SecondsOut Radio: Roy Jones, Devon Alexander, Alex Bunema, KevinCunningham, Steve Cunningham, Cory Spinks On this week's packed edition of SecondsOut

SecondsOut Radio: Roy Jones, Devon Alexander, Alex Bunema, Kevin Cunningham, Steve Cunningham, Cory Spinks On this week's packed edition of SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,host Eddie Goldman reviews the card which took place this past Saturday night, January 19, at Madison Square Garden in New York। It was headlined by the unanimous decision victory by Roy Jones Jr।(52-4, 38 KOs) over Felix "Tito" Trinidad Jr. (42-3, 35 KOs). This fight was held at a catch weight of 170 pounds. We have the comments of Roy Jones at the postfight news conference. We also spoke with Roy Jones afterwards along with members of the media. He discussed the fight, how he evaluated his performance, the injury he had coming into it, and his future plans.


We also spoke with 20-year-old rising junior welterweight prospect Devon Alexander (14-0, 8 KOs), who passed the toughest test of his young pro career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley (31-8-1, 17 KOs). And we spoke with Kevin Cunningham, his manager and trainer.
Kevin Cunningham
Alex Bunema went into his junior middleweight fight Saturday nightwith former world champion Roman Karmazin a big underdog, and was behind on the scorecards as the fight progressed.
Alex Bunema

But Bunema surprised many by knocking out Karmazin in the tenth round, and revived hiscareer. We spoke with Alex Bunema after his fight. In addition, we spoke with IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham and IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks about their recent fights and upcoming plans.
Steve Cunningham (r)

Keisha and Cory Spinks


It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register togain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy. Thanks, Eddie Goldman No Holds Barred bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews

JERMAIN TAYLOR OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT

LAS VEGAS, On Wednesday, January 16th, Jermain Taylor conducted an open media workout at Johnny Tocco's Boxing Gym (Las Vegas).


The Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank Inc.
The 12-round rumble will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 9p.m. (EST) / 6p.m. (PST). The bout will take place at a catch weight of 166 lbs. as Taylor exercises the rematch clause in his contract from the original Pavlik fight.

Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale at MGM Grand Arena Box Office. Tickets will also be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmasters locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Macy's West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at
702-474-4000 or MGM Grand 800-929-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at http://www.mgmgrand.com/ or http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Contact Your Local Cable or Satellite Provider To Order This Pay-Per-View Telecast

For more information on DiBella Entertainment http://www.dbe1.com/, MGM GRAND http://www.mgmgrand.com/, HBO www.hbo.com/boxing Top Rank http://www.toprank.com/


JERMAIN TAYLOR "QUOTES" MEDIA WORKOUT



Jermain Taylor:
You're OK not fighting for a belt this time?
"When I win, I'll be walking out of there with everything he took from me. I'm walking out of there with my pride."

Is it working out better without Emanuel?
"It feels great. It's just like the old days. When we started out it was just me and Ozell. I'm working hard every day. I'm doing a lot more sparring. Emanuel Steward is a great guy, a Hall of Fame trainer and a friend of mine. I love him to death. But he isn't coaching me now."


Why is the unconventional training necessary, using the sledgehammer, tire and tennis balls?
"The tennis balls are for slipping punches, so I don't get hit with the punches I got hit with in the fight. As far as the tire, it gives you muscle and endurance. I had him hurt in the second round and I didn't finish him. If I had the endurance, I wouldn't have gotten tired. I would have finished him."

What kind of changes are you making in this training camp?
"A lot harder training. Ozell's putting me through all kinds of stuff. Me and him together, there's nothing that's going to stop us. I've been doing a lot more running. I've been running five miles a day except Sunday. I'm running every day, serious running and I'm training hard with commitment and I'm going to be ready."

Ozell Nelson / Head Trainer:
What is it going to take for Jermain to win his upcoming rematch fight with Kelly Pavlik?
"Hard work, dedication, commitment and total focus. Jermain has to get back to the basics, the way he used to do in the gym. So far I'm very please with the way Jermain has approached training camp."

Regarding Emanuel Steward's departure.....
"It was more of a communication gap with Manny. The chemistry was great in training camp, but when it came fight time, it just did not carry over in the ring. We learned a lot from Manny and I will use some of the same techniques he was working with Jermain on."

Was there anything that sticks out that Emanuel was working on with Jermain that you will apply?
"One thing that sticks out in my mind was the way Manny was trying to get Jermain to move side to side. Rolling with the right hand. Things like that. That's very important and we'll stay with that."

Why go for the rematch right away?
"Talking with Jermain after the fight, and then knowing what I saw when Jermain got tired, I knew what was wrong. It was endurance. I knew what it was, and I knew we could fix it, so that's why."

Lou DiBella:
President of DiBella Entertainment:
"Jermain looks more determined than I have ever seen him. Physically, he is in the best shape of his career and is going through one of his most grueling training camps. There is no doubt on Febuary 16th Jermain will be ready for anything that Kelly brings to the ring."


"Taylor-Pavlik I on September 29th was a historic battle that ended in Round 7. I along with boxing fans around the world can't wait for Round 8 to start on February 16th."

Oliveira to be honored by CES Ring of Honor Induction Ceremony Jan. 25 at Foxwoods Resort Casino

PROVIDENCE – Former world title contender “Sucra” Ray Oliveira will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor in a special ceremony during the “Champions of Tomorrow” pro boxing show, January 25 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.


2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada fights former world heavyweight title challenger Charles Shufford and WBC Youth featherweight champion Manuel Perez defends his title against Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard in 10-round, co-main events headlining the “Champions of Tomorrow” card.

Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade.

“We very happy to honor Ray Oliveira, one of the greatest New England fighters of all-time,” Burchfield said. “Ray was never in a boring fight. He was a tremendous defensive fighter and non-stop boxer who broke all records for most punches thrown in a fight. ‘Sucra’ Ray certainly deserves to be in the CES Ring of Honor for what he’s meant to New England boxing.”

Oliveira (47-11-2, 22 KOs), a product of New Bedford (MA), captured numerous title belts during his 15-year pro career that started in 1990: IBU welterweight, 2-time NABF super lightweight, IBF Intercontinental and New England light weight. Ray defeated world champions such as Charles Murray (twice), Vince Phillips and Vivian Harris. Most of his losses were to world champions, including Ricky Hatton, Vernon Forrest, Reggie Green, Ben Tackie, Zack Padilla and Jake Rodriguez. Oliveira had good “whiskers,” too. He had never been stopped and only floored twice until his last two fights.

“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 February 1 at 8:30 p.m.

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.

Unbeaten 9-time U.S. amateur champion Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs) tangles with upset-minded Sameh Elashry (6-4, 2 KOs) in an eight-round battle of cruiserweights.

The 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 finally 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 in four-round bouts are popular Hartford light welterweight Addy Irizarry (3-1, 2 KOs) against Tonya Gallegos (4-6, 2 KOs), unbeaten Brockton light heavyweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0, 1 KO) meets veteran Anthony Cannon (4-8, 1 KO), 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).

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.

-CES-

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Irvine Named “Fight Capitol of California” 2008 Mixed Martial Arts “Fist Series” and 2008 Battle In The Ballroom Boxing Dates Announced

Newport Beach, CA: Following up on 23 years of Battle In The Ballroom boxing success at the Irvine Marriott, fight promoter Roy Englebrecht has announced a new mixed martial arts series at his Orange County venue, with the kickoff event called WinterFist 2008 set for Wednesday, February 20th. After selling out his first two Irvine Marriott MMA shows in 2007, Englebrecht has realized that a mixed martial arts market exists in Southern California and especially Orange County, and has decided to offer America’s first ever regularly scheduled Mixed Martial Arts shows, the “Fist Series”.


“With the addition of these four new 2008 MMA pro shows added to the six 2008 Battle In The Ballroom pro boxing shows, all in the 1,412 seat Grand Ballroom at the Irvine Marriott, I am thrilled to name Irvine as the “Fight Capitol of California,” stated Englebrecht. “No other city in California will host this many shows in one year, and the credit has to go to the thousands of fight fans who have supported all the shows over the past 23 years. Plus, this is America’s only pro boxing and pro mma series under one promotion company and at one venue”

“I have decided to take the business template that we shaped for the Battle In The Ballroom boxing shows, and transfer it to the sport of mixed martial arts and create another fight series,” said Englebrecht. “We will launch the “Fist Series” with our February 20th WinterFist 2008 show, and then move to Sunday afternoons for SpringFist 2008 on Sunday, April 13th, SummerFist 2008 on Sunday, July 6th, and OctoberFist 2008 on Sunday, November 9th. “We asked many MMA fans at our two Marriott shows what day they feel would be a good day to hold shows, and Sunday kept on coming up,” continued Englebrecht, “so Sunday’s it will be. I also have no doubt that this new Fist Series will become the same huge success that the Battle In The Ballroom boxing shows currently are.”

For the first time ever in the short history of Mixed Martial Arts, a promotion has announced four dates over the course of a year, at the same venue, and will offer Season Seats for the series. “Again MMA fans asked if they could buy a season seat for all shows and be guaranteed a good seat each night, so we are happy to offer “Fist Series” Season Seats and fans will even be able to save some money as a season seat holder,” said Englebrecht.

Englebrecht also announced that his Battle In The Ballroom pro boxing shows will have some new wrinkles in 2008, and that opening night is Thursday, February 21st. Even though he is riding a streak of 18 straight sellouts dating back to February of 2005, Englebrecht will not raise ticket prices in 2008. He also announced that the Main Event on two of the 2008 shows will be Title Fights, with a championship belt on the line!

For the Fist Series Englebrecht will feature the first ever Fight Of The Night Award, a trophy that will be given, not just to the winner of the fight, but to both fighters in the bout that the fans feel is the Fight Of The Night.

“I’ll let Golden Boy, Top Rank and the UFC continue to fills arenas and I’ll fill Ballrooms,” stated Englebrecht. “While Golden Boy, Top Rank and the UFC showcase current Boxing and MMA stars, we’ll debut the boxing and mma stars of tomorrow, and we’ll do it with the lowest ticket prices anywhere. We’ll continue to create an upscale and exciting experience for our fans, in the 1,412 seat Grand Ballroom, continuing to elevate the WOW factor of the fight business.”

“With 36 current or former world champion boxers who have fought on a Battle In The Ballroom show over the past 23 years, I expect that we will now see the Fist Series become the first true minor leagues for Mixed Martial Arts fighters, giving them every opportunity to be successful, as we have for boxers, and help them move to the next level,” Englebrecht concluded.

So if anyone wants to attend a fight show in Orange County, either boxing or mixed martial arts, it pretty much will be at the Irvine Marriott and it will be a Roy Englebrecht show….because Irvine is now the Fight Capitol of California!

Tickets for all show go on sale Monday, January 14th at http://www.battleintheballroom.com/

Contact: Roy Englebrecht – boxing77@aol.com

“The Ultimate Showdown II” pro-am boxing show; New England talent showcase Jan. 26 at Mansfield SportsPlex

MANSFIELD, Mass. – The future of New England boxing will be showcased Saturday night (Jan. 26) on “The Ultimate Showdown II” pro-am boxing show, presented by Peter Manfredo, Sr. in association with Bash For Cash, at the Mansfield SportsPlex in Mansfield, Massachusetts.



Three of New England’s most promising pro prospects will be in action. New Hampshire cruiserweight Rich Gingras (7-0, 4 KOs), the 2006 Ringside World heavyweight champion, takes on 21-fight veteran William “The Storm” Bailey in a six-round bout. Whitman (MA) super middleweight Mark “The Italian Bazooka” DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs) and Worcester (MA) middleweight Edwin Rodriguez will be in fighting in four-round bouts.

DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs), the 2004 National Silver Gloves champion, faces Charles Kirby (1-2), while the Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez makes his much-anticipated pro debut versus Samuel Ortiz Gomez. Rodriguez won 89 of 93 amateur matches, highlighted by gold-medal performances in the 2006 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2005 United States Championship.

Reigning IWBF featherweight and NABF super featherweight champion Missy “The Fury” Fiorentino (16-1, 6 KOs), of Cranston (RI), headlines “The Ultimate Showdown II” in a 10-round fight for her third world title belt in three different weight classes. She battles Ela “Bam Bam” Nunez (5-2, 1 KO), a single mother of four from Albany (NY), in the 10-round main event for the vacant IWBF super featherweight title.

Six amateur matches are also scheduled, including three Master’s Division matches: Foxboro police officer David Fascaldo vs. Mass. Department of Corrections officer Eric Flaherty;. “Easy” Ed Nelson, of Brockton, vs. former New York City police officer Steve “The Steel” Gentile; Foxboro police officer Frank Azevedo vs. Louisiana firefighter J.R. “The Lion” Moore.

Other amateurs slated to box on the card are 29-year-old heavyweight James DeLuca, as well as Jesus Caro, of Providence, and Pawtucket’s Thomas Followo and Toka Kahn. All bouts and boxers are subject to change.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project assisting U.S. armed forces men and women severely injured during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places around the world.

Tickets are priced at $25.00 (general admission), $50.00 (open seating), $75.00 (ringside) and $175.00 (VIP invitation only). Call 401.723.1359, 508.509.3236 or go to http://www.bashforcashllc.com/ to purchase tickets or for additional information.

-PM-

CONTACT:Bob TriegerFull Court Press

UNDEFEATED IVAN POPOCA BATTLES RICHARD BALDO AT "THE MONTH OF THE KINGS" IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH‏

Undefeated Chicago based welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca returns to the ring this Friday night, January 25th as he battles unbeaten newcomer Richard Baldo of Sheridan, Wyoming at THE MONTH OF THE KINGS, an evening of world class professional boxing presented by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions.

Tickets for THE MONTH OF THE KINGS are available in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions offices at 312-226-5800. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm.

The 25 year old Popoca, a former amateur standout has been training
diligently at Pesoli’s JABB BOXING GYM every day with WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz.

“David has been a mentor to me for a long time. His track record of success is what I’m trying to emulate. We’re friends, but when it comes to helping me train or sparring its all business.”

Added Popoca, “I’m thrilled to get back in the ring this Friday night. The fans have been very supportive since I turned pro early last year. “

A construction worker by day, Popoca ran his amateur record to 137-13
prior to turning professional. His amateur record includes success in the Silver Gloves and the Junior Olympics.

About his future, the modest Popoca stated, “One fight at a time; however this one is my last at welterweight. We’re going at 145 on this one and then I’m going down to junior welterweight.”

Popoca enters the scheduled four rounder with a record of 3-0-1 (3KO’s)
while Baldo travels to Chicago with a slate of 1-0 (1KO).

Along with Chicago’s 8 Count Productions and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, THE MONTH OF THE KINGS is presented by TCF Bank, Tecate Beer and AeroMexico, Mexico’s premier airline travel headquarters. The SOLO BOXEO TECATE broadcast will be viewed in 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.

Headlining THE MONTH OF THE KINGS is an outstanding flyweight bout between former junior flyweight world champion Hugo “EL INCREDIBLE” Cazares, 25-4-1 (19KO’s) of Los Mochis, Mexico and Columbian veteran Kermin Guardia, 37-7 (21KO’s) both of whom will be making their Chicago debuts.

The full card of boxing is follows:

Hugo Cazares vs. Kermin Guardia, twelve rounds, flyweights
Carlos Ivan Velasquez vs. Ever Perez, six rounds, super featherweights
Barbaro Zepeda vs. Jose Navarrete, six rounds, featherweights
Juan Carlos Velasquez vs. TBA, four rounds, featherweights
Ivan Popoca vs. Richard Baldo, four rounds, welterweights
Michael Faragon vs. Heriberto Ponce, four rounds, junior welterweights
Daniel Jacobs vs. Francisco Martinez, four rounds, junior middleweights
Gadiel Andaluz vs. Marsay Buggs, four rounds, super featherweights

The Master of Ceremonies for THE MONTH OF THE KINGS will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1997 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit http://www.8countproductions.com/ and http://www.jabbboxinggym.com/

Additional information can also be obtained by visiting the Golden Boy Promotions website at http://www.goldenboypromotions.com/

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1997

Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions

CINTRON TO BEGIN FULL TRAINING IN 1-2 WEEKS; PLANS APRIL RING RETURN

TOTOWA, NJ- IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron has been told by his doctor—Reading, PA orthopedic surgeon Dr. R. Scott Cook—that he may resume “full training in a week to 10 days”, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. In November Cook diagnosed Cintron with severe ligament damage in his right hand following the champion’s Nov 23 title-defending victory over Jesse Feliciano (TKO 10).

Emmanuel Steward and Kermit Cintron


In a statement today Dr. Cook said, “This week Kermit will begin hitting the speed bag. He is up to speed where he should be and is healing well.”

“We are in the early stages of finding a Kermit opponent for April,” said Duva.
Cintron (29-1, 27 KO’s) injured his right hand in the first round of his bout against Ferguson.

Kemit Cintron and Giamache, trainer


Despite the intense pain—which Cintron made evident when he dropped to the canvas following the bout—the champion battled on for 10 rounds before stopping the granite-chinned Feliciano with a two-fisted barrage at the 1:53 mark of round 10.

For more info: Main Events; Donald Tremblay

Today the IFL has unveiled its new logo and branding for 2008.

Today the IFL has unveiled its new logo and branding for 2008. You can see the logo at http://www.ifl.tv/IFL-Images/IFL-Logos/IFL2008Logo.jpg; for high-res versions, go to http://www.image.net/, in the folder logos/2008.

INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE UNVEILS NEW LOGO, BRANDING FOR 2008 SEASON Change Reflects Shift To Focus On Camps, Commitment To Best Matchups

NEW YORK– The International Fight League™ (OTC.BB: IFLI), a leader in the growing sport of mixed martial arts (MMA), today unveiled the new visual identity of its corporate brand. The new logo is a reflection of the IFL’s exciting style of MMA action as the league enters its second full season of competition. The design incorporates the traditional gloved fist coming towards the viewer from between forward-slanted “IFL” initials in front of a silver oval plate, utilizing the league’s new color scheme of deep red, silver and black. “The IFL has always showcased the top up-and-coming athletes, coached by the legends of MMA,” said Jay Larkin, IFL CEO and President. “Our new identity is part of the league’s renewed commitment to putting together the best matchups to a wide, burgeoning audience of fans worldwide.” The revised IFL logo will appear in marketing materials and branding opportunities as well as on an array of merchandise available to fans attending events as well as through http://www.ifl.tv/, the league’s official Website, which will be relaunched to reflect the new branding. Larkin also announced that the IFL has also eliminated the league-created team logos and will instead use branding of the camps led by its coaches, such as Miletich Fighting Systems, Xtreme Couture, Team Quest and Renzo Gracie Academy. About the IFL International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: http://www.ifl.tv/.

Martin “EL GALLITO” Castillo, former WBA flyweight champion will challenge current WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel

Martin “EL GALLITO” Castillo, former World Boxing Association flyweight champion, will challenge current World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The twelve round world title bout will be featured on the under card of the pay-per-view extravaganza headlined by the rematch rumble between world middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and former world champion Jermain Taylor.

Castillo (33-2, 17 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, has won 12 of his last 13 bouts. He captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) 115-pound title in 2004, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Alexander Munoz. He held the title for nearly two years before losing it to Nobuo Nashiro on July 22, 2006 in Japan. He is currently the WBA and the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) top-rated contender and the WBO and the WBC’s No. 2 contender. He is also rated # 1 by Ring Magazine and # 3 by ESPN.

Since losing to Nashiro, Castillo has won his last three bouts, most recently winning a dominant ten round unanimous decision over Jonathan Perez on October 26, 2007 in Cicero, Illinois.

Currently working with new trainer Rudy Perez, longtime trainer of Marco Antonio Barrera, at the South El Monte Teamsters Boxing Club in South El Monte, California, Castillo spoke about his upcoming challenge for his second world title.

“Training has been excellent; Rudy and I have been very comfortable since the first day.

We’ve been working very hard at the gym getting ready for this title fight.”

Speaking specifically about Montiel, Castillo said “We’re working on cutting off the ring. Montiel runs way too much and I will have to force him to fight. I’m going to fight an intelligent fight and I plan on being victorious. I’m very thankful for this fight and 100% ready and hungry to win.”

About fighting on HBO Pay Per View in Las Vegas, Martin stated, “I’m thrilled to fight on the big stage. I’m very thankful to Top Rank for this opportunity and I plan on putting on a terrific performance for the fans in attendance and those watching on pay per view.”

In regards to his long supportive fans, Castillo said, “I’m very thankful for my fans support. I’m very appreciative that they’ve been with me throughout my career and I plan not to let them down.”

Speaking about the long talked about fight with Jorge Arce, “EL GALLITO” said "I’m completely focused on Montiel. After this fight I will consider my options with other fights but right now it’s all about preparing for February 16th.”

Also featured on the undercard is a World Boxing Council super flyweight title bout between champion Cristian Mijares and three-time world title challenger Jose Navarro. In addition, junior middleweight contender Ronald Hearns, son of legendary boxer Tommy Hearns, will risk his undefeated record against Juan Astorga in an eight round bout.

Ronald Hearns


The Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank Inc.

The 12-round rumble will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 9p.m. (EST) / 6p.m. (PST). The bout will take place at a catch weight of 166 lbs. as Taylor exercises the rematch clause in his contract from the original Pavlik fight.

Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale at MGM Grand Arena Box Office. Tickets will also be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmasters locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Macy's West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000 or MGM Grand 800-929-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com

CONTACTS:

Martin Castillo is managed by Frank Espinoza and promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated. For further information please visit www.toprank.com, www.espinozaboxingclub.com or www.martin-castillo.com

LONG-AWAITED FRANK SHAMROCK-CUNG LE FIGHT SET FOR MARCH 29

LONG-AWAITED FRANK SHAMROCK-CUNG LE FIGHT SET FOR MARCH 29
AT HP PAVILION IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA.

Tickets Go On Sale This Saturday, Jan. 19

SAN JOSE, Calif. — After months of circling around each other, world champions and Bay Area rivals, Frank Shamrock (23-8-1) and undefeated Cung Le (21-0), will finally face off in the cage when Shamrock defends his Strikeforce World Middleweight (185-pound limit) Championship against Le in the main event of an eagerly anticipated EliteXC-Strikeforce co-promoted mixed martial arts extravaganza Saturday, March 29, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif..

Tickets for “Shamrock vs. Cung Le,” priced from $30, go on sale this Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. PT at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (http://www.ticketmaster.com/), EliteXC’s official website (http://www.proelite.com/) and Strikeforce’s official website (http://www.strikeforceusa.net/).

“This is absolutely a tremendous fight and an extremely dangerous fight for both fighters, but one I know they have wanted and the fans have been waiting for and can't wait to see,’’' EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. “I can't wait to see it either. Shamrock is a true MMA legend, but Cung Le is one of the very best fighters around, and this is his chance to prove that to the world.

“Really, I have a ton of respect for both fighters and what they have accomplished. EliteXC is really looking forward to returning to San Jose where they truly have some of the most rabid and knowledgeable fans anywhere, and working again with Scott Coker and Strikeforce.” Said Scott Coker, Strikeforce CEO: “As a martial arts promoter for 25 years and as a promoter of both of these fighters, I’ve been watching the rivalry between Frank and Cung build for quite some time, so it’s great to see this matchup finally come to fruition. “This has the potential to be one of the greatest mixed martial arts fights of all-time because of the tremendous skill level of both fighters and the way they match up. It’s an honor to be able to bring this fight to the fans along with EliteXC.”

To fans in the Bay Area, a perennial hotbed for martial arts, the right to claim the throne as the region’s undisputed champion is equally important as ownership of the world title.

“Being No. 2 isn’t such a bad thing so Cung has nothing to be ashamed of,” cracked the ever-entertaining Shamrock (frankshamrock.proelite.com). The first Strikeforce middleweight champion in history, Shamrock returned to vintage form in his last fight as he dominated knockout artist Phil “The New York Badass” Baroni en route to choking Baroni (philbaroni.proelite.com) unconscious in the second round before a raucous HP Pavilion crowd on June 22, 2007.

"But there’s a big difference between being No. 1 and No. 2,’’ Shamrock continued. “Le will find that out soon enough.

“This is a fight that has been building for years. This is where we both grew up, where we both found our paths in life as martial artists and champions of combat. It was inevitable that we would one day face each other here. I’m excited it’s finally happening.’’

At 35, Shamrock has cemented his place as a legend in the sport of mixed martial arts. After becoming the first UFC Middleweight Champion in history in 1997 by submitting 1992 Olympic Games wrestling gold medalist Kevin Jackson with an armbar in a then-record 16 seconds, Shamrock reached the pinnacle of his career by stopping “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (titortiz.proelite.com), in what is celebrated as one of the greatest martial arts battles of all-time.

Before a record crowd of 18,265 at the HP Pavilion on March 10, 2006, Shamrock ended a three-year hiatus when he faced old nemesis Cesar Gracie in the main event of Strikeforce’s inaugural mixed martial arts show. In a devastating performance, Shamrock decimated the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a right hand followed by a series of strikes on the floored Gracie that ended the fight a mere 21 seconds after it started.

Shamrock is widely recognized as the father of modern day mixed martial arts, a pioneer of complete fighting who boasts a dangerously versatile skill set, including western boxing, kickboxing and submission wrestling.

Le (cungle.proelite.com), also 35, is attempting to follow in Shamrock’s footsteps in the cage after reeling off 16 consecutive wins in professional kickboxing, where he sealed his position as the sport’s top 185-pound fighter and, arguably, its greatest pound-for-pound competitor.

A host of Le’s conquests, which include four K-1 USA “Superfight” victories and the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) world 185-pound title, have been showcased on ESPN.

“I want this fight. I can’t wait to get in the cage with Frank,” said the confident Le, a winner in his last start over former The Ultimate Fighter reality show contestant, Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan, during a Strikeforce promotion at HP Pavilion on Nov. 16, 2007.

The talented Le’s victory, a third round TKO that he secured with a sidekick to the liver, raised his mixed martial arts record to a perfect 5-0 with five (T)KOs.

“People have been wondering when I’d take the next step in the cage and fight an established superstar and world champion,” said Le, who was sensational during a third-round TKO (strikes) over Tony Fryklund on the Shamrock-Baroni undercard. “Well, here it is. The fans are in for a great fight.”

The greatest challenge posed by Le is, perhaps, his fighting style, considered unorthodox by mixed martial arts standards. Thus far, he has been untouchable in the ring as well as the cage, frustrating and confusing his opponents with an elusiveness and bag of tricks that includes scissor kicks, hip tosses and assorted other throwing techniques that stem from his studies of San Shou kickboxing.

Born in Vietnam, Le fled the war-torn country as a baby in his mother’s arms in 1975. After immigrating to The United States, the family settled in San Jose where Le eventually became an All-American high school and, later, a California state wrestling champion at West Valley Junior College before discovering San Shou.

Le’s tale of survival and success has been the subject of documentary films aired on The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. More recently, Le was featured on an episode of The History Channel’s smash-hit martial arts television series, The Human Weapon.

The five-round Shamrock-Le contest will highlight a SHOWTIME telecast that begins live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). The preliminary card will begin at 5 p.m. PT.

About ProElite:ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

About Strikeforce:Strikeforce is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, Strikeforce has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” Since then, it has co-produced the first SHOWTIME PPV mixed martial arts event in history with its world championship “Shamrock vs. Baroni” card on June 22nd of this year followed by the first-ever mixed martial arts event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion on September 29th.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Contacts: Mike Afromowitz, Strikeforce – (917) 566-8754 or muaythaimes@aol.com
John Beyrooty, EliteXC/BZA –

Ronica Jeffrey: "Boxing Has Been Very Good To Me"

Ronica Jeffrey: "Boxing Has Been Very Good To Me"
By Robert Mladinich

(Photo courtesy of Robert Mladinich)


Although Ronica Jeffrey has squared off in front of thousands of fans while winning three New York City Golden Gloves titles at Madison Square Garden, she admits to being a bit nervous about making her pro debut on Thursday, January 31, at the Utopia Paradise Theater in the Bronx, New York.

The show, which will also feature the comeback of former light-heavyweight champion Lou Del Valle, as well as local favorites Elvir Muriqi, Efrain Joel Torres, Eddie Irizarry, Jon Schneider and Alicia Ashley is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

The 24-year-old Jeffrey, a native of Grenada who resides in Brooklyn, will be facing Karen Dulin of Mystic, Connecticut, an experienced amateur who, like Jeffrey, will be making her pro debut.

“Everything is happening so fast and I’m just trying to ride the flow,” said Jeffrey, who also attends the Wood Tobe Coburn Institute in Manhattan, where she is studying to become a medical assistant and dreams of someday being a pediatrician.

“I’m very nervous and excited, all in one. Fighting professionally is a new game. I think it’s more mental than anything else, but I admit that I’m a little nervous.”

One thing you can be sure of is that Jeffrey’s jitters will dissipate once the bell rings. Her vast experience on the big stage should take her a long way.

In one New York Golden Gloves final, she soundly defeated Maureen Shea, who was the darling of the media at the time because of the recent release of the Academy Award winning film “Million Dollar Baby.”

Shea was being touted as “The Real Million Dollar Baby” for her training with Hilary Swank, the star of the film. Scores of reporters from the entertainment media were on hand for the fight, which turned out to be a disappointment for them as well as Shea.

Jeffrey was also a national amateur champion who represented USA Boxing in such faraway places as India, Argentina, Colorado and California.

“Ronica had a great amateur career,” said her manager, David Selwyn. “She faced lots of pressure and almost always came out on top. She beat Maureen Shea, who is now 12-0 as a pro. I hope to have Ronica fighting for a title before she has 12 fights. In female boxing, having 10 fights as a pro is like a man having 40. Ronica’s amateur experience will have her ready to fight for a title sooner rather than later.”



Jeffrey would love to make her living as a boxer, but is wise enough to understand the nuances and vagaries of the sport, especially as it pertains to females. She is probably the only boxer you will ever meet who discusses attending medical school as a “backup plan” in case boxing doesn’t work out.

“If boxing can create a career for me, that would be great,” she explained. “But there are so many ups and downs in the sport, I always want to have something to fall back on.”

When speaking with Jeffrey it is obvious that she is extremely intelligent and serious about all that she does. When she first entered Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn it was to maintain her fitness and lose some weight.

Within just a few months, however, she had become great friends with such female stars as Alicia Ashley, Belinda Laracuente and Melissa “Hurricane” Hernandez.

When she was encouraged to compete as an amateur by those women, as well as her trainer Mike Smith, she says that she had never even heard of the Golden Gloves tournament.

After roaring through the competition, she couldn’t believe she had made it to the finals of what is generally regarded as the most prestigious local amateur tournament in the world.

“I’m not a person who demands a lot of attention,” said Jeffrey. “Being the center of attention in a place like Madison Square Garden was tough. Even though I’ve been in the finals three times, I still got more nervous each year.”

Her family, which consists of her parents and two siblings, helps keep her grounded. She currently lives with her father Ronald, an electrician who has made many sacrifices to further her dual interests in boxing and education.

“With school and boxing, it’s hard for me to have a full-time job, so I am very grateful for the support that I receive,” said Jeffrey. “It gives me much more inspiration to be successful in everything I do.”

Jeffrey realizes that so much has happened to her in such a relatively short time. As quick a pace as her life is now, she can’t help but feed off of all the positive energy that comes from doing what she not only loves, but also excels at.

She is as goal oriented as she is fitness oriented, so she is certain that her pro debut will be the start of a wonderful year.

“Boxing has already been really good to me,” she said. “I’ve made great friends and feel like Gleason’s is my home. I probably spend more time there than anywhere else. Boxing has enabled me to see places I never would have seen, and to meet people I never would have met. I believe that it is only going to get better in the future, and I am very excited about that.”

Bazooka completes the requirements; Bazooka the professional Cutman

I am pleased and proud to announce to the boxing community that Bazooka has completed the requirements in 2007 and is now considered and recognized as a professional Cut-Man. Bazooka is recognized by USA-Boxing as a Coach and Judge, New York Athletic Commision as a Second (CutMan), New Jersey Atheletic Commission as a Second (CutMan) as well as a Professional Judge and Cutman with (WPBF/USBC) World Professional Boxing Federation/ United States Boxing Council.

Bazooka and Evander Holyfield


"I have completed my training and apprenticeship under the watchful eye of the great and renowned cut man Big George Mitchell."

The legendary boxing trainer Bob Jackson was instrumental,cooperative,encouraging and a participant with my training.
Bazooka with the Irish Ropes team.


"I would like to remind everyone that Bob Jackson; a cut man himself; was the partner of the GREAT Al Gavin for 40 years and learned a lot about mending boxers. They taught the lost art to Big George Mitchell. Now I possess the secretive and magical skills of a cut-man."

The linkage is, Al Gavin Cut Man to the Stars; 40 years experience, Bob Jackson trainer and cut man 40 years experience and Big George Mitchell Boxing trainer and renowned cut man 20 years experience. A total of 100 years knowledge of the lost skill of the cut-man.

Bazooka stands proudly on the shoulders of the great ones before him and will practice the art of cut-men, as honourably as the ones before him.

"I would like to thank my friend Al Gavin posthumously, for his advice."
Bazooka and Legendary boxer Jose Torres


Bazooka hopes to be see you all @ ringside as, He administer medical help for the fighters.


Bazooka

Eddie Goldman on Carson's Corner Legendary combative sports journalist Eddie Goldman is the guest thisweek on Carson's Corner. Eddie (catch his shows

Eddie Goldman on Carson's Corner Legendary combative sports journalist Eddie Goldman is the guest this week on Carson's Corner. Eddie (catch his shows at http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/) and Bob sitdown for an extended discussion and proceed to put Zuffa under the microscope. If you're a fan of MMA, you will not want to miss this show. You will hear about a side of the UFC that you might not beaware of, and certainly won't be comfortable with. You will hear about how Dana White possibly back stabbed the MMA media, how Zuffa mistreated and mishandled Pride FC, mistreated and mishandled Randy Couture and much, much, much more. You won't want to miss Goldman's commentary on the state of most MMA radio shows today (e.g., Sherdog's radio programs, etc.). It alone is worth the price of admission! Bob also answers perhaps the zaniest listener emails to date and previews the upcoming UFC 80 show. If you've been on the fence about catching an episode of Carson's Corner, this is the show to jump on board. We're backing this show up with a money-back guarantee! To listen to the show, click here: http://www.nowpublic.com/entertainment/eddie-goldman-uncensored-0 To download the show, click here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZH53QO32