Hatton-Malignaggi on the horizon?

NEW YORK– IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi hopes to ink a pact early next week to confirm his dream deal: a two-fight arrangement culminating with a showdown against the world’s recognized No. 1 junior welterweight, Ricky Hatton, The Ring magazine and IBO title-holder.

Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi


“I’ve got to admit that, after the Cotto fight,” Malignaggi said, “I never thought that I’d get the chance to fight another great champion again. I believed in myself, but it was almost like I proved too much to everyone, that I had skills, but most of all, that I’m as tough as anyone who ever laced on gloves. I’m really grateful that Team Hatton looks like they’ll give me the opportunity to fight on Ricky’s big card in Manchester in May and then against him in the Fall in the United States.

“Ricky and I have a lot in common. Both our fathers were soccer players – his in England and mine in Italy – and we’ve both paid our dues and earned the respect of the fans and other fighters. The only marks on our records came against two great fighters, Mayweather and Cotto.

Ricky Hatton


What makes it so exciting is the big difference in our fighting styles. Ricky is rough and tough; an all-action fighter who takes advantage of everything he can to get the win. You’re never going to see a Hatton fight that doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat. Most of my fights have been boxing matches. The excitement was dictated by how aggressive the other guy wanted to be. If they brought it, they got it back times 10. I know I’m at the top of my game right now and that’s what it takes to have a chance against a great champion like Ricky Hatton.”

Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) captured the IBF title last June, defeating champion Lovemore N’dou (45-8-1) by 12-found decision, and Paulie successfully defended his belt in January with a 12-round decision against No. 1 contender Herman Ngoudjo (16-1).



“Everyone was blown away when they heard Ricky was going to fight at City of Manchester Stadium,” Paulie continued. “It’s going to be crazy over there! They’ve had a lot of quality fighters in Great Britain - Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank. They also had Lennox Lewis, but nothing like what Ricky means to them. Vegas was crazy last December and I know we can bring that atmosphere back when we go at it in the Fall. This won’t be a Friendly, more like a World Cup match, wherever we fight.

“My goal has always been to make the biggest and best fights, just like my great friend, Floyd Mayweather, has told me to do. A match-up between me and Ricky will be a Super Fight, one talked about for as long as there is boxing. No other fight at 140 matters.

Paul Malignaggi and Aaron Baraunstein


And before the fight, well, everyone knows that I talk a lot of smack, so Ricky’s not going to get any breaks there, either. Like with Floyd, me and Ricky can save seeing if we’re cool until once we’ve earned each other’s respect at the only place it counts – in the ring. There is no one, I repeat, no one I want to fight more than the No. 1 guy in the division - Ricky Hatton. Forget the money, forget the titles, this is about being the best. I know that if I get in the ring with Ricky Hatton, I’ll show him and everyone else what I’m made of, that I am the best 140-pound fighter in the world.

“I want to thank Ricky, his father, Ray, his lawyer, Gareth, who I met in Vegas, my team and everyone at Golden Boy and DBE for working so hard on this. I know I’m not always the easiest guy to deal with because I get so emotional over stupid stuff and open my mouth. I want to hype things up and get my chance to prove to everyone that I can walk the walk with the best. I’m ready to sign on the dotted line and prove to the Hattons and everyone else that Paulie Malignaggi is ready and up for the task of making this the biggest and best promotion that it can be. The best versus the best!
‘Magic Man’


If Ricky Hatton can beat me, then he can close the book on the 140-pound division. But no one’s beating the ‘Magic Man’ ever again. Me and Ricky are both professionals and know we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We both know that if we don’t win in May, our fight can never happen. Let everyone know that Paulie Malignaggi will do his part to make this happen and I’m counting on Ricky to do the same.”

CONTACT:Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
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Yuri Foreman: Ready to Move Up, by Jerry Glick

Jerry Glick reporting: The Aviator, located in Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field on the southern tip of Flatbush Avenue, looks like a great venue for boxing. Final Forum’s Sal Musumeci wants to bring boxing back to the borough that was once a hot spot for boxing, and the Aviator is made to order.

Jerry Glick interviews Bernard Hopkins


This is a new opportunity for Brooklyn fans to see their favorite fighters box in a new, spacious, modern venue right in their own backyard.

Headlining the Final Forum show called “Fists a Flying,” that is being co-promoted with Top Rank, will be undefeated NABF Junior Middleweight Champion Yuri Foreman, 24-0 (8) who now lives in Caroll Gardens, Brooklyn, but was born in Belarus in the former Soviet Union. His opponent is Saul Roman, 28-4 (24), who last time out outpointed former world Junior Middleweight Champion Kassim Ouma. Also competing on the April 3rd show will be Joshua Clottey, 33-2 (19), who will face tough, hard hitting Jose Luis Cruz, 34-3 (27).

Yuri Foreman


At the press conference, held at the Aviator, Foreman appeared to be in great shape, ready to step into the ring right now. He said that he is excited about fighting in Brooklyn for the first time.

“I fought many times in New York (Manhattan),” said Foreman. “But this is my first time fighting in Brooklyn as a professional. I fought in the Golden Gloves many times in Brooklyn.” He is very excited about fighting so close to his home.

Foreman knows what his foe, Roman, will bring to the table.

“He has some decent power; you can look at his record,” added Foreman. “He has 24 knockouts. He’s 28 and four, I’m 24 and 0. He has those 24 knockout but most of them against not so good opponents. He fought questionable guys but just recently he got a victory over Kassim Ouma.”

Foreman is expecting a big win in his upcoming fight and a good 2008.

“I expect to have a great and spectacular victory on April third, and after that I hope to get a title shot. April third is the first step.”

Foreman has a lot of talent in his weight class to target. The WBC champ is Vernon Forrest, WBA title is in the hands of Joachim Alcine, Sergiy Dzinziruk has the WBO strap, and Cory Spinks holds the IBF belt.

“I’m ready to fight world class fighters,” declared Foreman.

“This is more like the third step already,” he corrected. “They told me that after Tsurkan I would get an opportunity for a title shot. That was that and I guess this is another one. But I’m just focusing right now on Saul Roman.”

Foreman is hard at work getting ready at Gleason’s gym.

“I never go to camp,” said Foreman. “I am always home.”

Foreman’s manager, Murray Wilson, has plans for his charge that include a world title this year.

“Get past this fight, which I hope we will, and I’m pretty sure we will,” said Wilson. “One more tune up fight, and then I’m sure we’re going for the world championship. We’re calling out Alcine. That should be it before the year is out.”

Foreman is currently ranked sixth for Joachim Alcine’s WBA title.

The 27 year old Foreman is one of the current Jewish fighters, including, Roman Greenberg, and Dmitriy Salita among others, who are bringing Jewish fans back into arenas to watch boxing. There was a time when boxing was well populated with Jewish boxers many of whom won world titles.

Foreman is an excellent draw and is very popular. He is bright, young, good looking, articulate and charming. It also helps that he can fight.

PUNCHLINES

DERRIC ROSSY:

Also on Musumeci’s mind is his heavyweight Derric Rossy’s future. Rossy was on hand at the press conference (he is not on this card) and his most recent fight that took place in China against Ray Mercer was playing on the multiple TV screens over the bar.

“It is currently being entertained,” said Musumeci. “That Rossy will be matched with Hasim Rahman in early May at a site to be announced.”

Rossy, looking about 30 pounds lighter than he was when last seen in these parts, had a few things to say about his career. There have been other changes since he suffered his first defeat.

For one, Rossy appeared to box more than in the past when he fought the aging Mercer.

“Mercer is an old salty dog,” stated Rossy. “He’s older now, but he’s crafty. He took his time in there trying to find his moments. I just kept the same game plan, stick and move, stick and move.”

Rossy had a tough loss to then unbeaten “Fast” Eddie Chambers who dished out a beating; busting Rossy’s eye up in the process.

“I knew what I could learn from it and we learned a lot of things,” he added. “Went back to the drawing board and perfected a lot of things.”

Rossy said that his biggest improvement was his weight loss. He dropped those thirty pounds, and he looked it.

“I felt comfortable with my boxing, rather than being a bully.”

He feels the same way his promoter, Sal Musumeci, feels; that this is his break out year. That in 2008 he will reach all of his goals in boxing.

“We’re planning on trying to get a title this year,” said a very calm and confident Rossy. “The road to get there is open. And we are going to see who will be our obstacles in our way.”

He feels that he is ready to meet whoever it takes to get to the top.

“Pick your spot,” said Rossy. “Any one of them I think we could fight with, especially now. My confidence has never been higher and my conditioning has never been better.”

So this former college linebacker and defensive end has never looked back at his football days, saying, “I don’t know who that guy is any more, I’m a fighter. We’re fighters, we love to fight.”

THE AVIATOR:

Promoter Musumeci is not only excited about the show, but he has announced his intension to make the Aviator a home for his fighters.

“I want to promote my shows here in the future,” said Musumeci. “It’s a beautiful venue.”

Floyd Bennett Field is a historic airport in the southern most area of Brooklyn, NY; at one time it was a busy military base that is now used mostly for recreation. The latest addition to it is the Aviator; a large spacious modern facility with two hockey sized skating rinks, a climbing wall, a gym, and other accommodations.

On hand at the press conference was Dean Rivera who represents the Aviator. I had a few moments to talk to him about the facility.

“We took four hangars and refurbished them,” explained Rivera. “We have a 20 year concession with the National Parks to run the facility.”

Mr. Rivera talked about the storied history of the Brooklyn location.

“Many famous people have flown out of these hangars here including Amelia Earhart, and Howard Hughs; actually the picture on the wall is a picture of Howard Hughs flying out of one of these hangars that our sports venue is built in.”

“During WWII a lot of soldiers flew from here to go to the European theater,” explained Rivera.

“Until 1971 when it was de-commissioned, it lost the postal service contract which back then drove passengers on airlines. Once they lost that the other airports, LaGuardia, Kennedy (Idlewild), came around.”

After that the field lost its direction. It became a place to teach your teenagers to drive, and fly model airplanes, and other things along those lines, until Aviator was built with the intention of bringing people to use their sports facilities and revitalize the area.

“It’s about 175 thousand square feet on 25 acres,” said Rivera. We have just about every sport you can imagine; hockey, basketball, volleyball, football, and gymnastics.”

This venue looks like it will turn into a very good place to hold boxing. That is something that has been in the works for a while.

“We had Golden Gloves here,” said Rivera. “We had NYPD-NYFD charity boxing events here and we spoke to a number of different promoters, and Sal did approach us for this one event that was coming up; Sal was looking to work here.”

He added that it was good timing for everybody, it is certainly good timing for the fans.
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Providence boxing goes national; ESPN2 FNF show, featuring Jason Estrada vs. Lance Whitaker, on April 4 at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, RI‏

PROVIDENCE– ESPN2 Friday Night Fights comes to Twin River Events Center on April 4th as 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada takes on former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker in the 10-round main event on “Heavy Hitters,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment, Inc.

Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs), 27, completed his amateur career in the U.S. with an amazing 261-14 record. The Providence-native became the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. “Big Six” won a unanimous 10-round decision versus former world title challenger Charles Shufford in his last fight on January 25.

The massive 6’ 8” Whitaker (32-4-1, 27) has beaten former world champions Oleg Maskaev (KOs) and Al “Ice” Cole, as well as previously undefeated Robert Davis (22-0), and 2-time world title challenger Monte Barrett.

“Providence fans turned out in force last week (March 14), selling out Twin River, and I’m sure will fill the event center again and show people watching on ESPN2 that Providence is the true boxing center of New England,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “Jason is Rhode Island’s first Olympic boxer and he’s stepping up in class to fight Whitaker, who has fought some of the top heavyweights of the past decade, and beaten two world champions. We’re also putting hot cruiserweight prospect Aaron Williams, 9-time national amateur champion, on the card in the co-feature and some of the most popular, exciting fighters in New England – Joey Spina, Jarrod Tillinghast, Joey McCreedy and Iraqi War veteran Chris Traietti – on the undercard with a pair of very promising prospects, Diego Pereira and Isander Beauchamp.”

Like Estrada, unbeaten cruiserweight “Awesome” Aaron Williams (16-0-1, 11 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas but making Providence his second home, is taking a quantum step-up in class in terms of his opponent, former NABO/NBA title-holder Andre “Tombstone” Purlette (40-2, 35 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature.

Power punching Providence super middleweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (21-1-1, 15 KOs), popular unbeaten Providence light heavyweight Jarrod Tillinghast (9-0, 3 KOs), exciting Lowell (MA) light heavyweight “Irish” Joey McCreedy (7-1, 5 KOs), Quincy (MA) super middleweight Chris Traietti 701, 4 KOs) and Providence junior welterweight Diego Pereira (1-0, 1 KO) and Lynn (MA) flyweight Isander Beachamp (4-0, 1 KO) are scheduled to fight on the undercard. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Heavy Hitters” are priced at $35.00 (ADA stage seating only), $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and will soon be available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), or any TicketMaster location. CES is accepting ticket orders now at 401.724.2253/2254. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Heavy Hitters.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)


CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
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Don “The Predator” Frye withdraws Due to Injury; Will Provide Commentary for the Fight

New York– Today YAMMA Pit Fighting (YPF), a new mixed martial arts (MMA) organization created by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) founder Bob Meyrowitz, announced that “Masters Superfight” participant Don “The Predator” Frye has withdrawn from the organization’s debut due to surgery on his shoulder. Frye injured his shoulder while training for the YAMMA Pit Fighting April 11 pay-per-view event, in which he was scheduled to face MMA legend Oleg “The Russian Bear” Taktarov. Frye will still attend the fight and will provide commentary.

Frye will be replaced by legendary MMA fighter Patrick Smith, an American mixed martial artist and professional kick boxer. Smith gained notoriety in the early days of the UFC with his commanding wins in several memorable fights, including his defeat of Ninjitsu practitioner Scott Morris in UFC 2. The Denver, Colorado native stands 6 ft 2 in tall and weighs 230lbs., and has won five of his last six MMA fights.

Smith had been scheduled to face Taktarov in the UFC 6 tournament, but had to pull out of the match due to injuries suffered in an earlier tournament fight. Taktarov went on to win the tournament and capture the UFC 6 championship. MMA enthusiasts that have wondered what the outcome would have been had Smith not suffered the injury just may get their answer. On April 11th in Atlantic City, Oleg Taktarov and Patrick Smith will finally meet in a fight 10 years in the making.

“We regret to announce that Don Frye has suffered an injury and will be unable to compete,” said Bob Meyrowitz, Rope Partners. “However, I am happy to say that Don will be joining us on April 11 and will provide expert commentary for the Masters Superfight between Oleg Taktarov and Patrick Smith. We look forward to Don competing in YAMMA Pit Fighting in the future.”

The YAMMA Pit Fighting event, comprised of an eight-man tournament for the title of YAMMA Heavyweight Champion and two ‘Masters Superfights,’ will air live from the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on April 11, 2008. The other ‘Masters Superfight’ will feature Eric “Butterbean” Esch versus Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge. Tickets for the event went on sale March 8 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Trump Taj Mahal Box Office. The live pay-per-view broadcast is available in the United States and Canada through In Demand Networks, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVu, Viewer’s Choice Canada and Dish Network.

The April 11th event will unveil “The YAMMA,” an evolution of the traditional fighting structure that will change how the fight is fought and the strategy the fighters must use to win. This new “ring” has been specifically designed to keep the fighting more explosive and continuous.

For the first time in over a decade, MMA will return to its origins by reviving the hugely popular tournament format, in which fighters will participate in multiple fights on their way to claiming the ultimate victory, the title of YAMMA Heavyweight Champion. The format will test the endurance and skill of each fighter, as victory in each round is rewarded not with extended rest, but with another fight. Tournament fighting has long been a huge draw for dedicated MMA fans due to the non-stop action provided by fight-after-fight formatting.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster’s extensive network of 81 ticket centers throughout the Delaware Valley including Boscov’s, Marshalls and select West Coast Video and Gallery of Sound locations or call Ticketmaster’s convenient Charge-by-Phone service at 1-800-736-1420. For Online Information: www.ticketmaster.com

About Rope Partners

Rope Partners, formed by Bob Meyrowitz and Peter Kauff, have over a 20 year track record of pioneering successful ventures in the music, broadcasting and sports industries. As illustrated by their successes in building the largest independent radio syndication company, DIR Broadcasting, The College Television Network, the largest private television network in the United States, and Semaphore Entertainment Group the originator and founder of the UFC.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/yammapitfighting or www.yammapitfighting.com

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Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Macklin kicks off massive month for Irish Boxing

Yori Boy Campas, promoter Brian Peters and Matthew Macklin at today's weigh in for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night

A massive month for Irish Boxing kicks off at the National Stadium in Dublin tomorrow with the next Ladbrokes.com Fight Night. It’s the first of three big promotions all featuring Irish talent up against men with true world class credentials.On Saturday night it’s Irish middleweight champ, Matthew Macklin’s turn to take centre stage as he battles former World Champ Yori Boy Campas of Mexico.Seven days later in Letterkenny Paul McCloskey will also face a test of Mexican machismo when he battles former World Lightweight Champ, Cesar Bazan.

Then on April 12th Bernard Dunne will make his return to the ring in an intriguing clash with former IBF Super Flyweight Champ, Felix Machado of Venezuela.

“Irish boxing is buzzing right now,” said Macklin “and it’s great to be a part of that. I’m delighted to be headlining my own show and I think the general feeling is that my fight with Campas is going to be one for the fans. I think my style will really gel with his style to make it an exciting fight. He only knows one way to fight and that’s to come forward and throw an awful lot of punches but I’m ready to meet fire with fire.

“Ideally I’d like to try and outbox him because that’s why I’ve started working with Buddy McGirt as my new trainer. I think he can help get me back to using the boxing skills I had as an amateur but I know there may come a point against Campas where all that will go out the window and we just stand toe to toe. Part of me even wants that to happen because those are the kind of fight you can make your name in but I know Buddy will be trying to keep me very disciplined in the corner.”

A knee injury has put paid to the Irish Light Welterweight title rematch between Andrew Murray and James Gorman. Murray will still fight on the card against England's Leonard Lothian but won’t be defending his title after Gorman was forced to withdraw on Thursday night.

The Belfast man suffered ligament damage while out running and had to pull out of the fight following medical advice.

Meanwhile Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike “The Rebel” Perez will look to make it three wins from three in the pro ranks when he battles former Polish amateur heavyweight champion Tomasz Zeprzalka.

Perez, a former World Junior Champ in the amateur ranks has brutally despatched his first two professional opponents in under a round. Now based out of Cork the 22-year-old is already being tipped as a future heavyweight world champion.

Another former amateur star on the card is Dublin’s own Ian Tims. The Clondalkin native is a former Irish Heavyweight champ in the amateur ranks and he’ll be looking to get his pro career off to the best possible start with an impressive win on Saturday night.

Also on the card from Liffeyside is Leon Senior. Originally from Dublin but now based in London Senior will be looking for the second win of his pro career.

Unbeaten Belfast welterweight Willie Thompson also features as he tackles unbeaten Latvian Semens Moroshek while undefeated Polish super middleweight, Albert Rybacki will open the show against American Freeman Taft.

The first fight is at 7.15.

The full line up is:

- Matthew Mackin V Yori Boy Campas – Middleweight (10 Rounds)
- Andrew Murray V Leonard Lothian – Light Welterweight (8 Rounds)
- Mike Perez V Tomasz Zeprzalka – Heavyweight (6 Rounds)
- Ian Tims V Klaids Kristapsons – Cruiserweight (4 Rounds)
- Willie Thompson V Semens Moroshek – Welterweight (4 Rounds)
- Leon Senior V Sandris Tomson – Super Middleweight (4 Rounds)
- Albert Rybacki V Freeman Taft – Light Heavyweight (6 Rounds)

Live coverage of the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night begins on RTÉ TWO at 9pm on Saturday and is also available online at www.rte.ie.

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‘GOLDBERG TOE-TO-TOE’ SERIES; RETURNS WITH FRANK SHAMROCK AND CUNG LE

NEW YORK– SHOWTIME mixed martial arts commentator Bill Goldberg goes toe-to-toe with MMA stalwarts Frank Shamrock and Cung Le in the second installment of Goldberg Toe-to-Toe, now available at SHO.com.

Direct Video Link:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1460867964/bclid1460782779/bctid1463215402

Shamrock and Le, both world class mixed martial artists and both San Jose residents, prepare to meet in the cage when EliteXC and Strikeforce return to SHOWTIME, live on Saturday, March 29, 2008 (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Goldberg Toe-to-Toe is a new, unique video series from SHOWTIME Sports and available via a variety of online outlets such as the aforementioned premium network’s website, as well as news, sports and entertainment websites, user generated sites such as YouTube, and interstitially on SHOWTIME and its multiplexes.

Created specifically for the internet, Goldberg Toe-to-Toe is fast-paced, easily accessible, brief content (each episode approximately five-minutes in length), bringing viewers behind-the-scenes and into the lives of MMA’s top athletes. Witness the astonishing training regimens and get to know the true personalities of some of today’s most feared cage fighters.

In this installment, Goldberg goes through full-day workouts with both Shamrock and Le at their respective gyms in San Jose, exposing their different fighting styles and likeable personalities. See if Goldberg can match Shamrock on the exercise ball and in a sword fighting drill. Also, catch Le overpowering the 272-pound Goldberg when the two work on San Shou throwing techniques, the cornerstone of Le’s success in martial arts fighting.

For additional content including more video, photo galleries and MMA news links, please visit http://www.sho.com/site/sports/ShamrockVSLe.do

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Henry Crawford works his way to victory!; By Mike Indri

Henry Crawford works his way to victory!
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation


Newark, NJ - Having to wait more than 90 minutes because promoter Hilliard Edmond forgot the gloves - yes, the boxing gloves! - to be used by the boxers for the five scheduled bouts should have sent a message to the few people that actually came to the Robert Treat Hotel for this very under-publicized fight card.

After retrieving the gloves from his Maplewood home for the ten fighters and getting the debacle of a show to begin, the two hundred or so fight fans that painfully waited for some boxing action had to endure a shoddy undercard, which included six of the eight fighters making pro debuts. The hastily put together bouts did prevent another cancellation on behalf of Edmond promotions.

Luckily the eight round main event between highly regarded jr. middleweight contender Henry Crawford and Jerome Ellis, fighting out of Newark, by way of the Bahamas, somewhat salvaged the night for the new promoter.

Ellis's "Ali-shuffle" in front of Crawford during the introduction heated up the crowd, but is was Crawford who was firing up Ellis with his clean right hands, and stiff jab as the fight began.

A loser of his last three fights dating back to November of 2006, Ellis was a much better fighter than his very deceptive 11-7-1 record would lead to believe, and caught Crawford with several big punches in round two. One of the bombs actually sent Crawford's mouthpiece flying. Both fighters exchanged combinations and the fans appreciated the big time action.

Getting a "wake up call" slap from his long time trainer, Nettles Nasser, between rounds, Crawford settled down and began to box more in round three and made Ellis pay for his wide, knockout-minded swings. Each Ellis miss brought several hard body shots by the undefeated prospect.

Rounds four and five were all Crawford, and the difference was the jab and his superior boxing skill. A quick left hand caught Ellis clean on the chin and sent the stunned fighter to the canvas.

Henry Crawford and trainer Nettles Nasser


As long as Crawford kept to his fight plan of boxing smart and stinging the usually wide-open Ellis with his strong counter punching, win number nineteen was not far away.

Ellis was a good, hard test for the twenty-seven year-old Paterson fighter as there was not let up in the "Bahama Boomer" who continually was looking to make Crawford his eleventh knockout victim. Ten of the eleven Ellis victories have been by stoppage, and he was trying to catch his still learning opponent with that potent right uppercut and left hook.

Another solid Crawford left hand sent a dreary-eyed Ellis reeling into the ropes and down to the canvas for the second time in the fight late in round seven, and a questionable shot to the beaten fighter's upper back drove him back to the deck in the eighth and final round. With no quit in him, Ellis quickly bounced off the floor and gave referee Earl Brown an earful as he disputed the call. Both fighters were slugging away as the bell sounded to end the exciting bout. Judges Pierre Benoist and Lawrence Layton thought Crawford pitchout a shutout, as both scored it 80-69, while Al Bennet saw it 79-70 for the likable Crawford who remains unbeaten at 19-0-1 (8 KO's) with the unanimous decision win. The durable Ellis, who has only been stopped once, slips to 11-8-1.

On the Edmond Promotions undercard:

After the lengthy delay Passaic featherweight Victor Valenzuela started things off in a big way as the highly acclaimed former amateur champion promptly delivered some action to the patient crowd, bouncing a couple of quick left hand off the body and head of Antwon Holcomb.

Holcomb, fighting out of Indianapolis, Indiana and making his pro debut, was given the extra tough task of facing Valenzuela. Valenzuela caught the over-matched Holcomb with another nasty left to the head that dropped the stunned fighter. Obviously hurt from the blow, which knocked off the rubber band holding the dreadlocks of the Indiana fighter, Holcomb beat the count but referee Benjy Esteves wisely waved off the bout at the 1:05 mark of round one of the scheduled four round bout.

The promising Valenzuela is now 2-0 (1 KO), while Holcomb (0-1) drops his too difficult debut.

A "laugher" followed in a four rounder between two more young fighters making their pro debuts. Juan Guaman and Tawan Elman both proved they needed much more work in the amateurs as their "tough man contest-like" winging slap punches brought jeers from the sparse crowd. Guaman did connect with a right hand, which sent Elman to his canvas and looking to call it a night. After pulling himself off the deck and with Guaman looking to land again, Elman draped his arms onto the top rope and surprised referee Benjy Esteves by saying he did not want to fight on.


Credit to Guaman for his gutsy performance, as all fighters that enter the ring deserve their due - even Tawan Elman; who apparently decided against boxing as a profession, one minute and thirty-nine seconds into the first round.

Yet another four round battle of first time professionals followed!
Luckily this bout proved more entertaining, as Eddie Edmond and La-Take Williams gave it their all and scrapped out a four round draw. While Edmond appeared to land the more telling blows, the judges felt neither guy deserved to loss in this hard fought contest of novice junior middleweights.

Well trained Akima Stocks annihilated Angie Campbell in a scheduled four round female bout which served as an embarrassment to all involved in putting this match together, as well as the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board for allowing it to be sanctioned.

Stocks, fighting out of Newark, had registered knockouts in both her two wins, as well as having another fight she was in command of being stopped and ruled a no-contest; due to an accidental head butt which rendered her opponent (Michelle Garland: 06/01/07 at the legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia) unable to continue.

Campbell had never fought professionally, and looked like she hadn't even laced up a pair of boxing gloves before tonight's fight…she definitely had no business in the ring and that was obvious BEFORE the opening bell had even rung. Twenty-five seconds into the first round of this scheduled four round mismatch of 152-pound females it was all over; as Campbell had absorbed too much punishment from the dangerous Stocks, now 3-0 with three knockouts. Luckily Campbell did not get seriously injured.

Not one of the better run boxing shows and this type of event definitely will not get the boxing fan to return. Edmond Promotions had either make the commitment to higher quality and more evenly matched fights, or will be facing financial disaster once more.

Fortunately the Crawford-Ellis main event was an entertaining eight rounds and the fans got to see highly touted Victor Valenzuela get his first knockout win as a pro with his picture perfect left hook.


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Former National Committeeman and YRNF Co-Chairman, Tim Kolpien, is in the news, Hockey return in Danbury not official, but close.

Former National Committeeman and YRNF Co-Chairman, Tim Kolpien, is in the news, Hockey return in Danbury not official, but close.
By Eugene Driscoll STAFF WRITER

DANBURY - It's not official, but it's darn close. Tim Kolpien, a businessman from Corning, N.Y., was in the city Tuesday talking to officials about bringing professional hockey back to the Danbury Ice Arena on Independence Way. Kolpien has a deal on the table with Floyd Hall Enterprises, the arena's owner. However, it hasn't been signed, which made Kolpien somewhat hesitant to talk publicly about his plans Tuesday.

An official announcement could come by April 1. Ideally, the team would start playing in the fall. Kolpien's plans were reported Saturday in The News-Times and have been posted on hockey fan Web sites. Meanwhile, Kolpien's general manager, Brendan Tedstone, is scheduled to meet Friday with Section 102 fans - a rowdy, rabid group of Danbury Trashers fans. The group is named after a section of the ice arena.
"We still need to cross our t's and dot our i's, but it's looking very good in Danbury," Kolpien told The News-Times. Kolpien owned the Valley Forge Freedom in Oaks, Pa. The team was affiliated with the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League, which suspended operations in February.

Kolpien said the plan is to form a new team in Danbury and a new league, the Eastern Professional Hockey League. While many look forward to a new team downtown, no hockey team has managed to stay in Danbury for more than two years. The Danbury Trashers, of the United Hockey League, packed the arena, but imploded after owner James Galante was indicted on federal racketeering charges. The New England Stars played in Danbury for a season, but the team and league folded, owing money to the city and to the arena. In general, teams and leagues in minor league sports have a tendency to come and go, which is why Mayor Mark Boughton was "cautiously optimistic" Tuesday.

"Danbury has demonstrated it will support professional hockey. The question is, can the team make money?" he asked. The mayor and Kolpien met Tuesday afternoon in City Hall to discuss the plans. "Minor league sports is a difficult business - there is no question about it," Kolpien told The News-Times. "Unfortunately, there are never any guarantees. "Having said that, we're coming in here with a very strong business plan and a very strong financial plan. Certainly we have the resources to make sure we conduct business in a transparent and honorable way." Kolpien's new league would serve as a development league for the ECHL, a hockey league that feeds players to the American Hockey League. "It's definitely going to be a higher-caliber-type hockey than the Stars," Kolpien said. "These are full-time players, for the most part. They are from all over the country. It is not going to be a team of local all-stars."

In addition to owning the now defunct Valley Forge team, Kolpien is president of Kolpien & Associates, a company that develops public relations and marketing plans for corporations and political campaigns. Kolpien's background is in politics. He served as campaign coordinator for former U.S. Rep. Amo Houghton, an upstate New York politician who served nine terms in Congress. He is also the president of the Apple Tree Group, a media and public relations firm, and was co-chairman of the Young Republican National Federation from 2005 to 2007.
http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8448994?source%253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html

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Jacboxer Tv Show now online

Jacboxer Tv Show now you can watch it online.. Or if you reside in Mahattan check it out Sat March 22 at 7PM go to Ch.56 or 83 if you have cable access. Or if you don't have cable or don't live in Mahattan you can watch itonline.. here http://www.MNN.Org Then go to Watch MNN Live on left bottom click on56/83 Same time 7PM ET or 4PM PT.. If you have comments or Suggestions email us. If you have a special event you want us to include on TV. Call:(212)252-2039 OR http://www.myspace.com/Jacboxer

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JOEY “MINNESOTA ICE” ABELL TO TAKE ON MAURICE WHEELER IN NEW MAIN EVENT AT LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON ON APRIL 11

PHILADELPHIA—Due to a suspension that had not been listed by The California Athletic Commission, / Jeremy Williams will not be able to take on Zack Page in the main event of a terrific night of boxing on Friday night, April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Knockout Artist, Joey Abell returns to The Legendary Blue Horizon to take on veteran southpaw and Philly native, Maurice Wheeler.

Boxing fans—FEAR NOT

Promoter, Vernoca L. Michael and matchmaker Don Elbaum came up with a more then suitable replacement as Blue Horizon fan favorite, Joey “Minnesota Ice” returns to take on Maurice Wheeler of Philadelphia in a scheduled eight round Heavyweight bout.

Abell, 18-1 with seventeen knockouts will be back in the Legendary Blue Horizon ring after fighting three fights out of the United States.

Abell, of Coon rapids, Minnesota built up a big fan base at The Legendary Blue Horizon due to his explosive knockout prowess. The 6’5” Abell scored five impressive knockouts at The Blue Horizon before suffering his lone, yet controversial setback when he lost via first round stoppage to Arron Lyons back on December 1st, 2006. Since then, Abell has racked up nine straight wins (eight by knockout) which includes two more vicious knockouts at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

The last time Abell stepped through the ropes at The Legendary Blue Horizon, he obliterated Levon Warner of Philadelphia in under a round as he scored two hard knockdowns which just added to his moniker as one of the hardest hitting heavyweights in the world.

Since the Warner fight, Abell made his second trip to Sweden and stopped Daniel Peret in two rounds.

In Abell’s last bout, he made his made his premium cable debut and scored a majority decision over previously undefeated Teke Oruh in St. Lucia.

That bout was seen all over the United States as the main event of the popular SHOWTIME boxing program SHO BOX: “The New Generation.”

Abell will be heading back to Sweden to take on Ratko Draskovic (28-7-2) on March 27th.

Wheeler, 10-11-1 with one knockout should prove to be a viable test for Abell.

The Philadelphia native is a southpaw spoiler who can give any heavyweight problems and can pull the upset if Abell is not on top of his game.

Wheeler’s record does not tell the whole story as his defeats have come at the hands of some of the biggest names in the Heavyweight division such as undefeated Malik Scott; WBO mandatory Tony Thompson; undefeated Alonzo Butler ; U.S Olympian Jason Estrada; and former world title challengers David Tua & DaVarryl Williamson.

Wheeler is coming off a fifth round stoppage loss to Adam Richards (19-1) last December 8th in Tunica, Mississippi.

An exciting under card is shaping for April 11th as Middleweight, Gee Cullmer of Philadelphia (13-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Anthony Little (7-10-1, 1 KO) of Akron, Ohio in a scheduled eight round bout.

Jr. Welterweight Steve Chambers (15-1, 4 KO’s) squares off with Jaime Morales (4-6, 2 KO’s) in a six round battle of Philadelphians.

Simon “One Punch” Carr (4-1-1, 3 KO’s) will be making his long awaited Legendary Blue Horizon debut when he takes on Jason Quick of New York (4-3-1, 3 KO’s) in a four round cruiserweight bout.

Mario Mina of New York will take on Pedro Calla of Peru in a battle of debuting Middleweights.

Anders Holmberg of Sweden will be making his professional debut against Andy Cornado (0-2) of Muskegon, Michiagan ina four round Heavyweight bout.

Kamarah Pasley (0-2) of Philadelphia will be making his 3rd consecutive appearance at The Blue Horizon when he takes on Jeremy Burnett (1-1) of Monroe, Michigan in a four round Cruiserweight bout.

Also scheduled to appear will be Jr. Welterweight Julias Edmonds (1-0) of Philadelphia, Lightweight Gearld Smith (1-0) of Philadelphia, Middleweight Will Butler (0-0) of Phoenixville, PA and Welterweight Calvin Goldwire (0-0) of Philadelphia against Opponents to be announced.

For all your traveling needs, log onto www.bluehorizontravel.com

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

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