No Holds Barred: King Mo On His June 19 Bellator Fight

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Bellator MMA fighter "King" Mo Lawal (http://www.twitter.com/KingMoFH).

He will be returning to action Wednesday, June 19, in the semifinals of Bellator MMA's four-man light heavyweight tournament, facing MMA veteran Seth Petruzelli. This fight will headline this card, which takes place at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma, and will be televised live in the U.S. on Spike TV.

This will be the first fight for "King" Mo following his upset loss to Emanuel Newton on February 21, 2013, in the Bellator Season 8 light heavyweight tournament semifinals. In that fight, he lost by first-round KO after Newton landed a spinning backfist.

We spoke with "King" Mo Monday by phone about his June 19 fight and the lessons of his last fight.

In this interview, he admitted, "I got caught" by Newton's spinning backfist. And, he said, in preparing for the June 19 fight with Petruzelli, "I had to make some adjustments."

But he added, "I'm not going to change much," noting that his wrestling, grappling, sparring, boxing, and kickboxing are all "on point."

He already weighs 210, just five pounds over the MMA light heavyweight limit, and said, "I'm always in shape. I'm ready to go."

He also discussed his training with Olympic gold medalist wrestler and current Iowa State coach Kevin Jackson, and noted boxing trainer Jeff Mayweather, along with numerous active fighters. We also discussed the first-round TKO upset win in boxing this past Saturday by Adonis Stevenson over Chad Dawson to capture the WBC light heavyweight belt.

In addition, "King" Mo is signed to perform in the TNA pro wrestling organization, which also airs on Spike TV. We discussed his training for that, how it compares to the other training he is doing, and what real catch wrestling moves he is learning there. And we discussed Quinton "Rampage" Jackson also signing with both Bellator and TNA, the continuing turmoil in international wrestling and some of his experiences there, and more.

♔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.

Tony Bellew vs Isaac Chilemba WBC Silver light heavyweight title

Tony Bellew vs Isaac Chilemba: Tony Bellew's rematch with Malawian pugilist Isaac Chilemba will be held on May 25 at the O2 Arena on the undercard of Carl Froch's  vs. Mikkel Kessler's world title unification fight. The O2 Arena in London, England will host the rematch between light heavyweights. Tony Bellew (19-1-1, 12 KO's) and challenger Isaac Chilemba are scheduled to open up the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast. 

(Photo of Jay Mwamba and Isaac Chilemba (r) By Keisha Morrisey)

♔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.

Surging Lightweight Boxer Bahodir ‘Baha’ Mamadjonov Signs with Promoter Don King

(Photo of Don ing by; Keisha Morrisey)

Emerging lightweight boxer Bahodir “Baha” Mamadjonov traveled to Don King’s office in South Florida today to sign a long-term promotional agreement with the legendary promoter.  

A heralded amateur with over 200 fights, Mamadjonov won several championships fighting out of his native Uzbekistan before moving to Houston two years ago to turn professional under the guidance of trainer Ken Richardson.  He has fought often and risen rapidly as evidenced by his record: 13-1 with nine knockouts.

“Signing with Don King brings me closer to my goal of winning a world championship,” Mamadjonov said.  “That is what drives me every day.  I want to win a world title for my family and the people of Uzbekistan who always believed in me.”

Key to Mamadjonov’s success has been a fearlessness and work ethic that has allowed the 25-year-old to take fights on short notice that less industrious fighters would have missed.  His trainer said some have gone as far as criticizing him for moving his fighter along too fast.

“My belief is that if a boxer is prepared and stays in training year-round, he can and should be ready to fight at all times,” Richardson said.  “Baha is passionate about the sport and wants to fight as often as he can.”

Mamadjonov’s rapid rise began when his first six fights took place in less than six months.  That was in 2011. He fought six more times in 2012.  

Richardson further tempted fate by accepting four key fights for Mamadjonov in the last 16 months on notice varying from two weeks down to three days.

Archie Ray Marquez was 12-1 before facing Mamadjonov on Nov. 10, 2011, and Michael Clark was 42-6 going in against the Uzbeki on March 1, 2012.  Mamadjonov won both fights by decision, serving notice he would be a force to be reckoned with. 

Undefeated Darley Perez was to have met Michael Katsidis last August, but Katsidis pulled out two weeks before the fight with a knee injury.  Mamadjonov took the fight and dominated until round five when an accidental clash of heads resulted in blurred vision in his left eye.  

After suffering a flash knockdown in round eight, Mamadjonov still almost won the fight, which went to Perez by split decision after 10 rounds.

Another undefeated and touted lightweight, Angelo Santana, lost his opponent on April 12 just one week before the match. Mamadjonov willingly accepted the challenge and made the most of the opportunity. 

After suffering a flash knockdown from a Santana jab in round 2, Mamadjonov took control of the fight. After six rounds, the three judges had the fight scored even at 66 apiece.  

In a pivotal round eight, Mamadjonov battered Santana unmercifully along the ropes before he crumbled to the mat.  The Cuban made it to round nine, but Mamadjonov floored him twice more before the referee halted the contest.

“I hit Santana with a body shot in the seventh round and I heard him groan so I tried to stop him,” Mamadjonov said.  “In the eighth round, I said to myself, ‘Baha, you must stop him now.’  

“Don’t forget, I took the fight on short notice and had to lose a lot of weight quickly.  There was no time for me to waste.”

Promoter Don King loves what he has seen from his newest fighter.

“I am extremely pleased and proud to have Baha with me,” King said.  “I expect great things from this young man because he’s dedicated and committed to becoming a world champion.  He took the fight with Santana on almost no notice and stopped a great lightweight.

“Baha reveres industrialist Alisher Usmanov from his native Uzbekistan and he wants to bring a world title back home for him and the people of Uzbekistan.”

Mamadjonov risked everything to come to the United States to pursue his dream of winning a world title.

“When you see me fight ferociously it’s because I want to achieve great things,” Mamadjonov said.  “I want a world title more than anything I have ever dreamed of in my life.”

Mamadjonov is proud to be represented by King.

“Don King is a superstar in my country,” Mamadjonov said.  “Just the fact I was meeting with him in his office today was news in Uzbekistan.  I can’t wait to tell everyone back home he is now my promoter.

Trainer-manager Richardson echoed the feelings of his fighter.

“Don always took my calls when I was looking for a promoter,” Richardson said, “and I never forget that.  When fate brought us together for the Santana fight, I was reminded that Don is a world promoter.  I’ve always said that if you are or want to be a world champion boxer, Don King is the guy you want to be with.” (photo of Don King by Keisha Morrisey )

♔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.

Classic Women Warriors Boxing Management:

Laila Ali joins with Classic Women Warriors Boxing and Bad Girls Boxing in support of the Women Boxers of Kampala Project.
Retired World Champion Boxer and Elite Athlete Laila Ali (24-0 21 KO) has offered a donation and support to assist the Women Boxers of Kampala Project.
“I have seen the video’s and read the reported stories on the plight of the female boxers in Kampala, Uganda. Although I am aware that people are living in poverty in many countries including the United States, I am moved by the drive and determination these women possess to rise above their circumstances. They have set goals for themselves that others would think are impossible. Even though they lack adequate equipment and are literally training in the mud, they show up day after day, staying committed to their dream of competing in the Olympics. I know the amount of hard work, determination and preparation it takes to participate in the sport of boxing. To attempt it with literally no tools or support is difficult to imagine! These women truly inspire me!
I applaud Mary McGee for her unselfish gesture in giving a portion of her fight purse in support this group of less fortunate female athletes. Mary has shown that she is not only a role-model who is willing to help others along the way, but is also a young woman of good character and humility. For this, I am proud and inspired by her as well!
I have known Lori Steinhorst for nearly 14 years. Therefore, I understand her mission and passion for the sport of boxing. Beyond that, we share a passion for our communities, the health and well being of children and the nurturing of the human spirit. Through this project, the women of Kampala will be empowered and they in turn, will touch the lives of the women in their communities.
Lori Steinhorst, President of both Classic Women Warriors and Bad Girls Boxing said “I am deeply touched by Laila’s decision to help us with this project. I know that she has a very busy schedule, a family and plenty of other commitments that require her attention. That she wanted to be a part of this project tells me that she recognizes its value and we are grateful for that. Laila Ali is the type of athlete and role model these women need in their corner. I know that the Women Boxers of Kampala will be thrilled to receive this news!”
Eddie Montalvo, Vice President at Classic Women Warriors stated “We are so honored by Laila Ali’s commitment to the Women Boxers of Kampala. I know that is something they will come to treasure for the rest of their lives.”


♔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.