R.I.P. "HITMAN" SOLANO
NewMexicoBoxing.com is saddened to hear of the death of Las Vegas fighter Dan Dan "The Hitman" Solano, who died today from a heroin overdose. The 22-year-old jr. welterweight was well known in boxing circles, having fought over 60 amateur fights in New Mexico and Colorado. In 2005, Solano turned pro, winning a decision over Marlon Leslie in his hometown of Las Vegas, N.M. That same night, Solano was arrested. The "Hitman's" gang and drug lifestyle was known to all, and in 2006, he did a year's time at the Santa Fe Penitentiary. While locked up, he achieved his GED.
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"He always fought, no matter if he was in condition or not," said trainer Robert Padilla today, who knew Solano most of his life. "Many people, including myself and especially Charlie Gallegos, dedicated many days and months to help Dan Dan see the better side of life, as he was raised around drugs and violence since his birth. He always struggled with life and couldn't change, no matter how hard his coaches and friends tried to help him. Well, today, Dan Dan "Hitman" Solano got his final fix . . . He was one of my son's friends, as Vicente [Garcia, who passed away in 2006] always helped Dan Dan out as much as he could, to try and see the other side of life. I remember the day Dan Dan called me from prison, to give me his condolences about Vicente's death. It was the first time I ever heard Dan Dan almost cry--it was something Dan Dan never showed in public. God rest your soul, Dan Dan "Hitman" Solano. . . . There are many 'Dan Dans' out there, coaches of boxing. Please don't give up on them. We may not change them, but they always know who tried to help them." Solano's nickname, "Hitman" was given to him by Padilla when he was a youngster, fighting amateur.
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Anyone want to contribute to a dedication page for Dan Dan, email Cozzone.

Esquibel needs surgery
Looks like Matthew "Papitas" Esquibel will require surgery for a right hand injury suffered Saturday night in his fight against Luis Cervantes. Esquibel broke his knuckle in round two but was not only able to win by decision, but floor Cervantes by a left hook in the third.

Young guns spring forward on throwback card
If you wanted to see a throwback card, the way boxing used to be, last night’s Romero Promotions card at Sky City Casino was it. If you wanted to see the future of local boxing, the way it ought to be, again, Acoma, N.M. was the place to be. On a card aptly billed as “New Era of Pro Boxing,” five young guns, one ol’ lion and one local promoter showed a packed house of 850 rowdy fans just how good boxing is, and can be, in the 505. Climbing to his feet after a near-finishing knockdown, in an unforgettable performance, Albuquerque’s Matthew “Papitas” Esquibel rose to a new level against the toughest opponent of his career, while youngsters Archie Ray Marquez, David Proa, James Piar and Josh Torres, all from the Duke City, nullified any naysayers who claim that local boxing is dead: CLICK HERE FOR MORE

10-count for Preston Draper
Native-American fighter Preston Draper was stabbed to death Friday night. The Chinle, Ariz., fighter, 1-4 as a pro, having just won his first fight April 18 in Grand Junction, Colo., fought on cards from Montana to Ignacio, Colo. On behalf of the local boxing scene, NewMexicoBoxing.com sends prayers and condolences to the family and many friends of Preston.

Esquibel pulls it off at Sky City!
Tonight at Sky City Casino in Acoma, N.M.: Weathering a rough knockdown in the fourth, Albuquerque featherweight Matthew "Papitas" Esquivel (8-0, 4 KOs) rose from the canvas, and to the occassion, to defeat the toughest opponent in his career in Luis Cervantes (7-2-3, 2 KOs), of Cathedral City, Calif. Esquivel's ring generalship, and a third round knockdown sealed a majority decision in his favor, with scores of 57-56, 57-55 and 56-56. The Romero Promotions card saw the best action yet this year in N.M. On the undercard: Albuquerque jr. lightweight Archie Ray Marquez (2-0, 2 KOs) took out tough Cesar Holguin-Gutierrez (0-2) with a kayo at :58 of round two; Albuquerque bantam powerhouse David Proa (3-0, 3 KOs) destroyed Beto Perez (2-3) at 1:45 of round one; Albuquerque bantamweight James Piar (2-0, 1 KO) put Socorro's Miguel Armendarez (0-2) to sleep at 2:16 of the first; In a brutal four-round war, Albuquerque's Jose Cruz Garcia (2-2) won a unanimous decision over Albuquerque debuter Alejandro Lopez (0-1) with scores of 39-37 x 3; and, in the show opener, Duke City welter debuter Josh "The Pittbull" Torres (1-0, 1 KO) forced Socorro MMA fighter Richard Montano (0-1) to quit on his stool between the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Stay tuned for a full report and a gallery tomorrow morning!

Late results: Sanchez wins, Galle loses, in Ariz.
Thursday night at the Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz., Lucas Galle (4-2) lost a decision to Arizona's Jaime Javier Barahona (7-15, 5 KOs) while Alan "El Alacran" Sanchez (2-0, 1 KO), dropped debuter Isaac Hidalgo (0-1) in round one, en route to a unanimous decision.

Isleta report & gallery
What was a pick-‘em fight on paper, turned into a pick-‘em-apart fight for Denver hopeful Mike Alvarado, when he dispatched proven Mexican Michele Rosales in less than seven rounds last night at the Isleta Casino & Resort, outside Albuquerque, N.M. With his pop, power and promise, the undefeated Alvarado made a bold statement to all top ten super lightweights, on last night’s Top Rank-promoted, Telefutura-televised card, held before a near sold-out crowd of 2,400 . . . . . Click here for full gallery/report

Maldonado, Herrera out of the running
Albuquerque's Fidel Maldonado, 132 lbs., and Taos' Michael Herrera, 112-lbs., both lost their semi-final match-ups Friday at the National Golden Gloves. Maldonado lost a decision to Michael Perez, of New Jersey, while Herrera suffered a third round RSC to Florida's Daniel Lozano.

At the scales at Sky City
Friday afternoon at Sky City Casino in Acoma, N.M. for tonight's "New Era in Pro Boxing" promoted by Romero Promotions:
Matthew Esquibel 128 vs. Luis Alberto Cervantes 128
Archie Ray Marquez 131.5 vs. Holguin Cesar Gutierrez 132
David Proa 118 vs. Beto Perez 119
James Piar 122 vs. Miguel Armendarez 123
Alejandro Lopez 145 Jose Cruz Garcia 146
Josh Torres 144 vs. Richard Montano 145
Check out a video of the weigh-in at YouTube: Click here

Alvarado, Sanchez take care of business at Isleta
In his toughest bout to date, unbeaten super lightweight Mike Alvarado (21-0, 13 KOs) scored a seventh round TKO over Michel Rosales (20-2, 18 KOs) on Friday night at the Isleta Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was a hard fought battle from the opening ball with both fighters landing bombs throughout. The end came at 1:28 of round seven when an Alvarado barrage prompted referee Rocky Burke to surprisingly halt the bout. The stoppage seemed premature, not to take away from an excellent performance by Alvarado.
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In his return after facing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in December, hometown super welterweight favorite Ray Sanchez III (21-2, 15 KOs) won a majority decision over Patrick Thompson (15-12-1, 5 KOs). Scores were 97-93, 96-94, 95-95. On the undercard: In the opening bout, Denver superbantam debuter Ricky Lopez (1-0, 1 KO), TKO'd Nick Arellano (1-4), of Chicago; Oxnard lightweight Javier Garcia (3-1-1, 3 KOs) suffered his first pro loss to Mike Peralta (4-2, 1 KO), who won by a unanimous decision with scores of 58-56 twice and 58-57; Las Cruces bantam Sammy Dipace (3-0, 3 KOs) TKO'd Wilmer Suarez (1-3, 1 KO) of Puerto Rico, at 2:01 of the first round; Los Angeles super lightweight Demetrio Soto (3-0, 3 KOs) TKO'd George Garcia (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Cheyenne, Wyom., at 1:19 of round one; and, in the walkout bout, super featherweight Marco Lopez (3-0, 1 KO) won a unanimous decision over Albuquerque's Scott Furney (2-4-1, 1 KO), with scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37. Stay tuned for a complete report and photo gallery tomorrow.

Martinez-Escalante co-headlines card
(Press release) GONZALEZ VS. PASTRANA HEADLINES ‘SOLO BOXEO’ CARD ON MAY 16 - ESCALANTE VS. MARTINEZ ALSO IN ACTION AT MORONGO CASINO RESORT & SPA: The super bantamweight division may be in for a shakeup on Friday, May 16, as four of the division’s most exciting battlers will be in action in pivotal bouts on TeleFutura’s ‘Solo Boxeo’ from the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California . . . . click here for more

Maldonado, Herrera keep on winning at Golden Gloves
Albuquerque's Fidel Maldonado, 132 lbs., and Taos' Michael Herrera, 112-lbs., continue to win at the National Golden Gloves in Grand Rapids, Mich. On Wednesday, Maldonado won his bout against Wisconsin's Adrain Martinez. On Thursday, the 132-pound "Atrisco Kid" defeated Robert Easter of Toledo, Ohio. Herrera defeated Tyler James of Michigan on Thursday and Isaac Aguilar of the Rocky Mountains on Wednesday,

At the scales at Isleta
From Isleta Resort & Casino, south of Albuquerque, N.M. for tomorrow night's "Collision Course" card promoted by Top Rank & Prime Time Promotions, televised on Telefutura:
Mike Alvarado 143.5 vs. Michele Rosales 141.5*
* Alvarado a half-pound over.
Ray Sanchez III 154 vs. Patrick Thompson 154
Javier Garcia 134 vs. Mike Peralta 134
Demetrio Soto 141 vs. George Garcia 142
Roberto Marroquin 121.5 vs. Pete Silva *
* Late sub Silva will be weighed in separately.
Sammy DiPace 120 vs. Wilmer Suarez 115
Marco Lopez 129.5 vs. Scott Furney 128.5
Ricky Lopez 122 vs. Nick Arellano 123
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Final updates to Sky City card!
On Saturday's Romero card at Sky City: Albuquerque bantamweight James Piar (1-0) will fight Miguel Armendarez (0-1), instead of Saul Palacios (2-0) of El Paso. Albuquerque welterweight Josh Torres will fight Richard Montano, also a debuter.

Marquez wants to fight 'em all
There are two camps in town: Those who think New Mexican fighters should fight each other, in order to rise to the top; and those who think that, unless something big is at stake, like a world title, local fighters should fight out-of-towners. There’s no guessing what camp Albuquerque jr. lightweight Archie Ray Marquez comes from . . . . Click here for more

Alvarado ready for next level
The last time junior welterweight Mike Alvarado was in Albuquerque, in December, it was supposed to be his night to make a statement. Scheduled for a ten-rounder on the Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.-headlined, “Latin Fury” card, the undefeated Denver fighter stood poised for his highest profile victory, against former contender Michael Clark. But, after a minute-and-a-half of fighting, Clark threw in the towel due to a busted hand. Though he was awarded the TKO win, Alvarado did not get the chance to show his goods.. . . . Click here for full story

Presser for "Collision Course"
In their first Telefutura-televised card of the year, for Albuquerque, Top Rank is pulling no punches, this Friday night at Isleta Resort & Casino. Headlining two ten-rounders, a sixer and five four-round bouts, “Collision Course” features undefeated Denverite Mike Alvarado, in a make-or-break fight against once-lost Michele Rosales, Albuquerque’s Ray Sanchez III, who is seeking a get-back win after losing to Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., in December, and a handful of promising youngsters. . . . Click here for full story

Esquibel fights on for his father
Some say when a fighter gets the ring, that he does so alone. That’s not what Matthew Esquibel believes. After a successful amateur career and seven victories as a pro, the local featherweight favorite says his connection to his murdered father is as strong as ever. In 1996, just one day after Christmas, Esquibel’s father, Marty Esquibel, was viciously stabbed to death. Matthew and his younger brother, Raymond, went to live with their grandparents. Not long after, Esquibel convinced his grandmother, Adelma, to drive him to the gym where he learned how to box under his uncle, Fred . . . . Click here for full story

Rodriguez-Dunaway rematch on 'Finally' card
IBA junior flyweight champion Wendy “Little Thunder” Rodriguez will be seeking revenge June 13 when she fights one of only four opponents to ever defeat her, Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway, in their 10-round bout for the vacant IBA strawweight belt on the “Finally” pay-per-view event, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, lost an eight-round decision March 15, 2007 to Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), the reigning WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder and NABF flyweight champion, fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas. “I hadn’t fought in more than a year,” Wendy explained. “I thought we were fighting at 102-pounds, so I got down to that weight, but they upped it to 105, and then 107. I took the fight anyway but mentally I wasn’t into it. I was real rusty.” “Finally,” promoted by Fresquez Productions, Inc., is being produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States and Canada (10 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, Shaw Communications, DirecTV, Bell Expressvue and StarChoice for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Full fight card announced at Isleta
The full fight card for Friday night's Top Rank card was announced today at Isleta Resort & Casino. Two ten-round bouts, a sixer, and five four-rounders are scheduled for the card--a total of 46 rounds. On the Telefutura-televised portion of the card, undefeated Denver super lightweight Mike Alvarado (20-0, 13 KOs) will go ten with Michele Rosales (20-1, 18 KOs), of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. In the other ten-rounder, Albuquerque's Ray Sanchez III (20-2, 15 KOs) will take on Patrick Thompson (14-12-1, 5 KOs), of Lincoln, Neb. On the undercard: lightweight Javier Garcia (3-0-1, 3 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., goes six with Mike Peralta (3-2, 1 KO), of Carson City, Nev.; Los Angeles welterweight Demetrio Soto (2-0, 2 KOs) fights George Garcia (1-1-1, 1 KO), of Cheyenne, Wyom.; featherweight Roberto Marroquin (2-0, 2 KOs), Dallas, Tex., fights Allen Martinez (1-0-1, 1 KO), of Michoacan, Mexico; Las Cruces bantamweight Sammy DiPace (2-0, 2 KOs) will fight Puerto Rico's Wilmer Suarez (1-2, 1 KO); Mexican featherweight Marco Lopez (2-0, 1 KO) takes on Albuquerque's Scott Furney (2-3-1, 1 KO); and Denver featherweight Ricky Lopez will debut against Chicago's Nick Arellano (1-3). Stay tuned for a press conference report. Photo by Cozzone.

'Papitas' ready for test Saturday night
Photo: Albuquerque favorite Matthew "Papitas" Esquibel puts the finishing touches on his training Wednesday morning at the Jack Candelaria Community Center. On Saturday, Esquibel will take on his toughest opponent to date in Luis Alberto Cervantes (7-1-3, 2 KOs) of Cathedral City, Calif. Stay tuned for a story on Matthew tonight or tomorrow. Photo by Cozzone.

Maldonado wins opener at National Golden Gloves
One of four New Mexicans won their opening bout at the National Golden Gloves in Grand Rapids, Mich. On Monday, in the 141-pound class, Edgar Zubia lost by decision to Joseph Elegele, of Florida. On Tuesday, 152-pounder Arturo Crespin was decisioned by Jose Bernal, of Michigan and 178-pounder Siju Shabazz, last year's winner, was decisioned by Azea Augustama, Florida. Winning their opener, 132-pounder Fidel "Atrisco Kid" Maldonado defeated Joel Flores, of Michigan,

DiPace IV opponent named!
The opponent for Las Cruces bantamweight Sammy DiPace IV (2-0, 2 KOs) has been named for his four-round bout Friday night at Isleta. DiPace will take on Puerto Rico's Wilmer Suarez (1-2,1 KO).

Galle & Sanchez hit the road
With two hometown fight cards, back-to-back this weekend, you’d think there’d be no need for two Albuquerque area fighters leave town. But come Wednesday morning, two local pugs will hit the road for Phoenix, where they will weigh in for a black-tie card held Thursday night at the Biltmore Resort . . . . Click here for more

Boxing show on radio Saturdays
Popular local ring announcer Mike Adams has a new boxing & MMA radio show airing on KNML-AM 610 The Sports Animal. The show airs on Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Sanchez not discouraged - ready for return
Five months after suffering defeat in the biggest fight of his career, Albuquerque’s Ray Sanchez III says he’s not only ready to resume his career, but he’s not, in the least, discouraged with his kayo loss. “Losing did not damage my career,” Sanchez said Monday night at his South Valley gym before a workout. “I think I showed what I’m made of.” . . . . click here for more

Torres debut added to Sky City card
The pro debut of top amateur Josh Torres has been added to Saturday night's Sky City card. Josh will be graduating from Rio Grande High School as an honor student on May 13, three days after his debut, and has been accepted to attend UNM in the fall.

Sanchez ready for the road
Photo: Speedy featherweight Alan Sanchez in one of his final workouts before hitting the road Wednesday for Phoenix. Sanchez and teammate Lucas Galle, will be fighting on a black-tie boxing card Thursday night. Stay tuned for a write-up on Alan & Lucas tomorrow. Photo by Cozzone.

Sanchez back on track
Photo: Fresh from two weeks of sparring in Las Vegas, Nev., Ray Sanchez III puts in some work on the mitts in preparation for his fight Friday night at Isleta against Patrick Thompson. Look for a story on Ray in the next couple days. Photo by Cozzone.

FIGHT WEEK: LINE-UPS, SCHEDULE, TICKETS
The main and co-main for Friday night's Top Rank/Prime Time card at Isleta remain the same. Several bouts have been added to the undercard: In the final bout of the evening, Albuquerque super welter Ray Sanchez III (20-2, 15 KOs) will go ten rounds with Patrick Thompson (14-12-1, 5 KOs) of Lincoln, Neb. The preceding co-main has undefeated Denver super lightweight Mike Alvarado (20-0, 13 KOs) taking on Michele Rosales (20-1, 18 KOs), of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. On the undercard: In a six-round lightweight bout,Javier Garcia (3-0-1, 3 KOs, of Oxnard, Calif., takes on Mike Peralta (3-2, 1 KO), of Carson City, Nev.; In a four-round welter bout, Demetrio Soto (2-0, 2 KOs), of Los Angeles fights George Garcia (1-1-1, 1 KO), of Cheyenne, Wyom.; featherweight Jerry Belmontes (2-0, 1 KO) of Corpus Christi, Texas, goes four with TBA; Las Cruces bantam Sammy DiPace IV (2-0, 2 KOs) goes four with TBA; featherweight Marco Lopez (2-0, 1 KO) of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, takes on Albuquerque's Scott Furney (2-3-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder; and pro debuting featherweight Ricky Lopez, of Denver, fights Chicago's Nick Arellano (1-3). - - - - - - SCHEDULE - - - - - - Wednesday: Press conference at Isleta, 2 p.m., open to the public. - - - - - - Thursday: Weigh-in at Isleta, 2 p.m., open to the public. - - - - - - Friday: Fight card at Isleta begins at 5:20 p.m., with doors opening at 5. - - - - - - TICKETS - - - - - - Tickets starting at $15 are available at tickets.com or the Isleta Players Club Box Office (505-244-9181).	There are absolutely no changes to report on Saturday night's "A New Era of Pro Boxing" card promoted by Juan Romero card at Sky City Casino in Acoma. The line-up remains as follows: In the feature bout of the evening, a six-round featherweight bout, unbeaten Duke City fighter Matthew "Papitas" Esquibel (7-0, 4 KOs) will take on Luis Alberto Cervantes (7-1-3, 2 KOs) of Cathedral City, Calif. Four bouts will precede Esquibel-Cervantes: jr. lightweight Archie Ray Marquez (1-0, 1 KO), of Albuquerque, will face Santa Fe's Holguin Gutierrez (0-1) in a four-rounder; super bantamweight David Proa (2-0, 2 KOs), of Albuquerque, faces Beto Perez (1-2, 1 KO), of Santa Fe, in a four-rounder; Albuquerque bantamweight James Piar (1-0) takes on El Paso's Saul Palacios (2-0), also a four-round bout; and, in the first of four four-rounders, welter debuter Alejandro Lopez, of Albuquerque, faces Jose Garcia (1-3-1, 1 KO), of Juarez and Albuquerque. - - - - - - SCHEDULE - - - - - - Friday: Weigh-in at Sky City Casino in Acoma, 2 p.m., open to the public, for Saturday night's "New Era of Pro Boxing card." - - - - - - Saturday: Fight card at Sky City begins at 7 p.m. doors opening at 6. - - - - - - TICKETS - - - - - - - - - - - - Tickets starting at $20 are available by calling 888-759-2489.

De La Hoya dedicates win to original Golden Boy
The family of recently-deceased boxing legend Art "Golden Boy" Aragon were guests last night at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. In honor of the original Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya dedicated his fight last night against Stevie Forbes, to Aragon. For a full ringside report and a photo gallery by Chris Cozzone, of last night's L.A. action, CLICK HERE.

Simply Awful: From Tapia to Bottom
Johnny Tapia pulls out last minute on “comeback” card; El Paso fight scene KO’d by fistic fiasco: Not too many fight cards have a press conference as their main event. But that’s what happened last night at the El Paso County Coliseum when former five-time world champion Johnny Tapia pulled out of his comeback headliner on a card thrown, at least on paper, by Browning Boxing. It was supposed to be the first of several fights for Tapia and former El Paso promoter Ron Weathers, who was borrowing the Texas license held by Browning Boxing. The plan was for Tapia to finish off his career with a sixth and final world title fight, against one of the champions at 122. After last night’s failed attempt, and looming legal battles between Team Tapia and Weathers, a near-future comeback for Tapia is about as likely as another Weathers-promoted card in El Paso . . . . click here for more

"Tapia" card results
It just might be the worst fight card ever to land in El Paso, Texas . In the main event—actually, there was no main event, for five-time world champion Johnny Tapia, hoping to stage a comeback, pulled out due to contractual disputes with promoter Ron Weathers. Just hours before the card was to come off, a substitute main event was patched up between Tapia’s opponent, Pedro Rincon, and San Antonio’s Benjamin Flores. Alas, the bout was also scratched when it was learned that Flores did not have a current license. Before a scant crowd of an estimated 700 fans, a three-bout undercard was staged. Heavyweight Alfred Happy (5-0, 4 KOs) knocked out late sub, 43-year-old, 7-year retiree Joe Sullivan (3-4, 3 KOs) in the third round; Las Cruces jr. middleweight Austin Trout (14-0, 11 KOs) took out human punching bag Steve Verdin (8-39-2, 1 KO) in the second round, at 2:26; and in an “exhibition” bout, would-be pro debuter Jennifer Han floored original opponent Kalisha Harris (0-1) twice en route to a first-round stoppage—the fight would have officially come off but Harris had weighed in ten pounds under Han's weight the day before; and, in the final bout of the night, an eight-rounder downgraded to six, heavyweight, Dallas’ Lovy Page (16-8, 12 KOs), won a lackluster majority decision over Aaron Lyons (8-3, 6 KOs), of Gulfport, Miss., with scores of 59-55 twice for Page and 57-57 even.Check for a full ringside and behind-the-scenes report tomorrow morning. --Chris Cozzone & Ricardo Trujillo

TAPIA FIGHT FALLS THROUGH
Johnny Tapia's comeback fight has fallen through at the last minute. Due to reasons ranging from lower back problems to contractual disputes with promoter Ron Weathers, Tapia will not fight tonight at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas. A patched-up version of the original fight card will take place, however. More as this develops. Stay tuned . . . .

First bell at 8 tonight in El Paso
Tickets for tonight's Tapia card at the El Paso County Coliseum are still available. Doors open at 7:30, first bell at 8. Tickets are priced from $20, available at all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 915-533-9899.
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Congrats to the Warriors Boxing Club
The Warriors Boxing Club dominated last weekend's Junior Olympics, with six state champions that included Brandon Munoz, 105 lbs., Leonardo Sanchez, 112 lbs., Christian Garcia, 70 lbs., Elizar Acosta, 132 lbs., Ariana Garcia, 105 lbs., and Irving Garcia, at 90 lbs. The team will be advancing to the Regionals in Arizona. With 18 registered fighters, the club is now the largest team in New Mexico.

Tapia card a go!
Looks like the Johnny Tapia card in El Paso is a go. Though both fighters originally weighed in unofficially, the weights were Tapia, 127.5 and Pedro Rincon, 127.5. Tapia weighed in officially, after replenishing his fluids, at 132; Rincon is being hunted down for an official weighing-in, The rest of the weights are as follows:
Austin Trout 153.5 vs. ???*
* Trout's opponent fell through; a replacement is being sought.
Alfred Happy 300 vs. Joe Sullivan 214
* Sullivan is a late, late sub; a local fighter who is comin out of a 7-year retirement.
Arron Lyons 214 vs. Lovy Page 222
Jennifer Han 124 vs. ???*
*Original opponent, Kalisha Harris, was ten pounds underweight. Bout was nixed and a replacement is being sought.

Tapia card in jeopardy!
There was no end to the drama today at the weigh-in in El Paso, at the Hawthorne Suites Hotel. First stepping on the scales, Johnny Tapia weighed in at 128. Unfortunately, it was deemed unofficial as members of the Texas Athletic Commission were not present. Tapia was told to weigh in again--but, by that time, he'd replenished his fluids, tipping the beam at 132. Tapia's opponent, Pedro Rincon, was 127.5. A dispute between camps has the card in jeopardy.
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What was originally a seven-bout card has been shortened to four bouts. Jennifer Han weighed in at 124--but her opponent, Kalisha Harris, was 114--three pounds over seven-pound maximum difference. That bout was nixed, but a replacement for Harris is being sought.
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Ricky Vasquez of Las Cruces lost his opponent earlier this week. A replacement could not be found. The originally announced fight with Abie Han is also a no-go, Han opting out to compete in a martial arts event.
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Stay tuned for the remaining weights, and whether the card is a go.

De La Hoya dedicates fight to original "Golden Boy"
The current "Golden Boy" and legendary champion Oscar de la Hoya will pay tribute to the original "Golden Boy", New Mexico-born Art Aragon, who died this year at the age of 88. "Art Aragon meant so much to boxing and the Los Angeles community," said De La Hoya, who was called "Golden Boy" soon after winning his 1992 Olympic gold medal. "With his passing this March, I thought it was only fitting to dedicate my fight to him and acknowledge his great contribution to boxing and the community. I am glad his family will be able to be there for this special night." The Aragon family will be guests of De La Hoya Saturday night, sitting ringside and being acknowledged by a ceremonial announcement in the ring before the main event bout. "My family is extremely grateful to Oscar for acknowledging my father by dedicating his "Homecoming" bout to him," said Brad Aragon, son of the deceased fighter. "It meant a lot to him to have Oscar use 'Golden Boy' as his ring name as my father truly believed that, like him, Oscar has given so much to boxing and the community around him. I wish Oscar all the best and know that my father will be watching Saturday night too."

Coach Joe update!
Coach Joe Calderon of the Las Cruces PAL is in better condition now. He has been moved from Thomason Hospital to the Triumph Care Rehabilitation Hospital in El Paso. Though he isn't yet able to speak, he's been communicating with friends and family, and smiling. The doctors are confident that they will be able to remove him from the ventilator within the next week, and there are plans to transfer him closer home to Las Cruces within the next few weeks. The Las Cruces PAL gym would express their deepest thanks to the boxing community for keeping Joe in their prayers

Tapia weigh-in alert!
The weigh-in for Friday night's Johnny Tapia card at the El Paso County Coliseum will be Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at the Hawthorne Suites Hotel near the airport in El Paso - 6789 Boeing Drive. Click here for directions.

"Finito's" finishing touches!
If you haven’t heard much about Albuquerque’s David Martinez since he last stepped into the ring, last fall, it isn’t because he’s retired. In fact, “Finito” says he’s far from finished. On May 16, from the Pechanga Hotel & Casino in Temecula, Calf., televised on Telefutura, Martinez, 18-3-1, KOs, will step into the ring as the opponent for Golden Boy-signed Antonio Escalante, 17-2, 10 KOs, of El Paso, Tex. . . . click here for more

Delgado's back in the mix!
For a time, she was New Mexico’s top female fighter. Having just won the IFBA bantamweight world title put Albuquerque’s Adriana Delgado at the top of the 118-pound heap—but just as soon as she got to the top, she gave it up. Now, exactly five years later, to the day, Albuquerque’s Adriana Delgado, now 29, is ready to make a comeback . . . click here for more

Galle, Sanchez hit the road!
Lucas "The Ghost" Galle (4-1), of Rio Rancho, and Albuquerque's Alan "El Alacran" Sanchez (1-0, 1KO), both of of the T.U.F.F. boxing gym, hit the road to Phoenix on on Thursday, May 8. On a card held at the Arizona Diltmore, Galle will face Arizona's Jaime Javier Barahona (6-15, 5 KOs) while Sanchez takes on local debuter Isaac Hidalgo.

Tapia's opponent changes
The opponent for Johnny Tapia has been swapped. Instead of fighting Mexican veteran Jose Alonso (32-13-2, 15 KOs), Tapia will now face Colombian Pedro Rincon. Rincon is 30-14-2, with 25 KOs, but has lost six straight fights. The five other bouts scheduled for Friday night at the El Paso County Coliseum are as follows: The eight-round co-main matches heavyweight Arron Lyons (8-2, 6 KOs), of Gulport, Miss., vs. Lovy Page (15-8, 12 KOs), of Dallas, Tex. On the undercard: Las Cruces' jr. middle Austin Trout (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. Mikel Williams (8-21-4, 3 KOs), of Monroe, Louisiana, in a six-round bout; El Paso debuter Jennifer Han takes on Louisiana's Kalishia Harris (0-1); Ricky Vasquez (2-1-1, 1 KO) of Las Cuces vs. Esli Dominguez (0-3, four rounds at feather; and heavyweight Alfred Happy (4-0, 3 KOs), of Lovelock, Nevada, fights Michael Hamilton (2-3, 1 KO) of Tyler, Texas, in a four-rounder. Doors open at 7:30, first bell at 8. Tickets are priced from $20, available at all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 915-533-9899.

Former fighter passes away
R. I. P. "Kid" Trujillo: New Mexico lost another former ring veteran Sunday night in Lalo Trujillo, who passed away to cancer at the age of 83. The Las Vegas-born flyweight fought from 1934 to 1941 in his hometown, Raton and Springer, fighting in battle royals before moving on to four-round "curtain-raisers." His most notable win was a decision over future headliner Frankie "Panchito" Montoya, and he was a sparring partner for Ted "Mustang" Garcia, who would corner him in a prelim before fighting the main event. Trujillo remained a huge boxing fan for decades after his last fight in 1941, and he is survived by his son, boxing writer Ricardo Trujillo. On behalf of the local fight scene, NewMexicoBoxing sends their prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Lalo Trujillo.

Tapia returns on Friday
For Johnny Tapia, there’s no high like banging it out in the ring. And there’s no low like the crash that comes afterwards. “Once a fight is over, it’s the biggest crash—the crash of all crashes,” says the former world champions, whose achievements in the ring and world title belts are outnumbered only by the number of times he’s escaped death . . . click here for more

Romero camp heating up
The Hideout Gym is back in action! With Dan Romero, Sr. in good health again, Danny melting away pounds for a summer return to the ring, and several topnotch locals preparing for upcoming fights, the Romero camp is alive and well in the North Valley, Albuquerque. David Martinez, Hector Munoz and Adriana Delgado are also part of the Romero camp. Pictured: Danny Romero spars with David Martinez. Look for a story on David's upcoming showdown with Antonio Escalante later this week! Photo: Cozzone.

Delgado returns!
After a five-year retirement, former IFBA Bantamweight Champ Adriana Delgado is returning to the ring May 31st at Sky Ute in Ignacio, Colo. Stay tuned for a story on Adriana later this week! Photo: Adriana hits the speed bag at the Romero's Hideout Gym in Albuquerque Saturday morning. Photo by Cozzone.

Sky Ute Boxing opens up '08 season!
The Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, Colorado wlll open their 2008 boxing season with a six-bout card May 31. The card, billed as "Ring of Fire," headlines, both, Joe Gomez and Elco Garcia. Gomez (14-1-1, 7 KOs), of Bloomfield, N.M., will fight Abel Perry (9-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round welter bout while Garcia (19-7, 9 KOs), of Durango, Colo., will take on Skyler Thompson (11-2, 9 KOs) of Rockford, Ill., in an eight-rounder at middleweight. Four bouts are slated for the undercard: In a jr. lightweight bout, Farmington's Joe Barela (5-2, 2 KOs) will rematch Albuquerque's Scott Furney (2-3-1, 1 KO) in a five-rounder; former world champ Terri Cruz (16-5-2, 7 KOs) will go eight at 118, against an opponent TBD; former world champ Adriana Delgado (10-2-1, 4 KOs), of Albuquerque, will make a comeback after a five-year retirement, to take on San Diego's Heather Donohue (5-1-1) in a five-rounder; and, in the opening bout, Albuquerque jr. welter debuter Vincent Mirabal will go four with Silvanus Morris (0-2), of Blanding, Utah. For tickets, call 888.842.4180.


Licensed to Mill
Former five-time world champion Johnny Tapia holds up his newly-acquired Texas boxing license. At a press conference held Friday at Papa Felipe's in Albuquerque, Tapia told the press that he will fight three more times in a final campaign for a sixth world title, beginning one week from today in El Paso. In addition to hyping next week's fight, Tapia was in town today for a hearing downtown in which he avoided jail time and was sentenced to 14 months of supervised probation. Last year, Tapia overdosed on cocaine. Look for a story on Johnny this weekend! -- Photo by Chris Cozzone

Updates
Several more matches have been made for the May 2 Tapia card in El Paso: Las Cruces' jr. middle Austin Trout (13-0, 10 KOs) will fight a tune-up vs. Mikel Williams (8-21-4, 3 KOs), of Monroe, Louisiana; El Paso debuter Jennifer Han takes on Louisiana's Kalishia Harris (0-1); Ricky Vasquez (2-1-1, 1 KO) of Las Cruces gets an easy comeback fight against three-time KO victim Esli Dominguez (0-3); and heavyweight Alfred Happy (4-0, 3 KOs), of Lovelock, Nevada, fights Michael Hamilton (2-3, 1 KO) of Tyler, Texas.
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New Mexico referee Rocky Burke will be in Mexico this weekend working the Top Rank PPV card headlining Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.

Junior Olympics this weekend!
The T.U.F.F. pro & amateur boxing team will throw this year's New Mexico Junior Olympics on April 25-27. The USA Boxing sanctioned event takes place at the Paradise Hills Community Center, 5901 Paradise Blvd. NW, beginning Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., continuing on the next day and Sunday, the 27th, if needed. Registration begins Friday, the 25th, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. with physicals one hour before first bout. All 13 to 16 year olds are invited to compete. State champions advance to the Regionals in Phoenix, Ariz., May 15. Show bouts will be included in the two/three-day tournament. For prematches, call Bernie Sanchez at 505-991-6263 or 505-489-08

Mirabal card udpates
The weigh-in and fight times have been changed for the June 7 Mirabal card: Weigh-ins are 8 to 10 a.m. and first bell has been moved to 7 p.m., with physicals at 6.

'The Ghost' lands Phoenix fight!
Rio Rancho's Lucas "The Ghost" Galle (4-1) has landed a spot on the May 8 card in Phoenix, Ariz. Galle will be facing Jaime Javier Barahona (6-15).

Sanchez foe changes!
The opponent has changed for Ray Sanchez III (20-2, 15 KOs) May 9 at Isleta for the Top Rank card. Instead of facing Mexican Michi Munoz (20-2, 13 KOs), Sanchez will take on Patrick Thompson (13-12-1, 5 KOs) of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Mirabal debuts in Arizona
The lack of boxing promoters/events in New Mexico has forced Vincent "Li'l Man" Mirabal to fight his first two pro fights out of state, says Mirabal Boxing. Mirabal has landed a pro debut May 8 in Phoenix, against Tucson's Neil Sanders, an experienced former MMA fighter. Mirabal, if successful, will go on to fight on the Sky Ute card May 31 in Ignacio, Colorado, agaisnt 0-3-1 Silvanus Morris.

Date change for Mirabal card
The date for the pro-style, USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, "The Next Great Champ," promoted by Mirabal Boxing, has been changed to Saturday, June 7th 2008. Fighters from Garden City, Kansas will take on New Mexico boxers; and Hall-of-Famer Carlos Palomino will be a special guest. Weigh-ins are from 8-10 a.m. at the Paradise Hills Community Center.

Garside hyped for June 13 showdown
The much touted Fight of the Night candidate on the June 13th “Finally” pay-per-view event, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, is the 10-round co-feature for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) lightweight championship between WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs) and WIBA & IBA junior lightweight title-holder Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs).
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The Fresquez Productions, Inc.-promoted “Finally” will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States and Canada (10 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, Shaw Communications, DirecTV and StarChoice for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
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For more info, go to www.holmvssanders.com

Tapia foe named!
The opponent has been named for Johnny Tapia (56-5-2, 28 KOs) in his comeback fight May 2 in El Paso, Texas. Tapia will be facing Jose Alonso (Moreno) of Sonora, Mexico. Moreno is 32-13-2, 15 KOs and last fought in El Paso--a TKO loss to Juarez's Miguel Roman.

Gallegos loses in Helsinke
'I will be back!" declares Gallegos: Just in, from Helsinke, Finland: Las Vegas' Shawn Gallegos (16-4, 5 KOs) lost a ten-round unanimous decision to undefeated Russian Dennis Shafikov (15-0, 8 KOs). "I just couldn't find my rhythm," said Gallegos in an email to NewMexicoBoxing. "I was always one step behind." Gallegos said he had difficulty with Shafikov's shorter height, and his head-leading style. "He came in with his head and cut me twice doing so." Gallegos said he woke up in the late rounds: ""I didn't start to put it on him till the 8th round. I had him out, but didnt finish him. He would hold. Then, in the 9th and 10th, I tried again. Those were my only rounds. For the rest of the fight, I was just one step behind." Gallegos attributes the loss to ring rust, not having fought since December 2006. "I should've stopped him, but back to training. No more 18 months off. I tried and gave it my all, but he was the better man today. There are no excuses . . . I shall return!"

Alderete loses rematch with Cooper
Last night in Lemoore, Calif.: "Mad" Mike Alderete (6-3, 3 KOs) lost an eight-round unanimous decision in his rematch with Dewey "Black Kobra" Cooper (15-1-2, 10 KOs), of Las Vegas, Nev., at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino. Scores were 78-74 twice and 77-75. Click here for coverage on Fightnews.

"Mad" Mike at the scales!
From the Tachi Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif.:
"Mad" Mike Alderete 195 vs. Dewey Cooper 199
Photo courtesy of De Anna Tapia

Delgado plans return!
Former IFBA champion Adriana Delgado has not only been in the gym, training for her return, but has landed a fight on the May 31st card in Ignacio, Colo. at the Sky Ute Casino. Delgado, 10-2-1, 4 KOs, inactive since 2003, has been training with the Romeros.

Alvarado co-headlines Top Rank card May 9
The new co-headliner of the May 9 Top Rank card, billed as "Collision Course", at Isleta Resort & Casino will be undefeated Denver jr. welterweight Mike Alvarado (20-0, 5 KOs), who will face Michel Rosales-Hernandez (20-1-0, 18 KOs) of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. On the televised co-feature, Ray Sanchez III (20-2, 15 KOs) will take on Michi Munoz (20-2, 12 KOs). A press conference will officially announce the card Thursday at Isleta.
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TICKETS: Tickets for the Top Rank May 9 card are now on sale. Tickets start at just $15 and are available right now at tickets.com or the Isleta Players Club Box Office (505-244-9181).

BE A PART OF THE NEW MEXICO BOXING HISTORY! The History of New Mexico Boxing: The book, started by the late Jim Boggio, is on its way to completion by boxing writer Chris Cozzone, who estimates the book to be around 60% completed, after logging in five months of work on it. The book chronicles the history of boxing in New Mexico, from 1868 to the present; and showcases New Mexico’s greatest fighters, from Benny Chavez to Eddie Mack; Larry Cisneros to Art Aragon; Joey Limas and the Olguin Brothers to Bobby Foster; Tommy Cordova and Louie Burke to Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero. Cozzone estimates research completion in 2008 . . . CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

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