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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

LOU DIBELLA TO BE HONORED AT COUNCIL FOR UNITY'S 2008 CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN GALA‏

Boxing promoter Lou DiBella, President and CEO of DiBella Entertainment and Diane Garnick, an Investment Strategist for Invesco, have been selected as honorees for the 2008 Council for Unity Champions for Children Gala. The gala will take place at 6pm on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at The Lighthouse Chelsea Piers.

Lou DiBella


The mistress of ceremonies will be Law and Order SVU’s Tamara Tunie, who plays medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner. Other special VIP participants include New Jersey State Senate President Richard Codey and 1997 Nobel Prize Winner in economics Dr. Robert C. Merton, the John and Natty McArthur University Professor at the Harvard Business School.

Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment in May of 2000 as a full- service sports and entertainment company, while maintaining its presence in the world of boxing. Mr. DiBella is the President and managing partner of the San Francisco Giants’ class AA minor league baseball affiliate, the Connecticut Defenders. He recently appeared in the Sylvester Stallone boxing film “Rocky Balboa” (2006) as the fight promoter who stages Rocky’s return to the ring. DiBella is currently a producer on the film “Love Ranch” which is being directed by Academy Award winner Taylor Hackford and stars Academy Award winners Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci.

Lou DiBella


Diane Garnick directs the Global Investment Solutions and Research Team at Invesco. She has published hundreds of reports that focus on portfolio construction, volatility, corporate actions, equity indices, exchange trade funds, futures, options, accounting and taxation. Ms. Garnick is the founder of The Ladies in Red, a charitable organization focused on charities geared towards solving issues faced by underprivileged children and women throughout the world.

Event sponsorship ranges from $25,000- $50,000 for President’s Circle table, $10,000 for Patron table, $5,000 for host committee table, and $500 per person. For tickets call 212.701.9440 or for more information on the Council for Unity please visit their website at www.councilforunity.org. The Council for Unity is a qualifying tax-exempt organization as described in section 501C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Proceeds from this event will enable the organization to continue its vital work on behalf of young people.

The Council for Unity is a not-for-profit children’s charity that has been resolving issues of safety, bias, bullying, and gang violence in schools and communities over 30 years. The Council is known for successfully reaching the unreachable child, and actively helps over 80,000 young people every day. Their mission is to empower young people, individuals, and groups with the skills necessary to promote safety, unity and achievement in schools and communities.

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

'PRIDE OF ST. LOUIS'; WBC CONT. AMERICAS/WBA FEDELATIN CHAMP.– ALEXANDER vs. CALLIST and IBF JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – SPINKS vs. PHILLIPS

A pair of champions will be featured in "Pride of St. Louis" at Scottrade Center on Thursday, March 27. St. Louis natives Cory Spinks and undefeated Devon Alexander "The Great" will be showcased.

Spinks will defend his IBF junior middleweight crown against former three-time world champion and IBF mandatory challenger Verno Phillips while Alexander will risk his WBC Continental Americas super lightweight title against WBA FEDELATIN superlightweight champion Miguel Callist.

A multi-media event page featuring videos, press releases and more can be found at http://www.donking.com/events/prideofstlouis/

Attached and below please find a media fight week schedule.

Alan Hopper
Don King Productions

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Freestyle Awards after party‏; Spring Break Blastoff, w/Tito Puente Jr., Wednesday March 26, 2008 South Beach, Florida


boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

'Ceramics at Work' Exhibition March 19 - April 25. Opening Reception (Save the date): Thursday April 3, 2008 at Gloria Kennedy Gallery‏

The Gloria Kennedy Gallery is pleased to present the ‘Ceramics at Work’ Exhibition. The exhibition consists of a brilliant collection of functional ceramics, all finely crafted by ceramic artistes.
Featured artists include: Charles Birnbaum, Bob Bruch, Yasha Butler, Greg Cochenet, Jim Connell, Nathan Falter, Jennifer Falter, Leslie Ferretti, Daniel Greenfeld, Ian Hays, Robbie Heidinger, Alisa Holen, Gloria Kennedy Brian Mahoney, Gordon Martz, Sara Mills, Stephanie Rozene, Joanne Shulman, Julie Singer, Ryan Takaba, Julia Terr, Jamin London Tinsel, Michel Louis Viala, Shumpei Yamaki and Joe Zeller.
The opening reception will be held on Thursday April 3, 2008 from 6 – 8:30 pm. Exhibition dates: March 19 - April 25, 2008. Gallery Hours 1 - 6 Wednesday – Saturday.

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www.BlackWomenNeedLoveToo.com


www.BlackWomenNeedLoveToo.com
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Bazooka; Chairman of Ratings Committee for The World Professional Boxing Federation and United States Boxing Council (WPBF_USBC)



Chairman of the Ratings Committee of the World Professional Boxing Federation and United States Boxing Council WPBF-USBC, recognizes the stellar performance Saturday March 15,2008 by Light Middleweight James Moore in Madison Square Garden, has been moved up in our rating from position number 6 updated to number 4.

As of the 18th day of Febuary, 2008 I have the privilege and honor of being appointed Chairman of Ratings Committee for The World Professional Boxing Federation and United States Boxing Council (WPBF_USBC).

I accept this appointment with honor and integrity.

Bazooka, Chairman of Ratings Committee
World Professional Boxing Federation United States Boxing Council
WPBF_USBC
See you @ ringside.

Everlasting.

IBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION, STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM FEATURED IN RING MAGAZINE; A six-page spread in “The Bible of Boxing”

Philadelphia— IBF Cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham is featured in the currant edition of Ring Magazine.

Cunningham (21-1, 11 KO’s) chronicles his title defense of Marco Huck in Bielefeld, Germany that took place on December 29, 2007.

Ike and Steve “USS” Cunningham


“Diary of a Road Warrior; an Exclusive First Person Report by Steve Cunningham takes the reader inside the mind and thought process of a world champion boxer as he prepares to defend his title 4,000 miles from home over the Christmas holiday.

Cunningham discusses in his own words about traveling to Europe for a third consecutive fight to display his talents and his mindset about his surroundings while his two children are back home in Philadelphia.

It’s a unique yet intense look into what a world champion is thinking and what he faces when preparing for a fight that would be seen by over 5 million people in Europe & read how the German boxing fans treat Cunningham before and after knocking out their hometown hero.

The stories do not end there as Cunningham was featured in the Philadelphia Daily News by Boxing Writers Association of America president Bernard Fernandez. The article, which was in Tuesday’s paper, gets Cunningham’s thoughts of the recent David Haye-Enzo Maccarinelli bout from two weeks ago.

To read that article click: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/sports/16774916.html

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Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Macklin ready for battle‏


Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Macklin ready for battle

Irish middleweight champ Matthew Macklin is eyeing up a big payday in 2009 – at the bookies! Ladbrokes are offering odds of 33/1 on Macklin claiming a world title next year and although he’s not a gambling man Macklin says he’ll be backing himself to go all the way to the World middleweight title.However of more immediate concern to Macklin is this Saturday’s Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin when he clashes with former World Champion Yori Boy Campas. Macklin says he’s firing on all cylinders following a training camp in Florida with new trainer and former two weight World Champion, Buddy McGirt. It will be Macklin’s first fight with the in demand McGirt in his corner having split with previous trainer Billy Graham towards the end of last year.

Buddy McGirt


“I’ve really enjoyed working with Buddy and being out in Florida was a great experience,” said Macklin. “It was just what I needed for this fight. I learned a lot from my time with Billy but felt it was the right time to move on. I need to get back to using my boxing skills a bit more and I think Buddy is the perfect trainer for that.”

Campas will certainly ask some searching questions of Macklin as a veteran of 102 fights. The Mexican’s reputation as one of boxing’s toughest warriors is well deserved having held the IBF Light Middleweight title and having shared the ring with modern ring legends Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad.

Campas is also remembered by Irish fight fans for giving John Duddy the fright of his life when losing to the Derryman on a narrow points decision in September of 2006.

“I think he’ll bring the best out in me,” said Macklin. “He’s a real name in the sport and he’s been in with everyone. Fighting these kind of guys really gives you that buzz you need to perform at your best and I just can’t wait for the fight now.

“I watched a few of his recent fights and he’s still very dangerous, you only have to look at the Duddy fight to see that’s he still carries a dig and he’s a great inside fighter. I certainly won’t have to go looking for him and that will suit me. I’ll be trying to use my boxing ability as much as possible but with his style it will be hard not to get dragged into a fight so it could be pretty explosive.”

The undercard for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night is headed by the Irish Light Welterweight title rematch between Cavan’s Andrew Murray and Belfast’s James Gorman. The two first met last December at the Kings Hall in Belfast with Murray winning on a technical decision after an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round left Murray unable to continue.

Hopefully the outcome will be more conclusive this weekend and with both men confident of victory it should prove to be an exciting affair.

The card will also feature Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike “The Rebel” Perez. The former World Amateur Junior Champion is a man in a hurry having knocked out his first two professional opponents in the first round. This weekend he faces two time Polish amateur champion Tomasz Zeprzalka as he looks to make it a hat trick of wins in the pro ranks.

Another former amateur star on the card is Dublin’s own Ian Tims. The Clondalkin native is a former Irish Heavyweight champ in the amateur ranks and he’ll be looking to get his pro career off to the best possible start with an impressive win on Saturday night.

Another Dubliner in action is Leon Senior with the London based super middleweight looking for the second win of his pro career.

Unbeaten Belfast welterweight Willie Thompson also features alongside a super middleweight clash between unbeaten Pole, Albert Rybacki and American Freeman Taft.

Tickets for the Ladrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 are on from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

The full line up is:

- Matthew Mackin V Yori Boy Campas – Middleweight (10 Rounds)
- Andrew Murray V James Gorman – Irish Light Welterweight Title (10 Rounds)
- Mike Perez V Tomasz Zeprzalka – Heavyweight (6 Rounds)
- Ian Tims V Klaids Kristapsons – Cruiserweight (4 Rounds)
- Willie Thompson V Semens Moroshek – Welterweight (4 Rounds)
- Leon Senior V Sandris Tomson – Super Middleweight (4 Rounds)
- Albert Rybacki V Freeman Taft – Light Heavyweight (6 Rounds)

Live coverage of the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night begins on RTÉ TWO at 9pm on Saturday and online at www.rte.ie.

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Andy Lee and Brian Vera; Official Boxing Weigh-In Thursday, March 20 2008 for Bout at Mohegan Sun, Friday, March 21st, presented by Pugnacious Promo

Andy Lee and Brian Vera; Official Boxing Weigh-In Thursday, March 20 2008 at 5:00 pm, Outside Mohegan Sun Box Office Friday, March 21st, presented by Pugnacious Promotions and Mohegan Sun Arena

Main Event:
Andy Lee (15-0, 12 KOs) vs. Brian Vera (15-1, 9 KOs)
12-Round Middleweight Bout

IN DETAIL: The exciting night of boxing features the Irish middleweight prospect Andy Lee (15-0, 12 KOs) taking another step toward the middleweight championship when he faces The Contender's Brian Vera (15-1, 9 KOs) at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, March 21st, presented by Pugnacious Promotions.

In the eight-round co-feature, super middleweight prospect Aaron Pryor Jr. (8-0, 6 KOs) faces his toughest challenge against rugged Alphonso Williams (10-3, 8 KOs).

Aaron Pryor Jr. and Iran Barkley


Tickets are $75.00, $40.00, and $25.00 and are available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office and through Ticketmaster.

Undercard bouts feature undefeated young prospects stepping up against tough competition, including Ledyard, Connecticut’s own light heavyweight prospect Brian Macy (2-0, 1 KO) and featherweights Guillermo Sanchez (3-0, 3 KOs) and Harvey Murray (2-0-2, 1 KO).
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On Nabaté's TV/Webcast Show Tonight!; Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden‏

On Nabaté's TV/Webcast Show Tonight!; Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden‏

Nabaté Isles Every Wednesday
March 19-Interviews from the Big East Tournament
on 'So Much to Talk About' @9pm (Eastern Time)
Channel 57 (Time Warner-Manhattan Cable)
Channel 84 (RCN-Manhattan Cable)
Streams LIVE: www.mnn.org, click 57/84 link
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Fresquez Productions, Inc. concluded its three-city media tour today; “Finally”- “The Battle for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy,” Holm-Sanders

LAS VEGAS– Fresquez Productions, Inc. concluded its three-city media tour today in Las Vegas with a press conference at The Luxor to formally promote the “Finally” pay-per-view event (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT), headlined by Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm and Mary Jo Sanders in “The Battle for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy,” June 13th live from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.



“Finally,” produced and distributed by Integrated Sports, will be available for live viewing on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Albuquerque favorite Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs) squares-off against Detroit icon Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) junior middleweight title.

The three other scheduled PPV bouts are also IFBA title fights: Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), versus Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), representing Ontario (Canada); Wendy Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, against Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), from Van Buren, Arkansas. Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, takes on Carina “La Reina” Moreno (16-1, 5 KOs), of Watsonville, California, in the fourth PPV bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, are on sale at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

Holm-Sanders Las Vegas Presser Quotes

Holly Holm: “I fought my first fight and there was no one there to see us. I moved into main events and national television. Now, I’m headlining a pay-per-view. I’m going to ttrain extra hard because Mary Jo’s ‘O’ must go. I will be ready.”

Mary Jo Sanders: “The more I keep hearing and talking about this, the more excited I get. Lenny is putting on this show to hopefully breakdown the walls in women’s boxing. It’s a phenomenal fight card with lots of action. You’ll see a lot of action on my part.”

Mike Winkeljohn (Holm’s manager/trainer): “All I can say is I expect fireworks from Holly’s fists on June 13th”

Jimmy Mallo (Sanders’ manager/trainer): “I want to thank Lenny for putting on a great show and we will now being to prepare for the fight. Again, I am surprised they took this fight. I don’t see it going the distance.”

Hollie Dunaway: “I’m thrilled to be fighting on pay-per-view and adding another title to my collection. I’ll be keeping an eye on the other fights on this great card because some of he fighters may be possible opponents for me.”

Lenny Fresquez (Holms and show promoter): “We are excited about being here in wonderful Las Vegas to announce ‘Finally.’ Holly will be putting her pound-for-pound reputation on the line for the IFBA junior middleweight title in what I consider the best female match-up to ever take place. I want to thank everyone who was involved in this week’s press tour. We have finally finished the television bouts with an all-star line-up featuring some of the best females to ever fight on an all-women’s pay-per-view. Corina Moreno will now be fighting Eileen Olszewski for the IFBA strawweight title. Fans are going to see a great night of action; four action-packed bouts for a low price of $24.95.”

Doug Jacobs (Integrated Sports, president): “It’s going to be a wonderful night of boxing from beginning to end. This is one of the best female cards ever.”

Judy Kulis (IFBA, president): “We’re thrilled to be sanctioning these fights. This is going to take women’s boxing to another level. It is a major step for women’s boxing and will bring a lot of exposure to our sport.”

FINALLY! The Battle for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy Live on Pay-Per-View, Friday, June 13, 2008, LIVE FROM ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

IFBA JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – MAIN EVENT – PPV
HOLLY “The Preacher’s Daughter” HOLM MARY JO SANDERS
7-Time World Champion, 3 Divisions 4-Time World Champion, 4 Divisions
IFBA, IBA, WBC, WBA, WIBA & GBU Welterweight Title-Holder IBA Middleweight Title-Holder
Albuquerque, NM Auburn Hills, MI
21-1-2 (6 KOs) 25-0 (8 KOs)

IFBA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – CO-FEATURE – PPV
CHEVELLE “Fists of Steel” HALLBACK JEANNINE “G9” GARSIDE
IBA Junior Lightweight Champion IBA Featherweight Champion
Tampa, FL Windsor, Ontario, Canada
26-5-2 (11 KOs) 7-0-1 (3 KOs)

IFBA JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – PPV
WENDY RODRIGUEZ HOLLIE “Hot Stuff” DUNAWAY
IBA Junior Flyweight Champion WIBF-GBU & WIBC Minimumweight Champion
Los Angeles, CA Van Buren, AR
18-4 (3 KOs) 21-6 (10 KOs)

IFBA STRAWWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – PPV
EILEEN “The Hawaiian Mongoose” OLSZEWSKI CARINA “La Reina” MORENO
WIBA Flyweight Champion WBC Minimumweight Champion
New York, NY via Honolulu Watsonville, CA
5-0-1 (0 KOs) 16-1 (5 KOs)

EILEEN “The Hawaiian Mongoose” OLSZEWSKI


4 ROUNDS – SUPER FLYWEIGHTS
ANGELICA “Danger Girl” CHAVEZ ALINA BALTIZAR
Pro-Debut Pro-Debut
Albuquerque, NM El Paso, TX

(ALL FIGHTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
CONTACTS: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

DAVID DIAZ BACK IN CHICAGO, WAITING ON THE MEXICUTIONER‏

CHICAGO, IL- World Boxing Council Lightweight champion David Diaz is back in his native Chicago after his dominant win over Ramon Montano in Las Vegas, Nevada this past Saturday night. The Diaz/Montano fight was part of the HBO Pay Per View broadcast of Marquez vs. Pacquiao II “UNFINISHED BUSINESS”, a hard fought battle won by Pacquaio for the WBC Junior Lightweight championship.

As Diaz’s promoter Top Rank Incorporated has previously stated and Chairman Bob Arum reiterated at the post fight press conference Saturday night, plans call for THE MEXICUTIONER, Manny Pacquiao to move up to the lightweight division on June 28th to challenger for Diaz’s title. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casinoin Las Vegas would once again play host as they did this past weekend.

About his immediate plans, Diaz stated “We’re just waiting to here back about Manny’s cuts and how much healing time they need. We should know something in the next couple of days. Other than that I’m just looking forward to spending the holiday weekend with my family.

I’m doing fine, my bruises are healing and I’m ready to start camp at the end of this month if the fight stays on schedule."

About his battle with Montano, Diaz stated, “He was a real tough kid, but my conditioning really played a part in the second half of the fight. I hit him with some good, hard combinations in the later rounds but he showed a lot of heart staying in the fight."

In regards to skeptics who doubt his chances against Pacquaio, Diaz said, ‘I’ve heard it all before, it doesn’t bother me. When we fight its just me and him. He’s been a great fighter and has beaten some true legends so it’s a terrific challenge.”

Diaz also wanted to express his thanks to his growing legion of fans for their continued support
and advised them to visit his website at www.diazboxing.com

David Diaz is promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, managed by Jim
Strickland and trained by Jim Strickland and Mike Garcia.

For press inquiries, please use the contact information below.

Bernie Bahrmasel
DOUBLE B PUBLICITY INC.
Chicago, IL
boxing, entertainment, fight sports, film, literary arts, mixed martial arts, nightlife, politics, special events, performing arts, sports, worldwide

The Industry Cosign, The Video Mix Party ; A Networking Event, Release Party and Celebration of Shari Robinson's latest book, `Share My Love' and.....

The Industry Cosign, The Video Mix Party ; A Networking Event, Release Party and Celebration of Shari Robinson's latest book, `Share My Love' and the birthdays of DJ Wiz, Yalewa Melvin and Julie Als

The 5 W's



Who: The Industry Cosign, The Video Mix Party and booksbysharirobinson.com
What: A Networking Event, Release Party and Celebration
Why: To celebrate Shari Robinson's latest book, `Share My Love' and the birthdays of DJ Wiz, Yalewa Melvin and Julie Als
Where: Negril Village- 70 West 3rd Street (Downstairs in The Rhum Lounge )
When: Thursday, March 20th, 6 PM- 1 AM

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

NO HOLDS BARRED: 2008 NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championship Preview with Bob Mayeri‏

NO HOLDS BARRED: 2008 NCAA Div. Wrestling Championship Preview with Bob Mayeri On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman speaks with our correspondent, veteran wrestling journalist and photographer Bob Mayeri, about the 2008 NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championship (http://www.stlsports.org/wrestling). This event takes place from Thursday, March 20, to Saturday, March 22, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. We discuss the relative parity which has emerged this season in college wrestling, and both preview the team race and list the favorites in each of the ten weight classes. We also discuss some ofthe important wrestling-related activities which will be going on between sessions of this tournament. The finals will be shown live on ESPN and ESPN360.com starting at 8:30PM EDT/7:30 PM CDT Saturday night, March 22. The quarterfinals will air on ESPNU and ESPN360.com Friday, March 21, starting at 11 AM EDT/10 AM CDT. The semifinals will be syndicated by ESPNU Friday evening starting at 7 PM EDT/6 PM CDT, so check your local listings. ESPNU will also carry the medal rounds live Saturday morning, March 22,starting at 11 AM EDT/10 AM CDT. To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link below and just press the play button on the player: http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-03-17T21_54_13-07_00 You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it). You can also listen to it through the NO HOLDS BARRED blog, athttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com, and MySpace page, at http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews,also by pressing the play button on the player. Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes athttp://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download. The NO HOLDS BARRED theme song is called "The Heist", by musician IanCarpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/). NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by: YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com). The producers of the original UFC and Live Nation (http://livenation.com/), worldwideleaders in live entertainment, present YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law. IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world'sfirst professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check outtheir regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, athttp://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html. Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year.For more news and info, check out their web site,GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/). BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more. Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. GladiatorMagazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com(http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/). FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews,and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts. Thanks, Eddie Goldman No Holds Barred bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/ The Boxing Standardhttp://boxingstandard.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

GO HARD OR GO HOME; BET presents, "Inside the Ring"

GO HARD OR GO HOME- Hip Hop meets Mixed Martial Arts; BET presents, "Inside the Ring"

Introducing celebrities from the worlds of hip-hop, sports and Hollywood to the competitive ranks of mixed martial arts (MMA), BET showcases a twist to this exciting format with its new original series IRON RING premiering Tuesday, March 18 at 11 p.m. (ET/PT). See the encore Friday at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

IRON RING showcases mixed martial arts -- the fastest-growing new sports format in entertainment. The show pairs celebrity team owners, trainers and fighters to produce some of the most compelling match-ups on television.

Floyd Mayweather


Headlining the show is boxing champ Floyd Mayweather (with the assistance of hip-hop star Rick Ross) managing the Money Mayweather Boys, along with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Nelly representing Team Luda and Team Nelly (respectively); T.I. with the help of Big Kuntry, Young Dro, DJ Drama and Alpha Omega leading Team Grand Hustle; Juelz Santana and Jim Jones heading Dipset; and Lil Jon with the Head Busters.

Rick Ross and Aaron Braunstein


"When I heard BET was bringing IRON RING to the air ... I wanted to be involved in any way I could," said team owner Ludacris. "... What people will get out of IRON RING is that it's less about the man in the fight and more about the fight in the man."

With $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, these skilled competitors go toe-to-toe in the IRON RING using the combined fighting techniques of jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. From competitive team tryouts and grueling practices to the final face-off at the live championship, IRON RING not only exposes the hardcore sport of mixed martial arts, but also uniquely explores the human element by providing insight into the lives of the fighters and coaches.

TEAM OWNERS

T.I., Team Grand Hustle
Father, astute businessman, fashion icon, King of the South, future Hollywood A Lister, and Hip Hop standard Bearer. Atlanta-native T.I. holds all these titles and more. If you ask the thought-provoking MC if he's satisfied with his success, he'll tell you it's not enough.

Ludacris, Team Luda
His career shifted into overdrive in ATL. He's one of rap's most recognizable artists, and his recent success in the acting game should keep his visibility high for years to come.

Mayweather, Money Mayweather Boys
Floyd Mayweather consistently gives sensational performances in the ring. Floyd, now 28, started boxing at the age of seven. He is the son of former contender Floyd Mayweather, Sr. and has three children.

Lil' Jon, Team Headbusters
Lil Jon has become one of the most in-demand producers in music. He's craged his signature sound from chants and catchy choruses. His hitmaking has earned him thousands of fans nationwide.

Juelz Santana, Team Dipset
Born and raised in Harlem, Juelz started writing rhymes at the age of 12. Juelz, born LaRon James, has worked with Cam'ron, Jay-Z, Jim Jones and more.

Nelly, Team Nelly
Nelly is one of the most successful rap artists of the modern hip-hop era. From "Country Grammar" to "Hot in Heere," Nelly has been bringing the hits to the people as a soloist and collaborator. He's a three-time Grammy winner who's still on top of his game.
What is Mixed Martial Arts?

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a hybrid combat sport that incorporates boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and other disciplines.

Where did this fighting style originate?

MMA traces it roots back to the early Olympic sport called Pankration, where combatants faced each other with very few rules. Over time, similar sports evolved, and different styles of traditional martial arts were pitted against each other.

Are there rules?

Specific MMA rules vary between organizations, but eye-gouging, biting, hair pulling and strikes to the throat, spine and groin have been outlawed.

Modern MMA is inspired by the “anything goes” fighting contests held in Brazil. Early American MMA events were bloody and had no rules, which resulted in government regulation.

How does a fighter win?

The goal of a MMA match is to knock out the opponent, force the opponent to tap out, or to win by scoring more points.

Is all that kicking really necessary?

MMA is usually broken down into two categories: striking and grappling. Strikes include blows with hands, feet, knees or elbows. Grappling moves use submissions, choke holds, throws and take downs.

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POST-PARTISAN AMERICA?‏

POST-PARTISAN AMERICA?

The stunning victory of Senator John McCain as the Republican Party’s nominee for President of the United States was highly unlikely, and portends an interesting general election that may realign the party’s electorate. The Republican Party began suffering from an attrition rate following the end of the “Reagan revolution.” Coupled with the general political fallout from shortcomings of the Bush administration, the party may be in political free fall.

The resultant lost of the Republican Party majority in congress following major gains by the Democratic Party in the 2006 election, and the exceedingly low popularity of President Bush seem to have the Republican Party on the ropes, as the 2008 presidential general election begins. In addition, the political prognosis for the Republican Party in this season’s presidential election looks grim because of diminishing returns of the conservative wing (neo-conservatives and Christian right) of the party that heretofore, virtually controlled the political rhetoric.

While McCain has taken major political hits from the conservative wing on his intrepid journey to the party’s nomination, at the end of the day the maverick and independently minded Senator may ultimately be a blessing in disguise for the party. But Senator McCain may remain a nemesis to the polarized conservative wing of the party, as the candidate engages a general election strategy to win America.

According to many sophisticated political analysts Senator John McCain has the background, political history and disposition to generate unprecedented support from Black voters in the general election. Apart from the Senator’s controversial positions on some social issues that Black voters are inclined toward, John McCain is an authentic national hero, and his courageous stance against congressional earmarks, will likely resonate across the political spectrum.

Concomitantly, McCain will not be encumbered by the legacy of Republican Party social conservatism, or the hard line race based political rhetoric, real and perceived from the right wing. The advent of Senator McCain presidential candidacy is organically juxtaposed to many conservative political positions that are troubling to many Black voters, including Republicans. As a consequence, candidate McCain has the potential to receive unprecedented numbers of Black voters as compared to all of the other GOP presidential hopefuls.

(Photo by: Dana Mozie)


Boxing and fighting arts public relations specialist Keisha Morrisey, a former Republican Party candidate in 2002 and 2003 said, “I am fascinated with Senator McCain and the prospects for his campaign. In fact, I have reconsidered running for elective office in 2008 and I am looking forward to campaigning with the Senator as a grassroots candidate from Harlem.” Ms. Morrisey is a parent of a teenage son, under 40 years-old and a petite young lady who looks as though she is under 30.

(Photo By: Evan E. Edwards)


While McCain may be an elder and seasoned public servant, his message and history of independence and bi-partisanship has the political resonance of a new idea among a cross section of the American electorate. McCain’s campaign is propitious as the electoral demographic is on an independent political trajectory.

Apparently, the campaign of Barack Obama has tapped in to the political trajectory of independent voters and seems to be generating a new political calculus. Some suggest that the Obama campaign has revealed that a political paradigm shift is underway.

Veteran political analyst Alton Chase said, “Although McCain is facing a disproportional numerical disadvantage and an inspired and effervescent Democratic electorate, the final decision that will determine the Democratic Party’s nominee may result from a brokered convention that will fracture the Democratic Party along historical political fault lines. A vociferous internal political dubiety may develop that could jeopardize their prospects for regaining the White House in November.”

Chase continued, “In the presidential election of 1924 the Democratic Party had a brokered convention and the Republican candidate Calvin Coolidge won the election, carrying New York. The Democratic Party presidential convention of 1968 was brokered in favor of Herbert Humphrey over anti-war candidate Eugene McCarthy, and Republican candidate Richard Nixon won the presidency. It remains to be seen how the Democratic Party presidential nomination will shake out and what impact it may have for McCain.”

If the Democratic Party presidential nomination were over today it would be a virtual political photo finish, sending the ultimate decision to the domain of the Super Delegates and the preverbal smoke filled room. But the fat lady has yet to sing, so it ain’t over till its over.

Gary James (Photo By: Ysis James)


Gary James is an author, entrepreneur, and leader of the activist wing of the Republican Party. In 1984 his organization was tapped by the Reagan-Bush re-election committee to direct the state-wide grassroots campaign in the Black community, under the leadership of regional coordinator Roger Stone. James ran the state-wide “Black Desk” in 1986 for the GOP Gubernatorial candidate Supreme Court Judge Andrew O’Rourke. He was the delegate for Congressman Jack Kemp in Harlem’s 16th CD in 1988, during the congressman’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination. For more information contact ConsultingGary@aol.com or visit: www.blackpt.org
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