IBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM CONGRATULATES NEW IBO BELTHOLDER ANTONIO TARVER‏

(Photo By; Keisha Morrisey)

IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham watched yesterday’s fight that saw Antonio Tarver score a ninth round stoppage over IBO champion Danny Green in Australia.

“I would like to congratulate Tarver on going down there and winning the belt. It takes a lot to go to another man’s home country to win a championship”, said Cunningham, who is known as boxing’s ultimate visitor as he has gone all over the world to both win and defend his world championship.

“With you winning the belt and my status as being the best American and top Cruiserweight in the world, I think it would be a great opportunity for us to fight to show the fans in this country that the cruiserweight division has some terrific fights to offer.”

“This is a fight that I know the American networks would get behind and with what we both bring to the table it would be a great fight. Everybody recognizes me as the top dog in the division and if Antonio wants to legitimize himself as the top cruiserweight in the world, I think he knows deep down he has to go through me to prove it.

♔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.

Interview with “Relentless” Lamon Brewster; www.Fightingconnection.com, will revolutionize not just "Boxing but all full contact sports!"

By Pattee Mak on June 18, 2011

Pattee: Hello Mr. Brewster! Currently you are retired from boxing. Your last fight was January 30, 2010 against Robert Helenius in Germany. He won by TKO in the 8th. Can you tell me what happened in that match?

BREWSTER: That particular night was a tragedy because when we got to the venue we arrived at about 7:00 pm and I was suppose to go on at 9:00 pm and so when we got there we walked pasted my opponent’s room and went to my room and I didn’t have a room. They put me in a room with 10 of other guys. But I understand that because I was the opponent.

Now when a fighter wraps his hands he wraps it an hour to an hour and a half before the fight. Normally that is what a fighter does. Because if you wrap it too soon the wraps gets soft. So we sat around for 30 minutes and we waited to wrap my hands and they told us don’t worry about it just wrap your hands. What do you mean don’t worry about it. They said that because Helenius already wrapped his hands. I’ve never been to a fight or anywhere were I wasn’t allowed to watch someone wrap their hands. So basically they said if I didn’t fight they were gonna sue me. So I came to fight that’s who I am, I’m a fighter. So I’m fighting this guy and I just remembered when I got to the 6th round at the beginning of every round I was seeing white and I couldn’t see into the first 30 seconds of each round. I thought maybe he had something in his gloves. I didn’t know what to make of it. During the 6th round in the first 30 seconds he landed a punch and I was blinded in both my eyes and was seeing white. At the 8th round after I was blinded he kept throwing punches and I couldn’t see so the referee stopped the fight. I never did get a chance to inspect his gloves after the fight. So after that I went back to Los Angeles that same night and I had a whole lot of cuts across my eyelids as if you took a razor across my eyelids. I never experienced anything like this because those types of cuts are never like that for a fighter. Even my doctor couldn’t understand it either as it isn’t conclusive to boxing. Afterwards I thought I could have died in the ring.

Pattee: How are you feeling now?

BREWSTER: I had 4 surgeries last year and I have another surgery next month and hopefully this surgery will repair my vision for my left eye. The Doctor said I have a slit across my iris and cornea. Whatever was on his glove cut it and once it started to heal, it infused my eyelid together. They have to give me a cornea transplant. Being a man of faith I believe God closes one door and opens another.

Pattee: OMG! That is awful.

Pattee: What titles did you hold as a professional boxer?

BREWSTER: NABA heavyweight title, WBO heavyweight title, WBO NABO heavyweight title and the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title.

Pattee: Currently you are involved in a new adventure you are putting together which is an up and coming website called www.fightingconnection.com. How did this come about?

BREWSTER: It’s going to launch this August. I came up with this because a lot of times when I was getting ready to go to camp my trainer would say this is a fight and we would have to find sparring partners to train me for this particular fight and so I always ask someone if they know someone so I can get them to my training camp. Well that is such a headache because lets say I do find someone and you find that person, well say he gets hurts then you need to find someone else or someone to fight a certain way. It’s really hard and I got frustrated and I knew there has to be a better way. So I was talking with a few people and we were brainstorming and I said I was going to have a search engine built. For instance, if I was going to fight a guy who’s 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds and he’s a right hand fighter and a boxer who moves to his left, I would go to my website and put all the information in and let it bring up everyone around the world with those same criterias. I personally asked myself the questions to build this site. Nobody knows better than me when they go to camp. I been in camp with guys that I couldn’t open up 100 percent because if I did, I was afraid to hurt them because then I’d have to look again for someone to train with. A lot of times I’d leave my wife on vacation and want to work out. Man let me try to find a gym. So I’d look in the yellow pages or phone book. Now you go to my website, type in the country, zip code, providence etc etc and you click what you are looking for, boxing, mma, mauy thia and press enter and it’ll bring up everything in that region. I believe the cut man is very important to me because when you go to a fight you only get 2 tickets one for you and the other for your trainer. So what me and my trainer would do is once we registered in we would always find someone who was walking around with a bucket and give them $50.00 to work my corner. 9 times out of 10 they would say yes. Although this worked, I got frustrated at that. So now I made it easier for everyone. You’d just type in I’m looking for a cut man, when, where and hit search and the site will bring up all cut men available. I even added a star rating next to the cut man so everyone can vote and see their ratings.

Pattee: Who is Sam Simon and how was he involved with the show “The Simpsons”?

BREWSTER: Well “The Simpsons” was a show that was created by my former manger. He actually created Bart Simpson. He helped me and went beyond the call of being a manager. He is considered to be family. He was instructing me to fight for the world title.

Pattee: On 4-10-2004 you fought Wladimir Klitschko at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and won the vacant WBO heavyweight title by TKO in the 5th round. On 7-7-2007 there was a rematch in Germany for the IBF heavyweight title and the IBO heavyweight title. You lost that fight due to your trainer stopping the fight in the 6th round. Can you compare these two fights?

BREWSTER: Let me tell you about that fight. Everyone knows I suffered a detached retina. During that time, I was lying faced down for almost 6 months. It took me a year and a half to recover fully. When the word got out I was coming back to boxing because of my recovery, Klitschko’s people approached me to fight and I said no problem and I want to have a tune up fight beforehand because I’ve been out a year and a half. Well they said no and we’ll pay you extra not to have a tune up fight. So they paid me more than I’ve ever made, even when I had the title. In the 6th round my eye started to swell up and I was very rusty in the fight. So they were worried and thinking something will happen to my eye.

Pattee: Your prediction on the Klitschko-Haye fight coming up?

BREWSTER: I think it’ll be a tricky one to predict because of the fact you can’t count out Haye because he’s proven to be a smart and crafty fighter but at the same time I myself know first hand what it means to be a heavyweight champion and not wanting to give up your title. Klitschko is fighting for legacy whereas Haye is fighting for glory. You got two different mindsets coming into a fight. I think the one that has the best strategy and the most determination will win and no one can go in and say so and so will win but as a fan it could go anyway. Both are proven to have great skill.

Pattee: Out of all your 41 fights, which one was the most difficult?

BREWSTER: Hmmm… was when I lost my title to Siarhei Liakhovich because I was blind and fought 12 rounds and lost. I was in so much pain. I could only breathe through one nostril. I had a one-piece mouthpiece and I couldn’t open my mouth. I had previously broken my nostril in camp. They gave the fight of the decade to someone I know I could have knocked out. Even if I couldn’t see I could have knocked him out but I couldn’t see.

Pattee: From your professional debut on 11-8-1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada through your 23rd fight you never lost a bout. Then on 5-6-2000 you fought Clifford Etienne in Pennsylvania and that all came to an end. What happened?

BREWSTER: I lost my cool because I trained to box him and then when I arrived to fight him I was like this is my first time on HBO, I’m “Relentless” Lamon Brewster and I said he’s been in prison so I’m going to go in there and knock him out. Well you can only practice what you preach and in boxing camp you are trained to box and then when I got to the ring I let the crowd overwhelm me and I let it get the best of me. I never came to the ring with game plan. I was throwing bad punches and I missed. He practiced to brawl and I came to box. My football coach had a quote: “Do it right, do it light. Do it wrong, do it long”.

Pattee: You started fighting at the young age of 7. Usually a typical 7 year old would be playing with GI Joes. How did you get into boxing?

BREWSTER: My mother said I had too much energy because I would tear up all the toys she purchased me. There was a community center down the street from me but didn’t offer anything for a 7 year old but the coach liked my mother so they allowed me to start training for boxing.

Pattee: You have an impressive amateur record of 70-10. Tell me about the 1995 US heavyweight championship as an amateur?

BREWSTER: It was a great career and run. I should have went to the Olympics. I was picked to go but at the same time I went through a divorce and when that happened it was the worse thing that could have happened to me. I was the team caption. I traveled the world with Floyd Mayweather, Antonio Tarver and David Reed who one the gold medal.

Pattee: Are you currently still do any type of boxing training? If so where and who is training you?

BREWSTER: No I haven’t been able to do anything because of the eye surgery. There is so much pressure. If I stand for a long period of time I get a headache because of the eye surgery.

Pattee: Which boxer did you admire the most while growing up?

BREWSTER: Marvin Hagler. He was a man’s man. I admired the fact that he was a man’s man. He didn’t care to be glamorous. He came to fight. He didn’t have the entourage, fancy cars or the big jewelry. He was a warrior and came to fight. Every time he went to the ring he came to fight. I also admire Julio Chavez because he was a beast and a great fighter and best fighter of all time.

Pattee: Is there anyone you would have liked to fight?

BREWSTER: I just wished I would have fought Wladimir Klitschko when I was right. He knows and I know he can’t beat me. I regret I didn’t get to tune up. I wish I could have had a rematch and a 3rd fight. Even in the 2nd fight he only hit me with a jab and run and no big shots and then I swelled up. He knows and I know he can’t beat me.

You can follow Lamon Brewster on facebook and sign up on www.FightingConnection. Com. He hopes that people see him for what he stands for and people see him as being successful. He wants people to see him as a role model and a role model of faith. No one gave him a chance and he overcame everything through his faith and determination and he wants to set an example that you can do anything you set your mind to do.

EL Boxing Empress 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" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Andre Ward Joins SHOWTIME Announce Team for Froch-Johnson Super Six Semifinal‏

Andre Ward will join the SHOWTIME® broadcast team for the live telecast this Saturday, June 4 (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) that features a Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinal fight between WBC Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch and Glen Johnson.

The undefeated Ward, the WBA 168-pound champion and last Olympic Games gold medalist from the United States, will face the winner of Saturday's Froch-Johnson high stakes scrap from Atlantic City in the Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Ward (24-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., will sit ringside with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Gus Johnson, Al Bernstein and Antonio Tarver.

EL Boxing Empress 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

ShoBox: The New Generation - News and Notes FORMER LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT KINGPIN ANTONIO TARVER TO JOIN SHOWTIME AS GUEST COMMENTATOR ON SHOBOX

NEW YORK– Crafty former light heavyweight world champion Antonio Tarver will join ShoBox: The New Generation announcers Nick Charles and Steve Farhood as a guest commentator on the telecast live Friday, July 31, on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Tarver, the former undisputed 175-pound world champion, is the only man to stick two losses on the professional resume of future Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr.

Said Tarver about his SHOWTIME commentating debut, “I’d like to think that I am more than a boxer; I’m an on air personality. My experience as both an amateur and professional boxer will bring insight to the telecast. Nick and Steve are phenomenal at what they do and I’m just excited to be able to add the element of experience. I can let the audience at home know what these boxers are feeling at a very difficult time. So many things go through your mind and I understand the anxiety, the desperation, the excitement, and when you’re in a tricky spot, the fear.”

Tarver, still considered one of the best boxers in his era, continues to train and dedicate himself to furthering his boxing career. “By no means does this signal my retirement or the end of my boxing career. This is just another aspect to my career. I’m in the gym, I’m training and I’ll be fighting again this year.”

EXCLUSIVE TIMOTHY BRADLEY AND NATE CAMPBELL INTERVIEWS TO AIR DURING SHOBOX TELECAST

Friday’s ShoBox telecast will also feature interviews with World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley and former unified lightweight champion and dynamic puncher Nate Campbell one night before their fight on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Saturday, Aug. 1, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast)

Bradley, who has racked up frequent flyer miles and collected two world titles fighting the best at 140-pounds all over the world, will get his first shot at a “home game” at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif., less than 10 miles from where Bradley grew up in North Palm Springs.

The veteran Campbell, of Jacksonville, Fla., is a former unified 135-pound titleholder who is moving up in weight to challenge Bradley at 140-pounds. He can be crafty and smart, but more importantly, he’s hard hitting with 25 of his 33 wins coming by knockout.

July 31, 2009 – ShoBox: The New Generation: Quintero vs. Harris

In the main event, talented, once-beaten prospect Marvin Quintero (16-1, 12 KOs) hopes to continue his ascension through the ranks with a triumph over hard-hitting veteran Tyrone Harris (23-5, 15 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.

In the co-feature, undefeated bantamweight prospect Chris Avalos (10-0, 8 KOs) will take on knockout artist Andre Wilson (11-2-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and will originate from Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.

August 1, 2009 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Bradley vs. Campbell

In the main event, Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs) will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) 140-pound crown against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs).

The co-feature will pit World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” will fight for the vacant WBC super lightweight championship against the former holder of that belt, Junior “The Hitter” Witter.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved

Jim Gray Interview with Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson

Gray: Antonio you have said that Chad is the future and you’re the now. What gives you the indication that he’s not the ‘now’ and the future as well?

Tarver: Well, I feel like I’m at the top of my game. I just took the IBF title from Clinton Woods. I’m here. I’m the unified champion, four-time light heavyweight champion, twice undisputed. I’ve done it all. I’ve beaten everybody so why wouldn’t I feel like I’m the now and he can be the future?

Gray: Chad do you feel Antonio is way past his prime?

Chad Dawson: Yes, definitely past his prime. Look at his last three performances. They speak for themselves. Just look at Clinton Woods. He can’t even beat a ‘paycheck.’ Clinton Woods didn’t put up a fight…. He came to collect a paycheck.

Gray: By that same token, you didn’t have your best night against Glen Johnson and Antonio didn’t have a problem.

Dawson: Like I said, Glen Johnson came to fight, Chad Dawson came to fight. We had a hell of a fight. I’m here, I’m the future and I’m the now. On October 11, I will prove that point to the whole world.

Gray: How do you think you’ll be able to do that?

Dawson: I am in tremendous shape like I always am. I come into every fight in tremendous shape. There’s nothing that Antonio Tarver does that can throw me off my game plan. He’s slow, he’s old. Come on, look at my last three performances and look at his and tell me who the better fighter is.

Gray: Antonio you’re response to what you’re hearing here from Chad Dawson?

Tarver: I’m listening to a guy that is very naïve, a guy that is very young, obviously, mentally and he’s sadly mistaking. (Many) have come and tried to conquer and have tried to take me out. It has never been done before and it won’t get done on Oct. 11. All this guy is hoping for is that I show up less then prepared. They are looking to roll the dice and get lucky. That’s it, bottom line. But I’m here to tell you, I’m here to put the world on notice that it won’t happen. I’ll have my best performance against Chad Dawson. He’s right about the prediction. It won’t go the distance.

Gray: Antonio, he raises an interesting point. You haven’t looked your best in your last three fights. It looks like there has been a struggle and it looks like age now has affected you. What have you done in the interceding time to change that trend?

Tarver: Do me a favor. Put the camera up close. This is a fighter that has been in this sport for 20 years. Now do the same with Chad Dawson. He’s ten years my youth. The bottom line is I got the secret to the success. I’ve been here. I’m not going anywhere. You will see a display of the sweet science when I technically annihilate Chad Dawson on the 11th.

Gray: Chad, a lot of people say possibly you don’t have the chin and you’ve addressed that in the past. What about your chin and what about taking the big punch from him?

Dawson: I’ve never been knocked out. That’s what I have to say to that. I’ve been down but never been knocked out.

Gray: Do you respect not only what he’s (Tarver) done in the past but where he is now as a fighter?

Dawson: I respect what he’s done in the past but where he is right now as a fighter, you can’t compare that to me. I’m young, I’m fast, I’m strong, I’m in the best shape of my life. Every fight I come in on weight. I never have trouble making weight. Never. I mean that’s a true champion right there. I never have to struggle to make weight because I come in to camp on weight, every camp.

Gray: Why do you feel you’re an underdog and there’s this lack of respect, Antonio?

Tarver: They just don’t understand my game. All I do is win and all I do is be successful but they can’t understand my game. I was underestimated coming out of the Olympics. They never thought I would reach this plateau. As long as we have critics it gives me something to shoot for.

Gray: Chad, when you hear all this, what is your reaction?

Dawson: I believe in my abilities and he believes in his abilities. But, like he said, October 11, somebody is going home with hell, and it’s not going to be me.

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

KLITSCHKO LOOKS LIKE OLD SELF SCORES 8TH ROUND TKO OVER PETER; MOVE OVER TARVER

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presented a special, history-making world championship double-header on Saturday night. Klitschko scored an eighth-round TKO against the overmatched Peter Saturday on SHOWTIME.

Many wondered how Vitali Klitschko (36-2, 35 KOs) would look in his first fight in nearly four years. Wonder no more. The 37-year-old heavyweight regained his World Boxing Council (WBC) title with a marvelous eighth-round TKO over Samuel Peter (30-2, 23 KOs), televised on tape delay from the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany.

It wasn’t much of a contest as Klitschko fought tall and used his precise left jab to keep Peter from closing the distance. His consistent jab, along with stiff over hand rights proved too much for Peter. Behind on all cards, Peter quit on his stool after the eighth.

Klitschko’s victory marked the first time the boxing world has seen two brothers hold heavyweight titles simultaneously. Klitschko’s younger brother, Wladimir, is the IBF and WBO heavyweight world champion.

Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are the only siblings to hold heavyweight titles simultaneously.


In the second world championship fight on SHOWTIME, it was out with the old and in with the new as “Bad” Chad Dawson (27-0, 17 KOs) won a 12-round unanimous decision against the veteran Antonio Tarver (27-5, 19 KOs), live at The Pearl Theater at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Vitali Klitschko stuns Sam Peter with an over hand right.


Dawson, the former WBC champion who relinquished the belt for this high profile fight, captured the IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles by scores of 118-109, 117-110 twice.

The difference maker was Dawson’s blazing hand speed. He landed precise right upper cuts and vicious right hooks.

Dawson threw creative combinations, at times throwing five, six and seven-punch combinations to the head and body of Tarver.

Dawson is the new light heavyweight kingpin and he has the hardware to prove it.

“It’s a happy moment for me,” Dawson said after the fight. “I’m taking these titles back to my home in New Haven (Conn.). I was the faster fighter tonight. I was outpointing him and outworking him. We did it one round at a time like we always do.”

During the telecast, SHOWTIME reporter Karen Bryant interviewed former pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Mayweather called Dawson the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, claiming the 26-year-old Connecticut native doesn’t get enough credit for his superior skills.

“Floyd gave me a call tonight in the locker room before the fight,” Dawson said. “He told me I’m the best fighter in the world. That was a huge compliment and confidence booster. When Floyd says something like that you can’t help but smile and go out and perform.”

Tarver could not keep up with the younger and quicker Dawson.

“I fought my fight and Chad fought his,” Tarver said after the fight. “I was never hurt. I should have had a busier work rate, but Chad was the busier fighter. I think I did well. I didn’t land the left as much as I should have.

“I tip my hat to Chad. He came in with a good work rate. I felt good about my ability to win this fight, but it was Chad’s night tonight.”

Dawson backed up Tarver all night long on his way to claiming the IBF and IBO light heavyweight world championships Saturday night on SHOWTIME.


SHOWTIME keeps the hits coming with three world championship fights in less than one month.

America's No. 1 Boxing Network kicks it off with a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on Oct. 24, when undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion Lucien Bute makes the second defense of his title against once-beaten, No. 1 ranked challenger Librado Andrade.

Just eight days later, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING plays host to one of the biggest little fights since Vazquez-Marquez III when Cristian Mijares, the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight champion faces the IBF champion Vic Darchinyan in the first 115-pound, three-belt unification fight in history on Saturday, Nov. 1 (9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME). The 12-round bout is the third two-belt unification match in the history of the division.

Less than three weeks later, on Nov. 21, ShoBox returns with a special edition unification fight between WBA super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero and unbeaten IBF champ Steve Molitor. Caballero and Molitor are two of the most feared boxers in the stacked 122-pound division.

In the co-feature of the Nov. 1 telecast, undefeated super middleweight standout and ShoBox alum Andre Dirrell of Flint, Mich., will meet the power-punching Victor Oganov of Russia. Dirrell (16-0, 11 KOs) will star in the SHOWTIME co-feature for the second time in his young career. In his SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING debut in August, Dirrell dismantled Mike Paschall by registering a fourth round TKO. Oganov (28-1, 28 KOs) is coming off a second round knockout of Kariz Kariuki in April.

The co-feature of the Oct. 24 telecast features top prospect and No. 11 ranked World Boxing Council (WBC) contender Ronald Hearns (19-0, 15 KOs) taking on Paul Clavette (14-1-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.

The host of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Steve Albert with Al Bernstein serving as color commentator and Jim Gray and Karyn Bryant serving as ringside reporters. The producer of Saturday’s telecast was Ray Smaltz with Bob Dunpy directing. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins, Jr.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit SHO.com/sports.

PHOTO CREDIT: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME (Tarver-Dawson Only)

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Boxers, Promoters And Analysts Weigh In On Peter-Klitschko Championship Bout‏

‘THIS COULD BE THE MOST COMPELLING HEAVYWEIGHT MATCHUP IN YEARS.’ WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT SATURDAY’S SAMUEL PETER-VITALI KLITSCHKO FIGHT ON SHOWTIME

It’s just talk, but there’s been plenty of it leading up to Saturday’s WBC Heavyweight Championship between Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) and Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs). With just five days remaining till the bout, here is a sampling of what top fighters, promoters and analysts are saying about the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING fight, which will be shown on same-day tape delay from the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany, before the Antonio Tarver-Chad Dawson IBF Light Heavyweight Championship live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).



WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO – IBF/WBO Heavyweight Champion


"Vitali will make history on October 11th. On that day we will become the first two brothers ever to be heavyweight champions at the same time. We've been dreaming about it so much, for so long and on October 11th it will become a reality."

"Peter, just like other heavyweights, is able to punch hard and I think that Vitali knows this and will knock Peter out before anything else can happen."

"Vitali's last opponent, Danny Williams, was the same size and style as Peter and Vitali was exceptional against him. I expect the same from Vitali when he faces Peter."

STEVE ALBERT – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Announcer

"There is so much on the line for both fighters. Sam Peter has to beat Vitali Klitschko to get a rematch with Vitali's younger brother, Wladimir for a chance to prove he's the premier heavyweight in the world.

“After a four-plus-year layoff, Vitali Klitschko wants to resurrect his career and fulfill his dream of joining Wladimir as the only siblings in boxing history to hold world heavyweight titles simultaneously. Given the current state of the heavyweight division, Peter vs. Vladimir Klitschko could be the most compelling heavyweight matchup in years."

JAMES TONEY - Three-Time World Champion

“It means that we get rid of one of the Klitschko sisters who don’t deserve to be in this fight and it gets me closer to evening the score with the big ugly Samuel Peter.”

“I predict that Peter will win by KO. He is too strong and has learned too much fighting me to lose to a big sissy like Vitali Klitschko, who has been off for way too long.”

CHRIS BYRD – Two-Time World Heavyweight Champion

“It’s a huge fight for the heavyweight division and for boxing. We could potentially have brothers simultaneously holding pieces of the world heavyweight title, making them the most dominant brothers in the history of the sport. Who is going to beat them?”

“Now, normally, I would have to go with Vitali Klitschko in this fight. He’s taller, and more importantly, he is mentally tougher than Samuel Peter. He’s even more mentally tough than Wladimir. And don’t forget, he punches pretty impressively too.”

“However, I’ve got to go with the guy who has been active. The time off, the bad back… the time off is the biggest thing for Vladimir to overcome. Another concern is to go right into a title fight against one of the best out there after a long layoff.”

“Style wise, Vitali Klitschko has the edge by far with his height and reach. The Klitschkos are tough to beat. If Vitali uses his height and reach well, and if he can keep that going for as long as it lasts, Peter is going to have a tough time.”

“It should be a great fight either way.”

OLEG MASKAEV – Former WBC Heavyweight Champion

“I have been in ring with both Klitschko and Peter. I was in the ring against Klitschko as an amateur, and I fought Peter in March. … It’s a real interesting fight and certainly a significant one for the heavyweight division.”

“When it comes to Vitali, one of the biggest challenges is inactivity. I would like nothing better than to get back into the ring with Peter. Klitschko is more experienced, but Peter is active. The question is how Klitschko will come out of camp. If he can overcome the rust, then he will win.”

“Overall, as long as he can overcome the time off, I give the edge to Klitschko.”

AL BERNSTEIN - SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Announcer

“The heavyweight division is in need of compelling match-ups and fighters that will excite the fans. Because of his punching power, Samuel Peter remains a candidate to do that. His rivalry with the Klitschkos continues. The intrigue of Vitali now fighting Peter, after his brother had a strong match with him, adds spice to this match-up. We are all wondering if Vitali can perform up to his previous level after this long layoff. It all makes for a very interesting night of heavyweight boxing."

DINO DUVA – Samuel Peter’s Promoter

"The Samuel Peter-Vitali Klitschko fight is very significant for several reasons. This is the most crucial fight to determine if a true heavyweight title unification bout can take place in the foreseeable future.”

“If Peter wins, this unification is very possible, and will set up the biggest fight in the heavyweight division in a long time with a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko. If that happens, it will allow the heavyweight division to regain much of its lost prominence. And, If Klitschko wins, it will be very unique and historic, and will be the first time ever that two brothers are heavyweight champions at the same time."

"Because of the styles, this bout will not go the distance and will be a great brawl. I can see both fighters going down. The strongest fighter and the one with the most heart will survive."

STEVE FARHOOD – ShoBox Expert Analyst

“Peter-Klitschko is among the most intriguing fights of the year for three reasons: 1) It is critical to the present and future of the heavyweight division. 2) It is a battle of big punchers with very different styles, and 3) It is virtually impossible to predict what's going to happen.

“Both fighters have the ability to score one-punch knockouts, but Klitschko’s four-year layoff is the X-factor.”

“If Klitschko was active and in his prime, I'd pick him to win. But can he survive a long and draining fight? I'll go with Peter. Besides, if Vitali wins, he'll never fight his brother, greatly reducing the chances of a unified title.”

DAVID DINKINS JR. – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Executive Producer

“Samuel Peter has emerged as a force in the heavyweight division. His powerful punching ability and durable chin have always made him formidable. But now with his improved conditioning and defense, he can make a legitimate claim to being the world's No. 1 heavyweight.”

“If not derailed by injuries, Vitali Klitschko might have dominated the heavyweight division in the post-Lennox Lewis era alongside his brother, Wladimir. This comeback fight is his last chance to prove what might have been and an opportunity to rewrite his legacy.”

RAYMOND SMALTZ, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING producer

“For Vitali Klitschko, returning to the fight game for a heavyweight title shot after being away from the ring since December of 2004, would be an unprecedented accomplishment. But a victory would mark him down in the annals of athletic competition as one of the most remarkable comeback stories in our generation.”

“In the immortal words of the late comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, ‘Sam Peter gets no respect!’ But, if he is able to exact revenge against the man who's brother is the No. 1-ranked heavyweight in the world and defeated him in a unanimous decision four years ago, it will go a long way to soothing those old wounds and give Peter the kind of acceptance in the boxing community and around the world...that he so desperately seeks.”

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Jim Gray Interview with Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson

Jim Gray Interview with Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson

Gray: Antonio you have said that Chad is the future and you’re the now. What gives you the indication that he’s not the ‘now’ and the future as well?

Tarver: Well, I feel like I’m at the top of my game. I just took the IBF title from Clinton Woods. I’m here. I’m the unified champion, four-time light heavyweight champion, twice undisputed. I’ve done it all. I’ve beaten everybody so why wouldn’t I feel like I’m the now and he can be the future?

Gray: Chad do you feel Antonio is way past his prime?

Chad Dawson: Yes, definitely past his prime. Look at his last three performances. They speak for themselves. Just look at Clinton Woods. He can’t even beat a ‘paycheck.’ Clinton Woods didn’t put up a fight…. He came to collect a paycheck.

Gray: By that same token, you didn’t have your best night against Glen Johnson and Antonio didn’t have a problem.

Dawson: Like I said, Glen Johnson came to fight, Chad Dawson came to fight. We had a hell of a fight. I’m here, I’m the future and I’m the now. On October 11, I will prove that point to the whole world.

Gray: How do you think you’ll be able to do that?

Dawson: I am in tremendous shape like I always am. I come into every fight in tremendous shape. There’s nothing that Antonio Tarver does that can throw me off my game plan. He’s slow, he’s old. Come on, look at my last three performances and look at his and tell me who the better fighter is.

Gray: Antonio you’re response to what you’re hearing here from Chad Dawson?

Tarver: I’m listening to a guy that is very naïve, a guy that is very young, obviously, mentally and he’s sadly mistaking. (Many) have come and tried to conquer and have tried to take me out. It has never been done before and it won’t get done on Oct. 11. All this guy is hoping for is that I show up less then prepared. They are looking to roll the dice and get lucky. That’s it, bottom line. But I’m here to tell you, I’m here to put the world on notice that it won’t happen. I’ll have my best performance against Chad Dawson. He’s right about the prediction. It won’t go the distance.

Gray: Antonio, he raises an interesting point. You haven’t looked your best in your last three fights. It looks like there has been a struggle and it looks like age now has affected you. What have you done in the interceding time to change that trend?

Tarver: Do me a favor. Put the camera up close. This is a fighter that has been in this sport for 20 years. Now do the same with Chad Dawson. He’s ten years my youth. The bottom line is I got the secret to the success. I’ve been here. I’m not going anywhere. You will see a display of the sweet science when I technically annihilate Chad Dawson on the 11th.

Gray: Chad, a lot of people say possibly you don’t have the chin and you’ve addressed that in the past. What about your chin and what about taking the big punch from him?

Dawson: I’ve never been knocked out. That’s what I have to say to that. I’ve been down but never been knocked out.

Gray: Do you respect not only what he’s (Tarver) done in the past but where he is now as a fighter?

Dawson: I respect what he’s done in the past but where he is right now as a fighter, you can’t compare that to me. I’m young, I’m fast, I’m strong, I’m in the best shape of my life. Every fight I come in on weight. I never have trouble making weight. Never. I mean that’s a true champion right there. I never have to struggle to make weight because I come in to camp on weight, every camp.

Gray: Why do you feel you’re an underdog and there’s this lack of respect, Antonio?

Tarver: They just don’t understand my game. All I do is win and all I do is be successful but they can’t understand my game. I was underestimated coming out of the Olympics. They never thought I would reach this plateau. As long as we have critics it gives me something to shoot for.

Gray: Chad, when you hear all this, what is your reaction?

Dawson: I believe in my abilities and he believes in his abilities. But, like he said, October 11, somebody is going home with hell, and it’s not going to be me.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

BATTLE OF LIGHT HEAYWEIGHT CHAMPIONS; TARVER vs. DAWSON SET FOR OCTOBER 11 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

NEW YORK– Building upon its tradition of delivering the most evenly matched and significant fights in boxing, SHOWTIME Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports and Event Programming Ken Hershman officially announced today the fight that boxing pundits and fans have been waiting for. World champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (27-4, 19 KOs) and undefeated “Bad” Chad Dawson (26-0, 17 KOs) will face off in a battle of light heavyweight kingpins on Saturday, Oct. 11 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

“There’s been a ground-swell of anticipation for this fight for more than a year,” said Hershman. “Two of the pound-for-pound best going toe-to-toe—this is what SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is all about. Tarver-Dawson is yet another example of SHOWTIME delivering on our promise to televise the most meaningful and competitive match-ups in the sport.”

Tarver, the former undisputed light heavyweight world champion, is the only man to stick two losses on the professional resume of future Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr.

After registering a definitive unanimous decision over the defending IBF 175-pound champion Clinton Woods on April 12 on SHOWTIME, Tarver is back on top of the deep light heavyweight division.

Dawson, of New Haven, Conn., is out to prove that he is the man to be at light heavyweight. A ShoBox alum with speed, coordination and power, Dawson is considered by most industry insiders to be the next star of the star-studded division.

“SHOWTIME has had the opportunity to present Chad Dawson on his rise from unknown prospect to world champion,” Hershman said. “Now he’ll face a legendary and highly confident fighter in Antonio Tarver, who may be fighting the best he ever has. It’s a compelling fight on many levels.”

On the same night Tarver was dethroning Woods, Dawson successfully defended his WBC title against the hard-hitting and aggressive Glen Johnson. Albeit a difficult fight for the young champion, Dawson won the unanimous decision and showed his mettle against a heavy-handed adversary.

After the fight, Tarver had some choice words for Dawson in front of a packed media center at the St. Pete Times Forum.

“Chad Dawson would be easy pickings now,’’ Tarver said. “He’s not the fighter now that he was before this fight (against Johnson). He’s a wounded duck.”

Tarver continued, “Dawson took a lot of hard punches against Johnson, but there is a difference between getting hit by Glen Johnson and getting hit by me.

Dawson had this to say: “Johnson is a warrior and we trained for that,’’ Dawson said after winning by scores of 116-112 on all the scorecards. “Glen is a great fighter. But I did my job and now it’s time to move on and fight the big names and the best fighters.

Upon agreeing to the Tarver fight, a clearly agitated Dawson added: “It’s about time he stepped up to the plate. He has finally stopped making excuses and it’s time we settle this. After this fight, I’m going to perform my own trick – I’m going to make the Magic Man disappear.”

“Just like Roy Jones, Glen Johnson, Montell Griffin and Reggie Johnson, Dawson is going to become another world champion with a big ‘L’ on his record from me!,” Tarver said.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Steve Albert and Al Bernstein will call the action from ringside with Jim Gray serving as roving reporter and Karyn Bryant as special correspondent. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

TARVER CALLS OUT DAWSON AFTER BOTH ARE VICTORIOUS

Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME


TAMPA, Fla. Antonio Tarver registered a unanimous 12-round decision over defending champion Clinton Woods to capture the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight crown and World Boxing Council (WBC) 175-pound kingpin Chad Dawson remained undefeated with a thrilling, hard-fought 12-round decision over hard-luck Glen Johnson Saturday on SHOWTIME.

Former undisputed light heavy champ Antonio Tarver had his way against defending champion Clinton Woods, winning a lopsided 12-round decision and the IBF 175-pound title.

The world championship doubleheader, billed as “TNT: Title Night in Tampa,” took place at the St. Pete Times Forum and was promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and AT Entertainment in association with Fight Academy. A crowd-pleasing event aired on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tampa’s Tarver (27-4, 19 KOs), a former undisputed light heavy champion and reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) titleholder, mostly dominated en route to winning by the scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112. There were no knockdowns.



“It’s all about the belts; I’m looking for all the belt-holders,’’ Tarver said. “He was a tough, gritty fighter but I came into this in great shape. I took some and got some (punches) but the best man won tonight. I’m not surprised by anything that went on in there.

“A lot of credit for my performance goes to my trainer, Jimmy Williams, who never let me give up or get down on myself. Jimmy is one of the all-time great teachers and absolutely definitely should be in the Hall of Fame."

Tarver, who called out Dawson at the post-fight press conference – Shaw said a unification world title fight could take place in the fall -- wasn’t impressed with Dawson’s performance in the telecast’s opening bout.

“Chad Dawson would be easy pickings now,’’ Tarver said. “He’s not the fighter now that he was before his fight. He’s a wounded duck.

“Dawson took a lot of hard hits against Johnson, but there is a difference between getting hit by Glen Johnson and getting hit by me.’’

There was an electric atmosphere inside the jam-packed room where the weigh-in took place.



Woods (41-4-1, 24 KOs), of Sheffield, England, could not find his range or rhythm for much of the 36 minutes.

Tarver and Woods Weigh In


“I fought the best light heavyweight in the world tonight,’’ said Woods, who was making the fifth defense of the crown he won in March 2005. “I don’t know if it is my time to retire or not."

Dawson (26-0, 17 KOs), of New Haven, Conn., wanted a tough test and he got it.

In a tremendous slugfest that featured non-stop, two-way action, Chad Dawson remained unbeaten and retained his WBC light heavyweight title with a close, hard-fought unanimous 12-round decision over Glen Johnson Saturday on SHOWTIME.


“Johnson is a warrior and we trained for that,’’ Dawson said after winning the fight of the night by the scores of 116-112 on all the scorecards. “We worked on stepping around and boxing him in training and we did that, too.



“I executed my game plan and landed more punches. Glen is a great fighter. He caught me with some good shots but I did my job and took them."

There were no knockdowns in a non-stop slugfest with constant two-way action, but both boxers were rocked on several occasions.

Johnson (47-12-2, 37 KOs), of Miami, by way of Jamaica, owns wins over Tarver, Woods and Roy Jones Jr., but almost is as well known for coming up on the wrong end of close, unpopular decisions.

Tarver and Woods Weigh In


Such was the case again Saturday. “The decision was total bull,’’ Johnson said. “Dawson is a good, young fighter with a great future, but I really worked hard for this fight and definitely feel I won it.

Dawson vs Johnson Weigh In


‘I can’t afford to keep losing these kinds of fights at this stage of my career. I wish I knew why these kinds of bad decision keep going against me.

“This loss hurts me more than any other in my career. I would love a rematch.’’

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING’s Steve Albert and Al Bernstein called the action from ringside with Karyn Bryant serving as special correspondent. The executive producer of the SHOWTIME telecast was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING fight card will re-air as follows:

DAY CHANNEL

Monday, April 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Tuesday, April 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT SHOWTIME TOO

Wednesday, April 16, 10 p.m. ET/PT SHOWTIME


For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Kimbo Slice, who headlines the EliteXC mixed martial arts fight card on Saturday, May 31, on CBS, and WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest, who looks to defend his title against Sergio Mora on Saturday, June 7, on SHOWTIME, pose together at Saturday night’s light heavyweight world championship doubleheader in Tampa.

Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME



The always entertaining Kimbo was interviewed by Al Bernstein during Saturday’s telecast. You can catch the interview during a replay of the thrilling SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, which featured a war between WBC Champ” Bad" Chad Dawson and Glen Johnson as well as a flashy performance by the always entertaining Antonio Tarver against IBF champion Clinton Woods.

Replay schedule:
Tuesday, April 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME TOO;
Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

The telecast is also available On Demand starting this Tuesday and ending on Monday, May 12 where available.

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES ANTONIO TARVER & CLINTON WOODS, CHAD DAWSON & GLEN JOHNSON

IBO champion and former undisputed light heavyweight kingpin Antonio Tarver (26-4, 19 KOs), of Tampa, Fla., will challenge IBF 175-pound titleholder Clinton Woods (41-3-1, 24 KOs), of Sheffield, England, and undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (25-0, 17 KOs), of New Haven, Conn., will defend against former world champion Glen Johnson (47-11-2, 37 KOs) of Miami, by way of Jamaica, this Saturday, April 12, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME

Tarver, Dawson, Johnson and Woods --


Antonio Tarver (left) and Clinton Woods couldn't resist showing off their upper bodies during Thursday's final press conference at Tampa, Fla. Tarver and Woods will collide in one of two light heavyweight world title fights Saturday at the St. Pete's Forum on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).


Tickets for a doubleheader promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and AT Entertainment in association with Fight Academy are on sale at the McDonald's Box Office at the St Pete Times Forum and all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (813) 287-8844 or 727-898-2100 or online at ticketmaster.com. They are priced at $27.75, $52.75, $102.75, $202.75, $302.75.

Limited ringside seats are available at $602.75. Limited VIP Packages are available at $1002.75. Prices do not include service charges. For dinner reservations, the night of the event, call 813-301-6926 or log on to ticketmaster.com. Parking passes are available at ticketmaster.com.

ANTONIO TARVER

“I’m glad to be here. If anyone has any doubt who’s the best light heavyweight, I will show them once again on Saturday night. I am delighted that Woods is here and sounds ready to fight.

“But like so many that fought me before him, his dreams and hopes will be dashed.


“This is a tremendous fight card, but my fight is the main event and if you want me to dissect all the reasons why and all the fighters on this card I will.


“There is only one true light heavyweight champion and that’s me. Everybody wants to see me fight Chad Dawson. He is a good fighter but he still has aways to go. I don’t think he’s looked so hot in his last couple fights.

“I’m strong as ever and ready to go. If you can’t be here live in Tampa, watch on SHOWTIME. This is going to be a great night for me, and a great night for boxing.’’


CLINTON WOODS

“I want to thank all involved for making this fight happen. I am very excited to be fighting a great champion like Antonio Tarver. It is a dream come.

“My conditioning is excellent. I’ve been in Florida training for 10 days and spent eight weeks in the gym in Sheffield before that, so I am ready for a war.

“For four of the top light heavyweights in the world to be on the same card makes for an historic event. I am proud to be part of it.

“Tarver can win the war of the words until he talks himself hoarse, but, come Saturday, when the real fight starts, my hands will do all the talking.

“I can’t see our fight going the distance, but I do see me definitely winning and retaining the IBF title and taking it back home to Sheffield.’’

CHAD DAWSON

“I have never been more anxious or ready for a fight. I am determined to make a statement and prove to everybody that I am the No. 1 light heavyweight in the world.

“I have done all that’s been asked, but I definitely feel I’m being underrated and not getting the respect I deserve. Some polls are flat out wrong for having some of the guys ranked ahead of me like they do. As far as I’m concerned all those polls are a farce.

“I have a lot of respect for Glen Johnson. He truly is a warrior and I know he is coming to win the world title again. I expect him to give it everything he has. I am prepared for an onslaught. But he is 39 and I’m just 25.

“Tarver has some nerve saying bad things about my fights. What he said riled me up and there’s nothing hardly that ever riles me up. I guess he hasn’t watched tapes of his last two fights.

“I want to express my gratitude to everybody for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents. I definitely feel this is the fight card of the year.’’

Unbeaten WBC 175-pound champion Chad Dawson (left) and Glen Johnson square off after the presser.


GLEN JOHNSON

“I have been in a lot of world title fights, but this is my first in Florida and I plan to make it a memorable one for all concerned.

“I appreciate Chad Dawson giving me the opportunity. Most fighters, especially world champs, avoid me.

“I am ready for a great, tough fight that in my mind will be the most exciting of the night.

“I am in tremendous shape. I am ready to bring it like you won’t believe.’’