Manfredo's "Cha-Ching In The Ring" "Cha-Ching In The Ring" "Cha-Ching In The Ring"

Manfredo's "Cha-Ching In The Ring"

New York, New York June 20 Live on ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights at the Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut Peter Manfredo a true throwback fighter vs David Banks a true prospect headlined "Cha-Ching In The Ring" promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Foxwoods Resort Casino presented

"The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo, Jr. (27-4-13 Ko's), In the 10-round main event won by unanimous decision over David Banks (14-1-1-2 Ko's), the upset specialist who defeated previously unbeaten Elvin Ayala in his last two fights.

"The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo, star of The Contender I television reality show, bounced right back from his WBO super middleweight title loss by controversial stoppage in the third round to Joe Calzaghe on April 7 with an impressive ninth-round TKO of veteran Ted Muller (19-10-2) on May 11, this will mark his third fight within a 74-day period, an unheard of schedule today for a top 15 contender.


"I'm back again," Manfredo said. "These are the steps I have to take to become a world champion. When you don't get a chance to fight, or lose, you have to start all over again to get back there. We're fighters; this is what we do. I want to stay busy. The guy I'd love to fight is Jeff Lacy." (BTP)

(Keisha and Peter Manfredo)


The Under card/ Woman In Boxing

IWBF lightweight champion Jaime "Hurricane" Clampitt (18-4-1-7 Ko's)won the decision over Jane "Fleetwood Assassin" Couch (28-10-9 Ko's) the rematch was televised on the under card, Jaime "Hurricane" Clampitt vs. Jane "Fleetwood Assassin" Couch was a 10-round co-feature for the vacant IWBF junior welterweight title.

Making a debut Nine-time US National amateur champion Aaron Williams debut in a six-round Special Cruiser weight Attraction defeated DeLeon Tinsley (7-2-1-5 Ko's). This improves Aaron Williams record to (1-0). Williams' original opponent, Derrick "D-Train" Brown, pulled out of the fight last week.

Paul "The Magic Man" Malignaggi's Wish, and The Showdown between "Showtime" and "The Matrix", The "Dat"-Gat Win, The "Prenice" touch and "Rasheim" scr

Paul "The Magic Man" Malignaggi's (23-1-5 Ko's) of Brooklyn, New York, brawler style uncrowned a stalking styled Lovemore "The Black Panther" N'Dou (45-9-1-30 Ko's), of South Africa, Saturday night, live at the Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville Connecticut, televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark Series.

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Paulie's Magic world

Paulie Malignaggi, captured the 140 pound world title IBF Junior welterweight championship, in a colorful cultural and electrifying main event, Malignaggi out powered and out punched, his opponent "The Black Panther" in a performance that was spellbinding. Paulie's boxing documentary debuted early this month to add to his current success, the film's premiere was in Hoboken New Jersey. Malignaggi's father flew in from Italy to be ringside with his son, thus being the eve of Father's Day, it was a complete victory for the family and father and son. Paulie's mom never attends her son's fights.

(Paul Malignaggi and Buddy Mc Girt Sr, corner man helped prepare Paulie for the world title bout)





Lovemore "The Black Panther" N'Dou, 35 a college student and father of four who enjoys reading and owns a film company that has produced two films in boxing.

(Lovemore "The Black Panther" N'Dou)


The events co-feature was two up and coming prospects in the Super middleweight division, an Olympic Bronze medalist in the 2004 games, two time U.S champion and decorated amateur Andre Dirrell against former All- Star High school linebacker and Entrepreneur Curtis Stevens.

Andre's matrix's run

Andre's "The Matrix" Dirrell 23 (12-0-7 Ko's) of Flint Michigan won in a ten round showdown over Curtis "Showtime" Stevens(17-2-12 Ko's) by unanimous decision. Andre landed more jabs, but never checked Curtis's chin due to disappearing acts and the distance running, add a high jump to the ring it could have been an official track meet opposed to a boxing prize fight. Dirrell moved effectively running away from the 43 punches thrown by Stevens in 10 rounds. "The Matrix" it appears is having a hard time making the transition from the Olympics to the Professionals but Saturday night Dirrell mastered Stevens, measuring successfully the sweet science.

(Andre "The Matrix" Dirrell)

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Curtis's square vision

Curtis "Showtime" Stevens 22 (17-2-12 Ko's) of Brownsville Brooklyn, and the other half of the Boxing tag team the "Chin Checkers" was clearly the better fighter but could not figure out how to get close enough to stop "The Matrix" from running away, by cutting off the ring and swinging. Curtis had a plan though, his vision was to take Dirrell out with the "Tyson" like uppercut, stirring the mad 150 yard dash by Dirrell .

(Curtis Stevens and Andre Rozier, corner man prepare for the showdown)



(Curtis Stevens appears for his grand Showdown on HBO Boxing After Dark)



Family Affairs

Adorned in t-shirts that read "Curtisey" team Dirrell and Mr Watson allowed me a few minutes to photograph and to talk with Andre. Happy for his win, he (Andre) said "I'm thankful for this victory", before we briefly chatted about his Olympic experience and future of my niece and nephews as prospects in swimming. Leon Lawson is the Grandfather of the boxing brothers Andre and Anthony, Anthony who is considered the better fighter of the brothers is in a battle for his life, outside of the Boxing ring, he (Anthony) has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving chemotherapy, Anthony sat ringside cheering his younger brother on to success.

(Andre and Anthony Dirrell)



(Andre and Anthony Dirrell and Cousin Lawson, corner man)



Leon primarily raised and trained both his grandsons. Leon Lawson, an Amateur fighter himself is a dear friend with Muhammad Ali, we took a few minutes to share memories and to show one another photographs before I departed Leon Lawson left me with a momentum, a photograph of himself with Ali.

(Keisha and the Legendary Leon Lawson)



Tanya Rozier, the mother of Curtis Stevens, was in attendance, ring side supporting her prodigal son with jeers of "Showtime". A counselor in the Juvenile Justice department in New York, Tanya trains with her son by riding a bike behind him in the morning for her own personal training as well. Uncle Andre Rozier is in the corner and designs the "Havoc" attire for "Showtime" and other fighters.

(Keisha, Tanya and Curtis Stevens at Madison Square Garden)



(Andre Rozier and Curtis "Showtime" Stevens)



"Primetime" for "Showtime"

DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella at the post press conference revealed that executives of the "Contender" Boxing series were there scouting Curtis "Showtime" Stevens as a possible cast member. Does "Showtime" has what it takes to be a "Contender" and hot prospect in Show business?. If he learns and listens he will, his lightning effect will be stunning, in both the boxing and entertainment industry.

(Lou DiBella talks with J.C after the fight regarding Malignaggi and Stevens)



The Undercard

Rasheim Jefferson (15-0-1-6 Ko's) of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, in an eight round junior lightweight brawl defeated by decision Carlos Vinan (7-4-2-1 Ko) of Newark, New Jersey.

(Rasheim Jefferson and Manager after Victory)



Dat Nguyen (10-0-0-5 Ko's)of Vero Beach Florida in the 6th round referee Richard Flaherty stopped the torture of Yamin Mohammed (7-17-1-3 Ko's) of West Carrolton, Ohio by TKO Victory in an featherweight 8 rounds card.

(Dat Nguyen talks with sportswriter after the bout)



Prenice Brewer(4-0-1-3 Ko's) by unanimous decision defeated Sebastian Hamel (6-11-1-1 Ko) of Longueuil, Canada in a 4 rounds junior welterweight bout, to open the show.

(Prenice Brewer make his way to the ring)



(Prenice "Showbiz" Brewer)



(Professional Fighters Ibn Rahaman Ali, Nephew of Muhammad Ali, & USBC Champ, Keisha and David Thomas, sparring partner for Curtis "Showtime" Stevens)

(Ibn Ali Keisha and "King" David Thomas sparring partner for Curtis Stevens)

Her Journey Continues Demi "Hard to Handle" Nguyen, fights June 21st in L.A

SPOTLIGHT:

Female Super Middleweight Prospect Demi "Hard 2 Handle" Nguyen (2-1) entered the world of boxing by chance in late 2005, but since then the 34-year-old late-bloomer has built an incredible support team and focused herself on becoming a household name in women's boxing. Los Angeles' Broadway Gym is her second home, and she enjoys the history behind the old-time atmosphere. She often closes her eyes during workout sessions and pictures Muhammad Ali, who also practiced in the same space for some of the most memorable bouts in modern history.

This is an update for all of Demi's fans, friends, family, and designated supporters: After all that has been said, done, negotiated, argued about, and fought to get and keep... the time has come for me to get back in the ring and dominate. This will be my first fight with my promoter, Patrick Ortiz. Team Nguyen has been doing nothing but focusing and training for the road to WBC championship. This is not an easy dream to fulfill but honestly I have a gift for selecting the "hard road" in life. They say the hardest lessons and difficulties are the most rewarding. For now, I'm going to take their word on that! This fight on June, 21, 2007 at San Manuel Casino in California, will be the first of many regularly scheduled fights this year.

I want to take this time to say THANK YOU to everyone for all of your commitment, support, interest, love and friendship in welcoming and following my career

Sincerely,

Demi "Hard 2 Handle" Nguyen

Team Nguyen

Public Relations Team

East Harlem's Edgar Satana returns to the ring, June 20th

DiBella Entertainment presents another installment of Broadway Boxing at the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York City on June 20, headlined by knockout artist Jaidon Codrington (15-1-11 Ko's) vs. TBD in the 10 round super middleweight main event, in the last week, Omar Sheika (26-8-17 Ko's) has pulled out of the fight.

Edgar "El Chamaco" Santana (21-2-13 Ko's)of Spanish Harlem against another local product, Harrison Cuello (12-5-9 Ko's), of New York City, in a junior welterweight 10-round fashionable affair.

"El Chamaco's" blog stated "He took a break this past Saturday from training and set up shop in his neighborhood to meet and sign autographs at the 116st Street Festival in Spanish Harlem".

"On Sunday, Santana marched with U.S. Congressman Jose Serrano of The Bronx and his son NY State Senator Jose Serrano Jr. of East Harlem down 5th Ave in NYC celebrating the 50th National Puerto Rican Day Parade".

"This is one of the best main events since the inception of Broadway Boxing three years ago," said DBE president Lou DiBella. "It's a superb action fight with much on the line for both fighters".

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Jaidon "The Don" Codrington's opponent pulls out, Will a new opponent step up?

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DiBella Entertainment presents another installment of Broadway Boxing at the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York City on June 20, headlined by knockout artist Jaidon "The Don" Codrington (15-1-11 Ko's) vs. TBD in hopefully a 10 round super middleweight main event, in the last past week, Omar Sheika (26-8-17 Ko's) has pulled out of the fight.

Jaidon Codrington, of Connecticut, made time to check out the other half of the infamous boxing duo, the "Chin Checker" Curtis "Showtime " Stevens bout with Andre Dirrell this past weekend at the Mohegan Sun. When asked whether or not he had an opponent for his up and coming fight card was "Im not sure, but I hope so, I'll be there and ready for whoever".

SecondsOut Radio: Ricky Hatton, Paulie Malignaggi & Keisha Morrisey reports

SecondsOut Radio: Ricky Hatton, Paulie Malignaggi, Keisha Morrisey reports

SecondsOut Radio with Eddie Goldman

On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman focuses on boxing's talent-rich but chaotic 140-pound division.

There are five fighters who currently hold more-or-less major world titles in this division: WBC champ Junior Witter of the UK, WBA champ Souleymane M'baye of France, new IBF champ Paulie Malignaggi of the US, WBO champ Ricardo Torres of Colombia, and
Ricky Hatton of the UK who holds The Ring magazine's belt and is considered the linear champion by some.

This past Saturday night, June 16, Malignaggi (32-1, 5 KOs) took a 12-round shutout decision over Lovemore N'dou (45-9-1, 30 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., to capture his belt.

This coming Saturday night, June 23, Hatton (42-0, 30 KOs) faces former lightweight champ Jose Luis Castillo (55-7-1, 47 KOs) in a 12-round fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

First, we get a report from Keisha Morrisey of Bloodline Boxing Entertainment who covered the Mohegan Sun show from ringside. We discuss Malignaggi's victory over N'dou, the disappointing televised co-feature between Andre Dirrell and Curtis Stevens, and some of the young prospects on the non-televised undercard whose performances were noteworthy and entertained the fans.

We next speak with the new IBF 140-pound champ, Paulie Malignaggi, to get his take on what is undoubtedly the biggest victory of his pro career.

And we speak with the man everyone seems to be gunning for in this division, Ricky Hatton, about how he is approaching this fight with Jose Luis Castillo.

It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, and listen, learn, and enjoy.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman

No Holds Barred blog

No Holds Barred podcast

No Holds Barred on MySpace


Link

Figueroa signs with LoNano

Figueroa signs with LoNano

Light welterweight prospect Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa has signed an exclusive managerial contract with Sal LoNano, president of S&L Boxing, it was announced today.

(Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa)



Figueroa (16-2-12 Ko's), fighting out of the Bronx (NY), is the reigning WBC International Mundo Hispano welterweight and New York State light welterweight champion। He has won eight in a row, six by knockout, including a four-round stoppage against Ilidio Julio (35-10-1 Ko) in his last fight on April 13.

(Frankie Figueroa's battle at Madison Square Garden)



LoNano has managed "Irish" Micky Ward and handles another New York light welterweight, Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi, who fights tomorrow night for the IBF title against defending champion Lovemore N'dou at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

(Luis Rivera, the Seeno Group, Frankie Figueroa and Paulie Malignaggi)



"Frankie has a lot of heart and that's the type of fighter I like to work with," LoNano said. "Nobody was working with him, other than his promoter, and he contacted me to manage him because of my boxing experience with Micky and Paulie. I saw how he fights with so much heart and I believe that he will be a world champion someday."

(Frankie Figueroa and Promoters The Seeno Group after "El Gato's" Victory at MSG)

Awards to be presented in Hip Hop at BB Kings in New York City

Harlem New York, The 5th annual Hip Hop Odyssey International Film Festival and Awards presentation Honorees will include the Cold Crush Brothers, Crash Crew and Public Enemy, the event hosted by comedian Paul Mooney, and will be held at the B.B Kings Blues Club and Grill in New York City on Saturday June 16th 2007.

Curtis "Showtime" Stevens squares off with Andre Dirrell on the under card of Malignaggi N'Dou

Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (17-1 12 Ko's) of Brooklyn, New York, squares off with Andre Dirrell (11-7 Ko's) of Flint, Michigan this Saturday night June 16 2007, on the under card of the Paul Malignaggi (22-1-5 Ko's)of Brooklyn, New York against IBF junior welterweight champ Lovemore N'Dou (45-8-1-30 Ko's) in the main event Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, Connecticut, the fight will be televised this Saturday night on HBO's "Boxing After Dark", the replay of the Miguel Cotto Zab Judah fight will start at 9:30 p.m. Malignaggi was defeated by Cotto last year and wants a rematch.
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Paulie Malignaggi (center) and Advisor, speak with Max Kellerman.

Miguel Cotto King of the Ring, Zab Judah's thoughts and The Undercard

Miguel Cotto (30-0 25 Ko's) TKO victory over Zabdiel "Super" Judah (34-5-2 NC-25- Ko's) was stunning, referee Arthur Mercante Jr, stopped the fight, 49 seconds into the 11th round, one of the best fights this year this boxing classic was electrifying for the sold out. The event "Cotto vs. Judah: X-Plosive," promoted by Top Rank , Inc by Top Rank, Inc., Prize Fight Promotions, and televised on HBO Pay-Per-View, will replay on HBO Saturday June 16th at 9:30pm, before the Paulie Malignaggi of Brooklyn, New York and Lovemore N'Dou main event.

Madison Square Garden- The Press Conference, Zabdiel "Super" Judah appears on the dais to attends the official weigh in despite the odds, of the bout with Cotto. Zabdiel "Super" Judah thanked all of his fans and supporters for coming out to support him and promised a good fight with Miguel Cotto.



The Official weigh in, Zab "Super" Judah, the bad boy of boxing and team Judah, watch as Miguel Cotto weigh in before the commission officials.



The Face Off- Cotto vs Judah, both boxers confidently stared each other down, as the popular Cotto crowd chanted "Cotto Cotto", as a minor whisper of hometown locals and fans joined in the cheer "Judah Judah".



The aftermath- post press conference, Zab Judah attended immediately following his courageous attempt to defeat Cotto on the eve of the Puerto Rican day parade. Zab stated " I will not make any excuses, I can not take anything away from him, he is a great fighter, but I had him hurt too, a few times, I'm hurt, lumps in the back of my head, I make no excuses, I want a rematch". Zab a three time world champion and former undisputed welterweight champion fought like a true warrior.



The fans and supporters, Miguel Cotto and Zab Judah entertained 20,658 boxing fans celebrities and hip hop artist, in the house for the main event were Anthony Mason, and prodigal son, Tichina Arnold, Taquara, Knoelle Higgenson, Steve Stoute, Winton Marsalis, Fat Joe, and fellow fighters included Andre Berto, Curtis Stevens, Jeff Lacey, Paulie Malignaggi, Taurus Sykes just to mention a few.

(Team Judah, Tichina Arnold (Actress, former beau of Boxer Lamon Brewster) and Erica)



The Under card

Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.(32-0-1-25 Ko's), defeated Grover Wiley (30-10-1-14 Ko's), in the third round.

(Keisha and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.)



In an bloody super featherweight fight, Humberto Soto (42-5-2-25 Ko's), TKO'd Bobby Pacquiao (27-13-3-12 Ko's), 1:48 seconds of the seventh round. Bobby's famous brother is Manny Pacquaio.

Yuri Foreman (23-0-8 Ko's) of Brooklyn, New York, in a close fight won a decision over Anthony " The Messenger" Thompson (23-2-17 Ko's), of Philadelphia, PA.


Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (13-0-10 Ko's) won an unanimous decision over Jamal Davis (7-2-6 Ko's).


Jesus Rojas (8-0-6 Ko's) unanimously defeated Torrance Daniels (9-2-1-4 Ko's)

(Keisha and Torrence Daniels in NYC, during his last visit to the Big Apple, NYC)

"Black-Tie Boxing" event June 27th at Cipriani Wall Street, Yusaf Mack Mack-Jose Vasquez headlines, Grant & Acevedo on card

An evening of "Black-Tie Boxing" event June 27th at Cipriani Wall Street, Yusaf Mack Mack-Jose Vasquez headlines, Grant & Acevedo on card, “Black-Tie Boxing,”presented by Thomas Gallagher Productions, Inc., will be broadcast live on ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights. Jake "The Raging Bull" La Motta Living Boxing Legend of the Bronx, NY (83-19-4-30 Ko's), and retired will be in attendance and supported the boxers at the press conference.


Yusaf Mack (22-1-2-14 Ko's) of Philadelphia, PA, and former USBA Champion rated Number 15 by the IBF, headlines a 12-round super middleweight title fight between Puerto Rican power puncher Jose Juan “Zeus” Vasquez (16-1-1-9 Ko's). In a pair of eight-round co-feature events, former world heavyweight title contender “Big” Michael Grant (41-3-31 Ko's), of Brooklyn, NY former World Heavyweight Title Challenger IBC and NABF champion, returns to the ring after a two-year absence against tough veteran Billy “The Kid” Zumbrun (21-8-1-11 Ko's); former Intercontinental welterweight champion Nick “Ace” Acevedo (17-2-9 Ko's), and former star of the The Contender II television reality series, faces dangerous light middleweight Max “Holy Hands” Cuevas (9-5-1-5 Ko's). Scheduled to fight on the show is New York State welterweight champion Allen “Dream Shatter” Conyers (11-2-9 Ko's) versus Adam Salas (10-10-2 Ko's) in a six-round non-title match. Also slated to be on the undercard in four-round bouts are heavyweights Darrel Madison (4-1-3 Ko's) and Rodney Ray (4-4-1-4 Ko's), and amateur super middleweight Mark “The Italian Bazooka” DeLuca (2-0-2 Ko's) vs. TBD.


"Michael Grant looks great. He’s now living in Brooklyn and training at Gleason’s. He’s 267 pounds right now with six-pack abs. Every one wants to see how he looks. He’s making a comeback after suffering some injuries and bad luck. Michael’s a great athlete who is 41-3 with 31 knockouts. He’s only 34 and a few years ago, how many people thought (Oleg) Maskaev would be the world heavyweight champion today? The potential is there for Michael to get right into the heavyweight mix with a few wins."
(Yusaf Mack Michael Grant and Darrel "King David" Madison)


Pro boxing goes upscale, a new strict dress code will be enforced - black-tie attire is required, tuxedos and gowns- caviar and champagne replace hot dogs and beer -- and fashion models will replace ring card girls. “We’re bringing class back to boxing,” promoter Mathew Sheldon explained. “Everyone will be served a delicious three-course dinner and we’re going back to the twenties and thirties style of dress in boxing, when men wore tuxedos and women gowns. This is going to be a classy, wealthy crowd. Some of the crazy stuff you may see at other fights you won’t see here. They’ll be sitting at tables, not on folding chairs with people standing in front and spilling beer all over the place. We’re trying to bring young blood into our sport, to make it more mainstream than just for boxing fanatics".

Tickets, priced at $300.00 (dinner included), are on sale by calling Cipriani Wall Street, in New York City (212.699.4099), Gallagher Productions (646.884.6200) or Sheldon Productions, Inc. (212.624.9363). Tables of 10 are still available for $3,000.00. A portion of the proceeds will go the Veterans Boxers Association (Ring 8 VBA). All bouts and boxers subject to change.

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.