Boxing Fans,
Arizona Boxers Eddie Brooks (welterweight) and Javier Loya(light welterweight) fought in the state of New York recently and both young men left the Empire State with knockout losses. Brook’s night ended at 1:35 into the first round while Loya’s bout was scored as a second round knockout, according to boxrec. The loss dropped Brook’s record to 9-4 while Loya now has 7 wins and 2 defeats. In retrospect, both veteran combatants should have considered the option of waiting for another payday.
Brook’s decision to fight Thomas Dulorme , 16-1 after his win, is really mind boggling. He was inactive for almost two years before his tumultous meeting with Dulorme. And in his prior fight, Brooks lost to an opponent that was a huge underdog. In that performance, he was lethargic and out worked although he did rally in the last two rounds to make the contest somewhat competitive.
The first sign of trouble for Brooks was at the weigh-in. He was several pounds over and fined for his condition. According to an inside source, Brooks was told not to add on additional weight; otherwise he would be removed from the card. Meanwhile his opponent was given free access to the food chain. Sounds strange, but Brooks put himself in that predicament by reporting overweight and out of shape. In boxing circles, it’s commonly referred as LOPD, Lack of Practice Disease. Take note, Mr.Brooks isn’t the only boxer afflicted with this curable disease.
So, the outcome was no surprise. His defenders, if they exist, may point to the fact that he was a last minute replacement and that explains why he had no game. Keep in mind, Brooks was supposed to be training for a March 2 encounter with Canadian Steve Claggett in Calgary, Alberta. Eddie told me he would be ready for Claggett and the normally modest fighter predicted a dominate win over the popular Canadian who backed out of the tentative contest and accepted another fight in Edmonton, Alberta on (coincidentally) March 2,; the same day he was to meet Brooks in Calgary. In hindsight, Fan Base, promoter of the To Be Determined On 3/2/13 show,
might feel betrayed by the Claggetts who agreed verbally to meet Brooks, but never sat down and signed a binding contract. Next Time
ink the deal.
After Brook’s New York defeat, Claggett’s father (A businessman) described the beaten fighter as a boxing bum who isn’t in the same class as his son whose record stands at 15-1-1.Brooks supporters retaliated by asking Claggett to step up to the plate and challenge Dulormeafter his face off with Alexandre Lepelley in Edmonton on March 2 at the Shaw Conference Centre. A reply is pending.
Brooks poor performance may be a roadblock to any attempt to try to unite Claggett/Brooks on their still pending Sergio Mora vs. Jesus Gonzales card on April 19 in Phoenix? The event has a contractual Camera Clause in the signed contract which stipulates the fight will only happen if it is televised and if the television element isn’t secured by March 1, the deal is proclaimed Null and Void. As for Brooks, his future in boxing is uncertain.
Javier Loya’s story has a different narrative. His work ethic has never been questioned nor the size of his heart. His fans are shocked that his fight with Issouf Kinda (15-0) ended so abruptly despite Kinda’s advantage in professional fight experience. I believe Javier will sit down with his family and make the best decision for them. If in his heart of hearts, he doesn’t think he can ever fight for a championship, I believe he will walk away from the sport he truly loves. He may take 1 more fight to decide, but a decision is coming. Good luck to both men.
Golden Discount: Boxing Fans planning to take in the 66th Annual Golden Gloves Tournament at The Arizona Event Center in Mesa on March 1-3 (Fri.,Sat.,Sun) can go online and take advantage of a 2-1 offer. Google in “Voice Daily Deals-Half Off Ticket Packages to AZ Golden Gloves www.voicedailydeals.com/phoenix/ or dial 480-779-7716 if you need assistance. Action begins at 7 p.m. on Friday March 1 with special guests, 5 Time World Champion Michael Carbajal, Former IBF/NABF Super Middleweight Champion Jesus El Martillo and many more boxing notables from Arizona. Proceeds benefit the Arizona Golden Gloves and The Phoenix Boys & Girls Center in Phoenix. The Saturday and Sunday Shows start at 3 p.m. Don’t forget to participate in the daily raffle and win nice prizes.The Arizona Event Center is located at 1300 S. Country Club Drive in Mesa, Arizona 85210. Wayne Craig and his “Center” partners donated the venue for the Event. A very benevolent gesture!
Insert Foot: Craig Fouhy, Sports Director for ABC Affiliate channel #15 in Phoenix, is known for his candid on air opinions,but it was his off air remarks that has him in trouble with boxing fans. Mr. Fouhy (pronounced phooey) attended the recently concluded Arizona Diamond Back Fan Fest and he was asked why his station didn’t cover boxing. The brave questioner also asked if the broadcaster,as a journalist, didn’t have the responsibility to cover all sports including boxing. With a big smile on his face, Mr. Fouhy looked at the man and delivered the following statement” “First of all, I’m not a journalist, I’m a former coach”. Secondly. our fans are mainly women and women don’t like boxing ; therefore, we (ABC 15) don’t cover boxing. Does that answer your question”. Not really, replied the questioner who seemed stunned by the coach (pretend journalist) walked away shaking his head in disbelief. Boxing fans can reach Mr. Fouhy by calling the ABC 15 News Desk at: 602-685-6397. Don’t be shy, give him a call.
AZ Notes: Undefeated Arizona Light Heavyweight Trevor McCumby, born in Yorkville Illinois, upped his record to 10-0-8KO’s with a unanimous decision win over Ricardo Campilo in California. Trevor is managed by Cameron Dunkin, Promoted by Top Rank Inc.”s Boxing Academy in Oxnard California and Alan & Wayne Viers (Busted Knuckle Gym) in Phoenix, Arizona. Sounds like an A Team. If Robert, Alan and Wayne can find him enough good sparring partners,
Magicd Debut: Luis “Magic Hands” Olivares (140 lbs) fighting out of Glendale, Arizona (Busted Knuckle Gym) makes his pro debut on the Dibs vs. Franco under card March 1 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket Connecticut. The 20 years will fight at junior welterweight when he takes on Rafael Munoz in a 4 round bout. Luis tried out for the 2012 USA Olympic team, but fell short. Luis has some good tools and a good work ethic;so he could develop into a winning pro. Check back after 5 fights.
Mystery Heavyweight: Trainer/former boxing champ George Garcia Sr. (Hammer Gym) is keeping the wraps on a new heavyweight in town. Garcia likes him because he listens and is willing to learn. George wont drop his name,but he describes him as athletic and strong. The heavyweight is 28-29 years of age and is new to the sport of boxing. He has played other sports including football. Garcia doesn’t talk about his fighters unless they’re special…stay tuned.
Odds & Ends: Mike Tyson’s “Undisputed Truth” stage show scheduled for Phoenix on 2/23 was cancelled due to lack of ticket sales. There was some speculation that Iron Mike wanted to skip Phoenix because of his daughter’s tragic death in the city, four years ago. I
don’t have a confirmation on that assertion. Over 30 in boxing doesn’t mean over the hill. Joe Martell and Diamond Baier didn’t turn professional until they were past 30 and they always bring something to the table. Both guys are good role models for young boxers. When you see their names on a card, buy a ticket……….All around good guy Rafael Valenzuela has retired. There was talk about a comeback, but family comes first. Good Luck!…
Bad Boy Boxing is back at Ft. McDowell Casino in the Radisson Ballroom on March 9. Tickets run $35-75.00. Always a packed house. If you want to box; call Len at 480-772-600. If MMA is your cup of tea, call Dave at 610-291-0806.Please make sure to read the fine print.
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
