★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™: Jun 20, 2012

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

'VIVA DON KING II'; Media Workout Quotes Monday, June 18, 2012 Hard Rock Live Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Fla.

Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King was joined by many of the principal fighters on Saturday’s “Viva Don King II” boxing card at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., for media workouts today inside Hard Rock Live, the same venue where the fights will be held.

Heavyweight fighters Tony “TNT” Grano (19-2-1, 15 KOs), from Hartford, Conn., and DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson (27-6, 23 KOs), from Denver, both participated in today’s workouts and will fight in the main event on Saturday. Grano is the No. 1-ranked NABF contender and Williamson is a former top-ranked heavyweight, and the winner will win the vacant NABF title.

“I’ve done over 50 rounds of sparring with five different professional heavyweights,” Grano said of his training camp. “I give special thanks to WBA cruiserweight champion Guillermo Jones who came and worked with me.

“This fight with Williamson means everything to me. It’s my time to shine.”

Williamson is looking forward to the challenge from Grano.

“I felt like a champion during training camp in Denver,” Williamson said. “I saw Grano on You Tube and checked on him with people in boxing. The good news I will not have to send out a search party looking for Grano. He’ll be right there in front of me. He comes to fight.”

WBC U.S. super welterweight champion Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (21-1-1, 12 KOs), from Miami, will take on Brandon “The Business” Baue (12-6, 10 KOs), from Troy, Mo.

“I spent eight weeks training for this fight, the last three secluded at the King Training Camp just outside Cleveland,” Hernandez said. “I wanted to spar with the bigger guys.

“I know if I win my promoter Don King is going to put me in even bigger fights, so I am determined to win convincingly.”

Undefeated WBA No. 15-ranked lightweight Angelo “La Cobra” Santana (12-0, 9 KOs), a Cuban fighting out of Miami, will face the toughest test of his young career against former WBC Silver champion Justin “Le Voodoo” Savi (26-1, 18 KOs), from Cotonou, Benin.

“I have a new physical trainer,” Santana said. “I’m stepping up in competition, so I need to perfect all of my skills.

“It’s great to be trained by former Cuban Olympic coach Jorge Rubio. He splits his time between me and Guillermo Rigondeaux. He is a great coach and I feel I am improving every day.”

Also appearing on the card is undefeated junior middleweight Omar “Oh!” Henry (11-0-1, 9 KOs), from Chicago. He’ll be facing Walter “2 Guns” Wright (14-3, 7 KOs), from Seattle, Wash.

“This is my first 10-rounder, on a big Don King-promoted card,” Henry said after training in San Jose for this fight.

“I want to show everyone my skills. I feel real strong. My motivation is to look impressive.”

Raw Quotes

Tony Grano (NABF No. 1-ranked heavyweight): “I feel great. My training camp has been great. I’ve done over 50 rounds of sparring with five different professional heavyweights. I give special thanks to WBA cruiserweight champion Guillermo Jones who came and worked with me.

This fight with Williamson means everything to me. It’s my time to shine.”

DaVarryl Williamson (Former world No. 1 heavyweight): “I felt like a champion during training camp in Denver. My preparation changed as I was supposed to fight in Switzerland on July 7, but this fight came up so I took it.

“I saw Grano on You Tube and checked on him with people in boxing. The good news I will not have to send out a search party looking for Grano. He’ll be right there in front of me. He comes to fight.”

Joey Hernandez (WBC U.S. super welterweight champion, fighting on Brandon Baue): “I spent eight weeks training for this fight, the last three secluded at the King Training Camp just outside Cleveland. I wanted to spar with the bigger guys.

“I know if I win my promoter Don King is going to put me in even bigger fights, so I am determined to win convincingly.”

Angelo Santana (Undefeated WBA No. 15 lightweight contender, fighting Justin Savi): “I have a new physical trainer. I’m stepping up in competition, so I need to perfect all of my skills. I have been training in the Xtreme Boxing Gym in Hialeah, Fla.

It’s great to be trained by former Cuban Olympic coach Jorge Rubio. He splits his time between me and Guillermo Rigondeaux. He is a great coach and I feel I am improving every day.”

Omar Henry (Undefeated junior middleweight fighting Walter Wright): “I trained in San Jose for this fight. I feel real strong. My motivation is to look impressive.

“This is my first 10-rounder, on a big Don King-promoted card. I want to show everyone my skills.”

♔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.

Prospect Wadi Camacho Ready To Impress At Prizefighter - International Heavyweights‏

TRAD TKO BOXING GYM
WADI ‘MACHOMAN’ CAMACHO
PRIZEFIGHTER PROSPECTS
Prizefighter International Heavyweight
20th June 2012 @ York Hall, Bethnal Green

Prospect Wadi Camacho Ready To Impress At Prizefighter - International Heavyweights

After just three professional outings Canning Town Cruiserweight prospect Wadi ‘Machoman’ Camacho gets the chance to shine on the national stage this coming Wednesday, when he takes part in a Prizefighter Prospects bout that supports the latest installment of the highly successful Skysports televised Betfair Prizefighter series.

Camacho, who is managed and trained by Brian Lawrence at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, earned the coveted ‘Prospects’ spot following his crowd pleasing, winning, performances against Ireland based Ugandan Moses Matovu in January, a sensational second round stoppage of Lithuanian hardman Rolandas Cesna in March and just last month his supreme domination of Lithuanian Igor Borucha.

Following his final training session last night, a relaxed Camacho said, “I’m so looking forward to it, it’s good to be allowed to fight on a big stage, so it’s gonna be bombs away really.

My first fight was a bit tough but I dealt with the guy on the night, the same with my other two, this one may be even tougher.

This kid’ll be coming to impress also, you don’t get that many opportunities when you first start out to be on such a big televised show. He’ll be coming to fight, but I’ll just do the business on him also.

I know it’s early days but I’ve only got eyes for one thing. One day I want the Lonsdale Belt round my waist. I know if that is to happen I have to fight every fight as if it’s a title fight, I have to win and I have to impress.

Brian, (Manager/Coach Brian Lawrence) has a pedigree of producing Champions, if I keep on winning, hopefully he’ll get me a shot next year, or the year after, but right now though it’s still a learning process and I have to still prove myself.

The way my preparations have gone, the training and the sparring, it’s been excellent. My power has really increased, it’s unbelievable and my weight is fantastic, you know, I’m weighing 14-8 now, I’ve comfortably come down from 15-6, which is spot on.

To all my fans can I say - Enjoy the night, I tell you all the time, I’m a cool guy and I will be showering big bombs on the night.”

Wadi Camacho versus Paul Morris features as support to the Matchroom Sport promoted Betfair Prizefighter - International Heavyweights tournament, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Wednesday 20th June 2012, and is broadcast live and exclusive on Skysports.

Cunningham A Free Agent, Eyes Move To Heavyweight‏

Cunningham A Free Agent, Eyes Move To Heavyweight

Former two time IBF Champion of the World, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, announced earlier today that he is now a promotional free agent, as well as stated that he is considering a move to the Heavyweight division.

Cunningham, whose second reign as Champion see him secure victories over Troy Ross and Enad Licina before controversially losing his crown, due to a dubious Technical Decision in favour of his opponent, Cuba’s Yoan Pablo Hernandez, in October 2011.

The IBF reacted instantly, ordering an immediate rematch, which took place on the 4th February, this time the bout went the distance, however the result went against the former Navy man.

Since the second Hernandez fight, Team Cunningham have been attempting to secure a meaningful Cruiserweight bout, preferably a title challenge, without any success.

On making the announcement Cunningham said, "I'm excited to be a free agent again and see what's out there.

I feel like heavyweight is the right move for me right now, but I would still take the right cruiserweight fight.

I would love to fight in America again, but I'll go wherever duty calls."
♔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.

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN INTRODUCING THE PROFESSIONAL BOXING AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2012

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. Senate introducing the Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2012:

“Mr. President, today I am pleased to be joined by Senator Reid of Nevada to introduce the Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2012. This legislation is virtually identical to a measure reported by the Commerce Committee during the 111th Congress, after being approved unanimously by the Senate in 2005. Simply put, this bill would better protect professional boxing from the fraud, corruption, and ineffective regulation that has plagued the sport for too many years, and that has devastated physically and financially many of our nation’s professional boxers.

“My involvement with boxing stretches back a long way – first as a fan in my youth, then posting a painfully undistinguished record as a boxer at the United States Naval Academy, and then over my time here in Congress, where I have been involved in legislation related to boxing since the mid-1990s.

“The 19th century sportswriter Pierce Egan called boxing the ‘sweet science,’ while longtime boxing reporter Jimmy Cannon called it the ‘red light district of sports.’ In truth, it’s both. I have always believed that at its best, professional boxing is a riveting and honorable contest of courageous and highly-skilled athletes. Unfortunately, the last few decades of boxing history has – through countless examples of conflicts of interest, improper financial arrangements and inadequate or nonexistent oversight – led most to believe that Cannon’s words best describe the state of boxing today.

“The most recent controversy surrounding the Pacquiao-Bradley fight is the latest example of the legitimate distrust boxing fans have for the integrity of the sport. After the Pacquiao-Bradley decision was announced, fans were clearly apoplectic and many commentators found the decision astonishing.

· “Bob Arum, the longtime promoter representing both Pacquiao and Bradley, said: ‘What the hell were these people watching? ... How can you watch a sport where you don't see any motive for any malfeasance and yet come up with a result like we came up with tonight. How do you explain it to anybody? … Something like this is so outlandish, it's a death knell for the sport.’

· “ESPN boxing analyst Dan Rafael – who scored the fight 119-109 for Pacquiao – called the decision an ‘absolute absurdity,’ saying, ‘I could watch the fight 1,000 times and not find seven rounds to give to Timothy Bradley.’

· “Additionally, following the fight, HBO’s Max Kellerman was ringside where he said, ‘This is baffling, punch stat had Pacquiao landing many more punches, landing at a higher connect percentage, landing more power punches. Ringside, virtually every reporter had Pacquiao winning by a wide margin … I can’t understand how Bradley gets this decision. There were times in that fight where I felt a little bit embarrassed for Bradley.’

“Clearly, the conspiracy theories and speculation surrounding the fight are given life because there are so many questions surrounding the integrity of the sport and how it is managed in multiple jurisdictions. Professional boxing remains the only major sport in the United States that does not have a strong, centralized association, league, or other regulatory body to establish and enforce uniform rules and practices. Because a powerful few benefit greatly from the current system of patchwork compliance and enforcement of Federal boxing law, a national self-regulating organization – though preferable to Federal government oversight – is not a realistic option.

“Ineffective oversight of professional boxing will continue to result in scandals, controversies, unethical practices, a lack trust in the integrity of judged outcomes and most tragic of all, unnecessary deaths in the sport. These problems have led many in professional boxing to conclude that the only solution is an effective and accountable Federal boxing commission.

“This legislation would establish the United States Boxing Commission (‘USBC’ or Commission), providing the much-needed oversight to ensure integrity within the profession through better reporting and disclosure, requiring that the sport avoid the conflicts of interest which cause fans to question the outcome of bouts which hurts the sport. If enacted, the Commission would administer Federal boxing law and coordinate with other Federal regulatory agencies to ensure that this law is enforced; oversee all professional boxing matches in the United States; and work with the boxing industry and local commissions to improve the safety, integrity, and professionalism of professional boxing in the United States. More specifically, this legislation would require that all referees and judges participating in a championship or a professional bout lasting 10 rounds or more be fully registered and licensed by the Commission. Further, while a sanctioning organization could provide a list of judges and referees deemed qualified, only the boxing Commission will appoint the judges and referees participating in these matches.

“Additionally, the USBC would license boxers, promoters, managers, and sanctioning organizations. The Commission would have the authority to revoke such a license for violations of federal boxing law, to stop unethical or illegal conduct, to protect the health and safety of a boxer, or if the revocation is otherwise in the public interest.

“Mr. President, the Professional Boxing Amendments Act would strengthen existing federal boxing law by improving the basic health and safety standards for professional boxers, establishing a centralized medical registry to be used by local commissions to protect boxers, reducing the arbitrary practices of sanctioning organizations, and enhancing the uniformity and basic standards for professional boxing contracts. Most importantly, this legislation would establish a Federal regulatory entity to oversee professional boxing and set basic uniform standards for certain aspects of the sport.

“Thankfully, current law has already improved some aspects of the state of professional boxing. However, like me, many others remain concerned the sport continues to be at serious risk. In 2003, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) spent more than six months studying ten of the country’s busiest state and tribal boxing commissions. Government auditors found that many of these commissions do not comply with Federal boxing law, and that there is a disturbing lack of enforcement by both Federal and State officials.

“Mr. President, it is important to state clearly and plainly for the record that the purpose of the Commission created by this bill is not to interfere with the daily operations of State and tribal boxing commissions. Instead, it would work in consultation with local commissions, and it would only exercise its authority when reasonable grounds exist for such intervention. In fact, this bill states explicitly that it would not prohibit any boxing commission from exercising any of its powers, duties, or functions with respect to the regulation or supervision of professional boxing to the extent no consistent with the provisions of Federal boxing law.

“Finally, with respect to costs associated with this legislation. The price tag for this legislation should not fall on the shoulders of the American taxpayer, especially during a time of crushing debt and deficits. As such, to cover the costs, the bill authorizes the Commission to assess fees on promoters, sanctioning organizations and boxers; ensuring that boxers pay the smallest portion of what is in fact collected.

“Let there be no doubt, however, of the very basic and pressing need in professional boxing for a Federal boxing commission. The establishment of the USBC would address that need. The problems that have plagued the sport of professional boxing for many years continue to undermine the credibility of the sport in the eyes of the public and – more importantly – compromise the safety of boxers. This bill provides an effective approach to curbing these problems. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”

TOR HAMER IN PRIZEFIGHTER TOURNAMENT‏

Three World title challengers are in the first four names announced for the Betfair Prizefighter International Heavyweights tournament on Wednesday June 20 at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson, Albert Sosnowski and Kali Meehan have all stepped in the ring to fight for World titles and that trio are joined by Kent’s Tom Dallas in the 25th edition of the eight man, one night tournament live on Sky Sports.

Johnson and Sosnowski have both faced Vitali Klitschko for the WBC belt, while Meehan fell the wrong side of a split decision to Lamon Brewster for the WBO strap.

Kingpin had been lined up for the first International Prizefighter tournament won by Mike Perez in May 2011 in a knockout night at the Alexandra Palace, but passport problems scuppered his involvement. Johnson plans to make up for his absence this time and is in good shape after winning the IBF Australasian title in Queensland in April with his 20th KO in 25 wins.

Tor will be participating in an 8-man Heavyweight tournament today in London, UK. Tor will be facing Marcelo Naciamento (16-3, 14 KOs) in his first bout.

The format of the tournament is eight fighters, who compete in four quarter-finals of 3 x 3 minute rounds followed by two semi-finals and one final all on the same night.

You can stream the fight live at 4pm EST from the following site: http://boxingguru.eu/

If anyone is interested, yesterday's weigh-in has been posted: http://youtu.be/KsCsloQAX5k

To read more about each fighter, check out: http://www.prizefighter.co.uk/profiles.htm

Arreola Announcement‏

SHOWTIME SPORTS^® MOVES AHEAD WITH DOUBLEHEADER

ON JUNE 23 AFTER INJURY FORCES CHRIS ARREOLA

TO WITHDRAW FROM FIGHT WITH MIKE MOLLO

Victor Ortiz vs. Josesito Lopez & Humberto Soto vs. Lucas Matthysse Bouts Will Air Live

From STAPLES Center in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast);

Preliminary Bouts on SHOWTIME Extreme Begin at 7 p.m. ET/PT

An injury has forced heavyweight Chris Arreola to withdraw from his scheduled June 23 fight against Mike Mollo, which was slated to open theSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast on SHOWTIME^®. The premium network will move ahead with a doubleheader featuring two 12-round fights.

In the main event, former World Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO's), of Ventura, Calif., will face Josesito Lopez (29-4, 17 KO's), of Riverside, Calif., for the WBCSilver Welterweight Championship. The co-feature will match world-ranked fighters, former Three-Time World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto (59-7-2, 34 KO’s), of Los Mochis, Mexico, and hard-hitting Lucas Matthysse (30-2, 28 KO’s), of Chubut, Argentina, in a battle for the WBC Continental Americas super lightweight title.

The doubleheader emanating from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). It will be preceded by preliminary bouts airing live on SHOWTIME Extreme at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). In the main match-up on SHOWTIME Extreme, Jermell Charlo (17-0, 8 KO’s), of Houston, risks his perfect record against Denis Douglin (14-1, 8 KO’s) of Marlboro, N.J., in a 10-round junior middleweight bout. Also featured on the SHOWTIME Extreme telecast will be an eight-round super lightweight clash between undefeated Omar Figueroa (17-01, 14 KO’s), of Weslaco, Tex., and veteran Alain Hernandez (18-10-2, 10 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico.

'VIVA DON KING II' - JUNE 23 - SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO - HOLLYWOOD, FLA.‏

Don King returns to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., with a “Viva Don King II” boxing event on Saturday, June 23 that will feature three heavyweight fights and local Cuban favorites Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez and undefeated Angelo “La Cobra” Santana.

North American Boxing Federation No. 1-ranked heavyweight, and former U.S. amateur champion, Tony “TNT” Grano (19-2-2, 15 KOs), from Hartford, Conn., and former No. 1-ranked heavyweight and current NABF No. 11-ranked contender DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson (27-6, 23 KOs) will vie for the vacant NABF crown in the main event scheduled for 12 rounds. Both are known for their punching prowess, so fireworks will be on display in this match up between big men.

Two returnees from last year’s first “Viva Don King” card are back by popular demand. Undefeated and emerging lightweight contender Angelo “La Cobra” Santana (12-0, 9 KOs), a Cuban fighting out of Miami, will face the toughest test of his career against former WBC Silver featherweight champion Justin “Le Voodoo” Savi (26-1, 18 KOs), from Cotonou, Benin. Santana, a two-time Cuban national champion as an amateur, is now ranked No. 15 by the World Boxing Association and should have his hands full against the experienced Savi.

American-born Cuban Joey Hernandez (21-1-1, 12 KOs) will defend his WBC U.S. super welterweight title against Brandon “The Business” Baue (12-6, 10 KOs), from Troy, Mo. In his last outing, Hernandez took less than a round before scoring a technical knockout over the normally durable Shakir Ashanti.

Additional heavyweight attractions include the return to Hard Rock Live of former World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter (34-5, 27 KOs), who won a unanimous decision over James “Lights Out” Toney at the venue in 2007, and highly touted WBA No. 14-ranked contender Oleg Platov (29-1, 23 KOs). Both will face opponents to be named.

King, 80, is delighted to be returning to the premier casino-resort in South Florida.

A Red Carpet event will take place on Friday, June 22 at Hard Rock Live in celebration of Don King’s 80^th year. Lead singer Eddie Levert, of the legendary singing group The O’Jays, will be amongst the featured celebrities performing and paying tribute to King.

“November’s card at the Seminole Hard Rock was a sold-out success,” King said of Viva Don King I. “Now my friends at the Hard Rock say they want to pay tribute to my 80^th year with another card, and I can’t think of a better venue than Hard Rock Live to do it in.”

OSSIE DURAN LOOKING FOR BIG FIGHTS‏

Middleweight contender Ossie Duran is looking for a breakthrough fight and has his eye set on a potential rematch with Fernando Guerrero.

Duran and Guerrero met on October 10, 2009 that ended up with Guerrero winning a majority decision in his hometown in Salisbury, Maryland.

In that fight, Duran scored a knockdown in the tenth and final round for which there was controversy.

“He was knocked down and he had to be helped back in the ring” with seconds left, said Duran’s advisor Vinny LaManna.

“Look at the scores and you can tell who really won that fight”, continued LaManna when referring to the tallies that read 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 in favor of Guerrero.

“its defiantly a fight we want at this point”

Duran of Paterson, New Jersey via Accra, Ghana has maybe the most deceiving record in the sports as he is 26-10-2 with ten knockouts.

He has fought some of the best in Guerrero, James Kirkland, Eromesele Albert, and Brandon Gonzales. In his last bout he lost yet another controversial decision to Avtandil Khurtsidze in Russia for the WBC Silver Championship.

“Some of the bouts he clearly won and got screwed on the decision. He clearly beat Gonzales on SHO BOX and he fought great in Russia. Now we are back to the drawing board and weather it’s a Guerrero or someone like Kelly Pavlik or Lucian Bute, Ossie will be ready for the challenge and perform at a high level”.

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012