WORLD CHAMPION DAVID DIAZ STOPS TRAFFIC IN CHICAGO

WORLD CHAMPION DAVID DIAZ STOPS TRAFFIC IN CHICAGO


CHICAGO, IL- World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz took a quick break from preparation for his title defense against “THE MEXICUTIONER” Manny Pacquiao on June 28th as he was honored as the Grand Marshal at Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo Parade on Sunday afternoon.

Ten of thousands lined the parade route along Cermak Rd. in the Little Village Mexican neighborhood, many moving past the barricades to personally wish Diaz well and have their photograph taken with the Chicago native.

Shouts of “VIVA MEXICO” and” VIVA DIAZ” filled the air along the two mile route as Diaz and his family rode past the huge crowds on the beautiful spring day.

“It was a great parade, the people were terrific. The support they showed me as I work towards the fight with Pacquiao truly humbled me. I’m glad I had the opportunity to share this with my wife and little boy and with all of the families that turned out.”

Diaz heads to San Antonio, Phoenix and San Diego this week for press events leading up to LETHAL COMBINATION, his showdown with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs. Diaz, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster 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 Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Dubbed "Republica Enemy No. 1," Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, has blitzed through the best fighters Mexico has had to offer since 2003including Erik Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Juan Manuel Marquez (W 12, D 12), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). Pacquiao was named 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring magazine for his two spectacular knockout victories of Mexican icon and three-division champion Morales, as well as his dominating 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Larios. The hard-hitting southpaw has won 22 of his last 23 bouts including 2007 victories over Barrera and Solis. Pacquiao’s 12-round split decision victory over Marquez earlier this year not only avenged a disputed draw from their 2004 battle, it also made Pacman a four-division world champion.

Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs), from Chicago, will be making the second defense of his title. He successfully defended it against the three-division world champion Morales last summer winning a hard-fought unanimous decision over the future Hall of Famer. Although behind on the scorecards early, Diaz remained cool and rallied before the raucous hometown Chicago crowd of 10,000 to capture the decision. He swept the championship rounds and won the decision by scores of 114-113, 115-113 and 115-112. With the victory, Diaz cemented his place among the best lightweights in the sport and one of the most popular and respected athletes in the sports-crazy town of Chicago. A member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, Diaz, with 12 years of experience as a professional, is more than prepared to handle the pressures that come with battling boxing’s pound-for-pound most exciting fighter.

The Pacquiao vs. Diaz pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Diaz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

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©®™ 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

LORENZO-MARQUEZ TO BATTLE IN IBF VOLUNTARY ELIMINATOR ON JUNE 21; Showdown to serve as co-feature bout to Abraham-Miranda rematch

TOTOWA, NJ– Undefeated IBF #4 ranked middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo has accepted an offer to challenge former world champion and current IBF #12 ranked contender Raul Marquez in a 12 round IBF Voluntary Eliminator on June 21, 2008, it was announced by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The bout will serve as the co-feature to the rematch between IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda. Both bouts will be broadcast live on Showtime beginning at 9pm ET / PT.

Giovanni Lorenzo


The winner of the Lorenzo-Marquez bout will be the mandatory contender for the IBF Middleweight Title and will fight for the title in his next bout.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to showcase my skills on Showtime,” said Lorenzo. “The exposure that both Abraham and I will get from June 21 will make our upcoming championship showdown that much more appealing to fight fans worldwide. It is an honor to fight Raul Marquez. He is a skilled and durable fighter who has had a great career. However, I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I intend to capitalize on it.”

Contenders star, Jerson Ravelo and Giovanni Lorenzo


Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s) has stopped his last eight opponents. The 27-year-old Washington Heights, NY resident by way of Jerringa San Cristobal, Dominican Republic has knocked out 15 opponents within the first three rounds. In his last bout on Dec 17, 2007, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Lorenzo blasted Ulises Duarte in one round (KO 1).

The site will be announced shortly.

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

Russow eyes biggest test in debut of Adrenaline MMA

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- As a Chicago policeman, Mike Russow has become accustomed to dangerous situations.

So, it is understandable when Russow only smiles and refers to fighting veteran Jeff Monson in a professional mixed martial arts bout as a "great opportunity." Russow, 9-1 in his pro career, takes on Monson, 23-7, in the heavyweight main event of Adrenaline MMA on June 14 at the Sears Centre.

A total of 13 pro bouts are scheduled in the inaugural Adrenaline event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and fights begin at 6 p.m.

"Monson is far more than just a veteran," said Adrenaline CEO Monte Cox. "He has fought in every major event in the world and competed for countless titles, including the UFC heavyweight title. He comes into the event having won 18 of his last 20 bouts and is looking to prove Russow is not yet ready for the big time.

"Russow, on the other hand, has been crushing opposition and has been tested twice in major events... losing to then No. 6 ranked Sergei Kharitonov in Pride, then crushing Roman Zentzov in Japan's Yarennoka event last New Years Eve. He's ready to show he should be considered among the world's best."

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Sears Centre Box Office, online at www.searscentre.com or by calling 1-888-SEARSTIX.

A foursome of UFC veterans make up the two feature bouts. Chicago's Terry Martin (16-4) will face Japan's Daiju Takase (7-11) while Chicago's Brian Gassaway (25-17) takes on Las Vegas' Tony Fryklund (14-9).

Martin is a knockout artist, but will need to be cautious of the submission ability of Takase, who owns wins over UFC champion Anderson Silva and former UFC champ Carlos Newton.

Gassaway and Fryklund are two of the sport's true veterans and both prefer the standup game, which should make for an exciting bout.

The International Fight League has allowed two of its standouts with Chicago ties -- Bart Palaszewski and Mark Miller -- to compete on the card as well as Zac George. And EliteXC provided striker Aaron Rosa and all-around standout Hector Urbina.

Other Chicago area fighters include Rory Markham, Herc Hayes, Kerry Schall, Clay French, Mike Stumpf, Ryan Williams and John Hosman.

For more about Adrenaline MMA, check out our website at: www.adrenaline-mma.com.
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©®™ 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

Rodriguez-Dunaway rematch on “Finally” PPV show Holm-Sanders headlines June 13 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE– IBA junior flyweight champion Wendy “Little Thunder” Rodriguez will be seeking revenge June 13 when she fights one of only four opponents to ever defeat her, Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway, in their 10-round bout for the vacant IBA strawweight belt on the “Finally” pay-per-view event, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, lost an eight-round decision March 15, 2007 to Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), the reigning WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder and NABF flyweight champion, fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas.

“I hadn’t fought in more than a year,” Wendy explained. “I thought we were fighting at 102-pounds, so I got down to that weight, but they upped it to 105, and then 107. I took the fight anyway but mentally I wasn’t into it. I was real rusty.”

“Finally,” promoted by Fresquez Productions, Inc., is being produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States and Canada (10 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, Shaw Communications, DirecTV, Bell Expressvue and StarChoice for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

The greatest collection of women boxers on one show, including five independently No. 1 rated fighters, are scheduled to battle in four world title bouts on “Finally.” The main event features the top two women boxers in the world today, Albuquerque favorite Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs), recognized as the No. 1 welterweight in the world, versus the world’s No. 1 middleweight, Detroit icon Mary Jo Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs), squaring-off in the 10-round main event for the vacant IFBA junior middleweight crown and universal pound-for-pound supremacy.

Rodriquez has a degree in child development and she works in infancy relationship, making home visits for play therapy with needy children who are sick. Wendy is a 4’11” dynamo who is a true ring technician. “Hollie is a counter puncher, tough and really strong,” Rodriguez added. “It’s going to be an interesting match-up of styles. I’m really excited about fight on this pay-per-view show with some of the best woman fighters in the world. Normally, men fight on shows like this and maybe there’s one woman’s fight. Finally, we’re getting an opportunity like this and I think it’s going to take us to another level.”

WIBA & IBA junior lightweight title-holder Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), takes on WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), of Ontario (Canada), in a 10-round bout for the vacant IFBA lightweight championship. Hallback-Garside has all the makings of a female version of Gatti-Ward.

WBC 2007 Fighter of the Year, WBC mininumweight champ Carina “La Reina” Moreno (11-1, 5 KOs), of Watsonville (CA), faces WIBA flyweight title-holder Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0-1), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, in a 10-round fight for the IFBA junior flyweight crown. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski


Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, are on sale March 18 at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

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Emery-Nickel Clash Added to FSN Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period show cardfeaturing two IFBA World championship bouts, at Mohegan Sun

Cristy “Code Red” Nickel

HENDERSON, Nevada– An compelling match between middleweights Jill Emery and Cristy “Code Red” Nickel has been added to the already exciting and competitive Fox Sports Net’s Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period card, headlined by a pair of International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) world championship bouts, on Thursday, June 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Jody Ann Weller (l) comedian Macio and Alicia “Slick” Ashley (r)


Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period, presented by Cappiello Boxing in association with Hollybrook Regency, Inc., features IFBA World junior featherweight champion Lisa “Bad News” Brown (14-3-3, 4 KOs) defending her crown against Alicia “Slick” Ashley (14-7-1, 1 KO) in the 10-round main event, plus Russian invader Anastasia Toktaulova (12-8, 2 KOs) challenging IFBA World flyweight champion Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (19-4-5, 5 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.

Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (r)


Emery (8-2, 3 KOs) and Nickel (7-6, 4 KOs) have a lot in common, including historic roles played in fights overseas. Both are college graduates from middle class backgrounds and physical training instructors who live in New York City. Jill works and trains at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, where Cristy often spars, yet, they’ve never met in person.

Pittsburgh-native Emery, a graduate of Bucknell University, is a 3-time US Nationals champion, who also captured top honors four years in the New York Daily News Golden Gloves Championship, won a gold medal in the 2004 Women’s World Boxing Tournament, and was named 2004 USA Boxing’s Female Athlete of the Year. As a pro, Jill was the winner of the first women’s pro fight in Ireland last June by eight-round decision versus Angel McKenzie in a shutout performance, winning all eight rounds on the scorecard.

Nickel was born in California but raised on a farm in Northern Idaho. The U. of Memphis graduate was one of only six Americans fighters invited to fight in 2005 on a card in Beijing, China.



Cristy was contacted in 2006 by producers of MTV’s hit reality show “MADE,” who were searching for a boxing coach to turn a lazy high school quitter into a hard-hitting boxer in only six weeks. Nickel auditioned with coaches from all over the country and after an intense and lengthy screening process, she was offered the position, and the episode was chosen as the season premier, continuing to re-run to date in more than 60 countries. The success of the show afforded Cristy an opportunity to move to New York City, where she started her own business as a personal trainer and boxing coach at “Peak Performance,” New York’s exclusive private training facility for the stars, including her personal clients such as Katie Couric.

Trinidad and Tobago-born Brown, a three-time world champion now fighting out of Toronto, Canada, takes on three-time world champion Ashley, who is from Jamaica and living in Westbury, New York. Las Vegas-based Reid fights former European super flyweight and bantamweight champion Toktaulova, representing Moscow.

On the undercard, Las Vegas unbeaten star Melinda Cooper (18-0, 10 KOs) starts her comeback after nearly 18 months of inactivity versus knockout specialist Donna “Nature Girl” Biggers (19-7-1, 16 KOs), of Shelby, North Carolina, in a special six-round junior featherweight bout. Junior featherweight contender Jeri Stizes (14-7-1, 6 KOs), of Springfield, Missouri, faces tough Ela “Bam Bam” Nunez (6-3, 2 KOs), fighting out of Jamestown, New York, in another highly competitive six-rounder.

Tickets are priced at $10.00, $25.00 and $40.00 and on sale at the Mohegan Sun box office or online at www.mohegansun.com.

Go to www.ifba.com for more information. The undercard will start a 7 PM/ET, followed by the first of three scheduled televised bouts beginning at 8 PM/ET.

IFBA
Since its inception in 1997, the IFBA has sanctioned more than 100 women’s title bouts and was the first to sanction all-women’s cards on cable and broadcast television, including ESPN2, USA Network, Pay-Per-View, Fox Sports International and on SBS, MBC and MBC-ESPN in Korea. With the help of various State Boxing Commissions, the IFBA established many of the rules used in the sport today. The IFBA is sanctioning four championship bouts June 13, featuring a showdown between Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm and Mary Jo Sanders for the vacant IFBA World junior middleweight title and pound-for-pound supremacy, live on pay-per-view television from Albuquerque. For more information, visit www.IFBA.com.

FSN
FSN is the nation’s leading provider of local sports. FSN’s 16 owned-and-operated regional networks and its affiliated networks reach more than 70 million homes across the U.S. FSN serves as the TV home to nearly two-thirds of all MLB, NHL and NBA teams based in the United States. FSN also produces close to 5,000 live local events each year, including more than 1400 in high definition. In addition to its thousands of home team games and a wide variety of locally produced sports programs, FSN televises national sports events and programs, including Pac-10 and ACC basketball and Pac-10 and Big 12 football.

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

JAMES MOORE WILL OPEN ESPN 2 TELECAST ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2008

Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore, 15-0 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will open the telecast of ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights on June 4, 2008.

The show, which is being promoted by Tommy Gallagher, will take place at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. Light heavyweight Yusaf Mack, 24-2-2 (15 KOS), of Philadelphia, is expected to headline the card.

Moore’s opponent for the eight round opener is Ishmail “The Arsenal” Arvin, 14-1-4 (6KOS), of Baltimore. Arvin has fought draws with two undefeated fighters: Jose Angel Rodriguez, who was 12-0, and Darnell Wilson, who was 2-0.

Moore, who in his last fight impressively beat veteran J.C. Candelo of Colombia by 10 round decision on March 15 at Madison Square Garden’s WaMu Theater, had initially planned on returning to Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains to train for this bout.

Instead he opted to travel to Italy for two weeks to help prepare IBF junior welterweight champion Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi for his May 24 rematch against South African Lovemore N’dou in England.

“I can’t wait to open the ESPN show,” said Moore. “I’ve been waiting a long time to have a year like I plan on having this year. I hope to acquire a lot of new fans by giving an impressive performance.

“Paulie’s speed will help me prepare for anyone,” he continued. “Everything is falling into place. The victory against Candelo set the stage for the ESPN fight. Good things are happening, and preparing with a fighter like Paulie will only benefit me.”

Matchmaker Bruce Silverglade thought it was a good idea for Moore to work with Malignaggi. “These guys are not bosom buddies, but they’ve trained together at Gleason’s and will give each other great work. James went over there more as a friend than a sparring partner. I’m sure the sparring sessions will be very spirited.”

Malignaggi has great respect for Moore, and knew he was getting a handful when he invited him to Italy. “Don’t let his (boyish) looks fool you,” said Malignaggi. “He’s vicious in the ring. He’d knock his mother out if she was in the ring with him.”

PHOTO Robert Mladinich: James Moore (left) and Paulie Malignaggi share a laugh at a recent boxing function in New York.

CONTACT: Colleen Ashton, Premier Strategies & Communications

For more on Paul Malignaggi's up and coming bout May 24th and James Moore vs J.C Candelo go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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

WATCH THE CONTROVERSIAL FIGHT BETWEEN REGGIE JOHNSON & JULIO GONZALEZ ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV

REGGIE JOHNSON-JULIO GONZALEZ on WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV‏

NEW YORK, NEW YORK— This past February 23rd in Lake Charles, Louisiana a battle of former Light-Heavyweight champions took place with little fanfare. There was no HBO License-fee, no Vegas lights or A-list stars.

Just two champions going at it tooth and nail for the right to be called IBA Light-Heavyweight champion and an opportunity to springboard in back into the thick of the division.

Reggie Johnson and Julio Gonzalez went at it in a terrific action-packed affair that most ringsiders were split on who should have had their hand raised.

You can be the judge as this fight has been made available on www.gofightlive.tv

When the scores were announced, fightnews.com account of the bout read “When the split decision was announced in favor of Johnson, the crowd booed heavily. Johnson had won in the eyes of two judges but it was Gonzalez who won the fans.”

That’s not all. The whole undercard from February 23rd will also be shown on www.gofightlive.tv which included bouts with undefeated heavyweights Eugene Hill & Justin Jones in separate bouts undefeated knockout artist Wilfred Scypion Jr.

Countdown To May 31: Meet Gina Carano‏

Gina "Conviction" Carano vs Kaitlin Young

Countdown To May 31: Meet Gina Carano‏http://cbsmediagroupftp.com/clips06/gina_STREAM.wmv

In the female bout of CBS inaugural CBS ELITE XC Saturday Night Fights Gina "Conviction" Carano will square off against Circle Pines, Minnesota native Kaitlin Young. Gina Carano a Muay Thai specialist who lives and trains in Las Vegas Nevada, and is considered one of the best female fighters in mixed martial arts. Gina Carano also stars on the "American Gladiator" where she puts her skills to the test as gladiator "Crush". Kaitlin Young a well conditioned athlete trains at the Minnesota Mixed Martial Arts Academy, started Olympic style taekwondo at 14. Her aggressive style and Muay Thai background should prove one of the most interesting match ups of the evening. This bout is scheduled for three three minute rounds

Manfredo, Sr. promoting to keep young fighters busy Rodriguez & Hinkey on “Diamonds in the Rough” May 17 in Boston

PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island– Peter Manfredo, Sr. has been a world champion kick-boxer, owns and operates New England (Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket) top gym, and trainsd talented pro fighters such as his son, world title challenger Peter Manfredo, Jr., Jessie Brinkley, Edwin Rodriguez and other promising prospects.

The question is why Manfredo, Sr. has delved into promoting? On May 17 he presents “Diamonds in the Rough,” in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions, at Freeport (I.B.E.W.) Hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

“I decided to venture into promoting to give young pros around here an opportunity to fight without signing a promotional contract,” Manfredo explained. “They don’t want to be restricted by signing with a promoter and I’m not looking to sign anybody. I’m giving them a chance to fight, keep busy, and opportunities to build their records.”

Headlining for the first time is Worcester (MA) middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez (5-0, 3 KOs) in the 6-round co-main event. The Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez won the 2006 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2005 United States Championships.

Super middleweight Derek Hinkey (4-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of McDermitt, Nevada, is a Native American fighter with a rich amateur career that includes participation in the Olympic Trials. He meets TBA in the 6-round co-feature. A 6-round featherweight bout has been added between Guatamala-born Castulo Gonzalez (9-5, 3 KOs), fighting out of Lynn (MA), against Florida tough guy Robert “Don’t Lose” DaLuz (10-11-2, 9 KOs).

Also scheduled to fight on the May 17 card are Whitman (MA) super middleweight Mark “The Italian Bazooka” DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs), 2004 National Silver Gloves champion; Hinkey’s younger brother, heavyweight Tyler Hinkey (2-0-1, 2 KOs); Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro, New England Golden Gloves champion; Brockton (MA) welterweight Alexandria Madgziak. Caro and Madgziak will be making their pro debuts. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $40.00 (general admission), $55.00 (reserved), $75.00 (ringside) and $100.00 (Golden Ringside), are on sale at Freeport Hall and Manfredo’s Gym. Call 401.723.1359 for additional information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

IFL's Stark Selects Wines that "Pack a Punch" for Mother's Day‏

NEW YORK and PORTLAND, Ore.,– As a professional mixed martial arts fighter and manager of Colene Clemens Vineyard (Ore.), Aaron Stark of Portland knows a thing or two about wines with a little bit of punch that are perfect for Mother’s Day.
• Didier Dagenau – this Sauvignon Blanc is the Featherweight of the bunch, very light and perfect for this time of year, and often preferred by women, especially moms • Beaux Freres – a Pino Noir from an Oregon vineyard with floral characteristics. It’s the lightweight of wines, more feminine and fun

• Soter Vineyards Sparkling Wine – The Jiu-Jitsu of wines, it may look tame but look out for this deceptive vintage that packs a serious sting if you’re not careful

• JJ Prum – a German Riesling, Mom will enjoy grappling with this exceptionally sweet wine which is still serious and complex About the IFLInternational Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas.

For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv. -- IFL -- ---"I think it would be fun to run a newspaper."- Charles Foster Kane, Citizen Kane, 1941

WORLD CHAMPION DAVID DIAZ BLOGGING FOR THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES‏

CHICAGO, IL World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz and The Chicago Sun-Times have partnered to bring fight fans worldwide a unique opportunity for a behind the scenes look as he prepares to defend his title against boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao on June 28th at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Diaz will be updating his Chicago Sun-Times blog on a regular basis until fight time. The blog can be viewed on the Chicago Sun-Times website at www.suntimes.com/sports/boxing

Said Diaz, "It's a very busy time preparing for this fight but I wanted to share
the experience over the next two months with fight fans, not only in Chicago, but all over the world."


Tickets for Pacquiao vs.Diaz, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, go on sale This Saturday! April 19, at 10 a.m., at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster 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 Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Dubbed "Republica Enemy No. 1," Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, has blitzed through the best fighters Mexico has had to offer since 2003including Erik Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Juan Manuel Marquez (W 12, D 12), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). Pacquiao was named 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring magazine for his two spectacular knockout victories of Mexican icon and three-division champion Morales, as well as his dominating 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Larios. The hard-hitting southpaw has won 22 of his last 23 bouts including 2007 victories over Barrera and Solis. Pacquiao’s 12-round split decision victory over Marquez earlier this year not only avenged a disputed draw from their 2004 battle, it also made Pacman a four-division world champion.

Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs), from Chicago, will be making the second defense of his title. He successfully defended it against the three-division world champion Morales last summer winning a hard-fought unanimous decision over the future Hall of Famer. Although behind on the scorecards early, Diaz remained cool and rallied before the raucous hometown Chicago crowd of 10,000 to capture the decision. He swept the championship rounds and won the decision by scores of 114-113, 115-113 and 115-112. With the victory, Diaz cemented his place among the best lightweights in the sport and one of the most popular and respected athletes in the sports-crazy town of Chicago. A member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, Diaz, with 12 years of experience as a professional, is more than prepared to handle the pressures that come with battling boxing’s pound-for-pound most exciting fighter.

The Pacquiao vs. Diaz pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Diaz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Joel "Love Child" Julio

Rafael's remark: Facing a skilled opponent in former "Contender" participant Smith in the "Wednesday Night Fights" main event, Julio showed that he is much more than just a big puncher. In fact, now that he is at junior middleweight his power doesn't seem as frightful as it was at welterweight. But Julio has improving boxing skills, good defense, good counterpunching ability and an underrated body attack. This was an impressive victory for the 23-year-old Colombian and former ESPN.com prospect of the year. He started fast, dominated the first half of the fight against a seemingly gun-shy Smith and pressed the action throughout. Eventually, Smith came on and won some of the late rounds, but it was not enough to get past Julio in what was an entertaining and important fight. For Julio, it was his sixth consecutive victory following a decision loss to future welterweight titleholder Carlos Quintana in June 2006. Finally, Julio seems ready to move back into an HBO-level fight against a quality opponent off this win. Given the lack of depth and starpower at 154 pounds, Julio can make some serious noise in the division. Smith, 29, is at a crossroads in his career after losing his second of three fights. Where does he go from here?

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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

THE CONTENDERS' MACHO MIGUEL HERNANDEZ FIGHTS IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY NIGHT‏

CHICAGO, IL Long time Chicago fan favorite, middleweight MACHO Miguel Hernandez returns to Chicago as he takes on SUPERMAN Derrick Findley in the main event at BATTLE FOR PRIDE, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing set for this Friday night, May 9th at Cicero Stadium.

Presented by Dominic Pesoli’ 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, tickets for BATTLE FOR PRIDE may be purchased in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions box office at 312-226-5800.

“I’ve got the Kryptonite I’m bringing for SUPERMAN on Friday night, joked the Cicero Police Officer Hernandez. “Seriously, training has been terrific, working with Freddie Cuevas and San Colonna. My sparring has been great and I’m learning new things each day from both of them,” said the 33 year old Puerto Rican who sports a record of 20-7 (10KO’s).

“I’m no kid at this point, although I’ve only been a pro for six years, I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished. I started fighting as an amateur when I was 27 and only had 9 fights.”

“Findley, (10-2, 6KO’s) is a tough kid, he’s only 24. I know he’s going to be coming to fight and has a lot of heart. I’m sure he’s thinking it would be nice to have my name on his record with a W, but I intend to make that very difficult for him.”

“I know his style; we’ve both seen each other fight numerous times. Neither one of us will have to look for the other. We’ll both be in the pocket from the opening bell which should make it a great fight for the fans.”

About fighting in his hometown, Hernandez said, “It feels terrific to fight in Chicago; since I started the fans been very supportive of. I’ve had to leave home to fight the bigger names like former world champions Raul Marquez and Yory Boy Campas but there’s nothing like the rush of the Chicago fight fans as I walk to the ring with my team and my boys.”

Sons Josh, age 12, Jiovanni, 8 and Justin, 7 have been constant companions of Miguel’s during his career. Said the proud father, “Josh is a terrific amateur boxer and all three are Golden Honor Role students.”

About his experience on The Contender, Hernandez said, “It was an outstanding experience and it’s been great to watch the success some of the guys have had like Brian Vera in his win over Andy Lee. Vera was in great shape and took advantage of the opportunity.”

Discussing his working relationship with 8 Count Productions, Hernandez said, ‘Dominic has been great to me. His matchmaker Jerry Alfano and him put on terrific events with all action fights and top to bottom this is another very solid card."

The co-main event at BATTLE FOR PRIDE features Chicago bantamweight Francisco “EL NINO AZTECA” Rodriguez, 11-2 (7KO’s) as he takes on Columbian veteran Angel Priolo, 30-6 (20KO’s) in an eight round bout.

The 23 year old Rodriguez is looking to rebound after the second round stoppage loss of his most recent bout with Andre Wilson on February 15th at Cicero Stadium. Prior to that fight the Chicago fan favorite had won four in a row.

In a special feature attraction bout, hard hitting, Chicago based Irishman Henry “THE WESTERN WARRIOR” Coyle, 6-1 (6KO’s) will face veteran Ben Aragon, 7-9-2 (5KO’s) of Billings, Montana in an eight round junior middleweight scrap.

In his last Chicago fight, Coyle thrilled the packed Cicero Stadium with a first round knockout of Guy Packer on November 16, 2007. Since then “THE WESTERN WARRIOR” has been on the road knocking out two additional opponents.

The undercard will feature popular Chicago prospects as super bantamweight Eric Estrada, 3-0 (1KO) faces Ronnie Howell, 1-1 of Cincinnati and lightweight Gadiel Andaluz, 2-0 (KO’s) battles fellow undefeated prospect Jose Mandujano 2-0 (1KO) of Detroit, Michigan, each in four round bouts.

Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 7:00pm with the first bell at 8:00pm.

The weigh-in for the BATTLE FOR PRIDE event will take place on Thursday, May 8th at 7pm at Team Doctors Chiropractic Treatment and Training Center of Champions located at 6432 S. Pulaski on the South Side of Chicago. Further information can be obtained at www.teamdoctors.org.

Along with 8 Count Productions, BATTLE FOR PRIDE is presented by Octavius James’ One In A Million, Inc. of Merrillville, Indiana, along with Miller Lite, TCF Bank and AeroMexico, the premier travel source to Mexico.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 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 or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998

Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com

NEW YORK WELCOMES ITALIAN EXHIBIT ABOUT ROCKY MARCIANO

Having already achieved great success in Italy, the exhibition “From Rocco Marchegiano to Rocky Marciano” will come to the United States beginning September 21, 2008. Promoted by Francesca Mancini, with the support of the Province of Chieti, the exhibit focuses on the life of the late undefeated heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, who hailed from Brockton, Massachusetts. Although he was born in the United States, Marciano’s father was from Ripa Teatina, a small town close to Chieti in Central Italy.



From April 20-27, Ms. Mancini was in New York scouting locations for the exhibit. She was joined by Umberto Aimola, the vice president of the Province of Chieti; Riccardo De Girolami, the general secretary of the Italian Boxing Commission; Claudio Certosini, the executive of the Italian Olympic Commission; businesswoman Valeria De Cecco; and renowned international journalist Luca De Franco whose connections with the New York boxing community were instrumental in making things happen.



Ms. Francesca signed a contract to rent the fabled Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York, beginning on September 21, which was the day of Marciano’s final fight. On September 23, a major press conference will be held at Gleason’s with a very special surprise guest.

“I cannot divulge his name now, but he is so famous that his presence will bring journalists from major newspapers, radios and TV networks,” said Ms. Francesca, who added that from September 24 to October 13 the full show will be hosted by a major art gallery. In addition, in August, the exhibit will join the Italian boxing team during the Olympic Games in Bejing, China.

Between April 2007 and March 2008, the exhibit has been promoted with great success in four Italian cities: Ripa Teatina (Abruzzi), Siena (Tuscany), Pescara (Abruzzi), and Roseto(Abruzzi).



Ms. Francesca expects the exhibit to be as successful in the United States as it was in Italy. “I’ve been in New York, Baltimore and Brockton, and I met some great people who will guarantee the success of the exhibit,” she said. “The Italian Consul in Baltimore was really enthusiastic and will welcome the show there. In Brockton, I met Marciano’s family lawyer, who was more than willing to cooperate. In New York, Luca De Franco introduced me to Mr. Steven Acunto who has an impressive amount of memorabilia about Rocky Marciano. I was also glad to meet promoter Joe De Guardia, who came up with many great ideas about how to promote the exhibit. Rocky is a very popular figure in the United States. I have no doubt that the exhibit will be well received, not only by boxing fans but also by those interested in their Italian heritage. Everywhere we went, the support was tremendous.”


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

Ruiz on call and ready to rock

Ruiz on call and ready to rock

LAS VEGAS– Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has announced that he’s prepared to replace WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev to fight another former WBA title-holder, Nikolay Valuev, for the WBA belt.

Chagaev pulled out of his scheduled mandatory defense against Valuev in May, reportedly due to a cold that forced him to break training, but Ruslan hasn’t made his initial mandatory defense since capturing the WBA belt on April 14, 2007 via a 12-round majority decision versus Valuev. His only title defense was a voluntary fight this past January in a 12-round decision against Matt Skelton. WBA champions are required to make a mandatory defense within a year of winning the belt and/or last mandatory defense. Chagaev is officially over the deadline and seeking further delays.

“We have to respect mandatory defenses and if Chagaev isn’t willing or able to fulfill his obligation as champion,” WBA No. 2 rated Ruiz said, “he should step aside so the WBA can move forward instead of standing still. There’s so much speculation about Chagaev. First there was Hepatitis B and now another viral infection – it must have moved from his intestines to his throat – and nobody really knows when or if he’ll be able to fight again. We will be filing a letter of petition with the WBA to strip Chagaev and order a fight between me and Valuev for the WBA title.”

Ruiz is also rated No. 3 by the WBC, No. 6 by the IBF, No. 10 by The Ring magazine, and No. 12 by the WBO.

“The heavyweight division drives boxing,” Ruiz added. “Fans are waiting for things to explode, but it seems like the heavyweight champions are holding the title belts hostage. They’re all tied up and don’t want to fight the best heavyweights. No wonder fans criticize heavyweights. I’m ready to clean-up the division and willing to fight any of the world champs or top contenders. How long do I have to wait for my title shot?”

Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.

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

No Holds Barred: Bas Rutten, Junior Witter, Timothy Bradley

No Holds Barred: Bas Rutten, Junior Witter, Timothy Bradley

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-07T17_29_32-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with mixed martial arts legend and former King of Pancrase and UFC heavyweight champion, Bas Rutten (http://www.basrutten.tv/).

Amongst his numerous duties in many areas of MMA, Bas is training Kimbo Slice, AKA Kevin Ferguson, at his gym in Thousand Oaks, Calif., for Kimbo's May 31 fight against James Thompson on the EliteXC card at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This show will be broadcast on CBS, the first live, prime time MMA telecast on a major American broadcast network.

In a lengthy interview, Bas discusses his evaluation of Kimbo as a fighter, where Kimbo stands in only his third professional fight, and what his potential is. He also answers some of the critics of Kimbo. In addition, Bas fills us in on some of his other activities in his increasingly busy schedule.

Plus, we offer a preview of the fight between WBC super lightweight champion Junior Witter (36-1-1, 21 KOs) and top contender Timothy Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), which takes place this Saturday, May 10, at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England. This fight will be telecast in the U.S. on Showtime on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation.

We spoke with both Junior Witter and Timothy Bradley on a media conference call.

To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.

You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).

Make sure to check out my regular weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we begin by reviewing the expectedly lopsided decision victory by Oscar De La Hoya Saturday night over Steve Forbes, and explains what it was really all about. Almost 25 years ago, on June 16, 1983, one of boxing's most notorious scandals took place. On that date in Madison Square Garden, Luis Resto originally upset previously-unbeaten Billy Collins by unanimous decision. It was soon discovered, however, that the stuffing had been removed from Resto's gloves. The outcome of the fight was changed to a no contest, but Collins had been severely battered during this fight and suffered from blurred vision because of it. Nine months after it, while intoxicated, Collins died in a car crash. Now new information has been revealed that makes this case even more sickening. At a recent New York new conference, Resto has now not only admitted that he knew about the stuffing being taken out of his gloves, but also that his hand wraps had been soaked in plaster of Paris. This meant that these loaded wraps were landing almost directly on Collins's head. Filmmaker Eric Drath is working on a new documentary about the Collins-Resto tragedy, called "Cornered". At this news conference, we spoke with him about these new revelations and his upcoming film. We also spoke with Randy Gordon, former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, who took office several years after the Collins-Resto fight, about the significance of this, and his subsequent dealings with Resto. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.

Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com). The producers of the original UFC and Live Nation (http://livenation.com/), worldwide leaders in live entertainment, present YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law.

ProElite.com (http://www.proelite.com/?utm_source=NHBRadio&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=GeneralPE), an MMA website built by and for the fans and fighters of this great sport. Watch action-packed fights, connect with others, and get exclusive MMA coverage all in one place. It's "All Combat All the Time" at ProElite.com!

IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.

Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).

FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman

No Holds Barred blog
http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/

No Holds Barred podcast
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/

The Boxing Standard
http://boxingstandard.com/

No Holds Barred on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


Enjoy!

For more live video footage from the "Cornered" the movie premiere Press conference, in New York City 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

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION MARTIN CASTILLO RETIRES‏

,LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Former super flyweight world champion Martin "EL GALLO" Castillo has retired from boxing, it was announced today by his longtime manager Frank Espinoza.

"We've talked numerous times over the last couple of weeks and Martin has concluded that this is the end of the line for him. He didn't feel like himself during the Montiel fight and is happy with what he has accomplished in the sport. As he put it 'I owe everything to boxing and I don't want to fight anymore if I can't go at a world class level.' "

"The fans have always been very supportive of Martin and he wants to thank them for all their years of terrific support, it's meant so much to him. Bob Arum and the whole Top Rank family have been great to work with and he also wishes to thank them for the opportunities they gave him, said Espinoza.

Castillo was stopped by Fernando Montiel in the fourth round on February 16, 2008 in a super flyweight title bout in which Montiel was defending his World Boxing Organization belt.

The 31 year old Castillo, a native of Mexico City, finishes his career with a record of 33-2 with seventeen knockouts. He won the WBA super flyweight by defeating Alexander Munoz on December 3, 2004 in Laredo,Texas.

Long a popular fan favorite with boxing fans in the United States, Castillo also fought three times in Japan, his only loss there coming when his war with Nobuo Nashiro was stopped on cuts in the tenth round. Prior to that stoppage loss, Castillo had defended his title three times including a rematch with Munoz and a win over 1996 US Olympian Eric Morel.

Castillo made his pro debut on July 27, 1998 after an outstanding amateur career that featured his participating in the 1996 Olympics representing Mexico. He also defeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the amateur ranks.