Curtain goes up for “Rage At The River” Joey “KO Kid” Spina headlines May 22nd show at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE – The beginning of a new Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) professional boxing series kicks-off May 22nd as world rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina headlines “Rage At The River” at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“Rage At The River,” presented by CES in association with Twin River, launches a New England-based series at Twin River and Memorial Hall in Plymouth. Rehearsals were held earlier this year at both venues and the series goes into full swing May 22 in Lincoln and June 12 in Plymouth.

“This series will include some fighters positioning themselves for title fights and also provide valuable exposure for some of the best young talent in New England,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield explained. “What we are providing, though, is an evening of entertainment, not just competitive pro boxing, with singing, dancing and much more.”

Spina (24-1-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Providence, is rated No. 12 in the WBA, as well as No. 13 by the WBC and WBO. He takes on veteran Tiwon Taylor (26-14-1, 19 KOs), former Carolina Boxing Association title-holder, who has been in against world champions Adrian Diaconu, Fabrice Tiozzo and Lou Del Valle, in the 8-round main event. “Joey Spina is one of the most exciting and hardest-hitting fighters in the world,” Burchfield noted. “He’s like Rocky Marciano in the sense he can be losing after six rounds and suddenly put his opponent to sleep with a single punch.”

Young middleweight James McGirt, Jr. 19-2-1, 9 KOs), from Vero Beach (FL), makes his CES debut in the 6-round co-feature against an opponent to be determined.. McGirt is trained by his father, former 2-time world champion and Trainer of the Year, James “Buddy” McGirt.

Also on the card in separate 6-round bouts are EBA super middleweight champion “Irish” Joe McCreedy (10-2-1, 5 KOs) against Victor Paz (9-7-1, 1 KO) and world featherweight title challenger Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (9-1, 4 KOs) versus TBA.

Supporting the show in 4-round matches are cruiserweight Jay Holland (1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, lightweight Sean Eklund (6-3, 1 KO) – trained by his uncle, “Irish” Micky Ward – vs. Jose Guzman (3-4-1), light welterweight Diego Periera (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Pablo Tejada (2-9-1, 0 KOs) and Omar Pena (1-0-1, 0 KOs), managed by former EBU lightweight champ Gary “Tiger” Balletto, vs. Ramon Santos (0-1). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

“We’re very excited about James McGirt, Jr. making his CES debut,” Burchfield commented. “Everybody involved with or part of Team CES is looking forward to watching James showcase his world-class talent and reload en route to a world title shot. McCreedy has proven he’s a straight- forward fighter that fans love to see in action. He wants to step-up his career and we’re going to give him that opportunity. Sandy is called, ‘Lil’ Tyson,’ because she looks up to and fights like Mike used to. I think she’s like a female Vinny Paz; she may get bloody but Sandy keeps punching. Sandy’s an exciting, marketable fighter who is risking a world title shot (WIBA) lined-up for her later this year in Bosnia. Sean Eklund lost his last fight but most people felt that he really won that fight. I don’t know what his uncle (Micky Ward) has been doing with him, but he showed tremendous improvement and looked the best we’ve seen in his last fight. Jay Holland has trouble finding sparring partners because he’s so tough. He also has a great following. Diego and Omar are two bright prospects from Rhode Island who both have a lot of upside.”

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PHILADELPHIA'S DEMETRIUS HOPKINS STEPS IN TO FACE KENDALL HOLT FOR WBO Jr. WELTER TITLE

NEW YORK– Undefeated junior welterweight challenger Demetrius Hopkins (28-0-1, 11 KOs) will step in to face WBO 140-pound champion Kendall Holt (24-2, 13 KOs) in the main event of Saturday's special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, live from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, (SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Holt was originally slated to face former 140-pound champ Ricardo Torres in a rubber-match, but Torres withdrew from the fight on Monday.

"Torres really wanted to fight but he was ill during camp, missed some training and was not in the condition he needed to be in for a war like this," said Bruce Trampler, chief matchmaker for Top Rank.

Now, Holt will have his hands full with the undefeated Hopkins, the nephew of former middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins. The 28-year-old Hopkins is in peak condition as he was originally scheduled to fight Germaine Sanders on the undercard of Saturday's bout. When he learned Torres pulled out, he jumped at the opportunity to fight for his first world title.

According to manager Cameron Dunkin, Hopkins, upon accepting the fight, went immediately into an intense, all-day training session and was unavailable for comment.

Dunkin said, "Demetrius had been training hard for his fight with Germaine, and he has redoubled his efforts. He knows he needs to lose three more pounds but he will be on weight by Wednesday. He has completely devoted himself to being ready for this fight.

"This is a fight that he has wanted for a long time," the manager continued. "His first world title fight; we have wanted this for a long time. I am excited and proud that he will get the chance on Saturday. This is what we've been waiting for."

A top contender at 140-pounds, Hopkins holds key victories over Steve Forbes, Ernesto Zepeda and Jesse Feliciano. With Hopkins hailing from Philadelphia, and Holt from Paterson, N.J., it is essentially a home-game for both fighters.

Remaining tickets are on sale for the event, which is promoted by Top Rank, Inc., for Boardwalk Hall in. Tickets at $200, $100 and $50 are available on www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-736-1420, or at any Ticketmaster outlet nationwide.

Nick Charles will call the action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst and Al Bernstein as ringside reporter. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. ShoBox recently celebrated seven outstanding years on the air.

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

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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

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

©®™ 2007, 2008 All 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

MARTINEZ, PROA READY FOR NOV. 14 SHOWDOWN AT PHILLY’S NEW ALHAMBRA

Philadelphia, PA—Super flyweight Raul “The Cobra” Martinez, of San Antonio, TX, who did everything as an amateur except make the 2004 United States Olympic Team, goes against amateur standout, hard-hitting Victor Proa, of Monterrey, Mexico, over 10 rounds Friday evening, Nov. 14, at the New Alhambra, Swanson & Ritner Streets. First fight is 7.15 p.m.
Telefutura/Univision will telecast the fight on its popular Solo Boxeo series, beginning at 8 p.m (EST).
Martinez, 25, is ranked among the Top 10 super flyweights in the world by every alphabet group on the planet. He is 23-0, 13 K0s.
“In the amateurs, Raul made a believer out of everybody,” said manager Lou Mesorana. “Out of the whole American team that was preparing to go to the (2004) Olympics, he was, without a doubt, one of the best pro prospects.”
Unfortunately, Martinez lost two hairline decisions in three bouts at the US Olympic Trials and that cost him a spot on the team.
“My dad, Ramiro, used to box in his day,” said Martinez, “but his main sport was soccer—he played for the Monterrey Rayodos, a professional team. He boxed as a professional, but he didn’t have too many fights, close to 10.
“Ever since I was about 5 years old, my dad always had a punching bag hanging outside in the yard. I remember as a kid I would put on the gloves and just hit it, saying, ‘I’m going to be a boxer one day.’ But I was always into other sports until I was 15. My first sport was baseball, and then I played soccer. Then I played basketball, football. I played golf in high school. I was on the swim team.
“When I was 15, I told my dad I wanted to become a boxer. My dad didn’t believe me because I would always say it. He would say, ‘Go outside and hit the bag.’ I would do it every day and he started to realize that maybe I would stick to it for a little while. So he started training me, teaching me my jab and the basic punches. After six months, he took me to a gym and my career went on from there.”
After a 70-20-1 amateur career, which included two US National Titles at 112 pounds, Martinez turned pro in 2004 and he has kept the winning tradition.
In his last fight July 25 in Friant, CA, Martinez earned a unanimous 12-round decision over former World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Isidro Garcia, of Los Angeles, CA.
“The main change I made as a pro is sitting down on my punches,” Martinez said. “I remember when I first came to (trainer) Fernando Castrejon. He would put me to spar with these guys. They were pros—they were more patient, picking their shots. I was just throwing so many punches on these guys, moving around on them, they can’t touch me. But by the fifth or sixth round, I’m tired and then they start hitting me.”
“So he (Castrejon) started working on me sitting down on my punches and my power and being more patient. So I mixed my speed with my power and that’s where I improved. I’ve gotten a lot more experience now after four years as a pro, going 10 rounds, 12 rounds. It’s pretty much changed my whole style—more patience, more power.”
Martinez will need his entire arsenal against Proa, who is 26-0-2, 19 K0s.
Proa, 23, has been a pro less than three years.
In his last fight Sept. 25 in Monterrey, Mexico, Proa scored a 10-round decision over Arturo Estrada, of Tampico, Mexico. Proa had K0d Estrada in seven rounds seven months earlier.
“Victor (Proa) was born in Monterrey,” said manager Fernando Dominguez. “He comes from a poor family. He worked hard to support his family. He used to wash windows and things like that. His father passed away about a year ago. He had maybe 100 amateur fights
“Proa’s style is real aggressive. He’s got a lot of power and he’s smart. He’s been training for almost four months, including the second fight with Estrada.
“I’ve been working with Victor for almost three years. He trains in Monterrey at the Los Panchos Gym. They got a lot of boxers in the gym, good fighters, and he gets a lot of good sparring. I think it’s going to be a good fight. Victor is in great shape. He’s ready.”
The winner figures to be in line for a shot at a world title in 2009.
Seven additional fights complete the card, which is being promoted by Top Rank, Inc., Peltz Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions.
Tickets priced at $65, $55, $40 are on sale at Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com

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

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

New York-based Irishman James Moore heads to Los Angeles to train for December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman

New York-based Irishman James Moore heads to Los Angeles to train for December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman on Showtime.

The extremely popular James Moore, 16-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will depart for Los Angeles on November 5 to train for his December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The 10 round-bout will open the ShoBox: The New Generation broadcast that that will be headlined by the rubber match between WBO lightweight champion Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres. Top Rank, Inc. is promoting the show.

The 30-year-old Moore is looking forward to this tremendous crossroads bout between two foreign-born, New York-based fighters. The 28-year-old Foreman, 26-0 (8 KOS), was born in Belarus but began boxing in Israel.

Moore will train at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, where plenty of sparring is available. Moore is also looking forward to reuniting with professional middleweight Craig McEwan, 13-0 (7 KOS), a native of Scotland who now lives and trains in Los Angeles. He and Moore were amateur rivals who have become good friends. The southpaw McEwan is scheduled to fight unbeaten sensation Alfredo Angulo on November 22 in Las Vegas.

“I should be able to get a lot of work with Craig, as well as all of the other speedy fighters in L.A.,” said Moore. “In order to beat Yuri, you have to chase him down and take away his legs. There are lots of fighters at the Wild Card who can emulate his style.”

Since an injured hand has completely healed, Moore says that he is physically, mentally and emotionally ready for the tough challenge ahead.

“Fighting an unbeaten boxer on ShoBox is just what I need for my career right now,” said Moore. “Somebody has to be the first man to beat Yuri, so it might as well be me. I’ve been looking to move my career to the next level for quite some time now. This is a very big step in the right direction, and I aim to fully take advantage of it.”

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

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

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

Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Tony “TNT” Grano in toughest test vs. Leroy Childs

(Larry Johnson and Tony Grano)
HARTFORD– Unbeaten Hartford heavyweight prospect Tony “TNT’ Grano, one of New England’s most popular fighters, steps up in class June 13th when he takes on Missouri knockout artist Leroy Childs in the 8-round co-feature on “Connecticut Conquest” at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

NABF Top Prospect of the Year, WBC World Youth featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of nearby Manchester, headlines in his first title defense versus Mexican challenger Jose Magallon in the 10-round main event.

“Connecticut Conquest,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES) will be taped live and air Saturday, June 14 at 8 PM/ET on CN8,The Comcast Network, as well as Friday, June 20 at 8 PM/ET on Cox Sports Television.

Grano (13-0-1, 11 KOs), 2005 U.S. Nationals champion, faces his toughest test in Childs (13-1, 12 KOs), who has stopped 12 of his 13 career victims.

“Childs can really hurt people,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield noted. “This will be Tony’s toughest fight of his career and you have to give him and his team a lot of credit for accepting the challenge to fight Childs. Team Grano wants to make an impact in the heavyweight division, starting with his June 13th fight against Childs. What better way to do it than fighting a very tough opponent at home in front of his family, friends and fans? I know they can’t help him in the ring, but Tony will take care of that himself.”

Hartford’s popular boxer Israel “Pito” Cardona injured his elbow, forcing him to withdraw from his scheduled June 13th fight against Jason Pires, but former world title challenger Cardona will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony. Former USBA super bantamweight title-holder Pires (20-3, 9 KOs), now a fulltime New Bedford (MA) police officer, returns to the ring in a 6-round junior welterweight bout after a five-year absence.

The newest member of the CES stable, former world middleweight title challenger Kingsley “Sharp Knuckle” Ikeke (23-3, 13 KOs), makes his CES debut in a six-round super middleweight clash. Ikeke is a former NABF, NABO, NBA and WBC FECARBOX middleweight champion.

Others fighting on the undercard include Hartford favorite and prison guard, junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (4-2, 2 KOs), coming off a very close loss by decision in Germany, undefeated, top super middleweight prospect Brian Macy (3-0, 1 KO), of Ledyard (CT), the 2000 National PAL amateur champion and University of Connecticut graduate vs. Adrian Redmond (3-5-1, 3 KOs).

Tickets are on sale now. The $150.00, $100.00 and $55.00 tickets have been sold out. Limited $35.00 (VIP Bronze) and $80.00 (VIP Gold) tickets are still available. To purchase tickets go to or call CES (401.724.2253/2254), Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261), Willy’s Gym (860.614.2281), Connecticut Restorations (860.528.6800), Strikezone Gym (860.444.2845), L.A. Boxing Gym (860.221.5987) and 401 Boxing (401.261.9800).

For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254), the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), or go on line at www.cesboxing.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