Archive for November, 2009
Indiana Gives!
Dennis Hardesty and The Hammond Street Gym starts Christmas Early.
Francisco Rodriguez -RIP
photo courtesy of Mike Baluk
Of the 18 fights in Francisco Rodriguez’ career, all but one were fought in his adopted home of Chicago, Illinois. The exception, Rodriguez’ final battle, was fought at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia on November 22. It would be a tragic anomaly to an all too short career and a life that barely enjoyed its dawn.
It was the first 12-rounder for Rodriguez, 25, who faced North Philly native Teon Kennedy, 23, for the USBA junior featherweight title. It was to be the beginning of a journey in championship contention borne from the hard work every young fighter promises to dedicate life and blood to.
For Rodriguez, 14-3 (8) at the time of his passing, that hard work included an amateur record totaling 76-6 with five Chicago Golden Gloves Championships and a National Golden Gloves title in 2001. On January 14, 2005, the fighter affectionately known as “Paco” made his professional debut in a venue he’d grow increasingly familiar with, Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom; notching a third-round TKO win over Lashaun Blair.
As with any young fight newbie, Rodriguez was very active from the get-go, fighting six times in 2005. Taking it a little easy in ’06, he fought only twice but picked up the pace in ’07 and ’08, fighting four times each year.
One of those 2008 fights proved to be the benchmark of Rodriguez’ career. On May 9th, “El Nino Azteca” faced Angel Priolo, dispatching him in three rounds of a scheduled eight-rounder. Rodriguez’s victory earned him contextual kudos for in Priolo’s next fight, the Colombian tested THE RING magazine World Junior Featherweight Champion Israel Vazquez in “Magnifico’s” first fight since his rubbermatch against Rafael Marquez, before succumbing in nine.
Despite coming back from the longest layoff in his career (11 months) against Kennedy, 14-0-1 (6), Rodriguez was no less the gutsy warrior. However, Kennedy, the hometown favorite had much to prove to his crowd and a zero to protect. He came out the stronger fighter from the opening bell.
Because Rodriguez took a pounding and got shook in the first round, referee Benjy Esteves curiously delivered a standing eight-count to “Paco,” although not official in the state of Pennsylvania. According to Esteves, from his vantage point, Rodriguez was saved by the ropes on his way down. Other ringside observers begged to differ.
But coming out for round two was not unlike any other subsequent round for Rodriguez. All fire. All toe-to-toe. And even though Kennedy led on all three scorecards upon entering the tenth stanza, Rodriguez kept coming. But Kennedy’s torrential barrages were enough to compel Esteves to stop the fight at 1:52 of round 10.
When Rodriguez returned, with assistance, to his corner after the stoppage, he complained about being “sleepy.” Rodriguez then collapsed in his corner and was soon rushed to Hahnemann University Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for a brain bleed. Rodriguez would remain in a coma for two days until his family capitulated for him.
Still, Rodriguez hadn’t the heart to quit.
Despite cleanly passing pre-fight physicals, the accumulated punishment was too much for Rodriguez to bear although Dr. Jonathan Levyn, the Pennsylvania-appointed ringside physician, confirmed Rodriguez answered every question throughout the fight, confirming his competence to continue.
The loss hit local favorite Rita Figueroa especially hard, specifically since “La Guera” had been in a very similar situation two weeks earlier.
Figueroa, 10-2-1 (3), who dropped a unanimous, hard-fought, six-round decision loss to Kita Watkins at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion on November 6th, was precariously close to a similar fate when, after her fight, she began vomiting in her locker room. Figueroa’s quick-thinking camp leapt into action, taking her to the nearby UIC Medical Center for a CT scan and emergency surgery for a ruptured vein. Although recovering at home, Figueroa’s thoughts go into overdrive when she thinks about the variables that contributed to Rodriguez’ untimely passing.
“I have very mixed feeling regarding Francisco’s situation. I can ask ‘Why?’ over and over. Why let me stay and take him?” Figueroa asks. “I have no answers and can only say I was very fortunate and my heart goes out to his family. ‘Paco’s’ passing makes me realize everyday how fortunate I am and blessed that ‘Team La Guera’ did everything perfect to get me this outcome.”
Figueroa continues, “I believe they saved my life as they called a neurosurgeon friend of ours that had the surgeon waiting for me when we made it the short distance to the hospital. My husband, Mike, (trainer) Sam Colonna, Greg Znajda and Angela Gibson…I can never repay them. I also feel that ‘Paco’s’ injuries may have been much worse as he lost consciousness and I was pretty alert up until the surgery. I sure wish things for him were different for him and his family. I will do whatever I can to help his family.”
There’s no doubt as to what lies ahead when Figueroa reflects on her own brush with danger.
“My future plans will change due to the surgery. I will slow down a bit…enjoy my family and friends without rushing through my days,” says Figueroa. “We all take things for granted rather than enjoying the ‘simple’ things which I plan to do much more of.”
“Do I still love boxing? Damn right I do! But my days of sparring and competing are over. I will get back in the gym as soon as I am able to hit bags, pads or whatever and assist in some training, but can no longer afford to do anything more.” Figueroa adds.
In the deep, unified spirit of Chicago-area boxing, Figueroa is also helping to bring people together in hopes of raising money for Rodriguez’ family, which includes his widow, Sonia and his five-month old daughter, Ginette. Chicago promoter 8 Count Productions has spearheaded a fund-raising effort as well.
What’s haunting and profound, at the same time, is that shortly after Rodriguez’ passing, his vital organs were donated to eight different recipients, including his own uncle, who was in dire need of a kidney transplant. Suddenly, the term “sports hero” has never had a deeper or truer meaning.
As the Chicago boxing scene mourns for a fallen crowd favorite, solace can be found in simply knowing that new mornings will be enjoyed by those whose very lives Francisco Rodriguez has saved and improved, not to mention one Rita Figueroa.
On this day, that’s a bounty to be thankful for.
For information on how to donate to the Francisco Rodriguez fund, please contact/send donations to:
The Francisco Rodriguez Fund
C/o National Republic Bank of Chicago
1201 W. Harrison St., Chicago, Illinois 60607
Or please call 1-312-738-4900
Holly Holm
On December 4th, 2009 Holly Holm, Ring Magazine’s Female Fighter of the year, will fight Melissa Hernandez for the NABF WW Title and as a WBC World Title elimination fight.
holm vs st john
Your Chance to see World Championship Belt presentation, UK
Opportunities to meet great ring legends in the Home Counties don’t come along very often. This one is thanks to David Walker. The World Boxing Council in association with the MK Dons are creating a very special evening on 29th November 2009 giving you the chance to meet a host of boxing celebrities and the unique opportunity to see not one but TWO World Championship Belt presentations.
Terrible Tim Witherspoom and Neon Leon Spinks will be at the MK Dons Stadium in Milton Keynes on the 29th November 2009. With both Champions finding themselves without there Championship belts, the WBC (World Boxing Council) has arranged a reissuing ceremony at the Double Trees Hotel in the MK Dons stadium.
Tim Won his against World Championship against Greg Page in 1984 and is a TWO TIME Heavyweight champion of the world whilst Leon won his against Muhammad Ali in 1978.
The evening will be littered with International and Local Boxing Champions and celebrities, to mention just a few.
John H Stracey former undisputed welterweight champion of the World. John created boxing history by beating one of the greatest fighters of all time in 1975 to become the only Brit to win a World Championship in Mexico when he beat Cuban Mexican WBC Hall of Famer Jose Angel Napoles.
Glen Catley the former Super middleweight won many championships in his career the height of which was becoming the WBC World Championship from 3 time boxing legend Marcus Beyer.
Jane Couch the UK’s first ever female Champion won 5 World titles in her long career.
Richie Woodhall the Olypmic Bronze, Commonwealth Gold and pro champion, British European middle Champion and WBC Super middleweight Champion.
This is a rare and truly unique opportunity for sports fans and one certainly not to be missed.
There is a great evenings entertainment lined up with a chance to meet, have photo’s with the Champions and to hear them speak about there careers.
Tickets go on sale from the 21st September 2009 and are priced at £50 and £75 VIP. Tables of 10 are available as well as corporate and sponsorship opportunities.
Tickets include photo opportunities, 3 course meal, entertainment and a WBC memorabilia auction to raise funds for the Princes Trust and World boxing Cares charities.
Tickets can be purchased from www.wbcme.co.uk Call: 07966591605 or 07930507577
Suszannah Warner defends her NABF title
On December 4, 2009 Jodie Esquibel (5-4-1, 1 KO Albuquerque, NM) meets Suszannah “Destiny” Warner (8-8-1, 2 KOs Los Angeles, CA) for the second time in an 8 round NABF title fight scheduled to be the semi-main event on the “Bad Blood” Holm VS Hernandez undercard. In their first meeting Esquibel walked away with the “W” by way of unanimous decision. Their first meeting was fight back in 2005 and was both fighters 2nd professional bout. Esquibel and Warner have had similar careers fighting mostly on the road as well as coming up short in World title fights. Esquibel’s last two fights have been for World Titles, her first world title shot was October 23, 2008 against Carina Moreno for the WBC female Minimumweight Title and WIBA Minimumweight Title but Jodi came up short losing by a 9th round TKO. Esquibel said Moreno was her toughest opponent to date and would like a rematch. On July 25, 2009 at the City Gymnasium in Bucheon, South Korea, Ji Hyun Park won a 10-round decision over Esquibel for the IFBA Strawweight World Title scores were 95-97, 92-98, 91-99. In Warner’s last world title fight was against Mariana Juarez where she was outpointed losing a 10-round UD in Juarez’s hometown Mexico City. Suszannah “Destiny” Warner came up short at two other attempts at world titles against Carina Moreno who also outpointed Esquibel.
Tickets are available at 8218 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 or at Isleta Casino & Resort. For more information see www.fresquezproductions.com or call 505-884-7484
Glenn Catley & WBC Celebration UK 11/29
Hey all: This is David Walker’s event. All those anywhere around the UK — GO!!
http://www.askmk.net/videos/169/meet-the-champions
AnnSaccurato Winner & Still LT Wt WBC World Champ
I think these photos by Mary Ann Owen says it all. Congratulations, Ann!
Raylene Carbone & Stephen Blea – Santa’s Helpers
Hey Folks — Raylene Carbone is one of our WBC Caregivers — Anyone in the Colorado area who wishes to help her and Stephen stuff these people’s stockings, please contact them. We thank you!!!
rayrcs11@aol.com
XXXXXXXX
For several years Stephen and Raylene orchestrate and adopt families in need. They get wish lists and fill them for the famlies to complete their holidays. – Jill
“This year they are especially fond of the Taylor Family with 5 children the dad has cancer and his treatment has gone so long he has lost his work insurance. Mrs. Taylor has lost her job too, and we had a list distribute to several businesses and we just had someone donate a couch and chair to them which they did not even have.
We also have several other families in the metro area. The boxing gym where Stephen trains amateur boxers will be doing a community give back where him and I will be making cards for the seniors as thanks to the community from the boxing sport. We will send you pixs.”
NABF Female Rule Change
The NABF Belt is a stepping stone to a WBC World Title. We want to differentiate from the other belts. We are dedicated to encouraging fights within the USA,.Canada and Mexico during an economically challenged time. We also want to motivate young fighters. Therefore, we are going to allow 6-8 round championship fights. We will also look seriously as the athletes amateur record in considering their qualifications. Hopefully, this will diminish your costs but not the quality of your fighters.— Jill Diamond
WBC WORLD BOXING CARES COMMITTEE
Honorary Chair: Jose Sulaiman (Mx)
Chair: Jill Diamond (US)
And… introducing….
Co Chair: Karen Briman (US/Mx)
Community Outreach: Elizabeth Reyes (Mx)
Ambassadors:
Chisa Yamane (Japan)
Wendy Neuman (NY)
Marcie Morrow (Ca)
Susana Castillio (Mx)
Olena Pobyvialo (Belgium)
Houcine Houchini (Africa)
Darys Sanchez (Fl)
David Walker (UK)
Raylene Carbone (Co)
Albertina Lipinskaya (Russia)
