GARY SHAW, ISRAEL VAZQUEZ, RAFAEL MARQUEZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Los Angeles, Ca- Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will square off in a highly anticipated rubber match for the WBC/The Ring Magazine super bantamweight title this Saturday, March 1, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME

Vazquez (left) and Marquez pose for the cameras.


Vazquez-Marquez I and II produced the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007, with the second bout winning Fight of the Year and Round of the Year honors. Now, the Mexican warriors face each other in the final battle for honor, pride and 122-pound supremacy on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

The showdown is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Romanza Boxing Productions.

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, may be purchased at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, as well as http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone, by calling 213-480-3232.

Doors open at 4 p.m. The first fight is at 4:15. Vazquez-Marquez goes live at 6 p.m. PT.

GARY SHAW (promoter)

“The Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight title fight last Saturday was everything that is wrong with boxing. Vazquez-Marquez III is everything that is right about the sport. We need more fights like this one.

“What happened yesterday (a Tuesday press conference to announce another fight in Los Angeles) was also totally wrong.

Vazquez, promoter Gary Shaw and Marquez were all smiles Wednesday but the smiles will vanish on Saturday. Doors open at 4 o'clock. The first live fight is at 4:15 p.m. PT. (Ticket info below)

“This week should belong to two Hall of Fame fighters, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, who have literally left their blood on the canvas in two prior fights, and are about to complete their amazingly exciting trilogy Saturday at the Home Depot Center on SHOWTIME.

“That is what this week is all about and should have been all about. Nothing personal against Golden Boy – we are going to sellout anyway. But for the life of me I will never understand why they did what they did, especially when they (co) promote one of the fighters (Vazquez).

Shaw holds both fighters' hands up triumphantly.


“Why would a promoter try to take the limelight away from one of their own fighters? This should have been Israel’s time, not Oscar’s.

“What they did was just flat-out wrong and makes no sense no matter what they say or how they try and spin it.

“Don’t talk about trying to change boxing and make the sport better and then pull stuff like this. Frankly, it is an insult to promoters, the media and the fans.’’


ISRAEL VAZQUEZ

“Deep down in my heart, I know and believe I am going to win by knockout Saturday night. I have the utmost respect for Marquez – everybody knows that – but in the ring it is a totally different story. I have to win by knockout. There is no other option.

Vazquez, one of boxing’s most gracious and fan-friendly boxers, is interviewed during the presser.

“This is a very important fight for boxing, but it is more important for my career and my legacy. This fight will go down in history. When they mention Marquez’ name, my name will be tied to him because of the legendary trilogy that we fought against each other.

“My only goal is to win. A victory Saturday will set me up for my entire life. The victory will be for my fans and the sport of boxing.

“I am going to be throwing punches with the baddest of intentions. I want to tear Marquez apart in the ring. I am ready to fight right now.

“My main concern for the fight is to impose myself at all times. If Marquez wants to get into a boxing match with me and not trade shots, the fight might go the distance.

“If he trades blows with me, this will end before the 10th round and I will be the winner.”


RAFAEL MARQUEZ

Rafael Marquez speaks at Wednesday's final press conference at El Paseo Inn Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. Marquez will challenge defending champion Israel Vazquez for the WBC and The Ring Magazine 122 pound titles this Saturday, March 1, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The scheduled 12-round slugfest will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).

“Please don’t miss this fight. It is going to be a war. The first two fights were wars, and this is going to be a classic battle.

“I think I can control the tempo. I did it in the first fight. I just have to keep my rhythm and throw the right kind of combinations that I have been working on in camp.

“I can fight Vazquez in close situations, but I don’t want to expend too much energy doing that. I will engage him when I set him up for it. He will feel it when I put the pressure on.

“There is no bad blood between Vazquez and myself. We are professionals and we want the same thing, to win fights and world championships.

“I miss that WBC championship belt that he took from me in the last fight. I want it back. It is a terrible feeling to lose your championship belt.

There is only one thing on my mind, and that is regaining that green WBC super bantamweight belt. I will get it back.”

“SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION’’; Robert "The Ghost'' Guerrero vs. Jason "The American Boy" Litzau and T.J Wilson vs. Travis Walker

“SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION’’; Robert "The Ghost'' Guerrero vs Jason "The American Boy" Litzau and T.J Wilson vs Travis Walker, Friday, Feb. 29, 2008; Telecast Begins at 11 p.m. ET/PT

One day before Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez renew their rivalry on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, America’s No. 1 Fight Network will hit you with one of the most anticipated ShoBox: The New Generation fight cards of the year when IBF featherweight champion and ShoBox alum, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (21-1-1, 1 ND, 14 KOs), defends against Jason “The American Boy” Litzau (23-1, 19 KOs) live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Robert "The Ghost'' Guerrero (left) weighed the division-limit 126 pounds Thursday for his IBF featherweight title defense against Jason "The American Boy" Litzau (125 pounds) in Friday's main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Photos: Daisy Rosas/For Showtime



The doubleheader, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC, will emanate from Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif. The ShoBox opening bout will feature a 10-round rematch between heavyweights T.J. “Top Dog” Wilson (12-1, eight KOs), and Travis “Freight Train” Walker (26-1-1, 20 KOs).

Travis "Freight Train" Walker (left), who tipped scale at 236 pounds, will try and avenge his lone loss when he faces T.J. Wilson (264 pounds, 18 pounds less than he weighed in the first fight) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.



Wilson dealt Walker his lone defeat on Oct. 19, 2007, on ShoBox when he scored a controversial, dramatic 15-second, first-round knockout. Moments after the opening bell, Wilson backed Walker into a corner and began delivering punches with both hands. At least a couple connected solidly and seemed to stun Walker, who did not attempt to retaliate, or even raise a glove. He didn’t land a punch.

Seconds later, the referee waved off the fight.

NOTE: WEIGHTS – Guerrero weighed 126 pounds, Litzau 125 at Thursday’s weigh-in; Wilson weighed 264, Walker 236.

ROBERT GUERRERO
“Training camp has been great. I made the weight much easier for this fight compared to others in the past. I will remain at 126 pounds for a few more fights.

“I feel really good right now; actually, it’s the best I've ever felt before a fight in a long time.“Litzau is a very tough opponent. Knowing that he's going to be fighting in his first world title bout, I know he's coming to fight.

(But) Whatever style he brings I'll have a game plan to counter it.“Right now my wife is in remission with her cancer. With all the prayers and support from family and friends, I'm extremely grateful for all the love. I'm truly blessed to have such great support. I also want to acknowledge my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without God, I'm nothing.

“With my dad back in the corner I feel really comfortable and confident that together we will be victorious. He was the first person to lace me up with a pair of boxing gloves and he's the right person for me to guide my corner.“I expect Litzau to be real cautious in this fight. He'll probably try to box and use the ring to his advantage. I don’t think he wants to stand in the pocket and exchange with me.“The Tachi Palace is a great, fun place to fight and it's a sold out crowd, who will be live and full of energy. I have a ton of Bay Area fans coming to see me. I love it and can’t wait to get in the ring."It’s exciting to be fighting on SHOWTIME again. No doubt this is the network where I shine best. I'm truly appreciative for the opportunity that SHOWTIME has continued to give me. I want to show all the fans as well as the executives that I'm a TV type of fighter, the kind of fighter everyone can appreciate.’’

JASON LITZAU
“Boxing’s a gamble but I’m ready to ramble.

“This is the dream, to win a world title, and I am as prepared as I can be. I am going to leave it all in the ring Friday night. I am prepared for a war but that doesn’t mean I am going to just come out throwing bombs and fighting stupidly. I have a back-up plan.

“I have overcome a lot in my life, but I have made it this far. It’s been a struggle, but things happen for a reason and now my opportunity is here. This is a chance to make my live and the lives of those closest to me and around me a lot better. The thing is, I am so calm right now.

“I have believed my whole life that things would work out, and this is the chance to make it happen.

“I am ready for anything Guerrero brings. I know he fights dirty, but I have trained with some pretty dirty guys myself. That kind of stuff, though, I leave to the referee to handle. That’s his job.

“I’m just in to do my job, which is to win.

“Working with Buddy (McGirt) has been great. He has taught me a lot. He has made me smarter and more open-minded. I have sacrificed. I am dedicated. Friday is going to be a great night.’’

T.J. WILSON
“Nobody expected me to win the last fight. They thought I was fat and heavy and couldn’t fight. So, when I did win, the way I did, no one believed it. Even after looking at the tapes.

“So, now, I have to do it again so maybe then everyone will believe what they saw the first time.

“I thought I proved myself already but now I have to prove myself again.

“Believe me, if the roles were reversed, there would not be a rematch. But all he did was make excuses after the last fight and make like a crybaby. There are no excuses, however, for the punches he took.

“Everyone will see Friday that our first fight was not a fluke. What a lot of people don’t know about me is that I always was an excellent amateur boxer. I have fought better guys than he has.

“It’s a little aggravating, the lack of respect I’m getting. For this fight, they even made the ring bigger, which I guess they think will him help him. But what’s up with that?

“I’m going to jump on him again. I’m in better shape. Whether it goes 10 seconds, or 10 rounds, I am ready to go.’’

TRAVIS WALKER
“I do not think of that last fight as a loss, but as a lesson learned. I now know never to make it even close to getting myself into a spot that puts a decision in the referee’s hands.

“That last fight, the first round, was going to be a feeling out round for me. I knew he would come out fast because he wasn’t in good shape and would be gassed after a round or two. I allowed what happened to happen. He wasn’t hurting me at all. I’d rather get knocked cold than have a fight stopped like that.

“For the referee to just step in and stop it was wrong and it took me a little time to get over exactly what he did. But when I got home, my family and closest friends really rallied around me. They saw what happened to me. And, that, for me was huge. I found out who my true friends were.

“I don’t know what to expect from him this time, but I guarantee everybody that I will not touch the ropes. I am really excited about this fight and appearing again on SHOWTIME.’’

Don King presents; "Pride of St. Louis", IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks & protege Devon Alexander, the WBC Continental Americas champion

ST. LOUIS— Promoter Don King will feature hometown favorites on a card he has dubbed “Pride of St. Louis” featuring Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks and Devon Alexander “The Great” at Scottrade Center on March 27.



Spinks is a world champion and his protégé Alexander will fight in a championship unification match.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 go on sale Thursday (Feb. 21) at 10 a.m. at the Scottrade Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 314-241-1888 for an automated line or 314-421-4400 or 618-222-2900 for sales rep, or online at ticketmaster.com. A per-ticket facility fee will be added to all tickets purchased at all locations, including at the Scottrade Center Box Office. Additional Ticketmaster service charges and handling fees apply. For disabled seating, call 314-622-5420.

Spinks (36-4, 11 KOs) is the reigning International Boxing Federation junior middleweight champion and will face former three-time 154-pound world champion and current IBF mandatory challenger Verno Phillips (41-11-1), a native of Belize now fighting out of Denver, Colo.



The undefeated Alexander (14-0, 8 KOs), the World Boxing Council Continental Americas super lightweight champion, will be in a championship unification match against World Boxing Association FEDELATIN super lightweight champion Miguel Callist (24-6-1, 17 KOs), from Colon, Panama.



“Pride of St. Louis” is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Banner Promotions.

Scottrade Center, located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, is one of the finest sports and entertainment complexes in the country, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and an unprecedented commitment to quality and service. Opened in 1994, the arena is home to the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club and also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. The building is operated by Sports Capital Partners, owner of the St. Louis Blues, under the leadership of its chairman, Dave Checketts. For more information, please visit www.scottradecenter.com.

Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.

DKP promoted Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah II: Arch Rivals… Meet Me in St. Louis, which boasted the second-largest attendance for a boxing match at an indoor arena in history when 22,370 patrons sold out the Savvis Center (now known as the Scottraded Center) in advance on Feb. 5, 2005.

DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in the history of the world.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.

Alan Hopper/ Don King Productionshttp://www.donking.com/

IBF Junior Bantamweight Champion Dimitri Kirilov; Dmitriy Salita; Jorge Teron; WBIA Women’s Lightweight Champion Elena Reid; Eileen Olszewski

Thursday February 28, Gotham Boxing and Bash Boxing promotion will present “The Russians Are Coming” at Roseland Ballroom, headlined by IBF junior bantamweight world champion Dimitri Kirilov (29-3, 9 KO's) in his first title defense against Cecilio "Boga" Santos (22-8-2, 12 KO's) in the main event, and the return to the ring of ever popular Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita (27-0-1, 15 KO's), in the co-feature. Undefeated Bronx and Puerto Rican star Jorge "The Truth" Teron (19-0-1, 11 KO's) ascends the ranks when the New York State champ faces Sandro Marcos (27-16-2, 23 KO's) of Mazatlan, Mexico in a 12-round clash for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship. In yet another championship match up, the ladies will also be in action when WIBA Women's Flyweight World Champion Elena "Baby Doll" Reid (19-3-5, 5 KO's) puts her belt on the line against three time Golden Gloves champion Eileen "Hawaiian Mongoose" Olszewski (4-0-1). Flag-waving patriots will salute U.S. Marine Jon Schneider when the Yonkers, NY native takes on Boston's Tyrone Smith (5-5-1, 2 KO's) in a six round Heavyweight attraction . Tough-minded Amanda Serrano of Brooklyn will make her professional debut, while promising Albanian heavyweight Badarin Toma will also make his first pro appearance, both in four round contests. Tickets are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 and are available by calling Gotham Boxing at 212 755-1944

Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing Presents; A 12 round main event, USBA Jr. Welterweight title fight Mike Arnaoutis vs. Harrison Cuello Live Thurs. March 6

Garcia Motivated for Upset!; By Andre Courtemanche

Garcia Motivated for Upset!; By Andre Courtemanche
Photo Courtesy: Kerry Daigle
It would appear on the surface that Houston super lightweight Daniel Garcia will be a huge underdog when takes on Puerto Rico’s Jesus Pabon (11-1, 8 KOs) at the Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville, Louisiana, and live on ESPN2 this Friday, February 29.



But Garcia (9-4-1, 7 KOs) has a motivational speaker for a manager and doesn’t see the situation that way. “This is a step up for him just as much as for me,” he explains. “He hasn’t really been fighting top opposition until two fights ago. And then he fought somebody undefeated and lost. I‘ve been fighting guys that are there to fight, but don’t have the skill that this guy has. It’s going to be good for both of us to see where we are with our careers.”

In fact, 29-year-old Garcia sees himself as a good match for Pabon in every way. “I know he was an amateur star out of Puerto Rico, but I had 256 amateur fights. I’ve been fighting since I was seven. He’s a typical Puerto Rican fighter, quick on his feet and a good boxer/puncher. I’m a boxer/puncher as well.”

Of his early start in the sport, Garcia says while he was growing up, boxing was mandatory. “In my family you start fighting when you are seven. You box until you’re 18. Then you can quit or keep going.”

FOR THE REST OF THE STORY CLICK HERE


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Three title bouts highlight the card as the International Fight League stops at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, February 29

LAS VEGAS– Three title bouts highlight the card as the International Fight League stops at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, February 29. HDNet will have live coverage beginning at 11 p.m. EST/8 p.m. PST and will feature six of the eight bouts on the card, including the championship defenses of lightweight Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.), middleweight Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) and heavyweight Roy Nelson (Las Vegas). Here are some quick notes on the event: • The IFL event will see the debut of “Fitestat,” the new custom-designed IFL statistical program that the league has designed with Stats Inc. “Fitestat” will provide over 20 statistical categories for fans for the first time.• Schultz, who defeated previously unbeaten Chris Horodecki in December to win the first IFL lightweight belt, will battle John Gunderson (Medford, Ore.), who now lives in Las Vegas and competes for Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den.• Horwich, who is to be married the following day in Las Vegas, takes on Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa), who fights out of Miletich Fighting Systems.• Nelson, a Las Vegas native, will be in front of his hometown fans when he defends against IFL newcomer Fabiano Scherner (Brazil), who trains with Matt Lindland at Team Quest.• Under the revamped IFL format, the camp matchups include three bouts each between Las Vegas-based Mario Sperry’s World Class Fight Center and Xtreme Couture, and three between Team Quest and Lion’s Den.• Several NASCAR drivers and team members, in town for the races this weekend, will be in attendance on Friday night.• Actor Sean Faris, who stars in the upcoming feature film Never Back Down, will attend and will sign autographs for fans.• Eight competitors will make their IFL debuts, including Josh Haynes (Las Vegas), who may be best known for his appearance on the popular “The Ultimate Fighter 3” television program in 2006.• The next IFL event will be Friday, April 4, at Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey and will feature three title bouts, with a host of local athletes (including New Jersey’s Jamal Patterson and NYU’s Shad Lierley) looking to capture an IFL belt. IFL Las VegasFriday, February 29, 2008 Preliminary Bout145 lbs.: Ian Loveland (Portland, Ore.) (0-2 IFL, 8-7 overall MMA) vs. Dennis Davis (Las Vegas) (0-0, 13-6) Team Xtreme Couture vs. MMA Top Team (Mario Sperry)145 lbs.: Santino Defranco (Tempe, Ariz.) (0-0, 10-3) vs. Rafael Dias (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (0-0, 8-3-1)185 lbs.: Josh Haynes (Las Vegas) (0-0, 8-9) vs. Leopoldo Serao (San Francisco) (0-0, 11-6)205 lbs.: Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.) (0-0, 6-0) vs. Alexandre Ferreira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (0-0, 15-5) Team Quest (Matt Lindland) vs. Lions Den (Ken Shamrock)170 lbs.: Jake Ellenberger (Omaha, Neb.) (2-2, 16-3) vs. Pat Healy (St. Louis) (2-1, 18-12)*155 lbs.: **Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) (5-2, 18-9-1) vs. John Gunderson (Medford, Ore.) (2-2, 15-5)*265 lbs.: **Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (4-1, 11-2) vs. Fabiano Scherner (Portland, Ore.) (0-0, 7-5) Championship Bout*185 lbs.: Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (5-4, 11-5) vs. **Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (6-3, 21-9-1) *Championship Bout**Current Titleholder

Tonight on Nabaté's TV/Webcast show‏; Lenn Robbins from the New York Post one of the most well-respected sports journalists and TV in-studio analysts

Tonight on Nabaté's TV/Webcast show‏; Lenn Robbins from the New York Post one of the most well-respected sports journalists and TV in-studio analysts in the country.
We will discuss the exciting events approaching in college basketball: March Madness!!

Every Wednesday February 27-Guest: Lenn Robbins, sports writer for the N.Y. Post and
college sports analyst on ESPN, Comcast, SportsNet-New Yorkon 'So Much to Talk About' @9pm (Eastern Time) Channel 57 (Time Warner-Manhattan Cable) Channel 84 (RCN-Manhattan Cable) Streams LIVE: http://www.mnn.org/, click 57/84 link

MENTAL TOUGHNESS……THE MISSING FACTOR TO GREATNESS; BY KERRY DAIGLE

MENTAL TOUGHNESS……THE MISSING FACTOR TO GREATNESS; BY KERRY DAIGLE

Maw Maw Daigle always told me, “The people that become great in their fields are not the better educated, the better connected, or the person with the better looks, but rather it will be the person who has the ‘mental toughness’ to desire success no matter what the odds.” To think, Maw Maw Daigle always had the vision to teach me, her mentee, all the secrets to success.

I had the pleasure of working a professional fight Saturday, the 23rd, with one of the boxers I represent, Reggie “Sweet’ Johnson , the former WBA Middleweight Champion of the World and the former IBF Light-Heavyweight Champion of the World, to watch him win his third world title, the IBA World Light Heavyweight Championship. Why am I mentioning this? Simply because Reggie hadn’t fought in years, was 41 years old and competing against one of the toughest competitors in the game of professional boxing, Julio Gonzalez from Huntington Beach, California.

A younger Gonzalez who also was very busy staying sharp fighting regularly. Johnson was not looked at seriously by the media. He was almost ignored. Clearly the odds were against him. I didn’t meet anyone except my trainers, my family, Reggie, and myself who clearly believed that Reggie could win. The other surprised individual was Julio Gonzalez who looked not only perplexed and confused but mostly surprised by the excellent fighting style Reggie Johnson brought to the ring. Gonzalez felt the power from his opponent and was totally not expecting what was happening. What made the difference for Johnson to win? Simply, one simple ingredient, MENTAL TOUGHNESS. (

More info on others thoughts are on http://www.keeppunching.com/ )
In my 35 years of professional boxing I’ve seen some really great fighters; however, I have never seen the ‘mental toughness’ that Reggie Johnson showed leading into this title fight. Forget he hadn’t fought but once in 5 years. Boxing experts said he was too old, not busy enough, and definitely at this age could not hold off the younger, stronger Gonzalez. What the boxing experts could not see in Johnson’s eyes was his will to win, the mental toughness it takes to become a legend in boxing. Now the rest of the boxing world needs to take notice.

One of my favorite people who I often admired and consider a mentor through his books and articles written about him was Vince Lombardi. “Mental Toughness” was often his favorite topic that developed not only champions but also leaders. Mental toughness is the ability to maintain your vision in times of distress and negativity. It is the element missing to keep teams together and athletes winning against all odds. (Think of the New York Giants recently). It is the one ingredient that allows that team or athlete to outdo the competition and perform miracles to win. It is the ability to come back from failing and consider those days of failure as lessons in life to prepare you for success. This also describes the journey of an entrepreneur or professional seeking lifelong success in their field. In the story of the athlete such as Reggie it is the ability to fight a long hard 12 rounds after tearing a muscle in his right shoulder in the 5th round but yet to compete and still win against a dangerous, tough opponent. It is the individual who loses a sale and gets told “no” many times to her sales presentation but prevails regardless. It’s all the same. It is about mental toughness. No negativity can break the mind of the individual who believes in his or her self and then prepares to win.

Lombardi would always mention to his players, “Hurt is in the mind only.” That shoulder injury Reggie Johnson had in the early rounds (the 5th) of the fight could have made him quit but instead he decided that he could compete regardless. It is the person who goes bankrupt but realizes that although his or her finances were taken away that they still owned their skills, therefore, giving them the mental toughness to compete and succeed again. There are so many stories of many successes like this from Walt Disney to Abraham Lincoln to George Foreman and now to Reggie Johnson.

You are not born with mental toughness. It is not inherited. You can’t take a pill and get tough mentally. You learn how to become mentally tough. All successful people are those who set their sights high, gain their goals, move forward, and then fall down due to occasional setbacks. The setbacks make the difference. Once you are lucky enough to have ‘setbacks’ you will learn from them and become mentally tough. It is mark of character.

“The most important element in the character make-up of a man who is successful is that of mental toughness.”

Vince Lombardi
Developing mental toughness the Lombardi or Johnson way is by first keeping the pressure on and never looking back or giving up. It is so easy to do well when there are no problems or stress, however, how many people ‘fold over’ when defeat is biting you in the seat of your pants? It is about being calm and figuring out how something will work vs how something will not work. Reggie Johnson knew, regardless of the shoulder injury, he needed to stare adversity, negativity, and defeat in the face. Only then could he become a winner.

My hat goes off to Reggie Johnson and others who stare at adversity in the face every day and never, ever, give up ……..no matter what.
Remember, obstacles are nothing more than ‘opportunities’ in disguise. Be thankful when you come across an obstacle in your life. It will test your ‘mental toughness’, the make-up of champions and successful leaders.

Keep Punching!
Kerry is a contributing writer for THE ACADIAN, a public speaker, an author and life coach specializing in mental fitness. More of his articles with THE ACADIAN can be found on http://www.keeppunching.com/ . There is also a guestbook for your personal comments on personal development.

Kerry’s blend of wisdom, experience, and personal humility come together in unique and powerful insights that impact everyone he comes in contact with on a daily basis and believes everyone can truly have success in their lives by making a few changes.

Kerry kindly asks of everyone to spread the word of THE ACADIAN to everyone you know to enlighten and lift their spirit with good news wanting to reach as many people as possible. Please help spread the word of KEEP PUNCHING so we can put a smile on someone’s face that is in need of one.

You can email Kerry at kerry@keeppunching.com. We encourage you to write to us to share your thoughts and insights. Is there something that caught your attention that helped you in an article that you may want to share to help others? Let us know.

Kerry is also available for consultations, speaking engagements and workshops. He has traveled all of North America and abroad to Europe and Australia as a keynote speaker.
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IFL has formed a partnership with the popular social media network imeem, which further increases the league's visibility through online video

INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE FORMS VIDEO SHARING PARTNERSHIP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORK IMEEM NEW YORK, February 26, 2008 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) and leading social media network imeem today announced a video sharing partnership that will give imeem’s growing global community of 23 million users the opportunity to view and interact with media from IFL’s action-packed fighting league at www.ifl.imeem.com. “One of the greatest success stories has been the exposure of our athletes, coaches and events in the digital space, and this partnership with imeem will further that growth,” said IFL CEO Jay Larkin. “Compelling content is key to success, and this partnership gives us added opportunity to continue to expose our brand to as large an audience as possible with compelling content we know this demo loves to view.” The partnership will create an IFL TV channel on imeem where fans can find engaging and fresh media content from the professional mixed martial arts sports league, ranging from match highlights to athlete and coach interviews and instructional segments. The imeem community can also express themselves with their favorite IFL content by creating and sharing custom video playlists with friends on imeem and through embeddable widgets on third party sites across the Web. IFL short form videos are already some of the highest volume sports pieces on a host of digital sharing sites, including YouTube, PalTalk, and Break.com. Visit IFL on imeem at www.ifl.imeem.com for videos and more information on the International Fight League. About the IFL International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv. About imeemimeem is the leading social media network where users create, recommend and discover music, film/video, art, and pop culture media and connect directly with people with similar tastes. The imeem community can share their tastes on imeem and across the Web using innovative media expression tools and social discovery features, including custom music playlists, video channels, photo slideshows and embeddable widgets. The Web-based service www.imeem.com launched in March 2006 and has since grown to over 23 million unique users each month. For more information, visit www.imeem.com. The IFL maintains agreements with other social networking sites such as YouTube, PalTalk, and Break.com. The IFL channel can be found at http://www.ifl.imeem.com/.

Black Carpet! 3rd Annual Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards Wednesday, February 27th 2008.

Join Us On The Black Carpet To Salute This Year’s Entrepreneurial Awardees
Bring Your Business Cards & Enjoy An Evening Of Power Networking Corporate & Professional Dress Attire. Table Reservations Are For Dining Only Cash Bar & Cuisine Complimentary Hor D'oeuveres Hour Live Entertainment Featuring New York's DJ Kaos Keynote Speaker & Award Recipient Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez – Secretary of State of New York To View The 2008 Award Recipients.
Special Thanks To The Sponsors & Marketing Partners: Anthony Turner, Baba Roots USA, Blue Knight Greetings Inc, Bryant P. Fields, Caribbean Food Delights Inc, Carlton Brown, Cocktails & Connections, Debbie Douglas,Heather McField, Enchanted Events, Industry Hotel.com, Irie Jam Media, Irie TV, Jamrock Magazine, JI Group Inc, Kenaar, Linkup Media, Mahagony Diamonds, Ms Raine Media Inc, NiteLife Entertainment, Nvidius TV, Plitzs Fashion Marketing, Professionals Inc, Prolinks Inc, The NetLinkz Group Inc, United Caribbean Professionals Network, VP Records Inc, Where Itz At Magazine Inc

WORLD CHAMPIONS ENZO MACCARINELLI & DAVID HAYE

WORLD CHAMPIONS ENZO MACCARINELLI & DAVID HAYE
Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. GMT
The cruiserweight battle begins LIVE at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) when SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING offers a cruiserweight world title unification bout between British brawlers Enzo Maccarinelli and David “Hayemaker” Haye from the O2 Arena in London.

Maccarinelli, of Swansea, Wales, is the World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion while Haye, a native Londoner, is the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) titleholder.

Maccarinelli will be making his fourth title defense. Haye will be fighting for the first time since he climbed off the canvas to capture the WBC and WBA belts with a seventh-round TKO over defending champion Jean-Mark Mormeck.

NO HOLDS BARRED: Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez 3 Preview, Wladimir> Klitschko-Sultan Ibragimov

NO HOLDS BARRED: Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez 3 Preview, Wladimir> Klitschko-Sultan Ibragimov Review On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman reviews one of the worst heavyweight fights in years, the title unification bout between Wladimir Klitschko (50-3, 44 KOs) and Sultan Ibragimov> (22-1-1, 17 KOs), held February 23 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The IBF champion Klitschko won by unanimous decision also to capture the WBO title. We provide a scathing review of it and analyze the significance of this enormously dull affair, which was roundly booed by the fans. After the fight, we conducted interviews with Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions, the Klitschkos' promotional company; Leon Margules of Seminole Warriors Boxing, which promotes Ibragimov; former world champion Vitali Klitschko about his plans to return to the ring; and promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank about whom middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik will next face. We also have the audio from entire postfight news conference with Wladimir Klitschko and Sultan Ibragimov. While these heavyweights sent them home booing or snoring, this coming Saturday, March 1, the final contest in one of boxing's most> compelling recent trilogies will take place when WBC super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez (42-4, 31 KOs) faces former world champion Rafael Marquez (37-4, 33 KOs). When these two first fought last March, that fight, won by Marquez by a seventh-round TKO, was an instant frontrunner for fight of the year - until their second fight last August. Vazquez gained revenge by winning with a sixth-round TKO in a fight so filled with action that it eclipsed even their first battle. Now this Saturday these two will meet again, this time, like their first fight, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Showtime will televise it in the U.S. We spoke with Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez on a recent media teleconference call. We also spoke with promoter Gary Shaw about the importance of this fight.>> To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link below and just press the play button on the player: http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-02-24T23_47_20-08_00>> You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on> the download link (right-click to save it). You can also listen to it through the NO HOLDS BARRED blog, at> http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/, and MySpace page, at> http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews, also by pressing the play button on the player.>> Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes at> http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.>> The NO HOLDS BARRED theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian> Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).>> NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by:>> Art of War (http://www.artofwarlive.com/), the undisputed arena> fighting championship, promoted by SUN Sports and Entertainment,> producing world class mixed martial arts events. For more information,> check out their web site, ArtOfWarLive.com (http://> www.artofwarlive.com).>IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's> first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out> their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://> msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local> listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://> ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.>> Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the> mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year.> For more news and info, check out their web site,> GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/).>> BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com/), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.>> Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of> Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator> Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com> (http://bjjmart.com/) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://> jiujitsuprogear.com/). FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts. Thanks, Eddie Goldman

BROADWAY BOXING BACK MARCH 5; Stark/Ledesma REMATCH, Santana, Garcia and Jacobs to Light Up DBE Card at Manhattan Center

BROADWAY BOXING BACK MARCH 5; Gary Stark and Edgar Santana to Headline DBE Boxing Series at Manhattan Center

DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing returns to New York City on Wednesday night March 5 at the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center. Staten Island featherweight Gary “Kid” Stark (20-2, 8 KO’s) and Spanish Harlem welterweight Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana (22-3, 14 KO’s) will headline the night of exciting boxing action in the heart of Manhattan.

Gary “Kid” Stark


Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana


Danny Jacobs


Tickets for Broadway Boxing are priced at $150, $100, $80, $60, and $40 and will go on sale in early February. They will be available through DiBella Entertainment by calling (212) 947-2577. For more information on Broadway Boxing, please visit DiBella entertainment on the web at www.dbe1.com.

February 29's "Friday Night Fights" broadcast from the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana, featuring IBF #1-rated Sechew "Iron Horse" Powe

February 29's "Friday Night Fights" broadcast from the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana, featuring IBF #1-rated Sechew "Iron Horse" Powell (23-1, 13 KOs) and IBF and WBO #14-rated Allan "Sweetness" Green (26-1, 18 KOs) in dual main events, will mark the culmination of a lengthy group effort to bring world-class professional boxing to Central Louisiana.

Sechew "Iron Horse" Powell

Known as the "Pearl of Louisiana", the Paragon was constructed on Tunica-Biloxi Tribe land in 1994 and has quickly expanded to a sprawling 1,000,000 + square-foot resort that rivals anything Las Vegas can offer. With cypress trees and live alligators in its newly constructed eight-story glass atrium, over 2000 slot machines, the full complement of gaming tables, three hotel towers, a top-rated golf course and seven restaurants among its many amenities, the Paragon has turned a once-rural area into one of the country's newest hot spots.

So what does a casino traditionally do once it's all dressed up? It goes out for a night of world-class boxing.

David Rivas, Director of Political Affairs for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe as well as the first independent Native American boxing promoter in history, says that while the Paragon has hosted boxing in the past, this amazing coup to stage a major event started with a call to Louisiana-based husband-and-wife boxing promoters Mickey and Kerry Daigle of Keeppunching Entertainment.

"Kerry is a dear friend of mine. When they asked me who I thought could handle the boxing program for the Paragon, I recommended Keeppunching immediately. Mickey and Kerry are honorable people."

The Daigles began their Paragon tenure by putting on well-attended shows featuring local favorites such as Blake "Candyman" Prevost and "The Fighting Marine" Kasha Chamblin.

Then one day came word that a televised date, originally to be hosted by "The Contender" series of promotions, was suddenly available. Through some quick moves, Keeppunching was able to put together this sensational card and make the fight happen at the Paragon.

Kerry Daigle, KPE Director of Boxing to his wife Mickey's role as promoter, says it took some fast maneuvering.

"When I heard that The Contender had other plans, I spent hours on the phone coming up with an idea for a blockbuster show. When I had a plan put together, I called up my good friend Leon Margules (Head of Florida-based Warrior's Boxing) and together with Allan Green's promoter Tony Holden, we approached ESPN and finalized arrangements for this incredible double-main-event evening, one of the best nights of boxing that will be seen on ESPN this year."

Bordelon calls the big show a "coming out party," for the Paragon and for Louisiana boxing. "We're looking forward to having folks around the country find out about our outstanding facilities. In the Mari Center (Mari means "gathering" in the Tunica Biloxi Tribal language) there are only 2200 seats, so when you sit in this newly updated facility, it's like being at a very intimate gathering, but with all the modern technology and features that a much larger facility would have: great lighting and wonderful sound. The exposure through ESPN is wonderful for us. This will encourage people who have never visited Marksville to come and enjoy everything you could want from a top casino resort and the best southern hospitality on the planet to go with it."

When the bright lights go up and the cameras roll that February Friday night, one of the big winners will be the group who were able to collectively put it all together. While Las Vegas is known as the world's champion of top-level boxing, a hungry, young contender has emerged in Marksville, Louisiana.

And they're working hard on taking Vegas's title away some day.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at $100 Ringside (Limited Seating) and $40 (Reserved Stadium Seating) and can be obtained through http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or by calling the Paragon Casino Resort at 1.800.WIN.1.WIN. For more information on the upcoming show, go to http://www.keeppunching.com/. To visit the fabulous Paragon Casino go to http://www.paragoncasinoresort.com/.

NO HOLDS BARRED: Oleg Taktarov, Matt Horwich, Justin Garcia, Richard Schaefer

NO HOLDS BARRED: Oleg Taktarov, Matt Horwich, Justin Garcia, Richard Schaefer
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-02-26T22_30_39-08_00
On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman starts a mostly mixed martial arts show by reporting the news announced Tuesday about the fight card for the debut show for the new YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts organization (http://yammapitfighting.com/). That event takes place Friday, April 11, at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will be shown live on pay-per-view television.
The Boris Talis Cup Jiu Jitsu Team Competition was held February 21 at the historic Atlantic Oceana in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York. In that grappling event, the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team Garcia, coached by Justin Garcia of the Jungle Gym in the Bronx, New York (http://www.junglegymbronx.com/), defeated the Russian Sambo Team Taktarov, coached by former UFC champion Oleg Taktarov.
We spoke about the event right after it with both Justin Garcia and Oleg Taktarov. Besides discussing this event, we also spoke with Oleg about his movie career and his upcoming fight with Don Frye at the April 11 debut show of YAMMA Pit Fighting.
We spoke with IFL middleweight champion Matt Horwich, who defends his title this coming Friday, February 29, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. His opponent will be former Iowa Hawkeye wrestler Ryan McGivern, who defeated Horwich when they first met in December 2006 by unanimous decision. This event will be telecast on HDNet.
Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, was in New York last week to announce the April 19 fight between two champions, light heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins and super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe. We spoke with him about this fight, and also about the plans of Golden Boy Promotions to enter the worlds of soccer (football) and mixed martial arts.
To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.
You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).
Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.
The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The NO HOLDS BARRED theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).
Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com/ and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com/.
NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com/). The producers of the original UFC and Live Nation (http://livenation.com/), worldwide leaders in live entertainment, present YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law.
IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com/), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com/) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).
FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
Thanks, Eddie Goldman
No Holds Barred blog http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/
No Holds Barred podcast http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
The Boxing Standard http://boxingstandard.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
Enjoy!

Erykah Badu new CD, Launch Party; Meet & Greet and listening session, "Its About Time For A New Amerykah"

Erykahs new CD, "Its About Time For A New Amerykah"(Part One 4th World War)


Launch Party Photos By; Chris and Lori http://www.prefixmag.com/photos/erykah-badu-new-amerykah-nyc-photos/1/

Erykah Badu at Meet & Greet and listening session, "Its About Time For A New Amerykah".



Erykah's friends and guest attend the Meet & Greet and listening session, "Its About Time For A New Amerykah".

17TH ANNUAL SPORTS LEGENDS AWARDS, PRESENTED BY THE PARALYSIS PROJECT OF AMERICA

LOS ANGELES – Basketball’s Kevin Johnson, boxing’s Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, hockey’s Luc Robitaille and thoroughbred racing’s Jose Santos returned to the limelight on Saturday, Feb. 23, when these memorable sports superstars were honored and their spectacular careers celebrated at the 17th Annual Sports Legends Awards at The Omni Hotel in Los Angeles.

Pictured (from left): Kevin Johnson (basketball, 2008 John R. Wooden Lifetime Achievement Award), Luc Robitaille (hockey), David Bailey (2008 Bill Shoemaker Award for Media Awareness), Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini (boxing) and Jose Santos (thoroughbred racing).



Also being honored will be Hall of Fame motocross champion and ESPN Supercross analyst David Bailey, who received the 2008 Bill Shoemaker Award for media awareness of the spinal cord injured and for his public advocacy for a revolutionary new safety device to be worn by motocross racers – the Leatt Brace.

2008 Sports Legends Awards honoree Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini .


Johnson was presented with the annual John R. Wooden Lifetime Achievement Award. The Paralysis Project of America’s annual awards ceremony, benefiting spinal cord research, was hosted by veteran sportscaster and sportswriter Diana Nyad, a Hall of Fame distance swimming standout in her own right, who was an honoree in 2007.

2008 Sports Legends Awards honoree Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini .

Fight and Film; Love Ranch