"KNOCKOUT KINGS II: Andre Berto vs. Jesus Soto Karass" Final Press Conference Quotes‏; SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, July 27, LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) From AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas

ANDRE BERTO, Former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion

"There's really not much to say, these guys had said it all.

"I'm in tremendous shape, I'm focused. I'm going to put on a hell of a performance.

"I'm just going to go in there and be me. I'm not worried about the title of the show, I'm not worried about his record. I'm just going to go in there and get the win.

"I am in great shape and I have everything to bring to the table. I have the speed, I have the power. I have the explosiveness and I'm going out there and do what I know how to do.

"I've known Virgil (Hunter) since I was 13 so it's not like he's a stranger to me. Everything's been flowing pretty well and it's been a great situation for me.

"The show is called Knockout Kings but no matter how it goes, I know it's going to be exciting. You're definitely going to see a lot of speed, a lot of power and a lot of explosiveness, it's going to be an exciting show.

"It's going to be a hell of a fight; I'm in shape. I'm in good spirits. I'm focused and I know Soto Karass is ready too."

Andre Berto, Jesus Soto Karass, Omar Figueroa, Keith Thurman - Pre-Fight Action - SHOWTIME; A lineup of power-punchers is ready to rock San Antonio when Showtime Championship Boxing rolls into town. Watch Andre Berto, Jesus Soto Karass, Omar Figueroa Jr., and Keith Thurman in action before they throw down live on SHOWTIME, Saturday July 27 at 9PM ET/PT.

JESUS SOTO KARASS, Veteran Welterweight Contender

"My preparation has been great. My team knows what Berto brings. He's an ex-champion. We know that he's a quality fighter and he's tough. But that's why we train for this.

"The losses you see on my record, I wasn't taking it serious. But, believe me, we're taking Andre Berto very serious. Not only have I matured personally but I've matured in the ring. The preparation has been very good. We know we have a tough opponent, but we're here and we're prepared to win.

"Every fight I come with a different plan. We have a plan for Andre Berto. We have a Plan A, a Plan B, it doesn't matter; we'll be ready for him.

"My only prediction is it's going to be a war. I'm going to leave my heart in there. If I have to die in the ring I will

"Out of the ring we're friends, but inside the ring it's another thing. I don't have anything against Andre Berto but once we get in the ring I'm looking to knock him out.

"I want everyone to help, help me with breast cancer awareness. We have a raffle going on - it's $10 to buy a ticket and you can win the gloves and the trunks that I wear in the ring. Let's go knockout cancer as well.

"The reason I support Susan G. Komen is because of Oscar De La Hoya. It really touched my heart that Oscar lost his mother, Cecilia, to cancer. So being a boxer I felt like I would join that fight to knock out breast cancer.

"I'm ready; I'm only a pound-and-a-half away. I can't wait until tomorrow so I can get on the scale and go eat."

OMAR FIGUEROA, Undefeated Rising Star & WBC Lightweight Contender

"This is it, this is seventeen years of work. This is why every boxers starts, what every boxer dreams of. This is it. The goal is the green belt, that's the one, that's the best one. That's the one we all want.

"This is a great opportunity, this is what we have been working so hard for.

"I want to thank my opponent's team for having agreed to this fight, he's ranked number one and that's what we wanted.

"We don't take anybody lightly. We are ready, we know that a fight can take many directions with every step you take in the ring, so we are ready.

"I'm excited to be on this card. It's really an honor to fight in the KNOCKOUT KINGS because is one thing to be considered a fighter and another one to be considered a knockout artist.

"I'm fighting with great knockout artist such as Keith Thurman, Berto, Chaves and Arakawa and all these are great fighters

"We are the backbone [of boxing] because we fight to knock someone out, we try to provide the fans with the most excitement we can and we go in there ready for war."

NIHITO ARAKAWA, WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship Contender

"I'm happy to have this chance at my first world title. That gives me extra motivation to win this fight.

"I don't think I can win by points. I have to knock him out - I think that's my only chance to walk out of here with a world title

"My nickname is "Baby Faced Sniper," but when I saw Omar Figueroa it looks like he's a little bit more baby faced than I am. So I want to give him my nickname "Baby Faced Sniper."

"I've prepared for this world title chance for my entire life and I know Omar has prepared for this as well. We're both going to fight as hard as we can to get that first world title. I know I want it and I know he wants it, so it's going to be an exciting fight."

DIEGO CHAVES, WBA Interim Welterweight World Champion

"We know we have a tough opponent, we have very similar records, neither of us can lose concentration during the fight because it can end with only one punch that's why we are very well prepared and we know we can take the win.

"I know Keith is a good fighter, but I hope he's ready because I'm going to show him and the world why I'm a world champion and why this belt is coming back with me to Argentina.

"He may be undefeated, but he's never faced anyone like me.

"I've been training hard, very hard. We are looking forward to a great fight, and we are confident the we'll come out victorious.

"It's going to be a war. I'm not going to leave my belt in the judges' hands- I plan on taking care of Thurman on my own."

KEITH THURMAN, WBA World Championship Welterweight Contender

"It's a tremendous fight. I'm 20-0 with 18 knockouts; Chaves is 22-0 with 18 knockouts. You don't see this very often with young fighters.

"But I'm the kind of fighter that's knocking on everybody's door. Everybody in the welterweight division will soon know about Keith "One Time" Thurman. We're moving up one step at a time and we're going to step over Diego on Saturday night, guaranteed.

"The KO bonus has nothing to do with the way I fight. My motto is already KOs for life and the nickname "One Time." I do my best to get the fighter out of there because if we don't have to do the distance then that, to me, is a job well done.

"We're always looking for that knockout; we're always looking for that one punch that can change the fight around. That's just me, that's just "One Time." That knockout bonus is just another check waiting.

"I definitely don't think he's faced anyone like me. That's why I'm confident. I believe he's been spoon-fed his entire career. A lot of people say the fighters I've fought knew I was favored, but they were still world-class fighters and I dominated them each and every round. And I plan on dominating Diego Chaves every round Saturday night.

"Knockout Kings II - this event has that title for a reason. I guarantee you'll get your moneys' worth."

ANTHONY DIRRELL, Light Heavyweight Contender

"I battled cancer and it didn't hold me down. I'm still here and I'm ready.

"Coming up this Saturday, I'll win with by knockout. "

ANTHONY HANSHAW, Light Heavyweight Contender

"It doesn't matter what happened when I fought his brother. The fact that I lost to Andre just gives me extra motivation. When I fought Andre, I wasn't in shape at all. But I'm in some of the best shape of my career to fight Anthony. I had a great camp and I'm ready to give him the first loss of his career."

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Former World Champion & Boxing Legend

"I want to thank the Susan G. Komen Beast Cancer Foundation - you are important in every one of our lives because we all have moms. But that's not to say that men can't get breast cancer as well.

"I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for giving us the opportunity to put on the type of fights that we've been bringing to San Antonio.

"I also want to thank SHOWTIME. I won my first world title on SHOWTIME and fought several times on the network, so it's not just a thing for me to say that I'm proud to be them. It means a lot more than just face value; it's what in my heart because they've been with me for several years.

"We're still recovering from the Canelo-Trout fight and now we're bringing Knockout Kings II where we have three world title fights and I don't know who is going to win. Will the fights go the distance? Probably not when you have these types of punchers. Who's going to win the fights? I have no idea. Am I going to be in the front row? You bet.

"I've watched these guys on TV and I'm awed by the type of power that they have. Omar - I call him 'Mini Mike Tyson' - I hope he gives us two rounds so we can really appreciate the power that he has."

ABOUT "KNOCKOUT KINGS II"   

"Knockout Kings II," featuring former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto facing tough Mexican veteran contender Jesus Soto Karass in a 12-round main event for the vacant NABF Welterweight Championship, takes place Saturday, July 27 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.  In the 12-round co-featured attractions, Weslaco, Texas' undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Japan's Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with Teiken Promotions and undefeated power-puncher Diego Chaves faces fellow unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman for Chaves' WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with KO International.  The tripleheader will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT and will be available in Spanish via second audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

♔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, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Q & A With UBO Title-Challenger Anthony Dirrell; Dante Craig Steps In To Face Dirrell

In the following Q & A, Dirrell speaks, among other things, about his upcoming fight, new promotional company Team Dirrell Promotions and about beating cancer. And would he ever consider the possibility of one day fighting his brother, Super Six participant Andre?

On July 2nd at Atwood Stadium in Flint, Michigan, local boxing star Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (21-0, 18 KOs) will take on Dante Craig for the vacant Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Inter-Continental Super Middleweight title.

Dante Craig
Anthony Dirrell has a new opponent for Saturdays Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Inter-Continental Super Middleweight title fight at the Atwood Stadium in Flint, Michigan. Original foe Michi Munoz won’t be able to fight after being arrested, and in steps 2000 Olympian Dante “Inferno” Craig (18-9-1, 13 KOs).

32-year-old Craig turned professional in 2001, beating undefeated Darren Fallen at “The Mecca of Boxing”, Madison Square Garden in New York.

But already in his third professional fight he came up short when another undefeated opponent, Sherwin Davis, stopped him in the third round.

Since being derailed by Davis, Craig has operated with mixed results. His best victory came in 2006 when he stopped former WBA World Champion Carl Daniels, but that triumph was followed by s string of defeats to the likes of Olympic Bronze medalist Terrence Cauthen and undefeated prospects Michael Walker and Aaron Pryor Jr.

The UBO Inter-Continental title fight against Anthony Dirrell is a massive opportunity for Dante Craig to fulfill some of the promise he showed as an amateur and in parts of his professional career.

Taking the fight on short notice certainly proves he is a game and true professional fighter

In the following Q & A, Dirrell speaks, among other things, about his upcoming fight, new promotional company Team Dirrell Promotions and about beating cancer. And would he ever consider the possibility of one day fighting his brother, Super Six participant Andre?

Anthony, It is well known that your brother Andre won an Olympic Bronze medal, but you were also a very good amateur yourself. Please tell me a bit about your own amateur career, and how it came about that you turned professional in 2005?

I had a good amateur career and my record was 170-23. I have won many amateur titles, and also, I was injured but still competed in the 2004 Olympic trials and got 3rd place. Turning pro for me was a big transition, I enjoyed the move to the pros but early on I was cautious about fighting without headgear.

You are fighting Dante Craig for the UBO Inter-Continental Super Middleweight title on July 2nd. He has fought some big names, is a former NABC champion and has been in several title fights while this will be your first championship fight. Do you feel a lot of pressure ahead of this fight, and how do you expect to handle the challenge that is Michi Munoz?

I don't feel any pressure fighting Dante Craig. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to step up and fight an opponent with a lot of experience. I expect to handle fighting Craig well, and I'm working hard in the gym for this fight.

Tell me about Dirrell Promotions?

Other fighters like Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones, Oscar De La Hoya & Floyd Mayweather Jr. have started their own promotional companies. Team Dirrell felt it was a good opportunity for us as well. We want to give back to our hometown Flint, Michigan. We want the fans and our city to get behind us and our new boxing promotion company.

Anthony "The Dog" Dirrell
The Craig fight will be your biggest fight so far inside the ring, a title fight in your hometown, but I take it your biggest fight outside the ring was when you were diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2007. Thankfully you beat the disease, but how did it change your life, and did you ever fear that it would end you boxing career?

Cancer was definitely the biggest challenge in my life. With the support of my fans, friends and family I was able to beat cancer and get back in the boxing ring.

The disease did cause for you to be out of the ring for almost two years, but you have won nine straight fights since coming back in late 2008. Do you feel as if your boxing career has a greater purpose now, than just becoming a champion and getting big fights?

Boxing is what I love to do, I'm happy to be fighting for my first pro boxing title and I work hard to provide for my family. Having cancer has definitely made me look different at my life.

The Klitschko brothers have stated many times that they would never fight each other. You and Andre box in the same weight class, but would the two of you ever fight each other if the circumstances were right? Perhaps if both of you become world champions and it’s the biggest and most lucrative fight out there for you?

We spar together, but under no circumstances would my brother Andre and I ever fight each other in a real fight.

Please describe how a typical day for you looks when you are preparing for a fight?

A typical day for me when I'm training for a fight is getting up at 6am for breakfast, 8am going for my daily run, then go home to relax, 1pm going to the gym and train. I usually spar 3 times a week, I also make sure I eat healthy and maintain my weight as I prepare for a fight.

What kind of show can the fans expect from you and Dirrell Promotions on July 2nd at Atwood Stadium?

The fans can expect a good boxing show, and we also have a fireworks show for the fans. This is a big event for Team Dirrell Promotions and our city. Flint has gone thru a lot of changes with factories closing and a lack of jobs. Team Dirrell Promotions wants to lift up our city and inspire our community.

Anything you would like to say in closing?

I want the fans to know that Anthony Dirrell is on the rise in the sport of boxing. I'm looking for a world title fight in the near future. I want to thank my fans for their support. I want all my fans to come out and support Team Dirrell Promotions and my fight against Dante Craig on July 2 at Atwell Stadium.



UBO Inter-Continental super middleweight title weigh in

Anthony Dirrell 166.2 lbs vs Dante Craig 167.7 lbs
Venue: Atwood Stadium, Flint Michigan
Promoter: Team Dirrell Promotions

Video courtesy of Eric Woodyard Flint Journal

http://video-embed.mlive.com/services/player/bcpid619299298001?bctid=1034479101001

♔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.

Undefeated Anthony Dirrell will take on former NABC champion Michi Munoz for the vacant Universal Boxing Organization™ Inter-Continental Super Middlew

UBO Inter-Continental Super Middleweight Title Fight, Anthony Dirrell vs. Michi Munoz July 2, 2011 in Flint, Michigan.

Anthony Dirrell Training Camp Videos
http://www.uboboxing.com/articles/article144.htm

Taking place during Fourth of July weekend, the event is billed “Fights & Fireworks”, and will be promoted by Leon Lawson Jr. of Dirrell Promotions.

Dirrell (21-0, 18 KOs) turned professional in 2005, and in his most recent fight scored a third round victory over journeyman Alberto Mercedes in May at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California. This will be his first crack at a championship in the paid ranks.

Having fought somewhat in the shadow of his more famous brother, Olympic Bronze medalist and Super Six Star Andre Dirrell, Anthony will be looking to make a breakthrough for himself in front of a hometown crowd. And the fact that the title fight is now confirmed makes the 26-year-old feel comfortable:

"It feels good because now I can work on certain stuff," Dirrell told the Flint Journal recently. "I'll probably find some stuff on the internet and just see how he works and it just feels good to know that it's finally set in stone and I can finally concentrate on one thing."

Michi “El Matador” Munoz (23-6, 16 KOs) is coming off a second round victory over Mike McGuire in February. The Kansas boxer has mixed with some big names, and his professional losses came against Vanes Martirosyan, John Duddy, Joey Gilbert, Carson Jones, Noe Gonzalez and Bronco McKart in a UBO title fight last October.

Indeed an impressive list of top-class operators with a total 152-19-2 record between them!

"We're just excited that we got the right guy for Anthony to give the fans an exciting fight," Dirrell's uncle and fight promoter, Leon Lawson Jr. said. "We wanted to pick the right opponent, we wanted it to be exciting for Flint and this guy right here is a tough opponent".

The undercard will include the return of lightweight Wes Ferguson, another native of Flint, and former IBO World Cruiserweight Champion and current NABF Heavyweight Champion Jonathon Banks from Detroit.


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

Who DAT? Six Questions with Buddy McGirt-trained DAT NGUYEN - ShoBox: The New Generation TOMORROW/Saturday at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT

SIX QUESTIONS WITH DAT NGUYEN'

World-renowned trainer Buddy McGirt did a double take the moment he first laid eyes on Dat “Be Dat” Nguyen during a sparring session with Arturo Gatti before Gatti’s second fight with Micky Ward in late 2002.

“I saw this guy who could really hit and said he should be knocking everyone out,” McGirt said. “He was in there doing his thing and I liked him. Someone said they were looking for a fighter so I gave them Dat’s number. And that’s how we met.”

NY Post Journalist George Willis and Buddy McGirt

For the past five years, McGirt has trained Nguyen of Vietnam, who will headline on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME® this Saturday LIVE at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Nguyen (17-1, 6 KOs), a U.S. resident now living in Vero Beach, Fla., will face promising Luis Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0,10 KOs), of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, in a 10-round featherweight fight at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The card co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Gary Shaw Productions will include an 10-rounder that pits 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, power-punching Jonathan Gonzalez (13-0, 13 KOs), of Rio Piedras, against Colombian Richard Gutierrez (26-6-1, 16 KOs), of Miami, in a junior middleweight match.

A former kickboxer who was born in Bien Hoa about 45 minutes north of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nguyen graduated from high school in 2001 and received a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University, home of the U.S. Olympic Center. He spent three years there studying computer information systems.

The 28-year-old Nguyen has won his last six starts, all by decision, including an eight-round decision over Andres Ledesma in his last fight on Oct. 10, 2009.

Although it’s been 20 months since he’s fought, McGirt doesn’t believe in ring rust when you’re young. “That’s a load of crap,” he said. “As long as you take care of yourself it doesn’t matter how long it’s been.”

Nguyen answered six questions.

Question: There will be a lot of Puerto Rican fans in the crowd on Saturday rooting for your opponent. Are you concerned about that and do you hear the crowd when you’re in the ring?

Nguyen: “I hope that there will be a few Vietnamese fans there. I’m sure their will. But it doesn’t matter. I’m always in for putting on a good show for whoever is there. It all depends. Usually when I fight I don’t hear anything. If I concentrate and pay attention and try to hear them, I can sometimes hear them. When I’m focused then I can’t hear them.”

Question: What has training with Buddy McGirt meant to you these past five years?

Nguyen: “Buddy has trained multiple world champions. With Buddy, he’s very calm and when he’s calm I’m relaxed. He just has so much experience. I do whatever Buddy says to do. Buddy doesn’t really take the credit for all the champions he’s produced. He’s very humble and doesn’t talk about a lot of his other fighters. I’m just happy to be part of his stable of fighters.”

Question: What do you think about the featherweight division right now and are you ready to call anyone out?

Nguyen: “(Laughing) No. Not quite yet. There’s a lot of talent in this division and I’m happy to be part of it. There’s (Yuriorkis) Gamboa and Chris John and all the other champions. (Juan Manuel) Lopez just lost but he has so much heart. Those are some of the guys I would like to fight because they are so well known and well respected.”

Question: You opened your own gym called Miracle Boxing Academy in Vero Beach. Would you like to stay in the fight game after your boxing career is over?

Nguyen: “I love this art and I’ve been doing it so long it just felt like the right thing to do. It’s made me a better fighter. I’m doing homework every day when I’m training other people. It’s been a real blessing for me. It’s something I did to give myself the best opportunity to succeed as a fighter right now.”

Question: Not many boxers get full college scholarships for boxing, but you did. How did that come about?

Nguyen: “Yes, I received a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University where the U.S. Olympic Center is. I fought in the U.S. Nationals and the coaches like Al Mitchell recognized that I had some talent. I even beat Andre Dirrell in the 1999 National Junior Olympics. I left after three years to turn professional and am still a few credits short of getting my degree. It gave me a lot of confidence and opened up my eyes to a lot of different things.”

Question: You are a self-described “computer nerd” and even operate your own website. What do you plan on doing with your computer education?

Nguyen: “I’ve always worked on computers and I fix people’s computers. I do everything on my website (www.miracleboxing.com). If I didn’t get the boxing scholarship and wasn’t so focused on making the Olympics then I would probably be a computer engineer right now. If I do something I go the whole nine yards so it’s something I’ve kind of put on backburner for now.”

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

SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SEMIFINALISTS CARL FROCH & GLEN JOHNSON

World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Middleweight Champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch, Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson and promoter Lou DiBella held an international media conference call on Wednesday to discuss their upcoming Semifinal bout in the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, June 4, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Froch (27-1, 20 KOs) will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) title against Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs), a former world champion. The Froch-Johnson winner will advance to the tournament Final to face World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Andre Ward, who secured a Final berth with a dominating victory over Arthur Abraham on May 14 in the other Semifinal bout.

The tournament champion earns the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup and global recognition as the world’s No. 1 168-pound fighter. EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.

CARL FROCH:

“I’m in great shape and have been in New York for the better part of two weeks which should give me plenty of time to get acclimated to this fight. It’s quite hot and humid but it’s the same in England. I should be getting the time difference out of my system here over the next few days and just look forward to the fight next week. I can’t wait to put on a great show in the Super Six Semifinals.

“As far as I’m concerned I’m an unbeaten fighter coming into this fight. I still consider myself unbeaten. That loss (against Mikkel Kessler) was maybe a little injection or a kick in the ass, whatever you want to call it, to get me back to where I was when I became champion against Jean Pascal when he was firing on all cylinders because he didn’t look like he was the other night. He let that fight slip away from him (against Bernard Hopkins) and didn’t seem to be in condition. Since that fight (against Pascal) I’ve only fought against top opposition: Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham and now Glen Johnson.

“I come into this fight very, very confident and very strong. I’m in my prime. I’m 33 years old and fitter than I’ve ever been. I’m quite meticulous and a perfectionist about my workouts and training regime. I’m hitting times on my runs that I was hitting when I was 26, 27 years old. I’m doing the same amount of push-ups and sit-ups and pull-ups all in the time frame. I’m just feeling really, really fit and like I did when I fought Arthur Abraham. Never mind 12 rounds I can go 25 rounds right now. That’s how great I feel. I’m looking forward to this fight and I’m looking forward to putting a show on.”

You’ve had three fights and Green slipped in with one against a substitute fighter in the Super Six. Do you think that will make a difference in this fight?

“I’ve had three fights but I made easy work of two of them. I made easy work of Andre Dirrell. I’ve done more damage shaving myself than what Andre Dirrell did. And against Arthur Abraham I made easy work of that. I mean the only fight that was hard work was the Mikkel Kessler fight and that was my own fault. I stood in front of him for four or five rounds and made a fight of it which I shouldn’t have done and there’s reasons why I did that. I don’t think we should worry about how we got to this stage of the Super Six but the fact is we are here and in the Semifinals and I’m sure it means just as much to Glen as it means to me and it’s just as important to him. So we’ll forget about the past and worry about the here and now.

“I don’t want to talk too much tactics but the plan is always to hit and not get hit. The one thing about Glen Johnson is I don’t think I’ll have to go looking for him. I don’t think he’s going to be on his back foot looking to jab and pick me off. He doesn’t have the speed or the skill to match me. So he’s going to come straight ahead.”

What do you think about Andre Ward?

“He’s got some skills. He’s an Olympic gold medalist but having that doesn’t win world titles all the time and we’ve seen that recently. These top amateurs don’t always make top pros. He’s obviously won some great fights and he beat Mikkel Kessler which is a fighter I was close to so he’s got that. But other than that if you look at his record I haven’t been too impressed with him as far as who he’s fought or how he’s won. Ward’s definitely a threat and someone I have to take seriously but I know I can beat Ward. One thing he’s lacking is punching power and that’s a big factor in the professional ring.”

Will you be boxing Johnson or will you be looking to use your power punches?

“I’ll do a little bit of both. I’ll box around him and jab, chop, jab, chop with a lot of combinations. I don’t think it would be wise for him to sit in front of me for too long. If he walks into me he’s going to be taking on some shots. We’ll see how much the referee thinks he can take. It’s going to be brutal if he keeps walking forward and taking shots. He’s only had one fight at super middleweight and that was against Allan Green who is not a super middleweight, he’s too tall and too big. I watched that fight and Allan Green was dead from round two and three and he managed to take Glen to eight rounds. I’m going to be fresh and fit and strong and powerful with fast combinations from round one to round 12. I really wish this fight was 15 rounds.

“I think I’ll get my vengeance against Glen Johnson. He’s a great fighter and a war horse and I won’t disrespect him. He really knows what he’s doing but I would have rather fought Mikkel Kessler just purely for the revenge. I’m a warrior myself. It’s a big thing for me to have lost that fight against Mikkel Kessler because I’m serious about this business and that blemish on my record, I’d love to get that corrected before I retire. Someday after I hang them up I want to be able to say I lost that decision to Kessler but I won it back. I’ve avenged that defeat. I think if he fights (Lucian) Bute in Montreal he’ll lose but if he gets it in Denmark I think he’ll win so let’s hope he gets that fight in Denmark.

“The final person to hold the Super Six Cup will have withstood the test of time. This tournament has given boxing fans and the press a lot to talk about and has given us a lot of fights that might not have happened. So it’s been a great thing. There’s been some negative things but all that negativity is totally unnecessary. It’s been a fantastic tournament with some top-level fights and fights that would not have happened. Big accolades have to go to Ken Hershman and all of the promoters and Lou DiBella who has had three fighters in this tournament.”

GLEN JOHNSON:

How you fought any one in your career style-wise like Carl Froch?

“Not really. He’s a tall guy that really kind of fights short sometimes. But in his last fight he actually fought tall and used his reach and boxed the way he’s supposed to box and the way he’s built to box. I’ve boxed tall guys before but never guys who have scrunched down and tried to be a short guy. But we are prepared for either style that he shows and we’re looking forward to an exciting fight.

“My advantage is being Glen Johnson. I think I know boxing inside and out. I’m going to go in there confident and use my skills to my potential and you’ll see me come out victorious. Carl Froch is a great fighter and I have no disrespect toward him. This is a business and I’m going in there to win the fight. All the talk and all the other stuff goes out the window. This is for all the marbles so we’re going in there to win the fight.

“I wish I would have listened to my manager a long time ago and gone down there (to super middleweight) sooner. But I think things happen for a reason. I’m just really, really excited for this opportunity.”

Why did you resist your manager?

“The main reason is that I didn’t think I would be able to maintain that weight. I always felt like super middleweight wasn’t who I was and I didn’t want to put the strain on to make that weight.

“I’m not concerning myself too much with what Carl Froch’s plan is or what he’s going to do to be honest with you. I’m more concerned with what I’m going to do. I’m focused on my game plan and what I have to do. I have a winning formula and I don’t think Carl Froch is the one who can tell me different.”

Are you approaching this fight like a last-chance fight?

“I definitely feel a little bit of urgency for this fight. I mean, I’m not getting any younger. I’m not going to take any fight for granted. I know I have a lot of skills and talent left in me and I’m looking forward to showing that to the people. I’m here to show the people what I can still do and want to walk away from this tournament being the champion. I know there are people still skeptical about what I can do at my age but I actually get excited when people mention my age and focus on my age because that means they are not focused on my skills and what I bring to the table.”

Did Hopkins’ win over the weekend give you some inspiration?

“(Laughing) Bernard fought a wonderful fight and congratulations to him for the win. I knew he was definitely going to win the fight but I didn’t know if he was going to get a decision. Kudos to him. He’s definitely an inspiration to us old guys.”

Do you think you’ll get a rematch with him?

“I don’t know. I want it. I don’t know if Bernard wants it though. I just have to take it one fight at a time and not be the problem and we’ll see what happens.”

LOU DiBELLA:

“I think we have a terrific fight ahead of us. Carl Froch is a tremendously exciting champion and has only been in good fights and the same could be said of Glen Johnson.

“I think Carl Froch is one of the most under appreciated champions in the world. He’s a tremendous talent and has great flair in the ring and a lot of pizzazz outside of it. I’m just a big fan of Carl Froch.

“As many have said before if you don’t like Glen Johnson then you don’t like boxing. I think he’s one of the most widely respected fighters in the game. There’s not another fighter in the game who doesn’t respect Glen Johnson. He’s a road warrior who’s once again on the road in New Jersey. You never know what an old mad can do which is what Bernard Hopkins just showed.”

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

Ward vs. Abraham Presser Ward’s Trainer To Abraham: “Your promoters have lost confidence in you.” Abraham To Ward’s Camp: “Talk Doesn’t Matter – I’m

The final press conference for the kickoff of the Semifinals of the Super Six World Boxing Classic turned tense on Wednesday at Arnie Morton’s The Steakhouse in Burbank, Calif., just three days before tournament favorite Andre Ward defends his WBA super middleweight title against former world champion Arthur Abraham, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

In a detailed and lengthy speech, Ward’s trainer, Virgil Hunter, told Abraham that his trainer and promoters are displaying a lack of confidence in him to win on Saturday by demanding neutral judges and officials for the Semifinal showdown. Abraham’s promoter responded that they were trying to protect their fighter and claimed that the referee in the Ward-Mikkel Kessler Group Stage 1 bout did not fairly officiate the match.

The Ward-Abraham winner advances to the tournament Final against the winner of the Carl Froch-Glen Johnson Semifinals showdown. The tournament champion earns the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup and global recognition as the world’s No. 1 168-pound fighter.

The 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, Ward (23-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., has emerged as the tournament favorite after impressive triumphs in Group Stage bouts over Kessler and Allan Green, as well as Sakio Bika.

Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs) entered the Super Six as a favorite alongside Kessler. But after emerging from Group Stage 1 as the points leader with a knockout over Jermain Taylor, he is now trying to bounce back from consecutive tournament losses to Andre Dirrell and Froch in Group Stages 2 and 3, respectively.

ANDRE WARD:

“I’m born and raised here in America and I don’t talk that much. I think everyone in this room understands that. There’s not much else to say. I’ve prepared the way I’m supposed to prepare, the way a champion is supposed to prepare.

“I respect Arthur Abraham, it’s going to be a tough fight. I want to be a great fighter, but I’m not there yet. These are the kind of fights that you have to take and you have to win to be a great fighter.

“I won’t hear the crowd, I won’t hear anybody on Saturday night. I’m locked in. I’m here to defend my belt and to keep my belt right here in America.”

“My first goal is to win and I know winning in this sport takes care of a lot of problems.

“Sugar Ray Leonard came from a totally different time. Fighting on the network that he fought on, having Howard Cosell, it was just a totally different ballgame. Oscar De La Hoya had the Hispanic community and different things like that, so you have to look at those situations because I’m in a different time. It might be a little bit harder to get the exposure and the just due.”

“At the end of the day, the way my father raised me was to put my nose down to the grindstone and keep working and allow God to open those doors in due season. So I’ve never begged for it and I’ve never demanded it. I just have to understand that I have to keep working and it will come. ”

“I appreciate everyone who attends the fights, but it comes down to going home and kissing my wife and kids, keeping my title and moving on with my career. But with that being said, I think I take the risks I’m supposed to take. I think I do what I’m supposed to, but if you get enough people saying one thing, people start to believe it. I think my fight with Kessler was a very entertaining fight but it’s not me taking punishment so people think it’s not entertaining. From a little boy, I was never taught to get the best bout trophy, I was always taught to get the best fighter of the night. That’s the way it is because whoever I am when my career is said and done, nobody’s going home with me.”

“My coach has always taught me from day one, he’s always wanted me to be a master and masters are able to fight into their late 30s and early 40s like Bernard Hopkins and Glen Johnson. I’m just going to continue to naturally evolve and I hope everyone enjoys my fights. But, ultimately, it’s about winning in this sport. “

ARTHUR ABRAHAM:

“I don’t have to speak much. We just want to perform in the ring and we don’t have to do much talking. We’re here to win in the ring.

“Of course my trainer and my promoter respect me. There’s no question of that. In Europe, we don’t talk very much. I’m here to win.

“I have a lot of respect for Andre Ward. He’s a technically sound boxer. But that talk doesn’t matter when we get in the ring on Saturday. I’m here to win and I’m here to destroy him.

“I’m very happy to be part of this tournament. This tournament started well for me and it will end well.

“I had to make some adjustments to my style for moving from middleweight to super middleweight and then we had to make some more after the losses. We have made the necessary adjustments.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Ward’s Trainer:

“I’ve been appalled as some of the things that have happened to this point. If Andre wasn’t perceived as a threat, I don’t believe we would have ever heard complaints about the referees like we have. Andre Ward still to this point has not gotten the recognition that he deserves.

“Arthur, this is to you: By complaining about the officials, your promoters are saying they have lost confidence in you. Don’t let anyone speak to you about the officials. Your promoters have lost confidence in you. It’s as simple as that.”


JAMES PRINCE, Ward’s Manager:

“We have respect for Arthur Abraham and his accomplishments in boxing, but come Saturday it’s going to get real hot in the ring. You were a great fighter at 160 pounds but I feel like your advisors have tricked you into placing you into a different weight division where you don’t belong. I want to extend my warmest hospitality and welcome you to the States, but that’s where it ends.”

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.

Photos: Tom Casino / SHOWTIME

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

SUPER SIX FIGHTERS SEE BRIGHT FUTURE IN FRIDAY’S SHOBOX CARD ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, April 30, 2010, Live at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIM

So what do several of the world’s best super middleweights think of the up-and-coming crop of fighters in boxing’s best and deepest division?

“The future of the super middleweight division is very bright, especially here in the U.S.,” said Andre Dirrell, who trails Arthur Abraham in the Super Six World Boxing Classic™ standings with two points. “European fighters have controlled the division recently, but all that has changed with what has happened in the Super Six.

“There are a lot of young, talented American fighters coming up the ranks who can make some noise in the division.”

Those talented 168-pound fighters will be on display come Friday night as unbeaten Marcus “Too Much” Johnson (18-0, 14 KOs) battles Derek “The Black Lion” Edwards (25-0, 13 KOs) in a 10-round main event live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME ® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

The exciting tripleheader being billed “The Next Generation of Super Middleweights” will take place at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago with Don “Da Bomb” George (19-0-1, 17 KOs) facing Osumanu Adama (14-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round co-feature tilt and Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) tangling with Kevin Engel (17-2, 14 KOs) in an eight-round affair to open the telecast.

Back in November of 2009, Johnson made his SHOWTIME ShoBox: The New Generation debut on the Allan Green-Tarvis Simms undercard in Newkirk, Okla., remaining undefeated with a unanimous decision over Victor Villereal.

Fast forward six months and now Green finds himself as one of the elite fighters in the SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic and will meet Andre Ward June 19 in a Group Stage 2 matchup.

Green said he went back to watch Johnson on tape and was impressed with what he saw. “I think he’s a good fighter,” said Green. “The Super Six is all about proclaiming who is the best super middleweight on the planet and it looks like these guys are getting a chance to make a name for themselves on SHOWTIME.”

Johnson is a former U.S. National Amateur champion who lost to Ward by decision in the finals of the 2004 Olympic Trials. He was also a gold medalist at the 2003 U.S. Under 19 National Championships at 178 pounds and won the National Silver Gold Gloves title at 165 pounds in 2001.

“Marcus is definitely a fighter to look out for in the future,” Ward said. “Anyone with that type of amateur background is on the right track toward a professional world title. I look forward to great things from him in the future."

Both Johnson and Edwards are impressed with what they’ve seen from the American fighters, Ward and Dirrell, in the Super Six Tournament.

“Andre Ward is one of the smartest people in the ring,” said Johnson. “He taught me a lot. I have so much respect for Andre. He made me change my style. I’ve been really impressed with both Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell. I think Ward is going to win the tournament hands down.”

Said Edwards: “Andre Ward has been the most impressive. I had the opportunity to be in Andre Ward’s camp but it didn’t work out because we might meet each other [in the ring] some day.”

Presented by DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Boxing and Chicago’s 8 Count Productions, advance tickets for “The Next Generation of Super Middleweights” starting at $31 can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), by phone (800) 745-3000 and the 8 Count Productions Office, (312-226-5800). Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

Nick Charles will call the action from ringside with Steve Farhood and Antonio Tarver serving as expert analysts. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman and Andre Ward.

See you at the Fights. Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

No Holds Barred: World Boxing Classic Preview with Froch, Kessler, Abraham, Dirrell, Hershman, Farhood, DiBella, Goossen‏

No Holds Barred: World Boxing Classic Preview with Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Andre Dirrell, Ken Hershman, Steve Farhood, Lou DiBella, Dan Goossen

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-15T23_46_24-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman previews one of the most innovative and welcome developments in boxing, the Super Six World Boxing Classic, a round-robin, six-fighter tournament in the super middleweight division featuring the best fighters in the world at that weight.

Competing in this tournament are the unbeaten WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KOs) of England, the WBA super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler (41-1, 31 KOs) of Denmark, the former undisputed middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs) of Little Rock, Ark., the now-former and still-unbeaten IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KOs) of Germany, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and unbeaten WBC number one contender Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KOs) of Oakland, Calif., and the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist and unbeaten WBC number two contender Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Flint, Mich.

The winner of this tournament is certain to be regarded as the true super middleweight champion of the world.

The opening round will have three fights, beginning this fall, on dates and at locations to be announced. Carl Froch will face Andre Dirrell, Mikkel Kessler will face Andre Ward, and Arthur Abraham will face Jermain Taylor.

At the kickoff news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York this Monday for this history-making event, we had a chance to speak with fighters Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, and Andre Dirrell about this tournament and their fights. We also spoke with promoters Lou DiBella and Dan Goossen, with boxing writer and television analyst Steve Farhood, and with Ken Hershman, senior vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports, which is the key force behind this tournament and will televise it in the U.S.

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).

Make sure to visit the official boxing forum for No Holds Barred, the MySpace Boxing Forum, at http://groups.myspace.com/boxing.

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

Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).

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FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.comSee you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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

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

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

©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved

The Son of Former Legendary Champion to Battle Harry Joe Yorgey In Matchup of Unbeatens on ShoBox: The New Generation

NEW YORK– Ronald Hearns loves March and all the madness that goes with it.

The son of legendary eight-time world champion Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, Ronald earned his college degree in criminal justice from American University in Washington D.C. While in college, Hearns played for the basketball team. This year American University’s basketball team won the Patriot League and advanced to the exclusive tournament field of 64 for the 2009 NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship for the first time.

But this Saturday night, Hearns will be nowhere near a court; rather, he’ll be in the ring when he faces fellow unbeaten junior middleweight Harry Joe Yorgey in a 10-round bout on a special Saturday edition of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Detroit’s Hearns (21-0, 17 KOs) and Yorgey (21-0-1, 9 KOs), of Bridgeport, Pa., will open the ShoBox telecast from the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

World-class super middleweight Andre Dirrell (17-0, 12 KOs), of Flint, Mich., will meet Derrick Findley (13-2, 8 KO’s) of Gary, Ind., in the ShoBox main event. The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and DiBella Entertainment.

SHOWTIME: You played collegiate basketball at American University. Did you follow its run in the NCAA tournament?

RONALD HEARNS: “Oh, man, yeah, I love March Madness®. I don’t know many of the players, but I got an email from the coach. My bracket is going OK. I like Pittsburgh. I like Connecticut and l like Louisville.

SHOWTIME: You turned professional after obtaining your college degree. Did you always think you would be a professional fighter?

RONALD HEARNS: “Boxing was always my first love. I always wanted to box since I was about 10 or 11 years old but my dad never allowed me to fight at that time so every time I tried to sneak into the gym the guys would catch me and ban me from the gym. My dad told me once I got my college degree that I could box so I went and did that. He knew I’d be a grown man then and could make my own decision. So the day I came home from graduation I told him I wanted to go to the gym and that’s when I started training.

“It’s something that’s just in me. I love boxing so much. Every time I put a tape in and watch a fight, I just want to get up and start punching somebody. It doesn’t matter if it’s my dad I’m watching or someone else, I just love watching boxing. You could say I’m a real student of the game.”

SHOWTIME: You haven’t fought since last appearing on SHOWTIME in October when you beat Paul Clavette. Has the layoff affected you and your training?

RONALD HEARNS: “It’s been kind of hard because I was scheduled to fight in January but that fight was called off. But I always stay in the gym no matter what. I’m always in there training. I’m a real gym rat. Harry’s a great fighter. He’s a real good boxer and can be flashy at times. You know when you get two undefeated fighters in the ring at the same time that someone’s ‘O’ has got to go. We’re putting it all on the line and hope to put on a great show for the people.”

SHOWTIME: Has it been difficult being the son of Thomas Hearns?

RONALD HEARNS: “Yeah, in a way it’s been tough because the expectations have been set so high. With the things he accomplished the bar is set pretty high. I turned pro so late (age 25) and have really had to learn on the job. People don’t know that I was never really around boxing that much as a kid. I was never in the gym training and really learning how to box. Things are just starting to fall in place right now. But I think I don’t really have all the wear and tear on my body from my limited amateur experience so right now I don’t think that age (Hearns recently turned 30) really matters.”

SHOWTIME: What are some of your earliest memories of your father and boxing?

RONALD HEARNS: I think just watching early tapes of my dad’s fights. The Pipino Cuevas fight (for the WBA welterweight championship in 1980), the (Juan Domingo) Roldan fight (for the WBC middleweight championship in 1987), the first and second (Sugar Ray) Leonard fights and the (Marvin) Hagler fight. There were just so many memorable moments. Just sitting back and putting the tapes in. I just never get sick of watching them. He’ll be leading me into the ring on Saturday. He always lets me know he’s there for me and that I can give him a call anytime I need something. He’s been there and there’s nothing he hasn’t seen inside the ring.”

SHOWTIME: What kind of style will we see from you early on Saturday night?

RONALD HEARNS: “Well, Harry Joe is a front-runner. He always starts pretty quick. I’m going to go out there and try to slow him down early. I’m just going to work off my jab and once I get my jab going everything else will fall into place. I’m ready to go out there and perform and show the people how I’ve progressed and how I’m trying now to make a name for myself. I believe this fight will prove to people that I can do some special things in boxing.”

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt and Timothy Bradley.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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

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

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

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

DARCHINYAN, DIRRELL & OGANOV OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

Long Beach, Calif- International Boxing Federation (IBF) 115-pound champion Vic Darchinyan, undefeated, world-ranked super middleweight Andre Dirrell and once-beaten, world-ranked 168-pound contender Victor Oganov participated in an open media Tuesday in Long Beach, Calif.,

Darchinyan (30-1-1, 24 KOs) will face World Boxing Association (WBA)/World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 13 KOs) in an eagerly awaited 115-pound world title unification showdown this Saturday, Nov. 1, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Dirrell (16-0, 11 KOs) meets Oganov (28-1, 28 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Tickets, priced at $25 to $250, are on sale at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10 a.m-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone (213-480-3232). The Home Depot Box Office will open at 10 a.m. the day of the event.

The fight card is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions and KO Entertainment.

What the fights said Tuesday:

VIC DARCHINYAN

“He is a very good fighter, but when he feels my punches he will feel different. He’s fought some tough guys, but no one like me.

“I know when I’m talking that I will deliver. I’m going to be too much for him. He’s overrated.

“I’ve fought southpaws before. It’s no different for me.

“I’m going to do some boxing. You’re going to see how fast and smart I am on Saturday.

“I’m going to put on a show for my Armenian fans at The Home Depot Center.

“I’m very confident and ready for this fight. I’m ready to fight anyone.

“I think I am the best fighter he has ever, and will ever, fight. His style is an amateur style. I will deliver.

“I want to become the undisputed world champion after this fight.

“On Saturday, you’re going to see a different Vic Darchinyan. I won’t try to take him out with just one punch. You’re going to see a much smarter Vic on Saturday night.

“Mijares is a very good fighter, but that’s OK when you fight someone that doesn’t have the power that I have. He’s fought guys that don’t have my power.

“The Mexican fans are going to support me because they are going to see a warrior. They like to see warriors and they will see it in me on Saturday.

“People pay the money and they want to see exciting fights. I’ll give it to them on Saturday.

“In my one loss my opponent didn’t beat me, I beat myself. You won’t see any of that against Mijares. I’m going to prove that I am focused to be the undisputed world champion.

“All I’m thinking about is this fight. I haven’t been this excited and dedicated since my first world title fight.

“The only fight I wanted was Mijares. I want to fight who everyone thinks is the best so I can prove that I’m the best.”

ANDRE DIRRELL

“I’m well prepared for this fight. I know he is a knockout artist, so I’ve been training with guys who can knock me out. I am mentally and physically prepared.

“I’m in tip-top shape. All I have to do is use what I’ve been working on in training camp and show the viewers on SHOWTIME and the fans at The Home Depot Center that I am an exciting fighter.

“There’s a saying in boxing that goes ‘You can’t knockout everyone.’ I’m not going to take him lightly, but I’m ready.

“Right after this fight I’m looking for a world title. I’m looking to go up the ladder as fast as possible.

“I just want to become the best as soon as possible. I need a big win on Saturday to do that, so you better believe I’m ready.

“Look out. I’m on the map now and I’m going to become No. 1 soon.

VICTOR OGANOV

“He is a good technical boxer and he will be smart in the ring, but I have the muscle and the power. Muscle and power will beat techniques and smarts.

“This is the first time in my career that I have had a great training camp. I’ve been training with Vic (Darchinyan) and it has been going great. I’m very fortunate to be training with Vic. He is a big man with a big heart.

“I know that Saturday night is a big opportunity for me on SHOWTIME. I have not taken this fight lightly.

“I’m going to do the best that I can. I think it’s going to be a good fight.
“We have a good game plan and we will use it.”

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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

KIRILOV-DARCHINYAN BATTLE FOR THE IBF CROWN; TOP PROSPECT ANDRE DIRRELL AIMS TO STAY UNBEATEN

NEW YORK– International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight champion Dimitri “The Baby” Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 KOs) will defend his title against former IBF flyweight champion and knockout artist Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs), Saturday, Aug. 2, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Vic Darchinyan



In the co-feature, U.S. Olympian and undefeated prospect Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (15-0, 10 KOs) puts his flawless record on the line against fellow unbeaten Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall (17-0-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight brawl.

Andre Dirrell


The telecast will originate from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash. and is promoted by Gotham Boxing, Inc.

Kirilov, who is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, captured the IBF crown by winning a close unanimous decision against former U.S. Olympian Jose Navarro on Oct. 13, 2007. The scores were 116-112, 114-113 twice.

In his most recent outing in February, the Russian-born Kirilov wasn’t able to finish Cecilio Santos (22-8-3, 12 KOs) and had to settle for a draw. Although one judge scored the fight for Kirilov, 116-112; the other two scored it even at 114 each.

Darchinyan had an iron grip on the flyweight division, successfully defending his IBF title six times - five inside the distance. He eventually lost his 112-pound strap in a major upset to Filipino star Nonito Donaire. Darchinyan now aims to wreak havoc on the 115-pound, super flyweight division.

Kirilov-Darchinyan is a match up of varying styles. Kirilov, known for his tremendous speed and ability to outbox his competition, relies heavily on his quick hands. He loves to pepper his opponents with a precise left jab.

Darchinyan, a southpaw, is quite the opposite from his counterpart. Not nearly as polished and refined as Kirilov, Darchinyan employs an in-your-face game plan that has produced 23 knockout victories for the Armenian-born boxer. Darchinyan is often described as possessing bone-crushing power.

Dirrell, who has fought on the prospect-based series ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME, will attempt to prove he is no longer a prospect but a championship contender when he faces the undefeated Paschall in the co-feature.

In his last fight in May, Dirrell looked extraordinary against Anthony Hanshaw (21-2-1, 14 KOs), registering a fifth round TKO on ShoBox.

Despite a slow start, Dirrell came on strongly and with a left hand to the head sent Hanshaw to the canvas at the end of the fourth round near his opponent’s corner. Following a flurry of unanswered punches to Hanshaw’s head early in the fifth, referee Pat Russell stopped the contest at 1:13.

Dirrell, who won the bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games for the United States, is a tall, agile southpaw with solid power in both mitts.

In his 18 fight career, Paschall has scored several impressive unanimous decision victories against veteran boxers. The prospect is taking a tough test on August 2 against Dirrell. With only four knockouts to his credit, Paschall will have to rely on his boxing skills if he hopes to stay undefeated.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Steve Albert and Al Bernstein will call the action from ringside with Jim Gray reporting from ringside. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

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

2004 U.S. OLYMPIAN ANDRE DIRRELL TO TAKE ON ONCE-BEATEN ANTHONY HANSHAW ON SHOBOX

NEW YORK– In a match-up of top super middleweight prospects, undefeated 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell (14-0, 9 KOs) will take on once-beaten Anthony Hanshaw (21-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round showdown Friday, May 2, live on SHOWTIME (ShoBox: The New Generation, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Andre Dirrell


In the co-feature, the promising and once-beaten Antonio DeMarco (18-1-1, 13 KOs) will take on undefeated Juan Castaneda (12-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

The SHOWTIME event will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and originate from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.

Dirrell, who won the bronze medal at the Athens Olympic Games, will continue his recent step-up in opposition. The hard-hitting southpaw is coming off of a third-round TKO over Shannon Miller on Feb. 1, 2008.

According to Dirrell’s trainer and grandfather, Leon Lawson, the former Olympian and 24-year-old Flint, Mich., native is ready for the next step.

“Andre has looked good with everyone he steps in the ring with,” said Lawson, who also trains Andre’s brother and fellow undefeated super middleweight prospect, Anthony. “He has been sparring with the best, and I know he can fight with the best.”

In June 2007, Dirrell faced his toughest opponent to date when he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow prospect Curtis Stevens on national television. The fans and many at ringside voiced their displeasure at the lack of action throughout the contest.

“A lot of the fans know that wasn’t me, but people are going to criticize,” Dirrell said. “I can understand how everybody felt about the fight, but that wasn’t me that night. They will see a lot better performance from me this time.”

Dirrell has studied Hanshaw’s fights on tape in preparation for their upcoming bout.

“I am just going to keep Hanshaw on the outside and put my punches together,” Dirrell said. “I will come away with a good outcome and a really good, crowd-pleasing performance. Just look out for a new Andre.”

Currently training at the Police Athletic League Gym in Winter Haven, Fla., Dirrell praised his upcoming opponent.

“Hanshaw is a good fighter. I have known him since the amateurs, and remember that he won five or six Ohio State Fair championships. Nobody else had done that. He is going to be my toughest opponent yet. There is no doubt about it.”

Hanshaw, a once-beaten legitimate prospect of Warren, Ohio, has an impressive training regimen of his own. He has been training in Houston, Texas, with 2003 World Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer of the Year Ronnie Shields.

Despite the fact that his upcoming opponent won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, Hanshaw said that his resume is more impressive.

“Dirrell is up and coming, but he is going to be a little bit too small,” Hanshaw said. “I am going to be too strong for him, especially with me coming back down from light heavyweight to my natural weight.

“Dirrell is a runner, but I’m going to be right on him. He still fights like an amateur. After I slow him down with the body shots, I’ll knock him out in the sixth or seventh round.”

Under the tutelage of Shields, the 30-year-old Hanshaw is in good company. The former three-time light welterweight Golden Glove Champion has trained Mike Tyson, Vernon Forrest, Pernell Whitaker and Evander Holyfield.

“Shields and I have been working on what we are going to do, and I’m going to be right there in Dirrell’s face,” Hanshaw said. “It is going to be a hell of a fight. I am going to take him out of there.

“Being trained by a guy like Ronnie gives me extra motivation. Knowing that he was worked with some of the best fighters in history makes me push it even harder. He is a hell of a trainer.”

A good judge of talent, Shields knows that Hanshaw has the skills to move to the next level.

“Hanshaw has a lot of potential, he always has,” said the renowned trainer. “The thing is you have to bring it out of him. That’s what we are trying to do now.

“Of course I’m confident that he has the abilities to beat Dirrell. Andre moves a lot and is a sneaky counter puncher, but I think Hanshaw is the bigger stronger guy and he should be able to impose his will. Dirrell wants to move, but Hanshaw will make him exchange punches.”

The sole blemish on Hanshaw’s record is a decision loss to future Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr., on July 14, 2007. Hanshaw was impressive in the bout, which was fought at 175 pounds.

Shields knows that this is an important fight for Hanshaw, especially coming off of the loss to Jones, Jr.

“Dirrell is a good fighter and this is a big step up,” Shields said. “Outside of Roy Jones, this is the biggest fight of his career. Hanshaw is focused and ready to prove that he has what it takes to become a champion.”

Play-by-play announcer Nick Charles and expert analyst/boxing historian Steve Farhood will call the action from ringside. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young, talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. To date, 24 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox have advanced to garner world titles includes Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi and Paul Williams.

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