Former Cuban amateur star Yordanis Despaigne (8-1, 4 KOs) is ready for battle in the televised supporting bout of this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights against heavy-handed Colombian Edison “Pantera” Miranda (34-5, 29 KOs).
The 10-round light heavyweight battle will open the Friday, July 29, telecast from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas that also features a 12-round International Boxing Federation (IBF) elimination bout between Victor Cayo and Lamont Peterson in the main event.
Despaigne suffered a setback against fellow top prospect Ismayl Sillakh in his last fight and says he is eager to get back to his winning ways against the formidable Miranda.
According to Despaigne, the key to victory will be to stay focused on his strategy and not be lured into an all-out war the way he was against Sillakh. Easier said than done against a relentless opponent who can turn out the lights at any second, but Despaigne says he’s already beaten several fighters just like Miranda and knows exactly what to do.
Through an interpreter, he answered the following questions.
What did you learn in the fight against Sillakh?
Basically I learned that I have to stick more to my game plan. I went out of my game plan against Sillakh. I felt that I got hit in the second round and instead of sticking to out-boxing him, I attacked. I didn’t stay smart.
Describe Edison Miranda as a fighter and tell me why you’ll beat him.
He’s a very good fighter. He’s fought a lot of great guys, but it’s my time. I’ll stick to the game plan and do what I have to do and I’ll win.
Have you faced big punchers before? How is your chin?
I’ve been in against the hardest punchers in the world and never been knocked out. I was down last fight, but I got right back up. That’s shows what kind of chin I have. I have fought so many guys who have power that I don’t even worry about it.
The Cuban community in Las Vegas has been very supportive of its boxers. Are you looking forward to their cheering you on that night?
I love when I have the fans behind me, so I definitely am looking forward to the Cuban fans coming out to support me that night.
How did training go? Do you have any injuries?
No. I had a great camp. I’m ready to fight.
Do you feel the added pressure of what a second loss might do to your career?
I’m only thinking very positive about winning, so I don’t have that in my mind right now.
Tell me what it would mean to you to be a world champion.
It has always been my dream. I was an amateur champion but I would love to be world champ. That’s my biggest dream.
In conjunction with Warriors Boxing Promotions and Blue Wave Group, “Fight Nights at The Cosmopolitan” combines the mystique and excitement of legendary Las Vegas boxing matches with a new and socially dynamic experience. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $250 for VIP tables, $150 for ringside seats, $100 for floor seats, $50 for grandstand seating and $20 for general admission tickets and are available for purchase by calling 877-551-7778 or at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.
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Topping the all-action undercard will be Miami, Florida, via Cuba’s undefeated knockout artist Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy 12-0 (10 KO’s) in an eight-round super featherweight matchup against Kansas City’s Gerardo Robles (14-9, 6 KO`s).
In a 10-round battle with a touch of international flavor, Chelyabwsk, Russia’s undefeated Sergey Kovalev (15-0, 13 KO`s) will face Nairobi, Kenya’s Douglas Otieno (23-6, 12 KO`s) for the NABA Light Heavyweight Championship.
Also featured is a six-round light heavyweight scrap between Las Vegas’ (via Sweden) Badou Jack “The Ripper” (6-0, 5 KO`s) and Athens, Georgia’s Timothy Hall Jr. (6-11, 4 KO`s); and in a four-round lightweight attraction, popular Las Vegas fighter Cameron Kreal will make his highly anticipated pro debut against fellow Las Vegas resident Franky Martinez (0-3).
In conjunction with Warriors Boxing Promotions and Blue Wave Group, “Fight Nights at The Cosmopolitan” combines the mystique and excitement of legendary Las Vegas boxing matches with a new and socially dynamic experience. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $250 for VIP tables, $150 for ringside seats, $100 for floor seats, $50 for grandstand seating and $20 for general admission tickets and are available for purchase by calling 877-551-7778 or at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.
Hinkey vs. Bartinelli on August 27
July 26th, Fallon, NV — The City of Fallon, NV and Let’s Get It On Promotions are pleased to announce the fourth annual “Rural Rumble” Fallon Fights 2011, Saturday August 27th at the Churchill County Fairgrounds. “Rural Rumble 2011” will feature world class professional boxing.
“We are thrilled to be presenting the fourth annual “Rural Rumble” once again in Fallon.” Says Fallon, NV Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. “Boxing has played an important role in this area for over a century, and we are proud to continue the tradition.”
Headlining the card is Northern Nevada favorite Derek Hinkey (8-2, 7 KOs) of McDermitt, NV. Hinkey will be making his highly anticipated return to the ring on August 27th after a prolonged layoff due to a hand injury from his fight against Ariel Espinal in 2009.
“It just never really healed correctly and caused me discomfort in my past two fights.” Says Hinkey. “But I’m 100% now and chomping at the bit to get back in there.”
Hinkey, who lives and trains in Las Vegas, stayed in shape and in the gym while allowing his hand to heal. He has trained with several high-profile boxers and MMA fighters in the recent past which kept his game sharp. He will need his best as he takes on the experienced and tough Anthony “Powerhouse” Bartinelli (20-14-2,13 KOs) of Phoenix, AZ in a six round middleweight bout. Bartinelli is no stranger to fighting top names in the middleweight division, and will prove to be a test for Hinkey.
In a light-heavyweight match-up, Reno’s Carlos Gaytan (2-0-1, 2 KOs) will be facing San Jose’s Anthony Johnson (4-0, 1 KO). Both fighters come into this fight undefeated.
Returning to the ring on August 27th is jr. middleweight Jose “Chuy” Elizondo (1-0) of Carson City, NV. Elizondo, who was a stand out amateur, scored a spectacular shut-out decision over Rodrigo Espinoza on April 29th.
In a separate bout, highly regarded amateur Carlos Vasquez of Reno, NV will be making his pro debut against Vincente Medellin (1-0) of Los Angeles. Vasquez, who’s brother is highly ranked amateur Santos Vasquez, decided that his aggressive boxing style was better suited for the professional side of boxing. Vasquez vs. Medellin will take place at 112 lbs.
In a local boxing match-up, cruiserweights Carey “Bubba” Dupree (0-1) of Reno, NV will be facing Jack “The Motor” Montgomery (0-1) of Winnemucca, NV.
More details will be released soon.
Tickets are available by calling 775 423 4556. Advance tickets are $10 children (ages 6-17) $12 adults; at gate $12 children $15 adults; $50 ringside, $500 for VIP tables. All bouts subject to change.
IBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM & NUMBER-ONE RANKED WELTERWEIGHT MIKE JONES SIGN ENDORSEMENT DEALS WITH COV GLOVE
PHILADELPHIA (July 25, 2011)—Boxing’s latest innovation, Cov Glove has signed International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham and number-one ranked Welterweight Mike Jones to endorse the product.
Cov Glove has all been certified by USA Boxing and the product was worn by all competitors in the just completed United States National Championship tournament
“I am ecstatic to have these two tremendous fighters as the first two guys who endorse the Cov Glove”, said Cov Glove founder David Price.
“Steve and Mike’s record’s speak for themselves and to have them represent the Cov Glove shows our commitment and I can’t think of two better fighters and men to be a part of our team”
“This is a great product and I feel that all commissions should approve it”, said Cunningham
“I been using it for a few years now and I have never had a problem with it and I love that I know that the action will never be stopped due to tape coming loose. I am happy to endorse Cov Glove and hopefully more fighters will see the value in wearing the product”
Cunningham, 24-2 with twelve knockouts is a two-time IBF Cruiserweight champion who is known for taking on anyone, anywhere at any time as evidenced by him fighting, winning and defending his world title all over the planet.
Jones is one of the hottest fighters in the world as he is perfect in his twenty-five bouts with nineteen knockouts. He has appeared on major Pay Per View shows and on HBO by beating Jesus Soto Karass. On June 25th he stopped Raul Munoz in two rounds in Philadelphia
“Since I was introduced to Cov Glove, I was a believer in it. It gives me the confidence that I know that my tape will never come loose. It’s definitely a product that all fighters should wear. Whenever I fight, the Cov Glove will be with me as it defiantly goes hand and glove”, said the undefeated Jones.
As pertaining to Cov Glove being USA Boxing certified, the founder believes that it is a prelude to being a worldwide product on all levels.
“I am very happy that we received the certification by USA Boxing. It’s an opportunity for the young men in the amateurs to get used to the Cov Glove and they will feel comfortable with the Cov Glove as they embark on their pro careers. I know that some of the decision makers in boxing will also be able to see the benefits of the Cov Glove. I think that success Cov Glove had at the Nationals shows that fighters should be able to wear it in major tournaments and world title bouts all over the world”
The Cov Glove is a leather sleeve that covers the tape around the wrist. The Cov Glove protects the fighter from having his tape come loose as well as protecting his opponent from Tape scraping against his head and eyes.
Top Rank to continue promoting Donaire
LAS VEGAS, NEV (July 25, 2011) – World Bantamweight Champion and consensus Top-Three pound-for-pound fighter, NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE, and TODD DUBOEF, President of Top Rank, Inc., announced today that they will move forward together in promoting Donaire’s stellar professional boxing career.
“I am very happy and pleased to announce a recent reconciliation between Top Rank, and myself, and I am also extremely excited to announce that I will be back in the ring this coming October,” said Donaire. “There were some details that required attention, and I feel confident now that my professional goals are being understood and respected by Top Rank. And we have likewise come to a mutual understanding and agreement as far as our common objectives in boxing and how we can work better together as a team. I was able to sit down and figure out the fight map, which both Top Rank and I could agree with. Having a shared goal now, and working together, I’m certain will only make for better fights, and better boxing, now and in the future.
“I am really happy with and proud of my team, especially my manager Cameron Dunkin, and my wife, Rachel, for helping us come to the best solution to recent issues we addressed together. To my fans who have always supported me, thank you for continued support and well wishes. You help keep me motivated, and I will only become a better and better fighter with time. Thank you.”
Added duBoef, “We are thrilled to move forward with Nonito, his team and
capitalize on what we have built together. Nonito has unlimited ability and charisma which was on display in his last thrilling performance against Fernando Montiel. A bright future lies ahead for Nonito and Top Rank.”
Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs), a native of General Santos City, Philippines, who now resides in San Leandro, Calif., has won world titles in three different weight divisions. He is riding an 10-year, 25-bout winning streak. Donaire captured his first world title when he knocked out undefeated defending IBF/IBO flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan in 2007, a title Donaire successfully defended three times – all by knockout – during his two-year reign. He vacated the flyweight championship to move up and win the WBA interim super flyweight title by defeating Rafael Concepcion in 2009. Donaire’s reign lasted one year before moving up in weight again and smashing defending WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel via a second-round knockout to claim his third world title in as many different weight divisions. Donaire has won nine of his last 10 fights by knockout.