"VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ RETURNS TO THE RING TO FACE LUIS COLLAZO IN A BATTLE FOR THE WBA INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AT BARCLAYS CENTER ON FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES‏

"VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ RETURNS TO THE RING TO FACE HOMETOWN FAVORITE LUIS COLLAZO IN A BATTLE OF FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR THE WBA INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ON FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES FROM BARCLAYS CENTER ON THURSDAY, JAN. 30, 2014

PLUS, EDDIE GOMEZ AND DAQUAN ARNETT SQUARE-OFF IN A BATTLE OF 154-POUND UNBEATENS

Golden Boy Promotions has teamed up with FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes to return to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 with one of best matchups the network has seen thus far when former World Champions "Vicious" Victor Ortiz and Brooklyn's own Luis Collazo collide in a pivotal showdown for the WBA International Welterweight title. In the 10-round co-main event, New York phenom Eddie "E-Boy" Gomez will meet top Florida prospect Daquan "King" Arnett in a clash of junior middleweight unbeatens.

"I've got a lot of friends and fans in New York and I'm excited about fighting at Barclays Center for the first time," said Ortiz. "This is a big fight for me. I missed being in the ring and even though Collazo will be a tough challenge, I'm going to win in spectacular fashion."

"Ortiz is a former world champion and you have to respect that, but Barclays Center is my home and he's going to find that out the second he leaves the locker room," said Collazo. "I need to win this fight and make a statement if I want to get a shot at a title and I plan on doing just that."

"I have no excuse not to win," said Gomez. "This is my city, my building and my people. If Arnett thinks he can come into my backyard and beat me, he is definitely mistaken."

"You don't see fights like this too often and I respect Gomez for stepping up and putting his '0' on the line, just like I am," said Arnett.  "This is going to be a great fight between two of boxing's top young prospects and I have no doubt that I'm going to leave the ring with the victory."

 "Victor Ortiz and Luis Collazo are two of the top welterweights in the world and I'm happy that we're able to deliver this type of quality fight to the fans for free on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "This fight has serious world title implications for the winner so you know it's going to be a great fight. Plus any time you have a battle between two undefeated fighters like Eddie Gomez and Daquan Arnett, there are sure to be fireworks."

"Everyone at FOX Sports is looking forward to the Ortiz-Collazo card at Barclays Center on January 30," said David Nathanson, FOX Sports 1's General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. "We're planning an incredible week of live events and programs on FOX Sports 1 in the week leading up the Super Bowl XLVIII, and Golden Boy has provided us a tremendous card for what is sure to be one of the centerpiece events of that week."

"We are excited to be hosting another championship boxing card at Barclays Center during what should be a super week in New York City," said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. "Golden Boy continues to deliver great fights for Brooklyn and we are delighted that FOX Sports 1 is returning to Barclays Center and giving the borough a national stage. We are proud that Barclays Center is becoming the heart of boxing on the East Coast."

One of boxing's most charismatic young stars, 26-year-old "Vicious" Victor Ortiz (29-4-2, 22 KO's) fighting out of Ventura, Calif. has made headlines in and out of the ring, not only as a fighter, but also as an entertainer. First, as a former welterweight world champion who has engaged in memorable battles against the best in the boxing business including Floyd Mayweather, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Antonio Diaz and Josesito Lopez proving that he will not back down from any challenge. He has also crossed over into the bright lights of Hollywood as a member of the cast of ABC's hit series "Dancing With The Stars" and most recently as part of the film "Expendables 3," which comes out next year. Now with his acting skills pushed aside, Ortiz has the gloves back on and on Jan. 30 he faces a stern test in Collazo.

A proud native of Brooklyn, NY, Luis Collazo (34-5, 17 KO's) is a former WBA Welterweight World Champion who held the belt from 2005-2006. Since then, the 32-year-old southpaw has continued to fight and beat the best with back-to-back wins at Barclays Center and a recent victory in September of this year on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes. Now making his second appearance on the new hit sports network and fourth appearance at Barclays Center, Collazo is more ready than ever to step into the ring as he makes his case for a world title shot when he battles Ortiz.

Twenty-one-year-old Eddie Gomez (15-0, 10 KO's) is the latest Bronx, NY product to make his mark on the boxing world. The young star is showing no signs of slowing down as he prepares for what is likely to be the biggest year of his professional career. Fresh off of wins over Javier Gomez, Luis Hernandez and Steve Upsher Chambers, Gomez is ready for all comers, beginning with Arnett on Jan. 30.

Hailing from Winter Park, Fla., 20-year-old former amateur star Daquan Arnett (11-0, 7 KO's) has already garnered rave reviews for his talent and his willingness to test himself against tough competition every time he steps in the ring. In 2013, Arnett defeated then unbeaten Brandon Quarles and once-beaten Miguel Zuniga, putting him in a big co-main event against Gomez to kick-off 2014.

Ortiz vs. Collazo is a 12-round fight for the WBA International Welterweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Barclays Center doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first bell sounding at 6:30 p.m. ET. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

DANNY JACOBS GET IN THE RING FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER AND AWARENESS EVENT

Danny Jacobs and the Get In The Ring Team
will host an awareness fundraiser
for children's cancer, obesity, and bullying!
This event will show kids how to choose
healthier foods, exercise, and turn bullies into leaders!

Get your event tickets early and join the fight with
Danny Jacobs along with other boxers
to bring awareness in our community!

♔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.

HEATED RIVALS DANNY GARCIA & ZAB JUDAH ARE KEPT APART, BUT BOTH MAKE THE WEIGHT; TENSIONS RISE AT DANNY GARCIA VS. ZAB JUDAH & UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Both Garcia (25-0, 16 KO's), the defending WBA Super, WBC and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion from Philadelphia, and the local favorite, Judah (42-7, 29 KO's), of Brooklyn, participated in the jam-packed media event.  They spoke, answered questions and posed for photos, but not at the same time.

The well-documented friction between the boxers and their camps made for a boxing rarity - a press conference during which the main event fighters and their teams did not sit on the dais simultaneously and were kept completely separated throughout the press conference, not even catching a glimpse of one another.

To watch Garcia, executives and the other fighters, clickhttp://www.ustream.tv/recorded/31946461; for   Judah's turn at the podium, clickhttp://www.ustream.tv/recorded/31949835.

In Saturday's co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, undefeated WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (28-0, 20 KO's), of Manhattan, will make the first defense of his 160-pound crown against world-rated, hard-hitting Fernando Guerrero (25-1, 19 KO's), of Salisbury, Md.,

DANNY "SWIFT" GARCIA, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

"I had a tremendous eight-week camp.  I calculated the miles I ran, and you could say I ran to Barclays Center [from Philadelphia] and back.

"I feel tremendous, I'm injury free, I'm solid, I'm confident and I'm really motivated for this fight.  I think I'm the most motivated I've ever been for a fight.  I grew to be a heck of a dangerous fighter, more dangerous than I was before.  I'm just smarter now.  Saturday night, I'm going to be smart.  I'm going to just destroy.

"I don't have to talk, because I know I can fight.  When the people come to watch me, they know they're going to see either one of the best 12 round fights or the best knockout of the year

"You can say what you want to say, but it doesn't matter when you're getting hit.  All that matters is whether you can you take a hit from me or not, or if you can out-think me.  They're playing checkers and I'm playing chess

ZAB JUDAH, Former Two-Time World Champion

"We just left the gym together.  Did I say anything to Danny?  Did Danny and I have any words?  Not one.  Angel was the one that started this.  He's the one that called me all the names and was talking loud and starting trouble like he always does.

"If you go to a Bernard Hopkins fight in Philadelphia, the whole city comes out.  If you go to a fight in Los Angeles for Oscar [De La Hoya], the whole city comes out.

 "He's [Danny Garcia] going to sleep. This isn't a game.  Welcome to Brooklyn.  This is my home.  

"I'm a person.  I'm a human being.  I have class about myself.  I've changed my life in a drastic, major way.

 "Saturday night they're going to feel it.  They can do all they want to do; they're going to feel it.  I'm ready.  It's about Zab Judah and Danny Garcia.

"Angel Garcia made himself a factor.  Danny is so quiet, such a church mouse, that they don't know who he is.

"Saturday night, you're going to see the best Zab Judah.  The guy you all fell in love with and the reason why you all know me is back.  The hand speed, the power, the defense...it's all here and ready to go.

"I don't have any problem with my hands. I bring skills to the table.  Like I tell everybody, it's never been a question 'can he fight?'  The only question everybody has is 'is he in shape?'  When I'm in shape, you've seen the best.  My defense is impeccable.  My hands are super fast.  My power is devastating.  I have one-punch knockout power in either hand.  I have more knockouts than the boy has fights.

"It's a lot to be proud of - 17 years and still strong.  I'm still campaigning at this height and level of boxing.  Watch Saturday night and you're going to see the best.  You're going to think I'm 25 again.  Then what are you going to say?

"Angel Garcia can't get under my skin. I don't worry about him.

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny Garcia's Father/Trainer

"Danny had a great camp.  February 9^th, he got a caught with a little injury, but that's in the past.  That's not the future.  The future is that he's ready.  He's ready to go 100 percent, mentally and physically. 

"It's not about Brooklyn or Philly, it's about who is the 'King of the East Coast,' and that is going to be Danny.

"He's [Zab Judah] underestimating Danny like everyone else has done.  The truth is that Danny's going to be a champion for a long time.

PETER "KID CHOCOLATE" QUILLIN, WBO Middleweight World Champion

"I'm dedicating this fight to Boston...Boston Strong.

"We have two trained athletes.  We signed up to participate in this, the people that went to run that marathon, didn't want to participate in what happened.  I just want to give them strength through this.

 "I want to thank Fernando Guerrero and his team.  I'm happy to see Barry Hunter in his corner so he will be getting the best advice he can.  It's going to be a tremendous fight.

"This fight has many good qualities, Dominican vs. Cuban, but we do it for the whole Latin community coming together.  We both are inspired by two baseball players - Sammy Sosa and Jackie Robinson.  Long hair vs. short hair.  One guy who hungers for a world title and a guy that is hungry to keep his world title.

"This might have been the best camp I have ever had.

"Guerrero is coming with his confidence.  My confidence is there and we're going to make this a tremendous fight."

FERNANDO GUERRERO, Top Middleweight Contender

"I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. I want to thank my opponent, Kid Chocolate.  I think this is the way to promote a real good fight, if you can fight, just fight.  He has character like me.  We don't need to trash talk, we don't need to do anything, it's just a sport that we do.  I want to congratulate him on his title and I want to thank him for being a gentleman.

"A lot of times, people don't understand that we're not animals, we're fighters.  We fight like animals, but we're not.

"On this card, there's a lot of different races.  Everybody's saying I'm going for this race or that race, but there's only one thing that matters, the only race that matters is the human race.  It doesn't matter if you're black, white, Puerto Rican, red or blue.

"I represent whoever wants me, whoever has struggles, whoever wants to be a positive role model

DANNY JACOBS, Top Middleweight Contender

"Not a lot of people stand up for something in boxing anymore.  I want to stand for something.  I want to be the face of boxing, but I want to do it in a positive light.  Not a lot of people do that

"I want to be able to say to (my son) 'You can accomplish anything, but you don't have to go the wrong route.  You can be a positive light, you can be who you are and you can still shine and be the greatest.'  Our kids are the future." 

LUIS COLLAZO, Former World Champion

"Finally, I'm back.  I'm excited to be back here in Brooklyn in my hometown.  Come Saturday night, I'm going to do it for me, I'm going to do it for my fans, I'm going to do it for everyone that's been with me since day one.

EDDIE GOMEZ, Top Junior Middleweight Prospect

"We've got a lot of good fighters on the card Saturday night.  Everybody's looking to put on a show.  I'm looking to put on a great show.  I'm ready for this fight.  I'm back at it again."

MARCUS BROWNE, 2012 U.S. Olympian

"Like my last fight on the [Bernard Hopkins vs. Tavoris Cloud] card, I'm ready.  From Staten Island to Brooklyn, I'm ready to put on a show.  I trained hard for this fight.  I'm ready.  I'm going to let my hands do the talking.

ZACHARY OCHOA, Top Junior Welterweight Prospect

"Not a lot of people can say, 'I fought on a SHOWTIME card at Barclays Center.'  That really means a lot to me.

"I've been working hard.  I'm hungry that's why I call myself 'Zungry, 'because I'm hungry to make it to the top.'

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

"All is great, all is wonderful.  We have a tremendous lineup for Saturday night here at Barclays Center

"Tickets are going really fast.  We're really happy that the response from fans has been tremendous.

On Danny Garcia "Nobody has ever proven him wrong.  People can say this and that, but, until you prove somebody wrong, then there's nothing to say.  That's what he's been doing every single fight.  He's proving everybody wrong.  Because of his work ethic, because he trains hard, he does everything right.  He loves boxing and he's in the gym constantly.  His dedication to boxing is why he's on top."

BERNARD HOPKINS, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion & President of Golden Boy East

"This is a great facility [Barclays Center] as the writers and everybody who's been here knows. 

"I'll tell the young guys 'all of these guys are good fighters, but you have to stand out in today's world to be the best out of the pack.

"I'm looking for a great show.  I thank Stephen Espinoza again for putting on a great event that's going to happen this Saturday.  Everyone in Philly is talking about this fight."

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

"At Showtime, we're now in the midst of a really exciting run of quality fights, perhaps the most exciting, highest quality run of fights maybe in the history of the network.  Last week, we had over 38,000 people in the Alamodome and did the second highest rating for an individual bout in the history of the network according to Nielsen.  This week, we've got another packed card with two 50/50 matchups on the televised portion.

"As a television executive, you're not supposed to have favorite fights, they're sort of like your children, you like them all.  Every fight I schedule, I schedule with the full confidence that it's something that I would want to watch as a fan, I would want to watch as a subscriber and it's something that I'm proud of.  To be honest, there are some fights, some events that have that little extra something, a little extra excitement, the little extra sizzle, and April 27^th is one of those."

BARRY BAUM, Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, Barclays Center

"We're really excited for our third night of championship boxing at Barclays Center.  I want to thank everyone at Golden Boy for delivering another great card to Brooklyn.

"It's very exciting to have two major fights here as well as a terrific undercard of a lot of Brooklyn fighters.  I also want to let Golden Boy Promotions know how much we appreciate their commitment to bringing boxing to Brooklyn in such a big way. It's a really a great relationship that we have.  I also want to thank Steven Espinoza and SHOWTIME for all of your support for boxing in Brooklyn and for broadcasting the event on Saturday."

♔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, 2021, 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.

BROOKLYN IS IN THE HOUSE!; DANNY JACOBS, LUIS COLLAZO, BOYD MELSON AND ZACHARY OCHOA STACK BARCLAYS CENTER UNDERCARD; THE BRONX' EDDIE GOMEZ AND STATEN ISLAND'S MARCUS BROWNE ALSO IN ACTION TONIGHT

BROOKLYN IS IN THE HOUSE! 

DANNY JACOBS, LUIS COLLAZO, BOYD MELSON 
AND ZACHARY OCHOA STACK 
BARCLAYS CENTER UNDERCARD 

THE BRONX' EDDIE GOMEZ AND STATEN ISLAND'S

MARCUS BROWNE ALSO IN ACTION TONIGHT

Representing four of New York City's five boroughs, top talents from the Big Apple will descend on Brooklyn's Barclays Center tonight to engage in exciting bouts leading up to the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast featuring Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia defending against former Two-Division World Champion Zab Judah and WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter Quillin meeting top middleweight contender Fernando Guerrero.

Fighters also in action this weekend will be Brooklyn's Danny Jacobs, Luis Collazo, Boyd Melson and Zachary Ochoa, the Bronx' Eddie Gomez and Staten Island's OlympianMarcus Browne

Heading up this New York-centric undercard will be an eight-round middleweight bout between Danny Jacobs (24-1, 21 KO's) and Keenan Collins (15-7-3, 10 KO's). A former world title challenger, Jacobs defeated his biggest foe when he recently conquered cancer. Now back in the ring with two knockout wins under his belt, Jacobs will meet the stiffest test of his comeback in Collins. Born in Brooklyn but now living in York, Pennsylvania, the 36-year-old Collins is unbeaten in his last three bouts, so Jacobs needs to be ready for wily Collins.

Former world welterweight champion Luis Collazo (32-5, 16 KO's) made his own return to the ring after a year away last October during Barclays Center inaugural fight night with an exciting win over Steve Upsher Chambers. In an eight-round bout, the 32-year-old Collazo will look to make it two straight wins when he faces fellow veteran Miguel Callist (27-8-1, 18 KO's), a Panamanian southpaw who has won five of his last seven fights.

Twenty-year-old Eddie Gomez (13-0, 9 KO's) didn't stay long the last time he was in Barclays Center, needing just 77 seconds to dispatch Javier Gomez on March 9. The skilled and powerful junior middleweight will be seeking a similar result when he meets up with Ibarra, Ecuador's Luis "Morochito" Hernandez (21-4, 14 KO's) in an eight-round battle.

In a six-round super middleweight bout, popular local prospect Boyd Melson (9-1-1, 3 KO's) hopes to deliver another fight to remember for New York fans when he takes on Puerto Rico's Edgar Perez (5-3, 2 KO's). As is always the case when he fights, Melson will be donating his entire purse to spinal cord injury research.

2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne (3-0, 3 KO's) has been dazzling in his brief pro career, and if he has it his way, he will make it four for four in his four-round light heavyweight matchup against Philadelphia's Taneal Goyco (4-5-1, 2 KO's).

Rising Brooklyn star Zachary Ochoa (3-0, 3 KO's) will make his Barclays Center debut when he meets Prichard, Alabama's Calvin Smith (2-2) in a scheduled four-round super lightweight bout.

Rounding out an outstanding undercard card will be a bantamweight battle between Philadelphia's Miguel Cartagena (5-0, 3 KO's) and Chicago's Angel Carvajal (2-0) and a super middleweight matchup pitting Temple Hills, Maryland's D'Mitrius Ballard (1-0, 1 KO) against Baton Rouge, Louisiana's Marcus Clay (2-5). Both bouts are slated for four rounds.

♔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, 2021, 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.

Gabriel Bracero, to be highlighted on tonight's episode of ShoBox: The New Generation, featured in the New York Times

His Second Chance May Be Fighter’s Last

Gabriel Bracero built an impressive professional boxing record: five victories and no losses.

He also built an ugly criminal record: attempted murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

As a price, he spent almost six years in prison. Since his release in January 2009, he has improved his record to 16-0.

“I’m not proud of my past,” Bracero said, “but it’s something I have to live with.”

From Jake LaMotta and Sonny Liston to Mike Tyson and Bernard Hopkins, boxing has always attracted, and often forgiven, a criminal element. Some, like Liston, appear to show no remorse. Some offer their later boxing careers as redemption tales.

“The guy was miserable, just angry and ignorant,” said Bracero, a 30-year-old junior welterweight from Brooklyn, as he described his younger self. “He was always running with the wrong crowd. I’m glad that guy is dead.”

Credible or not, embraceable or not, Bracero will have to be reckoned with in the ring. His trainer hopes he will get a title shot next year.

Last Saturday morning in Gleason’s Gym, the boxing cathedral beneath the Brooklyn Bridge where Tyson unleashed fistfuls of demonic rage, Bracero leaned on the ropes and flashed a choirboy smile at the gym rats scurrying past him, many of whom called him Champ, although he has never won a professional title.

“Many of these people have known me since I was a little kid, they know my story, they know the hell I’ve been through,” Bracero said. “By calling me Champ, I think they are acknowledging the fact that I have had to overcome many obstacles just to get to where I am today.”

Bracero will face Guillermo Valdes at Roseland in Manhattan on Saturday, the second half of a two-day card that begins Friday and features mostly Puerto Rican fighters.

“Gabe is a crowd-pleasing brawler with a huge Puerto Rican following,” said Lou DiBella, the promoter who represents Bracero. “Since he’s come out of prison, he has resonated with many people in the community, especially fellow Puerto Ricans, who see him as the underdog.”Bracero was 8 when he began training as a boxer in a gym in the hardscrabble Sunset Park neighborhood where he grew up and now lives with his wife, Iris, and four children. He was introduced to the sport by his father, Hilergio Bracero, who fought in the Golden Gloves boxing tournament in the 1970s.

(Luis Del Valle, Gabriel “Tito” Bracero and Jonathan Gonzalez/photo by Keisha Morrisey)

“We could see early on that Gabe just had this special gift,” said Elsa Centeno, Bracero’s mother. “My three other sons gave boxing a try, but Gabe, it was like he was born to do this.”

At age 11, Bracero won a Junior Olympic championship, and he capped his amateur career by twice winning the Golden Gloves at 139 pounds, first as a 17-year-old novice in 1998, and a year later in the open division.

“The most important thing I saw in him was that he was fearless,” said the veteran trainer Tommy Gallagher, who began training and managing Bracero after his second Golden Gloves title.

“I saw in him a champion’s attitude,” Gallagher said of the 5-foot-7 ½ Bracero. “If you look into his little black eyes, he has that you-have-to-kill-me-to-beat-me attitude. I was impressed with that attitude.”

But Bracero often took his attitude to the streets, becoming every bit the brawler outside the ring.
“I loved to fight, especially with the guys who were bullies,” Bracero said. “I was loyal to a lot of people who I thought were my friends. Whenever trouble started, I’d always jump in to defend them.”

(Bob Duffy and Tommy Gallagher (photo by Keisha Morrisey)

On an early summer morning in 2001, Bracero said, he and a friend drove to Bayonne, N.J., to settle a score. Bracero said his friend fired the bullets that left two men injured, one of them paralyzed. They fled to Brooklyn, but were caught and arrested a short time later. Bracero was initially charged with attempted murder and released on $250,000 bail.

While awaiting trial, he returned to boxing, and to an undisciplined life.

“I started robbing drug dealers,” he said. “I’d point a gun at them, take their money and resell their drugs. I figured, these are horrible people anyway, and they would never turn me in to the police because they would get in trouble themselves.”

But Bracero’s promising career was interrupted in July 2003, in broad daylight, at the corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park.

“I put my gun in this dude’s face, robbed him and started running,” Bracero said. “He started chasing me, so I turned and fired a shot into the ground to slow him down, but he kept coming. I looked back and thought I saw him holding a gun, so I fired again and hit him in the leg.

The guy went to the police. I couldn’t believe it.”

Bracero was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and sent to Rikers Island.

“You have no idea how disappointed I was,” Hilergio Bracero said. “Here was my son, who had what it took to become a world champion, and now he was going to prison. It was a terrible waste.”

While Gabriel Bracero was at Rikers Island, Gallagher sent him a photo taken two weeks before his arrest. The photo showed Bracero at a black-tie event with Luis Collazo, Paulie Malignaggi and Yuri Foreman, up-and-coming fighters who each went on to win a title.

“It was an attempt to motivate the kid,” Gallagher said. “In Gabe’s world, the street thugs were the superstars, the only ones who got respect. I tried to get it through his head that there was still a life beyond that world, that there was still something to strive for.”

When Bracero saw the photo, he said, he curled up in a ball and cried.

“These were the guys I grew up with, guys I sparred with, guys I was better than,” Bracero said. “I wanted to be out there doing what they were doing. I prayed to God every night for a second chance.”

In April 2005, Bracero was transferred to the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y.

“Boxing has always been my therapy, so I did anything I could to keep in shape,” Bracero said. “I braided my bed sheets in my cell, watered them down to give them enough weight, and used them as a jump rope.”

In July 2006, Bracero was moved to the Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville, N.Y., which has a boxing program for inmates.

“I knew that was a sign that I was destined to continue my career,” Bracero said. “I worked out in the ring and sparred every chance I got. A lot of guys who were doing life would come watch me work out. They would say things like, ‘You’re going to get out of here one day and become champion of the world.’ ”

In March 2008, Bracero was sent to Sing Sing in Ossining, N.Y., for one month, then was transferred to a prison in Annandale, N.J., to serve time for the Bayonne shooting. He accepted a plea bargain, reducing the attempted murder charges to aggravated assault. He was paroled in January 2009 and immediately reported to Gallagher to resume his career.

Since then, Bracero has reeled off 11 victories. Gallagher said that his plan was to “keep him as active as possible, and hopefully, he’ll be in line for a title shot early next year.”

DiBella said that he shared Gallagher’s vision for Bracero, and that he thinks Bracero “has what it takes to be a champion.”

“The kid has made some big mistakes, but I’d like to think he learned from them,” DiBella said. “After everything he’s been through, he’s never going to be afraid of whoever is waiting for him inside the ring.”

Before walking out of Gleason’s last Saturday, Bracero bounced off the ropes and walked to a rusty locker upon which he had taped the photo that Gallagher sent him in prison.

“I’ve lost a lot of time,” Bracero said, “but I’m still young enough to prove that I really do belong in the same class as those guys.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/10/sports/for-gabriel-bracero-a-long-road-back-to-the-boxing-ring.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&ref=sports

Bracero returns to the ring Saturday night from the Roseland Ballroom in Times Square as part of Boricua Invasion II. Highlights of Bracero’s bout with Guillermo Valdes (15-3, 3 KOs) will be shown on the Showtime series ShoBox: The New Generation, which will air the event’s top two bouts as part of their broadcast. In the main event, featherweights Luis Del Valle (12-0, 10 KOs) battles Dat Nguyen (17-1, 6 KOs) in an NABA title fight. Bracero is scheduled to be in the ring at 9pm.

In Bracero’s last bout, he won an 8-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Danny O’Connor on ShoBox.

EL Boxing Empress 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" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Tor Hamer update and upcoming fight‏

For those that haven't heard, Tor Hamer now posts a 3-0 record with 3 KOs. He won his last fight on 1/17/09 on the Andre Berto-Luis Collazo HBO undercard in Biloxi, Mississippi in a vicious 2nd round KO.

Tor's upcoming fight is on the Broadway Boxing / Metrocard Series on Wednesday February 25th. Tor is the headliner on the Metrocard Series, which highlights the biggest up and coming undercard fighters in boxing right now. He will be fighting Chris Hancock, who posts a 5-0 record with 3 KOs. This is by far Tor's most challenging and most important fight to date. You definitely do not want to miss this.

More info to come on the fight but you can always visit www.torhamer.com for anything and everything regarding Tor.

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©®™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

LAS VEGAS- Two of boxing's biggest stars will meet in the ring in what could be the year's biggest pay-per-view event. Five-division world champion MANNY "Pac Man" PACQUIAO and Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight champion RICKY "The Hitman" HATTON will rumble for Hatton's World Junior Welterweight Championships Saturday, May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. These two boxing artists will have a 20 x 20 foot canvas to paint a black and blue masterpiece that the world has been waiting to see. Pacquiao and Hatton boast a combined record of 93-4-2 (68 KOs), a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 73%.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton, a 12-round bout for Hatton's Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight titles, is promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions in association with MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions.

Tickets priced at $1000, $750, $500, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

"When Manny Pacquiao goes into the ring he fights for his country, the Philippines, and tens of thousands of Filipinos worldwide. He is a tremendous athlete and unlike any other champion we have ever promoted. When Manny walks to the ring he carries the weight of his country on his shoulders and he fights with all of his heart, every second of every round."

"We are very excited that this fight has been made, as it is the fight fans wanted and the one I look forward to seeing myself," said Oscar de la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. "This fight has all the makings of a "Fight of the Year" candidate and I think Hatton will de-throne Pacquiao and become boxing's pound-for-pound king."

"MGM Grand is thrilled to be hosting what we anticipate will be one of the biggest fights of 2009," said Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. "As we continue our tradition of hosting the top names in sports and entertainment, this spectacular boxing match will not only be a battle between two great champions but will offeran electric and international atmosphere for the fans."

Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) secured his claim as the 2008 Fighter of the Year, a year reminiscent of what Hall of Fame fighter Henry Armstrong did in 1937-1938, winning three fights in three different weight divisions, two of which were world titles. Armstrong is the only man to hold three world championships simultaneously, capturing world titles at featherweight, welterweight and lightweight (in that order) during a nine-month span between November 1937 and August 1938. Pacquiao, officially proclaimed a National Treasure by the Philippines, captured the WBC World Super Featherweight title last March by defeating Juan Manuel Marquez and the WBC World Lightweight title in June by knocking out defending champion David Diaz. He completed his personal trifecta by stopping Oscar de la Hoya in a welterweight battle on December 6. Pacquiao's last two victories were in his debut fight in each weight division with the latter fight being two full divisions above his previous fight. Pacquiao, 30, has won 24 of his last 25 bouts, blitzing through boxing's best fighters since 2003 including Erik Morales (TKO 10, KO 3,), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Marquez (D 12, W 12,), Diaz (TKO 9) and De La Hoya (KO 8). Pacquiao was previously named the 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine.

"I always like new challenges which is the reason I am anxious to fight Ricky Hatton. My trainer Freddie Roach will put together a new game plan which will be much different than the one we used against Oscar (de la Hoya). There are concerns because Hatton is a very strong puncher so I must deal with that in the ring. I promise I will be completely prepared and will do my best for all of my fans in The Philippines."

The storied career of Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), an international superstar hailing from Manchester, England, began in 1997 and for the last 12 years he has been thrilling fight fans around the world with his aggressive style in the ring and down to earth attitude outside of the ring. Owner of victories over world champions Kostya Tszyu, Vince Phillips, Paulie Malignaggi, Luis Collazo, Jose Luis Castillo, Juan Urango and Carlos Maussa, Hatton is a two division world champion. He fell short of the pound-for-pound best fighter title and world welterweight championships in his 2007 super-fight against Floyd Mayweather. However, the 30-year-old bounced back impressively at his natural weight of 140 pounds last May when he scored a near shutout 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Lazcano. His most recent fight was a scintillating shutout performance against world champion Malignaggi last November, ending with an 11th round TKO for "The Hitman". Hatton was honored as the 2005 Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

"I'm really excited to get back in the ring in Vegas after beating Malignaggi in November," said Hatton. "I am confident that I am the fighter to take down the pound-for-pound champion and I believe I will be victorious on May 2."

Please visit www.toprank.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com for upcoming announcements.

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

Middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez passes another test in Biloxi

WORCESTER, Mass– Unbeaten middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez received a B+ grade from his head trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr., for the 2-time national amateur champion’s performance last Saturday night against veteran “Bad Ass” Brad Austin (8-6, 2 KOs) at the Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In his first scheduled 8-round bout, Rodriguez floored Austin four times en route to a third-round stoppage of Austin on the off-televised portion of the HBO card, headlined by the Andre Berto-Luis Collazo WBC welterweight title fight.

“I was happy with my performance but I feel I could have done better,” Rodriguez said. “I hurt him in the first round and felt I should have stopped him then. But I got antsy trying to take him out. I went back to using the short punches that had hurt him. I just got caught up in the moment. I hurt him a few more times and I knew the knockout was coming. I just had to stop looking for it. I made a mistake but learned from it and that’s important. I was really excited to fight after working so hard for four months. All of the hard worked paid-off; I was able to perform the way I’m supposed to.”

The Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of Worcester (MA), had taken four months off to concentrate on training and his imporvements showed in the ring. “He accomplished a lot of things that we worked on,” Manfredo said. “He’s really becoming a good pro fighter, switching over from a good amateur. He used his jab well, not only to set-up combinations, but to keep his opponent off balance. Austin had a good amateur background, eight wins as a pro, and his losses were to some good fighters. But he could never muster a threat against Edwin. He tried to take away Edwin’s jab in the second round by throwing wide right hooks, but Edwin adjusted with some good check-hooks. He fought a very good fight. Defensively, he was much better, not pulling away standing straight up. I give him a B+. I was extremely pleased with the outcome and what he did in the ring.”

Rodriguez’ manager, Larry Army, agreed 100-percent with Manfredo’s assessment. “Edwin looked great,” he commented. “Everything he worked on for those four months, he put together. I had seen streaks of brilliance and loads of potential from Edwin, but he had never put it all together in one fight until last Saturday night. He showed everybody a glimmer of what he can do in the future. This was the right show for us against a tough opponent. It was a great opportunity for Edwin, who picked apart Austin from the start. We’re hoping Edwin will be back in action at the end of February.”

Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about the 23-year-old Rodriguez.

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

WBC World Champion Andre Berto Proves His Star Quality with Late Surge to Turn Back Mandatory Challenger Luis Collazo

New York– In an early candidate for “Fight of the Year” honors, WBC 147 pound world champion Andre Berto came on strong in the championship rounds to rally past former WBA welterweight king Luis Collazo, in a tremendous all-action fight that featured several shifts in momentum, as seen on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The spirited twelve round fight offered great give-and-take action, with slick boxing southpaw Collazo (29-4, 14 KOs) getting off to a fast start, before Berto (24-0, 19 KOs) rallied in the middle rounds, only to have Collazo, who reigned as world champion in 2005, find a second gear in rounds nine and ten. With his championship in peril, Berto saved his best for last - producing an awesome two-fisted attack in the final two rounds to earn a unanimous decision on scores of 116-111 and 114-113 twice.

“Tonight we saw Andre Berto graduate from the ‘future’ to the ‘here and now’ of the welterweight division. Only a very special type of champion rises to the occasion – with his title up for grabs late in a fight – to close the show like Andre did tonight against Collazo. It’s clear why Luis Collazo won a world title and why he gave Ricky Hatton fits. Together, Berto and Collazo began 2009 with a bang,” said DBE president Lou DiBella.

Berto was tested from the beginning, as Collazo, from Queens, NY, hurt the champion with a left hand in round one and seemed to be in control through the first four rounds. To make matters worse, Berto had to overcome a point deduction for holding and a cut over his right eye from a clash of heads. Despite the adversity, Berto remained composed and eventually began to find his rhythm, while scoring effectively from the outside, before digging deep late in order to retain the championship.

“Luis Collazo is an animal! He is a tough customer. He caught me with some shots early on,” said Berto

Berto, 25, from Winterhaven, Florida, represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympics. He won the vacant WBC welterweight crown this past June via TKO 7 over Miguel Angel Rodriguez, and in his first title defense, unanimously outpointed Steve Forbes on September 27.

See you at the Fights.
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©®™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

Rodriguez graduates Saturday night in Biloxi

WORCESTER, Mass.– Unbeaten middleweight sensation Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez, former 2-time national amateur champion, fights Saturday night (January 17) in his first scheduled 8-round bout against Brad Austin on the off-televised HBO undercard, headlined by Andre Berto-Luis Collazo WBC welterweight title fight, at the Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

“I’m excited,” Rodriguez said between training sessions about his upcoming match. “I can’t wait to show everyone my talents. It’s another stepping stone towards becoming world champion. The HBO people and a lot of other influential people in boxing will be there and I’m going to showcase my talents.”

The Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez (8-0, 5 KOs) hasn’t fought since August 22, when he won all six rounds versus Marcus Upshaw (8-2), but during that inactive period he often sparred with world title challengers Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Elvin Ayala, as well as Jessie Brinkley. Mississippi will be the fifth different state Edwin’s already fought in as a pro.

“My inactivity won’t be an issue,” Edwin promised. “I was very busy with eight fights in my first year as a pro. I took off a few months but I was constantly in and out of the gym. I’d only been with my trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr., for about eight months and we needed more time to know each other. I’ve learned a lot from him. I’ll be working inside a lot more. I was getting caught with rights pulling away with my chin up. That was a bad amateur habit we had to clean up.

“We’re fighting at 168 pounds but, I’m 6-0 feet tall and can fight at 168 or 160. I’m capable of winning at either weight, but my first goal is to be middleweight champ of the world. Eventually, I’ll probably fight as a super middleweight, but right now I’m fighting this one at 168 and then coming back down to 160.”

Austin (8-5, 2 KOs), fighting out of Tennessee, figures to be a solid test for Rodriguez, largely due to his experience fighting top prospects such as Carlos DeLeon, Jr., James McGirt, Jr. and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillon.

“Last year was great for Edwin,” Rodriguez’ manager Larry Army noted. “We decided as a team for Edwin to take off four months to review his fights and hone his skills. We’re thrilled that Edwin is starting 2009 on such a high profile card, his first on an HBO or world title fight undercard. He’s going to learn a lot from this experience, which will help him develop even more. We’re confident that 2009 will start as 2008 ended with him undefeated and one more step closer to his goal of becoming world champion.”

For more information about the 23-year-old Rodriguez go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com.

See you at the Fights.
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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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WELTERWEIGHT BOUT AT BEAU RIVAGE RESORT AND CASINO IN BILOXI, MS;WBC 147 Andre Berto-Luis Collazo on HBO’s Boxing After Dark

BILOXI, Miss.– DiBella Entertainment is starting 2009 in style with a great world championship matchup, featuring hard-charging WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto making his second title defense versus number-one rated challenger and former WBA world champion Luis Collazo, to be seen on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, on Saturday, January 17 at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT, from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss.

Andre Berto


With his dominant TKO victory over Miguel Angel Rodriguez this past June to claim the vacant WBC welterweight crown, Andre Berto (23-0, 19 KOs) established himself as one of boxings most feared champions. Just 25 years old, Winter Haven, Florida’s Berto has already defeated proven veterans such as Cosme Rivera, Michael Trabant and Steve Forbes. Berto will need to draw on all of this valuable experience when he takes on mandatory challenger Luis Collazo (29-3, 14 KOs). Crafty southpaw Collazo, from New York City, is poised to win his second world championship – having already reigned as WBA welterweight king.

“Berto-Collazo has all the makings of a spectacular match up. Andre’s punch volume and non-stop pressure combined with Collazo’s poise and big-fight pedigree, make this the first ‘can’t miss” fight of 2009. Let’s not forget Luis has already gone 24 competitive rounds with Ricky Hatton and Shane Mosley. This is a great opportunity for Andre to show the world the champion that he is,” said DBE president Lou DiBella.

"January 17 represents the hallmark of the Boxing After Dark franchise, featuring rising stars along with up and coming fighters and providing them a great showcase to demonstrate their talent,” said Luis Barragan, director of programming, HBO Sports. “Each fighter on the card is in a position to make a statement very early in 2009.”

In addition, fans in the live audience on January 17 at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino will get the opportunity to see local Light Heavyweight favorite Will McIntyre in an eight round bout, New York Heavyweight prospect Tor Hamer in a 4 round bout, undefeated Super Middleweight and top prospect Edwin Rodriguez from Worcester, MA in an eight round bout and Jonathan Nelson from Little Rock, Arkansas in a 6 round Super Middleweight bout.

Tor Hamer


“Beau Rivage is happy to be partnering with DiBella Entertainment and HBO Sports to bring world championship boxing back to Biloxi,” said George P. Corchis, Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi resorts, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi, and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. “The headliner of Andre Berto vs. Luis Collazo is a competitive match and the undercard bouts are bona fide prospects to watch.”

Doors open at 3 p.m. and preliminary bouts begin at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $45, $100 and $150 plus tax and service charge and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Box Office or by calling 888.566.7469. Beau Rivage room reservations can be made by calling 888.567.6667 or visiting www.beaurivage.com.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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