Calling all champs Lundy predicts win over Diaz on ESPN; aims for title shot in 2011

Lundy returns to ESPN Aug. 19th‏

He’s won 10 of his last 11 fights since 2008, captured two lightweight titles, fought in front of a worldwide audience four times in 16 months and is now ranked among the Top 20 in two major sanctioning bodies, yet Philadelphia’s “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy still hasn’t gotten the call to fight for a world title.

“I’m knocking at the door,” said Lundy, who’s promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports. “I’ll fight anybody they put in front of me. What more do I have to do to show these guys I’m one of the top fighters in the world?”

The answer might come Friday, Aug. 19th, 2011 when Lundy defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight title against former world champion David Diaz in the 10-round co-feature of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” telecast at The Venue At Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., presented by Hitz Entertainment in association with Banner Promotions.

This will be Lundy’s first title defense since capturing the belt in a win over Patrick Lopez on April 1st and his fifth consecutive bout on “Friday Night Fights” since April of 2010. A win over Diaz (36-3-1, 17 KOs), whose resume includes victories against former five-time world champion Erik Morales and former World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion Ener Julio in addition to a grueling battle against pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, would boost Lundy (20-1-1, 10 KOs) in the lightweight rankings and possibly lead to a major title shot by the end of the year.

“[World Boxing Association and WBO interim lightweight champion] Robert Guerrero, [WBA and WBO lightweight super champion] Juan Manuel Marquez – I can beat those guys,” Lundy said. “If they will give me a shot and let me prove my talent, I guarantee I will wipe them out with no problem.”

Until then, Lundy must deal with Diaz, who’s in the midst of his second comeback following a 10-month layoff. Diaz returned to the ring in January with a majority-decision win over Robert Frankel. The 35-year-old Chicago native originally left boxing for more than a year following his knockout loss to Pacquiao in 2008, which, at the time, earned Pacquiao his fifth world title in five different weight classes (he’s since accomplished the feat in eight separate weight classes).

Lundy is seeking his third consecutive win since losing his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title to John Molina Jr. in July of 2009. He rebounded from that loss with a win over Omri Lowther two months later on ESPN and then captured the vacant NABF title with a hard-fought win over Lopez, a two-time Olympian (2000 and 2004) for the Venezuelan national team.



“I feel like Patrick Lopez was the toughest fight I ever had and I handled him well,” said Lundy, who won the fight by scores of 99-91, 97-92 and 95-94. “I’m not sleeping on Diaz, but he’s 35 years old, has no knockout punch and no defense.

“When he fought Pacquiao, he got hit with everything except the kitchen sink. He comes right at you, but it’s not like I’m going to go in there and brawl with him. I’m a smart, intelligent fighter with youth on my side. I’m going to break him down. He’s a southpaw, and I plan on fighting southpaw because the one thing I’ve noticed about southpaws is they don’t like to deal with other southpaws.”

Lundy is ranked 15th in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), 29th in the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and 16th in the World Boxing Council (WBC), while Diaz is 21st in the WBC, 7th in the WBO and 4th in the IBO. Diaz held the WBC lightweight title from 2006 to 2008 before losing to Pacquiao and then failed in his attempt to recapture the belt in a unanimous-decision loss to Humberto Soto (56-7-2, 32 KOs) in March of 2010 – just six months after he beat former world champion Jesus Chavez in Chicago.

“My southpaw side is my natural side, and when I hit him he’s going to feel it,” Lundy said. “I’m going to stick to the game plan and do what I need to do. I know Diaz will try to wear me down. That’s what these fighters do today. They let you take the early rounds and try to wear you down, but everyone who’s faced me knows I’m in great shape, so I won’t be worn down.

“Everyone I’ve fought, I’ve exposed. Even in the loss to Molina, I beat myself. That’s why he’s running from me. Molina is scared of me. If you look at the scorecards, I was beating him every round, and what people don’t know is I was sick as a dog and I still fought anyway. That’s the heart of a champion. That fight made me even more dangerous. These other champions know it and that’s why they won’t step in the ring with me.”

Lundy’s title defense against Diaz is part of a dynamic card featuring the 12-round main event rematch between light welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov (19-1, 13 KOs) and Mauricio Herrera (18-7, 7 KOs) of Lake Elsinore, Calif., who also fought in the main event of ESPN’s first telecast of the season with Herrera pulling off the upset.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Victor Lupo stalks Phil Lo Greco for Canadian Bragging Rights & more

Victor Lupo from his last fight punching former world champion Junior Witter. Photo Credit: Durell Wambolt/The Boxing Examiner

For the past year, rugged Romanian welterweight Victor Lupo has unsuccessfully stalked undefeated World Boxing Council (“WBC”) International Welterweight Champion Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco. His persistence will soon pay-off, though, as the WBC recently ordered promoters Hennessy Sports (Lupo) and OPI 2000 (Lo Greco) to negotiate an agreement or Lo Greco-Lupo will go to purse bid next month.

Lupo’simpressive victory 10-round decision for the vacant WBC International Silver title this past February, against former world champion Junior Witter (37-3-2), set the stage for a showdown between Lupo (19-1-2, 9 KOs) and Lo Greco (22-0,12 KOs).

It’s a natural fight because Lupo lives in Toronto and Lo Greco was born there. Much more than Toronto bragging rights will be on the line, however, including a potential world title shot for the winner. Lo Greco is rated No. 13 by the WBC, while Lupo’s ranked No. 22.

Lupo believes Lo Greco has been avoiding him. “The Italian Sensation” obviously hasn’t lived-up to his nickname, fighting only a pair of six-round bouts in Italy, since he captured the WBC International crown June 18, 2010 via a ninth-round knockout of Slawomir Ziemiewicz.

“This will be a crossroads fight for both guys with the winner positioned for a world title fight next year,” promoter Adam Harris (Hennessy Sports) commented. “Victor is convinced that Lo Greco is scared of him, which explains why making it happen has been so difficult. A fight like this will certainly draw the attention of the Canadian media, especially where both fighters are from Toronto. OPI 2000 (Italian promoters Salvatore and Christian Cherchi) hasn’t responded to our proposals but, if the fight goes to purse bid, we are committed to making a good offer to promote the show.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Pound-for-Pound Boxing Queen Holly Holm Preparing to establish ‘World Dominance’ Dec. 2 showdown vs. Anne Sophie Mathis

Pound-for-Pound Boxing Queen Holly Holm Preparing to establish ‘World Dominance’ Dec. 2 showdown vs. Anne Sophie Mathis at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque

Boxing’s Pound-for-Pound Queen, Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm, has thoroughly exhausted the list of leading North American challengers, so her promoter, Lenny Fresquez (Fresquez Productions) looked across the Atlantic Ocean to challenge Europe’s premier boxer, French superstarAnne Sophie Mathis. Holm-Mathis will headline the “World Dominance” card on December 2 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.

“My fight with Ann Sophie is going to be very tough,” Holly remarked. “She’s a tall fighter who uses her range. A fight like this definitely helps women’s boxing. I don’t want to be a paper champ and boxing fans don’t want to see one. On December 2nd they’ll see the top two rated women boxers in the world. My pride will be on the line because I’ve always believed you need to beat the best in order to be the best. I’ve never wanted easy fights. Winning a challenge like this makes it an even sweeter victory.”

Holm (30-1-3, 9 KOs) will be gunning to regain her IBA Welterweight title and WBAN Championship Belt in the 10-round main event against Mathis (23-1, 20 KOs), the WBO European Welterweight Champion. “World Dominance,” presented by Fresquez Productions, is a modern day match-up of contrasting female prizefighters, showcasing a consummate boxer (southpaw Holm) versus a knockout specialist (Mathis).

A multiple world champion in three different divisions (light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight), Holly has defeated virtually all of the significant names of the past decade in women’s boxing from the 140 through 154-pound classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice). Holm is riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak, dating back to her only pro loss in 2004, when a serious cut under her eye prevented her from continuing to fight.

The 29-year-old Holm sports an amazing 20-0-1 (6 KOs) record in world title fights, in addition to a 14-0-1 mark versus world champions.

“There will always be somebody out there good to fight, maybe an up-and-comer or somebody overlooked” Holm said, “but I believe I’ve fought the best here but two European fighters (Mathis and Cecilia Braekhus) are good options for me. I haven’t fought either one, yet, and they’re both very good.

“Women are constantly trying to prove themselves to boxing fans. We put our heart into fighting each time we step in the ring. The top women fights are better than a lot of men’s fight on TV.”

Mathis, who will be fighting outside of Europe for the first time, is currently on a 22-fight, 16-year win skein, since she suffered her only pro loss in her second fight. She’s a two-time world light welterweight champion and Dec. 2 will mark the fifth anniversary of her first world title victory, in which she stopped previously unbeaten Myriam Lamare (13-0) for the WBA crown and vacant EBU championship. Ann Sophie’s victims also include world champions Couch, Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro.

Holm is expected to fight WBC/WBA/WBO welterweight champion Cecilia ‘First Lady”Braekhus (18-0, 4 KOs) next year.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Agbeko vs. Mares: The Bantamweight Tournament Final & Final & Undercard- SHOWTIME Boxing Saturday, Aug. 13 at 10pm

As the countdown begins for The Bantamweight Tournament Final, meet the two boxers who fought their way to the top of the class: Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares. Saturday August 13th at 10pm ET/PT The highly anticipated 12-round world title matchup between New York-based Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, and Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs) of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was originally scheduled for April 23, but was postponed when Agbeko was injured moments after arrival at Los Angeles International Airport during fight week.

Agbeko vs. Mares: The Bantamweight Tournament Final Video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GONVP2jZww

Tournament Final & Undercard

Undefeated lightweight rising star Luis Ramos Jr., (19-0, 8 KO’s), of Santa Ana, Calif., and

“Dangerous” David Rodela (15-4-4, 6 KO’s), of Oxnard, Calif., also participated in Thursday’s workout in preparation for their 10-round lightweight bout on the Aug. 13 non-televised undercard. Undefeated and heralded prospect Carlos Molina (14-0, 7 KO’s) of Norwalk, Calif., participated in the workout and will face an opponent to be named in an eight round junior welterweight bout.
The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All will take place on Saturday, August 13, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The event is promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.



♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Ten Boxers Claim U.S. Olympic Team Trials Titles in Mobile

A full week of boxing culminated in final round competition on Friday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing in Mobile, Ala. The champions bracket winners faced off with the challengers bracket victors in 10 bouts of action. The challengers bracket winners were looking to stay alive in the tournament with a victory while the winners bracket athletes hoped to seal their Olympic Trials titles on Friday night.

Eros Correa (San Jose, Calif.) won the first title of the night in his bout with challengers bracket winner Santos Vasquez (Sparks, Nev.). The bout was closely contested throughout with Correa holding a slim 14-12 edge with one round of boxing remaining. He doubled his lead over the final three minutes to win a 22-18 decision and the light flyweight title.

Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) became the first boxer to win three straight U.S. Olympic Team Trials titles on Friday night. Warren defeated a game Shawn Simpson (Chicago, Ill.) by a 31-18 margin in their second match-up of the week. Warren led by only two points after the first round but began to build on his lead as both boxers looked for openings in their opponent’s defense. Warren led 14-9 after the second, but both boxers’ hands really began to fly in the final stanza. Despite Simpson’s best efforts, he couldn’t impact Warren’s date with history and the two-time Olympian moved one step closer to becoming the first U.S. boxer ever to compete in three Olympic Games.

The champions bracket winning streak continued in the bantamweight division as Joseph Diaz, Jr. (El Monte, Calif.) punched his ticket for Azerbaijan with a close 17-14 victory over O’Shanique Foster (Orange, Texas). The two were tied at nine with one round remaining and Diaz outscored Foster by a three-point margin in the last round to win the final decision and the bantamweight crown.

Jose Ramirez (Avenal, Calif.) joined the first three winners bracket champions in earning a victory on Friday night. Ramirez defeated 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) in their lightweight showdown to advance to take the gold medal. He led by a small one-point margin after the opening stanza and pushed his lead to six after two. Ramirez held on over the final three minutes to take a 21-16 victory and the lightweight title.

In the light welterweight division, one of the biggest surprises of the tournament claimed an Olympic Trials title. The United States Marine Corps’ Jamel Herring (Coram, N.Y.) won the gold medal with a 15-10 decision over Pedro Sosa (Bronx, N.Y.). After a close first round, Herring moved out to an 11-7 lead after two rounds. Sosa couldn’t overcome his deficit and Herring won a 17-14 final to claim the light welterweight title.

Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas) won the sixth title of the night in his bout with Amir Imam (Albany, N.Y.). Spence grabbed a three-point advantage after one and extended it to a 17-12 lead with one round of boxing remaining. He held on to his five-point edge over the final three minutes to win a 24-19 decision and win the welterweight gold medal.

Middleweight Jesse Hart (Philadelphia, Pa.) won the most convincing bout of the evening action in his rematch of the 2010 National Championships finals with Luis Arias (Milwaukee, Wis.). Hart came flying out of the gate before Arias could find his rhythm and took a 16-3 lead after two rounds. He didn’t leave any room for doubt, extending his lead over the final three minutes to win a 21-6 decision and the middleweight title.

The champions bracket continued to roll in the light heavyweight division with Marcus Browne (Staten Island, N.Y.) winning his showdown with Siju Shabazz (Las Cruces, N.M.). The trend of close first rounds returned in the light heavyweight class. Browne took a small one point advantage after the opening round and fully grabbed the momentum in the second, enjoying a 12-7 lead with one round remaining. Shabazz made it interesting in the third, pulling to within two but he couldn’t take the lead and Browne won a 14-12 final decision.

Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) won his second straight U.S. Olympic Team Trials championship in convincing fashion in his bout with Joseph Williams (Bronx, N.Y.). Hunter wasted no time getting on the score board, scoring 13 points in the first round to take a commanding 13-3 lead. He held a 21-10 advantage after the second round and went on to win a 28-17 final decision to claim his second straight Olympic Team Trials.

Lenroy Thompson (Lenexa, Kansas) made the night a clean sweep for the champions bracket with a victory over Laron Mitchell (San Francisco, Calif.). Mitchell kept the bout interesting, applying pressure to the moving Thompson. Thompson held a 15-6 lead after the second round and pushed it to a 21-9 final decision to win the super heavyweight championship.

All of tonight’s winners must qualify internationally through the 2011 AIBA World Championships, September 22-October 10 in Baku, Azerbaijan in order to compete in London. The light flyweight through light heavyweight division boxers will need to finish in the top ten while the heavyweight and super heavyweight athletes will have to finish in the top six to officially punch their tickets for London. As all of the champions bracket winners won tonight’s bout, there won’t be any bouts on Saturday.

USA Boxing President Harold Adonis announced Joe Zanders as the Olympic Team Head Coach earlier this week and Zanders enjoyed the chance to meet his team first hand in Mobile.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

U.S. Olympic Team Trials Final Round Results

U.S. Olympic Team Trials Final Round Results
108 lbs: Erros Correa, San Jose, Calif., dec. Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev., 22-18

114 lbs: Rau'shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio, dec. Shawn Simpson, Chicago Ill., 31-18

123 lbs: Joseph Diaz Jr., El Monte, Calif., dec. O'Shanique Foster, Orange, Texas, 17-14

132 lbs: Jose Ramirez, AvenaI, Calif.., dec. Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio, 21-16

141 lbs: Jamel Herring, Coram, N.Y., dec. Pedro Sosa, Bronx, N.Y., 15-10

152 lbs: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas dec. Amir Imam, Albany, N.Y., 24-19

165 lbs: Jesse Hart, Philadelphia, Pa., dec. Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis., 21-6

178 lbs: Marcus Browne, Staten Island, N.Y., dec. Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., 14-12

201 lbs: Michael Hunter, Las Vegas, Nev., dec. Joseph Williams, Queens, N.Y., 28-17

201+ lbs: Lenroy Thompson, Lenexa, Kansas, dec. Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., 21-9

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva is featured in Sister 2 Sister Magazine (August Issue)

Get your copy of Sister 2 Sister Magazine (August Issue) today. Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva is featured on pages 56 & 57 with full story in the, "Who Do She Think She Is?" section. I feel very honored to be recognized in such an established and wonderful magazine, that mostly cover Afro American celebrities. Special thanks to Craig Spruill who reached out to me and conducted the interview (in which he did not get credit for), he believed and recognized my talent and what I had to offer to the sport of Woman's Boxing. He is wonderful.

Just as I share my success with my friends, family, and fans, I would like to share the stumbles I come across also in my career too. I did not win my fight this past Saturday for the NY State Championship. I lost to a very close split decision to a re-match against Melissa McMorrow (defending champion). We are now 1-1 with one another and the final re-match is in negotiation now. Thanks to everyone who has been very supportive of my career. I wanted to share this quote with everyone. "It's not how many times I fall down in life that define me, it's how many times I get up that do”.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

"PUNCHIN AT THE PARADISE" RETURNS FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH FEATURING MICHAEL PEREZ LIVE ON TELEFUTURA'S "SÓLO BOXEO TECATE"

"PUNCHIN AT THE PARADISE" RETURNS FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH FEATURING MICHAEL PEREZ LIVE ON TELEFUTURA'S "SÓLO BOXEO TECATE" THE BRONX'S FAST RISING UNDEFEATED PROSPECT EDDIE GOMEZ TO SEE ACTION IN TELEVISED CO-FEATURED BOUT

On Friday August 19, Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will team up to present the latest installment of the "Punchin at the Paradise" fight series. The card, which will feature a number of both Golden Boy and Star Boxing prospects, will be broadcast live on TeleFutura's "Sólo Boxeo Tecate." Headlining the event will be Newark's fast-rising Puerto Rican prospect Michael "The Artist" Perez (13-0, 7KO's) squaring off against an opponent to be determined in a ten round lightweight match-up.

Michael Perez photo by; Keisha Morrisey

Also featured will be undefeated Bronx prospect Eddie Gomez (5-0, 4 KO's) who will see action in a six round bout against an opponent to be determined in the co-main event on "Sólo Boxeo Tecate."

"We are excited to return to the Bronx to co-promote the August 19 'Sólo Boxeo Tecate' show with Star Boxing for the great boxing fans of New York," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "In the main event, we have a very talented, young, undefeated fighter in Michael Perez, who always attracts his loyal New York-area fan base to see his thrilling all-action boxing style. We are also proud to bring Bronx prospect Eddie Gomez home to fight in front of his hometown fans for the first time in his professional career."

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Massachusetts native Chris Traetti to square off with unbeaten Edwin Rodriguez the main event of Broadway Boxing on August 20

Massachusetts native Chris Traetti to square off with unbeaten Edwin Rodriguez the main event of Broadway Boxing on August 20 from Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Mass.

It will be a battle for home state supremacy on August 20 when Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez puts his unbeaten record on the line in the main event of Broadway Boxing from Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. Rodriguez (18-0, 13 KOs), a Worcester native, will battle another local favorite, Chris Traetti (10-2, 6 KOs), who hails from just down the road in Quincy.

Traetti certainly won’t be scared by anything the unbeaten Rodriguez throws his way when they square off in the ring. Traetti is an active member of the US Air Force Reserves, who was stationed in Iraq from December, 2004 through May, 2005. Even now, Traetti spends his weekdays stationed at an Air Force base in Chicopee, Mass. before hitting the gym at night to prepare for Rodriguez.

“When I was deployed, there were days when I didn’t want to be there. I was in the worst place in the world, working 12 to 14 hour days, sleeping in a tent, and I had no home to go to,” said Traetti. “It puts things in perspective. Some days I don’t want to go to the gym, but then I think to myself ‘if that is the worst thing I have to do today, I am pretty lucky.’”

Since last June, when Rodriguez last stepped into the ring in his hometown, he has hit the road to score the two biggest wins of his career, a ninth round stoppage of James McGirt, Jr. to capture the WBC USNBC super middleweight title last November and a ten round decision over top-10 ranked super middleweight Aaron Pryor, Jr. in January. Traetti believes that those wins add weight on Rodriguez’s shoulders to perform that may pave the way to an upset.

“There is definitely going to be a big crew coming from Quincy, but it is still his homecoming” said Traetti. “If I lose, I go from 10-2 to 10-3 and I’ll get another fight because I promote my own shows. If he loses, there goes the world title shot. All the pressure is on him, and that is pretty liberating for me as a fighter.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Wach KOs Mcbride, Ayala wins title‏

Wach KOs Mcbride, Ayala wins title‏;
By Michael Natalino
All photos by Keisha Morrisey

Friday evening, June 29th, 2011, Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports lived up to its commitment of “keeping the class in boxing” with an old-school fight card that showcased a wide variety of gifted fighters. All of the combatants lived up to their potential, producing a night of theatre that left boxing fans in awe.

Undefeated Heavyweight Mariusz Wach (25-0, 13 KOs) of Bergen, NJ, lived up to his reputation as one of the most viable forces in the Heavyweight division, with his fourth-round destruction of Kevin McBride (35-10-1, 29 KOs) of Brockton, MA, that earned him the vacant WBC International Title. Wach, calm, cool, and collected from the opening bell, consistently hit McBride with left jabs and right hands to the body. The only demonstration of offense from McBride that seemed to impact Wach was a right-hand followed by an elbow that caused blood to spew out of Wach’s ear. This injury only seemed to anger Wach, who retaliated with a vicious over-hand right that knocked McBride unconscious at 2:25 of the fourth round. This knockout kept McBride on the canvas for minutes after the fight, forcing him to be carried out of the arena on a stretcher.

In the final bout of the evening, New Haven, Connecticut’s Elvin Ayala (24-5-1, 11 KOs) continued his winning streak with a masterful display of ring generalship against Darrick Fendley (18-6, 11 KOs) of Gary, Indiana. Early on, the allusive Ayala never allowed the durable Fendley to get close enough to land punches of any significance. In the later stages of the fight, where it seemed as if Findley was beginning to find range, Ayala opened a cut over his opponent’s eye, and began to pour on blistering over-hand rights and combinations keeping Findley even further at bay. For his efforts, Ayala picked up a unanimous ten-round decision, along with the WBC USNBC Title.

In opening action, Worcester, Massachusetts’s Jose Torres stepped in the ring to make his pro-debut against last minute replacement Josh Harris (8- 5, 6 KOs) of Akron, Ohio. From the opening the bell, Torres initiated the action, peppering Harris with stiff jabs, followed by several crushing right hooks and a vicious body attack. Torres continued this non-stop onslaught the majority of the four rounds, continuously wobbling Harris throughout the bout. In the end, Harris’s methodical pressure and experience turned out to be too much for the green Torres to handle. Harris landed a massive hook at the end of the fourth, which instantly floored Torres, forcing the referee to bring the fight to a halt at 2:23 of the round.

In Welterweight action, Jonathan Vazquez (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of New Bedford, MA, and Agustine Mauras (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Lawrence, MA, had the opportunity to resume their amateur rivalry in a Rock em’, Sock em’, Somebody’s 0 must go battle. Mauras put the pressure on early, swarming Vazquez with consecutive punches to the body, along with left-hooks to the head. Vazquez countered effectively with upper-cuts and body shots of his own. Midway through the fight, just when it looked as if Mauras’ pressure was about to take control, Vazquez responded with straight right hands that snapped Mauras’ head back. The conclusion would be two fighters standing toe-to-toe, with the ending result a majority four-round draw with scores of 39-37, 38-38, and 38-38.

Edwin Soto (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of New Haven, CT, kept his undefeated streak intact with an impressive TKO victory over Michael Denby (3-11-4, 2 KOs) of Felton, DE. Soto assumed control from the beginning, landing numerous punches to the body and head, until the final blow, a crunching left hook to the liver, forced the halt at 2:26 of the third round.

Super Middleweight Greg McCoy (3-3, 1 KO) of New Haven, CT, ended his losing streak with a hard fought unanimous decision over Ralph Johnson (0-2) of Worcester, MA. Johnson’s awkward style confused McCoy in the early stages of the fight, even staggering him at times. Midway through the third, McCoy began to find success with right-hand body shots that stopped Johnson in his tracks. These shots allowed McCoy to rally in the fourth, assuring a unanimous four-round victory.

Also in Super Middleweight action, Keith Kozlin (6-2-1, 4 KOs) of Warwick, RI, and Reynaldo Rodgriguez (5-2-1, 2 KOs) of Woonsocket, RI, squared off in a match that was a candidate for “fight of the night”. The first two rounds resembled a game of chess, with each fighter trying to set up the other. The action began to heat up in round number three, with both fighters landing precise left hooks. The action would ignite even further in the fourth, when both fighters hit the canvas within twenty-seconds of each other, but managed to regroup, standing toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring before the bell sounded. The intensity of this fight, along with the strong will these fighters demonstrated, brought the crowd to its feet, but left the judges confused. The result...a six-round majority draw, with scores of 40-36, Kozlin, and 38-38 from the two other judges. This decision left the fans and fighters craving a rematch.

As we moved on to the Middleweight division, Thomas Falowo (4-0, 4KOs) of Pawtucket, RI, made short work of Russ Niggemeyer (2-3, 2 KOs) of Hilliard, Ohio. Falowo boxed aggressively in round one, forcing Niggemeyer to bob-and-weave, never able to mount any offense. In round two, Falowo would close the gap early, knocking Niggemeyer to the canvas in the opening of the round. As Niggemeyer tried to get back to feet, he stumbled back down to the canvas, forcing the referee to stop the fight forty seconds in.




The flashy pride of Poland, heavyweight Artur Szpilka (7-0, 5 KOs) of Wielczka, Poland, showed a dazzling display of speed and power, dismantling David Williams (6-5-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, at 1:53 of the first round. The Polish fans in attendance went wild as they saw their native son knock his foe to the canvas. There is no doubt that this young, knock-out sensation has a bright future in boxing ahead of him.

In a special attraction, former multi-world champion, Jose Antonio Rivera (41-6-1) of Worcester, MA, used his cagey veteran skills to out-box and out-class the game Paul Mpendo (7-8-4, 3 KOs) of Portland, Oregon, in battle of Light Middleweights. Rivera started off slow, allowing Mpendo to appear to be in the fight, but by round six, it was apparent that he was in complete control, as his body-shots and over-hand rights landed with precision and power. Rivera walked away with a unanimous eight-round decision, earning scores of 79-73 and 80-72.

It is unforgettable nights of boxing such as these that keep a century-old profession alive and well in today’s fast changing world.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

BOXING LEGEND ERIK "EL TERRIBLE" MORALES, TOP CONTENDERS JESSIE VARGAS & JOSESITO LOPEZ SEPTEMBER 17 "STAR POWER" UNDERCARD

ERIK "EL TERRIBLE" MORALES, JESSIE VARGAS and JOSESITO LOPEZ held a press conference in Los Angeles to officially announce Morales' battle with former World Champion Jorge Barrios for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight title and Vargas vs. Lopez which will be part of the "STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" mega-event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

"STAR POWER" is a mega-event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 from two world-class cities with three world titles at stake. Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz will face off in a 12-round fight for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Title from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will battle in a 12-round fight for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Title from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Also live in Las Vegas, will be Erik Morales vs. Jorge Barrios in a 12 round fight for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and an opening fight featuring undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas against top contender Josesito Lopez. The mega event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. Alvarez vs. Gomez is presented in association with Canelo Promotions. "Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Photo Credit: Tom Casino / SHOWTIME

From left to right: Joseph King Kong Agbeko and Abner Mares pose together at their announcement press conference in Las Vegas.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight Champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko and undefeated rising star and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver 118-pound Champion Abner Mares participated in a media conference call on Tuesday to discuss The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All taking place on Saturday, August 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of Accra, Ghana, will defend his IBF title against the fast-rising, Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in the tournament final. Mares’ WBC Silver bantamweight belt will also be on the line.

The world championship fight is promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored by Corona.

JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO:

“I would like to thank SHOWTIME for the new date which is Aug. 13 due to my injury. I thank my promoters too at Don King Productions for waiting for me to heal and to get ready for this fight. I’m so looking forward to this fight and thanks to God for it is finally coming off and I’m ready for it.

“This is a very big fight. Everyone is watching and people will know after you win this fight that you are the best in the world. That’s what I strive to achieve in my career: to be the best in the world at this weight class and then move on to the next one.”

What was the difference in the first time you fought Yonnhy Perez and the second?

“Well, in the first fight I don’t think I had a lot of time to prepare for the fight. I came into the ring slow and started out that way. That first fight just did not go well for me due to a few issues. So I came back and was able to do better the next fight.”

Did you fear after suffering your sciatic injury that your career might be finished?

“When I had the injury the only thing that I was worried about was the fight that I had coming up. I knew definitely that it wouldn’t affect my career. My main concern was disappointing every one because I knew I couldn’t fight. I knew everyone was counting on me. All my fans and family in Ghana were depending on me. I didn’t want to let anyone down.”

Was there ever any indication on why you had the sciatic injury you suffered?

“Yeah, they said it could really happen to anyone because of the time that the flight was delayed at the airport and the time I spent not moving on the plane for the six hours from New York to L.A. It doesn’t happen every day but the people at the hospital knew because they are so close to the airport. It does happen to people sitting on a plan for a long time.”

Did it affect your preparation for this fight?

“Yes, I think since I had to start all over again. I took some time off but then I was able to come back and I’ve been working on my speed and everything else for this fight.

“I’ve been on conference calls for SHOWTIME before and this is definitely the most relaxed one because I wasn’t asked a lot of questions. So I was very relaxed because I didn’t have to answer a lot of questions. This fight has been very hyped and I’m hoping to come out the winner on Aug. 13.”

ABNER MARES:

“We are getting close to this fight that I’ve been waiting for for quite some time. The fight got cancelled back in April and now we’re less than 13 days away. I’m ready to do this.”

What’s more important in this fight, winning the tournament or winning the world title?

“I think they are both important. For me it would be my first title so it has big significance but the SHOWTIME Tournament is also important because you have faced two of the greatest bantamweights out there so for me winning this tournament it means you’ve only beaten the best. You can take pride in knowing you beat only the elite fighters in their prime in your weight class.”

How do you compare Agbeko and Yonnhy Perez?

“Well, Agbeko and Yonnhy have two different styles. I had a draw against Yonnhy in a fight a lot of people thought I won. He was the world champion at the time. If anything I won in that fight because I learned a whole lot. And I was able to show that in my next fight against Vic Darchinyan. They are both such different fighters. The only similar thing is that I was fighting for the IBF title against Yonnhy and now I’m doing it again. So I definitely don’t want to lose or have a draw in this fight.”

What was your reaction when the April fight was called off?

“At the moment I heard that the fight might be cancelled and that there might be another opponent I was happy, but I was not mentally happy. I was getting ready for a world title fight and whoever stepped in it would not be for a world title. Just another 12-round fight. Yeah, I was ready and yeah it might make sense and I could have gone the 10 or 12 rounds with whoever they put in there but I was kind of mentally disappointed. So I didn’t want to take that risk. I had more to lose than to win so saying that, the whole camp just decided to wait for Agbeko. He made it to the finals and it’s only right to fight him for the SHOWTIME Bantamweight title.”

Are you aware of the fact that you have the chance to become Golden Boy’s first homegrown fighter to start your career with them and win a world title? What does that mean to you?

“It means a whole lot to me. I’ve said this before: Golden Boy is not just my promoter but also my family. I get along with everyone so well. From Monica (Sears) to David (Itskowitch), the entire staff. We go out to lunch and outside the ring everyone is so nice and just like family. So winning this fight I’ll be the first Golden Boy fighter to start from scratch and become world champion so that would mean a whole lot for me. And I know it would mean a whole lot to Golden Boy Promotions. We’re a big happy family and we would all win that night.”

Have you had to change much in your preparation since the fight was called off to now?

“I’ve had to change everything, even sparring partners and the place we were training. Once the fight was cancelled I said let’s move on. I took three weeks off and didn’t think about boxing at all. Then I got right back in the gym and the first thing we did was to plan a trip to Guadalajara and we trained out there for three weeks. It was something different. I wanted a whole new environment. Just changed everything. I didn’t want the whole team over again for another three months. That helped a lot. Now we are in a different gym here in Santa Fe Springs which is really nice. The people and the atmosphere are great. I’ve actually had fans come over here to watch me train and talk to me and I’ve never had that before. We changed everything and I’m very happy it went so quick.”

If you win this fight, will you be the best in the division?

“This tournament is made up of the best bantamweights. A lot of fighters had the opportunity to get in it and some chose not to for whatever reasons. We definitely deserve to be called the best bantamweight out there. There are a lot of great and top pound-for-pound bantamweights out there. After this fight we should be called the best then after this, other fights can be made. Let’s do it. But I think myself and Agbeko have proven that we are here and we will fight anyone and we should be recognized as the best.”

Did you change your approach or game plan since the cancellation?

“No, not really. Same game plan. I had a lot of people ask me since he got injured, am I going to do it differently now? No. If I did that that would only make me think he was not fully healthy and that he wasn’t going to perform the same. I know he had the back problem and it’s all cured and I think mentally he knows it’s cured so I don’t want to think about it again.”

How do you stay motivated after such a let down as the cancellation was?

“As a fighter in my young career I’ve already been through so many ups and downs that maybe a veteran hasn’t even gone through yet with my detached retina, with this fight being cancelled and with me getting a draw in my first world title. But, you know, it only makes me stronger. It only motivates me more. Things happen for a reason. When I saw Agbeko at the podium the next day and he was limping I was actually thinking it was such a freak thing that I was glad it hadn’t happened to me. Things happen. It happened. I took off with my family for vacation for three weeks and I’ve come back stronger. I was able to go back to Guadalajara where I’m from and I had a great camp and it went by so quick. The preparation I’ve had for this fight was just fun and the same emotion and focus and will to become a world champion.”

Was your camp better than it was for the April fight?

“I’m honestly going to say, yes, it was.”

What was your initial reaction to the cancellation?

“I just felt bad. My parents always taught me not to feel sorry for the guy on the boxing side but I generally felt bad on the human side. He just looked like an old guy limping with the cane. I thought, man, this could be the end of his career. It was like me with my detached retina and when they told me my career could possibly be over. Plus, I have some family members who have had the same injury and they told me it was really painful so I just felt bad for Agbeko. That’s why we gave him a second chance and we thank God he’s better and that he can continue what he loves doing and that’s boxing.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

T h e N a t i o n a l G o v e r n i n g B o d y f o r O l y m p i c - S t y l e B o x The Winners Bracket Finalists Stake Their Claim in Mobile‏

Two exciting bouts in the lightweight division highlighted a strong night of boxing on Monday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing in Mobile, Ala. Two-time National Champion Jose Ramirez (Avenal, Calif.) was pushed to the limit in his bout while 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) came back from a deficit in his bout with 2011 USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Toka Kahn Clary (Providence, R.I.)

Ramirez took on 2011 USA Boxing National Championships bronze medalist Kenneth Sims, Jr. (Chicago, Ill.) in his second bout of the tournament. The bout was close from the opening bell to the final second, but only one boxer could emerge victorious. Ramirez pulled out a 23-22 decision over Sims to advance to a final round match-up with Williams. The 2008 Olympian advanced to his second straight winners bracket final with a 30-25 win over Kahn Clary.

Shawn Simpson (Chicago, Ill.) and Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) will face in the flyweight winners bracket final following victories by both boxers. Simpson won a 16-12 decision over Oscar Cantu (Kingsville, Texas) while Warren took a 29-18 victory over Stephon Young (St. Louis, Mo.).

Amir Imam (Albany, N.Y.) officially announced his intentions in his new welterweight division with a commanding 40-10 victory over Arturo Trujillo (Easton, Pa.) in the winners bracket semifinal. Three-time national champion Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas) will face Imam on Wednesday following his 13-5 victory over Bryant Perrella (Lehigh Acres, Fla.).

In light heavyweight action, Marcus Browne (Staten Island, N.Y.) claimed an 11-8 decision over 2010 National Champion Jeffery Spencer (Fort Carson, Colo.) to join 2011 USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Jerry Odom (Bowie, Md.) in the light heavyweight winners bracket championship bout.

Lenroy Thompson (Lenexa, Kansas) took down the towering Dominic Breazale (Alhambra, Calif.) in their super heavyweight match-up. Thompson took a 16-7 decision over Breazale and will look for his third straight victory in a match-up with Andrew Shepherd (Fort Carson, Colo.).

All of the winners brackets boxers will be off on Tuesday with the challengers bracket competing in 20 bouts on Tuesday evening.

Monday Evening Results
114 lbs/challengers bracket: John Franklin, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Gabriel Montoya, Cheyenne, Wyo., 28-14

114 lbs/challengers bracket: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., dec. Adam Lopez, San Antonio, Texas, 30-23

114 lbs/winners bracket: Shawn Simpson, Chicago, Ill., dec. Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas, 16-12

114 lbs/winners bracket: Rau'shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio, dec. Stephon Young, St. Louis, Mo., 29-18

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Louis Cruz, Bronx, N.Y., dec. Damon Allen, Philadelphia, Pa., 12-11

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Erick DeLeon, Lincoln Park, Mich., dec. Toribio Ramirez, Bowling Green, Fla., 20-14

132 lbs/winners bracket: Jose Ramirez, Avenal, Calif., dec. Kenneth Sims Jr., Chicago Ill., 23-22

132 lbs/winners bracket: Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio, dec. Toka Kahn Clary, Providence, R.I., 30-25

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Regis Prograis, Houston, Texas 26-10

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Willie Jones, Charlotte, N.C., dec. Luis Olivares, Glendale, Ariz., 11-9

152 lbs/winners bracket: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas, dec. Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla., 13-5

152 lbs/winners bracket: Amir Imam, Albany, N.Y., dec. Arturo Trujillo, Easton, Pa., 40-10

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Shaborn Ryals, Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Robert Brant, Oakdale, Minn., 20-10

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Caleb Plant, Ashland City, Tenn., dec. Sean Bettencourt, Stoughton, Mass., 18-14

178 lbs/winners bracket: Jerry Odom, Bowie, Md., dec. Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., 32-19

178 lbs/winners bracket: Marcus Brown, Staten Island, N.Y. dec. Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo., 11-8

201+ lbs/challengers bracket: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., dec. Donovan Dennis, Davenport, Iowa, 16-16 (84-79)

201+ lbs/challengers bracket: Jonathan Hamm, St. Paul, Minn., stopped O'Jayland Brown, Sacramento, Calif., RSC-1 (1:17)

201+ lbs/winners bracket: Andrew Shepherd, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Brett Rather, Las Vegas, Nev., 25-15

201+ lbs/winners bracket: Lenroy Thompson, Lenexa, Kan., dec. Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif., 16-7


Tuesday Bout Sheet

108 lbs/challengers bracket: Gregory Outlaw, Glendarden, Md., vs. David Carlton, Cincinnati, Ohio

108 lbs/challengers bracket: Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev., vs. Marco Rangel, Scottsdale, Ariz.

114 lbs/challengers bracket: Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas vs. John Franklin, Fort Carson, Colo.

114 lbs/challengers bracket: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., vs. Stephon Young, St. Louis, Mo.

123 lbs/challengers bracket: Tramaine Williams, New Haven, Conn., vs. Joe Perez, Fountain, Colo.

123 lbs/challengers bracket: Joet Gonzalez, Glendora, Calif., vs. Luis Feliciano, Milwaukee, Wis.

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Toka Kahn Clary, Providence, R.I., vs. Erick DeLeon, Lincoln Park, Mich.

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Luis Cruz, Bronx, N.Y., vs. Kenneth Sims, Jr., Chicago, Ill.

141 lbs/challengers bracket: Michael Reed, Waldorf, Md., vs. George Rincon, Carrollton, Texas

141 lbs/challengers bracket: Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont., vs. Semajay Thomas, Chicago, Ill.

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Arturo Trujillo, Easton, Pa., vs. Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo.

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Willie Jones, Charlotte, N.C., vs. Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla.

165 lbs/challengers bracket: Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis., vs. Chris Pearson, Trotwood, Ohio

165 lbs/challengers bracket: Edgar Alvarado, Jr., San Bernadino, Calif., vs. D’Mitrius Ballard, Temple Hills, Md.

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., vs. Caleb Plant, Ashland City, Tenn.

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Shaborn Ryals, Capitol Heights, Md., vs. Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo.

201 lbs/challengers bracket: Steve Geffrard, Boca Raton, Fla., vs. Robert Jekabson, Chicago, Ill.

201 lbs/challengers bracket: Andrew Tabiti, Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Joseph Williams, Bronx, N.Y.

201+ lbs: Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif., vs. Jonathan Hamm, St. Paul, Minn.

201+ lbs: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., vs. Brett Rather, Las Vegas, Nev.

Athlete Quotes

Jose Ramirez

“In comparison to last night’s fight I felt the same, I take every fight seriously. I knew this fight with Kenneth Sims Jr. was going to be a good fight, but I didn’t know how close.”

“I’m going to try and take advantage of the extra day off I get from winning and get my rest.

Errol Spence

“This was my third time facing Bryant Perella, so I already knew what I had to do to win. It was really important to win this one and keep the pressure off, now they have to beat me twice to eliminate me.”

“Tonight I used my ring generalship skills; I was a moving target and he couldn’t catch my rhythm.”

Jerry Odom

“The anticipation for this bout was extra motivation because we had fought before in the National PAL Championship and it was close - 7-6.”

“I was there mentally and that allowed me to beat Shabazz.”

“I’m so close to an Olympic spot, I’m expecting the best from my next opponents.”

“A victory like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’ve only been boxing four years ago, a lot of these guys have been working for this their whole life.”

Lenroy Thompson

“My performance could always get better, I’m going to go to the gym and work on a few things before my next fight.”

“It was a more physical fight then it had to be, but I had the confidence going in because I’ve been working with the Headbangers boxing club in Washington, D.C. and they’ve helped me a lot.”

“Having an extra day of rest will be nice, I’ve never had a day off before in a tournament.”

“In order to pull off these two wins to qualify I have to work hard, not make any mistakes, and be smart.” ♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Twenty Athletes Live to Box Another Day Following Victories in Challengers Bracket Action at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing‏

The third day of action at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing showcased 20 challengers on Tuesday night at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Ala. The 40 boxers competing in the evening’s action were all fighting for tournament lives with 20 boxers going home on Tuesday. Several bouts were decided by close margins as the contestants left everything they had in the ring with numerous bouts coming down to tiebreakers.

2011 USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Toka Kahn Clary (Providence, R.I.) and three-time National Golden Gloves champion Erick DeLeon (Lincoln Park, Mich.) faced off in one of the best bouts of the evening in their challengers bracket contest. DeLeon took the first lead and held on to a slim advantage throughout the bout, going into the final round up one. Yet Kahn Clary didn’t give up, giving DeLeon a standing eight count in the final seconds of the bout to win a 20-19 final decision.

George Rincon (Carrollton, Texas) defeated another reigning National Golden Gloves titlist in his light welterweight contest with Michael Reed (Waldorf, Md.). Once again, the bout was close throughout but Rincon held a slim one-point lead as the contest moved into the last three minutes of action. When the final bell sounded, the two boxers were deadlocked at 15 and Rincon claimed the win on his 83-81 total punch count advantage.

The last two middleweight national champions faced off on Tuesday night with 2011 titlist Chris Pearson (Trotwood, Ohio) and 2010 gold medalist Luis Arias (Milwaukee, Wis.) competing for one spot. It was Arias claiming a two-point lead and extending it to a still tenuous three-point advantage after two. Pearson came flying back in the third, tying the bout in the final seconds. Yet Arias won the 16-16 tiebreaker on his 87-78 total punch count edge.

Following what seemed to be the theme of the night, the light heavyweight showdown between 2010 National Champion Jeffery Spencer (Fort Carson, Colo.) and Last Chance Qualifier titlist Shaborn Ryals (Capitol Heights, Md.) went down to the wire. Yet Spencer remained alive in the tournament with a 12-11 decision over Ryals.

2010 USA Boxing Athlete of the Year Steve Geffrard (Boca Raton, Fla.) survived Tuesday’s action as well, winning a 23-20 decision over Last Chance Qualifier champion Robert Jekabson (Chicago, Ill.).

In a battle of two familiar foes, 2011 USA Boxing National Champion Jonathan Hamm (St. Paul, Minn.) took on Dominic Breazale (Alhambra, Calif.) in the final bout of the evening. The towering boxers went toe-to-toe but Breazale won the bout on a 20-10 decision.

The winners bracket will return to action on Wednesday with all of the boxers competing for a spot in the tournament final bout while the challenger bracket takes part in third day competition.

The 2011 Junior Olympic National Championships opened their tournament on Tuesday with first round bouts taking place in the morning session at the Mobile Civic Center. The full results from the first day of junior action can be found below.

Wednesday’s Olympic Trials Bout Sheets

Winners Bracket
108 lbs: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo., vs. Eros Correa, San Jose, Calif.
114 lbs: Rau’shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio vs. Shawn Simpson, Chicago, Ill.
123 lbs: Joseph Diaz, Jr., El Monte, Calif., vs. O’Shanique Foster, Orange, Texas
132 lbs: Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio vs. Jose Ramirez, Avenal, Calif.
141 lbs: Pedro Sosa, Bronx, N.Y., vs. Jamel Herring, Coram, N.Y.
152 lbs: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas vs. Amir Imam, Albany, N.Y.
165 lbs: Jesse Hart, Philadelphia, Pa., vs. Antoine Douglas, Burke, Va.
178 lbs: Jerry Odom, Bowie, Md., vs. Marcus Browne, Staten Island, N.Y.
201 lbs: Michael Hunter, Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Jordan Shimmell, Staten Island, N.Y.
201+ lbs: Lenroy Thompson, Lenexa, Kansas vs. Andrew Shepherd, Fort Carson, Colo.

Challengers Bracket
108 lbs: David Carlton, Cincinnati, Ohio vs. Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev.
114 lbs: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., vs. Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas
123 lbs: Tramaine Williams, New Haven, Conn., vs. Luis Feliciano, Milwaukee, Wis.
132 lbs: Kenneth Sims, Jr., Chicago, Ill., vs. Toka Kahn Clary, Providence, R.I.
141 lbs: Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont., vs. George Rincon, Carrollton, Texas
152 lbs: Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla., vs. Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo.
165 lbs: Luis Aris, Milwaukee, Wis., vs. Edgar Alvarado, Jr., San Bernadino, Calif.
178 lbs: Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo., vs. Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M.
201 lbs: Steve Geffrard, Boca Raton, Fla., vs. Joseph Williams, Bronx, N.Y.
201+ lbs: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., vs. Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif.

Edgar Alvarado
“I was down a point and tried to pick it up the last round and throw small combinations.” When the official took a point away it made me more anxious to win.”

“Going into the fight, my coach told me to use my jab and keep my distance.”

Luis Feliciano
“Being in the challengers bracket it’s do or die, win or go home. I’m willing to do anything to get this Olympic spot.”

“I tried to use my distance in this fight, and I’m pretty sure I won the fight in the last thirty seconds.”

“Going into the last round and knowing it was close, I tried to keep my composure and I had a lot of experience to help me with that.

“Against Tramaine Williams, I’m going to have to apply pressure.”


Luis Arias
“I knew Chris Pearson was coming hard and ready, it was whoever wanted it the most that was going to win.”

“I tired a little at the end, my body more so then my lungs. I just had to dig deep.”

“I knew I was just as strong and fast as my opponent, and I had a good game plan and we stuck to it.”

“Edgar Alvarado and I had a good fight in the first round and expect another.”

Steve Geffrard

“Tonight I felt great, I was landing the cleaner blows and using my jab from the outside.”

“I knew I couldn’t stand in front of Robert Jekabson, because I knew he had power.”

“I think I can definitely beat Joseph Williams in the next round, it’s going to be a chess match.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Michael Hunter in the finals, but I got to take it one day at a time.”

Junior Olympic Results
101 lbs/male: Elijah Shabazz, Woodstick, Ga., dec. Saul Cano, Oswego, Ill., 14-10
101 lbs/male: Dequandra Steward, Shreveport, La., dec. Ray Lee Cudrado, Worcester, Mass., 9-9 (53-50)
101 lbs/male: Pablo Ramirez, Weslaco, Texas, dec. Nathaniel Pacheco, Lakewood, Colo., 21-8
101 lbs/male: Isaias Perez, Kansas City, Kan., dec. Eric Marrero, Philadelphia, Pa., 13-9
106 lbs/male: Matthew Espinoza, Crestview, Fla., dec. Ariel Vega, Miami, Fla., 20-14
106 lbs/male: Matthew Espinoza, Crestview, Fla., dec. Ariel Vega, Miami, Fla., 20-14
110 lbs/male: James Taylor, Ann Arbor, Mich., dec. Lawrence Newton, Deerfield, Fla., 11-9
114 lbs/male: Efren Lopez, Fresno, Calif., dec. Jesus Rivera, Apple Valley, Minn., 5-0
114 lbs/male: Ja'Rico O'Quinn, Detroit, Mich., dec. Kenneth Davis, Reno, Nev., 29-27
114 lbs/male: Luis Santiago, Springfield, Ma., dec. Santiago Arroyo, Winter Haven, Fla., 14-5
114 lbs/male: Donovan Estrella, Arvada, Colo., dec. Marc Torrez, Pasadena, Texas, 10-10 (61-55)
114 lbs/male: Gary Russell, Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Marco Ojeda, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 24-11
119 lbs/male: D'Andres Hockerson, Rochester, N.Y., dec. Christopher Murphy, Deerfield Beach, Fla., 19-
11
119 lbs/male: Justly Laquihon, Honolulu, Hawaii, dec. Carlos Carrillo, Denver, Colo., 12-7
119 lbs/male: Gary Salazar, Fresno, Calif., dec. Jousce Gonzales, Glendora, Calif., 17-7
119 lbs/male: Isidro Flores Jr., Fort Wayne, Kan., dec. Hector Rendon, Tacoma, Wash., 28-24
119 lbs/male: Roberto Tamez, Houston, Texas, dec. Adan Rodriguez, Wichita, Kan., 20-16
119 lbs/male: Joshua McKoy, Lauel, Md., dec. E'Kearn Perro, Carencro, La., 16-8
125 lbs/male: Gervonta Davis, Baltimore, Md., dec. Jason Sanchez, Albuquerque, N.M., 15-10
125 lbs/male: Cresencio Ramos Jr., San Antonio, Texas, dec. Eder Carrillo, Woodland, Calif., 15-7
125 lbs/male: Kevin Salgado, Chicago, Ill., dec. Francisco Esparza, Las Vegas, Nev., 16-8
125 lbs/male: Mason Cornelio, Honolulu, Hawaii, dec. Quanatavious Green, Shreveport, La., 18-16
125 lbs/male: Efrain Estrada, Hillsboro, Ore., dec. abram Martinez, Rock Springs, Wyo., 10-6
132 lbs/female: Isabella Nieves, Kenosha, Wis., dec. Nakarri Jones, Tampa, Fla., 17-15
132 lbs/female: Rashida Ellis, St. Lynn, Ma., dec. Dezaree Negrete, Calumet City, Ill., 30-6
132 lbs/male: Alexis Del Bosque, Garland, Texas, Cris Marraro, Saugus, Miss., 18-8
132 lbs/male: Austin Dulay, Hendersonville, Tenn., dec. Luis Chavez, Salinas, Calif., 15-12
132 lbs/male: Jeremaul Jones, Fort Wayne, Ind., dec. Henry Gomez, Los Angeles, Calif., 19-15
132 lbs/male: Erickson Lubin, Kissimnee, Fla., dec. Jahmell Jett II, 20-3
138 lbs/male: Nicholas Torrance, Evans, Ga., dec. Jamontay Clark, Cincinnati, Ohio, 14-14 (78-62)
138 lbs/male: Adrain Gutierrez, Chula Vista, Calif., dec. Rae Jon Higginbottam, Clinton, Miss., 27-6
145 lbs/male: Jelame Garcia, Lynn, Mass., dec. Chase Calloway, St. Joseph, Mo. 14-9
145 lbs/male: DeAndre Woods, Jackson, Tenn., dec. Nyck Price, Columbus, Ohio, 15-15 (86-62)
154 lbs/male: Moses Taylor, Detroit, Mich., dec. Tywaski Hendrix, Hot Springs, Ark., 10-5
154 lbs/male: Flavio Becerra, White Bear Lake, Minn., wins on walkover over Cameron Grady, Mandan, N.D., W/O
154 lbs/male: Jazavian Palmer, Lubbock, Texas, dec. Kendall Breaux, Carencro, La., 14-11
165 lbs/male: Anthony Sims Jr., Ypsilanti, Mich., John Luna, Milwaukee, Wis., 19-9
165 lbs/male: Alex Rincon, Carrollton, Texas, dec. Richard Johnson, Plainfield, N.J., 18-8
165 lbs/male: Jonathan Esquivel, Anaheim, Calif., stopped Anthony Hernandez, Fountain, Colo., RSC-1 (1:29)
176 lbs/male: Joel Galvan, Grafton, N.D., stopped Clayton Crutchfield, Sheridan, Ark., RSC-2 (1:59)
176 lbs/male: Edel Gomez, Fremont, N.E., won on walkover over Pedro Cervantes, Denver, Colo., W/O
176 lbs/male: Hakin Lopez, Lithonia, Ga., dec. Victor Serna, Fresno, Calif., 16-8
165 lbs/male: Daquan Johnson, Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Demarkus Manter, Akron, Ohio, 23-21

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

U.S. Olympic Team Trials Challengers Bout Results‏

Please find the full results from tonight's challengers bracket bouts from the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men's Boxing attached as an addendum to the earlier release.

108 lbs: David Carlton, Cincinnati, Ohio, dec. Gregory Outlaw, Glenarden, Md., 15-11
108 lbs: Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev., won on disqualification over Marco Rangel, Scottsdale, Ariz., DQ
114 lbs: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., dec. Stephon Young, St. Louis, Mo., 23-22
114 lbs: Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas, dec. John Franklin, Fort Carson, Colo., 15-15 (78-73)
123 lbs: Luis Feliciano, Milwaukee, Wis., dec. Joet Gonzalez, Glendora, Calif., 14-12
123 lbs: Tramaine Williams, New Haven, Conn., dec. Joe Perez, Fountain, Colo., 15-8
132 lbs: Kenneth Sims Jr., Chicago Ill., dec. Louis Cruz, Bronx, N.Y., 31-16
132 lbs: Toka Khan Clary, Providence, R.I., dec. Erick DeLeon, 20-19
141 lbs: Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont., won on disqualification over Semajay Thomas, Chicago, Ill., DQ
141 lbs: George Rincon, Carrollton, Texas, dec. Michael Reed, Waldorf, Md., 23-23 (110-108)
152 lbs: Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla., dec. Willie Jones, Charlotte, N.C., 10-11
152 lbs: Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Arturo Trujillo, Easton, Pa., 19-10
165 lbs: Edgar Alvarado, San Bernadino, Calif., dec. D'Mitrius Ballard, Temple Hills, Md., 26-24
165 lbs: Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis., dec. Chris Pearson, Trotwood, Ohio, 16-16 (83-78)
178 lbs: Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Shaborn Ryals, Capitol Heights, Md., 12-11
178 lbs: Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., dec. Caleb Plant, Ashland City, Tenn., 15-15 (87-80)
201 lbs: Steve Geffrard, Boca Raton, Fla., dec. Robert Jekabson, Chicago, Ill., 23-20
201 lbs: Joseph Williams, Bronx, N.Y., dec. Andrew Tabiti, Las Vegas, Nev., 26-14
201+ lbs: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., won on disqualification over Brett Rather, Las Vegas, Nev., DQ
201+ lbs: Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif., dec. Jonathan Hamm, St. Paul, Minn., 20-10

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Rockstar Presents STRIKEFORCE World Grand Prix Semi-FinalsJosh Barnett battles Sergei Kharitonov, live Saturday, September 10

The Strikeforce World Grand Prix Continues, Plus The Middleweight Title.

Josh Barnett battles Sergei Kharitonov, and Antonio Silva takes on Daniel Cormier in the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Grand Prix - plus Jacare Souza defends the Strikeforce middleweight championship against Luke Rockhold - live Saturday, September 10 at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio - UFC Fight Club presale starts Thursday at 10am ET

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Shields vs Ellenberger; UFC Fight Night Live: Battle on the Bayou Saturday, September 17

Jake Shields and Jake Ellenberger go toe-to-toe in a welterweight battle, plus TUF11 winner Court McGee battles Dongi Yang - live on Saturday, September 17 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans - UFC Fight Club presale starts Thursday at 10am CT


Main Card

Shields vs Ellenberger

McGee vs Yang

Brookins vs Koch

Belcher vs MacDonald

Prelims

McKenzie vs Rocha

Dunham vs Bailey

Riddle vs Benoist

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. ALFONSO GOMEZ IS ADDED TO CREATE TWO-SITE, STAR-STUDDED SEPTEMBER 17 BOXING EXTRAVAGANZA PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" just got propelled into another galaxy, as it was announced today that rising Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will defend his WBC super welterweight championship against Alfonso Gomez on the televised undercard of the September 17 pay-per-view extravaganza featuring the WBC welterweight world championship mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz.

Making this announcement more significant and unique is the fact that Alvarez and Gomez will face each other at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, while Mayweather and Ortiz will battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, creating a mega-event from two world-class cities.

Fans in attendance at each arena will be able to see the fight live from the other arena, making this a first-time split-site boxing experience taking place on Mexican Independence Day boxing weekend.

Both bouts will be will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Following the showing of Mayweather vs. Ortiz at STAPLES Center, fans in attendance will see two special post-fight concerts performed by Los Tucanes de Tijuana and El Gran Silencio.

"'STAR POWER' is living up to its name as a mega-event with the addition of Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. "To have this event emanate from two separate locations like STAPLES Center and MGM Grand Garden Arena is a testament to the size and magnitude of the event and what it will deliver to the fans in the arenas and those watching at home on pay-per-view. Floyd is absolutely thrilled that Alvarez vs. Gomez will be a part of this show from Los Angeles."

"This is a historic and unprecedented night for boxing and Golden Boy Promotions as we showcase the extraordinary talents of Mayweather, Ortiz, Alvarez and Gomez from two iconic and world-renowned venues in STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the capitol of sports and entertainment and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, truly the boxing mega-center of the world," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. "This show is now even more loaded with stars, and to have Alvarez vs. Gomez join the magnificent boxing match-up of the year between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is exactly why we named the fight 'STAR POWER,' which is expected to set attendance and viewership records in one night."

"September 17 at STAPLES Center will be a night to remember for boxing fans in Los Angeles as it will mark the first time the arena will host a boxing match, a pay-per-view viewing and a post-fight concert all on the same day," Lee Zeidman, STAPLES Center General Manager. "We are looking forward to what will no doubt be an incredible action-packed night of boxing and live entertainment."

"The MGM Resorts family is very excited to welcome the return of Floyd Mayweather to the MGM Grand on September 17," said Richard Sturm, president of Sports & Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. "This championship event marks Mayweather's first fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in more than 15 months and continues our tradition as the leader in the sports and entertainment industry."

"With the anticipation and star power of Mayweather-Ortiz from MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the addition of Alvarez vs. Gomez live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and the celebration of Mexican Independence Day, viewers are in for a fantastic night of boxing on September 17," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View.

Already Mexico's brightest young star, 21-year-old Canelo Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KO's) of Guadalajara is quickly becoming an international sensation with fans around the world taking noting of his power and prowess in the ring and his charm and charisma outside of the ring. Following wins over former World Champions Carlos Baldomir and Lovemore N'Dou in 2010, Alvarez kicked off 2011 with a March victory over Matthew Hatton that earned him the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship. Three months later, Alvarez returned to Guadalajara for a homecoming title defense and victory over Ryan Rhodes that captivated a nation. With his American fan base growing at a meteoric pace, Alvarez will hold court in the City of Angels as he defends his title from STAPLES Center and fights for the Mexican people against ultra-tough Alfonso Gomez.

"I'm happy to come back to fight in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center for another Mexican Independence Day weekend," said Alvarez. "Alfonso Gomez is a good fighter and also from Guadalajara, Mexico. I hope the fight will be explosive because that is what the fans will be looking for between two Mexican warriors like us, but I feel confident I am going to win the fight."

A fan favorite who was present in American living rooms every week when he competed on "The Contender" reality show, Alfonso Gomez (23-4-2, 12 KO's) has proven that he has what it takes to battle it out with the elite in the years since his stint on national television. The owner of wins over Arturo Gatti, Ben Tackie, and Jesse Brinkley, the 30-year old Los Angeles resident (who originally hails from Guadalajara) has also faced current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and Peter Manfredo Jr., but he is currently showing the best form of his 10-year career thanks to a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over Jesus Soto Karass and Jose Luis Castillo. Now, he prepares for his second world title shot as he takes on Canelo Alvarez on September 17.

"Canelo's popularity is great for him and for boxing," said Gomez. "I know Canelo's team thinks I'm just another notch on his belt, but it's not the first time a popular fighter made the same mistake. I've fought and beaten much better competition and I'm coming to win the world title. Canelo and I come from the same place and we are both Mexican warriors. I heard there's another fight happening in Las Vegas on September 17, but as far as I'm concerned, the best fight on that day will be at STAPLES Center. I can think of no better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend...Viva Mexico!"

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-round mega-fight, which will be contested for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.

"STAR POWER LOS ANGELES: Alvarez vs. Gomez" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-roundfight, which will be contested for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT THOMAS “CORNFLAKE” LAMANNA SIGNS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH MHP (MAXIMUM HUMAN PERFORMANCE)‏

Undefeated Welterweight prospect, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna has signed an endorsement contract with MHP (Maximum Human Performance)

MHP is a supplement company that helps athletes build their bodies with different products such as Fat Burners, Creatine, Amino Acids and Multi Vitamins.

“I can already see changes in my body”, said LaManna

LaManna has a record of 4-0 with three knockouts will be making his next ring appearance on Wednesday September 14th at The Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.

LaManna has been taking Probolic-SR & Isofast 50 for Protein and a multi vitamin called Activate Sport

“Because of the changes and signing with this company, you will see a different “Cornflake” on September 14th.”

MHP is the creation of former top-level bodybuilder Gerard Dente. When he was competing, Gerard constantly researched the best training techniques, diet strategies and other performance enhancement methods needed to gain a competitive edge. Yet it was his genius with supplementation that fueled him to be one of the biggest and strongest competitors of his day. In fact, Gerard was using ingredients like high doses of leucine, KIC, tribulus and arginine long before they became popular. He was convinced that athletes deserved better and decided to take some action by founding MHP.

Since its inception, MHP’s corporate mission has been to develop premier science-based, research-driven sports supplements to help athletes achieve their greatest physical potential. Over the years, MHP has introduced many innovations and breakthroughs in sports nutrition. For instance, MHP was the first company to introduce arginine for nitric oxide production to the bodybuilding world way back in early 1999 (via ADNO – arginine derived nitric oxide), when the company launched the creatine/NO product TRAC. In addition, the patented 12-hour sustained release protein formula in Probolic-SR has been an unmatched industry standard since it was released in 2004. MHP was the first company to introduce the incredible blood-boosting power of EPO in 2008 with Dark Rage. And with new highly advanced GlycoCarn/KNO3 Nitrite-NO Technology now available in NO-BOMB, MHP continues to provide new and exclusive innovations in performance enhancing supplementation.

Because of its dedicated research and development, innovative formulations, clinically researched ingredients and cutting edge products, MHP has become the most trusted brand and industry leader among world-class athletes, pro bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen and fitness enthusiasts alike. The numerous world records that MHP athletes hold in powerlifting and strongman, plus the many top titles in bodybuilding, fitness and figure, signify how much our supplements are capable of helping athletes achieve. In addition, countless top lifting coaches and trainers also use and recommend MHP products.

“All of the elite athletes I work with use nutritional supplements,” says Joe Carini, a former powerlifting champion who trains many top NFL stars and strongmen at Carini’s House of Iron. “Because of my years of experience as a competitive powerlifter and supplement user, I recommend only MHP products to my athletes.”

MHP products are used by the world’s elite athletes. Find out how they can help you and learn what MHP is all about.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, 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 & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.