Manfredo training in comfort zone for IBO world title fight vs. Bika Nov. 13 Center in Providence, live on Versus, headlining “Tough & Tested”

PROVIDENCE – Two-time world title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, finds himself training at home in a comfort zone as he prepares for his IBO super middleweight title fight November 13 against Sakio “The Scorpian” Bika, winner of Season Three of The Contender, at the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Tough & Tested,” co-promoted by the Tournament of Contenders and Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The co-promoters have called for a ‘Pink Out’ (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for the Gloria Gemma Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.

Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, “The Pride of Providence” sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the same Providence building as his Nov. 13th showdown against Bika. Manfredo’s five pro career losses have all come at the hands of world champions.

“I’m a family man, blue collar guy who goes to the gym (Manfredo’s Gym in nearby Pawtucket) and takes care of business. I’m a fighter, not a reality star, who is going to become world champion November 13th fighting in front of his family and friends in Providence. All of my best fights have been in Rhode Island, especially at The Dunk, and being in a comfort zone is the main reason. I never really loved boxing or training until now. You know I hated going to the gym in California. Freddie Roach is a great trainer, but I missed being home with my family. I made amends with my father and now live in the gym, do my work, and go home everyday to my family. You may not have your fans in the ring with you, but you know that there in the arena. It’s much better sleeping in my own bed, eating food I like, and being with my family and friends. I’m in a comfort zone!

“Bika’s a guy ranked higher than me who has fought two world champions. He may have lost but he’s game. His style is made for me. I wanted him and got him for a world title fight. Bika reminds me of (Joey) Spina, but he’s more disciplined and stronger in the mind than Joey. They’re both big, strong and wide shots. They have similar styles and I’m very confident. I’m not a trash talker, but I took out Spina in 2 1/2 rounds, so, I guess, it’ll take me 4 ½ or 5 rounds to stop Bika.”

IBF Pan Pacific super middleweight title-holder Bika (26-3-2. 16 KOs), a 2000 Cameroon Olympian now fighting out of Australia, won The Contender III with a dramatic eighth round stoppage of Bridgeport, Connecticut native Jaidon Codrington in the finale in Boston. Bika, rated No. 5 by the IBF and No. 8 by The Ring magazine, hasn’t been stopped in 31 pro fights.

“I like this style of match-ups,” explained Peter’s father and head trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr. “Bika is strong and durable but wide. If you just stand in front of him, he can punch you out. You either stay on the outside controlling the fight with jabs or go inside and use uppercuts. I know that I’m in for a fight. He’s a legitimate fighter, ranked in the top 10 by Ring. He fought two world champions, (Joe) Calzaghe and (Markus) Beyer. Bika almost had Calzaghe out at the end of the 12th round with a hook. He can punch, but I like Peter’s odds because of his speed. It’s going to be exciting; good action with both guys going for it.”

In the 10-round co-feature, Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer (23-11, 13 KOs), winner of Season Two of The Contender, meets fan favorite in Season Two of The Contender, IBF No. 13 rated Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (28-3, 16 KOs), in an IBO light middleweight title eliminator. Codrington (18-2, 14 KOs), runner-up in Season Three of The Contender, also is fighting on the card in a super middleweight Special Attraction against an opponent to be determined.

Some of New England’s most talented and popular fighters are scheduled to fight on the undercard including WBC World Youth and USNBC featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (15-0, 8 KOs), super flyweight Isander “Peachy” Beauchamp (5-0, 2 KOs), Providence light welterweight Jesus Caro (2-0, 2 KOs), and Pawtucket light welterweight Diego Periera (1-0, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com. Tickets will also be on sale through www.Ticketmaster.com, at all local Ticketmaster outlets by calling Ticketmaster direct at 401.331.2211 or 617.931.2000, as well as Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (401.723.1359), 401 Gym in Cranston (401.261.9800), Balletto’s Gym in Providence (401.641.9994), Elite Mixed Martial Arts (401.728.1356) and Ultimate Fitness in Bristol (401.253.3539). Each paid ticket holder will receive a complimentary Dave & Buster’s $10.00 Power Card ($12 value) upon entry.

For more information call 401.724.2253/2254 or go online to www.cesboxing.com, www.tournamentofcontenders.com or www.dunkindonutscenter.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout 6:30 PM/ET.

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

The Boxing Standard Pavlik-Hopkins: Hopkins wins, Hopkins wins

This weekend Bernard Hopkins will earn another significant pay-day participating in a fight he probably can't win, but also is not likely to get hurt. On top of that, a loss to 26 year-old Kelly Pavlik won't tarnish the legacy of the 43 year-old Hopkins. And lastly, a win by Hopkins really shouldn't be considered an upset.

The last time we saw Hopkins, he was out-hustled by Joe Calzaghe en-route to losing a decision and his light heavyweight title. However, Calzaghe is a veteran of 20 plus title fights, was a south-paw, and is more versatile than the bigger punching Pavlik. This will be Pavlik's fourth title bout, and it's a fact that he's never been in the ring with another fighter like Hopkins. That said, Pavlik's strength and youth should be enough to get by Hopkins, who can fight no more than four or five rounds out of a 12-round bout.



Pavlik's punching power will no doubt keep Hopkins focused, and fighting more to make Pavlik look bad, instead of beating him up. Most likely Hopkins attack plan is to bring Pavlik to him, while making himself to appear to be right there, but hard to reach. Hoping to force Pavlik into over committing and leaving him vulnerable to Hopkins counters. Pavlik is pretty vanilla style-wise, which is a big tactical advantage for Hopkins.

I expect Pavlik to win the fight, but I do believe because of styles, Hopkins will get more clean shots at Pavlik than he did Calzaghe. I just don't think it will be enough. Bernard Hopkins is just too smart and good to get his ass kicked by Kelly Pavlik. He's just not good enough in 2008 to beat him. Having said that, I wouldn't bet on this fight unless it was with someone else's money.

Regardless of the out-come, Hopkins wins. If he loses, he'll leave the ring with another big pay-day along with his legacy. If he wins, he'll leave the ring with a bigger legacy, and set up for another huge pay-day against a fighter who will be favored to beat him, but one he's capable of beating.

Hopkins Wins, Hopkins Wins!
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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

KLITSCHKO LOOKS LIKE OLD SELF SCORES 8TH ROUND TKO OVER PETER; MOVE OVER TARVER

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presented a special, history-making world championship double-header on Saturday night. Klitschko scored an eighth-round TKO against the overmatched Peter Saturday on SHOWTIME.

Many wondered how Vitali Klitschko (36-2, 35 KOs) would look in his first fight in nearly four years. Wonder no more. The 37-year-old heavyweight regained his World Boxing Council (WBC) title with a marvelous eighth-round TKO over Samuel Peter (30-2, 23 KOs), televised on tape delay from the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany.

It wasn’t much of a contest as Klitschko fought tall and used his precise left jab to keep Peter from closing the distance. His consistent jab, along with stiff over hand rights proved too much for Peter. Behind on all cards, Peter quit on his stool after the eighth.

Klitschko’s victory marked the first time the boxing world has seen two brothers hold heavyweight titles simultaneously. Klitschko’s younger brother, Wladimir, is the IBF and WBO heavyweight world champion.

Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are the only siblings to hold heavyweight titles simultaneously.


In the second world championship fight on SHOWTIME, it was out with the old and in with the new as “Bad” Chad Dawson (27-0, 17 KOs) won a 12-round unanimous decision against the veteran Antonio Tarver (27-5, 19 KOs), live at The Pearl Theater at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Vitali Klitschko stuns Sam Peter with an over hand right.


Dawson, the former WBC champion who relinquished the belt for this high profile fight, captured the IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles by scores of 118-109, 117-110 twice.

The difference maker was Dawson’s blazing hand speed. He landed precise right upper cuts and vicious right hooks.

Dawson threw creative combinations, at times throwing five, six and seven-punch combinations to the head and body of Tarver.

Dawson is the new light heavyweight kingpin and he has the hardware to prove it.

“It’s a happy moment for me,” Dawson said after the fight. “I’m taking these titles back to my home in New Haven (Conn.). I was the faster fighter tonight. I was outpointing him and outworking him. We did it one round at a time like we always do.”

During the telecast, SHOWTIME reporter Karen Bryant interviewed former pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Mayweather called Dawson the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, claiming the 26-year-old Connecticut native doesn’t get enough credit for his superior skills.

“Floyd gave me a call tonight in the locker room before the fight,” Dawson said. “He told me I’m the best fighter in the world. That was a huge compliment and confidence booster. When Floyd says something like that you can’t help but smile and go out and perform.”

Tarver could not keep up with the younger and quicker Dawson.

“I fought my fight and Chad fought his,” Tarver said after the fight. “I was never hurt. I should have had a busier work rate, but Chad was the busier fighter. I think I did well. I didn’t land the left as much as I should have.

“I tip my hat to Chad. He came in with a good work rate. I felt good about my ability to win this fight, but it was Chad’s night tonight.”

Dawson backed up Tarver all night long on his way to claiming the IBF and IBO light heavyweight world championships Saturday night on SHOWTIME.


SHOWTIME keeps the hits coming with three world championship fights in less than one month.

America's No. 1 Boxing Network kicks it off with a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on Oct. 24, when undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion Lucien Bute makes the second defense of his title against once-beaten, No. 1 ranked challenger Librado Andrade.

Just eight days later, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING plays host to one of the biggest little fights since Vazquez-Marquez III when Cristian Mijares, the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight champion faces the IBF champion Vic Darchinyan in the first 115-pound, three-belt unification fight in history on Saturday, Nov. 1 (9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME). The 12-round bout is the third two-belt unification match in the history of the division.

Less than three weeks later, on Nov. 21, ShoBox returns with a special edition unification fight between WBA super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero and unbeaten IBF champ Steve Molitor. Caballero and Molitor are two of the most feared boxers in the stacked 122-pound division.

In the co-feature of the Nov. 1 telecast, undefeated super middleweight standout and ShoBox alum Andre Dirrell of Flint, Mich., will meet the power-punching Victor Oganov of Russia. Dirrell (16-0, 11 KOs) will star in the SHOWTIME co-feature for the second time in his young career. In his SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING debut in August, Dirrell dismantled Mike Paschall by registering a fourth round TKO. Oganov (28-1, 28 KOs) is coming off a second round knockout of Kariz Kariuki in April.

The co-feature of the Oct. 24 telecast features top prospect and No. 11 ranked World Boxing Council (WBC) contender Ronald Hearns (19-0, 15 KOs) taking on Paul Clavette (14-1-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.

The host of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Steve Albert with Al Bernstein serving as color commentator and Jim Gray and Karyn Bryant serving as ringside reporters. The producer of Saturday’s telecast was Ray Smaltz with Bob Dunpy directing. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins, Jr.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit SHO.com/sports.

PHOTO CREDIT: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME (Tarver-Dawson Only)

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing returns with powerhouse “The Grande Event” show Duddy, Quillin, Wolak & Teron in action Nov. 21 at Roseland Ballroom

NEW YORK– Nearly a full decade ago, Cedric Kushner promoted his first show at New York City’s famed Roseland Ballroom and on November 21, Kushner’s Gotham Boxing returns to the iconic Manhattan venue with “The Grande Event,” featuring a quartet of young, explosive talent sporting a combined pro record of 89-1-1 (65 KOs) --“Ireland’s” John Duddy, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak and Jorge Luis “The Truth” Teron.



Kushner promoted a “Heavyweight Explosion” card on pay-per-view on December 8, 1998, headlined by Jessie Ferguson versus Obed Sullivan and showcasing future world champions Shannon Briggs, Al “Ice” Cole and Oleg Maskaev.

Promoting the Big Apple’s “Fab Four” on Nov. 21, however, is even more special to the Kushner, the former rock ‘n roll promoter who turned to boxing nearly a quarter century ago and has promoted more than 30 world champions and 300 title fights worldwide.

“I have lived in New York for more than half of my life,” Kushner explained. “I consider myself a New Yorker and enjoy the energy and all he amenities of this great city. I like to think, if you can’t get it here, it doesn’t exist. In my mind this is the media capital of the world and for that reason I believe it’s in everyone’s best interest to promote in New York, particularly when you’re promoting new or relatively new fighters.

“I can’t think of a better show at this level that’s ever been promoted in New York City with four fighters on the same show, each deserved of being in a main event themselves, is rather special.”

“The Grande Event” is headlined by unbeaten middleweight Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), fighting out Queens (NY) by way of Derry, Northern Ireland. Rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization, as well as No. 4 by the World Boxing Council and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation, Duddy takes on veteran Sam “The Punching Policeman” Hill (17-9-1, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Hill has beaten former world champion and Olympic gold medalist David Reid (TKO9) and been in with world champions Jermain Taylor and Maselino Masoe,

Brooklyn’s undefeated middleweight “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (20-0, 15 KOs) could very well be the next Kushner-promoted fighter to capture a world title. Quillin faces an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-feature.

New York State middleweight and Polish National junior middleweight champion Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs), now living in Brooklyn, is a powerful puncher who has stopped 15 of his 22 victims to date. He faces Christian Lloyd Joseph (12-7-3, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

Bronx lightweight Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs), trained by former world and Olympic champion Mark Breland, is the reigning NABO champion. Jorge is knocking on the door for a world title shot next year, rated No. 4 by the WBO, in addition to No. 12 by the World Boxing Association and No. 19 by the WBC. He meets TBA in another 10-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight in separate four-round bouts are Queens light middleweight Lambrose “Lionheart” Karaolides (1-0), Bronx super middleweight Hajro Sujak (2-0, 2 KOs), Brooklyn welterweight Luis “El Mero Mero” Ruiz (3-0, 1 KO), Brooklyn light middleweight Romain Oliveri (1-0, 0 KOs), and light welterweight Jonathan Gonzalez, a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian making his pro debut.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $80.00, $100.00, $150.00 and $200.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Gotham Boxing (212.755.1944), any TicketMaster outlet, or at the Roseland Ballroom box office. Doors will open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

For more information call Gotham Boxing or go on line to www.gothamboxing.com.

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

Integrated Sports Distributing Abraham-Marquez world title fight Broadcast live Nov. 8 from Germany

HOBOKEN, N.J.– Integrated Sports will distribute the long awaited November 8th showdown between unbeaten International Boxing Federation middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham and top contender Raul “El Diamente” Marquez, in the United States and Canada, live from Germany.

Abraham-Marquez, originally scheduled October 4, was postponed due to Abraham’s sudden illness on the day of the fight and rescheduled for Nov. 8 at the same site, Jako Arena, in Bamberg, Germany.

Abraham-Marquez is promoted by Wilfried Sauerland, presented by Sauerland Event and its Managing Director, Christian Meyer, in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing. The broadcast is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DISH Network,Viewer’s Choice Canada, and Bell ExpressVue, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. iN Demand will show a replay the following day (Sunday, Nov. 9) at 2 PM/ET. Al Bernstein and Nick Charles will call the action.

Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs), rated No. 1 by The Ring and ESPN, is coming off of his first fight in the United States (Hollywood, FL), stopping Edison Miranda (30-2) in the second round of their June 21st non-title fight in explosive fashion. Abraham, however, remains somewhat of a curiosity factor in North America in terms of being a serious threat for Kelly Pavlik in a potential unification bout.

“King” Arthur captured the IBF middleweight title nearly three years ago by way of a fifth-round knockout of Kingsley Ikeke (23-1). Seven successful title defenses have followed against Miranda, Shannon Taylor, Kofi Jantuah, Sebastian Demers, Khoren Gevor, Wayne Elcock and Elvin Ayala.

The 37-year-old Marquez (41-3-1, 29 KOs), rated No. 2 by the IBF as well as No. 8 by The Ring and ESPN, earned his title shot against Abraham by defeating previously unbeaten No. 1 contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0) in their IBF title eliminator on the June 21st Abraham-Miranda card. Marquez, fighting out of Houston, was a 1992 U.S. Olympian who was the IBF junior middleweight title-holder in 1997.

Despite taking off 1 ½ years to work as a broadcaster for HBO’s boxing telecasts in Spanish, Raul is more experienced in the ring than Abraham – 269 to 161 in rounds fought – having been in against world champions Jermain Taylor, Shane Mosley, Fernando Vargas and Yori Boy Campas.

The 10-round co-feature on the PPV show from Germany has former NABO champion Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (19-3-2, 7 KOs), of Sacramento, taking on Yugoslavian-born Enad Licina (14-1, 8 KOs), now living in Germany, for the vacant IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight belt. Additional undercard bouts to be part of the PPV card will soon be announced.

For more information about the Abraham-Marguez PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com or www.warriorsboxing.com

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Lucien Bute Defends IBF Super Middleweight Title Against Librado Andrade on SHOBOX‏

NEW YORK– Undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion Lucien Bute (22-0, 18 KOs) will make the second defense of his title against once-beaten, No.1 ranked challenger Librado Andrade (27-1, 21 KOs) in a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, Oct. 24 live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

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

The fights, which feature four boxers with a combined total of 56 KOs and only two loses, will be promoted by Interbox Corporation of Montreal, Canada from the Bell Centre in Montreal.

A southpaw with true knockout power, Bute, of Montreal, is confident in making another defense in his hometown, where he has fought 18 of his 22 professional bouts.

“I’m thrilled to be making another title defense in my backyard,” Bute said. “I worked so hard to get this title that I’m not going to let anybody take it away from me.”

The 6’2’’ brawler may have knockout power, but Bute is going to need more than that to stop Andrade, also 6’2’’, who has never been knocked out.

“I know he (Andrade) is a tough fighter,” Bute said. “But I’m just as tough as he is. I’ve never lost a fight, let alone been knocked out. I’d love to knock him out, but a victory is a victory. As long as I walk out of that ring still a champion I’m happy.”

A hard-hitting Mexican warrior, Andrade is no stranger to world title fights. His sole loss came in a unanimous decision against then World Boxing Association (WBA) and WBC 168-pound champion Mikkel Kessler on March 24, 2007. Andrade bounced back from that loss with three consecutive knockouts in his last three bouts.

In his last fight on March 22, 2008, Andrade registered an eighth round KO over Robert Stieglitz in an IBF eliminator bout to earn a shot at Bute.

“I’m back to the top of my game,” Andrade said. “You only get so many shots at a title in your career, so you better believe that I’m coming prepared. This is what’s it’s all about. This is what I train for.”

Andrade will be traveling to hostile territory to take on Bute. In his only other fight in Canada, on April 8, 2006, Andrade knocked out Otis Grant in the seventh round in a WBC eliminator bout.

“I’m not worried about traveling to his backyard,” said Andrade. “I’m not traveling all the way up there to get beat. I’ll fight him anywhere for that title.”

The co-feature should be as action packed as the main event as it pits two rising prospects with opposing styles. Hearns uses his explosive power to dominate his opponents, while Clavette relies on his polished boxing skills to outpoint his opponents.

Hearns, who has knocked out 80 percent of his challengers, is one of the top prospects in the junior middleweight division. The WBC No. 11 and WBA No. 13 challenger uses strong combinations and devastating right hooks to plow through his opponents.

“My goal is to get to the top, but I have to get though Clavette first,” said Hearns, of Southfield, Mich. “This is a tough fight and I’m not looking past it. I’m confident I’ll win, but for me the only thing I’m worried about is Oct. 24.”

The son of eight time world champion Thomas “The Hit Man” Hearns, Hearns may need to adjust his style against the crafty Clavette, who has never fallen to the canvas in his 16 professional bouts. The 6’3’’ brawler has a height advantage over the 5’10’’ Clavette, who possesses blazing speed and great footwork.

“Style-wise, it’s going to be a different match up,” Hearns said. “But that has never stopped me before. I’ve fought a lot of different style fighters and I’m still progressing as a boxer. I learn something in all of my fights, but the important thing is that I walk out with a victory.”

Clavette, of Quebec, Canada, only has one loss on his record, a split decision against David Banks on May 24, 2006. The prospect knows that he needs a victory over Hearns to stay relevant in the junior middleweight division.

“Oct. 24 is my shot to prove myself on SHOWTIME,” Clavette said. “I know Hearns is coming ready to fight, but I need this win more than he does. This is my big shot and I’m ready.”

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

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

About Showtime Networks Inc.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

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

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Premier Fashion Show & Reception to Benefit The Evoluer House‏

For event updates or to be notified when tickets are on sale, click here>> https://www.evoluerhouse.org/Premier_Benefit_Event.html or visit: www.evoluerhouse.org.

SAVE THE DATE
December 5, 2008
"Catwalk"
The premier annual fashion show and cocktail reception to benefit The Evoluer House

An evening of hors d'oeuvres, cocktails & fashion

Honorary Chairpersons
Deborah Gregory, author/creator of the wildly popular best-selling series
"The Cheetah Girls" and her brand new novel "Catwalk"

GUCCI visual director Donald Taylor (United States, South America, Canada)

Honorary Committee
Christopher B. Sample, Director, Community Relations, Phila. DA's Office
Chuck Gamble, Executive Vice President, Philadelphia International Records
Cindy M. Bass, Senior Policy Advisor to US Congressman Chaka Fattah
Dawn H. Mascoll, Esq., The Mascoll Law Group, PLLC
Diana Bald, Vice President/General Manager, Univision 65 (WUVP-TV)
James Wadley, Ph.D, Family, Marriage, Sexuality Therapist/Counselor
Honorable Blondell Reynolds-Brown, Councilwoman At-Large
Honorable Cynthia M. Philo, Supervisor, Doylestown Township, Bucks Co.
Kevin Harry, Managing Editor, Inside Edition news program
Lisa Nelson-Haynes, Associate Director, Painted Bride Arts Center
Maurice Goodman, CEO, E2M1 Enterprises
Natalie R. Weathers, Professor, Fashion Industry Mgt., Philadelphia University
Tamara Jefferies, former Executive Editor, Essence magazine
Tina Wells, CEO, Buzz Marketing Group

December 5, 2008 / Painted Bride Art Center
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
230 Vine Street / Philadelphia, PA
Tickets: $50 per person

The Evoluer House is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of specialized youth and personal development-related services for disadvantaged teen girls.

For event updates or to be notified when tickets are on sale, go here: https://www.evoluerhouse.org/Premier_Benefit_Event.html or visit: www.evoluerhouse.org.

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

Don King Brings Star-Studded Fight Card to China on Nov. 7, World Championship Boxing at Sichuan Gymnasium in Chengdu;

CHENGDU, China—Fresh from the great success of the recent Olympic Games in Beijing, boxing promoter Don King has announced two heavyweight fights, a WBC Strawweight world championship and two additional matches featuring a former five-time world champion and a top-ranked undefeated challenger will all be part of his international fight card that he is presenting with Chengdu Sports Industry at Sichuan Gymnasium in Chengdu, China, on Friday, Nov. 7.

The greatest Polish heavyweight in history, Andrew Golota (41-6-1, 33 KOs), from Warsaw, Poland, will meet former No. 1 heavyweight contender Ray “The Rainman” Austin (24-4-4, 16 KOs), from Cleveland, Ohio, for the World Boxing Council USNBC International heavyweight championship.

A WBC heavyweight elimination bout will also be showcased, pitting established contender Jameel “Big Time” McCline (38-9-1, 23 KOs), from New York, against one of Chicago’s best young punchers, “Merciless” Mike Mollo (19-2, 12 KOs).

The interim WBC strawweight championship will be up for grabs when Juan “El Exterminador” Palacios (24-2, 19 KOs), from Managua, Nicaragua, squares off against Japanese champion Teruo Misawa (18-4-4, 7 KOs), who hails from Tokyo.

The Chinese crowd will also be treated to two of the best professional prizefighters in the sport appearing in separate bouts against opponents to be named. Former five-time world champion “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera (63-6, 42 KOs), from Mexico City, will appear at lightweight and undefeated WBC No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” (15-0, 8 KOs), from St. Louis, Mo., will compete at the 140-pound limit.

A WBC female middleweight championship will be contested when champion Wang “China Doll” Ya Nan (7-0, 3 KOs), from Shanghai, China, defends her crown against Akondaye Fountain (7-1, 4 KOs), from Houston, Texas.

King has themed the event as “We Are Together,” which is the English translation of Wo Men Zai Yi Qi—the rallying cry used by the Chinese people to lift the spirits of those who were struck by May’s devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province near Chengdu that registered 8.0 on the Richter scale. Thousands perished in the temblor and that also left 1.5 million people homeless.

“We are all truly together in bringing this international event to China,” King said. “We are an American company coming together with our friends at Chinese Sports Industry to present this history-making fight card in Chengdu. The World Boxing Council will host its annual convention in Chengdu at the same time. And all of us support the ongoing recovery in Sichuan Province after the earthquake.

“The Chinese people proved their resilience by presenting China’s first Olympic Games in tremendous fashion and we will present a professional prizefighting success in Chengdu on Nov. 7. Working together we can achieve great things.”

This historic boxing event coincides with and will conclude the WBC’s 46th world convention, which begins in Chengdu on Sunday, Nov. 2.

The 40-year-old Andrew Golota, who has lived in Chicago since emigrating from Warsaw in 1991, is one of the best heavyweights to have never won a world title. He has been in four heavyweight world-championship matches, including three in a row during 2005 and 2006.

He fought then International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Chris Byrd to a draw at Madison Square Garden in 2004, and later that year—after knocking down then World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz twice in the second round at the Garden (and Ruiz had a point deducted for hitting on the break in round four)—he still suffered a decision loss. Many ringside observers felt Golota had won both contests.

Golota was defeated in the first round while attempting to dethrone knockout artist and then World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion “Relentless” Lamon Brewster in 2005. His first world title appearance in 1997 ended the same way against Lennox Lewis.

Golota recently rebounded with three wins. Most notably, he defeated Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride with a technical knockout in round six when they met in 2007, and in his most recent appearance on Jan. 19, he won a unanimous decision over “Merciless” Mike Mollo.

Standing in the way of Golota’s quest for a fifth chance at a world championship is durable Ray “The Rainman” Austin, a competitor who has risen from the tough streets of Cleveland to become a world-championship-level contender.

Austin is a mammoth 6-foot-6-inch puncher who normally weighs just below 250 pounds. His size and strength alone present challenges for anyone stepping into the ring with him.

When he is in peak physical condition, he can contend with anyone as evidenced by the fact that he fought all of the following notable fighters to a draw: Lance “Mount” Whitaker, Larry Donald and future heavyweight champion Sultan Ibragimov.

Austin earned his first and only world-title shot when he faced IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko on March 10, 2007, where he suffered a second-round technical knockout at the hands of the Ukrainian giant.

He won a unanimous decision over Domonic Jenkins in Carson, Calif., on Sept. 27 in his last outing.

Jameel McCline has been a “whisker” away from winning his first heavyweight world championship, twice, and has contended in four world championship matches.

He is another giant boxer that stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and has weighed as much as 277 pounds before entering the ring. For a big man who came to the sport later than most, his athletic abilities and agility—not to mention punching power—are astonishing.

He beat Michael Grant and Lance “Mount” Whitaker in 2001, and the following year he defeated Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs and faced Wladimir Klitschko in his first world-championship match. He fought gamely against Klitschko but suffered a 10th-round loss by technical knockout.

He shocked then IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd when they met at Madison Square Garden in 2004, sending Byrd to the canvas with a devastating right hand early in the second round. Byrd literally hung on to McCline in desperation and narrowly escaped being knocked out. Byrd not only recovered but went on to win a narrow split decision.

McCline regained his championship-level skills in 2007 when he and Nikolai “Russian Giant” Valuev set an all-time record for combined weight at 590 pounds. McCline suffered a heartbreaking loss in his third world-championship appearance when he was forced to withdraw against Valuev after suffering a freak knee injury at the end of the third round that left him unable to continue.

Undaunted, McCline became a last-minute substitute after Oleg Maskaev was sidelined after a training injury just before he was to meet Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter for the WBC interim heavyweight championship at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 6, 2007. McCline shocked Peter by sending him to the canvas in the second round and twice more in the third. The referee almost halted the contest, but Peter survived the round and rebounded to win by decision.

Mike Mollo wants to end McCline’s quest to appear in another championship match and catapult himself back into title contention. The Chicago native ran his undefeated record to 15-0 before suffering his first setback at the hands of DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson in 2005.

The young prospect regrouped quickly, and stunned Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride with a second-round stoppage when they met in 2006.

In the biggest test of his career, Mollo tangled with Andrew Golota earlier this year in a highly entertaining slugfest. Mollo had his opponent staggered on several occasions, but the wily Golota survived the early storm to prevail by decision after 12 rounds.

Juan Palacios fought for and won the WBC interim strawweight championship by defeating Omar Soto by technical knockout in round 10 when they met in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 2.

Palacios comes from the notoriously tough streets of Managua, Nicaragua, and like so many of his fellow countrymen before him, he fights in an exciting, straightforward style. He is a busy fighter who is comfortable boxing or brawling.

His challenger, Japanese champion Teruo Misawa has built a respectable record and will be fighting for the first time outside of his native country. He plans to use this opportunity to prove himself on the world stage.

Marco Antonio Barrera is one of the greatest fighters of this era, winning five world titles in three separate weight divisions. Now a lightweight, Barrera would like nothing more than to become the first Mexican-born champion to win world titles in four weight divisions before he hangs up his gloves.

His wins over Prince Naseem Hamed, Erik Morales, Johnny Tapia and Paulie Ayala will always be remembered in the annals of boxing history and by boxing fans everywhere for the way Barrera displayed his considerable skills and tremendous heart.

Chinese fans will also be able to witness one of the top prospects in all of boxing when Devon Alexander appears on the card. Fans in his native St. Louis are expecting great things from this undefeated WBC No. 1-ranked contender at the 140-pound limit. Boxing aficionados have also been buzzing about the emerging skills of this 21-year-old, who will be challenging for a world title in the very near future.

Don King Productions will return to China to co-promote a historic fight card with Chengdu Sports Industry at Sichuan Gymnasium in Chengdu on Friday, Nov. 7. Please see event press release attached and below.

Also please our event web page at

http://www.donking.com/events/chengdu_11708/index.php

Alan Hopper
Don King Productions
Event Page:

http://www.donking.com/events/chengdu_11708/index.php

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Gato set to face Rees on the Calzaghe-Jones Undercard

NABF Jr. Welterweight Champion "Gato Figueroa has officially been added to the undercard of November 8th clash between light heavyweight king Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones Jr. Gato will be taking on Former World Champion Gavin Rees, Who's looking to rebound after a devastating lose, losing his world title to Andreas Koltelnik this past March. I'm heading to Las Vegas and Gavin Rees is on my hit list. "Beating him well let people know I'm one cat you don't mess with," stated Gato P.S I would like to announce everyone on the mailing list has been entered to win either $100 or the Gato's Uniform he'll be wearing the night of the fight!!! Winner will be announce Monday morning following the fight. For all inquiries hit me up at Gato@teamgato.com

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

No Holds Barred: Kelly Pavlik, Bernard Hopkins, Bob Arum, Melvina Lathan, Jack Loew, Naazim Richardson

No Holds Barred: Kelly Pavlik, Bernard Hopkins, Bob Arum, Melvina Lathan, Jack Loew, Naazim Richardson

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-15T14_45_32-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman presents our final preview of the fight taking place this coming Saturday, October 18, between Kelly Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs) and Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KOs). The undefeated Pavlik, still the middleweight champion, will step up to light heavyweight to face Hopkins, the former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, in a 12-round fight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and on HBO Pay-Per-View in the U.S.

At the final news conference held in New York Tuesday, October 14, we got the comments of both Kelly Pavlik and Bernard Hopkins about the historical importance of this fight and what to expect in it. We also have the comments of their trainers, Jack Loew, who trains Pavlik, and Naazim Richardson, who trains Hopkins.

In addition, we have comments about how the current economic crisis is affecting boxing and mixed martial arts from Melvina Lathan, chairperson of the New York State Athletic Commission, and promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, which promotes Pavlik.

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 weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we begin by reviewing the TKO victory by Vitali Klitschko (36-2, 35 KOs) over Samuel Peter (30-2, 23 KOs) to capture the WBC heavyweight championship, and the unanimous decision victory by Chad Dawson (27-0, 17 KOs) over Antonio Tarver (27-5, 19 KOs) to capture the IBF light heavyweight championship. Both fights took place this past Saturday, October 11. This coming Saturday, October 18, the undefeated Kelly Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs), still the middleweight champion, steps up to light heavyweight to face the former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KOs), in a 12-round fight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This fight will be shown in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. When both Kelly Pavlik and Bernard Hopkins were in New York for the kickoff news conference for this fight, they spoke with the boxing media about what to expect in their showdown. We have these discussions for you as a preview to this fight. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

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
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
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Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Young Faces Smiling Fall Fundraiser‏; An Evening of Glamour & Giving Back,

Young Faces Smiling Fall Fete; Founded by Dr. Eloise Young



DATE: Friday, October 24, 2008
TIME: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
LOCATION: Ultra Lounge
37 West 26th Street, Manhattan
RSVP:fabulouseventrsvp@gmail.com
ATTIRE: Business
DONATION: $50.00 (tax deductible) Click on the Donate button below to securely purchase tickets online using Paypal


Your donation to this truly deserving charity grants you:

*An exclusive Fashion Preview hosted by Fashion Network Correspondent Bill Freda


*Complimentary Hors d' oeuvres

*Mingling with Prominent Leaders in Fashion, Media, Business, Politics, Entertainment & Music

There will be a Cash Bar

Presented By:
The Tara Dowdell Group
Political Pundit & Former "Apprentice" Contestant Tara Dowdell

Event Chair
Former "America's Next Top Model" Star Camille McDonald

Co-Hosts
The Blaq List Azhar Quader, Bill Freda, Corey Llewellyn, Linsey Davis, Malcolm Gillian, Oni Warner, Stephanie Fitzhugh

All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Young Faces Smiling, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates an innovative and highly effective school-based program that is committed to improving the academic performance, self-esteem and overall achievement level of students in underserved communities.



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EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

JULIO DIAZ IS BACK IN THE RING ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT

SAN DIEGO, Calif.– Former lightweight champion Julio Diaz (35-4, 26 KOs) will spend Halloween night inside a ring as he takes on the grizzled veteran Fernando Trejo (30-14-4, 18 KOs) on Friday, Oct. 31, from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino televised on TeleFutura (5 p.m. PT).

The ten-round lightweight bout is promoted by Top Rank in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego, Calif.

One year removed from his lightweight unification loss to Juan Diaz, Julio plans on making a statement on All Hallows’ Eve.

“I think I belong with the best in the lightweight division,” said Diaz, who lives and trains out of Palm Springs, Calif. “My fight against Juan [Diaz] wasn’t the real Julio. You’ll see the real Julio on Halloween night.”

Trejo of Jarrell, Texas by way of Mexico City, Mexico, doesn’t have the shiniest of records, but he does have a solid chin as only one of his fourteen losses has come by knockout.

“Trejo is an experienced fighter,” Diaz said. “Young, undefeated fighters don’t want a piece of me because they know what will happen. Trejo, on the other hand, isn’t afraid. He will come out swinging.”

Diaz, who looked flawless in his last outing against David Torres in June at the Playboy Mansion, said he could have finished Torres in three rounds as opposed to the fifth round stoppage.

“I knew Torres wasn’t in my league from the first round,” Diaz said. “I used a few rounds to try some new things because I knew the knockout was just around the corner.”

The 28-year-old Diaz, who stands five-feet nine inches, showed up to training camp fit and hungry for another victory.

“I’ve never seen Julio this anxious to get into world title contention,” said Joel Diaz, Julio’s older brother and trainer. “Even when he was a young lion looking for his first world title shot he wasn’t this fired up.

“That’s because the fire burns more intense once you become a world champion and get dethroned. You want it more because you’ve already had a taste and you miss it. Julio won’t rest until he becomes world champion again.”

ABOUT SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS

Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including undefeated and former World Boxing Organization junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, World Boxing Council super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero, former WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir, former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz, lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr., undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk and once-beaten, super middleweight prospect Henry Buchanan.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Scott Woodworth, president; Willie Tucker, executive vice president; and Sean Gibbons, vice president/matchmaker.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

McGirt returns Nov. 11 as proven prospect

VERO BEACH, Florida – How a pro boxer responds to adversity usually separates contenders from pretenders. Highly-regarded world middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (19-1, 9 KOs), coming off of his first career loss, passed his first major test June 25 on national television, winning a unanimous 10-round decision against former IBO and WBU middleweight champion Raymond “Hallelujah” Joval (37-5, 16 KOs).

McGirt, who returns to the ring November 11 on “Bad Boys” (Glen Johnson and Edision Miranda headline the card in separate bouts) against an opponent to be determined in Hollywood (FL), successfully bounced back from his first pro loss in April to Carlos DeLeon, Jr., serving as a valuable lesson for James who had floored DeLeon at the end of the sixth round, only to get careless going for a knockout in the seventh and consequently getting stopped himself.

McGirt has started to establish his own identity, somewhat breaking from the shadows of his father and head trainer, 2-time world champion James “Buddy” McGirt – James doesn’t use the nickname “Buddy” – with his win against Joval that catapulted him into the No. 8 spot in The Ring magazine’s ratings, as well as No. 14 in the latest World Boxing Council rankings.

“I felt better about myself after the Joval fight,” James said, “but it didn’t erase the loss (to DeLeon). But I did beat The Ring’s No. 8 rated middleweight (Joval). I beat a well experienced fighter, but I still have to whoop Carlos DeLeon so I can sleep good again at night.”

McGirt recently shifted training camp from Vero Beach to Las Vegas, where his father is preparing Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi for his November 22nd showdown against Ricky Hatton. “I’ve had a real good training camp and it’s going to get even better in Las Vegas,” James remarked. “I don’t know who I’m fighting but it doesn’t matter. Whoever it is, he’s going to have to worry about me. Paulie’s getting ready for his big fight with Hatton. My dad is his trainer, so I’m going where he is, and I respect that. I need to get away anyway. I’ve been home too long. I’ll be working harder out there and will be able to focus even more. It’s going to help get me in the right frame of mind with five weeks to go so I can go kick some butt. I can promise you this: I will be ready to fight on November 11th.”

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

CRISTIAN MIJARES AND VIC DARCHINYAN PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Los Angeles- History will be made on Saturday, Nov. 1, when World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight world champion Cristian Mijares climbs into the ring to face International Boxing Federation (IBF) world champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan at the The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Mijares and Darchinyan are fighting in the very first 115-pound World Championship Unification.

The historic showdown is being co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment, KO Entertainment and Gary Shaw Productions and will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with a 12-round super middleweight (168 pounds) special attraction – Andre Dirrell vs. Victor Oganov.

Tickets are on sale and are priced starting at $25 to $250 for ringside. Tickets may be purchased at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, as well as www.Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone, by calling 213-480-3232.

CRISTIAN MIJARES

“Darchinyan is talking too much because he’s scared of me. Jorge Arce talked a lot of trash too and I shut him up. I’ll do the same with Darchinyan.

“Everyone knows I’m the smarter fighter. I learn new things all the time. From what I’ve seen, Darchinyan doesn’t grow from fight to fight. What you see is what you get. He’s predictable.

“Some people are saying that this fight could turn into an epic series like the Vazquez-Marquez trilogy. Those fights were extremely close. I don’t see my fight with Darchinyan being close. I expect to win by a comfortable margin.

“Darchinyan is a champion and you have to respect him for that, but he is vulnerable. Nonito Donaire proved that by knocking him out. Darchinyan says he learned from that fight, but he looks like the same fighter to me.

“Both of us are confident of victory. I think Darchinyan is overconfident. They say they’re going to knock me out. That’s not going to happen. I’m too fast, too slick and too smart for that.

“Fighting in Los Angeles is going to be great for me. I love the L.A. area and I have a big following here. Darchinyan has a nice following too with the Armenian population. I’m sure we’ll have a diverse crowd at The Home Depot Center.”

VIC DARCHINYAN



“I didn’t have to take this fight but I’m so glad I did. I will knock him out, there’s no question about it. I will come not just to win. I will knock him out.”

On fighting in front of a pro-Mexican crowd. “It doesn’t matter where I fight him. I’ll fight him anywhere. I’ll fight him in Mexico. Los Angeles has a big Armenian community and I will have tons of support. After the first round the Mexican crowd will be silent. There will be nothing for them to cheer about. I don’t mind coming in being the bad guy. I know most of the fans will be against me but at the end of the night they will be on my side.

“They said Mijares is pound-for-pound the best fighter out there, but after I get finished with him we’ll see what number he is. I’m going to give a lesson to the little boy.

On his style: “I want to show on Nov. 1 my power. I’m a smart fighter but I will knock him out with my power. I know his weaknesses and they will be exposed.

“After I knock him out I don’t want to hear any excuses that he’s still better than me. When I beat him it’s not going to be because he’s no good but because I’m so much better.”

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Lauzon visiting U.S. troops in Iraq

E. BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – UFC lightweight contender Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon, 17-4, 4 KOs, 13 submissions), star of The Ultimate Fighter 5 television reality show, leaves tomorrow on a 10-day goodwill trip visiting U.S. military troops in Iraq.

Fellow mixed-martial arts fighters Jorge Rivera and Heath Herring are among the other athletes on the trip. “It’s going to be an amazing experience,” 24-year-old Lauzon said. “I can’t wait to go overseas and see the troops in Iraq.”

For more information about Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon, who has a Bachelor’s degree in computer networking from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, go online and visit www.joelauzon.com or myspace.com/lauzonrsd.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Unbeaten Flyweights Collide Nov. 14 in Philly‏

Philadelphia, PA— A pair of undefeated super flyweights, Raul Martinez, of San Antonio, TX, and Victor Proa, of Monterrey, Mexico, meet in the scheduled 10-round main event Friday evening, Nov. 14, at the New Alhambra, Swanson & Ritner Streets, next to Forman Mills, in South Philadelphia. First of eight fights at 7.30 p.m.
The Martinez-Proa contest, as well as the 10-round welterweight semifinal between Alex Camacho, of Austin, TX, and Edvan Barros, of Bahia, Brazil, will be televised live by Telefutura/Univision as part of a two-hour Solo Boxeo broadcast beginning at 8pm EST.

Martinez, 26, is ranked among the best super flyweights (115 pounds) in the world by
all major ratings organizations. His 23-0 record includes 13 knockouts.

In his last fight July 25 at the Table Mountain Casino in Friant, CA, Martinez earned a 12-round decision over Isidro Garcia, of Los Angeles, CA.

Proa, 23, is on the verge of a world ranking, boasting a 26-0-2 record with 19 K0s.

In his last fight Sept. 25 in Monterrey, Proa earned a repeat win over Arturo Estrada, of Tampico, Mexico, via=2 010-round decision.

Camacho, 27, is 16-1, 15 K0s, losing only to slick lefty Terrance Cauthen, of Trenton, NJ, in his last fight July 16 in San Antonio. Camacho chased the elusive Cauthen all night, but could not catch him. He won’t have to go looking for Barros, now living in Boca Raton, FL.

Barros, 27, is 9-5-1, 7 K0s, and he dropped a 10-round decision to former WBA welterweight champion Luis Collazo, of Queens, NY, in his last fight Jan. 19 in Madison Square Garden.

The show is being promoted by Top Rank, Inc., in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Joe Hand Promotions.

Five preliminary fights, including an eight-rounder featuring unbeaten super bantamweight Teon Kennedy, of Philadelphia, complete the card.

Tickets priced at $65, $55 and $40 are on sale at Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) or by going online at www.peltzboxing.com.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

No Holds Barred: John Perretti on EliteXC Kimbo-Petruzelli Controversy, Striking and Grappling in MMA, and More

No Holds Barred: John Perretti on EliteXC Kimbo-Petruzelli Controversy, Striking and Grappling in MMA, and More

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-11T00_16_51-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with the legendary mixed martial arts promoter, matchmaker, and commentator, John Perretti.

In another lengthy interview, we discuss one of the biggest scandals in U.S. mixed martial arts history, the controversy revolving around the Oct. 4 Kimbo Slice-Seth Petruzelli EliteXC fight, and the degree to which the promoters may or may not have tried to protect Kimbo by having Petruzelli avoid taking down Kimbo. We discuss the roles of striking and grappling in the mixed martial arts and their evolution since the early days of the sport. Plus, we discuss John's plans for developing his new combat sport, and much more.

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 weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we continue our preview of the October 11 title fight between WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) and WBC heavyweight champion "emeritus" Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs). On a media conference call, we hear comments from Stacy McKinley, who trains Samuel Peter, about how his fighter has improved over the years, as well as comments from Vitali Klitschko, Sam Peter, and Bernd Boente, the KMG Managing Director who represents both Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko. This fight will take place in Berlin, Germany, and be televised on Showtime in the U.S. and on RTL in Germany. Also on October 11, the long-awaited light heavyweight showdown between IBF champion Antonio Tarver (27-4, 19 KOs) and undefeated Chad Dawson (26-0, 17 KOs) will take place in Las Vegas. This will be shown live in the U.S. on Showtime. On what became a very heated media conference call this past week, we hear comments from both Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson. We also begin our preview of the October 18 fight between Kelly Pavlik and Bernard Hopkins. We spoke with Jack Loew, who trains Pavlik, and Naazim Richardson, who trains Hopkins, at a recent New York new conference about this fight. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

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
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
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Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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

Malignaggi special Columbus Day Parade guest in New York City

NEW YORK – No. 1 world rated junior welterweight contender Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (25-1, 5 KOs) briefly returns home this weekend from his Las Vegas training camp, where he is preparing for his November 22nd showdown against Ricky Hatton to determine the world’s No. 1 junior welterweight boxer, to be honored in Monday’s annual Columbus Day Parade on 5th Avenue in New York City.

Past Italian or Italian-American sports celebrities honored in past NYC Columbus Day parades include racecar driver Mario Andretti, boxing champion Nino Benvenuti, and baseball managers/players Joe Torre and Bobby Valentine.

“I am very, very proud of my Italian heritage,” Malignaggi said. “I am honored to be a special guest in this great parade that I’ve watched for so many years.”

Malignaggi was born in Brooklyn but his Italian immigrant parents moved back to Italy when Paulie was only a few months old. Six years later, the family decided to move back to the United States, but Paulie’s retired professional soccer playing father, Nello, still lives in Sicily.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

Manfredo-Bika IBO world title fight headlines “Tough & Tested”; Brewer-Bundrage IBO title eliminator in co-feature Nov. 13

Manfredo-Bika IBO world title fight headlines “Tough & Tested”; Brewer-Bundrage IBO title eliminator in co-feature Nov. 13 at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, live on Versus

PROVIDENCE – Tickets go on sale Wednesday (Oct. 15 at 10 AM/ET) for the November 13th “Tough & Tested” pro boxing show, headlined by an IBO super middleweight title fight between “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, and Sakio “The Scorpian” Bika, winner of Season Three of The Contender, at the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Tough & Tested,” co-promoted by the Tournament of Contenders and Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. “Tough & Tested” will feature at least five fighters who are “Contender” alumni: Manfredo and Bika in the main event, Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer, winner of Season Two of The Contender, versus fan favorite in Season Two of The Contender, Cornelius “K9” Bundrage, in the IBO light middleweight title eliminator co-feature; runner-up in Season Three of The Contender, Jaidon “The Don” Codrington, in a super middleweight Special Attraction.

“CES, The Contender, Peter and Sakio all want to celebrate the grand re-opening of ‘The Dunk’ by bringing in the IBO world championship title fight between Manfredo and Bika,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “This will be the first pro boxing show at the new Dunkin’ Donuts Center as well as the first major world title fight held there in 17 years, since Vinny Paz stopped Gilbert Dele (at the Providence Civic Center as it was known then) in the 12th round for the WBA light middleweight belt. Manfredo versus Bika is going to be a very tough fight. We also have a good co-feature, the Brewer-Bundrage IBO title eliminator, and we’re putting together a strong, competitive and entertaining undercard starting with Codrington.

“We all want to give something back, too. ‘Tough & Tested’ will benefit the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation (www.gloriagemma.org). We’re calling for a ‘Pink Out’ (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for this great cause. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will go to the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.”



Manfredo and Bika have combined to fight in four world title fights and one of them will walk away with the IBO world title belt on Nov. 13.

“The Contender is pleased to stage its third fight in Providence, Rhode Island,” The Contender executive producer Jeff Wald commented. “Providence feels like our second home and we’re grateful for the support Providence has given The Contender and ‘The Pride of Providence.’ Peter Manfredo fought two fan friendly fights against Sergio Mora, as well as two great fights in Providence against (Scott) Pemberton and (Joey) Spina. Fans can always expect action and excitement when Peter Manfredo fights. Sakio Bika went the distance in two world championship fights and won The Contender, Season Three in what many believed was the Fight of the Year against Codrington. Bika’s also an exciting fighter. Manfredo and Bika should be dynamite.

“Grady Brewer won Season Two of The Contender against Steve Forbes, who has gone on to fight Oscar De La Hoya and Andre Berto. His opponent, ‘K9’ Bundrage, just beat former world champion Kasim Ouma. Brewer-Bundrage looks like another exciting fight. Jaidon Codrington knows how to box and he also has knockout power. He was the other half of the Fight of the Year candidate with Bika. Everybody working on The Contender is a big supporter in the fight against breast cancer and we’re thrilled to be associated with the Gloria Gemma Foundation. Fighters aren’t the only ones who are Tough & Tested – women who’ve survived breast cancer are Tough & Tested, too.”

Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, “The Pride of Providence” sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the same Providence building as his Nov. 13th showdown against Bika. Manfredo’s five pro career losses have all come at the hands of world champions.

IBF Pan Pacific super middleweight title-holder Bika, a 2000 Cameroon Olympian now fighting out of Australia, won The Contender III with a dramatic eighth round stoppage of Bridgeport, Connecticut native Codrington (18-2, 14 KOs) in the finale in Boston. Bika, rated No. 5 by the IBF and No. 8 by The Ring magazine, hasn’t been stopped in 31 pro fights.

In the 10-round co-feature, Brewer (23-11, 13 KOs), former IBA light middleweight champion, takes on Bundrage (28-3, 16 KOs), IBF rated No. 13, in the IBO junior middleweight title eliminator.

Some of New England’s most talented and popular fighters will be on the soon to be announced undercard.

Tickets, priced at $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, go on sale Wednesday (Oct. 15 at 10 AM) at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com. Tickets will also be on sale through www.Ticketmaster.com and at all local Ticketmaster outlets by calling Ticketmaster direct at 401.331.2211 or 617.931.2000.

For more information call 401.724.2253/2254 or go online to www.cesboxing.com, www.tournamentofcontenders.com or www.dunkindonutscenter.com.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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