2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada plans to upset No. 1 rated Alexander Povetkin April 4 in Dusseldorf, Germany

PROVIDENCE– 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada held an open media workout today at his ”Big Six Academy” in Providence before he departs Sunday for Germany to fight Alexander Povetkin, 2004 Olympic gold medalist and the IBF’s No. 1 contender, April 4 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

(Picture by Emily Harney)


Estrada (15-1, 3 KOs) and Povetkin (16-0, 12 KOs) nearly fought several times as amateurs but it never materialized, due to their contrasting schedules, until now as professionals. Povetkin, who has a mandated title shot this fall against IBF heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko, signed to fight Estrada because, according to reports from his camp, he wants a test not a tune-up.

“Training has gone well and my body is good,” Estrada said today. “I’m going over there to whoop his butt. He’s going to be out of his league. He’s not used to fighting somebody like me. This isn’t going to be cute; it’s going to be a real fight. The only real fight he’s been in was against Eddie Chambers (WDEC12). I thought he (Povetkin) lost but they gave it to him. He’d throw five slaps but only two would be what I call clean. I’m a lot more aggressive and mean than Eddie Chambers.”

Providence-native Estrada was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition. He was the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row.

For more information about Estrada go to his promoter’s (Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.) web site at www.cesboxing.com.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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U.S. Olympians J. Estrada & D. Andrade featured on “Holiday Havoc” Nov. 29 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE– Rhode Island’s only representatives ever on the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, Jason “Big Six” Estrada (2004) and Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (2008), will be showcased November 29 on “Holiday Havoc” at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade, CES president Jimmy Burchfield, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason "Big Six" Estrada. (Photo by Emily Harney)

“Holiday Havoc” is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River and CN8, The Comcast Network as well as (for Andrade’s fight) Banner Promotions and Star Boxing.

The show will be taped live and air Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network in New England and the Baltimore/Washington D.C. market, as well as on Cox Sports Television at a date and time to be determined.

“I’m inviting all of our fans, friends and family to celebrate our big pre-holiday show, the last CES card of 2008, at Twin River on November 29th,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “What better way of ending the year than by watching our two Olympians in action? Rhode Island didn’t have an U.S. Olympic boxer until Jason in 2004 and now he and this year’s Olympian, ‘Boo Boo,’ are fighting on this great card. We have a lot of other talented fighters in five entertaining bouts on the undercard. In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, we’re working with the U.S. Marines ‘Toys For Tots’ program, and are encouraging everyone to bring a toy to the show for less fortunate children.”

Estrada and Andrade are two of the most decorated U.S. amateur boxers of all-time. Estrada was 261-14 in U.S. competition and the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row, in addition to a gold medal in the 2003 Pan-Am Games.

Andrade, who was a 2-time U.S. Nationals and National Golden Gloves champion, captured a gold medal in the 2008 AIBA World Championships.

Ever-improving heavyweight prospect Estrada (14-1, 3 KOs), now rated No. 7 in the NABF, takes on Cuban warrior Elieser Castillo (30-6-2, 17 KOs) in the 8-round main event. Castillo has already beaten one U.S. Olympian, 1996 captain Lawrence Clay Bey (KO9), for the NABF Interim title that Elieser was later awarded outright.

Andrade (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut this past October, stopping Patrick Cape (4-2) in the second round of their fight in the state of Washington. “Boo Boo” will make his hometown pro debut Nov. 29 in a Special Super Welterweight Attraction on “Holiday Havoc.”

Former USBA champion Jason Pires, now a police officer in his hometown of New Bedford (MA), makes a comeback after being out of the ring for more than five years in a 6-round welterweight bout versus Joshua Onyango (14-16-1, 11 KOs), former Commonwealth title holder.

Providence super middleweight Bobo “The Bull” Starnino and “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2-1, 5 KOs), of Lowell (MA), square-off in a 6-round rematch of a draw the two fought last August.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts is unbeaten Pawtucket (RI) lightweight Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (9-0, 4 KOs) against 37-fight veteran Jose Angel “Lucky” Roman; Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (1-0) fights Eric Clinton (0-4-1), Providence junior lightweight Omar Pena (0-0-1) meets Lindberg Freeman (0-1); Lowell junior welterweight Sean Eklund (6-2, 1 KO) makes his CES debut with his uncle in his corner as head trainer, “Irish” Micky Ward.

Tickets for “Holiday Havoc” are priced at $19.00, $40.00, $55.00 (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Tickets are also on sale at Big Six Academy in Providence (401.241.3490), 401 Gym in Cranston, RI (401.261.9800), Ultimate Fitness in Bristol, RI (401.253.3539), Rivera Brother’s Gym in Lynn, MA (617.594.1166) and GQ Barbersalon in N. Providence (401.228.3380), Warwick, RI (401.823.0060) and Coventry, RI (401.615.5455).

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Holiday Havoc.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

Press Conference Quotes

Jason Estrada: “This is my fifth fight at Twin River. I was on the first show there and I’ve fought there more than anybody. It’s becoming a nice trend. On the 29th, I was supposed to fight Derek Bryant, a slick southpaw, but he got cold feet and pulled out for the second time. I don’t understand it…..no pride. I’ve never turned down an opponent because I don’t think anybody can beat me. I’m flashy and confident. I retire them (opponents). After they fight me there’s nothing more. I’m going to show everybody what I can do on the 29th. Afterwards we’re going to announce a nice surprise that will shock everybody.”

Demetrius Andrade: “I really didn’t want to go to California; I want to whip some ass here. I’m glad my promoters worked it out with Jimmy (Burchfield). I’m glad about fighting at home. It’s a good card.”

Jason Pires: “I’m very excited to be coming back November 29th and doing it again. I took time off to get on the police force and I love protecting people. There’s a lot of talent on this card and I’m thankful to be on it. Training has been good. Twin River is a great place to fight.”

Joey McCreedy: “This fight speaks for itself. I fought Bobo – it was the Fight of the Night – and I have a lot of respect for him. I’m going to leave everything in the ring November 29th.”

Keith Kozlin: “I’m real excited to fight at Twin River on this card. It’s going to be a great night of fighting. I feel real strong. I want to get into the ring and start fighting.”

Omar Pena: “There are a lot of good fighters on this card. I had a rough start in my first fight, some little changes from coming up from the amateurs. I definitely going to make my Rhode Island fans happy and I want my fellow Dominicans waving flags.”

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

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

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

RESULTS FROM PROVIDENCE “TOUGH & TESTED” Thursday, November 13, 2008; POST FIGHT QUOTES

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS: Jaidon Codrington (19-2, 15 KOs), Queens, NY WTKO8 (2:57) William Gill (8-21, 7 KOs), Toms River, NJ. SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS: Sakio Bika (27-3-2, 17 KOs), Sydney, Australia WTKO3 (1:53) Peter Manfredo, Jr. (31-6, 16 KOs), Providence, RI (Bika wins IBO Title). LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHTS: Grady Brewer (24-11, 13 KOs), Lawton, OK WDEC10 (94-91, 93-92, 90-95) Cornelius Bundrage (28-4, 16 KOs), Detroit, MI (Brewer wins IBO Title Eliminator). LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS: Jesus Caro (3-0, 3 KOs) WKO2 (3:00) Jose Velazquez (1-6, 1 KO), Worcester, MA; Diego Periera (2-0, 2 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO1 (1:43) Jerry Pressley (0-1), Rock Hill, SC. FEATHERWEIGHTS: Matt Remillard (16-0, 8 KOs), Manchester, CT WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 59-55) Mauricio Pastrana (34-10-2, 22 KOs), Miami, FL. SUPER FLYWEIGHTS: Isander Beauchamp (5-0-1, 2 KOs) 4DRAW Ernie Marquez (7-5-1, 3 KOs), Fort Morgan, CO.

Promoted by the Tournament of Contenders in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES)

Matchmakers: Mike Marchionte & Ted Panagiotis

POST FIGHT QUOTES

Sakio Bika: “I feel very happy. Thank God I got this opportunity to fight for the IBO world super middleweight title. This was for my wife and two children back home. This belt will be an early Christmas present for them. Next year is going to be good for me. Next, I want Bernard Hopkins.”

Sakio Bika; photo Emily Harney


Peter Manfredo, Jr.: “He’s so strong. He throws wide but everything he throws is strong. I tried to roll and catch him in between but I couldn’t. I’m okay. I’m going to enjoy Christmas with my family. I have a lot of talent and I’m only 27. I’m have to think about what I’m going to do.

Grady Brewer: “He’s a tough guy. I wasn’t able to hit him with shots that I should have. I respect his power. I fought his fight, kind of wild, but I got the win.”

Matt Remillard: “I felt great. I showed off more of my boxing skills. That kid’s dangerous. He’s strong, experienced and tried to suck me in with the right. I kept my composure.”

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

Manfredo & Bika media workout pictures‏

"The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo, Jr. (with his father/head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr.) and Sakio "The Scorpion" Bika at today's open media workout at Manfredo's Gym in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. (Pictures by Emily Harney)


Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), runner-up in The Contender I, fights The Contender III winner Bika (26-3-2. 16 KOs) in "Tough & Tested," Thursday night in the 12-round main event for the vacant IBO super middleweight title on Versus television live from the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence (RI).

Tickets, ranging from $18.00 to $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com.

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

Special Manfredo picture; "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo, Jr. and his No. 1 fan, Cameron Wheeler‏

(Photo by Emily Harney)

Peter Manfredo, Jr.(L) helps 12-year-old Cameron Wheeler, of Johnston, RI, put on boxing gloves for the first time this afternoon at Manfredo's Gym in Pawtucket, RI. Wheeler, the cousin of Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Dan Wheeler, suffers from a rare brain tumor that doctors have tried to remove three times.


Cameron will be attending his first boxing show on Thurday night at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, "Tough & Tested," featuring Manfredo, runner-up in The Contender I, versus The Contender III winner Sakio Bika for the vacant IBO super middleweight championship. Cameronr was very confident about the outcome of the fight saying, "I KNOW Peter will win this one." Go to www.cesboxing.com for more about "Tough & Tested."

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

DUDDY-HOWE WEIGHTS FROM BOSTON‏

“HASSLE IN THE CASTLE”
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The Castle, Boston, MA

WEIGHTS FROM BOSTON

JOHN DUDDY 158 ½ LBS.
CHARLIE HOWE 160 LBS.

DONNY ORR 162 LBS.
ROBERTO VALENZUELA TOMORROW

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ 162 LBS.
HECTOR HERNANDEZ 161 ½ LBS.

MARK CLANCY 191 LBS.
SALAH ZABIAN TOMORROW

BRODERICK ANTOINE 141 LBS.
ANTONY ACCARDI 140 LBS.


Promoter: Irish Ropes Promotions
Matchmaker: Jim Borzell
Tickets: Limited $50.00 $75.00 and $100.00 at door
Information: www.irishropes.com
Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout 7 PM/ET.

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

James McGirt, Jr.; regroups after 1st loss, moving back to middleweight

VERO BEACH, Florida– There’s nothing more devastating in boxing that than a hot prospect’s first pro loss, especially for someone such as James McGirt, Jr. (18-1, 9 KOs), whose last name alone makes opponents perform better. McGirt suffered his first set-back April 11 when another son of a former world champion, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (20-2-2, 12 KOs), stopped James in the seventh round of their ShoBox co-feature.

Photo courtesy of Emily Harney


DeLeon was floored by McGirt at the end of the sixth round, but he got to his feet just before the bell sounded. “When I dropped him, instead of listening to my father (head trainer “Buddy” McGirt), I got careless,” James explained. “I had him but dropped my right hand and got caught. My legs were a little wobbly, but I was more embarrassed than anything having been knocked down for the first time in my career. I thought that I could deal with it but got hit with an uppercut. I tried to wait it out, hoping he’d gotten tired punching, but I wasn’t punching back and the ref stopped the fight.

Buddy Mc Girt



“The hardest thing in the world is to take your first loss. I still know that I’m going to be a world champion someday. This is part of the learning experience. No excuses. I should have listened and boxed. It’s a hard pill to shallow. I want a rematch, but I know it won’t happen right away. I won’t be able to sleep at night unless I fight him one more time.”

McGirt’s father, 2-time world champion “Buddy,” suffered his first pro loss in his 30th fight, as the No. 1 contender in the world, to Frankie Warren by 10-round decision. “I warned James last year that he was dropping his right hand too much,” Buddy noted. “You can’t take anything for granted. Once he knocked the other guy down, James thought that he had him, but he got caught by that left hook. It’s a great learning experience. I was talking to Roy Jones. He said at least it happened now or he would have kept doing it and now he’ll listen. James can’t have a flamboyant, relaxed attitude like he did in basketball. On the court he could be nonchalant, flashy, but you can’t do that in the ring. They’re always trying to beat Buddy McGirt’s son and Buddy McGirt. In a way I’m glad it happened. It’s going to be a good learning experience for James. I told him he should thank DeLeon for the wake-up call because he got lazy.

“Sure, it’s a hard pill to swallow. I saw the punch hit him and I can still visualize it like a picture in my mind. That night, James became a man, and not just in the ring. Taking nothing away from DeLeon, James had the fight and should have won. Now he has to put it behind him and move forward. After a first loss, you either become a better fighter, or get out of the game. James’ eyes were opened. You can’t do what he did in basketball, not in this business, and now he understands. What he does from here on will determine what he is in boxing.”

McGirt may have been more comfortable making weight and fighting as a super middleweight, but the plan is for him to slowly move back to the middleweight division. “His opponents at super middleweight are too big,” McGirt’s manager Dennis Witherow explained. “I talked with Buddy after the fight and we agree that James needs to fight as a middleweight. They weighed-in the same weight but, in the fight, the difference in their weight made a big difference. He’ll fight at 162-163 in his next fight, hopefully in July. We’re going forward, not looking backwards. The loss is part of the learning process, a bump in the road. He got caught and that’s just part of the game.”

Buddy added, “The last two days (prior to the fight) James just shadow-boxed. He didn’t run or train, ate right before the weigh in, and came in at 166. He won’t have a problem making 163. We saw how small James (166-167 lbs. in the fight) was in comparison to DeLeon (between 180-185 lbs) and even (Jason) Naugler. James will be fighting as a middleweight.”

-JM-

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
©®™ 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

Unbeaten Super middleweight James McGirt, Jr.'s fight Friday night against Carlos DeLeon, Jr. on ShoBox, in battle between sons of former world champs

VERO BEACH, Florida– The marketing of unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) spikes Friday night when the son of former world champion James “Buddy” McGirt fights in his first scheduled 10-round bout against the offspring another ex-world title holder, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature on ShoBox, airing live from Miccosukee Resort in Miami.

Photo:credit Emily Harney


“I had an excellent training camp, about two months long, and I’m ready to go,” James said. “All of the hard work has been done. My dad (and head trainer) watched tapes of DeLeon. He’s told me what to do and what to watch out for. That’s the way we always do it. Nobody breaks down tapes and analyzes opponents better than my father. I don’t watch tapes; I just do what he teaches me. Working with Glen Johnson has been great for me. He brings a lot of experience to the table and a lot of pressure. I really liked the work.”

The fathers of McGirt and DeLeon were world champions at the same time in 1988. McGirt, Sr., who had a 73-6-1 (48 KOs) record as a pro, was a 2-time world champion in two weight classes (IBF light welterweight 1988, WBC welterweight 1991-93). Carlos “Sugar” DeLeon, Sr., 52-8-1 (32 KOs) as a pro, was a 4-time WBC cruiserweight champion (1980-82, 1983-85, 1986-88, 1989).

“Training has been good, no complaints,” Buddy McGirt remarked. “The best part was working with Glen Johnson. No matter who we fight, they can’t put pressure on like Glen Johnson. They offered to pay James to spar with Glen, but we did it for the experience. DeLeon is a good fighter. His specialty is a double left hook. The key is to nullify it.

“James’ strength and conditioning program has helped him a great deal. You can see the difference in his body, especially his legs. Plus, he’s maturing. I’ve put him in the gym with the best to test him, and James has gained a lot of valuable experience that way.”

McGirt, rated No. 26 by the WBC, is a southpaw originally from Brentwood, New York, now living and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida. DeLeon, rated No. 29 by the WBC, is the reigning USNBC champion from Puerto Rico.

“Friday night is where we wanted to be (ShoBox in first 10-round fight),” McGirt’s manager Dennis Witherow explained. “We did this like a business plan with long range plans. We knew that it was going to take time to get there. A win in this fight will be a big leap towards where we want to get. Ideally, we’ll get a look at a top 15 or bigger name opponent. One different thing about James now is that outside of the ring he understands boxing is a business. He’s not a trash talker like other guys, preferring to let his hands do the talking, but he realizes he has to market himself. He’s been talking to kids in school, attending charity events, and he’ll be doing more things he really enjoys like that.

“James is proud of who he is. He is a true student of the art of boxing. He’s been educated in boxing his entire life. Not only has he learned how to be a good boxer, he knows when to box and throw certain punches, not just throwing ‘em at random. His strength is going to be the biggest surprise. His conditioning has always been great, but the conditioning and weights program he’s been on has made a huge difference.”

Part of McGirt’s marketing campaign includes a mission statement to become the first family in boxing to feature father-son world champions with the former working his natural son’s corner as head trainer when the latter captures a major world title. The McGirts want to make boxing history together and the next chapter starts Friday night on ShoBox.