JUAN CARLOS BURGOS VS. FRANKIE ARCHULETA HEADLINES FIGHT CARD ON FEB. 25 AT MILLION DOLLAR ELM CASINO IN TULSA, OKLAHOMA; TELEVISED LIVE ON ESPN

Promoters Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions, Golden Gloves Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions and Tony Holden Productions and will present a sensational fight card on Friday, February 25, 2011, at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The main event and other selected fights will be televised live on ESPN at 9:00 P.M. Eastern, 6:00 P.M. Pacific.

In the main event - scheduled for 10 rounds – featherweight contender Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos, 25-1 with 18 knockouts, of Tijuana, Baja California, will battle Frankie Archuleta, 27-7-1 with 14 knockouts, of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Burgos, now 23 years old, is ranked No. 4 by the World Boxing Council at 126 pounds. In his last fight on November 26 in Nagoya, Japan, he challenged Hozumi Hasegawa for the vacant WBC featherweight world title. Hasegawa, a former WBC bantamweight world champion with 10 successful title defenses, is considered by many to be one of Japan’s best fighters of the last decade. It was a tremendous battle, one of the most exciting fights of the year – Burgos rallied in the last four rounds and finished the fight strongly, but came up short in the scoring and lost by 12 round decision.

Archuleta, 35 years old, is a 14-year professional veteran. A former WBC Latin American and North American Boxing Association featherweight champion, he has won two fights in a row.

♔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.

The main event features John "Spidey" Williams who is a multiple NC Golden Glove winner and is looking to gain his eighth win as a young professional.

TONY FERRANTE TO TAKE ON OMAR SHEIKA ON FEBRUARY 24TH AT HARRAHS IN CHESTER, PA

On Friday night February 24th, Joey Eye Boxing Promotions returns to Harrahs in Chester, Pa with a potentially explosive night of boxing that will be headlined by popular Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante taking on former four-time world title challenger Omar Sheika in a Light Heavyweight bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Ferrante of Philadelphia has a record of 12-2 with seven knockouts and is one of the most popular fighters in Philadelphia. Ferrante won his first nine professional bouts before dropping back to back bouts to Chuck Mussachio (15-1-2) and Ronson Frank (17-0).

Sheika of Paterson, New Jersey has been a mainstay at the top of the Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions for sixteen years. He won his first fourteen bouts and went on to beat former world champions Simon Brown and Glen Johnson.

♔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.

Super Brawl 3 (Live Professional Boxing) "REDEMPTION NIGHT"

Red Leather Sports, who brought ESPN back to North Carolina is primed to promote a night of excitement, intrigue, and significance as we will be raising awareness for The Urban Restoration. This riveting evening of economic awareness through professional boxing is all to benefit our households as well as our communities. So, get ready… get set… and let's GO!!! … for Redemption Night ~ The Best Show Ever ~ !!!

The main event features John "Spidey" Williams who is a multiple NC Golden Glove winner and is looking to gain his eighth win as a young professional. Spidey lost his last fight in an epic battle that may have been the fight of the year in 2011. The vanquisher, Andre Baker, a 45 fight veteran agreed to give Spidey a rematch due to the fact that he didn't win a unanimous decision. Spidey, a published author and poet will allow his pen to rest... all while his FIST display him best has vowed to redeem himself and finally put the loss in his rear view mirror. Saturday, February 25th is the time for REDEMPTION! This will be a fight for the ages and a significant step for the best fighter in the southeast!

♔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.

Rising Stars Jessie Vargas & Deandre Latimore To Co-Headline ShoBox: The New Generation Doubleheader On Friday, Feb. 24‏

Two rising Las Vegas stars with their sights set on world title fights in 2012 will step into the ring at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Friday, February 24, when unbeaten welterweight Jessie Vargas and hard-hitting junior middleweight Deandre Latimore co-headline a ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader.

Both bouts, which are presented by Mayweather Promotions, are scheduled for 10 rounds and will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Doors open on fight night at 6 p.m. with the first fight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Opponents for both fighters will be announced shortly.

Once considered the fight capital of the world's best kept secret, 22-year-old Jessie Vargas (17-0, 9 KO's) burst onto the global boxing scene in 2011 with a spectacular year that included early knockouts of former World Champion "Vicious" Vivian Harris and top contender Walter Estrada, but on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz in September, Vargas really showed off his skills and his heart when he scored a hard-fought decision win over then undefeated fellow rising star Josesito Lopez. Now hoping to keep the momentum going in 2012, Vargas will headline his first ShoBox telecast on February 24.

Twenty six-year old southpaw Deandre "The Bull" Latimore (22-3, 17 KO's) is a six-year professional whose exciting style and knockout power always get the fans on their feet. Latimore is a former world title challenger whose 2009 split decision loss to Cory Spinks in their IBF World Championship fight was one of the most controversial of that year. Bouncing back with wins in three of his next four fights, including two in a row, the St. Louis born Latimore is amped up for his first fight in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas and his first appearance on the acclaimed ShoBox series.

♔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.

Post-Fight Quotes: Tavoris Cloud And Eric Molina From Corpus Christi

Tavoris Cloud: “I feel like I won the fight. I knocked him down a few times and was the aggressor throughout. I wanted to put him away but sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t.

“I wanted to stay busy and be aggressive. I did that. He was a busy fighter, and that’s what the crowd here in Corpus Christi responded to. The difference is I was landing the power shots, and that’s what the judges responded to.

“I give Campillo credit. He’s a good fighter and he hung around with me. I think he looked bad in the judges’ eyes for celebrating in the ring thinking he had it won while the fight was still going on. He forgot he was still in a fight.

“When he was throwing the left uppercut, he was catching me with the laces on his wrist, and I think that caused the cuts over my eyes.


“I was never hurt to the point I couldn’t keep coming forward and throwing shots. I closed the distance between us in the later rounds trying to go to the body and stop him from throwing flurries.

He was another bouncy-bouncy guy. He couldn’t deter me from coming forward.”

Eric Molina: “I said before this fight that if I had Arreola hurt I would come right at him, and I did just that. I landed some big right hands. He was in trouble and holding on for dear life, but he caught me. I did my best.”

♔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.

The First-ever U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing Champions are Crowned

History was made on Saturday night as the first-ever U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing crowned three champions at the Northern Quest Resort in Airway Heights, Wash. The trio of talented women is now just one step away from berths in the inaugural Olympic Games for women’s boxing.

The winners bracket champions made a clean sweep on Saturday all clinching their spots without going to a second day of final round competition. Flyweight Marlen Esparza (Houston, Texas) became the first Olympic Trials champion in the opening bout of the night with familiar foe Tyrieshia Douglas (Baltimore, Md.). It was the third match-up between the two, following two showdowns in the USA Boxing National Championships finals. Esparza took her third straight victory over Douglas in the contest, winning a convincing 32-17 victory to win the first title of the night. After building a 14-10 lead at the midway point in the bout, Esparza blew it up open in the third, scoring 12 points to take a commanding 26-14 into the final two minutes.

In lightweight action, crowd favorite Queen Underwood (Seattle, Wash.) faced Mikaela Mayer (Los Angeles, Calif.) for the second time at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Once again, it was Underwood coming out victorious. Underwood built up a 12-8 lead after two round of boxing, but Mayer was able to pull to within three in in the third stanza. With the sounds of the crowd chanting her name in her ears, Underwood held on to her edge in a tied fourth round to win a 22-19 final decision and become the first lightweight champion at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing.

Teenage sensation Claressa Shields (Flint, Mich.) continued her amazing run through the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in her rematch with fellow middleweight Tika Hemingway (Pittsburgh, Pa.). She once again got off to a quick start in the bout, racking up 13 points to 9 for Hemingway in the opening two rounds. She continued to build on her lead in the third to claim at 19-13 advantage with one round remaining. Hemingway could not dent her deficit and Shields went on to win a 23-18 decision. The victory gave Shields the first-ever middleweight crown and completed the trio of boxers who will vie for spots in London. Yet Shields accomplishments didn’t end there, she was also named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament, only her second in the open division.

Esparza, Underwood and Shields will now prepare for the 2012 Women’s World Championships in China where they will need to place in the top eight to qualify for the London Olympics. In addition to the eight boxers in each weight class that will qualify in China, a tripartite commission will select an additional four in each of the three weight divisions that will advance to London.

U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing Finals Results

112 lbs: Marlen Esparza, Houston, Texas dec. Tyrieshia Douglas, Baltimore, Md., 32-17

132 lbs: Queen Underwood, Seattle, Wash., dec. Mikaela Mayer, Los Angeles, Calif., 22-19

165 lbs: Claressa Shields, Flint, Mich., dec. Tika Hemingway, Pittsburgh, Pa. 23-18

♔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.

It’s Showtime: Jimmy Lennon Jr. to Announce “Cagesport XVIII”!

Legendary ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. will serve as the master of ceremonies for “Cagesport XVIII”.

The card takes place Saturday, February 25 at the Emerald Queen Casino and is promoted by Halquist Productions. Tickets starting at $35 are available at the casino box office or on EmeraldQueen.com.

A member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Lennon Jr. has announced numerous big-time fights for the most respected networks, appearing on Showtime, HBO and Fox Sports amongst others. Globally recognized for exclaiming “It’s Showtime!” prior to the main event, he also called five cards in 2011 for Halquist Productions.

“We are always excited to have Jimmy announce our shows,” said Halquist Productions’ CEO Brian Halquist. “It’s truly an honor to have the best in the business working with us.”

Known as “Classy”, Lennon Jr. is thrilled to be back in Tacoma and passed up other opportunities to make it happen.

“I am fortunate enough to be asked to announce shows all over the world,” said Lennon Jr. “(The same weekend as Cagesport XVIII) I was asked to announce a show in London, but I chose to be in Tacoma with Halquist Productions. I love the atmosphere, I love the fights and I love the fans in Tacoma. It’s truly something I am proud to be a part of.”

Cagesport XVIII has a total of ten world-class mixed martial arts bouts, headlined by a five round welterweight title match-up between local favorite “Fast” Eddy Ellis and David “Hollywood” Hulett.

♔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.

BATTLE OF THE UNDEFEATED! RIOS AND GAMBOA TO RUMBLE FOR WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE Saturday, April 14 at Mandalay Bay Live on HBO

BATTLE OF THE UNDEFEATED!!! Brandon Rios and Yuriorkis Gamboa will face each other April 14th in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Las Vegas in one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year.

Boxing fans can expect many happy returns this tax season. Former world lightweight champion BRANDON "Bam Bam" RIOS and former featherweight champion YURIORKIS GAMBOA will collide in a battle of the undefeated for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight championship, Saturday, April 14, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Arena Box U.S., the fight will be televised live on HBO as the main event of World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET.

Rios (29-0-1, 22 KOs), the former WBA lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 11 fights by knockout. Gamboa (21-0, 16 KOs), the former world featherweight champion who won Olympic gold in 2004 for his native Cuba and now resides in Miami, Fla., will return to the ring having won eight of his previous 11 by stoppage. In short, these warriors have never met a chin they didn't want to smash.

"Rios and Gamboa are two young and hungry fighters in their prime looking to make a leap to stardom," said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank.

"Gamboa has been constantly referred to as a 'rising Cuban star' throughout his career. But on April 14, the word 'rising' will finally be eliminated. Gamboa will be a superstar," said Ahmet Öner, president of Arena Box US. "Gamboa is so special and though he has been fighting at 126 pounds, 135 pounds is where he belongs. He will be so much stronger fighting at lightweight."

"Brandon Rios versus Yuriorkis Gamboa is a spectacular fight and we're excited to present this showdown live on HBO World Championship Boxing," said Kery Davis, Senior Vice President, Programming, HBO Sports. "Both fighters deserve recognition for stepping up and saying 'let's do it.'

♔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.

The Final Trio of London Hopefuls Claim U.S. Olympic Team Trials Final Round Berths in Spokane‏

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials Championship bouts are now set following three challengers bracket final round contests at Northern Quest Resort. All six competitors in Friday’s action were battling to stay alive in the first-ever Olympic Trials, and the intensity of the action reflected the night’s high stakes.

Flyweight Tyrieshia Douglas (Baltimore, Md.) was competing in her fifth bout in as many days but didn’t show any signs of fatigue in her contest with Christina Cruz (New York, N.Y.). Douglas held a slim two-point advantage going into the final round, and she didn’t leave anything to chance over the final two minutes. The two-time USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist scored 11 points in the final round to claim a 22-14 victory and move on to Saturday’s championship contest with six-time national champion Marlen Esparza (Houston, Texas).

Two tall and skilled lightweights faced off in the second contest of the evening with 2011 National Golden Gloves champion Mikaela Mayer (Los Angeles, Calif.) challenging 2011 USA Boxing National Championships bronze medalist N’yteeyah Sherman (Barberton, Ohio). The momentum swung throughout the bout with Sherman taking a 7-5 lead after the opening two minutes. Yet Mayer pulled the bout to a 13-13 tie at the midway point of the contest. Mayer grabbed the lead in the third round, holding a 20-17 advantage with one round of action remaining. Sherman, an accounting major at Kent State University, nearly managed to pull the bout to a tie score over the final two minutes but Mayer held on to a one-point lead. She went on to win a 26-25 final decision and move on to a rematch of Tuesday’s action with Queen Underwood in Saturday’s finals.

Middleweight Tika Hemingway (Pittsburgh, Pa.) won the final spot in the championship round with a convincing 21-6 victory over Raquel Miller (San Francisco, Calif.) in their challengers bracket contest. Hemingway took the early lead and built it out slowly, closing the show with nine points in the final round to win a 21-6 decision. She will face 16-year-old Claressa Shields (Flint, Mich.) in a rematch of Thursday’s action on Saturday night.

The evening opened with three junior female bouts, featuring contests ranging from the 10 and 11 year-old division to the 15 and 16-year-old class. The participants traveled from as far as Alberta, Canada to take part in the event.

Saturday’s championship round action will begin at 8 p.m. PT and should the winners bracket titlist emerge victorious, they will be the first-ever U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing champion. If a challengers bracket champion wins on Saturday, the weight class will go to a second winner-takes-all bout on Sunday.

Saturday’s championship bouts can be viewed via live stream at http://www.universalsports.com/video/assetid=fa5a8f09-8696-4cf8-8833-f9f42c58631b.html.

Friday’s Challengers Bracket Finals Results

112 lbs/challengers bracket: Tyrieshia Douglas, Baltimore, Md., dec. Christina Cruz, 22-14

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Mikaela Mayer, Los Angeles, Calif., dec. N'yteeyah Sherman, 26-24

165 lbs/challengers bracket: Tika Hemingway, Pittsburgh, Pa., dec. Raquel Miller, San Francisco, Calif., 21-6

Saturday’s Championship Round Bout Sheet

112 lbs: Marlen Esparza, Houston, Texas vs. Tyrieshia Douglas, Baltimore, Md.
132 lbs: Queen Underwood, Seattle, Wash., vs. Mikaela Mayer, Los Angeles, Calif.
165 lbs: Claressa Shields, Flint, Mich., vs. Tika Hemingway, Pittsburgh, Pa.

♔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.

Tavoris Cloud; ‘I Am a Vicious Champion’

Undefeated International Boxing Federation light heavyweight champion Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (23-0, 19 KOs), from Tallahassee, Fla., will make his fourth title defense on Saturday against former World Boxing Association light heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo (21-3-1, 7 KOs), from Madrid, Spain, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. (SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.)

“I'm going to make a statement that I am a vicious champion and I refuse to be defeated,” Cloud said. “You can train as long as you want, you can train as hard as you want, but it just ain't gonna help you.”

Cloud finds the mere thought of Campillo thinking he can take his title distasteful.

“Campillo's coming to take my title,” Cloud said, “and I'm offended. That's why he's in for a nightmare. It’s going to be Armageddon for him. [I] need to get your [Campillo’s] ass in the ring. Let's get this over with. I’m real serious inside of my head right now.”

That’s tough talk, but Cloud has always backed it up in the ring. He is a throwback fighter in the sense he comes right at his opponents and throws lots of leather. Cloud says his power in the ring comes from his unique training regimen. He’s even got a name for it.

“We do somethin' called Kill-a-Bitch Training,” Cloud said. “This ain't regular training for a regular 12-round fight. I can't even come to the gym and say the wrong thing. My team says, 'Get your mind right.' I'm in a good place because I am world champion.”

Cloud also resents the fact other world champions and top contenders are avoiding him. Cloud became world champion in 2009, and he doesn’t think they can hide from him much longer.

“Guys are refusing to fight me, and they come up with every excuse in the book,” Cloud said. “They don't want to deal with my promoter, things like that. But I know it's B.S.”

♔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.

ERIC MOLINA: OLIVER McCALL IS MY TRAINER‏

Texas-Born Heavyweight Eric Molina Looks to Shock Chris Arreola On Saturday
In a Mexican-American Showdown at American Bank Centerin Corpus Christi

Molina Has Tapped Former WBC Heavyweight Champion Oliver ‘The Atomic Bull’ McCall
as His Trainer

World Boxing Council No. 10-ranked heavyweight Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina (18-1, 14 KOs), from Lyford, Texas, will face the toughest challenge of his young career on Saturday when he tangles with WBC No. 1- ranked heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (33-2, 29 KOs), from Riverside, Calif., at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. (SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.)

Molina grew up just a few hours south of the site of Saturday night’s fight, and he would like nothing more than to score an upset in the this all-Mexican-American heavyweight showdown taking place in his home state. Molina has chosen a surprising name to take over the reins as his head trainer for the biggest match of his life: former WBC heavyweight champion Oliver “The Atomic Bull” McCall.

“Oliver and I sparred last year in Miami, and he was quick to share his knowledge with me,” Molina said. “Anyone who has met Oliver knows how outgoing he is. He noted what he thought was working for me and what wasn’t as effective.”

McCall said it took him by surprise when Molina asked him to take over as head trainer.

“I happened to be in South Florida last year and both Eric and I had upcoming fights so we sparred,” McCall said of the beginning of their relationship. “I was impressed with his height, size and heart. I sensed he was athletic and had skills. He also had a good right hand.

“Then Eric asked me to come to Texas to spar with him for this fight he has with Arreola. I wasn’t expecting to be asked to train Eric. Once we started talking it just clicked. They saw what I had to teach and they wanted more.

“Out of the blue, they asked me to take over as trainer. Turned out it was his trainer’s idea, too. I was flattered.”

McCall went to work preparing his young charge for the biggest fight of his life.

“I saw some things he needed to hone to become a top contender. It’s one thing to be fighting anyone on an undercard. It’s a whole other deal when you’re fighting the top guys, champions and such. You have to be ready.

“Eric has to jab, move in the early rounds and can’t hesitate to land the right hand, just let it go. If he lands a few good right hands the fight will change. Arreola will become more cautious and that’s where Eric’s opportunity lies.”

Molina sees McCall providing him with continuing education.

“I recently graduated from college and I felt like Oliver was giving me the equivalent of a master’s degree in heavyweight boxing. He was trained by some greats. He’s educating my jab, sharpening my strengths, eliminating bad habits and providing me with the proper strategy.

“His foundation of how to beat Chris Arreola was similar to what I and my team had been thinking, but his insight was much more detailed. He immediately honed in on my athletic ability and broke it down for me like a puzzle. He’s providing me with the tools and knowledge that will give me the best chance of winning on Saturday.”

McCall says he’s reaching back in his life to summon the knowledge of his past trainers.

“I have so much knowledge,” McCall stated emphatically. “I’m happy to share what I’ve learned. I want to be an asset to American heavyweights by sharing what I gained from greats like Richie Giachetti, Georgie Benton, Emanuel Steward and Willie Rush. These are great trainers that shared their wisdom with me. Now I’d like to pass that down. American boxing needs it, especially the heavyweights.”

Molina sees an upset in the making.

“You saw what happened in the past to fighters who underestimated Oliver McCall,” Molina said. “A lot of them ended up on their backs.

“I remind people of that when they say he’s unproven as a trainer. Just watch me on Saturday night. I plan on scoring an Oliver McCall-style upset over Chris Arreola.”

Arreola vs. McCall will be televised on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Two additional fights on the card can be seen on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). In the main event, former world champion Paul Williams (40-2, 27 KOs), of Aiken, S.C., will face Nobuhiro Ishida (24-6-2, 9 KOs) of Osaka, Japan. Ishida has won his last two bouts via first-round stoppage, including an upset over then-undefeated James Kirkland in April of 2011, while Williams owns victories over Sergio Martinez and Antonio Margarito.

In the co-feature, undefeated Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., will risk his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title for a third time when he faces former world champ Gabriel Campillo (21-3-1, 8 KOs) of Madrid, Spain.

The event is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions. The Williams-Ishida bout will be promoted in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions. The Cloud vs. Campillo bout will be promoted by Don King Productions in association with Sampson Boxing, LLC

♔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.

RANDY CABALLERO AND OMAR FIGUEROA JR. TO CO-HEADLINE EXCITING NIGHT OF BOXING AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO ON MARCH 16

Unbeaten junior featherweight Randy Caballero is the hottest thing to hit the Southern California fight scene in years and Texas' Omar Figueroa Jr. is coming off of the defining fight of his undefeated career. Together they will co-headline an exciting night of world class professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on Friday, March 16 that is a must-see for all boxing fans.

In the 10 round main event, Coachella's local hero Caballero, who is 8-0 at his home away from home at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, will face an opponent to be determined as he defends his WBC Youth Intercontinental super bantamweight title.

In the co-main event, Weslaco's Figueroa, who is fresh off of a January 6 fight at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in which he handed rising star Michael Perez his first loss, will take on Mexico's Ramon Ayala in a 10 round battle for Figueroa's WBO Intercontinental Youth lightweight title.

The favorite boxing son of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, where he has won his last seven consecutive bouts (and eight overall), 21-year-old Randy Caballero (13-0, 7 KO's) has built a sizable local following that gives him an extra jolt of energy every time he fights. In July of 2011, the two-year professional won the vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental super bantamweight title with a near-shutout of then 8-0-1 Alexis Santiago and has defended his title once, shutting down Arturo Santiago over eight rounds last December.

When you've ended eight of your wins in two rounds or less, it's clear that you have the kind of power to draw attention from boxing experts and fans alike. Yet while Omar Figueroa Jr. (14-0-1, 11 KO's) has been on the boxing world's radar for a couple of years, it wasn't until January 6 that everyone got a true dose of the potential that the 22-year-old "Panterita" possesses. It was on that night earlier this year that Figueroa stopped unbeaten and highly regarded fellow prospect Michael "The Artist" Perez in six rounds in the same building in which he will fight on March 16 and the Texan expects the same result against Ramon Ayala.

A respected amateur who is now soaring towards the top of the lightweight division, Ramon "Nino De Oro" Ayala (23-2-1, 11 KO's) has done a lot of fighting for someone just 23-years-old, but it's that experience which he expects to lead him to victory when he battles Omar Figueroa in March. Winner of five in a row, including three by knockout, the former WBC Youth junior welterweight champion has the style, desire and skill to give anyone problems in the ring and that's just what he's planning on doing to Figueroa on March 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.

Donovan "Da Bomb" George visits NYC‏

On Wednesday, February 15, Donovan "Da Bomb" George (22-1-1, 19KO's) took a break from training camp and visited New York to promote his upcoming 10-round super middleweight showdown against fellow top-rated contender Edwin "La Bomba" Rodriguez (20-0, 14KO's). Rodriguez-George, being billed as "Bombs Away", will be shown live on HBO on the upcoming March 17, St. Patrick's Day card taking place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden featuring Middleweight champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez defending his crown against Ireland's top-rated contender Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin live on HBO. The card entitled, "THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up", ispromoted by DiBella Entertainment, and will be aired live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing" beginning at 10PM ET/7PM PT.

George's first stop was a press conference hosted by Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, at the popular Irish pub Jack Demsey's in midtown Manhattan. In addition to George, Irish-American undercard fighters such as Seanie Monaghan (12-0, 8KO's), Thomas Hardwick (4-0, 2KO's), Kevin Rooney Jr. (3-1, 1KO) and Danny McDermott (9-3-2, 4KO's) were also in attendance.

After the initial presser, the Chicago-native George, who is half Greek and half Irish, headed to the heavily Greek-populated area of Astoria, Queens, where he participated in another press conference/meet-and-greet at the Grand Café where a large number of Greek media outlets and high profile politicians, including the Republic of Cyprus Consulate General Koula Sophianou, were in attendance encouraging the Greek community to come out and support George on March17.

LOU DIBELLA (DiBella Entertainment)

I want to thank everyone for coming out and for everyone who is involved in what is going to be a terrific event from top to bottom on March 17, St. Patrick's Day at Madison Square Garden. This is going to be a tremendous undercard highlighted by the co-feature bout of the evening, televised live on HBO, matching two very exciting super middleweight contenders Edwin Rodriguez and Donovan George.

As a promoter, my main objective is to avoid "stinkability" match-ups and put on exciting and compelling fights for the fans and that is exactly what you have in both the co-feature and main event on March 17. You have never seen Sergio Martinez, Matthew Macklin, Edwin Rodriguez or Donovan George in a bad fight, and as a true boxing fan, these are the types of cards you want to see. The atmosphere at the Garden, on St. Patrick's Day, is going to be electric, and we are just very excited to be able to bring this great event here to New York City.

Some fighters' styles just mesh, and that is exactly what you have with Edwin vs. Donovan. Knowing both of these guys, I am predicting that someone is going to get knocked out in this fight. I am expecting these guys to walk across the ring and start throwing bombs from the opening bell. This is going to be a good old-fashioned barnburner.

There is a lot of talent and lot of good fights to be made right now at 168. The winner of this fight moves right into the mix and is legitimate challenger for any of the world champions out there right now.

In addition to the great co-feature and main event on HBO, the untelevised undercard is featuring a number of exciting fighters including Seanie Monaghan, Tommy Hardwick, the "O' Danny Boy" match-up with Danny O'Connor taking on Danny McDermott and, of course, my assistant Kevin Rooney Jr., who will have his famous father Kevin Sr. working his corner.

Seanie is one of the most exciting fighters to watch in New York right now. He has an army of fans that keeps growing, and while he might not ever pop up on anyone's pound-for-pound list, neither did the late great Arturo Gatti. Seanie and all of these guys give it their all each time out, and we couldn't be happier to have them on this card.

DBE

DONOVAN GEORGE

I'm happy to be here in New York. I hear that the fight fans here are awesome so I am really looking forward to the fight. I was supposed to fight here three years ago but, unfortunately, it fell through. I am so excited, this is a huge opportunity. Blood and guts, I am going to lay it all on the line. I am here to fight. People are saying that I am a long shot in this fight and that I am not as polished. I am not going to be disrespectful or talk negatively about Edwin since he is not here. He is a great fighter, I am going to come in tiptop shape for this fight. This is my opportunity, this is my shot I have been waiting for. I am either going to come out victorious or you are going to have to carry me out on my shield. I am fighting for a reason, I have a lot to prove. I am going to be a machine on March 17 and put on a great show for everyone.

LEON MARGULES (Warriors Boxing - George's Promoter)

I have been working with Don for almost three years now, and he has been so much fun to work with. He is a hellacious puncher who gets better every fight. He is still young and coming into his own and we expect a great performance out of him on March 17.

Edwin and Don will fight anyone, they are fighters. They know each other, they respect and like each other, but neither guy likes to go to the scorecard so we are expecting a great fight. It is great to be here in New York working with Lou and great to be back on HBO.

DBE

MIKE MICHAEL (Cestus Management - George's Manager)

Donovan is a great fighter and also a great guy. I fell in love with him the first day I saw him. It has been a long road, but we have finally got to the point where we are going to do what we are supposed to do. We are going to win this fight and move on with our career. It is a dream come true for us to have this fight and join the long list of great fighters who have fought at the Garden.

DBE

For those who consider Donovan an underdog, I am telling you that he is live, he is real, and on March 17, there will only be one bomb left standing and that is Don "Da Bomb" George.

The card entitled, "THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up", is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, and will be aired live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing beginning at 10PM ET/7PM 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.

Rising Stars Jessie Vargas & Deandre Latimore To Co-Headline ShoBox: The New Generation Doubleheader On Friday, Feb. 24‏

Two rising Las Vegas stars with their sights set on world title fights in 2012 will step into the ring at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Friday, February 24, when unbeaten welterweight Jessie Vargas and hard-hitting junior middleweight Deandre Latimore co-headline a ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader.

Both bouts, which are presented by Mayweather Promotions, are scheduled for 10 rounds and will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Doors open on fight night at 6 p.m. with the first fight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Opponents for both fighters will be announced shortly.
Once considered the fight capital of the world's best kept secret, 22-year-old Jessie Vargas (17-0, 9 KO's) burst onto the global boxing scene in 2011 with a spectacular year that included early knockouts of former World Champion "Vicious" Vivian Harris and top contender Walter Estrada, but on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz in September, Vargas really showed off his skills and his heart when he scored a hard-fought decision win over then undefeated fellow rising star Josesito Lopez. Now hoping to keep the momentum going in 2012, Vargas will headline his first ShoBox telecast on February 24.

Twenty six-year old southpaw Deandre "The Bull" Latimore (22-3, 17 KO's) is a six-year professional whose exciting style and knockout power always get the fans on their feet. Latimore is a former world title challenger whose 2009 split decision loss to Cory Spinks in their IBF World Championship fight was one of the most controversial of that year. Bouncing back with wins in three of his next four fights, including two in a row, the St. Louis born Latimore is amped up for his first fight in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas and his first appearance on the acclaimed ShoBox series.

♔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.

Chisora promoter Frank Warren: Dereck defeating Vitali Klitschko would be the biggest upset‏

Chisora promoter Frank Warren: Dereck defeating Vitali Klitschko would be the biggest upset‏; "I’ve been involved in a lot of good things during my 30 odd years in boxing – Ricky Hatton stopping Kostya Tszyu, Joe Calzaghe schooling Jeff Lacy, Danny Williams smashing up Mike Tyson – but if Chisora can pull this off it’ll be the biggest upset of the lot," said Warren, who also promoted big men such as Herbie Hide (who reclaimed the WBO heavyweight belt when he dropped Tony Tucker thrice in a two round technical knockout) as well as Frank Bruno (a champion of the WBC title when he slayed Oliver McCall)."Herbie had everything in his favour and beat an old man in Tony Tucker and I always fancied Bruno would beat Oliver McCall because, though he had certain limitations, Frank was very fit and I’d seen how McCall had really struggled to cope with Larry Holmes’s jab when Larry was a very old man."Everything is against Dereck," he said, in a situation that contrasts both Hide's and Bruno's. "Unfortunately, we’re on the pauper’s side of the fence in negotiations and, as Vitali is obliging us with a voluntary defence, we’ve had to agree to a lot of things that we’d not have accepted had we been in a mandatory position. But Dereck is adamant that he wants the big fights and we can’t deliver any bigger than this."Chisora (15-2-0, 9ko) has been prophesying an eighth round stoppage in his favour, an outcome Warren believes is a "very big call". Warren also praised both Vitali and Wladimir as they are both "phenomenal" prizefighters and "easily the best of their generation", however, what the British hall of fame promoter desires most, is fair judging, something Chisora did not benefit from when he took the fight to Robert Helenius yet was pilfered at ringside due to controversial scoring."It’s a big ask to expect to receive a decision against [Klitschko] in Germany. I just hope the judges won’t be fazed as they were in Finland. The public aren’t stupid. They know who’s won the fight so why cheat them?"Assessing Chisora's best chances of success, Warren explained that father time could creep up on Vitali on Saturday evening: "Vitali’s knocking on and I suspect he isn’t comfortable with a lot of speed and movement. If Dereck is able to emulate the workrate and desire that he showed against Robert Helenius, and can maintain the confidence to constantly apply pressure, he’ll give Vitali a lot to think about."I’ll certainly be having a good wager on him."♔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.

Bobby Gunn To Battle James Toney For IBA World Heavyweight Championship

Bobby Gunn To Battle James Toney For IBA World Heavyweight Championship
Former IBA Cruiserweight Champion Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” will be fighting current IBA World Heavyweight Champion James “Lights Out” Toney April 7 in a 12-round fight at the Landers Center in Southaven, MS.

Gunn (21-4, 18 KO) has been inactive from the squared circle since his title fight against Tomasz Adamek in September of 2009, a fight he lost due to a premature stoppage. Since, Gunn has stepped away from the gloved sport and has focused on the reemergence of bare knuckle boxing.

Last summer Gunn claimed the World Heavyweight BKB Title when he defeated Richard Stewart by way of KO in the third round of the first sanctioned BKB fight in 123 years.

In recent weeks there has been much buzz about a potential cruiserweight “super fight” between Gunn and Roy Jones Jr., though nothing materialized When presented the opportunity to fight Toney for the heavyweight title, Gunn quickly accepted the offer.

“It is an honor for me to have the chance to fight for such a prestigious title,” said Gunn. “I have worked my whole life to get a shot like this, and I know that James and I will put on a heavyweight fight that will bring the excitement back to a division that badly needs it.”

This fight is more than another title fight. It is historic in that it is the first time a World Heavyweight BKB Champion will fight a World Heavyweight Boxing Champion; if Bobby wins, he will be the first fighter to hold both belts concurrently.

Also with a win Bobby Gunn will join the likes of fellow IBA World champions, including Arturo Gatti, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosely, Roy Jones Jr., amongst several others.

Toney (73-7, 44 KO) won the vacant IBA Heavyweight title in 2008, and is a multiple world champion, winning fights over Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and John Ruiz, to name a few.

“James Toney is a great champion, and a very tough fighter,” said Gunn. “I have waited for this chance my whole life. This is my dream come true, to fight for the world heavyweight championship. I am ready for war; to beat me, James Toney will have to kill me."

♔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.

New road warrior Gabriel Campillo entering enemy territory with upset victory over Tavoris Cloud in mind

Former WBA 175-pound titlist Gabriel Campillo landed in in Corpus Christi, Texas earlier in the week in advance of the Spaniard's challenge for Tavoris Cloud's (24-0-0, 19ko) IBF championship on Saturday night. The battle will serve as the opening televised bout of the Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast that will also feature Paul Williams (40-2-0, 27ko) taking on Nobuhiro Ishida (24-6-2, 9ko) of Osaka, Japan.

Campillo (21-3-1, 8ko) says he and trainer Pablo Sarmiento had a fantastic camp, working with middleweight champion (and Campillos' manager) Sergio Martinez, who is also in heavy training for his upcoming fight (versus Matthew Macklin).

"Few people are giving me a shot in this fight and that just motivates me more to prove them wrong," said the eager Campillo. "This won't be the first time I've gone to another country and returned home an upset victor," continued the Madrid, Spain, native. Campillo has a point. He won his WBA title from an Argentinian in Argentina (Hugo Hernan Garay), defended it successfully against a Kazakhstani in Kazakhstan (Beibut Shumenov), and in his last fight, an IBF eliminator, fought to a draw with a German-based Iraqi in Germany (Karo Murat).

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, Campillo's promoter, is with his fighter and recommends the live audience and television viewers that night prepare themselves.

"Gabriel had a fantastic camp and he is fully ready to spring a surprise on Tavoris Cloud on Saturday. He is always at his best when he comes into another fighter's territory and is not expected to win. After the fight, the only ones who are not in shock will be our team.

"We know what's coming."
♔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.

From the sweet science to the silver screen, Roberto Duran to be immortalised in film

Boxing has always made for great drama. And in the history of the sweet science, there are few fighters who can match Roberto Duran’s flair for the dramatic. Whether he won or lost, a Duran fight was an event that transcended boxing and crossed cultural boundaries. Now, executive producer David Schuster is combining those elements to finally bring the Duran story to the silver screen…
Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions and Scott Pardo Films are in development to produce a feature film on Duran, the former five-time world champion from Panama. The film is based on Christian Giudice’s book, Hands of Stone: The Life and Legend of Roberto Duran.

"Roberto Duran is one of the greatest boxing champion in history," said Schuster. "We are proud to be making this contribution to the rich genre of boxing films."

In addition to Winner Take All and Scott Pardo Films, Jeff Waxman (co-producer of Acadamy-Award winning The Fighter, and Law Abiding Citizen and executive producer of the soon to be released Mirror Mirror) and Tony Grazia (21 and Over and Narc) are partnering to produce this legendary boxing tale.

This is Schuster’s third boxing offering. In 2009, he produced A Fighting Chance, a documentary on the journey of Cuban boxers. He also executive produced last year’s critically acclaimed Off Broadway play, Kid Shamrock, based on the life and career of former middleweight contender Bobby Cassidy.

"There are few athletes as compelling as fighters and their stories are as real as it gets," said Schuster. "I’ve loved the sport of boxing my entire life. So being able to tell these stories is a dream come true for me. Scott Pardo has written a fantastic script based on Cristian’s book. This movie is going to be as powerful as a Duran right hand!"

♔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.

USA BOXING NEWS; Three London Hopefuls Advance to the U.S. O lympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing in Spokane

Six action-filled bouts highlighted Thursday night’s competition at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing at the Northern Quest Resort. The winners bracket competitors returned to action on Thursday to battle for a coveted spot in Saturday’s championship bout. The challengers bracket boxers took the ring as well, fighting for their tournament lives in three contests.

Flyweight Marlen Esparza (Houston, Texas) clinched the first berth in Saturday’s final round contest in a close bout with Christina Cruz (New York, N.Y.). Esparza held the lead after every round, but Cruz kept the match close throughout all four rounds. Cruz managed to tie the bout up during the final round but Esparza quickly reclaimed the lead en route to a 13-10 final decision.

The second spot in the championship round went to Queen Underwood (Seattle, Wash.) but it didn’t come easy. Nineteen-year-old Kent State student N’yteeyah Sherman (Barberton, Ohio) utilized her long reach and active pace to claim a one-point lead after each of the three round, but Underwood wouldn’t be denied in the fourth. Underwood kept up the pressure over the final two minutes to win a 25-24 final decision and a berth in the final bout.

Sixteen-year-old Claressa Shields (Flint, Mich.) has impressed the crowd throughout the tournament and Thursday was no exception. Shields battled two-time light heavyweight national champion Tika Hemingway (Pittsburgh, Pa.) in the winners bracket finale. Shields built up a strong 20-9 lead after three rounds and despite Hemingway’s best efforts, she couldn’t overcome her opponent’s advantage. Shields won a 23-15 decision to claim the third spot in Saturday’s championship round.

In challengers bracket action, middleweight Raquel Miller (San Francisco, Calif.) continued her surprising run by knocking off top seed Franchon Crews (Baltimore, Md.) in the middleweight contest. Miller took control of the bout in the second round and didn’t let it go, winning a 26-15 final decision. She will face Hemingway in Friday’s challengers bracket final.

2011 National Golden Gloves champion Mikaela Mayer (Los Angeles, Calif.) kept her Olympic dreams alive with a 23-18 victory over 2011 USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Tiara Brown (Washington DC). Mayer will battle Sherman tomorrow night for the lightweight spot in the finals with Underwood.

In the first challengers bracket bout, two-time USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Tyrieshia Douglas (Baltimore, Md.) won a 31-19 decision over Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, Texas) to move on to a rematch with Cruz.

The three challengers bracket final bouts will begin at 8 p.m. PT on Friday at the Pend Oreille Pavilion while the three finalists enjoy a second day off. Universal Sports will once again live stream the bouts and Friday’s action can be viewed at: http://www.universalsports.com/video/assetid=f7b8a492-bdd5-490a-b5f4-ed7dc13b96c4.html.

Thursday’s Results

112 lbs/winners bracket: Marlen Esparza, Houston, Texas, dec. Christina Cruz, New York, N.Y., 13-10

112 lbs/challengers bracket: Tyrieshia Douglas, Baltimore, Md., dec. Virginia Fuchs, Kemah, Texas, 31-19 

132 lbs/winners bracket: Queen Underwood, Seattle, Wash., dec. N'yteeyah Sherman, Barberton, Ohio, 25-24

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Mikaela Mayer, Los Angeles, Calif., dec. Tiara Brown, Lehigh Acres, Fla., 23-18

165 lbs/winners bracket: Claressa Shields, Flint, Mich., dec. Tika Hemingway, Pittsburgh, Pa., 23-15

165 lbs/challengers bracket: Raquel Miller, San Francisco, Calif., dec. Franchon Crews, Baltimore, Md., 26-15

Friday’s Challengers Bracket Bout Sheet

112 lbs: Christina Cruz, New York, N.Y., vs. Tyrieshia Douglas, Baltimore, Md.

132 lbs: N’yteeyah Sherman, Barberton, Ohio vs. Mikaela Mayer, Los Angeles, Calif.

165 lbs: Tika Hemingway, Pittsburgh, Pa., vs. Raquel Miller, San Francisco, 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.