Johnny Tapia Found Dead May 28, 2012 Photo by Sue TL Fox

(MAY 28)  Johnny Tapia, 45 years old, and a five-time world champion,  was found dead in his home on Sunday.  There are few details as to what happen to cause his death, other than the death did not appear to be suspicious.  WBAN/HBN will be having a Final Tribute posted soon on Tapia.  This photo was taken of Tapia Dec. 2, 2011.

Melissa McMorrow: Going Straight Ahead by Bernie McCoy May 28, 2012 Photo Credit: Klaus Frevert / boxfotograf.de

(MAY 28)  When she arrived in Germany, for the WBO title bout with Susi Kentikian, Melissa McMorrow was met with the distinct impression that she had just travelled nearly 10,000 miles "to be next in line to lose to Susi." "That seemed to be the local promoter's attitude," McMorrow recalled, when she talked with me last week from a conference room at her full time job at a solar energy company in the Bay Area. "And I thought, ' there are going to be a lot of surprised people around here, come fight night (May 16).' " Standing in the middle of the ring, after the ten round bout...Full Story

Press Report: Areti Mastrodouka vs. Julija Cvetkova Photos and story by John G. Wilson May 26, 2012 Fight Report-2

(MAY 26) Born in Greece, her home is in Athens. However Areti has been training since July 2011 under Alex Wilkey in the TKO Gym, London England where she is managed by Johnny Eames.  Before this fight she had 1 professional win, plus an impressive amateur boxing record of 28 wins, and 7 losses Twice winning a Silver Medal as Runner Up in the 60 Kilogram's class in the Women’s Amateur World Championships in 2002 and 2003.  Full Story

Mastrodouka Stops Cvetkova In Round 2 By David Wilkey May 25, 2012 Photos: Courtesy

(MAY 25) Areti Mastrodouka put on an emphatic display in only her second professional bout with a resounding stoppage win against Julija Cvetkova at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Sunday 20th May. Mastrodouka was looking to build upon her successful debut back in March and did so in style with referee Marcus McDonnell having to step in and call a halt to the fight late in the second round, as Cvetkova was in no position to continue...Full Story

A "Mighty" Celebration for the New World Champ May 25, 2012

(MAY 25)  On Friday evening a surprised "Mighty" Melissa McMorrow was welcomed home by her fight fans from all around the Bay Area. Family, friends, colleagues, B Street Boxing fighters and gym members were all anxious to celebrate with the new WBO and WIBF champion after witnessing over live stream what..Full Story

Amateur Boxer Beverly Darby Wins by a second round TKO May 23, 2012

(MAY 23) New kid on the block, amateur boxer Beverly Darby, of the Pearl (Mississippi) Boxing Gym, won first amateur bout by a second round TKO. Darby fought on May 19th in Mississippi. After the fight, Darby received a trophy for "Outstanding Boxer". Congrats to Darby!

Full Fight Video: Acuna vs. Villalobos May 21, 2012

(MAY 21) WBAN has just posted the video of the Marcela Acuna vs. Maria Villalobos that took place on May 19th.  Acuna did win the fight by a unanimous decision winning the WBC Silver Super Bantamweight belt.  Final scoring of 99-89, 98-90, and 96-91. To view the Video, go here 

Part Two-: The best of the rest of finals day at the AIBA 7th Women's World Championships By Michael O’Neill With additional reporting by AIBA.org May 21, 2012

(MAY 21) China's President's Cup winner 20-year-old Xu Shiqi opened her light flyweight final with more effective punches against Philippines' AIBA Women's World Championships bronze medallist Josie Gabuco and led by 5:3 after four minutes fight. The Chinese boxer who moved down a division before the tournament lost the third round and had only one point advantage before the final frame. The 25-year-old Filipino fighter changed the fighting distance in the final round and that resulted....Full Story

Part One-The finals: The Olympic weights – 51kg, 60kg and 75kg. By Michael O’Neill With additional reporting by AIBA.org May 20, 2012 Photo: Ren Cancan

(MAY 20) Saturday was finals day in the 7th AIBA Women's World Boxing championships in Qinhuangdao, North East China which has also served as the only female Olympic Qualifier. Once again the main focus of attention was on the three Olympic weights 51 kg, 60kg and 75kg. We had already seen many surprises this week none more so than in the 75kg category where favourite, Canada’s Mary Spencer and United States sensation Claressa Shields were early casualties. ..Full Story
 

7th AIBA Women's World Championships, Qinhuangdao - Semi-Finals Day Report by Michael O'Neill Additional reporting by AIBA.org May 19, 2012

(MAY 19) Friday was semi-finals day at the 7th Women’s World Boxing Championships in Qinhuangdao, China , with the spotlight once again on those bouts in the 51kg, 60kg and 75kg divisions, the titles that will be at stake in the 2012 Olympic Games in London....Full Story

WBAN Catches up with amateur boxer Shalynn Holdsworth! by Sue TL Fox May 17, 2012 Courtesy Photos: Team

(MAY 17) As most who follow WBAN know that one of the utmost important news coverage that we like to provide is keeping up with updates of boxers, whether they are young amateurs, current boxers, or past boxers.  We have just received an update on Canadian amateur boxer,  Shalynn Holdsworth, who we first covered on WBAN when she was just a "mere" 10 years old! ..Full Story with Photos

An Upset Indeed! McMorrow Hands Kentikian her first professional Loss! by Sue TL Fox May 17, 2012

(MAY 17) Last night at the Brandenburg Halle, in Frankfurt Brandenburg, Germany, United States boxer, Melissa "Ponderosa" McMorrow, 111¼, pulled quite an upset when she delivered Susi "Killer Queen" Kentikian, 112, her first professional loss in the ring. According to Boxrec, the title bout was for three belts, the WBO, WIBF, and WBA flyweight titles.  Full Story

Mastrodouka Aiming For Second Win May 16, 2012 Photo: Mastrodouka

(MAY 16) Areti Mastrodouka is back in action on May 20,. 2012, in the United Kingdom,  looking for her second win after her successful professional debut on March 4th against Kristine Shergold. Returning to the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, the female fighter from Athens in Greece has been back training in London in preparation for her second bout against ...Full Story

Team USA’s Esparza and Cruz the Open 2012 World Championships in Victorious Fashion While  Miller Notches Second Win by Julie Goldsticker May 15, 2012

(MAY 15) Former flyweight foes Marlen Esparza (Houston, Texas) and Christina Cruz (New York, N.Y.) opened 2012 Women's World Championships with first round victories in Qinhuangdao, China on Sunday. Esparza, who competes in the flyweight division, took her first step toward international qualification for the 2012 Olympic Games in London with an opening bout win in the...Full Story

Underwood, Brown and Crews Advance at the 2012 World Championships While Shields Suffers Her First Loss by Julie Goldsticker May 15, 2012

(MAY 15) Lightweight Queen Underwood (Seattle, Wash.) moved one step closer to a berth in the 2012 Olympic Games with a convincing victory in her second bout of the 2012 World Championships on Monday in Qinhuangdao, China. Seventeen-year-old middleweight Claressa Shields (Flint, Mich.) suffered the first loss of six-year boxing career, but due to AIBA’s qualifying procedures, she could still have a shot at the Olympic Games. Featherweight Tiara Brown (Lehigh Acres, Fla.) and light heavyweight Franchon Crews (Baltimore, Md.) each won their opening bouts on Monday to advance in the tournament...Full Story

Juarez Successfully Defends Title; Wins by a Split over Mucino Photos and Story by Ricardo Garcia May 14, 2012

(APR 19) In a bout that was a real warin the ring, Mexico city's Mariana "Barbie" Juarez won by split decision (96-91, 94-95 and 98-90), beating Monterrey's Arely "Ametralladora" Muciño, to retain her WBC  flyweight title.  Right after the initial bell rung, both warrior exchanged furious blows, from which Muciño took the best part, making a swelling on Juarez' left eye.  When things started to look good for Arely, she was caught by a right hook to the chin that made her visit the canvas in the second round....Full Story/photos

Szebelédi retained her WBF Bantamweight title Story/Photos by Jolly Dee/Hungary May 13, 2012 Photo

(MAY 13) Last night at the Sashalom Event Hall, Budapest, Hungary, in the co-main event, Renáta "Barbi Girl" Szebelédi (15-9-0; 8KO's), successfully defended her WBF (World Boxing Federation) Bantamweight World title by a technical KO over Romanian-born Hungarian opponent Eva Marcu (7-3-0; 2KO's). Szebelédi got stronger as the fight progressed round-by-round and finished Marcu at the beginning of the 8th round, and therefore referee stopped bout. Szebelédi weighed at 53,50kgs, Marcu 53,20kgs. Full Story/with photos

Day Three at the 7th Women's World Championships in Qinhuangdao by Michael O'Neill May 13, 2012 Photo: Mery Kom (red)

(MAY 13) Today saw the first appearance of ‘Magnificent Mary’, at flyweight, at the 7th AIBA World Boxing Championships in Qinhuangdao as Indian ‘living legend’ and five times AIBA World Champion Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte came face to face with Japan’s Asian championships bronze medallist, Ayako Minowa.  Full Story

Day Two at the 7th Women's World Championships in Qinhuangdao by Michael O'Neill May 12, 2012

(MAY 12) Claressa Maria Shields and Quanitta Lee Underwood scored impressive wins for USA Boxing Saturday on the second day of the 7th AIBA Women’s World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China. An exceptionally busy day in the ring but no major surprises.  Shields, the 17 years old High School student from Flint was much too powerful for Indian champion, Pooja Rani winning their 75kg bout as easily as the 27: 10 victory  . .Full Story

Arely Muciño is confident on beating Mariana Juárez May 12, 2012 Photos and story: Ricardo Garcia

(MAY 12) Tonight at the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel in Mexico City, Mexico, it is predicted that Arely "Ametralladora" Muciño will most likely come into the fight like a real punching machine gun. Arely "Ametralladora" Muciño, will come out aggressive, and will try to take Juarez's WBC Flyweight Crown.  Full Story

The 2012 Women’s World Championships Draw is Completed in Qinhuangdao, China [Interesting Altered Olympic Qualification Process] by Julie Goldsticker -  USA Boxing May 11, 2012

(MAY 11) The Women’s World Championships official event draw was held today in Qinhuangdao, China and the three potential Olympians from the United States and six fellow World Championship team members know the road that lies ahead for each of them in the key international tournament.  An altered Olympic qualification process focused on continental quotas was announced at the event’s technical meeting on Thursday, and the United States’ three Olympic hopefuls will now have a slightly different road than initially thought to advance to London. While eight boxers from each Olympic weight class will still earn berths in China, the selections will be based on how they finish in comparison with the other boxers from their continent. Flyweight Marlen Esparza (Houston, Texas)  ..Full Story

7th Women's World Boxing Championship - and only Olympic qualifier By Michael O’Neill May 11, 2012 Draw Sheets  [1] [2] [3]

(MAY 11) The 7th edition of the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships got under way at the Qinhuangdao Olympic Stadium, in Qinhuangdao, China Friday where some 343 contestants from 77 are scheduled to take part, a new record for the event . In three weight categories, Flyweight 51kg, Lightweight 60kg, and Middleweight 75kg, there is even more than the world title at stake since the top eight in each, automatically qualify for a place in the 30th Olympiad in London later this Summer.   Full Story

"I don't want to hurt your feelings... but NO ONE cares about the past boxers" By Sue TL Fox May 11, 2012 Photo: Fox/Sergio Martinez photographer/Mary Ann Owen

(MAY 11)  It was in about 1997, after doing extensive research for a year on the history of female boxing of any and all women who participated in the sport, whether they had one fight or 20 plus fights.  I wanted to know about each and every one of them who played any part in the history of the sport. I  did not have a clue how to make a website at the time, and my earliest thoughts on making a website was to call website businesses and asked what it would cost to get a website up on the net. ...Full Story

Denmark's Anita Christensen Returns to the ring! May 11, 2012

(MAY 11)  WBAN received confirmation today that Denmark's former multi-world champion Anita Christensen will make her return to the ring on May 26, 2012.  Christensen (24-1-1, 8 KOs),  is set to re-enter the ring after more than two years out, to fight Isabelle Leonardi (8-9-2, 3 KOs) at Skyline Arena in hometown Randers, Denmark. ..Full Story

Mercury Returns to ring after Five year layoff! May 10, 2012

 (MAY 10) Tomorrow night we have Mercedes Mercury returning to the ring, after last fighting June 13, 2007! She will be fighting Liza Amaya, who is making her pro debut. The two will be featured on the boxing card at the  Red and Jerrys, in Sheridan, Colorado. Welcome back, Mercedes!    Source: Boxrec

Argentina: Cordero vs. Acosta May 10, 2012

(MAY 10) Tomorrow night, at the Super Domo Orfeo, in Cordoba, Argentina, Dayana "Tigresa" Cordero, 8-1-0 (6KO, of Barranquilla, Colombia, will be taking on tough foe when she fights Monica "La Gata" Acosta, 16-0-0 (2KO), of Cordoba, who will be defending her WBC light welterweight world title.

Battle of the Badges 4 FDNY vs. N.E. Law Enforcement Boxing Event May 10, 2012

(MAY 10) Sports and entertainment celebrities are coming out May 19 to show their support for "Battle of the Badges 4," featuring amateur boxers representing the nationally-acclaimed New York City Fire Department Boxing Team ("FDNY") against a New England Law Enforcement ("Team N.E.") squad, at Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.  Full Story

Julaton back to Boxing Form, Dominates Segura in a Boxing Display! Source/Press Release May 7, 2012 ©Photos: Alfredo Perez

(MAY 7)  Last Friday in Kanasin, Mexico Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton showed why she is one of the most dominating female fighters in the world today. Not only did she plead to fight a Power Punching Mexican Fighter in Yolanda "La Negra" Segura (8Wins 7KO's 3L) who came in 4 lbs.,  over the contract limit during weigh ins at 130lbs (Contract weight was 126 lbs.) which is a higher weight class for Julaton who normally fights at 122lbs, but she dominated Segura by using angles, footwork and her Signature Jab. .Full Story   

Full Video:  Dionicius Wins By Decision May 7, 2012

(MAY 7) On Saturday night at the Club Huracán, Villaguay, Entre Rios, Argentina, in a 10-round bout for a vacant South American super flyweight title, Debora Anahi Dionicius, 113, of Villaguay, Argentina, won a 10-round uanimous decision over Stefany   Video

Full Video: Rakoczy vs. Cruz May 7, 2012

(MAY 7) WBAN has just added a new video on Youtube, featuring Saturday night's fight between Jessica Rakoczy, of Canada, fighting out of Las Vegas and Brittany Cruz of Denver, Colorado, who was ultimately stopped by Rakoczy.     Video

WBAN's May 2012  Rankings! May 6, 2012

(MAY 6) Dee Williams has posted the latest WBAN May 2012 rankings.  This system is based on Dee's computerized rankings, and they are independent ratings. To check out the latest rankings, Go Here!

Rakoczy Wins by Fourth Round TKO May 5, 2012

(MAY 5) Last night  in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jessica Rakoczy dominated the fight against Brittany Cruz, from the beginning resulting in a fourth round (1:27) TKO. Cruz was knocked down in the third and forth round. Rakoczy said it was great being back in the ring, she hasn't fought since 2009. Results and Photos: Mary Ann Owen  Slideshow

Tonight: Rakoczy vs. Cruz May 4, 2012

(MAY 4) Tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada, there will be one female bout, featuring Jessica Rakoczy, of Las Vegas, vs. Brittany Cruz, of Colorado in an eight round lightweight bout. Card promoted is promoted by by Golden Boy Promotions, and televised on Fox Espanol. Photo credits: Gene Blevis/Hogan photos

Weigh-In Today in Connecticut: Female bout-Cisneros vs. Irizarry May 4, 2012

(MAY 4)  Today the weigh-in will be held at the at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, at 5PM /EST.  Tomorrow night's card will feature one female bout, between out-of-town Victoria Cisneros, of New Mexico, vs.  Addy Irizarry, of Hartford,  Connecticut, local boxer. In the mainliner Demetrius Andrade, undefeated at 16-0 (11KO), will take on Rudy Cisneros, 12-3 (11KO). ...Full Story

Spence vs. Bailey fight to be Streamed Live on "Irish Invasion" card May 4, 2012

(MAY 4) WBAN received a press release that reported that all the fights on the "Irish Invasion" card, that will take place on May 12, 2012,  at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, in Poughkeepsie, New York, will be streamed live.  On this card there is one female bout between Canadian junior welterweight Natasha Spence, 3-0-1 (2KO), vs. Racquel Bailey, 1-1-1, in a six-round bout. In the mainliner, Patrick "The Punisher" Hyland (25-0, 11 KOs), will be fighting Frankie Archuleta (27-9-1, 14 KOs) in the 10-rounder.  Full Story

WBAN Adds More "Top Tips" For Boxers Taking Fights out of the Country! Source/Amanda Serrano May 3, 2012

(MAY 3) WBAN has added a new "Top Tips" for boxers who are looking to take fights out of the country. In our original TOP TEN Tips, boxing Manager, Brian Cohen, gave some great tips for boxers. [Link to Brian Cohen's tips..Full Story

Mathis vs. Holm II: Mathis Puts Belts on the line by Dave McKee May 2, 2012

(MAY 2)  On June 15th at the Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico one of the most dramatic ring dramas of the past year will have its sequel: Anne Sophia Mathis (26-1, 26 KO) will defend her WBAN and IBA Welterweight titles against Holly Holm (30-2-3, 9 KO). This will be Mathis’ first defense of the IBA belt since brutally lifting it from Holm in December 2011. Boxrec indicates Mathis will also be making her third defense of the WBF strap, though WBAN is currently unable to confirm this. Mathis and Holm are currently ranked #1 and #2 respectively by WBAN...Full Story

Hot off the Press in London: Areti Mastrodouka back in the ring source/ John G. Wilson May 1, 2012

(MAY 1)Following her professional debut in March, super featherweight Areti Mastrodouka, who trains out of the TKO gym in London, England, makes a welcome return to the ring at York Hall, Bethnall Green, London on Sunday, May 20th, on the Miranda Carter's "Rolling Thunder" Promotion. She will be fighting Juliet Cvetkova.  Full Story with video footage of Mastrodouka's first fight

Tori Nelson to defend WIBA Title against Maria Lindberg May 1, 2012

(MAY 1)  In a battle of world champions, undefeated Tori “Sho Nuff” Nelson (6-0-1) of Ashburn, VA will defend her Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Middleweight Title against Maria Lindberg (6-1-2) of Malmo, Sweden as the 10-round Co-Main Event on the Jimmy Lange Boxing card set for Saturday, June 23 at the Patriot Center. Presented by Valcourt Building Services, the card will also feature undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd “White Lightning” Wilson (13-0, 4 KOs) going for his 14th straight victory with an eight-round contest against Winston Mathis (7-5-1, 2 KOs) of Atlanta, GA.  Full Story