Arreola, Cloud and Williams all eager to impress on Showtime in Corpus Christi, February 18

On Saturday, February 18, Paul “The Punisher” Williams, Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola take their aggressive, knockout power and crowd-pleasing all-out action style to the great fans and city of Corpus Christi, Texas. The stacked fight card will emanate from the 9,200-seat American Bank Center Arena in an event presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Williams takes on Nobuhiro Ishida, Cloud and Gabriel Campillo engage in combat and Arreola clashes with Eric Molina. The 30-year old Williams (40-2-0, 27ko), a southpaw from Aiken, who twice held the WBO welterweight world championship and the interim super welterweight belt, will take on Japan’s Ishida (24-6-2, 9ko) in the scheduled 12-round junior middleweight main event.

“The Punisher” takes on Ishida with his sights strictly on re-establishing his reputation as “The World’s Most Feared Boxer.” Fighting just three times in the past two years, Williams is looking to stay busier and getting back to dominant victories.

Before sustaining a devastating second-round knockout against Sergio Martinez in November 2010, Williams was involved in one of the more unique victories in boxing when Kermit Cintron took a nosedive through the ropes and landed on the floor beneath the ring, declaring himself unable to continue.

After the Martinez bout, Williams took on the challenge of Cuban Erislandy Lara back in July of last year and earned what many considered a very controversial decision win, however, Williams threw and connected with more punches than Lara.

In facing the 36-year old Ishida, Williams will be taking on a dangerous veteran who, back in April of last year, handed ames Kirkland his first defeat in 28 fights by knocking him down three times en route to a first-round stoppage in Las Vegas – his only fight on American soil to date. After his KO loss to Ishida, Kirkland landed a November fight with Alfredo Angulo, who had 17 knockouts in his 20 wins, and in a slugfest, he stopped Angulo in the sixth round, making Ishida’s KO victory over Kirkland that much more impressive.

"I am happy to be getting back in the ring and honored to be fighting on Showtime and I know 2012 is going to be a good year for me," Williams stated. "Just like in the gym, sometimes you have good days and sometimes bad days. I had a couple of bad days against Martinez and Lara, but I am much more focused now and I intend to show everyone in Corpus Christi.

"I know Ishida is a hungry fighter and a hungry fighter is a most dangerous fighter. Lara fought over his head against me and I am going to try not to let it happen again with Ishida. I am looking to get some belts in 2012 at 154 and 160 pounds.

"I’m coming with every intention to win, but I’m not underestimating my opponent," said Ishida. "I respect him, but I fight for the welfare of my family. Obviously, after winning this fight I’m looking for a shot at the world title. I’m really excited to fight in the United States again, so I will put it all on the line against Paul Williams."

Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (23-0-0, 19ko), of Tallahassee, will be making the fourth defense of the IBF light heavyweight title he won via 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Clinton Woods in August 2009. The undefeated 29-year-old then successfully defended his title against Glen Johnson, Fulgencio Zuniga and Yusaf Mack.

Challenging him for the IBF belt is the very competent 33-year-old Spaniard from Madrid, Gabriel Campillo (28-3-1, 8ko). A former WBA light heavyweight world champion, Campillo handed current world champion Beibut Shumenov the only loss of his career – on his home soil in Kazakhstan, no less. Now, in his second trip to America, he presents a serious challenge to Cloud.

Arreola (34-2-0, 29ko), 30, from Riverside, remains determined to become the first man of Mexican descent to win a world heavyweight championship, having lost his first opportunity to long-reigning WBC champ Vitali Klitschko back in 2009. Since experiencing his only other loss as a pro to Tomasz Adamek in April 2010, “The Nightmare” has dedicated himself to training and physical conditioning while rattling off six consecutive wins, four by knockout, weighing about 20 pounds less while doing so.

In his most recent outing back in November, Arreola traveled to Leon, Guanajuato to make his highly anticipated Mexican debut at the grand arena “El Domo” where he headlined an event promoted by Goossen Tutor and Promociones Del Pueblo and broadcast on Televisa. He stopped Raphael Butler in the third round in front of over 7,000 rousing fans in attendance.

"I am very excited about fighting on February 18 in Corpus Christi and being on Showtime Extreme," Arreola exclaimed. "I remember seeing Fernando Vargas fighting in front of a full house here and I believe I will bring that type of excitement for these great fans. I am looking to build off a positive 2011 when I showed that I could get my weight under control and take my training and conditioning more seriously. This will be the first fight of what I predict will be a big and exciting 2012 for me and my career."

Standing directly in Arreola’s path towards heavyweight supremacy, is 29-year-old Eric Molina (18-1-0, 14ko). Having tasted defeat in his professional debut, Molina and his camp went back to the drawing board to make sure that it wouldn’t happen again. To this point he has been successful in that regard, defeating all of his next 18 opponents, while dispatching 14 of them by knockout.

"Six sluggers, three world champions, all in ‘Triple Threat’ fights," said promoter Dan Goossen. "This will definitely be Showtime for the fans in attendance and the ones watching at home".

♔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.

Top Middleweight Prospect Richard Pierson Ready For Battle February 17‏

Top Middleweight Prospect Richard Pierson Ready For Battle February 17

Paterson native and up-and-coming middleweight Richard Pierson will return to action Friday, February 17, 2012 as Gabe LaConte’s First Round Promotions presents a night of boxing at the Nutley High School in Nutley, New Jersey.

Following nearly a two-year layoff from the squared circle, Pierson (9-2, 6 KO) put on an impressive show in his comeback fight in June of 2010, stopping Reynaldo Rodriguez at 2:32 of the first round, handing the undefeated fighter his first loss. But the young fighter has had problems with fights falling through and getting cancelled last minute.

Having fights fall through has been somewhat of a regular thing for Pierson, through no fault of his own. Fighters and promoters have been avoiding the devastating puncher because in four fights he was supposed to be the “B” fighter, and he came in and knocked out the “A” fighter.

Along with his heavy hands, Pierson has caught the attention of boxing fans around the world because he has always stepped up to fight every time he was given the chance. To his credit, he has never faced an opponent with a losing record.

Although not having a set opponent would present an issue in training for some fighters, Pierson doesn’t allow it to affect him.

“I haven’t changed how I prepare for a fight,” said Pierson. “I train the way I always do; I focus on the win. It is unpredictable. I could have an opponent right now and a week before the fight that can change, so I just make sure that I’m in shape and able to go out there and do what I know I can do.”

Despite the problems Pierson has faced in the past with getting fights, this past year Pierson sought out the management of former heavyweight knockout artist and boxing trainer Lou Esa.

“Richard is probably one of the most devastating punchers I’ve ever worked with,” said Esa. “This kid can hit you with either hand that’ll put you on Queer Street. Just knowing a little bit about Richard has put me in a different state. He has 10 children. He takes care of them all by himself. When you look up father in the dictionary, you see a picture of Richard Pierson. He shows that kind of determination inside the boxing ring. He is determined to win a championship, and I think he will. This kid is not going away silently; in fact he isn’t going away at all. He is someone to be reckoned with, and nobody wants to fight him now.”

In his young career Pierson has fought at top level venues, including the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, and several others.

When asked if he felt he had an advantage since he has always fought tougher competition, Pierson responded, “The thing with the tougher competition, it’s the same way I look at this fight coming up. I go out there to fight, and look at each fighter as a human being, just like I am. To me it doesn’t matter who you have fought or where you have fought…it depends on what you are bringing to the table. But I don’t think it was an advantage for me to be fighting on big stages early in my career. That’s one of the reasons why it has been so hard for me to get fights now.”

Going forward in 2012 Pierson hopes to stay active and consistently fight throughout the year.

The middleweight prospect currently trains at Ike and Randy’s gym in Paterson, New Jersey.

“Lastly I want to give a shot out to Lou Esa for being one of the only guys who was willing to take time out to try to get my career back and moving, and Maureen Shea, who always gave me great advice. She is the female champion, and always gives me great advice and showed me the right way to go, and always kept me level-headed. There were times that I’ve gotten down in boxing, and she is the one who brought me back. With the two of them I believe my career is going to go on and my life is going to go how it should be. And thanks to Blockstarzzent for getting my photo up on the promo flier for the 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.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE FOLLOWING PLAN

Undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade believes his February 10 main-event fight against former USBA junior middleweight champion Derek "Pooh" Ennis, for the vacant North American Boxing Organization ("NABO") junior middleweight title, is a continuation of a well designed plan, eventually landing him a world title fight later this year or in early 2013.

With world title belt implications for the winner, Andrade-Ennis headlines the Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing show on ESPN Friday Night Fights at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Andrade (15-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of nearby Providence, was a much decorated amateur who in 2007 became the first American since 1999 to capture a gold medal at the World Amateur Championships. The talented 23-year-old from Providence is ranked in the top 15 of all four major governing bodies: No. 9 by the World Boxing Organization ("WBO"), No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation ("IBF") and World Boxing Council ("WBC") and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association ("WBA"). He is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

"This fight will put me in a good position and let people know that I'm coming hard," Andrade said. "I will be there soon (world champion) but I'm in no rush. I've been handled the right way. We're following the game plan and picking the right fights. Once I get up to 20-0 or so, I'll be ready to call out the big guys like (Canelo) Alvarez.

"I've improved a lot since I turned pro, mentally and physically. I've kept my head on straight, remained focused and have had no distractions at all - in or out of the ring. Physically, I'm in tip-top shape, able to handle whatever comes my way."

IBF No. 9-rated Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs) is carrying on the rich tradition of other tough Philadelphia fighters before him such as Joey Giardello, Jeff Chandler, Bernie Briscoe and so many others from the City of Brotherly Love.

"I don't know too much about Ennis other than his record and that he has a good style," Demetrius remarked. "We're looking to step-up and fight guys like him. We're going to make this show rock. I'm going for a big win."

Like Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Roy Jones, Jr. before him, Andrade is a exceptionally gifted boxer who has been unfairly tabbed a "safety-first fighter" because he makes fights look so easy and effortless. Boxing, though, is about hitting your opponent without getting hit. Andrade has done just that and much more during his perfect pro career to this point. The slick southpaw has been thoroughly dominant in his 15 pro fights, knocking out 10 opponents, and winning all but four of 59 rounds on the judges' scorecards.

"Sometimes, it's funny to me that, when I win by a decision, some people get mad because I didn't knockout my opponent," Andrade explained. "But they still get mad when I win by knockout. Whenever I fight, I bring a different look and nobody can say I don't. I beat (Grady) Brewer with my jab and I went to (Saul) Duran's body with power punches until he quit.

"Each and every fight, I'm better, stronger - stepping-up against better competition - and I'm still winning."

♔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.

Fight Photos: Nonito Donaire and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr’s training techniques ahead of Saturday showdowns

All Pictures: Chris Farina/ Top Rank

Co-headliners at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, February 4, WBC middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and two-weight world champion Nonito Donaire take on respective challengers Marco Antonio Rubio and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr, the latter for the vacant WBO super bantamweight crown. Chavez Jr and Donaire are pictured below, going through their training regimes, during media days ahead of the elite event.

Donaire is preparing for what is another chapter in the bulging book of Filipino and Puerto Rican rivalries

Bazzal, with stop-watch in hand, meticulously clocks Nonito's times

Fighters at championship level require a coach who is not only a great trainer but also an effective cornerman and, in Robert Garcia, Donaire (27-1-0, 18ko) has both, as is evidenced by the 36-year-old’s calming influence during Donaire’s most recent fight – versus defence-minded Omar Narvaez – where Nonito was frustrated with the Argentine’s tactics. Garcia (above, watching Donaire pound the heavy bag) also brags Brandon Rios, Antonio Margarito and Kelly Pavlik in his academy stable in Oxnard, California.

Donaire, a pound-for-pound power puncher, hits the mitts

It is Donaire, though, who is the first to have a high-profile fight in 2012 and, if successful, The Filipino Flash will undoubtedly be Garcia’s biggest star. Robert is one part of a world-class coaching staff who work with Donaire as the Pinoy calls upon Mike Bazzel to aid his strength and conditioning (pictured above left, working the ropes with Nonito). Bazzel is currently tasked with overseeing Donaire’s weight transition from bantamweight to super bantamweight as the fighter makes his 122lb debut this weekend.

Chavez Sr (107-6-2, 86ko) passes on pearls of wisdom to The Legend Continues, his son, Chavez Jr (right)

Ariza (left) monitors Chavez Jr's progress. Julio has faced criticism over weight in the past but he is on point right now

No pain, no gain… Ariza's methods push his clients so fight night is less work

One of the most famous conditioners in combat sports, Alex Ariza (above and right) is strength coach to Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and Chavez Jr (44-0-1, 31ko). Known for his attention-to-detail to supplementation, Ariza also goes against the grain when it comes to exercising, as demonstrated with his desire to see his athletes go through arduous balance drills (right), using free weights that build practical muscle rather than aesthetic muscle (below right) and striking a heavy bag with a baseball bat (below).

With the fight less than a week away, Chavez Jr is looking ready to go

Other members of Chavez Jr’s camp include head coach Freddie Roach, who owns the famous Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood and the fighter’s father, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr (pictured above, above the picture of Ariza and Chavez Jr), an all-time great and Mexico’s best prizefighting product. Against Rubio, Chavez Jr takes on a fellow Mexican in what is billed as his toughest opponent to date. Rubio has fists that can put a man to sleep and all five of his 2011 fights – including an upset win over David Lemieux – were won via stoppage.

Hadouken! Julio Cesar and Marco Antonio have a leg-buckling 77 knockouts between them

♔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.

ANDRE BERTO INJURY FORCES CANCELLATION OF FEBRUARY 11 FIGHT AGAINST VICTOR ORTIZ POSSIBLE POSTPONEMENT DATE BEING DISCUSSED

Due to a left biceps injury sustained while training on Monday, January 30, Andre Berto will be unable to compete in his scheduled February 11 SHOWTIME televised bout against Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., forcing a cancellation of the event on that date. All parties involved are actively seeking a possible postponement date for Ortiz vs. Berto II.

Information regarding previously purchased tickets being honored for a possible postponement date will be released as it becomes available or, alternatively, ticketholders can contact their place of purchase for refunds.

♔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.

UFC on Fox: Evans vs Davis!

Rashad Evans and Phil Davis battle for a shot at the light heavyweight title, Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping go toe-to-toe for the next crack at Anderson Silva's middleweight crown, and Demian Maia and Chris Weidman face off to see who will advance up the 185-lb. ladder! Live and free tomorrow night at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on FOX

♔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.

Gunn Furthers Interest In Super Fight With Jones Jr.

This past week there has been much discussion about a potential cruiserweight fight between former IBA World Cruiserweight champion Bobby Gunn and former world champion in multiple weight classes Roy Jones Jr.

Gunn spoke out yesterday in response to Jones Jr’s statement earlier this week:

“Thank you Roy for the response that you gave to me. You are such a classy champion, and that’s why you are loved by the world—not just boxing fans, but the world in general. Everybody knows the name and loves Roy Jones Jr. I truly hope from the bottom of my heart that you get the fight with David Haye or Krzsztof Wlodarczyk, but if you don’t I will give you the fight that the boxing world needs. You and I can be the Arturo Gatti/Mickey Ward cruiserweight super fight. We will be the fight that nobody puts a lot of weight into, but we will put on a show that goes through the roof. We will give the boxing world what they want by giving them the super fight of the year. Styles make a fight, and quite honestly my brother, me and you is a perfect matchup.

Roy, you are a champion in and out of the ring, and it would be my honor and dream to step in the ring with you. Everything I have done and accomplished throughout my life wouldn’t hold a candle to having the chance to step between the ropes with you and go to battle. You are a great man, and I believe you will bring the greatness out of me. God Bless champ, and again, I hope you get what you want, but if you don’t, the Gunn is at your door knocking…it’s not complicated, this is an easy deal. Let’s make it happen.”

In coming weeks the boxing world will find out if this fight will happen or not. With the ongoing drama of the top welterweights in the world, boxing fans could certainly get into looking forward to a matchup between Jones Jr. and Gunn.

♔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.

Juan Manuel Lopez-Orlando Salido Press Conference Quotes and Photos--SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, March 10, 2012‏

World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion ORLANDO “Siri” SALIDO (37-11-2, 25 KOs), from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, and former WBO featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL “Juanma” LOPEZ (31-1, 28 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, took part in a news conference on Tuesday to announce their World Featherweight Championship rematch.

The news conference was attended by San Juan Mayor JORGE SANTINI and took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the Museo de Vida Silvestre.

"I am very happy to have this very important show in our city,” Santini said. “We know how good Orlando Salido is but we are also are very confident that Juanma will be at his best and will regain his world championship."

Lopez-Salido II will take place Saturday, March 10, and will be televised live from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, P.R. on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.) The SHOWTIME telecast will open with undefeated No. 1 featherweight contender MIKEY GARCIA (27-0, 23 KOs), from Oxnard, Calif., risking his record and rating as well as his impending world title shot in a 10-round featherweight battle against an opponent to be announced.

Here are what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

ORLANDO SALIDO:

"I expect a very different fight. I know he will be better then last time.

“But I don’t see him changing much. He might try in the beginning to fight in a different style but he will come back to his strengths. He is going to feel that he is the better and stronger man, and that he is not.

"I want to show that my first win was not a fluke. I came back to fight in Puerto Rico because he gave the opportunity to me to fight for a world championship here and I have never had any problem winning in an opponents’ home base."

JUANMA LOPEZ:

"I am very happy to have the opportunity to fight in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum where my idol Tito Trinidad had so many fights and this is a dream come true for me.

"I want to thank Salido for coming back to Puerto Rico and giving me this opportunity. I knew Salido was a tough fighter and he came prepared and beat me and I offered no excuses.

"This fight is the most Important of my career and I will train very hard to regain my title.

On changes he will make in this fight:

“We will make changes for this fight like all fights. But I don’t want to give too many specifics. Most importantly against Salido I have to be intelligent inside the ring.

“I don’t see him changing at all. He won his first fight with me and I’ve seen his last two fights before that. He’s going to fight the same style.

“You have to be smart and use your boxing skills. That is the only way to beat Salido. I learned that in our first 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.