Rising Stars Jessie Vargas & Deandre Latimore To Co-Headline ShoBox: The New Generation Doubleheader On Friday, Feb. 24‏

Two rising Las Vegas stars with their sights set on world title fights in 2012 will step into the ring at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Friday, February 24, when unbeaten welterweight Jessie Vargas and hard-hitting junior middleweight Deandre Latimore co-headline a ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader.

Both bouts, which are presented by Mayweather Promotions, are scheduled for 10 rounds and will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Doors open on fight night at 6 p.m. with the first fight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Opponents for both fighters will be announced shortly.
Once considered the fight capital of the world's best kept secret, 22-year-old Jessie Vargas (17-0, 9 KO's) burst onto the global boxing scene in 2011 with a spectacular year that included early knockouts of former World Champion "Vicious" Vivian Harris and top contender Walter Estrada, but on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz in September, Vargas really showed off his skills and his heart when he scored a hard-fought decision win over then undefeated fellow rising star Josesito Lopez. Now hoping to keep the momentum going in 2012, Vargas will headline his first ShoBox telecast on February 24.

Twenty six-year old southpaw Deandre "The Bull" Latimore (22-3, 17 KO's) is a six-year professional whose exciting style and knockout power always get the fans on their feet. Latimore is a former world title challenger whose 2009 split decision loss to Cory Spinks in their IBF World Championship fight was one of the most controversial of that year. Bouncing back with wins in three of his next four fights, including two in a row, the St. Louis born Latimore is amped up for his first fight in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas and his first appearance on the acclaimed ShoBox series.

♔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.

RISING STARS JESSIE VARGAS & DEANDRE LATIMORE TO CO-HEADLINE SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION IN SEPARATE BOUTS ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Two rising Las Vegas stars with their sights set on world title fights in 2012 will step into the ring at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Friday, February 24, when unbeaten welterweight Jessie Vargas and hard-hitting junior middleweight Deandre Latimore co-headline a ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader.

Both bouts, which are presented by Mayweather Promotions, are scheduled for 10 rounds and will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Doors open on fight night at 6 p.m. with the first fight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Opponents for both fighters will be announced shortly.

Once considered the fight capital of the world's best kept secret, 22-year-old Jessie Vargas (17-0, 9 KO's) burst onto the global boxing scene in 2011 with a spectacular year that included early knockouts of former World Champion "Vicious" Vivian Harris and top contender Walter Estrada, but on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz in September, Vargas really showed off his skills and his heart when he scored a hard-fought decision win over then undefeated fellow rising star Josesito Lopez. Now hoping to keep the momentum going in 2012, Vargas will headline his first ShoBox telecast on February 24.

Twenty six-year old southpaw Deandre "The Bull" Latimore (22-3, 17 KO's) is a six-year professional whose exciting style and knockout power always get the fans on their feet. Latimore is a former world title challenger whose 2009 split decision loss to Cory Spinks in their IBF World Championship fight was one of the most controversial of that year. Bouncing back with wins in three of his next four fights, including two in a row, the St. Louis born Latimore is amped up for his first fight in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas and his first appearance on the acclaimed ShoBox series.

♔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.

ShoBox: The New Generation Celebrates a Decade of Matching Prospects Tough‏

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MATCHING PROSPECTS TOUGH FOR THE LAST DECADE 10th Anniversary Highlights, Stats and Facts Undefeated Junior Lightweight Diego Magdaleno Faces Alejandro Perez, Casey Ramos Meets Joselito Collado In Battle Of Undefeated 130-pounders, Friday, July 15, Texas Station Gambling Hall & Casino, Las Vegas, Live at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®

In the realm of boxing series, none sticks to its mission statement as closely as the popular ShoBox: The New Generation, which celebrates its 10th anniversary on Friday, July 15, at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Texas Station Gambling Hall & Casino in Las Vegas. The Top Rank-promoted doubleheader will feature a night of junior lightweight action with undefeated Diego Magdaleno (19-0, 7 KOs) squaring off against Alejandro Perez (15-2-1, 10 KOs) and Casey Ramos (13-0, 4 KOs) taking on Joselito Collado (12-0, 3 KOs) in a battle of unbeatens.

10th Anniversary Highlights, Stats and Facts …

ShoBox: The New Generation – The Mission

Televise a boxing series to serve as a proving ground for hungry, willing prospects. Thrust young up-and-comers from the anonymity of undercards to the glare of the national spotlight. Match each fighter against his toughest opponent to date and, in the process, expose untested hopefuls – but more importantly – build future champions.

For the last decade, ShoBox has garnered critical acclaim and industry respect by adhering to its central purpose: featuring prospects in pivotal fights where padding the win column stops and their true road to contender status begins. The series is so well defined that it has been added to the boxing lexicon. As characterized by Wikipedia, a “ShoBox fighter” refers to a “quality prospect primed for tougher competition.”

SHOWTIME implemented this decidedly boutique approach with the overall picture in mind.

“Creating a platform for young fighters is something that is not only important to SHOWTIME, but to the sport of boxing generally,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “With ShoBox, we seek out prospects that are willing to challenge themselves with high-risk bouts in exchange for national exposure. It’s a win-win for all involved, including our subscribers who get the entertainment of competitive fights and an introduction to the new generation of future champions.”

A staggering 87 fighters who fought on ShoBox moved on to challenge for a world title, with 42 of those fighters becoming world champions. The first future champ to emerge from ShoBox dates back to the series’ initial telecast on July 21, 2001. Leonard Dorin scored a ninth-round TKO over fellow unbeaten Martin O’Malley. Two fights later, Dorin was a world champion. With 157 ShoBox telecasts and 42 eventual world titlists, ShoBox enjoys a rough average of featuring a future champion every fourth show.

ShoBox – By the Numbers

42 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to win a world title. Notables include:

Andre Ward
Diego Corrales
Nonito Donaire
Chad Dawson
Timothy Bradley
Paul Williams
Juan Manuel Lopez
Robert Guerrero
Carl Froch
Kermit Cintron
Kendall Holt
Paulie Malignaggi
Kelly Pavlik
Andre Berto
Victor Ortiz

89 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to challenge for a world title

52 – Matches between undefeated fighters

89 – Fighters who suffered the first loss of their pro careers

6 – Fighters who won a world title after losing on ShoBox:

Luis Collazo
Robert Guerrero
Eric Aiken
David Diaz
Isaac Hlatshwayo
Cornelius Bundrage

157 – Telecasts

321 – Fights

58 – Cities that hosted a ShoBox event

5 – Most appearances on ShoBox

Andre Ward
Ishe Smith
Robert Guerrero
Sechew Powell
Kendall Holt
Mike Arnaoutis
Chris Avalos

ShoBox – Behind the Numbers

For Openers: Gary Russell Jr. is the only boxer to make his pro debut on ShoBox.

Quickest Out Of The Gate:

· T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (15 seconds) on Oct. 19, 2007

· Allan Green KO 1 Jaidon Codrington (18 seconds) on Nov. 4, 2005

· Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage (22 seconds) on May 6, 2005

Rematches: There have been only two rematches in the history of ShoBox. Each time, the loser in the first fight won the second by knockout.

T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (Oct. 19, 2007); Walker KO 2 Wilson (Feb. 28, 2008)
Gamaliel Diaz W 10 Robert Guerrero (Dec. 2, 2005); Guerrero KO 6 Diaz (June 23, 2006)

The Hall Recall – Executive Producer Gordon Hall’s Quintessential ShoBox Fights:

Juan Urango (13-0) vs. Mike Arnaoutis (10-0-1) – D 12 – Aug. 5, 2004
The Hall Recall: “This fight was an all-out war that ended in a draw and is a classic example of two undefeated, talented fighters facing each other early in their careers on ShoBox.”

Robert Guerrero (16-0-1) vs. Gamaliel Diaz (19-5-2) – Diaz SD 12 Guerrero – Dec. 2, 2005
The Hall Recall: “A perfect example of a ShoBox fight where the young fighter is tested by the more seasoned fighter who had experience going into the later rounds and could move. Robert lost the fight in a split decision, but more importantly, he learned from the defeat, went on to avenge the loss on ShoBox and later won a world title.’’

Tim Bradley (21-0) vs. Junior Witter (36-1-3) – Bradley SD 12 Witter – May 10, 2008
The Hall Recall: “Before challenging for the junior welterweight title in Witter’s U.K. backyard, Bradley had never fought outside of California and was coming off the longest layoff of his career. Bradley’s knockdown of Witter in the sixth round was the turning point in the fight and he went on to win a split decision. Bradley developed in his three previous ShoBox appearances, which helped put him in position for this fight – where he became the first ShoBox fighter to win his title on ShoBox.’’

Marcus Johnson (20-0) vs. Dyah Davis (18-2-1) – Davis UD 10 Johnson;
Danny O’Connor (14-0) vs. Gabriel Bracero (14-0) – Bracero UD 8 O’Connor;
Willie Nelson (16-0-1) vs. Vincent Arroyo (10-1) – Arroyo MD 8 Nelson – April 8, 2011

The Hall Recall: “Three talented and touted prospects walked into the ring undefeated and walked out with a loss. And all on the same night… now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Ringside Analyst Steve Farhood’s Memorable Moments

The face of Ebo Elder after he rallied with a 12th-round TKO over Courtney Burton
(Dec. 17, 2004)
The 12th-round drama of Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade I
(Oct. 24, 2008)
Ricky Hatton's ring entrances to "Blue Moon"
(Oct. 27, 2001, Dec. 15, 2001, Sept. 28, 2002)

Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fighters

o Tim Bradley

o Lucian Bute

o Diego Corrales

o Chad Dawson

o Nonito Donaire

o Robert Guerrero

o Joan Guzman

o Ricky Hatton

o Andre Ward

o Paul Williams

Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fights

o Kendall Holt KO 1 Ricardo Torres

(July 5, 2008)

o Carlos Abregu KO 4 Irving Garcia

(May 1, 2009)

o Juan Urango D 12 Mike Arnaoutis

(Aug. 5, 2004)

o Ebo Elder KO 12 Courtney Burton

(Dec. 17, 2004)

o Lucian Bute W 12 Librado Andrade

(Oct. 24, 2008)

o Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage

(May 6, 2005)

o Mike Oliver W 12 Gary Stark

(Feb. 16, 2007)

o Kuvanych Toygonbayev W 10 Andrey Tsurkan

(May 22, 2003)

o Stevie Murray W 10 Martin Watson

(April 1, 2004)

o Orlando Cruz KO 5 Leonilo Miranda

(Jan. 16, 2009)

♔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.

BUTE RETAINS TITLE IN CONTROVERSIAL FINAL ROUND; HEARNS TKO’S CLAVETTE IN 6TH; Catch The Replay Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME 2

MONTREAL, Quebec– It was a controversial finish, yet an unquestionable unanimous decision on Friday’s special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.

Hometown hero, Lucian Bute of Montreal, dominated the No. 1-ranked challenger Librado Andrade of La Habra, Calif., en route to a unanimous decision victory and third successful defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight world title.

However, it was Bute who appeared to be out on his feet at the end of 12 rounds.

Bute used superior hand speed and excellent footwork to easily handle the rough challenger for most of the fight.

Andrade, who had been clearly battered and beaten through 11-plus rounds, took control only as Bute tired late in the final round. Andrade found a home for a few big punches and had Bute stumbling from pillar to post.

With Bute up against the ropes and seemingly out on his feet, Andrade landed another punishing overhand right that sent Bute down for the first time in his career.

Referee Marlon B. Wright gave what many considered a long count, including a break to instruct Andrade to remain in the neutral corner. When Wright resumed the count, Bute was on his feet, leaning against the ropes. Wright had deemed Bute ready to continue, but since the round had ended, it went to the scorecards.

Judges scored the fight 117-109, 115-110 and 115-111 all in favor of Bute.

“We’ve discussed this before,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood during the telecast. “It is very difficult to win a title on the road. We may have seen an overly dramatic example of that tonight.

“This fight was 30 seconds too long for Bute. He totally collapsed… and basically, the referee cost Andrade the title.”

In the post-fight interview with Farhood, Bute said through a translator, “I think he took advantage of me getting tired. He won the 12th round, and maybe one other round, but I won the fight.

“I am not aware of any controversy but, maybe he was leaving the (neutral) corner. That is not for me to judge.”

“He was completely out,” said Andrade in the ring after the fight. “I didn’t come out of the corner. I don’t know what (Wright) was talking about. It was outrageous.”

Andrade falls to 27-2, 22 KOs. At the post fight press conference, he added, “If he gives me a rematch, we’ll take it. But I didn’t come out to win a decision. I promise you if we have a rematch, I am coming for him.

“It doesn’t matter. I had a job to do and I did it. I knocked him out. But whatever happens, we’ll move forward and whoever I fight next, I am coming to fulfill my dream. Whoever it is, I am coming. I am coming like rain.”

“We said he’d have to walk through fire if he was to win this fight in the last few rounds,” said Nick Charles, ShoBox host and play-by-play announcer. “He did. He came through fire, bullets and smoke. What a gutsy performance from Andrade.

“He leaves the loser, incredibly so, and walks off with tremendous grace.”

A near capacity crowd of 16,000-plus rocked the Bell Centre in favor of Quebec’s favorite fighter. A native of Galat, Romania, Bute has lived in Canada since 2003. He improves his record to 23-0, 18 knockouts.

HEARNS vs. CLAVETTE

In the co-feature, “The Chosen One” Ronald Hearns of Detroit, Mich., continued his climb up the 154-pound rankings with an impressive performance over Paul Clavette of New Brunswick, Canada (TKO 6).

Hearns fought effectively on the outside in the opening rounds. In the fifth, he began inflicting damage with a powerful straight right hand. In the sixth, Hearns sent Clavette down twice before forcing the referee to halt the action at 2:37 of the round.

Hearns entered the ring as the No. 11 ranked World Boxing Council (WBC) contender and No. 13 ranked World Boxing Association (WBA). He improves to 20-0, 15 KOs while Clavette drops to 14-2-1, 2 KOs.

The event was promoted by InterBox. Charles called the action from ringside with Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

HOLT TORRES III

Special Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT

Their first two world championship bouts were unforgettable, action-packed and controversial.

Now, World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion Kendall “Rated R’’ Holt (24-2, 13 KOs) will take on Ricardo “Mochuelo’’ Torres (32-2, 28 KOs) in the final chapter of a thrilling trilogy on Saturday, Dec. 13, live on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Tied at one win a piece, Holt and Torres have battled for 12 total rounds through two fights. The rubber match will eliminate all disputes and determine who reigns supreme in the 140-pound division.

Promoted by Top Rank, the 12-round championship fight will originate from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi and Kendall Holt.

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

BUTE’S POPULARITY IN CANADA IS SIMPLY OFF THE CHARTS; IBF Super Middleweight Champ Will Defend Against Librado Andrade, Friday, Oct. 24, 2008,

NEW YORK– Lucian Bute’s popularity in Canada has quickly reached Gretzky-like proportions with the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion ready to defend his title once again in Montreal on Friday, Oct. 24, in a special championship fight on ShoBox: The New Generation.

“In his last two fights, only the Montreal Canadiens playoffs games have been more popular sporting events on television,” said David Messier, the director of communication for InterBox, which promotes Bute’s fights in Montreal, the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec.

Since March 2006, Lucian has been the main attraction of every InterBox event at the Bell Centre, home of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens. His boxing abilities and his style have made him popular among sports fans. His charisma, kindness and generosity have made him a national hero.

America’s neighbors to the north are all abuzz about Bute. With only one previously televised fight in the U.S., America’s boxing fans will get their second look at Bute (22-0, 18 KOs) when he takes on once-beaten, No.1 ranked challenger Librado Andrade (27-1, 21 KOs) of La Habra, Calif., on SHOWTIME on Friday at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

“He is among the most sound, technically proficient fighters in the game,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “Although he doesn’t have a flashy style or early-round knockout power, he is refreshing to watch because he's never off-balance, he doesn't fall in after punching, and he fights with calm and poise. Something tells me he would really have prospered going the old championship distance of 15 rounds.

He continued: “For the past few years, the super middleweight division has been all about Joe Calzaghe and then Mikkel Kessler. Bute has to begin to close the gap of recognition. He's already won a title. Now he is looking to establish himself as the best 168-pounder in the world. That's a tough assignment because Kessler is still around, but a win over Andrade will be a big step because Andrade is not only a universally respected challenger, but also the toughest opponent of Bute's career to date.

In a country where hockey has always been king, Bute has garnered interest from sports and non-sports fans alike in Quebec and throughout the entire country. A native of Galat, Romania, Bute moved to Canada in October 2003 when he was 23 years old.

His last nine fights have headlined at the Bell Centre and drawn huge crowds with his most recent fight drawing a capacity crowd estimated at 14,000. Of his 22 professional fights, 16 have been fought in Montreal.

A capacity crowd of 16,000 is expected for Friday night’s fight. Last October, Bute won the IBF 168-pound title with an 11th round TKO against Alejandro Berrio with 1.1 million viewers, according to InterBox. On Feb. 29, in a title defense against William Joppy, a 10-round TKO, there were 1.25 million viewers, according to Messier.

Bute’s trainer Stephane Larouche said the crowd goes wild when he enters the ring. “As of right now, Lucian is the biggest attraction in Montreal,” he said. “When he did his first main event, we sold like, 7,000 seats, then 9,000 seats, then 10,000 seats. It always gets higher and higher. He’s got that charisma in the ring. So far, he’s the talk of the town in Montreal. I think that boxing has never been this popular in Montreal, and Lucian is one of the keys in that right now.”

Messier said there are three big reasons for Bute’s immense popularity: He simply wins, he gives back and he has embraced the French-Canadian culture.

“The main reason he is so popular is because he learned the French language,” he said. “He made the effort to learn French and the people are recognizing him for it.”

Bute is also the foundation president at InterBox. This foundation was created two years ago for young children with difficulties at school and for kids with behavior problems. Last summer, the foundation conducted a youth boxing training camp for 16 children between the ages of 11 and 17. They lived and trained for a week as a boxer would prepare for a fight. A second camp is planned next year.

Bute said signing with InterBox to promote his fights will only continue his love-affair with the Canadian people. “I relied on the support of Quebec boxing fans and they did not let me down,” he said. “The ambiance during my fights at the Bell Centre is extraordinary. I was adopted by the people here, and I have adopted Quebec.”

“On top of all this,” said ShoBox host and play-by-play announcer Nick Charles, “we’ve got a fight fans fight on Friday night. Two tough, determined and talented men will be squaring off. We’ll have the home-crowd hysteria and Bute’s title on the line. It’s a wonderful testament to the fortitude shown by both Bute and Andrade to get to this point.

“I can't wait to see who will control the range, pace and dynamics of this fight. Because whoever does will go home with the title Friday night in Montreal.”

In the co-feature, top prospect and No. 11 ranked World Boxing Council (WBC) contender Ronald Hearns (19-0, 15 KOs) will take on Paul Clavette (14-1-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.

Charles will call the action from ringside with Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For 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://www.sho.com/sports.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi and Kendall Holt.

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

ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, Oct. 3, Live at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

NEW YORK– Four undefeated rising stars hope to excite and impress Friday, Oct. 3, on ShoBox: The New Generation when highly touted welterweight prospect “King” James De la Rosa takes on Baltimore’s own Tim “Pit Bull” Coleman, and local favorite Fernando Guerrero battles Pittsburgh middleweight Tyrone “TT” Watson. SHOWTIME will televise both bouts live at 11 p.m. ET/Pt (delayed on the west coast).

The evening will be promoted by Duva Boxing, in association with Cavazos Boxing, Prize Fight Boxing and Baltimore Boxing Club from the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

In the 10-round main event, former World Boxing Council (WBC) youth welterweight champion De la Rosa (17-0, 12 KOs), of Harlingen, Texas, will attempt to knock out his fifth opponent in six fights when he takes on Coleman (14-0-1, three KOs), of Baltimore, Md.

The 10-round middleweight co-feature will pit Salisbury resident and native Dominican Guerrero (9-0, nine KOs) against Watson (7-0, three KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa.

A tornado of offensive aggression, De la Rosa thrilled his hometown crowd and captured the vacant WBC youth welterweight crown by recording a 10-round unanimous decision (99-91 twice and 97-93) over Francisco Rincon in Harlingen on Feb. 23, 2007.

“I looked great against Rincon,” De la Rosa said. “A lot of boxers were avoiding him because he was viewed as a top prospect. I basically won that fight with speed and boxing skills. It wasn’t even a close fight and the scores reveal that.”

De la Rosa, who will make his first SHOWTIME appearance, believes he has all the tools to make Coleman his 13th knockout victim.

“I’m a devastating puncher with blazing speed,” De la Rosa boasted. “The reason I’ve knocked out so many opponents is because they don’t see the punches. Coleman isn’t going to know he’s knocked out until it is too late.

“It might be better if Coleman doesn’t last because if I don’t knock him out, he’s going to get a brutal beating.”

De la Rosa, whose older brother, Juan, competed in the first season of The Contender, made his own national television splash by scoring a fourth-round technical knockout over James Webb Feb. 29, 2008, on Telefutura. De la Rosa floored his counterpart for the initial time with a punishing left hook to the chin at the end of the first round. Another left hook dropped Webb for the second time and ended matters without a count at 0:43 of the fourth.

Coleman, who will make his first ring appearance in nearly 10 months, suffered a broken right hand in the fifth round of his last bout on Dec. 7, 2007, but bravely battled his way to a 10-round draw (96-95, 95-95 and 94-96) against Martinus Clay. Coleman, the 2007 Beltway Boxing Prospect of the Year, fought nine times last year and will step into the ring for the seventh consecutive time in Maryland.

“I have watched tape of De la Rosa,” said Coleman, who was a sparring partner to Oscar De La Hoya during his training for the Steve Forbes fight in May 2008. “De la Rosa looks like a basic fighter. He’s got a nice record, but he hasn’t fought a lot of quality fighters. I don’t know most of the guys on his ‘knockout list’.”

Coleman, who also will make his SHOWTIME debut, relies on slick counter-punching and a deft defense to confuse opponents.

“It’s going to by my night on October 3,” Coleman said. “De la Rosa is young and doesn’t have great amateur experience. He can fight a little, but I have the better pedigree. He’s a baby in that ring. I’m going to tuck him in and put him to sleep.

“I have no doubt that I’m going to win this fight. I’m here and this is my time to shine. It’s my biggest TV fight to date, so I know I’m going to look good when I win.”

A deadly knockout artist, Guerrero has stopped each of the nine opponents who dared enter the same ring against him, and will fight in his hometown for the first time as a pro. Born in the Dominican Republic, Guerrero moved to the United States when he was eight years old. During a stellar amateur career, Guerrero won the Junior Golden Gloves and International Junior Olympics at age 16, and captured the National Golden Gloves at age 17. In 2007, Guerrero became the U.S. National Amateur Champion at 165 pounds.

Guerrero, who is currently sparring with brothers Anthony and Lamont Peterson, as well as WBO Welterweight Champion Paul Williams, finds himself in the toughest fight of his young career.

“I don’t like to get in the ring and dance around,” Guerrero said. “I like to give the fans an exciting fight.

“Watson is evasive and has good skills. He will be surprised with my foot and hand speed. If I impose my will, like I’ve done in the past, Watson won’t last very long.”

Watson, of Pittsburgh, by way of Flint, Mich. will make his first appearance in nearly 15 months. In his last outing on July 20, 2007, the undefeated middleweight scored a fourth-round TKO over Kenneth Johnson in Greensboro, N.C.

“I controlled the pace in that fight, “Watson said. “That was key. I’ll try to do the same against Guerrero. We’re both young and hungry, so whoever controls the pace is going to win this fight.

“I don’t want to see a blemish on my record. I like being called undefeated and I expect that to remain the same on October 3.”

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

De la Rosa Leads Four Undefeated Prospects – Oct. 3, 2008, on Showtime

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, 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.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi and, now, Kendall Holt.

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

SHOBOX RETURNS TO NEW YORK WITH TWO UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS

Jorge Teron (left) and Pawel Wolak (right) pose at a press conference in New York City on July 10, 2008, to announce their Aug. 1 “ShoBox” fight.
Photo Credit; Sal Acquista

NEW YORK– ShoBox: The New Generation returns to New York City for the first time in four years with New Jersey’s own Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (21-0, 14 KOs) as he puts his undefeated record on the line against ShoBox veteran Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (19-3, 19 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout, Friday, Aug. 1, live on SHOWTIME at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The co-feature pits undefeated, Bronx native Jorge “The Truth” Teron (21-0-1, 14 KOs) against the hard-hitting Mexican, Michael Lozada (29-4-1, 22 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle.

The fights will be promoted by Gotham Boxing from the Aviator Arena in Brooklyn, New York.

Born in Poland, “Raging Bull” Wolak has an aggressive, in-your-face style. He is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision victory against then once-beaten Troy Browning on May 17, 2008.

Prior to his fight against Browning, Wolak thrilled boxing fans at Madison Square Garden when he registered a stunning and electrifying second-round knockout of Dupre “Total Package” Strickland on March 15, 2008.

Smith on the other hand is looking to keep his championship hopes alive. This fight is a must win as he’s lost two of his last three fights by unanimous decision – albeit to world-class opposition in Sechew Powell and Joel Julio – and a loss here could be detrimental to his career.

Fighting on ShoBox might be Smith’s good luck charm since he has won his previous three fights on the acclaimed SHOWTIME series.

Smith’s impressive victories on ShoBox provided nationwide notoriety. He notched a decisive unanimous decision win against Randall Bailey, handed David Estrada his first defeat, and outpointed veteran Sam Garr.

Smith gained additional mainstream success when he was tapped to be on the reality TV show The Contender in 2004. He would ultimately be matched against Sergio Mora, the tournament’s eventual winner, where he lost by split decision. Mora went on to become a world champion when he upset Vernon Forrest on June 7, 2008 to win the WBC super welterweight belt via majority decision on SHOWTIME.

The Teron-Lozada fight has the potential to be another explosive match-up. Teron is coming off six impressive knockout victories in his last ten fights while the aggressive Lozada is on an extraordinary run having won seven straight fights by way of knockout.

Teron grew up and still lives in the Bronx, only a subway ride away from the Aviator Arena. He will rely on home court advantage in his continuing quest for a lightweight title.

Nick Charles will call the action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. 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 information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

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

Premium Network to Showcase Finest Showtime Championship Boxing, ShoBox, EliteXC and ShoXC Moments Of The Past 18 Months

NEW YORK- The most thrilling and spectacular mixed martial arts and boxing moments from the past 18 months will be highlighted when SHOWTIME proudly presents SHO Sports: The Best and Beyond Saturday, July 19, 2008, at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Hosted by former NFL player and wrestling superstar Bill Goldberg, the informative and entertaining 30-minute program will feature the most exciting knockdowns, shockingly quick endings and the biggest, baddest fighters from SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, ShoBox, EliteXC and ShoXC. Also included will be a tribute to the late lightweight world champion Diego Corrales, highlights of the epic and now legendary Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez trilogy, a celebration of ShoBox reaching its 100th episode on Nov. 2, 2007, and a sneak preview of the new INSIDE THE NFL coming to SHOWTIME this fall.

Adding an interactive element to the program, SHO Sports: The Best and Beyond will feature the top-three greatest moments voted on by fans at www.SHO.com/sports.

“Coupling live EliteXC events on SHOWTIME with our acclaimed boxing programs has given this network the most explosive 1-2 punch in sports television,” said Ken Hershman, SHOWTIME Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports and Event Programming. “The Best and Beyond is a great celebration of the drama of boxing and the exhilaration of mixed martial arts.”

In the midst of its 22nd year, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has consistently provided viewers with the most competitive, meaningful match-ups in the sport. With evenly matched fights, surprising outcomes and new champions, the flagship series of SHOWTIME Sports has set itself apart by televising fights on the first Saturday of every month.

The acclaimed ShoBox series debuted in July 2001. It features up-and-coming prospects determined to make a mark and eventually fight for a chance at a world title. It is pure, basic boxing, reminiscent of the golden days of the sport. An amazing 28 fighters coming out of ShoBox have gone on to capture world titles.

Los Angeles-based EliteXC delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with the CBS Television Network that brings live MMA to a primetime broadcast television for the first time.

ShoXC patterned after ShoBox, pits developing fighters in tough match-ups. ShoXC acts as a springboard for the future stars and champions of EliteXC.

The creative director of “Sho Sports: The Best and Beyond” is Jonathan Heaps. The program was produced by Eric Jones and Marc Youngblood. After its initial airing on July 19, the program will be repeated several times on SHOWTIME and made available via SHOWTIME On Demand throughout the month of July.

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

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

“Cayman Knockout: Championship Boxing” is First Televised Fight in Island’s History

NEW YORK- Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward looks to take the next step toward a world title shot when he battles former Olympian Jerson Ravelo in a 12-round North American Boxing Organization (NABO) super middleweight championship on Friday, June 20, 2008, live on the SHOWTIME series ShoBox: The New Generation 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism presents “Cayman Knockout: Championship Boxing” from the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal in the capital city of George Town on Grand Cayman. The co-feature of the evening will have Ronald Hearns (18-0, 14 KOs) vs. Jose Luis Gonzalez (12-3-1, 10 KOs) battle it out in a 10-round Junior Middleweight bout.

In addition, highlights of the Eddie Chambers vs. Raphael Butler will be shown during the telecast. Once-beaten heavyweight Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs) will take on hard-hitting, six-foot-four-inch, 260-pound knockout artist, Butler (31-4, 24 KOs) in a 12-round United States Boxing (USBA) heavyweight championship contest.

Ward (15-0, 10 KOs), America’s sole boxing Gold Medalist in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, brings a string of five consecutive knockout victories into his match-up against Ravelo.

The 24-year-old Oakland, Calif., native is coming off a seventh-round stoppage against the rugged veteran Rubin Williams on March 20, 2008. Prior to that bout, Ward, who has remained active in the ring since turning pro, appeared on ShoBox and stopped then-unbeaten rising star Roger Cantrell on Nov. 16, 2007.

“I want to be the best fighter in my era,” said the six-foot-one Ward. “I will achieve that with class and integrity.

“A victory over Ravelo could put me up in the top-10 for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight title.”

While Ward has goals of soon capturing the WBO title, he knows that he must wait and first defeat Ravelo in order to get that opportunity.

“There is a process. My time will come,” Ward said. “Working hard for the NABO national title is part of the plan. The stakes are high."

Ravelo (18-2, 12 KOs) is a 30-year old Dominican and former participant in the highly successful “Contender” boxing series. The Newark, N.J., resident earned an impressive, unanimous decision win over undefeated Paul Buchanan in his most recent bout, following on the heels of a competitive loss to highly-regarded and world-ranked contender Allan Green.

At six-feet-two-inches, Ravelo will prove to be Ward’s first taller and his toughest professional opponent to date.

"It is going to be about preparation for this fight,” Ravelo said. “Ward is a good fighter, and so am I. He is fast, and so am I.”

"I'm not saying I am going to knock Ward out. I'm just going to win. I'm ready to go the full 12 rounds."

While they competed in different Olympics, Ward in 2004 and Ravelo in 2000, the Dominican is familiar with his opponent.

"I supported Ward in the Olympics. I made the Olympics in 2000, and it was a dream of mine to get there. I achieved my goal, and now I will achieve my goal for a championship title on June 20."

A promising prospect with two tough losses, Ravelo says this will be his first bout in perfect health and knows that he has no excuses if he doesn’t come out of the Cayman Islands with a victory.

“I broke my right hand and it was injured for four years without truly healing,” said Ravelo, who took more than a year off following his victory over Buchanan on March 30, 2007. “Now, it is completely healed and it feels good and ready to fight."

Both fighters are facing their most difficult opponent in one another, an ideal that ShoBox: The New Generation, a prospect-oriented series which showcases young fighters in tough, competitive matchups, has been built upon.

“Andre and Jerson are matched tougher than they’ve ever been matched before,” said Steve Farhood, ShoBox’s expert analyst. “Jerson Ravelo is a young veteran and I think he’s definitely the toughest opponent of Andre’s young career.”

“There are a lot of contrasts in this fight. We have east coast, west coast; we have 2004 Olympics vs. the 2000 Olympics; we have an undefeated prospect and young contender in Andre, and young veteran in Jerson who wants what Andre has.”

Both Ward and Ravelo have been on ShoBox before, and each win brings them closer to the ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.

“It’s an extremely important fight at this point in their careers,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer of ShoBox. “Hopefully the winner will eventually go on and win a world title and become the 27th fighter that has fought on ShoBox and went on to win a world title.”

Promoter Dan Goossen knows that while the Cayman Islands provide an amazing backdrop for boxing match, the true excitement will take place in the ring.

"Ward faces his toughest test against Ravelo," Goossen said. "On June 20, Ward and Ravelo will do all of their trash talking with their fists."

The Hearns-Gonzalez bout should prove to be as exciting and surprising as the main event. While Hearns is undefeated as a professional, Gonzalez had over 300 amateur fights and one of the very few blemishes on his resume came by a draw against Jason LeHoullier (21-0).

“Gonzalez is a pressure type of fighter,” said Hall. “It should be a good test for Hearns, who had a very limited amateur career and, with only 18 fights on his resume, is still learning and developing.”

Blow-by blow announcer Nick Charles will call the action from ringside with expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood at his side. The executive producer of "ShoBox" is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.

For information "ShoBox: The New Generation" and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.

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

Boxing Herald's, Chris Robinson sits down for an exclusive interview with Jerson Ravelo; The Genuine Nature of Jerson Ravelo

The Genuine Nature of Jerson Ravelo
Chris Robinson

Boxing Herald's, Chris Robinson sits down for an exclusive interview with Jerson Ravelo

Jerson Ravelo


Have a good talk with super middleweight Jerson Ravelo and it might be hard afterwards to associate him with a sport as cruel and punishing as boxing. Ravelo is a man who is extremely positive in his ways and it's hard to find a mean streak in the Dominican Republic native. Maybe his kindness comes from his upbringing or perhaps it stems from his learning lessons while being involved in the sport, but either way, Ravelo's humble nature seems to be what largely defines him.

Jerson Ravelo and Andre Ward


As he prepares for a June 20 showdown with undefeated Andre Ward, Ravelo is at a crossroads in his career. Just four years ago Ravelo was undefeated and on the verge of taking his career to new heights. An unexpected loss to David Lopez in April of 2004 saw Ravelo lose both his undefeated record and the support from many around him. Ravelo regrouped well, but another loss to Allan Green would follow in October of 2006, again setting the New Jersey resident back. Now sporting an 18-2 record with 10 knockouts, Ravelo has carved out a career that has been highly respectable yet still unfulfilled in many areas.

The losses in his career have been hard to take, but the lessons that Ravelo has learned along the way are priceless. Learning the true meaning of friendship and support after his setbacks, Ravelo is a man reluctant to give his trust to just anyone. And these days, he spends much of his time to himself. He knows what it is to be at both ends of the spectrum, as he was once an undefeated prospect on the rise and now finds himself as the underdog to the younger, undefeated Ward -- a 2004 Athens Olympics gold medalist. It may not have been scri pted the way he liked, but Jerson Ravelo's career has introduced him to a healthy dose of the good and bad associated within the sport. To his credit, Ravelo has remained steadfast throughout and a victory over Ward on June 20 will allow him to turn the tables in his favor.

Just weeks away from a pivotal make or break moment in his career, Ravelo was calm and low key as he spoke about his past experiences within the sport. In his own words, this is what Jerson Ravelo had to say about his showdown with Andre Ward, his childhood days, his early years in boxing, his dreams in life, and more…

Nettles Nasir, trainer and Jerson Ravelo


Coming to Win…

"I'm not really looking at my fight with Andre Ward as far as my advantages go. I don't want to look at it like that. I think it's a very interesting matchup. We have similar styles. He has shown his ability in previous fights and I think it's a good matchup. I just think that he's coming to win, I'm coming to win and whoever wants it more and is more determined will be the victorious one."

Early years…

"I was born in the Dominican Republic. I came to the United States when I was eight years old. Coming up as a kid I didn't have the things that other kids had. I didn't have games, toys, or bikes to entertain myself but I still managed. I usually tried to stay out of trouble and I always wanted to box. I ended up starting when I was twelve years old. I had an uncle who always tried to round kids up in the neighborhood to box each other. He had a pair of gloves and that's basically when it started for me. I tried it once and the love for boxing grew from there."

Coming to America…

"I moved to New Jersey and I've lived here all my life ever since I came to this country. As a kid, coming from a very poor country at the time, you could imagine how I felt coming to America. I was able to experience things that I never saw before. Back in my country I remember people being on horses and in America I was able to take in a whole new culture with new cars and things like that."

Jerson Ravelo and Giovanni Lorenzo


Dominican Heritage…

"My heritage is important to me. I represented the Dominican Republic in the 2000 Olympics even though my goal was to fight for the United States. I started my career in the US, was ranked #1 here and represented the United States in the world championships. Basically my whole career was here in the United States and it would have been nice to represent the US but it was still and honor to represent my country. I always have a flag on my trunks and I come to the ring with Meringue' which is typical Dominican music. So I represent my country very well."

Taking Whatever Comes Your Way…

"I might not even finish if I start talking about all the things I have had to overcome. From injuries to people giving up on me and turning their backs on me, you name it and I've been through it. I've always said that all the things a fighter goes through in their career are things I experienced at the beginning of my career. From not being able to get fights to not finding someone to represent me, to not having enough money for equipment, from taking low pay for fights just to stay busy. Sometimes you can't negotiate because you're just in a position to take whatever comes your way."

Down to Earth…

"I think I'm a pretty down to earth person. I love helping people and I love working with kids. My son has a little league baseball team and I am one of the coaches, and I do it without expecting anything in return. If I could help anyone I would. If I see somebody on the street and they are hungry I would pay for them to eat even if I only had ten dollars in my pocket. I'm that type of person and people can count on me. I'm one of the most loyal people that you will meet."

Jerson Ravelo and Paulie Malignaggi


Self Belief…

"Self belief is very important. A lot of people have given up on me throughout my career and it got to a point where I almost gave up on myself. I felt like nobody had my back and I asked myself how I could get anywhere like that. I almost gave up but then I realized some things after going to camp with Bernard Hopkins and Antonio Tarver. After working with these guys I realized that I was giving these guys great work to the point where I felt that if it was a real fight I probably would have won that fight. Then I just realized I still had a lot to offer to the sport."

Danny Jacobs and Jerson Ravelo


A Good Ride…

"Getting to the Olympics was one of my greatest career moments. Not every fighter can say they went the Olympic Games and that's something I can tell my kids years from now. Not many athletes in general can say that but I can and it's one of my career highlights. As far as turning pro, my first time fighting at Madison Square Garden was another highlight for me. I've fought on many famous fighters' undercards and appeared on television myself. I could go on and on. It's been a good ride for me but I have to capitalize on this fight so that I can be the one guy who people are talking about."

Making Yourself Happy…

"People will criticize you no matter what. People will always have their say, it's just a matter of how you deal with it. I don't really pay to much mind to what people say. I know that I am a good fighter, I know that I prepare hard for every fight and I know that I give it my all when I'm in the ring. If a fighter is a better fight than me, so be it, but I'm not going to worry about what other people have to say. You can't worry about making everyone happy, you have to make yourself happy before anyone else."

Realizing a Dream…

"I've met a lot of interesting people through boxing. From people in other spots such as Basketball, Hockey, and Football to Politicians, I've met and networked with all kinds of people. I've been trying to get a gym going for about six or seven years now and I'm just now getting ready to do it. I want to do it for the kids because it's something that has kept me off the streets. It was always a dream of mine that I was never able to do but because of certain people I've met through the sport, they have been able to help me do it."

Jerson Ravelo and Joe Calzaghe


Family First…

"To tell you the truth, my family is most important to me. That's part of the reason I have to do good in this sport. I like to take care of my family because they are the ones who never turned their backs on me. I feel like I owe it to them to do my best to show them I appreciate everything they did for me."

Trusting Those Around You…

"One thing that I've learned through boxing is to pay attention to those around you. When I first started out I was doing really well, winning my fights and making decent money. I had people who were always claiming to be my best friend and certain people were always attached to me. Once things started going in a different direction for me, that all changed. My back started bothering me, then I broke my hand, suffered my first loss, and next thing I know all these people around me just scattered. All those people who were my best of friends I couldn't find anymore once I needed some help. I even tried reaching out to some of them in times of need and they just denied me the opportunity. Learning about that was one of the main lessons I have kept with me and it all comes back to trusting the people you have around you and staying with positive people."



The Jerson Ravelo-Andre Ward showdown takes place Friday, June 20 on ShoBox: The New Generation. The Showtime televised telecast kicks off at 11 PM/ET.

http://www.boxingherald.com/news/117/ART ICLE/1177/2008-05-27.html

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

2004 U.S. OLYMPIAN ANDRE DIRRELL TO TAKE ON ONCE-BEATEN ANTHONY HANSHAW ON SHOBOX

NEW YORK– In a match-up of top super middleweight prospects, undefeated 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell (14-0, 9 KOs) will take on once-beaten Anthony Hanshaw (21-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round showdown Friday, May 2, live on SHOWTIME (ShoBox: The New Generation, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Andre Dirrell


In the co-feature, the promising and once-beaten Antonio DeMarco (18-1-1, 13 KOs) will take on undefeated Juan Castaneda (12-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

The SHOWTIME event will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and originate from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.

Dirrell, who won the bronze medal at the Athens Olympic Games, will continue his recent step-up in opposition. The hard-hitting southpaw is coming off of a third-round TKO over Shannon Miller on Feb. 1, 2008.

According to Dirrell’s trainer and grandfather, Leon Lawson, the former Olympian and 24-year-old Flint, Mich., native is ready for the next step.

“Andre has looked good with everyone he steps in the ring with,” said Lawson, who also trains Andre’s brother and fellow undefeated super middleweight prospect, Anthony. “He has been sparring with the best, and I know he can fight with the best.”

In June 2007, Dirrell faced his toughest opponent to date when he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow prospect Curtis Stevens on national television. The fans and many at ringside voiced their displeasure at the lack of action throughout the contest.

“A lot of the fans know that wasn’t me, but people are going to criticize,” Dirrell said. “I can understand how everybody felt about the fight, but that wasn’t me that night. They will see a lot better performance from me this time.”

Dirrell has studied Hanshaw’s fights on tape in preparation for their upcoming bout.

“I am just going to keep Hanshaw on the outside and put my punches together,” Dirrell said. “I will come away with a good outcome and a really good, crowd-pleasing performance. Just look out for a new Andre.”

Currently training at the Police Athletic League Gym in Winter Haven, Fla., Dirrell praised his upcoming opponent.

“Hanshaw is a good fighter. I have known him since the amateurs, and remember that he won five or six Ohio State Fair championships. Nobody else had done that. He is going to be my toughest opponent yet. There is no doubt about it.”

Hanshaw, a once-beaten legitimate prospect of Warren, Ohio, has an impressive training regimen of his own. He has been training in Houston, Texas, with 2003 World Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer of the Year Ronnie Shields.

Despite the fact that his upcoming opponent won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, Hanshaw said that his resume is more impressive.

“Dirrell is up and coming, but he is going to be a little bit too small,” Hanshaw said. “I am going to be too strong for him, especially with me coming back down from light heavyweight to my natural weight.

“Dirrell is a runner, but I’m going to be right on him. He still fights like an amateur. After I slow him down with the body shots, I’ll knock him out in the sixth or seventh round.”

Under the tutelage of Shields, the 30-year-old Hanshaw is in good company. The former three-time light welterweight Golden Glove Champion has trained Mike Tyson, Vernon Forrest, Pernell Whitaker and Evander Holyfield.

“Shields and I have been working on what we are going to do, and I’m going to be right there in Dirrell’s face,” Hanshaw said. “It is going to be a hell of a fight. I am going to take him out of there.

“Being trained by a guy like Ronnie gives me extra motivation. Knowing that he was worked with some of the best fighters in history makes me push it even harder. He is a hell of a trainer.”

A good judge of talent, Shields knows that Hanshaw has the skills to move to the next level.

“Hanshaw has a lot of potential, he always has,” said the renowned trainer. “The thing is you have to bring it out of him. That’s what we are trying to do now.

“Of course I’m confident that he has the abilities to beat Dirrell. Andre moves a lot and is a sneaky counter puncher, but I think Hanshaw is the bigger stronger guy and he should be able to impose his will. Dirrell wants to move, but Hanshaw will make him exchange punches.”

The sole blemish on Hanshaw’s record is a decision loss to future Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr., on July 14, 2007. Hanshaw was impressive in the bout, which was fought at 175 pounds.

Shields knows that this is an important fight for Hanshaw, especially coming off of the loss to Jones, Jr.

“Dirrell is a good fighter and this is a big step up,” Shields said. “Outside of Roy Jones, this is the biggest fight of his career. Hanshaw is focused and ready to prove that he has what it takes to become a champion.”

Play-by-play announcer Nick Charles and expert analyst/boxing historian Steve Farhood will call the action from ringside. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young, talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. To date, 24 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox have advanced to garner world titles includes Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi and Paul Williams.

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

Nick Charles To Be Honored By Boxing Writers Association‏

SHOWTIME BOXING ANNOUNCER NICK CHARLES TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FROM BOXING WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, MAY 1, 2008, IN LOS ANGELES

NEW YORK– Nick Charles, who serves as host and play-by-play announcer for the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation, will receive the prestigious Sam Taub Award for excellence in broadcast journalism at the 83rd Annual Boxing Writers Association of America Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Los Angeles.

The lifetime achievement award, now bestowed upon all four boxing announcers serving SHOWTIME Sports telecasts (Steve Albert, Al Bernstein for Championship Boxing and analyst Steve Farhood for ShoBox), is sweet for the broadcast veteran.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to receive the lifetime achievement award,” said Charles, an Atlanta resident who is known for his accurate, colorful and refreshing delivery. “It means a lot when the Boxing Writers Association of America looks at your entire body of work and decides that you deserve to be recognized for it.”

If you tuned in to CNN during the 1980s and 90s, chances are you saw Nick Charles. Hired to help launch the network in 1980, Charles won three Cable Ace Awards as co-host of CNN’s “Sports Tonite.”

During his time with the news network, Charles covered some of the all-time greatest boxers in many of their greatest fights, including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Riddick Bowe, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya.

“In the early years of CNN, we had such a can-do attitude,” Charles said. “It was new horizons, un-chartered waters. Ultimately, not only did we not drown, we sailed around the world.

“They had me camp out in Miami after Roberto Duran’s ‘No Mas’ fight until I got an interview. They sent me to Japan to see Buster Douglas knock Tyson on his butt. I was in camp with Hearns in Detroit and at home with Hagler. Through the years, I witnessed boxing history.”

In 2001, SHOWTIME tabbed Charles as its blow-by-blow announcer for the new boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation, which features up-and-coming fighters in tough match-ups in all boxing divisions. Thus far, Charles and his partner Farhood have called the action for nearly every ShoBox telecast since its inception—nearly 125 shows and 250 fights. In that time, Charles has witnessed many fighters advance from prospect to contender; from contender to world champion.

“You know little about these guys except that they better have a blazing desire to succeed,” Charles said. “The fighters have no entourages, and we do not feature ring walks. It is just boxing where two guys are matched tough, and it is a question of who moves forward and who falls back. That is the central theme of every ShoBox.”

With Charles and Farhood at the helm, ShoBox has found a niche with boxing fans and sports enthusiasts.

“Nick is a highly respected sports commentator who has traveled to more than 50 countries and covered all of the major sports stories for the last 25 years,” said Gordon Hall, SHOWTIME vice president and executive producer of ShoBox. “He brings a vast knowledge of boxing and great passion to each telecast. He is a true professional who brings out the best in those around him.”

Charles says the match-ups are what make ShoBox so intriguing.

“We usually have these young undefeated fighters who have never lost, and other times these guys who cannot afford to lose again,” Charles said. “It is all about acclaim and redemption, risk and reward. Ultimately, in this series, people’s careers have either taken off or have ended.”

The well-traveled journalist has worked as a site reporter and host for six Olympics, five Goodwill Games and the Pan-Am Games in Havana, Cuba.

“Nick's love for boxing, and specifically for ShoBox, makes every show special," said Farhood. "He's the ultimate professional, and his enthusiasm never wanes. If you ask Nick, he'll tell you he's lucky to have boxing. But if you ask me, boxing is lucky to have Nick."

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

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV

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

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

Photo:credit Emily Harney


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt Jr. fighting on ShoBox April 11 vs. Carlos DeLeon, Jr.

VERO BEACH, Florida– Unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) squares-off with another son of a former world champion, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), April 11 in the 10-round co-feature on ShoBox, live from Miccosukee Resort in Miami.

“Fighting on ShoBox means everything to me,” McGirt said. “It’s a stepping stone for my career and I’m very excited. I fought on ShoBox one other time, when I defeated Aaron Pryor’s son, Stephan. Every fight is a new chapter in my career, each one the biggest of my life. I know DeLeon is going to bring his ‘A’ game. I’ve got to be better than him, smarter than him in the ring. I know my father will be telling me to keep my right hand up.

“I’ve been working very hard, so going the distance (in his first scheduled 10 round fight) won’t be a problem, if I need to. It’s his first 10-round fight, too. My weight is right on and I’ve never been this close to the contracted weight so far out from a fight. I’ve been in the gym for so long, waiting for a fight since October, working regularly since right before New Years. For the past 2 ½ months I’ve been on a strength program, lifting weights, and I’ve bulked up a little. I’ve found a home at super middleweight.”

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

“James is ready to take it to the next level,” McGirt's manager, Dennis Witherow, remarked. “We’ve had him on a strength-and-conditioning program. We saw a small difference in his last fight against (Jason) Naugler, but he had only been on the program for 30 days. This fight we expect to see a substantial difference. I think some people are going to be surprised by James’ strength. His boxing skills continue to get better, too. ‘Buddy’ knows boxing so well that he can even pick-out James’ natural skills and still make them better. He’s constantly on James to improve.

“We’re all excited about James fighting again on ShoBox. A win can get James a top 10 fighter next. He’s willing and deserves that, too. You can count on one hand the number of rounds James has lost. He wants to prove that he’s a premier fighter making a name for himself, not the son of a great fighter being protected. As James’ opponents are better, he gets better.”

McGirt, rated No. 26 by the WBC, is a southpaw originally from Brentwood, New York, now living and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida. DeLeon, rated No. 31 by the WBC, is the reigning USNBC champion from Puerto Rico.

The McGirts are on a mission to become the first family in boxing to feature father-son world champions with the former working his natural son’s corner as head trainer when the latter captures a major world title.