James - The Boxing Exchange

Heavy hands, short night for undefeated Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect Pryce Taylor Scored devastating 2nd round TKO in Flint

Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect Pryce Taylor Scored devastating 2nd round TKO in Flint NEW YORK CITY (February 5, 2025) – Last Sunday, the boxing maturation process continued for developing Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (6-0, 3 KOs) who fought on the high-profile Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs)-Danielle Perkins (5-1, 2 KOs) card in Flint, Michigan. Taylor, 28, blasted late replacement Jerell Nettles (4-11-1, 1 KO), of Denver, who could not get out of the second round against the heavy-handed Taylor. “The beat goes on…….literally,” Taylor said after the fight. “I hit him with a right hand, and he almost landed outside of the ropes. He tried to hold on to me, but his legs couldn’t keep him up, and he flopped down on the canvas.” Unfortunately, due to the late replacement, Taylor fought in the opening bout of the evening in front of only a handful of fans. “There weren’t many people there for my fight,” Taylor explained, “because I was supposed to fight somebody else who got hurt. But I got to watch the other fights and see the crowd. It felt electric there. I’ve been to some other big fights like Wilder vs. Washington, but sitting in the first row for these fights felt exciting. I wish I had fought on television, but it will come. All I can do is keep putting on a show. “As we entered the arena, my manager, Keith Sullivan, said, ‘Look around and take it in because one day you will be the headliner.’ I am motivated to get to that point in my career.” “I was hoping he would get more rounds this time out in his first six-rounder,” Sullivan added. “Trust me, he is just getting started. He spars with all of the tri-state area heavyweights and handles them like a seasoned pro. When he lands, it’s like a cinder block getting dropped on you. I plan on getting him back in the ring in a few weeks.” A boxing lawyer as well as a former Deputy Commissioner for the NYS Athletic Commission, Sullivan also manages 3-time, 2-division World Champion, IBF No. 1 rated Miyo Yoshida (18-5) and undefeated Bronx NYPD Officer Nisa Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KO), the WBA No. 3 rated welterweight, in addition to co-managing world-rated (WBA #5, IBF #6, WBC #13) welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, Donovan’s head trainer. SULLIVAN MANAGEMENT -30-

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WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack vs. Ryan Rozicki coming to Canada

PRESS RELEASES / James

WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack vs. Ryan Rozicki coming to Canada Read More »

Granite Chin Promotions bringing pro boxing back to Bridgewater

PRESS RELEASES / James

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Remembering Sunnyside Gardens

HISTORIC VENUES / James

Remembering Sunnyside Gardens The Sunnyside Garden Arena was a historic boxing and wrestling venue in Sunnyside, Queens, New York. Built in the 1920s, it was a private tennis club and carriage house before becoming a boxing and wrestling arena in 1947. The stadium could seat about 2,500 people and was known for its red brick exterior and distinctive clock above the entrance. The Sunnyside Garden Arena hosted many famous boxers and wrestlers, including Floyd Patterson, Tony Canzoneri, Vito Antefuermo, Gerry Cooney, and Bruno Sammartino. It was also the site of political rallies, including visits by John F. Kennedy in 1960 and Robert F. Kennedy in 1964. The arena closed in 1977 and was demolished for a Wendy’s restaurant. The Last Days Of Sunnyside Garden Arena Promoter Mike Rosenberg purchased the venue in 1969, and subsequent owners followed after 1973 until it was demolished in 1977 to make way for a Wendy’s hamburger restaurant. The last show at Sunnyside occurred on June 24, 1977, and the building was demolished in December of the same year. The Felt Forum, now the Hulu Theater, opened along with the current Madison Square Garden in 1968, absorbing most of the remaining major boxing bouts in the city from the older, outdated boxing arenas.[15] The Sunnyside Garden Arena featured boxing events, including many of the great boxers of the era and amateurs who competed in Golden Gloves tournaments. More History of Sunnyside Gardens pro wrestling stories from Sunnyside Garden arena/ Once Upon a Time at Sunnyside Garden

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Benavidez defeats Morrell; undercard results

CURRENT EVENTS / James

Benavidez defeats Morrell ; undercard results By David Selwyn Las Vegas/Feb2… In their light heavyweight title fight on February 1, 2025, David Benavidez retained his interim WBC title and won David Morrell’s WBA (Regular) belt. The judges scored the fight 115-111, 115-111, and 118-108. It was an intense bout, with Benavidez landing powerful shots throughout. Morrell showed resilience but ultimately couldn’t match Benavidez’s performance. Benavidez, known for his formidable power and relentless pressure, dominated the early rounds with his aggressive style. His precision and timing were evident as he consistently landed heavy blows on Morrell. Despite the onslaught, Morrell demonstrated incredible resilience, absorbing Benavidez’s punches and countering strategically. As the fight progressed, it became clear that Benavidez’s conditioning and stamina were superior. He maintained a high pace, forcing Morrell to fight defensively. In the later rounds, Benavidez’s relentless pressure paid off. However, Morrell refused to give up and continued showing heart and determination until the final bell. The unanimous decision favoring Benavidez was a testament to his dominance throughout the fight. His victory not only secured his titles but also solidified his status as one of the top light heavyweights in the world. For Morrell, despite the loss, his performance earned him respect and admiration, proving that he belongs among the elite fighters in the division. The bout highlighted the high skill level and competition in the light heavyweight division and set the stage for potential future matchups that fans eagerly anticipate. The undercard for the David Benavidez vs. David Morrell fight was packed with action. The results are in: Isaac Cruz defeated Angel Fierro by unanimous decision. This fight was a potential Fight of the Year contender, with Cruz winning the WBC Aztec Warrior Belt. Stephen Fulton defeated Brando Figueroa by unanimous decision. Fulton won the WBC featherweight title, making him a two-division champion. Jesus Ramos defeated Jeison Rosario by eighth-round stoppage. Ramos dominated Rosario to secure the victory. Fight of the night: Mirco Cuello defeats Christian Olivo via stoppage in the 10th round. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the fight began. The opening bell showed that Cuello and Olivo were in peak condition and ready to give their all. The early rounds were marked by intense exchanges, with Cuello demonstrating his speed and power while Olivo showcased his defensive skills and counterattacks. As the fight progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth, with neither fighter willing to give an inch. Cuello’s aggressive style kept Olivo on his toes, but Olivo’s tactical approach allowed him to evade many of Cuello’s most powerful strikes. The crowd was treated to a display of skill and heart as both fighters pushed their limits in pursuit of victory. Behind on all cards, Cuello kept his undefeated record intact with a series of body blows that left Olivo gassed and, according to the referee, unable to continue. It was a sensational fight and a sensational stoppage. DS https://youtu.be/4F2RSMrBfcY?si=UwwXnSH3Ccj46V3I

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Johnny Coulon 1910

FIGHTERS OF THE 20th CENTURY / James

Coulon, left, with Muhammad Ali/ approx 1970 “The Cherry Picker from Logan Square” Johnny Coulon 1910 https://youtu.be/92GevoyKbHg?si=hoOZK_TIP0_woSGI World bantamweight champion 1910-1914. Chicago, IL. The “Unliftable Man” Johnny Coulon was a Canadian-American professional boxer. He was born on February 12, 1889, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and soon moved to Chicago, Illinois. He was known as the world bantamweight champion from March 6, 1910, until June 3, 1914. Due to his boxing style and his roots in Chicago, Coulon earned the nickname “The Cherry Picker from Logan Square.” Coulon had an impressive boxing record with 67 wins, 31 by knockout, 11 losses, 12 draws, and one no-contest out of 91 professional fights. He was also known for his unique ability to resist being lifted off the ground by larger opponents, which he demonstrated in vaudeville shows after he retired from boxing. Johnny Coulon’s boxing career was quite remarkable. He began his professional career in 1905 and quickly rose through the ranks. Coulon became the world bantamweight champion on March 6, 1910, after defeating Frankie Conley in a 20-round bout. He successfully defended his title multiple times until he lost it to Kid Williams on June 3, 1914. After retiring from boxing, Coulon became popular in physical culture and fitness. He ran a gym in Chicago and trained many boxers and athletes. Coulon also gained fame for his “unliftable” trick, where he challenged people to lift him off the ground. Despite his small stature, he used a clever technique involving balance and body positioning to make himself incredibly difficult to lift. Coulon’s contributions to boxing and his unique post-retirement performances made him a well-respected and beloved figure in the sports community. Coulon was also a boxing manager; most notable was Hall of Famer and former light welterweight champion Eddie Perkins. He continued to be involved in boxing and physical fitness until his passing in 1973. One of Johnny Coulon’s most famous fights was his bout against Frankie Conley on March 6, 1910, in Vernon, California, for the world bantamweight title. Coulon won the match and secured the championship by stopping Conley in the 19th round of a 20-round fight. His victory in this bout marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his reputation as a top bantamweight boxer. Coulon was known for his dedication and discipline in terms of training methods. He emphasized the importance of physical fitness, proper diet, and rigorous training routines. Coulon’s training regimen included a combination of roadwork (long-distance running), shadow boxing, bag work, and sparring. He also focused on strength and conditioning exercises to build endurance and power. Coulon’s philosophy on training extended beyond just physical preparation. He believed in the mental aspect of boxing and often spoke about the importance of confidence and strategic thinking in the ring. His approach to training and his success as a boxer made him a sought-after trainer and mentor for other fighters. More on Coulon: The Secret of Johnny Coulon, the “Unliftable Man” Johnny Coulon – Wikipedia Johnny Coulon.

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Tales from the legendary Blue Horizon

HISTORIC VENUES / James

Tales from the legendary Blue Horizon The Blue Horizon was a legendary boxing venue located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was known for hosting many iconic boxing matches and was voted the number-one boxing venue in the world by The Ring magazine. Sports Illustrated noted it as the last great boxing venue in the country. The venue originally opened in 1961 and operated until 2010. It was also featured in the movie Rocky V. The building dates back to 1865, initially constructed as three four-story houses. https://youtu.be/btNS7fBlNqA?si=h5eP0dzD8UXlgau7 The Blue Horizon was primarily known for hosting boxing matches, but it also featured other events over the years. Here are some highlights: The Blue Horizon was primarily known for hosting boxing matches, but it also featured other events over the years. Here are some highlights: Boxing Matches: The venue was famous for its boxing events, especially during the 1960s and 1980s. It hosted many fights featuring local and up-and-coming boxers, including future legends like Bernard Hopkins, Marvin (The Marvelous One) Hagler, Matthew Saad Muhammad, and Bennie Briscoe. Tuesday Night Fights: In the mid-1980s, the USA cable network featured the Blue Horizon in their “Tuesday Night Fights” series, which helped boost its reputation and popularity. Other Events: During its early years, the Blue Horizon also hosted cabarets, meetings, and other social events when it was known as the Moose Lodge. The Blue Horizon also hosted undercard fights and events featuring emerging local talent. It played a crucial role in the development of boxing in Philadelphia and maintained its reputation as a top-notch venue for thrilling boxing matches. “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one of boxing’s all-time greats, fought at the Blue Horizon early in his career. One of his notable bouts was against Bennie Briscoe on April 20, 1978. This fight drew a crowd of 14,930, making it the most significant indoor non-title fight in Pennsylvania history. Hagler’s fights at the Blue Horizon helped him build his reputation and gain recognition in the boxing world. His aggressive style and powerful punches made him a fan favorite at the venue. Matthew Saad Muhammad Matthew Saad Muhammad, born Maxwell Antonio Loach, was a remarkable boxer known for his action-packed fights and incredible comebacks, earning him the nickname “Miracle Matthew”. He became the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion in 1979 and defended his title eight times. Saad Muhammad had several memorable fights at the Blue Horizon, including one of his most thrilling bouts against Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1982. Despite his aggressive style and ability to take punishment, he was known for his resilience and determination to keep fighting until the end. Benard Hopkins Bernard Hopkins fought several times at the Blue Horizon early in his career. One of his notable fights was against Greg Paige on February 22, 1990. Hopkins won the fight unanimously, marking one of his early victories in the professional boxing world. His performances at the Blue Horizon helped him build his reputation and gain recognition as a formidable fighter. Hopkins’ aggressive style and strategic prowess made him a fan favorite at the venue. More on the Blue Horizon from Philly boxing history

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Kingsley Ibeh wins 10th straight,

PRESS RELEASES / James

Kingsley Ibeh registers second consecutive first-round KO at Emerald Queen (picture courtesy of Toro Promotions, Inc) Kingsley Ibeh wins 10th straight, Austin Brooks defends WBA title TACOMA, Wash. (January 11, 2025) – Underrated heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (15-2-1, 13 KOs) won his 10th fight in a row in last night’s latest installment of “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, in the EQC Event Center at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Ibeh, 31, hasn’t lost since 2021. The former Canadian pro football player used his 70-pound advantage over Scott Alexander (17-7-2, 9 KOs) in the main event, trapping his opponent on the ropes and causing a pair of knockdowns. The latter closed the show at 2:36 of the first round for his second straight opening-round stoppage, both at Emerald Queen. Ibeh, a native of Nigeria who lives in Phoenix, entered the ring as the WBC Latino Silver Heavyweight Champion and left with the vacant WBC Latino title. WBA Continental Super Featherweight Champion Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his title with an eighth-round stoppage of Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs) in the co-featured event. The WBA No. 15 rated Brooks, fighting out of San Diego, controlled the pace from the opening bell, and he hurt Morales with a vicious left hook to the body. Morales took a knee and beat the referee’s count until another body shot ended the fight at 1:04 of round eight. Celebrated amateur Dedrick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an auspicious pro debut in front of his hometown fans in Tacoma, knocking out Nesly Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs) at the 52-second mark of the second round. Super lightweight Crocklem, who recently signed a promotional contract with Top Rank, blasted Trezile through the ropes in the first round. He closed the show in the second with a flurry of effective punches that left Trezile unable to continue fighting. Among his amateur accomplishments, Crocklem was the 2022 USA Nationals champion, in addition to his 2020 and 2021 USA Youth Nationals gold medal performances. New Mexico welterweight Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact with a four-round unanimous decision (39-37 X 3) over Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO) in an exciting, competitive match. Also fighting on the undercard was Washington (Federal Way) super featherweight Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), who also kept his pro record unbeaten with a dominant four-round decision over his Nicaraguan foe, Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs). In the evening’s opening bout, Renton (WA) featherweight Joel Hernandez (1-0) was impressive in his pro debut, pitching a complete “shutout” (40-36 X 3) for a four-round unanimous decision over Julio Lanzas Carollo (0-1). OFFICIAL RESULTS MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC LATINO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Kingsley Ibeh (15-2-1, 12 KOs), Phoenix, AZ by way Nigeria WKO1 (2:36) Scott Alexander (17-9-2, 9 KOs), Los Angeles, CA (Ibeh won WBC Latino title) CO-FEATURE – WBA CONTINENTAL SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs), San Diego, CA WKO8 (1:04) Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs), Ellwood City, PA (Brooks retained the WBA Continental title) WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs), Bloomfield, NM WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37) Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO), Madera, CA SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS Derick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO), Tacoma, WA WKO2 (0:52) Nesley Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs), Inglewood, CA by way of Haiti SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), Federal Way, WA WDEC4 (40-36, 40-26, 40-36) Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua FEATHERWEIGHTS Joel Hernandez (1-0, 0 KOs), Renton, WA WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Julio Lanzas Carillo (0-1), Colorado Springs, CO Team Brooks celebrates his title-defending knockout victory (photo by Clifton Harrington)

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The Rise of “GEO” – or How AI is Transforming Search Engine Optimization

Uncategorized / James

If you’ve used Google lately, you’ve probably noticed a change: instead of just getting a mix of links and snippets, you’re now seeing AI-generated responses that synthesize information from multiple sources right there in your results. This is what’s known as generative search and it’s changing how we optimize content for search engines. In this post, I’ll explain how traditional SEO differs from GEO and where the concept of GEO originated from. Then I’ll go over some best practices so you can improve your odds of getting featured in generative search results.

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“Scrappy” Ramirez preparing for Career-defining 2025

PRESS RELEASES / James

World Super Flyweight Contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez preparing for Career-defining 2025 LOS ANGELES (January 9, 2025) – Super flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs) avenged his only career loss as a professional on December 14th, taking a 10-round unanimous decision from previously undefeated Ephraim Bui (10-1, 8 KOs) at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The fast-rising, then-No. 1 ranked Ramirez was coming off a loss in Brooklyn by way of a 12-round decision to veteran Fernando David Jimenez (16-1, 5-1, 11 KOs) last April 20th for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Super Flyweight Championship. In retrospect, “Scrappy” gained invaluable experience versus Jimenez to become even more of a threat in the super flyweight division, and he is taking things one fight at a time until he gets another world title fight. “It felt good to be back in the ring,” the charismatic Ramirez said. “It had been a while since I’d been in the bright lights, and I enjoyed every second of my walkout looking at the crowd. The fight went according to the game plan and I’m happy I executed it, using my jab to go to the body in the early rounds and later bringing my punches up. I didn’t stay stationary on the ropes; I was told always to use my feet on defense. “2025 is going to be a big year for me. I had a chance to showcase my skills in this fight. I think it was best for me to go 10 rounds for my experience. As I left the ring, I asked Eric Gomez (President of Golden Boy Promotions) to keep me busy in 2025 because I need a big year to keep this momentum going and capitalize on that with a world title. I did feel some ring rust, but now that’s gone. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and the opportunity will come for my world title.” Despite a limited amateur career and fighting a former 2018 USA Nationals gold medalist in Bui, “Scrappy” boxed his way to victory as all three judges scored the bout in his favor, each having a 97-93 score. “Everybody needs to keep changing,” 26-year-old Ramirez explained a change in his style. “I’m still growing as a fighter and human being, in and out of the ring. I’d like a rematch (with Jimenez) because it would feel good to avenge my only loss but, if he isn’t interested, I’d fight any of the other World Champions (WBC Jesse ‘Bam Bam’ Rodriguez, WBO Phumelele Cafu, WBA Fernando Martinez and the IBF is vacant).” “Scrappy” is world-ranked at No. 2 by the WBA, behind only future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez (52-4, 42 KOs) and No. 15 by the WBC. “Scrappy” Ramirez is a charter member of 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers, including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), WBA No. 5-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulgham (13-0, 11 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (6-0, 2 KOs).

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