Raphael Butler -vs- Joey Abell: Predictions

Boxing figures chime in on how they expect Friday night’s heavyweight battle to go down:

Todd Bechthold: First big punch probably wins.  It may come down to boxing skill, because both guys have power.

Willshaun Boxley: I think that Joey’s definitely going to win for sure, and I think it’s going to be by knockout.

Jamaal Marcc Bradley (amateur fighter): Joey Abell by KO in round 4

Mike Dempsey (boxer and trainer): Joe by TKO in 7

Gary Eyer (pro fighter): I’ve never seen Abell fight and I’ve only seen Butler once, so I say whoever comes in lighter at the weigh-ins will win.

Sean Hickman (coach): The only prediction I’d like to make is that I believe someone is going to get kayoed if both of these guys want it as much as the other, which they should at this point in their careers.  They both have great athletic ability, knockout power, and are in desperate need to make a statement.

Graham Houston (writer): Abell TKO8…I think he might have better staying power than Butler.

Andy Kolle (MN middleweight champ):  I am going to go with Abell just because I think his conditioning will carry him through the initial onslaught and bring him to victory.  No disrespect to Raph because he is an excellent fighter and he could very well prove me wrong!

Brett Mauren (writer): I say Butler comes out and shocks Abell by knocking him down in the first, but gasses out fast and Abell stops stops him in the 4th.  It’s gonna be a slugfest.

Cory Rapacz (matchmaker): Abell TKO3

Andrew Studer-Ginsburg (gadfly): I like Butler by decision.  Butler looks to be in good shape.   I think he’ll outbox [Abell] late.

Caleb Truax (pro fighter): Joey KO 3rd round.

The Fistic Mystic says: Butler may be the more gifted all-around boxer, but I think that Abell has real world-class power.  Everything else being nearly equal, power is going to be the deciding factor in this fight.   Abell by KO.

Upcoming Boxing Event: November 13 at Grand Casino Hinckley

What to watch for:

Phil Williams takes some steps into deeper water, taking on steel-chinned veteran Matt Vanda in the featured bout.  This fight presents a number of questions: Can Vanda handle Williams’ power?  If Williams can’t get Vanda out early, can he match Vanda’s workrate and fitness?  Does a shrinking light heavyweight get any credit for beating a swelled-up junior middleweight?

In the co-feature, Wilton Hilario takes on an opponent with a glamorous record for the first time, hoping to make a statement.  On a closer look Leon Bobo (18-3-1 with only 2 kayos) might at first seem like a patsy – he’s only won two of his last six fights and has only 2 wins by knockout – but a man doesn’t win 18 fights with only 2 knockouts unless he’s got slick moves, and Bobo has gone 2-1-1 in his last four against opponents with combined records of 53-5-2.  If Hilario wins this one, he may find himself back in the running for a fight with rival Jason Litzau, whose older brother Allen he has already TKO’d.

Undefeated prospect Ceresso Fort takes an opponent with a winning record for only the second time in his career.  In Lamar Harris Fort has a seemingly ideal match – an opponent who has won more than he’s lost, but not one with too lofty a record, one who carries a certain amount of bravado (Harris is billed as “The Prince of Pain”) but not with scary power (4 knockout wins in eleven career bouts), and one who has typically fought at or below Fort’s weight.  In sum, a build-up fight that will actually build him up.

Javontae Starks makes his long-awaited professional debut fighting under the banner of Minneapolis based  promter MSC (Midwest Sports Council).  MSC matchmaker Cory Rapacz has located a serviceable opponent for Starks in Dan Copp, who has one win but no knockouts, and whose role is to serve as a career-starter rather than a live opponent.

Supporting (untelevised) bouts are local boy Tim Taggart against St Paul’s Sam Morales – Taggart returns home to revive his career following a brief stint in Florida while Morales moves up in weight after starting his career at welterweight and fighting as low as 133#, and Zach Schumach meets Don Tierney, the two having one win between them.

In order of appearance:

• Tim Taggart (3-2 with 2 kayos) -vs- Sam Morales (3-3 with 1 kayo), super middleweights (165#), scheduled for 4 rounds
• Zach Schumach (0-2) -vs- Don Tierney (1-0 with no kayos), light middleweights, scheduled for 4 rounds
• featured bout: Matt Vanda (41-9 with 22 kayos) -vs- Phil Williams (11-1 with 10 kayos), super middleweights, scheduled for 10 rounds
• co-feature: Wilton Hilario (11-0 with 9 kayos) -vs- Leon Bobo (18-3-1 with 2 kayos), super middleweights, scheduled for 8 rounds
• Ceresso Fort (7-0 with 7 kayos) -vs- Lamar Harris (6-3 with 4 kayos), middleweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Javontae Starks (debut) -vs- Dan Copp (1-1 with no kayos), light middleweights, scheduled for 4 rounds

Javontae Starks Signs with Local Promoters MSC!

The biggest boxing related news to come out of Minnesota boxing in years comes to us by way of electronic mail, from local boxing writer and publicist Brett Mauren.  Mauren’s press release trumpets the announcement that local promoter Midwest Sports Council (MSC) has signed amateur boxing star Javontae Starks to a  promotional deal.

It’s revealed in the release that Starks will make his professional debut November 13 on the televised card at Grand Casino Hinckley which features Matt Vanda –vs- Phil Williams and Wilton Hilario –vs- Leon Bobo, as one of four televised bouts.  The expected stock comment from MSC matchmaker Cory Rapacz: “I’m extremely excited to get an opportunity to work with Javontae and his team.  I have been working for the better part of the year to get him to be a part of the Midwest Sports Council roster and I’m thrilled we came to a deal that worked for both sides.”  Reached for comment, Rapacz elaborated on plans, “The debut fight is scheduled for November 13^th, and a second fight is planned for December, though no date or site can be announced yet.”

An ebullient Starks had more to say: “I was going to sign with Cameron Dunkin [of TKO Productions in Las Vegas], but we had some things that just didn’t mix.  So I thought that it was best for everyone that we take our agreement elsewhere.  Boxing in Minnesota is not looking too bad.  I wouldn’t be surprised if you see my first eight or nine fights here.”

Regarding his long-term plans:  “I’m not in a rush to sign with any big-time promoter.  When the time comes I’ll be ready to sign a long-term deal.  Money has never been an issue, I’d just like to fight and eventually my talent will get me to the big paydays.  I may even surprise everyone and stay with MSC, everybody will just have to wait and see what happens.”

On prospective opponents: “I actually got texts from some fighters around here saying that they were willing to fight or they wanted to fight, and being from the state of Minnesota and now I finally get to put on shows in Minnesota, once I show the fans what I can do for two or three fights, then I’ll be coming at fighters from Minnesota.  One thing I’ll say right now: Jonny Laboda, I’ll tell you straight out, I’ll stop him.  I’ll knock him out easily.”  This is not the first time that the 4-0 welterweight Laboda’s name has passed Starks’ lips, so there may be something behind the talk.

Starks joins another good local pro, Ceresso Fort of St Paul, in the MSC stable.  Without prompting Starks volunteered that although he would be willing to fight Fort if the money was right, “Woo is my friend, he’s like a brother to me, and it would have to make a lot of sense for both of us.”

The Fistic Mystic says: Starks’ pro status should be a great shot in the arm for the sport of boxing in Minnesota.  Expect to see a lot of him in the near future, until some big national promoter swoops in and carries him away with a big-money, long-term deal.

Comments and Analysis: Jason Litzau -vs- Verquan Kimbrough

Quotable:

“Jason’s just starting to grow into a mature fighter now.  He was confident going in and I was confident that he would do what he did…he did what he’s supposed to do.  He’s still working on his defense – he’s doing it beautifully in the gym.  The best weight class for him right now is probably 130#, but if the right offer comes along, you never know what might happen.”  Bob Van Syckle, Jason Litzau’s manager

“It was a learning experience.  It was the first time I was in the ring with a fighter that much taller (five inches) and I fought the wrong type of fight…The fight was a step up in opponents for me. He was one of the elite athletes in this weight class, and I fought the wrong fight.”  Verquan Kimbrough, Litzau’s unfortunate victim

“Jason got him out of there before I finished my first drink. That made me happy. I was glad to see him use his God-given skills to rejuvenate his career and I was happy to play the small part that I did putting this fight together!” Cory Rapacz, local matchmaker

Analysis:

Jason Litzau was…impressive in his one-sided annihilation of Verquan Kimbrough. Litzau came out throwing long hard right hands from the opening bell. He obviously was enjoying his five inch height advantage. He was looking to end things early, and was oblivious to Kimbrough’s power or lack thereof…” East Side Boxing

“Litzau was like a tall bean pole at featherweight and the added nine pounds seems to have made the tall 5’10” Litzau much stronger than he was in the past…Litzau’s punches seemed to be much harder and his ability to take shots seemed to have improved as well. What helped Litzau even more was that he had a five inch height advantage over the 5’5” Kimbrough, which allowed Litzau to bomb Kimbrough from the relative safety of the outside – not that Litzau was shy about getting hit, mind you…He didn’t really seem to care whether he was hit or not.”  Jim Dower, reporting for Boxingnews24.com

“…Litzau has moved up to lightweight and the 26-year-old from St. Paul, Minn., looks a lot stronger. He sure looked that way against Kimbrough, whom he thoroughly dominated in a one-sided beating. In the second round, Litzau cut Kimbrough by his right eye and knocked him down twice. Litzau continued to punish Kimbrough, 26, of Pittsburgh, in the third round. Kimbrough, whose legs were very shaky, barely made it out of the third and his corner appropriately stopped the bout. Litzau still takes too many punches, but Kimbrough has so little power, he didn’t have to pay for it. If Litzau can tighten that defense a little more, maybe he can make some noise. Even if he doesn’t, he’s still fun to watch.”  ESPN’s Dan Rafael

Live Round-by-Round: August 14 at the Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota

Matt Vanda (now 41-9 with 22 knockouts) defeats Ted Muller (now 19-16 with 9 kayos) by unanimous decision after eight rounds.

Round 1

The combatants meet in the center of the ring and Muller reaches first, missing with a couple of jabs.  Vanda returns the gesture, and a clinch ensues.  Muller lands first, with a slow three-punch combination – downstairs and then upstairs.  Muller is using his size advantage to bull Vanda backwards,Vanda for his part is working the body from very close quarters.  Vanda is keeping his head down and his hands up, emerging occasionally to throw power shots.  A one-two lands for Vanda.  Muller switches stances but Vanda tags him and he reverts.  Muller is now stepping in with the jab, then throws an overhand right that misses.  Vanda, though smaller is rocking Muller with power shots, when he throws them.  Vanda lands a left-right-left, then a punching clinch and the round is over.

Round 2

After some flurrying, Vanda throws a right that landed low, and Muller takes fifteen seconds to recuperate.  The pair touch gloves, and it’s back on.  Muller is pursuing Vanda and occasionally catching him, but Vanda is throwing punches moving backwards.  Though Muller  may be stronger, Vanda is quicker and his punches are snapping.  Vanda is throwing the left jab out there, then following a moment later with hooks.  Muller lands a solid right to the ribs of Vanda, but the Predator looks no worse for wear.  Vanda lands a combination that bounces Muller backwards intoa corner, but Muller comes out strong and traps Vanda against the ropes.  Vanda connects with a very strong jab, and the two commence to circling.  Muller throws a three punch combo that doesn’t land, Vanda returns fire and lands a couple of hooks to the body.  Muller throws a right-left-right-right that lands, but Vanda strikes back hard.  The bell rings and the two men touch gloves before returning to their corners.

Round 3

After some preliminary stroking, Vanda connects with a good straight right that causes Muller discomfort.  Vanda is comfortable out there, flicking the jab and following his opponent wherever it pleases Muller to go.  Muller has a strong jab, but a slow one, and it isn’t doing him much good.  Showing good movement and anticipation, Muller ducks away from some Vanda punches, but when Vanda catches him with a right to the body, it clearly hurts him.  Muller flurries to cover his vulnerability, and the moment passes.  Muller is landing some one-twos, but nothing of note.  Vanda continues to pursue, Muller leaning forward at the waist to protect his body.  Ron Lyke can be heard shouting from the corner to “Hit the body, hit the body!”  Muller walks forward, throwing a punch with each step, until Vanda pushes him back with a few weary power shots.

Round 4

Muller comes right out with a left-right, but then backs off.  Vanda keeps tossing his head to the right, possibly dealing with sweat in his eyes or a congested nose.  Vanda lands three good shots that hurt Muller, and when Muller appears vulnerable Vanda charges in, initially landing some good shots but then eating a few as Muller returns fire.  The two move to the center of the ring, where Vanda shoves a strong left jab into Muller’s face.  Muller is occasionally flinching away from contact, but alternately lunging in with hooks and straights.  Vanda pauses to  blow out his left nostril.  Muller is moving backwards now, back and to his left.  Vanda gets caught by a left cross but it does no harm.  Vanda is comfortable coming forward, apparently knowing that he’ll get the better of most exchanges.  Bell and round.

Round 5

Muller lands a good short right to start things out.  Vanda is moving forward and looking for an opening.  Muller grimaces at a left-right from Vanda.  Muller is tired but tough.  Vanda throws a low left hook that makes Muller retreat, then Muller lands a couple of single left jabs.  Muller lands a tentative one-two, but then Vanda comes back with several hard hooks to the body.  Muller is trying to keep Vanda at bay with the jab, but when Vanda comes inside, Muller does some good work with short hooks.  Vanda lands another hard left jab, and Muller walks backwards and leans against the ropes.  Muller lands a right hook to the side of Vanda’s head, but Vanda is unfazed and lands two very strong left hooks to the body.  Muller misses with a right and then shakes his right hand, as though it is hurt.  Vanda is beginning to look arm-weary, but is at least keeping his hands up.

Round 6

Vanda’s face is unmarked and he is up early from his stool, bouncing on his toes as he waits for the round to start.  Muller has feet far apart and is trying to lean in with jabs and hooks, but Vanda connects a strong three-punch combination.  Vanda stagger-steps forward and then grins at Muller.  Muller responds with a furious flurry that make Vanda retreat to the opposite corner.  Muller can barely swing his arms now, and Vanda is stalking.  Vanda misses with a right from long range.  A left hook to the base of Muller’sneck causes him to pause for a second, but then he puts his head down and pushes Vanda across the ring.  Muller finds his best offense close in, where Vanda cannot defend, but his misfortune is that Vanda is equally adept in close.  the two are trading in Vanda’s corner at the bell, and Muller, who is coming forward, throws one right long after the bell.  Vanda gives him a shove, but then turns away.

Round 7

Muller is slow enough that he’s having trouble moving Vanda’s moving target.  Now Muller digs dep to find three left jabs that land, but Vanda returns the favor with a left jab that snaps his head back.  A left hook to the body and left hook to the head of Muller throw him backwards into the ropes, but he comes back with some thudding body shots of his own.  Muller’s favorite target is Vanda’s left shoulder, but occasionally he finds Vanda’s head instead.  Vanda is trying to throw double hooks.  Muller swoops in with a right uppercut that catches Vanda a glancing blow, and after some ineffectual trading, comes home with a couple of wicked body shots.  After a brief lull, Vanda comes back with a series of hooks that would certainly floor a smaller man.

Round 8

the last round begins with a heartfelt hug, then the battling begins anew.  Muller is leaning far forward to land several strong jabs, but Vanda, as always, appears unscathed.  A left jab-right hook lands for Muller, but Vanda comes to life, attacking with multiples power shots from evil angles.  Vanda retreats fro man engagement but then stumbles backwards into the ropes.  Vanda comes back with a vengeance, landing a series of left and rigt hooks to the body of Muller.  In the center of the ring a Vanda left buckles Muller’s knees, but Muller stays on his feet.  muller is only throwing arm shots now, and Vanda smells blood.  Vandalands a right to the head of Muller that causes a stumble, then the two trade with huge power shots until AMulle loses his balance and stumbles to a neutral corner.  As the round comes to a close two exhausted warriors are flinging everything they have at each other, but it’s clear now that neither will score the knockout.  this round, and the fight, go clearly to Vanda, but Muller deserves a ton of credit for a strong effort against an intense and well conditioned opponent.

Brad Patraw (now 6-0 with 4 kayos) defeats Javier Segura (now 4-17 with 4 kayos) by TKO at 2:47 in round 4 of 6 scheduled.

Round 1

Segura comes out brave and aggressive and actually lands a few punches, but Patraw’s speed and accuracy show.  Patraw cuffs Segura around the ring at will for nearly three minutes.  though Segura is tough and willing, he’s unable to connect with Patraw’s head, even when Patraw leaves himself open.  Flurries to Segura’s body hurt him badly, and there are extended periods where he can get nothing going.  Round dominated by Patraw.

Round 2

Segura comes out winging, and manages to land a couple of  hooks to the jaw of Patraw.  Patraw is relaxing and not forcing the action, but is showing a tendency to showboat, particularly by swinging his right hand like a pendulum.  They say speed kills, and Patraw is showing plenty.  Referee Gary Miezwa is letting the fight go on despite Segura’s inability to compete.  A fierce uppercut rocks Segura, and Patraw follows it up with a series of power shots to the body and head.  Segura appears ready to go down, but he lasts tothe bell.  Segura throws a couple of punches after the bell and Patraw responds in kind.

Round 3

Patraw comes out jabbing, but then reverts to his early pattern of hooks to the body followed by hooks to the head.  Segura is clearly frustrated and hurt, but he’s hanging in there.  Patraw is moving backwards and to his right and countering Segura’s wild shots effectively.  Segura must be tough as nails, but he can muster no offense against the superior Patraw.  Patraw lands a winging right to the rribs and left to the ear of Segura.  Patraw is picking his shots now.  Segura finally lands a straight left, but there’s nothing behind it.  Patraw is pawing with the jab, taking a rest.  Now the two trade as the round draws to a close, neither man scoring anything of note.

Round 4

Surprisingly, Segura looks stronger and more aggressive at the start of this round, but Patraw continues to counter effectively moving backwards.  Segura lands a good left hook, and Patraw backs into a corner.  Now a body shot makes Patraw grimace, and Segura puts his head into Patraw’s chest and throws a ton of body shots.  Patraw finally bends his knees and dips down to throw a power shot.  After a lengthy lull, Patraw throws a series of hooks that momentarily freeze Segura, but Segura is showing a true Mexican fighter’s heart.  A right from Patraw knocks Segura’s mouthpiece out, and Patraw takes the cue to flurry.  Referee Miezwa breaks the action to reinsert the offending hunk of rubber.  Segura can only bum rush and maul Patraw now, and he does so effectively until a single right from Patraw knocks him wobbly.  Patraw sees Segura reach for a rope to steady himself and charges in, landing about half of the fifteen or twenty power shots he throws until Miezwa has seen enough and jumps in to make a good stoppage.

 

 

Ceresso Fort (now 7-0 with 7 kayos) defeats Yancy Cuellar (now 0-6) by KO in  56 seconds into round 1 of 6 scheduled.

Round 1

Cuellar comes out with an odd crouching stance and his arms almost crossed in front of him.  Ducking and punching, Cuellar hooks Fort twice in the left butt cheek.  Fort throws a combination for the first time and catches Cuellar with a crushing body punch.  Cuellar doesn’t want to continue, so he doesn’t.  He remains on his face until the fight is waved off, then gets up and casually walks back to his corner.

 

 

Jose Hilario (now 1-0 with 1 knockout) defeats John Swanberg (now 0-1 ) by knockout at 1:00 in the first round of four scheduled.

Round 1

Swanberg begins the fight cowering and jabbing, Hilario is clearly the stronger man.  A clash is inconclusive as both men punch and miss coming in.   Swanberg has a bad habit of fighting on his toes with his chin in the air, and Hilario is taking advantage.  Swanberg is down!  A monstrous right uppercut to the body ends the fight, but referee Gary Miezwa gives Swanberg some time to rise.  He remains on his knees with his forehead on the mat until Miezwa waves the fight off.

 

Bobby Kliewer (now 10-8 with 5 kayos) defeats John Turner (3-12 with no kayos) by TKO at 2:32 in the first of four scheduled rounds

Round 1

The much taller Kliewer comes out stalking, but Turner aggresses with a lunging jab immediately.  Backing Turner into the ropes, Kliewer lands a flurry.  Turner moves well, but Kliewer’s longer reach is showing.  Kliewer lands a good right uppercut as Turner tries to come in.  Turner is ducking and lunging.  Seconds later, Turner is now fighting on his heels.  Kliewer lands a good three-punch combination that puts Turner on his butt and into the ropes.  Quick getting back to his feet, Turner nods as referee Mark Nelson gives him a mandatory eight count.  Turner is moving and punching, but Kliewer is a much more effective offensive fighter.  Kliewer traps Turner on the ropes and connects with about six straight power shots, Turner nearly topples through the ropes, and referee Nelson leaps in to rescue him.  Fight over.

 

Exhibition: Antwan Robertson (4-1 with 3 kayos) –vs- Derek Winston (amateur) – The Fistic Mystic says that if this were a real bout, Winston would have won all four rounds by varying margins.

Round 1

 Round begins with much jabbing and circling.   Winston is doing the pursuing, neither man is throwing with evil intentions.   About a minute in Winston hits and hurts his cousin with a three punch combination.  Robertson, as is his wont, is fighting from a defensive posture.  Right-right-left and then a flurry from Robertson, that’s his first good offensive moment.  Winston is looking very good, landing a lot more punches.  Robertson flurries to the body about five seconds before the bell.

Round 2

 Winston is coming forward and traps Robertson in a corner momentarily, landing two to the body and one to the head.  Robertson lands a sharp jab to the midsection of Winston.  Robertson, back to the ropes, eats a couple of good shots.  Robertson is consistently moving backward, but now comes forward and gets caught in a headlock.  Winston is grinning as the two break up.  Right and left to the body land for Winston, then a big head shot.  Robertson answers with one big punch.  Upppercut misses badly for obertson, and he backs up only to get hit and hurt again.  The two smile at each other and then clinch.    Winston is a monster to the body.  Distress is visible on Robertson’s face as the round ends.

Round 3

winston is bouncing laterally and jabbing sharply to begin the third.  Robertson lands two to the body and one tot he head, but then backs up to the ropes and gets caught with a wicked combination to the body.  Winston lunges with a jab to the body, which robertson mimics.  neither finds success.  Left hook for Winston lands and moves robertson, then another right freezes Robertson.  Winston flurries, then Robertson throws an extended flurry which has little effect but shows well.  One has to be impressed with winston’s professional bearing and aggressiveness.  Left hook to the belly hurts Robertson, and he retreats again.  Winston feints and Robertson flinches, backs into a corner, and gets hit with another good flurry.Robertson, who usually scores well with single shots, isn’t tonight.

Round 4

Robertson lands a triple right jab to begin the round, and is now boxing on equal terms with his cousin.  Robertson ducks and backs into the ropes as a flurry lands for Winston.  A clinch and a break are followed by some weary slugging by Winston.  The two throw simultaneous jabs, then Winston lands a series of serious hooks.  Left hook lands for winston.  Robertson lands some power shots going backward for the first time tonight.  The boxers are trading power shots in the middle of the ring, both landing but neither getting the upper hand.  Both men are landing, but Winston is following up on his successes better.  Some more ineffective punches and grins, and the final bell rings.

Upcoming Boxing Event: August 14 at The Myth in Maplewood

Matt Vanda (right) mixes it up with John Duddy

What to watch for: Matt Vanda tests the super middleweight waters with moderately tough and moderately dangerous but always fit Teddy Muller of Moline, IL.  Muller has faced some very stiff competition over the years, and has an entertaining style.  Sort of like a less successful version of Vanda.  Ceresso Fort looks to notch another win against fellow St Paulite Ray Walker.  Brad Patraw takes on an experienced opponent in a quest to increase his win total and gain more experience.  Bobby Kliewer, who tells mnboxingleague.com that he’s in great shape for a change, will engage John Turner in a fight he should win.  Jose Hilario, brother of popular local pro Wilton Hilario, finally turns pro against dangerous Hector Orozco, who stole RJ Laase’s “0″ in Duluth last spring.  Cousins and “brothers” Antwan Robertson and Derek Winston will box in an exhibition as Winston continues to mull turning pro under the tutelage of John Hoffman.

• Matt Vanda (40-9 with 22 kayos) -vs- Ted Muller (19-15 with 9 kayos), super middleweights, scheduled for 8 rounds
• Ceresso Fort (6-0 with 6 kayos) -vs- Ray Walker (1-6 with no kayos), middleweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Brad Patraw (5-0 with 3 kayos) -vs- Javier Segura (4-16 with 4 kayos), super bantamweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Robert Kliewer (9-8 with 4 kayos) -vs- John Turner (3-11 with no kayos), super middleweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Jose Hilario (pro debut) -vs- Hector Orozco (1-2 with no kayos), junior welterweights, scheduled for 4 rounds
• Exhibition: Antwan Robertson (4-1 with 3 kayos) -vs- Derek Winston (0-0), scheduled for 4 rounds

Boxing Update: Upcoming Myth Show, August 14

Matchmaker Cory Rapacz confirms that opponents have been locked in for August 14th for Brad Patraw and Jose Hilario.

Bantamweight Patraw will fight Javier Segura of Mitchell, Nebraska.  Segura has been around the block and back again, accumulating a record of 4-16 along the way.  Segura’s record suggests he’s a patsy, but his four wins all came by knockout.  This is a pretty good match for Patraw, who is fast, strong, and tough but could use some experience.

Hilario’s opponent is 1-2 Hector “The Fine Chihuahua” Orozco – the same Orozco who stole Duluth welterweight RJ Laase’s “O” with a split decision win last may.  Though Orozco isn’t a glamorous opponent, don’t expect him to be a pushover for Hilario, a super featherweight.

The August 14 show at The Myth is promoted by Midwest Sports Council.

Matt Vanda -vs- Phil Williams: September 26 at Target Center

Matchmaker Cory Rapacz, working on behalf of promoter Midwest Sports Council (MSC) wants you to know that Phil “The Drill” Williams has signed to fight Matt Vanda at a 165# catch weight in the co-main event of a September 26 boxing card at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Williams, coming off an impressive 7th-round TKO win against former contender Antwun Echols, has talked freely of his willingness to fight anyone and his ambition to own a world title someday.  A win against 40-9 Vanda would certainly advance his cause.  “The Predator” Matt Vanda, long known for his willingness to engage any foe, is coming off a controversial April 18 win against Tocker Pudwill (40-6).

Said Rapacz on Friday morning, “We’re extremely excited to put this fight together. We received Phil’s signed contract late last night and are getting to work on the rest of the card right away. A match-up between a fighter from Minneapolis and a fighter from St. Paul is something that hasn’t yet been seen main eventing at the Target Center. Matt is ready to show that he is in fact the baddest man in the state and Phil is looking to become the new face of Minnesota boxing.”

Williams’ commitment to fight Vanda will at least temporarily squelch talk of a grudge match between Williams and Zach Walters of Duluth.  Walters, billed as the “Jungle Boy,” improved his record to 24-4 with a second-round knockout of James Morrow in Duluth on Thursday night.  Speculation had been rampant that Walters and Williams would fight in the fall.

First Look at April 18 (Target Center) Boxing Card

Here’s a preview of the April 18 fight card for the Target Center in Minneapolis:

Jason Litzau (23-2 with 19 kayos) -vs- TBA – Matchmaker Cory Rapacz says “Nothing yet for Jason; he’s f’n impossible to match.”

Allen Litzau (13-3 with 7 kayos) -vs- Wilton Hilario (10-0 with 8 kayos), junior lightweights, scheduled for eight rounds

Matt Vanda (39-8 with 22 kayos) -vs- Shelby Pudwill (tentative), middleweights, scheduled for 8 rounds – Rapacz: “A lot depends on how Matt comes out of the [February 21] Duddy fight.”

Ceresso Fort (4-0 with 4 kayos) -vs- TBA, middleweights, scheduled for 6 rounds – Rapacz: “We will have to see how [Fort] comes out of Hinckley before making any commitments to an opponent.”

Tyler Gould (5-3 with 5 kayos) -vs- Danny Schleinz (7-15 with 4 kayos), welterweights, scheduled for 4 rounds – Rapacz: “Hoping to get Danny Schleinz or else we’ll try Magdaleno.”

Donny Tierney (pro debut) -vs- David Duncan (0-1), junior middleweights, scheduled for 4 rounds – Rapacz: “[This] was agreed to today.”

I asked Cory whether he is the matchmaker who Corey Rodriguez had mentioned talking to about an April return and he confirmed:  “Yep, I’m talking with C-Rod about April 18th.”

Final remarks: “We’re planning on…about eight fights total so we’ll see what we end up with!”

Ivan Stovall Goes On The Record

For several weeks now Minnesota boxing fans have been treated to some interesting bulletin board chatter from the previously unknown Californian Ivan Stovall, who has been calling out hometown boy Caleb Truax.  But nobody knows Stovall, and despite all he has said about himself, nothing much has been said about him by anyone else.  It seemed to the Fistic Mystic that it was time to go to the source.  Here’s the fruit of my labor:

Pomona’s Ivan “Sitting Bull” Stovall, a 5′10″ super middleweight, is currently sitting on a professional record of 10-2 with 7 kayos.  His amateur record was 49-10, and by his tally it was highlighted by three city chamionships, three California state championships, two national Blue & Gold championships, a bronze at the 2002 PAL championships, and a qualification for the 2004 Olympic Trials.  “I was a late starter,” says Stovall.  “I started fighting as an amateur when I was 19.  I had been in the gym since I was 13 but I never took it seriously until after I had graduated from high school.  I was just wanting to be in shape, running around the gym and looking at the girls.”

Since turning pro with a 4-round decision of Daniel Stanislavjevic in 2005 Stovall has been self-promoted.  “I’ve been a free agent since I turned pro when I was 25 years old.”  Stovall’s two losses came in his fourth fight (to Alfonso Rocha) and his eleventh fight (to James Parison), and he vehemently disowns the former.  In the latter, he says that he and Parison were told they were fighting for a promotional contract, but in the end neither the winner nor the loser got a contract.

When I asked Ivan how he happened to crash the Minnesota boxing scene, he showed admirable candor in revealing that it was Minnesota boxing gadfly Cory Rapacz who orchestrated the entire controversy.  “It was my friend Cory, and he told me to check out Caleb Traux…I was looking for a promoter on the Boxrec forum, and that’s how Cory contacted me.”  At first he was apprehensive: “I was like ‘I don’t know anything about this guy, I don’t even know who he is.’  I found him on Boxrec and I saw that he’s 8-0, then I saw video of him fighting on Youtube and I saw good speed, good footwork and some nice little feints – he’s a pretty good fighter.  But I thought ‘I can beat this guy,’ and Cory told me that he’s promoted by Seconds Out.  He told me I should come over to this Minnesota Boxing bulletin board and also the Seconds Out board and see if I can get a fight made.”   Stovall doesn’t limit his interest to Truax, either: “I know who Kenny Kost and Andy Kolle are because I’ve seen them on TV and I know that I can handle either of them…Some fans even want me to fight Matt Vanda, I would love to fight that guy.  I heard he ain’t scared of nobody, and that he will fight anybody.”

Stovall’s take on the Minnesota scene is interesting, and perhaps revealing – at least to the extent that it illustrates how local fighters are viewed outside of the state.  “Now I’m not stupid, I’m not going to fight just anybody, but I’ll fight anybody in Minnesota.”