Mike Alvarado will be at the BWAA 88th Annual Awards Dinner This Thursday Night‏

Only days away from the Academy Awards of boxing, the BWAA has just announced that Mike Alvarado, fresh off his spectacular win over Brandon Rios, will be attending.

He joins an ever growing list of boxing celebrates which includes Nonito Donaire, Juan Manuel Marquez, Roy Jones Jr., Timothy Bradley, Ruslan Provodnikov, Paul Malignaggi, Steve Cunningham, Gennady Golovkin, Danny Jacobs, Bob Arum, and Jim Lampley.
 
There will be ample opportunities to take photos, get autographs, and chat with the many celebrities in attendance.

Dave Diamante the host of NBC's sports show "The Lights" will serve as Master of Ceremonies. 

 ♔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.

STEVE CUNNINGHAM HOLDS MEDIA WORKOUT IN PREPARATION FOR TYSON FURY

April 20th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York features a 12-round heavyweight battle between Tyson Fury and Steve Cunningham in the main event. Curtis Stevens will take on Derrick Findley in the 8-round middleweight co-feature. Six additional bouts are planned for the undercard. Doors open at The Theater at Madison Square Garden doors open at 1:15PM ET. The main event and co-feature will be broadcast 4PM ET on NBC as a special 2 hour afternoon presentation of NBC Fight Night. The card is presented byHennessy Sports and Main Events.

The main event is an official IBF Heavyweight Voluntary Eliminator fight for the #2 position. The winner must meet #1 or the leading available contender to establish the mandatory challenger for Heavyweight King Wladimir Klitschko.

Steve "USS" Cunningham held an open media workout at the Rock Ministries Gym in Philadelphia. With a little more than two weeks remaining until the fight, Cunningham, 25-2, 12 KOs, appeared confident, conditioned, and ready to fight Irish import Tyson Fury, 20-0, 14 KOs, a 6' 9" rising star of the heavyweight division. Cunningham went through a light workout for the press before speaking about the upcoming nationally televised fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden scheduled for Saturday afternoon, April 20th. The Fury - Cunningham battle will be the main event of the 4PM ET broadcast on NBC.

"He wants to get under my skin with his antics, imitating Ali, doing all these tricks," Cunningham said of Fury's trash talking press conference performance from last month. "He wants me to just come in and punch him in the mouth, but I will stick to the game plan and not get out of control. It's all about the game plan."

We're getting ready for the best Tyson Fury that the world has ever seen," Cunningham continued. "He can say what he wants to say. It's only going to make him look bad when he gets beaten by a supposed light heavyweight."

I'm going to utilize my strengths, and we've worked on my weaknesses," Cunningham said. "So you're going to see some different things. You're going to see some things that are the same. I feel great. I feel strong. I feel energetic. I'm excited about this fight."

Cunningham's trainer, Brother Naazim Richardson, said, "Steve Cunningham has been overlooked. He is an intelligent fighter and he's getting smarter all the time. See that's the thing, he's getting smarter all the time if you look at all his fights. In boxing power has always won guys things, but you never see anybody maintain with just power. Never happens...the strongest muscle in your body is that brain and the guy that can use that can find a way to manipulate almost any other person in the ring."  

 

Also fighting on the April 20 card, Philly favorite, Karl "Dynamite" Dargan, 12-0, 6 KO's, participated in the media workout as well. Dynamite is preparing for his 6 round lightweight contest against Sergi Ganjelashvili of Ft Lauderdale, FL, 4-5-1. 

Dynamite is ready to fight anyone, " Everything is on point. I'm sure they have an opponent for me, but most of my fights they don't tell me who the opponent is. For me it's not really for the fighter to know who the opponent is. A lot of people say well why not, don't you have to strategize, do this, do that? But that's what your trainer is for. Your trainer has to find out who you're fighting. Your trainer has to find your strategy to beat your opponent. That's not the fighter's job." 

Dynamite said, "The main thing for me right now is staying active. The more active I am the better. The better you guys see me. I don't think you guys have even seen the best of me yet as a professional."

 

(Photo By; Keisha Morrisey: Karl Dargan, Steve Cunnuigham and Naazim Richardson)

♔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.

Donaire, Marquez, Bradley To Appear At The BWAA Dinner This Thursday

A star-studded list of world champions, past and present, as well as many other boxing dignitaries have committed to attending the 88th annual Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) awards dinner on Thursday evening, April 11 at Capitale in New York City. In addition to 2012 honorees such as Fighter of the Year, Nonito Donaire, and Fight of the Year winner, Juan Manuel Marquez, a virtual Who's Who of boxing will be guests at the Apr. 11 gala affair. "The way things are starting to unfold this could be the best BWAA dinner in years" an excited BWAA president Jack Hirsch reported. "Every day it seems like another high profile star has committed to attend. Our growing lineup includes Roy Jones,Timothy Bradley, Ruslan Provodnikov, Paulie Malignaggi, Steve Cunningham, Bob Arum, and Jim Lampley. We have also reached out to a major television star that is a big fight fan. She has expressed interest in attending if her schedule permits."

♔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.

TYSON FURY IN HEATED ARGUMENT WITH NAZIM RICHARDSON

During a press conference to officially announce the NBC broadcast of the Tyson Fury vs. Steve Cunningham fight, which is scheduled to take place the afternoon of April 20th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, a heated exchange ensued between Fury and Cunningham. The photo above clearly captures the continued antagonism that took place during the customary post press conference face off photo session. There is no love lost between the two heavyweight contenders. The unplanned press conference exchange set the stage perfectly for the battle to come.



♔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.

Fury vs. Cunningham; TYSON FURY VS. STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM SATURDAY, APRIL 20 AT THE THEATER AT MSG

Undefeated 6’9″ heavyweight contender and former Irish, Commonwealth and British Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury will make his New York debut when he takes on two-time World Champion Steve “USS” Cunningham.

This fight is an official IBF Heavyweight Voluntary Eliminator fight for the #2. The winner must meet #1 or the leading available contender to establish the mandatory challenger for Heavyweight King Wladimir Klitschko. The fight will be broadcast at 4PM ET on NBC as a special 2 hour afternoon presentation of NBC Sports Fight Night.

FIGHT INFO:

April 20th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York features Tyson Fury vs. Steve Cunningham in the main event. The undercard will be announced shortly. The main event and co-feature fight will be broadcast on NBC network TV beginning 4PM ET. The card is presented by Hennessy Sports and Main Events.

Tyson Fury sets-up camp in Canada

To Sink Steve 'USS' Cunningham

April 20 in NYC on NBC

(PHOTO BY; Keisha Morrisey)

Before making his much anticipated United States debut, undefeated heavyweight contender Tyson Fury(20-0, 14 KOs) has set-up training camp to sink two-time world champion Steve "USS" Cunningham (25-5, 13 KOs), north of the border at beautiful Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.

Team Fury's home-base is far from the home of this massive Irish-Manchurian but Lac-Leamy has quickly become Tyson's second home. The gorgeous facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a premium gaming experience in Canada. On the premises is the stunning Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel, providing five-star accommodations fit for a boxing superstar such as Fury.

Fury vs. Cunningham headlines an exciting event, co-promoted by Hennessy Sports and Main Events, on Saturday afternoon, April 20, airing live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Their 12-round main event is an official International Boxing Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Voluntary Eliminator for the No. 2 position, pitting No. 8 rated Fury against the No. 12 ranked Cunningham. Also rated No, 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 6 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Fury is the reigning Irish heavyweight champion.

"I have had training camps all over the world," the charismatic Fury said, "and so far Casino Lac-Leamy ranks right at the top. I have everything at my disposal here - atmosphere, facilities, and nearby running trails - to get me in the best shape of my career for April 20."

Already considered one of the best heavyweights in the world, ranked No. 9 by The Ring Magazine, Fury will battle Philadelphia fan-favorite Cunningham with the winner earning a shot at the IBF No. 1 ranked fighter - currently Kubrat Pulev - to become the mandatory challenger to current heavyweight king and future Hall of Famer, Wladimir Klitschko.

"I truly feel I'm ready to conquer the heavyweight division," the outspoken Fury remarked. "Steve Cunningham is the toughest test of my career, but I've made a name for myself by passing those tests again and again. I've taken camp to Canada this time in order to make sure that trend continues."

Fans may tune-in to watch the expected action-packed fight at 4 p.m. ET on NBC as part of a special 2-hour afternoon presentation of NBC Sports Fight Night. This marks only the third time boxing has been on network television in the U.S. since 1993.

♔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.

Steve Cunningham’s daughter has her dad’s fighting spirit

JOSEPH SANTOLIQUITO

POSTED: Saturday, December 15, 2012, 12:24 PM

You tend to lean in close to hear the faint, raspy whispers from the sweet, delicate voice. Step back and the chubby-cheeked, beautiful wide-eyed gift of a 7-year-old girl comes into focus and you tend to forget what she’s been through. You tend to push past the scar at the base of her throat from the tracheostomy. You forget the severed vocal cords and jagged 6-inch line that runs vertically down the middle of her chest from two open-heart surgeries, or the stroke that threatened her life, among many other things.

You forget these things when Kennedy Cunningham comes into view, a bright, vivacious, adorable girl. And all thoughts of the pain and suffering she endured just to inhale a gasp of air goes away.

Steve Cunningham is in the pain-and-suffering business of boxing. The former two-time IBF cruiserweight world champion with a granite-like physique doesn’t have to venture far to realize someone in the family is much tougher than he is. His eyes drift toward his daughter Kennedy, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital disease that occurs when parts of the left side of the heart (mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve and aorta) are not completely developed.

Basically, Kennedy was born with half a heart, the size of a tiny strawberry, though she probably exhibits more heart than most. It’s a struggle for her to run around for prolonged periods like other children. She tires quickly. Her coordination is just returning, breaking the atrophy that set in from long hospital stays. Her immune system is weak; a cold can mean another trip to the hospital.

“I feel special; I don’t understand everything that’s happened to me. I just know I have a strong heart,” Kennedy says. “I don’t want to be treated differently.”

Steve and Livvy Cunningham, Kennedy’s parents, don’t. They treat her as they would any child. Kennedy, the only girl and middle of three Cunningham children, goes to a regular school, participates in gym class, plays with other children and illuminates every room she walks into.

She will be ringside next Saturday, when her dad fights Tomasz Adamek on the nationally televised NBC broadcast at 4 p.m. from the Sands Casino Resort, in Bethlehem. It’s a rematch of the 2008 cruiserweight classic that was a Fight of the Year candidate.

During that title defense, Cunningham got up three times from knockdowns and lost by a split decision at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Cunningham (25-4, 12 KOs) has had to wait 4 years for a rematch, though this time it comes at heavyweight.

Steve’s fight with Adamek, a former cruiserweight world champion and heavyweight contender, is nothing compared to the emotional toil he and Livvy endured the first year of Kennedy’s life.

How can they forget?

X X X

In April 2005, 5 months into Livvy’s pregnancy, Steve and Livvy were in a doctor’s office laughing and chatting with an ultrasound tech. It was a routine visit to check on the measurements of their baby, and for Steve, the promise that Little Steve, the Cunninghams’ oldest, would be joined by a baby sister.

Subtle life shifts have a way of resonating. For Steve and Livvy it came when the tech guided the transducer probe to the baby’s heart area, turning a euphoric moment suddenly somber. Something wasn’t right.

“We were hoping it was a girl, and we didn’t sense anything was wrong until the tech left and came back with a doctor, who said he had to talk to us in his office,” Steve says. “We started to wonder what was up and he told us they found a complication. He explained that there could be something wrong with the baby’s heart. I’m from a family where everyone has kids and no one has any health issues, so it was a little hard to take.

“It was emotional. We’re Christians and we believe in what the Bible says, so we had to keep it under control. I had questions myself, ‘Why my daughter?’ I’m an emotional guy, but it all didn’t hit until later. God allowed me to look at it as a fight. That’s the way I saw it. We still have a chance, and if God is here, He won’t put us through this for nothing.”

Yet, Steve and Livvy expressed a gamut of emotions. Sadness, confusion, fear.

“We went there and I remember thinking, hoping someone was going to say, ‘Congratulations, you’re having a girl,’ and for me, I was shell-shocked,” Livvy says. “I remember being emotional that day driving home and Steve was a rock. He’s great in the clutch like that and definitely someone you want to lean on. I was scared. I didn’t know what to think. But for me, nothing was going to be 100 percent real until she was born.”

The next day, the young couple went to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and were directed to the Fetal Heart Program where a new term entered their world: hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS.

Serious heart defects occur in one in every 100 births. Out of that small percentage, 5 to 10 percent are born with HLHS.

“Kennedy has one of the most complex congenital heart defects,” says CHOP cardiologist Dr. Geoffrey Bird, Kennedy’s doctor. “HLHS is universally fatal without surgery. Some babies have a direct course in the three-part surgery. The surgery allows the body to grow and develop, so the heart can have one main pumping chamber instead of two.

“There’s been real progress recently in how to treat this disease. In the best-case scenario, 90
percent of babies born with this can have that single-chamber heart work well for 10 years or longer. What we learned is we can make the heart work better. Kennedy is a living miracle. She has one of the more complicated courses. What Kennedy went through at birth, only a small percentage of our population needs those extraordinary measures.”

The Cunninghams were offered the option to abort. “We weren’t aborting; that wasn’t even a discussion,” Steve says. “We were hopeful and trying to be as strong as we could be — going into the unknown. It was like flying in outer space without any navigation.”

Livvy kept thinking if Kennedy stayed in the womb, remained where she was, she’d be shielded from this terrible disease. “You’re a mother, and you’d do anything to protect your child,” she says. “But they told us there could be a cure.”

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome can be treated with three surgeries. Kennedy’s first would occur within her first few days, followed by a hospital stay of 10 days to 2 weeks. The second surgery would take place within her initial 6 months and the third by the time she was 2.

If only it was that smooth.

“It spins your perspective on life and you take it a day at a time, so I have a real good idea what \[Steve and Livvy\] were going through,” says Greg Olsen, the Carolina Panthers’ tight end whose 2-month-old son, T.J., was born with the same defect. “It gives you a crash course in reality. T.J. was born on a Tuesday, and the first thing Thursday morning he’s having open-heart surgery. We knew the risks going in. Doctors gave us a wide spectrum of prognoses and told us there were positive stories, and not so positive stories.

“It flips the world upside down on you and makes you appreciate what you have. T.J. is a twin, and he’s only 2 months old now, not doing a whole lot. But you see the two of them, T.J. and his sister, next to each other and you would have no idea. Aside from the big scar down his chest, you wouldn’t know anything was wrong with him. It’s still a disease that can take a life. But everything, thank God, is going well.”

T.J. is home without any feeding tubes or breathing assistance and has been breathing on his own the past month.

“We’ve been fortunate,” Olsen says.

The Cunninghams weren’t as fortunate.

X X X

Kennedy was born on Sept. 6, 2005, at Pennsylvania Hospital. Steve was with Livvy when she was induced. Just 3 days earlier, he had won a unanimous decision over Kelvin Davis in Cleveland.

“I didn’t want to leave her, but we wanted to keep things as normal as we could,” Steve says. “We were going to have breakdowns but not shutdowns. I went off to camp, because then, it was the most important fight of my career. I was promoted by Don King at the time and he didn’t care. There was no way he would have let me back out.”

Steve remained a pillar. His focus during training camp was to beat Davis, and in winning create a better opportunity for Kennedy and his family. “I wanted to be as strong as possible, and I don’t want to sound tough or anything, but I wanted to set an example for Livvy; I didn’t want to break down,” he says. “Oh, it was a great challenge. It was an opportunity to stand on the truths I believe in the Bible.”

When Kennedy was born, the Cunninghams got to hold her for 10 minutes before she was shuttled to CHOP’s cardiac intensive care unit. They wouldn’t hold her again for months. The next day, Kennedy underwent her first surgery. Steve and Livvy received hourly updates until the procedure was over, and were told surgeons were closing her up.

Then the updates stopped. An hour passed. Then another. Tension escalated. It grew when a nurse showed up, accompanied by a doctor, and escorted them to a white conference room furnished with two metal chairs. A minute’s walk felt like a death-row march.

Doctors told the Cunninghams the surgery went well, but Kennedy was losing blood and they couldn’t close her up. They warned them that she might not make it. “I was a mess; I began breaking down and thought the worst,” Livvy says.

“\[I thought\] she was still with us and I kept thinking we still had one more card to play and began praying right there,” Steve says.

The tiny girl literally fought for every breath she took; her heart could be felt beating under paper-thin skin. A day passed. She seemed stronger. “For some reason, we always saw her getting better, despite what we kept hearing,” Livvy says.

With each day, it appeared she was getting better. Then, 2 months later, more trouble. “Doctors came in and told us that they didn’t think she would live, every day they pumped so many fluids into her she blew up to twice her size,” Livvy says. “A major edema was occurring, but she needed the fluids and medicine. We were happy she began urinating.”

But Kennedy’s tiny heart was beaten up. She was on a bypass machine longer than expected and that damaged her lungs. She was so puffy she looked like a mini-sumo wrestler. Some days her eyes were so swollen she couldn’t open them to see her dad grab her petite, doll-like fingers and rub them against his head.

Steve and Livvy spent many long, gut-wrenching dark nights at CHOP. Steve would do his morning run, train and head back to the hospital. Livvy, who was working full time, would go right from work. They juggled their schedules and relied on Livvy’s mom, Randi Vega, to drive up from Baltimore every weekend to give them a break.

They gauged how sick Kennedy was by the number of intravenous drips she had (as many as 10 at a time) for pain meds, heart meds, blood-thinning meds, antibiotics, and what seemed like meds for the meds. There was a Christmas tree of monitors and cords helping to keep her alive.

“It was like a knock-down, drag-out fight and Kennedy was the fighter; she had staph infections that would knock an adult out,” Livvy says. “We’d always ask when we could bring her home until it reached a point we stopped asking. The nurses at CHOP made things so bearable. They knew everything about Kennedy. I was able to work and I knew she was in good hands. I love nurses, especially after everything we’ve been through.”

In the meantime, Steve tried resuming his career. He took a stay-busy fight in January 2006 at Madison Square Garden, stopping Lloyd Bryan in five rounds. He was aiming for a bout with IBF cruiserweight champion O’Neil Bell, but Bell wanted no part of Cunningham and was playing the waiting game.

It didn’t matter. Cunningham was already twisting inside, seeing his daughter propped up with her head back, nonresponsive.

“It bothered me not being able to pick her up,” he says. “Doctors told us when she was 4 months old about the tracheostomy. It would help her breathing and give us the freedom to hold her. I was against it at first, because I didn’t want any more tubes in her. I remember a day coming to see her and she had an IV sticking out of her head. That \[ticked\] me off. Just to see that was crazy. After the nurses explained it, it was OK. But the visual of that was disturbing.”

After the second surgery, in July 2006, Livvy noticed Kennedy’s left hand had balled into a fist and was pulsating. She asked the doctors why it was happening. Ten-month-old Kennedy had suffered a stroke.

A month later, Kennedy was cleared to go home, 2 weeks before her first birthday. She weighed 15 pounds. Her limbs were shriveled and she was hooked up to a ventilator, which Livvy and Steve learned to operate.

They thought they were prepared for anything. They thought. A few months later, they noticed that Kennedy’s eyes had rolled back. There was an obstruction lodged in her tracheostomy tube. “She wasn’t getting oxygen and we acted; we kept our cool and called the ambulance,” Steve says. “I remember putting her on a breathing bag and we kept her alive until the EMTs arrived. After that scare, she’s been home ever since.”

In April 2009, Kennedy had the tracheostomy tube removed. She didn’t begin talking until she was 3, and was almost 4 when she was able to walk. She still gets a strange look or two when children at the playground notice her tracheostomy scar. But Steve and Livvy refuse to see the world through a narrow, angry squint. “Kids do stare, but Steve and I always stressed that we would raise her normally. She’s not disabled and we’re going to treat her like she’s a normal child,” Livvy says. “No one has been really rude. Kennedy’s only real issues are with her vocal cords. It’s kind of a shame, because she likes to sing.”

Kennedy’s third surgery is pending. She might eventually need a heart transplant since her heart, in its current condition, can’t support an adult.

“She is a happy, playful, comfortable girl who’s doing great, considering the criteria for going through all of that,” says Bird, Kennedy’s cardiologist. “We’re thrilled with how far she’s come and don’t see a limit to her horizon. In reality, she may need more surgery down the road. A third surgery or transplant depends on how things go.”

Says Livvy: “As she gets older, things will get more dangerous. It’s why we think every day is a blessing — it really is, she knows how proud we are — proud of her taking a breath.

“She already has my vote for the best little girl in the world. It’s taught us about little victories. It makes you celebrate every little thing.”

Kennedy sleeps without any worries, and that eases her father’s anxiety. His upcoming bout with Adamek could be career-changing. But Cunningham now fights for something more than a payday. His fight is deeper than that.

“I fight with life and death involved,” he says. “It’s like if Kennedy wasn’t here, we wouldn’t be who we are. I know it’s no one’s fault what’s happened. I’m not angry at the world. She’s an inspiration to me. Winning and losing is a lot at stake for Kennedy.

“I have no questions about my faith. I see my prayers answered every day staring me right in the face. Dealing with Kennedy’s situation has made me know what it’s like being a man.

“I fight for her.”

♔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.

LeGrand Joins Team Fight to Walk!‏

Eric LeGrand is the newest member of Team Fight to Walk.

Created in 2011 by boxer and West Point graduate Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson, Team Fight to Walk’s goal is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. In association with Team Fight to Walk, Melson, who has a record of 8-1 with 4 knockouts, donates all of his fight purses to Justadollarplease.org to help support the trial.

A New Jersey native, LeGrand was one of the Garden State's top recruits and earned a scholarship to play football at Rutgers in the fall of 2008. On October 16, 2010, the 6’2 275 lb Avenel native severely injured his spinal cord while attempting to tackle Malcolm Brown of Army. The two violently collided and LeGrand remained on the ground for more than three minutes before medical personnel took him off the field.

LeGrand was transported to the ICU at Hackensack University Medical Center, where doctors determined he was a quadriplegic. Doctors told him that every day would be a severe struggle but LeGrand refused to give up. Within three months, LeGrand was able to move his shoulders and felt sensation throughout his body. In July 2011, after working tirelessly during rehabilitation sessions, LeGrand stood upright with the aid of a walker.

Later that year, LeGrand led Rutgers onto the field prior to their game against West Virginia. Sports Illustrated readers voted the best moment in 2011. On May 2, 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now coached by former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, signed the courageous 21-year-old to an honorary contract.

"I’m very happy to be a part of the team and a part of the journey to find a cure for spinal cord injuries,” stated LeGrand. “Everything happens for a reason and miracles happen every day.”

“Eric is the ultimate fighter,” said Melson, who is connected to LeGrand through Dr. Patricia Morton and the Rutgers Foundation. “My best friend Christan Zaccagnino was paralyzed in a diving accident when she was a child and I’ve spent countless hours with her, so I truly understand what Eric goes through to the best of my ability without actually being in a wheelchair myself. He’s an inspiration to people from all walks of life and his inner-strength is unbelievable. We’ve received an excellent response from the boxing community and our roster of fighters supporting the cause continues to grow, but Eric’s presence will help us reach new heights!”

LeGrand will be honored for his courageousness July 11 at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles and Melson’s next bout is tentatively scheduled for August in New York City.

In addition to LeGrand and Melson, Team Fight to Walk is comprised of former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

♔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.

“Summer Super Brawl” at Tropicana June 1, Part of Boxing Gala Weekend in AC

Dee Lee Promotions, LLC. in association with the Tropicana Casino and Resort presents hard hitting Dennis “The Assassin” Hasson (13-0-0/5 ko’s) vs Dennis “The Assassin” Hasson (14-8-0/11 ko’s) in a 10 round super middleweight “Summer Super Brawl” on Friday, June 1, 2012. This 10 Round main event is part of Atlantic City’s first ever Multi-Cultural Heritage Festival which includes an All Star Boxing Legends Gala the followin Mike Tyson, Frank Cappuccino, Joe Cortez, Steve Cunningham, Bobby Czyz, Lou Duva, Bobby Goodman, Larry Hazzard,“Summer Super Brawl”, Dennion, Dee Lee Promotions LLC.,Tropicana Casino and Resort, g night. With legendary names like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and “Joltin” Jeff Chandler floating around town, Mr. Hasson will have the perfect setting to show case his crowd pleasing brawling boxing skills. Mr. Hasson better not underestimate the hard hitting Mr. Armenta or he could find himself on the wrong end of a big right hand. Mr. Armenta has 11 ko’s in his 14 victories so anything can happen!!

The 8 round co-main event on this “Summer Super Brawl” fight card features Philadelphia’s super bantamweight “Pretty Boy” Coy Evans (10-1-1/2 ko’s). Mr. Evans has shown a lot of early promise and his skills have been steadily sharpened but finding quality opponents in that weight class will be a real challenge for matchmaker Nick Tiberi. There will also be an all time show stopping WIBC 3 minute -10 round Title Fight featuring Lisa Noel Garland (9-6-0/5 ko’s) of York, SC vs Kita Watkins (7-8-0/1 ko’s) of Camden, AR . This will surely be an amazing fight, so do not miss it!!

The exciting undercard will be filled with action packed fighters led by heavyweight Joey “The Polish Thunder” Dawejko (6-0-1/2 ko’s) vs. Edwin Ranquillo (2-1/1 ko’s). At 5’10 – 235 pounds, the 21 year old Mr. Dawejko presents big problems for any opponent and any ring looks small when he steps through the ropes, however do not be so quick to judge this fight. Even though it appears Mr. Ranquillo does not have the ring experience, he does have the experience of serving our country. This card also sees the return of light heavyweight Frankie “The Freight Train” Filippone (9-2-0/2 ko’s) vs Keandre Leatherwood (9-1-0/6 ko’s). With such close records, both men are hungry to pick up another “W” at the Trop no matter what it takes!!!

The remainder of this very promising undercard features Isiah Seldon (6-0-0/3 ko’s) vs Lekan Byfield (2-1), with Big Dog Mr. Seldon in town Isiah will be sure to put on a good show! Saud “Kid Grady” Clark vs Flavio Augusto Reyes both making their Pro-Debut’s, Anthony “The Bull” Smith (13-0/10 ko’s), Delaware’s Mike Tiberi (19-1-0/7 ko’s), Two young local fighters, Atlantic City Native super middleweight Antwyan Aikens (4-0-0/1 ko’s) vs Kenneth Schmitz (2-1/1 ko’s) and Millville featherweight Joshua Reyes (1-0-0) vs David

About Dee Lee Promotions, LLC.
Dee Lee Promotions, LLC. is owned and operated by New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Diane Fischer of Vineland, NJ. Fischer has earned a reputation not only as a premier matchmaker who has presented some of the most memorable and entertaining boxing contests in the country, but as woman who has been innovative and overcome gender barriers in an industry dominated by men. Her industry awards and distinctions include:　　New Jersey Promoter of The Year; Undercard Fight of the Year; Best Girl Fight of The Year; The First Time Six World Title Belts [Pay Per View] appeared on one card (Atlantic City); The First All Girl Fight on the East Coast; The first woman ever to promote an all girl fight card in Baton Rouge Louisiana; The first woman promoter ever to promote a World Title Fight in Panama City; The first male or female promoter to present a title fight in Delaware; The first woman promoter to promote/co-promote a Heavyweight Championship Fight on HBO, Ray Mercer, and Wladimir Klitschko on June 29, 2002; the fight also was aired on PPV in Germany and was the first Heavyweight Championship promoted by a female in that country.　

Additional events during the Mayor’s Multicultural Weekend include:
· Friday, June 1: Tom Joyner Morning Show Listeners’ Party at Surf Stadium & Heritage Parade
· Saturday, June 2: Beach Bash & Old School Summer Beach Concert
· Sunday, June 3: Gospel Fest, Boardwalk Bazaar & Jazz in the Garden

CONFIRMED HONOREES ATTENDING
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. SHAMONE ALVAREZ
2. BENNY AMPARO
3. RAY BAILEY
4. RUDY BATTLE
5. ERNEST BING
6. RIDDICK BOWE
7. MARK BRELAND
8. CHARLES BREWER
9. CHARLIE BROWN
10. JOHN BROWN
11. VINNY BURGESE
12. FRANK CAPPUCCINO
13. JOHNNY CARTER
14. LYNN CARTER
15. EDDIE CHAMBERS
16. JEFF CHANDLER
17. BERT COOPER
18. JOE CORTEZ
19. TYRONE CRAWLEY
20. STEVE CUNNINGHAM
21. BOBBY CZYZ
22. HOWARD DAVIS, JR.
23. NINO DEL BUONO
24. BUSTER DRAYTON
25. LOU DUVA
26. JOE DWYER
27. DON ELBAUM
28. BENJY ESTEVES
29. DIANE FISHER
30. HON. JACQUELINE FRASIER-LYDE
31. TYRONE FRASIER
32. MARVIS FRASIER
33. FRANK GELB
34. BOBBY GOODMAN
35. CALVIN GROVE
36. HENRY HASCUP
37. LARRY HAZZARD
38. TOMMY “HIT MAN” HEARNS
39. ROBERT HINES
40. EVANDER HOLYFIELD (waiting for confirmation)
41. JOEY INTRIERI
42. RICHIE KATES
43. TOM KACZMAREK
44. DON KING
45. HAROLD KNIGHT
46. HAROLD LEDERMAN
47. ROCKY LOCKRIDGE
48. PATRICK MAJEWSKI
49. IMAMU MAYFIELD
50. RAY MERCER
51. NATE MILLER
52. WILLIE “THE WORM” MONROE
53. RODNEY MOORE
54. EARL MORTON
55. MARIAN MUHAMMAD
56. CHUCK MUSSACHIO
57. CURTIS PARKER
58. JOE PASQUALE
59. RUSSELL PELTZ
60. VINCENT PETTWAY
61. DWIGHT QAWI
62. MIKE ROSSMAN
63. BRUCE SELDON
64. RICK SCHARMBERG
65. STEVE SMOGER
66. MICHAEL SPINKS
67. EMMANUEL STEWART
68. JOHN STEWART
69. MELDRICK TAYLOR
70. DAVID TIBERI
71. NICK TIBERI
72. MIKE TYSON
73. BOBBY “BOOGALOO” WATTS
74. KEVIN WATTS
75. WBO (Executive Committee-Dr. William Lathon)
76. PERNELL WHITAKER
77. JEAN WILLIAMS
78. CHAZZ WITHERSPOON
79. TIM WITHERSPOON
80. KURT WOLFHEIMER

♔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.

Troy Ross added to June 24 professional boxing, show in Canada‏

World cruiserweight contender Troy Ross has been added to the “Friday Night At The Fights” professional boxing card, June 24 at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

“Friday Night At The Fights” is being presented by United Boxing Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports and Groupe Yvon Michel.

Ross is the top-rated IBF contender at No. 3 (#1 and #2 are not rated), as well as ranked No. 5 by The Ring magazine, No. 14 by the WBA, and No. 15 by the WBC. The two-time Canadian Olympian will face an opponent to be determined June 24 in a eight-round bout. Troy wants a rematch with IBF champion Steve Cunningham and he also has issued a challenge to unbeaten Lateef Kayode for a major showdown later this summer.

“I can’t wait to get back in action,” Ross said. “I’m trying to force (IBF champion Steve) Cunningham into a rematch. I dropped him and should have won that fight by technical decision because he thumbed me in the eye and the fight was stopped (cut eyelid) because of that. I’m fighting June 24^th to get sharp for Cunningham, Kayode or any of the top 10 fighters I may fight this year on my way to winning a world title.”

A native of Guyana who lives in Toronto, Ross (24-2, 16 KOs) was a member of the 1996 and 2000 Canadian Olympic Teams, and winner of The Contender, Season Four reality television series.

Ross’ most notable wins to date have been against former NABF/USBA champion Felix Cora, Jr. (TKO1), Ehino Ehikamenor (TKO4), David Haye-conquerer (as an amateur) Michael Simms (DEC10), Akinyemi Laleye (DEC5), and Brazilian Olympian Daniel Bispo (KO1). Troy’s last fight was a win by unanimous 10-round decision over Carl Handy (24-7-2) this past October.

Troy Ross (L). Photo by Durell Wambolt/The Boxing Examiner

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

International Boxing Federation world-championship doubleheader on Thursday at Prudential Center—the first title card in Newark in 60 years

NEWARK, N.J.—Boxers preparing for the International Boxing Federation world-championship doubleheader on Thursday at Prudential Center—the first title card in Newark in 60 years (VERSUS 8 p.m. ET/PT)—participated in a media workout today.



IBF cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (21-1, 11 KOs), from Philadelphia, said his Polish-born opponent Tomasz Adamek shouldn’t place too much emphasis on the fact he was able to defeat former undisputed cruiserweight world champion O’Neil “Supernova” Bell in April.



“Tomasz Adamek didn’t beat O’Neil Bell. O’Neil Bell quit. If Adamek has a false sense of hope because of that win, he needs to know there’s no quit in me. I haven’t put in all this work and become world champion to go out on my stool. The only way I go out without my belt is if they carry me out.”

“I still live in the hood in Philadelphia as a world champion. I’m still trying to get out of the hood. That’s motivation enough for me to win right there.”

Former World Boxing Council light heavyweight champion Adamek (35-1, 24 KOs) Adamek, who did not participate in the today’s media workout, was reached by phone.

“I prefer to spend the last few days of training alone,” Adamek said. “I’ll see Cunningham on Thursday night. I expect this match to go the same way as the Bell fight where nothing surprised me and I was able to dictate the pace of the fight.”

The co-feature pits IBF bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko (25-1, 22 KOs), from Accra, Ghana, against his mandatory challenger, IBF No. 1-ranked William “Chirizo” Gonzalez (21-2, 19 KOs), from Managua, Nicaragua.

Joseph King Kong Agbeko


“I saw Agbeko defeat Luis Perez to become champion but I didn’t see anything special in him,” Gonzalez, making his first world-title appearance, said. “I don’t think he’s special. I am very confident. This match is very important to me and my future, but I’m trying to not think of that right now, only about Agbeko and his championship. I will defeat him and win his belt.

When told of the challenger’s boasts, Agbeko was undaunted.

“I’m glad Gonzalez is confident,” Agbeko said. “He will need his confidence to stay in the ring with me. I know he’s 21 and 2, but he’s never been in the ring with King Kong.”

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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CUNNINGHAM vs. ADAMEK Dec. 11th IBF cruiserweight champion Steve "USS" Cunningham defend his crown against former world champion Tomasz "Goral" Adamek

Event Page: http://www.donking.com/events/cunninghamadamek_nj121108/index.php

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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

Cunningham and Adamak at Pulaski Day Parade in NY on Oct 5‏

Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

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©®™ 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

IBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM THANKS HIS FANS & GIVES AN UPDATE ON NEW VENTURES HIS 32ND BIRTHDAY

PHILADELPHA— Today on July 15th, IBF cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham is celebrating his 32nd birthday by doing what he does everyday and that’s train hard to prepare for his next title defense.

“I want thank God in Jesus name for another year of health for me and my family” said Cunningham who sports a record of 21-1 with eleven knockouts.

“I feel like I am getting better each day and I am excited to get back in the ring.”

“I want to thank my fans, some who have called and emailed me already to wish me a happy birthday and I just want to let them know I been training harder then ever while waiting for my next fight. My promoter Don King has been working hard to make some things happen but fights have fallen through due the other sides pricing themselves out of the fight.”

The champion is also pleased to announce two new ventures as fans can now purchase official USS Cunningham apparel by clicking www.cafepress.com/usscunningham where fans can buy anything from shirts & hats to clothes for infants plus a lot more.

The second venture is “Champ Camp” where Cunningham is giving fans a hands-on opportunity to train and take boxing lessons from the champ himself (SEE ATTACHEMNT FOR DETAILS)

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©®™ 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

THE BEST IN PHILADELPHIA BOXING TO APPEAR AT THE ANNUAL SUSQUEHANNA DAY THIS SATURDAY

PHILADELPHIA— This Saturday, The best in Philadelphia boxing will appear at the annual Susquehanna Day festival.

IBF Cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham, Heavyweight contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers, Jr. Welterweight Steve Chambers will be among the star attractions that will perform boxing exhibitions throughout the the day at the festival starting at 1 pm (Festival starts at noon)

Ike and Steve Cunningham


Eddie Chambers and Steve Chambers


WHAT:19th annual Susquehanna Day---Boxing Exhibition

WHEN:Saturday, June 28th at noon…The Boxing Exhibition begins at 1pm at 15th & Susquehanna

WHERE:Broad and Susquehanna to 22nd and Susquehanna In Philadelphia

The Boxing Exhibition begins at 1pm at 15th & Susquehanna
IBF Cruiserweight champion-Steve “USS” Cunningham
Heavyweight contender—“Fast” Eddie Chambers
Jr. Welterweight—Steve Chambers
Heavyweight—Chazz Witherspoon
Jr. Welterweight—Demetrious Hopkins
Jr.Middleweight knockout record holder-Tyrone Brunson
Middleweight—Gee Culmer
Philadelphia top amateur boxers plus more

THIS IS EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC
The Susquehanna Festival is sponsored by State-Rep Jewell Williams

The Boxing Exhibition is sponsored by Rob Murray Sr & Rob Murray Jr. of Score America

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STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM TO BE FEATURED AT PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES BASEBALL GAME ON WEDNESDAY MAY 28TH

PHILADELPHIA— IBF Cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham will be featured on Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia during the Philadelphia Phillies – Colorado Rockies baseball game.

Steve Cunningham (R)


Cunningham and the world famous Phillie Phanatic will do battle and perform a skit for the fans in attendance.

“I am very excited to be recognized by the Phillies. I have been a Phillies fan my whole life. I have worn a Phillies cap for years and I wear it proudly especially when I am overseas and away from home.” Said Cunningham when told of the appearance

Cunningham, 21-1 with eleven knockouts is coming off a twelfth round stoppage over Marco Huck last December 28th in Bielefeld, Germany.

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STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM TRAINING WITH FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS BYRD; TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS HELPING EACH OTHER PREPARE FOR BIG FIGHTS

LAS VEGAS- IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham isn’t sitting around waiting for his next fight. The champ is currently in Las Vegas helping former IBF Heavyweight champion Chris Byrd prepare for his maiden voyage into the Light-Heavyweight ranks when Byrd takes on Shaun George May 16th in Las Vegas.



Cunningham, 21-1 with eleven knockouts is in camp with Byrd for the fourth time and familiarity seems to bring success for the two fighters.

“It’s a great situation for me to be able to come out here and work with one of the craftiest and best boxers of the past decade.” said the current Cruiserweight champ, “I think because we have similar lifestyle for which we have a strong belief in Jesus and we are devoted family men helped build a great friendship. Because of the friendship, I think we bring the best out of each other and want to push each other to make ourselves the best we can be.“

When asked about working with Cunningham, Byrd, 40-4-1 with twenty-one knockouts, said “Every time we work together, even for me who has been around the block, it’s a learning experience. Even more so now that I am a light-Heavyweight because of his speed and power. I can’t get away with anything with him. It’s very equal competition. He is the best cruiserweight in the world Bar None.”

“Because of out similar mentalities we are on the same page.”

Byrd and George will fight at The Cox Pavilion and the fight will be televised on ESPN-2.

©®™ 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