LAS VEGAS– Two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has one final chapter to live before his boxing career is finished: to capture another world title, defend his belt back home in Massachusetts, and fight for the first time in Puerto Rico.
The WBA Championship Committee recently declared No. 3 rated Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) as its mandatory challenger for the winner of this year’s Nicolai Valuev-Ruslan Chagaev WBA title fight. Valuev is the reigning WBA heavyweight champion, Chagaev its “Champion in Recess.”
The ruling stems from a petition filed by Team Ruiz after last August’s WBA title fight, when John lost a 12-round “split decision” decision to Nicolai Valuev, in which, Team Ruiz claimed, based on a Russian TV footage, Valuev’s corner knew the scoring during the bout and before the official announcement of the result, which is a substantial violation of the WBA rules considered an unfair advantage. Also argued was that judge Takeshi Shimakawa improperly kept a running-score during the fight, explaining why he changed his final round scoring, five minutes after the fight had ended, from Ruiz to Valuev.
“I’m excited about the WBA making me the mandatory challenger and grateful to my manager, Tony Cardinale, and lawyer, attorney Judd Berstein, for fighting so hard on my behalf,” Ruiz said. “It’s been a long road, starting on the streets of Chelsea (Mass.), and fighting all over the world. My final chapter in boxing is coming and I hope it ends with another world title. I also want to show my appreciation to my fans in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico. I was raised in the Boston area and I’d like to fight there again, hopefully in a world title fight. My brothers, sister and some distant cousins live there. But I’ve never fought in Puerto Rico, where a lot of my family lives -- my mother, uncles, aunts and a lot of first cousins. They’ve always supported me and I definitely would like to fight there before I retire.
“I only lived in Puerto Rico for a year, when I was five, but I do have some memories of San Grande, especially the stadium where my relatives played ball at, and later where I was honored before a capacity crowd after I won the world title for the first time. The 1 ½ ride from San Juan to San Grande took eight hours because of all the people on the streets showing their support for me. I want to give back to them and my fans in Massachusetts before I move on with the rest of my life.”
Ruiz lost controversial 12-round decisions in Germany to Valuev and Chagaev. In a pair of WBA title fights with Valuev, Ruiz lost by majority decision in 2005 and last year in the aforementioned calamity, as well as by split decision to Chagaev in their 2006 WBA title eliminator.
See you at the Fights.
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©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Devon Alexander‘The Great’Wants to Fight Nate Campbell; Undefeated WBC No. 1-Ranked Super Lightweight,Wants to Face the Former Unified Lightweight
BOCA RATON, Fla.—Undefeated 22-year-old World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” (17-0, 10 KOs) has made the brash move of actively pursuing a match against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs).
“I will fight anyone that Don King or the television networks want me to fight,” Alexander, a St. Louis native, said from his South Florida training camp. “I want to prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world, and what better way to do that than to take on a guy who was the king of the lightweights before making the recent decision to move up to junior welterweight.”
Alexander’s longtime trainer and manager Kevin Cunningham, also from St. Louis, knows this would be a dangerous match but believes his young charge is ready to make the move.
Kevin Cunningham and Devon Alexander
“There is no question this would be a big step up in terms of opposition for Devon, but it’s a challenge he’s ready to have,” Cunningham said. “Somebody brought up Nate Campbell to face Devon. I’m all for Nate vs. The Great. HBO has expressed interest in making it happen, so we’ll see.”
Cunningham also believes Campbell’s previous experiences should play a role in negotiations.
“Nate has always talked about all of the fighters who ducked him on his way up,” Cunningham said of the 36-year-old former world champion. “Now he has this opportunity. The ball is in his court. It will be interesting to see if he will welcome this challenge from a worthy young foe.”
Cunningham also noted that the winner of this fight could face the winner of the upcoming 140-pound world-championship unification match between Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt. Bradley currently holds the WBC crown and Holt is the World Boxing Organization titleholder.
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©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
“I will fight anyone that Don King or the television networks want me to fight,” Alexander, a St. Louis native, said from his South Florida training camp. “I want to prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world, and what better way to do that than to take on a guy who was the king of the lightweights before making the recent decision to move up to junior welterweight.”
Alexander’s longtime trainer and manager Kevin Cunningham, also from St. Louis, knows this would be a dangerous match but believes his young charge is ready to make the move.
Kevin Cunningham and Devon Alexander
“There is no question this would be a big step up in terms of opposition for Devon, but it’s a challenge he’s ready to have,” Cunningham said. “Somebody brought up Nate Campbell to face Devon. I’m all for Nate vs. The Great. HBO has expressed interest in making it happen, so we’ll see.”
Cunningham also believes Campbell’s previous experiences should play a role in negotiations.
“Nate has always talked about all of the fighters who ducked him on his way up,” Cunningham said of the 36-year-old former world champion. “Now he has this opportunity. The ball is in his court. It will be interesting to see if he will welcome this challenge from a worthy young foe.”
Cunningham also noted that the winner of this fight could face the winner of the upcoming 140-pound world-championship unification match between Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt. Bradley currently holds the WBC crown and Holt is the World Boxing Organization titleholder.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley and Naazim Richardson Help Jamaal ‘Da Truth’ DavisPrepare For 6th March Showdown
Popular Philadelphia Middleweight Jamaal ‘Da Truth’ Davis, better knownaround the boxing scene as ‘Tyson’, spends his final day at 'Sugar' Shane Mosley’s Big Bear, California; training camp where he has been preparing for his first fight, at the Legendary Blue Horizon on Friday 6th March 2009, since being signed by promoter Russell Peltz. ‘Tyson’ was signed by Peltz Boxing following his magnificent win, over fellow Philly fighter Chris Hall 3(2KOs)-5-1, at the National Guard Armory, Philadelphia on Saturday 4th October ‘08, and the spontaneous, emotionally charged, thirty minute plus post victory reception he received from the huge crowd, which included many of Philadelphia’s biggest boxing names including Cruiserweight King, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, NABA Light Heavyweight Champ, Yusaf Mack, Former Jnr. Middleweight World Champions Robert ‘Bam Bam’ Hines and Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma, former Heavyweight Champion of the World, ‘Terrible’ Tim Witherspoon and Hall of Famer Jeff Chandler. Jamaal, who is being prepared for this fight by his long time trainer Shar’ron Baker and esteemed coach Brother Naazim Richardson as well as sparring with Brother Naazim’s Concrete Jungle Boxing Tribe members, spoke briefly prior to starting his final day at camp. “I’m ready to fight. I couldn’t be better prepared, the facilities and people here are firstclass. I’ve been to camp before, but that was to help others.
Top row from left is Jamaal "Da Truth" Davis aka Tyson, Brother NaazimRichardson, Carl "Smash" Scarborough and Karl "Dynamite" Dargan. Bottomrow from left is "Big" Bear Richardson, Coach Shar'ron Baker,"Kilimanjaro" the Rock Allen and Khalib "Big Foot" Whitmore.
It’s awesometo think that Shar’ron, Naz and all these great fighters are taking thetime to help me get ready. You know, Naz’s last two fighters were Bernard(Hopkins) and Shane (Mosley), and he’s helping me. Awesome. I’m hundred percent ready for anyone. I can’t thank Shane, Naazim, Shar’ron, Rock, Dynamite, Khalib and Smash enough. These guys are the best. This place is awesome. I’m so blessed to have them, as well as the support of Rob (Epstein) andDiane (Bennett) of DiamondBoxing, who are sponsoring me and the American Cancer Society again. These are really great people that really believe inme and the campaign. I can’t thank them enough, they gave me a hundred percent and I’m going to give a hundred percent in the fight for them, Patrilla (his young wife who passed away in December 2007) and the American Cancer Society.” Jamaal’s ever present coach, Shar’ron Baker added. “Tyson has gotten in alot of good sparring with Rock Allen, Karl ‘Dynamite’ Dargan, Khalib ‘Big Foot’ Whitmore and Carl ‘Smash’ Scarborough. He's looking fit and ready for any test set before him. Even though we have about a few days to gobefore we return to Philly' Tyson is ready to go now!!! We'd like to give a shout out to ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley thanking him for allowing us to use his training facilities and an even bigger shout out to Brother NaazimRichardson for making it all possible.” The ever popular Jamaal 8(6KOs)-4, will be entering the ring, when hefaces Wilmington, Delaware’s Clarence ‘Sonny Bono’ Taylor 13 (6KOs)-20-3 at the Legendary Blue Horizon in his home town of Philadelphia at the Russell Peltz/Joe Hand promoted March 6th event, wearing the distinctivepink Diamond Boxing/American Cancer Society T-Shirt as he did for his previous fight. All sponsorship monies are to be donated to The American Cancer Society in the name of his young bride, Patrilla, who passed awayjust one week before Christmas 2007 after battling breast cancer for many years. Diane Bennett from DiamondBoxing.com said of their support for Jamaal.“Diamond Boxing is once again proud and honored to help Jamaal raise moneyfor The American Cancer Society. We are so proud of Jamaal who has dedicated his boxing career and more to his beloved wife. Diamond Boxing ‘Fight For the Cure’ pink t-shirts will be available forsale at the fight, the profits will be donated to the American CancerSociety.” The 6th March fight is headlined by fellow Philadelphian Mike Jones who defends his NABA welterweight title against Los Angeles, California’s Larry Mosley.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Top row from left is Jamaal "Da Truth" Davis aka Tyson, Brother NaazimRichardson, Carl "Smash" Scarborough and Karl "Dynamite" Dargan. Bottomrow from left is "Big" Bear Richardson, Coach Shar'ron Baker,"Kilimanjaro" the Rock Allen and Khalib "Big Foot" Whitmore.
It’s awesometo think that Shar’ron, Naz and all these great fighters are taking thetime to help me get ready. You know, Naz’s last two fighters were Bernard(Hopkins) and Shane (Mosley), and he’s helping me. Awesome. I’m hundred percent ready for anyone. I can’t thank Shane, Naazim, Shar’ron, Rock, Dynamite, Khalib and Smash enough. These guys are the best. This place is awesome. I’m so blessed to have them, as well as the support of Rob (Epstein) andDiane (Bennett) of DiamondBoxing, who are sponsoring me and the American Cancer Society again. These are really great people that really believe inme and the campaign. I can’t thank them enough, they gave me a hundred percent and I’m going to give a hundred percent in the fight for them, Patrilla (his young wife who passed away in December 2007) and the American Cancer Society.” Jamaal’s ever present coach, Shar’ron Baker added. “Tyson has gotten in alot of good sparring with Rock Allen, Karl ‘Dynamite’ Dargan, Khalib ‘Big Foot’ Whitmore and Carl ‘Smash’ Scarborough. He's looking fit and ready for any test set before him. Even though we have about a few days to gobefore we return to Philly' Tyson is ready to go now!!! We'd like to give a shout out to ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley thanking him for allowing us to use his training facilities and an even bigger shout out to Brother NaazimRichardson for making it all possible.” The ever popular Jamaal 8(6KOs)-4, will be entering the ring, when hefaces Wilmington, Delaware’s Clarence ‘Sonny Bono’ Taylor 13 (6KOs)-20-3 at the Legendary Blue Horizon in his home town of Philadelphia at the Russell Peltz/Joe Hand promoted March 6th event, wearing the distinctivepink Diamond Boxing/American Cancer Society T-Shirt as he did for his previous fight. All sponsorship monies are to be donated to The American Cancer Society in the name of his young bride, Patrilla, who passed awayjust one week before Christmas 2007 after battling breast cancer for many years. Diane Bennett from DiamondBoxing.com said of their support for Jamaal.“Diamond Boxing is once again proud and honored to help Jamaal raise moneyfor The American Cancer Society. We are so proud of Jamaal who has dedicated his boxing career and more to his beloved wife. Diamond Boxing ‘Fight For the Cure’ pink t-shirts will be available forsale at the fight, the profits will be donated to the American CancerSociety.” The 6th March fight is headlined by fellow Philadelphian Mike Jones who defends his NABA welterweight title against Los Angeles, California’s Larry Mosley.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Babe Wood to be posthumously inducted into CES Ring of Honor “Mayflower Madness,” Friday night at Memorial Hall in Plymouth, MA
PROVIDENCE– The late Charles “Babe” Wood will be posthumously inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony Friday night (March 6) at “Mayflower Madness,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., in historic Plymouth Memorial Hall.
“Mayflower Madness” is the first in a 4-fight arrangement, “The Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor Fight Series,” scheduled in 2009 at Plymouth Memorial Hall and promoted by CES.
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of CES, established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 to honor inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include the late, great Rocky Marciano, former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, and 4-time national amateur champion Bobby Harris.
“We lost Babe last year and everyone dearly misses him, especially in this area where he lived,” Burchfield said. “He trained world champions Rocky Marciano, Sonny Liston and Paul Pender, among the most notable fighters he coached and advised for so many years. ‘Babe’ embodies everything that I envisioned for inductees when we started the CES Ring of Honor and we’re delighted to honor ‘Babe’ and his family.”
New Bedford police officer Jason “School Boy” Pires, former USBA champion and 1996 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate, headlines in an 8-round welterweight bout against former IBF Intercontinental champion Louie Leija. Pires (21-3, 9 KOs), returning from a 5 ½ year lay-off to complete his education at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and become a police officer, won a 6-round decision against Frank Houghtaling last November. Leija (21-9-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of San Antonio, has fought some of the world’s top fighters such as Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Ben Tackie, and Jesus Chavez. Leija’s cousin is former WBC super bantamweight champion “The Texas Tornado” Jessie James Leija.
Former New Bedford fighter Paul “The Truth” Delgado (19-8-1, 4 KOs), now based in Atlanta, returns home to Massachusetts for a 6-round welterweight bout versus Troy Smith (6-9-3, 0 KOs), of Brockton. Delgado has faced the iron during his 10-year pro career, including Paulie Malignaggi (twice), Dmitry Salita and Demetrius Hopkins.
On the undercard in 4-round bouts is Marshfield (MA) light heavyweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Eric Clinton; light heavyweight Mical Weisberg (1-0, 1 KO), of Stoughton (MA), Bridgewater State College graduate from Stoughton (MA), vs. Pete Guthy; unbeaten Russian middleweight Andrey Nevsky (5-0, 3 KOs), of Worcester (MA), vs. William Deets; Providence junior middleweight Kali Reiss (1-0, 1 KO) against pro-debuting Alexsandra Magdziak Lopes, who is married to Manuel Lopes’ father, Wayne.
Also fighting on the undercard unbeaten Lynn (MA) junior bantamweight Isander “Peachy” Beauchamp (5-0-1, 2 KOs) versus TBA. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
See you at the Fights.
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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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
“Mayflower Madness” is the first in a 4-fight arrangement, “The Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor Fight Series,” scheduled in 2009 at Plymouth Memorial Hall and promoted by CES.
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of CES, established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 to honor inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include the late, great Rocky Marciano, former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, and 4-time national amateur champion Bobby Harris.
“We lost Babe last year and everyone dearly misses him, especially in this area where he lived,” Burchfield said. “He trained world champions Rocky Marciano, Sonny Liston and Paul Pender, among the most notable fighters he coached and advised for so many years. ‘Babe’ embodies everything that I envisioned for inductees when we started the CES Ring of Honor and we’re delighted to honor ‘Babe’ and his family.”
New Bedford police officer Jason “School Boy” Pires, former USBA champion and 1996 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate, headlines in an 8-round welterweight bout against former IBF Intercontinental champion Louie Leija. Pires (21-3, 9 KOs), returning from a 5 ½ year lay-off to complete his education at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and become a police officer, won a 6-round decision against Frank Houghtaling last November. Leija (21-9-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of San Antonio, has fought some of the world’s top fighters such as Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Ben Tackie, and Jesus Chavez. Leija’s cousin is former WBC super bantamweight champion “The Texas Tornado” Jessie James Leija.
Former New Bedford fighter Paul “The Truth” Delgado (19-8-1, 4 KOs), now based in Atlanta, returns home to Massachusetts for a 6-round welterweight bout versus Troy Smith (6-9-3, 0 KOs), of Brockton. Delgado has faced the iron during his 10-year pro career, including Paulie Malignaggi (twice), Dmitry Salita and Demetrius Hopkins.
On the undercard in 4-round bouts is Marshfield (MA) light heavyweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Eric Clinton; light heavyweight Mical Weisberg (1-0, 1 KO), of Stoughton (MA), Bridgewater State College graduate from Stoughton (MA), vs. Pete Guthy; unbeaten Russian middleweight Andrey Nevsky (5-0, 3 KOs), of Worcester (MA), vs. William Deets; Providence junior middleweight Kali Reiss (1-0, 1 KO) against pro-debuting Alexsandra Magdziak Lopes, who is married to Manuel Lopes’ father, Wayne.
Also fighting on the undercard unbeaten Lynn (MA) junior bantamweight Isander “Peachy” Beauchamp (5-0-1, 2 KOs) versus TBA. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Monday, March 2, 2009
McCullough wants one more title shot before hanging up gloves St. Patrick’s Day Eve, Monday Night, Mar. 16, WaMu Theater in MSG, to be ho
NEW YORK– Former WBC bantamweight champion and 1992 Olympic silver medalist, Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough, wants one more world title shot at that’s why he’s fighting St. Patrick’s Day Eve (Monday, March 16) “Erin Go Brawl II” card, presented by Irish Ropes Promotions, at WaMu Theater in the famed Madison Square Garden.
Limerick’s 2004 Irish Olympian Andy Lee (16-1, 13 KOs), 14 years younger than his 38-year-old hero, McCullough, headlines in the 10-round main event against 3-time world title challenger Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols (31-9-4, 27 KOs).
McCullough (27-7, 18 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas by way of Belfast, takes on Mexican super bantamweight Alex “El Diablo” Becerra (19-7, 9 KOs), in the 10 round co-feature.
“Andy Lee was the only one on the Ireland’s 2004 Olympic Boxing Team,” McCullough spoke about his warm relationship with Lee. “I’ve always supported him and feel that he’s good for Irish boxing. We’ve kept in touch and we’re behind each other 100-percent. I believe he will be world champion. I’m looking forward to fighting again on the East Coast and in Madison Square Garden. The Irish packed the house when I fought in New York (1993), Boston (1993 & 1997) or Atlantic City (1998). There are Irish on the West Coast but not as many as on the East Coast. If we brought then all back to Ireland the island would sink.
“My goal is to become world champion within two years. It’s all about promoting and I thank Irish Ropes and Cedric Kushner for this opportunity to fight on St. Patrick’s Day Eve in Madison Square Garden. I should be a 3-time world champion because a lot of people thought I won against (Daniel) Zaragoza and the first (Oscar) Larios fight. I’m 38 but I’ve taken good care of my body. I’m an Irish guy who doesn’t drink and I have a gym in my home. I’m like Bernard Hopkins.”
Making his New York City debut in an 8-round bout is unbeaten light welterweight Dean “Irish Lightning” Byrne, who was an Irish National champion when he lived in Crumlin, and he later captured the Australian light welterweight title in his fifth pro fight. Byrne (10-0, 4 KOs), now fights out of Los Angeles, where he’s trained by Freddie Roach and has sparred at the Wild Card Gym with superstars Manny Pacquiao, Amir Kahn, Juan Marquez and even Oscar De La Hoya for a few rounds.
“He’s a tough kid who is a really good fighter but doesn’t know it yet,” Roach spoke about Byrne. “He’s learning to sit-down on his punches and has had two knockouts since he’s been with me. Dean’s learned a lot sparring with Manny, Amir and the others. He’s a lot of fun to watch, very exciting and cleaver for a young man. Early in his career he fought 10 rounds for the Australian title, so he already has that experience. He’s one of my best prospects.”
Scheduled to fight in 6-rounders on “Erin Go Brawl II” are Irish super featherweight champion Eddie “Pride of Tallaght” Hyland (11-1, 3 KOs), of Dublin; Philadelphia by way of Galway middleweight “Slick Fightin’Irish” Simon O’Donnell (8-1, 5 KOs); Limerick light heavyweight Jamie Power (4-0, 2 KOs) against Reggie “Concrete” LaCrete (4-0-2, 3 KOs), from Brooklyn; Jersey City super featherweight Danny “Little Mac” McDermott (7-1-1, 2 KOs).
Also on the card in 4-round matches are Massachusetts light welterweight Danny O’Connor (4-0, 1 KO), 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate; Brooklyn featherweight Sadam Ali (1-0, 1 KO), 2008 U.S. Olympian; former St. Xavier College star football player Tommy Brown, fighting out of Chicago and trained by Kevin Rooney, making his pro debut in the light middleweight division.
County Galway’s Sean Mannion (42-14-1, 14 KOs) will be honored at “Erin Go Brawl II” in honor of the 25th anniversary of his WBA light middleweight title fight at Madison Square Garden against the eventual champion Mike “The Bodysnatcher” McCallum.
Tickets, priced at $50.00, $75.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, and $300.00, are on sale at TicketMaster.com as well as Jack Demsey’s in Manhattan, Hilltop in Elmhurst, and the Heritage in Yonkers
For more information call Irish Ropes Promotions (212.868.9544) or go on line to www.irishropespromotions.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Barrera on historic mission Khan next on Mexican’s hit list, “Don’t forget what I did to Prince Naseem Hamed”
HOBOKEN, N.J.- The 12-round main event March 14th between 22-year-old lightweight prospect Amir Khan and Hall of Fame bound multiple world champion, “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera, shapes up as a potential classic at The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Khan (19-1, 15 KOs), 2004 Olympic silver medallist, defends his WBA International lightweight crown against Barrera (65-6, 43 KOs) in a 12-round bout. Barrera, rated No. 1 by the WBO, has already captured the WBO super bantamweight (three times), WBC and IBO featherweight, WBC and IBF super featherweight titles. The Mexican icon has defeated a Who’s Who of contemporary world champions and/or challengers during his sensational 19-year pro career such as Erik Morales (twice), Paulie Ayala, Prince Naseem Hamed, Kevin Kelly, Johnny Tapia, Robbie Peden, Mzonke Fana, and Rocky Juarez (twice).
“The reason I took this fight is because a win here puts me in line to realize my top remaining goal to become the first Mexican-born fighter to win world championships in four separate weight divisions,” Barrera said. “I’ve been world champion in three weight divisions (122, 126 and 130) and my goal is to win a world championship in the lightweight division. I don’t want to wait. I want to get there as fast as I can. A win over Khan puts me right where I want to be.
“I will beat Khan because I have more experience than him and I’m still a much better fighter than he is. Khan is tall and has a good jab and hand speed. He is a good young fighter but there’s nothing he can do between now and March 14 to surpass my skills and experience. Jose Luis Balbuena and Kennedy McKinney are two fighters I successfully defended my WBO super bantamweight titles that I can compare to Khan. They were both good fighters with good hand speed that I was able to defeat. McKinney won an Olympic gold medal. Don’t forget what I did to Prince Naseem Hamed, too, another highly-touted guy with fast hands.”
Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Veteran blow-by-blow announcer Ian Darke and color analyst, former WBC lightweight champion Jim Watt, will be calling the action from ringside for Sky Box Office and Integrated Sports PPV.
In addition to Khan-Barrera, two other fights will be broadcast on PPV: former WBO cruiserweight title-holder Enzo Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs), the No. 1 contender, battles No. 2 rated and NABO champ Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO cruiserweight championship; WBO super middleweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-1, 16 KOs) defends his title belt against undefeated No. 1 contender Roman “Rocky” Martinez (21-0-1, 12 KOs).
The Ring No. 6 rated Maccarinelli beat Mohamed Azzaoui, Wayne Braithwaite, Bobby Gunn, Marcelo Fabian Dominguez and Mark Hobson (twice) during his WBO title reign (2006-2008). London-born Afolabi, now living in California, captured the NABO crown last April with a 10th round TKO of previously unbeaten Eric Fields.
Former European champion Cook, rated No. 6 by The Ring, won the WBO super featherweight title via a 12-round unanimous decision in his last fight against Alex Arthur (26-1). NABO super featherweight title-holder Martinez, fighting out of his native Puerto Rico, is rankd WBA No. 9 by The Ring.
Integrated Sports: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events is Integrated Sports. Among the many events brought to North American viewers by Integrated Sports include World Championship boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Nicolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports has distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Team of Argentina. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Khan (19-1, 15 KOs), 2004 Olympic silver medallist, defends his WBA International lightweight crown against Barrera (65-6, 43 KOs) in a 12-round bout. Barrera, rated No. 1 by the WBO, has already captured the WBO super bantamweight (three times), WBC and IBO featherweight, WBC and IBF super featherweight titles. The Mexican icon has defeated a Who’s Who of contemporary world champions and/or challengers during his sensational 19-year pro career such as Erik Morales (twice), Paulie Ayala, Prince Naseem Hamed, Kevin Kelly, Johnny Tapia, Robbie Peden, Mzonke Fana, and Rocky Juarez (twice).
“The reason I took this fight is because a win here puts me in line to realize my top remaining goal to become the first Mexican-born fighter to win world championships in four separate weight divisions,” Barrera said. “I’ve been world champion in three weight divisions (122, 126 and 130) and my goal is to win a world championship in the lightweight division. I don’t want to wait. I want to get there as fast as I can. A win over Khan puts me right where I want to be.
“I will beat Khan because I have more experience than him and I’m still a much better fighter than he is. Khan is tall and has a good jab and hand speed. He is a good young fighter but there’s nothing he can do between now and March 14 to surpass my skills and experience. Jose Luis Balbuena and Kennedy McKinney are two fighters I successfully defended my WBO super bantamweight titles that I can compare to Khan. They were both good fighters with good hand speed that I was able to defeat. McKinney won an Olympic gold medal. Don’t forget what I did to Prince Naseem Hamed, too, another highly-touted guy with fast hands.”
Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Veteran blow-by-blow announcer Ian Darke and color analyst, former WBC lightweight champion Jim Watt, will be calling the action from ringside for Sky Box Office and Integrated Sports PPV.
In addition to Khan-Barrera, two other fights will be broadcast on PPV: former WBO cruiserweight title-holder Enzo Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs), the No. 1 contender, battles No. 2 rated and NABO champ Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO cruiserweight championship; WBO super middleweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-1, 16 KOs) defends his title belt against undefeated No. 1 contender Roman “Rocky” Martinez (21-0-1, 12 KOs).
The Ring No. 6 rated Maccarinelli beat Mohamed Azzaoui, Wayne Braithwaite, Bobby Gunn, Marcelo Fabian Dominguez and Mark Hobson (twice) during his WBO title reign (2006-2008). London-born Afolabi, now living in California, captured the NABO crown last April with a 10th round TKO of previously unbeaten Eric Fields.
Former European champion Cook, rated No. 6 by The Ring, won the WBO super featherweight title via a 12-round unanimous decision in his last fight against Alex Arthur (26-1). NABO super featherweight title-holder Martinez, fighting out of his native Puerto Rico, is rankd WBA No. 9 by The Ring.
Integrated Sports: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events is Integrated Sports. Among the many events brought to North American viewers by Integrated Sports include World Championship boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Nicolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports has distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Team of Argentina. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Saturday, February 28, 2009
No Holds Barred: John Perretti on Marquez-Diaz, Boxing, and MMA
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with the legendary matchmaker, promoter, announcer, and martial artist, our oldfriend and colleague John Perretti. Beginning with this show, John will be a senior correspondent on No Holds Barred and appear frequently. In a lengthy discussion, we begin by analyzing the awesome andbeautiful fight held this past Saturday involving lightweight championJuan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz. We then branch out to discussboxing technique in general, how most of the commentary on televisedboxing shows fails to explain this technique properly, the role ofBruce Lee, the techniques and cultures of boxing and mixed martialarts, the technical deterioration of mixed martial arts, how mixedmartial arts is not run like a sport should be, and much more. You can play or download No Holds Barred athttp://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-02T01_09_02-08_00. You can also download No Holds Barred at http://www.mediafire.com/?eyzwtxpwxtg. 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. Thanks, Eddie Goldmanhttp://eddiegoldman.comSee you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
SecondsOut Radio: Marquez-Diaz and John-Juarez Reviews, Shaun George,Travis Simms, Tor Hamer, Luis Del Valle, Lou DiBella
SecondsOut Radio: Marquez-Diaz and John-Juarez Reviews, Shaun George,Travis Simms, Tor Hamer, Luis Del Valle, Lou DiBella on Broadway Boxing On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman beginsby reviewing the brilliant performance of lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who stopped Juan Diaz in the ninth round Saturday in Houston, Texas. We discuss this early Fight of the Year candidate, as well as the co-feature where featherweight champion Chris John of Indonesia was held to a controversial draw by Rocky Juarez of Houston.We also discuss the implications of putting such an important cardlike this not on pay-per-view or in a casino city, but on regular HBOin the U.S. and in a major city like Houston, and the likelihood ofsuch good sense continuing to be shown by the lords of boxing if andwhen the economy rebounds. Next, we review the Broadway Boxing card held Wednesday, Feb. 25, inNew York. We spoke with light heavyweight contender Shaun George, who needed only 1:26 of the first round to stop veteran Jaffa Ballogou,and make his case that he deserves a boost in the rankings and aneventual title shot. We spoke with heavyweight Tor Hamer andfeatherweight Luis Del Valle, two prospects who fought on this showand remained unbeaten. And we spoke with promoter Lou DiBella about his Broadway Boxing series and boxing in New York. In a special interview, we spoke with two-time former WBA 154-pound champion Travis Simms, who is now a free agent and, although he has a stellar record of 26-1 with 19 KOs, is actually finding it difficult to get fights. It is free to listen to or download SecondsOut Radio, but you mustregister to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy. Thanks, Eddie Goldmanhttp://eddiegoldman.comSee you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Friday, February 27, 2009
2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada finally gets shot at Alexander Povetkin April 4 in Dusseldorf, Germany
PROVIDENCE– The long awaited showdown between America’s leading young heavyweight prospect, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, and Alexander Povetkin, 2004 Olympic gold medalist and the IBF’s No. 1 contender, will finally happen April 4 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Estrada (15-1, 3 KOs) and Povetkin (16-0, 12 KOs) should have fought in the amateurs at the 2003 World Championships or a scheduled USA-Russia dual meet later that year. Estrada, however, as the No. 1 USA super heavyweight, had to fight in the Pan-American Games, where he captured gold in his Olympic qualifier. Meanwhile, at the same time, Povetkin won a gold medal at The World Championships. Team Russia pulled out of the aforementioned dual meet and a foot injury hampered Estrada’s training for the 2004 Olympics. He was eliminated prior to the medal rounds as Povetkin rolled to gold.
Povetkin has a mandated title shot this fall against IBF heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko, if he gets past the lightning quick Estrada. “The fight’s on April 4 but Povetkin’s the April Fool,” Estrada said during a break from training at his Big Six Academy in Providence. “I really see this guy as just a big-name opponent. He has his gold medal but he’s been babied his entire career. They just put guys in front of him to fight. He’s making a big mistake taking this fight. I’m not dwelling on the past. The old stuff doesn’t matter to me; I’m focusing on the present. It doesn’t upset me that people are calling this a tune-up for him. If the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn’t take him lightly, but they’re making a huge mistake if they’re taking me lightly.
“I think it will be easier fighting him today than in the amateurs because he had to box a little more back then. You don’t see him boxing now. He’s a sitting duck. This (pro boxing) is a whole different game, something I learned in my first fight and I’ve progressed from there. He’s got the same stuff. Our fight didn’t happen in the amateurs, so I’m focused on beating him as a pro. I can’t see how he took this fight. His people must be telling him I’m just fast, like (Eddie) Chambers or (Chris) Byrd, but I’m more aggressive and they weren’t. I’m not worried about going over there because, if I smash him and lose, everybody will see that. No way I’m going to lose; I’m either going to stop him, or I’ll deserve a win by decision. He can’t prepare for what I’m bringing.”
Estrada’s promoter, Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.), worked tirelessly for several months to get Povetkin for Estrada. “I’ve never worked so hard to make a fight happen,” Burchfield explained. “I know how badly Jason wanted it. I have to compliment Povetkin’s people for taking it. The Estrada Unit doesn’t back-off from any opponent. They’ve talked about this fight for a long, long time. In 2008, Jason went from a youngster to a man, doing everything asked of him. For everything he’s done since he signed with CES, especially in 2008, this fight is a reward for all of his hard work. I believe Jason Estrada is a future world champion.”
Providence-native Estrada was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition. He was the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row.
Estrada’s father/head trainer, Dr. Roland Estrada, believes the risk of fighting No. 1 ranked Povetkin is worth the reward for Jason. “It’s an opportunity we couldn’t turn down,” he remarked. “If we did it would take us 1 ½-2 years to fight somebody as highly ranked as Povetkin. Back in the amateurs, Povetkin was No. 1 in the East, and Jason was No. 1 in the West. It’s a fight that almost happened three times but didn’t. We’ve had this fight in the back of our minds ever since. He’s still a straight forward, combination puncher without exceptional speed or technique. As a pro, he’s probably become better because he faced adversity, down a few rounds against Eddie Chambers with his eye swelled up, but overcoming it to win. Other than that, though, he’s pretty much the same guy he was as an amateur.”
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Estrada (15-1, 3 KOs) and Povetkin (16-0, 12 KOs) should have fought in the amateurs at the 2003 World Championships or a scheduled USA-Russia dual meet later that year. Estrada, however, as the No. 1 USA super heavyweight, had to fight in the Pan-American Games, where he captured gold in his Olympic qualifier. Meanwhile, at the same time, Povetkin won a gold medal at The World Championships. Team Russia pulled out of the aforementioned dual meet and a foot injury hampered Estrada’s training for the 2004 Olympics. He was eliminated prior to the medal rounds as Povetkin rolled to gold.
Povetkin has a mandated title shot this fall against IBF heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko, if he gets past the lightning quick Estrada. “The fight’s on April 4 but Povetkin’s the April Fool,” Estrada said during a break from training at his Big Six Academy in Providence. “I really see this guy as just a big-name opponent. He has his gold medal but he’s been babied his entire career. They just put guys in front of him to fight. He’s making a big mistake taking this fight. I’m not dwelling on the past. The old stuff doesn’t matter to me; I’m focusing on the present. It doesn’t upset me that people are calling this a tune-up for him. If the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn’t take him lightly, but they’re making a huge mistake if they’re taking me lightly.
“I think it will be easier fighting him today than in the amateurs because he had to box a little more back then. You don’t see him boxing now. He’s a sitting duck. This (pro boxing) is a whole different game, something I learned in my first fight and I’ve progressed from there. He’s got the same stuff. Our fight didn’t happen in the amateurs, so I’m focused on beating him as a pro. I can’t see how he took this fight. His people must be telling him I’m just fast, like (Eddie) Chambers or (Chris) Byrd, but I’m more aggressive and they weren’t. I’m not worried about going over there because, if I smash him and lose, everybody will see that. No way I’m going to lose; I’m either going to stop him, or I’ll deserve a win by decision. He can’t prepare for what I’m bringing.”
Estrada’s promoter, Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.), worked tirelessly for several months to get Povetkin for Estrada. “I’ve never worked so hard to make a fight happen,” Burchfield explained. “I know how badly Jason wanted it. I have to compliment Povetkin’s people for taking it. The Estrada Unit doesn’t back-off from any opponent. They’ve talked about this fight for a long, long time. In 2008, Jason went from a youngster to a man, doing everything asked of him. For everything he’s done since he signed with CES, especially in 2008, this fight is a reward for all of his hard work. I believe Jason Estrada is a future world champion.”
Providence-native Estrada was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition. He was the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row.
Estrada’s father/head trainer, Dr. Roland Estrada, believes the risk of fighting No. 1 ranked Povetkin is worth the reward for Jason. “It’s an opportunity we couldn’t turn down,” he remarked. “If we did it would take us 1 ½-2 years to fight somebody as highly ranked as Povetkin. Back in the amateurs, Povetkin was No. 1 in the East, and Jason was No. 1 in the West. It’s a fight that almost happened three times but didn’t. We’ve had this fight in the back of our minds ever since. He’s still a straight forward, combination puncher without exceptional speed or technique. As a pro, he’s probably become better because he faced adversity, down a few rounds against Eddie Chambers with his eye swelled up, but overcoming it to win. Other than that, though, he’s pretty much the same guy he was as an amateur.”
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Glen Johnson, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment, to re-match Daniel Judah tonight
New York– Former light heavyweight champion Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson will get his chance to settle the score with Daniel Judah tonight on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.
Johnson and Judah’s first fight had ended in a controversial draw in 2003. Johnson is on a mission to avenge all the wrongs done to him in boxing, and beating Judah tonight would be the perfect start.
The event is being presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing. Johnson is co-promoted by Seminole Warriors and by Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment.
“I want to congratulate Seminole Warriors Boxing on putting together this great show,” said Lou DiBella. “It will be an entertaining night for fans that attend or watch on ESPN2.”
“I also want to wish our “Road Warrior” the best of luck,” said DiBella. “He will settle the score with Judah tonight. After tonight, it will be clear the time has come for Glen to get that Showtime or HBO opportunity he so deserves.”
For more information on tickets, call 305-350-5885 or 954-523-3309. The opening bell is at 7:30 at the Hard Rock Live Arena, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Johnson and Judah’s first fight had ended in a controversial draw in 2003. Johnson is on a mission to avenge all the wrongs done to him in boxing, and beating Judah tonight would be the perfect start.
The event is being presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing. Johnson is co-promoted by Seminole Warriors and by Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment.
“I want to congratulate Seminole Warriors Boxing on putting together this great show,” said Lou DiBella. “It will be an entertaining night for fans that attend or watch on ESPN2.”
“I also want to wish our “Road Warrior” the best of luck,” said DiBella. “He will settle the score with Judah tonight. After tonight, it will be clear the time has come for Glen to get that Showtime or HBO opportunity he so deserves.”
For more information on tickets, call 305-350-5885 or 954-523-3309. The opening bell is at 7:30 at the Hard Rock Live Arena, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Barrera faces Wrath of Khan; Mar. 14 PPV show also features Maccarinelli-Afolabi & Cook-Martinez title fights
HOBOKEN, N.J.– The hype surrounding 22-year-old lightweight prospect Amir Khan may not be the same since his stunning first-round knockout loss to Breidis Prescott last September, but the 2004 Olympic silver medallist has the full confidence of his head trainer, Freddie Roach, as they prepare in Los Angeles for Khan’s showdown with multiple world champion “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera, Saturday, March 14 at The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Veteran blow-by-blow announcer Ian Darke and color analyst, former WBC lightweight champion Jim Watt, will be calling the action from ringside for Sky Box Office and Integrated Sports PPV.
Khan (19-1, 15 KOs), training at Roach’s famed Wild Card Gym, defends his WBA International lightweight title against seven-time world champion Barrera (65-6, 42 KOs) in the 12-round main event. The two other PPV fights will be former WBO cruiserweight title-holder Enzo Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs) against NABO champ Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) for the WBO cruiserweight championship, while WBO super middleweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-1, 16 KOs) defends his title belt against undefeated No. 1 contender Roman “Rocky” Martinez (21-0-1, 12 KOs).
Khan, coming off of a win by second-round TKO of Oisin Fagan for the WBA International title last December, is rated No. 9 by the WBO and No. 13 by the IBF. Roach favourably compares his prospect, Khan, with his ace, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.
“Athleticism, speed.....everything,” Roach explained why he believes Amir will emerge victoriously. “Barrera’s best was at 122 and 126; Amir is a big 135-pounder. It’s the perfect time – 22-year-old kid against a 35-year-old veteran. We respect Barrera and there’s a lot we have to lookout from him. Barrera can set-up guys with his experience but we’ve really prepared for that.
“Amir reminds me a lot of Manny Pacquiao. They’re both very athletic and Amir is the only guy who can run with Manny. I remember Manny getting knocked out early in his career (by Rustico Torrecampo in 1996) and everybody writing him off. Amir came in on a bigger stage from the Olympics, but I believe he’ll rebound and become world champion. I brought Amir here (Wild Card) to camp to be with Manny and sparring together built Amir’s confidence. If he can do as well as he did with Manny, he can do as well against anybody. He just made a young man’s mistake against Prescott, going for the knockout, and he got caught. Anybody can get caught and Amir is perfecting his defense. He has come along well since his first fight (vs. Fagan) with me.”
Barrera, who has held world titles in three different weight classes during his 19-year pro career, holds wins against a Who’s Who of contemporary world champions and/or challengers such as Erik Morales (twice), Paulie Ayala, Prince Naseem Hamed, Kevin Kelly, Johnny Tapia, Robbie Peden, Mzonke Fana, and Rocky Juarez (twice).
WBO No. 1 rated Maccarinelli, ranked No. 6 by The Ring, defeated Mohamed Azzaoui, Wayne Braithwite, Bobby Gunn, Marcelo Fabian Dominguez and Mark Hobson (twice) during his WBO title reign (2006-2008). The WBO No. 2 rated London-born Afolabi, now living in California, captured the NABO crown last April, stopping previously unbeaten Eric Fields in the 10th round.
Cook won the WBO super featherweight title in his last fight, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Alex Arthur (26-1) last September in The M.E.N. Arena. The former European champion is rated No. 6 by The Ring. Puerto Rican star on the rise, NABO super featherweight title-holder Martinez, in addition to being the WBC’s top contender, is also rated No. 4 by the WBA No. 9 by The Ring.
Integrated Sports: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events is Integrated Sports. Among the many events brought to North American viewers by Integrated Sports include World Championship boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Nicolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports has distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Team of Argentina. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Veteran blow-by-blow announcer Ian Darke and color analyst, former WBC lightweight champion Jim Watt, will be calling the action from ringside for Sky Box Office and Integrated Sports PPV.
Khan (19-1, 15 KOs), training at Roach’s famed Wild Card Gym, defends his WBA International lightweight title against seven-time world champion Barrera (65-6, 42 KOs) in the 12-round main event. The two other PPV fights will be former WBO cruiserweight title-holder Enzo Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs) against NABO champ Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) for the WBO cruiserweight championship, while WBO super middleweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-1, 16 KOs) defends his title belt against undefeated No. 1 contender Roman “Rocky” Martinez (21-0-1, 12 KOs).
Khan, coming off of a win by second-round TKO of Oisin Fagan for the WBA International title last December, is rated No. 9 by the WBO and No. 13 by the IBF. Roach favourably compares his prospect, Khan, with his ace, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.
“Athleticism, speed.....everything,” Roach explained why he believes Amir will emerge victoriously. “Barrera’s best was at 122 and 126; Amir is a big 135-pounder. It’s the perfect time – 22-year-old kid against a 35-year-old veteran. We respect Barrera and there’s a lot we have to lookout from him. Barrera can set-up guys with his experience but we’ve really prepared for that.
“Amir reminds me a lot of Manny Pacquiao. They’re both very athletic and Amir is the only guy who can run with Manny. I remember Manny getting knocked out early in his career (by Rustico Torrecampo in 1996) and everybody writing him off. Amir came in on a bigger stage from the Olympics, but I believe he’ll rebound and become world champion. I brought Amir here (Wild Card) to camp to be with Manny and sparring together built Amir’s confidence. If he can do as well as he did with Manny, he can do as well against anybody. He just made a young man’s mistake against Prescott, going for the knockout, and he got caught. Anybody can get caught and Amir is perfecting his defense. He has come along well since his first fight (vs. Fagan) with me.”
Barrera, who has held world titles in three different weight classes during his 19-year pro career, holds wins against a Who’s Who of contemporary world champions and/or challengers such as Erik Morales (twice), Paulie Ayala, Prince Naseem Hamed, Kevin Kelly, Johnny Tapia, Robbie Peden, Mzonke Fana, and Rocky Juarez (twice).
WBO No. 1 rated Maccarinelli, ranked No. 6 by The Ring, defeated Mohamed Azzaoui, Wayne Braithwite, Bobby Gunn, Marcelo Fabian Dominguez and Mark Hobson (twice) during his WBO title reign (2006-2008). The WBO No. 2 rated London-born Afolabi, now living in California, captured the NABO crown last April, stopping previously unbeaten Eric Fields in the 10th round.
Cook won the WBO super featherweight title in his last fight, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Alex Arthur (26-1) last September in The M.E.N. Arena. The former European champion is rated No. 6 by The Ring. Puerto Rican star on the rise, NABO super featherweight title-holder Martinez, in addition to being the WBC’s top contender, is also rated No. 4 by the WBA No. 9 by The Ring.
Integrated Sports: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events is Integrated Sports. Among the many events brought to North American viewers by Integrated Sports include World Championship boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Nicolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports has distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Team of Argentina. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Monday, February 23, 2009
No Holds Barred: The Need for a Warrior Culture
No Holds Barred: The Need for a Warrior Culture
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-19T00_40_28-08_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses a wide variety of topics linked together by emphasizing that the average people (i.e., most of us) need a warrior culture.
In what is to become yet another controversial commentary, discussed are what the U.S. government believes is its greatest threat, why that assessment by the government is actually a threat to (most of) you, why you thus need a warrior culture, and how the combat sports are related to developing that culture. We discuss some battles going on involving the use of the Internet right now, and how some in the combat sports are using the Internet in a positive way, including the North American Fight Association (NAFA) (http://www.nafafighters.com) and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Facebook discussion group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10187160539).
We also tie in the need to support all the combat sports, and hear comments from Ken Hershman of Showtime and the legendary mixed martial arts fighter Frank Shamrock about boxing and mixed martial arts. And we hear comments from Miguel Cotto and the legendary trainer and cutman Miguel Diaz about Cotto's return to action Feb. 21 in Madison Square Garden against Michael Jennings, his first fight since suffering his first pro loss to the controversial Antonio Margarito in July 2008.
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 discussing how, in light of all the recent scandals and mishaps, boxing is like a friend who is also a criminal, and who never fails to disappoint. Next, we continue our preview of the February 21 pay-per-view card, headlined by middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (34-1, 30 KOs) facing Marco Antonio Rubio (43-4-1, 37 KOs) at the Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown, Ohio, and former welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26 KOs) taking on Michael Jennings (34-1, 16 KOs) at Madison Square Garden in New York. There is also a full fight card at Madison Square Garden. In a middleweight bout, the popular John Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs) fights Matt Vanda (39-8, 22 KOs). And in a bout for the vacant WBA female super featherweight title, Maureen Shea (13-0, 7 KOs) fights Kina Malpartida (8-3, 1 KO). (The Anthony Peterson-Edner Cherry fight has since been cancelled following a training injury to Peterson.) At a prefight news conference at Madison Square Garden, we spoke with John Duddy, Anthony Peterson, Matt Vanda, and Maureen Shea about their fights and their careers. It is free to listen to or download 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:
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/).
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
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.
Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.com
Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-19T00_40_28-08_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses a wide variety of topics linked together by emphasizing that the average people (i.e., most of us) need a warrior culture.
In what is to become yet another controversial commentary, discussed are what the U.S. government believes is its greatest threat, why that assessment by the government is actually a threat to (most of) you, why you thus need a warrior culture, and how the combat sports are related to developing that culture. We discuss some battles going on involving the use of the Internet right now, and how some in the combat sports are using the Internet in a positive way, including the North American Fight Association (NAFA) (http://www.nafafighters.com) and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Facebook discussion group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10187160539).
We also tie in the need to support all the combat sports, and hear comments from Ken Hershman of Showtime and the legendary mixed martial arts fighter Frank Shamrock about boxing and mixed martial arts. And we hear comments from Miguel Cotto and the legendary trainer and cutman Miguel Diaz about Cotto's return to action Feb. 21 in Madison Square Garden against Michael Jennings, his first fight since suffering his first pro loss to the controversial Antonio Margarito in July 2008.
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 discussing how, in light of all the recent scandals and mishaps, boxing is like a friend who is also a criminal, and who never fails to disappoint. Next, we continue our preview of the February 21 pay-per-view card, headlined by middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (34-1, 30 KOs) facing Marco Antonio Rubio (43-4-1, 37 KOs) at the Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown, Ohio, and former welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26 KOs) taking on Michael Jennings (34-1, 16 KOs) at Madison Square Garden in New York. There is also a full fight card at Madison Square Garden. In a middleweight bout, the popular John Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs) fights Matt Vanda (39-8, 22 KOs). And in a bout for the vacant WBA female super featherweight title, Maureen Shea (13-0, 7 KOs) fights Kina Malpartida (8-3, 1 KO). (The Anthony Peterson-Edner Cherry fight has since been cancelled following a training injury to Peterson.) At a prefight news conference at Madison Square Garden, we spoke with John Duddy, Anthony Peterson, Matt Vanda, and Maureen Shea about their fights and their careers. It is free to listen to or download 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:
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/).
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
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.
Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.com
Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Figueroa growing with RJ & Square Ring
LAS VEGAS– NABF light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa (20-2, 13 KOs), halfway through his five-week training program at the famed Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Winchester, Massachusetts, took some time between workouts to talk about his new promoter, Square Ring Promotions, and how his career has taken a major step up since he signed with Roy Jones, Jr.’s promotional company.
“My first fight under the Square Ring banner was last year on the November 8th Calzaghe-Jones HBO PPV event,” Frankie said. “Unfortunately, my opponent (Gavin Rees) pulled out and we went with Emanuel Augustus, who is a very unorthodox fighter. Fortunately, though, I had trained hard and was well prepared going into the fight and came out with a hard fought victory.
“I am now in position for the IBF eliminator bout against (former world champion) Randall Bailey. The winner will get a shot at the new IBF champion, Juan Urango. My promoter is working with Bailey’s promoter, Lou DiBella, to make it happen, hopefully, sometime in April. My goal is to become the undisputed light welterweight champion and then moving up to 147 to fight the big names there.”
Figueroa has been working out at Boyle’s three days a week, two hours a day, for five weeks. After each session he is massaged-out and off days Frankie does light boxing-related workouts at a nearby gym.
“John Wirt (CEO of Square Ring Promotions) is a great guy and businessman,” Figueroa’s manager, Sal LoNano, remarked. “He’s a stand-up guy who is there for us and having Frankie promoted by one of the all-time greatest boxers, Roy Jones, Jr., has already opened up doors in this profession for my fighter.”
The 30-year-old Puerto Rican-American was born in Spanish Harlem, where Frankie was a 2-time New York City high school wrestling champion (14-0 as a senior). Figueroa was 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 presently rated No. 5 by the IBF, as well as No. 10 by the WBC and No. 14 by the WBA.
“I started late in boxing, only eight years ago, and I really didn’t know too much about Roy,” U.S. Army veteran Figueroa explained. “As I grew in boxing, I learned about Roy’s great career and fighting today under his banner is a tremendous honor. It gives me an opportunity to showcase my skills and personality to boxing fans and networks.”
For more information about Frankie Figueroa visit his web site at www.teamgato.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Kimball's story about Irish Ropes & John Duddy
Battles in the ring the easier ones for Duddy
AMERICA AT LARGE: Since falling out with Irish Ropes, the Derry fighter has become the object of an ugly lawsuit, writes GEORGE KIMBALL
WHEN EDDIE McLoughlin hired Patrick Burns to be John Duddy’s new trainer last summer he didn’t anticipate he might be inviting the fox into the henhouse, but in the view of the Mayo-born promoter, that’s pretty much how it worked out.
At Jack Dempsey’s pub off Herald Square in Manhattan yesterday, McLoughlin presided over a press luncheon officially launching what has become a New York staple – Irish Ropes’ annual St Patrick’s Day card at Madison Square Garden. This year’s edition will showcase not Duddy, but another Irish middleweight, Limerick’s Andy Lee, fighting three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols.
Barely four months had elapsed since, following another press conference in the same pub on October 8th, McLoughlin sent Duddy off to Burns’ Miami training camp to begin preparations for a November 21st tune-up bout against Sam Hill. Within weeks Duddy had a new de facto manager, Craig Hamilton, the seven-year-old relationship between the boxer and his promoter was in tatters, the Hill fight (along with an even more lucrative January bout against Ronald Hearns) had been scuttled, and Duddy’s contract with Irish Ropes was the object of an unpleasant lawsuit, filed in US District Court.
At the centrepiece of the court case, which alleges financial improprieties in Irish Ropes’ handling of the Derry middleweight’s affairs, Eddie and Duddy’s erstwhile manager Tony McLoughlin stand accused of being brothers.
The McLoughlins do not deny that relationship, but point out they were already brothers in 2006, when Duddy, in the presence of a representative of the New York State Athletic Commission, signed separate contracts with each. In fact, from 2003 until last autumn, Duddy lived, rent-free, in an apartment owned by Tony McLoughlin, who also provided the boxer with the use of a car and several hundred dollars a week living allowance.
When Duddy appeared at Madison Square Garden a week ago to announce his February 21st date with Matt Vanda, he thanked Hamilton, attorney Gary Friedman and author Thomas Hauser for having effected his nascent emancipation from Irish Ropes. Hauser, himself a lawyer, subsequently objected to our having described him in these pages as a Duddy “adviser”, calling that characterisation “a disservice” to Hamilton and Friedman.
“The only advice I gave to John came when [Duddy’s proposed fight against Verno Phillips] fell through and I told him he should become more proactive in terms of charting his own career,” said Hauser, whose 4,000-word treatise The Truth About John Duddy on the website SecondsOut.com has, in the absence of dissenting views, been widely cited as the definitive view of a complex situation.
“In that same conversation, in response to a question from John, I said I wasn’t the right person to ask about the intricacies of managing a fighter and suggested he talk with Craig Hamilton. John was already aware of Hamilton because Craig manages Kevin Burnett, and Burnett is trained by Pat Burns,” added Hauser.
Within days of that advice, Hamilton (and his long-time lawyer, Friedman) were in charge and Irish Ropes was on the way out. Burns acknowledges having vouched for Hamilton’s integrity, but he also denies having initiated the poaching expedition.
Following the debacle against Walid Smichet last February (Duddy eked out a majority decision but was cut to ribbons, and blew a $1.4 million payday to fight middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik), it was clear to McLoughlin and matchmaker Jim Borzell trainer Don Turner would have to go.
McLoughlin says that even before the Smichet fight Hauser, whose opinion he valued, had lobbied on several occasions for Burns to replace Turner.
While acknowledging a long-time relationship with Burns, Hauser says the Florida trainer’s name was just one of several, including those of Nazim Richardson and Freddie Roach, he put forth to Irish Ropes.
In any case, McLoughlin and Borzell flew to Miami and met with Burns. (That the promoter and his matchmaker and not the manager conducted the job interview with the new trainer underscores the blurring of traditional roles at Irish Ropes, but both McLoughlins insist they acted in Duddy’s best interests.)
“When I asked him about his fee, he said it was ‘No problem, just a few hundred bucks a week’,” recalled Eddie. “He also talked about John’s conditioning, and about accommodation down there. He said neither was a problem, since he had a brother who was a qualified nutritionist who would work, again, ‘for a couple of hundred a week,’ and that his wife would arrange to rent a house for just a thousand or so a month.”
“That is inaccurate,” Burns insisted yesterday. “I simply couldn’t work for ‘a few hundred’ a week,’ and I wouldn’t have said I would.”
In the wake of the Smichet fiasco it was also clear Duddy needed to redeem himself with a tune-up bout against an unthreatening opponent. Charlie Howe of Ohio, knocked out in the first round of his last fight, had a deceptively impressive 17-3-2 record and seemed to fit the bill perfectly. When the New York commission refused to approve Duddy-Howe, the venue was shifted to Boston. And Burns became Duddy’s new trainer.
Once Irish Ropes had severed connections with Turner, according to McLoughlin, the picture changed dramatically. Between his own weekly fee of $850 and another $650 for Joseph Burns, the “few hundred a week” had grown to $1,500, and the $1,000-a-month house turned out to cost $1,800 a month.
In Boston on June 28th last year Duddy fought well and posted a unanimous decision over the 33-year-old Howe. Because that fight was a low-budget exercise away from the scrutiny of television cameras, Irish Ropes had anticipated running the show at a loss, and Duddy had agreed to a $20,000 purse, and $5,000 for training expenses.
Burns insists the financial terms had been spelled out before he took the job. McLoughlin claims he wouldn’t have agreed to it if that had been the case.
A few days ago, Eddie McLoughlin sifted through a pile of cancelled cheques showing that in May and June of last year alone he had written checks totalling $21,000 to various permutations of the Burns family.
Under the arrangement, Burns’ fee was supposed to cover gym expenses. For the Howe fight, Duddy sparred at the Phantom Gym in Miami. Phantom manager Artie Artwell says that for that camp, Pat Burns paid $60 a month for the use of the gym.
Given the unhappy beginning to the relationship, McLoughlin says he no longer considered Burns trustworthy, but acceded to the fighter’s wishes only because Duddy felt comfortable with him.
So who’s telling the truth? Consider this: that October 8th press conference was a veritable love-fest between Duddy and Irish Ropes, yet less than two weeks later he had new representation. Somebody gave John Duddy Craig Hamilton’s phone number, and it’s a pretty safe bet it wasn’t Eddie McLoughlin.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
AMERICA AT LARGE: Since falling out with Irish Ropes, the Derry fighter has become the object of an ugly lawsuit, writes GEORGE KIMBALL
WHEN EDDIE McLoughlin hired Patrick Burns to be John Duddy’s new trainer last summer he didn’t anticipate he might be inviting the fox into the henhouse, but in the view of the Mayo-born promoter, that’s pretty much how it worked out.
At Jack Dempsey’s pub off Herald Square in Manhattan yesterday, McLoughlin presided over a press luncheon officially launching what has become a New York staple – Irish Ropes’ annual St Patrick’s Day card at Madison Square Garden. This year’s edition will showcase not Duddy, but another Irish middleweight, Limerick’s Andy Lee, fighting three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols.
Barely four months had elapsed since, following another press conference in the same pub on October 8th, McLoughlin sent Duddy off to Burns’ Miami training camp to begin preparations for a November 21st tune-up bout against Sam Hill. Within weeks Duddy had a new de facto manager, Craig Hamilton, the seven-year-old relationship between the boxer and his promoter was in tatters, the Hill fight (along with an even more lucrative January bout against Ronald Hearns) had been scuttled, and Duddy’s contract with Irish Ropes was the object of an unpleasant lawsuit, filed in US District Court.
At the centrepiece of the court case, which alleges financial improprieties in Irish Ropes’ handling of the Derry middleweight’s affairs, Eddie and Duddy’s erstwhile manager Tony McLoughlin stand accused of being brothers.
The McLoughlins do not deny that relationship, but point out they were already brothers in 2006, when Duddy, in the presence of a representative of the New York State Athletic Commission, signed separate contracts with each. In fact, from 2003 until last autumn, Duddy lived, rent-free, in an apartment owned by Tony McLoughlin, who also provided the boxer with the use of a car and several hundred dollars a week living allowance.
When Duddy appeared at Madison Square Garden a week ago to announce his February 21st date with Matt Vanda, he thanked Hamilton, attorney Gary Friedman and author Thomas Hauser for having effected his nascent emancipation from Irish Ropes. Hauser, himself a lawyer, subsequently objected to our having described him in these pages as a Duddy “adviser”, calling that characterisation “a disservice” to Hamilton and Friedman.
“The only advice I gave to John came when [Duddy’s proposed fight against Verno Phillips] fell through and I told him he should become more proactive in terms of charting his own career,” said Hauser, whose 4,000-word treatise The Truth About John Duddy on the website SecondsOut.com has, in the absence of dissenting views, been widely cited as the definitive view of a complex situation.
“In that same conversation, in response to a question from John, I said I wasn’t the right person to ask about the intricacies of managing a fighter and suggested he talk with Craig Hamilton. John was already aware of Hamilton because Craig manages Kevin Burnett, and Burnett is trained by Pat Burns,” added Hauser.
Within days of that advice, Hamilton (and his long-time lawyer, Friedman) were in charge and Irish Ropes was on the way out. Burns acknowledges having vouched for Hamilton’s integrity, but he also denies having initiated the poaching expedition.
Following the debacle against Walid Smichet last February (Duddy eked out a majority decision but was cut to ribbons, and blew a $1.4 million payday to fight middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik), it was clear to McLoughlin and matchmaker Jim Borzell trainer Don Turner would have to go.
McLoughlin says that even before the Smichet fight Hauser, whose opinion he valued, had lobbied on several occasions for Burns to replace Turner.
While acknowledging a long-time relationship with Burns, Hauser says the Florida trainer’s name was just one of several, including those of Nazim Richardson and Freddie Roach, he put forth to Irish Ropes.
In any case, McLoughlin and Borzell flew to Miami and met with Burns. (That the promoter and his matchmaker and not the manager conducted the job interview with the new trainer underscores the blurring of traditional roles at Irish Ropes, but both McLoughlins insist they acted in Duddy’s best interests.)
“When I asked him about his fee, he said it was ‘No problem, just a few hundred bucks a week’,” recalled Eddie. “He also talked about John’s conditioning, and about accommodation down there. He said neither was a problem, since he had a brother who was a qualified nutritionist who would work, again, ‘for a couple of hundred a week,’ and that his wife would arrange to rent a house for just a thousand or so a month.”
“That is inaccurate,” Burns insisted yesterday. “I simply couldn’t work for ‘a few hundred’ a week,’ and I wouldn’t have said I would.”
In the wake of the Smichet fiasco it was also clear Duddy needed to redeem himself with a tune-up bout against an unthreatening opponent. Charlie Howe of Ohio, knocked out in the first round of his last fight, had a deceptively impressive 17-3-2 record and seemed to fit the bill perfectly. When the New York commission refused to approve Duddy-Howe, the venue was shifted to Boston. And Burns became Duddy’s new trainer.
Once Irish Ropes had severed connections with Turner, according to McLoughlin, the picture changed dramatically. Between his own weekly fee of $850 and another $650 for Joseph Burns, the “few hundred a week” had grown to $1,500, and the $1,000-a-month house turned out to cost $1,800 a month.
In Boston on June 28th last year Duddy fought well and posted a unanimous decision over the 33-year-old Howe. Because that fight was a low-budget exercise away from the scrutiny of television cameras, Irish Ropes had anticipated running the show at a loss, and Duddy had agreed to a $20,000 purse, and $5,000 for training expenses.
Burns insists the financial terms had been spelled out before he took the job. McLoughlin claims he wouldn’t have agreed to it if that had been the case.
A few days ago, Eddie McLoughlin sifted through a pile of cancelled cheques showing that in May and June of last year alone he had written checks totalling $21,000 to various permutations of the Burns family.
Under the arrangement, Burns’ fee was supposed to cover gym expenses. For the Howe fight, Duddy sparred at the Phantom Gym in Miami. Phantom manager Artie Artwell says that for that camp, Pat Burns paid $60 a month for the use of the gym.
Given the unhappy beginning to the relationship, McLoughlin says he no longer considered Burns trustworthy, but acceded to the fighter’s wishes only because Duddy felt comfortable with him.
So who’s telling the truth? Consider this: that October 8th press conference was a veritable love-fest between Duddy and Irish Ropes, yet less than two weeks later he had new representation. Somebody gave John Duddy Craig Hamilton’s phone number, and it’s a pretty safe bet it wasn’t Eddie McLoughlin.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
ROY JONES JR. RETURNS TO FIGHT IN PENSACOLA AGAINST OMAR SHEIKA IN “MARCH BADNESS” ON SATURDAY, MARCH 21 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW
Pensacola, FL– Roy Jones Jr., Eight-Time World Champion, returns to Pensacola to fight for the first time since January, 1999 when he battles Omar Sheika at the Pensacola Civic Center on Saturday, March 21, 2009. The fight card will also feature a bevy of Mixed Martial Arts stars headlined by Seth Petruzelli, who most recently knocked out Internet legend and previously undefeated Kimbo Slice. The event is being promoted by Square Ring Promotions in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center and will be broadcast live on pay-per-view.
Tickets, priced at $128, $103, $78, $53 & $28 go on sale Wednesday, February 11th at 10:00 a.m. and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.
It wasn’t that long ago that Roy Jones Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) was the consensus “pound-for-pound” champion and just over 20 years since the exuberant, talent-brimming Jones was denied an Olympic Gold Medal by corrupt judges. In a contradictory but unofficial admission the “Silver Medialist” Jones was named the Most Valuable Boxer at the ’88 Seoul Olympics. Jones later used that unfortunate episode as inspiration to become an eight-time world champion in four weight classes, claiming belts at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.
He blew through the 90s and well into the 21st Century in unstoppable fashion, stunning his opponents with blinding quickness and brutal power, beating the top names in the sport, including Bernard Hopkins, James “Lights Out” Toney, Mike McCallum and Virgil Hill. He made history on March 1, 2003 when he stymied then-heavyweight champion John Ruiz to become the first former middleweight champion to win the heavyweight title in more than 100 years.
Following the Ruiz triumph, Jones was to take on “Iron” Mike Tyson, but when the deal fell through he had to lose twenty-five pounds of solid muscle in six weeks to drop not one, but two weight classes to regain the light heavyweight championship from Florida rival and nemesis Antonio Tarver on November 8, 2003. It was an unprecedented feat in boxing history, going from middleweight champion to heavyweight champion then back down to win the light heavyweight championship once again. However, the sudden weight variations had taken a toll on Jones’ body and he subsequently lost consecutive bouts against Tarver (twice) and Glen Johnson.
Down, but not out, Jones came back to score wins in his next two fights, setting up a highly-anticipated duel with Puerto Rican legend Felix “Tito” Trinidad at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2008. A renewed Jones looked sharp and focused, flooring Trinidad twice, in capturing a hard fought unanimous win. In his most recent bout, on November 8, 2008 in “Battle of the Superpowers” Jones fought undefeated and the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Joe Calzaghe. Jones started out strong, knocking Calzaghe down with a left-right combination in the first round and had “Super” Joe practically out on his feet. To his credit, Calzaghe mustered the heart to get through the round, gaining strength in the next few rounds until Jones rocked him in the sixth with a deadly uppercut. The fight, however, took a significant turn in the seventh when Jones was cut for the first time in his career from a Calzaghe right hand. Jones’ corner was unable to stop the bleeding, and the steady stream of blood running over his eye was wreaking havoc on his vision and his pace had slowed considerably. Calzaghe went on to win a unanimous decision. To Roy, this was just another valley, and he will now begin another trek back to the peak and the first step takes place on March 21 against the always game, exciting brawler Omar Sheika.
Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) of Paterson, N.J. accomplished something Roy Jones Jr. did not: he beat Glen Johnson, on June 2, 2000 at the famed Blue Horizon in Philadelphia. In the fourth-round, Sheika was getting inside of Johnson’s jab and began to nail him with uppercuts. He then floored Johnson with a powerful right hand. The fight went the distance and Sheika won a majority decision.
The Johnson win catapulted Sheika to a world title fight against reigning super middleweight champion and another Jones common opponent, Joe Calzaghe on August 12, 2000. In the fifth round of that bout a nasty laceration was forming above Omar’s left eye due to an accidental clash of heads earlier in the fight. However, the referee had ruled it had come from a punch and when it was decided that Omar could not continue, the fight ended as a technical knockout loss for Sheika.
But Sheika may mostly be known for his two brawling and brutal bouts against Scott Pemberton. The first meeting took place on July 25, 2003 and was ESPN2’s Fight of the Year. Pemberton won a 12-round split decision after being knocked down by Sheika in round two and surviving a late round rally. Their January 23, 2004 rematch, again for the NABF super middleweight title, was just as action-packed and an early candidate for 2004’s Fight of the Year. Sheika knocked Pemberton down in round two and in the sixth, drove Pemberton into the ropes with an overhand right leading to a mandatory 8-count. Pemberton survived the round and in a reversal of fortune, knocked Sheika down for the first time in his career in the tenth and the fight was soon stopped. In Sheika’s last bout, on September 29, 2007, he stopped Tiwon Taylor in the fourth round in Atlantic City.
Mixed Martial Arts Fights
Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli vs. Doug “Rhino” Marshall
Bobby Lashly vs. TBD
Roy “Big Country” Nelson vs. Jeff “The Snowman” Monson
Headlining the Mixed Martial Arts portion of the card will be Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli (10-4, 9 KOs) a wrestling/karate specialist from Fort Myers, FL. Seth has had only three of his fourteen bouts go longer than one round. Most recently, on October 4, 2008, Petruzelli took a fight against Internet Legend Kimbo Slice on one hour notice in an event broadcast on national television. Petruzelli attacked Slice from the opening bell and the fight was stopped 14 seconds in, giving Kimbo his first professional loss…and a new MMA star was born.
Doug “Rhino” Marshall (9-3, 6 KOs, 3 Submissions) is a Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu specialist from Visalia, CA. Doug began his MMA career at heavyweight and won his pro debut in 32 seconds. “Rhino” was given the opportunity to fight for a title in only his third pro fight and won that in 22 seconds! Doug’s thirst for winning was motivating him to train harder and his new regimen dropped him down to light heavyweight. On August 17, 2006, Doug won the WEC light heavyweight championship and had three successful defenses.
Bobby Lashley (1-0, 1 KO) is 6’3”, 265 lbs and cut like a Greco-Roman statue. He hails from Junction City, Kansas and was a three-time NCAA wrestling champion (1996-’98) and four-time All-American while at Missouri Valley College. After college, Lashley joined the Army and was a two-time Armed Forces Champion and 2002 Silver Medalist at the Military World Championships. In 2005, he began working in professional wrestling and before long was a WWE superstar. In 2007, Lashley was the star of Wrestlemania 23, representing Donald Trump in a bet against Vince McMahon. Lashley won the match and helped Trump shave Vince McMahon's head in the ring. Lashley then began to train in MMA full time and made his debut on December 13, 2008 by stopping his opponent in 41 seconds in Miami, FL.
Roy “Big Country” Nelson (13-3, 6 KOs, 3 Submissions) is a grappler and Jui Jitsu specialist from Las Vegas, NV. Nelson played football and baseball and wrestled in high school. “Big Country” became motivated to learn martial arts after watching “The Karate Kid” and now trains with Ken Shamrock in The Lion’s Den. The 250 lb. heavy-handed Nelson is the current International Fight League (IFL) Heavyweight Champion. He’s a fan-favorite for two reasons…his body type (soft) and his skill (outstanding).
Jeff “The Snowman” Monson (27-8, 2 KOs, 17 Submissions) from Olympia, WA is 5’ 8” 240 lbs of solid muscle and was recently featured in a 3-page spread in ESPN The Magazine, as the world’s most intimidating MMA fighter. Monson got his nickname while in a 1999 grappling tournament in Brazil. He came in unknown and beat four Brazilians in a row, each tougher than the one before him, to win the tournament. They said he was like a snowball: white, compact, rolling downhill while getting bigger and stronger. In a fight, he is an avalanche headed straight for you. From 2002 to 2006, Monson won sixteen consecutive fights over the four and a half year time period. Monson, who has run into problems with the law as an open anarchist, comes into the ring using John Lennon's "Imagine" and is a card-carrying member of the Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies). Not only a superb athlete, Monson is an intellectual and idealist, and these attributes coupled with his skills as a fighter, make him one dangerous and unpredictable opponent.
"March Badness" is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. live on pay per view at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America, on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Tickets, priced at $128, $103, $78, $53 & $28 go on sale Wednesday, February 11th at 10:00 a.m. and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.
It wasn’t that long ago that Roy Jones Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) was the consensus “pound-for-pound” champion and just over 20 years since the exuberant, talent-brimming Jones was denied an Olympic Gold Medal by corrupt judges. In a contradictory but unofficial admission the “Silver Medialist” Jones was named the Most Valuable Boxer at the ’88 Seoul Olympics. Jones later used that unfortunate episode as inspiration to become an eight-time world champion in four weight classes, claiming belts at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.
He blew through the 90s and well into the 21st Century in unstoppable fashion, stunning his opponents with blinding quickness and brutal power, beating the top names in the sport, including Bernard Hopkins, James “Lights Out” Toney, Mike McCallum and Virgil Hill. He made history on March 1, 2003 when he stymied then-heavyweight champion John Ruiz to become the first former middleweight champion to win the heavyweight title in more than 100 years.
Following the Ruiz triumph, Jones was to take on “Iron” Mike Tyson, but when the deal fell through he had to lose twenty-five pounds of solid muscle in six weeks to drop not one, but two weight classes to regain the light heavyweight championship from Florida rival and nemesis Antonio Tarver on November 8, 2003. It was an unprecedented feat in boxing history, going from middleweight champion to heavyweight champion then back down to win the light heavyweight championship once again. However, the sudden weight variations had taken a toll on Jones’ body and he subsequently lost consecutive bouts against Tarver (twice) and Glen Johnson.
Down, but not out, Jones came back to score wins in his next two fights, setting up a highly-anticipated duel with Puerto Rican legend Felix “Tito” Trinidad at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2008. A renewed Jones looked sharp and focused, flooring Trinidad twice, in capturing a hard fought unanimous win. In his most recent bout, on November 8, 2008 in “Battle of the Superpowers” Jones fought undefeated and the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Joe Calzaghe. Jones started out strong, knocking Calzaghe down with a left-right combination in the first round and had “Super” Joe practically out on his feet. To his credit, Calzaghe mustered the heart to get through the round, gaining strength in the next few rounds until Jones rocked him in the sixth with a deadly uppercut. The fight, however, took a significant turn in the seventh when Jones was cut for the first time in his career from a Calzaghe right hand. Jones’ corner was unable to stop the bleeding, and the steady stream of blood running over his eye was wreaking havoc on his vision and his pace had slowed considerably. Calzaghe went on to win a unanimous decision. To Roy, this was just another valley, and he will now begin another trek back to the peak and the first step takes place on March 21 against the always game, exciting brawler Omar Sheika.
Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) of Paterson, N.J. accomplished something Roy Jones Jr. did not: he beat Glen Johnson, on June 2, 2000 at the famed Blue Horizon in Philadelphia. In the fourth-round, Sheika was getting inside of Johnson’s jab and began to nail him with uppercuts. He then floored Johnson with a powerful right hand. The fight went the distance and Sheika won a majority decision.
The Johnson win catapulted Sheika to a world title fight against reigning super middleweight champion and another Jones common opponent, Joe Calzaghe on August 12, 2000. In the fifth round of that bout a nasty laceration was forming above Omar’s left eye due to an accidental clash of heads earlier in the fight. However, the referee had ruled it had come from a punch and when it was decided that Omar could not continue, the fight ended as a technical knockout loss for Sheika.
But Sheika may mostly be known for his two brawling and brutal bouts against Scott Pemberton. The first meeting took place on July 25, 2003 and was ESPN2’s Fight of the Year. Pemberton won a 12-round split decision after being knocked down by Sheika in round two and surviving a late round rally. Their January 23, 2004 rematch, again for the NABF super middleweight title, was just as action-packed and an early candidate for 2004’s Fight of the Year. Sheika knocked Pemberton down in round two and in the sixth, drove Pemberton into the ropes with an overhand right leading to a mandatory 8-count. Pemberton survived the round and in a reversal of fortune, knocked Sheika down for the first time in his career in the tenth and the fight was soon stopped. In Sheika’s last bout, on September 29, 2007, he stopped Tiwon Taylor in the fourth round in Atlantic City.
Mixed Martial Arts Fights
Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli vs. Doug “Rhino” Marshall
Bobby Lashly vs. TBD
Roy “Big Country” Nelson vs. Jeff “The Snowman” Monson
Headlining the Mixed Martial Arts portion of the card will be Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli (10-4, 9 KOs) a wrestling/karate specialist from Fort Myers, FL. Seth has had only three of his fourteen bouts go longer than one round. Most recently, on October 4, 2008, Petruzelli took a fight against Internet Legend Kimbo Slice on one hour notice in an event broadcast on national television. Petruzelli attacked Slice from the opening bell and the fight was stopped 14 seconds in, giving Kimbo his first professional loss…and a new MMA star was born.
Doug “Rhino” Marshall (9-3, 6 KOs, 3 Submissions) is a Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu specialist from Visalia, CA. Doug began his MMA career at heavyweight and won his pro debut in 32 seconds. “Rhino” was given the opportunity to fight for a title in only his third pro fight and won that in 22 seconds! Doug’s thirst for winning was motivating him to train harder and his new regimen dropped him down to light heavyweight. On August 17, 2006, Doug won the WEC light heavyweight championship and had three successful defenses.
Bobby Lashley (1-0, 1 KO) is 6’3”, 265 lbs and cut like a Greco-Roman statue. He hails from Junction City, Kansas and was a three-time NCAA wrestling champion (1996-’98) and four-time All-American while at Missouri Valley College. After college, Lashley joined the Army and was a two-time Armed Forces Champion and 2002 Silver Medalist at the Military World Championships. In 2005, he began working in professional wrestling and before long was a WWE superstar. In 2007, Lashley was the star of Wrestlemania 23, representing Donald Trump in a bet against Vince McMahon. Lashley won the match and helped Trump shave Vince McMahon's head in the ring. Lashley then began to train in MMA full time and made his debut on December 13, 2008 by stopping his opponent in 41 seconds in Miami, FL.
Roy “Big Country” Nelson (13-3, 6 KOs, 3 Submissions) is a grappler and Jui Jitsu specialist from Las Vegas, NV. Nelson played football and baseball and wrestled in high school. “Big Country” became motivated to learn martial arts after watching “The Karate Kid” and now trains with Ken Shamrock in The Lion’s Den. The 250 lb. heavy-handed Nelson is the current International Fight League (IFL) Heavyweight Champion. He’s a fan-favorite for two reasons…his body type (soft) and his skill (outstanding).
Jeff “The Snowman” Monson (27-8, 2 KOs, 17 Submissions) from Olympia, WA is 5’ 8” 240 lbs of solid muscle and was recently featured in a 3-page spread in ESPN The Magazine, as the world’s most intimidating MMA fighter. Monson got his nickname while in a 1999 grappling tournament in Brazil. He came in unknown and beat four Brazilians in a row, each tougher than the one before him, to win the tournament. They said he was like a snowball: white, compact, rolling downhill while getting bigger and stronger. In a fight, he is an avalanche headed straight for you. From 2002 to 2006, Monson won sixteen consecutive fights over the four and a half year time period. Monson, who has run into problems with the law as an open anarchist, comes into the ring using John Lennon's "Imagine" and is a card-carrying member of the Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies). Not only a superb athlete, Monson is an intellectual and idealist, and these attributes coupled with his skills as a fighter, make him one dangerous and unpredictable opponent.
"March Badness" is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. live on pay per view at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America, on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
No Holds Barred: For Scandal-Ridden Boxing, Tougher Regulation orAbolition?
No Holds Barred: For Scandal-Ridden Boxing, Tougher Regulation or Abolition? On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman comments on the implications of the latest major scandal in boxing, involving former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito and his trainer, Javier Capetillo. Both Margarito and Capetillo had their licenses revoked for at least a year on Feb. 10 by the California State Athletic Commission after the commission found that Capetillo had placed pads in Margarito's hand wraps which reportedly contained a hard, plaster-like substance,before his Jan. 24 fight with Shane Mosley. These pads were discovered by Mosley's trainer, Naazim Richardson, during a prefight inspection,and then removed. Mosley, an underdog, then went on to dominate Margarito and scored a ninth-round TKO victory. In this commentary, we discuss what are really the only two alternatives for the sport of boxing: tougher regulation by the often incompetent and ineffective bodies which are supposed to control the sport, or abolition of the sport itself. You can play or download No Holds Barred athttp://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-12T11_17_22-08_00. You can also download No Holds Barred at http://www.mediafire.com/?xdbxmoylng4. 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 of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle 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 all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more. 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. Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
www.Ropicsuk.co.uk
www.Ropicsuk.co.uk
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
O’Connor splits glove in winning performance
FRAMINGHAM, Mass.– Legends are made from incidents like 2008 U.S. Olympic first alternate Danny O’Connor experienced last weekend in Canada, when his glove split after he pounded pro-debuting Greg Jimenez’s body with monster-like hooks en route to a win by 4-round decision off-television on ESPN Friday Night Fights show, headlined by the IBF light welterweight title fight between Juan Urango and Herman Ngoudjo at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
The 23-year-old O’Connor (3-0, 1 KO) turned in the best performance of his young pro carer, but what fans there will remember is seeing Danny hit his opponent so hard that his glove literally split. “I don’t know what happened and nobody there had seen anything like it,” O’Connor explained. “I hit him with a clean body shot and the stuffing and padding started coming out. They had to stop the fight, cut-off my gloves, and put on a new pair. It had to be a 7-minute ordeal.”
“Danny had been hitting him with some really effective body shots and after one good shot in the third round,” O’Connor’s head trainer and co-manager David Keefe added, “his glove split open and the fight had to be stopped. He had the kid hurt but never put him away because of the long break.”
O’Connor won on all three judges’ scorecards – 40-36, 40-36, 40-34 – and his impressive performance locked-up his first ESPN Friday Night Fights appearance in the opening bout February 27.
“I had a great time in Canada,” Danny remarked. “It was a very well run show in a great atmosphere. Everybody was nice to me. It was my best performance as a pro. Each fight is a learning experience for me. I fought real well and was relaxed during the entire fight. I felt so good I could have easily fought six rounds.
“Fighting on ESPN means a lot to me, not just because it’s national television, but so many of my fans haven’t been able to watch me fight. Now, they won’t have to wait until they read about my fight the next day. They can watch with their own eyes. I’m very excited to showcase my tools on ESPN to a lot of people who’ve never seen me fight before.”
O’Connor, fighting out of Framingham (MA), won last year’s US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament. Danny, who signed a promotional contract with Seminole Warriors Boxing, defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, last May as an amateur in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet.
“We’re all very excited about Danny fighting on ESPN,” Keefe commented. “When (co-manager) Rob (Valle) and I wanted to go with a promoter, one of the keys was signing with a promoter who could get Danny exposure like this and had a plan that we can work with. (Seminole Warriors Boxing executive director) Leon (Margules) has that plan and getting Danny on ESPN in only his fourth pro fight is another step towards getting Danny to the top. It’s a great marketing tool for a good, young boxer. Fighting in Montreal on that card was a great experience for all of us because we were around Team Urango and saw first-hand what it’s like and takes to win a world championship.”
For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
The 23-year-old O’Connor (3-0, 1 KO) turned in the best performance of his young pro carer, but what fans there will remember is seeing Danny hit his opponent so hard that his glove literally split. “I don’t know what happened and nobody there had seen anything like it,” O’Connor explained. “I hit him with a clean body shot and the stuffing and padding started coming out. They had to stop the fight, cut-off my gloves, and put on a new pair. It had to be a 7-minute ordeal.”
“Danny had been hitting him with some really effective body shots and after one good shot in the third round,” O’Connor’s head trainer and co-manager David Keefe added, “his glove split open and the fight had to be stopped. He had the kid hurt but never put him away because of the long break.”
O’Connor won on all three judges’ scorecards – 40-36, 40-36, 40-34 – and his impressive performance locked-up his first ESPN Friday Night Fights appearance in the opening bout February 27.
“I had a great time in Canada,” Danny remarked. “It was a very well run show in a great atmosphere. Everybody was nice to me. It was my best performance as a pro. Each fight is a learning experience for me. I fought real well and was relaxed during the entire fight. I felt so good I could have easily fought six rounds.
“Fighting on ESPN means a lot to me, not just because it’s national television, but so many of my fans haven’t been able to watch me fight. Now, they won’t have to wait until they read about my fight the next day. They can watch with their own eyes. I’m very excited to showcase my tools on ESPN to a lot of people who’ve never seen me fight before.”
O’Connor, fighting out of Framingham (MA), won last year’s US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament. Danny, who signed a promotional contract with Seminole Warriors Boxing, defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, last May as an amateur in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet.
“We’re all very excited about Danny fighting on ESPN,” Keefe commented. “When (co-manager) Rob (Valle) and I wanted to go with a promoter, one of the keys was signing with a promoter who could get Danny exposure like this and had a plan that we can work with. (Seminole Warriors Boxing executive director) Leon (Margules) has that plan and getting Danny on ESPN in only his fourth pro fight is another step towards getting Danny to the top. It’s a great marketing tool for a good, young boxer. Fighting in Montreal on that card was a great experience for all of us because we were around Team Urango and saw first-hand what it’s like and takes to win a world championship.”
For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Tor Hamer update and upcoming fight
For those that haven't heard, Tor Hamer now posts a 3-0 record with 3 KOs. He won his last fight on 1/17/09 on the Andre Berto-Luis Collazo HBO undercard in Biloxi, Mississippi in a vicious 2nd round KO.
Tor's upcoming fight is on the Broadway Boxing / Metrocard Series on Wednesday February 25th. Tor is the headliner on the Metrocard Series, which highlights the biggest up and coming undercard fighters in boxing right now. He will be fighting Chris Hancock, who posts a 5-0 record with 3 KOs. This is by far Tor's most challenging and most important fight to date. You definitely do not want to miss this.
More info to come on the fight but you can always visit www.torhamer.com for anything and everything regarding Tor.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
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