No trash-talk between friends and Nov. 13 foes Brewer & Bundrage Manfredo-Bika headline “Tough & Tested” in Providence, live on Versus

PROVIDENCE– The Contender, Season Two winner, “Bad Boy” Grady Brewer, and third-place finisher, Cornelius “K9” Bundrage, developed a strong friendship when they were teammates on the 2006 television reality series. The bond remains but has been temporarily put aside because Brewer and Bundrage will battle November 13 in a 10-round IBO light middleweight eliminator on the “Tough & Tested” card at the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

The 12-round main event for the vacant IBO super middleweight title pits two-time world title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, against Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika, winner of The Contender, Season Three.

“Tough & Tested,” promoted by the Tournament of Contenders in association with 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 Breast Cancer Resource 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.

Brewer (23-11, 13 KOs), fighting out of Lawton, Oklahoma, sports a misleading pro record because he took numerous short-notice fights in the backyards of his opponents prior to joining The Contender. Never-the-less, “Bad Boy” has registered impressive victories against former world champion Steve Forbes in The Contender II finale, as well as Anthony Thompson and Michael Stewart.

“We became good friends on The Contender and still are today,” Brewer spoke about his relationship with Brundage, “but we’re not talking until after this fight. I’ll wish him luck when I see him at the weigh-in and I’m sure that he’ll wish me good luck, too. But our friendship can’t interact with boxing until after this fight.

“I plan to use angles against him to stay away from his big right hand. That’s his favorite punch. I’m sure he knows we’ve watched a lot of types and he’s going to come out trying to prove that he’s more than a one-handed fighter. But I think he’ll resort to his big right hand after four or five rounds. We both were on The Contender and people are intrigued by this match-up because we didn’t fight each other on the show. We both have something to prove and fans are going to have a lot of fun watching us fight. This is a great opportunity for both of us and a big stepping-stone for the winner’s career. People don’t know who is going to win but he will go on to the next level and fight for the IBO title.”

Detroit native Bundrage (28-3, 16 KOs), rated No. 14 by the IBF, is coming off of a win by 10-round decision last March against former IBF title-holder Kassim Ouma. “K9” has also defeated Chris Smith and Michael Clark, among the more notables.

“This was a tough fight to take because we’re such good friends,” Bundrage commented. “We talked a little before The Contender, but then we became friends. Grady took it first (the fight against Bundrage), so I took it, too. He’s a proven veteran and good fighter. Grady’s a much better fighter than his record may indicate. I’m always the underdog; I’m motivated to prove that I’m one of the best fighters out there.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my life, especially following my win against Ouma. This fight is business and afterwards we’ll still be good friends. I’ve prepared very hard for him. This is an IBO title eliminator and we’ll let the chips fall where they may. The winner is going to go on to even bigger things. Hey, I’m hungry and he already won $500,000 (the winner’s purse for The Contender II). Now it’s my time.”

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 (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 a year ago in Boston. Bika, rated No. 4 by the IBF and No. 8 by The Ring magazine, hasn’t been stopped in 31 pro fights.

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.

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

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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

ShoBox Analyst Steve Farhood on James Moore's December 13 Bout‏

(Photo of James Moore)
Television analyst Steve Farhood weighs in on New York-based Irishman James Moore’s December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Steve Farhood, the longtime analyst on ShoBox: The New Generation, is excited over the December 13 fight between NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman, 26-0 (8 KOS), and challenger James Moore, 16-1 (10 KOS). The Top Rank-promoted show, which will take place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, is being headlined by the rubber match between WBO lightweight champion Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres.

Although both fighters are based in New York, the 28-year-old Foreman was born in Belarus but lived for several years in Israel. The 30-year-old Moore is a native of County Wicklow, Ireland.

“The strength of this fight is the contrasting styles,” said Farhood. “Yuri is an extremely fast boxer with excellent movement. James is a classic pressure fighter who relies on body punching to weaken his foe. He is going to have to really apply pressure to limit Foreman’s movement. It’s a lot easier to hit a stationary target than a moving one.”

Farhood asserts that both fighters deserve much credit for taking this fight at such formative stages of their careers. “They each have a lot to protect, so I laud them for accepting such a tough challenge,” he said. “This is the kind of bout that we have come to expect on ShoBox: two fighters on the way up with a lot to gain and a lot to lose. That is what the ShoBox concept is all about.”

Tickets, which range from $200 to $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 1-800-736-1420. They can also be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

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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

Jermain Taylor...Peaking At The Right Time For His Upcoming Fight Against Jeff Lacy‏

MIAMI- With less than two weeks to go before the fight that could determine the entire direction of his boxing future, Jermain Taylor is both calm, cool, confident and anxious to get in the ring. Taylor has less than one week left in his Miami-based training camp before shifting to Nashville, Tennessee, site of his 12-round Super Middleweight Eliminator fight with Jeff Lacy on November 15th "All Or Nothing".

HBO World Championship Boxing will televise the bout from Memorial Gymnasium on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee (10:15pm ET / 9:15pm CT / 7:15pm PT).

DiBella Entertainment is presenting the 12-round super middleweight title eliminator in association with Prize Fight Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. Tickets are on sale now at $275, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, and available through all Ticketmaster locations at 615-255-9600 or www.ticketmaster.com .

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"Everything is peaking at the right time,” Taylor said. “I’m ready. I feel great, and we have a good game plan for Jeff. I have the skills to go in there and win, and look good doing it. I’m hungry, and I’m ready to fight.”

Taylor’s hunger has been building all throughout training camp. He and lead trainer Ozell Nelson have watched plenty of film of Taylor’s two losses to Kelly Pavlik — the only two of the Little Rock, Ark.-natives professional career — and Taylor said he has worked all camp long on correcting any mistakes that Lacy may feel he can take advantage of. Nelson said all the hard work has paid off. Taylor has been well within his target weight for several weeks, and Nelson said training has gone better than planned.

"Things have really come together perfectly,” Nelson said. “Jermain has been sharp and focused since the beginning of camp, and I can really tell he is as determined as he ever has been. I couldn’t have asked for a better effort from Jermain at this training camp.”

Coming off two losses has a way of sharpening a fighter’s focus. Taylor said his bouts with Pavlik have motivated him in a way no opponent has before.

“It pushes me like nothing else,” Taylor said. “This is a fight both of us need to win, especially me, coming off two losses.”

The hype surrounding this fight is growing, in large part because this is a fight that is so crucial to the careers of both Taylor and Lacy. Both fighters know a loss will be very difficult to come back from.

“Jermain knows how big this is,” Taylor’s promoter, Lou DiBella, said. “He’s very aware. This is the kind of fight that will escalate him back to the top. He has to win the fight. I do think he’s hungry again. He wants this fight.”

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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

Abraham-Marquez Press Conference IBF super middleweight world title fight Saturday on PPV live from Germany

BAMBERG, Germany– Challenger Raul “El Diamente” Marquez vowed once again at today’s press conference in Germany to shock the boxing world when he fights unbeaten International Boxing Federation middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham on Saturday at 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 in English and Spanish 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-Marquez, originally scheduled October 4, was postponed due to Abraham’s sudden illness on the day of the fight.

“I’m confident and feel better than I did the last time,” Marquez said. “I’m going to shock the boxing world on Saturday. His trainer (Ulli Wegner) said that they have a lot of respect for me and that Abraham was sick. They’re looking forward to a tough fight against a veteran with a lot of experience. As a fighter, I respect Abraham but, sick or not, I still would have gone along with the fight. We’re good sportsmen and after the fight we’ll be friends."

Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs), rated No. 2 by The Ring and ESPN, 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 (No. 1 unrated) by the IBF as well as No. 8 by The Ring and No. 9 by ESPN, earned his title shot against Abraham by defeating previously unbeaten No. 1 contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0) in their June 21st IBF title eliminator. Marquez, fighting out of Houston, was a 1992 U.S. Olympian who was the IBF junior middleweight title-holder in 1997.

The 10-round co-feature on the PPV show from Germany finds former NABO champion and “The Next Great Champ” reality television winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (19-3-2, 7 KOs), of Sacramento, fighting Yugoslavian-born Enad Licina (14-1, 8 KOs), now living in Germany, for the vacant IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight belt.

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

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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

No Holds Barred: Obama and King Mo Win

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman begins by commenting on the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of the United States. Discussed are both the significance of this for the combat sports of boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts, and, of course more importantly, the people. On Election Day in the U.S., November 4, we conducted an interviewwith three-time U.S. national freestyle wrestling champion and mixedmartial arts fighter, King Mo Lawal (http://www.myspace.com/molawal).Mo just had his second TKO victory in as many fights in his new MMAcareer, stopping Chute Boxe fighter Fabio Silva in the third round atthe Sengoku 6 card in Japan on Saturday, November 1. Our lengthy discussion with Mo Lawal focused on his latest victory inthe ring, his training in technique, his plans, his views on theworsening problems facing USA Wrestling, and much more. His latest victory can be seen here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k7a0SrwC1uI7OjPfZf. You can play or download No Holds Barred athttp://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-05T01_19_08-08_00 orhttp://nhbnews.dojoradio.com. You can also download No Holds Barred at http://www.mediafire.com/?zjjwufpmymu. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3format, so may take some time to download. The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician IanCarpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/). No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by: Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage ofBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well aslifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. GladiatorMagazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com(http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/). BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for allBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more. Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of thesport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 isproduced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketingand promotion of the sport of wrestling. FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews,and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martialarts. Thanks, Eddie Goldmanhttp://eddiegoldman.comStarlite 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

UNDFEATED ISRAEL SENSATION, RAN NAKASH TO TAKE ON HARVEY JOLLY ON DECEMBER 5TH AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON ; ALSO THE RETURN OF STEVE CHAMBERS

PHILADELPHIA- On Friday Night December 5th undefeated Cruiserweight Ran Nakash will return to The Legendary Blue Horizon to look for his seventh consecutive knockout when he takes on the dangerous Harvey Jolly in an eight round bout that will headline a big eight bout card promoted by Vernoca L. Michael & Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc.

December 5th marks The Legendary Blue Horizon's "Annual Holiday Show”.

Fans are encouraged to bring a safe toy or gifts to help the less fortunate

Nakash of Haifa, Israel has an undefeated record of 15-0 with eleven big knockouts and his become a favorite at The Legendary Blue Horizon. Nakash will be making seveth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon as he amassed six straight wins with the last three coming in the form of a vicious knockout.

In his last bout, Nakash scored his the most impressive win of his career when he took care of the highly regarded Larry Robinson in just fifty seconds on September 12th .

Jolly of Adrian, Michigan has a record of 8-9-1 with four knockouts has been in with some of the best Heavyweights & Cruiserweights and his beaten his share of undefeated fighters, so he won't be an awe of the undefeated slugger from Israel.

Jolly has scored wins over three undefeated fighters and held the highly regarded (and undefeated at the time) Aaron Williams to a draw.

Jolly will have a six inch height advantage over Nakash. Jolly has been in the ring with notables such as Joey Abell, Zuri Lawrence, Alfredo Escalera Jr.and is coming off a Unanimous decision over William Bailey on September 25th.

In the co-feature, rising Jr. Welterweight Steve Upsher Chambers will look for his fifteenth consecutive victory when he takes on an opponent to be named.

Chambers, 23 has a record of 18-1-1 with five knockouts.

Undefeated Light heavyweight Ben Foust will make his Legendary Blue Horizon debut in a six round bout. Foust of Jacksboro, Tennessee has racked up a record of 11-0 with ten knockouts. Foust will fight an opponent to be named.

December 5th also marls The Legendary Blue Horizon return of Jules Blackwell. Blackwell, of Phoenixville, Pa has a record of 8-1-2 with three knockouts and he will be making his ninth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Blackwell is coming off a first round knockout over Javier Dennis on September 26th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Blackwell will be taking on durable Dareell Martin of Baltiomore. Martin has a record of 3-6 and will be making his fourth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon. Martin will be looking to build on his unanimous decision victory over Andre Nichold this past October 18th in Springfield, Va.

John Goldwire of Philadelphia will try to improve on his winning debut at The Legendary Blue Horizon last April when he battles John Pawlowski (1-1-1, 1 KO) in a four round Welterweight bout.

The exciting style of Julius Edmonds of Philadelphia will look to even up his record (2-3) when he takes on Michael Weaver (2-2-1). Weaver of Philadelphis is the only man to defeat Steve Chambers.

In a battle of debuting Middleweights, John Turner of Philadelphia will take on Joey Aquaru.

Rounding out the card will be the return of Lightweight prospect, Luis Castro (3-0, 1 KO) in a four round fight. Castro won his first two fights at The Legendary Blue Horizon

This card will be broadcasted all over the world LIVE!!! on www.gofightlive.tv

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.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

No Holds Barred: John Perretti on Sumo, Striking, Matchmaking, and More

No Holds Barred: John Perretti on Sumo, Striking, Matchmaking, and More

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-03T03_45_04-08_00

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

In a lengthy interview, we discuss his recent trip to Japan where he watched a sumo tournament, wrestling and grappling and mixed martial arts, the art of matchmaking, boxing commentators, UFC commentators, the decline of technique and striking in mixed martial arts today, the sport of roller derby, the prospects for his new sport based on Florentine football, and 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 begin with a review of the knockout victory by Vic Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25 KOs), now the IBF, WBA, and WBC super flyweight champion, over Cristian Mijares (35-4-2, 13 KOs), in a one-sided fight this past Saturday, November 1, in Carson, Calif. This coming Saturday, November 8, two future Hall of Famers, light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe and former champion Roy Jones Jr., will meet at Madison Square Garden in New York. This fight will be telecast live in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. We comment on some of the problems in the marketing of this fight, as well as hear some prefight comments by both Calzaghe and Jones. We also hear from junior welterweight Dmitriy Salita, who fights on the undercard. It was also announced this past week that legendary trainer Angelo Dundee will be assisting the Oscar De La Hoya camp for the December 6 fight against Manny Pacquiao. We hear some comments from Angelo Dundee himself from a media conference call. 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/).

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

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

WATCH RAYMOND "TITO" SERRANO TAKE ON ABE BRUNO ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHT

NEW YORK- This Friday night in Atlantic City, one of the best prospects will be on display when nineteen year-old, Raymond "Tito" Serrano will step it up when he takes on twenty-five five fight veteran Shakha Moore on www.gofightlive.tv

To get fans ready for this exciting prospect's fight, www.gofightlive.tv will present one of the earlier bouts of the young prodigy's career.

In just his fourth fight, Serrano took on then twenty fight veteran Abraham Bruno of Jersey City, NJ

This fight was Serrano's coming out party as he showed the explosive skills that made some in the know, annoit him Philadelphia's next big star in boxing.

The Serrano-Bruno bout is the www.gofightlive.tv Tuesday Night Fight of the week.

"Serrano has been on our air a few times" said gofightlive.tv vice-president, David Klarman. "He is one of the most exciting fighters out there and his fights have become can't miss fight's."

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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

Hope or hype: Harlem prepares for Decision ’08; How a historic election resonates in America’s first capital of black culture

By Vidya Rao

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27477898/

“We’ll see how much our country has grown up on Tuesday night,” said acclaimed poet and longtime Harlem resident Maya Angelou. “In Harlem, to have a black president I would expect the same sort of hallelujah good times celebration as occurred in the ’30s and ’40s when boxer Joe Louis fought and won the title."

It’s one evening late last week, and four men are sitting at the corner of the bar at Londel’s Supper Club in central Harlem, transfixed on its flat-screen TV. The bartender has stopped mixing drinks, her eyes glued to the tube.

As patrons watch a recap of campaign events on the evening news, the bar is quiet but for plates rattling in the kitchen and jazz playing in the background.

Then someone shouts, “There’s no way McCain will win,” and the patrons — who are all black, as is the bartender — are off, onto a raucous discussion of all things political, from Joe Biden to Joe the Plumber. On some issues they disagree, but one thing is clear: They are all Barack Obama supporters.

From Harlem’s bars to its barbershops, its churches to its community centers, America's first black cultural capital is electrified with anticipation of the election, and the possibility of a person of color’s becoming president. Many Harlemites are quick to say that Democratic candidate Barack Obama has changed the face of politics, encouraging people in the community who were apathetic to become part of the process.

Others say this election is something they’ve waited for their whole lives. “I’m on cloud nine,” said 86-year-old Lettice Graham, a Harlem resident since 1947 who has voted in 17 presidential elections. “I’m just glad it happened in my lifetime, that I can have the experience to vote for a black president. I will be at the poll at 6 a.m. to beat the rush!"

Nationally, nearly 90 percent of the black vote went to Democratic presidential candidates in the past two elections. In a poll conducted by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies last month, 90 percent of blacks have a favorable opinion of Barack Obama, while 22.8 percent have a favorable opinion of John McCain. Eighty-four percent said they want Obama to win the presidency.

In Harlem, where the population is 67 percent black, hopes for this historic election are high.

‘Obama, Obama, Obama!’
State Sen. Bill Perkins, who represents Harlem, was New York’s first elected official to endorse Obama for president (in May 2007). He says he’s never seen the kind of political passion among his constituents that he has in this election.

“This election is transformative,” he said. “Those who were turned off by the process are enthusiastically turned on. We just have to keep reminding them, though, that this momentum is not the victory — it’s the vote that is the victory.”

Chet Whye, director of Harlem for Obama, works out of an office at 133rd Street and 8th Avenue, his desk invisible under a mass of paper and files. He says his office has registered more than 3,000 people to vote since September 13.

“This election means something big for this community,” he said. Pointing to a life-size cardboard cutout of Obama in the window, Whye added, “We’ve had a lot grown men come by and they look at that image of Sen. Obama. If they stand there and look at it for more than a minute, we’ll see tears come down.”

Throughout Harlem, residents agree that community morale is up and the level of political engagement has no precedent in decades. Neighborhood vendors sell merchandise emblazoned with images of Barack and Michelle Obama: buttons, hats, T-shirts, umbrellas, shoes. Some see Obama as the personification of the American dream.

“Everywhere, every corner store, deli, barbershop, all you hear is, ‘Obama, Obama, Obama!’ ” said construction worker Karim Solomon, 30, adding that he will also vote for the Democrat.

“He isn’t Martin Luther King Jr., but he has the ability to uplift the community, and that is how many of our members feel,” said Reverend Dino Woodard of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. The first black Baptist church in New York played a vital role during the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights era. “Our church has fought to end discrimination, and for those of us who were around during the Civil Rights movement, this is the ultimate milestone,” the Rev. Woodard said.

Still, some caution against characterizing the excitement about Obama as being race-based, saying that would imply he’s ahead in the polls because of his color, not his qualifications. “I have voted for many white candidates and never had a problem with it,” said John Phillips, 72, who works in pharmaceuticals and is black. “I’m voting for Obama because he’s the right man for the job; he’s a Democrat who will steer this country in the right direction.

“Nobody asks white people if they are voting for a candidate because he’s white, so why should I be asked if I’m voting for a candidate because he’s black?”

The significance of Harlem

The neighborhood of Harlem extends from 110th Street to 158th Street, at the top of the island of Manhattan. To its north are Washington Heights and the Bronx; to the south, Manhattan’s Upper West Side and Central Park. Between 1920 and 1930, black Americans migrated here from the South, searching for jobs and opportunity, until more than 70 percent of the population was black.

Those demographics helped usher in the Harlem Renaissance, when poets like Langston Hughes and Claude McKay and novelists like Zora Neale Hurston and Richard Wright made the community the nexus of African-American culture. The Apollo Theater on 125th Street, one of few New York venues that allowed African-American performers and patrons, launched the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn and many others, still remains a Harlem landmark.

“Harlem created a vibrant culture that it shared with the world, not just New Yorkers,” said Keith Mayes, associate professor of African American Studies at the University of Minnesota. “People still see it as having the roots of the first black mecca, being the home of black arts and culture.”

By 1950, 98 percent of Harlemites were black. Through the next three decades, New York City suffered an economic decline, and the black community struggled. Infested with drugs and violence, Harlem became a symbol of urban decay.

Today the community is changing; though blacks are still in the majority, whites, Asians and Latinos are moving in. Gentrification has improved many blocks, but housing costs are rising, pushing out many black residents whose families have lived here for decades. Columbia University plans to expand through 17 acres of the area, leading many residents to feel they are losing their neighborhood.

“Harlem is in recovery,” said acclaimed poet Maya Angelou, who first visited Harlem in 1952 and has owned a house here for the past 10 years. “It is still the political hubbub and hub — whatever happens in Harlem is going to be repeated in Los Angeles and Seattle, in the black areas around the country.”

Angelou says that Harlem and other communities are desperate for change — and says Obama can make that happen.

“We’ll see how much our country has grown up on Tuesday night,” she said. “In Harlem, to have a black president, I would expect the same sort of hallelujah good times celebration as occurred in the ’30s and ’40s when boxer Joe Louis fought and won the title.”

Still, some are skeptical about Obama’s message of change. “I believe Mr. Obama has the intention of making things better, but he’s not the messiah,” said rapper Immortal Technique, né Felipe Coronel, 30, a Latino of Afro-Peruvian descent. “He can’t undo Bush’s policies over the past eight years.”

The political rapper, who was raised in Harlem and currently lives here, also questions how much direct effect a President Obama would have on the community. “Will Obama stop the expansion of Columbia University? Will he stop luxury buildings from taking over the area?”


Black doesn’t mean backing Obama



In fact, not all African-Americans or Harlemites support Obama, though they are by far the minority. Keisha Morrisey, 38, who has been in Harlem her whole life, says she doesn't leave her house without wearing her campaign hat and buttons — her McCain-Palin hat and buttons.

“I’ve always been going for McCain, and I’m loyal to my party,” said the lifelong Republican. “People say to me, ‘Why not Obama?’ So because I’m black I’m supposed to vote for Obama? I say, ‘If a black man comes to my door, I’m not going to just let him in because he’s black, then ask him who he is afterwards.’ The bottom line is, I don't know Obama.”

Morrisey, who is in the process of developing a Harlem Women Republican Club, has harsh words for her fellow Harlemites. “This Obama thing is clearly a lot of hype,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of people know why they are voting for him. It’s just because he’s black.”

The event planner and publicist blasts people for voting for Obama based on race, but also says that her support for McCain grew stronger when he chose Sarah Palin for vice president — because she’s a woman.

“Young black women should think twice — the Democrats didn’t choose a woman, and Palin and McCain balance each other out well.”

Khalil Figueroa, 38, a Latino and co-owner of Fig’s Barber Shop, gets heckled by patrons and barbers when he says that he will vote for McCain, and proudly asserts that he voted for George W. Bush in the last election.

“It’s a national security issue, and McCain is going to protect the country,” he said. “I’m not leaving my kids on a train, and have the train blow up because Obama wants to run around shaking hands.”

But acupuncturist Andre C. Jones, who is black, was a lifelong Republican and a McCain supporter, yet says he will be voting for Obama.

“I don’t agree with Sarah Palin as a choice for vice president; she certainly doesn’t have the qualifications,” Jones said, adding that Obama’s oratorical charisma, intelligence and message of hope helped sway him.

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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 MAKES PLEA FOR OBAMA‏

Don "Only in America" King took time out from promoting the first world-championship boxing card in Chengdu, China (on Friday) to write down his thoughts on Barack Obama and George W. Bush on the eve of America's Presidential General Election (which we will watch from China).

He asked me to transcribe his handwritten pages and send them to you. The first attachment is his tribute to George W. Bush's accomplishments, and the second attachment is an endorsement of Barack Obama.

Alan Hopper
DKP
China Boxing Event Page:http://www.donking.com/events/chengdu_11708/index.php

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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

New York-based Irishman James Moore heads to Los Angeles to train for December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman

New York-based Irishman James Moore heads to Los Angeles to train for December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman on Showtime.

The extremely popular James Moore, 16-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will depart for Los Angeles on November 5 to train for his December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The 10 round-bout will open the ShoBox: The New Generation broadcast that that will be headlined by the rubber match between WBO lightweight champion Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres. Top Rank, Inc. is promoting the show.

The 30-year-old Moore is looking forward to this tremendous crossroads bout between two foreign-born, New York-based fighters. The 28-year-old Foreman, 26-0 (8 KOS), was born in Belarus but began boxing in Israel.

Moore will train at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, where plenty of sparring is available. Moore is also looking forward to reuniting with professional middleweight Craig McEwan, 13-0 (7 KOS), a native of Scotland who now lives and trains in Los Angeles. He and Moore were amateur rivals who have become good friends. The southpaw McEwan is scheduled to fight unbeaten sensation Alfredo Angulo on November 22 in Las Vegas.

“I should be able to get a lot of work with Craig, as well as all of the other speedy fighters in L.A.,” said Moore. “In order to beat Yuri, you have to chase him down and take away his legs. There are lots of fighters at the Wild Card who can emulate his style.”

Since an injured hand has completely healed, Moore says that he is physically, mentally and emotionally ready for the tough challenge ahead.

“Fighting an unbeaten boxer on ShoBox is just what I need for my career right now,” said Moore. “Somebody has to be the first man to beat Yuri, so it might as well be me. I’ve been looking to move my career to the next level for quite some time now. This is a very big step in the right direction, and I aim to fully take advantage of it.”

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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

Anxious Harlem Braces For Election; On Brink Of Potentially Historic Vote, Nation's Symbolic Capital Of Black Culture Remains Tense

Chet Whye has reason to be confident.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/03/national/main4565819.shtml

Harlem4Obama, the grassroots organization he directs, has recruited more than 1,000 volunteers and registered 3,000 voters. It has opened field offices in Pennsylvania and Virginia. And, perhaps most promising, Barack Obama maintains a lead over John McCain in the majority of national polls.


Despite all the favorable signs - and the cake on his desk for his 53rd birthday - Whye is hardly celebrating.

"We’re scared," he says. "It’s really more intense right now."

Traditionally the backyard of Hillary and Bill Clinton, Harlem is now abuzz with Obama fever - and Obama himself has singled out community efforts here as a source for his policy positions. Still, even as the United States may be poised to elect its first African American president, the nation’s epicenter of black culture remains anxious about Obama’s prospects.

The tense mood is palpable in Harlem4Obama’s donated office on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 133rd Street. Whye takes a flurry of calls on his cell phone while coordinating campaign strategy from his laptop. Volunteers phone voters to urge patience at the polling sites. And a hand-written sign hangs in the corner serving as the ultimate cautionary tale: "I Was In New Hampshire."

The sign refers to Obama’s primary defeat to Hillary Clinton. Back in January, the Illinois senator enjoyed a double-digit lead in the polls before losing a narrow vote to the New York senator. Whye and volunteer Alima Berkoun recalled a long and dismal drive from New Hampshire back to Harlem.

"That was a wake-up call," said Berkoun, who has lived in Harlem for 13 years. "The next day I was out on 125th Street working even though I was sick."

Perhaps one reason Obama has inspired volunteers in the community is that the Illinois senator has credited Harlem for inspiring one of his presidential platforms. Last year, he singled out the Harlem’s Children Zone, an ambitious and successful anti-poverty effort, as a model for his policy to address the plight of urban America.

"There's no reason this program should stop at the end of those blocks in Harlem. It's time to change the odds for neighborhoods all across America," Obama declared last July. "When I'm President, the first part of my plan to combat urban poverty will be to replicate the Harlem Children's Zone in 20 cities across the country."

Harlem was not always safe ground for Obama. Once Hillary Clinton’s turf and the home of her husband’s office, the community's support was fractured between the senators from New York and Illinois. Indeed, Hillary Clinton received twice as many votes as Obama in Harlem’s district during the New York Democratic primary in February.

But ten months later, after a lengthy and bitter Democratic race, Harlem’s political leaders and Clinton backers have slowly gotten on board with the Illinois senator. Obama signs now adorn nearly every street corner and many Harlem businesses, including Karrot, an organic health food store on 117th Street.

The store is a hub of passionate political discussion among locals and its owner, Carlos Aguila, is not afraid to display his views. Outside his shop is a chalkboard sign that reads: "The coming retirement of the GOP brand." Inside his store, you can buy his top-selling drink "The Obama" - a concoction of almond milk, peanut butter, chocolate and bananas.

Aguila, 49, says he is emotionally invested in this election for the first time in his life and he believes 99 percent of Harlem will vote for Obama. He cites the nation’s evolving racial makeup (what he calls "the browning of America") as the main reason to be hopeful. Still, Aguila concedes that anxiety and uncertainty hang over Harlem.

"The whole neighborhood feels it. We’re talking about a black man," Aguila says. "If he’s so good, why is [the race] so close?"

Although Harlem has produced iconic black political figures (Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell, to name two), many residents say they do not dwell on race in politics. Whye says that a recent survey mailed out to voters revealed the number one issue among Harlemites is not housing or education or health care - it is political conduct. Accordingly, says Whye, the community's residents not only praise Obama's demeanor and intellect but they also have an emotional attachment to his family.

Even one of the rarest of sights in Harlem - a McCain supporter - agrees. Keisha Morrisey, who unsuccessfully ran as a Republican for New York City Council in 2002, acknowledges she's a fan of the Obama clan. "I love the family. I love Michelle and the daughters."


In the final hours before the election, Whye is trying to translate that love into logistics. His office is focused on stationing volunteers at the nearly 200 polling sites in Harlem's 15th district. Meanwhile, volunteers are calling on-the-fence voters in battleground states right up until Tuesday. His biggest priority is preaching patience to the overwhelming number of first-time voters - the ones "Barack pushed through the door," as Whye puts it. He worries some will get intimidated by polling red tape and frustrated by long lines. But Whye is blunt when it comes to local residents waiting to cast a vote for Obama.

"Most people from Harlem - their ancestors made it through slavery," he says. "So you can wait."

© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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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

SecondsOut Radio: Vic Darchinyan-Cristian Mijares Review, Joe Calzaghe-Roy Jones Jr. Preview, Angelo Dundee, Dmitriy Salita

On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman beginswith a review of the knockout victory by Vic Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25KOs), now the IBF, WBA, and WBC super flyweight champion, over Cristian Mijares (35-4-2, 13 KOs), in a one-sided fight this past Saturday, November 1, in Carson, Calif. This coming Saturday, November 8, two future Hall of Famers, light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe and former champion Roy Jones Jr.,will meet at Madison Square Garden in New York. This fight will be telecast live in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. We comment on some of the problems in the marketing of this fight, aswell as hear some prefight comments by both Calzaghe and Jones. We also hear from junior welterweight Dmitriy Salita, who fights on the undercard. It was also announced this past week that legendary trainer Angelo Dundee will be assisting the Oscar De La Hoya camp for the December 6fight against Manny Pacquiao. We hear some comments from Angelo Dundee himself from a media conference call. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register togain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy. Thanks, Eddie Goldmanhttp://eddiegoldman.comStarlite 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

Book Signing Party in celebration of what would be Bumpy Johnson's 103rd Birthday!!!!!

You're invited . . . . . .to join us for a Book Signing Party in celebration of what would be Bumpy Johnson's 103rd Birthday!!!!!

Harlem Godfather:

The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson

The first and only biography of the legendary Harlem gangster, Bumpy Johnson!

Hosted by:

Mrs. Mayme Hatcher Johnson (Bumpy’s 94-year-old widow)

When: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 - 1-3 p.m.

Where: The Lenox Lounge - 288 Lenox Avenue (near 125th St.) Harlem, NYC
(free autographed copy of book and cocktail with admission price)

Karen E. Quinones Miller
Essence Bestselling Author of
Passin' (Grand Central Books - Feb '08)

Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (Oshun Publishing - Feb '08)

Satin Nights (Warner Books, 2006)
Ida B. (retitled Uptown Dreams) (Simon & Schuster, 2004)
Using What You Got (Simon & Schuster, 2003)
I'm Telling (Simon & Schuster, 2002)
Satin Doll (Simon & Schuster, 2001)

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

Tommy Brooks now working Pawel Wolak’s corner; Duddy & Teron in action Nov. 21 at Roseland Ballroom in NYC

NEW YORK – Polish power puncher Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak has added veteran trainer Tommy Brooks to his team as they prepare for his November 21st fight against Christian Lloyd Joseph on “The Grande Event” card, promoted by Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, at the famed Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan.

Born in Poland and now residing in Brooklyn, the New York State middleweight and Polish National light middleweight champion Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs) is a graduate of Berkley College of Manhattan with a degree in business.

A ferocious fighter with a large, passionate Polish following, Wolak bounced back from his lone defeat last August to Ishe Smith (10-round decision) with stopping Chad Greenleaf in the third round of their September match.

“I’ve changed some things since the Smith fight,” Wolak explained. “I’m smarter and use the right punches coming in. I haven’t really changed my style, just added a few things like coming behind my jab, throwing the right punches, and moving my head even more.”

Brooks has helped train Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Pernell Whitaker, Hasim Rahman, Mike McCallum, Junior Jones and many other world champions.

“We’ been working on some small things, breaking old habits by moving more and using angles,” Pawel continued. “Tommy has me throwing more body punches and slipping more punches. I always come into a fight in my best shape. Now, I’m training, resting and eating better. Working with Tommy has been great. Ishe never hurt me and I would have won if I had changed some small things. I have a new bag of tricks. I’ve always been good, physically and mentally, and now we’re fine tuning everything.”

Joseph’s 12-7-3 (5 KOs) pro record is somewhat mid-leading. He extended present IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey the full 10 rounds in a losing effort, fought current IBF light middleweight Verno Phillips, upset 18-1 Jeffrey Hill and 13-1 Keith Mullings, and fought draws with 27-2 Emmett Linton and 12-1 Aaron Mitchell.

“I know he’s a strong, tough kid that took one of the best fighters in the world the distance, Joshua Clottey,” Wolak concluded. “And he’s left-handed, too.”

The main event pits “Ireland’s” John Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), fighting out Queens (NY) by way of Derry, Northern Ireland, against veteran Sam “The Punching Policeman” Hill (17-9-1, 10 KOs). Duddy is rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization, No. 4 by the World Boxing Council, and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation.

NABO lightweight champion Jorge Luis Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx and rated No. 4 by the WBO, fights Aldo “El Pato” Valtierra (24-10, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Teron is trained by former Olympic gold medalist and world champion Mark Breland.

Also scheduled to fight in separate four-round bouts are Queens light middleweight Lambrose “Lionheart” Karaolides (1-0) vs. TBA, Bronx super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Eric Clinton (0-4-1), Brooklyn welterweight Luis “El Mero Mero” Ruiz (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Asanti “Volcano” Hendrickson (1-2, 0 KOs), Brooklyn light middleweight Romain Oliveri pro debuting vs. Eluid Torres (0-0-1), and light welterweight Jonathan Gonzalez, a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian makes 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

No Holds Barred: Turi Altavilla on Demise of EliteXC

No Holds Barred: Turi Altavilla on Demise of EliteXC

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-01T00_27_55-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Turi Altavilla (http://www.myspace.com/Turi_A), a vice president of EliteXC until the very recent demise of that mixed martial arts company. Turi also was formerly a vice president of the Pride Fighting Championships.

In a lengthy interview, we get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how EliteXC operated, and discuss what led to EliteXC closing its operations, the controversy stemming from the Kimbo Slice-Seth Petruzelli fight, what direction mixed martial arts should take, what his plans are now, and much, 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 discuss the present and past of boxing, and its present and past champions. This coming Saturday, November 1, there will be a title unification bout in one of boxing's most exciting and talented weight classes, the super flyweight division (115 pounds). WBA and WBC champion Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 13 KOs), of Gomez Palacio, Mexico, will face IBF champion Vic Darchinyan (30-1-1, 24 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. This fight will be telecast live on Showtime in the U.S. We spoke with both Cristian Mijares and Vic Darchinyan on a media conference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Boxing is also a sport in which you can live simultaneously in the present and the past, and sanely, too. A new book by veteran boxing writer George Kimball transports us back into the past by tracing the intertwined careers of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. The book is entitled Four Kings: Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, Duran and the Last Great Era of Boxing. We spoke with George Kimball about his book and the past, present, and future of boxing, right before the Oct. 18 Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik fight in Atlantic City, and after he had participated in a forum on the book with trainer Emanuel Steward, promoter Bob Arum, and announcer Larry Merchant. 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/).

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

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

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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

Figueroa takes on veteran Augustus Nov. 8 on Jones-Calzaghe PPV in Madison Square Garden

LAS VEGAS– NABF light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa, recently signed to a promotional contract by Roy Jones, Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions, will now take on the unofficial gatekeeper of the light welterweight division, veteran Emanuel “Drunken Master” Augustus, in the opening bout on the November 8th Jones-Calzaghe HBO PPV card at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Figueroa (19-2, 13 KOs) had been in Las Vegas training to fight his original opponent, former WBA light welterweight champion Gavin “The Rock” Rees, who pulled out of the fight with a broken nose.

Nicknamed “El Gato” – The Cat – because he was the only one quick enough to catch a cat that was a mascot at his original gym in the Bronx, Frankie is now matched against the unorthodox Augustus, who participated in ESPN’s Fight of the Decade against Micky Ward, in a 8/10-round non-title fight.

“I’m very happy to be fighting Emanuel Augustus,” Figueroa said. “We were having a tough time finding a good opponent. He stepped up and I’m not afraid to fight anybody. He’s an entertaining fighter and together we’ll give fans what they really want to see. The change of opponent doesn’t mean anything to me. I’ll be fully focused on Augustus, execute my plan, and come out victorious.”

The 30-year-old Figueroa, a Puerto Rican-American born in Spanish Harlem, not too long ago was counseling rebellious teens in New York City. He was a 2-time New York City high school wrestler, 14-0 as a senior, who didn’t start boxing until eight years ago after taking advice from a friend. A U.S. Army veteran rated No. 4 by the WBC, No. 5 by the IBF and No. 15 by the WBA, Figueroa’s coming off of a by 12-round decision against Luis Rodriquez (22-1) last May, extending Frankie’s win streak to 11 that dates back to March of 2005.

Augustus’ misleading 38-29-6 (20 KOs) record includes many fights against a virtual Who’s Who of the light welterweight division. He has been stopped only three times in 73 pro fights, the last time in 2000 against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. During his 14-year pro career, Augustus has upset “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Alex Trujillo, fought a draw with the late Leavender Johnson, and been in against, among the more notables in addition to Mayweather and Ward, the likes of Herman Ngoudjo, David Diaz, Antonio Diaz, John John Molina, Ivan Robinson, Diosbelys Hurtado and Leonard Dorin.

For more information about Frankie Figueroa visit his web site at www.teamgato.com, where you can enter a sweepstakes to win what he’s wearing in the ring Nov. 8 as well as a cash prize by simply filling out the mailing list form on the home page.

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

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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

No Holds Barred: Haulin Cass of Gotham Girls Roller Derby, NHB Mailbag on Dumb MMA

No Holds Barred: Haulin Cass of Gotham Girls Roller Derby, NHB Mailbag on Dumb MMA

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-29T05_17_42-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman continues our discussions about the fastest-growing sport in America, roller derby, and the dumbest sport in America, mixed martial arts, and their interrelationship.

This past Saturday, October 25, the Gotham Girls Roller Derby (http://www.gothamgirlsrollerderby.com/) held their 2008 season championship bout at Hunter College in New York. In an upset and a surprising rout, the former league champions, the Queens of Pain, toppled the defending champions, the Bronx Gridlock, by a score of 161-113.

After the game, we spoke with Haulin' Cass (http://www.gothamgirlsrollerderby.com/girls/profile.php?player=haulincass), a blocker for Queens, about their victory, and what is coming up in the post-season.

The Gotham Girls All-Stars are ranked number one in the East by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) (http://www.wftda.com/), and will be competing in the 2008 WFTDA Championship Tournament, November 14-16, in Portland, Oregon (http://www.northwestknockdown.com/).

Next, we discuss some of the e-mails we received regarding our last show, which was entitled, "Has Mixed Martial Arts Become the Dumbest Sport in America?" We answered in the affirmative, and we got an overwhelmingly positive response from many people who have grown disgusted with the present direction of MMA in general, and UFC in particular.

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 discuss the present and past of boxing, and its present and past champions. This coming Saturday, November 1, there will be a title unification bout in one of boxing's most exciting and talented weight classes, the super flyweight division (115 pounds). WBA and WBC champion Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 13 KOs), of Gomez Palacio, Mexico, will face IBF champion Vic Darchinyan (30-1-1, 24 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. This fight will be telecast live on Showtime in the U.S. We spoke with both Cristian Mijares and Vic Darchinyan on a media conference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Boxing is also a sport in which you can live simultaneously in the present and the past, and sanely, too. A new book by veteran boxing writer George Kimball transports us back into the past by tracing the intertwined careers of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. The book is entitled Four Kings: Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, Duran and the Last Great Era of Boxing. We spoke with George Kimball about his book and the past, present, and future of boxing, right before the Oct. 18 Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik fight in Atlantic City, and after he had participated in a forum on the book with trainer Emanuel Steward, promoter Bob Arum, and announcer Larry Merchant. 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/).

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

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

“King Arthur” suggests Marquez look for new job Abraham-Marquez world title fight on PPV live Nov. 8 from Germany

HOBOKEN, N.J.– In response to Raul “El Diamente” Marquez’ recent claims to shock the boxing world November 8 when he fights unbeaten IBF middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham at Jako Arena in Bamberg, Germany, unbeaten International Boxing Federation middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham suggests that the challenger start looking for a new job.

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 in English and Spanish 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 believes there is no reason for Marquez to be worried about the IBF middleweight champion´s weight. The two fighters will clash in Bamberg on November 8, five weeks later than originally planned after Abraham was flattened by the flu on the day of the fight.

Earlier this week, Marquez said in a statement: “Maybe he was sick but, if he really was, it was because of what he had to do to make weight. If he really was sick it would have taken him two weeks to get back to where he was. Four weeks isn’t going to help him if he’s having trouble making 160 pounds.”

“I want to thank Marquez for his medical diagnosis,” Abraham sarcastically said. “Maybe he can work as a doctor once I have defeated him. I know for a fact that he will not be the new IBF middleweight champion, so it might be wise to think of an alternative career. I know he has worked as a TV commentator, but if he likes to share his thoughts on weight problems, he should try and land a job with Weight Watchers!”

Abraham vows to be in top shape come Nov. 8. “I was unfortunate to get sick but there is nothing you can do about it,” he added. “It just happens. I have fully recovered and quickly returned to practice. Everything has been going fine and I will be in great form next week.”

Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs), rated No. 2 by The Ring and ESPN, 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.

“King Arthur” also stressed that he is not looking past Marquez to Kelley Pavlik, Felix Sturm or anybody else. “From day one it has been my goal to become super-champion and unify the titles,” King Arthur said. “But I am well aware that I will only get the chance if I beat Marquez on November 8. That is why my full focus is on him.

The 37-year-old Marquez (41-3-1, 29 KOs), rated No. 2 (No. 1 unrated) by the IBF as well as No. 8 by The Ring and No. 9 by ESPN, earned his title shot against Abraham by defeating previously unbeaten No. 1 contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0) in their June 21st IBF title eliminator. Marquez, fighting out of Houston, was a 1992 U.S. Olympian who was the IBF junior middleweight title-holder in 1997.

The 10-round co-feature on the PPV show from Germany finds former NABO champion and “The Next Great Champ” reality television winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (19-3-2, 7 KOs), of Sacramento, fighting Yugoslavian-born Enad Licina (14-1, 8 KOs), now living in Germany, for the vacant IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight belt.

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