NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy,

NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy, Trace Adkins, Leo Khorolinsky, IFL Grand Prix
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2007-12-31T06_14_38-08_00
On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman reviews the Dec. 29 IFL Grand Prix Finals, which was held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
We spoke with five of the IFL individual champions about their victorious fights and what their plans are: lightweight (155 lbs.) champion Ryan Schultz, featherweight (145 lbs.) champion Wagnney Fabiano, welterweight (170 lbs.) champion Jay Hieron, middleweight (185 lbs.) champion Matt Horwich, and light heavyweight (205 lbs.) champion Vladimir Matyushenko (http://vladthejanitor.com/). We also spoke with middleweight Tim Kennedy (http://rangerup.com/timkennedy.html), who was victorious on this card.
At this event, we once again spoke with "The Natural," Randy Couture (http://thenatural.tv/), the now-former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion who recently resigned from that promotion. Randy told us which former wrestling champion has said that he would like to compete against him in a grappling match. He also updated us on what his other plans were and the latest in his dispute with the UFC promoters.
We spoke with mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock (http://kenshamrock.com/) at this event. He discussed his plans for next year as a coach in the IFL, commented on the historical role of the original Lion’s Den in MMA, told us about his coaching a victorious MMA team in Manila, revealed whom he may fight next in MMA, and explained the need for non-exclusive contracts and a fighters' union in MMA.
We also spoke with Guy Mezger, president and matchmaker for the HDNet Fights promotion (http://hdnetfights.com/). HDNet telecast the IFL Grand Prix live in the U.S. on their television network. We discussed with Guy when and where the next HDNet Fights show is likely to take place, who might fight on it, how HDNet Fights is working with other promotions as partners, how HDNet Fights has become the primary sporting event on HDNet, and how HDNet Fights differs from the UFC.
In addition, we spoke with country music star Trace Adkins (http://www.traceadkins.com/), who attended this event. And we spoke with Leo Khorolinsky, the manager of former UFC heavyweight champion and current top contender Andrei Arlovski (http://arlovski.tv/) about what is next for his fighter.
To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.
You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).
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 check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com/ and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com/.
NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Art of War (http://www.artofwarlive.com/), the undisputed arena fighting championship, promoted by SUN Sports and Entertainment, producing world class mixed martial arts events. For more information, check out their web site, ArtOfWarLive.com (http://www.artofwarlive.com/).
IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.
Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/).
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com/), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com/) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).
FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
Thanks, Eddie Goldman
No Holds Barred blog http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/
No Holds Barred podcast http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


Enjoy!

“Magic Man” Starring Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi to Air Exclusively on SHOWTIME Dec. 30 – Jan. 4

***Documentary depicts life of DBE Junior Welterweight Champion***

NEW YORK, – DiBella Entertainment and Brave St. Productions are proud to announce the television premiere of “Magic Man” as it will air exclusively on SHOWTIME, Dec. 30 – Jan. 4. The documentary film chronicles the ascent of perpetual underdog Paulie the “Magic Man” Malignaggi, a scrawny kid from a broken home who, in quest to prove his life was worth something, defeated all odds to arrive at the Mecca of boxing (where is this) one big upset away from proving everyone wrong. It’s a story of disappointment, determination, of stamina and salvation.

The film produced by Lou DiBella and Brave St. Productions, traces Malignaggi’s difficult upbringing as the child of Italian immigrants struggling to find his path in life in America. The story follows his start in amateur boxing from his time at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn and chronicles the trials and tribulations of his first world championship bout against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden and the ecstasy of winning his first title one year later. The film provides an original and poignant illustration of the literal blood, sweat and tears in the life of a boxer.

“Magic Man” first premiered at the Hoboken International Film Festival in New Jersey, where a rough cut of the film won the 2007 Audience Award. The film will be televised for the first time when it airs at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 30 on SHOWTIME 2®. The documentary will continue to air leading up to Malignaggi’s next title fight, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Paulie Malignaggi


“I am very happy SHOWTIME will be airing ‘Magic Man’ as it will allow fight and movie fans to see the type or person Paulie is both inside and outside the ring,” said Lou DiBella. “The multiple airings throughout the first week of the year will be the perfect lead-in for Paulie’s title defense on Saturday night, January 5.”

Lou DiBella


Russell Best, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions adds, “I’m so proud that Showtime thought enough of our freshman feature doc to air it and allow everyone everywhere to be able to see this fascinating person, this beautiful and poignant "real life Rocky" story unfold.” “Anyone who watches Magic Man will have a new perspective on Paulie and realize the sheer and brutal tenacity that it took for him to overcome major life obstacles and fulfill his dreams of becoming a champion,” said Tammy Leech, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions.

Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO’s) will defend his title against Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KO’s) at Bally’s Main Ballroom in Atlantic City on January 5. The fight is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel. Tickets priced at $250 and $125 are now on sale and can be purchased at the Bally’s Box Office, by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

SCHEDULE FOR “MAGIC MAN” ON SHOWTIME
SHO 2 December 30 8:15 PM
SHO Extreme December 31 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 1 10:00PM
SHO 2 January 2 11:00PM
SHO 2 January 3 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 4 11:40PM

Paulie Malignaggi and fellow fighters Curtis Jackson and Jamie Kang


Paulie talks to the press.


Contact: Mike Moriarty, DiBella Entertainment

Roy Jones Jr. attends New York Knicks Practice at Madison Square Garden Training Center

TARRYTOWN, N.Y.— Eight-time boxing world champion Roy Jones Jr. planned to visit with New York Knicks players after they finished practice at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, N.Y., today but was surprised when Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas waved him over to take part in a full-court, three-man weave drill with the team.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks,” Jones, who once played in the professional United States Basketball League, said. “I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.”

Thomas joked that his players may have avoided contact with Jones.

“The shot was a little suspect but nobody got close enough to him,” Thomas said. “I don’t think anybody wanted to challenge him for fear that he may punch him.”

Knicks guard and fan-favorite Nate Robinson was chided by fellow players when Jones donned a Knicks practice jersey sporting Robinson’s number. They further antagonized their teammate by suggesting that gloves Jones was planning to autograph were really there for sparring between Jones and Robinson.

Jones assured him it was only a message to his Jan. 19 opponent at Madison Square Garden, Felix “Tito” Trinidad. Jones reiterated his oft-repeated slogan, “Tito must go in fo’. That’s why I’ve got the number four on my jersey.”



Robinson declared, “There’s no way I’m stepping into the ring with that man. He can wear whatever number he wants.”

After practice Robinson commented on what it meant to him to have Jones at the Knicks practice.

“Roy Jones is a boxing great and it was fun to have him practice with us. That shows a lot of love on his part to join us today. It provided us with some inspiration. He didn’t have to come out here with us but that just goes to show what kind of guy he is.”

Robinson quipped, “He may be one of the smaller guys out here today, but I’ll bet he could beat up all of us.”

Jones was gratified to have the opportunity to play with the team.

“It was inspiring for me too,” Jones said. “I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Full Quotes and Camp Notes from Roy Jones Jr.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks. I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.

“It was inspiring for me too. I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Jones was told by a friend about a training facility near Pittsburgh, in California, Penn. He has been training there since the beginning of December with longtime trainer Alton Merkerson. His six-day-a-week training schedule often starts with a three-to-five mile run around 6 a.m.,“depending on how I feel each day,” followed by breakfast usually consisting of only fruit. After a nap, Jones is up at noon followed by a three-hour gym workout around 4 p.m.

“It’s working out really well at the training camp. I need to be focused for this fight and this camp out in the country is a good place to be focused.

“The rooster is back in Roy Jones. I used to strut and entertain people. Somehow I lost that for a time. I started to focus more on my opponents than on simply going out and entertaining my fans. Now I’m back to doing what I do best.

“Tito and his people think it’s going to hurt me to have to go all the way down to 170 pounds—and it is a smart move on their part—but it’s nothing I haven’t been through before. I’ve had more than enough time to get down to weight so I’m not going to have to kill myself getting there.

“The big question is can Tito bring his punch and take my punches at 170 pounds. Tito must go in fo’. That’s what everybody’s waiting to see on January 19.”

Classic Sports and Entertainment, Inc. “Champions of Tomorrow” Co-Main Events: Estrada-Shufford, Perez-Remillard also Addy Irizarry

PROVIDENCE– 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada battles former world heavyweight title challenger Charles Shufford and WBC Youth featherweight champion Manuel Perez defends his title against Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard in co-main events on “Champions of Tomorrow,” January 25 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Addy Irizarry a popular Hartford, Connecticut light welterweight will also appear on the under card.


“Champions of Tomorrow,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., will be taped live and air on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. on CN8 and will also stream online at www.CN8.tv. Following the broadcast, the show will be available ON DEMAND to Comcast Digital Cable customers for at least one week. “Champions of Tomorrow” will also air on Cox Sports Television on dates and times to soon be announced.

Estrada (10-1, 2 KOs), the Providence native now rated No. 10 in the NABO, is coming off of his most impressive victory as a professional, when he put former NABC and NABC Americas heavyweight title-holder James Northey (11-2, 8 KOs) to sleep in the fourth round of their October 12 fight. Las Vegas-based Shufford (20-7-1, 9 KOs), who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO in 2001, holds victories against former world champion Lamon Brewster, Elieser Castillo and Jimmy Thunder.

Perez (11-3, 2 KOs) fighting out of Denver by way of Honolulu, captured the WBC Youth title in his last fight on November 10 via a unanimous 10-round decision against Victor Barela. Manchester (CT) favorite Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs) has been inactive since suffering a hand injury that required surgery after he won the WBC Youth super featherweight on September 23, 2006.

“We’re excited to be back at Foxwoods showcasing some of the top young prospects in boxing in their stiffest tests to date,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “Olympian Jason Estrada is ready to make some big noise in the heavyweight division and he’s starting off the year against a former world title challenger, Charles Shufford, Our other co-main event features the return of local hero Matt Remillard, who is a true throwback type of boxer, fights WBC Youth super featherweight champion Manuel Perez in what promises to be an action-packed bout. The undercard has a host of tomorrow’s champions and some other great fights.”

Unbeaten cruiserweight prodigy, 9-time U.S. amateur champion “Awesome” Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs), returns to the scene of his most memorable knockout to date in a picture-perfect stoppage of DeLeon Tingsley, who recently upset previously unbeaten Alfredo Escalera, Jr., in the second round of their June 20th fight at Foxwoods.

A much-anticipated New England light heavyweight showdown between Iraqi War-veteran Chris Traietti (7-0, 4 KOs) and “Irish” Joey McCreedy (5-1, 4 KOs) will take place in a scheduled 6-round bout. Middleweights Richard “Bobo” Starnino (8-2-1, 1 KO), of Providence, and New Bedford’s Eric Pinarreta (1-1, 1 KO) will meet in an old fashioned border war.

Also on the undercard is undefeated super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs), popular Hartford light welterweight Addy Irizarry (3-1, 2 KOs) takes on Tonya Gallegos (4-6, 2 KOs), unbeaten Brockton light heavyweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0, 1 KO) faces veteran Anthony Cannon (4-8, 1 KO).

Addy Irizarry


Recent University of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy, a card dealer at Foxwoods who lives in Ledyard, makes his pro debut against Donyell Dukes (0-4). Macy started boxing at 10 and posted a 125-25 amateur record, including a Gold Medal performance in the 2000 National PAL Championships at 165 pounds, as well as a Silver Medal in the National Junior Olympics. All boxers and bouts are subject to change.

Tickets for “Champions of Tomorrow” are priced at $40.00, $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Two VIP Presidential Suites are also available (call CES for details as well as sponsorship opportunities). To purchase tickets or for additional information contact CES (1.401.724.2253/2254 - www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods (1.800.200.2882/www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press

No holiday blues for Malignaggi

NEW YORK– International Boxing Federation light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi has shifted his training camp from sunny Vero Beach, Florida to back home in the Big Apple without missing a beat as he continues preparing for his first title defense January 5 on Showtime Championship Boxing against No. 1 mandatory contender Herman “The Black Panther” Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs) at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City.




The brash Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, is back working out at famed Gleason’s Gym during the holiday season, something that hasn’t fazed Malignaggi in the least.

“Training camp in Vero Beach was excellent and, as usual, I’m in tremendous shape,” Paulie said. “At training camp you brainwash yourself into thinking everyday is the same, no weekends or holidays. It’s all the same…a work day. You develop a mental state to just work hard and get ready for the fight. I’m going to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s starting on January 5, beating that bum with the big mouth (Ngoudjo). I’ve lost all respect for this guy because he is so disrespectful. He’s fighting the best he’s ever fought; I’m going to ruin him. People are going to forget all about Herman Ngoudjo after our fight.

“This is the third fight with Buddy McGirt as my head trainer. The key for every fight is to continue improving and that’s what we’re doing. Buddy is the captain of the ship. He’s a great trainer, I’m a great fighter, and we have a great team.”

Paulie Mailignaggi and Buddy Mc Girt


Team Malignaggi also includes Paulie’s promoter, Lou DiBella, cornermen Orlando Carrasquillo and Pete Sferrazza, cutman Danny Milano and attorney John Hornewer, as well as Paulie’s brother, Umberto, and advisor, Anthony Catanzo.

Famed Butterbean conqueror and New York boxer Mitchell “Cigarette Man” Rose book release

Butterbean Conqueror Mitchell Rose Releases Book Titled “Mike Tyson Tried To Kill My Daddy”

Mitchell Rose (r) and Lou Savarese


Famed Butterbean conqueror and New York boxer Mitchell “Cigarette Man” Rose has released a book titled “Mike Tyson Tried to Kill My Daddy”. The book discusses Rose’s famed contest against then undefeated Butterbean, his street fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson, and many fascinating stories. In addition, Rose is selling a DVD that chronicles various events from his life, many intriguing tales and what the “Cigarette Man” has ventured off to following his boxing career.



“The book begins with how I started in the boxing industry. I detailed the journey of how I was a struggling fighter to a notable name overnight by destroying Butterbean as a heavy underdog in front of 20,000 people at Madison Square Garden. The Mike Tyson nightclub fight is also analyzed. I get into why the fight happened and what the aftermath was. The DVD has a lot of footage from Court TV involving the Tyson incident. The fans also get a look at my business enterprises, and footage from my amateur career”, said Rose.

The book can be purchased by emailing Mitchroseboxer@hotmail.com

Savarese Joins Ring Promotions

NEW YORK– Former world heavyweight contender Lou Savarese has become a partner in New York City-based Ring Promotions, joining former New York boxing commissioners, Bob Duffy and Tony Mazzarella.

Lou Savarese (l) and Mitchell Rose, a former sparring partner of Lou Savarese.


Savarese was a two-time New York State Golden Gloves super heavyweight champion, winning the novice division in 1985 and defeating Alex Stewart the following year in the finals. In 1987, Lou was scheduled to fight future world champion Riddick Bowe in the finals, but Savarese was injured and unable to box.

As a pro, Savarese won his first 36 fights, 46 of 53 (38 KOs) during his 18-year career, which ended this past June with a 10-round loss by decision to Evander Holyfield. Lou’s 36th straight win was a seventh-round TKO of highly-touted Buster Mathis, Jr. (21-1) for the USBA heavyweight title in 1996. “Big Lou” then dropped a 12-round decision to George Foreman for the WBU crown, bounced back with a sensational fist-round knockout of Buster Douglas for the IBA belt, and rose from the canvas to knockoff previously unbeaten Lance "Mount" Whitaker.

“Lou Savarese is one of he most honest, respected boxers to ever come out of New York City,” Duffy said. “He’s a former world-class fighter with integrity who has always been good for boxing. We’re very happy that Lou’s now part of Ring Promotions. Boxing has been good to Lou and he wants to see the sport grow and make things better for everybody.”

Ring Promotions and Gotham Boxing, co-promoted “Holiday Hits” on December 13 at the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, showcasing some of the Big Apple’s best young fighters including 3-time New York Golden Gloves champion and WBC rated No. 18 Bronx lightweight Jorge “The Truth” Teron now (19-0-1, 11 KOs), in his first scheduled 10-round fight; Brooklyn middleweight Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin now (16-0, 12 KOs), and Newburgh heavyweight Nagy Aguilera now (5-0, 2 KOs), 2-time New York Golden Gloves champion.

***Malignaggi and Ngoudjo Prepare for January 5 Showdown***

FIGHTERS WORKING HARD THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS


New York- There won’t be any holiday cheer for Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO’s) or Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KO’s) this year. Malignaggi will defend his IBF Junior Welterweight title against Ngoudjo on Saturday January 5th at Bally’s Main Ballroom in Atlantic City LIVE on Showtime Championship Boxing with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.


Malignaggi is back at home in Brooklyn after a month and a half of training in Vero Beach, Florida with his renowned trainer Buddy McGirt. “Everything is in tip top form,” said the Brooklyn native. “I have the best training tandem in boxing with Buddy McGirt and Orlando Carrasquillo. They have prepared me well for my previous fights and this fight will be no different. The sparring I faced was outstanding and Ngoudjo better know he will be facing the best in the world on January 5th. Ngoudjo said last week that everyone will know who he is after the fight. I say come January 6th, no one will be even thinking about Ngoudjo. They will be talking and buzzing about the best in the world, Paulie Malignaggi.”



Ngoudjo, the Cameroon native who now lives in Montreal stayed home for his training camp as he prepared both physically and mentally for the lightning fast Malignaggi. “Training camp was perfect. I was able to focus completely on Paulie. The sparring I got was terrific and it will show in the ring in Atlantic City,” said Ngoudjo. The skilled boxer was “happy to be able to train at home in Montreal. The fans are all behind me, just as ready to go as I am. Many will travel with me down to Atlantic City. Training camp is a lot of hard work but these fans have made all of it worthwhile. I am ready to go for 2008 and will get the year started off right by beating Paulie. Malignaggi won’t know what hit him on January 5th.”

Malignaggi last fought at Mohegan Sun on June 16 where he scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Lovemore Ndou (45-9-1, 30 KO’s) to win the IBF Junior Welterweight Title. Ngoudjo most recently defeated Randall Bailey (35-6, 32 KO’s) to earn the mandatory shot against Malignaggi. The Montreal resident lost an extremely controversial split decision to Jose Luis Castillo in January 2007.


Tickets priced at $250 and $125 are now on sale and can be purchased at the Bally’s Box Office, by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

OUTSIDE THE RING – TRINIDAD VS. JONES DOCUMENTARY TO AIR ON COX CABLE

OUTSIDE THE RING – TRINIDAD VS. JONES DOCUMENTARY TO AIR ON COX CABLE SUNDAY, DEC. 23, AT 11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT (Check local listings for other air dates and part series)

NEW YORK— Boxing fans searching for an inside look at the non-stop Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Roy Jones Jr. media tour will get a treat when Cox Cable airs the first in a three-part series documentary showcasing the legendary fighters on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

The documentary highlights press stops in major United States cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Miami and ESPN studios, among others. Both fighters offer predictions and are candid about their strategies for their upcoming, highly anticipated fight.

Two of the greatest boxers in history who are both destined for the Hall of Fame, Trinidad and Jones, will square off at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. The match will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.


Tickets for the premier boxing event are now on sale. Prices range from $15,000 to $100 and can be purchased via www.Ticketmaster.com.

Trinidad (42-2, 35 KOs), of Monte Hiedra, Puerto Rico, and Jones (51-4, 38 KOs) of Pensacola, Fla., have built a staggering list of accomplishments and will enter the ring at or below the catch weight of 170 pounds.


Jones is an eight-time world champion who has captured belts in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Additionally, he became the first former middleweight champion to win a world heavyweight crown in more than 100 years.


Trinidad is a five-time world champion with a stunning career knockout ratio of 80 percent who has won titles in the welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight classes. He also holds the distinction of having defeated three Olympic Games gold medalists: Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and David Reid.

The event, which is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Madison Square Garden, will be distributed internationally by KingVision, available through DK International Sales, a division of Don King Productions, Inc.

MSG Sports Properties is part of Madison Square Garden, L.P., owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, which includes the New York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty (WNBA); the Hartford Wolf Pack (American Hockey League); MSG Entertainment, which includes concerts and events at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the Beacon Theatre; MSG Media, which is comprised of MSG and FSN New York; and the Madison Square Garden arena complex, located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area.

Promoter and Pugilists Don King, Vow to help 'KO CANCER',‏ enlists Prizefighters Trinidad & Jones Jr.

Don King and Trinidad vs. Jones "Bring on the Titans" promotion will Strike a Blow against Breast Cancer teaming with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help educate and raise funds to fight breast cancer.

NEW YORK Promoter Don King and his boxers Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Roy Jones Jr.—who will meet in a huge match staged at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 19—have teamed with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, to help educate and raise awareness regarding the deadly disease.



Trinidad and Jones have agreed to donate $50,000 each to Komen for the Cure from their upcoming “Bring on the Titans” boxing event.

Both prizefighters were present at a press conference on Trinidad’s home island of Puerto Rico on Dec. 6 promoting the upcoming match when Carlos Barba, a former Telemundo and Univision television executive and current founder of Spanish-language network CaribeVision Station Group, made a surprise announcement that he would make a $1 million contribution to the organization to aid in its efforts to save lives and end breast cancer forever.



“My good friend Carlos Barba heard that Felix, Roy and I are doing our part to help KO cancer and he was moved to make a large donation,” King said. “Like so many others, his family has been impacted by cancer and he wanted to continue his fight against it. He couldn’t have picked a better organization than the good people at Komen for the Cure, and I am sure my friends at Madison Square Garden and HBO will be joining this magnanimous effort.”

Jones encouraged King to join with him in this cause after participating in a fundraising walkathon during October in his hometown of Pensacola, Fla.

“I mentioned to Don that we should try to do something to help, and like everything else he has taken the ball and is running with it.” Jones, an illustrious eight-time world champion, said. “I’m so happy to be able to help in any way I can to KO cancer. This is a fight that will never end until we conquer this disease that has taken so much from so many.”

Trinidad will oppose Jones in the ring, but he is on his opponent’s side on the issue of breast cancer.

“Roy Jones and I are donating money from our purses to help fight breast cancer and that is a good thing,” said Trinidad, the most popular prizefight ever from Puerto Rico. “Everyone wants to strike a blow against breast cancer.”



This initiative is particularly meaningful given that breast cancer remains the No. 1 health concern of women.

“Being a part of this event is a way for Komen to step out and engage an entirely new audience we would probably not be able to reach otherwise,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Breast cancer impacts everyone—spouses, children and friends, and we want to reach them in a meaningful way where they live, work and play. Of course, the fight against breast cancer transcends beyond the ring and we need everyone, everywhere engaged in our movement to end this disease once and for all.”

The Trinidad vs. Jones “Bring on the Titans” domestic pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT on Jan. 19 and is being produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View, available in more than 61 million pay-per-view homes.



About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

About Don King Productions

Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.

DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in the history of the world.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.


For more information contact:
Don King Productions
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, PR Department

Lou DelValle headlines, Elvir Muriqi returns and Female fighter Ronica Jeffrey's pro-debut as Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing kicks off boxing series...

Lou DelValle headlines, Elvir Muriqi returns and Female fighter Ronica Jeffrey's pro-debut as Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing kicks off "Punchin' at the Paradise".

Bronx, NY; The fists will be flying once again in New York as Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing kicks off the New Year with a bang with the 8th installment of the phenomenal boxing series "Punchin' at the Paradise" on Thursday, January 31st 7:30pm at the Utopia Paradise Theatre in the Bronx, NY. Star Boxing has made a commitment to provide a high level of entertainment and excitement whenever they bring fights to the Paradise Theatre, and this year promises to be no exception.

Those in attendance on the 31st will be treated to a classic New York intra- borough rivalry when Bronx's former World Champion Lou "Honey Boy" DelValle (35- 5-1, 22KO's) squares off against fellow Bronx resident Newton "The Butcher" Kidd (6-6-1, 4KO's) in a 10-round co-featured main event. DelValle, the former light heavyweight champion of the world is credited with being the first fighter to knock down the legendary Roy Jones Jr, and like Roy Jones, is promising that he will regain his title in 2008 . His opponent, Newton Kidd is a 2-time Golden Gloves champion who brings it every time he steps in the ring stopping most of his victims in fewer than four rounds.

"The Kosovo Kid" Elvir Muriqi (34-4, 21 KO's) returns fresh off his inspiring performance with light heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver, in a co-featured10-round bout that is certain to excite his enthusiastic fans.

"The Kosovo Kid" Elvir Muriqi attends Antonio Tarvers last fight at Foxwoods.

(Hear more from Elvir Muriqi at Antonio Tarver's last fight by going to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience TV-video at http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1)

Also scheduled to let their leather fly is Puerto Rican light welterweight Joel Torres (8-0, 5KO's), making their pro-debuts are featherweights Ronica Jeffrey and Eddie Irizarry.

Ronica Jeffrey attends stablemate, Keisher "Fire" McLeod-Wells wedding at Gleasons Gym.


Returning to the Paradise Theater for a fourth time is fan favorite cruiserweight Jon "The Fighting Marine" Schneider (6-1, 4KO's).

Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing extends an invitation to its valued loyal fans to purchase exclusive VIP tables for what promises to be a night of electrifying fights. The VIP tables are the always the talk of the night; and provide complimentary food and beverages.

Consistent with Star Boxing's commitment to providing our loyal fans with the best seats in the house, we have reserved the best seats in every price category ($100, $50 and $30) for our mailing list members. Star Boxing is holding these prime seats exclusively for our mailing list members until December 28, 2007 before we release them to the general public. Do not wait to reserve your seats!!!!

Tickets are at the fan friendly price of $100, $50 and $30, and can be purchased at Utopia's Paradise Theater box office (718) 220-6143, 6143, all Ticketmaster outlets ticketmaster.com, and by calling Star Boxing 718- 823-2000 or visiting our web site www.starboxing.com.

Star Boxing

About Star Boxing
Star Boxing has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing's stable features world- class athletes and has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.

To Read More About Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing Visit: http://www.starboxing.com

Don King, Felix Trinidad and Roy Jones Jr. made special troop visits last week to Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field

Boxing promoter Don King, brought five-time world champion Felix Trinidad and eight-time champion Roy Jones Jr. to Eglin Air Force Base and nearby Hurlburt Field as part of his “We Care” military morale-boosting tour. Both bases are a short drive from Jones’s hometown of Pensacola.





“If you want to thank someone other than God for being free and doing what you want to do, then you have to thank the military,” Jones told hundreds of troops assembled in a hangar at Eglin. “Without you guys being out there doing what you do, we wouldn’t have the freedom, the respect or the ability to give you all the beautiful fight we are about to put on in Madison Square Garden on January 19.





Trinidad echoed Jones’s comments.



“I am so happy to be here in this visit to the military bases of America,” Trinidad said. “For me, it’s a great experience and I’m happy to do it.”

King paid tribute to the soldiers as well.



“You are the greatest fighting men and women in the world and freedom isn’t free,” King said. “You’re willing to put your life on the line and put yourself in harm’s way to protect the cherished democracies, liberties and freedom we enjoy. God bless you!”

Chief Master Sgt. James Wilkerson was impressed by the visit.

“I love my airmen and their morale, welfare and recognition has to always be at the forefront if you want to complete and win the mission,” Wilkerson said. “The up-close and personal interaction with Don and the world champion boxers was incredible. From one-on-one time to autographs to team photos, the atmosphere was first class.”

King, Jones and Trinidad obliged the service men and women at both bases by signing thousands of autographs at both bases. In return, military personnel gave them hands-on looks at their armaments including weapons, tools and aircraft. A highlight at Hurlburt Field was a rare tour of the $190-million C-130U “Spooky” gunship that can destroy targets from thousands of feet with pin-point accuracy via its 105mm computer-guided cannon.

Most soldiers based at Eglin and Hurlburt Field are on constant rotation to places outside the United States including Iraq and Afghanistan. Both bases have been in existence since before World War II.

Eglin is the largest Air Force base in the world at 724 square miles (the state of Deleware can fit inside it) and a whopping 97,963 square miles of water ranges in the Gulf of Mexico. Eglin is home to the 96th Air Base Wing and 45 associate units including the 33rd Fighter Wing whose mission is to “maintain the world’s best rapidly deployable air control and air superiority.”

One of Eglin’s main missions is weapons testing including ground-to-air and air-to-ground missles.

Hurlburt is home of the Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters and the 1st Special Operations Wing. Sensitive missions are routinely flown from this field. Special Operations School is also housed here.

Legendary aviation pioneer Jimmy Doolittle and his Raiders trained at Hurlburt.

While both are Air Force Bases, the Army, Navy and Marines train here as well.

Don King Productions

DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, To Promote the First Big Fight of 2008

DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, To Promote the First Big Fight of 2008



New York, NY -- Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO’s) will take on IBF mandatory challenger Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KO’s) for Malignaggi’s IBF Junior Welterweight Title on January 5, 2008. The bout will take place at Bally’s Main Ballroom in Atlantic City and will be televised LIVE on Showtime Championship Boxing with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.




Malignaggi last fought at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino on June 16 where he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over Lovemore Ndou (45-9-1, 30 KO’s) to win the IBF Junior Welterweight Title. “I am looking to start the New Year off right with a win over a tough competitor in Ngoudjo”, said Malignaggi.

Paul Malignaggi and trainer Buddy McGirt prepere for Mailignaggi's bout with Ndou.


“I want to fight the best competition and prove that there is no one better than Paulie Malignaggi in the Junior Welterweight division. I know I have to train through the holidays and that’s always tough, but I plan on making up for it by making Herman Ngoudjo my own personal Christmas tree and lighting his ass up on January 5th.”
Paulie Malignaggi


Ngoudjo most recently defeated Randall Bailey (35-6, 32 KO’s) to earn the mandatory shot against Malignaggi. The Montreal resident lost a controversial split decision to Jose Luis Castillo (56-8-1, 48 KO’s) in January of this year. “On January 5th, I will fulfill my dream to become world champion! I will be the first champion ever born in Cameroon”, said Ngoudjo. “Paul Malignaggi can run all over the ring but he can’t hide. He has no respect for me, but after our fight, he will be begging me for a rematch!”

Promoter Lou DiBella is extremely excited for the first battle of 2008. “Paulie has been underestimated his whole career and this fight will give him another chance to prove that he’s an elite champion”, said DiBella. “Herman Ngoudjo is a worthy number one contender who could have easily been given a decision against Jose Luis Castillo.”

Lou DiBella


Ngoudjo promoter Yvon Michel is happy to showcase his fighter to a worldwide audience. “We are thrilled to be associated with Lou DiBella for this event”, said Michel. “We also wish to thank Showtime for launching their 2008 season with this very promising fight. We have a lot of respect for the IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Paul Malignaggi but the time has come for Canadian Herman Ngoudjo.”

CONTACT: Bob Trieger Full Court Press

KELLY PAVLIK and JERMAIN TAYLOR II; Announcement/ Birth and LUNCHEON NEWS CONFERENCE

"Two of boxing's best pound-for-pound brawlers“ undefeated world middleweight champion Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik and once-beaten former world champion Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor luncheon news conference was held at BB King's Blues Club Restaurant in New York on December 10 2007 to announce the resumption of their ring-war hostilities, this time at 166 pounds.

Promoted by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment, the 12-round Pavlik-Taylor battle It all takes place SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008 at MGM GRAND and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST.



Kelly Pavlik attends the New York City Press conference at BB King's Blues Club Restaurant in New York on December 10 2007 for Pavlik vs Taylor II.


Jermain Taylor unable to attend the Pavlik vs. Taylor II announcement at BB Kings Blues Club Restaurant in New York due to the birth of an 8 lb. daughter (Laila), the day before, with his wife Erica Taylor, former WNBA player. Taylor was able to briefly call in from the hospital in Las Vegas, and talk with the media at the press conference, but not without expressing "Every one's support at this time means so much to me and my family". "I wish that I could be there, but I'm sure "Kelly" being a family man understands."

Go to Starlite Boxing's Talk- TV at www.youtube/ElEmpress1 for more on Ozell Nelson at BB Kings Blues Club Restaurant, audio at the press conference and to listen to or view other boxing entertainment events footage (live tales of the tape).
Ozell Nelson,(Far right) trainer for Jermain Taylor and spokesperson for Taylor at the Dec. 10th news conference for Pavlik vs Taylor II.


Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs), from Youngstown, Ohio, and Taylor (27-1-1, 17 KOs), from Little Rock, Arkansas, boast a combined record of 59-1-1 (46 KOs) a winning percentage approaching 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 78%! Their first fight, on September 29, was not only hailed as the "Fight of the Year" but literally rejuvenated the sport internationally. It is a rivalry that is being compared to the great middleweights of previous eras, including Graziano-Zale, Robinson-Basilo-Fullmer, and Benvenuti-Griffith.

Kelly Pavlik at the New York City Press conference at BB Kings Blues Club Restaurant Dec 10 2007.