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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Spina rededicates himself for loyal fans “February Frenzy,” Feb. 6 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE– World rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina, former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental champion, has rededicated himself for his loyal fans as he prepares for his next fight February 6 at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Spina (23-1-1, 16 KOs), rated No. 14 by the WBO and No. 15 by the WBC, takes on Kansas veteran Matt Gockel (12-9, 7 KOs) in the 8-round main event. Spina, who holds victories against former world champion Carl Daniels and super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, has had a somewhat sputtering pro career that he’s vowed to turn around starting Feb. 6.

“I’ve been like the weather – sometimes hot, sometimes cold, dedicated and not so focused at times,” he explained. “I’m 31 with a 23-1-1 record and I don’t plan on fighting until I’m 40. I’m ready to do what I’m capable of doing in the ring. I’m going to bust my butt this year, fighting better and better fighters, and then get in position to fight for a title next year. I want a chance to fight for a world title and be considered a real contender. That’s my goal. Fans either love or hate Joey Spina, either way they love to watch me fight. I want to thank my loyal fans for supporting the ‘KO Kid’ for the past 10 years. Hearing their yells is inspiring.

“I’m sharper than I’ve ever been. I’ve been working on my balance, shifting my hips, and pressing forward with my hands up. I’m going to wear down opponents. I already have seen a difference. Throw in a slip, force my opponent to go backwards, and then put them to sleep. Gockel is coming down from cruiserweight to fight at light heavyweight; I’m going back up because I can fluctuate between 168 and 175. I’m strong at either weight. He’s not going to be able to stand in front of me. The “KO Kid” is back!”

Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-2, 2 KOs) faces “Irish” Joey McCreedy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), of Lowell (MA), again in a rematch of a draw they fought to last year, for the vacant Eastern Boxing Association (EBA) super middleweight title in the 8-round co-feature.

Former 4-time U.S. national amateur champion Bobby Harris will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special “February Frenzy” card ceremony. Burchfield established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special achievements and contributions to New England boxing. CES Ring of Honor inductees include Rocky Marciano, Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Marlon Starling, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully Ray Oliveira, Gary Balletto and Demetrius Andrade. Harris reached the 1992 U.S. Olympic Box-Offs and captured a gold medal at the 1993 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The Worcester (MA) resident went on to a 20-2-1 (13) pro record as a heavyweight and last fought in 1999.

Harris will be in the corner of his younger brother, unbeaten Worcester cruiserweight Adam “The Hitman” Harris (10-0, 7 KOs), who will fight Philadelphia boxer David Williams (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Undefeated Pawtucket fighter Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (10-0, 4 KOs) meets another Lowell native, Sean Eklund (6-2, 1 KO), who will have his uncle and head trainer, “Irish” Micky Ward, in his corner for their 6-round bout for the EBA New England lightweight belt.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are U. of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Anthony Pietrantonio (4-2, 3 KOs); Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Olade “One Shot” Thomas (1-3, 0 KOs); W. Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Daren Graham (1-4, 1 KO); Worcester heavyweight Rashad Minor (1-0, 1 KO) in his CES debut vs. Shawn McLean (2-4, 1 KO); Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland making his pro debut vs. Kevin Varnadore (0-4); Providence junior welterweight “Steamin’” Josh Beeman (4-2-2, 2 KOs) vs. Jamar Saunders (2-1, 1 KO).

Tickets for “February Frenzy” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5::30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
LAS VEGAS- Two of boxing's biggest stars will meet in the ring in what could be the year's biggest pay-per-view event. Five-division world champion MANNY "Pac Man" PACQUIAO and Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight champion RICKY "The Hitman" HATTON will rumble for Hatton's World Junior Welterweight Championships Saturday, May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. These two boxing artists will have a 20 x 20 foot canvas to paint a black and blue masterpiece that the world has been waiting to see. Pacquiao and Hatton boast a combined record of 93-4-2 (68 KOs), a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 73%.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton, a 12-round bout for Hatton's Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight titles, is promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions in association with MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions.

Tickets priced at $1000, $750, $500, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

"When Manny Pacquiao goes into the ring he fights for his country, the Philippines, and tens of thousands of Filipinos worldwide. He is a tremendous athlete and unlike any other champion we have ever promoted. When Manny walks to the ring he carries the weight of his country on his shoulders and he fights with all of his heart, every second of every round."

"We are very excited that this fight has been made, as it is the fight fans wanted and the one I look forward to seeing myself," said Oscar de la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. "This fight has all the makings of a "Fight of the Year" candidate and I think Hatton will de-throne Pacquiao and become boxing's pound-for-pound king."

"MGM Grand is thrilled to be hosting what we anticipate will be one of the biggest fights of 2009," said Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. "As we continue our tradition of hosting the top names in sports and entertainment, this spectacular boxing match will not only be a battle between two great champions but will offeran electric and international atmosphere for the fans."

Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) secured his claim as the 2008 Fighter of the Year, a year reminiscent of what Hall of Fame fighter Henry Armstrong did in 1937-1938, winning three fights in three different weight divisions, two of which were world titles. Armstrong is the only man to hold three world championships simultaneously, capturing world titles at featherweight, welterweight and lightweight (in that order) during a nine-month span between November 1937 and August 1938. Pacquiao, officially proclaimed a National Treasure by the Philippines, captured the WBC World Super Featherweight title last March by defeating Juan Manuel Marquez and the WBC World Lightweight title in June by knocking out defending champion David Diaz. He completed his personal trifecta by stopping Oscar de la Hoya in a welterweight battle on December 6. Pacquiao's last two victories were in his debut fight in each weight division with the latter fight being two full divisions above his previous fight. Pacquiao, 30, has won 24 of his last 25 bouts, blitzing through boxing's best fighters since 2003 including Erik Morales (TKO 10, KO 3,), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Marquez (D 12, W 12,), Diaz (TKO 9) and De La Hoya (KO 8). Pacquiao was previously named the 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine.

"I always like new challenges which is the reason I am anxious to fight Ricky Hatton. My trainer Freddie Roach will put together a new game plan which will be much different than the one we used against Oscar (de la Hoya). There are concerns because Hatton is a very strong puncher so I must deal with that in the ring. I promise I will be completely prepared and will do my best for all of my fans in The Philippines."

The storied career of Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), an international superstar hailing from Manchester, England, began in 1997 and for the last 12 years he has been thrilling fight fans around the world with his aggressive style in the ring and down to earth attitude outside of the ring. Owner of victories over world champions Kostya Tszyu, Vince Phillips, Paulie Malignaggi, Luis Collazo, Jose Luis Castillo, Juan Urango and Carlos Maussa, Hatton is a two division world champion. He fell short of the pound-for-pound best fighter title and world welterweight championships in his 2007 super-fight against Floyd Mayweather. However, the 30-year-old bounced back impressively at his natural weight of 140 pounds last May when he scored a near shutout 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Lazcano. His most recent fight was a scintillating shutout performance against world champion Malignaggi last November, ending with an 11th round TKO for "The Hitman". Hatton was honored as the 2005 Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

"I'm really excited to get back in the ring in Vegas after beating Malignaggi in November," said Hatton. "I am confident that I am the fighter to take down the pound-for-pound champion and I believe I will be victorious on May 2."

Please visit www.toprank.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com for upcoming announcements.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

No Holds Barred: Jay Larkin on the Rise and Fall of the International Fight League

No Holds Barred: Jay Larkin on the Rise and Fall of the International Fight League

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-28T20_05_37-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Jay Larkin, the former head of the Showtime boxing program, and more recently the CEO of the International Fight League (IFL) mixed martial arts company. Once the second most popular mixed martial arts company in America, the IFL stopped running shows in 2008 after losing millions of dollars, and is no longer in business.

In a lengthy, candid, and spirited interview, we discuss the rise and fall of the IFL, some of the mistakes that company made, the status of mixed martial arts in America, the role of grappling in mixed martial arts, how MMA compares to boxing, the media bias which the IFL faced, and much more.

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 present a tribute to the late former light heavyweight champion and Hall of Fame fighter, Jose "Chegui" Torres, who passed away January 19. He was 72. Jose Torres retired in 1969 with a record of 41-3-1with 29 KO's after fighting in 45 fights and 300 rounds. He won the world light heavyweight championship in 1965 by stopping Willie Pastrano in the ninth round in Madison Square Garden. After three successful defenses, he lost that title to Dick Tiger in 1966 by decision, also in Madison Square Garden. He was also known as an author and writer, a former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, and a fighter for social justice and many causes, including the movement for boxers to form a union. To remember and honor Jose Torres, we spoke with his long-time colleague and friend, Paul Johnson, the chairman of the Boxers Organizers Committee. He attended the funeral for Jose Torres held this past week in Ponce, Puerto Rico. We spoke about Jose's life, his legacy, and a project in which he was involved, to call a conference of the major players in boxing, including the fighters, to create some unified structure for the sport. 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.

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

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/).

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

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
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See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night - Dunne V Cordoba‏


The Time has Come…Now the World Awaits as Bernard Dunne goes in search of the ultimate prize at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, March 21st at the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night.

Dunne takes on World champion, Ricardo “El Maestrito” Cordoba for the WBA Super Bantamweight title as world championship boxing returns to Ireland for the first time in 13 years. The Dubliner turns 29 next month and he feels the timing is perfect for a shot at the WBA belt which once adorned the waist of Barry McGuigan over two decades ago.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted since I first put on a pair of boxing gloves,” said Dunne. “It’s every boxers dream to be a world champion and I’m no different. This is what I’ve worked my whole life for and now that the chance is here I want to grab it with both hands.”

Promoter Brian Peters had promised his charge a world title fight in 2009 and he’s duly delivered with Dunne admitting that having home advantage is a the icing on the cake. “It’s a huge coup to get the fight here, there’s no doubt about that,” said the former European Champ.

“Every boxer wants to fight for a world title but to have it in your hometown is special. It’s going to be an incredible experience and I know I’ll thrive on that atmosphere. Cordoba’s fought all around the world but he won’t ever have experienced anything like the atmosphere in the O2, it’s going to be very special. It’s a fantastic venue and March 21st can’t come soon enough.”

Peters believes that Dunne can claim his destiny by becoming Ireland’s next World Champion. “This is a huge event for Ireland, World title fights are often talked about but in reality they don’t come along too often,” said the promoter. “I think this has all the makings of a historic night for Irish sport. From the first time I saw Bernard as an amateur I believed he was destined to be a World Champion. It’s been a long road but where better for that dream to become reality than at the fabulous new O2 in his hometown.”

A hat trick of impressive wins over South American opposition in 2008 secured Dunne a number 11 ranking with the WBA and a crack at Cordoba’s World title. The tall, Panamanian southpaw has just one defeat in his 37 pro fights and won the title with a landslide points win over Luis Alberto Perez in his native country last September. Dunne has already studied the champ on DVD and admits he was impressed by what he saw.

“He’s a class fighter, you don’t get to be a World Champion without having that little bit extra than most,” said Dunne. “He’s still only 24 but he has a lot of experience and he’s been competing at the top level for so long now and you have to respect that.”

However Dunne shrugged off suggestions that he would be entering the ring as the underdog on March 21st. “That’s for the bookies to decide, that might take a bit of the pressure off me but at the end of the day it will only be the two of us in the ring and whether you’re labelled the favourite or the underdog it doesn’t matter as soon as you step between those ropes. It’s what you do on in that ring on the night that counts and I know I’m as good as anyone else out there. If I didn’t believe that then I’d have no business in there.”

Dunne has been training for the fight since before Christmas and says his preparations will intensify now that he has a date to focus on. “I’m flying already, I’m way ahead of where I would normally be this far out before a fight. I’ve been working very hard with my strength and conditioning coach, Mike McGurn and I’m also working with some new nutritionists and I’ve noticed a real difference in that area.

“I’m always looking to add extra little components to the team and I’m already feeling the benefits on the nutritional side. This is the most important fight of my career so I want to make sure that no stone is left unturned in my preparations.”

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

COTTO & PAVLIK; “IRELAND’S” JOHN DUDDY and ANTHONY PETERSON

NEW YORK, NY– Undefeated Top-Five contenders “Ireland’s” JOHN DUDDY and ANTHONY PETERSON will light it up in separate bouts at Madison Square Garden, headlining the undercard of the Miguel Cotto vs. Michael Jennings / Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik vs. Marco Antonio Rubio two-city / two-title pay-per-view extravaganza. Duddy will go mano-a-mano with MATT “The Predator” VANDA and Peterson will rumble with EDNER “Cherry Bomb” CHERRY, in 10-round middleweight and lightweight bouts, respectively. Together, these four warriors boast a combined record of 116-14-2 (70 KOs ) – a winning percentage of 88%.

Two title fights in two different towns on one pay-per-view broadcast! This event is so big, both Michael Buffer and Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will be introducing the main events from New York and Youngstown, respectively. Spectators at The Garden will be able to see the live broadcast of the Pavlik-Rubio fight. Spectators at the Chevrolet Centre will be able to see the live broadcast of the Cotto-Jennings fight. Promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, the Cotto-Pavlik doubleheader will take place Saturday, February 21 and will be broadcast Live on Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Remaining tickets to the Madison Square Garden event , priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, can be purchased at the Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.thegarden.com.

Remaining tickets to the Chevrolet Centre event, priced at $500, $300, and $200 can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, Retail Locations, including Giant Eagle and Macy’s, or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or (866) 448-7849. Tickets are also available at the Chevrolet Centre Box Office. Additional fees may be applicable. There will be a ticket limit of eight (8) per customer.

Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), from Derry, Ireland, is a huge fan favorite at The Garden drawing tens of thousands to the “Mecca of Boxing” throughout his five-year professional career. The former WBC Continental Americas middleweight champion boasts victories over former world champion Yory Boy Campas and two-time world title contender Howard Eastman. Currently world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Duddy’’s aggressive, hard-hitting style has not only made for exciting fights but has also developed a very strong following on both sides of the Atlantic, drawing capacity crowds in New York, Boston, Dublin and Belfast.

Vanda (39-8, 22 KOs ), from St. Paul , Minn. , is a 12-year battle-tested veteran who has never taken a step backward in the ring. Known as “The Predator” for the way he hunts down his opponents in the ring before finishing them off, less than half the opponents Vanda has vanquished have gone the distance. He is a former International Boxing Association Americas junior middleweight champion, won via an exciting 12-round split decision over former world champion Yory Boy Campas. Famous for his trademark upper body tattoos, Vanda returns to the ring on the heels of an exciting two-fight series against undefeated contender Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.

Peterson (28-0, 19 KOs ), from Washington , D.C. , is a rising star within the lightweight division. Currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBC and WBO and No. 6 by the IBF, Peterson, 23, returns to the ring on the heels of an impressive 10-round unanimous decision victory over former world lightweight champion Javier Jauregui in a fast-paced fight that not only showed how far Peterson has progressed since his professional debut in 2004, but also displayed his aggressive style, boxing skills and punching power. A former North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight champion, he became the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion last June, winning a dominating 12-round unanimous decision over gritty veteran Fernando Trejo.

Cherry ( 24-6-2 , 12 KOs ), from Nassau , Bahamas , has held NABF and North American Boxing Association (NABA) lightweight titles. Known for his aggressive style and as a pressure style fighter, Cherry, 26, has a collection of impressive victories on his resume including Monty Meza-Clay, Daniel Alcea, Wes Ferguson and Marco Perez. Currently world-rated No. 10 by the WBC, Cherry returns to the ring fresh from his first world title challenge, where he moved up in weight and lost a 12-round decision to undefeated WBC super lightweight champion Timothy Bradley, Jr. last September.

The Cotto vs. Jennings / Pavlik vs. Rubio pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. For Cotto vs. Jennings / Pavlik vs. Rubio fight week updates, log on to www.toprank.com.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved