosthuizen (21-0-1, 13 KOs) at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

Gonzales, the 2011 CSNBayArea.com NorCal Prospect of the Year, shook off seven months of inactivity by pounding out a unanimous decision over Don Mouton in January.  Oosthuizen holds the IBO 168-pound world title, which is a fringe belt but would nonetheless propel Gonzales into a high ranking with the major sanctioning bodies.

RELATED: [NorCal Pound-for-Pound Top 10: March 2013]  

"It's a huge opportunity for Brandon to show he belongs at this level," said Dan Goossen, who co-promotes Gonzales with Antonio Leonard.

ROBB SIGNS WITH BOXING 360

Featherweight Guy Robb (10-1, 4 KOs), one of the region's most exciting fighters, has signed a promotional contract with Boxing 360, who also handles Joel Diaz Jr., the only man to defeat the Sacramento native in a 2012 war that fans are still talking about one year later.

"A lot of people want me to fight Joel again," Robb said in a press release.  "They loved the first fight and hope we can duplicate the action.  My fanbase did grow after that fight and I love my fans because they are the kind of fans that really appreciate a fighter who leaves it all the line."

Since his last outing, a unanimous decision over Adolfo Landeros in Sacramento last October, Robb has served as a sparring partner for Nonito Donaire and kept in shape by training at the Golden State Bloodhounds gym with Ray Woods.

Ryan Maquiñana was the boxing producer for NBCOlympics.com during London 2012 and writes a weekly column for CSNBayArea.com.  He is a full member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Ratings Panel for Ring Magazine. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at Norcalboxing.net, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

Mayweather Calls Bay Area "Hyphy," Verbally Jabs Guerrero

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

Floyd Mayweather’s cutman Rafael Garcia hasn’t tallied the results on his famous punch counter, but it’s safe to say that the prevailing words of choice chanted at the boxing superstar’s namesake gym are hard work and dedication.

But as the media mobbed him at his Las Vegas workout on Wednesday, the reigning WBC welterweight champion uttered a term more closely associated with upcoming May 4 foe Robert Guerrero’s Northern California home turf.

“I have an auntie from the Bay Area. She’s been there since the 80’s,” Mayweather told CSNBayArea.com. “I had a chance to go to the Bay Area. They get hyphy.”

Mayweather made a point to single out the Bay Area fight fans, especially with regard to his success at the box office.

“When you look at the pay-per-view numbers, I get a lot of love from the Bay Area,” he said. “I know that Robert is from the Bay Area, and I know he’s going to have a heavy fanbase where he’s from out supporting him, but the only thing we should be worried about is giving the fans excitement, and giving the people what they want to see.”

READ MORE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/mayweather-calls-bay-area-%E2%80%98hyphy%E2%80%99-talks-guerrero-matchup

Guerrero Workout Recap: Maxim Models, Ministers, and Mayweather Mocked

By Ryan Maquiñana

CSNBayArea.com 

The IBA Gym in Las Vegas was the scene for quite the spectacle on Tuesday afternoon, as Gilroy’s Robert Guerrero conducted a media workout that wasn’t short on entertainment.

Immediately after inviting a nearby photographer into the ring, Guerrero’s father Ruben flailed at the stranger’s fists and slapped them in an unceremonious ode to his son’s May 4 opponent, Floyd Mayweather.

“Patty cake! Patty cake!” Ruben screamed, eliciting laughter from the throng of press in attendance. “Baker’s man!”

The elder Guerrero wasn’t displaying an aggressive affinity for nursery rhymes, but rather, describing what he thought about Mayweather’s renowned focus mitts routine—one that Ruben decried as “fake punches.”

READ MORE: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/maxim-models-ministers-and-mocking-mayweather

UCA Law Enforcement Tripleheader Hits Richmond on Saturday

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

The United Combat Association will hold an amateur card Saturday at the Richmond PAL Sports Complex.  The main event will feature two of law enforcement's finest, Santa Clara PD's Matt Wurdinger and LAPD's Mike Barragan, facing off for the UCA light heavyweight state title.

In the co-main, Yolo Corrections' Cleon Jones takes on Rahasaan Harrison of the L.A. Sheriff's Department in an anticipated slugfest for the UCA super heavyweight state title.  The action continues as Santa Clara Sheriff Department's Brent Bugarin clashes with Jorge "The Baby Face Assassin" Caamal of the L.A. Sheriff's Department for the the vacant UCA welterweight state title.

There will also be a raffle that will include autographed gloves from Bay Area pro boxing stars Andre "S.O.G." Ward, Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo, and Fernando Guerrero, who fights for the WBO middleweight title on Showtime next week.

The event is sanctioned by USA Boxing.  Doors open at 4 p.m., and the first fight is at 6 p.m.  The Richmond PAL Sports Complex is located at 2200 MacDonald Avenue.  Tickets are $15 for general admission and $25 for ringside seats.  Proceeds from the card will benefit the LBC 38, Richmond PAL, and the Firemen Burn Center.

For more information, log on to unitedcombatassociation.com.

VIDEO: Rigondeaux Gets Off Canvas to Upset Donaire

By Ryan Maquiñana
CSNBayArea.com

Nonito Donaire’s 12-year win streak came to an end in New York City as Guillermo Rigondeaux outdueled him for the WBO, WBA, and Ring Magazine world junior featherweight titles at Radio City Music Hall on Saturday night.

Rigondeaux's technical skills were decisive. (Chris Farina)

Rigondeaux used his handspeed—but especially his feet—to fluster Donaire (31-2, 20 KOs), who constantly sought an opening to land the knockout blow over the 12-round distance. Though Donaire would send Rigondeaux to the canvas via an overhand left in the 10th round, the San Leandro resident found himself stalking his Cuban foe in vain.

“I got up right away,” Rigondeaux said of the knockdown. “He didn’t hurt me.”
Meanwhile, Rigondeaux (12-0, 8 KOs), who now lives in Miami, was able to stay out of Donaire’s striking distance, clocking the East Bay star with right jabs and swift left crosses, then subsequently maneuvering his way out of trouble repeatedly. In the 12th round, Donaire’s right eye closed shut, and the injury prevented him from one final push.

“The people that know boxing saw that it was a very good boxing fight,” Rigondeaux said. “I made him look the way he looked, which was bad, and I looked great…He’s an excellent fighter, with a great punch, but with one shot, you just can’t win a fight.”

READ FULL RECAP: http://www.csnbayarea.com/fight-sports/rigondeaux-gets-canvas-upset-donaire

Results from Sacramento's "Bash and Bike Show II"

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Abella "avenged" a draw with Cifuentes by unanimous decision the second time around. (Erik Killin)

Sacramento's John Abella (4-0-1, 2 KOs) UD6 Salvador Cifuentes (1-5-1)
Pacifica's Martha Salazar (12-4, 3 KOs) UD6 Sonya Lamonakis (7-1-2, 1 KO)*
San Francisco's Ricardo Pinell (3-0-1, 2 KOs) TKO3 Sacramento's Velvet Malone (0-5)
Sacramento's Mario Ayala (2-0) MD4 Angel Silva (0-1)
Sacramento's Larry Ward (2-4, 1 KO) TKO1 Scott Rosa (0-1)
Oscar Vasquez (4-1) UD4 Don Jose (0-2)

*Lamonakis has petitioned the California commission to change the result to a no-contest because the rounds were three minutes long, and not the standard two minutes per round.

FIGHT CARD DATE: April 13, 2013
VENUE: Lions Gate Conference Center (Sacramento, Calif.)
PROMOTER: O.P.P. Presents

Nationals, Day Six: Esparza Repeats as Champ; NCBA Results

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Esparza captured her eighth national title.

USA BOXING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS

SENIOR MEN FINALS

114 lbs: Charles Williams, Colorado Springs, Colo., won by TKO3 over Andrew Moy, San Francisco, Calif.#

ELITE MEN FINALS


165 lbs: Le'Shawn Rodriguez, Shirley, N.Y., dec. Daniel Thomas, Concord, Calif., 2-1 (tiebreaker).#

ELITE WOMEN FINALS

112 lbs: Marlen Esparza, San Carlos, Calif.*, dec. Virginia Fuchs, Kemah, Tex., 2-1
165 lbs: Franchon Crews, Baltimore, Md., dec. Raquel Miller, San Francisco, Calif., 3-0#. 

NCBA NATIONAL COLLEGIATE FINALS

139 lbs: Emmanuel Osei, Army, dec. Gabriel Sanchez, San Jose State

Sportsmanship Award: Colin Schmitt, UC Davis

* = won gold
# = won silver
^ = won bronze

San Jose State's Sanchez in NCBA Final on ESPN3

By Ryan Maquiñana
Norcalboxing.net

Sanchez, third from right, is one win away from a national title. (SJSU Boxing)

 
San Jose State's Gabriel Sanchez stands one win away from a national title as he faces Army's Emmanuel Osei in Saturday's NCBA 139-pound national final at the Foxwoods Casino in Nashantucket, Conn.

Sanchez is the only NorCal boxer remaining, as UC Davis 156-pounder Colin Schmitt dropped his semifinal.  By virtue of finishing in the final four, Schmitt has earned All-America honors.

If Sanchez were to win on Saturday, he'd be the second Spartan in as many years to accomplish the feat.  Oscar Gomez won last year's NCBA 147-pound final, but lost in the national quarterfinals this season. 

Sanchez-Osei will air on ESPN3.com starting at 4 p.m. PT.