Friday, December 28, 2018

KA-DY KING





 
   Ka-dy King was a favorite of Michigan fight fans. He started his pro boxing career on June 25, 1990 when he went up to Canada and handed Brian Noel a defeat by first round knockout.

   He then ran off 4 straight wins against some pretty tough opponents before being put in with a young up-and-comer, former U.S. Olympian named Montell Griffin (6-0).  Griffin won the unanimous decision to remain unbeaten, and hand King his first loss as a professional.

   King continued his campaign and ran off a 6-win streak against more solid opposition. He stopped 5 of them. He was then placed in another battle of prospects as he squared off with local favorite Courtney "Pound for Pound" Butler (15-2-1) in Maryland. It was the home-town guy's night as he ko'd King in round 6.

   King returned to the ring and successfully campaigned, this time running off a 10-fight winning streak that included 8 knockouts! Ka-dy was now 21-2 and, he was put in with another top contender - Jose Luis Rivera (17-2) on the undercard of Johnny Tapia/Jorge Eliecer Julio at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It was a close one, but Rivera got the decision victory over 8 rounds.

   King won his next 3 bouts and with a 24-3, 16 ko record he was world ranked. He got his shot at a world title on Dec. 16, 2000 but would have to travel to Germany for a challenge against unbeaten Dariusz Michalczewski (42-0, 35 ko) for his WBO Light Heavyweight championship.

King battles Dariusz Michalzewski for the WBO World Title
     King was patient as he tried to box with the favored champion. Round 7 was the end when the champion caught King with a series of lefts, and a big right hand that put the challenger to the ropes. King didn't appear that badly hurt, but the referee Geno Rodriguez called the bout to a stop. King was trailing on all 3 judges' scorecards 59-55 at the time of the stoppage.

   Ka-dy King fought on for 4 more years but he went 1-6 in that stretch, facing off with some top notch contenders including Julian "Mr. KO" Letterlough, O'Neil Bell, and a 10 round decision loss to undefeated Rydell Booker (7-0) for the Michigan State Cruiserweight title.

   King ended his 14 year pro boxing carreer with a solid final record of: 25 wins, 10 defeats, winning 17 by knockout.

   Ka-dy King is remembered as a fine professional boxer with good skills, good power, and a good chin.

   Check out his complete pro record: KA-DY KING on Boxrec.com

________________________________________

   If you would like to see Ka-dy King in action on DVD, I have these bouts available:

KA-DY KING vs

1. DERRICK EDWARDS                  [w-4]
2. MIKE SUSKI                                [tko-4] (Rds. 3 & 4 of 4 ONLY)
3. JOEL HUMM                                [ko-3]
4. DARIUSZ MICHELCZEWSKI   [tko-by-7] {WBO Light Heavy Title}
5. JULIAN LETTERLOUGH           [ko-by-2]

_____________________________________________

Contact me via e-mail: The Boxing Guru via E-Mail

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For Boxing Fans:

For Disney World & Disneyland Fans:


To order either book, visit: Dan's Amazon Page
  

  
  

























Friday, November 30, 2018

CLARENCE GARCIA

Nickname: "The Sheriff"



   Santa Fe, New Mexico's Clarence Garcia turned professional May 30, 1996 at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Arizona.  It was a battle of pro debuting heavyweights, and it was California's David "The Boss" Bostice's night as he stopped Garcia in the first round.

   Garcia would fight his next 5 fights in the friendly confines of New Mexico, and showed great improvement, and a bit of promise as he won them all, 4 by knockout.

   Two straight first round stoppages against fellow New Mexicans Gilbert Martinez, and Trent Packer.

   He was stepped up a bit in his 4th pro fight as he faced 8-fight veteran Mike Middleton of Florida. It was a good hard fight, and Garcia got the win on a split decision. One of the judges saw it 58-56 for Middleton, while the other two had scores of 58-56, and 58-55 in favor of Garcia.


  Just about 6 weeks later, Clarence stepped into the ring against pro debuting former college football player Pepper Seals. The bout was stopped when Seals suffered a terrible injury pulling his shoulder out of the socket during the match, and was unable to continue. Referee Lorenzo Saiz had no choice but to halt the bout, ending in a tko win for the home-town favorite in round 1!

   Clarence Garcia would step into the ring just once more as he faced off with Denver's Robert Trader and finished his short pro boxing career with a 2nd round tko win.

   Clarence "The Sheriff" Garcia's career was short, but power packed, and exciting! He showed improvement as a fighter, and many wonder what he could have accomplished if his career had continued, but for whatever reason, he fought for just under 2 years as a professional.

   He ended with a final ledger of 5-1, with 4 knockouts.

Check out his complete record on boxrec: Complete record of CLARENCE GARCIA



If you would like to see Clarence Garcia in ring action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

CLARENCE GARCIA vs


1. GILBERT MARTINEZ        [tko-1]
2. TRENT PACKER                 [ko-1]
3. MIKE MIDDLETON           [w-6]
4. PEPPER SEALS                  [tko-1]
5. ROBERT TRADDER          [tko-2] (*Garcia's LAST pro bout)

_________________________________________________________

Contact me at: Disneyguru@outlook.com

Order your copy of: MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing

available on amazon: Order MAT TALES























Saturday, November 3, 2018

GOLDEN JOHNSON

Nickname: 14 kt

   Born in Houston, Texas - Golden "14 kt" Johnson had a stellar amateur boxing career that saw him finish with a record of 85-10,  winning 2 national titles, and receiving an invitation to the 1992 U.S. olympic trials.

   He started his professional campaign on Sept. 3, 1993 in San Antonio, TX with a 1st round tko win over fellow Texan Chris George.

   One month later, he traveled to Puerto Rico where he was stopped by local favorite Pedro Calderon.

   He bounced back with a pair of wins, and then took 3 straight fights against undefeated fighters, going 1-0-2.  After 7 fights Johnson's record now stood at a solid 4-1-2.

   This is when Golden Johnson's talent started to really shine.  He ran off an 8-fight win streak to build his record to an impressive 12-1-2 before facing his first world class test.

   June 6, 1998 at Arizona Charlie's Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV saw Golden in his biggest step-up bout as he squared off with highly regarded prospect Juan "Hispanic causing panic" Lazcano who came in with an equally impressive record of 14-1-1.  Johnson shocked boxing insiders as he scored a 3rd round technical knockout win over Lazcano.  The shock wasn't so much that Johnson won the bout, but rather, how he won so convincingly!  That victory instantly raised his reputation as is demonstrated by the level of competition he would face from that point on.

   In his next bout, Johnson was named as the man who would challenge James "Too Sweet" Crayton for the vacant NABF Lightweight championship.  July of 1998, nearly 5 years after starting as a pro, Johnson traveled to Connecticut and won that title with a spirited, close, but unanimous decision win.

   Golden Johnson was now 14-1-2, and he was the North American Boxing Federation's Lightweight Champion.  He won his next bout by tko in 4 rounds against Mexico's 45-fight veteran Jesus Saldana before stepping into his first title defense.

   October 16, 1998 saw Johnson in another matchup of highly respected contenders when he squared off against former IBO world champ, and current USBA Lightweight Champion - Israel "Pito" Cardona (29-2). The title belts of both champions were on the line - winner takes all.  It turned out to be the close fight that everyone was expecting, but when the dust settled, and the judges' scorecards were read, it was Cardona walking away with the win, and the titles on scores of 116-112 for Cardona, 116-112 for Johnson, and the deciding card going 115-113 for Cardona in a razor close fight that could have easily gone either way.

   That close loss only cemented Johnson's standing as a world class contender, and in his next fight, he was put into his first challenge for a World Title belt!  Golden Johnson would challenge undefeated phenom and IBF World Champion - "Sugar" Shane Mosley (30-0) for his IBF title.  Jan. 9, 1999 in Pensacola, FL was the night, and it belonged to The "Sugar Man" as Shane Mosley was at his fighting peak that night looking sharp, and stopping Johnson in round 7 to defend his world championship.

   Back-to-back losses, but they came at the highest level, and that did not stop the determined Johnson from getting back to work and getting back on the winning track.  He disposed of Eduardo Martinez with a 3rd round knockout, and then regained his NABF Lightweight belt from the man who now held it - Filipino - Miguel Arrozal (27-10-1), stopping the man known as "The Manila Mauler" in 4 rounds.

   Johnson then defeated Eldon Sneed, before losing a war to Ben "Wonder" Tackie (18-1).  Again, that loss did not deter him, as he stepped up in weight class, and defeated fellow contender Teddy Reid for the vacant NABF Jr. Welterweight title belt.  Golden was now a 2 division NABF champion, and back in the hunt for another world title shot.

   In his next fight, Johnson moved up in weight again, and challenged Bobby Heath (23-8-4) for his NABF Welterweight championship.  March 22, 2001 was a great night at the Freeman Coliseum for Johnson as he was all business, and left no doubt about the outcome, stopping the champion at 2:20 of round 6, and winning his 3rd NABF title belt in a 3rd weight division!

   The roller-coaster ride continued as Johnson was ko'd in 3 rounds by world-ranked contender "Vicious" Vivian Harris (17-1-1) just 3 months later in an ESPN2 televised, non-title bout at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia.

   As was his tradition, Golden Johnson got right back to work and scored an impressive 4th round tko win of his own over undefeated Johnny Casas (9-0) in an all-Texas showdown.  He then defended his NABF Welterweight title belt with an equally impressive 11th round knockout over Chantel Stanciel (20-1-1) in New York.

   Four months later, Johnson went after another title belt, this time it was the WBC Continental Americas Jr. Welter belt, held by Cosme Rivera (23-7-2).  The fight was held at The Scope arena in Norfolk, Virginia, on a card that also featured Larry Holmes vs Eric "Butterbean" Esch.  The Rivera/Johnson fight went the full 12 rounds, with Rivera successfully defending his belt via unanimous decision.

   Just under 2 months after his unsuccessful title challenge, Johnson found his self at the Orleans casino resort fighting for the WBA Fedecentro Welter Title against southpaw belt holder - Sebastian Valdez (17-4).  Johnson again found his self on the short end of a unanimous decision, and for only the 2nd time in his career, had suffered back-to-back losses.

   Golden Johnson was far from being finished as a world-class contender.  He did take 2 1/2 years off from the ring wars, but when he returned in Feb. of 2005, he did not waste time with a tune-up fight, but instead, was given a shot at the vacant IBA Americas title belt against undefeated Freddy Hernandez (17-0).  Johnson was ready for war as he scrapped his way to a very hard fought split decision victory over the favored Hernandez on scores of  114-113 for Hernandez, 116-111 and 114-113 for the "14 Karat" man - Golden Johnson.

   Johnson returned with another win, this time over San Antonio's Ramon Gomez (7-4) via 3rd round tko, and then fought to draw with talented Larry Mosley (15-1-1) in a 12 round battle for the vacant NABO Welterweight title.  The scores read: 116-112 for Mosley, 115-113 for Johnson, and 114-114 making it a 3-way split draw.

Johnson made a statement with a terrific upset win over Oscar Diaz


   After the strong showings against Hernandez, and Mosley, Johnson was rewarded with a chance to regain the NABF Welterweight championship, but it would be against red-hot contender Oscar "El Torito" Diaz (25-1), and would be fought at the Alamodome in Diaz's home city of San Antonio.  It made no difference to Johnson who looked strong as he went to war with, and stopped the favored champion at 58 seconds of round 11!  It was a great night for the skilled warrior.

   Golden Johnson would fight just once more.  But what a way to go out! ...one year to the day later, he took on world ranked former WBO Welterweight world champion, the hard hitting - Antonio Margarito (34-5, 24 ko) in a battle for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight championship held at Madison Square Garden.  The bout was the co-main event of the Miguel Cotto vs Shane Mosley World title fight.

   It was a quick night as Johnson exchanged but got caught with the bombs of Margarito.  Johnson went down twice, but got up and fought back each time before being dropped for a 3rd and final time as referee Wayne Kelly waved the fight off.  It was an exciting end to a fascinating career that lasted over 14 years. Golden is the cousin of 3-time world champion Reggie "Sweet" Johnson, there is no doubt that championship boxing is in the family blood line.

   Golden Johnson finished his remarkable boxing career with a final record of: 25 wins, 8 losses, 3 draws, winning 18 by knockout.  He is highly respected among boxing fans and pundits alike.

Check out his record on boxrec: COMPLETE PRO RECORD OF GOLDEN JOHNSON

---------------------------------------------

   If you would like DVD of this great warrior, here is what I have available in my collection:

GOLDEN JOHNSON vs

JUAN ZUNIGA [w-4]
CESAR DELGADO [w-6]
JAMES CRAYTON [w-12] {NABF Light Title}
ISRAEL "Pito" CARDONA [L-12] {NABF/USBA Light Titles}
SHANE MOSLEY [tko-by-7] {IBF Light Title}
TEDDY REID [w-12] {Vacant NABF Jr. Welter Title}
VIVIAN HARRIS [ko-by-3]
CHANTEL STANCIEL [ko-11] {NABF Welter Title}
FREDDY HERNANDEZ [w-12] {Vacant IBA Americas Welter Title}
ANTONIO MARGARITO [tko-by-1] {Vacant WBO Inter-Cont Welter Title} (*Johnson's Last bout)

Contact me via e-mail: THE BOXING GURU

Get your copy of:




* 1993 Riot at Roller West in Albuquerque
* Mike Tyson/Mitch Blood Green Street fight in 1988
* 1988 Tomas Molinares/Marlon Starling punch after the bell
* 1990 match when Bazooka Limon pulls down the trunks of Sharmba Mitchell during the fight

and 28 other "Tales" of unplanned events in boxing!

Click here to order on amazon: Order Mat Tales at Amazon.com

  










Sunday, October 14, 2018

MAT TALES - True stories from bizarre, brutal world of pro boxing ...Who is in the book?



   The book contains 32 "tales" of the unexpected from the world of boxing.  There are a lot of colorful characters in our sport.

Here is a list of people who are mentioned by name at least once in this book... 



Damon Abramson
Mike Adams
Gerardo Aguilera
Henry Akinwande
Al Albert
Steve Albert
Laila Ali
Jose Alfaro
Charles Anaya
Henry Anaya Jr.
Henry Anaya Sr.
Henry Anaya III
Tim Anderson
Joe Antonacci
Vito Antuefermo
Bob Arum
Teddy Atlas
Marco Antonio Avendano
Randall Bailey
Iran Barkley
Michael Bennet
Bobby Benton
George Benton
Brad Berkwitt
Al Bernstein
Walter Berry
M. Mark Biero
Trevor Berbick
Roger Bloodworth
Kent Bonham
Riddick Bowe
Wilshaun Boxley
Tim Brant
Mark Breland
Dave Brown
Freddie Brown
Walter Brown
Frank Bruno
Vernon "Yogi" Buchanon
Harold Buck
Michael Buffer
Louie Burke
Rocky Burke
James Butler
Robert Byrd
Nate Campbell
Gabriel Campillo
Michael Carbajal
Pedro Cardenas
Larry Carrier
Jose Luis Castillo
Ricardo Celis
Anthony Chavez
Paul Chavez
Yun-Kil Chun
Ralph Citro
Gil Clancy
Eddie Claudio
Gerrie Coetzee
Samson Cohen
Dickie Cole
Lupe Contreras
Allen Conyers
Diego Corrales
Joe Cortez
Eddie Cotton
Mario Cuomo
Donald Curry
Joey Curtis
Dan Cushner
Dakota Dawson
Ed Derian
Willie De Wit
Vic De Wysocki
Miguel Diaz
Michael Dokes
Buster Douglas
Cameron Dunkin
Roberto Duran
Lou Duva
Ken Ezzo
Giuseppe Ferrari
Frank "The Animal" Fletcher
George Foreman
Bob Foster
Chavez Francisco
Eddie Futch
Hugo Garay
Rafael Garcia
Shaun George
Rene Giraldo
Robin Givens
Andrew Golota
Jorge Luis Gonzalez
Randy Gordon
Otis Grant
Richard Grant
Uriah Grant
Vernon Gravely
James "Hard Rock" Green
Mitchell "Blood" Green
Rich Green
Crawford Grimsley
Lee Groves
Marvelous Marvin Hagler
Alvin "Too Sweet" Hayes
Larry Hazzard
Thomas Hearns
Chris Henry
Herbie Hide
Isaac Hlatshwayo
Larry Holmes
Evander Holyfield
Lloyd Honeyghan
Chuck Hull
John Jackson
Kieth Jackson
Jimmy Jacobs
Marvin Jones
Tommy Kaczmarek
Sam Kellerman
Wayne Kelly
Jim Kiertzner
Don King
Woody Kislowski
Rich Lamontagne
Jim Lampley
Mills Lane
Belinda Laracuente
Harold Lederman
Attila Levin
Scott Ledoux
Jimmy Lennon Sr.
Sugar Ray Leonard
Lennox Lewis
Panama Lewis
Rafael "Bazooka" Limon
Jessie Losada
Rudy Lovato
Bert Lowes
Sebastian Lujan
Enzo Maccarinelli
Ray Mancini
Don Manuel
Rich Marotta
Christy Martin
Ernest Mateen
Oliver McCall
Milton McCrory
James Buddy McGirt
Larry Merchant
Al Michaels
James "Fan Man" Miller
Alan Minter
Sharmba Mitchell
James Molinell
Tomas Molinares
Tony Montgomery
Michael Moorer
Leroy Mora
Erik Morales
Tommy Morrison
Merv Nephew
Rock Newman
Ramon Luis Nicolas
Juan Nunez
Fulgencio Obelmejias
Ossie Ocasio
Sean O'Grady
Mike Ortega
Eusebio Osejo
Monte Oswald
Sven Ottke
Fujio Ozaki
Tony Paige
Nathan Palmer
Bob Papa
Mauricio Pastrana
George Pataki
Floyd Patterson
Kelly Pavlik
Davey Pearl
Daniel "Pit Bull" Perez
Juan Ramon "Monstro" Perez
Lenny Perez
Goody Petronelli
Carlo Pineda
Orlando Pineda
Sandy Pino
Terry Porter
Samson Po'uha
Neffie Quintana
Rene Ramirez
Casey Ramos
Mark Ratner
Sunny Ray
Benny Ricardo
Lucia Rijker
Gary Ritter
Ulises Rodrigues
David Rodriguez
Delvin Rodriguez
Dr. Donald Romeo
Danny Romero Jr.
John Ruiz
Tony Russo
Frank Santore Jr.
Carlos Santos
Daniel Santos
Bob Sheridan
Robert Silva
Tim Smith
Hugo Soto
Joe Souza
Marlon Starling
Mark Streisand
Emanuel Steward
Alex Stewart
Wayne Stoffel
Frankie Swindell
Henry Tafoya
Johnny Tapia
John Tate
Jermain Taylor
Joe Tessitore
Pinklon Thomas
James Thunder
Barry Tompkins
Thell Torrance
Thomas Treiber
Peter Trematerra
Mike Tyson
Bob Varsha
Paul Venti
Mike Weaver
Lorenzo White
Jeremy Williams
Ryan Wissow
Rick Wright
Fulgencio Zuniga


___________________________

Here is a gallery of just a few of the boxing people who are mentioned in MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing:

Referee Vic de Wysocki recalls a tale or two

Rudy Lovato is featured in 2 of the "tales"





















James Thunder








"Mi Vida Loca" - Johnny Tapia

The Voice of New Mexico Sports - Henry Tafoya




Trainer/Cutman of champions - Miguel Diaz



Iran "The Blade" Barkley











"Hands of Stone" Roberto Duran


















Jeremy Williams
Jim Lampley










Dan Cushner (L) and James Buddy McGirt (C)
Jessie Losada (L) and Rene Giraldo (R) from Boxeo Telemundo











Heavyweight Scott Ledoux












Michael Buffer

New Mexico Boxing Hall-of-Famer Sandy Pino




















Sharmba Mitchell

Lupe Contreras


A few Reviews of the book:

Review of Mat Tales by RANDY GORDON

Review of Mat Tales on the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PODCAST (Robert Silva & Logan)

Review of Mat Tales by BRAD BERKWITT


Interview with Dan Sisneros about Mat Tales on THE GREULING TRUTH PODCAST (Mike Goodpaster)




Order Your Copy of MAT TALES (Amazon.com):

PAPERBACK 

or

KINDLE 






Monday, October 1, 2018

ELOY MONTANO

Nickname: "The Hammer"
   Albuquerque, New Mexico's Eloy Montano was an outstanding amateur boxer who turned professional on June 23, 1987. He opened up with a hard fought split decision win over local favorite Rudy Holguin in Tucson, Arizona.
Montano wins a tough Split Decision in his pro debut

   He was unbeaten in his first seven bouts, including a unanimous decision win against Timothy Mosley (5-1-2, 3 ko) in an undercard bout of George Foreman vs Rocky Sekorski. Eloy's fight made the ESPN broadcast and it was an impressive victory.

   Montano was unbeaten at 7-0 and looked to be a prospect in the lightweight division. It was March 10, 1989 when he stepped up in class to face world ranked contender Frankie Baltazar (38-2-1, 24 ko). Baltazar had the experience and had challenged for the NABF Jr. Lightweight title, losing to Rafael "Bazooka" Limon for that belt.

   It was Montano's night to shine as he pulled off the upset winning a unanimous 8-round decision over the favored Baltazar.
Eloy stops Pablo in the battle of the Montanos!

   Eloy would fight just once more, traveling to Italy where he was stopped in 5 rounds by local favorite Antonio Renzo.

   After a glorious amateur career, and a very short but successful pro campaign, New Mexico's Eloy Montano finished his pro career with a record of 8-1, 1 ko.

   Check out his record on Boxrec.com:
ELOY MONTANO PRO LEDGER



   If you would like to see Eloy Montano in action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

1. RUDY HOLGUIN                 [w-4] (Pro Debut)
2. TIM MOSLEY                      [w-6]
3. PABLO MONTANO             [tko-2]

Amateur Bouts:
1. Marker Lucero #1
2. Adrian Rivera
3. Beto Montoya
4. Ricardo Basilio                      (1986 PAL Nationals)
5. "Raton" Perez
6. Mario Ortiz
7. Marker Lucero #2

Contact me for more information: The Boxing Guru via E-Mail

Get your copy of Dan's new book MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing.

Click here for info: MAT TALES by Dan Sisneros



















----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan on attending the 2018 New Mexico Boxing Hall-of-Fame inductions!

 The Hall of Fame banquet is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 6-10 pm at the Embassy Suites hotel, 1000 Woodward Place, NE, Albuquerque, NM. The public is invited to meet and dine with the inductees, past Hall-of-Fame members, and other boxing celebrities. Formal business casual attire is requested. Because of the length of the event children under the age of 12 are not encouraged. Tickets are $40 per person and reservations may be by contacting Austin Killeen via email at: scottpondnm@gmail.com. or by phone (to Austin Killeen) at 505-681-8151. The deadline for paid reservations is October 19, 2017.

(Dan will be in attendance to offer signed copies of MAT TALES)





  

Monday, September 3, 2018

LAMAR PARKS

Nickname: Kidfire

   Lamar "Kidfire" Parks opened his professional career on October 4, 1988 with a 4 round decision win over fellow South Carolinian - Lennell Stroman.  It would be nearly 2 1/2 years before another one of his opponents would hear the final bell.

   The Greenville, SC native ran his record to 9-0, 8 by knockout before being stepped up, and put in against undefeated pro, and former Olympian - Chris Sande (7-0) in a bout scheduled for 6 rounds,  that would test two of the top prospects in the middleweight division. The bout took place 4/29/90 at Caesars in Atlantic City, on the undercard of the Nigel Benn/Doug Dewitt WBO World title bout. It was Kidfire Parks who passed this test, as he scored a 5th round tko stoppage over Sande.
  



   The streak continued as Parks ran off 4 more knockout victories before being taken the full 10 rounds against renowned Brinatty Maquilon in Lewiston, Maine.  Though Maquilon held on to go the distance, he was punished throughout in losing a 10-round unanimous decision.

   Parks then came home to South Carolina and scored a 10-round shutout win over tough 28-fight veteran Lester Yarbrough.  That fight was a tune-up bout to get Parks ready for his first title challenge against Lenzie Morgan (11-4-1) for his WBC Continental Americas Middleweight belt.

   It was July 6, 1991 that saw Parks pick up his first title belt by taking a hard fought, but clear and unanimous 12-round decision win over Morgan.  Lamar was now 17-0, held a title belt and was world ranked.

   Two fights later, he added the NABF middleweight title belt to his growing collection, with a 6th round stoppage over Colorado's Donnie Giron (15-2-2). Another impressive win for Parks.

   He defended his WBC Continental Americas title with a strong showing against Percy "No Mercy" Harris (15-2), stopping him in round 10. A win that set Lamar Parks up for his chance at a world title.

   It was October 27, 1992 when "Kidfire" Parks got his shot at the WBA middleweight championship against the defending champion "Sweet" Reggie Johnson who was 31-2-1, 20 ko and held in high regard as a technician and warrior.  The fight was a closely contested boxing match that went the distance, but after 12 hard fought and tough rounds, it was the champion - Johnson retaining his title on a close but unanimous decision. Scores were: 116-112, 116-113, and 115-113

   The Reggie Johnson fight turned out to be Lamar's first and only loss.  It was also his first and only world title challenge.  He was back in action 3 months later, and fought his final 5 fights in 1993, including a win over Gilbert Baptist for the Vacant WBC Continental Americas Middleweight title belt.

   He fought his final pro bout in November, going out with a 4th round tko win over Joaquin Velasquez in Atlantic City.

   At only 23 years of age, Parks career was ended by health concerns. He tested HIV positive and could not get licensed to fight again. His career was short, but very exciting. With power, speed, and skill, he was very entertaining in the ring and came within a few points of becoming the WBA world Champion. He ended his pro boxing career with an excellent record of 27 wins, 1 defeat, and winning 21 by knockout.


If you would like to see Lamar Parks in action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

LAMAR "Kidfire" PARKS vs
1. CHRIS SANDE                                      [tko-5]
2. LEMORRAH BOLDING                       [tko-3]       
3. BASANTE BLANCO                            [tko-2]
4. ERIC RHINEHART                               [tko-3]
5. LENZIE MORGAN                               [w-12] {WBC Cont-Am Middle Title}
6. KEN HULSEY                                       [tko-1]
7. DONNIE GIRON                                   [tko-6] {NABF Middle Title}
8. FRANCISCO DEJESUS                        [ko-3]
9. PERCY HARRIS                                    [tko-10] {WBC Cont-Am Middle Title}
10. JOSE LOPEZ                                        [tko-1]
11. REGGIE JOHNSON                             [L-12] {WBA Middle Title}
12. RICKY THOMAS                                [w-10]
13. WILLIE KEMP                                    [tko-5]
14. DANNY "Popeye" GARCIA               [w-10]
15. GILBERT BAPTIST                            [tko-11] {Vacant WBC Cont-Am Middle Title}
16. JOAQUIN VELASQUEZ                    [tko-4] (*Lamar Parks LAST pro bout)

Get your copy of:
Click here to see the link on Amazon: MAT TALES on Amazon.com







   
   
   










Wednesday, August 8, 2018

ANTONIO DIAZ



   Antonio Diaz was born in Mexico, but lived in and fought out of Coachella, California.  He opened his pro career with a first round knockout win at Coachella's Spotlight 29 Casino, over O'neill Reed.

   He was 4-0 before taking his first defeat by a close split decision to fellow Californian Ruben Alvarado in 4 rounds.  It seems he didn't want to leave it up to the judges any longer, as he bounced back with 5 straight knockout wins (4 in the first round)!

   It was Sept. 21, 1996 when he took a huge step up and faced off with another rising contender - Juan Lazcano (11-1, 8 ko). The fight took place at The Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. It went the full 6 rounds with Lazcano winning a razor-thin majority decision on scores of 58-56 twice, and 57-57. Even though it was a 2nd loss, that fight only proved that Diaz was a real contender.

   He ran off 10 straight wins, included among those he defeated were Albuquerque, New Mexico's Rudy Lovato and Ameth Aranda.

   Diaz was now 20-2 and was given a shot at the IBA Jr. Welterweight Title against defending champion Ahmed Santos (21-1-3).  It was a great night for Antonio as he won his first title belt in grand fashion via scores of 120-106, 116-110, and 117-110. An impressive win. Diaz was a worthy champion who successfully defended that title 11 times! He only lost it by surrendering it to go after the WBC Welterweight Title against legendary champion - Shane Mosley.

   His streak of IBA title defenses was incredible: Alberto Cortes (70-7-1), Patrick Thorns (18-1-1), Hector Quiroz (25-2-1), Cory Spinks (13-0), Mauro Lucero (32-4-1), Marlon Thomas (18-3-1), Emanuel Augustus (25-13-4), Terrell Finger (22-1-1), James Crayton (31-11-2), Ivan Robinson (29-3), Omar Weiss (33-1), and in a non-title fight just before facing Mosley for the WBC Title, he defeated "Irish" Micky Ward via 10-round unanimous decision!  That was an incredible run which kept Diaz world ranked and a television favorite.
Dan Sisneros visits with Antonio Diaz at the Top Rank offices in 1999

   It was Nov 4, 2000 when Diaz was named as the challenger for Shane Mosley's WBC Welterweight Title belt. The fight took place at Madison Square Garden.  Diaz brought a record of 35-2 into this night as he faced a phenomenal champion in undefeated, and seemingly invincible Mosley (35-0). The bout was carried on HBO. There was no upset on this night, as "Sugar Shane" scored a 6th round tko over Diaz to defend his title.

   4 wins later, Diaz found his self going after the vacant WBO Welterweight championship against Antonio Margarito (25-3).  It was a closely contested title match, but Margarito was able to stop Diaz in round 10 to win the vacant title.

   In his next bout, Antonio was cut from an unintentional head butt by his opponent Edwin Vazquez, and the bout was ruled a technical draw in round 2. He then lost a rematch with Hector Quiroz by technical knockout in round 9.  Going 0-2-1 in those 3 bouts looked like the beginning of a slide in Antonio's career, but he proved that this was not the case, as he went 7-0 after the loss to Quiroz, and picked up the WBO Latino Jr. Middleweight title to boot!

   Dec. 12, 2009 saw Diaz in a wild affair as he took on another world ranked contender - "Vicious" Victor Ortiz. 
Diaz goes to war with Victor Ortiz
Diaz was dropped in round 3 of that one, but even though he got up to battle with Ortiz, the fight was stopped due to a terrible cut over Antonio's left eye. The doctor did not let Diaz come out for round 7.

   Antonio would fight his final bout nearly 2 years later as he went out on top with a nice win over Ernesto "Baby" Zepeda at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

   It was a fun ride that lasted a decade and a half!  Diaz was one of the IBA's greatest champions, and always a favorite with boxing fans who tuned in to his televised and live bouts.  He represented his fighting family very well.  Antonio finished his pro career with an outstanding final tally of 47 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw, and won 30 of those by knockout!

Check out his impressive record at Boxrec.com: ANTONIO DIAZ's Pro record

If you would like to see this fan favorite in action, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

 1. ONIEL REED                              [ko-1] (Pro Debut)
2. CHRIS VALDEZ                           [ko-1]
3. JORGE MORALES                       [ko-2]
4. JOSE LUIS CRUZ                          [ko-1]
5. AHMED SANTOS                         [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
6. PATRICK THORNS                        [ko-2] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
7. HECTOR QUIROZ #1                    [tko-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
8. CORY SPINKS                               [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
9. MAURO LUCERO                         [ko-2] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
10. JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ                 [w-10]
11. MARLON THOMAS                     [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
12. EMMANUEL AUGUSTUS (Burton)             [w-12] {IBA Jr.Welter Title}
13. TERRELL FINGER                      [ko-7] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
14. JAMES CRAYTON                     [ko-7] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
15. IVAN ROBINSON                       [tko-11] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
16. OMAR WEIS                               [w-12] {IBA Jr. Welter Title}
17. MICKY WARD                            [w-10]
18. SHANE MOSLEY                       [tko-by-6] {WBC Welter Title]
19. GILBERT QUIROS                     [ko-4]
20. JORGE LUIS LOPEZ                  [tko-5]
21. OSCAR DELGADO                    [tko-6]
22. ORLANDO HOLLIS                   [tko-9]
23. ANTONIO MARGARITO          [tko-by-10] {Vacant WBO Welter Title}
24. EDWIN VAZQUEZ                     [tech-draw-2]                   
25. HECTOR QUIROZ #2                 [tko-by-9]
26. FELIX FLORES                          [w-12] {Vacant WBO Latino Jr. Middle Title}
27. FRANCISCO JAVIER CASTRO [w-10]
28. VICTOR ORTIZ                          [tko-by-7]
29. ERNESTO "Baby" ZEPEDA      [tko-8] (*Antonio Diaz's LAST pro bout)

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Wednesday, July 11, 2018

SHAWN GALLEGOS

Nickname: "The Educator"
   Las Vegas, New Mexico's Shawn Gallegos enjoyed a very successful amateur career.

   He turned professional in July of 2000, scoring a 2nd round tko over Rafael Magana in Santa Fe, NM, and proceeded to run off a record of 6-0 with 3 kos to start his professional career before running into Mexico's Miguel "Conan" Torresillas and losing a close split decision over 6 rounds for his first defeat.

   After an easy first round tko win in his next fight, Shawn was put into a matchup that pitted two of New Mexico's most promising prospects (at the time) in a local showdown.  The opponent was Albuquerque's Jacob "Razor Sharp" Romero who was 10-1-1.  It was considered a "pick-em" fight, but on that night it was all Gallegos as Shawn put on a smooth boxing exhibition in taking a clear and unanimous decision over 6 rounds on scores of 59-55, and 60-54 twice. A big win that boosted Shawn to the top of the New Mexico prospects list.

  
    After the impressive showing against Romero, Shawn had a record of 8-1 and was given a chance to fight for the vacant New Mexico State Lightweight in the main event against another fellow New Mexico favorite - Tommy Aragon (7-4-1).  It was another very impressive showing by the Las Vegas boxer as he again scored a clear and unanimous decision win over Aragon over 8 rounds to win his first professional title belt.


   The fight against Aragon was entertaining, and 4 months later, Tommy was given a rematch against Gallegos in a bout that was held at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium. This time they moved up 5 pounds and fought for the vacant New Mexico Jr. Welterweight title belt. It was the same result, Gallegos boxed his way to another clear unanimous decision win to pick up his 2nd New Mexico title belt.

   Gallegos continued his winning ways and ran off 5 more wins including a 6-round shutout win over very tough Colorado veteran Benjie Marquez.  Now with a record of 15-1, Gallegos was starting to get some national recognition.

   Shawn was offered a shot at his first national title belt.  He gladly accepted the challenge to face unbeaten NABA champion Dmitriy Salita (22-0) for his title belt, but would have to travel to Salita's home turf of New York City to take it.

   It was August 25, 2005 and Gallegos was fighting in only his 2nd ever 10 round bout. A huge step up. It was too big a step as Gallegos started off looking good, but eventually the champion - Salita - was able to gain control and topped Shawn in the 9th round of this title bout.

   Gallegos made his return in Santa Fe, NM against A very solid opponent in El Paso Texas' Carlos
Madrid (6-1).  It was a solid technical performance as Gallegos was able to control his opponent and
Gallegos with Dan after big win against Carlos Madrid
looked sharp in winning a near shutout on scores of 79-73 from all 3 judges. Shawn Gallegos was "back" and ready to face off with more ranked fighters.  His next two fights were against highly regarded contenders.

   Shawn traveled to Florida for a shot against former WBA World Champion - knockout artist Randall Bailey (33-5, 29 KO) for the now vacant IBA Inter-Continental Jr. Welterweight Championship. Bailey proved to be ready on that night and stopped Gallegos in 8 rounds to win that title belt.

   In the next fight, Gallegos found his self in Finland facing another undefeated contender in Denis Shafikov (14-0). It was a spirited performance by Gallegos, but the hometown hero got the unanimous decision to hand Gallegos his 4th loss.

   Gallegos returned to New Mexico and put together 2 straight wins, and then took about 3 1/2 years away from the ring to heal from a torn ACL before returning for a big showdown victory over Belen, New Mexico's very popular Jeremiah "The Jet" Torres via unanimous decision over 6 rounds.

Gallegos gets his hand raised in victory for the final time

    As it turned out, the win over Torres would be Gallegos final victory.  He fought twice more and ended his career on Nov. 15, 2014 being stopped in 6 rounds by Ranee "Mr. Knockout" Ganoy to put a wrap on his professional career.

   Gallegos is a math teacher and took on the boxing nickname of "The Educator" as he not only taught students, but often schooled his opponents in the ring.  He finished his professional boxing career with a record of 19-6, winning 5 by knockout. He was exciting as a young amateur, and had a successful career winning two state title belts as a professional.

Check out Shawn's entire pro ledger on boxrec: SHAWN "The Educator" GALLEGOS

If you would like to see Shawn Gallegos in the boxing ring, I have the following bouts available on DVD:

Professional:
1. DMITRY SALITA  [tko-by-9] {NABA Jr. Welter Title}
2. CARLOS MADRID [w-8]

Amateur:
1. Albert Ruelas
2. Anthony Contreras
3. Andrew Ruiz (Hideout)

The Boxing Guru via E-Mail 

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Monday, June 18, 2018

STANLEY WRIGHT


  He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Without any amateur fights, 6' 10" Stanley Wright turned professional in June of 1990, and it didn't go as planned, being ko'd in round 2 against New York's Tim Igo.

   It was a "streaky" road for Wright who bounced back with a 2nd round tko win of his own over 9-1 Haakan Brock to even up his record at 1-1. He then lost to highly regarded Boris Powell, and followed that loss with a victory over Steve Cross to again even up his record at 2-2.

   He then lost 3 in a row and stood at 2-5 as a professional. Wright had heart, and determination. He then ran off a streak of 6 straight wins by knockout. Improving his record to 8-5 and putting him in line for a shot at an undefeated prospect named Peter McNeeley (24-0) for the vacant New England Heavywieght title belt.
Stanley Wright scores the upset via tko-8 over unbeaten McNeeley
   It was a great night as Stanley Wright made the most of his opportunity stopping "Hurricane" McNeeley in round 8 to win that coveted title belt!

   Wright lost his next fight against another highly regarded and at the time, unbeaten New England area favorite - Kevin McBride (6-0-1) in a non-title matchup. Wright dropped a 6 round decision to the man who would go on to stop Mike Tyson in 6 rounds ending the career of the legendary "Iron Mike".

   Wright was unsuccessful in his first title defense, losing a 10-round decision to Juan Quintana. 2 fights later, Wright avenged that loss, and won his 2nd title belt in the process with a 6th round knockout over Quintana, earning Wright the Massachusetts Heavyweight title.

   Stanley Wright won his next fight via 2nd round knockout, and then ended his pro campaign with 4 straight losses, but all of them were against undefeated, world-class opposition.  Henry Akinwande (25-0-1) who would go on to win the WBO Heavyweight world title, Michael Grant (11-0), Bobby Harris (15-0), and finishing his pro career being stopped in round 2 by Billy Tompkins (12-0) in Atlantic City, NJ.

   Big Stanley always made an impression on boxing fans, and ended his streaky pro career with a final record of 12 wins, 11 losses, and all of his 12 wins came by knockout! That is pretty amazing considering that he entered professional boxing without ANY Amateur pedigree!

   An impressive, and action packed career for the man who now calls Portland, Maine home.

   Check out his pro ledger on boxrec.com: STANLEY WRIGHT - Line by line pro career

If you would like to see "Big Stanley" Wright in ring action, I have these bouts available on DVD:

1. HENRY AKINWANDE           [tko-by-2]
2. MICHAEL GRANT                 [tko-by-2]
3. BOBBY HARRIS                    [tko-by-4] (*Missing round 1)

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