FLOYD MAYWEATHER CONTINUES TO MAKE HEADLINES AS WINNER OF 2012 ESPY FOR BEST FIGHTER, HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE & PIONEER FOR DRUG TESTING IN BOXING‏

Boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather's acclaim continues to soar in unprecedented fashion. Last night, he was crowned the 2012 EPSY winner for the Best Fighter category, making him a four-time champion of the coveted honor. The award, voted on by fans throughout the country, recognizes the fighter for his ring prowess and accomplishments, including his defeat of Miguel Cotto for the Super Welterweight World Championship on May 5 of this year.

The accolade is yet another indication of Mayweather's remarkably successful career as the seven-time world champion also reigns atop Forbes' highest paid athlete list, knocking Tiger Woods out of the top slot for the first time since 2001.

"The accolades Floyd receives for his hard work and dedication in the ring speak for themselves," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "He holds all of the pay-per-view records and is the highest paid athlete in sports today. Now he has another ESPY award to add to his long list of honors and recognitions. These are just more notches in his future Hall of Fame career."

With Mayweather at the helm of the 100 highest paid athletes, Forbes has assessed that "boxing is not dead" and states that "Mayweather has generated 9.6 million buys and $543 million in television revenue during his nine HBO PPV events." [Read the full article "Boxing Is Not Dead Yet"

In addition to accomplishing financial supremacy, Mayweather also dominated the world's top search engine Google as his name ruled sports searches during the month of May when Mayweather fought Cotto. The super fight accounted for three of the United States' top 10 trending sports-related queries on Google. Each of these queries trended higher than searches for any NBA player or team during the NBA playoffs.

Perhaps Mayweather's most crowning achievement is his role in instituting Olympic-style drug testing in boxing. He was the first fighter to require blood testing administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in order to face him in the ring. Mayweather is now seen as a trailblazer in the campaign to make the ring an even playing field. In the last few months alone, more than five boxers have tested positive for steroids who may not have been caught had it not been for the fighter's foresight and desire to clean up the sport, .

Above all else, Mayweather is grateful for his fans and supporters, without whom he would not have had the opportunity to reign supreme as the highest paid athlete list, win an ESPY or even pioneer drug testing in boxing. Mayweather sent a message to his fans via his Twitter account (@FloydMayweather) last night saying, "Thank you to all the fans who voted and helped me win at tonight's #ESPYs. Your continued support is appreciated."

Ellerbe continued. "Floyd has always recognized and thanked his fans for their support throughout his career. He knows that an athlete has to do his or her job to prepare their best and dedicate their lives to be great. But without the backing and enthusiasm of the fans, the victories would be bitter sweet. Floyd should be commended for his undeniable ability to draw attention to the sport of boxing, as well as his own career, as he has delivered amazing results each time he steps into the ring."

♔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.

"Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" Post-Fight Quotes

Floyd Mayweather; Eight-Time and Five-Division World Champion

“Tonight we gave the fans what they wanted to see. We matched the best with the best. Cotto was a very tough competitor and he won some rounds. He pushed me to the limits and this is what it’s all about.

“Miguel Cotto fought his ass off tonight and I want to congratulate him and his team.

“You’ve seen me in flashy cars, but I want you to know that I do give back to the community. This is what it’s all about. It’s not about making a lot of money. It’s about giving back.

“I don’t want be on TV and not give you guys [the fans and media] what you deserve.

“Cotto is a good puncher. He didn’t win more than 30 fights for nothing. I was the first fighter to fight him at a weight that he was comfortable with. I actually came into the fight weighing 147.

“Things happened tonight and we both had to fight. But the main thing is that we got the victory.

“I think tonight was a cool fight. The fans were happy. It’s about impressing fans and giving them what they want to see.

“I sensed that sometimes Miguel was breaking down and then he would come back sharp. Miguel Cotto is in shape. The right hook and the uppercut were working for me tonight. I had watched tapes of Shane Mosley [when he fought Cotto] and I saw that the right hook was working. And I also watch Zab Judah use the uppercut against him too. So I knew I was going to use those shots tonight.

“I knew the right hook was going to be my money shot. A lot of times and these days you don’t see fighters using the right hook, only the left. But tonight I wanted to use the right hook and that is what I did.

“Tonight I got a few bumps and bruises, but that is part of the sports.

“I could have made it a very easy fight, but I was going for the knockout. Cotto was in tremendous shape. He was tough.

“Our game plan is always to win. Cotto surprised me and his record reflects where he is today.

“It’s about winning and that’s what I did. I’m not going to fold to pressure. Cotto can keep his head high as we are both winners tonight in our own way.”

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Floyd fought a fight that you guys hadn’t seen in some time. We knew coming into the fight that preparation was the key. He was pushed and he had to come out and fight hard.

“Cotto never gave up. The fans were going really wild.

“Miguel Cotto is probably one of the classiest guys in the sport of boxing. I would like to give him, his team and Gaby a lot of credit.

“What can I say but another one down.”

Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“What I noticed with Floyd is that people are more appreciative of him and realize that he comes to fight. To see him come in tonight with Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne and 50 Cent is really great for the sport of boxing.

“Beside his amazing skills, Floyd brings amazing numbers to the pay-per-view sales

“Floyd Mayweather is a rock star. He really is.”

♔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.

No Holds Barred: Roger Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe, Bryan Perez, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey, and the New Era in Boxing

No Holds Barred: Roger Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe, Bryan Perez, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey, and the New Era in Boxing

http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2012-03-01T01_31_29-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the significance of the May 5 fight between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto being promoted by their own promotional companies with several key figures in this fight.

The unbeaten Mayweather (42-0, 26 KOs), who holds the WBC welterweight title, will be moving up a weight class to face Cotto (37-2, 30 KOs), the WBA super welterweight champion. Mayweather last fought at this weight in 2007, defeating Oscar de la Hoya for the WBC title, before moving back down.

The Mayweather-Cotto fight, slated for Saturday, May 5, in Las Vegas, Nevada, has the distinction of being presented by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

At the New York news conference for this fight held February 28 at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, we discussed the significance of this promotional arrangement with Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions; Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions; and Bryan Perez, Executive Director of Miguel Cotto Promotions. The consensus seemed to be from all parties in this fight that this represents a new era in boxing. We also asked Richard Schaefer about the drug testing for Mayweather-Cotto, which will be conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.







We also spoke about this fight with the outspoken trainer of Floyd Mayweather, his uncle, Roger Mayweather, who discussed the place of his nephew in boxing history.

And we discussed with our long-time colleague and correspondent Keisha

Morrisey, who has been invaluable to No Holds Barred, this fight and
this new era in boxing, as well as some of the numerous problems
plaguing the declining sport of boxing.

♔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.

FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER and MIGUEL"JUNITO" COTTO

BOXING'S BIGGEST STAR FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL "JUNITO" COTTOTO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AT HARLEM'S WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO THEATER TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE MAY 5 MEGA-FIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 AT 1:00 P.M. ET HARLEM'S WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO THEATER **OPEN TO THE PUBLIC**

Floyd "Money" Mayweather signed autographs for the fans with head of Mayweather security Big Kip Hip, Hop Icon and Mogul 50 Cent was, Iran Barkley and Roger Mayweather posed for the camera, Pugilist Mariusz Wach, Jerson Ravello and Shaun Georgewas in the building.

Golden Boy Promotions- Richard Schaefer, Miguel Cotto Promotions- Brian Perez, Mayweather Promotions- Richard Ellerbe, El Boxing Empress- Keisha Morrisey

Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Miguel Cotto

MAYWEATHER and MIGUEL"JUNITO" COTTO will hold a press conference at Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater to officially announce their WBA Super Welterweight World Championship fight taking place Saturday, May 5 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

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.

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" Post-Fight Quotes; FLOYD MAYWEATHER, New WBC Welterweight World Champion‏

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, New WBC Welterweight World Champion
(All photos by; Keisha Morrisey)
"This was another unbelievable performance. A lot of people want to know what happened. There were a couple head butts. Sh*t happens in the sport of boxing.

"Protect yourself at all times.

"You wanted to see a knockout and that is what I gave you.

"When victor Ortiz was nine years old, I was dominating the sport of boxing.

"This was an unbelievable training camp. This camp was blood sweat and tears. Being up all night. Running seven or eight miles. I deserved it.

"I was always told to protect yourself at all times. My mouth was split open. I said keep it clean. Once you touch gloves, it is go time.

"We came together to fight. It is fight time. You want to do me dirty and then two minutes later you want to be my friend? This is the hurting business.

"Without the fourth round, he was going to get knocked out anyway. I was fighting stronger. I was keeping my composure and sticking to the game plan.

"We were breaking him down. I listened to what my corner said.

"Floyd Mayweather isn't ducking and dodging anybody. If he [Ortiz] wants it, he can have it [a rematch].

"If he [Ortiz] felt like it was a fluke and it didn't get done right the first time, I would do it again.

"He was slowly breaking down as each round went. He was going to go anyway.

"Once you put me in that squared circle, I am home.

"I am never going to get a fair shake, but whoever you put in front of me; they can't beat me.

"I take my hat off to Victor Ortiz. He is still a champion in my eyes. Tough guy tough opponent, but I was the better man.

"I said I was going to go straight to him and that is what I did.

"I just say what goes around, comes around. Things happen in this sport and like I said, they say protect yourself at all times.

"Pacquiao is famous because he is attached to my name. When they say Pacquiao, they say that's the guy they are trying to get to fight Floyd Mayweather. When they say Floyd Mayweather - they say the greatest ever.

"How can you [Pacquiao] offer me anything? I do the offering. He has to get his business in order. When he fights, he gives up 30 percent of his check, I get 100 percent."


VICTOR ORTIZ, Former WBC Welterweight World Champion


"I hope you enjoyed this night of boxing. I am blessed to be in this position."

"I fouled Floyd, I apologized in the ring and apologized after the fight as well.

"I would really like the rematch.

"I thought the ref called a break and I am pretty sure he did and then I was like 'whoa, whoa,' and then I woke up after.

"You learn quite a bit from each fight individually, but I am still not convinced that he [Mayweather] is the greatest. I was doing just fine and then there was a little slip up.

"He put his hand up. I thought it was sportsmanship-like.

"I was warming up. It was the fourth round and that is just the beginning of a 12 round fight.

"Stuff happens. I got caught up. We were going for it.

"I think Berto was faster, but his [Mayweather's] speed was decent.

"He landed a good one. It was a good shot.

"I started it, but I got my point taken away.

"I was letting him come in because he wasn't hurting me at all. He doesn't have a stiff right.

"I am fine. I will be champion again. Within the next six months, I will be champion again.

"Every fight has its game plan. I was listening to the corner. Whatever they said, I executed little by little.

"I was looking at Joe. I thought he said 'break,' and BOOM - I guess it was time for bed.

"Floyd is an elusive fighter. He comes in very strong the first few rounds and keeps that same momentum throughout the fights.

"In this case he connected with what I believe was a foul."



LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions



"We want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. It was a great exciting fight. I want to thank victor Ortiz tonight for putting a tremendous performance. Money Mayweather comes out and never lets you down."

DANNY GARCIA, Ortiz's Trainer

"The fight finished with a good moment that Mayweather had. He took advantage of a situation where Victor made a mistake. I believe Victor made a mistake as a result of Joe Cortez's instructions. Joe Cortez was on the right side of Victor and Victor looked at Joe Cortez. That is when Floyd took advantage.

"We would like a rematch and we would do everything to beat Floyd.

"Floyd was hitting him with some good right hands, but Victor was taking them.

"With those types of punches, anyone can be knocked out."

ROLANDO ARELLANO, Ortiz's Manager

"We will have to critically review the tape and only then would we make some sort of contention.

"What Victor did was wrong. We apologized for it and got a point deducted. There is nothing we can do to turn back the clock. We can only move forward."

♔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.

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. ALFONSO GOMEZ IS ADDED TO CREATE TWO-SITE, STAR-STUDDED SEPTEMBER 17 BOXING EXTRAVAGANZA PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" just got propelled into another galaxy, as it was announced today that rising Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will defend his WBC super welterweight championship against Alfonso Gomez on the televised undercard of the September 17 pay-per-view extravaganza featuring the WBC welterweight world championship mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz.

Making this announcement more significant and unique is the fact that Alvarez and Gomez will face each other at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, while Mayweather and Ortiz will battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, creating a mega-event from two world-class cities.

Fans in attendance at each arena will be able to see the fight live from the other arena, making this a first-time split-site boxing experience taking place on Mexican Independence Day boxing weekend.

Both bouts will be will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Following the showing of Mayweather vs. Ortiz at STAPLES Center, fans in attendance will see two special post-fight concerts performed by Los Tucanes de Tijuana and El Gran Silencio.

"'STAR POWER' is living up to its name as a mega-event with the addition of Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. "To have this event emanate from two separate locations like STAPLES Center and MGM Grand Garden Arena is a testament to the size and magnitude of the event and what it will deliver to the fans in the arenas and those watching at home on pay-per-view. Floyd is absolutely thrilled that Alvarez vs. Gomez will be a part of this show from Los Angeles."

"This is a historic and unprecedented night for boxing and Golden Boy Promotions as we showcase the extraordinary talents of Mayweather, Ortiz, Alvarez and Gomez from two iconic and world-renowned venues in STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the capitol of sports and entertainment and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, truly the boxing mega-center of the world," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. "This show is now even more loaded with stars, and to have Alvarez vs. Gomez join the magnificent boxing match-up of the year between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is exactly why we named the fight 'STAR POWER,' which is expected to set attendance and viewership records in one night."

"September 17 at STAPLES Center will be a night to remember for boxing fans in Los Angeles as it will mark the first time the arena will host a boxing match, a pay-per-view viewing and a post-fight concert all on the same day," Lee Zeidman, STAPLES Center General Manager. "We are looking forward to what will no doubt be an incredible action-packed night of boxing and live entertainment."

"The MGM Resorts family is very excited to welcome the return of Floyd Mayweather to the MGM Grand on September 17," said Richard Sturm, president of Sports & Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. "This championship event marks Mayweather's first fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in more than 15 months and continues our tradition as the leader in the sports and entertainment industry."

"With the anticipation and star power of Mayweather-Ortiz from MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the addition of Alvarez vs. Gomez live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and the celebration of Mexican Independence Day, viewers are in for a fantastic night of boxing on September 17," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View.

Already Mexico's brightest young star, 21-year-old Canelo Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KO's) of Guadalajara is quickly becoming an international sensation with fans around the world taking noting of his power and prowess in the ring and his charm and charisma outside of the ring. Following wins over former World Champions Carlos Baldomir and Lovemore N'Dou in 2010, Alvarez kicked off 2011 with a March victory over Matthew Hatton that earned him the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship. Three months later, Alvarez returned to Guadalajara for a homecoming title defense and victory over Ryan Rhodes that captivated a nation. With his American fan base growing at a meteoric pace, Alvarez will hold court in the City of Angels as he defends his title from STAPLES Center and fights for the Mexican people against ultra-tough Alfonso Gomez.

"I'm happy to come back to fight in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center for another Mexican Independence Day weekend," said Alvarez. "Alfonso Gomez is a good fighter and also from Guadalajara, Mexico. I hope the fight will be explosive because that is what the fans will be looking for between two Mexican warriors like us, but I feel confident I am going to win the fight."

A fan favorite who was present in American living rooms every week when he competed on "The Contender" reality show, Alfonso Gomez (23-4-2, 12 KO's) has proven that he has what it takes to battle it out with the elite in the years since his stint on national television. The owner of wins over Arturo Gatti, Ben Tackie, and Jesse Brinkley, the 30-year old Los Angeles resident (who originally hails from Guadalajara) has also faced current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and Peter Manfredo Jr., but he is currently showing the best form of his 10-year career thanks to a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over Jesus Soto Karass and Jose Luis Castillo. Now, he prepares for his second world title shot as he takes on Canelo Alvarez on September 17.

"Canelo's popularity is great for him and for boxing," said Gomez. "I know Canelo's team thinks I'm just another notch on his belt, but it's not the first time a popular fighter made the same mistake. I've fought and beaten much better competition and I'm coming to win the world title. Canelo and I come from the same place and we are both Mexican warriors. I heard there's another fight happening in Las Vegas on September 17, but as far as I'm concerned, the best fight on that day will be at STAPLES Center. I can think of no better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend...Viva Mexico!"

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-round mega-fight, which will be contested for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.

"STAR POWER LOS ANGELES: Alvarez vs. Gomez" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-roundfight, which will be contested for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

♔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.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. VICTOR ORTIZ PRESS TOUR QUOTES Tuesday, June 28 - New York City

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-round mega-fight, which will be contested for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

HBO®'s Emmy® Award-winning all-access series "24/7" premieres an all new edition when "24/7 Mayweather/Ortiz" debuts Saturday, Aug. 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The four-part series will air for three consecutive Saturday nights before the finale airs the night before the welterweight championship showdown in Las Vegas.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, Six-Time World Champion in Five Weight Divisions

"I want to thank Victor Ortiz for stepping up to the plate and taking the test.

"I also want to say congratulations to Victor Ortiz. It's not easy to bounce back from a crucial loss. He bounced back like a true champion. I take my hat off to him.

"It's not all about the money. We all know I am going to make a ton of money. He [Ortiz] is going to make some good money too. I earned the right to make the money that I make.

"It starts here. Someone has to give him the opportunity to take the thrown. Why not let it be me?

"I don't duck or dodge anyone. This is for the fans. This is for the Pacquiao fans too. Do I want the Pacquiao fight? Absolutely, if that is what the fans want. I want to give the fans what they want, but I have to take it one step at a time. I cannot overlook Victor Ortiz.

"I don't want to hear about him [Ortiz] losing before. Right now he is the world champion. This is about me facing the world champion and fighting the best.

"My main focus is Victor Ortiz. I want to go to camp and dedicate myself.

"I want to give you excitement. I want to you to enjoy HBO 24/7.

"Anything can happen in the sport of boxing. If you beat me I want you to earn it. I don't want it to be tainted.

"This is not my last fight. Hopefully I can give you 10 more fights. I am closer to 40 than I am to 21, but I am not going anywhere.

"[To Ortiz] On Sept 17, I know you are going to be there and you are going to bring your best, and me and my team are going to bring our best.

"I have to have a lot of Mexican fans and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

"I want to thank HBO. We have a relationship that goes far back. I am loyal to the company that I am with. I have been with HBO since the beginning of my career.

"My ultimate goal is to take the title from Victor Ortiz."

VICTOR ORTIZ, WBC Welterweight World Champion

"I realize there is a lot of love/hate going on here. Tell me one thing I haven't already heard. People who loved me left me. I have been through a bunch of bull. I am facing one of the best fighters of all of time. That was a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I am not supposed to be here according to statistics.

"I am newly crowned [champion] and I am not ready to give that up.

"It's not a challenge when you are a champion.

"I have to thank my team for motivating me. The times they wanted me to go to war, I went to war. Mayweather is a beast, but I'm a monster. If Mayweather wants to box, I will box. If he wants to bang, I will bang.

"At the end of the day, I am walking away from this fight with that championship. I'll be damned if someone is going to take that away from me.

"This is a dream to me. I am not going to put this dream down. I am going to run with it as long as I can. I want to be like Bernard Hopkins and hold my title for as long as I can.

"I don't need to match Mayweather word for word. I am not a talker. I never have been. At the end of the day, we are going to have gloves and my punches are not as soft as my words.

"I am Mexican to the fullest and I am going to show the world how the Mexicans roll.

"I am tired of hearing that he is fighting Manny Pacquiao next. He is fighting me next!"

"On September 17, there is going to be a repeat of what happened on July 7, 1985, when Roger Mayweather fought Julio Cesar Chavez."

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO, Mayweather Promotions

"This is another Mayweather experience.

"This is going to be the biggest fight of this year.

"Floyd Mayweather doesn't need much of an introduction. He is the biggest star in the sport. He is the biggest attraction in the sport. He is the best fighter on the planet.

"Talk doesn't win fights. Skills do. Last [time] I checked, there was only one undefeated fighter on this dais.

"Mayweather has been the best in the sport since day one. He has been the biggest star in this sport since day one.

"He [Mayweather] is a Six-Time World Champion in Five Weight Divisions and he is back."

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions

"This is going to be a real fight. It is a dangerous fight for both fighters.

"Year after year, Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions have put together the biggest fights of the year.

"Victor Ortiz has been surrounded by the same team. He believes in them and they believe in them. There is a friendship and a mutual respect there and that is the reason that they keep going from victory to victory.

"I have to applaud Floyd for taking the fight with Victor Ortiz. He might have just challenged himself too much because he hasn't fought in 16 months. Victor Ortiz was active. He is 10 years younger. He can hurt Floyd Mayweather. He has the power and that is the story line. Is the star, the undefeated Mayweather going to remain undefeated, or is the power going to put a stop to that?"

DANNY GARCIA, Ortiz's Trainer

"Floyd Mayweather is one of the greatest champions ever, but I have the current champion and on September 17 I will have the best pound-for-pound fighter.

"We are going to work very hard, we are going to have a good plan and fight a great fight. We expect Floyd to give a great fight too.

"We want to dedicate this fight to the Mexican people.

"About two months ago we became the welterweight champion of the world and we felt amazing. We will feel even more special when we become the pound-for-pound champion on September 17."

ROLANDO ARELLANO, Ortiz's Manager

"We are not making boxing history, we are making sports history. We would like to thank Floyd Mayweather for giving a young lion an opportunity to take over his pound-for-pound kingdom.

"On September 17, we will declare war on Mayweather and Mayweather will declare war on us.

"This fight is one the greatest fight in the history of boxing. It is going to have a local impact, a regional impact, a national impact and a global impact. If you live on the moon, when Ortiz knocks out Mayweather you will about hear it.

"Victor Ortiz will change the course of boxing history, just as the Mexican warriors have before him."

BOB HALLORAN, Director of Sports, MGM Resorts International

"It took 16 months for Floyd to go 10 min away [from home].

"This is the biggest turnout of media and fans since guess when? The last time Floyd was in New York City.

"Regardless of whom you are rooting for, one man made this fight happen [Mayweather]. The reason he [Ortiz] is here is because he is a world champion, and this man elected him to be his next opponent.

"Mayweather is a minus 750 favorite and Ortiz is a plus 525 underdog."

(ALL PHOTOS BY;KEISHA MORRISEY EXCEPT PROMOTIONAL PICTURE)
♔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.

Mayweather vs. Ortiz Press Tour Begins Tuesday, June 28 in NYC at the Hudson Theatre, Millennium Broadway‏

BOXING'S BIGGEST STAR FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND BOXING'S NEWEST STAR "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ TO HOLD NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE SEPTEMBER 17 WELTERWEIGHT TITLE MEGA-FIGHT TUESDAY, JUNE 28 (ALL PHOTOS BY; KEISHA MORRISEY)

Boxing superstar Floyd "Money" Mayweather and WBC Welterweight World Champion "Vicious" Victor Ortiz will hit the road to officially announce their Mexican Independence Day welterweight mega-fight taking place September 17. The tour will begin Tuesday, June 28, so please mark your calendars to see boxing's biggest star and boxing's brightest star in advance of their championship matchup.



WBC Welterweight World Champion "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ



















Mayweather vs. Ortiz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The 12-round welterweight mega-bout will take place Saturday, September 17. Additional fight details will be announced shortly.








Floyd "Money" Mayweather, getting the HBO plugs in














WBC Welterweight World Champion "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ and Six-Time and Five Division World Champion FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER and his Children

♔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.

No Holds Barred: Floyd Mayweather, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey

No Holds Barred: Floyd Mayweather, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey

On this audio edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses some of the latest downs and ups in the world of boxing, and reports from the Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz news conference in New York, which took place Tuesday, June 28.



After a 16-month hiatus from the ring, the unbeaten Mayweather will
return on September 17 against the WBC welterweight champion Ortiz in
a fight in Las Vegas and on HBO Pay-Per-View. Both fighters have also
agreed to undergo Olympic-style drug-testing administered by the U.S.
Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), including random, unannounced blood and
urine testing.

We spoke with Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, about
the issue of drug-testing and the importance of this fight. We also got
some comments from Floyd Mayweather on drug-testing, which may
surprise some people, as well as on this fight.

After the news conference, we sat down with our correspondent and
colleague Keisha Morrisey, who also covered the news conference, to
discuss the Mayweather-Ortiz fight, the problems in the marketing of
boxing, the latest hometown decisions in boxing, and more.

You can play or download No Holds Barred at
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2011-06-28T17_41_54-07_00.

(All photos 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 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.

FLOYD "MONEY"MAYWEATHER RETURNS TO FACE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ IN SENSATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AND BIGGEST NIGHT OF BOXING

BOXING'S BIGGEST STAR FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND BOXING'S NEWEST STAR "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ TO HOLD NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE SEPTEMBER 17 WELTERWEIGHT TITLE MEGA-FIGHT TUESDAY, JUNE 28 AT 12:00 P.M. ET Hudson Theatre, Millennium Broadway

"I am ready to return to the ring and give my fans a fantastic night of boxing by fighting the best out there and for me, that is Victor Ortiz," said Mayweather. "He is the current champion and an extremely talented fighter who showed amazing skills, and heart, in his last performance against Andre Berto. At this stage of my career, these are the challenges I look for, a young, strong, rising star looking to make his mark in boxing by beating me. Like the rest of my opponents, he is going to try to prove that he can beat me. I commend him for accepting the fight, but on September 17, Ortiz is just going to be another casualty, the 42nd one who tried and failed. Trust me, I will be ready."

EL Boxing Empress & Andre Berto

"I respect Mayweather because he has been a champion for many years and I know he will be ready, but so will I," said Ortiz. "I'm a strong fighter and I have worked really hard to silence my critics. I'm a world champion for a reason and I am not going to let go of my title any time soon. This is going to be a great fight, but I will remain a world champion for many years to come."

EL Boxing Empress & Victor Ortiz

Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO's) remains boxing's biggest attraction, wowing crowds and generating record pay-per-view numbers each time he steps into the ring. In his last ring appearance on May 1, 2010, Mayweather dismantled Sugar Shane Mosley in a lopsided unanimous decision victory. Mayweather is no stranger to fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend either, as prior to his sensational win over Mosley, he took on Mexican boxing star Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19, 2009, beating his opponent in spectacular fashion. During his extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

El Boxing Empress & "Money" Floyd Mayweather

Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO's) is on fire. He is riding a six-fight undefeated streak including his sensational win over Andre Berto on April 16 of this year. The hard-punching southpaw proved himself throughout their 12-round battle when he survived a knock down in the sixth round and came back to drop Berto at the end of the sixth round in one of the most exciting fights in boxing this year. Ortiz, who was already known as one of the most powerful young fighters in the sport but was questioned in the past for his desire, showed the world that his heart matches his hands of steel when faced with the best in boxing.

"When Floyd fights, everyone stops to watch and this is an exciting time for boxing as it always is when Floyd steps into the ring," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "There is no better showman than Floyd and he backs up his legacy with amazing, one-of-a-kind skills. Victor Ortiz has shown us that he is a great fighter too and for the two of them to meet makes for a gigantic night for fans all over the world. It's always a thrill to see Floyd fight and it's even better when he faces the best out there such as a true champion like Ortiz. This is going to be a fight to remember. Sports fans have a lot to look forward to on September 17."

"There is no doubt that September 17 will again be this year's biggest night of boxing worldwide," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "When Floyd Mayweather fights, it is an event which brings fight fans, sports fans and the general public together to see this truly gifted athlete perform. Every year Floyd sets the bar and standard for most pay-per-view buys and this year will be no different. In Victor Ortiz, he is facing a young, strong and highly motivated world champion who knows that a win over the pound for pound champion will catapult him into superstardom. The stage is set and I can't wait for the showdown of the year."

Mayweather vs. Ortiz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. A nationwide press tour is being planned for the week of June 20 with additional details about it and the fight to be announced shortly.


♔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.