Committee officials announced today that five-time World Champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz heads a distinguished list of seven 2011 inductees into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (“CBHOF”). The seventh annual Gala Induction Dinner will be held Saturday night, October 29 in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The other 2011 inductees include 1996 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team Captain, Lawrence Clay-Bey; renowned world boxing judge Glenn S. Feldman; world light heavyweight title challenger Eric “Magic 2000” Harding; amateur boxing standout Kelvin Anderson; boxer, referee and coach Billy Taylor; highly-respected ringside physician, Dr. Michael Schwartz.
Among the five world titles captured by Paz (50-10, 30 KOs) were the IBF lightweight and WBA light middleweight championships. The wildly popular Italian-American from Cranston (RI) was the prestigious 1991 Ring Magazine Comeback of the Year Award recipient having overcome a broken neck suffered in a car crash to win another world title.
Clay-Bey (21-3-1, 16 KOs), fighting out of Hartford, captained an absolutely loaded 1996 U.S. Olympic Boxing team that included four future world champions as professionals – Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Antonio Tarver, David Reid and Fernando Vargas. Lawrence lost in the second round to current world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, 10-8. Clay-Bey was the IBA Continental heavyweight titlist. He is a veteran correctional officer in Connecticut.
In addition to judging 95 world title fights all over the world during the past 23 years, Feldman founded the CBHOF and has been its only president. He is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in West Hartford.
The signature victory for Harding (23-4-1, 7 KOs), who captured the NABF and USBA light heavyweight titles, was a 12-round decision in a 2000 IBF Eliminator against 16-0 Antonio Tarver, a five-time world champion. Eric lost a world title bid to Roy Jones, Jr. when he was unable to answer the bell for the 11th round due to a serious shoulder injury in their WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO world title fight.
Anderson was a much decorated amateur boxer from Hartford who tragically died in a 1980 plane crash. Fourteen boxers and eight staff members of the USA Boxing Team, traveling to Poland to compete in an International match, were among 77 passengers who perished.
Taylor was honored in 1990 by the NCAA Coaches Association, as well as the Connecticut Boxing Guild, for his 50-year contribution to boxing. He kick-started the boxing careers of Connecticut greats such as world champion Marlon Starling, Tyrone Booze and Troy Wortham. Billy coached the 1969 Coast Guard national championship team, guided Central Connecticut State University for eight seasons in the eighties, and produced three national champions and 32 All-America boxers.
Dr. Schwartz is Chief Ringside Physician for Professional Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts, who has been responsible for creating many of the medical protocols utilized in boxing. He is the founder of the first Medical Association for Professional Ringside Physicians, in addition to being Chief Ringside Physician for the State of Connecticut. Schwartz also serves as the Chief Ringside Physician and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board for both Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino.
♔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.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ TO BE SHOWN ON THE BIG SCREEN
FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER BATTLES "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ IN BOXING'S RETURN TO THE BIG SCREEN THIS SEPTEMBER (Photos By; Keisha Morrisey)
NCM Fathom, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions Bring Three Incredible Mexican Independence Day Weekend Title Bouts From Las Vegas and Los Angeles to More than 380 Select Movie Theaters Nationwide in High Definition
In a blockbuster night of boxing, undefeated six-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather will face-off against current WBC Welterweight World Champion "Vicious" Victor Ortiz in the big screen event, Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz Fight Live on Saturday, September 17 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern / 6:00 p.m. Pacific. Broadcast in high definition from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to more than 380 movie theaters nationwide, this sensational welterweight showdown will give fans a ringside seat to see boxing's biggest star against the sport's newest star in one ring. Also taking place on Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz Fight Live will feature a second main event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles with rising Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez defending his WBC super welterweight championship title against former star of "The Contender," Alfonso Gomez. In an exciting under card bout, three-division World Champion and future Hall of Famer Erik "El Terrible" Morales will attempt to become the first Mexican to win titles in four weight divisions when he faces power punching Argentine Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC super lightweight championship from the MGM Grand.
Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO's) remains boxing's biggest attraction, wowing crowds and generating record pay-per-view numbers each time he steps into the ring. In his last ring appearance on May 1, 2010, Mayweather dismantled Sugar Shane Mosley in a lopsided unanimous decision victory. Mayweather is no stranger to fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend, as prior to his sensational win over Mosley, he took on Mexican boxing star Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19, 2009, beating his opponent in spectacular fashion. During his extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
"Watching the fight on the big screen in movie theaters across the country is a fantastic way to experience a mega-fight like Mayweather vs. Ortiz, Canelo vs. Gomez and Morales vs. Matthysse, all on Mexican Independence Day weekend," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. "It is great to work with NCM Fathom again to bring championship boxing to the big screen in an unparalleled level of entertainment."
Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO's) is on fire. He is riding a six-fight undefeated streak including his sensational title capturing win over Andre Berto on April 16, 2011. The hard-punching southpaw proved himself throughout their 12-round battle when he survived a knock down in the sixth round and came back to drop Berto at the end of the same round in one of the most exciting boxing fights this year. Ortiz, who was already known as one of the most powerful young fighters in the sport, but was questioned in the past for his desire, showed the world that his heart matches his hands of steel when faced with the best in boxing.
"Since boxing made its exciting return to movie theaters in 2009, Fathom has allowed fans to experience every punch and jab at their local movie theaters," said Dan Diamond, vice president of Fathom. "This big screen fight brings Mayweather back to the ring in what promises to be one of boxing's most memorable matches of 2011."
Already Mexico's brightest young star, 21-year-old 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.
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.
A three-division world champion and future Hall of Famer, Erik "El Terrible" Morales (51-7, 35 KO's) ruled the boxing landscape for years, thrilling fans with his classic battles against Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera, Paulie Ayala, Wayne McCullough and In-Jin Chi. But when he returned from a nearly three-year layoff in 2010, many wondered if the Tijuana native still had what it took to compete with the elite. Those questions were answered loud and clear with a three fight winning streak in 2010 and a Fight of the Year candidate in April of 2011, when he went to war for 12 rounds with Marcos Maidana before losing a razor-thin majority decision. Now, the 34-year old warrior is back in the ring and back in Las Vegas to face the concussive punching Matthysse as he vies to become the only Mexican fighter in history to win world titles in four weight divisions.
One of boxing's hardest punchers, Lucas Matthysse (28-2, 26 KO's) of Trelew, Argentina has made former World Champions Zab "Super" Judah and Devon Alexander see stars in his last two fights, knocking each of them down, only to lose both fights by controversial split decisions. The 28-year-old's new role as the people's champion is a good one for the crowd-pleasing standout, who has been delivering stellar performances from the time he turned professional in 2004. A former WBO Latino and WBO Intercontinental champion who counts "Vicious" Vivian Harris, DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley and Rogelio Castaneda Jr. among his vanquished foes, Matthysse, who has won 93 percent of his fights by way of knockout, is amped up and ready to trade blows with one of the sport's modern greats, Erik Morales, on September 17.
♔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 SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT JOEL CASTILLO TO HEADLINE AT HAVOC BOXING 4 ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH IN BROOKLYN, NY
On Saturday night, September 10th, undefeated Super Middleweight Joel Castillo will headline an big night of boxing that will be promoted by Rob Diaz’ Havoc Boxing Promotions that will take place at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn.
Castllo of Bronx, New York has a record of 9-0 with six knockouts.
Castillo turned pro in July of 2006 and won five fights in a six month period before a three year hiatus from the ring.
Since he has returned, Castillo has won four straight which includes his electric eighteen second destruction of Billy Cunningham. In his last bout he scored a fourth round stoppage over Jesse Orta on May 20th.
In a ten round female Super Featherweight bout, Amanda Serrano (10-0-1, 6 KO’s) will take on a opponent to be named for the IBF World championship.
In a second six round co-feature, Santander Silgado will take on upset specialist Harvey Jolly in a Cruiserweight bout
Silgado of Colombia has compiled a record of 18-0 with sixteen knockouts. The twenty-five year old has captured regional belts throughout South America.
Silgado turned pro with twelve straight knockouts before winning the WBA Fedecaribe as well as the Colombian Cruiserweight titles with a third round stoppage over Jose Chiquillo.
He defended the WBA belt once before capturing the WBA Fedebol title with a unanimous decision victory over Sergio Martin Beaz.
In his last bout, Silgado stopped Cesar Dairo Herdia in one round on January 24, 2009.
Jolly of Adrian, Michigan has a record of 12-17-1 with eight knockouts.
Silgado better be at his best as Jolly has scored some big wins over the likes of Otis Mills (2-0-1); Tyrone Smith (4-0-1); Villi Bloomfield (6-0); Evans Quinn (18-2); Nick Iannuzzi (12-0); Umberto Savigne (2-0); Silgado is coming off a eight round unanimous decision over Joshua Harris (7-4-1) on June 18th
Anthony Irons (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Brownsville section of Brooklyn, NY will see action in a six round Welterweight bout against Leon Green (4-1, 1 KO) of Brooklyn.
Ryan Rumaya of New York will be making his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a four round Super Bantamweight bout
Jr. Middleweight prospect Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin (13-1, 8 KO’s) of Marlboro, NJ will take on an opponent to be named later in a six round bout.
Zachary Ochoa of New York will be making his pro debut against William Ware (1-3, 1 KO) of Tennessee in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.
Armin Mrkanovic (1-1) of Queens, NY will take on Robert Brown (0-2) of Miami in a four round Cruiserweight bout.
Alvon Acosta (0-1) and Lykan Byfield (0-1) of Yonkers, NY will do battle in a four round Middleweight bout.
Undefeated Cletis Seldin (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Welterweight bout.
Rounding out the card will be Jr. Middleweight Frank Galarza (3-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY seeing action in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout against an opponent to be named
Jr. Welterweight Dinmukhamed Niyazov will make his pro debut in a four round bout against Matteo Acosta (0-3-1) of Puerto Rico
Neuky Santelices will make his pro debut in a Four Round Super Featherweight bout against Fernando Ramos (1-5) of Puerto Rico
♔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.
World Boxing Champion John ‘The Quietman’ Ruiz Opens full-contact gym in Boston area
Two-time World Boxing Association (“WBA”) heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has opened Quietman Sports Gym, inside of Gold’s Gym in Medford (4000 Mystic Valley Parkway), which is a suburb of Boston and only a few miles from where Ruiz grew-up in Chelsea.
Quietman Sports Gym is a full-contact gym, featuring a boxing ring as well as a cage for MMA, wrestling, jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai fighting. The gym also offers boxing and full-contact fighting classes, personal and semi-private instruction, self defense classes, and white collar boxing. The gym is also available for rentals on Sundays.
Ruiz is the owner and chief boxing instructor. Other instructors include John’s brother, Eddie Ruiz, and Jose “Raul” Sanchez for boxing; Miguel Rivera, MMA/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; Michael Matulonis, kickboxing; Rich Bloom, wrestling; NiccKossivas, Muay Thai/MMA striking.
“I grew up in this area and wanted to return to my roots in order to give back to these communities,” Ruiz explained. “I’m very close to my family and friends I have back here, so this is also an opportunity for me to spend more time with them. I believe a gym like this helps communities and children. Our goal is to create a gym that develops Olympians, but also give kids a place to go, just like I had at the Somerville Boxing Club, where they stay off the streets and learn how to box, wrestle or mixed martial arts training. There are so many bad temptations today for kids and many of them really need a place to go. We want to help them develop self-esteem and character.”
Future plans call for Quietman Sports Gym to become a sanctioned USA Boxing gym. Ruiz also wants to become a boxing and MMA promoter – professional and amateur – and he has already started a boxing consulting agency, Quietman Sports, along with his longtime attorney and advisor, Boston Attorney Anthony M. Cardinale.
“I was able to see the world because of boxing and I want to help kids do the same as part of our future ‘Quietman’ traveling team,” John added. “I’ve been fortunate to have had so many memorable times through boxing and I really want to pass along those experiences and what I’ve learned.”
The 39-year-old Ruiz, who lives in Las Vegas, retired from the ring a year ago. He had a 44-9-1 (30 KOs) career record and fought in 12 world title fights.
Quitman Sports Gym offers active military personal, as well as police officers and fire fighters, discount memberships.
Hours of operations for Quietman Sports Gym are Monday-Thursday, 11 AM/ET-9 PM/ET; Friday 1 AM/ET-8 PM/ET; Saturday 9 AM/ET-2 PMN/ET (closed Sunday).
♔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.
Quietman Sports Gym is a full-contact gym, featuring a boxing ring as well as a cage for MMA, wrestling, jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai fighting. The gym also offers boxing and full-contact fighting classes, personal and semi-private instruction, self defense classes, and white collar boxing. The gym is also available for rentals on Sundays.
Ruiz is the owner and chief boxing instructor. Other instructors include John’s brother, Eddie Ruiz, and Jose “Raul” Sanchez for boxing; Miguel Rivera, MMA/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; Michael Matulonis, kickboxing; Rich Bloom, wrestling; NiccKossivas, Muay Thai/MMA striking.
“I grew up in this area and wanted to return to my roots in order to give back to these communities,” Ruiz explained. “I’m very close to my family and friends I have back here, so this is also an opportunity for me to spend more time with them. I believe a gym like this helps communities and children. Our goal is to create a gym that develops Olympians, but also give kids a place to go, just like I had at the Somerville Boxing Club, where they stay off the streets and learn how to box, wrestle or mixed martial arts training. There are so many bad temptations today for kids and many of them really need a place to go. We want to help them develop self-esteem and character.”
Future plans call for Quietman Sports Gym to become a sanctioned USA Boxing gym. Ruiz also wants to become a boxing and MMA promoter – professional and amateur – and he has already started a boxing consulting agency, Quietman Sports, along with his longtime attorney and advisor, Boston Attorney Anthony M. Cardinale.
“I was able to see the world because of boxing and I want to help kids do the same as part of our future ‘Quietman’ traveling team,” John added. “I’ve been fortunate to have had so many memorable times through boxing and I really want to pass along those experiences and what I’ve learned.”
The 39-year-old Ruiz, who lives in Las Vegas, retired from the ring a year ago. He had a 44-9-1 (30 KOs) career record and fought in 12 world title fights.
Quitman Sports Gym offers active military personal, as well as police officers and fire fighters, discount memberships.
Hours of operations for Quietman Sports Gym are Monday-Thursday, 11 AM/ET-9 PM/ET; Friday 1 AM/ET-8 PM/ET; Saturday 9 AM/ET-2 PMN/ET (closed Sunday).
♔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.
Checkmate for Edwin ‘La Bomba’ Rodriguez Undefeated Dominican boxer headlines Broadway Boxing show this Saturday. Night
Boxing is like chess for unbeaten Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez.
The 26-year-old Dominican Republic native, considered by many as the premier super middleweight prospect in the world, returns home Saturday night (Aug. 20) to headline a special edition of Broadway Boxing, presented by DiBella Entertainment, against intra-state rival and Iraq War veteran Chris Traietti (10-2, 6 KOs) at historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester (MA).
Rodriguez is a talented chess player who also has some great moves in the ring. “Chess and boxing are similar because you have to think of your moves ahead,” Rodriguez explained. “They’re both fast-paced. You have to be able to know your next move and do it fast. I love chess. You need to know what your next move is in a second and go for it. If your strategy isn’t working, like in boxing, you need to adjust by reacting quickly. Sometimes you set-up a move – I may sacrifice my horse, but I’m really baiting you, and you react to find yourself in a checkmate position. Checkmate is the knockout punch.”
The Lou DiBella-promoted Rodriguez (18-0, 13 KOs), reigning WBC USNBC title-holder, is presently rated among the top 13 by all major governing bodies in professional boxing: International Boxing Federation (#8), World Boxing Association (#9), World Boxing Council (#12) and World Boxing Organization (#13).
“Edwin’s always loved chess,” Rodriguez’ manager Larry Army added. “Because of that we’ve had a saying, ‘you’re playing chess and they’re all playing checkers.’His mind works like that in the ring, quickly reacting to his opponent’s move, and that’s why he’s been so successful.”
Rodriguez is an avid on-line chess player. If you’d like a chance to play Edwin in a game of chess, join-up for his free newsletter (go to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com) and challenge him. Edwin will select a few opponents to play.
Edwin started boxing in 2001 and he developed into one of the top amateurs in the United States, compiling a solid 84-9 record that included gold-medal performances in the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament. Rodriguez, who has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Dominican Republic, became the first Massachusetts boxer to win the middleweight title at the Nationals since “Marvelous”Marvin Hagler in 1973.
TheBroadway Boxing co-feature showcases the return of former WBA junior middleweight champion Joachim Alcine (32-2, 19 KOs) vs. upset specialist Jose “Stinger” Medina (14-9-2, 6 KOs), also from Quincy. Also seeing action are two other boxers from Traietti’s hometown of Quincy – Rodriguez’ stable-mate junior lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince”Kielczewski (10-0, 2 KOs) vs. James Lester (9-5, 4 KOs), and Gabriel Duluc (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Springfield (MA) junior welterweight Noel Garcia. Also scheduled to be in action are popular, female heavyweight Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis (5-0, 1 KO), fighting out of New York City, vs. Tiffany Woodard (4-4, 3 KOs); unbeaten Louisiana heavyweight prospect Kelvin Price(10-0, 6 KO) vs. Joseph Rabotte, and New Haven super bantamweight Luis “The KO King” Rosa (7-0, 5 KOs) vs. Shawn “Bones” Nichols (5-6, 5 KOs). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
♔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.
Christy Martin -- The Boxing Commission is Sexist; Christy Martin Opponent Dakota Stone: Gloria Allred's News Conference is a 'Bunch of Bull'
Christy Martin, the women's Super Welterweight Boxing Champ, is taking a shot at the California State Athletic Commission, claiming the organization is sexist and she lost what would have been her 50th victory as a result.
Christy fought Dakota Stone last June at the Staples Center in L.A. Christie was ahead in points with 51 seconds left in the fight, when the referee stopped the fight and gave the victory to Stone.
The ref felt Christy couldn't continue because her hand was injured, but Christy's lawyer, Gloria Allred doesn't see it that way. Gloria claims all Christy did was "momentarily wince," and she wanted to continue, and the decision to stop the bout is "an unfair and sexist double standard" -- i.e., a ref would never have stopped a fight under the same circumstances if the boxers were male.
It's kind of ironic -- last November, Christy's then husband allegedly tried to murder her by stabbing her, shooting her and pistol whipping her, yet the ref stopped the bout over what Gloria says was a wimpy hand injury.
Gloria and Christy will hold a news conference on Monday at 9:30 AM PT in the Ronald Reagan State Building in L.A. to take on the Athletic Commission.
We'll be livestreaming the news conference.
Dakota Stone, the boxer who defeated Christy Martin, thinks she whupped Christy fair and square -- and no matter what Gloria Allred says in a news conference ... the proof is on tape for everyone to see.
Dakota's manager Mathis Hill tells TMZ -- Christy was the crowd favorite, but not the clear winner -- and adds, "The ref only called the fight because Christy turned her back and ran from the fight to go to a neutral corner."
As for Christy and Gloria's news conference this morning ... calling the ref's decision to stop the fight sexist ... Mathis says "the whole thing is a bunch of bull."
http://www.tmz.com/2011/08/14/christy-martin-gloria-allred-california-state-athletic-commission-boxing-commission-fight-dakota-stone-loss-injured-hand-stopped-fight/
♔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.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Floyd “Money” Mayweather Battles “Vicious” Victor Ortiz in Boxing’s Return to the Big Screen This September 17th
Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and MGM Resorts International are proud to announce that the most anticipated boxing mega-event of 2011, "STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER vs. ORTIZ", will be available via closed circuit viewing for all fight fans in Las Vegas Saturday, Sept. 17. The global event will attract fight fans worldwide and to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be a part of this unprecedented event, it was announced today that MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor and Circus Circus will host the closed circuit telecast. "STAR POWER" will be produced and distributed by HBO-Pay-Per-View® with the live telecast beginning at 6:00 p.m. PST.
"STAR POWER" is a mega-event taking place 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 do 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. Lucas Matthysse 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 and Morales vs. Matthysse is presented in association with Box Latino Promotions and Arano Box Promotions."STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. PST.
♔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.
Vitali Klitschko vs. Tomasz Adamek and Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Daniel Ponce de Leon SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10th on HBO
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10th on HBO WCB: Vitali Klitschko vs. Tomasz Adamek and Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Daniel Ponce de Leon
♔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 360 Buzz: Amanda Serrano closes in on world title shot
Undefeated, North American Boxing Federation (“NABF”)Featherweight Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano took another step towards a world title fight when her most recent opponent, Diana Garcia, was unable to answer the bell for the second round in last Saturday night’s fight in the Dominican Republic,.
The 22-year-old Serrano (11-0-1, 7 KOs), a native of Puerto Rico who lives in Brooklyn, is ranked No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (“IBF”), and she figures to move up higher in the IBF’s next ratings.
“We’re finalizing negotiations right now to get Amanda into a world title fight, hopefully, September 10 in Brooklyn,” Boxing 360 CEO/Founder Mario Yagobi said.“She’s worked hard to get into a world title shot position and we believe she earned this opportunity.”
Serrano is tentatively slated to face Fatuma Zarika (23-5-1, 14 KOs), of Kenya, for the vacant IBF Junior Lightweight Championship.
Demyanenko Ready to Rock
Boxing 360’s newest member, undefeated welterweight prospectVitaliy “Demyan” Demyanenko (19-0, 12 KOs), is itching to get back into action. “He hasn’t fought in more than a year and he’s willing to fight any light welterweight or welterweight, especially Pauli Malignaggi, in the world,” Yagobi added. “We’re getting all of his visa paperwork in order and hope to have him fighting very soon.”
Rated as high as No. 8 by the World Boxing Organization this past May, Vitaliy is a native of Kazakhstan, who had more than 150 amateur fights, capturing the Kazakhstan National Championship in 1999, as well as a gold medal in the Junior Olympics.
His father, Viktor Demyanenko, captured a silver medal in the 1980 Olympics representing the USSR, and he also was the 1979 European lightweight champion. Vitali is a college graduate who speaks Russian, English, Kajak and is learning Spanish.
On The Ropes
In other Boxing 360 news, Dominican lightweight champion Eudy “AK47” Bernardo (9-0, 6 KOs) is in the process of relocating to New York City. Super featherweight prospect Joel Diaz (5-0, 4 KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact, when he knocked out Esteban Nichol (3-2, 3 KOs) in the opening round of their July 29 fight on the Shumenov-Santiago card at South Point Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas.
Yagobi hopes to have WBC #5 super bantamweight Leon “Hurry Up” Moore (28-2, 22 KOs), who is now settled living in New York City, back in the ring very soon.
Heavyweight Mike Mollo (20-3-1, 12 KOs) has the opportunity of his career on August 27, when he takes on undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell (22-0, 16 KOs) on an HBO card in San Jose, California.
♔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.
Jan Zaveck vs. Andre Berto September 3rd IBF Welterweight Championship clash
IBF welterweight champion Jan Zaveck (31-1, 18 KOs) and Andre Berto (27-1, 21 KOs). The show will take place at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, and air live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark at 10:45 P.M. ET and 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.
Vinny Maddalone, and Atlantic City's long-time welteweight contender, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez upcoming show on Saturday August 27th
Star Boxing's upcoming show on Saturday August 27th at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Headlining the show will be heavyweight fan-favorite, Vinny Maddalone, and Atlantic City's long-time welterweight contender, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez
♔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 AUGUST 19TH AT THE PARADISE THEATER; Michael "The Artist" Perez & Eddie Gomez
"Punchin at the Paradise" fight night at the Paradise Theater in the Bronx, NY. Headlining the event, which will be broadcast on Telefutura's "SÓLO BOXEO TECATE", will be undefeated lightweight prospect, Michael "The Artist" Perez (13-0-1, 7KO's) with the Bronx's 18-year-old phenom, Eddie Gomez (5-0, 4KO's) fighting in the co-feature.
♔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.
No Holds Barred: Keisha Morrisey on the Agbeko-Mares Refereeing Disgrace
On this audio edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with our colleague and correspondent Keisha Morrisey.
In the August 13 bantamweight title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, between Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares, referee Russell Mora let Mares land countless low blows without even deducting a point, much less disqualifying him. In the eleventh round, Mora even counted for a knockdown after Agbeko went down from a clear shot to the groin by Mares. This was one of the worst refereeing jobs in modern boxing history, and made the majority decision victory awarded to Mares virtually meaningless.
Outrage has been virtually unanimous among those who saw the fight (except, of course, from the referee), and many are calling for an immediate rematch, as well as nullifying the decision. The New Jersey commission suspended all three judges after their absurd decision in the Lara-Williams fight earlier this year, so it will be instructive to see what action if any the Nevada commission takes regarding Mora.
We spoke by phone late Saturday night right after the Agbeko-Mares fight with Keisha Morrisey. We discussed the refereeing in this fight, what it says about the continuously declining state of boxing, what should be done next, and much more.
CONTROVERSY IN LAS VEGAS- Post-Fight Press Links
Controversy looms over Las Vegas (and it smells like stale beer) after inexplicable officiating--which went beyond mere incompetence--marred the main event of the Bantamweight Tournament Final at the Hard Rock on Saturday night.
Please see links, below, to the first of what will certainly be many descriptions and accounts of something that went horribly wrong.
Alan Hopper
DKP
Yahoosports.com – by Kevin Iole
http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news;_ylt=Auj16BtN1cc5t0cAZ.YnaAOUxLYF?slug=ki-iole_mares_beats_Agbeko_controversy_081311
Controversy erupts as Abner Mares wins bantamweight belt from Joseph Agbeko
Immediate rematch likely on tap after unsatisfying finish to Showtime tournament
Las Vegas Sun - By Case Keefer
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/aug/14/abner-mares-controversy-joseph-agbeko/
Abner Mares beats Joseph Agbeko for world title
Challenger from Hawaiian Gardens is the new International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion by majority decision.
The Los Angeles Times - By Lance Pugmire
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-boxing-mares-abeko-20110814,0,2490395.story?track=rss
Mora taints Mares victory over Agbeko, ruins good fight
RingTV.craveonline.com – Doug Fischer and Mike Rosenthal
http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/168561-mora-taints-mares-victory-over-agbeko-ruins-good-fight-
Looked Like Ref Russell Mora Beat Joseph Agbeko
The Sweet Science – By Michael Woods
http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/13107-russell-mora-beats-joseph-agbekostay-tuned-for-avila-from-ringside
In a great action fight Saturday marred by puzzling officiating by the referee that left fans at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, those watching on SHOWTIME® and the telecast team themselves totally perplexed, Abner Mares won The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title with a majority 12-round decision over defending IBF titlist Joseph King Kong Agbeko.
The unbeaten Mares (22-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., scored two knockdowns – one in the first and one in the 11th that was one hotly disputed – en route to outpointing the New York-based Agbeko (28-3, 22 KOs) of Ghana by the scores of 115-111 twice and 113-113.
But talk afterward centered less on the terrific performances of the talented, proud prizefighters and more on the referee, Russell Mora, whose failure to deduct a point from the winner despite at least five warnings for low blows and several other shots that seemed south of the border left many in disbelief.
During the telecast, SHOWTIME ringside analyst Antonio Tarver said, “Mora robbed all of us of a great fight.’’
There were 1,394 punches thrown in a give-and-take slugfest. Mares connected on 318 of 732, Agbeko on 318 of 732.
“I thought the first knockdown was clear,’’ said Mares, who made history by becoming the first homegrown Golden Boy Promotions boxer to capture a world title. “On the second I hit him on the belt and the ref chose to give him a count. I agree with the ref’s choice.
“I like to work the body but I was making the fight and all he did was counter-punch.
“I’m open to fight anybody (next). I love this tournament and would love to be in another one like this.’’
Said Agbeko, who demanded an immediate rematch, “I felt as though I was fighting two opponents in the ring tonight, Abner Mares and the referee. The referee ruled incorrectly on the knockdowns and he allowed Mares to hit me low repeatedly. Then, in the 11th, he called what everyone could see was another obvious low blow a knockdown.
“I don’t why these things happened to me. I felt the ref was against me from the start. All I wanted was a fair fight.
“I like Abner. He’s a good fighter. But I’m sure he didn’t want to win a fight this way.’’
A 12-round fight promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions will re-air this week as follows:Tuesday, Aug. 16, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME
Saturday’s fight will be available ON DEMAND beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
♔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.
WOMEN’S BOXING SUPERSTAR KALIESHA WEST WILL DEFEND HER WBO TITLE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (12-1-3, 4-KO’s) will take on Mexico’s Jessica Villafranca (12-2-0, 6-KO’s) in a 10-round WBO Female Bantamweight championship battle at the Black Pyramid Casino in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. The bout will be aired on Mexico’s Televisa network at 8:00 PM, CT as part of the HG Boxing’s “Triple Corona” card.
♔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.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
All Boxing Fans Meet Jake LaMotta at Ring 10's "1st Annual Fundraiser, Saturday, August 27th, 2011, 1:00pm-6:00pm at Russo's on the Bay
All Boxing Fans Meet Jake LaMotta at Ring 10's "1st Annual Fundraiser" Saturday, August 27th, 2011, 1:00pm-6:00pm at Russo's on the Bay 162-45 Crossbay Blvd,Howard Beach, NY 11414
It has been 60 years since Robinson vs. LaMotta met in the ring for the 6th and final time.
won 83 (KO 30) + lost 19 (KO 4) + drawn 4 = 106
rounds boxed 870 KO% 28.3
Robinson vs. LaMotta: "The Second St. Valentine's Day Massacre" The sensational middleweight title bout between Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta on February 14, 1951, went down in Chicago boxing lore as “the second St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.”
The sensational middleweight title bout between Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta on February 14, 1951, went down in Chicago boxing lore as "the second St. Valentine's Day Massacre." Reprinted from Heydays: Great Stories in Chicago Sports (c) by Christopher Tabbert
*******SAVE THE DATE*******
RING 10
Veterans Boxing Foundation
Of New York
1st Annual Fundraiser
Saturday, August 27th, 2011
1:00pm-6:00pm
Russo's on the Bay
162-45 Crossbay Blvd,Howard Beach, NY 11414, 718-843-5055
Celebrities to be in attendance:
Jake LaMotta, Holt McCallany: star of "Lights Out"
Tony DeMarco,Earnie Shavers, Kevin Rooney
Iran Barkley, Vito Antuofermo, Bert Sugar
Aaron "Superman"Davis, Heavyweight contender Lou Savarese
Plus many more, and a surprise current Champion of the World!
Enjoy a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by dinner and dessert. Top shelf open bar.
Silent Auction: one-of-a-kind boxing memorabilia
Tickets: $125 each
$150 after August 10th
Remit early for favorable seating
Make checks payable to:Ring 10
Mail to: 30 Bowdon Rd, Greenlawn, NY11740
For more information, contact Matt: 631-948-6028
******************************
♔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.
Michael Katsidis blasts Michael Lozada away in three rounds in super lightweight bout
Michael Katsidis blasts Michael Lozada away in three rounds in super lightweight bout; By; Petra Kirsch - Gelsenkirchen
Michael Katsidis' homecoming was a hellacious one as he inflicted a sustained beating to the midsection of Michael Lozada who was eventually halted in the third round of a super lightweight (10 stones/ 140lbs) contest in Australia's Gold Coast on Saturday, August 13. A win was a mandatory requirement for "The Great" Katsidis who had suffered two successive losses to Juan Manuel Marquez and then Robert Guerrero.
A win was a formality for Katsidis as Lozada, despite his pre-fight record of 38-8-1, 30ko, had already been kayoed in six rounds in 2010 by the relatively light-hitting Paulie Malignaggi and sustained a first round knockout to defeat to Pier Olivier Cote earlier this year.
Katsidis, meanwhile, despite being widely regarded as a Las Vegas favourite due to his thunderous performances, even in defeat, has to notch up another W on his resume following the aforementioned defeats. Against Guerrero, Katsidis' best round came late in the fight when he began inflicting a number of heavy-handed hook shots to each side of Guerrero's body and it was this tactic that was again adopted against Lozada.
The Australian, who had not fought in front of his home fans since 2006, felt his opponent out early in the first round but following an opening exchange began targeting Lozada's body. In the second round, the 30-year-old - considered a game gatekeeper from the lightweight pool - went headhunting as he caught Lozada flush with an overhand right. Lozada was even felled later in the second round but the referee - Adrian Cairns - deemed it a slip.
The ending finally came in the third round as Lozada failed to make Cairns' count after a severe body-beating from Katsidis. With victory, Katsidis rose to 28-4-0, 23ko and, following the fight, mentioned that his motivation for his barnstorming performance was fighting in front of his family, friends, Australian fans as well as stepping-up to the 140lb weight limit.
Katsidis is now hoping to secure lucrative contests at the new weight, including a bout against Lozada's countryman - three-weight world champion Erik Morales.
In an upset on the undercard, journeyman Jack Asis (24-18-4, 13ko) recorded a second round knockout over world-ranked (IBF; 15) bantamweight Nestor Rocha (23-3-0, 8ko); a former world title challenger.
♔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.
Paddy Monahan, lets get him into theInternational Boxing Hall of Fame (I.B.H.O.F.)
Please read this amazing article on Paddy Monaghan, he is the greatest bare kunckle boxer ever, Paddy won 114 fights from 1962 to 1980 with nothing but hand wraps. He was the last bare knuckle champion in the modern era to fight with out gloves and not loose a match.
Here is his story... http://www.fightsaga.com/news/item/1084-Paddy-Monaghan-The-Greatest-Bareknuckle-Boxer-Ever
Let's get this man inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Alan Santana
World Boxing Federation
North America U.S.A.
West Coast Regional Coordinator/ Supervisor
1.310.834.9522
Santana@WorldBoxingFederation.net
♔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.
Fan favorite Sonya Lamonakis will be on The DiBella Entertainment, Broadway Boxing show on August 20th in Worcester, Ma.
Hands That Punch Also Gently Guide
By COREY KILGANNON Published: June 11, 2011
GLOVES OFF Sonya Lamonakis trains at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn. She is a professional boxer.
AT 5-foot-7 and 220 pounds, Sonya Lamonakis has a stinging left hook. She is the Women’s International Boxing Association’s third-ranked heavyweight, and has all but assured herself a chance to fight for the world title after beating the 300-pound GiGi Jackson in a six-round bout in April.
But her powerful fists become soft, instructive instruments in her day job, as a teacher at the Family Academy, a public elementary school in Harlem.
“Ms. Lamonakis hits big ladies and knocks them down,” said Shyanne Spencer, 8, in describing what her teacher does during time off.
Ms. Lamonakis, 36, teaches technology classes during the day and heads to Brooklyn every day after school for her training sessions, which often include a round-trip run across the Brooklyn Bridge. But at some moments of the day, her identities collide; while on lunch duty, she often catches herself shadow boxing while sparring in her head.
“I’m never going to quit my job,” she said. “I consider teaching my job and boxing my hobby. I didn’t go to college for eight years to be a boxer.”
Ms. Lamonakis will not book a fight unless it fits into her school schedule, she said. In February, she turned down a fight because she had promised to take students on a field trip. Her first professional fight, in Worcester, Mass., fell on a school night. Ms. Lamonakis knocked out her 21-year-old opponent and hopped in her car and drove back to New York City; she was on time for school the next morning.
“The main thing is that she never comes back injured,” Diana Diaz, the principal of the Family Academy, said. She allows Ms. Lamonakis some schedule flexibility when she is preparing for a fight. And fight results are always posted in the main office and delivered with the morning announcements, Ms. Diaz said, “when the public address system’s working.”
On a recent weekday, during a technology class for third graders, Ms. Lamonakis unlocked a metal cabinet and handed out laptops. While she tended to a student, several others fidgeted and began straying from their desks. Ms. Lamonakis seemed to be monitoring the classroom peripherally, the way a champion boxer might size up her position in the ring while tangling with her opponent.
“Girls, have a seat — too much movement for me,” she said.
Her students are intensely interested in her boxing career, and she uses it as a teaching point.
“I always tell them that it’s good to dream but that it’s important to get their education, so they have something important to fall back on,” she said.
At the end of class, Shyanne asked, “Do you still lose sometimes?”
She laughed and said, “Not in a long time.”
After school that day, she headed straight to Gleason’s Gym for a two-hour training session of sparring, shadow-boxing, conditioning and hitting the punching bags and mitts.
“Sometimes teaching is more tiring than training,” she said with a laugh as she drove over the Brooklyn Bridge. “Driving in the car is my recovery time.”
At Gleason’s, while shirtless, glistening men pounded heavy bags, skipped rope and shadow boxed before mirrors, Ms. Lamonakis changed into shorts and a T-shirt and climbed into a ring. With her hands wrapped and gloved, training began.
Ms. Lamonakis was born in Greece and grew up in Turners Falls, Mass., working long hours at her family’s grocery store and diner. She played field hockey and softball at Springfield College in Massachusetts and began teaching while studying for one of her two master’s degrees.
Ms. Lamonakis took up boxing on a lark, at the advanced age of 27. After being invited to a boxing gym, she found she was immediately hooked, and within three months she was competing throughout New England, sweeping major tournaments.
But after her boyfriend was killed in 2005, she moved to New York to try “starting over” and landed a job as a city schoolteacher. She began training at Gleason’s and almost instantly established herself as the top amateur heavyweight in the city, becoming a four-time New York Golden Gloves champion and twice capturing the national title. Since turning pro last year, she has won all five of her fights.
Known as the Scholar — both for her master’s degrees and her strategic boxing style — Ms. Lamonakis has handled many larger, stronger and younger opponents by ducking jabs and working her way inside their punching zones, and then landing short body punches.
“She’s not just strong and aggressive — she’s strong and aggressive and smart,” said Don Saxby, one of her trainers at Gleason’s. “Her aggression is premeditated.”
Ms. Lamonakis has gained a loyal following of family and friends, as well as teachers, students and their parents. Some of them — including one of the school’s assistant principals, Eve Navarro, even show up at her out-of-town bouts. Other supporters, full of cultural pride, show up waving Greek flags, the blue and white matching her boxing trunks.
“All Greeks are fighters,” she said with a laugh. “We’re Spartans. We have it in our blood.”
♔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.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
David Tua Outpointed by Monte Barrett in Dramatic Rematch
David Tua Outpointed by Monte Barrett in Dramatic Rematch
by Scott Christ
38-year-old David Tua and 40-year-old Monte Barrett may not have delivered a beauty this morning in New Zealand, but they delivered roughly five thousand times more drama than did Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye in their mega-hyped July fight. Barrett survived a dramatic late rally by Tua to hang on for the unanimous decision victory.
Barrett (35-9-2, 20 KO) won on scores of 115-112, 115-112, and 114-113. Bad Left Hook scored it 116-111 for Barrett, who easily controlled the first six rounds of the fight and had Tua (52-4-2, 43 KO) looking like he had absolutely nothing at all left in the tank.
On that note, I will say that Tua doesn't look like he physically has a lot more left, and if you hadn't already written him off as a serious contender (or potential serious contender), you can do that. But I can say with all sincerity that Tua still has a lot of heart left, and in the second half of the fight, with it clear that he couldn't keep up in a boxing match with Barrett, Tua threw caution to the wind and went for the home run.
In the 12th round, he nearly got it. Tua floored Barrett hard on a pair of big shots, and for a moment, it didn't seem that Barrett would get up. But the American veteran made it to his feet, and had about 45 seconds left in the fight that he had to survive. He basically mustered everything he had left in his body to tie Tua up and try to keep the charging Samoan bulldog at bay, and while he barely made it out of the fight, he did indeed make it out.
David Tua vs Monte Barrett II - Round 12
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGVIq52HpCI&feature=player_embedded#at=315
After the fight, Barrett said he was looking to take a vacation instead of looking for a third fight with Tua, but Tua stated that he wanted the third bout, and says he has no intention to retire. If Tua is just looking to take this level of fight, I say there's absolutely a place for David Tua in today's boxing world. The fights may not be the most significant, but he's still among the more entertaining heavyweight fighters out there.
Barrett, who says he wants to start a career in WWE (it's not happening, and I won't start the lengthy list of reasons why it wouldn't be a success), has really made something of a turnaround with his career. He's been effectively shot for a long time, at least in terms of being compared to what he was at his peak. But he just keeps fighting as hard as he can when he gets out there. If you had told me back in 2007 that Barrett would be winning even this level fight in 2011, I'd have taken that bet and given you great odds. But here he is. It's not the most important win, but it's a big win for Monte Barrett.
♔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.
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