EDMONDS, Wash, Three Georgian professional boxers – Mamuka Jikurashvili, Levan and Shalva Jomardashvili – are collectively in the toughest fight of their young careers, and it’s not taking place in the four-cornered ring.
The three young fighters had an appointment to receive their visas, approved by U.S. immigration, at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, but, unfortunately it was scheduled for the morning of the day war broke out between Russia and their native Georgia. They had applied for visas to the U.S. in order to pursue their boxing careers.
Ground transportation in Georgia was too dangerous for them to travel to the U.S. Embassy and visa services were then temporarily suspended. They are now in contact with embassies in Armenia and Buku, but they’re still unable to travel
The Jomardashvili brothers, in fact, hail from Gory, which was the epicenter of trouble on the border to the south of Ossetia at the battle front. Bombs wiped out many houses and buildings, leaving countless citizens, including the Jomardasvilis, as refugees.
Granted, 60 of their combined 61 pro fights have been in Georgia, but Shalva is a 25-0 (18 KOs) middleweight, Levan a 16-0 (13 KOs) light heavyweight, and heavyweight Mamuka sports a 20-1 (14 KOs) with his only loss to former Cuban star Odlanier Solis (8-0) in Turkey.
Shalva, only 21, was 75-3 as an amateur, 5-time Georgian National Champion, and winner of numerous International tournaments. His brother, 18-year-old Levan, was 52-2 as an amateur and 4-time Georgian National Champion. Mamukam, reigning Georgian heavyweight title-holder, was a 3-time Georgian National Champion as an amateur.
Boxing manager Egis Klimas (E Point K Consulting) has been advising the three Georgian boxers.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Thursday, August 14, 2008
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DMITRIY SALITA
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DMITRIY SALITA
By G. Leon
GL: We haven't spoken since you signed with Square Ring. What lead to you making this decision and how do you feel about working with Roy Jones Jr? "I feel great. They have great vision and it's a new powerful company that I can indentify my career with and they're going to give me the opportunities that I need. First off fighting on PPV at Madison Square Garden. If [WBA junior welterweight champion Andreas] Kotelnik wins his next fight, that's going to be the next fight and I'm really excited about being able to fight for my first world title."
GL: What was the deciding factor in signing with Roy?
Dmitriy Salita: "The deciding factor was my first fight was going to be on a major PPV. The fact that my first fight will be on a major PPV for a world title, it doesn't get much better than that."
GL: What do you think about Kotelnik as a fighter and what weaknesses to do you see in him that you plan on exploiting come fight night?
DS: "I think Kotelnik is a overall a very well rounded fighter. I think he does all things very well. He's a solid boxer and there's some things I see looking at his tapes that I will take advantage of. I expect a hard fight, but this is something that I've dreamed of for 13 years, ever since I started boxing. I'm looking forward to it, I'm getting myself prepared so let's get ready to rumble."
GL: What does becoming world champion mean to you?
DS: "Personally it would be my lifetime achievement award. I've slaved away with boxing and I've dedicated my whole life to it. I've been through some really hard times but fortunately I've always worked really hard. It would be historic in the sense as far as I know the last Jewish world champion in this weight class was Barney Ross. It would be tremendous to capture a world title in Madison Square Garden."
GL: And obviously if you defeat Kotelnik, the fight that makes the most sense is you against the winner of Malignaggi-Hatton.
DS: "Absolutely. That would make a lot of sense and it would be huge. I understand what comes with this victory. It's going to be a big night and I can't wait. It's my time to show my family that I made the right choice with boxing. There's a lot on the line for me."
GL: Your documentary aired on MSG last night. Can you give us some thoughts on it?
DS: "I think it's great. I got so much awesome feedback. I think the documentary, speaking outside of myself. The film maker was able to capture aspects of boxing that all boxers go through. I think it's a great film, I'm glad to be a part of it and I'm glad to have that part of my life documented."
GL: Is there currently a plan B to Kotelnik?
DS: "From hearing Kotelnik speak in the Russian press and on other news services, he's for the fight and I think it's the best fight for both of us at this point in time."
GL: Closing thoughts?
DS: "I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of critics and on November 8th, they're going to either eat their words or lose some money. It's also great to see you back putting your hustle on Boxingtalk.com. ONLY IN AMERICA BABY!"
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
By G. Leon
GL: We haven't spoken since you signed with Square Ring. What lead to you making this decision and how do you feel about working with Roy Jones Jr? "I feel great. They have great vision and it's a new powerful company that I can indentify my career with and they're going to give me the opportunities that I need. First off fighting on PPV at Madison Square Garden. If [WBA junior welterweight champion Andreas] Kotelnik wins his next fight, that's going to be the next fight and I'm really excited about being able to fight for my first world title."
GL: What was the deciding factor in signing with Roy?
Dmitriy Salita: "The deciding factor was my first fight was going to be on a major PPV. The fact that my first fight will be on a major PPV for a world title, it doesn't get much better than that."
GL: What do you think about Kotelnik as a fighter and what weaknesses to do you see in him that you plan on exploiting come fight night?
DS: "I think Kotelnik is a overall a very well rounded fighter. I think he does all things very well. He's a solid boxer and there's some things I see looking at his tapes that I will take advantage of. I expect a hard fight, but this is something that I've dreamed of for 13 years, ever since I started boxing. I'm looking forward to it, I'm getting myself prepared so let's get ready to rumble."
GL: What does becoming world champion mean to you?
DS: "Personally it would be my lifetime achievement award. I've slaved away with boxing and I've dedicated my whole life to it. I've been through some really hard times but fortunately I've always worked really hard. It would be historic in the sense as far as I know the last Jewish world champion in this weight class was Barney Ross. It would be tremendous to capture a world title in Madison Square Garden."
GL: And obviously if you defeat Kotelnik, the fight that makes the most sense is you against the winner of Malignaggi-Hatton.
DS: "Absolutely. That would make a lot of sense and it would be huge. I understand what comes with this victory. It's going to be a big night and I can't wait. It's my time to show my family that I made the right choice with boxing. There's a lot on the line for me."
GL: Your documentary aired on MSG last night. Can you give us some thoughts on it?
DS: "I think it's great. I got so much awesome feedback. I think the documentary, speaking outside of myself. The film maker was able to capture aspects of boxing that all boxers go through. I think it's a great film, I'm glad to be a part of it and I'm glad to have that part of my life documented."
GL: Is there currently a plan B to Kotelnik?
DS: "From hearing Kotelnik speak in the Russian press and on other news services, he's for the fight and I think it's the best fight for both of us at this point in time."
GL: Closing thoughts?
DS: "I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of critics and on November 8th, they're going to either eat their words or lose some money. It's also great to see you back putting your hustle on Boxingtalk.com. ONLY IN AMERICA BABY!"
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Gary “Tiger” Balletto to be inducted into CES Ring of Honor
“August Annihilation” August 22 at Twin River Events Center, RI
PROVIDENCE– One of boxing’s great all-time warriors, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony at the August 22nd “August Annihilation” pro boxing show, featuring the return of The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Israel “Pito” Cardona.
“We’re proud to honor Gary ‘Tiger’ Balletto, one of New England’s most exciting fighters ever,” Burchfield said. “Gary was a true warrior who could hit with the best of them. Few fighters in the past 20 years were as charismatic as ‘Tiger,’ who was a true throwback fighter that always left it all in the ring. And he was as tough as they come, too. Nobody stopped him in 36 pro fights.”
Providence-native Balletto (31-3-2, 26 KOs), who starred in The Contender Season Two, was the IBU lightweight champion. Today, he owns a gym and also manages a fighter on “August Annihilation,” Providence’s pro debuting junior lightweight Omar Pena, the former 9-time New England Golden Gloves champion matched Aug. 22 against Rasool Shakoor (1-3, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.
WBC rated No. 20 contender Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs), star of The Contender Season One, fights Donny “The Savage” McCrary (24-7-2, 13 KOs), star of The Contender Season Three, in the 12-round main event for the NABF Interim super middleweight title.
“August Annihilator” is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River, The Tournament of Contenders, and CN8, The Comcast Network. The show will be taped live and air Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network as well as Cox Sports Television.
In the co-feature, WBO No. 12 rated Power punching Joey “KO Kid” Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental super middleweight champion, takes on former IBC Americas heavyweight title-holder Jim “Steel Chin” Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, in a six-round super middleweight bout..
On the undercard in a pair of six-round super middleweight bouts, Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Brooklyn’s Ariel Espinal (6-3-2, 2 KOs), while Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-1, 2 KOs) faces Lowell (MA) brawler “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2, 5 KOs) in an old fashioned throw-down.
Also on the undercard card is undefeated middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (7-0, 5 KOs), former two-time U.S. national amateur champion out of Worcester (MA), squaring off against Marcus “Team Savior” Upshaw (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Former world title challenger, Greek featherweight Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (7-1, 3 KOs), takes on Adawirky Lopez (1-0), who is a Pan-Am Games gold medal winner, in another six-round match.
Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (1-0, 1 KO) tangles with pro debuting Clarence Smith in a four rounder. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “August Annihilation” are priced at $40.00, $50.00 (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club SOLD OUT) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Events Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth (2nd floor) at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Tickets are also on sale at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), 401 Gym in Cranston (RI), Rivera Brother’s in Lynn (MA), Balletto’s Gym in Providence, Big Six Academy in Providence, and Larry Army (508.407.5152).
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “August Annihilation.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
“August Annihilation” August 22 at Twin River Events Center, RI
PROVIDENCE– One of boxing’s great all-time warriors, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony at the August 22nd “August Annihilation” pro boxing show, featuring the return of The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Israel “Pito” Cardona.
“We’re proud to honor Gary ‘Tiger’ Balletto, one of New England’s most exciting fighters ever,” Burchfield said. “Gary was a true warrior who could hit with the best of them. Few fighters in the past 20 years were as charismatic as ‘Tiger,’ who was a true throwback fighter that always left it all in the ring. And he was as tough as they come, too. Nobody stopped him in 36 pro fights.”
Providence-native Balletto (31-3-2, 26 KOs), who starred in The Contender Season Two, was the IBU lightweight champion. Today, he owns a gym and also manages a fighter on “August Annihilation,” Providence’s pro debuting junior lightweight Omar Pena, the former 9-time New England Golden Gloves champion matched Aug. 22 against Rasool Shakoor (1-3, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.
WBC rated No. 20 contender Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs), star of The Contender Season One, fights Donny “The Savage” McCrary (24-7-2, 13 KOs), star of The Contender Season Three, in the 12-round main event for the NABF Interim super middleweight title.
“August Annihilator” is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River, The Tournament of Contenders, and CN8, The Comcast Network. The show will be taped live and air Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network as well as Cox Sports Television.
In the co-feature, WBO No. 12 rated Power punching Joey “KO Kid” Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental super middleweight champion, takes on former IBC Americas heavyweight title-holder Jim “Steel Chin” Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, in a six-round super middleweight bout..
On the undercard in a pair of six-round super middleweight bouts, Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Brooklyn’s Ariel Espinal (6-3-2, 2 KOs), while Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-1, 2 KOs) faces Lowell (MA) brawler “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2, 5 KOs) in an old fashioned throw-down.
Also on the undercard card is undefeated middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (7-0, 5 KOs), former two-time U.S. national amateur champion out of Worcester (MA), squaring off against Marcus “Team Savior” Upshaw (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Former world title challenger, Greek featherweight Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (7-1, 3 KOs), takes on Adawirky Lopez (1-0), who is a Pan-Am Games gold medal winner, in another six-round match.
Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (1-0, 1 KO) tangles with pro debuting Clarence Smith in a four rounder. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “August Annihilation” are priced at $40.00, $50.00 (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club SOLD OUT) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Events Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth (2nd floor) at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Tickets are also on sale at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), 401 Gym in Cranston (RI), Rivera Brother’s in Lynn (MA), Balletto’s Gym in Providence, Big Six Academy in Providence, and Larry Army (508.407.5152).
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “August Annihilation.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
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