ESPN Deportes Reloads with new programming during its 2008 Upfront Event‏; In the Main Event, Frankie Figueroa, retains the NABF Welterweight champion

At its Upfront ’08 presentation, ESPN’s Spanish-language multimedia brand, ESPN Deportes, announced impressive distribution gains and presented the advertising community with a host of new ideas and creative content demonstrating the network’s commitment to innovative multiplatform programming across its television, radio, online, print and wireless properties.

Boxing took center stage at the event held at New York City’s exclusive Gotham Hall. Following the Presentation guests were treated to a special, onsite production of Miércoles de Combate (Wednesday Night Boxing) to mark the return of the sport to ESPN Deportes. The production was in association with DiBella Entertainment.

Francisco Figueroa, NABF Champion


Francisco Figueroa now (19-2, 13 KO's) of the Bronx, New York put his NABF title on the line up against Luis Rodriguez now (22-2, 13 KO's) of Monterrey Mexico. Francisco Figueroa won by a unanimous decision over Rodriguez in a 12 rounds NABF Super Lightweight Championship bout.

Francisco, in the ring ready to face Luis Rodriguez


Frankie family and friends sport "El Gato" gear and watch Figueroa in the ring.


Luis Rodriguez congratulates Francisco Figueroa


Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa talks with ESPN DEPORTES sports journalist regarding the victory.


Ring card girl, round 6


Joselito Collado now (3-0-0- 1 KO) of Queens New York defeated Jose Ortiz now (1-2,0- 1 KO) of Jersey City New Jersey in a 4 rounds featherweights bout.

Joselito Collado


Jose Ortiz


Johnathan Nelson now (2-0-0, 0 KO's) of Little Rock, Arkansas stopped in round 2 Borngod Washington who now drops to (0-3-0, 0 KO's) of Astoria New York, in a scheduled 4 rounds Light Heavyweights bout.

Johnathan Nelson, Ozell Nelson and trainer


The company’s first-ever televised upfront provided a star-studded guest list, as well as home viewers, the opportunity to experience the power of the ESPN Deportes brand first-hand. The Upfront Presentation, themed “ESPN Deportes Reloaded,” reinforced the company’s multiplatform approach, showcased the television network’s distribution growth and innovative programming initiatives and highlighted the network’s recent addition to Nielsen’s U.S. Hispanic Cable service.

Biz Markie provided the sounds for the ESPN DEPORTES event


Sadam "World Kid" Ali, Olympian 2008 and Dad attends the ESPN DEPORTES event


Ring Card Girls


Juan La Porte, Former fighter and Golden Gloves champion attends the ESPN DEPORTES event


Fan and Fighters at the ESPN DEPORTES event


For live video footage interviews with Frankie Figueroa and more go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved