Joe Frazier in his prime was a ferocious fighter

When you mention the name ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier it conjures up images of a ferocious heavyweight that steamrolled opponents with a left hook from the heavens but today’s 67-year-old version is fighting a very different fight, against advanced liver cancer.

“He’s in serious shape, we’re looking for a miracle,’’ said a source close to the former heavyweight champ. “They’re only giving him a short time to live. We need to have as many people as possible praying for Joe right now.’’

It’s incredibly sad news about the man who took Muhammad Ali to what he described as the brink of death during the first of their three brutal bouts but Frazier will always be known as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

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Abner Mares is now close to a title shot.

Undefeated Golden Boy contender Abner Mares headed Thursday Night’s Fight at the Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California, by stopping Felipe Almanza 17-16(8) in a ten round bantamweight contest. Mares controled the bout from the begining and finished his oponnent at 2:23 of the fifth round. Mares 20-0(13kos) is now scheduled to face IBF champion Yonnhy Perez on May 22nd.
The rest of the Golden Boy card featured a couple other prospects in Ronny Rios and Derrick Wilson.

First Ronny Rios 10-0(5kos) impressed as he dismantled veteran Andres Ledesma 15-17 in fifth round of a scheduled six rounder at super featherweight.
Then Derrick Wilson struggled but appeared to win a four round decision over superbantamweight Adam Ochoa 2-1-1(1) but had to settle for a majority draw. It marked the second disappointing outing for the prospect. Wilson destroyed the undefeated Charles Huerta last July but has gone 0-1-1 since and now is 5-1-1(2) as a pro.

Monterrey Arena, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico -

WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero 27-0 (27KOs) retained his title Saturday night with a hard fought ninth round stoppage of the WBC interim-champion, Antonio DeMarco.

Both the fighters had alot to prove and as the opening bell sounded they gave little ground. Antonio DeMarco, from Tijuana, Mexico started with movement and the jab, marking and causing swelling to Valero’s left cheek. In the second Valero’s aggression became more effective as he landed several combinations pushing the Mexican warrior back. A DeMarco elbow opened a cut on Valero’s head and the referee deducted a point from DeMarco.

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