Former local prep baseball players

Congrats to former Las Cruces area high school baseball players Ryan Honeycutt, Daniel Gonzalez, Steven Flores and Gera Sanchez. The four players are on the University of New Mexico baseball team, which was selected to play in the NCAA Tournament on Monday.

Honeycutt, Gonzalez and Sanchez played key roles on the team this year. Sanchez won a pair of games on the mound, while Honeycutt and Gonzalez were two of the team's top offensive players.

The Lobos will be playing in their first NCAA Tournament since 1962. All three were very good high school players and were high on Lobos coach Ray Birmingham's radar when he took the job with the Lobos.

Got to give all the former area high school kids credit for doing what they had to do to make it happen for the Lobos. And give Birmingham credit for what he's done with UNM. He had a goal of taking UNM to the College World Series and this is another step in the process. And he said he'd do it with New Mexico kids and he has kept his word on that promise as well.

- Felix

All-State Baseball, 3A, 4A, 5A

Class 3A State Baseball teams
First Team
Class 3A
Pitchers
Matt Forsyth, Hope Christian
Colin Friedman, St. Mike's
Jared Gallegos, West Las Vegas
Alex Garcia, Bloomfield
Aaron Ordonez, Cobre
Michael Hernandez, St. Mike's
Outfielders
Matthew Miramontes, Bloomfield
Irving Gomez, Cobre
Catcher
Shane Harmishige, St. Mike's
First Base
Regan Ramos, Cobre
Joel Vega, Hope Christian
Second Base
Nick Nelson, Sandia Prep
Shorstop
Jay Dominguez, Cobre
Michael Eaton, Sandia Prep
Third Base
Aaron Ordonez, Cobre
DH
George Marquez, Raton

Second Team
Pitchers
Alex Kyriakis, Sandia Prep
Michael Chavez, Socorro
Zach Shark, Miyamura
Blake Washburn, Raton
Brian Detrick, Bloomfield
Nick Aragon, Robertson
Gene Chavez, SF Indian
Outfielders
Roberto Martinez, Sandia Prep
Andrew Castanon, Cobre
Ian Sutton, Hope Christian
Jared Gallegos, West Las Vegas
Brennan Day, Sandia Prep
Robert Martinez, Sandia Prep
Girard Martinez, Robertson
First Base
Clay Payne, Bloomfield
Second Base
Alex Garcia, Bloomfield
Charlie Savedra, Socorro
Shorstop
Nick Nelson, Sandia Prep
Michael Archibeque, Bloomfield
Third Base
Nick Aragon, Robertson
Justus Jaramillo, Socorro
Alex Houser, Sandia Prep
DH
Levi Helton
Player of the Year
Alex Garcia, Bloomfield
Coach of the Year
Frank DeHoyos

Class 4A
First Team
Pitchers
Chris Fischer, Moriarty
Jake MaCasland, Piedra Vista
Tim Bailey, Piedra Vista
Eli Freese, Farmington
Deven Nelson, Artesia
Victor Sanchez, Volcano Vista
Outfielders
Steven Contreras, Belen
Max Ruben, Moriarty
Shilo McCall, Piedra Vista
Shane Weedson, Piedra Vista
Steven Pilito, Artesia
Catchers
Morgan McCasland, Piedra Vista
Isaac Aragon, Moriarty
First Base
Jake McCasland, Piedra Vista
Second Base
Keaton Chancellor, Moriarty
Jacob Zunich, Silver
Shorstop
Alex Bregman, Academy
Third Base
Victor Sanchez, Volcano Vista
DH
Robbie Bell, Moriarty
Damion Lovato, Piedra Vista

Second Team
Pitchers
Kevin Piersol, St. Pius
Scott Berkebile, Los Alamos
Quentin Mansfield, Belen
Matt Holona, Belen
Dominic Moreno, Piedra Vista
Joe Chandler, Farmington
Robbie Bell, Moriarty
Jorge Venegas, Valencia
Outfielders
Brycon Campbell, Farmington
Javy Armendariz, Deming
Elliot Hanson, Academy
Lincoln Stanfield, Academy
Cody Donaghe, Artesia
Quintin Rizek, St. Pius
Catchers
Hunter Blaylock, Belen
Chris Lobato, St. Pius
First Base
Javier Sanchez, Farmington
TJ Trujillo, Volcano Vista
Second Base
Scott Wilcox, Farmington
Andre Vigil, Volcano Vista
Tanner Cooper, Piedra Vista
Shortstop
Nick Gonzales, Moriarty
Chris Weaver, Farmington
Tim Bailey, Piedra Vista
Aaron Huerta, Silver
Third Base
Chris Nunez, Goddard
DH
Nick Martinez, St. Pius
Eli Freeze, Farmington
Player of the Year
Jake McCasland, Piedra Vista
Coach of the Year
Mike Magaha, Piedra Vista

Class 5A
First Team
Pitchers
Sam Wilson, Eldorado
Josh Walker, Carlsbad
Josh McCallister, La Cueva
Roby Romero, Onate
Kaleb Nelson, Hobbs

Outfielders
Joe Sena, Rio Rancho
Sam Wilson, Eldorado
Ryan Padilla, La Cueva

Catchers
Blake Swihart, Cleveland

First Base
Nate Ross, La Cueva
Ben Matheson, Rio Rancho

Second Base
Bobby Blackstone, Eldorado

Shorstop
Kris Martinez, Rio Rancho

Third Base
Robert Gunther, Sandia

DH
Wes Koerper, Onate

Second Team
Pitchers
Brulio Hernandez, Albuquerque High
Chris Lee, Las Cruces High
Nicasio Sanchez, Sandia
Thomas Lee Mares, Manzano
Ryan Padilla, La Cueva
Angel Sanchez, Hobbs

Outfielers
Aaron Sandoval, Onate
Austin Bertola, Hobbs
Josh Walker, Rio Rancho

Catchers
Andrew Castillo, Carlsbad
Ethan McCranie, Rio Rancho

First Base
John Cachora, Onate
Kameron McLLroy, Hobbs

Second Base
Nathan Paz, Las Cruces

Shorstop
Jason Sandoval, Onate
Matt Smith, La Cueva
Matt Chavarria, Carlsbad

Third Base
Anthony Boyle, Hobbs

DH
Zach Cogan, La Cueva

Co-Player of the Year
Sam Wilson, Eldorado
Josh Walker, Rio Rancho

Coach of the Year
Jim Johns, Eldorado

Softball All-State, 4A/5A

Class 5A
1st Team
Pitcher
Kelsey Stevens, La Cueva
Alberta Medina, Las Cruces High
Catcher
Val Swedburg, Cibola
First Baseman
Jillian Navarette, Carlsbad
Second Baseman
Shelby Lucero, La Cueva
Kuuleiokealoah Vonshriltz, Las Cruces
Third Baseman
Shelby Pendley, Rio Rancho
Shortstop
Lizzy Castro Carlsbad
Outfield
Courtney Williams, Carlsbad
Alexis Dotson, Las Cruces
Stephanie Haft, La Cueva

Second Team
Pitcher
Sandra Serna, Sandia
Nicole Pendley, Rio Rancho

Catcher
Kely Munoz, Carlsbad
First Baseman
Shannon Garcia, Rio Rancho
Second Baseman
Stephanie Dunham, Rio Rancho
Third Baseman
Ty Ramirez, Carlsbad
Shortstop
Jessie Roane, Rio Rancho
Outfield
Christen Miller, Rio Rancho
Lara VanEver, Sandia
Brianna Chavez, Rio Rancho

Class 4A
1st Team
Pitcher
Karysta Donisthorpe, Piedra Vista
Katera Eltsosie, Volanco Vista
Catcher
Aurelia Sandoval, Piedra Vista
First Baseman
Rachael Ward, Piedra Vista
Second Baseman
Marissa Ellis, Piedra Vista
Third Baseman
Jordan Ensign, Piedra Vista
Shortstop
Sheasia Yazzie, Piedra Vista
Outfield
Meriel Parrish, Piedra Vista
Ashton Martinez, Farmington
Haley Thompson, Farmington

Second Team
Pitcher
Annamarie Rascon, Silver City
Naisha Nackai, Kirtland Central
Catcher
Erika Gonzales, Farmington
First Baseman
Tansi Rudder, Aztec
Second Baseman
Kylnn Beall, Farmington
Third Baseman
Shaylynn Brown, Volcano Vista
Shorstop
Robin Randall, Farmington
Outfield
Brittany Sofka, Piedra Vista
Ally Hakeem, St. Pius
Addie Woods, Aztec

Ruidoso Futurity Qualifiers

The 10 qualifiers for the June 13, 350-yard Ruidoso Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino

1. American Runaway 17.138
2. Royally Sandra 17.455
3. Fredona 17.460
4. Unanchored 17.468
5. Absolut Treasure 17.487
6. Treason 17.510
7. No Dice Special 17.513
8. Bodacious Dash 17.590
9. Legendary Express 17.601
10. Brimmin To Pass 17.606

Of note, both American Runaway and Royally Sandra were very, very impressive in the trials. American Runaway shipped in from Remington Park in Oklahoma and won his trial very easily. Royally Sandra did her work over a less than stellar track. She had to win over a sloppy track after a downpour midway through the 19 trials. She could be the favorite on June 13. West Texas Futurity winner No Dice Special earned a spot in the June 13 final as did Treason, who was very good in his first career start for trainer Michael Joiner.

Boxing Book Review

Title: Hit Man The Thomas Hearns Story
Authors: Brian and Damian Hughes
Pages: 240
Price: $17.95
Publisher: Milo Books

By Felix Chavez
In the late 1970s and much of the 1980s, boxing saw some of it biggest fights and was often times in the center of the sports world.
There were plenty of big names involved, i.e. Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler and Larry Holmes.
Also included in that list is the man known as the “Hit Man” Thomas Hearns. While there has been much written about Tyson, Leonard, Duran and Holmes, an in-depth book about Hearns had yet to be written until authors Brian and Damian Hughes collaborated on a Hearns biography entitled “Hit Man The Thomas Hearns Story.”
For sports fans, but specially boxing fans, the biography Hearns is an important one in many ways.
Hearns, who won 61 of 67 fights, was one of the most recognizable sports figures during the 1980s. He fought Leonard, Duran, Hagler, Pipino Cuevas and Iran Barkley and was a popular figure because of his aggressive style, which included a thunderous right hand.
The book also gives readers a detailed look into Hearns’ boxing career, where he got started in the rough and tumble world of Detroit and his relationship with legendary trainer/manager Emanuel Steward.
This detailed biography can also help boxing fans can judge where Hearns stands in boxing lore because it gives readers a detailed account of several of Hearns’ key bouts and revives key details from his fights with Leonard, Duran and Hagler among others.
A good boxing book will always including behind-the-scenes details of a fighter’s career, whether it’s in the gym, negotiations for a fight or the moments leading up to a big fight. The Hughes’ did an adequate job of this in their piece on Hearns. There are many interesting side notes and interesting facts about not only Hearns but also other fighters and participants in the sport that were unknown to this reader and could very well be unknown to many readers.
Hearns, who was raised in Detroit, was officially a professional from 1977 until 2006, but did much of his good work from 1977 until 1992. Overall the book does a very good job of taking the reader through the ups and downs of Hearns’ career as well as giving us a detailed record of what Hearns and his team were thinking as they tried to maximize his potential.
During his time as a fighter, Hearns was a popular figure, an exciting figure and part of a very successful line of fighters to come out of the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit. It’s unfortunate that a book on his career took so long to originate, but the wait was worth it with “Hit Man The Thomas Hearns Story.”

Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; (915) 546-6374

Rafael Marquez vs. Israel Vasquez

Well, it look as if Israel Vasquez has nothing left. On Saturday night, Vasquez was destroyed in less than three rounds by Rafael Marquez in a featherweight bout. The first three fights were very competitive, but on Saturday Marquez cut Vasquez, then pounced on him to even the battle at 2-2. But Vasquez should retire, while Marquez bought himself more time for his career.

- Felix

Abie Han vs. Shibata Flores off

Looks like the proposed July 17 Abie Han vs. Shibata Flores in Phoenix is off. Han is unbeaten in 10 fights, Flores is aiming for a comeback at 154.

- Felix

Mine That Bird Changes Trainers

Wednesday came the news that horse trainer Chip Woolley was no longer the trainer for 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.

Instead, the 4-year-old horse, who has been resting at the Double Eagle Ranch in Roswell, will now be in the hands of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

It's got to be tough on Woolley, who trained Mine That Bird through a solid 2009 campaign, which included a second-place showing in the Preakness, a third-place showing in the Belmont and a second-place showing in the Borderland Derby.

Woolley worked hard to help develop Mine That Bird and helped bring a certain amount of respect to New Mexico racing. Without Woolley in Mine That Bird's corner anymore, the relationship to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino loses some of its luster.

Lukas is a veteran trainer and knows how to get a horse ready to compete. Mine That Bird has been off since last November and he needed that break.

Will Mine That Bird improve under Lukas? Perhaps. But Woolley deserved a chance to train the horse as a four-year-old and beyond and he deserved a chance to show he can be as good a trainer as some of the elite in the business.

- Felix

Boxing column

Adding Burke could help Escalante
By Felix Chavez
El Paso Times
With a title shot on the horizon, El Paso featherweight Antonio Escalante has chosen to team with Las Cruces trainer Louie Burke to complete that mission.
And a solid choice it is.
The soon-to-be 25-year-old Escalante is ranked in the top 10 by various organizations and well deserved those rankings are. He’s battled-tested, he’ll fight the top fighters and he’s exciting to watch. The 23-2 Escalante was recently named one of the world’s most exciting fighters by The Ring Magazine, coming in at No. 10 on the top 10 list.
But if Escalante is going to take that next step into the elite of the boxing world, he needed to shore up some holes in his defense.
And that’s where Burke comes in. Burke, who trains area fighters Austin Trout (junior middleweight), David Rodriguez (heavyweight) and Abie Han (junior middleweight), will work closely with Escalante on the little things than can separate him from others.
Escalante is a focused fighter, a talented offensive fighter who loves the gym and wants to get better. He just needs a little push to get to the top of the world in the featherweight ranks, which is absolutely loaded with talent, i.e. Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa.
Burke in particular has helped make Han and Trout much better fighters as they have made the progression from the amateur to the professional ranks.
Burke is a former professional and amateur fighter himself and has drawn solid reviews from present and former fighters for his work in the gym and in the corner during fights.
Part of what makes Burke a good trainer, is his ability to locate a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses, then help them improve on the weaknesses, while helping fine-tune his strenghts.
He knows Escalante is a powerful offensive fighter, he won’t change that. Instead, he’ll focus on getting Escalante better on defense and that in turn could help Escalante become an even better offensive fighter.
In addition, Burke is an easy trainer to work with personality wise. He loves the game, he wants what’s best for his fighter and he’ll be honest with Escalante. Escalante also has an easy-going personality and that should enable him to work closely with Burke, while taking what Burke has to say seriously and without feeling like Burke is solely picking on his weaknesses.
At this point in his career, Escalante must have one focus and that’s to be the best he can to win a world title. Simply put, Burke wants that for Escalante and will help him in any fashion.
There will be a transition for both fighter and trainer in the coming weeks, but if the two can come together with one purpose, it shouldn’t be a difficult working situation.
Escalante should be back in the ring soon and there are plenty of big fights that are ahead of him.
One fight on the horizon could come with Mexican featherweight Daniel Ponce De Leon. The former 122-pound champ is well known in the area and a Ponce De Leon vs. Escalante fight would be a huge attraction in El Paso. Both fighters will get after it and right now the fight would be a pick-em fight in my book.
But first things first and that’s the Burke and Escalante alliance. On paper, it shapes up to be a good move for both, only time will tell.

Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@lcsun-news.com; (915) 546-6374

Louie Burke and Antonio Escalante

Las Cruces boxing trainer Louie Burke has begun working El Paso featherweight prospect Antonio Escalante. If everything works out and every indication points that it has, the two should be working together for his Escalante's next fight, which could happen in late June or July according to sources.

Escalante is ranked in the top 10 by a pair of governing bodies.

- Felix

Abie Han column

Improving Han could soon be toast of El Paso
By Felix Chavez
El Paso Times
El Paso and the Borderland have long craved a boxing world champion to call their own.
There are plenty of boxing prospects in the area, i.e. featherweight Antonio Escalante, junior middleweight Austin Trout and heavyweight David Rodriguez all with dreams of becoming world champion. Juarez featherweight Mickey Roman started strong in his pro career and while he pestered Escalante enough to earn respect in their February match, he failed to get a win and is nowhere near a title shot.
And there are others who hope to make their mark in the rough and tumble world of professional boxing.
Lurking in the background (but maybe not for much longer) is El Paso junior middleweight Abie Han. The 25-year-old could very well be the top prospect to come out of this area in many years.
Han turned pro in 2007 and dedicated himself to boxing, which for him has turned out to be the right move.
One look at Han in the gym or in a real fight and he stands out right away because of the energy and fury he puts into his craft.
Han is a heavy-handed punching machine, who has scored nine knockouts in his 10 fights. Most recently, he discarded of 21-fight veteran Jose Gonzalez, who is not so easy to dispatch of. Gonzalez had been stopped just once before and that came late in a fight against Ronald Hearns. Han took out Gonzalez in less than three full rounds.
Gonzalez had also given respectable junior middleweights Carson Jones and Joaquin Zamora plenty of fits.
So for Han to handle Gonzalez like he did, says a lot about the fiercely competitive Han.
Han has shown the ability to take on tough fighters early in his career. In his fourth pro fight, he took on and beat unbeaten Ibahiem King by decision.
Han has had the advantage of getting quality sparring in the Borderland. He has routinely spars with the Las Cruces duo of Trout and Siju Shabazz.
But there was one sparring session that has stuck out in my mind. Several months ago, he sparred with the 18-2-1 Zamora in Las Cruces as Zamora was prepping for a fight. Han outworked and frustrated a determined Zamora during a sparring session.
That was my first insight into the promise that Han had as a professional.
Han’s pro career will continue to depend on his development both offensively and defensively and also on whether he can take a big punch he faces an opponent who is equal.
But Han has very good boxing skills, carries heavy hands and unquestionably a very exciting fighter due to his aggressive style.
And it appears Han is willing and able to meet a big challenge in front of him and he is slated to take on former world title challenger Jose “Shibata” Flores in Phoenix on July 17. Flores hasn’t fought much in recent years, but if he has anything left, could give Han a serious test.
So far, Han has passed every challenge presented to him, in the next year he may just become a household name not only in El Paso and the Borderland, but also around the country.

Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; (915) 546-6374

Baseball/Softball matchups, preps

State Tournaments
Baseball
May 13-15
Class 3A
Thursday
No. 1 Sandia Prep vs. No. 9 Hope Christian, 11 a.m., St. Pius HS
No. 6 Lovington vs. No. 4 St. Mike's, 2 p.m., St. Pius HS
No. 3 Cobre vs. No. 11 Raton, 11 a.m, Rio Rancho HS
No. 10 Ruidoso vs. No. 2 Bloomfield, 2 p.m., Rio Rancho HS

Class 4A
Thursday
No. 1 Piedra Vista vs. No. 8 Silver, 11 a.m., Sandia HS
No. 5 Volcano Vista vs. No. 13 St. Pius, 2 p.m. Sandia HS
No. 3 Moriarty vs. No. 6 Academy, 11 a.m., La Cueva HS
No. 7 Belen vs. No. 2 Farmington, 2 p.m., La Cueva

Class 5A
Thursday
No. 1 La Cueva vs. No. 8 Mayfield, 11 a.m., Eldorado HS
No. 4 Onate vs. No. 5 Carlsbad, 2 p.m., Eldorado HS
No. 3 Eldorado vs. No. 6 Cibola, 11 a.m., Lobo Field
No. 10 Hobbs vs. No. 2 Rio Rancho, 2 p.m., Lobo Field

Softball
Class 5A
Friday
No. 1 La Cueva vs. No. 16 Gadsden, 8 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 8 Los Lunas vs. No. 9 Mayfield, 8 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 12 Manzano vs. No. 5 Carlsbad, 8 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 4 Cibola vs. No. 13 Hobbs, 8 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 14 Albuquerque High vs. No. 3 Las Cruces High, 8 a.m., Maag
No. 11 Valley vs. No. 6 Onate, 8 a.m. Maag Park
No. 7 Sandia vs. No. 10 Gallup, 8 a.m., Maag Park
No. 2 Rio Rancho vs. No. 15 Eldorado, 8 a.m.

Class 4A
Friday
No. 1 Piedra Vista vs. No. 16 Bernalillo, 10 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 8 Los Alamos vs. No. 9 St. Pius, 10 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 5 Moriarty vs. No. 12 Espanola, 10 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 4 Artesia vs. No. 13 Aztec, 10 a.m., Field of Dreams
No. 3 Silver vs. No. 14 Roswell, Maag Park
No. 6 Kirtland Central vs. No. 11 Del Norte, Maag Park
No. 7 Farmington vs. No. 10 Deming, Maag Park
No. 2 Volcano Vista vs. No. 15 Valencia, Maag Park

Class 3A
Friday
No. 1 Bloomfield vs. No. 16 Socorro, noon, Field of Dreams
No. 8 Lovington vs. No. 9 Sandia Prep, noon, Field of Dreams
No. 5 Pojoaque vs. No. 12 Dexter, noon, Field of Dreams
No. 4 Cobre vs. No. 13 Hope Christian, Noon, Field of Dreams
No. 3 Portales vs. No. 14 W. Las Vegas, noon, Maag Park
No. 6 Miyamura vs. No. 11 St. Mike's, noon, Maag Park
No. 7 Laguna Acoma vs. No. 10 Hatch Valley, noon, Maag Park
No. 2 Raton vs. No. 15 Wingate, noon, Maag Park

Cuban light heavyweight impressive

I was in attendace at Friday's (May 7) light heavyweight bout between Yordanis Despaigne and Richard Hall at Isleta Casino and Resort near Albuquerque.

Despaigne entered Friday's fight with just five pro fights versus Hall's 36 fights and 29 wins.

But Despaigne, who had more than 400 amateur fights and is a former Olympian, won 100-90 on all three scorecards.

Despaigne is an up and comer with a good all around skill set. He isn't a household name yet, but give hime another 12-18 months and don't be shocked to see him fighting for a world title.

- Felix

Abie Han wins again

El Paso junior middleweight Abie Han, who trains in Las Cruces, defeated Jose Gonzalez via third-round knockout Thursday night in Dallas, Texas. Han is unbeaten and beaten a solid veteran in Gonzalez, who had a 13-7 record entering Thursday's fight and who had fought several tough fighters.

- Felix

Boxing Story, May 7

Despaigne eager for challenge against veteran Hall
By Felix Chavez
Tonight at Isleta Casino and Resort, just south of Albuquerque, former Cuban amateur star Yorandis Despaigne will undoubtedly face his biggest test as a pro when he faces former world title challenger Richard Hall in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight fight.
The bout is the main event of ESPN's "Friday Night Fight Series" and can be seen live on ESPN2 at 10 p.m ET / 8 p.m. MT. There are seven other bouts on the card.
The 30-year-old Despaigne is a perfect 5-0 with four knockouts in his career, while the 38-year-old Hall is the owner of 29 wins and seven losses. Despaigne just turned pro last May.
"I am eager to take on the best," Despaigne said. "I was excited to get this fight when I heard it might happen. I'll get in there, take my time and see how things go. I'll make adjustments as the fight goes on. I expect a tough fight."
While Despaigne has nowhere near the pro pedigree as Hall, he seemed confident, while respectful of his opponent. Hall has faced the likes of Julian Letterlough, Roy Jones Jr. and Dariusz Michalczewski.
But while Despaigne has yet to face a big-time opponent, his amateur career was an impressive one. He fought in the Olympics and other international competitions. He fought the likes of Tomas Adamek, Andre Dirrell and Jean Pascal in his career.
"While it's not the pros, I do believe that the amateur experience will help me," said Despaigne, who started boxing when he was 11 and who owns four knockouts as a pro. "I've always wanted to be a pro. I just want the chance to showcase my skills and I'll take on whoever gives me a chance."
Cuba has had is fair share of solid pro and amateur fighters over the years. But while Despaigne said he has a great deal of respect for all of the fop fighters, his favorite remains heavyweight Teofilo Stevenson, who won three Olympic Gold Medals.
Despaigne is part of a current crop of Cuban fighters, who are garnering plenty of world wide attention.
Featherweight Yurokis Gamboa is unbeaten in 18 fights, super bantamweight Guillermo Rigondeaux is an up and comer as is unbeaten junior middleweight Erislandy Lara.
"Fight fans should be ready to see some great young Cuban fighters do well," Despaigne said. "I'm fortunate to get television exposure against Richard Hall and fans will enjoy watching all of us. We work hard and have good skills."

Tim Meek boxing update

Amatuer boxer Tim Meek lost his second round bout to Antone Pereira of Hawaii on Wednesday at the National Golden Gloves in Little Rock, Ark.

Meek was representing New Mexico and trains with the Las Cruces PAL team.

- Felix

Tim Meek update

Amateur fighter Tim Meek, who is from El Paso and trains is Las Cruces won his first fight at the National Golden Gloves in Little Rock, Ark., on Monday. He beat Nevada's David Robles and fights again on Wednesday.