Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame June 2007

Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame and will be inducted on Sunday June 10 2007 in Canastota, New York. Pernell Whitaker will appear on ESPN Friday Night Fights Studio as a guest Friday, June 15th 2007. Pernell Whitaker, formerly of Norfolk's Young Terrace public housing projects, went on to win an Olympic gold medal, six championship belts and is acclaimed to be one of the world's best fighter and considered by many one of the 100 greatest boxers rated No.48, pound-for-pound.

(Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker)


On December 7, 2006, Roberto Duran, Ricardo Lopez and Pernell Whitaker were announced as the next world champion boxers to be inducted as living inductees. They headed a class that also included non-participants and numerous posthumous fighter inductees. Pernell "Sweet Pea' Whitaker fought over 500 times and only lost 14 of the fights, His official amateur record is 201-14. The modern International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) is located in Canastota, New York, United States, within driving distance from the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown and the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta. The IBHOF is one of two recognized international boxing hall of fames, with the other being the World Boxing Hall of Fame. There are ceremonies conducted every year to honor the inductees and the ceremonies are attended by many former world boxing champions, boxing celebrities and Hollywood celebrities each year.

(Keisha and Roberto Duran)

Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker

In 1982 Pernell Whitaker won the United States Golden Gloves lightweight championship in Munich, West Germany. In 1983 he won the Pan-American Games as a lightweight. In 1984 at the U.S. Olympic Box offs in Fort Worth, TX. Pernell finished first in the lightweight division and went on to win the Gold Medal at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.Pernell Whitaker compiled a professional record of 40-4-1 ND-17 Ko's, in a pro career that stretched from 1984 to 2001. Pernell made his pro debut as a lightweight at Madison Square Garden in 1984 by winning a 2nd round TKO. He won world titles as a lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight. He won his first title by winning a 12 round unanimous decision over Roger Mayweather in 1987 for the NABF lightweight crown. Whitaker’s first loss was a very controversial split decision in a fight with Jose Luis Ramirez for the WBC lightweight title in 1988. Pernell avenged that loss a year and a half later in a fight for the vacant WBC title along with retaining the IBF lightweight title he won six months earlier, the fight was in his hometown of Norfolk, Va. In 1993 Pernell Whitaker beat Buddy McGirt in a 12 round decision for the Undisputed Welterweight Championship of the World. Later that year he retained that title in a draw with Julio Cesar Chavez. One of the title defenses was against Julio Cesar Vasquez in 1995 which was also for the WBA Jr Middleweight title. Pernell Whitaker went on to defend the World Welterweight title nine times until losing a 12 round decision to Oscar De La Hoya in 1997. He earned seven-figure purses and had a 10-year run as the star attraction for HBO Sports. Professional boxers have to wait five years after retirement to be eligible for election into the Hall of Fame.

(Keisha and Pernell Whitaker)

Pernell Whitaker is also considering getting back into he ring, I spoke with him briefly about his career and future, although he is becoming more active in the sweet science, he guaranteed me he had no desire to actually train to fight himself, and in fact that he enjoys working with Calvin Brock, Whitaker worked Calvin Brock's corner on the Briggs Ibragimov heavyweight under card Saturday June 2nd in Atlantic City, New Jersey. When I asked him about accepting his award, he humbly stated he was grateful and honored.

(Pernell Whitaker and Calvin Brock)

Light Heavyweight Antonio Tarver, defeated Elvir Muriqi

Joe LaGuardia's Star Boxing, Gary Shaw Productions and Mohegan Sun presented in Connecticut live at the Convention Centers Exhibit Hall, a double header, Light Heavyweight bout card, this past Saturday June 9th 2007, the main event was Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver, better known for defeating mega boxing-star Roy Jones, fresh off his brief stint on the silver screen in "Rocky", and a lethargic defeat by Bernard Hopkins last year, former WBA, WBC, & IBF champ, Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver (25-4-0) returned to the ring to defeat, Elvir The Kosovo Kid" Muriqi (34-4-0), by a majority decision for the IBO light heavyweight championship। Referee Michael Ortega determined that in the 5th round Tarver had accidentally head but Muriqi, who feels he won eight rounds of the fight despite the decision. The co feature was Chad "Bad" Dawson (24-0-0), a New Haven, Connecticut native, an emerging champion and the newest star in the 175 pound weight division stopped Jesus Ruiz (19-5-0)with an accumulation of punches, by TKO two minutes into the 6th round, retaining the WBC light heavyweight championship crown. Chad Dawson, undefeated is the son of a former fighter and corner included Floyd Mayweather Sr. Will Chad Dawson make his second defense against Tarver.

Briggs from Brownsville defeated by Sultan Ibragimov for Heavy Weight Championship, Brock Rocks, Gio's KO, and Shamone's tribute

Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs (48-5-1-42 Ko's) battled at the Boardwalk Hall for the the World Heavy Weight Championship against Sultan Ibragimov (21-0-1-17 Ko's) on Saturday June 2, 2007 in Atlantic City. Shannon Briggs the WBO title holder, looked forward to keeping America in the mix by winning his 13th straight fight. This was Shannon Briggs first title defense since winning the belt in November 2006 from Serguei Lyakhovich.



Sultan Ibragimov, rated #1 by the WBO Organization looked forward to the opportunity to show the world that he deserved to be world champion, now he adds the world heavy weight championship to his title.



On the under card Shamone Alvarez (18-0-11 Ko's) an undefeated welterweight from New Jersey defeated Jose Luis Cruz (32-3-2)to victoriously win the NABO welterweight title. Shamone Alvarez, donated a portion of the proceeds to a trust fund set up for his friend and former, IBF Light weight champ Leavander Johnson's family.





Calvin "The Boxing Banker" Brock (31-1-23 Ko's) of Charlotte North Carolina defeated Alex Gonzalez (18- 5- 8 Ko's) of Veja Baja, Puerto Rico, after a third round knockdown to win an unanimous 8-round decision. Calvin Brock considered by most as the best American heavyweight in boxing and labeled ads the best hope for American heavyweights to reclaim some of the footing the heavyweight division has lost in the last two years. On November 11 at Madison Square Garden, "The Boxing Banker" clearly the smaller opponent was TKO'd as he faced off with Wladimir Klitschko, considered by the International Boxing Organization and the International Boxing Federation the IBO/IBF, world's best. On March 17 in Calvin Brock came back to defeat Ralph "Wild Wild" West (17-12-1-14 Ko's) of Kansas

(Calvin Brock at the Weigh-in)



(Calvin Brock and Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker in Atlantic City, NJ)



Unbeaten middleweight Giovanni Lorenzo (24-0-16 Ko's) of Washington Heights, New York knocked out Bruce Rumbloz (21-14-2, 15 Ko's ) in the third round.



Super middleweight Robert Stieglitz (29-1-18 Ko's) on an 8-round decision against Marlon Haynes (23-7- 12 Ko's).



Flyweight Raul Martinez (19-0-12 Ko's) won a 6-round decision over Alejandro Moreno (21-22-3-10 Ko's).



Noticeably in the mix was Tyler Perry, and heavyweights Bone crusher and Jameel Mc Cline. The event was promoted by Seminole Warrior Boxing, Caesars Boardwalk Hall, Don King Productions, Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will be televised on CSI Sports television worldwide.

(Keisha and Bone Crusher former Heavyweight Boxer)



(Francis and Jameel Mc Cline, Heavyweight Boxer)



(Keisha and Jeff Mayweather)

"Ireland's" John Duddy and " New Orleans" Dupre Strickland Beacon Boxing Event

New York, New York Patrick G. Sweeney's Lounge

The Press Confrerence

Headlining, Irish ropes promotions "Tomorrow's Champions" Friday night at the famed Beacon theatre live in New York City was the reigning IBA World & WBC Continental American Middleweight Champion will be the northern Ireland born John Duddy against Native New Orlean's own Dupree "The Total Package" Strickland (18-2-1-7 Ko's).

(John Duddy and Dupre Stricland at Press Conference in New York City)


"Ireland's" John Duddy (20-0-15 Ko's) now living in Queens New York defeated, "The Total" package, in a ten round main event, it proved not to be an easy quest, to remain unbeaten. John Duddy trains at Gleasons Gym in Brooklyn New York and is ranked No.8 by the WBO and No.9 by the WBA and No.13 by the IBF. Post fight, John Duddy plans to head to Ireland tentatively to fight there July 14th.


(John Duddy Promoter & Peter Quillin)

Pawel "Raging Bull" Wolak (15-0-9 Ko's) of Brooklyn New York, in a co feature main event tangled with Anthony Little (7-6-1 Ko) ultimately winning. Pawel Wolak born in Poland, now fighting out of Brooklyn is a former wrestler and had plans to become a mixed martial artist, thus becoming an amateur boxer to develop "striker" talent on his feet and to compliment his grappling skills. His amateur record is 40-5, he became so good at boxing that he gave up his UFC dream.

(Pawel "Raging Bull" Wolak, Promoter, John Duddy, Peter Quillin and Dupre Strickland at Press Conference in Manhattan, New York)


Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (12-0-10 Ko's) a popular Brooklyn middleweight pummeled to victory Victor Paz (9-4-1-1 Ko) a 2004 Irish National Senior amateur champion.



Vaughn Parham (2-0-1 Ko) a Bronx heavyweight defeated Kenyatte Ravenell (1-2-1 Ko) of Harlem New York.
(John Duddy and Vaughn Parham at the Press Conference)

Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather, Prince of the ring

Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather Jr,(38-0-24 Ko's) royally accepted the decision over Oscar "Golden Boy" Dela Hoya (38-5-30 Ko's) a superstar whose popularity transcends boxing, Oscar is considered to be one of the best fighters in the world at any weight "Pound-for-Pound", lost his WBC super welterweight title to Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather Jr. who is the welterweight champion, won the bout by a split decision, winning the title and improving his record to 38-0. The final scores were 115-113 De La Hoya, 116-112 Mayweather and 115-113 for Mayweather. The fight took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Early Las Vegas odds had Oscar as a 2-to-1 underdog to the younger Mayweather.

Bernard Hopkins vs Winky Wright- Will "Come to Fight" on July 21st in Vegas

New York City, New York ESPN Zone:The Press Conference
The Battle Royal

Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins (47-4-1-32 Ko's) vs. Winky Wright (51-3-1-25 Ko's) will battle Saturday July 21st at the Mandalay Bay Center in Las Vegas, live on Pay Per View, beginning at 9pm ET/ 6PM PT. Hopkins vs Wright is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Winky Promotions and sponsored by South west Airlines, Rockstar Energy Drink and Tecate Beer. The combined experience of the two fighters will guarantee fight fans a spectacular evening of boxing and a magnificent display of skill and talent, as Bernard and attempt to reign supreme.

The Bottom Line

Hopkins of Northern Philadelphia, "I'm back and my record speaks for itself", said Hopkins, the former undisputed middleweight champion who's Ring magazine light heavy weight belt will be on the line, in this 170 pound bout. Bernard Hopkins was a champion for over ten years, had 20 defense and a win over a man they said was the best light heavyweight in the world, Antonio Tarver. Hopkins retired following the Tarver fight, but is back to continue his track record of greatness. "Winky Wright" is a good fighter, but I'm a great fighter and I'll prove that once again on July 21st".


What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas

Wright of St Petersburg Florida, "I'm glad he stepped up to the plate to fight me when no one else wanted to take the challenge and i respect him for that," said Wright, "But all that goes out the window on July 21st, I'm faster younger stronger and better than Hopkins and he knows it". Wright's win over Tito Trinidad is one of the most dominating big fight wins in recent history.

(Bernard Hopkins boxing cornerman and boxer David Jackson and Darrel Madison of GYMU(r) attend the Press conference in New York, in brotherhood solidarity support of Hopkins and Wright)

Keisha C. Morrisey, boxing empress Interview by Tavares S. Carney

May 2007 NYA C.

Covering Both Ends of the Spectrum � Keisha C. Morrisey

Interview by Tavares S. Carney

Most of us would never think that a young, black woman could be the founder of a popular rap group, playing a vital role in the group�s success, at the same time as running for political office and endeavoring upon a career as a first-class boxing executive.

World - meet Keisha C. Morrisey, boxing empress, music exec and politician. Keisha Morrisey, born in Harlem, New York, grew up in a community she thought to be digressing instead of progressing. Somewhere along the line, Keisha�s understanding became that if the Democratic Party was supposedly responsible for the progress in the community in which she lived being at a standstill, she�d take the other side. Keisha eventually aligned herself with the Republican Party and is affiliated with the Young Republicans. �I am a Republican because I like the [party�s] principles and the fact that we should be active in both parties.� Keisha�s affiliation with the political party has caused her to be on the receiving end of much criticism, stating, �[Yes] I�ve received criticism by choosing to support the [Republican] party, our Commander in Chief and President and Secretary of State.� To that she says, �So be it.�

Keisha describes herself as very business savvy, having an enterprising mind for the next generation of leadership, popular, sociable, exuding an unforgettable personality and having a super-star quality. Her background is in the arts entertainment and sports industry, providing management, marketing, production and publicity services for her clients. Regarding her client roster, Keisha states, �I decide with whom I will work with based off of genuine talent and I have to see that true talent immediately, like a diamond in the rough or a star. I offer my clients advice, assist with talent development, provide technical services and more." In essence, the woman is a one-person operation, wearing many hats well. �My job is to listen and solve problems. I run a pretty tight ship. I have a no-strings attached policy and my stress level tolerance is zero,� she offers. Regarding the difference in working with athletes and rappers, Ms. Morrisey tells TPS, �There�s not too much of a difference.� For smooth operation, she encourages meaningful communication.

As a member of the USA Boxing Metro organization, Keisha helps with the administration and judging of amateur boxing competitions within the five boroughs of New York City and the state itself. The organization is host to a national competition and is affiliated with the Golden Gloves and Independent boxing clubs. Her vision is �to be all I can be and be the best I can be. I have a career and creative plans for the entertainment industry being developed, in film, television, video, motion pictures, musical theatre and recordings. I enjoy being behind the scenes; however, if a role calls for me, I�m ready for lights, camera and action. [It�s] Whatever!� In efforts to become fully active in the boxing realm, Keisha is studying and preparing herself for tests that will qualify and train her for advancement. �I have no desire for a leadership role at present, but don�t count me out. Women in boxing and their roles are becoming very vital to the sport.� She names Laila Ali amongst her favorites, �because of her abilities, legacy, showmanship and skills in the ring.� Keisha also enjoys equestrian sports, gymnastics, swimming and track and field.

On the more personal side of Keisha, the boxing empress is currently single, though she is dating exclusively. �I met a gentleman and he likes me, for now. Perhaps he�s the one.� Because of her schedule and obligations, Keisha is contemplating entering into another serious relationship. She�d like to be able to spend time with her mate and the ideal one for her is family and goal-oriented, independent, possesses and has the knowledge of a couple being a team and is a thinker.

Keisha C. Morrisey is seemingly quite confident and comfortable despite being a minority in several industries by societal standards, only. Most Blacks aren�t Republicans, there aren�t too many women executives in the boxing industry and we don�t hear of too many females running ship in the rap game either. Some could argue that she is a trendsetter, a risk taker and a leader. That takes a very strong woman. �I have no issues with the good old boys clubs or working within any male-dominated industry, I just like to meet the man and not the middlemen. When it comes to business, for me, anything else is in my way.� Keisha shares, �Most of the issues that I�ve had have been with people that I helped, loved and trusted. That�s what hurts the most, when it�s your own people. I know people are hating. It�s easier to hate than to love or be responsible. I like haters� energy.�

Keisha is keeping the faith. She knows her worth and is prepared for the obstacles that lie ahead. Her advice for all is �to first know who you are, not just your name and where you are from or who you represent. Be true to yourself. You are whatever you wish to be.�

For more on Keisha C. Morrisey, please visit http://www.keishamorrisey.com

Asia's "Fahrenheit Fortieth" Birthday Celebration at Cafe Wha in New York City

Asia's "Fabulous Fahrenheit Fortieth" Birthday Celebration at Cafe Wha in New York City's Village on Tuesday MAY 1st, was fire, a grand old time and great reunion, the entertainment and host was provided by the "Dysfunktion" band, two members of this phenomenally house pleasing, sound songtress of soul Inaya Day and tremendous voice of Schon Jamal, both alumni of Music and Art and friends of the birthday Madame.

(Asia's cake)

(Asia and Schon Jamal)



Mitch Matlock, alumni, celebutante and Asia's BFF classically dedicated a hot medley of Hip Hop R&B and Reggae songs, wowing the audience to their feet. On March 22nd Mitch hosted a Birthday Celebration of her own at Negril in New York City's Village, and a pre-kickoff of Music & Art alumni-class's gatherings.

(Mitch Matlock)



Kim alumni and former original member of diva female recording artist and teenage group "Ex- Girlfriend", another of Asia's BFF's fashionably delivered an eloquent rendition of of a Chaka Khan hit tune. Dana Dane, alumni hip hop artist and entertained the crowd old school style with a call and response and story telling rap star, that had the underground "Wha" rocking. TCF crew member Fola Asi Bell, alumni serenaded us with "My Funny Valentine".

(Keisha Kim and Fola Asi Bell at Asia's Birthday Celebration)



The event would not have been complete without a champagne toast and the Music & Art gospel choir members and other delivering the homemade legendary rendition of "Happy Birthday" and secular songs and sounds throughout the evening.

(Hubby E.B delivers the goods)



(Asia and Schon Jamming on stage at Cafe Wha for "Asia's Fabulous Fortieth" Celebrating in song)



The exclusive event was 250 guest family and friend invite only and VIP list included Frenchie singing finalist on "American Idol", and starring in "Rent" the Broadway play, Ramona Keller, alumni BFF of Asia's and Broadway Star and Amber, International recording sensation, Sandi another alumni flew in from Atlanta Marsha drooped in with other alumni, and a host of other producers singers and supporters.
(Asia in the middle, Guest on the left and Frenchie, singer of "American Idol" right)



Asia is an alumnist of the world acclaimed High school of Music and Art, is an ACTOR: Law & Order SVU/Criminal Intent, Sopranos, NY-70, Third Watch, Sex And The City, The Interpreter, Shaft, Disappearing Acts, Juice, and Burn. STAND-IN FOR: Mary J. Blige, Eve, Pam Grier and VOICER-OVER ARTIST FOR: Old Navy, Cherokee Jeep, Bliss Spa, Care1 Debt Consolidators, Flycell, Daydreams Sports Bar, Comedic spoofs for Laugh Attack. Vocals for KXJM in Portland, Oregon, Power 105.1 and WKTU in NYC.Currently managing the tour of international recording artist AMBER (go to myspace.com/ambersings for show info.)
Actress Singer and Tour Manager and Wife (Back Off Fella's) "Damn She's Good"

Sanders Defeats Clottey, Quillin's Stellar Performance and the Pro Debut Upsets

Germaine Sanders (27-3) of Chicago defeated Emmanuel Clottey (24-7), Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (11-0) of Brooklyn, New York stopped Alexander Pacheco (13-5).

(Germaine Sanders after the victory at BOX- NYC)


(Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin, swiftly makes way to the ring)


The Pro debut Upsets/ The "Le'Grand" Ballroom-TKO and The Battle and Premiere of the 2 Jose's

Deferson Legrand (1-0) of team GYMU knocked out Juan Zapata (0-3), however in the debut, Jose Ortiz, knocked out one of the other stable mates of-team GYMU, Jose "Jay Paso" Quinones, in an early TKO that technically could have went either way. The both are Golden Glove Champs.

(Le Grand, looks shocked Zapata is up after the devastating knock out)


(Jose Ortiz, after winning, Pro debut at BOX- NYC)


(Jay Paso and Team GYMU dapper designs)


(Jay-Paso and Keisha at Broadway Boxing Event in NYC)


This "Black tie" Boxing event featured dinner and an evening of fun and gaming, the event was presented by Box NYC, the red carpet sponsors included Trump magazine Poker life and was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. Stacey J, better known for her role as the outcast on the Apprentice was there to support the event

(Keisha, publicist to the Stars at BOX-NYC)


(Stacy J of the Apprentice and Business Entrepreneur at BOX- NYC)