Fedor ‘The Last Emperor’ Emelianenko Not Hanging Up His Gloves Admired Heavyweight Fighter Will Continue Fighting

Still possessing a champion’s heart and desire to compete, Fedor Emelianenko (31-4, 1 NC) has elected not to retire; his next opponent and date are to be determined with the bout likely slated to take place in Russia.

M-1 Global President and co-founder Vadim Finkelstein confirmed ‘The Last Emperor’s’ decision and shared his immediate plans for Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion.

“We consulted with Fedor and it was decided that he should not leave the sport in this way. His friends and past opponents support Fedor in continuing his career and he agreed,” said Finkelstein. “We want to organize a fight for Fedor in Russia and have already begun working in this direction. If everything goes as planned, we will produce a card in Moscow or St. Petersburg sometime in the fall with Fedor as the main event.” The opponent is yet to be determined.

More plans are also in the mix according to Finkelstein, “In addition to the fight in Russia, we’re also working with our Japanese contacts to organize a New Year’s Eve event in Japan that Fedor would participate in as well.”

When asked about 2012 Finkelstein spoke optimistically; “If all is successful, in 2012 we’ll be back in the U.S. All these ideas are being developed right now and we want to work exactly according to this plan.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Ronnie Shields new chief second for top super middleweight prospect Edwin ‘La Bomba’ Rodriguez Undefeated Dominican boxer headlines Broadway Boxing

Undefeated Edwin“La Bomba” Rodriguez, arguably the premier super middleweight prospect in the world, has switched head trainers and now two-time world title challenger Ronnie Shields is his chief second.

Rodriguez, a 26-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, returns on August 20 to fight at home in Worcester (MA) for the third time in as many years, headlining a special edition of Broadway Boxing, presented by DiBella Entertainment, at historic Mechanics Hall against intra-state rival and Iraq War veteran Chris Traietti (10-2, 6 KOs).

Rodriguez’manager, Larry Army, explained the head trainer change: “After Edwin’s third pro fight we switched trainers and went with Peter Manfredo, Sr., but after the McGirt and Pryor fights, Edwin and I talked about things that hadn’t been fixed– balance, wide punching and fighting out of control. So, we decided to make a change and sent Edwin to Houston to start working with Ronnie Shields. We knew that Edwin was more of a boxer as an amateur, but he had become a puncher as a young pro, and we felt he was losing his boxing skills.

“We conducted a two-month search to find the right trainer for Edwin and found him in Ronnie, who refocused Edwin on boxing without compromising his power. We didn’t send a raw prospect to Houston. Edwin had beaten three very good fighters in McGirt, Pryor and (Marcus) Upshaw, as well as veteran Darnell Boone, who had knocked off two undefeated prospects. In the August 20 fight, people are going to see an improved Edwin Rodriguez, but they’ve only been working together for three months, and he’s still a work in progress. He’s going to need an edge against better opponents and Ronnie gives him that edge he didn’t have before.”

Rodriguez (18-0, 13 KOs) is coming off of impressive back-to-back performances in high-profile victories against the sons of great fighters, James McGirt, Jr. and Aaron Pryor, Jr., respectively, on ShoBox: The New Generation and ESPN Friday Night Fights. In his last fight, Edwin suffered a dislocated shoulder during the early rounds from which he is now 100-percent fully recovered.

“I’m listening to somebody who has accomplished so much in boxing,” Rodriguez commented about working with Shields. “He knows what he’s talking about because he’s been there. The mistakes Ronnie may have made, he doesn’t want me to make, and really knows what styles work best against other styles. I feel real good about now going into a fight with several game plans, instead of just one, and being able to adjust during the fight. What I was missing in the past was more than only one game-plan; I made no adjustments during the fight, even if our game-plan wasn’t working.

“Ronnie’s been working on little things with me like blocking punches, proper balance, setting-up shots and using my defensive skills more. Now, I know what to do after hitting the body. When I used to throw a good body shot, I didn’t follow-up with a side-step, move around my opponent, and then throw a left hook upstairs. Not only wasn’t I finishing up after throwing a body shot, I left myself open for counters. I’m turning my shots and working everything off my jab. All of these changes have made a huge difference.”

The Lou DiBella-promoted Rodriguez is presently rated among the top 13 by all major governing bodies in professional boxing: International Boxing Federation (#8), World Boxing Association (#11), World Boxing Council (#13) and World Boxing Organization (#13). The 26-year-old is the reigning WBC USNBC titleholder.

In the past, the highly-regarded Shields worked with superstars such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker and the late Vernon Forrest. Today, in addition to Rodriguez, Ronnie handles WBA Interim super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, Erislandy Lara, Kermit Cintron, Jermall Charlo and Mike Lee, to mention some of the more notable boxers.

“Edwin is a good fighter and it didn’t take much to fix the few things that needed fixing,” Shields evaluated his new protégé. “He lacked defense and needed more head movement. He’s tall but fought like he was short. He likes to mix it up –nothing wrong with that – but nobody understood that he has such a great jab. He has a very pleasing style but, since I’ve had him in camp, I’ve tried to convince him that he’ll have a much longer career if he boxes on the outside. So far, he’s been great and he’s getting great sparring with light heavyweight Cornelius White. They have wars in the gym.

“As long as he stays focused and continues doing what he’s supposed to do, Edwin is going to be champion of the world. Timing is everything, and getting the right fights is important. Everybody knows he’s a good fighter, and he’s coming off of a shoulder injury. They’re going to see how good he really is August 20th.”

Edwin started boxing in 2001 and he developed into one of the top amateurs in the United States, compiling a solid 84-9 record, including gold-medal performances in the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament. Rodriguez, who has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Dominican Republic, became the first Massachusetts boxer to win the middleweight title at the Nationals since “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler in 1973.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

JR. WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER EDGAR SANTANA SIGNS WITH FISTICUFFS PROMOTIONS

Fisticuffs promotions announced the signing of Jr. Welterweight contender Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana to a promotional contract.

Santana of Bronx, New York has a record of 25-3 with sixteen knockouts and has won four straight which is over a four year span.

Santana, thirty-two years old, turned pro in 1999 and went on to win twenty-one of his first twenty three bouts which included big victories over Francisco Campos (20-5-1); Meacher Major (12-2-1); Dairo Esales (30-6); Mike Gonzalez (10-2-1) and a career best victory over Josesito Lopez (22-2) in a bout that headlined a SHO BOX card on April 11, 2008.

Santana took a three year hiatus due to legal problems and with those out of the way, Santana is right back on the track to capturing a world title.

Santana returned to the ring with an explosive second round knockout over Robert Jones on May 5, 2011.

That win was especially impressive considering Jones was never stopped in his seventeen bouts.

Santana is one of the most popular ticket sellers in the competitive New York market and he owns and operates a popular Barber Shop in his native Spanish Harlem.

“Edgar Santana has always been one of the best prospects on the East Coast and I am happy we were able to work out a deal”, said Dave Escalet of Fisticuffs Promotions.

“Despite having that layoff, we feel that he is only a couple fights away from a significant fight that will put him in position for a world title. He showed in his last fight that he is a force to be reckoned with and we plan to make those important fights happen for him”

Santana will be fighting for NABA Jr. Welterweight title on August 19th at Dover Downs in Dover, Delaware.

“The NABA title will get him in the rankings and he will be right there knocking on the door after he wins the fight”, continued Escalet.

“I am happy to make a deal with Fisticuffs”, said Santana’s manager Brian Cohen.

“We already have this big fight lined up so it’s only a matter of staying busy and Edgar will be fighting for the title”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. ALFONSO GOMEZ SET FOR SEPT. 17 AT STAPLES CENTER AS PART OF "STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ" TWO-SITE PPV MEGA-EVENT‏

"STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ" GETS BIGGER, BETTER AND BRIGHTER AS CANELO ALVAREZ VS. ALFONSO GOMEZ IS ADDED TO CREATE TWO-SITE, STAR-STUDDED SEPTEMBER 17 BOXING EXTRAVAGANZA PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW® STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES TO CO-HOST PAY-PER-VIEW MEGA EVENT WITH MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS LOS TUCANES DE TIJUANA AND EL GRAN SILENCIO SET FOR LIVE PERFORMANCES FOR THE CROWD AT STAPLES CENTER

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" just got propelled into another galaxy, as it was announced today that rising Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will defend his WBC super welterweight championship against Alfonso Gomez on the televised undercard of the September 17 pay-per-view extravaganza featuring the WBC welterweight world championship mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz.

Making this announcement more significant and unique is the fact that Alvarez and Gomez will face each other at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, while Mayweather and Ortiz will battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, creating a mega-event from two world-class cities.

Fans in attendance at each arena will be able to see the fight live from the other arena, making this a first-time split-site boxing experience taking place on Mexican Independence Day boxing weekend.

Both bouts will be will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Following the showing of Mayweather vs. Ortiz at STAPLES Center, fans in attendance will see two special post-fight concerts performed by Los Tucanes de Tijuana and El Gran Silencio.

"'STAR POWER' is living up to its name as a mega-event with the addition of Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. "To have this event emanate from two separate locations like STAPLES Center and MGM Grand Garden Arena is a testament to the size and magnitude of the event and what it will deliver to the fans in the arenas and those watching at home on pay-per-view. Floyd is absolutely thrilled that Alvarez vs. Gomez will be a part of this show from Los Angeles."

"This is a historic and unprecedented night for boxing and Golden Boy Promotions as we showcase the extraordinary talents of Mayweather, Ortiz, Alvarez and Gomez from two iconic and world-renowned venues in STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the capitol of sports and entertainment and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, truly the boxing mega-center of the world," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. "This show is now even more loaded with stars, and to have Alvarez vs. Gomez join the magnificent boxing match-up of the year between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is exactly why we named the fight 'STAR POWER,' which is expected to set attendance and viewership records in one night."

"September 17 at STAPLES Center will be a night to remember for boxing fans in Los Angeles as it will mark the first time the arena will host a boxing match, a pay-per-view viewing and a post-fight concert all on the same day," Lee Zeidman, STAPLES Center General Manager. "We are looking forward to what will no doubt be an incredible action-packed night of boxing and live entertainment."

"The MGM Resorts family is very excited to welcome the return of Floyd Mayweather to the MGM Grand on September 17," said Richard Sturm, president of Sports & Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. "This championship event marks Mayweather's first fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in more than 15 months and continues our tradition as the leader in the sports and entertainment industry."

"With the anticipation and star power of Mayweather-Ortiz from MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the addition of Alvarez vs. Gomez live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and the celebration of Mexican Independence Day, viewers are in for a fantastic night of boxing on September 17," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View.

Already Mexico's brightest young star, 21-year-old Canelo Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KO's) of Guadalajara is quickly becoming an international sensation with fans around the world taking noting of his power and prowess in the ring and his charm and charisma outside of the ring. Following wins over former World Champions Carlos Baldomir and Lovemore N'Dou in 2010, Alvarez kicked off 2011 with a March victory over Matthew Hatton that earned him the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship. Three months later, Alvarez returned to Guadalajara for a homecoming title defense and victory over Ryan Rhodes that captivated a nation. With his American fan base growing at a meteoric pace, Alvarez will hold court in the City of Angels as he defends his title from STAPLES Center and fights for the Mexican people against ultra-tough Alfonso Gomez.

"I'm happy to come back to fight in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center for another Mexican Independence Day weekend," said Alvarez. "Alfonso Gomez is a good fighter and also from Guadalajara, Mexico. I hope the fight will be explosive because that is what the fans will be looking for between two Mexican warriors like us, but I feel confident I am going to win the fight."

A fan favorite who was present in American living rooms every week when he competed on "The Contender" reality show, Alfonso Gomez (23-4-2, 12 KO's) has proven that he has what it takes to battle it out with the elite in the years since his stint on national television. The owner of wins over Arturo Gatti, Ben Tackie, and Jesse Brinkley, the 30-year old Los Angeles resident (who originally hails from Guadalajara) has also faced current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and Peter Manfredo Jr., but he is currently showing the best form of his 10-year career thanks to a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over Jesus Soto Karass and Jose Luis Castillo. Now, he prepares for his second world title shot as he takes on Canelo Alvarez on September 17.

"Canelo's popularity is great for him and for boxing," said Gomez. "I know Canelo's team thinks I'm just another notch on his belt, but it's not the first time a popular fighter made the same mistake. I've fought and beaten much better competition and I'm coming to win the world title. Canelo and I come from the same place and we are both Mexican warriors. I heard there's another fight happening in Las Vegas on September 17, but as far as I'm concerned, the best fight on that day will be at STAPLES Center. I can think of no better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend...Viva Mexico!"

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-round mega-fight, which will be contested for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.

"STAR POWER LOS ANGELES: Alvarez vs. Gomez" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-roundfight, which will be contested for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

The Mayweather vs. Ortiz & Alvarez vs. Gomez pay-per-view telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

"STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ" UNDERCARD PRESS TOUR QUOTES

"STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ" UNDERCARD PRESS TOUR QUOTES. Star-Studded Fight Card Completed With Addition Of Erik Morales vs. Lucas Matthysse and Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez ERIK MORALES, Five-Time and Three Division World Champion

"When we were first talking about this fight, we were talking about an opponent who wasn't easy, but not as difficult as Lucas Matthysse.

"I have seen a lot of comments on Facebook...people saying I am crazy, and I want to confirm that I am crazy. I am crazy about what I do.

"This is a sport that I participate in with a lot of love and a lot of heart. People question me, but I know that I love to fight and I want to fight. I will be ready September 17. The Mexicans can have a great party and celebrate when I am victorious.

"This is my second fight in the United States since I came back and I am going to win.

"I am very excited to be here and to be boxing again. I was away for two and a half years, but I had a lot of desire to do great things again.

"In April I had a tough fight against Marcos Maidana. A lot of reporters doubted me, but I made it very clear that I am back and can still accomplish great things.

"Everyone can see how I have advanced in the last year. Little by little I am back at the level at which I expected to be. I am very happy with where I am and where I need to be for this fight.

"I am going to do whatever I have to do to win.

"This fight is going to be for the fans and a lot of my fans will be traveling from Tijuana to Las Vegas.

"We're going to be ready on September 17. I'll fight for the Mexican people and be champion again."

JESSIE VARGAS, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender

"I am definitely excited and will take full advantage of this opportunity. It's a pleasure and an honor to be on the same card as Floyd Mayweather and Erik Morales.

"I feel that I am ready for this big stage. I had two quick knockouts in my last two fights, but the preparation was there. I was ready for 10 rounds.

"I have a new trainer and I'm very happy with the work we have put in. There will be a difference in my style for the better.

"I expect a great fight from Lopez. We could definitely steal the show. We are both coming to fight.

"Watching Floyd [Mayweather] train is something to be admired. He trains like a fighter who is just coming up. The fact that I have been able to be in the gym with him has helped me because I want to train like that. I am not as slick as him, but I have definitely added some of his tools to my belt.

"This is a great opportunity that has been given to me at 22 years of age and I'm going to take advantage of it. I will definitely come to fight."

JOSESITO LOPEZ, #8 Rated WBC Super Lightweight Contender

"I am thrilled, ready and focused for my fight against Jesse Vargas.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent on HBO Pay Per View.

"Vargas is a good fighter, but I know that I am the better fighter with more drive. Come fight night, everyone will know it.

"Whenever you put fighters like me and Jessie in the ring, you are going to have a great fight on your hands because it will be two fighters at the top of our game getting it on.

"I have to prove once again that I am ready to be at the top of my weight class. It's a tough position to be in, but if you are mentally strong, it can be the best position to be in."

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

"I have been around boxing for 30 years and I cannot remember a card that is as tremendous as this one. From top to bottom, this card is stacked with great fights.

"I think the fans are truly in for a great night of boxing.

"Behind every great young fighter there is someone who has been with them from day one and for Jessie Vargas that has been his father Jose.

"In our [Mayweather Promotions'] eyes, Jessie Vargas is the best young fighter in all of boxing. September 17 will be his coming out party.

"Jessie has been part of the Mayweather Promotions family every since he was a young kid. We have taken him under our wing for a number of years.

"I am personally very proud of him for his accomplishments thus far. Come September 17, all of you will see what Jessie Vargas is capable of."

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

"Today we are here to announce the two fights that will round out this amazing card. Two young prospects in Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez and of course one of the most famous Mexican fighters in the history of the sport, the legendary Erik Morales who will face Lucas Matthysse. Matthysse is as hungry to bring that belt back to his homeland of Argentina just as Erik Morales is to take it back to Mexico.

"Erik Morales does not take and does not need to take any hand outs.

"When Barrios was not available and Lucas Matthysse became available, I think that it became evident that this was never about Morales getting a title handed to him. It was about earning his titles and if someone has earned his titles the hard way, it is Erik Morales.

"Erik Morales is truly the definition of a modern day gladiator.

"Morales' resume is second to none. He will become the first Mexican to win a world championship in four weight divisions and make history.

"When the fight is over on September 17, we will have a new world champion and it is going to be Erik 'El Terrible' Morales.

"September 17 is going to be the Super Bowl, the World Series, game seven of the NBA Finals, the last lap of the Indianapolis 500, whatever sport that can help you put this into perspective, that is what September 17 is for boxing.

"The fact is, this is as good as it gets."

CARLOS MERA, Director of Box Latino Promotions (Morales' Promotional Company)

"As a company we are proud to be working with Golden Boy Promotions on this event.

"Morales is going for a championship in a fourth weight class.

"This is going to be a great event and a great fight."

KEN THOMPSON, President of Thompson Boxing Promotions (Lopez' Co-Promoter)

"This is overall best fight card I have seen in years.

"It's an opportunity for sports fans everywhere to get together with their families and friends and enjoy a great night of fights.

"This card features eight of the greatest fighters in the sport today.

"Josesito Lopez is one of the youngest, sharpest, fastest, most exciting fighters in the world."

ROBERT ALCAZAR, Vargas' Trainer

"I want to thank the people who made this fight possible and I want to thank the fighters' families.

"Jose Lopez is a good fighter. He is considered one of the top fighters in the weight class by most of the sanctioning bodies, but Jessie is ready. Jessie is an excellent fighter. In my opinion, that is what is going to be the difference in this fight...a good fighter against an excellent fighter.

"In my opinion, Jessie Vargas is going to be the big champion we are waiting for in boxing. This fight will open doors for him.

"I have big expectations for this kid. I believe in him. I believe in his family. I believe we are going to have a great fight."

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Dewalt Tools and AT&T. The 12-round mega-fight, which will be contested for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.



♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.