After winning national accolade, pair of boxers star on Daily News Golden Gloves card

Christopher Galeano, Patrick Day score victories

From Sugar Ray Robinson to Paul Malignaggi, the Daily News Golden Gloves has always produced some of the finest boxers that the country has to offer. This year, the 152-pound open division has two.

The Daily News Golden Gloves arrived at St. Finbar Auditorium in Brooklyn Tuesday night for the second set of Finbar fights in this year’s tournament. On center stage were the 152-pounders, who have asserted themselves as one of the deepest classes in the tournament.

Last week in Colorado, two of New York’s best — Christopher Galeano (John’s Gym) and Patrick Day (Freeport PAL) — collided in a classic at the USA Boxing National semifinal. After the bout ended in an 8-8 tie, Day took the victory in a tiebreaker. The following day, Day took the gold medal with a win over Chicago’s Alex Martin, making him the No.1 152-pound amateur in the country. Galeano would take the bronze.

“I wanted to win so much (and) my ambition is what fueled me the whole week,” Day said. “I knew that whether I lost or won, that I’d give my all.”

Back at Finbar, both boxers shrugged off their fatigue and put on a show. Galeano scored the Empire City Casino Punch of the Night during Round 3 of his matchup with Stepan Rogulskyi (NY Athletic Club) when a straight left hand knocked the challenger to the floor.

“I knew he’d lunge in the third because I was comfortable with the lead that I had,” Galeano said. “It was a nicely timed punch.”

Though Day took his businesslike approach to the ring against Chordale Booker (Team Freeport), there was nothing easy about his 5-0 victory. Booker pounced on Day from the opening bell, trying to expose some exhaustion from the newly crowned No. 1.
“He has the heart of lion,” Day said. “I knew when I drew him he’d be a formidable opponent. He knew I fought five days in a row and tried to test my lungs, test my legs.”

Peter Dobson (Atlas Cops N Kids) and Jeremy Fiorentino (Win or Die BC) will join Day and Galeano in the semifinals. Dobson took home the P.C. Richard and Son Boxer of the Night award after taking down Juan Mancilla (Long Island BC) via 5-0 decision. Fiorentino fought his way to a 3-2 victory over Daniel Gonzalez (Universal BC).

The quarterfinals of the 2012 Daily News Golden Gloves continue Wednesday night at Harlem PAL Center. Bouts between the 125-pound women, super heavyweight women and 178-pound novices will begin at 7:30.

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South Tyneside boxers taste success on both sides of Atlantic


FIGHTERS from Boldon Boxing Club have in use both sides of the Atlantic by storm. John Sanderson represent a North East select team who flew out to Chicago for a six-day visit, previous this month, while Paul Gidney was in action in Liverpool last week, to take on a much-fancied local fighter.



Both boxers were winning in their bouts, and Boldon boxing coach Tim Codling was quick to praise his fighters.

He said: "Both lads are thanks to the club, themselves and they did South Tyneside proud."

Sanderson take on Mexican Carlos Sanchez, from the Mexicana Boxing Club, in front of a 2,000-strong crowd.

Having previously won the Fire Fighter Championships, the North East Novice Championships and reaching the National Novice quarter-finals – where he lost a very doubtful bout 21-20 to the eventual absolute winner – he has had a busy season so far.

Sanderson storm to an early lead using his speed to build up the points against the strong bull-like Sanchez.

The second round saw both men standing toe-to-toe, trade punches to body and head.
A big left-hook wedged Sanchez to force a standing count, giving the crowd prosperity to shout about.

The last round saw Sanderson back to his clever boxing to keep his very game adversary on the back foot.

This saw him win a very good contest, and also helped the North East select to claim an 8-5 victory, to cap off a pleasant trip to the USA.

Sanderson’s presentation in the States more than impressed his coach. Codling said: “John has had the opportunity of a lifetime to box in America on such a big stage, in front of so many people, and to perform as he did was outstanding.”

Gidney’s fight saw him travel to Ellesmere Port to take on local favourite Alex Foulkes, of the Wirral Boxing Club.

The fight was an enjoyable bout that both men used as preparation for the senior ABAs, which start in March.

A fast-paced first round saw Gidney’s movement cause problems for Foulkes – as the Boldon man constantly scored with clever combinations then moved out of range, before his opponent could counter-attack.

The second saw Foulkes trying to cut off Gidney’s movement, but to no avail, as quick jabs and uppercuts rained in on the Liverpool man – allowing Gidney to take a comfortable lead into the last round.

The relentless Boldon boxer’s ring craft in the last further frustrated Foulkes, and saw him win by a unanimous point’s decision.

Gidney’s victory on Merseyside further supports his coach’s belief in him. Codling said: "Paul took an intimidating trip to Liverpool as a step towards the ABAs, and put on a great display of boxing."

If he continues in this way, he has nothing to fear, and could go one better than his semi-final appearance in 2009. "Paul always gives it 100 per cent every time he steps into the ring."

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Manny Pacquiao says his fight June 8 could be the last of his career.


Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is being paid ready to begin training for his June 9 WBO welterweight title fight against unbeatable Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas. Will it be the final fight of his brilliant career?

Pacquiao isn't sure.

"Maybe, but I'm not saying (Bradley) is the last fight," the 33-year-old Filipino fighter and congressman said by phone Monday. "Maybe I can fight one more. I don't know."

One thing seems to be sure, though. Pacquiao, who has always had strong spiritual convictions, is moving away from the sport and closer to the Catholic Church, which recently named him as an ambassador.

Asked about it, Pacquiao said, "That's what they say … and I'm happy for that. I will give motivation and give confidence people to read the Bible."

The Bible has become a much bigger part of Pacquiao's life recently, and he and his wife, Jinkee, are making it a daily habit. "We need to read the Bible because it's a manual for your life," Pacquiao said. "It's how we enter the Kingdom of God."

Pacquiao has even divest himself of his vices, including his vast cock-fighting operation — which at one time consisted of more than 1,000 birds — shut down his restaurant and bar and his ownership in a Manila casino, and pledged to the Catholic Church to give up drinking and womanizing.

"I have a casino and sold it and all my roosters, stopped drinking alcohol and everything that's not good for following the commandments of God," he said.

Pacquiao said in an interview in the Philippines lately that he realized he was weak before, "and if I had died I consider my soul would have ended in hell."

Pacquiao believes boxing does not fit in with his spiritual lifestyle. "Boxing, for me, hitting each other is not good," he said Monday. "So I was thinking I'm not going to stay long in boxing."

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said Monday he's heard stories about Pacquiao's lifestyle changes and it concerns him.

"I haven't seen Manny yet, but I know he's got a very strong faith in God," said Roach, who has trained Pacquiao for more than a decade. "But I haven't seen him so I haven't seen any changes or anything like that.
"We'll get ready for the fight. If it's not there, it's not there, and I'll probably tell him to retire."

Roach says he believe some of the changes may be a blessing.

"He's had too many distractions, so the things he's getting rid of could be a positive," Roach said. "Hopefully he'll pick some better friends there, too."

If Pacquiao fights again after June 9, he'd like it to be against Floyd Mayweather, the fight the world wants to see, but said it'll be Mayweather's decision.

"It's up to him. I'm ready to fight any time," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao said he told Mayweather he would be OK with a 50-50 split and any blood tests Mayweather wanted.

"But he wants to give me a certain amount and that's it," said Pacquiao. "No pay-per-view sharing for me. How can you fight if you don't share the pay-per-view?"

Pacquiao said he even offered a 45-45 split, with the other 10% going to the winner, which May weather turned down. The pay-per-view income for that fight could approach $160 million.

Roach said he's 100% convinced Mayweather does not want to fight Pacquiao. "When a guy calls you out and makes a brave statement like that on TV, then says he wants a 70-30 split, he's full of (it)," Roach said.

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Importance of protective gear in sports especially boxing

It is very important to protect your body engaging in sports like boxing and kick-boxing. Sporting goods especially protective gear matter a lot in every sport. Using the right protective equipment matters a lot in these sports. Even while training it is necessary to use protective gears. An injury is the worst nightmare of any sports person. Injury is the cause of halting careers of many sports persons who could have made a big difference in the sport. 

In the sport of boxing or kick-boxing protecting your head is very important. The head plays an important role in protecting the entire physical body. Compromising your fitness just for a few bucks here or there isn't helpful at all. If not immediately this attitude will surely cause a halt to your precious career in the long-run.

Boxing gears

The protective gear should be properly fitting. Sports equipment should not be held on to tightly just for the sake of protection. Playing comfortable and in the true spirit of the game is how a game must be looked at. Our movements should be restricted by the protective gear. Protective gears are used for our support and not escaping from the sport.

A little knowledge is always dangerous. A little knowledge about protection can spell danger. It is important to take the advice from an expert about the kinds of Boxing equipment to use on the d-day. Do not feel embarrassed about the few details and never compromise and settle for something lesser especially in the case of protective gear.

Males need to take care for protecting the groin area. They need to use the right protective equipment. In an event of kick-boxing kicks can end up in a wrong location and be a cause for an injury. It is advised to take the necessary precautions to prevent anything like that to happen.

Shin guards are available to block kicks in the delicate area. In a sport anything is possible. A blow in delicate areas like that can cause serious health damages. Your career may even be jolted and there is a possibility of suffering serious long-term percussion. Kick-boxing is a sport involving loads of kicks. A proper use of a shin guard can avoid loads of pain in that area. Your movements are free without worrying about that sensitive area. Protective gear also boosts your confidence and reflects it in the game. Protective gears play a useful role in improving the self confidence of a person during a match. The players feel more protected and secure. Players feel free to move without worrying that they will leave their exposed. Purchasing online sporting goods is convenient way of getting the best equipment in a affordable price.

In boxing aerobics it is necessary to motivate the amateur players constantly. These players are budding hence they have a constant fear of choosing between the gym and the training ring. Protective gears will encourage and motivate them to start! Hand wraps are a good idea for them especially. It should be considered by professional players too. The risk of breaking your hands and fingers while practicing is minimized using a hand wrap. Though the professional players use boxing gloves the hand wraps offer a tight grip and more importantly a sense of security.

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Making weight key to female boxers' Olympic dreams

After slugging away for years in the unglamorous ranks of amateur women's boxing, Marlen Esparza was thrilled when her sport finally became an Olympic one.


But the invitation to London came with a catch: The petite, 106-pound national champion from Houston would have to gain six pounds to compete against bigger, stronger women if she wanted to qualify.

"It was another mountain to climb," said Esparza, who fights Tuesday night to try to win a spot on the three-member U.S. team. "I already thought it was going to be tough to make it to the Olympics, and now I'm going to have to cross this other obstacle."


The International Olympic Committee's 2009 decision to cram female boxers from 10 traditional weight classes into just three divisions — at 112, 132 and 165 pounds — raised safety concerns and altered the entire structure of a sport that's still chasing worldwide acceptance. Many fighters spent the past two years struggling to put on or take off a few pounds to fit the IOC's guidelines, while others didn't even try.


"For some of them, that's what ended their Olympic dream," said Christy Halbert, a veteran coach and the Chair of USA Boxing's Women's Task Force.

Six pounds might not seem like much, even on Esparza's compact frame, but it's a problem in such a finely calibrated sport. From Floyd Mayweather Jr. to the newest club fighter, boxers of all sizes obsess over the strength and mobility contained in every pound lost or gained.

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Claressa Shields vs. Andrecia Wasson in all-Michigan match at boxing Olympic trials tonight

A day after scoring a stunning upset of top-ranked Franchon Crews, middleweight Claressa Shields of Flint knows she'll be in for a battle in the semifinals of the U.S. Olympic women's boxing trials tonight.


Shields' opponent? Look no further than 2010 women's world welterweight champion Andrecia Wasson of Center Line, whom Shields defeated last fall in Toledo to win the National PAL Championships.

The PAL event was Shields' first open division tournament since becoming age-eligible. At 16, she's the youngest boxer in the Olympic trials this week at the Northern Quest Resort in Airway Heights, Wash.

The event isn't being televised, but bouts can be watched on the Web via live stream on Universal Sports, starting at 10 p.m. Detroit time.

"I know she'll be gunning for me," Shields said by phone this afternoon from Washington. "All I have to do is listen to my coach, and I got her."

Shields and Wasson were big winners in their opening quarterfinal bouts Monday night. Shields defeated Crews, 31-19, while Wasson handed Dara Shen a 34-9 defeat.

Latonya (King) Wingate of Harrison Township lost her first flyweight match to Tyrieshia Douglas (34-11) and dropped into the challengers bracket. Wingate must beat Virgina Fuchs tonight to keep her Olympic hopes alive in the double-elimination tournament.

Mikaela Mayer of Los Angeles -- a former fighter at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan until last summer, when the boxing program was suspended -- defeated Lisa Porter in her quarterfinal bout in the lightweight division. She'll face Seattle native and top-rated Queen Underwood in tonight's semifinals.

Mayer is coached by former longtime USOEC boxing coach Al Mitchell. He said today that he has been training Mayer in Marquette and in China, where he also has been coaching the Chinese men's and women's boxing teams.

"I told her not to think about Queen being No. 1," Mitchell said. "She has to think of her as just another boxer, like a sparring partner."

Jason Crutchfield, who coaches Shields at the Bertson gym in Flint, said his boxer beat Crews -- a four-time U.S. champion -- in their opening bout in part because Shields was the aggressor. "We caught her by surprise," Crutchfield said.

Sergio Garcia, who trains Wasson at the Warriors Boxing Club in Detroit, said he and his fighter have a plan for how to beat Shields. He also has a prediction.
"The winner of this fight tonight is going to be the champion," he said. "They are the top two fighters in the whole tournament."

The U.S. Olympic women's boxing trials are the sole domestic qualifier for the London Games, which will feature the Olympic debut of boxing for women in three weight classes: flyweight (112 pounds), lightweight (132) and middleweight (165).

But the road to London won't get any easier. The trials champions in each of the three weight divisions will move on to the world championships this spring in China, where they will need to place in the top eight to earn berths in the 2012 Olympics.

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London 2012: Olympic sport this week


MAJOR EVENTS THIS WEEK

ATHLETICS - Aviva Indoor UK Trials and Championships, EIS Sheffield (11-12 Feb); as well as national titles, assortment for next month's IAAF World Indoor Championships is at stake in Sheffield. Local favorite Jessica Ennis - who will be defensive her pentathlon title at those World Indoor Championships - is taking part in the shot put, high jump, long jump and 60m hurdles this weekend.

BOXING - Bocskai Memorial Tournament, Debrecen, Hungary (7-12 Feb); Team GB boxers Tom Stalker (60kg), Fred Evans (69kg) and Anthony Joshua (91+kg) compete in this elite international competition.

CYCLING - Tour of Qatar (5-10 Feb); Mark Cavendish makes his first exterior of 2012 in this six-stage event in Doha. The world champion, a winner of two stages at the event in 2009, is making his debut for Team Sky.
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Veteran boxing official Wayne Kelly dies of heart attack.

Wayne Kelly, a boxing referee who officiate several distinguished bouts, has died. He was 63.


The International Boxing confederation said Kelly died Wednesday from a heart attack.

Kelly's career spanned more than two decades. He was remembered best for officiate the first fight between Riddick Bowe and Andrew Golota. He also officiate several IBF/USBA title fights including Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sultan Ibrigamov and Arturo Gatti vs. Wilson Rodriguez.

Kelly was a Vietnam War Veteran. In lieu of flowers, the Kelly family is suggesting a contribution be made in his memory to the Vietnam Veterans of America.

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Polacy organizują dużą galę w USA. Powalczą Szpilka

Bardzo ciekawie z perspektywy polskich fanów boksu zapowiada się planowana na 24 marca gala bokserska w Atlantic City.



W walce wieczoru wystąpi Mariusz Wach, który będzie bronić pasa WBC International w starciu z Tyem Fieldsem. Wcześniej do ringu mają wyjść m.in.: Artur Szpilka, Przemysław Majewski, Kamil Łaszczyk.

Budzący największe emocje "Szpila" skrzyżuje rękawice z Terrance'm Marbrą. To ten sam pięściarz, z którym Polak miał się bić w lutym w Las Vegas, ale zrezygnowano z tego pomysłu. Oficjalny powód? Promotorzy Polaka przekonywali, że impreza odbywałaby się w hali zbyt małej, aby pomieścić jego fanów.

W Atlantic City z tym problemów już na pewno nie będzie. Organizatorzy gali - Global Boxing, 12 Round KnockOut Promotions oraz Frank Maloney Promotions (dwie polskie grupy zjednoczyły siły ze znanym brytyjskim promotorem) - zapowiadają, że będzie to wielkie wydarzenie, które zapadnie w pamięci kibiców.

Uważamy, że ten pomysł ożywi wagę ciężką i wprowadzi kilka nowych twarzy na międzynarodowy rynek. Liczymy, że kibice z chęcią obejrzą kilka gal, podczas których mocne ciosy oraz emocje są po prostu zagwarantowane - cytuje Mariusza Kołodzieja, promotora Wacha i właściciela Global Boxing, portal ringpolska..pl.

To będzie pierwsza, ale nie ostatnia gala, na której wspólnie wystąpią Wach, Szpilka i reprezentowany przez Franka Maloneya Brytyjczyk David Price. Ustalono bowiem, że będą co najmniej trzy takie imprezy.
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Track and Field News ; Track & Field continue Indoor Season at Rod McCravy Memorial

USA Sports News : The Muray State women's track & field team will continue its record location season at the Rod McCravy Memorial hosted by Kentucky, Jan. 27-28 at the Nutter Field House in Lexington, Ky.

Rod McCravy Memorial

Racers will be one of 17 teams at the assemble from 10 different conferences. MSU will be one of two teams from the Ohio Valley Conference, with Eastern Kentucky also participate. The SEC will be represent by the host Wildcats, Mississippi, South Carolina and Vanderbilt. Conference USA will be represent by Memphis and Central Florida; with the Sun Belt have teams from Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. Also at the get together will be Cincinnati (Big East), Chattanooga (SoCon), Georgia Tech (ACC), Southern Illinois (Missouri valley), Ohio State (Big 10) and Miami (Ohio) (Mid-America).

Junior Alexis Love will be looking to get better on her record-setting time in the 60 and her top-ranking OVC time in the 200. Love is currently ranked No. 52 in the NCAA for her 24.31 come to an end in the 200 and 54th in the 60 (7.54-MSU school record).

The get jointly will get under way at 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, with the weight throw, pole vault, and high jump and long jump events. Saturday's field events will start at 10:30 a.m. and run throughout noon, with track events running from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

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USA Sports News: Model files sex lawsuit next to Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya

Boxing News: Angelica Cecora, a 25-year-old model, has filed a lawsuit in New York alongside former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya.

She is claiming the boxer try to force her into "disgusting" sex act in his hotel room last March.

The boxer's lawyer claims the meet was consensual and called the charges "offensive and frivolous."

Cecora admit the sex was consensual but claimed De La Hoya's performance and later requests were next to her will and things "took a wild turn that I didn't sign up for."

She is asking for $5 million for moving distress, false custody, and assault and battery.

"Once 12 o'clock hit that night, he just started doing more and more drugs and wanted me to do more and more things," she said.

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USA Sports News : Wounded Solo practice before U.S. women's Olympic qualifier

Athletic News : Hope Solo stood in the net, lean forward and grimace. She had just dive to her right to make a save, and her wounded leg was feeling the effects.

Hope Solo stood

The goalkeeper for the U.S. women's soccer team was back on the perform field Thursday, one day before the game that will decide whether the Americans go to the Olympics. Whether she'll really play was still in doubt.

"We still have quite some time to figure that out," Solo said after practice. "I have rehab planned right (now), another rehab session tonight, so we're just going to have to wait and see."

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Sonnen puts focus back on fighting for Bisping

Count on Chael Sonnen to subvert expectations in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
He's ridiculed the jiu-jitsu skills of proven submission experts. Dismissed stars of Pride Fighting Championships as frauds. Described a former titleholder as a champion manufactured by UFC's marketing machine. Derided the most dominant UFC champion of all time as an effeminate coward.


Yet for this weekend's fight against middleweight Michael Bisping, Sonnen offers a different kind of verbal surprise: Respect.

"How you could ever deny Bisping?" Sonnen says. "I'm just not on that bandwagon. I plan to do everything I can do to stop him. But I'm not going to sit here and act as though the guy's not a great fighter. He is."

They'll square off Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on Fox 2 (8 p.m. ET, Fox) in Chicago. Zuffa promises the winner a UFC title fight against 185-pound champion Anderson Silva later this year.

Matchmakers have been trying to put together a rematch between Sonnen and Silva since their dramatic showdown in August 2010, when the champ pulled off a late submission after being dominated by the challenger for most of five rounds. But with a four-fight win streak and a No. 9 spot in the USA TODAY/MMA Nation consensus rankings for middleweights, Bisping has his own case to make for a title shot.

"Chael's widely regarded as probably No. 2 in the division," Bisping says. "People do say that I haven't been fighting the top guys. Well, here we are."

Bisping and Sonnen got only a fraction of the time they would normally dedicate to training for any particular fight, let alone a title eliminator. Sonnen's originally scheduled opponent, Mark Munoz, underwent elbow surgery less than two weeks before the Chicago show; UFC chose Bisping as a replacement.

With such a small window to get ready for each other, they have little time for promotional work outside of UFC's basic requirements and a few relatively mild verbal jabs at each other.

"The fight was only made a few days ago," Bisping says. "I've got to put all my energy into preparing for that fight."

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Macon to Host Georgia's Best Fighters

The Bishop Frank Ray Boxing Arena in downtown Macon turns one this weekend. In celebration of the anniversary, fighters from around the state will put on the gloves in Central Georgia's home for the sweet science.


The arena on sixth street is hosting the Georgia USA Boxing Championships beginning Thursday. The three-day amateur tournament includes boxers of various ages and experience levels. For the first time the bouts will include local female fighters.

The stakes will be high in the Open Division, where seven spots in Nationals are up for grabs. Of the up-and-coming fighters that call the Macon gym home are the Montgomery brothers - Mikhail, Maliek, and Michael - are the star pupils. The lessons they've learned extend beyond the ring.

"It teached me hard work, period," Maliek said. "If you don't work hard at the sport you're not gonna be that good at the sport. You just got to work. You put in the hours in the gym and it pays off."

"People walking around in our schools they don't have no discipline," Michael said. "Then when they come to this they come out a different person."

Michael will have a chance to earn a spot in Nationals this weekend. The fights start Thursday at 6:00 p.m., with championship bouts beginning Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

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'Money' talks: Mayweather phones Pacquiao to discuss fight

The promoters don't seem to be making much headway in arrange the highly probable Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao megafight.


So Mayweather it seems that took matters into his own hands, calling Pacquiao, throughout Pacquiao's manager, Michael Koncz, in the Philippines on Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines) to ask him directly regarding fighting on May 5th in Las Vegas.

"I told him we should do the fight as long as he agree to 50-50 sharing," Pacquiao told the Philippine Star during an awards dinner in Manila on Thursday.

As for a probable fight date, Pacquiao said, "We did not talk about the date (of the fight)."

Mayweather, 34, has insist on May 5 as a fight date, since he got his 87-day jail ruling pushed back to June 1 to house a May 5 fight, leaving enough time to heal from possible injuries from the fight before he begins serving his sentence.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter and chairman of Top Rank, has said they would need to do the fight at the end of May or early June, to give Pacquiao time to heal from a 29-stitch cut he suffer in November against Juan Manuel Marquez, and also to get a 45,000-seat provisional outdoor arena built.

Arum has said if that cannot be arranged, they could work something out for a mega fight in November in Las Vegas.

On Thursday May weather talked to the media after donating $100,000 to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer charity as part of his assure to his sentence judge, about facing Pacquiao.

"There is no fight I want more than the Manny Pacquiao fight," he said. "I guess he said he agreed to fight. The only thing that is stopping this fight right now, which I truly believe is stop the fight, is Bob Arum."

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U.S. Olympic Committee visit Eugene for Track Town 2012 planning


Eugene (KMTR) - Members of the U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S.A. Track & Field are visiting Eugene this week for preparation meetings; there's a lot to do before 1,000 hopeful athletes arrive in Lane County. University of Oregon's Track & Field Director Vin Lananna, and Chester Wheeler from the U.S.O.C. exposed a few details about what fans can expect this summer. They're rolling out a London theme, pub included. A lot of the new features will be geared toward young people, in hopes of attract them to the sport, and ongoing the Track Town legacy. One of the new items is a cell phone app, where fans can track the results of events live as they unfold on the track.

Speaking to the community impact, the U.S.O.C. already has 11,000 hotel room nights booked for the trials. Organizers wait for about 20,000 fans inside Hayward Field each day, and the free festival outside the track will likely be back this year, attract thousands more.

The countdown is at 156 days to “Track Town 2012.” Stay tuned over the next couple months for more surprises to be exposed about what's new inside and outside Hayward Field this summer.

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Salido, Lopez place for featherweight title rematch in March

Salido, Lopez Rematch

Orlando Salido surprised the boxing world when he stopped up Juan Manuel Lopez in the eighth round last April, handing the increasing Puerto Rican star his first loss and taking "Juanma's" WBO featherweight belt.

Lopez (31-1, 28 KOs) will try to win back that belt when he take on Salido (37-11-2, 25 KOs) in a highly predictable 12-round featherweight title rematch on March 10 (Showtime, 10 p.m. ET) in Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, P.R.

The rematch was officially announced during a press meeting in San Juan on Tuesday. Salido, from Mexico, has fight twice since his upset win, winning both by strike over Asian journeymen Kenichi Yamaguchi and Weng Haya.

Lopez, 28, scored a second-round TKO beside overmatched American Mike Oliver last October in Bayamon, P.R. in his only fight since the loss.

"I am very happy to have the chance to fight in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum where my idol Tito Trinidad had so many fights and this is a vision come true for me," Lopez said Tuesday.

"I want to thank Salido for approaching back to Puerto Rico and giving me this opportunity. I knew Salido was a hard fighter and he came ready and beat me and I accessible no excuses."

Salido, 31, says he expect a different fight in some ways this time around. "I know he will be better than last time," Salido said. "But I don't see him varying much. He might try in the start to fight in a different style but he will come back to his strengths. He is going to feel that he is the better and stronger man, and that he is not."

Salido says he wants to confirm that his win last April was no fluke.

"I came back to fight in Puerto Rico because he gave the chance to me to fight for a world championship here and I have never had any difficulty winning in an opponent home base," he said.

Fighting on the under card is undefeated No. 1 featherweight competitor Mikey Garcia (27-0, 23 KOs), in a 10-round featherweight bout next to an opponent to be named.

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USA sports news : Boxing Schedule - 2012

Fight
Location
Date
Daily News Golden Gloves Tournament BB King Blues Club,


New York, NY		 January 19, 2012

Thursday
Ramos vs Rigondeaux Palms,

Las Vegas, NV		 January 20, 2012

Friday
Battle at the Boat 85 Emerald Queen,

Tacoma, WA		 January 21, 2012

Saturday
Broadway Boxing Roseland Ballroom,


New York, NY		 January 21, 2012

Saturday
Buffalo Golden Gloves Tournament Burt Flickinger Athletic Center,

Buffalo, NY		 January 21, 2012

Saturday
Liakhovich vs TBA Asylum Arena,

Philadelphia, PA		 January 21, 2012

Saturday
ESPN Friday Night Fights Northern Quest Casino,


Airway Heights, WA		 January 27, 2012

Friday
Pro Boxing Turning Stone,

Verona, NY		 January 28, 2012

Saturday
Spinks vs Powell Shrine Mosque,

Springfield, MO		 January 28, 2012

Saturday
ESPN Friday Night Fights

Chilemba vs Miranda		 Texas Station,


Las Vegas, NV		 February 3, 2012

Friday
Chavez vs Rubio

Donaire vs Vazquez		 Alamodome,

San Antonio, TX		 February 4, 2012


Saturday
Star Boxing Times Union Center,

Albany, NY		 February 4, 2012

Saturday
Tacoma Golden Gloves Tournament Tacoma Dome,


Tacoma, WA		 February 4, 2012

Saturday
ESPN Friday Night Fights Mohegan Sun,

Uncasville, CT		 February 10, 2012

Friday
Jimmy Lange Boxing Patriot Center,

Fairfax, VA		 February 11, 2012

Saturday
Ortiz vs Berto II

Lara vs Hearns		 MGM Grand,


Las Vegas, NV		 February 11, 2012

Saturday
ESPN Friday Night Fights UTA College Park Center,

Arlington, TX		 February 17, 2012

Friday
Williams vs Ishida AmericanBank Center,

Corpus Christi, TX		 February 18, 2012

Saturday
ESPN Friday Night Fights USC Galen Center,


Los Angeles, CA		 February 24, 2012

Friday
Windy City Fight Night 21 UIC Pavilion,

Chicago, IL		 February 24, 2012

Friday
Maidana vs Alexander Scottrade Center,

Saint Louis, MO		 February 25, 2012

Saturday
ESPN Friday Night Fights

Holt vs Coleman		 Morongo,


Cabazon, CA		 March 16, 2012

Friday
Martinez vs Macklin Madison Square Garden,

New York, NY		 March 17, 2012

Saturday
Windy City Fight Night 22 UIC Pavilion,

Chicago, IL		 March 17, 2012

Saturday
Morales vs Garcia

Kirkland vs Molina		 Reliant Arena,


Houston, TX		 March 24, 2012

Saturday
Battle at the Boat 86 Emerald Queen,

Tacoma, WA		 March 31, 2012

Saturday
2012 Golden Gloves National Tournament of Champions CasaBlanca Resort Event Center,

Mesquite, NV		 April 28, 2012 - May 5, 2012
Floyd Mayweather Jr vs TBA MGM Grand,

Las Vegas, NV		 May 5, 2012


Saturday
Battle at the Boat 87 Emerald Queen,

Tacoma, WA		 June 2, 2012

Saturday
Battle at the Boat 88 Emerald Queen,


Tacoma, WA		 August 28, 2012

Saturday
Guns N Hoses Emerald Queen,

Tacoma, WA		 September 15, 2012

Saturday
Battle at the Boat 89 Emerald Queen,

Tacoma, WA		 November 3, 2012

Saturday
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Moiben succeed at mumbai marathon

Kenya's Laban Moiben won the Mumbai Marathon in a spectacular photo finish ahead of Ethiopia's Raji Assefa. Both men clocked a time of two hours 10 minutes 48 seconds, but the photo gave the triumph to Moiben. Ethiopia's John Kyui was third, just six seconds further back.

In the women's race, Ethiopian Netsanet Abeyo won in a time of 2:26.10, over four minutes clear of compatriots Fatuma Sado (2:30.20) and (2:30.47).In the men's race Indian athlete Ram Singh Yadav protected a spot in the 2012 Olympics as he beat his individual best on the course by over a minute with a 2:16.59.

The top winners in the two categories got prize money of USD 36,000 each. Tanzania's Dickson Marwa and Simon Kasimili were the early pace setters as they exchanged go ahead position during the first 15 km stretch. However, after the initial surge, Marwa fell behind and it was here that Kyui and Moiben began their domination. It was at about the 30km stretch that Moiben took the lead which he held throughout.
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Noemi Bosques to Make Pro Debut

WBAN has established a press release on a future boxing event that will take place on February 10, 212, at the Ker's WingHouse Bar & Grill. The event is encouragement by Fight Night Productions and Ker's.


Headlining the occasion will feature Florida's Super Middleweight Champion, Jose “Cheloman” Alonzo (13-0-0).

“Cheloman,” from Spring Hill, Florida, won the Florida State Super Middleweight Title at the final “WingHouse Fight Night” show of 2011, earn a hard-fought decision over Sarasota’s Adam Jaco. February 10th will mark Alonzo’s third fight back since taking an eight-year hiatus from the sport. The winner of the 1994 region (Palm Bay) Golden Gloves in the 165-pound division has fight 12 of his 13 professional fight in the state, including his last seven fights in-front of a Tampa crowd.

Co-headlining the card will feature Daniel “El Alacran” Lozano (10-0-0, 7 KOs).

In one more bout, Alphonso Black (2-0-0, 2 KOs) will look to continue his winning ways in front of his home crowd.

Also, two will be making their pro debut Kenny “Right Hook” Lacy and female boxer Noemi Bosques.

Bosques, a resident of Pinellas Park, Florida, had a well bedecked amateur career competed in 2011 USA Boxing National Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 112-pounds.

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Easy win for Asbel Kiprop and Fionnuala Britton

Kenya's world and Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop easiness to a relaxed victory in the men's 3km event at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country race. He clocked nine minutes, 20 seconds to beat Britain's Jonny Hay (9.25), with Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele well down. Ireland's European cross country champion Fionnuala Britton won the women's 6km race in 21.32 ahead of Britain's Gemma Steel and Elle Baker. "It is nice to feel strong and run like that," Britton told. Kiprop beat fellow Kenyan Brimin Kipruto, who won Olympic gold in the 3,000m steeplechase, and Ethiopian legend Bekele, who both finished well down the field.

We must go back 11 years for the last time Kenenisa Bekele completed outside the top 10 in any race, and that was in the 2001 Oslo 5,000m when he was still a junior. One wonders if his bubble has burst, since he's now lost four of his last five races. But remember the one he did win was last September's Brussels 10,000m, which was highly important as he ran the fastest time in the world in 2011 and almost guaranteed his selection for London in that event. Olympic Park on 4 August will be a far cry from Holyrood Park on 7 January.

Bekele, who won gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m in Beijing in 2008, is regarded as the biggest rival to Britain's Mo Farah at the 2012 London Olympics but he struggled with the pace. Kiprop, 22, said: "I expected a very tough contest from them.”I am excited having won here today after being second last year." Britton beat a quality field at Holyrood Park to win by an inspiring 20 seconds. The 27-year-old said: "It is a big event and I knew I was the person everyone would try to chase down so I knew I had to have a good race.
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Tulane drops C-USA opener at UCF, 60-53



Green Wave fell behind early in could never catch up in 60-53 loss
ORLANDO, Fla. – Tulane’s men’s basketball team fell behind early and could never catch up to UCF Wednesday night in the Conference USA opener, falling 60-53, at UCF Arena.

The Green Wave (12-3, 0-1 C-USA) trailed by nine in the first nine minutes of the game and never got closer than six the rest of the way. The Knights (11-3, 1-0 C-USA) took the lead for good less than two minutes in and led by as many as 17, including a 29-21 lead at the break.

“We did not play as well as we needed to, especially early, and UCF did a number on us on the boards,” Tulane head coach Ed Conroy said. “The first half we did not do the job we needed to boxing out and we need to make sure that doesn’t happen again. We’ve been pretty good on the boards, but tonight we didn’t match their effort.”

Jordan Callahan led Tulane with 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal, while Kendall Timmons missed his second straight double double with 12 points and nine rebounds, and Ricky Tarrant added 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Tulane led 4-3 after a dunk by Timmons with 18:48 left in the opening half, but Marcus Jordan, who led UCF with a game-high 19 points, knocked down a jumper 20 seconds later that gave the Knights the lead for good. The Green Wave was held scoreless for over a four minute stretch in the first half and UCF used that time to build a 27-13 lead, the largest of the half.

Tulane scored first to open the second half the cut the deficit to six on a Callahan lay-up, but a 3-pointer by A.J. Rompza for UCF ignited a 10-2 run for the Knights who pulled away to a 17 point lead, 44-27, with 12:49 left. The Green Wave did fight back and used a 16-7 run to cut the UCF lead back down to eight, 54-46, with 3:40 remaining, before Jordan hit a jumper and a pair of free throws to all but seal the victory.

“The second half was a tale of not making shots and finishing plays,” Conroy added. “The first half was not satisfactory in the way we need to execute and move the ball.”

Josh Davis added eight points and five boards for Tulane, who hit just 23 of 48 shots from the floor in the game, including four of 10 for 3-point range. The Green Wave struggled from long range early as well, missing the first nine attempts before Callahan knocked one down eight minutes into the second half.

UCF did shoot well either, hitting 23 of 58 shots from the floor as well, but the Knights won the rebound battle, 43-32, including grabbing 15 offensive boards and turning that into 14 points.

Tulane’s defense forced 12 turnovers and collected seven steals that resulted in 11 points.

The Green Wave, who has played the last three games on the road, return to Fogelman Arena Saturday when they host Southern Miss at 3 p.m. CT.

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No. 5 Baylor skips past Texas A&M

Perry Jones III had 14 points with 12 rebounds, and the Bears remained undefeated with a 61-52 victory over Texas A&M on Monday night for their first 14-game winning streak in school history.


After moving up two spots to No. 4 in the new Associated Press poll earlier Monday, the Bears (14-0) scored the first eight points of the game and lead throughout against the Aggies (9-4).

BOX SCORE: Baylor 61, LSU 52

"I make sure, being the captain of the team, that we don't pay attention to that," senior Quincy Acy said. "It's good to have it, but we want more. … Just make sure that we don't pay attention to that, and we go out every night and play like we have something to lose."

Part of Baylor's opening spurt was Pierre Jackson's half-court alley-oop pass to Jones for a slam dunk

To get the latest sports news from USA TODAY, including game results, columns and features, follow us on Twitter at @USATODAYSports.

"Actually, that was the first time he's ever thrown me an alley-oop that far," Jones said. "But you've got to be ready for anything when he's on the floor."

It was the first double-double of the season for Jones, the Big 12's preseason player of the year. Jones, a 6-foot-11 sophomore who bypassed the chance to be a high NBA draft pick last summer, missed the first five games this season while completing a six-game NCAA suspension for accepting improper benefits before he got to Baylor.

The Bears had already matched the school-record winning streak of 13 in a row set in 1946 by winning their 13 non-conference games. Baylor has won five consecutive Big 12 openers.

Acy added 13 points for Baylor, while freshman Quincy Miller had 11 points with eight rebounds in his first Big 12 game. A.J. Walton had 10 points.

This was the 204th meeting for the Texas teams from along the Brazos River. Baylor has won four in a row, but A&M still leads the series 127-77.

It was the last Big 12 matchup between the two teams in Waco with A&M's pending move to the Southeastern Conference after this season. They play again Feb. 1 at College Station.

"Obviously like everyone else I wish they were still in the Big 12, but we've got a pretty good league, and there's a reason the last four years RPI-wise the Big 12's been the best conference in basketball," Baylor coach Scott Drew said. "It's outstanding basketball. We know the future's very bright for the Big 12."

Elston Turner had 21 points for the Aggies, who have lost three of its last four games. Khris Middleton had 14 points.

Turner's 3-pointer got Texas A&M within 10 with 5 minutes left before consecutive turnovers that Baylor turned into baskets.

After Anthony Jones forced an A&M turnover, Cory Jefferson made a jumper. Jackson then had a steal that led to Walton's baseline jumper in the front of the Baylor bench.

"I wasn't real pleased with that play," Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy said. "He made a tough shot."

Turner hit another 3-pointer with 2:25 left to get the Aggies within 57-48, but they never got closer.

Texas A&M made only 18 of 63 field goals (29 percent) overall, but that was actually an improvement after making only 6-of-28 (21 percent) in the first half.

There was an 8-minute stretch for Texas A&M with 10 consecutive missed shots. After Turner's jumper with 9:39 left in the first half, when Baylor led 17-9, the Aggies didn't make another field goal until Middleton's 3-pointer with 1:39 left when they still trailed 28-14.

Aggies guard David Loubeau had three fouls while playing only 2 minutes in the first half, when Middleton was limited to only 10 minutes because of two early fouls.

Baylor had an 18-4 run in the first half that Jones started with a turnaround 15-footer and ended with a long jumper. The Bears had a 30-17 halftime lead, then scored the first five points of the second half.

"Defensively, I'm proud of our guys. We did a good enough job defensively," Kennedy said. "But when you go 6-for-28 in the first half and you've got two of your best players on the bench not playing, it's going to be tough."

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