2008 RINGSIDE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

[boxmel]

My LBC!


Javier Rojo, Bell Gardens, CA Boys 11-12 119lbs. Novice
Samuel Mora, Monteray Pkwy, CA Boys 13-14 119lbs. Novice
Edgar Saenz Boys 9-10 130lbs. Novice
Moises Orozco, Long Beach, CA Boys 11-12 75lbs. Open
Jazmine Vasquez, Bell Gardens, CA Girls 13-14 101lbs. Novice
Raymon Zertuche, Bell Gardens, CA Boys 13-14 125lbs. Novice
Rahim Gonzales, Sylmar, CA Boys 11-12 85lbs. Open
Risa Sugimoto, Long Beach, CA Women's 17-34 106lbs.Open
Andrew Foster, Long Beach, CA Boys 15-16 178lbs. Novice
Lucille Castillo, Carson, CA Women's 17-34 145lbs. Novice
Javier Padilla, Coachella, CA Boys 13-14 75lbs. Novice
Arnold Noriega, East LA, CA Boys 15-16 201lbs. Novice
Xavier Montelongo Jr., Los Angeles, CA Boys 15-16 132lbs. Open

[vistaman44]

Keisher McLeod repeated as champion, according to her Facebook page. That's all I've got ...

[vistaman44]

Here's what the Kansas City Star had on Saturday:

Amateur boxing championship brings fighters of all ages, abilities
By COLE YOUNG
The Kansas City Star

TETONA DUNLAP | The Kansas City Star
John Brown described the Ringside World Championships as a seven-ring circus.

Inside the KCI Expo Center, it’s organized chaos with boxers warming up in the corners and random cheers coming from seven different fights.

Add the constant announcement of winners echoing throughout the building, plus shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and it would be easy to be overwhelmed. But for Brown and others in the boxing community, it was a great scene.

“We thought we would have around 1,000 boxers this year,” said Brown, who is the owner of Ringside Boxing. “With the bad economy and all, it just seemed like we would probably have fewer boxers here than the last few years.”

The tournament, which wrapped up Saturday, had a record 1,488 boxers. Included in the record number were 10 boxers from the Garland (Texas) Police Ninth Street Gym.

“One of the nicest things about this tournament for us is that we can drive here,” said Dave Swavey, the coach at Ninth Street Gym. “With Kansas City being in the middle of the country, you can drive here. We have another tournament in Oxnard, (Calif.) and really the only way you can get there is to fly.”

Although ease of travel is one reason the Ringside tournament has continued growing, the wide array of talent is another reason.

There were boxers from the top of the amateur category, like local boxer Jeremiah Graziano, who won one of his last amateur fights in the first round. The age range began with 9-year-old novice boxers competing in their first tournaments and extended to those in the master’s division, which had competitors up to their 70s.

Nearly everyone had a chance to fight.

“If you have a kid who is 16 and only weighs 70 or 80 pounds, they’ll find a way for them to get some fights here,” Swavey said. “It’s tough to get fights in some weight classes, but that really isn’t the case here.”

That’s been one of Brown’s goals since starting the tournament.

“We want coaches to be able to bring all the boxers from their gyms,” Brown said. “That’s the 14-year-old who has just started and the guy who is 23 who is pretty good and the 50-year-old who is still fighting. We can find a fight for all of them.”

Kevin Cruz from Hampton, Iowa, was one of those boxers who came to Kansas City simply looking for a fight.

After winning the local Golden Gloves competition in Iowa, he hadn’t fought in six months. His coach called him recently and told him to start training because they were headed to another tournament.

“I didn’t really know what to expect, coming to my first tournament here,” Cruz said. “But it’s been great. It’s a chance to get matches against pretty good talent. I’ll be back for sure.”

Caption:
Alexandra Stein of Parkville (left) lost Saturday to Kendy Escamilla of Houston, Texas, in the women’s 15-16 novice division.

[Unit]

I know Thomas Williams and Duran Caferro both won (Caferro's 5th Ringside Championship); I assume Cam O'Connell won, just too big to be able to tell everyone though. Craig Lewis looked ok against some HUGE super heavy; Jeremiah Graziano I saw on the mitts and I could tell it was him without seeing his face.

the guy o'connell seems to win alot...last year in the ringside i met up with him in the semi-finals...gave him 3- 8 counts, & had him cursing at himself the whole fight./..Iunno tho, i dont like to use the word Screwed...but the desicion was questionable...i was too fast and had him falling sideways with every hook i landed

[Dennis]

I know Thomas Williams and Duran Caferro both won (Caferro's 5th Ringside Championship); I assume Cam O'Connell won, just too big to be able to tell everyone though. Craig Lewis looked ok against some HUGE super heavy; Jeremiah Graziano I saw on the mitts and I could tell it was him without seeing his face.

Craig Lewis at super-heavy? Did he win the title?
Graziano - did he win the heavy title?
Who won at 165 - Caferro? Was there more than one 165# open division?
If anyone can tell me who won all the mens open titles, I would appreciate it.

[Sportssummary]

MICHIGAN WINNERS

From what I have learned so far, Erick DeLeon, Craig Lewis and Gheith Mohammed won this year. I haven't heard of any others.

[Kolya]

I know Thomas Williams and Duran Caferro both won (Caferro's 5th Ringside Championship); I assume Cam O'Connell won, just too big to be able to tell everyone though. Craig Lewis looked ok against some HUGE super heavy; Jeremiah Graziano I saw on the mitts and I could tell it was him without seeing his face.

Craig Lewis at super-heavy? Did he win the title?
Graziano - did he win the heavy title?
Who won at 165 - Caferro? Was there more than one 165# open division?
If anyone can tell me who won all the mens open titles, I would appreciate it.

I don't know if Lewis won the title or not, I just saw him beat some huge dude in a USA uniform. Thomas Williams won 178 open, Caferro won 132 open...come on Dennis, he was at Golden Gloves 3 months ago; he didn't move up 3 weight classes. It's just too big to tell you who won all the titles, I'm sure they'll post it up eventually.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I know Thomas Williams and Duran Caferro both won (Caferro's 5th Ringside Championship); I assume Cam O'Connell won, just too big to be able to tell everyone though. Craig Lewis looked ok against some HUGE super heavy; Jeremiah Graziano I saw on the mitts and I could tell it was him without seeing his face.

Craig Lewis at super-heavy? Did he win the title?
Graziano - did he win the heavy title?
Who won at 165 - Caferro? Was there more than one 165# open division?
If anyone can tell me who won all the mens open titles, I would appreciate it.

Dennis, there were so many entries at some of the divisions, they split once, twice and three times. I know that 132 open had 32 entries alone. They split it up into a Blue, Red and Green bracket so there were 3 champions. Unfortunately, I can't tell you all the open division titles, but I do have all the bout sheet from the finals, so here you go:

(I have confirmed winners that I know won in bold)
106lbs. Blue Henrey Clay (Craencro, LA) vs. Gino Padilla (Las Vegas, NV)
112lbs. Blue Joshua O'Reilly (Stoney Creek, ??) vs. Nelson Cabrera (Dallas, TX)
119lbs. Blue Gabino Saenz (Indio, CA) def. Jeremy Durgin (Beaumont, TX)
125lbs. Blue Jermaine House vs. James Smith
125lbs. Red Steven Wilcox (Hamilton, ON) vs. Guy Robb (Sacremento, CA)
152lbs. Green Javontae Starks (Minneapolis, MN) def Sammy Vasquez Jr. (Monessen, PA)
132lbs. Blue Alex Rynn (Calgary) vs. Duran Caffero (Helena, MT)
132lbs. Red Francisco Mares (Dallas, TX) vs. Chris Hazimihalis (Youngstown, OH)
141lbs. Blue Hared Menard vs. Jeremy Florentino (New York, NY)
141lbs. Red Joel Young (Beltsville, MD) def. Samuel Martinez (Camp Le Jeune, NC) *Martinez was cut and doctor stopped bout
141lbs. Green Jamal James (Minneapolis, MN) vs. Cameron O'Connor (Red Deer, Alberta, CA)
152lbs. Blue Jacob Giuriceo (Struthers, OH) vs. Javonn Barnes (Muskegon, MI)
152lbs. Red Alex Martin (Harvey, IL) vs. Nathan Valenzuela (Chicago, IL)
165lbs. Red Jarvis Benson (Chicago, IL) vs. Isaac Peach (Auckland New Zealand)
165lbs. Blue Wilky Campfort (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) vs. Chad Trahan (Lafayette, LA)
165lbs. Green Brandon Larvadain (Lansing, MI) vs. Andreas Kamouyerou (Venetia, PA)
178lbs. Blue Jarvis Edwards (Grand Rapids, MI) vs. Stephen Franjic (Orangeville, ON)
178lbs. Red Thomas Williams Jr. (Laurel, MD) def. Tony Mack (Plano, TX)
201lbs. Blue Jeremiah Graziano (Lenexa, KS) def Michael Bissett (Smyrna, TN)
201lbs.+ Blue Craig Lewis (Detroit, MI) def. Lenroy Thompson (Ft. Pierce, FL)

[Dennis]

I know Thomas Williams and Duran Caferro both won (Caferro's 5th Ringside Championship); I assume Cam O'Connell won, just too big to be able to tell everyone though. Craig Lewis looked ok against some HUGE super heavy; Jeremiah Graziano I saw on the mitts and I could tell it was him without seeing his face.

Craig Lewis at super-heavy? Did he win the title?
Graziano - did he win the heavy title?
Who won at 165 - Caferro? Was there more than one 165# open division?
If anyone can tell me who won all the mens open titles, I would appreciate it.

I don't know if Lewis won the title or not, I just saw him beat some huge dude in a USA uniform. Thomas Williams won 178 open, Caferro won 132 open...come on Dennis, he was at Golden Gloves 3 months ago; he didn't move up 3 weight classes. It's just too big to tell you who won all the titles, I'm sure they'll post it up eventually.

I mixed up Caferro with a guy from Minnesota - Cerresso Fort. I know Duran Caferro is a lightweight and do remember him from the NGG. I just mixed up their names in my head.

[Kolya]

He won't be 132 for too much longer. That kid is really strong for that weight; he put a brutal beating on his first opponent down there.

[Dennis]

Many guys move up in weight classes as they get older. There are a few who actually go down a weight class once they mature a little more. It is more rare, but it does happen.

[Kolya]

If it gives you an indication why he didn't make weight; Gary Russell has been at 119 since Caferro was 106.

[Dennis]

5 years ago, Gary Jr. was boxing at 106 so he hasn't moved up much since he was 15.

[boxerboys mom]

I just have to say the 2008 Ringside Boxing Tournament was great. However I believe this will be the year of controversy and couldn't believe my eyes when a decision was reversed especially when you are told in the coaches meeting, we make mistakes and we are sorry.

I saw more bad calls than I had in a long time and boxing is suppose to be boxing and not all head shots. Yes they are boxing w/ the head shots but body shots is part of using your talent. Is it going to be called boxing or is it going to be called a head shot tournament. I know I may sound awful but I love the sport and hate to see someone w/ talent who can box, be beat by someone who only wants to pop you in the head.

We will be back at Ringside Next Year and I really hope Coach Brown does not continue to change things up and will remain fair to all fighters. I know, no one said life is fair.....

I believe I saw more knockouts happen on Friday than I had seen in a long time and when they hit the canvas, they really hit the canvas.

This tournament is one of the best since it pretty much guarantee's everyone a fight. Thank you Coach Brown for offering something as huge as this tournament, let's make it the same for all.

Let's mention the women fighters also....everyone feared the New Zealand fighter (cannot remember her name) all I know is she had some guns on her and was built. There was another girl who was fighting Novice 165 (I think). She wore pink...1st match was only 28 seconds and her opponent was knocked out....second fight 5 seconds in the 2nd round.....she was mean...

Glad I never made her mad while I was there....lol

Hope I did not offend anyone only wanted to get a few things out there...

[Kolya]

That Maori girl from New Zealand was BUILT! I saw her warming up, she looked intimidating. She was kinda pretty too though.

[boxmel]

However I believe this will be the year of controversy and couldn't believe my eyes when a decision was reversed especially when you are told in the coaches meeting, we make mistakes and we are sorry

Do you have the details as to why the decision was reversed? Was it a points (decided by the judges) decision or did it involve the referee? Actually, according to the rules, the only time you can grieve a decision is during a tournament leading to a World competition (Olympics, Pan Ams).

[boxerboys mom]

Honestly not for sure why it was reversed. The fighter went charging out of the ring when told he got 2nd place and handed his backpack jumped the rope protecting the inside of the rings and then about 6 bouts later they had him come back and made an announcement and gave him a belt. Only stated they made a mistake and reversed the decision....that was so wrong......

crying over spilled milk really works and those who yell the loudest and act out will get what they want....it was proven at the tournament.....

it also opened the door for many other coaches to grieve the decisions their fighters were awarded and led many "young" boxers to believe the more scene you make the better your chances are of getting what you want.

[Kolya]

Honestly not for sure why it was reversed. The fighter went charging out of the ring when told he got 2nd place and handed his backpack jumped the rope protecting the inside of the rings and then about 6 bouts later they had him come back and made an announcement and gave him a belt. Only stated they made a mistake and reversed the decision....that was so wrong......

crying over spilled milk really works and those who yell the loudest and act out will get what they want....it was proven at the tournament.....

it also opened the door for many other coaches to grieve the decisions their fighters were awarded and led many "young" boxers to believe the more scene you make the better your chances are of getting what you want.

And at the coaches' meeting they said they don't reverse decisions, so don't ask. And I thought they didn't, because last year a Canadian girl got absolutely hosed and they didn't do anything but call security to the ring.

I don't know if it was just me, but it seemed off this year. Almost not as fun as the previous year or something; I don't know. Just seemed a but more uptight or something, hard to put my finger on. Maybe it's how many people were there.

[boxmel]

The fighter went charging out of the ring when told he got 2nd place and handed his backpack jumped the rope protecting the inside of the rings and then about 6 bouts later they had him come back and made an announcement and gave him a belt. Only stated they made a mistake and reversed the decision....that was so wrong......

Could be: 1. Someone screwed up when tallying the score cards; 2. The announcer announced the wrong corner. Either way, one of the boxers is going to be hurt (and justifiably sour) because the adults responsible for making sure accuracy was in place didn't do their job. Oh - and the kid was hopefully talked to for displaying a lack of sportsmanship.

crying over spilled milk really works and those who yell the loudest and act out will get what they want....it was proven at the tournament.....

Since you don't know what happened, you can only guess. I've never seen a boxer get a decision reversed due to throwing a temper tantrum. Guess there might always be a first time, though. 8)

it also opened the door for many other coaches to grieve the decisions their fighters were awarded and led many "young" boxers to believe the more scene you make the better your chances are of getting what you want.

You are 300% correct in your above statement! That's one reason why the rules state you cannot grieve an official's decision - judge or referee. Opens up one very large can of worms. Once you make an exception, you gotta do it for all. I'm really kind of surprised since our National Official's Board Member is, I believe, the Ringside Chief of Officials.

[boxmel]

I don't know if it was just me, but it seemed off this year. Almost not as fun as the previous year or something; I don't know. Just seemed a but more uptight or something, hard to put my finger on. Maybe it's how many people were there.

Kolya - how in the bloody hell can you have a good time in a 6-ring circus, with all the noise and confusion and a real cross-section of officials, many of whom are not even Level 1?

[Kolya]

Yeah, I noticed some of the officials that weren't even Level 1. Or were just Level 1 and new. I don't know how Kevin Franklin does it. I dunno, last year was good. There were good matches, all sorts of stuff. This year it just seemed wilder and like the quality of a lot of boxers wasn't as good as last year.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Honestly not for sure why it was reversed. The fighter went charging out of the ring when told he got 2nd place and handed his backpack jumped the rope protecting the inside of the rings and then about 6 bouts later they had him come back and made an announcement and gave him a belt. Only stated they made a mistake and reversed the decision....that was so wrong......

Yeah, but if they really just made an error in calculating the winner, that should be fixed. That's what I thought it was. There was a boxers who's family member was an official and when he lost - they really went off - the police had to be brought in. Guess what, they didn't overturn anything. The decision was final. I even agree with them that that decision was questionable, but it is what it is. I didn't see any other evidence of decision reversals at all. I really thing that this was a situation where they announced the wrong winner. I saw that happend a couple of times. The table that has the announcer is pretty chaotic, he's reading a decision every couple of seconds it seems like! I heard him sound confused on a couple of occasions. The only suggestion that I can make is for LBCs that are represented try to raise a little money during the course of the year to help send a couple of officials to the Ringside, simply because it is so large. Ringside has said they don't pay officials to be there (I don't really believe that one), so it really becomes a financial thing.

[boxerboys mom]

I am happy to hear someone else saw what was happening besides me....things were shaken up a bit but maybe that has to do w/ a conflict of interest and could have been why the decision was reversed. Regardless of adding incorrectly, announcing the wrong corner, etc. the deed was done and the kid lost.....if the rest are taught to suck it up and go on then all should be.

I really feel when providing something as huge as this leave your special interests out and stand back so you are not being biased towards anyone that way it does not ruin this and leave a bad taste in participants mouths.

There was plenty of side line action going on.....the coach that took their boxers passbook due to a bad decision was called, security and all was called and he grieved his point but still ended in their decision.....a coach stood next to me (other coaches working the corner) and was so disgusted w/ the officials and he was saying if you want to make to make it worse then go ahead and give them a standing 8 count after the fight has ended and I was shocked, it was done, he was furious.

I had to laugh there was an older coach there w/ a cane and he crossed the ropes and told the officials if they can't see any better than that then they need to go home and practice watching fights on tv first so they can record it and rewind it to learn what a boxing match is......I rolled....that was one of the funniest things I saw.

Ringside Tournament is a great thing but we need to ensure for all competitors it is an equal event and focus on their talent and not what suits certain interests (which creates the conflict). When you decide to go w/ the conflict of interest then you jeopardize the tournament and all your are doing is setting several up for failure, making them believe they are better than they are.

[boxmel]

Yeah, but if they really just made an error in calculating the winner, that should be fixed.

Yes - but embarrasing to all involved. Time and care should be taken when tallying and announcing winners.

There was a boxers who's family member was an official and when he lost - they really went off - the police had to be brought in.

Sigh. There is always someone, or ones, who give us officials a bad name. There is a professional protocol that all officials are asked to follow. Unfortunately, some are more concerned with their boxers than with being fair for all. Sad.

The table that has the announcer is pretty chaotic, he's reading a decision every couple of seconds it seems like! I heard him sound confused on a couple of occasions.

See above re taking time to be accurate.

Ringside has said they don't pay officials to be there (I don't really believe that one), so it really becomes a financial thing.

Oh, they pay for their chosen officials - maybe 10 or less. However, I would never pay my way or ask that my LBC pay my way to a 6-ring circus. To me, it's a quantity tournament not a quality tournament. I always recommend it, however, because it's big enough where everyone should be able to get at least one bout, and probably more. But to work it? No way. I just can't imagine having to concentrate with all the noise. Ugh.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Oh, they pay for their chosen officials - maybe 10 or less. However, I would never pay my way or ask that my LBC pay my way to a 6-ring circus. To me, it's a quantity tournament not a quality tournament. I always recommend it, however, because it's big enough where everyone should be able to get at least one bout, and probably more. But to work it? No way. I just can't imagine having to concentrate with all the noise. Ugh.

Just curious, Mel, what would you change? It sounds like it's just some of the people involved. I think everyone agrees it's a great concept to all almost anyone interested in boxing to have a matched bout, even if they can't find someone their age, size, or experience level locally.