Remillard Wins!
Regains WBC Youth Title via Decision
January 25, 2008
Report: Billy Luppert and Scott Ploof
Photos: Emily Harney
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It had been fifteen months since Matt "Sharp Shooter" Remillard stepped into a professional boxing ring.
At stake in his first fight back was the WBC Youth featherweight title that became vacated as the young 21 year old prospect underwent two surgeries to repair a severe wrist injury.
Manuel Perez (11-4, 2 KOs) picked up the title back in November in his hometown of Denver, Colorado with a ten round unanimous decision over Victor Barela (9-1-1, 3 KOs).
On Friday night, the young title holder flew from his hometown to Remillard's home state of Connecticut, to try and defend that very title, as Remillard tried to regain something he never lost in the ring in the first place.
The result was a convincing ten round unanimous decision victory for Matt Remillard as he kept his record perfect (12-0, 8 KOs) as well as took back the belt that was rightfully his in the co-main event of "The Champions of Tomorrow" fight card promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports at the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
The pro-Remillard crowd was in full support of their man, who lives just up the road in Manchester, CT. Remillard came out in the first round, trying to feel out his opponent. He often misfired on his combinations as the young star was trying to get his timing back after such a long absence from the ring.
Perez however countered by trying to use his speed to overwhelm Remillard, but Remillard just put his gloves up and gave Perez's punches a place to land.
The second round however, Remillard seemed to be more comfortable in there, successfully landing his jab and snapping Perez's head back. It seemed like the timing had come back to Remillard and he was seemingly more comfortable in the ring as he was able to fire off combinations that landed with good succession, including a counter right hand that came over the top of a Perez jab.
Remillard was starting to take control of the fight in round four, while sticking to a game plan to try and slow down the speedy Perez by digging into his body. He would fire two punch combinations to his opponent's solar plexus and by the sixth round, those punches seemed to have an effect. Remillard was able to fight his fight of keeping his hands up and firing out behind his jab to keep Perez retreating.
Perez however was not intimidated by Remillard, and continuously would try to fire off punches, some landing but with minimal effect. Remillard would take the punches and continue to stalk after Perez.
In round eight, Remillard threw a left hand to the body and came up wincing. It was the infamous left hand that Remillard had surgery on twice, but the injury didn't appear to be serious. Remillard winced from time to time when he threw his left hand, but refused to stop throwing it even though he was in pain. He would continue to fire off his double left hook to both the head and body.
While never having Perez in any serious trouble during the fight, Remillard needed to get some rounds in under his belt in his first fight back after such a long layoff as his opponents after tonight are not going to get any easier.
Matt Remillard's previous injuries to his southpaw didn't cause him any problem, as after the fight he stated to the media that it did not hurt, "not at all, I feel great. It took me four rounds to get the rust out, but I felt great. It feels great to be champion again. It feels good just being in the dressing room. Manny Perez is still a champion, I mean (11-4), and everybody he fought held a belt at some time. The WBC has been tremendous to me, and I know they felt bad stripping me of my prior belt because of my injury, and they gave me what I deserved: a chance to fight for another title."
"The Sharp Shooter" continued by saying, "I credit Paul Cichon, to my father, John Scully, to Carmen, to everybody, and special thanks to Hank Lundy, who gave me ten rounds in the gym every day, and beat me up, and I hear he won today in Philly at the Blue Horizon, by TKO, and we both helped each other. I look forward to fighting at Foxwoods more."
FightNews also had a chance to catch up with Remillard's manager Paul Cichon on his thoughts of the fight. He said, "I thought it was perfect. I thought he took the first round, to get back into the swing of things, and after that, I thought he just settled in and started digging shots, breaking the kid down. The longer the fight goes on, the better Matt gets. He is a distance fighter. So, I didn't expect him to stop this kid, nobody will stop this kid, but Matt hung tough, showed no ill effects of the injury, and just took over. He wanted that belt back. He worked hard for that belt. He wanted it. I got to give Manny Perez a lot of respect, for them to have come here to fight for the title that takes a lot of balls." -- Billy "Loops" Luppert
Remillard vs Perez Photos
Estrada Decisions Shufford!
In lackluster fashion, 2004 US Olympian Jason "Big Six" Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs) continued his ascent in the heavyweight ranks with a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Charles Shufford (20-8, 9 KOs) in the first co-main event of the night. Scores of the bout were 99-91 twice and 98-92. Estrada, who had promised before the fight a knockout over his opponent, was unable to deliver on that promise as Shufford came to fight.
Although "Big Six" could have landed combinations at will if had chosen to, he instead decided to fight on the inside and wear down Shufford. Unfortunately for Estrada, Shufford displayed his durability and was able to last the distance.
Estrada at times showed in this fight that he has the talent to be successful in the professional ranks. The only question that still remains is, does "Big Six" have the power to be successful in the heavyweight division?
The first round began with Estrada coming out of the gate strong by landing the jab consistently in the first round on Shufford. He continued to follow up on his jab during the round by landing combinations of hooks to the head of Shufford, keeping his opponent on the defensive.
"Big Six" began to control the pace of the bout in round two as he immediately began working on the inside of Shufford, landing hooks to his body while fighting in close. Shufford began to throw some punches in the second round albeit wild ones as he was warned once by referee Dick Flaherty for punching low.
Just as he did in the first round, Estrada again came out firing a jab and following up his punches with good combinations that had Shufford hurt in round three. Shufford again began to throw wildly, but this time was able to connect with two left hooks to the chin of "Big Six". Estrada fired two shots to the body of Shufford and went back to working on the inside, also again following up with a left hook. "Big Six" continued to beat Shufford to the punch however his opponent did not back down and kept coming at him.
Shufford landed his best offense on Estrada in the fourth round as he was able to land several combinations to the body of the 2004 U.S. Olympian. In one of the few rounds that two of the three judges had scored for Shufford, it seemed as if Estrada was letting his guard down and stopped all of his body movement.
Estrada regained the tempo of the fight in the fifth and sixth rounds as he again went back to leaning on Shufford, waiting for him to make a mistake, and occasionally land a barrage of punches. "Big Six" seemed content to land a couple of right hooks and then follow up with an uppercut. He was able to do this repeatedly to Shufford throughout the contest. The only problem for Estrada was that it seemed that he could not put the former world title challenger, Shufford on the canvas.
"Big Six" continued his domination over Shufford over the last few rounds of the fight. Estrada continued to land hook and uppercut combinations. Shufford was able to land with the left frequently enough that by the eighth round it was apparent that Estrada's right eye was beginning to swell. Luckily for Estrada the eye would not get any worse as the fight came to a finish.
Both fighters finally displayed what could have been a great heavyweight matchup in the final round of their ten-round bout. Shufford and Estrada came out swinging for the fences with Shufford chasing "Big Six" around the ring. Estrada seemed content to counter punch with Shufford and keep a safe distance until the final bell rang. It was at that point that Jason "Big Six" Estrada raised his hand in victory, knowing that his dream of one day fighting for a world championship is still alive.
Jason Estrada, who had predicted that his opponent, Charles Shufford, would have to do a lot not to be knocked out, stated after his win, that "he did a lot, he was smarter inside, a little clinch, and little break, a little clinch, a little break, push off - he was smart inside, so good thing I worked my ass off. My father (Dr. Roland Estrada) worked me extremely hard for this fight. If we hadn't worked that hard, I might have lost a close decision, but I worked too hard for that. He was a cagey veteran, everything I expected from him, he did."
Peter Heintzelman of FightNews then asked Estrada, "So going into the tenth round, Charles Shufford was the gate keeper to your entry into the echelon of the top of the heavyweight division? At that moment Jason interrupts him and says, "And I opened that door, and kicked it wide open. I fight to the end, you can hit me, and I'm coming right back!"
FightNews also had a chance to ask Dr. Roland Estrada, when asked what he saw in his son that he liked, and what he saw in the fight that he didn't like, he responded by saying, "A couple of times I had to remind him not to just walk in without jabbing. He started out strong in the fight, and you have to be strong to go ten rounds. After four or five rounds, he was going real strong, and I said lets pull off the pedal a little bit, and let's try to box him a little. Then we can come on strong again.
Dr. Estrada continued by saying, "And he was winning the ends of the rounds, he was really smart. Every thirty seconds of the round, he was picking it up. He learned a lot of lessons, I mean, Charles (Shufford) is a veteran. We were trying to knock Shufford out in the first four rounds, but I realized that wasn't going to happen, unless we caught a lucky shot, so let's box and put pressure on him, but not waste all Jason's energy trying to knock him out."
About his son's future in the heavyweight division, Dr. Estrada stated to FightNews, "Jason has a little over ten fights now. Jason is looking so good last year and this, and the end of this year or beginning of next year, we're going to be knocking on someone's door." -- Scott Ploof
Estrada vs Shufford Photos
Williams Passes Ntoh Test!
2003 National Champion and undefeated cruiserweight prospect "Awesome" Aaron Williams (16-0-1, 11 KOs) kept his perfect record intact with a very hard fought eight round unanimous decision over three time title challenger, Manu Ntoh (17-14-1, 10 KOs). Scores of the bout were 80-72 twice and 79-73. Trained by the legendary Eddie Mustapha Muhammad, it was Williams though who was able to consistently display his boxing ability by effectively countering Williams over the eight-round limit.
Williams landed repeatedly with powerful punches to the body and head of Ntoh. Ntoh displayed a solid chin as he continued to apply pressure throughout the contest by backing Williams into the ropes even while being hit many times by "Awesome's" combinations.
Ntoh charged early and often at Williams sensing that his height and reach advantage could be a problem. If Ntoh fights in close with Williams which he was somewhat able to do, at least he negates his opponent's jab and hand speed. The only problem with his strategy is that Williams used his power and hand speed to land furiously to the body and through Ntoh's guard with the uppercut. His chin and strength were the only things that kept him in the fight.
Later in the fight, Williams got a good sense of Ntoh's timing as he was able to counter and land fast and hard combinations particularly to the midsection of his opponent. His work in the gym was evident as his punches were sharp. Williams' movement allowed him to keep a safe enough distance from Ntoh to allow him to land his punches and win the decision on the scorecards. -- Scott Ploof
Williams vs Ntoh Photos
Macy Stops Guthy in Debut!
Foxwoods poker dealer Brian Macy (1-0, 1 KO) made his professional debut a successful one by scoring a second round knockout over Pete Guthy fighting out of Myrtle Beach, SC. Macy controlled the bout from the opening bell and dropped Guthy in the second with a left hook. Guthy (1-2, 1 KO) was up at the count of six, but referee Danny Chiavonne decided to stop the bout at 1:34 of the round, as Guthy did not have his legs under him. -- Billy "Loops" Luppert
Lopes and Terry Fight to Draw!
Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0-1, 1 KO) kept his undefeated record albeit not the way he envisioned as he fought tooth and nail against journeyman John "The Baptist" Michael Terry (2-7-1, 1 KO) over four grueling rounds. Lopes was knocked down at the end of the first round by a Terry left hand, but was able to recover before referee Joey Luppino counted him out.
Both fighters gave it their all to the delight of the crowd as they each landed heavy hooks on the other. At several points during the contest, it appeared as if a knockout was eminent. In the end of the four round super middleweight match-up, both fighters walked away from the ring with a draw. Judge Clark Sammartino scored the bout 38-37 for John Michael Terry. Judge Walter Stone had the bout 38-37 for Manny Lopes. Judge Glenn Feldman scored the bout a draw at 38-38.
John "The Baptist" Michael Terry said afterwards that he got his fight name from John "The Baptist" LoFranco (9-5, 6 KOs) who, before he retired, Terry thinks went to prison, "and I took the name from him, and tried to make it look a little prettier." -- Scott Ploof
McCreedy Narrowly Defeats Traietti!
In a highly explosive interstate battle between two of CES's promising up and coming light heavyweights, "Irish" Joe McCreedy (6-1, 4 KOs) out of Lowell, MA ruined the unbeaten streak of previously undefeated Quincy, MA native Chris Traietti (7-1, 4 KOs) by scoring a tough eight round majority decision. Scores of the bout were 59-55 twice in favor of McCreedy while the third judge saw the bout a draw at 57-57.
"Irish" Joey McCreedy said, right after he was announced the winner by decision, "We practiced everything, everything is hard work and dedication, and all the winning is done in the gym. If I don't listen to my corners, I would have lost that fight automatically. I just want to tell everybody, all those critics out there, who said I was lazy, because I took a year off. Look at me now! Bring whoever, bring anybody. I don't care anymore."
McCreedy's manager, Norman "Stoney" Stone, was the biggest cheerleader of them all.
"I'm like a bull, I'm in shape, I just going to keep on coming," said McCreedy. -- Scott Ploof
Irizarry Decisions Gallegos!
In an entertaining women's bout, lightweight Adelita Irizarry scored a four round shutout over Tonya Gallegos. Irizarry controlled the bout from the on-set landing two crushing right hooks in the opening minute of round one, causing blood to pour from the nose of Gallegos. After that, she was like a lion stalking her pray, as she forced Gallegos to retreat backwards every time she threw a punch.
Gallegos was a very game challenger and tried to counter when she could, but aggression of Irizarry provided little opportunity to Gallegos to land anything significant. With the win, Irizarry of nearby Hartford, CT improves to (4-1, 2 KOs), while Gallegos, of Denver, CO drops to (4-7, 2 KOs).
Adelita Irizarry said after the fight she attributed her win over Gallegos, to the fact that, "I just work hard, you know. Just make sure my fans like the fight. She was a tough fighter, a real pro, and I expecting that, but I really didn't work that hard. Thank you to all my fans supporting me, and a shout out to Paul Cichon, my trainer, Matt Remillard, my girl Liz, my manager, Brett Hollenbeck, and others, and I appreciate everyone's support." -- Billy "Loops" Luppert
Pinaretta Stops Starnino!
In a tough battle, middleweight Eric Pinaretta (2-1, 2 KOs) landed some punishing shots over two rounds on his opponent "Bobo" Starnino (8-3, 1 KO). By the end of round two, both fighters appeared exhausted as they went to their respective corners. Starnino was unable to come out of his corner for round three and the fight was stopped by referee Joey Luppino on advice of the ringside physician, Dr. Michael Schwartz. Later it was learned that Starnino was suffering from flu symptoms and was too ill to continue the fight.
After the fight, Eric Pinaretta suggested that "Bobo" quit because he said he was sick. His corner man for this fight "Sucra" Ray Oliveira interjected stating that Starnino's early surrender (to apparent flu symptoms), "when he said he was sick, I told him he was sick of getting hit!"
Pinaretta continued by giving props to his team by saying, "My corner is a good help, everybody works together, and we keep our corner strong."
Concerning his future fights plans, Pinaretta suggested that "whatever comes next, whatever." -- Scott Ploof
Camacho Jr. Decisions Jones!
Super Middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. improved to (9-0, 4 KOs), with a four-round unanimous decision over Terrance "TJ" Jones (10-11, 6KO's). All three judges scored the bout 40-36. Camacho came out early with an aggressive body attack, landing several hard blows to Jones' body. Camacho was able to wear down Jones enough to take complete control of the bout and was able to land several combinations in the final round. Jones was never in any serious trouble, but had no answer for Camacho. Angel Camacho Jr. said afterwards about the fight that, "it feels great, it feels great, man. I just what I do best, and that's box, baby." -- Billy "Loops" Luppert
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Former two time NABF light welterweight champion, "Sucra" Ray Oliveira (47-11-2, 22 KOs) was inducted into the CES Ring of Honor by unbeaten heavyweight contender "Baby" Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs). Oliveira holds wins over Vince Phillips (48-12-1, 34 KOs), Charles Murray (44-9, 26 KOs), and former world champion "Vicious" Vivian Harris (28-3-1, 18 KOs) over his fifteen year professional career.
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Special thanks to Peter Mark Heintzelman for his contributions to this report.
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