On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman focuses on the role of women in the combat sports, and in particular grappling and mixed martial arts.
Kathy Brothers (http://www.kathybrothers.net/) was the first American woman to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She has also been a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and a two-time Pan American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, as well as a World Free-Fighting champion and a World Pancration Council champion. She currently is a martial arts instructor in the Dallas, Texas, area.
After an absence of about eight years, Kathy Brothers will be returning to competition this coming Saturday, June 27, at the Grapplers Quest (http://grapplers.com/) All-Star Pro tournament in Morristown, New Jersey. She also will be competing in a Grapplers Quest tournament the weekend of July 10-11 at the UFC Fan Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In a lengthy interview, we spoke with Kathy Brothers about her return to competition. We discussed how and why she decided to begin training in the martial arts, her rich experience in grappling, her desire to fight at a high level in mixed martial arts, how she has overcome the opposition of some to women competing and training in combat sports, and much more.
Also, as bonus coverage, we play an excerpt from a media conference call with mixed martial arts stars Gina Carano and Cris "Cyborg" Santos, who fight each other August 15 in the main event of a Strikeforce card in San Jose, Calif., which will be telecast live in the U.S. on Showtime.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://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 Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).
Make sure to visit the official boxing forum for No Holds Barred, the MySpace Boxing Forum, at http://groups.myspace.com/boxing.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
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. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).
American Top Team (http://americantopteam.com/). Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.
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
http://eddiegoldman.com
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
“DiBella Inks Argenis Mendez!!”
New York- DiBella Entertainment has announced the signing of super featherweight Argenis Mendez (13-1-0, 8 KO’s) to their elite roster of athletes.
Promoter Lou DiBella believes that Mendez will do great things in the sport of boxing. “The kid has a bright future,” said DiBella. “He is a truly talented athlete and knows how to conduct himself in the ring. I look forward to working with him.”
Mendez comes from a spectacular amateur background that shows in his refined ring style. He is a 2004 Olympian from the Dominican Republic and won a silver Medal at the 2004 Junior World Championships. Mendez compiled an outstanding record of 238-12 as an amateur.
Mendez is a technical, heavy handed boxer/puncher that is pleasing to watch in the ring. “He is an intelligent fighter,” said Mendez’s manager Jose Nunez. “Argenis is a superior and accurate counterpuncher. I love his style.”
Mendez, already establishing and proving himself as an excellent pro, has been in the ring with the likes of Luis Sosa, Jose Navarrete, Jaime Sandoval and Arturo Gomez.
“I try to take a lesson from each and every fight,” said Mendez. “I keep learning and improving.”
Mendez , a workaholic, says nothing matters to him more that his family, boxing and his country. “I want to give hope to the Dominican Republic and my family,” said Mendez. “That is why I fight, and I am proud to have Lou DiBella behind me.”
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
Promoter Lou DiBella believes that Mendez will do great things in the sport of boxing. “The kid has a bright future,” said DiBella. “He is a truly talented athlete and knows how to conduct himself in the ring. I look forward to working with him.”
Mendez comes from a spectacular amateur background that shows in his refined ring style. He is a 2004 Olympian from the Dominican Republic and won a silver Medal at the 2004 Junior World Championships. Mendez compiled an outstanding record of 238-12 as an amateur.
Mendez is a technical, heavy handed boxer/puncher that is pleasing to watch in the ring. “He is an intelligent fighter,” said Mendez’s manager Jose Nunez. “Argenis is a superior and accurate counterpuncher. I love his style.”
Mendez, already establishing and proving himself as an excellent pro, has been in the ring with the likes of Luis Sosa, Jose Navarrete, Jaime Sandoval and Arturo Gomez.
“I try to take a lesson from each and every fight,” said Mendez. “I keep learning and improving.”
Mendez , a workaholic, says nothing matters to him more that his family, boxing and his country. “I want to give hope to the Dominican Republic and my family,” said Mendez. “That is why I fight, and I am proud to have Lou DiBella behind me.”
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
Bernard Fernandez: Chambers is America's heavyweight hope By Bernard Fernandez of the Philadelphia Daily News
EDDIE CHAMBERS intends to celebrate the Fourth of July in the traditional way, which is to say with fireworks and some flag-waving. It's just that he'll be doing it in the ring, and far away from home.Hamburgers may or may not be on a grill anywhere near the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany, but the Pittsburgh-born, Philadelphia-based fighter said he will take the occasion of the United States' 233rd birthday to spectacularly demonstrate that at least one American heavyweight is capable of taking a lead position in what long has been considered boxing's most prestigious division.
"A lot of people say the best U.S. hope among heavyweights is Chris Arreola. I disagree. I say it's me," said Chambers (34-1, 18 KOs), who squares off with Russia's Alexander Dimitrenko (29-0, 19 KOs) in a WBO elimination bout, the winner of which becomes the mandatory contender to WBO/IBF titlist Wladimir Klitschko (53-3, 47 KOs), of Ukraine, who is widely considered to be the best heavyweight in the world - at least by those who don't think his older brother, WBC titlist Vitali Klitschko, is more deserving of that designation.
Wladimir Klitschko presumably strengthened his case for occupying the top spot Saturday with an efficient, 10th-round stoppage of Uzbekistan's Ruslan Chagaev, the WBA heavyweight champ "in recess," before a sellout crowd of 61,000-plus in a soccer stadium in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. That fight was seen on an incredible 58.4 percent of all the televisions in use in Germany during its time slot.
There might not be any country where boxing is an easier sell now than in Germany, which is why Chambers is headed back to Deutschland, the site of his only professional defeat. Money talks, and no U.S. TV outlet expressed a serious interest in televising Chambers-Dimitrenko here, there or anywhere.
But by going into an hostile environment and knocking off one of the Eastern Europeans who currently dominate the heavyweight landscape, Chambers, 27, and his manager-trainer, Philly's Rob Murray Sr., hope to demonstrate to HBO and Showtime that "Fast Eddie" is an American big man worthy of their backing. At the very least, Team Chambers intends to return to these shores on a victorious note, which was not the case following Chambers' 12-round, unanimous-decision loss to Russia's Alex Povetkin on Jan. 26, 2008, in Berlin.
In that bout, Chambers had his moments early, but thereafter fought with a curious lack of urgency, which allowed Povetkin to come on in the middle and later rounds.
Chambers replaced his father, Eddie Chambers Sr., as his trainer after that bout with his manager, Murray, who learned some cheesesteak-and-scrapple-flavored tricks of the trade by observing such legendary Philadelphia cornermen as Yank Durham and Sam Solomon. This will be Murray's fifth outing with Chambers in a dual capacity.
"We talk all the time about what went wrong in the Povetkin fight," Murray said. "It's the one that got away. Eddie's mistake was that he prepared for a fight, but not the fight. Nobody in his corner that night knew what buttons to push.
"If I had been in the corner for the Povetkin fight, I would have pushed the right buttons."
Some of those buttons already have been pushed, during Chambers' training camp in the Poconos. Chambers, who weighed 219 1/2 pounds for the Povetkin fight, has gotten down as low as 205 in camp and he said he will enter the ring against Dimitrenko no higher than 211, which would be his lowest weight since Feb. 10, 2006, when he was 211 for a bout with Andrew Greeley at the Blue Horizon.
"Eddie's not only the underdog, he's undersized," Murray noted. "He's fighting for short money. We're going over there to take on these big Russians that nobody else wants to fight. But we're not ducking anybody.
"This is a guy who wants to be the heavyweight champion of the world, not just the heavyweight champion of Pittsburgh or Philadelphia or the state of Pennsylvania. To do that, he has to kick the door down. He's going to do it, too. After Eddie beats Dimitrenko, we want to fight Povetkin again and then both of the Klitschkos."
That's a pretty ambitious agenda for someone who has logged 51.4 percent of his pro bouts at the Blue Horizon, where he is 18-0.
Not always beautiful
So stunningly attractive that she once was featured in a Playboy magazine pictorial, Mia St. John understands that some fight fans never have taken her seriously. She was derided by critics as the "Bunny Boxer," a bit of eye candy who gained prominence as the lead-in to some of Oscar De La Hoya's pay-per-view bouts in the mid- to late 1990s.
"I knew how they were marketing me. I don't blame them. I was what you'd call a willing victim," St. John, who turns 42 tomorrow, said during an appearance in Philadelphia last week to promote her new fitness book, "The Knockout Workout."
But life wasn't always lovely for St. John, a divorced, Mexican-American mother of two. In her latest instructional tome, St. John reveals that for years she battled alcoholism and bulimia, the result, she said, of self-esteem issues stemming from a childhood spent with a father who was "an angry and oftentimes violent drunk."
She never used to refer to her ugly past, but now that St. John (45-10-2, 18 KOs) is nearing the end of her boxing career - she is only 2-4 in her last six bouts- she said it's important to let women know that it's not the diet but the mind-set that can set them free.
"Diets don't work, because it's not about the food," said St. John. "It's about how you feel on the inside. Unless you learn to love yourself for exactly who you are, you're never going to stop the cycle of overeating."
Punch lines
Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall is the setting for "Latin Fury 9" on Saturday night, the main event of which has Puerto Rico's Juan Manuel Lopez (25-0, 23 KOs) defending his WBO super bantamweight championship against Olivier Lontchi (18-0, 8 KOs), of Montreal . . . Hall of Famer Pernell Whitaker makes his debut as the trainer of former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora when Spadafora (41-0-1, 16 KOs) squares off against Ivan Bustos (25-12-3, 8 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight bout tomorrow night in Spadafora's hometown of Pittsburgh. *See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer promotion a sure knockout3-day boxing spectacular Oct. 2-4 at the Paris Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS– The age-old question about who the all-time greatest boxers are will soon be answered thanks to The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer promotion, presented by Greatest Ever Enterprises.
Muhammad Ali was the self-proclaimed Greatest. Was it really Ali or Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Pep, or Henry Armstrong? How about modern day boxers such as Joe Calzaghe, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. or Manny Pacquiao?
On-line voting at www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing fans from around the world to weigh in on the greatest boxer in each of the original eight weight classes from, heavyweight to flyweight, highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “Greatest Ever”.
A nominations committee of boxing experts leads the debate and selection of the boxers. Upon reading a consensus, the nominated boxers will be put forward to a global public vote.
The nominations committee is comprised of Thomas Hauser (boxing journalist and award winning Muhammad Ali biographer), Al Bernstein (broadcaster and boxing analyst), Colin Hart (UK’s leading boxing reporter), Jean-Philippe Lustyk (head of boxing for pan-European sports channel Eurosport) and Ron Borges (boxing journalist and Hall of Fame committee member).
“We’re asking ourselves what it means for a fighter to be regarded as ‘great’,” said Thomas Hauser. “In making my decisions, I’m looking at each fighter’s record, his record against other elite fighters, and his impact on the sport. Other jurors might have different criteria or use the same criteria with different results. Many outstanding fighters won’t be on the final nominations list. We expect discussion and debate. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?”
Legendary TV presenter Al Bernstein and host of the Greatest Ever Awards night, proclaims, “I am delighted to be a part of this. We now live in an age where this kind of public participation and debate is possible. For the first time we are going to know what boxing fans around the world really think. It will be fascinating to see how they weigh-in with their votes. This program is a celebration of our sport and our great fighters. It is an appropriate time to remember them and what they have achieved.”
Judging is expected to be complete and the nominees’ names released on Wednesday June 24th.
HOLMES, DURAN and HEARNS CONFIRM ATTENDANCE
World Boxing legends Larry Holmes, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns are the first fighters to confirm they will be in Las Vegas for the Greatest Ever weekend of events. All nominated fighters will be invited to attend once the nominees have been released by the nominations committee.
“This is going to be a great weekend,” said former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. “I don’t know if I have been nominated yet but I fully expect to be. My record stands up to anyone’s and you have to look at the quality of the guys I fought. I think the fight publically recognizes that I am one of the ‘Greatest Ever’ and I hope they will vote for me. But more importantly, this is a celebration of all our achievements and the sport of boxing.”
“There is no sport tougher than boxing and there is no sport with so many globally known athletes. I want to be in the same place with all these other great fighters. This isn’t going to happen again. This is special and we realize that.”
GREATEST EVER WEEKEND OF EVENTS
Boxing fans attending the festivities will be able to celebrate, up close and personal, the achievements of the World’s Greater Ever Boxers. A three-day boxing spectacular is planned Oct. 2-4 at Paris Las Vegas, commencing with an official welcome reception and official weigh in for the following evening’s professional boxing show, presented by Sterling Promotions, featuring Team USA versus Team Europe, and capped by an exclusive after party. The event culminates Sunday with The Greater Ever black-tie awards dinner, featuring some of the greatest boxers ever, as well as world-class entertainment, and then an exclusive after party.
Don Ross, Vice President of Conventions, Catering and Events for Harrahs Entertainment (parent organization of Paris Las Vegas) states, “We are delighted that Greatest Ever is coming to Paris Las Vegas. The resort is a perfect location, in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, to bring together this renowned group of athletes. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime weekend with the legends.”
The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the official charity for The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer. Greatest Ever will run a number of special initiatives with RBF, the only charitable beneficiary of the promotion, in conjunction with the event weekend as well as other soon-to-be-announced programs. RBD assists retired professional boxers in the transition from their days in the ring to dignified retirement, helping those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems, homelessness and effects of pugilistic dementia.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Muhammad Ali was the self-proclaimed Greatest. Was it really Ali or Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Pep, or Henry Armstrong? How about modern day boxers such as Joe Calzaghe, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. or Manny Pacquiao?
On-line voting at www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing fans from around the world to weigh in on the greatest boxer in each of the original eight weight classes from, heavyweight to flyweight, highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “Greatest Ever”.
A nominations committee of boxing experts leads the debate and selection of the boxers. Upon reading a consensus, the nominated boxers will be put forward to a global public vote.
The nominations committee is comprised of Thomas Hauser (boxing journalist and award winning Muhammad Ali biographer), Al Bernstein (broadcaster and boxing analyst), Colin Hart (UK’s leading boxing reporter), Jean-Philippe Lustyk (head of boxing for pan-European sports channel Eurosport) and Ron Borges (boxing journalist and Hall of Fame committee member).
“We’re asking ourselves what it means for a fighter to be regarded as ‘great’,” said Thomas Hauser. “In making my decisions, I’m looking at each fighter’s record, his record against other elite fighters, and his impact on the sport. Other jurors might have different criteria or use the same criteria with different results. Many outstanding fighters won’t be on the final nominations list. We expect discussion and debate. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?”
Legendary TV presenter Al Bernstein and host of the Greatest Ever Awards night, proclaims, “I am delighted to be a part of this. We now live in an age where this kind of public participation and debate is possible. For the first time we are going to know what boxing fans around the world really think. It will be fascinating to see how they weigh-in with their votes. This program is a celebration of our sport and our great fighters. It is an appropriate time to remember them and what they have achieved.”
Judging is expected to be complete and the nominees’ names released on Wednesday June 24th.
HOLMES, DURAN and HEARNS CONFIRM ATTENDANCE
World Boxing legends Larry Holmes, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns are the first fighters to confirm they will be in Las Vegas for the Greatest Ever weekend of events. All nominated fighters will be invited to attend once the nominees have been released by the nominations committee.
“This is going to be a great weekend,” said former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. “I don’t know if I have been nominated yet but I fully expect to be. My record stands up to anyone’s and you have to look at the quality of the guys I fought. I think the fight publically recognizes that I am one of the ‘Greatest Ever’ and I hope they will vote for me. But more importantly, this is a celebration of all our achievements and the sport of boxing.”
“There is no sport tougher than boxing and there is no sport with so many globally known athletes. I want to be in the same place with all these other great fighters. This isn’t going to happen again. This is special and we realize that.”
GREATEST EVER WEEKEND OF EVENTS
Boxing fans attending the festivities will be able to celebrate, up close and personal, the achievements of the World’s Greater Ever Boxers. A three-day boxing spectacular is planned Oct. 2-4 at Paris Las Vegas, commencing with an official welcome reception and official weigh in for the following evening’s professional boxing show, presented by Sterling Promotions, featuring Team USA versus Team Europe, and capped by an exclusive after party. The event culminates Sunday with The Greater Ever black-tie awards dinner, featuring some of the greatest boxers ever, as well as world-class entertainment, and then an exclusive after party.
Don Ross, Vice President of Conventions, Catering and Events for Harrahs Entertainment (parent organization of Paris Las Vegas) states, “We are delighted that Greatest Ever is coming to Paris Las Vegas. The resort is a perfect location, in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, to bring together this renowned group of athletes. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime weekend with the legends.”
The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the official charity for The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer. Greatest Ever will run a number of special initiatives with RBF, the only charitable beneficiary of the promotion, in conjunction with the event weekend as well as other soon-to-be-announced programs. RBD assists retired professional boxers in the transition from their days in the ring to dignified retirement, helping those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems, homelessness and effects of pugilistic dementia.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
ALEXANDER vs. WITTER TITLE BOUT ADDED TO AUG. 1 CARD
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.— World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” will fight for the vacant WBC super lightweight championship against the former holder of that belt, Junior “The Hitter” Witter, in a tremendous co-feature on Saturday, Aug. 1 at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. (SHOWTIME 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast)
In an interesting twist, Witter lost this title on May 10, 2008, to undefeated Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs), who will defend his World Boxing Organization 140-pound crown against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs) in the main event on this card. In a world title unification, Bradley defeated Kendall Holt on April 4 to capture the WBO belt. Less than a month later, Bradley chose to voluntarily relinquish the WBC strap that Alexander and Witter will be vying for.
“I just found out a few days ago that I’ll be in my first world championship match against Junior Witter on Aug. 1,” Alexander said. “I am so thrilled to be fighting for a world title and against Witter, a fighter I respect. He’s already had the title we’re fighting for, and I feel like it’s my turn now. I’m not stopping my undefeated run for anyone. I’ll never have a chance at the biggest fights in the world against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao unless I win this.”
The promising Alexander (18-0, 11 KOs) is the most highly touted fighter to come out of St. Louis since four-time world champion Cory Spinks. The 22-year-old Alexander is a stablemate of Spinks and has fought as a pro exclusively under the guidance of longtime Spinks’ longtime trainer Kevin Cunningham.
“This is a terrific opportunity for Devon,” Cunningham said. “He’s been preparing for this moment since he was 8 years old when I heard him say he wanted to fight for the ‘green belt’ of the WBC. Now he’s the mandatory challenger. We look forward to bringing home another world championship to the American Gateway City of St. Louis.”
In another sign of stability, legendary boxing promoter Don King remains as Alexander’s only promoter. He signed Alexander after Cunningham brought the boxer to his attention while the young phenom was still in high school.
“I saw something special in Devon from the beginning,” King said. “He doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs. He takes care of his body. His smile lights up a room. He’s also a great role model for young people. I can’t say enough good things about this talented young man.
“Now he has received an opportunity in the land of opportunity and he plans to make the most of it. Those in attendance at Agua Caliente and watching across America on Showtime are going to see a very special young fighter win his first world title.”
Alexander has stopped 11 of his 18 opponents, including the last three in a row. The only areas he must concede to his opponent are those pertaining to age and experience.
The 35-year-old Witter (37-2-2, 22 KOs), a Brit who is making his second start in the United States, has only lost twice in his long career. Besides Bradley last year, the only other person to beat Witter was then-unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Zab “Super” Judah in 2000.
The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Don King Productions and Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa.
Opened in February 2009, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa is the ultimate in luxury entertainment. With just over 2,000 seats and excellent sight lines, guests can get up-close and personal with the world’s finest entertainers and athletes. The Show also features 12 VIP boxes with gourmet catering and private bars. Right outside, Agua Caliente offers 24/7 gaming and a gorgeous, 340-room hotel, plus spa and resort.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
In an interesting twist, Witter lost this title on May 10, 2008, to undefeated Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs), who will defend his World Boxing Organization 140-pound crown against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs) in the main event on this card. In a world title unification, Bradley defeated Kendall Holt on April 4 to capture the WBO belt. Less than a month later, Bradley chose to voluntarily relinquish the WBC strap that Alexander and Witter will be vying for.
“I just found out a few days ago that I’ll be in my first world championship match against Junior Witter on Aug. 1,” Alexander said. “I am so thrilled to be fighting for a world title and against Witter, a fighter I respect. He’s already had the title we’re fighting for, and I feel like it’s my turn now. I’m not stopping my undefeated run for anyone. I’ll never have a chance at the biggest fights in the world against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao unless I win this.”
The promising Alexander (18-0, 11 KOs) is the most highly touted fighter to come out of St. Louis since four-time world champion Cory Spinks. The 22-year-old Alexander is a stablemate of Spinks and has fought as a pro exclusively under the guidance of longtime Spinks’ longtime trainer Kevin Cunningham.
“This is a terrific opportunity for Devon,” Cunningham said. “He’s been preparing for this moment since he was 8 years old when I heard him say he wanted to fight for the ‘green belt’ of the WBC. Now he’s the mandatory challenger. We look forward to bringing home another world championship to the American Gateway City of St. Louis.”
In another sign of stability, legendary boxing promoter Don King remains as Alexander’s only promoter. He signed Alexander after Cunningham brought the boxer to his attention while the young phenom was still in high school.
“I saw something special in Devon from the beginning,” King said. “He doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs. He takes care of his body. His smile lights up a room. He’s also a great role model for young people. I can’t say enough good things about this talented young man.
“Now he has received an opportunity in the land of opportunity and he plans to make the most of it. Those in attendance at Agua Caliente and watching across America on Showtime are going to see a very special young fighter win his first world title.”
Alexander has stopped 11 of his 18 opponents, including the last three in a row. The only areas he must concede to his opponent are those pertaining to age and experience.
The 35-year-old Witter (37-2-2, 22 KOs), a Brit who is making his second start in the United States, has only lost twice in his long career. Besides Bradley last year, the only other person to beat Witter was then-unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Zab “Super” Judah in 2000.
The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Don King Productions and Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa.
Opened in February 2009, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa is the ultimate in luxury entertainment. With just over 2,000 seats and excellent sight lines, guests can get up-close and personal with the world’s finest entertainers and athletes. The Show also features 12 VIP boxes with gourmet catering and private bars. Right outside, Agua Caliente offers 24/7 gaming and a gorgeous, 340-room hotel, plus spa and resort.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
O’Connor back boxing in Boston
FRAMINGHAM, Mass.– Highly active unbeaten prospect Danny O’Connor fights in his first scheduled 6-round bout Saturday afternoon (5:00 PM/ET start) in a junior welterweight Special Attraction against 30-fight veteran Sebastien Hamel at The Roxy in Boston’s famed theater district. The popular Irish-American will be in his seventh fight in eight months since turning pro last September.
“I’m excited to be fighting in my first 6-rounder,” O’Connor said. “It’s going to be a good experience, especially in Boston, where there will be a lot of my people. There’s no additional pressure on me fighting a home, though. I appreciate seeing and hearing all of the support, knowing they came to see me fight.”
2004 U.S. Olympic Team alternate O’Connor (6-0, 2 KOs) was impressive in his last fight, easily winning by 4-round decision against 22-fight veteran Travis Hartman on April 25 at Foxwoods. “I felt very relaxed in my last fight,” Danny noted. “It was like a day at the office. I’m really starting to feel confident. I’m going rounds and not feeling tight or anxious. Obviously, I was in great shape, and I’ll be in even better shape for this fight having been in a full strength-and-conditioning program for the first time with my coach, Eric Cressey. All of my work is going to kick-in this fight. I’m in the gym sparring 6, 8 and even 10 rounds. Sparring isn’t the same as fighting, but I’m ready to go six in this fight if it goes the distance. Each fight I’m learning and improving.”
The 24-year-old O’Connor, who defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz a year ago in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet, will fight closer to his Framingham (Mass.) home in front of hundreds of family, friends and fans at The Roxy.
“We’re looking forward to Danny’s first 6-rounder because that’s what separates the men from the boys in professional boxing,” O’Connor’s head trainer and co-manager (with Rob Valle) David Keefe remarked. “We’re moving forward. We have been busy and Danny is ready to move up.”
“We are proud of Danny and the progress he has made,” Seminole Warriors Boxing (O’Connor’s promoter) Leon Margules added. “The people in the Boston area should enjoy seeing the continued development of their great young prospect.”
For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to
See you at the Fights.Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
“I’m excited to be fighting in my first 6-rounder,” O’Connor said. “It’s going to be a good experience, especially in Boston, where there will be a lot of my people. There’s no additional pressure on me fighting a home, though. I appreciate seeing and hearing all of the support, knowing they came to see me fight.”
2004 U.S. Olympic Team alternate O’Connor (6-0, 2 KOs) was impressive in his last fight, easily winning by 4-round decision against 22-fight veteran Travis Hartman on April 25 at Foxwoods. “I felt very relaxed in my last fight,” Danny noted. “It was like a day at the office. I’m really starting to feel confident. I’m going rounds and not feeling tight or anxious. Obviously, I was in great shape, and I’ll be in even better shape for this fight having been in a full strength-and-conditioning program for the first time with my coach, Eric Cressey. All of my work is going to kick-in this fight. I’m in the gym sparring 6, 8 and even 10 rounds. Sparring isn’t the same as fighting, but I’m ready to go six in this fight if it goes the distance. Each fight I’m learning and improving.”
The 24-year-old O’Connor, who defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz a year ago in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet, will fight closer to his Framingham (Mass.) home in front of hundreds of family, friends and fans at The Roxy.
“We’re looking forward to Danny’s first 6-rounder because that’s what separates the men from the boys in professional boxing,” O’Connor’s head trainer and co-manager (with Rob Valle) David Keefe remarked. “We’re moving forward. We have been busy and Danny is ready to move up.”
“We are proud of Danny and the progress he has made,” Seminole Warriors Boxing (O’Connor’s promoter) Leon Margules added. “The people in the Boston area should enjoy seeing the continued development of their great young prospect.”
For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to
See you at the Fights.Thanks for your time.
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 rights reserved
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