Omar Henry to Face Juan Ubaldo Cabrera In ShoBox: The New Generation Main Event On Nov. 16 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Omar Henry to Face Juan Ubaldo Cabrera In ShoBox: The New Generation Main Event On Nov. 16 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Henry Moves Up to Middleweight

Don King’s Omar “El Boricua” Henry (12-0-1, 9 KOs), from Oakland, Calif., will fight at 160 pounds when he faces World Boxing Association No. 15-ranked middleweight Juan Ubaldo Cabrera (20-0, 14 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a main event battle of unbeatens on ShoBox: The New Generation (live at 11 p.m. ET/PT, on SHOWTIME, delayed on the West Coast) set for Friday, Nov. 16 from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla. 

The four fighters appearing on SHOWTIME-televised doubleheader are currently undefeated.  In the co-featured main event, lightweight Angelo “La Cobra” Santana (13-0, 10 KOs), from Miami, will face Juan “Johnny” Garcia (13-0, 8 KOs), from Holland, Mich.  Both matches are scheduled for 10 rounds.

Henry, 25, has long been considered one of the top prospects in boxing.  A proud Puerto Rican, he compiled a stellar amateur record of 60-5.  The promising Henry is on the verge of realizing the greatness that so many have predicted for him. 

Cabrera defeated future pro world champion Jean Pascal and Yordenis Despigne in the amateurs and also participated in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic games representing the Dominican Republic.  Now 33 years of age with a perfect record, Cabrera will face the toughest challenge to date against the talented Henry.

In the co-feature, Santana and Garcia will both be risking their perfect records—both are 13-0—In the lightweight scrap.  

Santana was a two-time national champion in Cuba before defecting to Miami to follow his girlfriend, Anay, and dreams of winning a world championship.  Now married to her, Santana is closing in on his first world-title shot.  At 24, he has developed to the point where he has stopped his last six opponents in four rounds or less.  In his last appearance, Santana earned his best win against a quality opponent, world-class contender Justin Savi, who he dispatched with a third round technical knockout on June 23.

Garcia seeks to spoil Santana’s rags-to-riches story.  No stranger to facing undefeated prospects, Garcia defeated William Jackson (10-0-1) last year.  On March 23 he scored a shocking upset over highly touted Cuban Yordenis Ugas, who was 11-0 before they met.

Sunshine State Showdown is promoted by Don King Productions.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  A full undercard will be presented.  Henry vs. Cabrera and Santana vs. Garcia will be televised on ShoBox: The Next Generation live beginning at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME.

♔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.

HOOK TO THE LIVER By José Sulaimán;The conversion of the Baddest Man on Earth

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS

July 17, 2012 – Mexico City.

From the office of WBC President Dr. José Sulaimán:

The following is one of the weekly “Hook to the Liver” columns by WBC President Dr. José Sulaimán that are published in El Universal every Sunday. From July 15, translated from Spanish:

HOOK TO THE LIVER

By José Sulaimán

The conversion of the Baddest Man on Earth

A moment in our lives comes when fragrance, music, taste, old photos, make us remember times long gone, about beautiful places where you ate a certain food, danced with someone that you enjoyed. A smell that makes you remember long-gone loves, but which have gone away forever. The presence in Mexico of the boxing destroyer Mike Tyson took me to countless mementos that make me live again the thrills and emotions of past boxing

The opening press conference in Mexico City had as many cameras as I had seen in a long, long time. It brought me back to a long time ago day when my dear friend, the late Jim Jacobs, brought to me a video showing the future bomber, even more than Joe Louis, he said, with his 18 KOs in the first round of his first 18 fights. I was impressed, but recommended Jim to keep him fighting to really become what he said.

A few years later, Don King came as his new promoter and Jim's associate, to give him the opportunity to fight champion Trevor Berbick for the WBC heavyweight world title. Tyson became the youngest heavy weight champion of the world at 20 years of age.

A kid, an orphan, and in jail since he was 14, received a gift from God with the coming of Cus D'Amato as his trainer. D'Amato could not enjoy his boy becoming champion, as he passed away about a year before. That evening, Tyson went all over the hotel, casinos, lobbies, and more, wearing his WBC green and gold belt. The following day, with the style of Don King, Tyson was crowned, yes, he received a diamond crown that Muhammad Ali and I gave him, embarrassing for me, the red robe of a king. That night the poor child jumped from poverty to a first step to become one of the greatest of all time.

The day came when he set the highest income in sports by winning more than $30 million in only a little more than the one minute when he defeated Michael Spinks, who stayed on the canvas as long as the fight lasted. Some said that Mike did it out of his outrage caused by Butch Lewis, my late dear friend, for making him wrap his hands twice. It is impossible to ever forget that little piece of Evander Holyfield's ear, which fell to the canvas very close to where I was sitting, after two bites on the ear from Tyson. Nobody in the arena or on TV could explain what had happened. Tyson was desperate for the many head butts from Evander, without any action from the referee. Tyson showed that night what he always claimed: that he was the baddest man on earth.

During the last WBC convention in Las Vegas, I asked Evander to present Mike with his Lifetime Boxing Excellency Award, that he hesitantly presented, while those two boxing barbarians hugged amicably with esteem and mutual respect, an example of what boxing is. What would I give for politicians and promoters doing the same…

How can I forget the savage knockout of Larry Holmes, also one of the greatest ever. I was sad to see that, but it was the punishment that life gives to all those that don’t understand when their cycle of glory is gone. It also happened to Joe Louis, Ali, Ray Leonard, J.C. Chavez, and so many, many others, including Tyson himself.

Tyson, in his prime, married an artist who pushed him into decline, a real drama of someone born in a humble bed, reaching the skies and being dropped mercilessly by one he loved. The same happened when he was blatantly discriminated against by an all-white jury who sent him to jail for the accusation of sex abuse of a girl who went late at night to his room in a hotel — like, for an autograph?

He could not mentally accept the actions of his first wife, and later going to jail. The life of that extraordinary fighter who always had sold-out arenas, who provoked passion and excitement with the power of his fists, with the cheering of his race and the discrimination of others, fell all the way down in the deepest of vices and disgrace. It looked as if the great Mike Tyson was following the path of most fighters who are born in the humblest of beds: to reach glory, money, and beautiful women, then to fall after the lights of their career are off into poverty, hunger, pity, and only dreaming in nostalgia with tears of their times of glory.

But no, Mike Tyson flew from his ashes again into the world, after finding a gracious new wife who has led him away from the dirt to send him back to live in glory. A new Mike Tyson, representing still the greatness of his career in boxing, but now into the lives of those who get up from the canvas and continue their lives struggling for being good, and with success. I will leave the life of this man, whose life I lived very close to during all of his career with his ups and downs, as an example for the young of the world of how to struggle to leave the night behind and move into being someone to follow with his deeds of a good man, carrying with pride his life, like a diamond in boxing, to leave an indelible mark of his passing through life.

Mexico received him in victory with millions of flashes, the applause and admiration that he has always had from Mexicans. Mauricio and I took him to the airport with a feeling of being so proud of the man that once was the baddest man on earth, to one who today is a good human being with a history of glory.

Thank you for reading my thoughts.

♔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.

Former WBA Lightweight Champ Paulus Moses To Face Former World Champ Cassius Baloyi On July 28 In Windhoek, Namibia

Former World Boxing Association lightweight champion Paulus “The Hitman” Moses (28-2, 19 KOs) will face former IBF super featherweight champion Cassius “Mr. Shy Guy” Baloyi (37-6-1, 19 KOs), from Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 28 at the Ramatex Factory in Windhoek, Namibia.

Moses, who hails from Windhoek, took on World Boxing Organization lightweight champion Ricky Burns in his last outing on March 10. Moses gave a spirited performance in the Scotsman’s home country before losing by decision.

“I am a former world champion, so I know what it takes to win a title,” Moses said. “Baloyi is a former world champion, so it’s no different for him. I must win if I want to fight for a title again.

“My fans and I appreciate Baloyi for accepting the invitation to fight in my hometown. Baloyi and I will both come to fight, and may the best man win.”

“I also want to give special thanks to my promoter Don King and his staff. They believe in me, and I will prove I am worthy of another world title shot.”

Moses traveled to Japan in 2008 and defeated Yusuke Kobori to win the WBA lightweight crown. He lost the title in a showdown against then-WBA interim lightweight champion Miguel Acosta on May 29, 2010.

Moses subsequently responded with three consecutive wins—the first two over opponents from Argentina and both matches took place at the Windkhoek Country Club Resort in the capital city of Namibia. He scored a fourth-round technical knockout over Sergio Omar Priotti on Nov. 25, 2010, and he dispatched Miguel Lombardo with a first-round knockout in his last outing on March 19, 2011.

Prior to facing Burns, Moses won a unanimous decision over former Brazilian champion Sidney Siqueira at the Windhoek Country Club on Sept. 24, 2011.

Moses vs. Baloyi will be a co-featured attraction with the main event showcasing at WBO bantamweight elimination bout with No. 3-ranked Paulus Ambunda, from Namibia, taking on William Prado, from Brazil. The winner will also become WBO International bantamweight champion.

♔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.

Don King Congratulates Mexican President-Elect Enrique Pena Nieto The People’s Choice. The People’s Champion. And Don King’s Champion

American-Mexican promoter Don King sent congratulations today to Enrique Pena Nieto for winning Sunday’s election to become the new president of Mexico.

King met the 45-year-old president-elect last June while in Mexico and was greatly impressed.

“Pena Nieto is the people’s choice and the people’s champion in Mexico, and he has my heartfelt congratulations,” King said.

“In the words of Father Miguel Hidalgo, ‘Mexicanos, Viva Mexico!’ In the spirit of Hidalgo, Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata and Benito Juarez comes Enrique Pena Nieto, a tried and true representative of the Mexican people, a leader who loves and cares about the people he represents.

“When he takes office, I know there will be a rebirth of boxing in Mexico. Mexicans are fighters inside the ring and outside the ring, and I look for a bigger, better and brighter future for all Mexicans. Viva Enrique Pena Nieto! Viva Mexico!”

Pena Nieto will succeed Felipe Calderon as the 19^th Mexican president since the Mexican Revolution concluded in 1920. He had served as governor of the State of Mexico from 2005 through 2011.

♔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.

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

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

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

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

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

Williamson is looking forward to the challenge from Grano.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raw Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

♔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.

DON KING IN MONTREAL!‏

Don King arrived in Montreal this evening (June 12) to appear at a Wednesday press conference formally announcing his fighter, undefeated International Boxing Federation light heavyweight champion Tavoris "Thunder" Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), will face former World Boxing Council light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) on Aug. 11 in a highly anticipated showdown of two young fighters in their collective prime at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

King was greeted arriving in the Customs area of Montreal-Trudeau Airport by England's Merseyside Chesire Amateur Boxing Association team. They were arriving in advance of their match up against Canada's Montreal Select team on Friday and Sunday.

♔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.

‘Viva Don King II’ Boxing Card At Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino On Saturday, June 23 Don King-Promoted Event Features Heavyweights & Local Cub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

♔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.

Joey Hernandez, Bermane Stiverne Ready to Headline Casino Miami Jai-Alai Boxing Event In Miami On Saturday Night

Joey Hernandez, Bermane Stiverne
Ready to Headline
Casino Miami Jai-Alai
Boxing Event In Miami On Saturday Night; First Boxing Card At Historic Boxing Venue After $87-Million

Casino ExpansionDon King hosted the final press conference today before Saturday’s first boxing card at the new and improved Casino Miami Jai-Alai that will feature WBC United States super welterweight champion Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (20-1-1, 11 KOs) against Shakir “The Assassin” Ashanti (16-12, 4 KOs), from New Bern, S.C.

“It’s great to be fighting in my hometown on Saturday,” Hernandez said. “I grew up watching and attending fights here at Miami Jai-Alai. I was always a big fan of boxing and never more than here in Miami.”

Ashanti says he is up to the challenge against Hernandez.

“I’m a former Marine and war veteran, so I come to fight,” Ashanti said. “I was born in blood, pain and struggle. I am a warrior.”

An important heavyweight fight was added to the card with WBC No. 1-ranked contender Bermane “B-Ware” Stiverne (21-1-1, 20 KOs), from Miami, facing Willie Herring (13-10-3, 4 KOs), from Orlando.

“I have fought in Florida before but never in Miami,” said the WBC’s top-ranked heavyweight. “I grew up here and my brother played football at University of Miami. It’s really great to be having my friends and family come see me fight.”

Brazilian light heavyweight knockout artist Marcus “Happy” Oliveira (22-1-1, 22 KOs), from Sao Paulo, will face hard-punching spoiler Adam “Atom Bomb” Collins (11-5, 8 KOs), from Portsmouth, Ohio, while another light heavyweight, Azea “Haitian Hitman” Augustama (12-1, 7 KOs), from Miami, will take on 23-year-old Grover Young (6-6-1, 3 KOs), from Memphis, Tenn.

“I am happy to be fighting in the United States,” Oliveira said. “I am from Brazil and have fought there and in other places, but this is the best country in the world. South Florida has very large Brazilian population and they will all be out to support me.”

“I want to show that I am one of the best and I want to become a world champion.”

Augustama, like Stiverne, is a Haitian fighting out of Miami.

“My Haitian fans are looking forward to being here at Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday night to see me fight. I always come to fight and I’m excited after signing with Don King. I will impress him and my fans.”

Raw Fighter Quotes

Joey Hernandez (20-1-1, 11 KOs. Fighting Shakir Ashanti): It’s great to be fighting in my hometown on Saturday. I grew up watching and attending fights here at Miami Jai-Alai. I was always a big fan of boxing and never more than here in Miami.

I like to put on a good show. You can’t get up and get a drink of water when I fight because you never know what’s going to happen. I look forward to defeating Shakir Ashanti on Saturday and pleasing all my South Florida fans.”

Shakir Ashanti: (16-12, 4 KOs. Fighting Joey Hernandez): “I only know one way to approach anything I do. I work hard and give it all I’ve got. I’m a former Marine and war veteran, so I come to fight. I was born in blood, pain and struggle. I am a warrior.”

Bermane Stiverne: (21-1-1, 20 KOs. WBC No. 1 contender fighting Willie Herring): “I have fought in Florida before but never in Miami. I grew up here and my brother played football at University of Miami. It’s really great to be having my friends and family come see me fight. Many have never seen me fight in person. They will be an inspiration for a big win.

Marcus Oliveira: “I am happy to be fighting in the United States. I am from Brazil and have fought there and in other places, but this is the best country in the world. South Florida has very large Brazilian population and they will all be out to support me.

I want to show that I am one of the best and I want to become a world champion.”

Azea Augustama: “My Haitian fans are looking forward to being here at Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday night to see me fight. I always come to fight and I’m excited after signing with Don King. I will impress him and my fans.”

♔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.

Don King Boxing Card at Casino Miami Jai-Alai Featuring Miami’s Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez On Saturday, April 14

Don King Boxing Card at Casino Miami Jai-Alai Featuring Miami’s Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez
On Saturday, April 14

Part of Historic Miami Venue’s Grand Opening of $87-Million Expansion

Don King Productions will present the first boxing event at Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday, April 14 to celebrate completion of their $87-million expansion. The card will be headlined by local favorite and World Boxing Council United States super welterweight champion Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (20-1-1, 11 KOs) against Shakir “The Assassin” Ashanti (16-12, 4 KOs), from New Bern, S.C.

An international undercard with South Florida appeal will include Brazilian light heavyweight knockout artist Marcus “Happy” Oliveira (22-1-1, 22 KOs), from Sao Paulo, and Miami light heavyweight Azea “Haitian Hitman” Augustama (12-1, 7 KOs).

Reserved and general admission tickets priced from $10 to $75 are on sale now and can be purchased at or by calling toll free by phone at (866) 468-3399.

“I am very excited to be returning to Miami Jai-Alai with a great card to celebrate their expansion into full-fledged casino gaming,” promoter Don King said. “Dan Licciardi and everyone at Casino Miami Jai-Alai should be proud of their beautiful new multi-million dollar expansion.”

Miami Jai-Alai first opened in 1926 and has enjoyed a proud tradition in boxing since the 1960s. They earned the moniker “Mecca of Miami” in the sport after having staged numerous world championship matches—including events featured on both HBO and SHOWTIME. With construction complete, the venue now becomes Casino Miami Jai-Alai with new restaurants, bars and over 1,000 Las Vegas-style slot machines adjacent to the existing fronton where jai-alai continues to be presented live.

“Our official grand opening for the expansion will take place on Saturday,” Casino Miami Jai-Alai Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dan Liccardi said. “We thought April 14 would be a great time to treat our customers to another Don King boxing card. It’s an exciting time for us, and boxing has been a part of what we do for decades, so we added it to our celebration lineup.”
♔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.

WORLD RANKED CRUISERWEIGHT B.J. FLORES VERY EXCITED ABOUT POSSIBLE TITLE OPPORTUNITY AGAINST #1 RATED AFOLABI‏

World Boxing Organization (WBO) number three ranked Cruiserweight B.J. Flores is looking for a world title shot and may have just received it….with a catch.

Flores (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) was extended an offer by K2 Promotions to face number-ranked Ola Afolabi (18-2-3, 8 KO’s) on March 3^{rd (25 DAYS AWAY)} in Germany on the Wladimir Klitschko – Jean Marc Mormeck world Heavyweight title card.

Flores is ready and able to take on Afolabi but the timing seems to be a bit dubious.

“I want this fight badly and this is a GREAT opportunity for me to fight a big fight against a very good opponent. I look forward to facing you for the WBO interim world title!”

Flores is coming off his 3rd fight in the last 6 months, a very active schedule nowadays and wants at least 45 days, as the WBO rules state before this important fight is to take place.

“I want this fight!!!! I have been very active lately and ready for this type of challenge. But on twenty-six days notice? And having to go to GERMANY? This is a very serious fight for a very serious title and I demand my full 45 days of preparation, especially considering I just fought last Saturday. It’s only fair”

“I have worked very hard for this opportunity and combine that with a very very low 25,000 offer, it doesn’t seem like they really want this fight. This is a great chance for the Cruiserweight division to put on a great fight and they want to stick it on an undercard where no one will see it, for very low money with only 26 days notice and I would have to travel to Germany”, continued Flores

“I have just had three successful shows in Springfield, Missouri and with the cash streams we can generate, we could do the fight there and bring in a network TV station and both of us can not only make more money but it could re-energize the Cruiserweight division in the States. This fight deserves to be on TV and I deserve the regulated 45 day preparation time as I am the highest rated contender. Ola, I will pay you more money than you have offered me and we can definitely get American TV to cover this event. I demand the proper amount of time and I want everyone in America to see this fight as it is good for the division. Fighting on the undercard in Germany is with 25 days notice is not the right way to win a WORLD title”

“Have your promoter get in touch with Don King and we can set this up EASY!! I want this fight!"

♔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.