By Don Smith. Boxing Fans, undefeated Junior welterweight Jose Benavidez  Jr. is still recovering from surgery (right wrist) he had in January. Initially,mend time was expected to  be a matter  of weeks  but the problem was more  complicated  than first diagnosed.  Top Rank, Jose's Promotion Company,  was concerned enough to order a review of the ailment  and now Bob Arum and his lieutenants  are cautiously satisfied that the budding superstar will make a fully recovery and could return to  ring  action in tip top shape before  Summer's end.

 

 

   Jose has become a strong and   good role model for the Phoenix community and his commitment to various social causes is the perfect antidote  for a sport  that frequently condones and ignores  bad behavior . Benavidez. was  at Central  Gym , Downtown Phoenix, this week in support of his younger brother David who is a highly touted light heavyweight . Jose was sporting a soft cast and declared his wrist at  40% of where he was before the shutdown.   

 

   Still an amateur, brother David is in action  Saturday, April 21 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. He is an integral part of a  10 bout card  that features 8 professional fights and 2 amateur contests. At 15, he has sparred with Andrew "Hurricane" Hernandez and  banged with former super middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.  According to observers, David is immensely talented.  He may follow the path of his brother and turn professional after graduating from high school....no official word, yet.  David will put his pedigree on the line in a 3 round contest against Mario Urrea. 

 

    The  event , "Night of Legends 2" is presented   and promoted by Iron Boy Promotions which is anchored  in Phoenix  and  contractually tied to the Celebrity Theatre for a series of boxing shows.  In February, Iron Boy debuted their concept with a tribute to boxing luminaries Jorge Paez and Roger Mayweather.  The tribute drew an estimated 2,500 fans. The venue is great for boxing but past promoters have harped about a challenging rental fee and some very thirsty boxing fans  complained about the cost to whet their whistle. When Fan Base Promotions used the facility for the Gonzales/Smith Championship fight last year there was a visible lapse in security and dozens of people reportedly strolled in without any challenge.  

 

    According to their press release, this weekend's show at the Celebrity will  honor 5 time world Champion Michael  Carbajal.  Iron Boy Spokesperson Sam Tacheny said the legend theme may change  for future shows but a commitment  to quality and diversity will  never waver. Here is a rundown of  the Celebrity  Theatre card  with  a little inside info.

 

MAIN EVENT: Abel Ramos Vs. Joaquin Chavez 140 lbs 4 rounds...Ramos made his debut last year and showed good counter punch skills. He is managed and trained by his brother  but worked out with Roger Mayweather for this contest. Journalists dare being told to watch for a new and improved Abel Ramos. He is definitely a crowd pleaser.  His supporters think he will eventually become a contender. Works hard and technically sound.  Chavez is the underdog ...not a big puncher and he may be on his horse throughout the bout.

 

CO-MAIN EVENT:Thomas Valdez Vs. Armando Gonzales 132 lbs 4 rounds...Valdez is trained by Mayweather and managed by Iron Boy CEO Roberto Vargas. Strong amateur background  and will go in as a favorite against Gonzalez who lost in his boxing   debut.

 

  The under card features several youngsters worth mentioning... 156 pound .Juanito Gonzalez, fighting out of Phoenix, is 4-0 and all of his victories  are via knockout. His last 2 bouts were cancelled ; so look for  ring rust. Juanito became an instant boxing cover boy when he posed with 3 time world champion  Antonio Margarito  at the Blue Water Casino in Parker Arizona. Gonzalez fought on the card and  the former champ had a personal and financial interest in the event.  The photo has been seen around the world and  Juanito is hoping his career reaches the level of Margarito's . Gonzales is facing Saul Benitz in a 4 round test. Gonzalez trainer Andy Soto has 2 fighters in the mix on Saturday night. In addition to Juanito, 122 lb Carlos Castro  will make his debut against Edgar  Pinedo in a four rounder . Soto raves about Castro  and describes him as fast, agressive and smart. As an amateur Castro  won 3 US national titles 1 in Mexico enroute  to winning 90% of his amateur bouts....sounds like a winner but you can't lit up the Cuban until victory is assured.

 

   Another Castro worth watching is  135 lb Victor Castro who brings a 4-0 record to his encounter with Edgar  Zubia from Hobbs New Mexico. This could be the sleeper match of the evening. Hobbs sports a 3-0-1 record and  the reputation of being one tough hombre. Also, flashy Emilo Garcia will face a scrappy Jesse Ruiz in a 4 round 122 lb battle  that has become personal according to talk on the streets. Don't know what the beef was but let the war begin. Newcomers  Antonio Moreno and Julio Rodas will find out who is the better man in a 145 lb  

clash. New faces are good for the sport. In addition to David Benavidez, Francisco C' De Vaca is another amateur  getting a bit of ink and he is trained by Roger Mayweather who thinks the kid can become a champion in due time. Fans will be the judge as the heralded De Vaca meets Edgar Brito in a  123 battle between 2 prospects  eager to get it on. Iron Boy promotions is very high on De Vaca.  A special shout out to Iron Boy  ring announcer Ralph Velez who returns to what he does best after coping with a personal tragedy. His mike speak is top notch....should be a great night of boxing.

 

    A Jesus Gonzales Update ...After his embarrassing  1st round knockout at the hands of Adonis Stevenson, former IBF/NABF Super Middleweight Champion Jesus " El Martillo" Gonzales has decided he will launch a comeback but his days as a super middleweight are over. Management (Fanbase Promotions) has told him to scale down to 160 or less. According to inside sources,  Gonzales has been told to train harder and stay away from junk food.   Several possible opponents are rumored including Albert "The Punisher" Onolunose and former champion Antonio Margarito. A dedicate Gonzales can beat either one of them.

 

    Amateur Boxing Fight Night is scheduled for June 2 at the William Bloys American Legion Post 2 at 2125 S. Industrial Park Drive in Tempe, Arizona . Proceeds will benefit The Phoenix Boys and Girls Center. The event is sponsored by The Streets Don't Love You Back, a non profit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. General admission is $12.00 and ringside seating is available for $25.00. Special kudos to Kelly Fenn or making this event happen. Kelly has become the face of Amateur Boxing in Arizona since her father Al passed away 3 years ago. It was Al who realized that sports is a viable means for kids to work off their youthful frustrations. He never charged kids to use the gym at The Phoenix Boys and Girls Center. Kelly has continued the tradition and the benefit will go towards refurbishing the facility.  For more information...call 602-996-9407 or 480-600-4056. Donations are accepted. Kelly, reigning Queen of amateur boxing in Arizona, is busy preparing for the upcoming Jr. Golden Gloves (June 29-30) tournament held in Phoenix at the Victory Outreach Facility which is located at 4655 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. Winners will advance to the Nationals in Mesquite Nevada on July 20. 

 

   Alma Canez and her Canez Boxing Promotions  staff deserve high praise for their Thursday Throw Down Show at the El Zaribah Auditorium  in Phoenix on April 12. The venue is perfect for boxing and Alma always puts fight fans first. Highlight of the evening was Junior Welterweights Javier Loya's knockout victory over a tough Gabe Garcia in round 3. The win ups Loya's record to 7-0 w/6 knockouts. Javier has a huge following that literally mobs him after every fight. His high energy performance  made up for disappointing main event featuring Alex Santiago and Luis Angel Paneto in a 8 round super Bantamweight contest that left a few fans yawning.  Santiago, winner by TKO,  left the ring with 10-2-1 and he  couldn't be satisfied with his effort. Solid and winning performances by Jorge Marquez (4-1) , Isiah McFadden (5-2), Fernando Samaniego (4-0)  and Jose Marrufo (1-2) more than compensated for a less than spectacular Main Event. In knocking out Ted Jones, 26 year old  Marquez turned a few heads and put a smile on the faces of his friends who backed him through tough times. Thursday Throw Down was a good show and Alma Canez deserves a bow or two for her effort....good job!