Share SBS w/Family or Friends

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

"ALL OR NOTHING" Jermain Taylor vs. Jeff Lacy SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15th, HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM


NEW YORK- It will be a career-defining fight for the ages. Former champions Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy will meet on November, 15th in Nashville, Tennessee on the campus of Vanderbilt University, in what is sure to be an explosive affair, considering what is at stake. For the winner — a chance to fight for another world championship and regain his status as an elite fighter. For the loser — a struggle to regain respectability in a sport he once ruled.

So for Taylor and Lacy, this fight is "All Or Nothing."

“This fight could not be more important for these two fighters,” said Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment. “One of these guys is probably going to get knocked out, and the one who gets knocked out is probably going to have a really difficult time coming back to do anything significant in this sport. This fight really is all or nothing.”

DiBella Entertainment is presenting the 12-round super middleweight title eliminator in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Prize Fight Promotions. HBO World Championship Boxing will televise the bout from Memorial Gymnasium on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee (10:15pm ET / 9:15pm CT / 7:15pm PT). Tickets will go on sale next Wednesday, October 15th, are priced at $275, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, and available through all Ticketmaster locations at 615.255.9600 or www.ticketmaster.com .

Excitement is already stirring in Nashville.

“It’s on Vanderbilt’s campus, in their great basketball arena, and I can tell already the campus is juiced up for it,” DiBella said. “I think you’re going to see a lot of young people, particularly in the upper deck, and that’s always good for the energy. And this is the biggest fight to hit Nashville in years and years and years. It’s going to be a big event.”

The fight has been certified a WBC Super Middleweight eliminator fight, which means the winner will be guaranteed a title shot against the winner of the Carl Froch-Jean Pascal bout for the WBC belt.

A title shot will be sweet redemption for either fighter, who have both been kings of their division.

Taylor (27-2-1, 17 KOs), the favorite son of Arkansas, became the undisputed and undefeated middleweight champion of the world on July 16, 2005 when he beat the legendary
Bernard Hopkins at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Taylor defended his championship four times, including a Hopkins rematch, and was undefeated in his first 27 professional fights before back-to-back losses to current middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.

Lacy (24-1, 17 KOs), a St. Petersburg, Florida native, won his first 21 fights, picking up the super middleweight championship along the way. Lacy suffered his first loss to current undefeated world light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe on March 4, 2006. Since then, Lacy has reeled off three straight victories, including his most recent unanimous decision over Epifanio Mendoza on July 23rd.

Taylor and Lacy grew up in the amateurs together and are good friends, but they both know how important this fight is to their career, which means all friendship stops inside the ring.

“I’ve known him since amateur days, but we both know this is a business,” Lacy said. “Any fight where we’re going into the ring with all this on the line is one of the most important fights of my career. I know I’m up for the fight, and I know Jermain will be up for the fight.”

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Jeff, I think he’s a great guy,” Taylor said. “But I also know what I need to do in the ring on Nov. 15th. It’s going to be a great fight.”

The fight will also settle a long-running feud.

They were Olympic teammates in 2000, and regular sparring partners, which has become a point of contention. In June, 2006, when Lacy came to Memphis to support his friend Winky Wright in a fight against Taylor, Lacy was asked who got the better of whom in Olympic training sessions. Lacy said naturally he did.

“What? I whipped his butt,” was Taylor’s reply.

Lacy now insists the talk stop until it can be answered in the ring.

“I’m not a trash-talker,” Lacy said. “I’m all about doing my thing in the ring. Look, [on Nov. 15] we have to duke it out for 12 rounds and the best man may win. Then we’ll know.”

The November 15th fight will be Taylor’s first in the super middleweight (168 pounds) division. Taylor hasn’t been in the ring since Feb. 16, when he lost his rematch with Kelly Pavlik, in what has been
the longest layoff of his professional career.

“It took me a while to get back into it, but everything is all right now,” Taylor said. “I’ve been shadow boxing, sparring, it’s just like riding a bike. I’ve been doing this so long, no chance I was going to forget.”

“I do think he’s hungry again,” DiBella said. “He wants this fight. This is a big fight for him. No matter what we call it, it's really is all or nothing. It gives a great opportunity for the person that steps up and wins the fight. This is a fight that could re-establish Jermain right at the top, and could get him a major matchup. This is a must-win fight.”

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

Renowned International Matchmaker/Agent Sampson Lewkowicz has joined forces with well known USVI figure Mrs.Lesley Comissiong in forming 340 Promotion

St.Thomas USVI- At a press conference held at the Holiday Inn St. Thomas, it was announced that renowned International Matchmaker/Agent Sampson Lewkowicz has joined forces with well known USVI figure Mrs.Lesley Comissiong in forming 340 Promotions.

The company has already signed a deal to stage events in St. Thomas on the last Saturday of every month during 2009 with its first show scheduled for the 31st of January marking the return of pro-boxing to the Virgin Islands after a 5 year hiatus. Coors Light has jumped on board as a sponsor with several others to follow.

The inaugural show has been dubbed as "The Class of 2008" will feature the professional debut of USVI Olympic representatives Junior Middleweight John Jackson and middleweight Julius Jackson, the sons of former 3 time world champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, as well as 2 other Olympians. Also scheduled will be middleweight Samuel Rogers, nephew of Jackson , who will be making his professional debut as well. Headlining this card will be rising Dominican prospect Victor "Mermelada" Cayo 17-0 12 KO's.

When asked how he feels about his son's accomplishments in boxing and their pro debuts, Julian Jackson, said "I am so proud that words can not express how I feel. To be a part of this and in their corner is a tremendous honor money can not replace the feelings that I have".

Also coming on board to co-promote the event will be Seminole Warriors Boxing, one of the premier names in boxing promotion today and home to such superstars as Glen Johnson, Edison Miranda, Raul Marquez, Joe Greene, and Juan Urango.

Present at this press conference was the President of the USVI Amateur Boxing Federation Mr. Jose "Tony" Rosario whom Lewkowicz credits with the present state of Amateur Boxing in the USVI and has pledged his support in the form of staging Pro-Am shows featuring local amateurs who will gain valuable experience and help in making the USVI a international power as well as establishing "Operation London 2012" with the objective being a first ever Olympic Boxing medal for the USVI.

While details for this show are still being negotiated the full lineup, time and location of the matches will be announced shortly by the promoters. Matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz has promised that this will be a "night to remember" and plans on making St. Thomas "the Las Vegas of the Caribbean " in the boxing world.

"I plan on putting St. Thomas back on the map in the sport of boxing" Lewkowicz said.

Lewkowicz is close to a deal with two more Olympians. The names will be revealed in the coming days when the terms are finalized. In spite of entering the promotional ranks, Lewkowicz says the new company will not interrupt any of his duties as an International Matchmaker and agent.

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

Paulie Malignaggi speaks‏; The world according to Paulie


LAS VEGAS – World-class junior welterweight Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (25-1, 5 KOs) took some time off from his Las Vegas TRAINING CAMP to offer his views on subject ranging from his November 22nd showdown against Ricky Hatton to abdicating his IBF title and a lot in between.

His IBF Title


“I’m very disappointed to give up my title. I did my best to win it and was very proud to wear it. I’ve never heard of the same boxer being the mandatory twice within the same year. I worked hard to get that title, but I was committed to fighting Hatton. Me and Ricky are the top two 140-pounders and we’re fighting to see who is No. 1. We could have asked for an exception requiring the winner to fight Ngoudjo next, but neither of us (Malignaggi and Hatton) would agree, so we let the IBF title go and allowed two guys we’ve already beaten fight for it while we take care of our business. We did Ngoudjo and Urango a favor by not asking for the exception and making them wait another six months to fight. I wish them the best of luck. This is the biggest fight of my career, IBF title or no title. I’m going to show the world that Paulie Malignaggi is the No. 1 light welterweight in the world.”


Hatton’s New Trainer

“Floyd Mayweather, Sr. is putting himself in a tough situation and putting a lot of pressure on Hatton. You can’t teach dogs new tricks. He can teach him a few things in two months, but Hatton doesn’t have the talent – natural speed and defensive ability. Mayweather’s been opening his mouth and when I beat Hatton, everybody is going to say he shouldn’t have gotten rid of his trainer (Billy Graham) and blame Mayweather. When they lose it’s going to cost Mayweather a lot of jobs.”


Training Camp

“I trained in the Poconos for a while. In between the press conferences (Las Vegas and London) I worked at Gleason’s (in Brooklyn). We moved camp last week to Las Vegas for a lot of reasons. I wanted to get used to West Coast time and there are plenty of good fighters in Vegas for sparring. I spar against different styles of fighters to stay sharp. I started sparring in the Poconos and everything has been good.”


His Right Hand



“It’s fine. I’ve been hitting hard. Everybody’s going to find out how good my hand is, especially Ricky Hatton.”

Ricky Hatton

“I’m confident in myself with the experience I’ve gained. I don’t worry about Hatton, his personal life or his change in trainers. I concentrate on being the best Paulie Malignaggi as possible.”

The Fight



“I’m focused on Ricky Hatton, not (Oscar) De La Hoya or (Manny) Pacquiao (Hatton has talked about fighting the De La Hoya-Pacquiao winner after Malignaggi). It’s going to be a very frustrating night for Ricky Hatton. He’ll be catching a lot. I’ll prove that Paulie Malignaggi is the No. 1 140-pounder in the world.”

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

Duddy headlines “The Grande Event” Nov. 21 in NYC; Quillin, Wolak & Teron in action on Cedric Kushner’s show at Roseland Ballroom


Marty Rosegarten Photo

NEW YORK-- Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing has reached an agreement with Bob Duffy’s Ring Promotions and Irish Ropes to promote “The Grande Event” – featuring “Ireland’s” John Duddy, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak and Jorge Luis “The Truth” Teron – Friday night, November 21 at the famed Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan.


“I’m really excited about having put together this show,” promoter Cedric Kushner said, “which features four main events on the same show. I’ve had a lot of co-operation from the managers and promoters involved with the principals on this show.

“In addition to the four principal bouts, I plan to put some of the most talented young boxers on this show as well. It’s truly going to be a Grande Event.”

The four principal fighters, or the Big Apple’s “Fab Four,” have a combined pro record of 89-1-1 with 62 knockouts. All four principal fighters are scheduled to be in 10-round bouts against opponents to be determined.

Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), fighting out Queens by way of Derry, Northern Ireland, is on the verge of a world title fight in 2009 as a middleweight of light middleweight. He is rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association, as well as No. 5 by the World Boxing Council and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation. The exciting Irishman will fight in the 10-round main event.

Brooklyn middleweight “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (20-0, 15 KOs), now rated No. 26 by the WBC, is coming off of a sweet 10th-round stoppage of veteran Sam Hill last month in New Hampshire.

Poland-native Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs), now living in Brooklyn, is the New York State middleweight and Polish National junior middleweight champion. He bounced right
back from his only career loss, by 10-round decision to Ishe Smith, with a third round TKO of Chad Greenhill two weeks ago.

NABO lightweight champion Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs), representing the Bronx, also appears to be in line for a world title shot in 2009, based on his lofty ratings in the WBO (#4, WBA (#12) and WBC (#16).

Scheduled to fight in separate four-round bouts are two New Yorkers, light middleweight Lambrose Karaolides (1-0) and pro debuting light welterweight Jonathan Gonzalez.
Tickets, priced at $50.00, $80.00, $100.00, $150.00 and $200.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Gotham Boxing (212.755.1944), Irish Ropes (212.868.9544), any TicketMaster outlet, or at the Roseland Ballroom box office. Doors will open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

For more information call Gotham Boxing or go on line to www.gothamboxing.com.

Press Conference Quotes

John Duddy: “This is going to be a very, very exciting card with the best of New York City’s fighters and their fans. There are four main event fighters on the same card. I’m hopefully going to put on a great show for the fans of New York.”

Peter Quillin: “How many of you like chocolate? Well, on November 21st come get your chocolate. I’m going to be the best I can be. I’m looking to showcase my talents. I want to be a world champion and the richest fighter ever.”



Jorge Teron: “I’m really excited to be fighting on this card. I’ve been lucky enough to fight on separate cards with John, Paul and Peter. I’m excited that all four are on this card. We’re all young, up-and-comers who will be trying to out-do each other. I’m right on the cusp of a world title fight and on November 21st you’ll see me at my best.”


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