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Monday, August 3, 2009

Ward vs. Pudwill Joins Mikkel Kessler vs. Gusmyl Perdomo On Special Saturday Primetime Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation Sept. 12, 2009, at 10 p.m

NEW YORK— Undefeated super middleweight Andre “S.O.G.” Ward will share the stage with his first Super Six World Boxing Classic™ opponent Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler on a special Saturday primetime edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, on SHOWTIME.

Ward (19-0, 12 KOs) will tangle with Shelby Pudwill (22-3-1, 9 KOs) of McGlauglin, S.D., in a 10-round super middleweight scrap live from Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The Ward fight will air immediately following Kessler’s World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight mandatory title defense against No. 1 ranked Gusmyl Perdomo (16-2, 10 KOs) of Turmero, Venezuela, which will air on same day tape delay from MCH Messecenter Herning - Herning, Denmark.

“There was no way we were going to allow Mikkel Kessler to have a showcase fight preceding his Super Six showdown with Andre, and not have the viewers on SHOWTIME witness our 2004 US Olympic gold medalist in action the same night,” Ward’s promoter Dan Goossen said. “Kessler may be the champion, but Andre Ward is coming to take that title and making history."

Goossen is referencing the Group Stage 1 matchup of Ward vs. Kessler in the celebrated Super Six World Boxing Classic, Nov. 21, 2009, live on SHOWTIME. Ward-Kessler promises to be one of the most exciting fights of the year, pitting Team USA’s only Olympic Games gold medalist from Athens 2004 against Kessler (41-1, 31 KOs), of Copenhagen, Denmark, an early favorite in the tournament.

In his last fight on Dec. 6, 2008, Pudwill, 34, beat Anthony Osbourne in Mandan, N.D., with an eighth-round knockout. Inactive in all of 2007, Pudwill suffered a loss in his fight before Osbourne to John Duddy at Madison Square Garden in 2006.

Pudwill took eight straight wins into the Duddy fight and didn’t lose for almost five years in a time-span that dated from June 2001 to March 2006.

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including complete details on the Super Six World Boxing Classic, Strikeforce mixed martial arts telecasts, exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, and more, please visit the website at http://sports.sho.com.See you at the Fights.
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Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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©®™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

FEDOR SIGNS World’s No. 1 MMA Heavyweight To Fight In STRIKEFORCE / M-1 Global Co-Promoted Events First Fight To Air This Fall, Live on SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK- After a week of intense negotiations and speculation, the hottest topic of discussion in the professional fight world has come to a head as the world’s number one heavyweight and most sought after mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko has signed a historic, multi-fight agreement that will see him headline mega-events co-promoted by world championship promotions STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global.

Emelianenko, known globally as Fedor, will make his premium television debut this Fall when his first fight under the new agreement airs live on SHOWTIME®. Up until now, Emelianenko’s live fights have aired exclusively on pay-per-view in the United States.

“I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level," said the 33-year-old Emelianenko. During his nine year professional fight career, which included a four and a half year stay with the world’s former top MMA promotion, the now defunct PRIDE Fighting Championship, the Russian native has faced and defeated all comers.

In his last effort, the 6-foot, 235-pound Emelianenko decimated the number two ranked heavyweight at the time Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski with a single punch in the first round (3:14) of the main event of Affliction: “Day of Reckoning” atAnaheim, California’s Honda Center on January 24.

“STRIKEFORCE is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world,” continued Emelianenko. “I am prepared to fight any of them.”

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with M-1 Global and Fedor,” said STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO Scott Coker, a martial arts fight promoter of over 25 years. “Fedor has been the reigning king of MMA’s heavyweight division for quite some time now so being able to work with M-1 and Fedor will substantially increase the level of competition amongst the athletes in this weight class.”

“With the addition of Fedor and STRIKEFORCE’s new relationship with M-1 Global, SHOWTIME is now the home of the best pound-for-pound male and female fighters in the world,” saidKen Hershman, Senior VP and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports®. “The Aug. 15 Carano-Cyborg matchup on SHOWTIME will clearly determine the best female mixed martial artist on the planet. Then, come this Fall, our subscribers again will witness history when the universally recognized best male fighter—Fedor Emelianenko—joins the already long list of world-class athletes on the STRIKEFORCE roster, and for the first time ever plies his skills live on SHOWTIME.”

Hershman continued: “We are better positioned now than ever before to deliver on our promise to televise the top fighters in mixed martial arts today.”

“I am very happy and excited about the upcoming collaboration with Strikeforce,” saidVadim Finkelchtein, President of M-1 Global. “We are very pleased that we found a reliable partner and I feel that Strikeforce and M-1 can support each other on many things. This will create big opportunities for both parties to test their fighters against worthy opponents.”

Though his official professional record is 30-1, Emelianenko is considered undefeated. The only blemish on his record is a December 22, 2000 fight that was stopped after 17 seconds and declared a TKO in favor of his opponent, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, due to a cut Emelianenko sustained in the opening seconds of the matchup in Osaka,Japan.

Amongst those on Emelianenko’s list of impressive conquests are former PRIDE Heavyweight Champions Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira,Mark “The Hammer” Coleman, and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic as well as former UFC Heavyweight Champions Kevin “The Monster” Randleman and Tim Sylvia, whom Emelianenko submitted with a rear naked choke only 36 seconds into their main event showdown at Affliction: “Banned” on July 19, 2008.

Despite his extensive experience, Emelianenko’s debut under the new STRIKEFORCE-M-1 venture will, interestingly enough, mark his first start in a cage. To date, all of his bouts have taken place in a ring.

After co-promoting two events live on SHOWTIME in 2007 and 2008, STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on the premium cable television network.

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 rights reserved

“Hook City” Camp Notes… TEAM JONES HUNTS FOR MEALS AT TRAINING CAMP; In California, PA, Monday’s Kill is Tuesday’s Dinner

CALIFORNIA, PA– Roy “Captain Hook” Jones Jr. is in training camp in California, PA, thirty minutes south of Pittsburgh preparing for his August 15 “Hook City” showdown against Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy. The event, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, will be broadcast live on pay-per-view.

The camp headquarters at Buzz Garnic’s Round 2 Boxing Gym, which houses Alton “Coach” Merkerson along with Square Ring Promotions stable mates Verquan Kimbrough, Kieyon Bussey and various sparring partners, is located at the top of a hill at the edge of a forest.

On Monday, “Coach Merk” was at the kitchen sink when he noticed a large ground hog at the edge of the woods. He retrieved his rifle, slid open the kitchen window screen and shot the ‘hog.’ He nailed it from 50 yards away. “I was in the Army for twenty-one years and have shot a lot of stuff, so this was no big deal,” said the retired Army Sergeant, who spent numerous stints in Vietnam. Merk put the hog in a cooler on ice where it sat for the evening training session.

After training, Bussey, also from the great hunting area of Pensacola, skinned and filleted the hog outside the house. While preparing the hog, Bussey thought he had heard some heavy breathing and thought it was the 300-pound black bear that has been spotted in the area numerous times. It wasn’t the bear; it was the breathing of Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough, former NABA and USBA lightweight champion from nearby Aliquippa, who will be on the broadcast portion of “Hook City.” Kimbrough, known for taking up to four showers a day, wanted nothing to do with Monday’s kill and Bussey chased him around the yard with the now-filleted hog.

“Big Roy, Little Roy, Kieyon and I will eat it tonight,” said Merkerson. “It’s nothing but lean meat and tastes great with marinade (balsamic vinegar) and a little salt. It’ll be good for Roy.”

In “Hook City,” two of boxing’s dominating left hookers, 8-time world champion Roy Jones Jr. and 2-time world champion Jeff Lacy, go to battle on Saturday, August 15 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi to determine the most powerful hooker and the NABO Light Heavyweight Champion.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95, as well as on Super Channel in Canada.

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 rights reserved

B.J. FLORES TO FACE MAURO ADRIAN ORDIALES AT "HOOK CITY" ON AUGUST 15TH‏

LAS VEGAS (July 29, 2009)—Undefeated cruiserweight contender, B.J. Flores will take on Mauro Adrian Ordiales of Bahia Bahia, Argentina as part of the August 15th “Hook City” Pay-Per-View that will feature the legendary Roy Jones Jr.-Jeff Lacy tussle in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Flores of Las Vegas sports an undefeated mark of 23-0-1 with fourteen knockouts is currently ranked #11 by the WBC, #6 by the WBA, #11 by the IBF and #3 by the WBO is looking forward to the challenge of the tough fighter from South America.

“He has fought many top guys held currant WBO Champ Victor Ramirez to a controversial majority decision and lost a highly competitive stoppage in their rematch.” said Flores

“I am extremely motivated as many guys did not want to fight me and I know he wants to come in here and knock me out. But I am going to be up to the challenge as my last three opponents, Darnell Wilson, Jose Luis Herrera, and Oridales had a combined fifty-nine wins and 55 knockouts when they fought me. It was just a few months ago where he was ranked in the top-ten in three of the major organizations. I am coming to show the world that on August 15th that I will be the one who scores the big knockout.”

“I know that not only do I have to win but I have to be exciting and with all the great fighters on this card, I am looking to steal the show and springboard me to a major fight after this.”

Oridales is a thirty-four year old who has a record of 21-6 with twenty knockouts.

Among those losses Ordiales has only dropped fights to major names in the Cruiserweight division and they are to the current WBO champ Victor Ramirez twice, recent world title challenger Rudolf Kraj, highly regarded contender Grigory Drozd.

In “Hook City,” two of boxing’s dominating left hookers, 8-time world champion Roy Jones Jr. and 2-time world champion Jeff Lacy, go to battle on Saturday, August 15 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi to determine the most powerful hooker and the NABO Light Heavyweight Champion.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95, as well as on Super Channel in Canada.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 rights reserved

Kimbrough-Litzau Special Lightweight Attraction on “Hook City” PPV Jones-Lacy headline Aug. 15 PPV in Biloxi

A pair of young lightweight prospects battling to get to the next level, Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough and Jason “The American Boy” Litzau, have been added to the August 15th “Hook City” pay per view event in a 10-round Special Attraction.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, headlined by two of the best left-hook punchers in boxing, 8-time world boxing champion Roy “Captain Hook” Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) and former 2-time super middleweight title-holder Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs, will air live from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95, as well as on Super Channel in Canada.

Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KOs), 26, has a rich amateur pedigree, highlighted by his gold medal performance in the 2002 U.S. Nationals (AAU) Championships as a lightweight, the same tournament and weight class that produced champions such as Aaron Pryor, Pernell Whitaker, Oscar de la Hoya, Shane Mosley and a host of other world champions.

A member of the Roy Jones, Jr.-owned Square Ring Promotions stable, Verquan at one time held several titles, including IBA, NABA, NABC Americas, IBC Americas, and West Virginia State. A slick, consummate boxer from Pittsburgh, Kimbrough is looking forward to his fight against Litzau, who has already challenged for the IBF featherweight crown.

“I feel very good about fighting on this show because it’ll be my first time on pay per view,” he said from training camp. “I’m eager, especially where I’ll be fighting on the same card at Roy Jones, Jr. The fight itself will be exciting and is a big step for me. I look forward to getting in the ring with an elite athlete and putting on a great exhibition.

“I’ve watched a lot of Roy’s fights and what I like most about him is what he brings to the table. He’s a great champion who is also a promoter. There’s an edge with him because he’s still a fighter, unlike most other promoters. I signed with him because I liked him and his team the most. They are all very ethical individuals who are united in their efforts. My word is my bond, let the cards fall where they may, and they’re like that, too. I’m enjoying training with Roy at camp. I know what to expect from him -- when it’s time for business or to play. You can see it in his eyes. He jokes when it’s play time, but he’s all business in the gym.”

Litzau (24-2, 20 KOs), fighting out of St. Paul (MN), already had a taste of competing at the next level, losing an IBF featherweight title fight 1 ½ years ago to Robert Guerrero. The 26-year-old Litzau is a flashy fighter who also had an impressive amateur career, posting a reported 125-10 career, including top honors in the National Silver Gloves Championship, and later earning a spot on the 2001 U.S. National Boxing Team.

“Fighting him is going to be a little awkward for me because he’s so tall (5’ 10”),” the 5’ 5” Kimbrough noted. “We both started boxing when we were young and are good athletes and competitors. He is the toughest opponent of my career. We’re at the level where the fight’s going to come down to who is more mentally and physically capable of getting to the next level. I’ve developed my skills where I can fight well against anything brought to the table. I guarantee that I’ll have the answers for anything he brings into the ring.

“I think it’ll come down to the stronger, more focused fighter that night. I expect a tough fight and I’m up to the challenge. I’m looking forward not only to the fight, but winning. I think this will be the biggest win on my resume. I don’t look too far ahead, career-wise; I leave that up to Roy and Square Ring, whether my next fight will be for any type of title or at the next level of competition. My job is to compete to the best of my ability.”

Australian import Danny “Green Machine” Green (26-3, 23 KOs) takes on South American champion Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez (20-4-1, 14 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the vacant IBO cruiserweight championship.

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 rights reserved

Bradley Defends WBO Strap With Controvercial Victory Over Campbell On SHOWTIME‏

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif- Timothy Bradley (25-0, 11 KOs) retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight title with a highly controversial third round TKO over Nate Campbell (33-6-1, 25 KOs) on Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast from the California desert.

Referee David Mendoza ruled that a Bradley punch, not an accidental head butt, in the third round caused a cut and damage to Campbell’s vision that forced the ringside physician to halt the contest on the advice of Campbell’s corner before the start of round four.

In the SHOWTIME® co-feature, young gun Devon Alexander (19-0, 11 KOs) outworked Junior Witter (37-3-2, 22 KOs) to win the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight (140-pound) Championship by TKO after Witter quit on his stool after eight rounds.

The evening was promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Don King Productions and Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa.

Bradley, of neighboring Palm Springs, Calif., was the overwhelming house favorite with his fans cheering wildly for him and booing his Jacksonville, Fla., opponent. Both fighters came out strong in the first round landing punches and pressing the action. In the third, after an accidental clash of heads, Campbell signaled to Mendoza to acknowledge the mishap as Bradley unleashed a fury of punches before the bell.

Campbell returned to his corner with blood surrounding his eye and was heard saying, “I can’t see, I can’t see. My eye is blind. I have spots in my eye.”

Ringside physicians could not allow the bout to continue and Campbell offered no protest as the fight was called.

When the decision was announced—a TKO victory for Bradley, rather than a No Contest—heated arguments ensued from Campbell, his camp and promoter Don King.

Campbell told SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray, with Bradley standing close by, “Of all the fighters in boxing, I am the only one who has fought anyone you put in front of me and I never complained about a decision. The camera caught it and the ref said it was a head butt. He never hurt me with nothing. I’m not mad with Tim. He did his job but this is wrong. I shouldn’t have that TKO on my record. It’s wrong.”

To Bradley, Campbell said, “Be fair. Be honest (about the decision). It’s about what is right and what is wrong.”

Mendoza stood by his decision, explaining to Gray, “They both were head butting each other as they were fighting and after that last head butt, Bradley threw a punch and that is when he started bleeding. The blood didn’t start coming out until the punch. The last thing I saw before the blood started coming out was a punch and I have to go with a punch.”

When it was Bradley’s turn to talk, he said, “I don’t know, I was just in there fighting. I felt our heads collide and I see him get a cut. But I attacked and the ref was doing his job. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m here doing my job taking care of my business in the ring. It’s not my job and not my problem. It didn’t even matter. He was going to get beat tonight anyway. As the rounds kept going on, he was getting older and older.”

In the co-feature, Alexander, of St. Louis, Mo., was able to withstand and eventually conquer the unorthodox fighting style of England’s Witter. Witter, who kept switching stances and throwing wild shots, wasn’t able to hurt Alexander who kept moving forward. After the eighth round Witter walked over to Alexander and told him and his corner that he could not go on.

After the fight Witter explained, “My elbow went in the fourth round and basically I couldn’t keep him off with one hand. I battled through for a few rounds. I kept switching, which was working to an extent, but I couldn’t box the way I wanted to. I didn’t feel good. I didn’t feel good at all.”

When asked if the decision was his or came from his corner, “It was a mutual agreement. We decided to let this one go. As much as I wanted to do it, I just wasn’t able to. It’s not that I wanted to quit, I wanted to win. I think it was a close fight.”

Witter was down 80-72 twice and 79-73 on the official judges scorecards.

Witter followed by saying this would not be his last fight but that he just needed to get with his promoter and trainers and decide what the next move will be.

An extremely emotional Alexander was humbled by the win and remembered his father who passed away when he was a teenager. He said, “This feels good, baby. This is to my dad. I got it now. I got it. I train hard everyday. I didn’t miss a day at the gym when I was an amateur and I stay dedicated through my professional career. Now, I have the green belt, the title. My coach (Kevin Cunningham) never gave up on me and now I got it. I had Don King with me and he never gave up on me. We are taking it back to St. Louis.”

The 22-year old continued, “I’ve got a dynamite team and we had a game plan. We had an A-plan, a B-plan, and a C-plan. We had all of it. I told him in the press conference there is nothing he could do in the ring to stop me from walking out with that belt.”

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Gus Johnson and Al Bernstein called the action from ringside with Gray reporting. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins Jr., with Ray Smaltz producing and Bob Dunphy directing.

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 rights reserved

WBA champ Campillo hits road to defend title vs. Shumenov August 15 in Astana, Kazakhstan

LAS VEGAS– World Boxing Association light heavyweight champion Gabriel “Chico Guapo” Campillo is a true road warrior who defends his title belt for the first time August 15th against undefeated light heavyweight sensation Beibut Shumenov at Palace of Sports “Kazakhstan” in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The Aug. 15th show will be presented by KZ Event Productions, owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis, in association with Sampson Boxing, LLC.

Campillo (18-2, 6 KOs) is a slick Spanish southpaw who last month (June 20) traveled to Argentina and won a 12-round majority decision as a decisive underdog, taking the WBA crown from Argentinean favorite and defending title-holder, Hugo Hernan Garay (32-3).

Fighting 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian Shumenov (8-0, 6 KOs), reigning International Boxing Association title-holder, in the Kazak’s home country doesn’t faze Campillo because of his history of success in other fighter’s backyards. He won the European Union super middleweight championship this past March by 12-round decision against a Dane, Lolenga Mock, in Denmark.

“I went to Argentina as an underdog,” Campillo explained. “I was well prepared and I defeated him (Garay) the same way that I am planning to beat Shumenov in his own backyard. I agreed to fight Shumenov because none of he other champions risk their titles and I plan to defend my title against anybody that challenges me. To be a great champion, you have to defeat the best, and Shumenov is one of them.

“I am a pure boxer and my plan is to box Shumenov. I will win by decision but I do not discount the possibility of a late knockout. The only date that I am looking at is August 15th. I will not entertain any future fights now because my mind is set on Beibut Shumenov. All of Spain is behind me and I will not betray my country.”

The 25-year-old Beibut will make history if he defeats Campillo in his ninth pro fight, eight less than the fewest ever for a world light heavyweight champion, Michael Spinks (17). A Kazakhstan native now residing and training in Las Vegas, Beibut is currently rated No. 9 by the WBA. Two months ago in his hometown of Chimkent, Kazakhstan, he stopped former world champion Byron Mitchell in the fourth round, continuing his ambitious pace that also includes victories against former world champion Montell Griffin and world title challenger Epifanio Mendoza, respectively, by 12 and 10 round decisions.

Two other members of KZ Event Productions, 4-time Uzbekistan National amateur champion Gayrat Ahmedov and Uzbekistan light middleweight Ravshan Hudayaynazarov, will also be showcased on the August 15th card.

Ahmedov (11-0-1, 7 KOs) takes on former Eastern & Central African titlist Douglas “Daggy” Otieno (19-1, 9 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the vacant PABA and WBO Pacific light heavyweight titles, recently relinquished by Shumenov. Hudayaynazarov (8-0, 5 KOs), 2007 World Military Games gold medalist, makes his KZ debut against ex-Kenyan title-holder Joseph Joseph “Mish” Miyumo (30-7-5, 17 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Continuing his comeback is former WBO light welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (34-11, 20 KOs), who meets “Jessie” James Kimori (11-1, 7 KOs) in an 8-round bout

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard against opponents to be determined are a pair of pro debuting Kazaks, super featherweight Abzal Adambaev and heavyweight Doszhan Ospanov.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 rights reserved

Hatton backing Macklin to conquer Europe and the World

Ricky Hatton is backing British Middleweight Champion Matthew Macklin to conquer Europe and the World over the next 12 months. The Birmingham man is the latest addition to Hatton’s new promotional outfit and “The Hitman” has moved quickly to secure a European title shot for his newest signing.

Macklin will contest the vacant European Middleweight title with World ranked Finn, Amin Asikainen at the Manchester Velodrome on September 25th as he looks to move within touching distance of a World title fight. Having won 5 World titles himself Hatton knows exactly what it takes to get to the very top and he believes that Macklin has all the right ingredients.

Hatton, who has yet to make a decision on his own ring career said, “I’ve had my fair share of success with World titles in the ring but now I want to start producing World Champions as a promoter and I firmly believe that Matthew Macklin will be one of them.

“I’ve known Matthew for a long time, we’ve trained together, sparred together and worked each others corners over the years and I’ve always believed that he has the ability to go all the way. He won the British title in very impressive fashion last time out and I think he has the ability to step straight up to European title level and I’m delighted to be able to give him that opportunity on one of my shows.”

However Hatton believes that Asikainen represents a huge challenge for Macklin. “Matthew’s facing a very tough challenge because Asikainen is a vastly experienced operator and he’s been European Champion before but I believe that it’s a fight Matthew can win and use as a spring board to a World title fight next year.”

Macklin says he’d delighted to be linking up with long time friend Hatton and he’s already looking ahead to September 25th. “It’s fitting that I’m working with Ricky as my promoter now because we’ve been good friends for so long. We’ve probably sparred over a hundred rounds together and we’ve always supported each other throughout our careers.

“Ricky promised that he would deliver me the big fights and in my very first fight with him I’ll be fighting for the European title so it’s a huge opportunity for me. I’ve seen quite a bit of Asikainen and I’ve got a lot of respect for him because he’s been campaigning at European title level for the last three years. He’s a big puncher and brings all that experience to the table but he has frailties as well and I believe I’ll be able to set a pace that he can’t cope with.”

Macklin believes he can use the European title as a launch pad to a World title shot next year. “I really feel that things are starting to come together for me now since winning the British title. To be honest I had planned on winning the British title a lot earlier in my career. I’m 27 now so the next few years are going to the most important so when the chance at the European title came along I knew I had to grab it.

“The European middleweight scene is red hot right now and particularly in Germany where they seem to be dominating the division even on the World stage. Obviously Arthur Abraham has just moved up to super middleweight and you have Sebastian Zbik who just won the interim WBC title while Felix Sturm has held the WBA title for the last 3 years.

“Another German, Sebastian Sylvester is fighting for the vacant IBF title in September and Asikainen is rated number 4 with the IBF so a win over him would leave me knocking on the door of a World title shot.”

Asikainen however has World title ambitions of his own and is also targeting a rubber match with old foe Sylvester, the two rivals currently have one win apiece in European title fights.

“Winning the European title for the second time would be great,” said Asikainen. “The European title is the most meaningful belt in boxing after the World title. Of course I dream of winning the World title too some day but right now I am totally focused on Matthew Macklin.”

The flying Finn says that fighting on away ground holds no fears for him. “Coming to Manchester to fight is not a problem for me. As an amateur I fought several times outside Finland and as a pro I have won 3 of my 4 fights abroad including a knockout win over Sebastian Sylvester in Germany. Actually I think that fighting away from home kind of suits me better as it takes some of the pressure off.

“I have power in both hands. I knocked out Sylvester with my left hand and I stopped Yori Boy Campas with my right hand so I am armed and dangerous. I am known as a knockout artist, but I never come looking for the knockout. If it happens, it happens but I will prepare for twelve hard rounds and I believe I can win either on points or by KO.”

Asikainen’s promoter Pekka Maki is equally bullish about his fighter’s chances. “Macklin is not a bad fighter, he has heart and skills but I see some big weaknesses as well. He makes a lot of mistakes in the ring and if you make mistakes against Amin Asikainen you will get knocked out.

“I believe that Macklin has been kept away from powerful punchers and there is a reason for that. Amin Asikainen is a big puncher and I can see a lot of scenarios for Asikainen to beat Macklin. Amin can outbox him, he can overpower him or he can knock Macklin out with a single counterpunch. Overall I just think that Macklin makes too many mistakes to go the distance with Asikainen.”

Despite the confidence within Team Asikainen Macklin believes that he can join British boxing legends like Randy Turpin, Alan Minter, Herol Graham and Richie Woodhall in lifting the European Middleweight title.

“Asikainen is someone I’ve had my eye on for quite some time now and I’ve always believed I have the right attributes to beat him,” said Macklin. “It won’t be easy because he is a quality fighter but I’m determined to prove that I belong up there with the best in the World and I can make a real statement in this fight.”

Macklin’s one regret with moving on to European level is that he won’t get to halt the unbeaten run of Commonwealth Champion Darren Barker. “I had been looking forward to the Barker fight because I firmly believe that I would have got him out of there early but the opportunity to get my hands on the European title was just too good to pass up. If Barker’s honest with himself he would have done exactly the same thing in my position.

“This is an opportunity for me to step up another level and I believe it’s a far tougher fight than Barker anyway. Asikainen is a proven operator at European level and he’s a World ranked fighter. There’s been a lot of hype around Darren but in reality he’s yet to prove himself at British level. I’ve beaten the likes of Yory Boy Campas, Wayne Elcock and highly rated European’s like Geard Ajetovic and Alexey Chirkov. Who has Barker beaten?”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 rights reserved

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT INKS FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT LUIS DEL VALLE; LOOKS TOWARDS PUERTO RICAN MARKET‏

DiBella Entertainment has continued its streak of signing the best young talent in boxing by inking unbeaten featherweight Luis Del Valle. Del Valle (5-0, 3 KOs) is a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico and signifies another step in DBE’s growing presence on the island.
Del Valle, now fighting out of Newburgh, NY, made an impression at a young age coming through the amateur ranks. His triumphs include first place finishes at the 2004 National Golden Gloves, 2005 Under 19 National Amateur Championship, and 2006 Six Nations Cup.

Now five fights into his pro career, his skill set looks like it is transferring seamlessly from the amateur to professional ranks. His sixth fight, and DBE debut, will take place August 26 as a part of Broadway Boxing at BB King Blues Club & Grill in the heart of Times Square.

“It’s a blessing to be with one of the most established promotional companies in the business,” said Del Valle. “Now that Lou DiBella has put his trust in me, the sky will be the limit starting August 26.”

The significance of Del Valle joining the DiBella Entertainment team goes far beyond just signing another great talent. It is also yet another example of DBE’s foray into the Puerto Rican market. Already in the stable are Broadway Boxing headliner Joelo Torres, along with top contenders Kermit Cintron and Carlos Quintana.

“This is a market we are going to seriously tap into,” said DiBella. “Luis Del Valle showed how great he can be as an amateur, and is unquestionably one of the top prospects of Puerto Rican descent in the world. I look forward to steering him towards a world title, while continuing to keep and eye out for the best young talent of Puerto Rican ancestry”

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 rights reserved

CES Promoting 3 shows in 3 states Within 10 days in September

PROVIDENCE– Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) has announced that it will promote three professional boxing cards, in three different states, within 10 days of each other in September.

CES, in association with the State of New York, in conjunction with the International Boxing Hall of Fame, will run a show Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. Two days later (Friday, Sept. 4), CES returns home to Twin River Event Center in Lincoln (RI) and a week after that show, (Friday, Sept. 11) “The Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor Fight Series” continues at Plymouth (MA) Memorial Hall.

“It’s a great challenge but we have a talented staff that will share responsibilities,” Burchfield explained. “Different staff people will be delegated specific duties for each show. We’ve done it before. We’re honored and proud to be promoting this special show. There will be a lot of boxing celebrities there. The shows at Twin River and Plymouth Memorial Hall will feature some of the top talent in New England.”

A press conference will be held next Thursday (August 6, 1 PM/ET) at the Fair Grounds in Syracuse to formally announce the card.

For more information about CES, its 2009 schedule or fighters, go on line to www.cesboxing.com or call 401.724.2253.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 rights reserved