November 22, 2008 - RAMA, Ont. (AP)—Panama’s Celestino Caballero beat previously undefeated Steve Molitor on Friday night, stopping the Canadian 52 seconds into the fourth round to retain the WBC super featherweight title and take Molitor’s IBF crown.

Caballero improved to 31-2, while Molitor dropped to 28-1.

An uppercut sent Molitor crashing to the canvas early in the fourth, and the referee stepped in to stop it as Caballero readied to pummel The Canadian Kid yet again.

“I worked hard for this fight,” Caballero said. “God helped me to this victory. … Molitor is not a warrior. He was a fine, great champion, but only for the public.”

Molitor entered the fight with a 6-0 record in championship bouts.

“He was the better man,” Molitor said. “I felt tight going in.”

Garay, Brähmer make weight!
Photos: Sumio Yamada

Jürgen Brähmer 174.25 vs. Hugo Hernan Garay 175
(WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship)

Linares-Garcia Officials!
By Gabriel F. Cordero

November 20, 2008 - The WBA brought to light the officials that will handle the fight between Venezuelan Jorge "Niño de Oro" Linares and Panamanian Whyber Garcia that will have in play the super featherweight belt of the organization with headquarters in Panama City. The match will take place on November 28th in that city at the Figali Convention Center.

The referee is Steve Smoger (US) and the scoring will be done by Luis Rivera (USA), Cesar Ramos (Puerto Rico) and Uriel Aguilera (Colombia). The supervisor will be Renzo Bagnariol of Nicaragua.

Holyfield invades Europe!
Photo: Sauerland Event

November 19, 2008 - Evander Holyfield is convinced he will write boxing history on December 20 when he challenges WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev in Zurich. The 46-year-old could become the oldest title-holder of all time if he beats the Russian Giant, who is the biggest and tallest champion in the history of boxing.

The "Real Deal" certainly knows there is a tough challenge ahead of him. "I want to make the most of the chance and become world heavyweight champion for the fifth time," he said at today´s press conference in Zurich. "I do not just want to win the title but also defend it afterwards. I am still in great shape." Holyfield arrived in Germany on Monday to undergo extensive medicals checks in Bayreuth under the guidance of ring doctor Professor Dr. Walter Wagner. "I might not have fought in over a year but all those who think that I am not able of competing for the world title any more will be surprised," Holyfield stated. "I know what to do inside the ring. I have been boxing for 38 years so I know how to make correct assessments."

Gilberto Mendoza to be inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame

Panama City, Nov. 14, 2008 – The World Boxing Association (WBA) is pleased to announced that on Saturday November 15th its President, Dr. Gilberto Mendoza, will be inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF) in the city of Los Angeles.

Dr. Mendoza, who has been President of the WBA for the last 26 years was selected to be part of a select group of boxing celebrities in honor to his renowned career as a boxing leader as well as to his continue efforts for developing social programs and activities throughout the world.

Dr. Mendoza will be inducted into the WBHF Expanded Category along with trainer and cutman Miguel Diaz, promoter Akihiko Honda and CEO of Reyes Boxing Gloves Alberto Reyes.

In the Boxer Category, Greg Haugen, Marvin Johnson, Lennox Lewis and Pernell Whitaker will be inducted.

“I’m deeply honored as the World Boxing Hall of Fame has selected me to be inducted into de Expanded Category along with other friends who have displayed outstanding performance in the sport of professional boxing. The World Boxing Hall of Fame is an institution that recognizes the contribution of those people who make possible the permanence of the International boxing activity through their different roles in boxing,” Dr. Mendoza said.

The Induction Ceremony will be held at the LAX Mmarriott hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday and will be conducted by the WBHF President Adolfo D. Pérez.

Gilberto Mendoza ingresa al Salón Mundial de la Fama

Ciudad de Panamá, 14 de noviembre de 2008 – La Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB) se complace en anunciar que el próximo 15 de noviembre se concretará el ingreso de su presidente, el Dr. Gilberto Mendoza, al Salón Mundial de la Fama del Boxeo de la ciudad de Los Ángeles.

El Dr. Mendoza, quien ha presidido la AMB durante 26 años, fue elegido para integrar el selecto grupo de miembros del Salón Mundial de la Fama como distinción a su reconocida trayectoria como dirigente de este deporte, así como por su interés por integrar el pugilismo con diversas actividades y programas de desarrollo social en todo el mundo.

Dentro del grupo de personalidades que ingresará este año al Salón Mundial de la Fama, el Dr. Mendoza integrará la Categoría Expandida junto al entrenador y cura-heridas Miguel Díaz, el promotor Akihiko Honda y el gerente de la compañía fabricante de guantes Reyes, Alberto Reyes.

En la categoría de boxeadores ingresarán Greg Haugen, Marvin Johnson, Lennox Lewis y Pernell Whitaker.

“Estoy profundamente agradecido por este reconocimiento junto a varios amigos que han brillado en el boxeo. El Salón Mundial de la Fama merece el mayor de los respetos, por lo que para mí es un honor integrarlo”, señaló el Dr. Mendoza.

La ceremonia de inducción se llevará a cabo el sábado 15 de noviembre en el hotel Marriott de Los Ángeles, en los Estados Unidos, y será presidida por el Presidente del Salón Mundial de la Fama, Adolfo D. Pérez.

Q&A: Nikolai Valuev!
By Alex Potapov

November 12, 2008 - WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev has given an exclusive interview to Fightnews.com. The Russian Giant told us about preparation for his fight against former four-time champion Evander Holyfield, and also has told us that wishes to box against Vitali Klitschko.

You will fight on December 20th against Evander Holyfield. Your manager said that you do not want this fight.

Yes, that is validly so. I am seriously concerned about this boxer. He was a great champion, but at 46 years of age, his time has already passed. This fight, however, will take place.

Could you find another opponent to fight?

To tell the truth, no. I do not have other options. Worthy nominees except Holyfield are not present. But I think that this fight it is not such a good reflection of my image.

What you know about Holyfield?

Behind his shoulders is a wide experience. But I am assured of the victory. More Information...

Mikkel Kessler: "I Want To Fight Bernard Hopkins"
By Mark Vester - Taken from boxingscene.com

November 10, 2008 - WBA super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler was one of the many fighters to sit ringside for Joe Calzaghe's masterful performance against Roy Jones Jr. last Saturday in New York's Madison Square Garden.

Speaking with Bill Emes of BoxingScene.com, Kessler said the fight went as exactly as he predicted to others. He thought Jones put on a good showing, but Calzaghe looked like a master.

"He looked very good. He's frustrating to fight with. I saw it in Roy Jones' eyes. When I fought him it was the same. He's awkward and difficult to fight. I predicted it [on how bad Calzaghe would beat Jones], but I didnt't know what Jones had to give because I hadn't seen [a] Roy Jones [fight] in a couple of years. He wasn't bad, but Joe was good tonight," Kessler said.

Kessler told BoxingScene that he would love to get a rematch with Calzaghe. Last November, Calzaghe won a unanimous decision over Kessler to unify the super middleweight division. When the question was thrown regarding a possible fight with Bernard Hopkins, Kessler's eyes opened wide. He informed BoxingScene that he would love the opportunity to fight Hopkins.

"Yes, of course [I would fight Hopkins]. Of course Hopkins. But, I would like to fight Joe, but he doesn't like rematches. [The Kelly Pavlik win] was a great fight for Hopkins. He did very good and of course I want to fight Hopkins - if I get the chance," Kessler said.

Linares going for WBA 130 belt!
By Boxing Bob Newman - Taken from fightnews.com

November 4 2008 - On November 29, Promociones Y Eventos Istmo of Panama will present "Concentration of Power," a blockbuster 15 fight card.

The event will be headlined by a contest for the vacant WBA super featherweight title between former WBC feather champ Jorge "El Niño de Oro" Linares of Venezuela and Whyber "Showtime" Garcia of Panama. Former champ Noel Arambulet will also appear on the card.

Darchinyan Stops Mijares
By KEN PETERS, AP Sports Writer

November 2, 2008 - CARSON, Calif. (AP)—Vic Darchinyan knocked Cristian Mijares down with a left uppercut in the first round and finally finished him off in with a jolting straight left in the ninth Saturday night in their super flyweight title unification fight.

IBF champ Darchinyan dominated the match of 115-pounders from start to finish to take away Mijares” WBC and WBA crowns. More Information...

November 2, 2008 - OBERHAUSEN, Germany (AP)—Felix Sturm retained his WBA middleweight title with an unanimous decision over Sebastian Sylvester on Saturday.

Sturm used a punishing left jab to dominate the clean fight.

The judges scored it 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 for Sturm.

“I have respect for every fighter and Sylvester fought a good fight,” Sturm said. “I had to work hard with my jab and I improved with every round.” More Information...

John receives 70 stitches!
By Jeff Pamungkas - Taken from fightnews.com

October 27, 2008 - WBA featherweight champion Chris John had to undergo minor surgery at the MMC Hospital in Jakarta, as soon as he arrived in Indonesia on Saturday night after his hard fought twelve-round title defense against the tough boxer Hiroyuki Enoki in Tokyo, Japan. the press. 'Hurricane Sylvester' spoke ahead of the biggest fight of his career. More Information...

Kessler retains WBA super middle title

October 25, 2008 - Mikkel Kessler of Denmark retained his WBA super middleweight title Saturday by knocking out Danilo Haeussler of Germany in the third round.

Kessler caused Haeussler’s left eye to start swelling in the second round. The Dane ended the fight with a left to Haeussler’s chin 1:08 into the third. He went down flat on his back and could not beat the count.

Kessler improved to 41-1, with 31 knockouts. Haeussler fell to 29-4 with one draw.

Kessler lost his WBA and WBC titles in a unification bout with Joe Calzaghe last November, then won back the vacant WBA belt with a knockout of Dimitri Sartison in June.

John still WBA featherweight champ!
By Joe Koizumi

October 24, 2008 - Unbeaten WBA feather champ Chris John (42-0-1, 22 KOs), 125.5, kept his belt as he coped with rough attacks of unbeaten Japanese challenger Hiroki Enoki (27-1-2, 17 KOs),126, and pounded out a hard-fought unanimous decision (117-111, 118-110 twice) over twelve on Friday in Tokyo, Japan.

Photo by Sumio Yamada

Margarito ready for next foe
Feature story and photo by Felipe Leon - Taken from fightnews.com

Octobre 23, 2008 - Ever since the biggest win of his storied 14-year pro career over Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto this past July, WBA welterweight super champion Antonio Margarito (37-5, 27 KOs) has been logging in the frequent flyer miles travelling all over the western hemisphere to various fight cards in Las Vegas, Puerto Rico and Mexico City, and boxing events including the WBA annual convention in the Dominican Republic.

Along the way, he has met thousands of fans whom he does not hesitate to attend with a smile, an autograph and a photo opportunity. More Information...

Q&A: Ruslan Chagaev!
By Alexey Potapov / fightnews.com

Photo: Universum Box-Promotion

October 16, 2008 - WBA heavyweight champion in recess Ruslan Chagaev has given an exclusive interview to Fightnews.com in which he spoke about his impressions about the Vitali Klitschko-Sam Peter match, and possible fights against Nikolai Valuev and the Klitschko brothers.

Ruslan, what did you think about the fight between Vitali Klitschko and Sam Peter?

I watched it on TV. Vitali's performance was great. He was clever and cool. His tactics were perfect. Peter had no chance to solve this problem. In general, Peter is able to box in another way. I don't know what happened exactly with Peter.

Did you expect that Klitschko would win so easily against Peter?

Not that easy. Before that fight I saw a fifty-fifty chance to win for Vitali.

Do you approve of a fight between Nikolay Valuev and Kali Meehan?

Meehan? I don't know him. Sorry. I will fight Valuev. That's what the WBA told me at the last convention in Punta Cana. I was there. I don't know when it will be or where it will be, but he will have to face me. I'm in recess but I'm the champion. And then I could fight one the Klitschkos. For me it makes no difference. I would fight both. I'm too fast for them. They wouldn't hit me. More Information...

Kentikian returns Dec. 5th!

October 13, 2008 - Spotlight Boxing has announced the lineup for the December 5th the "ProSieben Fight Night" at the Brandberge Arena in Halle/Saale, Germany. Headlining will be popular WBA/WIBF flyweight champion Susi Kentikian along with unbeaten WBO #1 middleweight Sebastian Zbik, unbeaten super featherweight Vitali Tajbert and unbeaten heavyweight Sebastian Körb.

Filling out the card will be up-and-coming fighters Oliver Güttel, Tommy Altmann and Falko Besser. Opponents will be named in the coming days.

WBA Convention closes in Punta Cana
Photos by Sumio Yamada

October 5, 2008 - The 87th WBA Annual Convention closed on Friday in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic after a long session of work that included the medical seminnar, conclusion on several issues discussed during the week and a gala banquet that had a boxing card featuring some Latin prospects.

The medical seminnar included nine compelling speeches delivered by an esteemed panel of physicians and specialists. Introducing the panel of speakers and delivering his own material was WBA Mecial Committee Director Dr. Calvin Inalsingh. The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Cantu, renowned neurosurgeon known in the boxing world largely for his involvement in the case of former number one heavyweight contender “Baby' Joe Mesi. More Information...

WBA President Mendoza Speaks
By Boxing Bob Newman / www.fightnews.com

October 5, 2008 - Longtime WBA president Gilberto Mendoza took time out of his busy schedule during the 87th annual WBA convention in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to speak with Fightnews about his tenure as president of boxing's oldest sanctioning organization, how times have changed and the future he sees the future of the organization...

President Mendoza, you've just been successfully re-elected as president after completing twenty six years in your position, is that correct?
Yes, that is correct. I was first elected in 1982 in San Juan, Puerto Rico during that year's convention.

Originally, your term was two years and then switched to four years, right?
Yes, in Philadelphia about six years later. We had changed the constitution to a term of four years.

At the convention in Yalta, Ukraine, we approved a new constitution totally, but we kept the four year term. Continue...