Friday, January 28, 2011
Frenkel Injured
According to Per Ake Persson of BoxingScene.com, Alexander Frenkel is off the February 12 card in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany because of a hand injury. Frenkel's proposed opponent was cruiserweight Zakaria Azzouzi. No word on whether Enzo Maccarinelli's face was nearby when the injury occurred.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Look Back: Dana Rosenblatt
In an effort to link the past with the present, The Jewish Boxing Blog will present monthly a short biography of notable former Jewish boxers.
"Dangerous" Dana Rosenblatt was a well-regarded boxer who won a slew of minor title belts during his career, which spanned from 1992-2002. Rosenblatt was a regional attraction, popular in New England. He finished with a splendid record and his resume includes some impressive names, but Rosenblatt never got the opportunity to fight for a major world title.
Rosenblatt was born on January 26, 1972. He grew up in Malden, Massachusetts and eventually became proficient in karate, judo, and kickboxing. He then turned to boxing and went pro at the age of 20. His first six fights ended in knockout victories.
After cruising to a 16-0 record with 13 KOs, Rosenblatt stepped up to face Sean Fitzgerald (18-1-2), whose only loss was to Roberto Duran. Fitzgerald was confident he'd beat the untested Rosenblatt. Two minutes into the 1993 bout, Dana threw a 1-2 combination that sent Fitzgerald hurling to the canvass. The fight ended 30 seconds later after Fitzgerald succumbed to Rosenblatt's onslaught.
Rosenblatt donned white trunks with blue trim and a Star of David printed on his left thigh. He was a skilled technician and a devastating in-fighter. But he never shied away from a brawl either. He stopped Brett Lally in the 9th round of their 1994 match when Dana decided to do away with technique and wing punches at the tough veteran.
Rosenblatt fought as a southpaw, though he was naturally right-handed. In 1995, Dana battled Chad Parker, who was 31-0-1. A quick powerful right hook knocked out Parker inside of one round. That speedy right hook was Rosenblatt's best punch.
Against 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis Jr., who was 40 years old at the time of his bout with Rosenblatt, that lightning right hook made another appearance. In the first round, Rosenblatt floored Davis with a straight left. That round saw Davis throw only 8 punches, as he constantly moved to his right, directly into Rosenblatt's wheelhouse. Conversely, Dana landed 41 punches in the first. Two minutes into the second round, that right hook came crashing down on Davis's temple, the fight was stopped, and Davis's career ended.
Almost everyone considered Rosenblatt to be caring and intelligent, an all-round good guy. Vinny Pazienza disagreed. He thought Rosenblatt "a condescending punk." After defeating Davis and winning the WBU middleweight title, Rosenblatt moved up to super middleweight to take on Pazienza. That fight featured Dana's first professional loss. Pazienza overwhelmed his New England rival and stopped him in the 4th round. Many questioned Rosenblatt's ability after the loss.
Dana came back to beat the credible Glenwood Brown early in 1997. Four fights later, Rosenblatt faced the legendary Terry Norris for the IBA middleweight title and took control of the bout early. But, as Rosenblatt was known to do, he faded badly over the last few rounds of the contest. Still, Rosenblatt managed to muster a narrow unanimous decision victory over the former world champion.
In 1999, a year after the Norris fight, Dana got a rematch against Pazienza. After being knocked down in the third, Rosenblatt came back to snatch his revenge by way of split decision. Rosenblatt had figured that avenging his only career loss would propel him to the stardom he hoped for. He was in the discussion to fight the super middleweight division's best. But a series of injuries and a couple of frustrating technical draws told Dana that it was time to hang it up.
Since retiring with a 37-1-2 record including 23 KOs, Rosenblatt has worked as a boxing announcer on local New England cards. The college educated Rosenblatt has also worked in the mortgage business in Massachusetts.
Dana Rosenblatt vs. Sean Fitzgerald
December 16, 1993
Foxwoods Resort
Mashantucket, Connecticut
Dana Rosenblatt vs. Chad Parker
May 6, 1995
Caesars Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dana Rosenblatt vs. Howard Davis Jr.April 13, 1996
Fleet Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Bibliography
Katz, Michael. "Rosenblatt Won't Be Joker." New York Daily News. 1997.
Ludwig, Ed. "Interview with Dangerous Dana Rosenblatt." 2001.
"Rosenblatt Tops Norris For Title." Washington Post. 1998.
Sares, Ted. "The Legacy of Dana Rosenblatt." 2006.
"Dangerous" Dana Rosenblatt was a well-regarded boxer who won a slew of minor title belts during his career, which spanned from 1992-2002. Rosenblatt was a regional attraction, popular in New England. He finished with a splendid record and his resume includes some impressive names, but Rosenblatt never got the opportunity to fight for a major world title.
Rosenblatt was born on January 26, 1972. He grew up in Malden, Massachusetts and eventually became proficient in karate, judo, and kickboxing. He then turned to boxing and went pro at the age of 20. His first six fights ended in knockout victories.
After cruising to a 16-0 record with 13 KOs, Rosenblatt stepped up to face Sean Fitzgerald (18-1-2), whose only loss was to Roberto Duran. Fitzgerald was confident he'd beat the untested Rosenblatt. Two minutes into the 1993 bout, Dana threw a 1-2 combination that sent Fitzgerald hurling to the canvass. The fight ended 30 seconds later after Fitzgerald succumbed to Rosenblatt's onslaught.
Rosenblatt donned white trunks with blue trim and a Star of David printed on his left thigh. He was a skilled technician and a devastating in-fighter. But he never shied away from a brawl either. He stopped Brett Lally in the 9th round of their 1994 match when Dana decided to do away with technique and wing punches at the tough veteran.
Rosenblatt fought as a southpaw, though he was naturally right-handed. In 1995, Dana battled Chad Parker, who was 31-0-1. A quick powerful right hook knocked out Parker inside of one round. That speedy right hook was Rosenblatt's best punch.
Against 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis Jr., who was 40 years old at the time of his bout with Rosenblatt, that lightning right hook made another appearance. In the first round, Rosenblatt floored Davis with a straight left. That round saw Davis throw only 8 punches, as he constantly moved to his right, directly into Rosenblatt's wheelhouse. Conversely, Dana landed 41 punches in the first. Two minutes into the second round, that right hook came crashing down on Davis's temple, the fight was stopped, and Davis's career ended.
Almost everyone considered Rosenblatt to be caring and intelligent, an all-round good guy. Vinny Pazienza disagreed. He thought Rosenblatt "a condescending punk." After defeating Davis and winning the WBU middleweight title, Rosenblatt moved up to super middleweight to take on Pazienza. That fight featured Dana's first professional loss. Pazienza overwhelmed his New England rival and stopped him in the 4th round. Many questioned Rosenblatt's ability after the loss.
Dana came back to beat the credible Glenwood Brown early in 1997. Four fights later, Rosenblatt faced the legendary Terry Norris for the IBA middleweight title and took control of the bout early. But, as Rosenblatt was known to do, he faded badly over the last few rounds of the contest. Still, Rosenblatt managed to muster a narrow unanimous decision victory over the former world champion.
In 1999, a year after the Norris fight, Dana got a rematch against Pazienza. After being knocked down in the third, Rosenblatt came back to snatch his revenge by way of split decision. Rosenblatt had figured that avenging his only career loss would propel him to the stardom he hoped for. He was in the discussion to fight the super middleweight division's best. But a series of injuries and a couple of frustrating technical draws told Dana that it was time to hang it up.
Since retiring with a 37-1-2 record including 23 KOs, Rosenblatt has worked as a boxing announcer on local New England cards. The college educated Rosenblatt has also worked in the mortgage business in Massachusetts.
Dana Rosenblatt vs. Sean Fitzgerald
December 16, 1993
Foxwoods Resort
Mashantucket, Connecticut
Dana Rosenblatt vs. Chad Parker
May 6, 1995
Caesars Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dana Rosenblatt vs. Howard Davis Jr.April 13, 1996
Fleet Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Bibliography
Katz, Michael. "Rosenblatt Won't Be Joker." New York Daily News. 1997.
Ludwig, Ed. "Interview with Dangerous Dana Rosenblatt." 2001.
"Rosenblatt Tops Norris For Title." Washington Post. 1998.
Sares, Ted. "The Legacy of Dana Rosenblatt." 2006.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Finer Defends Her Title
Hagar Finer defended her WIBF bantamweight belt against Nadege Szikora today at Palais des Sports Marcel Cerdan in a Parisian suburb. Finer garnered a split decision with scores of 96-94, 96-94, 95-96, in making her 4th title defense.
Szikora, who falls to 10-2 with 4 KOs, showed impressive skill in losing her second straight fight. But Finer's experience allowed her to succeed in the midst of Szikora's pressure and, as a result, the Israeli was able to finish stronger than the Frenchwoman. Finer improves to 23-7-3 with 6 KOs.
Szikora, who falls to 10-2 with 4 KOs, showed impressive skill in losing her second straight fight. But Finer's experience allowed her to succeed in the midst of Szikora's pressure and, as a result, the Israeli was able to finish stronger than the Frenchwoman. Finer improves to 23-7-3 with 6 KOs.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Kedem Falls Again
Junior featherweight Eilon Kedem lost a majority decision in a six round bout, a result that was unpopular with the crowd, against Jose "Chilli" Rivera last night at the Masonic Temple in Brooklyn, New York. Kedem was 121 pounds for the fight, outweighing Rivera by three pounds. The fight was originally scheduled for January 13, but was postponed because of snow.
The scores were 57-57, 58-56, 59-55 with the last two in Rivera's favor. Rivera started strong, but Kedem finished the fight with more fervor.
Kedem (11-5-4, 7 KOs) has now lost his last two bouts and three of his last four. The 26 year old has won just two fights in his last seven, going 2-4-1 in that span. Rivera improves his record to 3-2-1. Both men were coincidentally coming off of six round majority decision losses to Elton Dharry last year.
The scores were 57-57, 58-56, 59-55 with the last two in Rivera's favor. Rivera started strong, but Kedem finished the fight with more fervor.
Kedem (11-5-4, 7 KOs) has now lost his last two bouts and three of his last four. The 26 year old has won just two fights in his last seven, going 2-4-1 in that span. Rivera improves his record to 3-2-1. Both men were coincidentally coming off of six round majority decision losses to Elton Dharry last year.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Frenkel Has New Date and Opponent
Alexander Frenkel is now scheduled to fight on February 12 at the RWE Rhein-Ruhr Sporthalle in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. He's penciled in to defend his EBU European cruiserweight title against Zakaria Azzouzi in a 12 round bout.
Frenkel (23-0, 18 KOs) is coming off of an impressive knockout of Enzo Maccarinelli for the European belt. Azzouzi, a 25 year old France resident, comes in with a record of 12-1-2 with 9 KOs. He's 1-1-1 in his last three fights, including a loss to Rachid El Hadak (21-8-1, 7 KOs) last March.
Azzouzi then mustered a majority draw against Tomasz Hutkowski, who was 18-0 when they met, last September. Azzouzi's last fight was a decision win over Arturs Kulikauskis (7-6-1, 4 KOs) last month.
Frenkel-Azzouzi is scheduled to be on the undercard of Yoan Pablo Hernandez-Steve Herelius. Arthur Abraham is also scheduled to be on the card in a non-Super Six bout.
Frenkel (23-0, 18 KOs) is coming off of an impressive knockout of Enzo Maccarinelli for the European belt. Azzouzi, a 25 year old France resident, comes in with a record of 12-1-2 with 9 KOs. He's 1-1-1 in his last three fights, including a loss to Rachid El Hadak (21-8-1, 7 KOs) last March.
Azzouzi then mustered a majority draw against Tomasz Hutkowski, who was 18-0 when they met, last September. Azzouzi's last fight was a decision win over Arturs Kulikauskis (7-6-1, 4 KOs) last month.
Frenkel-Azzouzi is scheduled to be on the undercard of Yoan Pablo Hernandez-Steve Herelius. Arthur Abraham is also scheduled to be on the card in a non-Super Six bout.
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