Under the bright lights of Times Square, 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Jose Pedraza won for the second time in as many pro bouts. Pedraza dismantled Corben Page in just one round on Tuesday night in the main event of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series from the BB King Blues Club in Times Square.
Pedraza dropped Page to his knees with a straight right just moments into the contest. The hard-nosed Page, fighting out of Springfield, Oregon, rose to his feet and fought gamely, but hit the deck again just moments later as Pedraza landed a picture perfect jab. Although Page rose again, Pedraza proceeded to chase him around the ring until referee Joe Cusano waved off the contest at just 2:25 of the first round.
“I felt quick tonight, I had the power,” said Pedraza. “I can’t wait to come back to fight in New York again.”
Pedraza, a member of DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions, and Universal Promotion’s Team Puerto Rico, plans to return to New York in June to fight during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend.
Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund Live in Studio with Host Brian Kenny on Friday for Lundy-Biosse
Irish” Micky Ward, known for his trilogy of brutal fights with Arturo Gatti and his brother Dicky Eklund will join studio host Brian Kenny throughout ESPN’s Friday Night Fights telecast April 1, from 9-11 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The brothers were portrayed in the 2010 Academy Award winning film The Fighter, which centered on the life of Ward (played by Mark Wahlberg), and his older half-brother Eklund (played by Christian Bale). The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including best picture and best director. Bale won the Oscar for best supporting actor.
Friday’s cards will originate from Mashantucket, Conn. when lightweight “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (19-1-1, 10 KO’s), and undefeated middleweight Vladine “Mr. Providence” Biosse (10-0, 5 KO’s) are featured in co-main events. Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside at Foxwoods Casino, describing the action.
Philadelphia’s Lundy, will face New Hampshire resident and Venezuelan native Patrick “El Elegante” Lopez (20-3, 12 KO’s). Lundy is coming off a 10-round decision win against Omri Lowther last August on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. After the fight, ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael wrote, “On July 9, Lundy headlined ‘Friday Night Fights’ on ESPN2. He talked a lot of smack about opponent John Molina, whom he called stupid. After dominating most of the fight, Lundy got dropped hard in the eighth round and then stopped in 11th round as Molina made a big comeback in a fight he was being outclassed in. It was perhaps a humbling experience for Lundy. Looking to rebound as quickly as possible, Lundy took the fight with Lowther on just three days’ notice, came to his turf and shut him down in fairly easy fashion as the ‘Friday Night Fights’ season closed with a special Saturday edition. Lundy was quicker than Lowther and hit him almost at will. He is a skillful boxer, has good defense and put his technical ability to good use against an opponent who just could not cope with his movement and speed.”
Providence’s Biosse, who has stepped up in class of opposition and given impressive performances in recent fights, will meet St. Louis’ “The Irish Pride” Tim Connors (10-2, 7 KO’s). Biosse is coming off a February third-round knockout win against former WBA interim super welterweight world titlist Santiago Samaniego. In July he was co-featured on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, winning an eight-round decision. Biosse said of Friday’s fight, “Nothing’s really changed since last time, except that I got better. We try to keep it the same. Like they say, if it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it. I don’t know much about the guy I’m fighting. We’re not even sure if he’s a southpaw or an orthodox fighter. All I know is that he’s a kickboxer. The way I believe – if he has two hands, then he’s do-able. The way we train is for anything and everything. We want to make sure we’re in better shape than our opponent, and better prepared than him. So whether he’s a southpaw or orthodox or whatever, it doesn’t really matter. We just want it all. I’m just going to bring my best into that ring.”
Sergei Liakhovich Training Camp Update
10 Rounds – Heavyweights
Sergei Liakhovich vs. Johnnie White
Vitebsk, Belarus Martinville, LA
25-3, 16 KO’s 22-4, 18 KO’s
Sergei Liakhovich is training to take on Johnnie White in a 10 round heavyweight bout on the April 9th Adamek vs. McBride card at Newark’s Prudential Center. “White Wolf” took time out to talk about his training and future plans.
On physical fitness/training: “I am in great shape, I am ready to go, I can’t wait to get in the ring.”
On his training regimen as the fight gets closer: “I’m working on speed and running. Usually running in morning and afternoon boxing workout or sparring. Right now just boxing and roadwork, especially two weeks before the fight.”
On Kenny Weldon and Tommy Brooks: “I have two great trainers who work with me”. “In the boxing world he (Tommy Brooks) is one of the best fundamental guys, we’re working right now on little things. “
“I am very glad to have Kenny Weldon as my trainer again. Kenny is a great Professor of Boxing. He is great at polishing my skills and making it interesting and challenging.”
“I learn from Kenny a lot, and Tommy is a great trainer too, he motivates me and pushes me to the limit. They are both equal.”
On upcoming fight against Johnnie White: “He is tough guy; we will see what he can do.”
“I can use everything that I have and everybody will see what I’m able to do in the ring”
On being able to use footwork, boxing ability, defense, and movement to his advantage: “Yes absolutely, everybody knows me with my footwork. This is what I didn’t use in my last fight, but everything came back to me, my muscle memory. I can do so many things using my feet”
On Main Events: “Tony Cardinale is my attorney and advisor right now, we decide to do this because I saw what she (Kathy Duva) did with her fighters. They are on top right now and this is why we decided to sign with Main Events.”
Where do you see Main Events taking your career: “Fight for the title again.”
History of getting into boxing:”I train all my life. I start when I was twelve, but before that I did three years in wrestling, one year Greco Roman, two years freestyle. My father brought me to boxing, we watch Olympic Games in 1988 together and so I got interested in boxing.”
On newborn son: “The best thing (son) that happened in my life. My son is 4 months. I am a happy father.”
His parting comments: “Training camp is going great. I believe that no matter how long you are in this sport, when you stop learning you should stop fighting. I could not ask for a better team right now. I am looking forward to April 9th!”
Liakhovich Training Camp Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LLwvCwVKfI
Many thanks to Gary Purfield, NowBoxing for contributing.