Share SBS w/Family or Friends

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Star Boxer Ishe Smith Credits Las Vegas Orthopedic Surgeon for Title Chance Dr. Jedediah W. Jones successfully treated fellow Las Vegas native’s hand injury, and now the fighter to contest IBF Junior Middleweight Championship Feb. 23

Boxer Ishe Smith wouldn’t be climbing into the ring and fighting for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship later this month if not for the help of fellow Las Vegas native and resident orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jedediah W. Jones.

“It was Dr. Jones’ care that nurtured me back to health,” said Smith, suffering the serious knuckle injury on his throwing hand during a boxing match in September 2012. “If it wasn’t for his treatment, I would never have had this opportunity. It was a blessing to be able to take this fight because my (knuckle) was in pretty bad shape.”

Smith (24-5, 11 KOs) is attempting to become the first Las Vegas-born fighter to win a world title when he faces current world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (32-4, 19 KOs) on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Mich., on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

It was just a few months ago that Smith’s career was in limbo because of a hand injury. “Sugar Shay” Smith was facing a mandatory six-month medical layoff by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the 34-year-old boxer knew surgery wasn’t an option because he could be out even longer. So Smith turned to fellow Las Vegas native Jones, an orthopedic surgeon in the Hand Surgery Specialists of Nevada, to create a treatment plan that didn’t involve going under the scalpel.
Dr. Jones examined the metacarpal/phalangeal joint on Smith’s middle finger, diagnosing it as a bruised knuckle and a damaged ligament. The injury didn’t require surgery, rather a detailed treatment program to heal it.

“You need to give the body a chance to heal itself,” said Dr. Jones, who consults on wrist, hand and elbow injuries to UNLV athletes. “I know he wanted to get back to fighting, just like an injured firefighter or police officer who wants to get back to work. (Ishe) understood it was going to take some time to fully heal.”

On the surface a bruised knuckle might seem like a minor injury but for boxers the injury is incredibly painful and potentially career threatening. And if not treated properly, it could be a chronic problem.

“It’s an excruciating pain,” Smith said of the injury. “In boxing, our hands are everything. If I can’t throw that punch without pain, I can’t fight.”;

Dr. Jones put a splint on Smith’s finger and laid out a course of treatment. Smith could work on conditioning and shadow boxing but couldn’t land a punch with the injured hand for six weeks. After that period, Smith was allowed to hit a light bag. Although the fighter suffered a minor setback, the injury fully healed. Smith’s recovery took just four months, not the six months or longer some doctors had anticipated.

Smith, who appeared on the original season of the NBC reality show “Contender,” was grateful to once again be pain free. The boxer calls the orthopedist a “caring doctor who listens” and frequently takes to his Twitter account (@IsheSugarShay) to thank Dr. Jones (@DrJedediahJones).   

More importantly, Smith has confidence in his hand—and ability—as he’s set for his world title fight.

Dr. Jones will be watching and rooting for the Las Vegas native, knowing the human body’s ability to heal itself and patience is sometimes the best medicine.

“I’m just one part of the team,” Dr. Jones said.
Boxer Ishe Smith during a press conference to promote his upcoming fight with Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage. (Photo credit: Golden Boy Promotions/Hoganphotos)

♔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.

NELSON GOING ALL IN VS. MEDINA March 1 ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Co-Feature at MGM Grand at Foxwoods



NELSON GOING ALL IN VS. MEDINA
March 1 ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Co-Feature at MGM Grand at Foxwoods

North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight champion Willie "The Great" Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs) plans to make a major statement on March 1, against Michael "El Magnifico" Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on ESPN Friday Night Fights, airing live from Foxwoods Resort Casino's MGM Grand Theater, in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
 
The ESPN Friday Night Fights card, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and 50 Cent's SMS Promotions, will air live at 9 p.m. ET. The Nelson-Medina bout is promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions.
 
The 12-round main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights features International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight Champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21 KOs), who is promoted by 50 Cent, and fighting in the United States for the first time in four-and-a-half years.  The Australian boxer defends his title against undefeated Russian challenger Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8 KOs), rated No. 11 by the IBF.
 
Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off consecutive victories by impressive 10-round decisions over a pair of previously unbeaten Olympians - two-time Cuban National champion Yudel Jhonson (12-1), on ShoBox, and World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (13-1, 12 KOs) for the vacant NABF super welterweight title.
 
Another impressive win for Nelson, who is the top-ranked American in the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings at No. 5, should move him up the ladder and closer to a world title shot.
 
"This fight is very important for my career because I'll be showcasing my talent on ESPN and so many people will see me fight," Nelson said.  "This fight is going to get me closer to the top of my division in the WBC.  Personally, though, it's just another fight that won't affect me in the ring.
 
"Medina comes straight forward and throws a lot of punches, but he has poor defense, throws looping punches, and doesn't move his head.  He likes to throw a lot of body punches.  I've fought a lot of guys like him in the amateurs and a few as a pro."
 
WBC No. 17-ranked Medina will be giving away three-and-a-half inches in height, as well as a nine-inch reach advantage, to the 6'4" Nelson, who has an 84" reach.  Medina, whose most notable win to date is a 10-round decision in 2011 over Grady Brewer, has been stopped only once, by Saul Roman, and his only other losses as a professional have been to the undefeated Vanes Martirosyan and John Duddy.
 
Nelson is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Steve Smith's Rumble Time Promotions.
 
The undercard, featuring some of New England's most promising prospects, will soon be announced.
 

♔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.

Hopkins vs. Cloud will take place Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Hopkins vs. Cloud, a 12-round fight for Cloud’s IBF light heavyweight title, will take place Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don King Productions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Ford.  The co-main event will be a 12-round fight between top-rated contender Keith Thurman and former world champion Jan Zaveck for Zaveck’s World Boxing Organization Intercontinental welterweight championship.

♔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.

ELVIR MURIQI HEADLINES MARCH 15TH IN WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY PLUS UNDEFEATED JOHN THOMPSON, ANTOINE DOUGLAS, THOMAS LAMANNA, DANNY GONZALEZ, GLENFORD NICKEY, ANTHONY GANGEMI, ANTHONY YOUNG, TYRELL WRIGHT AND EXPLOSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN PATRICK FARRELL AND JOHN LENNOX


ELVIR MURIQI HEADLINES MARCH 15TH IN WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY PLUS UNDEFEATED JOHN THOMPSON, ANTOINE DOUGLAS, THOMAS LAMANNA, DANNY GONZALEZ, GLENFORD NICKEY, ANTHONY GANGEMI, ANTHONY YOUNG, TYRELL WRIGHT AND EXPLOSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN PATRICK FARRELL AND JOHN LENNOX

On Friday night, March 15th boxing returns to the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey as a full night of professional boxing returns courtesy if GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

In the main event, perennial Light Heavyweight contender Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi headlines in the eight round main event.

The thirty-three year old Muriqi has a record of 39-5 with 24 knockouts and is looking to make another run to the top of the Heavyweight rankings.

The native of New York City won 30 of his first 31 bouts with his lone blemish being a controversial disqualification defeat.  In that streak Muriqi had quality wins over Joseph Harris, Sammy Ahmad, James Crawford and Tony Menefee.  After dropping two of three, Muriqi went on a three fight winning streak that set up a showdown with former undisputed Light Heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver.

Muriqi fought a valiant fight for which some ringsiders thought he may have pulled off the upset.  In the end it was Tarver who took the majority decision in their Showtime televised bout on June 9, 2007.

Muriqi rebounded with a 4th round stoppage over Jameel Wilson which set him up for an IBF elimination bout against former world champion Clinton Woods.

Once again Muriqi put on a great performance before dropping a unanimous decision in front of Woods hometown crowd in England.

Muriqi is currently riding a four fight winning streak with wins over Daniel Judah and his most recent win over Chris Grays on December 10, 2011.

Muriqi’s opponent will be announced shortly.

In the eight round co-feature, John Thompson (10-0, 3 KO’s) will take on Calvin Odom in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Thompson) of Newark, NJ has been stepping up the competition with each fight. The twenty-three year old has quality wins over Jermond Bourgeois (TKO 2), John Mackey (UD) and his last bout when he scored a six round unanimous decision over Elie Augustama on December 1st at Madison Square Garden as part of the Austin Trout – Miguel Cotto championship fight card.

Odom of Inglewood, CA has a record of 15-13 with 11 wins by knockout.  Odom has faced top competition and has defeated the likes of undefeated Juan Gil, Jose Luis Zertuche, and Srrgio Rios and has also faced Grady Brewer (twice),  Roberto Garcia, former world title challenger Marco Antonio Rubio, Sebastian Valdez, Jose Antonio Ojeda, Walter Wright, Luciano Perez, Charles Hatley, Wale Omotoso, Tony Harrison and his last bout he dropped an eight round decision to Joe Greene on January 10th

In a six round bout, undefeated Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (10-0, 6 KO’s) of Millville, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a Middleweight bout.

In what figure to be a six round Heavyweight slugfest, it will be the battle of New Jersey when Patrick Farrell (8-1-1, 4 KO’s) of Jersey City takes on John Lennox (10-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret.

Also appearing in a six round bout will be undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Washington, DC taking on Josh Thorpe of Cincinnati, OH.

In four round bouts: Danny Gonzalez (1-0) of Queens, NY will fight an opponent to be named in a Jr. Welterweight bout; In a Jr. Lightweight bout, Glenford Nickey (1-0-1) of New York battles Anolan Rigal (1-3-1, 1 KO) of Johnson City, NY; Welterweight Anthony Gangemi (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Mine Hill, NY will box Ibrihim Shabazz (1-1-1) of Newark, NJ; Anthony “Juice” Young (6-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a Welterweight bout; Tyrell Wright (1-0) of Bayonne, NJ will compete in a four round Heavyweight against an opponent to be named; Rounding out the card will be popular Jr. Welterweight Vinny O’Brien (3-2, 2 KO’s) of East Hanover, NJ batting an opponent to be named.


♔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.

No Holds Barred: Mukai Maromo, The Afrikan Assassin

Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, and now based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Mukai Maromo will be fighting for the vacant MFC lightweight title this Friday, February 15. His opponent will be Graham Spencer, who defeated him by decision in 2010. Since then, Mukai Maromo, now 8-2, has won five straight fights, while Graham Spencer, 9-1, has also been undefeated.
This fight will be the co-main event of the MFC 36 card which will be held this Friday at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, and televised live on AXS TV.
We spoke with Mukai Maromo by phone Monday.
Mukai Maromo is known more as a striker, having won four of his eight victories by KO or TKO, while Graham Spencer is known more as a grappler, having won four of his nine victories by submission and none by KO or TKO. Although Graham Spencer has never been knocked out, Mukai Maromo is very confident that this will change in their rematch.
"I think it has the makings of a very exciting fight," he said in this interview. He believes that his opponent has never been knocked out because he is mainly a grappler who "has managed to drive his opponents down to the ground and beat them on the top. In that situation it's very hard to get knocked out when you're the one in the top position on the ground."
But he said that it is also because his opponent has not faced a top-level striker. "It's not like he's fought somebody who's landed a couple of hard shots off his chin and taken it and kept on trucking." And he stressed that he is a far improved fighter since their first fight in 2010.
In this rematch, he predicted, "I'm going to put a couple of hands on his chin. If he can take that, I'll put the knee on his chin. If he can take that, I'll put my shin on his chin. With one of those three things landing on it, it's guaranteed to be a knockout." And he added, "He's never been knocked out YET, but I'm definitely coming to do that right now."
We discussed his progress as a fighter since that loss to Graham Spencer. He only started fighting professionally in 2010, at age 27, and took some time to find his bearings. But he said he is now dedicated to becoming "the best" and has also been training at the respected Tristar Gym in Montreal. This is his "new home" and he said he has improved all aspects of his fighting technique since training there.
We also discussed how he became a mixed martial arts fighter, how he would like to help spread and develop MMA in his home country of Zimbabwe and in more of Africa than has it now, the great potential for MMA in Africa, and much more.

♔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.