***MEDIA ALERT***

Former 2008 U.S. Olympian and undefeated pro Luis “The Latin Legend” Yanez plus undefeated light welterweight Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker and super middleweight Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson will hold a Dallas Ft-Worth Media & Public Workout

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 AT 3:00 p.m.

WHO: LUIS “The Latin Legend” YANEZ, (6-0-1) MAURICE “Mighty Mo” HOOKER (7-0-1, 5KO)
SAMUEL “The Main Event” CLARKSON (7-1, 5KO)
PAULIE AYALA – President of Paulie Ayala Productions

WHAT: Luis Yanez, Maurice Hooker & Samuel Clarkson will hold their last official public and media workout in advance of their upcoming fights on Paulie Ayala Productions, Friday Night Fight Series card.

Yanez will be fighting for the WBC U.S. Super Flyweight Championship against Timur “Here Comes Trouble” Shailezov (16-6-1, 3KO) in a 8 round Main Event set for Friday, April 19th at the Cendera Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

WHERE: Maple Ave Boxing Gym located at 4020 Maple Ave, Dallas, Texas 75219

WHEN: Saturday, April 13
2:30 p.m. – Media Arrival
3:00 p.m. – Workout Begins

FACTS: Luis “The Latin Legend” Yanez is fighting in the biggest fight of his career against Timur “Here Comes Trouble” Shailezov. Shailezov is used to fighting on the opponent’s home turf as he has done all over the world and comes to the U.S. for the first time without fear against the more heralded Yanez.

Here’s a few quotes from each leading up to the fight.

Yanez: “I see that he has traveled the globe, but I’ve fought in a few country’s myself like Russia , Africa , England , China , Argentina , Venezuela , Brazil , Uzbekistan , Mexico . He is a seasoned pro , they aren’t bringing him all the way from Russia to lay down and give me the belt. He’s been in tough fights , I believe his only losses are for World and regional title’s . It’s going to be a great fight.”

Shailezov: “I can’t say he is the best, but there are no weak opponents. I know he is a former Olympian. I have to be ready for any opponent. I had a few fights where I underestimated my opponent and I was punished for it. I am taking him seriously. He is a good boxer, but I’m quite tough. We’ll see who is going to win. I’m going to win!”

Tickets: Remaining tickets can be purchased at http://www.cenderacenter.com/events starting at only $23 for general admission, $35 for the 1st 2 rows and tables of 10 for $65 that includes a cocktail waitress all night. Cendera Center is located at 3600 Benbrook Highway, Fort Worth, Texas.

Contacts: Jeff Zimmerman, PR Director, PAP: 214-435-0994
Leti Ayala, 817-903-4102
Arnie Verbeek, Maple Ave Boxing Gym: 214-912-9400

Timur Shailezov Interview

By Jeff Zimmerman

Well traveled Timur Shailezov (16-6-1, 3 KOs) fights for the first time in the United States when he takes on former U.S. Olympian Luis Yanez (6-0-1, 1 KO) for the WBC U.S. Super Flyweight Championship on April 19th at the Cendera Center in Fort Worth, Texas. This will be the main event of former World Champion Paulie Ayala’s Friday Night Fight Series.

Although Shailezov may not be a household name, he has a track record of fighting top talent on their home turf and has been quite successful. He has picked up a myriad of titles along the way including the NABA bantamweight championship, NABA super-flyweight championship, WBA intercontinental super-flyweight championship and Russian bantamweight championship. Fightnews caught up with Timur to discuss his upcoming fight and his plans for the future.

Is this your first time in Texas?

Shailezov – this is my first time in the U.S. I have always wanted to fight in the US but never had the chance. I came here 2 weeks ago well in advance. I am the best prepared I have ever been and ready to go to space after this fight {due to the fact he is training in Houston near the Space Center}. I can’t wait for the bout to start.

What do you know about Luis Yanez?

Shailezov – I can’t say he is the best, but there are no weak opponents. I know he is a former Olympian. I have to be ready for any opponent. I had a few fights where I underestimated my opponent and I was punished for it. . I am taking him seriously. He is a good boxer, but I’m quite tough. We’ll see who is going to win. I’m going to win!

How has your training been for this fight?

Shailezov – I have had the best training. I have had enough time to rest. I train in the morning, afternoon and evening. In the past I may skip training but this time is totally different.

What do you hope comes out of this fight?

Shailezov – I want to get a world title bout, that’s what I aiming for. I would like a rematch with my last opponent (Rex Tso). When I win this fight, I want to have a fight with my last opponent. All I can do is show my best performance. I appreciate Termite’s willing to help me. I appreciate Fighter Nation and I hope lots of people come from Houston to see me fight. I would like for the Russian community to come. I would like my countrymen to come support me. Nobody in my country knows I am going to fight. I am fighting for my family, son Dominic, daughter Monica and wife Alena.

——————————–

Former fighter and coach of the 2004 Iraq Olympic boxing team and the current mentor, trainer, manager and overall advisor to Shailezov, Termite Watkins, had this to say about his Russian pupil:

I am impressed by Timur. He’s the hardest worker and does everything you ask. He has had tremendous boxing and more sparring than ever. I have a gym at Church Fellowship of the Nations, a boxing ministry; it is one of the best gyms in the country.

I took the Iraq team to the 2004 Olympics when they were allowed to compete and now they are making a movie about it. They are talking to Dennis Quaid and Matthew McConaughey. I met Timur at the 1st qualifier in the Philippines and met up in China and Pakistan. We got hooked up again on Facebook 3 months ago although Timur had sent me a request about 2 years ago but I never got it.

I am here to give him one last opportunity to give it all he’s got.

Read the Full Article at Fightnews.com

For the former 2008 U.S. Olympian Luis “The Latin Legend” Yanez, the sweet science has been anything but sweet since his much ballyhooed pro debut back in 2009, yet he remains as confident as ever and still dreams of a world title. Although still undefeated as a pro at 6-0-1, Yanez has fought mostly in obscurity around his home state of Texas for the last 5 years. Not exactly the path to a world title and the potential for big paydays that most former Olympians enjoy. A series of issues with sponsors, advisors and others put his once promising career on ice.

“Well all I can say about that is you have to be careful who you let in your circle. In a way though it has been a blessing, I fought for 10 years without a break and I had some nagging injuries that were finally able to heal. So just a combination of things but I’m ready now to take it to the next level.”

Yanez’ patience and positive outlook has paid off as he will get that opportunity to jumpstart his career as he fights for the WBC U.S. Super Flyweight Championship against the well traveled and tough Timur “Here Comes Trouble” Shailezov (16-6-1, 3KO) on Friday, April 19th at the Cendera Center in Forth Worth, Texas. This will be the main event of former World Champion Paulie Ayala’s Friday Night Fight Series.

Although Shailezov may not be a household name, he has a track record of fighting top talent on their home turf and has been quite successful. He has picked up a myriad of titles along the way including the NABA Bantamweight Championship, NABA Super-flyweight Championship, WBA Intercontinental Super-Flyweight Championship and Russian Bantamweight Championship.

All of Shailezov’ experience is not lost on Yanez.

“I see that he has traveled the globe, but I’ve fought in a few country’s myself like Russia, Africa, England, China, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Uzbekistan and Mexico. He is a seasoned pro, they aren’t bringing him all the way from Russia to lie down and give me the belt. He’s been in tough fights; I believe his only losses are for World and regional titles. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Yanez takes nothing for granted at this stage of his career and doesn’t mind working his way up the ladder and proving himself all over again. He is grateful to fight for his first significant title as a pro.

“It feels great, I’ve won a lot of titles in my amateur career and I’m used to working my way through the ranks. I’m just as excited to be fighting here in front of my home town and on a Paulie Ayala Production show and I thank Paulie and Leti Ayala for that.”

Ayala knows as well as anyone that becoming a champion is not easy and believes Yanez still has a bright future.

“I had to fight my way to the top and Yanez could do the same. Although his pro career hasn’t taken off like he had hoped, he is always in shape and training and is still undefeated. If he wins this title against a tough veteran southpaw like Shailezov, it could be the kick start he needs towards a world title.”

If Yanez could make a run at a world title, he is ready-made for TV. Wired in the mold of Adrien Broner and the king of ring antics, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., he’s a DJ on the side and loves to call out fighters via social media. Yanez, after all, came out in a red cape behind a green screen for his pro debut but has been more Clark Kent than Superman ever since.

He may, however, need a Superman performance to get his career on track. Known as the “Latin Legend,” right now, he’s not even the most celebrated Hispanic fighter in his own backyard. That honor goes to a much milder Roberto Marroquin who fights for Top Rank and has already fought for a world title.

Yanez doesn’t concern himself with the comparisons to Marroquin, Broner or anyone else.

“That’s funny; I don’t compare myself like that. Like I said I’m used to working my way thru the ranks, thru the BS and I let other people do the comparing. As far as fighting for world titles, yes, success is winning those world titles, not just fighting for them.”

Yanez understands his career is at a crossroads.

“It’s a crossroad fight in a way, because its hard finding fights or guys that want to take a chance and fight me but I’m willing to take the chance because with this belt all those guys will have to come see me then.”

If Yanez is able to show he truly is Superman-like against Shailezov on April 19th, Yanez can prove that his dream of a world title is still alive.

“Do I dream of being [a world champion], Jeff, I believe I am the World Champ and soon so will everyone else, yup!” ……………………… Other notable and talented Dallas-Fort Worth fighters on the card include super middleweight Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (7-1, 5KO, light welterweight Mighty Mo Maurice Hooker (7-0-1, 5KO) and lightweight Manuel “The Punisher” Rojas (7-0, 2KO) in separate bouts.

Tickets are currently on sale at http://www.cenderacenter.com/events starting at only $23 for general admission, $35 for the 1st 2 rows and tables of 10 for $65 that includes a cocktail waitress all night.

Cendera Center is located at 3600 Benbrook Highway, Fort Worth, Texas.

The doors open at 6:00 and the first bell rings at 7:30.

Weigh-ins will take place Thursday, April 18th at 3:00 at Ojos Locos at 515 Houston St, Fort Worth, Texas.

Read the Full Article at Fightnews.com

THE FIGHT CARD FOR FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT SERIES ON APRIL 19TH IS COMPLETE!

Chris Jones opening the show come Friday, April 19th….

Also added on the P.A.P. Friday Night Fight Series 3 -DE ANTHONY BONNER will take on Theodore Walters out of Longview, Texas
and CHRIS JONES facing Booker Arthur…. Get your tickets on sale now at cenderacenter.com/events

Undefeated Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker will be facing Adam Ealoms, out of Bryan, Texas….

Manuel Rojas will face De Shaun Williams out of Galveston, Texas…

The always exciting Samuel Clarkson will fight Jas Phipps out of Killen, Texas…

2008 Undefeated LUIS YANEZ will be facing TIMUR SHAILEZOV, 16-6 from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for the W.B.C. United States Championship in the main event on April 19th, P.A.P Friday Night Fight Series 3….

Scott G. Sherman, champion boxer and promoter, successful businessman, irrepressible wisecracker, dedicated husband, father and grandfather, passed away Friday morning, Feb. 8, 2013, after 79 full years.

Service: A memorial service and celebration of Scott’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the sanctuary at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road, immediately followed by a reception in the Grand Hall at the temple. A private ceremony will be held at the graveside. Pallbearers will be Scott’s eight loving grandchildren, Morgan Paige Suder, Jason Alexander Suder, Ryan Sherman Suder, Zachary Joseph Kleiman, Andrew Lee Kleiman, Erin Adele Chaiken, Matthew Sherman Chaiken and Kevin Charles Chaiken. Honorary pallbearers will be all the great and dedicated friends he has acquired over the years. You all know who you are. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make contributions to the charity of your choice .
 

Born June 16, 1933, in St. Louis, Mo., Scott moved to Fort Worth when he was 8 years old. He proudly told stories of his antics at Paschal High School, run-ins with Coach Charlie Turner, and the brief time when he passed through the doors of TCU, which left a lasting impression and enduring passion for the Horned Frogs for the rest of his days. He would say that his real education came from the streets and his experience in business.
 

A true self-made man, he went from selling tubes of oil out of the trunk of his car in high school to opening the auto retail chain Scotty’s Auto Supply, a Fort Worth icon, with his brother Jack in 1952. He was 19 years old, and on track to marry his lifelong companion, Selma, and start a family only a few years later in 1956. With the help of his wife, he later started the manufacturing and distribution factories Eagle Motive Industries, S&S Distributing, and Kool Clutch Manufacturing.
 

After retiring from the automotive industry, Scott started Sherman Enterprises, a private investment firm, and served on the boards of XTO Energy, Cross Timbers, Worth Bank, The Fort Worth Club, Fort Worth Bank and Trust and as honorary board member of MorningStar Partners. He took great pride in being a part of the TCU First Team and traveling to football games to support the team everywhere they played. Texas State Regional Golden Gloves Champion and later Panther Boys Club Director, Scott never lost his passion for boxing and the culture surrounding it.
 

After selling his automotive business he began mentoring and managing Fort Worth athletes by building Boxing Management Inc. It was one of the highlights of his life to manage Paulie Ayala through three world championships. They remained close friends and associates until his final day. He was a strong supporter of the Fort Worth Boys and Girls Club, and proud member of the Moslah Temple Shrine, an honor he shared with his brother. He was known for his irreverence, integrity, and above all, honesty.
 

The embodiment of Carpe Diem, he recently traveled around the world with his wife, Selma, where they danced in grass skirts, fulfilled Selma’s lifelong dream to climb the Taj Mahal, and rode elephants. He continued to play golf at Shady Oaks with his closest friends almost until the day he died and lived to win a wager with friends on the SuperBowl. Tossing the dice for “ship, captain and crew” games with his friends, retelling stories at the club, and playing the numbers game at the Paris Coffee Shop, where the winner was honored with paying the bill, were all part of the joys he shared with his lifelong friends. Not only did he office at the Fort Worth Club for more than 30 years, but he loved to lunch there many days a week and enjoyed getting to know every employee there.
 

He and Selma had a home in Colorado for 25 years where he loved skiing with his children and grandchildren. Behind his sparkling blue eyes and devilish grin, Scott was hard-working, genuine, authentic, opinionated, pugnacious, charismatic, a great businessman, a great husband, a great friend. He was predeceased by his daughter, Melissa; his brother, Jack; and his parents, Mooney and Florence Sherman, who await his arrival on the wings of angels.
 

Survivors: Scott Sherman died of congestive heart failure at home surrounded by his loving wife of 56 years, Selma; his daughters, Kathy Sherman Suder, Dana Kleiman and her husband, David, and Jackie Sherman; and his eight grandchildren.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dfw/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=162940185#storylink=cpy

Paulie Ayala has done it all in boxing.

The two-time world champion is still involved in the sport he loves. His promotional company produces a series of bouts in North Texas, featuring local fighters.

Ayala is also training athletes, including a special group of students. The champ teaches a free boxing class exclusively for Parkinson’s patients. Paulie has no ties to Parkinson’s. He runs this class out of the goodness in his own heart.

Even though the disease effects motor skills, Ayala pushes his students like they’re preparing for a prize fight. It’s the only way he knows how to train.

“I want them to personally get better because I know them, and they come and they’re trusting me to help them,” said Ayala.

“Before I started here, I was up to probably 13 pills a day, and most of last year I maintained at about four pills a day,” said Gary Schmitz who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2000.

“It almost becomes my new medication of choice, is to come in here and workout. And the harder you push, the more benefits [you get]. Its reconnecting your mind back with your body and your body parts that Parkinson’s wants to take away from you.”

Read the Full Story here at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Friday Night Fight Series Highlights – January 18th, 2013 at the Cendera Center, Fort Worth

BY MAC ENGEL
tengel@star-telegram.com

Unlike so many fighters who never are quite sure what to do with their time when they retire, former world champion Paulie Ayala knew when he was done there would be no un-retiring.

There was never going to be out-of-retirement from boxing when Ayala decided he was finished.

He actually wanted to retire before his wife of 20 years, Leti, wanted, but the decision has worked.

At 42, Ayala has his health, a thriving life and a passion to remain in a sport that gave him everything.

He runs his own gym in west Fort Worth, works with Parkinson’s patients, trains/manages boxers and is now a promoter.

On Friday, at the Cendera Center, his “Friday Night Fight Series” continues with a load of matches.

You are in the promoting business now, which has a less than flattering reputation — why are you different than the rest? I’m going to give you a fair shot. An opportunity. I feel that [way] because I have been there and I started from grass roots from where these guys have started. I didn’t start in a coliseum. I did my first three fights in Oak Cliff. So I have been to the very bottom and I made it to the very top.

Of the four things you do now — personal training, fight training, managing and promoting — if you had to pick one to concentrate on which would you choose? I’ve looked at the opportunities and what is out there and if I was to be a trainer, that would be my best option. Some of the best trainers are getting older and aren’t well. Freddie Roach, Robert Garcia and the guy training Andre Ward — there aren’t a lot. So there could be an opportunity there.

Are you suffering from any physical ailments as a result of your career? I’ve gained weight. I’m about 50 pounds heavier. That’s about it. I try to eat everything in moderation.

You are training people with Parkinson’s disease; of the things you do what is the most rewarding? Right now I’d have to say it’s been dealing with the Parkinson’s patients because of the opponent they have — they are the underdogs. They are expected to lose this fight. I take it personally because they came to ask me for my help. And I see guys like Freddie Roach, Ali, Terry Norris … and who is to say I won’t get it later in life? I’m not scared of it. But I have seen that if you train and exercise you can delay some of the effects.

What do you think of the state of boxing today? I think it’s not where it used to be. I don’t know if it ever will. What people want is a heavyweight. There are right now only European heavyweights. There are no American heavyweights. It’s going to take an American heavyweight to generate some excitement. The rest are grass roots stuff that keeps boxing going.

Who are the top fighters today? Floyd Mayweather hasn’t fought in a while; Adrien Broner has been winning a lot of fights. I like Andre Ward up there. I don’t know about Manny Pacquiao — he got knocked out pretty devastating against Juan Manuel Marquez. He should be back in the top 10.

Are fighters avoiding Canelo Alvarez? They are. He can punch and he is young and he is hungry. He’s dangerous. He hasn’t gotten a fight yet because of the politics.

Mac Engel, 817-390-7697

Twitter: @MacEngelProf

Read this story at star-telegram.com