To Be King; The story of a down and out boxer who overcomes the odds to become a champion.

To Be King is the story of down and out son of a professional boxer, Tyrone King, who loses his family and is plagued with setbacks but finds redemption in his life to move on. He crosses paths with the man who trained his father and the man who lead his father to his death in the underground fighting world. King finds faith in himself to stand up, fall in love and against all odds become a champion.

Steve Rahaman is back with yet another riveting take on the human condition in his latest film To Be King. Rahaman delivers a script well executed by his actors, which portrays the lengths a father will take to lead an exemplary life for his child, defying all odds and breaking the mold of a man trapped in the "street" life.

This story is much more involving than his previous films as it brings together the values of family loyalty, redemption and determination. Nigel Harvey delivers a heartfelt performance as up and coming boxer Tyrone King. His character faces obstacles both in and out of the ring and is pushed to the limits as he struggles to escape the shadows of his father's legacy in order to create his own path.

Miriam Morales gives a breakthrough performance in her first full length film capturing the audience as Sharon Stills, the mother of King's daughter. Not only is she believable but her performance is also flawless, authentic and is worthy of praise.

Kamel Goffin, who plays Wesley King, Tyrone's younger brother, gives a genuine portrait of a young man struggling to break free of the life of crime he is subjected to. Viewers keep a look out, Goffin's capacity as an actor is sure to transform him from supporting to leading actor.

Frank Merlino and Tommy Clohessy, who have worked both together and with Rahaman in the past, unite once again to play the roles of King's trainer and promoter. This film pushes Merlino's abilities as an actor and gives him a chance to stand in the spotlight. His role as Uncle Frank provides a platform for Merlino to showcase his talents and in doing so, Merlino shines.

Clohessy, who is a natural, steals each of his scenes as the corrupt promoter Jimmy O'Reilly and as expected performed brilliantly.

Clarissa Martinez, the social service worker, played by Rosie Moss and Nya Harvey, who is Harvey's real life daughter and plays the role of King's daughter in the movie, adds to the dimension of the film and King's character as the audience sees a softer, loving side of the boxer. Both Moss and the young Harvey performed with grace and sincerity.

To Be King is more than just a boxing film. It is a film about loyalty, love and liberation. Rahaman manages to bring the story to life with the use of powerful, gripping dialog and a plot that is conducive to his works. His growth as a director is evident with each new film and is an indicator of what is to be expected of him as a director in this industry. The story flows well throughout the film and leaves audiences with a sense of triumph and hope. This is definitely one of, if not Rahaman's best works thus far.


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. ALFONSO GOMEZ PRESS TOUR QUOTES

CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion (37-0-1, 27 KO's)

"The only thing I want to say is I will prepare 100 percent for this fight and not take him [Gomez] lightly.

"I don't like to talk too much, so I'll keep it short. Everyone here knows the Mexican saying 'a dog that barks, does not bite.' On September 17, Alfonso Gomez will know who Canelo is."

"I do my talking with my fists in the ring because I am a man, not a clown. I'm going to show this kid who Canelo is.

ALFONSO GOMEZ, WBC #6 Rated Super Welterweight Contender (23-4-2, 12 KO's)

"I am going to ruin all of their [Golden Boy Promotions' and Canelo's] plans. I am going to unleash this beast that is within me.

"From the first second I heard about this fight, I have been in the gym. This road I have been on has been too hard to take anything for granted at this point.

"I plan to go in and die in the ring to win this fight. I'm ready to become world champion. This is my time. This opportunity is mine and I'm going to take it.

"Houston, he [Canelo] has a problem and his name is Alfonso Gomez.

"On September 17, everyone will know Alfonso Gomez as the world champion.

"I know Canelo trains hard and he is not a champion for nothing, but I have experience and I will be the champion of the world.

"Canelo, I know what I said yesterday [in Los Angeles] hurt you, but my punches will hurt more."

"STAR POWER LOS ANGELES: Alvarez vs. Gomez" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-round fight, which will be contested for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

ANDRADE LOOKING TO MAKE STATEMENT AGAINST DANGEROUS BREWER IN MAIN EVENT ON ESPN'S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

Next Friday, August 19th, the 2007 Amateur World Champion, and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Demetrius Andrade (13-0, 9KO's) will step up in competition and look to make a huge statement, when he takes on dangerous veteran, and winner of Season 2 of "The Contender" Grady Brewer (28-12, 16KO's) in the main event on this year's finale of ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. The bout, which was put together on very short notice after the original main event fell through, is scheduled for ten rounds; the first of Andrade's career; in the jr. middleweight division.

"Demetrius has been asking us for this type of fight," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing, co-promoter of Andrade with Banner Promotions. "A fight where he can show everyone what we already know, that he is a future world champion. Not only is he taking this dangerous fight, but he is taking it on very short notice. An impressive showing on the 19th will propel Demetrius from an upcoming prospect to true contender and serious force to be reckoned with in the jr. middleweight division."

Critics and naysayers are a very common in the sport of boxing. Every fight fan who has ever watched a live fight, automatically believes they are an expert of the sport. Way too often, as an up and coming prospect is making his STAR BOXINGway through the ranks, these so-called boxing experts will quickly become impatient and start criticizing the prospects talent and skills, his level of opposition, and his progression.

Since turning pro in late 2008 with a second round TKO over Patrick Cape, Andrade has experienced this. Having stopped nine of his thirteen opponents, seven in two rounds or less, and losing only a handful of rounds on the official judge's scorecards in his other four decision victories, it is clear that Andrade has been extremely dominant. This domination has led people to believe that Andrade has been matched too softly, despite his opponents having a sixty five percent win to loss ratio, including three of which were previously undefeated fighters, and five more over with just one loss on their record's.

Now Andrade will be looking to make a huge statment to the boxing world when he squares off against the very dangerous Brewer. In addition to winning the Contender Tournament by defeating former world champion Steve Forbes, Brewer holds victories over current IBF Jr. Middleweight Champion, Cornelius Bundrage and is coming off his most impressive victory to date, a fourth round TKO over highly regarded Fernando Guerrero (21-0, 16KO's at the time) in June of this year.

"I'm ready to put on an exciting performance come August 19th," stated Andrade. "Brewer is a tough opponent, but I am just too fast and too strong for him, and everyone will see that fight night. This is a huge fight for me, as a win will propel me into the world ratings, and put me in line to start facing the top fighters in the jr. middleweight division."

The Andrade-Brewer bout is scheduled for ten rounds in the jr. middleweight division and is promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions. ESPN will begin live coverage starting at 9PM ET.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

STAR BOXING RETURNS TO THE TROPICANA AUG 27TH

Star Boxing's upcoming show on Saturday August 27th at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Headlining the show will be heavyweight fan-favorite, Vinny Maddalone, and Atlantic City's long-time welterweight contender, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Peter 'Kid Chocolate' Quillin preparing for sweet fight‏

Unbeaten middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin wants to make-up for lost time, yet, the multi-talented fighter has to remain patient and play the boxing game.

Quillin virtually lost all of 2009 due to a series of injuries -- hand surgery, hairline eye fracture, and then an emergency appendectomy -- that kept him out of the ring for 1 ½ years.

International Boxing Federation No. 5-rated Quillin (25-0, 19 KOs), fighting out of Los Angeles, basically used late replacement Jason“The Hammer” LeHoullier (21-6-1, 8 KOs) as a human punching bag in their July 23 fight that ended in a fifth-round technical knockout. Quillin’s original opponent, Tarvis Simms, withdrew less than a week prior to their fight due to a broken rib.

“Hey,”Quillin said, “at least I got in a fight and I was able to showcase my talents in Las Vegas, after having eight agonizing weeks of training. Golden Boy delivered. LeHoullier may not have been the opponent I would have liked, but Icame out of that fight in good shape, and I’m ready to return as soon as possible.

”I looked good and did what I said: he’d fall down or quit. That’s my mission every fight. I’m not just out there to look good.”

Quillin’s trainer, Freddie Roach, recently went public saying ‘Kid Chocolate” can beat world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, who reportedly is tied-up until March. “I’m willing to fight anybody that Golden Boy, Freddie and John Seip (his manager) put in there with me for a major test,” Quillin explained.“Sergio Martinez is the best out there for me. He’s a good athlete, but I can match his athleticism, and I’m a little better boxer. The Paul Williams fight was the only spectacular fight he’s had. The blueprint to beat (Kelly) Pavlik had already been written for him by (Bernard) Hopkins.

“I’m hungry and when I get my chance, I promise that I won’t let anybody down. My team is working together and I’ll be ready.”

The general consensus is that Quillin needs to gain valuable experience defeating a top 10 fighter in order to position him for a legitimate shot at fighting Martinez. “Petey did what he had to do against LeHouiller and he also got in some rounds,” Seip commented. “He boxed a few rounds and broke-down his opponent. It was more like a sparring session, fighting at his pace, and when his corner said to takeout his opponent, he did. I would have liked to have seen him in deeper waters but, basically, he played with the guy. His left hook was fabulous and his legs were strong, something that wasn’t there before he started working with these guys. He has great speed and, defensively, he’s much better and better balanced. He looks really good, no longer going out there for the knockout. I’ve been impressed by his improvement.

“We’re looking for a big-time fight. I’m waiting to hear back from Golden Boy about his next fight, whether it’s in September or October. Golden Boy needs to get us a couple of good fights before Martinez. We’ll take on guys like (Julio) Chavez, Jr., (Matthew) Macklin, (Daniel) Geale, (Peter) Manfredo) or (Marco Antonio) Rubio. Those are the type opponents we need to fight and win to get closer to a Martinez fight. Petey is HBO ready; he’s 25-0 and a KO artist. Golden Boy needs to get us a big fight on HBO so the boxing world can see this kid fight.”

Sweet days are ahead for “Kid Chocolate” and someday his post fight ritual of tossing candy kisses into the crowd, he firmly believes, will be right after a world title belt is placed around his waist.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

WBA & IBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov ready to take on any champions or top contenders

Unification remains the goal for World Boxing Association (“WBA”) and International Boxing Association (“IBA”) light heavyweight king, Beibut Shumenov. If, however, none of the other 175-pound world champions – Bernard Hopkins, Tavoris Cloud and Nathan Cleverly – are willing or available to put their title belts on the line against Shumenov, the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian is interested in taking on former world titlists and leading contenders Jean Pascal and Zsolt Erdei.

Moments after Shumenov stopped three-time world title challenger Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago in the ninth round, unloading 23 unanswered punches before the fight was halted, Beibut was being interviewed on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” live from South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

Standing in the ring next to Shumenov during post-fight interviews was Pascal, who said he wanted to take Shumenov’s title belts back to Canada. Beibut quickly accepted the challenge with a qualifier, directly saying to Pascal, “You’re from Canada, I’m from Kazakhstan; so, let’s do it where all champions dream of fighting…Las Vegas.”

Shumenov’s first option, naturally, would be to fight Pascal in Kazakhstan, where it would be a huge draw. But In 29 pro fights, Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) has fought only twice outside of his adopted home in Canada, the last time in 2008 when he lost a 12-round decision in the United Kingdom to Carl Froch for the vacant WBC super middleweight championship. “Pascal is a top-level fighter,” Shumenov said about his potential challenger.

If Pascal won’t leave his adopted Canadian home to challenge world champion Shumenov, two-time, two-divisional world champion Erdei (33-0, 18 KOs) is another potential challenger.

“Erdei’s people have already shown interest in fighting me if Pascal isn’t,” Beibut noted. “Erdei is unbeaten and a two-time world champion, first at light heavyweight and then as a cruiserweight. He’s moved back down to light heavyweight and is a top challenger, more of a boxer than puncher, and now he trains (Philadelphia) in the U.S.”

Erdei and Pascal are rated No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, in the current WBA ratings. Shumenov, who says he’ll fight one more time in 2011, concluded, “I’m ready to fight any of the top light heavyweights in the world.”

Shumenov (12-1, 8 KOs) set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when (Jan. 10, 2010) he won a 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. In three successful world title defenses, Shumenov won a unanimous 12-round decision versus No. 1 mandatory challenger and previously undefeated Viacheslav Uzelkov (UDEC12), followed by a six-round knockout of three-time world champion William Joppy (KO6), and then his recent victory by ninth-round TKO versus WBA No. 15-rated Santiago.

In only 13 pro fights, Beibut has defeated four world champions (Campillo, Joppy, Byron Mitchell and Montell Griffin), as well as three world title challengers (Uzelkov, Santiago and Epifanio Mendoza

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Ripley's freak nails himself, Bernard Hopkins hammers Chad Dawson

Ripley's freak nails himself, Bernard Hopkins hammers Chad Dawson
Michael Marley

Got to admit it. The Ripley's Believe It Or Not sideshow freak ("Albert Cadabra," yeah, sure, pal) who hammered a nail into his face was imprerssive but, when it came to speechmaking at the Tuesday press conference at BB King's in Times Square, everybody but ring legend Bernard BHop Hopkins was just wasting their breath.

Hopkins, who continues his 23 year pro career, with a light heavyweight title defense against the talented but underachieving Chad Dawson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on HBO PPV TV on Oct. 15, could have given guys named Obama, Boehner, Cantor and Reid some tips on how to keep an audience's interest from the speaker's podium.

Without futher adieu the wit, the wisdom and the "psyche job" that "Ole Popkins" laid on the soft-spoken Dawson for the second day in succession. (Dawson had to listen to a similar spiel in LA on Monday).

Hopkins is age 46 while New Haven resident Dawson is 17 years his junior.

Referring to how he picks the right opponent at the right time: "That's my fox mentality."

Fighting a lefthander: "I love fighting southpaws because I am unorthodox myself. I am 12-2 against southpaws with a split decision loss to Joe Calzaghe ands most people say that I won that fight.”

Comparing and contrasting his Hall Of Fame resume (52-5-2, 32 KOs) against that of Dawson (30-1, 17 KOs): “It’s like two guys going for a job. You look at their resumes and one is Harvard, the other is a community college. With my resume, I still have the fire and the desire. I’ve got a Ph.d.”

On his ageless physicality: “I get cramps. I get aches. Trust me, I am human.”

Reviving the 175 pounders (with a disputed draw and then a points victory over Montreal’s Jean Pascal, who had beaten Dawson): “I started a buzz for the light heavyweights. The division is alive and people are paying attention again because of my last two fights.”

(Then Hopkins began to infiltrate Dawson’s mind more directly.)

On Dawson losing to Pascal: “He fell in Canada. Now he’s getting a second chance....But that second chance is going to be very painful. You can’t be laid back against an old man, that is not good, Chad.”

On his ring future: “I am 46 and so there is no tomorrow. I won’t, I can’t lose this match. I hope Chad fights (aggressively) because we’re asking $55 in a recession. If he fights, then we all win. I want to go on, to be like Archie Moore, defending the (light heavyweight) title at age 47 or 48.”

The good news for Dawson is that he only has to listen to Hopkins persistent rap for the final prefight press conference and then at their weigh in.

I’m not sure about Dawson anmd he seems unsure of himself.

But I’ve got to think a lot of fighters would prefer to get nailed like “Albert Cadabra” did.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.