JERMAIN TAYLOR KICKS OFF NEW YEAR WITH TRAINING CAMP IN LAS VEGAS FOR REMATCH

JERMAIN TAYLOR KICKS OFF NEW YEAR WITH TRAINING CAMP IN LAS VEGAS FOR REMATCH AGAINST
KELLY PAVLIK THE EPIC BATTLE CONTINUES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH AT MGM GRAND / LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW


LAS VEGAS– During every New Years celebration, the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new,” as well as “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Neither could be more true concerning the mindset of Jermain Taylor as he starts the New Year with training camp in Las Vegas for his rematch with Kelly Pavlik, billed as "The Epic Battle Continues."

"Actually training camp started in December in Little Rock, but officially it started with the New Year in Las Vegas. Ozell Nelson put me through a mini-training camp prior to coming to Las Vegas and we have gone back to the basics working on better conditioning and technique", said Taylor.

Much has changed for Taylor over the last 12 months- a new daughter, personnel changes within his camp. Out is trainer Emanuel Steward who is being replaced with "new" head trainer and his original coach Ozell Nelson who has been with Jermain since he was 13 years old. “Nothing against Emanuel, he's a Hall of Fame trainer and a friend of mine, but what was clicking in training, wasn't clicking in the ring come fight time. Sometimes chemistry works that way", said Taylor.


The Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank Inc. The 12-round rumble will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 9p.m. (EST) / 6p.m. (PST). The bout will take place at a catch weight of 166 lbs. as Taylor exercises the rematch clause in his contract from the original Pavlik fight.


“No excuses, Kelly beat me fair and square last time, but I know what I have to do this time around, and I promise you things will be different", said Taylor. Admittedly, a win at super Middleweight will not regain Taylor his belts. “But it will gain me revenge,” quips Taylor. “Any fighter will tell you that they can't look past their upcoming opponent, this case is no different. I will definitely campaign as a Super Middleweight from here on, but I can't even think about that until I get Pavlik out of the way. I'm expecting a lot of fireworks in the rematch, just like the first fight between us."

Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale at MGM Grand Arena Box Office. Tickets will also be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmasters locations (select Smith's Food
and Drug Centers, Macy's West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at
702-474-4000 or MGM Grand 800-929-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at http://www.mgmgrand.com/ or http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Last Two Chances to See “Magic Man” Documentary before Malignaggi/Ngoudjo Fight Saturday Night on SHOWTIME

***Documentary depicts life of DBE Junior Welterweight Champion***
NEW YORK, – Film fans and fight fans only have two more opportunities to see “Magic Man” before the subject of the film defends his title Saturday night. The film’s last two showings will be on Thursday January 3 at 10:00PM ET SHOWTIME 2® and on Friday January 4 at 11:40PM ET on SHO Extreme®.
The documentary film chronicles the ascent of perpetual underdog Paulie the “Magic Man” Malignaggi, a scrawny kid from a broken home who, in quest to prove his life was worth something, defeated all odds to arrive at the Mecca of boxing one big upset away from proving everyone wrong. It’s a story of disappointment, determination, of stamina and salvation.(Photo courtesy of Eddie Goldman)

The film produced by Lou DiBella and Brave St. Productions, traces Malignaggi’s difficult upbringing as the child of Italian immigrants struggling to find his path in life in America.
The story follows his start in amateur boxing from his time at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn and chronicles the trials and tribulations of his first world championship bout against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden and the ecstasy of winning his first title one year later.
The film provides an original and poignant illustration of the literal blood, sweat and tears in the life of a boxer.
“Magic Man” first premiered at the Hoboken International Film Festival in New Jersey, where a rough cut of the film won the 2007 Audience Award. The documentary will give fans a good lead up to Malignaggi’s next title fight, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
REMAINING SCHEDULE FOR “MAGIC MAN” ON SHOWTIME
SHO 2 January 3 10:00PM

SHO Extreme January 4 11:40PM

Contact: Mike Moriarty, DiBella Entertainment

Shaun George Wants Adrian Diaconu Showdow

Shaun George Wants Adrian Diaconu Showdow

Light-Heavyweight contender Shaun George wants what every self-respecting pugilist craves: The most challenging assignments available. With Chad Dawson preoccupied with Glen Johnson, Adrian Diaconu has no engagements booked in the meantime. Shaun George says, "Why not give the people something to remember?"
George, 16-2-2 (7 KO), wants to fight Diaconu to show who the best young light-heavyweight fighter is. "He has nothing coming up, so let's make it happen. He doesn't dodge anyone and neither do I. I believe I am the best young light heavyweight and I want to show it to the world. I know I can beat him."

The Brooklyn-native, who is promoted by Hall of Fame Promotions, is coming off of a dominant decision victory over late-replacement Thomas Reid. Reid stepped in when Eric Harding pulled out a week before the fight, disappointing the peaking George. "It was a fight that I didn't want. It was a big letdown after Eric Harding pulled out, but I did what I had to do to get the job done." George won every round, but was denied the opportunity to show the fans what he was really about.

Diaconu, an undefeated, fan-friendly banger from Canada, hasn't made a big splash in America despite his number one ranking by the WBC. "Nobody knows who he is. Why sit around and wait to fight Chad Dawson? That could be in 2009. If you really believe you are the best, then you should test yourself."

A Diaconu-George fight is the kind of style clash that would answer all of the questions of these two young warriors in a definitive manner. Shaun George wants to satisfy all of those inquiries. "Let's fight, let's make it happen. We're both in the hurt business. This fight is made for TV. This style match up is beautiful for boxing."

George believes that top ten-ranked fighters ducking dangerous challenges while waiting for title shots is ruining boxing. "(Undefeated contender) Chris Henry's manager said, 'We don't want to fight anyone like Shaun, we want to take easy fights and wait for our title shot.' That is the kind of mindset that deprives the fans of what makes boxing special. The best need to fight the best, end of story."

ANY PRESS OR INTERVIEW INQUIRIES (Photo courtesy of Knockout Publicity)
CONTACT KNOCKOUT PUBLICITY
knockoutpublicity@yahoo.com

Women’s World Title Fight Headlines “The Ultimate Showdown II” Pro-Am Boxing Show

Women’s World Title Fight Headlines “The Ultimate Showdown II” Pro-Am Boxing Show Jan. 26 at Mansfield SportsPlex

MANSFIELD, Mass.- A female world title match featuring two-time champion Missy “The Fury” Fiorentino headlines “The Ultimate Showdown II” pro-am boxing show, presented by Peter Manfredo, Sr., in association with Bash For Cash, at the Mansfield SportsPlex in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

Fiorentino (16-1, 6 KOs), reigning NABF super featherweight title-holder, takes on rugged Ela “Bam Bam” Nunez (5-2, 1 KO) in the 10-round main event for the vacant IWBF super featherweight title. Fiorentino, a graduate of Roger Williams College in law enforcement, is a Rhode Island Sheriff. The non-stop action fighter from Cranston (RI) is a former IWBF champion in two divisions, lightweight and featherweight. Puerto Rico-native Nunez, fighting out of Jamestown (NY), is a single mother of four who works fulltime to support her family.

Three of New England’s brightest pro prospects are also on the card: New Hampshire cruiserweight Rich Gingras, Whitman (MA) super middleweight Mark “The Italian Bazooka” DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs), and Worcester (MA) middleweight Edwin Rodriguez making his pro debut.

“We’re going to have real fights on this card, competitive matches that will more than just satisfy the paying public,” promoter Peter Manfredo, Sr. said. “We’re into putting on the best fights possible, not building up fighters against weak opponents. We’re not interested in signing fighters or getting fighters into position to fight for belts. Our goal is to have fans asking when our next show is going to be as they leave the Mansfield SportsPlex on January 26.

“It’s going to be great for Mansfield to host a world championship fight. Missy Fiorentino is one of New England’s most exciting fighters – male or female – because of the way she attacks her opponent. Nothing can stop her from coming forward. She’s going to get hit and probably will get cut and bruised, but nobody’s going to stop her. She always gives fans what they want – real fights! Her opponent, Ela Nunez, is tough, too. It’s going to be an all out brawl. We also have some of the top New England prospects in action – Gingras, DeLuca and Rodriguez – and six entertaining amateur matches.”

Gingras (7-0, 4 KOs), of Claremont (NH), was the 2006 Ringside World heavyweight championship before turning professional a year ago. DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs) was a much-decorated amateur, including top honors in the 2004 National Silver Gloves Championship as part of his pugilistic portfolio.

The 22-year old Rodriguez, born in the Dominican Republic, is making his much-anticipated pro debut after winning 89 of 93 amateur matches, highlighted by gold-medal performances in the 2006 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2005 United States Championship.

Seven amateur matches also are on tap, featuring a battle between Foxboro police officer David Fascaldo vs. Mass. Department of Corrections officer Eric Flaherty. Three other Master boxers in action include “Easy” Ed Nelson, of Brockton; Retired U.S. Navy Seals Captain Tony “The Tiger” O’Brien, of Brockton; Foxboro police officer Frank Acevedo. Other amateurs on the card are Pawtucket 20-year-old heavyweight Maurice Cole, as well as 15-year-olds James Perella, of Mansfield, and Toka Kahn, of Pawtucket.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project assisting U.S. armed forces men and women severely injured during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places around the world.

Tickets priced at $25.00 (general admission), $50.00 (open seating), $75.00 (ringside) and $175.00 (pre and post fight private parties including an open bar and food). Call 401.723.1359, 508.509.3236 or go to www.bashforcashllc.com to purchase tickets or for additional information.

-PM-

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press

Lou DelValle, Elvir Muriqi returns and Female fighter Ronica Jeffrey's pro-debut as Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing kicks off Punchin' at the Paradise"

Bronx, NY; The fists will be flying once again in New York as Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing kicks off the New Year with a bang with the 8th installment of the phenomenal boxing series "Punchin' at the Paradise" on Thursday, January 31st 7:30pm at the Utopia Paradise Theatre in the Bronx, NY. Star Boxing has made a commitment to provide a high level of entertainment and excitement whenever they bring fights to the Paradise Theatre, and this year promises to be no exception.

Those in attendance on the 31st will be treated to a classic New York intra- borough rivalry when Bronx's former World Champion Lou "Honey Boy" DelValle (35- 5-1, 22KO's) squares off against fellow Bronx resident Newton "The Butcher" Kidd (6-6-1, 4KO's) in a 10-round co-featured main event. DelValle, the former light heavyweight champion of the world is credited with being the first fighter to knock down the legendary Roy Jones Jr, and like Roy Jones, is promising that he will regain his title in 2008 . His opponent, Newton Kidd is a 2-time Golden Gloves champion who brings it every time he steps in the ring stopping most of his victims in fewer than four rounds.

"The Kosovo Kid" Elvir Muriqi (34-4, 21 KO's) returns fresh off his inspiring performance with light heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver, in a co-featured10-round bout that is certain to excite his enthusiastic fans.

"The Kosovo Kid" Elvir Muriqi attends Antonio Tarvers last fight at Foxwoods.

(Hear more from Elvir Muriqi at Antonio Tarver's last fight by going to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience TV-video at http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1)

Also scheduled to let their leather fly is Puerto Rican light welterweight Joel Torres (8-0, 5KO's), making their pro-debuts are featherweights Ronica Jeffrey and Eddie Irizarry.

Ronica Jeffrey attends stablemate, Keisher "Fire" McLeod-Wells wedding at Gleasons Gym.


Returning to the Paradise Theater for a fourth time is fan favorite cruiserweight Jon "The Fighting Marine" Schneider (6-1, 4KO's).

Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing extends an invitation to its valued loyal fans to purchase exclusive VIP tables for what promises to be a night of electrifying fights. The VIP tables are the always the talk of the night; and provide complimentary food and beverages.

Consistent with Star Boxing's commitment to providing our loyal fans with the best seats in the house, we have reserved the best seats in every price category ($100, $50 and $30) for our mailing list members. Star Boxing is holding these prime seats exclusively for our mailing list members until December 28, 2007 before we release them to the general public. Do not wait to reserve your seats!!!!

Tickets are at the fan friendly price of $100, $50 and $30, and can be purchased at Utopia's Paradise Theater box office (718) 220-6143, 6143, all Ticketmaster outlets ticketmaster.com, and by calling Star Boxing 718- 823-2000 or visiting our web site www.starboxing.com.

Star Boxing

About Star Boxing
Star Boxing has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing's stable features world- class athletes and has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.

To Read More About Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing Visit: http://www.starboxing.com