Ward vs. Abraham Presser Ward’s Trainer To Abraham: “Your promoters have lost confidence in you.” Abraham To Ward’s Camp: “Talk Doesn’t Matter – I’m

The final press conference for the kickoff of the Semifinals of the Super Six World Boxing Classic turned tense on Wednesday at Arnie Morton’s The Steakhouse in Burbank, Calif., just three days before tournament favorite Andre Ward defends his WBA super middleweight title against former world champion Arthur Abraham, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

In a detailed and lengthy speech, Ward’s trainer, Virgil Hunter, told Abraham that his trainer and promoters are displaying a lack of confidence in him to win on Saturday by demanding neutral judges and officials for the Semifinal showdown. Abraham’s promoter responded that they were trying to protect their fighter and claimed that the referee in the Ward-Mikkel Kessler Group Stage 1 bout did not fairly officiate the match.

The Ward-Abraham winner advances to the tournament Final against the winner of the Carl Froch-Glen Johnson Semifinals showdown. The tournament champion earns the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup and global recognition as the world’s No. 1 168-pound fighter.

The 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, Ward (23-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., has emerged as the tournament favorite after impressive triumphs in Group Stage bouts over Kessler and Allan Green, as well as Sakio Bika.

Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs) entered the Super Six as a favorite alongside Kessler. But after emerging from Group Stage 1 as the points leader with a knockout over Jermain Taylor, he is now trying to bounce back from consecutive tournament losses to Andre Dirrell and Froch in Group Stages 2 and 3, respectively.

ANDRE WARD:

“I’m born and raised here in America and I don’t talk that much. I think everyone in this room understands that. There’s not much else to say. I’ve prepared the way I’m supposed to prepare, the way a champion is supposed to prepare.

“I respect Arthur Abraham, it’s going to be a tough fight. I want to be a great fighter, but I’m not there yet. These are the kind of fights that you have to take and you have to win to be a great fighter.

“I won’t hear the crowd, I won’t hear anybody on Saturday night. I’m locked in. I’m here to defend my belt and to keep my belt right here in America.”

“My first goal is to win and I know winning in this sport takes care of a lot of problems.

“Sugar Ray Leonard came from a totally different time. Fighting on the network that he fought on, having Howard Cosell, it was just a totally different ballgame. Oscar De La Hoya had the Hispanic community and different things like that, so you have to look at those situations because I’m in a different time. It might be a little bit harder to get the exposure and the just due.”

“At the end of the day, the way my father raised me was to put my nose down to the grindstone and keep working and allow God to open those doors in due season. So I’ve never begged for it and I’ve never demanded it. I just have to understand that I have to keep working and it will come. ”

“I appreciate everyone who attends the fights, but it comes down to going home and kissing my wife and kids, keeping my title and moving on with my career. But with that being said, I think I take the risks I’m supposed to take. I think I do what I’m supposed to, but if you get enough people saying one thing, people start to believe it. I think my fight with Kessler was a very entertaining fight but it’s not me taking punishment so people think it’s not entertaining. From a little boy, I was never taught to get the best bout trophy, I was always taught to get the best fighter of the night. That’s the way it is because whoever I am when my career is said and done, nobody’s going home with me.”

“My coach has always taught me from day one, he’s always wanted me to be a master and masters are able to fight into their late 30s and early 40s like Bernard Hopkins and Glen Johnson. I’m just going to continue to naturally evolve and I hope everyone enjoys my fights. But, ultimately, it’s about winning in this sport. “

ARTHUR ABRAHAM:

“I don’t have to speak much. We just want to perform in the ring and we don’t have to do much talking. We’re here to win in the ring.

“Of course my trainer and my promoter respect me. There’s no question of that. In Europe, we don’t talk very much. I’m here to win.

“I have a lot of respect for Andre Ward. He’s a technically sound boxer. But that talk doesn’t matter when we get in the ring on Saturday. I’m here to win and I’m here to destroy him.

“I’m very happy to be part of this tournament. This tournament started well for me and it will end well.

“I had to make some adjustments to my style for moving from middleweight to super middleweight and then we had to make some more after the losses. We have made the necessary adjustments.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Ward’s Trainer:

“I’ve been appalled as some of the things that have happened to this point. If Andre wasn’t perceived as a threat, I don’t believe we would have ever heard complaints about the referees like we have. Andre Ward still to this point has not gotten the recognition that he deserves.

“Arthur, this is to you: By complaining about the officials, your promoters are saying they have lost confidence in you. Don’t let anyone speak to you about the officials. Your promoters have lost confidence in you. It’s as simple as that.”


JAMES PRINCE, Ward’s Manager:

“We have respect for Arthur Abraham and his accomplishments in boxing, but come Saturday it’s going to get real hot in the ring. You were a great fighter at 160 pounds but I feel like your advisors have tricked you into placing you into a different weight division where you don’t belong. I want to extend my warmest hospitality and welcome you to the States, but that’s where it ends.”

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.

Photos: Tom Casino / SHOWTIME

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Andre Ward will defend his WBA Super Middleweight title against former world champion Arthur Abraham on May 14, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m.

Oakland’s Andre Ward will defend his WBA Super Middleweight title against former world champion Arthur Abraham and Cristobal Arreola looks to catapult toward another World Championship opportunity against Nagy Aguilera on May 14, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

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Bernard Hopkins quotes; "Dynasty II: Pascal vs. Hopkins", Saturday, May 21 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada and will be televised live on HBO's

Bernard Hopkins quotes

Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins impressed the sports world last December when he challenged Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal in an attempt to break George Foreman’s record as the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a significant world title. After Hopkins’ December 18, 2010 fight with Pascal ended in a controversial draw decision, Hopkins is looking to make history again in a rematch with Pascal, but this time he will be 192 days older than Foreman was when he beat Michael Moorer for the Heavyweight World Championship on November 5, 1994.

“This [surpassing of George Foreman's record] is a hell of a milestone. This is something that not any old fighter gets to do, or most athletes from any sport for that matter. I am glad to be able to represent that at this stage of my career. I have been able to reach this milestone because of things I have overcome [in my life] and I am motivated by the legacy I will leave.”

“I am already going in a champion. At the Montreal press conference, Pascal was trying to be cute and he gave me his belts. I never gave them back, so I have them in my possession. I just have to make it official next Saturday because I don’t think anyone should have a belt unless they win in the ring.

“Fifty percent of me is always going to be 100 percent [of someone else] in today’s world of athletics. When people look at me, they should think ‘He is not the norm.’

“I don’t know how accidents happen, most accidents aren’t good. This one [my longevity] is a good accident.

“The only way you can get experience is from the clock. Time works with some people and against some people. Fortunately, the clock has worked in my favor.

“The difference between me in my 20′s and me in my 40′s is that I have learned not to waste a lot of energy. When you are young, you are filled with raw emotions and you want to prove that you are the new young lion in the jungle. Pascal is a new lion, but I am the old lion.

“We have a lot of healthy things now that we didn’t have years ago. I get my food at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Joe Louis didn’t have Trader Joe’s. Ali didn’t have Whole Foods. Society is paying attention to what is healthy as compared to what we had years ago and I am taking advantage of that.

“For me, this fight is more about the history than redemption.

“I am the professor and Pascal is the student. Sometimes the student thinks he knows more than the professor. Every now and then, you have to show them that because you know a little doesn’t mean you know as much as the teacher. I think he respects what I have done. He would be a fool not to.

“Fans can expect drama this time around. I am going to throw a lot of punches. I am going to be out of character in the way I fight this fight. It won’t be the Bernard Hopkins people have seen the last couple of years.

“I am going in there with one objective…to win by any legal boxing means necessary and then get out of there with the record broken and the titles won.

“I have been training in downtown Philadelphia to remind myself that I still have to fight like a hungry man that wants something. I had to go back to where I started.

“Right now, I am the Philly franchise. The Flyers are out. The Sixers are out. The Phillies are playing, but it is early in the season. I am the franchise right now and I have delivered more than I have failed. I am going to bring the championship home.

“When I can no longer perform physically and mentally, then I will know I am ready to leave the sport. It is the same thing that happens at any job. You know when it is time to leave. I have too much pride as a man and too much pride for Philly to embarrass myself by staying in boxing too long.”


EL Boxing Empress
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MAY 7th; Tonight: Pacquiao vs. Mosley Live on PPV, WORLD WELTER WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP‏

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.
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MIKE TYSON, LAILA ALI, AND JAMIE FOXX AMONG CELEBRITIES ATTENDING PACQUIAO VS. MOSLEY

MIKE TYSON, LAILA ALI, AND JAMIE FOXX AMONG CELEBRITIES ATTENDING PACQUIAO VS. MOSLEY



EL Boxing EmpressSee you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Countdown to PacMosley; Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley, The Battle for Supremac

With the Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley fight less than a week away, it's safe to say that this could be one of the best fights of the year.

Manny Pacquiao defends his WBO Welterweight title against "Sugar" Shane Mosley Saturday, May 7th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While many see Manny Pacquiao as the heavy favorite in this fight (and rightly so), don’t count out “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

Mosley has nothing to lose at 39-years old—he's just trying to shock the world with what could be one of the most devastating upsets in boxing history.

Pacquiao is considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but this fight could be a trap. His life's been a roller coaster ride—taking Mosley lightly would be a bad mistake.

May 7 isn't just about Pacquiao vs. Mosley! Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (20-0-1, 17 KOs) vs. Jorge Arce (56-6-2, 43 KOs) should be an exciting title fight, plus the return of Kelly Pavlik (36-2, 32 KOs) & some strong fighters with just one loss among them in Alfonso Lopez (21-0, 16 KOs), Mike Alvarado (29-0, 21 KOs) & Ray Narh (25-1, 21 KOs)! Should be a great night of boxing.


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Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin used ‘Torture’ machine to prepare for Apr. 29 title fight against Jesse Brinkley

Prior to leaving for his Big Bear training camp in final preparation for his April 29th showdown against Jesse Brinkley, undefeated prospect Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin used a Vortex machine at his strength-and-conditioning coach Brad Bose’s Anatomy gym in Santa Monica in order to increase his arm strength and power punching.

The 27-year-old Quillin (23-0, 17 KOs), born in Chicago and raised in Grand Rapids (MI), moved a year ago from Brooklyn to LA, where he hooked-up with Roach and started training at his famed Wild Card Gym, in addition to signing an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions.

“Kid Chocolate” headlines an April 29 show against former world title challenger Brinkley (35-6, 22 KOs) in Reno, Nevada, airing on Telefutura in a 10-round bout for the vacant USBO super middleweight title.

The Vortex, according to Bose (www.bosemangement.com), is an intimidating machine to look at, about 6-feet wide and 4 to 5 feet deep. Bose trains a lot of celebrities at his gym, some on The Vortex, including Robert Downing, Jr. for the movie, Ironman, as well as many mixed-martial-arts fighters. Boxers from the Wild Card like Quillin have started taking advantages of this functional training machine.

“The Vortex is unique in that it helps train athletes in more of a sports specific way,” Bose explained. “A lot of training in boxing is kind of old fashioned. The machine can be weighed down with 30 pounds for boxers who throw 1600 to 1800 punches within a five to 12 minute span. It increases their punching strength and speed, as well as get them ready for the later rounds, when a boxer’s arms are fatigued and they can barely hold them up.

“’Kid’ worked on it for six weeks before going to train in high altitude, where this training will also help his body recover faster. I saw quite a difference in him from the first day when he started with 15 pounds on his arms. After six weeks he made it up to 45 pounds for each arm, throwing 200 punches without a rest. A fighter may average 600 punches thrown in a fight. Training on this machine they have 45 pounds for each arm, throwing 200 punches in two minutes, for 20 minutes without resting. Throwing punches in the ring is no big deal because their arms won’t get tired.”

“The Vortex is like a torture machine,” Quillin remarked. “Brad had me throwing 1200 punches with 30-pound weights. I noticed a big difference. I really feel stronger. I’m up at Big Bear now to get used to the altitude for the fight in Reno. Freddie’s my trainer but he’s with Manny (Pacquaio), so I’m working with his assistant, Eric Brown. I work a lot with him and Freddie still oversees everything.”

Brinkley, who is coming off a ninth-round knockout last October in an IBF super middleweight title fight against champion Lucian Bute, will be fighting Quillin at home in Reno. The 34-year-old Brinkley is, perhaps, best known as a participant in the The Contender, Season One reality television show. His most notable victories have been against Otis Griffin, Curtis Stevens, and Joey Gilbert.

“This is the biggest fight of my life,” the personable Quillin remarked. “Brinkley’s coming off his world title fight against Bute and I wanted to find-out how I’d do against Jesse Brinkley. He’s strong, tough and always comes to fight. I want to campaign as a middleweight but walk around between fights weighing like a super middleweight. I took this fight because I couldn’t say no to my first title fight.

“I’m as sharp as a razor. He’s going to have to watch-out for me punching from every angle. I can hurt him with punches to the head or body. Once he punches, I’ll counter-punch. Boxing is a lot like poker, spades or dominos – it can fall either way. I’ll be trying to knockout Jesse Brinkley, but anything can happen, so I’m training to just win and prove that I belong at the elite level.”

For more information about Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin go online to www.TheKidChocolate.com or follow him on Twitter @/Kid Chocolate.

EL Boxing Empress

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BERNARD MILLER; MY GRANDPA

Read more about the prizefighter-pugilist and professional trainer at;
http://www.myspace.com/bernardberniemiller

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The Super Six Semifinals Continue! Carl Froch vs. Glen Johnson on June 4 from Atlantic City on SHOWTIME‏

THE SEMIFINALS CONTINUE! WBC CHAMPION CARL FROCH DEFENDS AGAINST FORMER WORLD TITLIST GLEN JOHNSON LIVE on SHOWTIME® Saturday, June 4, at 9 p.m.

An opportunity to compete for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup will be on the line when Carl “The Cobra” Froch (27-1, 20 KOs) defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight title against former world champion Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs) of Miami, Fla., in the last Semifinal of the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, June 4, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Adrian Philipps Ballroom of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.

The Froch-Johnson winner will advance to the Final against the victor of the May 14 Semifinal between World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Andre Ward (23-0, 13 KOs) of Oakland, Calif., and former world champion Arthur Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs), of Berlin, Germany, by way of Armenia. Ward-Abraham will be shown live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Froch and Johnson are seeded Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering the Super Six Semifinals. Ward is seeded No. 1, Abraham No. 4.

In his last start on Nov. 27, 2010, the 33-year-old Froch, of Nottingham, England, manufactured perhaps a career-best performance, recapturing the then-vacant WBC 168-pound crown with a one-sided 12-round decision over Abraham in the final Group Stage 3 bout from Helsinki, Finland. There were no knockdowns but Froch dominated en route to tallying up the lopsided scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109.

Froch is 2-1 in the Super Six. In addition to dismantling Abraham, he won a split decision over Andre Dirrell in Group Stage 1 and lost a tight decision – along with the WBC title – to Mikkel Kessler in back-and-forth Fight of the Year candidate in Group Stage 2.

The Jamaican-born Johnson, a tournament replacement for the injured Mikkel Kessler, advanced with an eighth-round knockout over Allan Green in a Group Stage 3 fight on Nov. 6, 2010, in Las Vegas.
Johnson, 42, a former world light heavyweight champion who was making his first start at 168 pounds in 10 years, was ahead by three points on one of the scorecards and behind by one on the others when a left hook to the body followed by an overhand right to the side of head finished Green at 0:36 in the eighth.

Following Group Stage 3, Froch called Johnson an “old wise fox” and said he expected nothing less than a strong performance from a “great” fighter like Johnson.

"Glen Johnson is a blue-collar fighter who always gives his best and is a gentleman outside of the ring,” said Froch. “He commands respect and I give him respect.”

And the respect is mutual. Johnson offered, “The guy is a two-time champion. You do it once then you can say maybe it’s a little luck but to do it twice you know he deserved it. I have tremendous respect for Carl Froch.”

But the kind words will cease when the bell rings for what should be a fiercely contested 12-round affair. Johnson said of Froch, “I know he has a few weaknesses and I have every intention of exploiting those. I really feel like I’m the favorite right now. I just have to take it one fight at a time.”

Froch added, "I don't just plan on beating him, but I plan on halting him in style. Our styles gel very well for a competitive battle for as long as it lasts and I'm looking forward to it. I have a date in the final of the Super Six and I won't be overlooking Johnson in any shape or form – which will spell bad news for Glen.

"It will be another win for the Cobra, maybe by stoppage as I plan on making another big statement for the SHOWTIME fans."

Both fighters hold the tournament in high regard and covet the value of emerging victorious. Froch opined, “I could win this tournament and retire – that’s what it means. I can win this and say, ‘You know what? I’ve done it. I don’t need to fight anymore.’ I wouldn’t do that – I’ve got a couple of years left in me and there’s some big fights out there for me – but that’s how big this tournament is.”

Johnson recalled, “I know when this [tournament] was first put together I remember thinking to myself, ‘Man, I wish I was a super middleweight.’ But I’m in right now and I’m here to win the entire tournament. I believe I’m in it for a reason and that’s to win it.”

“Glen Johnson and Carl Froch are two of the most fan friendly fighters in boxing, said promoter Lou DiBella. “Both are proven winners who have earned fans the ole fashioned way, by entertaining fans fight after fight. Glen is known as ‘The Road Warrior’ because he isn’t afraid to go to someone else’s turf for a big fight, and Carl’s biggest wins have come outside the UK. Everyone knows that both men will leave it all in the ring in Atlantic City for the right to advance to the Super Six final.”

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Boxing and Carl Froch.


EL Boxing Empress

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STRIKEFORCE® ANNOUNCES HARD-HITTING CARD IN DALLAS ON JUNE 18

GRAND PRIX HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS:

ALISTAIR OVEREEM vs. FABRICIO WERDUM BRETT ROGERS vs. JOSH BARNETT
OTHER HEAVYWEIGHT ATTRACTIONS: DANIEL CORMIER vs. SHANE DEL ROSARIO
VALENTIJN OVEREEM vs. CHAD GRIGGS PLUS, THE RETURN OF SUPERSTAR GINA GARANO

STRIKEFORCE: OVEREEM vs. WERDUM
SATURDAY, JUNE 18 AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER – DALLAS, TEXAS
Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on West Coast)
TICKETS ON SALE – Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. CT

Four of the sport’s most talented heavyweights are set to collide when STRIKEFORCE® heads to American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, June 18 for the quarterfinals of its Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament. STRIKEFORCE®: OVEREEM vs. WERDUM will air LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

STRIKEFORCE heavyweight champion Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem (34-11, 1 NC) squares off against Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1) in the highly-anticipated main event, while former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett (29-5) will battle heavy-handed knockout artist Brett “The Grim” Rogers (11-2).

Two additional, non-tournament heavyweight clashes are also scheduled for the card, as former U.S. Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier (7-0) will face fellow undefeated budding star Shane Del Rosario (11-0) and Valentijn Overeem (29-25), the elder brother of Alistair, will take on streaking Chad Griggs (10-1).

Plus, women’s mixed martial arts superstar Gina Carano (7-1) returns to action with her sights set on taking the STRIKEFORCE championship.

“We are really excited to head to Dallas with two outstanding quarterfinal heavyweight Grand Prix fights,” Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said. “With Overeem vs. Werdum, Rogers vs. Barnett, as well as the return of Gina Carano, STRIKEFORCE is bringing one of its best cards ever to American Airlines Center.”

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE®: OVEREEM vs. WERDUM are priced at $350, $225, $125, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable service charges, and go on sale Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased at the American Airlines Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, by calling 800-745-3000, or by visiting Ticketmaster.com.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event on Wednesday, April 13 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to newsletter subscribers on Thursday, April 14, starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com .

The main event between 30-year-old Alistair Overeem (fighting out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and the 33-year-old Fabricio Werdum (fighting out of Porto Alegre, Brazil) pits the two superstars against one another nearly five years after Werdum submitted Overeem on a PRIDE® Fighting Championship card at Osaka Dome in Osaka, Japan on May 5, 2006.

Since their initial encounter, the 6-foot-5, 260 pound Overeem has become the first fighter in history to simultaneously hold both a major mixed martial arts (STRIKEFORCE) title and a K-1 Heavyweight Grand Prix championship. Meanwhile, Werdum has wreaked havoc on the heavyweight division, including his submission over Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko in June, which was considered 2010 Upset of the Year.

Josh Barnett (fighting out of Seattle, Wash.) is a former UFC heavyweight champion who owns victories over the likes of Randy Couture, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Pedro Rizzo and Gilbert Yvel. The 33-year-old heads to Dallas with hopes of derailing his opponent and advancing in the Grand Prix. To do so, he must defeat the heavy-handed Brett Rogers (fighting out of St. Paul, Minn). The 6-foot-5 powerhouse reeled off 10 straight wins to start his professional career and holds knockout victories over the likes of former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski and PRIDE vet James Thompson.

A former Division I All-American at Oklahoma State University Daniel Cormier (fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) is unbeaten in seven fights. Training alongside the likes of UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and welterweight stars Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, Cormier’s blend of wrestling and power could pose problems for his opponent in Texas. With an unblemished record in 11 professional bouts, Shane Del Rosario (fighting out of Irvine, Calif.) remains unfazed by the hype surrounding his opponent. Coming off an impressive submission win over Lavar Johnson in February, the 27-year-old Del Rosario has finished every fight and expects nothing less when he meets Cormier on June 18.

A seasoned veteran riding a three-fight winning streak, Valentijn Overeem (fighting out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) believes a win on June 18 could propel him into contention in the STRIKEFORCE heavyweight division. Thus, expect fireworks when he meets free-swinging Chad Griggs (fighting out of Tucson, Ariz.), who has won five straight, including a stoppage of Bobby Lashley.

This loaded event also marks the return of former STRIKEFORCE title contender Gina Carano (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.), who will take on an opponent to be announced in the weeks to come. The fierce striker, who turns 29 this Saturday, will train for this fight under the tutelage of renowned coach Greg Jackson, who has trained elite athletes such as UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. A rising star in the acting world, Carano is eager to get back to her first love and impress in her first bout since Aug. 2009.

EL Boxing Empress
See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

“Relentless” Pride of PR, MIGUEL COTTO defending his WBA super welterweight title against 2-division world champion RICARDO “El Matador” MAYORGA

“Relentless” features the Pride of Puerto Rico, MIGUEL COTTO defending his World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight title against two-division world champion RICARDO “El Matador” MAYORGA, on Saturday, March 12, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. Cotto vs. Mayorga will be produced and distributed LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.


MIGUEL COTTO: “Welcome to the first press conference where Ricardo Mayorga talks. I am a professional fighter and I know what my job is. My job is to fight in the ring and make good fights because nobody wins a fight with their mouth.


“Yesterday I was with him and he was playful and serene but today I guess he gets excited with all the lights and cameras on. When we get to the fight there will be lots of cameras on there also, but you will have to fight to back up your words.

“I didn't interrupt you so don't interrupt me – the door is over there if you want to leave. With those little pants I beat Shane Mosley. Do you remember him? Shane Mosley?

RICARDO MAYORGA:
“I made a promise to Don that I will never fail him. Don is the best promoter in the world and Bob is a close second. I will prove to everyone on March 12 that I am the man and you are the woman.

“That belt you are holding, polish it up for me because I will be taking it on March 12. I will make a promise here today that I will knock him out in four rounds.

“I have been watching all of your fights for the past two months, you are punch drunk – you can't take a punch anymore and I will retire him. You and your trainer will fail.

“Like Margarito after the Pacquiao fight, you will be thinking about retiring when I am done with you. I will make you think twice about getting in the ring again. Don't let your mom or your family suffer anymore by watching you get in the ring. I will knock him out and prove to the people in Nicaragua and here that I am better than you in that ring.

“This is the first time I will fight someone that is as small as a kid. I think my pants are taller than you.

“Christy, it is an honor to be fighting on the same card as you the way you have always stood up for women's rights. I don't even have tapes of all of my fights but I have all of yours.

“Buy the pay-per-view so you can watch the retirement party for Miguel. Your hands are like a woman's. Look at my hands – they are man's hands. You came to Nicaragua and talked smack and told everyone I was a nobody. On March 12, all the Puerto Ricans are going to be wearing black for your wake. You will pay for what you said.

EL Boxing Empress
See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

WBC super lightweight champion Devon Alexander vs WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley

WBC super lightweight champion Devon Alexander (21-0, 13 KOs), of St. Louis, and WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, collide in “The Super Fight,” This Saturday! January 29, at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich. Their world title unification will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press: "Super Fight Pits Two Undefeated Boxers at the Silverdome"
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110123/SPORTS18/101230520/1356/SPORTS/Silverdome-Super-Fight-packs-quite-a-punch&template=fullarticle

Tom Timmermann, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "The Man Behind the Champs"
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/other/article_fe5b7b1e-e819-55cf-8db4-27d08fbcbef4.html

Tom Gerbasi, BoxingScene.com: "Kevin Cunningham and the Boy Who Lived"
http://www.boxingscene.com/kevin-cunningham-boy-who-lived--35015

Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press: "Sunday Q&A with Boxing Promoter Don King"
http://www.freep.com/article/20110123/SPORTS18/101230532/1356/SPORTS/Sunday-Q+A-with-boxing-promoter-Don-King

Lem Satterfield, AOL Fan House: "Devon Alexander: Tim Bradley is a Road Block to 'Mega' Stardom"
http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/01/23/devon-alexander-tim-bradley-is-a-road-block-to-mega-stardom/

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com: "Alexander, Bradley Wind Down Training"
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=6044263

Lem Satterfield, AOL Fan House: "King Eyes Pacquiao, Mayweather if Alexander Beats Bradley"
http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/01/22/king-to-pursue-pacquiao-mayweather-if-alexander-beats-bradley/

Bob Velin, USA Today: "Promoters for Alexander-Bradley: Why Not Detroit?"
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2011-01-19-box-detroit-silverdome_N.htm

Lem Satterfield, AOL Fan House: "Tim Bradley, WBC Bury Hatchet Before Devon Alexander Fight"
http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/01/22/tim-bradley-wbc-bury-hatchet-before-devon-alexander-fight/

Rick Reeno, BoxingScene.com: "Bradley-Alexander: WBC Title at Stake for Both Sides"
http://www.boxingscene.com/bradley-alexander-wbc-title-stake-both-sides--35052

Michael Rosenthal, The Ring: "Bradley-Alexander: It's the Fight, Not the Site, Stupid"
http://www.ringtv.com/blog/2697/bradleyalexander_its_the_fight_not_the_site_stupid/

Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press: "Kronk Boxer Vernon Paris Battles -- In and Out of the Ring"
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110120/SPORTS18/101200521/Kronk-boxer-Vernon-Paris-battles----in-and-out-of-ring&template=fullarticle

Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press: "Super Fight Gets Famed Referee Frank Garza"
http://www.freep.com/article/20110123/SPORTS18/101230613/1066/SPORTS18/Super-Fight-gets-famed-referee-Frank-Garza

Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press: "Split Decision in 1986 Turned Ugly at Silverdome"
http://www.freep.com/article/20110123/SPORTS18/101230534/1066/SPORTS18/Split-decision-in-1986-turned-ugly-at-Silverdome

Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press: "Big Boxing Nights in Detroit Becoming Rare"
http://www.freep.com/article/20110116/SPORTS18/101160592/Big-boxing-nights-in-Detroit-becoming-rare

EL Boxing Empress
See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishadivineel ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

'THE SUPER FIGHT' - TRAINING CAMP NOTES

'THE SUPER FIGHT' - TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Devon Alexander ‘The Great’ & TIMOTHY BRADLEY Training Camp Notes

“We are in the heart of our training camp. I’m here in Las Vegas sleeping in Mike Tyson’s old bed in Don King’s house at night, pounding the pavement for six miles every morning and in the gym every afternoon for training and sparring.


“You can’t beat a fight town like Vegas to find good sparring partners. It is critical for my preparation. I have guys here who are not just giving me good rounds, they are giving me good looks—the kind of looks I expect to see from Tim Bradley come Jan. 29 at the Silverdome.

“A daunting challenge is when we drive up to Mt. Charleston three times a week to run on the mountain road I call The Monster. It’s one thing to run it in the summer. It’s quite another to face it in the dead of winter.

“I had a TV crew from HBO up there with me on The Monster last week, and we got snowed off the mountain! We are up so high I’m jogging by people who are skiing at the Mt. Charleston Ski Resort. Heck, it snowed two inches in Vegas the other day! So much for fun in the sun….

“My trainer, Kevin Cunningham, has been with me since I was 7. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. He is an excellent trainer. His goal is to make sure I peak on the night of the fight. We are moving towards that goal every day. I feel like that is exactly where we will be come fight night.

“I can tell you one thing for sure: Timmy Bradley is going to have to deal with what I am preparing for. This isn’t a hobby for me, it’s my job. Bradley is not going to come to Detroit at the end of this month and take what I have worked my whole life to gain.

“He will have to deal with what I am going to bring. I know he’s trying to boast himself up, trying to convince himself of all the things he’s going to do. Well, I remember something Felix Trinidad said when Fernando Vargas was doing a lot of bragging before they fought. He said there is an old Puerto Rican saying that goes like this: ‘It is one thing to call out the devil, and it is quite another to see him coming.’ You’ll see what happens to Timmy Bradley when he sees me coming.”

Timothy ‘Desert Storm’ Bradley Training Camp Notes

“I am still here training at the Boys and Girls club in Indio, California. This is where I have always trained for my fights and what works for me.

“I am ahead of schedule so the following week I will be closing my training camp with my fitness coach and will continue to work in the gym on the game plan.

“My training regimen is more so new school and I have incorporated strength training as of August.

“We are getting closer to the 29th and as that is soon approaching there is more intensity in all that I do and I also start tapering off my workouts.

“At this point in my training camp I feel like every day has a moment like in the Rocky films. When I am sparring or when I’m running and just feel like I have pushed myself to the limit and can’t go any more I start to talk to myself and become the one that tells me to push it.

“I hear a voice within me that tells me to keep going… keep on it, keep pushing. Yeah, I want this for me but also I want this for everyone… my family, the kids I coach and to those whose lives I’ve touched in any way in my work with the community.

“I always have a motto that I follow and take to heart and that is that at the end of that night (fight night) my family will be the one that eats. I know that every man is hungry out there and that is why I need to be the one starving.

“I feel that my motto will not only help me keep mental focused and determined but it also keeps me grounded. I train hard every day because I want to be remembered as one of the best fighters years from now I know this is not an easy thing to accomplish but with God's help I know that I will one day accomplish my goal. Turning in now. Lights out.”

WBC super lightweight champion Alexander (21-0, 13 KOs), of St. Louis, and WBO junior welterweight champion Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, collide in “The Super Fight,” Saturday, January 29, at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich. Their world title unification will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

Remaining tickets, priced from $25-$400, can be purchased at the Silverdome box office, by calling (248) 338-2500 or online at www.silverdometickets.com. Alexander vs. Bradley is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Don King Productions, and Thompson Boxing Promotions.

HBO videos on Alexander and Bradley:

HBO Boxing: Ring Life - Devon Alexander

Ring Life takes an intimate look inside the life of Devon Alexander. Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO
http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/u/1/CCL0CWerL0Q

HBO Boxing: Ring Life - Timothy Bradley
What inspires Timothy Bradley in and out of the ring? Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO
http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/u/0/YC55PfMm5Es

HBO Boxing: Alexander vs. Bradley Look Ahead
HBO Boxing commentators Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and Roy Jones preview the upcoming World Championship Boxing telecast. Devon Alexander vs. Timothy Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29 at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT on HBO
http://www.hbo.com/#/boxing/fights/2011/01-29-devon-alexander-vs-timothy-bradley/video/look-ahead.html/

HBO Boxing: Alexander and Bradley Greatest Hits

Take a look at the best moments in the young careers of Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley. Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO

http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/a/u/2/C6eXvVN9iOA

HBO “Buzz” piece from the initial New York City press conference

Go with The Buzz as it announces the January 29 fight between Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley. Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO
http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/search/0/z-cPnHyM66g


EL Boxing Empress
See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishadivineel ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Devon Alexander ‘The Great’ Dedicates His Performance Against Timothy ‘Desert Storm’ Bradley on Jan. 29 In Memory of Don Kings Wife Mrs Henrietta King

Devon Alexander(R) ‘The Great’ Dedicates His Performance Against Timothy ‘Desert Storm’ Bradley on Jan. 29 In Memory of Don King’s Wife, Mrs. Henrietta King.

Undefeated World Boxing Council super lightweight champion Devon Alexander ‘The Great’ will dedicate his performance on Jan. 29 to his promoter’s wife of 50 years, Mrs. Henrietta King, who died earlier this month after a lengthy illness at age 87.

Alexander (21-0, 13 KOs), from St. Louis, will face undefeated World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs), from North Palm Springs, Calif., at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., on Jan. 29 in a long-awaited world championship unification match at the 140-pound weight limit.

“Don King has promoted me since the beginning of my professional career in 2004,” Alexander said from his Las Vegas training camp. “Mrs. King was with Don for over 50 years. Don has always been there for me, and I want to dedicate my performance on Jan. 29 to Mrs. King for always being there for Don.”

Alexander added, “Mrs. King was a great lady and I was honored to have met her. I will honor her with the best performance of my life at the Silverdome in Pontiac."

EL Boxing Empress

See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishadivineel ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey-Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Holyfield-Williams

Evander Holyfield(43-10-2, 21 KOs) will defend his World Boxing Federation heavyweight title against battled-tested veteran Sherman ”The Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs) in a 12-round championship fight as Holyfield continues his journey to become the first heavyweight champion to regain the coveted world title four different times. “Redemption” will also be streamed live on www.NESportsTV.com outside of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Argentina and Brazil for $9.99 USD (International conversion rates apply) Saturday, January 22, 2011 – 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT

Former world heavyweight title challenger Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson has replaced an ill Travis Kauffman against dangerous Julius “Towering Inferno” Long (15-14, 13 KOs) in an 8-round bout on Saturday night’s “Redemption In America: The Journey Begins Now” Pay-Per-View event, headlined by living legend, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) defending his World Boxing Federation heavyweight title against challenger Sherman “Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs), live from America’s resort -- The Greenbrier’s Colonial Hall -- in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

“Redemption,” presented by ARK Promotions in association with The Greenbrier, is being distributed in North American by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Johnson (23-1-1, 10 KOs), fighting out of Atlanta, has only suffered one career loss, by a 12-round decision 13 months ago to WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Kilitschko in Switzerland. A tough competitor who has never been stopped, Johnson’s most notable victories have been against previously undefeated (17-0) Devin Vargas (WTKO6), former world champion Bruce Seldon (TKO5) and Brazilian Olympian Daniel Bispo (WDEC10).

“Redemption” will fuse world class boxing and entertainment; showcasing a production that includes high-energy music presented by Broadway performers, along with dancers and aerial artists. World-renowned saxophone player Clarence Clemons will also headline a live band between rounds and throughout the night.

Joining the Holyfield-Williams main event and Johnson-Long on PPV is former world heavyweight title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett (34-9, 20 KOs) versus Charles Davis (19-21-2, 4 KOs) in a 10-rounder, while Lithuania-native Donatas Boundoravas (10-1-1, 3 KOs) and undefeated Detroit middleweight Willie Fortune (9-0, 5 KOs) open the PPV show with a scheduled 6-round match.

Fighting on the non-PPV segment of “Redemption” is NABA Heavyweight Champion Cedric “The Bos” Boswell (32-1, 25 KOs), rated No. 19 by the WBC, defending his title against Dominique “Diamond” Alexander (19-9, 9 KOs) a 10-rounder. Also on the undercard are a pair of 8-round bouts featuring unbeaten Detroit middleweight Domonique Dolton (9-0, 7 KOs) against Venezuelan veteran Marcos “The Terminator” Primera (20-22-2, 13 KOs), and 2008 US National AAU lightweight champion, Cleveland junior welterweight Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (12-2, 11 KOs), meets 31-fight veteran Ramon “Che” Guevara.

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Jean Pascal & Bernard Hopkins Final Weigh In Video, World Title Bout Tonight On SHOWTIME DECEMBER 18th at 10PM‏

Jean Pascal & Bernard Hopkins Final Weigh In Video, World Title Bout Tonight On SHOWTIME DECEMBER 18th‏ http://youtu.be/jzWOYzPcR80

"Dynasty: Pascal vs. Hopkins" is promoted by Group Yvon Michel Inc. and Golden Boy Promotions and presented by the Casino de Montreal and The City of Québec Tourism, Coors Light and Videotron. The 12-round world championship fight will take place December 18 at the Pepsi Coliseum in Québec City, Canada and will be televised live on SHOWTIME® in the United States and distributed on pay-per-view in Canada on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Viewer's Choice in French and English.

For information on "Dynasty: Pascal vs. Hopkins" go to www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://Sports.Sho.com, www.jeanpascalboxing.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/goldenboyboxing, www.twitter.com/jeanpascalchamp, www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/SHOSports or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/goldenboyboxing or www.facebook.com/pages/Showtime-Boxing.


EL Boxing Empress
See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

BERNARD HOPKINS READY TO MAKE HISTORY IN FIGHT AGAINST WBC, RING MAGAZINE AND IBO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JEAN PASCAL ON DECEMBER 18

When Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins faces WBC, Ring Magazine and IBO Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal on December 18 at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada live on SHOWTIME® in the U.S. and on pay-per-view in Canada, he will be 28 days shy of his forty-sixth birthday. If Hopkins defeats Pascal, he will become the oldest fighter in the history of the sport to win a significant world title, 38 days older than "Big" George Foreman was when he defeated Michael Moorer for the Heavyweight World title on November 5, 1994.

"The difference between me and Foreman is that most people didn't think Foreman could do it. He was the underdog of all underdogs when he faced Moorer," Hopkins said. "Not only do people think I can win, they think I can win big, and I plan on proving them right."

Despite his age, Hopkins has shown no signs of slowing down. He has won five of his last six fights and is no stranger to facing younger opponents with five of his in-ring rivals having been over a decade younger than him during his 22-year career. The most notable of these was Kelly Pavlik, whom Hopkins defeated on October 18, 2008. At the time of the Pavlik vs. Hopkins fight, the 17-year age gap between the two foes was the largest of Hopkins' career, until now.

Because Pascal is six months younger than Pavlik, there is a nearly 18 year age disparity between Hopkins and the Light Heavyweight World Champion Pascal, which is serving as a motivating factor in this fight for "The Executioner."

"Youth doesn't bother me," said Hopkins. "I have faced youth. Pascal hasn't faced someone like me. He hasn't faced a legend. He is hosting me in his country, on his turf, defending his title. He has a lot to be nervous about on top of the fact that when he looks in the opposite corner on fight night, he is going to see greatness. I can only add to my legacy. I can only continue to make history and back-up what I have already accomplished."
EL Boxing Empress
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EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

PASCAL VS. HOPKINS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES; SCUFFLE AT QUEBEC CITY HALL

Pascal-Hopkins press conference from Quebec City Hall included some surprises. Aside from Santa showing up, the usually verbose Bernard Hopkins limited his press conference statements to three words, Jean Pascal refused to translate his remarks into English because “in this town, we speak French,” and an intense scuffle broke out when Hopkins refused to hand over Pascal’s WBC Light Heavyweight belt to the champ.

Quotes:

JEAN PASCAL, WBC, Ring Magazine and IBO Light Heavyweight World Champion

“Bernard Hopkins says that the smartest guy will win. He says he is the intelligent man and I am the idiot. After the fight, everyone will know who the dummy really is.

“This is going to be an early Christmas present for all of Canada, but you are just going to have to pay for the present on pay-per-view.

“When I go to the states, you guys speak in English. There is no translation. Now you are in my country, you are not home. This is my territory, so in this town, we speak French.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Former Two-Division World Champion

“Enjoy the fight.”

EL Boxing Empress
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EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

PASCAL VS. HOPKINS UNDERCARD TO HEAT UP QUEBEC CITY THIS SATURDAY NIGHT‏

QUEBEC CITY EXPECTED TO HEAT UP WITH EXCITING NIGHT OF FIGHTS FEATURING MALIGNAGGI VS.LOZADO, BIZIER VS. WARRIOR, COTE VS. SORIANO, MARTEL-BAHOELI VS. RIVERA, JACOBS VS. ORTA AND FURY VS. BROWN ON DECEMBER 18

Zewski, Quillin, Desjardins and Alicea Round Out Night of Boxing In Front of Sold Out Crowd at the Pepsi Coliesum

Quebec City, Canada- Before future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins he faces WBC, Ring Magazine and IBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal on December 18 live on SHOWTIME® in the U.S. and pay-per-view in Canada, a squad of undefeated locals featuring Kevin Bizier, Michael Zewski, Pier-Olivier Cote and Eric Martel-Bahoeli, will join standout fighters including former Junior Welterweight World Champion Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi, highly-regarded contender Daniel "The Golden Child" Jacobs and unbeaten New Yorker Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin as they face off in respective bouts in front of an expected sold out arena of more than 16,000 fans at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, bringing some heat to the Great White North. If that wasn't enough, there's more with British heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury also appearing.

One of boxing's most charismatic figures, Paulie Malignaggi (27-4, 5 KO's) has thrilled fight fans with his fast hands and brash antics for nearly a decade. Now making his ring debut as a Golden Boy Promotions fighter, he's looking for another world championship belt. A former Junior Welterweight World Champion, Malignaggi has gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (twice), Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Amir "King" Khan, Lovemore "Black Panther" N'dou and Miguel Cotto, but the 30-year-old from Brooklyn believes the best is yet to come.

In the opposite corner from Malignaggi will be 27-year-old Michael Lozada (36-6-1, 29 KO's), a power- punching resident of Mexico City who has won seven of his last eight bouts, with each win coming by way of knockout and his lone loss coming at the hands of rising star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Malignaggi and Lozada will battle in a ten-round welterweight fight which will be featured on the Canadian pay-per-view broadcast.

26-year-old Saint-Emile native Kevin Bizier (12-0, 8 KO's) has been moving full steam ahead since turning professional in 2008, and after back-to-back knockouts of Johnny Navarrete and Leonardo Rojas he's ready to showcase his talents to fans both at the Pepsi Coliseum and across Canada on the pay-per-view broadcast this Saturday night. Bizier will go for his third KO in a row when he steps into the ring to face Oklahoma City's Ronnie Warrior (13-3-1, 4 KO's) in an eight round welterweight contest.

Top middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs (20-1, 17 KO's) showed a warrior's heart when he faced Dmitry Pirog in a WBO World Title bout in July shortly after the passing of his beloved grandmother. Although he suffered his first professional defeat that night, the gifted Brooklynite has picked himself up, dusted himself off and looks to close out 2010 in style when he takes on Dallas' Jesse Orta (7-13-2, 4 KO's) in an eight-round super middleweight bout.

One of Canada's top heavyweight prospects, Eric Martel-Bahoeli (5-0, 3 KO's) is looking toward a big 2011, but first, he must close out his 2010 campaign with a four round clash against Bayamon, Puerto Rico's Ruben Rivera (3-4, 1 KO's).

Manchester, England's Tyson Fury (12-0, 9 KO's) is a certified star in his home country, and in only his second fight off of British shores, he's looking to make an impression when he squares off against Galen Brown (33-15, 20 KO's) of St. Josephs, Missouri in the evening's opening pay-per-view fight. An exciting two-fisted banger, Fury won the BBBofC English heavyweight title in 2010 with a ninth round stoppage of John McDermott and he'll be looking for his fourth win of the year this weekend.

No stranger to fighting on big undercards, Quebec City's Pier-Olivier Cote (13-0, 8 KO's) will return to the Pepsi Coliseum for the third time as a professional to face Mexico City's Cesar Soriano (21-25, 13 KO's) in a six-round lightweight contest. One of Canada's top prospects, the 26-year-old is coming off a sixth round knockout of Walter Sergio Gomez in October, his fourth victory of 2010.

A proud native of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, 21-year-old Mikael Zewski first came to the attention of the boxing world during a stellar amateur career that saw him compile a 138-29 record that included four Canadian National Championships. Now 5-0 as a professional with three knockouts and a recent decision win over Ardrick Butler in November, Zewski is ready for his four-round junior middleweight bout against a yet-to-be-named opponent in front of his fans in Quebec.

Unbeaten in 21 professional fights, Brooklyn's Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (21-0, 15 KO's) pays tribute to his Cuban heritage and legendary namesake each time he steps into the ring by delivering an all out effort in search of victory. A versatile pugilist, Quillin returned from a nearly two year layoff due to injury with a near shutout decision win over Fernando Zuniga in February. He will take on Quebec's Martin Desjardins (7-18-4, 3 KO's) in a ten round super middleweight fight.

Owner of multiple National Championships during a stellar 143-16 amateur career that also saw him ranked number one in the United States as a Junior Olympian in 2007, Cleveland's junior middleweight Eduardo Alicea will travel to Canada to make his long-awaited professional debut on December 18 in a four round contest against an opponent to be determined.

EL Boxing Empress
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