Joshua Feldman to Face Siphiwe Ntombela

Junior middleweight Joshua Feldman is scheduled to face veteran Siphiwe Ntombela on May 24 at Big Top Arena in Carnival City, Guateng, South Africa. Ntombela is the right opponent for Feldman at this stage of the 20 year old's career.

Feldman, a native of Cape Town, is 6-0 with 3 KOs. He last fought back in February against Jonas Senga, the toughest test of Feldman's career to date. The fight was the first time he had gone as many as six rounds. A southpaw, Feldman is a developing a reputation as a skilled and athletic boxer. He can bang when necessary and has a good chin but is at his best when he can control the action from the outside.

Ntombela is a 32 year old from the coal mining town of Newcastle in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal. A squat, muscular welterweight, he doesn't have the best record at 4-11 (3 KOs) and has been stopped in 8 of his 11 losses. But he is considerably better than his record suggests. He has often been in tough as the B-side with eight of his losses coming against fighters with a winning record. He has also done well in fights he ultimately lost by KO.

Ntombela began his pro career in 2017 and was 3-2 before he racked up a string of losses. His knockout losses have almost all come late fights. He has shown an ability to withstand trouble early, but his punch resistance wanes as the fight progresses. Against Lybon Ntshani, a fight that Feldman's trainer Colin Nathan broadcasted, Ntombela was rocked in the first, dominated the next few rounds until a left hook in the fifth scrambled his senses and the fight was mercifully stopped.

Ntombela took his next fight, against Jacques Mavud, on short notice and was out of shape, spending much of the fight moving on the perimeter until body shots by Mavud ended the fight in the fifth. He next fought Wassim Chellan by boxing and moving. He survived a third round knockdown and finished the six-round fight strong, but lost by unanimous decision.

In 2023, Feldman and his friend and fellow boxer Doron Zinman watched from the balcony at Booysens Boxing Club as Ntombela pressed the action against a tall, slender southpaw named Aaron Muteba. Muteba countered well, and got the knockout in the fourth round with an uppercut which he set up with lots of well-placed body shots. Last year, Ntombela was competitive against prospect Almighty Creed Moyo in several rounds. Moyo, who had Nathan in his corner, went to the body and eventually wore down the journeyman, setting up a head shot for the knockout.

Ntombela has average handspeed and good power. Although the results suggest otherwise, he has improved a lot in recent fights. He used to circle into the opponent's backhand, but his movement is now less predictable. He doesn't throw many jabs and lunges when he does let it go, but he seems to have mostly corrected a flaw where his right hand moved away from his face as he jabbed. He likes to use the left hook and has a powerful overhand right.

Feldman, who was convinced to work with strength and conditioning coach Ignatius Loubser for this camp by Zinman, sparred with Boyd Allen. Of Ntombela, Feldman told SA Boxing Talk, "He's a come-forward fighter. You could call him a journeyman, but I know he's going to be game and comes to fight."

Though he hasn't always done so, Ntombela will likely press forward, so Feldman could counter and dig to the body. The uppercut may be the ticket as Ntombela has a bad habit of bringing his head in front of his lead foot.

"I want to make a statement this fight," Feldman said, "and these guys, even though they might be tough, they're not on my level. I feel like once I stop this guy, I'm going to be ready for an eight-rounder and soon to be a ten-rounder."

Feldman-Notmbela is scheduled for six rounds.

Doron Zinman to Face Ronaldo Sibisi

Featherweight Doron Zinman is scheduled to face Ronaldo Sibisi at Big Top Arena in Carnival City, Guateng, South Africa. The tournament is promoted by Boxing 5 Promotions.

Zinman is a 20 year old from Cape Town, South Africa. He's 2-0 with one KO. Nicknamed "Buzzsaw," Zinman has a come-forward style and a dangerous right hand. The fight against Sibisi, a native of Guateng, will mark the third time in a row Zinman will face a debutant.

Facing a debutant can be challenging, because they can be unpredictable. Sometimes debuting fighters don't have the proper experience to compete, but Zinman's first two opponents were quite talented B-sides for novices. Doron was particularly impressive in his last fight, a first round TKO victory over Nhlakhanipho Phungula in February. 

Zinman-Sibisi is scheduled for four rounds.

Hymie Wiseman: The Corn Belt Ace

Hymie Wiseman was a drastically underrated bantam and featherweight from Des Moines, Iowa. After his career, he managed heavyweight contender Lee Savold and became mixed up with the mob.

The middle child out of seven, Hyman Morton Wiseman was born on March 24, 1911 in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Jacob and Rebecca, had immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1906 with their eldest daughter Esther. Jacob owned his own painting business in Brooklyn and continued to do so when the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1913.

The Wisemans joined the small Jewish community in Des Moines, Iowa in 1921. Jews had lived in Des Moines since its incorporation in the 1850s. A German Jew named William Krause started the first store and helped establish the first public school in Iowa's capital city. Decades later, the Wisemans were able to buy their own house in Des Moines for about $5,000.

At 5'5", Hymie was short, dark, and handsome. He combed his black hair back as was the style of the day. He became a professional boxer in 1926 at the age of 15, peering at opponents through hazel eyes. Wiseman fought his entire nine year career during Iowa's newspaper decision era. Since Iowa didn't allow official decisions to be rendered for far longer than most states, fights would only become official if a boxer was stopped or disqualified. As a result, Wiseman, who was never knocked out, only had a one official loss on his record, a points defeat to future featherweight world champion and Hall of Famer Freddie Miller in Chicago.

Beginning his career as a flyweight, Wiseman showed grit in getting up from a knockdown in the third round against Gaspard LaVoie in Nebraska in 1927. The 16 year old was already a veteran of 16 fights when he got off the canvas to slice up LaVoie's lip before the end of the round. Though Wiseman finished the six round fight strong, the referee called it a draw on account of the knockdown.

An "artistic jabber," Wiseman rattled off countless newspaper decisions in Iowa over the next year and traveled to California during the summer of 1928. He got in some good work with respected lightweight Mickey Cohen, who was visiting from Denver. Wiseman won an unpopular decision over Freddie Albin at the Hollywood Legion Stadium in July.

Wiseman was guided by Roy Feltman, a rotund and experienced manager from Omaha, Nebraska who oversaw the career of quality welterweight Tommy Grogan, and Dave Fidler, an ex-boxer and matchmaker from Des Moines who would run Club 100, an entertainment and gambling hub. 

As he filled into a featherweight, Wiseman developed knockout power. He only had three KO victories before 1929, but ten total in 1929 and 1930. The start of the new decade was especially auspicious for "The Corn Belt Ace." In January, he defeated Henry Falegano in a show promoted by Pinkie George. Falegano was considered "Iowa's leading featherweight" before the bout. In July, Wiseman ended the career of 18-year pro Billy DeFoe with a sixth round knockout. He was building a reputation as a show stealer.

A win over Emil Paluso punctuated a great year and earned him some recognition. "One of the best looking youngsters seen in Des Moines in some time is Hymie Wiseman, a hard punching featherweight," crowed Collyer's Eye. Wiseman was ready to take on B-level opponents and a year away from fighting the best in the world, said the Chicago-based sports journal.

On January 12, 1931 Wiseman faced former world title challenger Archie Bell, a Brooklyn-based fellow Jew, in a fight scheduled for ten two-minute rounds. No longer at his peak, Bell would still challenge for versions of a world title three more times in his career. Wiseman dominated his more decorated foe, surrendering only one round: the sixth.

Wiseman had to delay a fight against Harry Fierro two weeks after suffering from tonsillitis. When the fight happened, Wiseman won the newspaper decision. He was expected to beat Carl Wilfing of Omaha, and did so, but his upset victory over prospect Paul Dazzo of Chicago continued his ascent. A strong body puncher, Wiseman scored two knockdowns in the first and two in the second to win the six-round decision.

"Doc" Kearns took notice. The former manager of Jack Dempsey hoped to add Wiseman to a stable that included Mickey Walker and Jackie Fields. He offered the tandem of Feltman and Fidler $10,000 for Wiseman's contract; the offer was declined. Another player who took notice was Bushy Graham, the former bantamweight world champion. Wiseman learned a lot from Graham in a newspaper decision defeat in Des Moines on May 11. The local kid had trouble with the former champ's bobbing style and was rocked in the fourth round, but closed strong. It was his first loss in two years, albeit an unofficial one.

Even after the loss, Wiseman was deemed "the best leather pusher to come out of the corn belt in recent years." Pundits felt the Graham fight was a case of too much too soon. "Just another promising boy sent up too fast and ruined- Hymie Wiseman," Collyer's Eye declared. "Wiseman's handlers pulled an unforgivable boner when they pitted Hymie against Bushy Graham. They followed it up with another 'silly move ' in taking on Mike O'Dowd." Wiseman and O'Dowd fought to a six-round draw at Chicago Stadium two weeks after the Graham fight.

On September 23, 1931 Wiseman was back at Chicago Stadium to face Solly Schuman, a Jew from Chicago. Wiseman was just 1-2-2 in his last five fights, although the draw to O'Dowd was the only official decision. Hymie beat Schuman three rounds to two in a lackluster five-round battle. Notorious gangster Al Capone watched from ringside.

After a newspaper win over Kid Lehr, who was floored twice, Wiseman beat Schuman once again. Schuman retired after his second loss to Wiseman in under a month. Hymie next fought Carl Wells in a Sioux City rematch. Wells won the newspaper decision the month before, but Wiseman scored a knockdown in the fourth round in seeking revenge.

After a couple of fights, Wiseman won a newspaper decision over Billy Shaw. The fight was notable because of the referee, Alex Fidler of Cedar Rapids, who later claimed to hold the record for most boxing and wrestling matches officiated. Not so coincidentally, he was Dave Fidler's brother.

In January, Dave Fidler's entire stable was suspended from fighting Kansas when one of his boxers no-showed. For Wiseman, it was guilt by association. He never fought in Kansas again.

In March, Wiseman moved over to Joe Glazer, a manager from Chicago, who also guided the career of Jewish puncher Ray Miller. That August, Wiseman faced his toughest test, future featherweight world champion Freddie Miller. Miller split open Wiseman's lower lip in the second round and won the eight-round fight at Chicago Stadium by comfortable decision.

Hymie then didn't fight for over a year. He married Julie, six years his senior, on July 29, 1933 in Iowa, but he only stepped into the ring twice that year and not at all the following year. There was talk of a 1934 fight against Leo Rodak, but it fell through. He resurfaced in California for a fight on January 4, 1935. Wiseman scored a second round knockout at the Dreamland Auditorium in San Francisco. Later in the month he impressed Los Angeles locals while training at the Manhattan Gym. But he remained inactive until he fought in September back home in Iowa.

In his third fight that month, he took on the toughest test of his comeback, Canadian featherweight champ Frankie Wolfram. On the 23rd, Wiseman won when Wolfram fouled him in the fifth. A month later, Wiseman won a newspaper decision in the rematch with Nate Fidler acting as referee. He promptly retired. His remarkable record stood at 80-7-13 with 18 KOs. In 100 pro fights, Hymie was never stopped.

Wiseman spent the early part of his retirement from the ring working with aspiring fighters. At the 1939 Des Moines Golden Gloves, he served as kind of a floating trainer for any boxer who desired his expertise. In 1941, he acquired the contract of promising heavyweight Lee Savold from Pinkie George, who felt he had been shoved out of the way. George and Wiseman made up a couple years later.

Wiseman (left), Savold (center), Daly (right)

After Savold stopped Lee Nova in 1942, Wiseman cracked, "I wouldn't say he quit. He just didn't continue." Wiseman and co-manager Bill Daly were credited with saving Savold's boxing career with their shrewd management, enabling the "Battling Bartender" to make a living at something other than tending bar.

The beginning of the end of the relationship was evident when neither Wiseman nor Daly knew that Savold had briefly enlisted in the U.S. Maritime service. After Savold lost to Joe Baksi, Doc Kearns plucked the heavyweight away from Wiseman and Daly's clutches. Turnabout was fair play.

Wiseman next operated an illegal gambling ring out his Sports Arcade club in downtown Des Moines. He and his partner Louis "Cockeyed Louie" Fratto, aka Lew Farrell, practiced some shady accounting in 1947. A Chicagoan, Fratto was first sent to Des Moines as Al Capone's representative in Iowa. In March of 1948, Des Moines police raided the club and arrested Wiseman and Fratto. The charges were eventually dropped in November.

In 1951, Fratto squawked to the Kefauver Committee, a Senate initiative to combat organized crime. In his testimony, Fratto mentioned Wiseman. On August 18, 1954 Wiseman dined with another mobster Charles "Cherry Nose" Gioe at Ciro's in Chicago. Gioe had been Capone's Iowa rep before Fratto replaced him and still owned two theaters in Des Moines. When Wiseman and Gioe got into their car, another vehicle with three people inside pulled up beside them. Two men pointed guns and fired. A bullet entered Gioe's head, killing him instantly. Wiseman was hit, but managed to escape with his life. "All of a sudden I saw flashes and heard shots and I dropped to the ground," Wiseman recalled. When he heard the car speed off, he got up and ran, hailed a cab, and went to the Seneca Hotel where Gioe had resided. Gioe was killed by gunmen affiliated with mobster Joey Glimco. Wiseman didn't finger the culprits and temporarily stymied the investigation, offering false statements to police.

After this incident, Hymie Wiseman seemed to lay low for the rest of his days. Wiseman passed away in 1971 at the age of 60. His life was a testament to the toughness, resilience, and versality of the Jewish people.

Sources

"All of Sports." Ames Daily Tribune Times. Apr. 24, 1931.

"Cohen Flashes in Workouts." Los Angeles Evening Post-Record. Jun. 29, 1928. Pg. 21.

Dunkley, Charles. "A. Capone Attends Big Chicago Show." Scottsbluff Daily Star-Herald. Sep. 24, 1931. Pg. 4.

"Fidler's Boxing Crew Suspended." Monitor Index and Democrat. Jan. 27, 1932. Pg. 6.

"Gossip from Boxing Rings." Collyer's Eye. Jun. 13, 1931. Pg. 2.

"Gossip from Boxing Rings." Collyer's Eye. Mar. 19, 1932. Pg. 3.

"Graham Beats Wiseman." The Daily Nonpareil. May 12, 1931. Pg. 23.

"Hymie Wiseman Trounces Bell." The Omaha Evening Bee. Jan. 13, 1931. Pg. 16.

"Jack Kearns Offers $10,000 for Contract." Los Angeles Times. Apr. 24, 1931. Pg. A12.

Jones, Douglas M. "A Brief History of Judaism in Iowa." Little Village. Apr. 17, 2019.

"Legouir, Wilkins in Legion Main Event." The Omaha Evening Bee. Apr. 5, 1930. Pg. 9.

"Live Gossip of Boxing Rings." Collyer's Eye. Dec. 20, 1930. Pg. 3.

May, Allan. "Charles 'Cherry Nose' Gioe." AllanMay.com 2000.

May, Allan. "The Original Teflon Don: Des Moines's Louis Fratto." Crime Magazine. Oct. 15, 2009.

Murdock, Reid. J. "Critics Put Stamp of Approval on Des Moines, Iowa, Youngster." Collyer's Eye. May 30, 1931. Pg. 3.

"New Managers Helped Savold to Get Going." The Brooklyn Citizen. Nov. 25, 1942. Pg. 6.

"On Comeback Trail." The Daily Nonpareil. Sep. 19, 1935. Pg. 9.

"Ring Invader Impressed." Daily News. Jan. 28, 1935. Pg. 7.

"Savold in Service." The Evening News. Mar. 16, 1944. Pg. 21.

"State Plans to Check on Farrell Tax." Iowa City Press-Citizen. Mar. 19, 1951. Pg. 20.

"Terry Defeats Dakota Champ." Central City Republican. Sep. 15, 1927. Pg. 4.

"Tommy Loughran Gives Griffiths Lesson in Boxing." Omaha World Herald. Mar. 28, 1931. Pg. 9.

"Three Men Charge Under Gambling Law." Iowa City Press-Citizen. May 15, 1948. Pg. 2.

Walsh, Davis J. "Savold Confident He'll Be Next Heavy Champ." Nashville Banner. Jul. 30, 1943.

"Wiseman, Falegano Sign for Battle." Burlington Hawk-Eye Gazette. Jan 11, 1930. Pg. 3

"Wrestler Savoldi at Des Moines Tuesday." The Daily Nonpareil. Feb. 15, 1931. Pg. 14.

David Malul to Fight in June

Welterweight David Malul is scheduled to fight on June 14 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York, USA. The 22 year old from Queens is 3-0 with 2 KOs.

Malul scored two vicious knockouts last year. In March, he showed improved skills in beating Shaquille Rushing by unanimous decision. But he still knows he needs to keep getting better. In March, he acknowledged to The Jewish Boxing Blog that he needs to improve "my whole game entirely. My jab, my right hand, everything. I'll be working on it in the gym. I truly believe my best skill hasn't come out yet."

On June 14, he'll have a chance to show what's he's been fine-tuning in a scheduled four-rounder. No opponent has been announced yet.

courtesy of Star Boxing

Daniel Ivanovski in Action Next Month

Cruiserweight Daniel Ivanovski is scheduled to fight on June 14 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Shelbyville, Kentucky, USA. The 24 year old from Israel is 4-0 with 3 KOs.

Ivanovski made his pro debut in Kentucky last September. This will be his third fight in the state. Each event has been run by Future Promotions.

Daniel suffered a cut over his left eye in his last fight when Romelle Terrell accidentally butted Ivanovski in the fourth and final round of their February 15 bout. At four months, this will be Ivanovski's longest layoff since turning pro.

No opponent has yet been named, but there is a durable fighter from the nearby rival town of Springfield. It might be difficult for Homer "The Southern Dandy" Simpson to whittle down to the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds, though. Simpson hasn't fought since an embarrassing loss to Drederick Tatum nearly 30 years ago.

Ivanovski's bout is slated for four rounds.

Review of Fightback

Fightback: The Autobiography of Gary Jacobs

By Gary Jacobs with Colin Grant

Empire Publications, 2025

Gary Jacobs was a world-class welterweight who once challenged pound-for-pound great Pernell Whitaker for all the glory. During his career, he held the British, Commonwealth, and European titles. Well-respected in his native Scotland, Jacobs experienced fame and fortune, before plunging into despair.

In his autobiography, Jacobs presents a raw and honest picture of those low moments. He owns up to his mistakes, clarifying some misconceptions without excusing his actions. His downfall is understandable, even relatable. He comes across as flawed but immensely likable.

A proud Jew, Jacobs provides terrific insight into his mindset, an honest assessment of his opponents, and some fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations. His 1989 defeat in New York to former world champion Buddy McGirt raised feelings of self-doubt for the Glasgow-native, until McGirt beat Simon Brown two years later. Jacob's confidence vacillated from extreme to extreme throughout his career.

Gary's close relationship with Maurice Lewis, for whom the book is dedicated, is evident. His relationships with managers Mike Barrett and Mickey Duff had more nuance than the loving bond between Lewis and his protégé.

Co-writer Colin Grant begins the book with a gut-wrenching scene, vividly painting Jacobs as a distraught figure experiencing his lowest valley. The voice then shifts to Jacobs's. Grant does an excellent job of allowing that clear and forthright voice to shine through. The organization isn't chronological, a tactic which can lead to confusion but is mostly done well here. If there's one criticism, it's that Jacobs's take is so interesting, it's too bad the book isn't longer. The Whitaker fight is covered from every angle, but other compelling fights unfortunately receive less attention.

Fightback is a thoroughly enjoyable read that illuminates that Scottish scene in the 1980s and the world welterweight picture during the early 1990s. It's an engaging tale of a highly successful boxer who hit rock bottom and bounced back. It's highly recommended for all fans who wish to know more about this accomplished and complicated Jewish boxer.

Yan Zak Dominates in Debut

Cruiserweight Yan Zak burst onto the pro scene with a dominating first round knockout against the more experienced Darshan Singh today the Round 10 Boxing Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Zak showed he was several classes above Singh in a convincing display of boxing and punching.

Wearing nondescript red trunks with white trim, Zak peppered his jab into Singh's face and body to keep the free-swinging brawler from India at bay. The 25 year old  Israeli then scored with a punishing left hook to the body. He soon worked in his right to both the head and body. Singh was quickly in bad shape and a left hook to the body forced him to take a knee. The referee reached the count of ten about two minutes and twenty seconds into the fight.

Zak's performance was thorough. He boxed well, showed devastating power to the body, picked his punches well, and was extremely accurate. He kept his hands low to bait Singh so Zak could counter the wide-punching 20 year old. Zak's Reyes gloves were so quick that when Singh even thought about throwing, Zak's straight shots were already landing.

If Zak concentrates on a pro career, he has the tools and the style to go far. He's 1-0 with 1 KO while Singh is now 2-5 with 2 KOs. This was the first time the durable Singh has been stopped.

Yan Zak Weighs In Ahead of Debut

Yan Zak, the 25 year old decorated amateur from Israel, weighed in ahead of his clash against Darshan Singh tomorrow at the Round 10 Boxing Club in Dubai, U.A.E. Zak is one of the most decorated amateur Jewish boxers in years.

From Ashdod, Zak arrived in Dubai yesterday and weighed in today. BoxRec lists the fight at heavyweight, but Zak's team told The Jewish Boxing Blog that the fight is actually scheduled to take place in the cruiserweight division. Zak has primarily fought at 200 pounds as an amateur recently.

Unofficially, Zak weighed 198 pounds. Singh (2-4, 2 KOs) was 189.5 pounds. The 20 year old from Badiala, India has been as light as 182.5 pounds (his last fight) and as heavy as 202.8 pounds (his first fight).

Zak-Singh is scheduled for six rounds. For a preview of the fight, visit here.

Danielle Cohen Wins Bizarre "Fight" on Saturday

Lightweight Danielle "Pitbull" Cohen won her second pro boxing match on Saturday with a first round TKO victory over Amber Clark at Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort in Miami, Florida, USA. The unfortunate contest lasted just ten seconds when Clark immediately took a knee as Cohen began to unleash her jab.

Veteran referee Luis Pabon, no stranger to controversy, made the right call when he jumped in to shield Clark. Pabon could see that Clark looked shell-shocked and instantly waved off the bout. Clark was in a daze for several minutes afterward. Cohen was award a TKO victory despite not landing a punch.

The debacle was no fault of Cohen's, a 28 year old from Plantation, Florida; she can only take on the opponent in front of her. It's the fault of the commission and Clark's team, who should have known their fighter was not in the right state to fight. But the win obviously doesn't help Pitbull in the long run.

Cohen is now 2-0 with one KO. Her debut took place on April 1, 2023 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA where she beat Danielle Wynn by unanimous decision. Despite being the shorter fighter, the 5' 3" Cohen landed big overhand rights and left hooks over the top from the outside all fight. She used convincing feints and timing to land those big shots.

Cohen took up martial arts ten years ago and has in-the-ring experience as a kickboxer. She fights for the memory of her father David Cohen Z"L, who passed away five years ago.

Hopefully, Cohen will be back in the ring soon and get to show her skills against a viable opponent.

Josh Feldman and Doron Zinman Back in Action on May 24

Junior middleweight Joshua Feldman and featherweight Doron Zinman are scheduled to be back in the ring on May 24 at Carnival City, outside Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa on a tournament promoted by Boxing 5 Promotions.

This will mark the third time the friends will have fought on the same pro card. Zinman made his pro debut on November 23 with a unanimous decision victory over Masibulele Mjoli while Feldman scored a first round TKO victory over Brian Shakoane on the same card. On February 21, it was Zinman's turn to win by first round TKO when he stopped Nhlakhanipho Phungula. Feldman boxed intelligently in defeating Jonas Senga by unanimous decision.

Zinman (2-0, one KO) will be partaking in only his third pro fight. At this stage, the 20 year old simply needs more ring experience, so a step-up opponent isn't yet necessary. Feldman (6-0, 3 KOs) turned pro a year earlier than his pal. He has fought in two scheduled six-rounders and gone the full six-round distance once. An opponent of a similar caliber as Senga makes sense for the 20 year old from Cape Town.

Opponents have yet to be announced for the two Jewish South African fighters.

Yan Zak to Make Pro Debut May 3

Yan Zak is scheduled to make his professional debut against Darshan Singh at the Round 10 Boxing Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 25 year old Israeli's debut has been long awaited.

Zak is a decorated amateur. He won gold at the U22 European championships in 2022 and has a wealth of experience fighting at the world championships and other important tournaments. Zak is noted for his rivalry with the respected Loren Alfonso of Azerbaijan.

A resident of Ashdod, Zak can fight in a variety of styles, but is primarily a boxer-puncher. Coached by Artur Zlat of the Tyson Mireli Team, Zak boxes with an in-and out-style in the Russian mold. But he is not one-dimensional. Against a classy boxer like Alfonso, Zak mauled the Cuban-Azeri to negate his quickness. Zak's prospects in the pro game are exciting to contemplate.

His opponent, Darshan Singh, is a 20 year old from Badiala, Punjab, India with a record of 2-4 with 2 KOs. Singh is no pushover. He has a good chin, can slip punches, and has improved since his debut. In that 2023 debut against Manbir Manbir, Singh launched wide haymakers and exhibited poor footwork. In February this year, Singh showed progress in a fight against the much heavier Jaipal Singh. He developed a jab, straightened out his punches a bit, and moved more fluidly.

Singh took hard rights to the face in the fourth round against Manbir. Jaipal, who outweighed Darshan by nearly 60 pounds, dug into his body shots and connected with clean rights to the head. Yet Darshan stood up to the blows in both fights, showing not only a good chin, but a fighter's heart. He took the punishment even while the ring lights flashed and rotated into the fighters' eyes in both contests.

All of Darshan Singh's fights have been in and around the cruiserweight division either in his native state of Punjab or the neighboring state of Haryana, both home to many people of the Sikh religion. Sikh men typically adopt the surname Singh to show equality and reject caste hierarchies, which is why four of his six opponents have shared the same name. Women assume the surname Kaur. Sikhs often keep with them a kirpan, or small curved dagger, as part of their faith. Singh may need to use it in the ring against Zak to have a chance.

Zak will need to be careful against the free-swinging Singh, but his debut is hopefully the beginning of an promising career. Zak will have six rounds, so he should remain patient and try to break down the durable Singh instead of aiming for a one-punch knockout. Singh already has gone eight rounds, so the distance won't be a problem for him while the six-round length will be an adjustment for Zak.

Yan typically fought at around 200 pounds as an amateur, but this fight is scheduled as a heavyweight contest. The last quality Jewish heavyweight pro was Roman Greenberg.

Several Jewish Boxers Honored

Several Jewish boxers have been honored recently. Jill "The Zion Lion" Matthews (1995-1999) was inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Gary "Kid" Jacobs (1985-1997), whose autobiography is available for purchase, was elected into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Hopefully, his former manager, Mickey Duff, will be elected next year. The Jewish Boxing Blog will have a review of Jacob's book Fightback shortly.

Harry "Kid" Brown (1915-1932) will be elected into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame this year. He'll join his younger brother Joe, a boxer and world-renowned sculptor.

Cletus "Hebrew Hammer" Seldin (2011-present) was honored by the Jewish Sports Heritage Association earlier this month. Seldin gave an impassioned speech denouncing antisemitism.

Brooklyn Barwick to Fight May 31

Brooklyn "The Big Deal" Barwick is scheduled to fight on May 31 in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. The 25 year old is looking to move her record to 2-0.

Barwick is returning to the scene of her debut, a first knockout victory over Alejandra Marruffo on March 1. She'll look to stay active this year as she builds up her ring experience and credibility in the sport.

Barwick recently sparred with Nisa Rodriguez, an undefeated super middleweight from Manhattan who is only a bout a foot taller than the 4'11" Laguna Beach native. Of Rodriguez, Brooklyn told The Jewish Boxing Blog, "She's a beast." The bicoastal Barwick also got some work in with coach Shawn Estrada, a former Olympian and undefeated pro, at Knockouts in Los Angeles.

courtesy of Robert Rosas

No opponent has yet been announced for this four round bout.

Larry Boardman's Fabulous Five-Fight String

Larry Boardman was an elite lightweight during the 1950s who beat a slew of champions. Known for his tremendous power in both hands, his ninth round knockout of Frankie Ryff on June 1, 1956 at Madison Square Garden was so ferocious, kids who watched it on television vividly remembered it fifty years later.

Boardman first burst into the consciousness of the boxing public on February 7, 1956 when he survived two knockdowns against the lightweight world champion Wallace "Bud" Smith at Boston Garden in a non-title affair to win by split decision. The "unknown" Boardman went down for the first time in his career in the first and was hurt in the ninth en route to a surprising decision victory.

Larry was just 19 years old at the time. Reports of his birthplace put him in the tiny central Connecticut town of Marlborough, which had about 300 residents on March 21, 1936 when Lawrence Boardman was born. Census records, however, place the Boardmans in Hartford in 1935, Middlesex in 1940, and Haddam in 1950, all relatively close to Marlborough.

Larry's father, Samuel J., emigrated from Russia and married Jennie from Massachusetts. Sam reportedly was a journeyman boxer and later worked as an executive at a mattress manufacture before running a gas station and roadside restaurant. As a boy, Larry was enamored with his father's boxing career. He enjoyed getting into fights at school and begged his father to teach him how to box. At nine, he received his first pair of boxing gloves. But in an attempt to dissuade Larry from taking up boxing, Sam was very tough on him. The rigorous sessions had the opposite effect though, and they turned Larry into a fighting machine.

Sam took his son down to Miami, Florida to train at the famed 5th Street Gym. Larry, who had turned pro fourteen months before his win over Smith, began his career with fourteen straight victories. His record stood at 28-2 heading into the Smith clash, in which he was a late replacement for Tony DeMarco. Boardman's shocking defeat of the reigning lightweight champion turned the tide of Smith's career for the worse. The loss started a string of eleven consecutive defeats to end Smith's career.

Two months later, Boardman faced the current featherweight and junior lightweight world champion, Sandy Saddler, an all-time great. Promoter Sam Silverman chose Boston Garden as the venue, the second time in a row Boardman would fight there.

Saddler was not only a power puncher but was known to bend the rules. "I hope it's a good clean fight fought on its merits," Boardman said before the fight, "but if Sandy plays rough with me, he'll get more than he bargained for."

Boardman started the fight by attacking Saddler and landing his spiteful right. The champion was hurt in the first round when an uppercut induced a bloody nose, and again in the third. Saddler was up to his old tricks, hitting on the break while on the verge of being stopped for only the second time in his illustrious career. He managed to finish the ten round fight, but Boardman won the non-title affair by unanimous decision. Willie Pep, who was one of the best fighters to ever live despite having been stopped by Saddler thrice in their four-fight rivalry, said that Boardman gave "Saddler one of the worst beatings of his career."

Saddler never fought again. He injured his eye in an automobile accident that summer and doctors deemed his condition too tenuous to continue fighting.

Larry vaulted into the top ten of The Ring's lightweight ratings on the strength of his two impressive victories over current champions. Television clamored for the up-and-coming 20 year old and his next fight came against Frankie Ryff, the 1954 rookie of the year. Ryff had grown into a top contender and had a style made for television. Despite Boardman's recent success, Ryff was the favorite heading into their June 1 matchup at Madison Square Garden.

With 46 seconds left in the ninth round, Ryff was counted out, a victim of Boardman's concussive right which had followed a left hook. Ryff's trainer Cus D'Amato had a heck of time trying to wake up his fighter. The striking fashion of the victory cemented Boardman's stardom. It was the first time Ryff, who later was badly injured in fall down an elevator shaft, was knocked out.

"I guess we showed 'em tonight," bellowed Sam Boardman. "They said that Frankie Ryff was too much fighter for Larry, but we showed 'em, didn't we son?"

Sam had done a masterful job bringing his boy through the ranks. When Larry declared he was determined to become a fighter, Sam smacked him with an overhand right. "He slugged me alright," Larry remembered years later. "The hardest punch I ever took.... he wanted to see if I had the stuff to make a fighter."

"I never went looking for set-ups," Sam said of his managerial strategy. "He had tough opposition from from his first fight on and learned something that stuck with him in every fight. Mind you, I was always sure he wasn't overmatched, but I never wanted him in an easy fight."

After three impressive victories, Sam suddenly had trouble getting Larry a fight. He had to turn to the International Boxing Commission (IBC), run by notorious mobsters Blinky Palermo and Frankie Carbo. "I thought Frank could get the big matches for us," Sam said.  And then, as if by magic, Boardman was suddenly scheduled to face former welterweight champ Jimmy Carter on September 11 at Boston Garden.

Carter outboxed Boardman early in the fight, but in the eighth round Boardman floored the former champ three times, which was once more than Carter had hit the canvas in all of his previous 104 fights combined. The fight was stopped in that round, and Boardman was hailed as "the new Benny Leonard." Carter would post a losing record of 6-8 the rest of his career.

Boardman vs. Saddler (left), Ryff (center), and Carter (right)

Boardman was called the uncrowned lightweight champion. Two months after the win over Carter, Larry faced another former champion, Paddy DeMarco.  True to his reputation, DeMarco "used every roughhouse trick in the book. He mauled, pushed, grabbed, tackled, hit on the break, and charged in his famous billy goat style." He lost the fourth round on fouls. In the fifth, Boardman scored a knockdown with a flush shot to the chin. He won by wide unanimous decision. In his last eleven fights following the Boardman loss, DeMarco would win only two.

Boardman suffered cuts over both eyes and a damaged left hand in the DeMarco brawl. His team said he'd be out for eight weeks. He deserved a rest to heal after an incredible five-fight string. Instead, the IBC ordered him to fight Orlando Zulueta a slick Cuban fighting out of New York, only one month after the DeMarco fight. Zulueta made Boardman miss early and often. "He hits hard with both hands," Zulueta said after the fight. "I knew he would hit in 1-2 combinations, so I stepped back to watch him throw two and then hit him." Boardman lost by majority decision. Blinky Palermo was indignant, believing Zulueta ran all fight. "Zulueta did absolutely nothing. The referee warned him to fight all night."

After a win, Boardman was slated to fight another former world champion, the ex-welter king Tony DeMarco. DeMarco battered Boardman, knocking him down twice in the fifth. The sequence that led to the first knockdown began with a right uppercut. At the end of the round, Boardman was hanging halfway out of the ropes for another knockdown, but the bell saved him. He went into survival mode and showed grit to last the ten rounds.

Boardman had success during the rest of his career, which lasted until 1960 with two comeback fights in 1963, but never again did he reach the heights he climbed in 1956. In May of '57, an opponent of Boardman's refused to fight when only 200 people showed up to the venue.

Two years later, the California State Athletic Commission suspended both Boardmans when Larry pulled out of a fight promoted by Don Chargin. Sam claimed Larry had a nose injury and a bad right hand, but the commission would have none of it. The Boardmans packed up and fought in Florida and Boston instead.

Larry Boardman finished his career with a record of 45-10-1 with 23 KOs. After his career, he worked for Sears in Jacksonville, Florida for 25 years before retiring. In 2008, he was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

Sources
"Any Larry Boardman recollections?" BoxingForum24.com. Sep. 24, 2011.

Bernstein, Ralph. "Boardman Win Over DeMarco May Be Costly." The Evening News. Nov. 13, 1956. Pg. 25.

"Boardman Decisioned by DeMarco." Independent. Mar. 31, 1957. Pg. 31.

"Boardman Knocks Out Ryff 46 Seconds of Ninth Round in Garden Contest." New York Times. Jun. 2, 1956. Pg. 15.

"Boardman Outpoints Saddler in Boston." New York Times. Apr. 15, 1956. Pg. 209.

"Boardman Stops Carter in Eighth." Los Angeles Times. Sep. 12, 1956.Pg. A1.

"Boxing Cuban 'Dodges' Way to Split Win." The Wichita Beacon. Dec. 18, 1956. Pg. 17.

"Boxing Pilot is Suspended." The Sun. Jun. 11, 1959. Pg. S24.
"Class of 2008." Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. 

Cuoco, Dan. "A Look Back at the Career of Lightweight Contender Larry Boardman." IBRO. Sep. 24, 2008.

"Fighter Won't Fight; Not Big Enough Crowd." Chicago Daily Tribune. May 29, 1957. Pg. B3.
"Larry Boardman." OOTP Forum. Jan. 9, 2005.

Pep, Wille and Robert Scachi. Friday's Heroes. 2008.

Weston, Stanley. "The Strange Case of Larry Boardman". Boxing and Wrestling. Feb. 1957.

All Eyes on Brooklyn Barwick

Coming off a first round stoppage victory in her professional debut, Brooklyn "The Big Deal" Barwick hopes to reenter the ring in May. Her plan is to compete somewhere between bantamweight and featherweight this year, but the Laguna Beach native is willing to take on all comers from flyweight up to lightweight. She just wants to fight.

The 25 year old came to boxing later than most. A former gymnast and wrestler, the 4'11" fun-sized fighter broke into the sport through the world of influencer boxing two years ago. Though Barwick became disgusted by the antics she was required to perform in order to hype those events, she found she enjoyed this brutal sport. "I actually started to love boxing and decided to take it seriously," she told The Jewish Boxing Blog.

Barwick not only trains out of New York but also worked out at Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas. She employs a coterie of coaches. The hard work has already begun to pay off. Compared to her influencer days, she showed noticeable improvement in her debut against Alejandro Marrufo in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico on March 1. Barwick hounded her opponent with relentless pressure, eating a few shots on her way to an exciting, albeit brief, first round TKO win after just 54 seconds of action.

The Big Deal has big dreams. The only active female Jewish pro boxer in the United States, she's aiming for a world title and has already called out Francesca Hennessy, an undefeated British junior featherweight.

Barwick knows she's not yet ready for the big fights. "Now it's all about proving myself and working my way up," she said. But she's uniquely situated to succeed in boxing. The combination of her fan-friendly style and her expansive social media reach will serve her well in this business. Despite Turki Al-Sheikh and Dana White's proposed league, there's no current centralized marketing push in boxing. It's every boxer for themselves. In this climate, Barwick's ability to draw eyes will surely be an asset as her career progresses.

Review of Boxing's Greatest Controversies

Boxing's Greatest Controversies: Blunders, Blood Feuds, and Mob Corruption

By Louis Joshua Eisen

Dundurn Press, 2025

In Boxing's Greatest Controversies, Lou Eisen delves deep into eleven significant fights, ranging from a bareknuckle brawl to Mike Tyson's gnawing on Evander Holyfield's ear. Heavyweights dominate the book as Eisen examines the seminal moments from the careers of Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, and Muhammad Ali. Legendary lightweights Joe Gans and Roberto Durán are also featured.

Each chapter provides background on both fighters involved and the wider context of the sport at the time. That's followed by a diagnosis of the controversy and its ultimate significance. To avoid spoilers, analysis of Eisen's forcefully delivered conclusions to each controversy, which often buck conventional beliefs, will be omitted from this review.

In providing those conclusions, Eisen carefully and gradually lays out his case for each one. Since a few of the fights he covers took place around a hundred years ago, there's some necessary speculation surrounding Eisen's findings. The writing is at times rhythmic due to the author's frequent deployment of hypophora. A touch of moralizing seeps into the accounts of fistic battles with managers often the culprits of any mischief.

Nine of the eleven fights covered are truly integral to telling the story of boxing. The less important Carnera-Schaaf bout is the weakest chapter because of some inconsistencies. Boxing has produced so many fights that could have been included, it's unfair to suggest any replacement, but it would have been enlightening to read Eisen's treatment of the Jack Britton-Benny Leonard fiasco.

Boxing's Greatest Controversies is a great introduction to the history of the sport through several key fights. This book is an illuminating gateway for those who want to learn about boxing history, but don't know where to start. For those more versed in boxing history, Eisen's conclusions provide fodder for argument about these memorable events by challenging established narratives.

Lev Jackson Wins by KO

Lightweight Lev Jackson won tonight by second round knockout over Jonathan Hernandez Pelayo in Jamay, Jalisco, Mexico.

The 32 year old Vancouverite came into this fight without any knowledge of his opponent for the first time in his pro career. "I was patient and boxed, no brawling," Jackson told The Jewish Boxing Blog. "I waited him out because he wanted a street fight."

Hernandez, a 26 year old from Zapopan, fought as a southpaw and hoped to lure Jackson into exchanges. Jackson, though, kept his distance and landed accurate shots from the outside.

In the second round, Jackson scored a knockdown with a well-timed left to the body. He then connected with a two punch combination to the midsection and a left to the temple to score the knockout. Referee Alejandro Zaragoza counted to ten and waved off the fight two minutes and 24 seconds into the round.

BoxRec currently has listed the wrong date for the event and the wrong round of the knockout. The site also says Jackson won by TKO even though Zaragoza reached the count of ten, constituting a KO. If the winless Hernandez was actually the opponent, he had on trunks worn by Christian Acevas Rivera on March 15, but Hernandez had turned the trunks around so that the back was in front.

Jackson was so focused on the fight, he didn't pay attention to the name of the opponent. He thought he heard his foe was named Ivan, but was too locked in. Ivan Amescua, a southpaw, fought on the same March 15 card as Aceves when he wore those trunks.

In any event, the experience taught Jackson to be prepared for anything. He appreciated the opportunity to fight outside his native Canada for the first time. Lev's record improves to 4-1-1 with 2 KOs. Hernandez is now 0-10 and has been stopped eight times.

courtesy of Jackson's IG page

Lev Jackson Weighs In

Lev Jackson and Jonathan Hernndez Pelayo weighed in ahead of his fight tomorrow at Jamay Center, in Jamay, Jalisco, Mexico. Teofista Boxing is promoting the show.

The 32 year old from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada will be facing a substitute opponent in a lightweight bout. The all-action fighter flew down to Mexico today for his first fight outside of Canada. Jackson, who is 3-1-1, was last in the ring on July 20, 2023.

Pelayo (0-9) is a 26 year old from Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. Nicknamed "Palas." his weight was 136.3 pounds, the heaviest of his career. His lightest was 121.5 pounds in 2021. His previous high was 135.8, which has been twice before fights.

Jill Matthews to be Inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame

Jill Matthews will be inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a deserved honor for a woman who was both a pioneer and a quality boxer.

A former gymnast, Matthews was nicknamed "The Zion Lion." In 1995, she became the first woman ever to win a New York Golden Gloves title when she stopped Dee Hamaguchi in the first round of the 101-pound final at Madison Square Garden.

Matthews turned pro later that year and lost her first fight. In 1998, she won the IFBA light flyweight world title. Later that year, she avenged that debut loss to win the IWBF light flyweight world title. She finished her career in 1999 with a hard-fought record of 9-4-1 with 7 KOs and two world titles belts.

A college graduate, Matthews was a musician before and after her boxing career. Around 2013, Matthews was diagnosed with brain cancer. She fought bravely and beat the disease. Mazel tov to Jill Matthews for her induction into the IWBHOF.

Staying Focused: David Malul Discusses His Third Fight

David Malul showed some more of his skills in his third fight, a unanimous decision victory over Shaquille Rushing last Saturday. His jab and his dedication to the body were two key factors in his win.

"I believe in my jab," Malul told The Jewish Boxing Blog. "It was the gameplan to use the jab and I saw openings for it." The importance of the jab is espoused by his coach Mike Stellate at the Main Street Gym. "Everything is based off the jab," Malul said.

Bodywork is also stressed. "Body in Hebrew is behtan (בטן). Everybody in the gym knows the word behtan, because I say it so much." David understands just how essential body punches are. He's learning how to use them to break down opponents. "When you see it work, you believe it. Going to the body wasn't just the gameplan for this fight. It's the gameplan for every fight."

In November, Malul scored a devastating knockout of Zachary Davis. In the second round of that fight, he loaded up on head shots. "If I see an opening, I'm going to take it," the 22 year old explained. "He had an awkward frame that wasn't sturdy. I knew his punches wouldn't hurt me even if he caught me, so it was low risk," he said of his second pro fight. "If I can take you out early, I'll put you to sleep. I don't get paid overtime." In the third round, he set up the vicious knockout blow with a couple of shots to the ole behtan.

Malul was originally scheduled to fight Rushing on February 13, but the fight was delayed five weeks because of an illness to a main event fighter. David himself suffered from the flu in early February, having to cut weight and spar while sick. He was initially disappointed with the postponement because he had pushed himself so hard to get ready. But Coach Stellate helped him reorient his mentality. "My coach said, 'Now you have more time to train and have a better performance.'"

Curiously, Rushing is listed as a southpaw on BoxRec. Malul had seen his first fight and was prepared for him to fight from an orthodox stance, but he was ready for anything. He brought in "Lefty Gunz" Matthew Gonzalez to spar in case Rushing fought as a southpaw.

At the weigh-in, a fighter in another matchup refused to show up, which delayed the proceedings for over an hour. Coach Stellate kept Malul focused and reframed the situation. "Just imagine how hungry your opponent is," the coach told his charge.

Once the fight started, David trusted his skills more. "Slowly, the ring is becoming a home to me," he said. One skill he's had to learn is tuning out the crowd. His fans are boisterous and it affected him in his debut, a fight in which he was knocked down twice in the first before winning by knockout that same round. "When I say I didn't have much experience, it's not just the ten amateur fights. I didn't have experience with the crowd. Now I'm zoned in. I had to learn to dial out the crowd."

For the Rushing fight, David wore "Bibas" on his orange trunks to honor Shiri, Ariel and Kfir. The mother and her two sons were kidnapped and murder by Hamas in 2023. Yarden Bibas, who was released after 484 days in captivity, wrote a note of appreciation to David for the gesture. "I wanted to win to honor them," David said.

While his commemoration of the Bibas family has gained some publicity, flying under the radar is the fact that David flew out wounded Israeli soldiers and bought them front row seats to show his gratitude for their sacrifice.

David's heart is in the right place, but so is his head. When asked what he can improve in the ring, he was adamant, "My whole game entirely," he said. "My jab, my right hand, everything. I'll be working on it in the gym. I truly believe my best skill hasn't come out yet."

When it does, the crowd will surely be rocking and the opponent will soon be sleeping.

David Malul Sweeps the Cards

"King" David Malul defeated Shaquille "Gold Rush" Rushing by unanimous decision at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York, USA. The fight was the main event of Star Boxing's Rockin' Fights 50.

Malul came out with an improved jab that he threw accurately and with purpose throughout the fight. The 22 year old from Jamaica, Queens, New York went to the body early and often. He varied his power downstairs and landed with both hands, but mostly with left hooks. The body shots didn't quite set up the knockout blow upstairs as they did against Zachary Davis last fight, though.

Rushing - a 29 year old from Lakeland, Florida - threw punches, but very few were effective. His best punch of the fight was a counter left hook in the third after Malul had thrown one of his many left hooks to the body.. Rushing's best qualities were toughness and a tremendous heart.

Malul threw right uppercuts, left hooks, overhand rights, straight rights, and chopping rights, but Rushing was able to stand upright throughout. He wobbled just before the bell to end the first round, but he managed to use the minute rest period to recover.

All three judges and The Jewish Boxing Blog scored the fight 40-36 for Malul. David wore orange trunks and had "Bibas" across his trunks to honor Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas who were kidnapped on October 7, 2023 and eventually murdered. He also dedicated the fight to his late grandfather who died recently. "I felt his presence," David said.

Now 3-0 with two KOs, Malul is motivated to continue to succeed. "If they want to beat me," he said, "they'll have to kill me." Rushing is now 0-2.

photo courtesy of Star Boxing

Malul and Rushing Make Weight

"King" David Malul and Shaquille "Gold Rush" Rushing weighed in ahead of their 148-pound clash tomorrow at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York, USA. They are scheduled to fight on Star Boxing's Rockin' Fights 50.

Malul (2-0, 2 KOs), a 22 year old New Yorker, weighed 147.4 pounds for the second straight fight. He was 146.6 for his debut. This bout was announced at a catchweight, a pound above the welterweight limit. In preparation for this fight, he sparred with several of his Main Street Gym stablemates. Some fighters he sparred with were Ronnie Reyes, Joe Elzey, and Yeuri Andujar. "All sharp guys who pushed me every session and made sure I was ready for anything on fight night," Malul told The Jewish Boxing Blog.

Rushing (0-1), a 29 year old from Florida, came in at 144.6. He was 141.5 pounds for his debut. BoxRec lists Rushing as a southpaw, but he fought his debut in the orthodox stance.

There was a delay before the fighters could weigh in, which Malul called "a little bit of a drag." Fighters often have to cut weight, and any wait can add more strain to the body. "I stayed focused, kept my energy right, and made sure I was ready when it was time to step on the scale," Malul explained.

Malul-Rushing is scheduled for four rounds. The fight can be stream at StarBoxing.tv.

Lev Jackson Returning in April

Lightweight Lev Jackson is scheduled to return to the ring on April 5 in Jalisco, Mexico on a show promoted by Teofista Boxing. Jackson last fought on July 20, 2023.

A 32 year old from Vancouver, Jackson is an all-action fighter. He defeated the bigger Luis Prieto by majority decision in his last fight to move to 3-1-1 with one KO. Then, he experienced an unexpected 20-month layoff. Jackson was scheduled to fight that December, but the commission pulled the opponent and a replacement couldn't be found in time. Lev was then scheduled to fight last April, but that fight fell through.

Since his last fight, Jackson has had better luck out of the ring. A butcher by trade, he got engaged and his first child in on the way. Lev has reunited with coach Junior Moar for this fight, his first outside of Canada.

Seldin Wins Tough Fight by MD

Junior welterweight Cletus Seldin defeated Yeis Solano by majority decision in a tough fight at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, USA on 360 Promotions St. Patrick’s Day card this evening. Seldin’s constant pressure and activity carried the contest.

The 38 year old Seldin, wearing purple sequin trunks, came out to Rick Derringer’s “Real American” as a portion of the crowd chanted “Hamma, “Hamma!” Solano, a 32 year old Colombian, marched to the ring to “Lejos de Casa” by Dandy Bway.

Seldin came out of the gate like a bull. Solano, a southpaw who is naturally right handed, immediately fought off the backfoot. In the pocket, the “Hebrew Hammer” dipped to his right. Solano soon caught on and started landing straight lefts.

Seldin had Solano against the ropes throughout the fight, beginning in the second round. Seldin ravaged the body to take the round and even the score. But Cletus’s left eye started to swell.

The third started with some heated exchanges that didn’t do much damage. Solano boxed well, connecting with right hooks. “El Tigre” maintained the momentum into the fourth. He walked Seldin onto his hooks and straight lefts. After four, Seldin appeared to be down three-to-one and searching for answers. Someone from press row joked, “Looks like he left his hammer at home tonight.”

Cletus possesses superior stamina compared to most fighters and it served him well in this fight. He never relented, never stopped throwing his hands. Conversely, Solano wore down. He got on his bike in the fifth as Cletus kept after his midsection.

To start the sixth, referee David Fields called the doctor over to look at Seldin’s eye. Once allowed to continue, he launched a big right. Solano alternated between holding and running. To his credit, the Colombian came back in the seventh and was responsible for the eye-catching shots. Cletus though never stopped bullying Solano against the ropes.

Seldin needed a convincing eighth and final round and he delivered. Solano mostly tried to survive, perhaps thinking he was ahead, or perhaps he was gassed. Seldin exhibited a great motor right through the final bell.

One judge had it a draw; the same score as The Jewish Boxing Blog. But two judges scored the bout for Seldin, 78-74, 77-75. After the fight, Cletus and his wife announced that they have a baby on the way. Daddy Hammer is now 29-1 with 23 KOs. Solano falls to 16-5 with 10 KOs. Mazel tov to the Seldins!

Seldin and Solano Make Weight

Cletus Seldin and Yeis Solano both made weight ahead of their clash tomorrow at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, USA. Seldin came out with a leprechaun hat and tossed it into the crowd before the ceremonial weigh-in.

Seldin (28-1, 23 KOs) came in at 139.2 pounds. This is the lightest the 38 year old Seldin has been since the William Silva fight in 2021, three bouts ago. His lightest was 138.25 pounds against Zab Judah in 2019. His heaviest was 148 pounds early in his career.

Solano (15-4, 10 KOs) weighed 139.4 pounds. This is the lightest the southpaw has weighed since 2019, which was his first fight in the United States. The 32 year old Colombian's lightest weight was 130 pounds ten years ago. His heaviest was 143.75 pounds in 2021.

At the press conference, Cletus Seldin said he belongs on the 360 Promotions' St. Patrick Day card because he's 3% Irish. The Hebrew Hammer is about as Irish as a potato latke, but Cletus showed appreciation to promoter Tom Loeffler for including him on this show. Seldin told Inside The Ropes that he has tried to get on cards up and down the East Coast this past year, but the free agent hasn't much luck. Seldin's last fight was on 360 Promotions' St. Patrick's card last year.

The weigh-in can be viewed at Fight Hub's YouTube page. The Jewish Boxing Blog's preview of the fight can be viewed here.

Seldin-Solano is scheduled for eight rounds and will be streamed on UFC  Fight Pass's YouTube page. The event is scheduled to start at 4pm New York time, and Seldin's fight in the third bout.

Review of The Knockout

The Knockout: Sport's Most Decisive Moment
By Andy Clarke

Aurum, 2024

In The Knockout, Sky Sports commentator Andy Clarke examines the moment a fight is stopped through the perspectives of the victor, the vanquished, the coach, and the referee. The views of Carl Froch, Tony Bellew, David Haye, and Matthew Macklin make up the majority of the book and are its strength.

The fighters share their mentality heading into battle. Most acknowledge that they can- and at some point will- get knocked out, an illuminating revelation. They discuss their fear, their nerves, and their focus. They provide a fascinating window behind the scenes.

Knockouts are broken up into two categories: the one-punch shot and the type that involves breaking down the opponent. Clarke explains everything thoroughly so that someone new to the sport can follow along. However, the insight from the boxers will satisfy a hardcore fan and resonate with current and former fighters.

The Knockout comes up short in some ways, however. It's organized thematically, but the best portions are when the focus is simply on one person for an extended portion. Those parts made Clarke's journalistic introductions, describing where he met the interviewee, more relevant. The chapter on "Fear" left the most to be desired in terms of organization.

The book could've used better editing. Long-winded sentences and inconsistent comma usage probably don't matter to most readers, but those who care will struggle with some parts of the book. The numerous clauses in a sentence can muddle Clarke's points, "Despite my reservations above, I do believe, having discussed it with numerous parties, that 'everything happens for a reason' can be a helpful navigational tool (especially in a career as unpredictable as that of a professional boxer), if employed as a philosophical overview, as an ongoing course of treatment, if you will, rather than as a cure for a specific ailment (pg. 196)." Many of Clarke's sentences are pithy and enlightening, but there are too many tedious ones like this example.

British English and American English disagree on some forms of comma usage. Personally, I favor commas after introductory phrases, the oxford comma, and the consistent employment of commas. It helps make things clearer. For fear of going to deep into a lesson of commas, suffice it to say, this book had its issues regardless of which system is used.

The Knockout had the potential to be mentioned alongside Mike Silver's important Arc of Boxing, but the above issues hold it back. The final fight covered at length, between Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker, didn't even end in a knockout. But there are plenty of interesting anecdotes to make it worth a read, especially for those interested in the British boxing scene.

The Desire to Improve: Doron Zinman Discusses the Phungula Fight

Doron Zinman's dominant first round TKO victory on February 21 signified an improvement over his pro debut. "I worked hard to perform better this fight and will continue to do as such," Zinman told The Jewish Boxing Blog.

In his debut last November, Zinman showed a noteworthy ability to adjust mid-fight and take control of the contest after a slow start. In his second fight, the "Buzzsaw" spent a few seconds assessing the situation before attacking his opponent, Nhlakanipho Phungula.

"I realized quickly that my best attack would be on the inside where I can land my hard shots while he would struggle with no room," Zinman explained.

While Phungula was on the ropes in the Philly Shell style of defense, Zinman saw openings for his right to the head and threw accordingly.  "I tried to go to his body, but his hands were tied to his midsection, leaving his chin open for my punch." Zinman dissected. "The angle which I was standing made it ideal to land the right hand at will. That caused both the knockdown and the stoppage when he shelled up."

While chopping away at Phungula with rights up top, Zinman slipped in a right uppercut that initiated the knockdown. It was a beautiful adjustment that showed Zinman is a fast learner. The 20 year old from Cape Town didn't have much of an amateur career, but he was able to quickly develop a winning strategy against a tricky defensive style. While Phungula is not exactly George Benton or Floyd Mayweather, Zinman's ability to pressure his man, eat some punches along the way, and still process information rapidly bodes well for his future in the ring.

But Zinman knows he's not a finished product yet. "There is a lot to learn from this fight," he said. "It was far from what I am capable of doing. My footwork, range management, and head movement definitely need my attention and continuous improvement."

In addition to his other qualities, the desire to improve means Doron "Buzzsaw" Zinman is one to keep an eye on.

Preview of Cletus Seldin vs. Yeis Solano

Cletus Seldin is now scheduled to fight Yeis Gabriel Solano on March 16 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, USA. His original opponent on the 360 Promotions card was Issouf Kinda, who was replaced a couple of weeks ago.

Seldin, a 38 year old New Yorker with a record of 28-1 (23 KOs), last fought a year ago at the same venue in an event run by the same promotor. The "Hebrew Hammer" started strong against Jose Angulo, scoring a knockdown in both of the first two rounds before winning by majority decision. In the meantime, Cletus, who proposed to his long time girlfriend immediately after the Angulo fight, got married.

Solano (15-4,10 KOs) is no pushover for Seldin. The 32 year old southpaw from Colombia doesn't have the prettiest record, but the man called "El Tigre" has been in tough in recent years. After winning his first twelve fights in his native land and two in Mexico, he relocated to Las Vegas. His last five fights have all been in the United States against good fighters.

On ShoBox, Solano effectively fought off the ropes against an aggressive Argentine named Elias Araujo in 2019. Though Araujo controlled the tenor of the fight, Solano scored a knockdown in the fourth and countered enough to earn a split decision victory.

A year and a half later, Solano returned to ShoBox where he lost his undefeated record to Mykquan Williams, who outboxed the Colombian. After a split decision defeat to Alberto Palmetta, another Argentine, Solano was dominated by Gabriel Gollaz nearly two years later. Gollaz won by sixth round KO.

Last November, Solano retreated to the ropes against fellow southpaw Kelvin Davis in an attempt to draw the taller man to him. Davis wisely kept his range and convinced Solano to leave his hands at home. Davis scored a late knockdown and a wide unanimous decision victory.

An experienced amateur, Solano is a natural righty with a good right hook. He can fight in different styles, but recently prefers to stay on the perimeter and counter. Seldin will want to bully Solano, keeping him on the ropes because it will neutralize Solano's southpaw advantage if the Colombian is squared up with his back to the ropes. However, Solano is the rare fighter who seems to enjoy fighting off the ropes.

When Seldin fought Zab Judah, a southpaw, he spent some of that fight as a lefty which is another route he could go if he needs it. Seldin switched to southpaw against William Silva when he was being outboxed. Solano can box, but not like Judah or Silva. Seldin should use his strength advantage and muscle Solano, but be mindful of counters.

Seldin-Solano is scheduled for eight rounds and can be streamed on UFC Fight Pass.

Brooklyn Barwick Wins Debut with First Round TKO

Brooklyn "The Big Deal" Barwick won her pro debut by first round TKO tonight at Salon CTM in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. She stopped Alejandra Marruffo fifty-four seconds into the opening stanza.

Wearing all pink, Barwick raced out of the corner and started throwing punches immediately. She showed an improved jab and changed levels effectively. Touching Marruffo's body created openings up top, which Barwick took advantage of. Marruffo tried to throw back, but her ill-conceived punches couldn't stop Barwick's constant attack. Referee Daniel Alberto Duarte jumped in after Marruffo ate several shots while her back was to the ropes.

While Barwick fought much better than she had in her previous exhibitions, Marruffo was not a capable opponent. This bout was announced as a lightweight contest in contrast to Marruffo's first fight in November, which was scheduled for twenty pounds lighter, a difference of six weight divisions. The 32 year old from Mexico is now 0-2 with two first round stoppage losses.

Barwick would be wise to stay active this year against lower level competition and then step up only after gaining more pro experience. The 25 year old is now 1-0- with 1 KO.