CANASTOTA, NY – JANUARY 19, 2009 — The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of light heavyweight champion Jose Torres. He passed away this morning in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was 72. Born May 3, 1936 in Playa Ponce, Puerto Rico, Torres won a silver medal at the 1956 Olympic Games. He turned pro in 1958 and under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Cus D’Amato, he won the world light heavyweight title from Willie Pastrano in 1965. During his career he posted a 41-3-1 (29 KOs) record that includes wins over Don Fullmer, Wilbert McClure, Tom McNeeley, Wayne Thornton, Eddie Cotton and Hall of Famer Carl (Bobo) Olson..
He stayed active in boxing as chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission (1983-88) and as president of the World Boxing Organization (1993-95). An accomplished author, he penned boxing books “Sting Like a Bee” about Muhammad Ali and “Fire and Fear” about Mike Tyson.
“Jose Torres was one of boxing’s finest ambassadors,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “‘He was an Olympian, a world champion, author, commissioner and a true gentleman. The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing.”
In 1997, Torres was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Sylvester, Murat to return on February 28
Former European Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester will make his first fight under the guidance of Karsten Rower on February 28 when he takes on Gaetano Nespro for the WBA International Middleweight Title. It will be the Hurricane´s first appearance since losing a unanimous points decision against WBA Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm. “I am very happy that my promoter Sauerland Event have arranged a title fight straight away,” Sylvester said. “Not only do I have the best memories of Italian opponents but also of Neubrandenburg.”
Last April, the Hurricane (29-3, 14 KOs) knocked out Javier Castillejo in spectacular fashion to put himself in a position for a world title fight. “The atmosphere in the Jahnsportforum was great,” he added. “I am thrilled to make my first fight under Karsten Rower in Neubrandenburg. It will be a home match and very special because we are both from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.”
Nespro 14-4 (2 KOs) has won ten of his last 11 fights.
In the co-featured main event, European Super-Middleweight Champion Karo Murat (18-0, 11 KOs) will be counting on history to repeat itself. On the same night when Sylvester bested Castillejo, Murat celebrated the biggest success of his career by depriving then-champion Cristian Sanavia (40-4, 12 KOs) of his title. Now the duo will battle out the rematch. “I have beaten him once and I will beat him again,” Karo Murat said. “Since winning the title I have become much stronger.”
PAUL EDWARDS might have only had two professional bouts, but he’s already eyeing up a British flyweight title fight
The 5ft 5in scouser boxes on the undercard when Chris Edwards and Wayne Bloy square off for the vacant British and Commonwealth flyweight title at Fenton Manor, Stoke on Friday.
Liverpool has produced some of Britain’s finest ever eight stone fighters over the years including Keith Wallace, Peter Kane and the hugely under-rated Peter Culshaw.
Edwards, 22, hasn’t lost a round since turning professional last year outpointing Robert Palmer and wily veteran Delroy Spencer.
If he remains unbeaten it looks certain that he will contest domestic honours later this year against Chris or Wayne.
Edwards who boxed for the famous Salisbury ABC and won the 2005 ABA title is convinced he’ll become ‘Lord of the Flies’ as a professional.
He said: “This is just my third pro fight but already I am right up there in the British ratings and there is already talk of a title shot.
“Being a flyweight isn’t like fighting at feather or super-middle, there aren’t a lot of us about so it’s easy to climb up the ratings fast
“Realistically, I could be fighting for the British title inside the next year so I am loving every minute of it.”
Promoter Frank Maloney said: “Apart from heavyweight boxing, the flyweights have always been my favourite division
“It is fantastic that the division is coming alive in Britain again and I believe Paul can be the flag bearer.”
Tickets for ‘Stoking the Fire’ which is being televised live by Sky Sports are selling fast and can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508 or by logging on to www.frankmaloney.com. Prices £35 and £70