Boxing Chatter

Two Mexican boxers under suspicion following drug tests

“What the problem is?”

That’s what comedian Martin Lawrence would say if he were asking. But it’s no laughing matter that two Mexican fighters have failed drug and steroid tests by the Nevada State Athletic Commission following world title fights.

First Orlando Salido was detected with traces of steroids running through his body following his win over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero for the IBF featherweight title on Nov. 4. Then Omar Nino was found to have amphetamines in him following his controversial win over Brian Viloria for the WBC junior flyweight title on Nov. 18.

“What the problem is?” asks the boxing public.

Keith Kizer, executive director for the NSAC, said the two Mexican fighters will face a hearing some time in January 2007.

“Salido tested positive for steroids. We’re waiting for his response,” Kizer said on Wednesday by telephone. “Omar Nino tested positive for amphetamines. He has 20 days to respond.”

Kizer said the Commission tests regularly for anabolic agents, human growth serums, masking agents, diuretics, and other various drugs.

Speaking of steroids, the new Ultimate Fighting Championship policy honcho Marc Ratner, who formerly was executive director for NSAC, said all UFC participants are tested the same as boxers. Although many UFC fighters may look like users, they are all tested and pass the same rigid requirements as boxers. Just for your information.

James Toney and Sam Peter II

It’s official. The second blast off between James “Lights Out” Toney and Nigeria’s Samuel Peter will occur once more, but this time in Hollywood, Florida on Jan. 6.
Dan Goossen, president of Goossen-Tutor Promotions, said attempts to stage the combustible rematch at the Staples Center was hamstrung by the busy sports calendar. Aside from the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, there is the hockey team to contend with.

“We tried our best to bring it back to the Staples Center,” said Goossen. “At least we got it to Hollywood.”

Goossen said Toney has already started training and promises an even more fit Lights Out and probably a better Peter.

“Both guys have something to prove and have to do better,” Goossen said.

Paul Williams waiting

Paul Williams, who is also promoted by Goossen-Tutor, will be an anxious viewer when Antonio Margarito meets Joshua Clottey on Saturday Dec. 2. The lanky Williams is the number one WBO contender and anxiously awaits a meeting with Margarito.

“It would be a good one,” Goossen said.

Williams needs a high-profile fight but finding a suitable opponent to fit that mold will be hard to find unless someone like IBF titleholder Kermit Cintron steps up. Both Williams and Cintron are in need of a little bit more recognition. They’re both welterweights on the verge of stardom. The winner moves up to a million dollar payday with Margarito.   

Elena “Baby Doll” Reid in California

WIBA flyweight titleholder Elena “Baby Doll” Reid who recently captured the world title last August, will be featured against California’s rocket of a fighter Kaliesha West on Dec. 8 at the Florentine Gardens in El Monte.

Reid has become one of the more popular fighters in the world. Her two matches against Germany’s Regina Halmich brought large crowds.

West has quickly become a fan favorite with her stylish boxing technique. Some say she has a lot of Sugar Shane Mosley in her boxing. That can’t be a bad thing.

The fight card staged by All Star Promotions also features Cleotis Pendarvis in a welterweight main event and Oxnard’s Miguel Garcia also makes an appearance on the same card.

For ticket information call (323) 781-4871.

De La Hoya’s cabin for sale

Oscar De La Hoya put up his one-acre Big Bear Lake cabin and compound for sale with a $2.5 million price tag.

The boxer-promoter first bought the property that converted the garage into a boxing gym in 1993 for training purposes but has not used it since preparing for his fight against Bernard Hopkins in 2004. It has three bedrooms loft style and 3,262 square feet of living space. The gated property also has a putting green and security camera system.

De La Hoya first bought the property in 1994 during his first year as a professional boxer. In search for a private training facility, he had been training in a martial arts gym and decided to build his own training center. Since then many other boxers have followed his lead and sought the mountain resort as a training center. The high altitude improves stamina and provides clean air.

The WBC junior middleweight titleholder now lives year-round in Puerto Rico with his wife Millie and son Oscar Jr.

“I love training here in Puerto Rico,” said De La Hoya, who has already begun preparing for his May 5, 2007 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. “It’s a great place to train. And I get to see my wife and son every day.”

Willie Pep dies

Boxing great Willie Pep passed away on Thursday Nov. 23 at a resting home. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years.

As a boxer Pep is considered one of the greatest masters of the sweet science who ever donned gloves in the ring. He compiled more than 200 wins (230-11-1, 65 KOs) in a career that spanned from 1940 to 1966. Among those he defeated were Chalky Wright, Jackie Wilson, Paddy DeMarco, Sandy Saddler, Harold Dade, and Corona’s Manuel Ortiz. All are in the boxing Hall of Fame.

“He was really a great guy. When we fought he took me around town and showed me a good time,” said the late Fabela Chavez in 2001. “Inside the ring he thumbed me, hit me behind the head and gave me a beating. What a great guy.”

Manfredo challenges Joe Calzaghe

Peter Manfredo Jr. has signed to meet WBO super middleweight titleholder Joe Calzaghe of Wales on March 3, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. The native of Providence, Rhode Island has emerged from the Contender reality television show to real contender status. He’s now trained by Freddie Roach.

Calzaghe, 34, has been champion since 1997 and defended it successfully 19 times. The undefeated prizefighter shocked the boxing world with a one-sided beating of former titleholder Jeff Lacy last March.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in America,” Calzaghe said during a telephone press conference.

But first he must beat Manfredo who has proved that moving into a heavier weight division has been beneficial to his progress. Since moving to the super middleweight division Manfredo has knocked out two opponents in the third round. Their bout will be fought in Cardiff, Wales.

Amir Khan

British phemon Amir Khan (9-0) makes another appearance on Dec. 9 against France’s Rachid Drilzane (10-3) in a junior welterweight bout in London, England. The former British Olympian has dazzled British fans but what about us? Who can forget his showing in the Greek Olympics in 2004? Hopefully he won’t pull a Joe Calzaghe and make us wait until another 20 years before promoter Frank Warren decides he’s ready. British prizefighters sell out in their homeland but lose credibility if they don’t fight in the U.S. Khan looks like the real deal. Bring him over.  

Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell II

If you’re interested in seeing the rematch between Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell in the battle for the UFC light heavyweight title then you better get your tickets soon. The event scheduled for Dec. 30, at the MGM Grand Resort and Casino is nearly sold out. But if you can’t purchase a ticket in time, the much-anticipated event is available on pay-per-view.

“I’m ready to prove that his first victory was a fluke,” said Ortiz during a press conference in Las Vegas. “I’m ready to show him the real Tito Ortiz.”

Liddell, who knocked out Ortiz in their first confrontation several years ago, said he’s ready to repeat the outcome.

“I’m going to knock him out again,” Liddell said.