FX Announces Competitors For THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE; Premiere Is March 9‏

FIELD FINALIZED FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PREMIERE OF
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® LIVE ON FX ON FRIDAY, MARCH 9
First of Two 13-Week Seasons This Year on FX
Special Premiere Event to Showcase 16 LIVE Fights
Dominick Cruz, Urijah Faber Named Coaches

A talented international field of 32 confident, dedicated and determined fighters has been set for THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® LIVE on FX that begins on Friday, March 9, with a special two-and-a-half-hour LIVE premiere airing at 9 PM ET/8 PM CT, and tape-delayed on the Pacific and Mountain time zones at 9 PM PT/10 PM MT.

The list of finalists was trimmed from more than 500 prospective entrants from around the world. Those seeking to cash in on the opportunity of a lifetime include fighters in the lightweight (155 pounds) division from the United States, England, Northern Ireland and Brazil.

The inaugural season of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE on FX will run for 13 consecutive weeks, featuring live fights every episode, and culminate with a championship fight on June 1, in a three-hour finale. Following the eagerly anticipated premiere on its new home, the series will remain on Fridays but move to 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) for 12 weeks. (Telecasts of TUF Live will air live nationally on DirecTV ch. 248 and DISH-Channel ch. 136.)

As part of The Ultimate Fighting Championship®’s landmark deal with FOX Sports Media Group, FX will also televise a second 13-week season of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE this summer. There will be two 13-week seasons of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE on FX annually for the next seven years. The eventual winner of each season receives a six-figure contract from the UFC.

The 13 weeks of taping are more than twice as long as previous TUF seasons (six). Unlike past editions when each season was taped months in advance of its broadcast, new episodes with live fights will now air each week.

There will be 16 live fights on March 9. The competitors are:

Akbarh Arreloa, Chula Vista, Calif.

Al Iaquinta, Wantagh, N.Y.

Ali Maclean, Belfast, North Ireland

Andy Ogle, Tynemouth, England

Austin Lyons, Cordova, Tenn.

Brendan Weafer, New York, N.Y.

Chris Tickle, Bloomington, Ill.

Cody Pfister, Amarillo, Texas

Cristiano Marcello, Curitiba, Brazil

Chase Hackett, Littleton, Colo.

Chris Saunders, Long Beach, Calif.

Dakota Cochrane, Omaha, Neb.

Daron Cruickshank, Wayne, Mich.

Drew Dober, Omaha, Neb.

Erin Beach, San Diego, Calif.

James Krause, Blue Springs, Mich.

James Vick, Fort Worth, Texas

Jared Carlsten, Los Angeles, Calif.

Jeff Smith, Mechanicsburg, Penn.

Jeremy Larsen, Phoenix, Ariz.

Joe Proctor, Pembroke, Mass.

John Cofer, Hull, Ga.

Johnavan Vistante, Pearl City, Hawaii

Jon Tuck, Hagtna, Guam

Jordan Rinaldi, Matthews, N.C.

Justin Lawrence, Villa Ridge, Mo.

Mark Glover, Liverpool, England

Michael Chiesa, Spokane Valley, Wash.

Myles Jury, San Diego, Calif.

Mike Rio, Miami, Fla.

Sam Sicilia, Spokane Valley, Wash.

Vinc Pichel, Sherman Oaks, Calif.

The previously announced coaches for the two teams will be current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and former WEC featherweight champion and current top contender, Urijah Faber. Cruz and Faber are no strangers to each other. The popular UFC superstars and rivals have split two previous fights and will clash for a third time at UFC 148 on July 7 in Las Vegas.

Following the live fights during the series premiere episode, or “Fight In,” the field will be halved. The 16 survivors will then be broken up into two teams of eight. Each team will train with each other and reside in a house together in Las Vegas for the duration of the season. One fighter from each team will be selected by their coach to fight at the end of each weekly installment on FX for the right to advance in the competition and, ultimately, perhaps, be crowned THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE Champion and earn the life-changing contract with the UFC.

Said UFC President Dana White, “We’re producing ground-breaking television with THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE and we can’t wait to kick this season off with FX. It’s going to be can’t-miss TV. Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber are two amazing guys who also happen to be two of the best fighters in the world. They genuinely dislike each other and I expect this to make for the best season yet.”

“We believe that Dana, (UFC Chairman) Lorenzo Fertitta and (Executive Producer) Craig Piligian have come up with exciting new changes to the format of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE that will expand and grow the series,” said Chuck Saftler, Executive Vice President, FX Networks. “The fact that the fight at the end of every episode will now be televised live is certain to create a sense of urgency for UFC fans and will make the series even more compelling.”

Many of today’s most recognizable names in Mixed Martial Arts have emerged from the series’ previous incarnation, The Ultimate Fighter, including, among many others, Rashad Evans, Kenny Florian, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar.

So who will be the first champion on THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE on FX?

Stay tuned.
♔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.

Bellator Hosts Open Workout for the Media in Indiana

In anticipation of Bellator 60 at The Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, Bellator Fighting Championships will be hosting a fighter open workout for media from 12 – 2 p.m. CT on Wednesday, March 7 in the Purdue Room of The Courtyard Marriott in Hammond, Indiana.

The workout will be attended by Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney as well as Bellator 60 fighters, which include Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren, Featherweight title contender and Crystal Lake, Ill. fighter Pat Curran, electric Season 6 featherweight tournament participants Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra, Marlon Sandro and Ronnie Mann as well as Indianapolis fighter and former UFC veteran Sean McCorkle.

There will be a workout session followed by an interview/Q&A opportunity with each fighter. One-on-ones will be made available with each fighter and Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney.

The schedule will be:

Wednesday, March 7 – 12Noon CT – 2 p.m. CT
Courtyard Marriott (Purdue Room) – 7730 Corinne Drive · Hammond, Indiana 46323
12Noon – 12:30 p.m. CT – Joe Warren

12:30 – 1 p.m. CT – Alexandre “PoPo” Bezerra / Marlon Sandro

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT – Sean McCorkle / Ronnie Mann

1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT – Pat Curran

♔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 Press Conference March 6 at 11am at Radio City Music Hall in New York CityFree and Open to the Public‏

Free and Open to the Public - UFC on FOX Press Conference at Radio City Music Hall
See Dana White, Nate Diaz, Jim Miller and more as the UFC announces its return to New Jersey! UFC on FOX Press Conference live this Tuesday, March 6 at 11am at Radio City Music Hall in New York City - the first 500 fans will receive a free t-shirt!

♔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.

Rally to Legalize MMA in New York and MMA Documentary Film Festival Coming to NYC March 6

On Tuesday, March 6, the Coalition to Legalize MMA in New York and Madison Square Garden will bring a full day of events to support the legalization of live Mixed Martial Arts in the Empire State. The festivities will start at 11:30 AM, where the Coalition will host a rally for the sanctioning of professional MMA in front of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Manhattan Office at 633 Third Avenue in the heart of lower Manhattan.

Governor Cuomo’s official endorsement of the sport is considered by many to be a slam dunk for Coalition forces looking to see live MMA in New York by the end of this legislative year. Among the confirmed speakers at the event are former New York State Assemblyman and co-sponsor of the Assembly MMA bill, Michael Benjamin and co-owner and President of Atlantic City-based Cage Fury Fighting Championships, Rob Haydak.

After the rally, the action moves to the New York sports staple Madison Square Garden. The Coalition, in association with Madison Square Garden and TaKe On Productions, will host a free MMA documentary film festival. Media and fan Q & A sessions with the Director and Producer will follow each film.

The MSG film festival will include the world premiere of “In Her Corner: The Inside Story of Women’s MMA.” The film features interviews with Munah Holland, Bjorn Rebney, and Roxanne Modafferi regarding the promotion and growth of women’s MMA.

Also on the docket will be the Manhattan premiere of “New York Mixed Martial Arts” about the battle to sanction MMA in the Empire state featuring interviews with Bas Rutten, Josh Barnett, Frank Shamrock, and many New York-based MMA personalities. The fesitival will end with the New York premier of the new MMA documentary “Fight Life,” featuring interviews with Jake Shields, Miesha Tate, Nick Diaz, and Big John McCarthy.

This will mark the second time a rally has been held in support of MMA’s sanctioning in New York. Last year’s rally came at a time of enormous support for the sport, both among the public and the legislature. Ultimately, in spite of several landslide voting victories for MMA in the State Senate, the bill that would legalize live events was defeated via a stall tactic from Assemblyman Herman Ferrell in the eleventh hour of the legislative year.

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

New York MMA Bill Passes Another Senate Committee, Still Stalled in State Assembly By Peter Lampasona

New York MMA Bill Passes Another Senate Committee, Still Stalled in State Assembly

Yesterday afternoon, the New York State Senate committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business voted to approve bill S 1707A, which would sanction and regulate professional mixed martial arts in the state of New York. This vote referred the bill to the Finance Committee, placing it just a few short steps from the Senate floor. As with the past three years, the bill that would bring MMA to the empire state is expected to pass by a landslide in the Senate.

However, in the Assembly, the sister bill still flounders its first committee; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, having yet to be placed on the agenda for a vote. The Assembly committee was previously chaired by MMA bill sponsor Steve Englebright. This year, stewardship over the chair was handed to Assemblywoman Margaret Markey.

The Assembly MMA bill, A 4146A, was referred to Assemblywoman Markey’s committee on January 4. The Fight Nerd.com has contacted the Assemblywoman’s office on each instance of a successful referral of the bill in the Senate for information on if Markey had any intention of placing the bill on the committee’s agenda in the near future. Assemblywoman Markey’s office is yet to issue any official reply to the queery.

Last year, in spite of the massive victory for the bill in the State Senate and unprecedented support in the Assembly, sanctioned MMA was killed in New York by the refusal of Assemblyman Herman Farrell to put the bill on the agenda of the Ways and Means Committee that he chairs. Since then, the willingness of Assembly committee chairs to allow the bill to be voted on has been a major concern among the supporters of mixed martial arts.

In order for professional MMA to be sanctioned via legislative process, both bills in the Senate and the Assembly must pass. While a simultaneous lawsuit against the New York State Attorney General by UFC owners Zuffa Entertainment and various local members of the MMA community is fighting the legality of the current ban on the sport in New York State, even the fastest litigation could take years to yield any results.

♔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.

MIESHA TATE vs RONDA ROUSEY SATURDAY MARCH 3rd @ 10PM ON SHOWTIME

A war of words between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey made for a tense room at the final press conference at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, before Saturday night's STRIKEFORCE Women’s Bantamweight Championship, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), from Nationwide Arena.

Tate (12-2), of Yakima, Wash., will make the first defense of her title since shocking the MMA world and tapping out submission expert Marloes Coenen last July. The aggressive wrestling expert may face her toughest opponent to date in Rousey (4-0), of Venice, Calif., the 2008 U.S. Olympic Bronze Medalist in Women’s Judo.

In the co-feature, former STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson (18-4, 1 NC), of San Jose, Calif., will face the hard-hitting KJ Noons (10-3), of San Diego, Calif.

A four-fight preliminary card televised LIVE on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) will precede the five-fight main card on SHOWTIME.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:

MIESHA TATE:
“I don't care for Ronda's personality. I've fought people I haven't liked before but not to this extent. But I'm careful not to be overzealous and let tempers change my game plan.

“I don't really care what the odds are. Betting odds are just opinions. I'd love to see the statistics on how often they're right. I'll let the fight talk for itself.

“Ronda and I are feminine women and when you add on the fact that we're fighters, it makes for an intriguing package. For whatever reason, we're gaining viewers and it's our job to perform Saturday. We want people to walk away from the fight with a positive outlook because of the way we fought and not if we're gorgeous or not.

“Ronda is a self-righteous person. She cares more about herself than the sport. She talked her way into a title fight. Clearly, she doesn't deserve it. She's not the No. 1 contender. She hasn't even fought at this weight before. I mean, she's 4-0 and has been moderately impressive but she hasn't faced anyone like me.”

RONDA ROUSEY:
“The less everyone knows about my game, the better for me. There is very little footage on me. People can't study my full arsenal.

“Miesha will probably try to keep me on my feet because there's not much tape of me doing that so people think it's a weakness. But everyone else I've fought has tried to do keep me on my feet and that didn't go very well for them.

“I wasn't looking to make friends in this sport. I just wanted to make a living so I didn't have to catch coins. But it doesn't matter if people don't like me because it's mostly current or former champs who think everyone should throw petals at their feet. Honestly, I don't care if a bunch of girls I don't know don't like me. I'm doing this to support myself and not work night shifts at the gym.

“I don't have respect for Miesha's inconsistency. One minute it's about the sport, the next she is wearing booty shorts on her website and it's the entertainment business.”

JOSH THOMSON:
“I'm going to get the best KJ Noons anyone has ever seen. He has improved his kickboxing and other parts of his game. No one else has fought the KJ I'll be fighting on Saturday. It's a huge matchup. If I win, I should get a title shot.

“Am I worried about cage rust? I've been through this before. You saw I was in good shape after 15 months off against Melendez. The problem isn't conditioning, it's technique. So I've trained pretty hard with that in mind.”

KJ NOONS:
“I'm not worried about being in the Fight of the Night because I KNOW it will be. All of my fights are Fight of the Night.

“I've changed my fight game. I used to just want to get out there and see who the toughest man was. But other guys would try to take me down, lean on me and put rounds in the bank. So I've adjusted all parts of my game - knees, kicks, ground, everything - because I want to win and not just show I'm tough. I can do both.”

Mauro Ranallo will call the action alongside analysts Frank Shamrock and Pat Miletich with Heidi Androl serving as cageside reporter. The executive producer is David Dinkins Jr.


♔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 Fight of the Heavyweights: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Jean-Marc Mormeck

Wladimir Klitschko’s next title defense against French Mormeck on March 3, 2012

WBA/IBF/IBO/ WBO World Heavyweight and “The Ring” Champion Wladimir Klitschko will come back to Düsseldorf (Germany) for his next title defense. The undisputed Superchampion of the heavyweight division will be challenged by French Jean-Marc Mormeck at the ESPRIT Arena on March 3. The stadium is the homefield of the German soccer club Fortuna Düsseldorf.

Mormeck is the current WBA International Heavyweight Champion with a professional record of 36 wins (22 KOs) with 4 losses. Two of his losses were early in his career when he lost as an inexperienced fighter in 4th and 5th fights. In 2002, Mormeck became WBA World Cruiserweight Champion when he defeated Virgil Hill. After three successful title defenses he unified the WBA and WBC titles when he stopped unbeaten WBC Champion Wayne Braithwaite. After losing his belts against O`Neil Bell he regained both titles in the rematch the following year.

Mormeck’s last loss was when he was still a cruiserweight to David Haye: After having Haye on the canvas in round 4, Mormeck lost in round 7 by TKO.
In 2009, Mormeck moved to the heavyweight division and has won all his fights since then. He stopped two time world heavyweight title challenger Fres Oquendo and most recently the strong Usbek fighter Timur Ibragimov. Today, Mormeck is rated in the Heavyweight Top 10 rankings of WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO.

For 35-year-old Wladimir Klitschko it is his first appearance in the boxing ring after his impressive domination and title unification against David Haye in July. The professional record of the 1996 Olympic Gold medalist is 56 wins (49 KOs) with only 3 losses. It will be Klitschko’s 20th World Championship fight.

Wladimir Klitschko: “I know that I am the favorite in all my fights but I also know that each opponent is motivated to be in the best shape ever when he fights me. Mormeck is one of the most experienced fighters I have ever faced. He has had many world title fights, has a very good technique, can take a lot of punches and is very intelligent inside the ring. To underestimate him would be a fatal mistake. I am very happy to return to the ESPRIT Arena where I fought against Eddie Chambers. The spectators and the atmosphere for that fight were great and I am sure it will be again this time.”

The fight will be broadcast live on RTL in Germany and also shown in 120 countries worldwide.

♔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.

Chevelle Hallback vs. Terri Blair II March 2 to Stream Live

Chevelle “Fist of Steel” Hallback and Terri “The Road Warrior” Blair will rematch March 2 at the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, in a scheduled 8 round main event. This is a great moment for women’s boxing.

“I’m looking forward to fighting at home for the first time in my career,” Chevelle said. “Terri and I had a great battle in 2007. She’s fought the best, has never been stopped and I’m training hard to make this an exciting fight for all the fans. I appreciate Terri for stepping up for this fight.”

Chevelle Hallback and Terri Blair are the eight round main event March 2 at the Tampa Bay Convention Center in Tampa, Fl. The entire event, including the weigh-ins on March 1, will be broadcast live on LDLTV and UStream with all the action being called by Billy C of the Talkin’ Boxing with Billy C TV & Radio Programs and former World Lightweight Champion Nate Campbell.

♔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.

Mayweather VS Cotto – NY Press Conference Video; Live from the Apollo Theatre In Harlem

Mayweather VS Cotto - NY Press Conference

http://www.thefightnerd.com/mayweather-vs-cotto-ny-press-conference-video/

It’s official. Boxing superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather will return to the ring, step up in weight and challenge Four-Time, Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto for his WBA Super Welterweight World title in what will be an electrifying bout between two renowned ring kings. The event will take place on Saturday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

As if the clash between Mayweather and Cotto isn’t enough to satisfy boxing’s most loyal subjects, the addition of WBC Super Welterweight World Champion and rising Mexican sensation Canelo Alvarez against Six-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley in a 12-round world championship contest should satisfy the entire sports kingdom.

“Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto,” which coincides with the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo, historically one of boxing’s most popular weekends, is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The fighters came to New York yesterday, and Team Fight Nerd was on hand to film the action, so enjoy the full press conference. By the way, did you check out that throne yet? Humble much?

♔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: Roger Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe, Bryan Perez, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey, and the New Era in Boxing

No Holds Barred: Roger Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe, Bryan Perez, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey, and the New Era in Boxing

http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2012-03-01T01_31_29-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the significance of the May 5 fight between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto being promoted by their own promotional companies with several key figures in this fight.

The unbeaten Mayweather (42-0, 26 KOs), who holds the WBC welterweight title, will be moving up a weight class to face Cotto (37-2, 30 KOs), the WBA super welterweight champion. Mayweather last fought at this weight in 2007, defeating Oscar de la Hoya for the WBC title, before moving back down.

The Mayweather-Cotto fight, slated for Saturday, May 5, in Las Vegas, Nevada, has the distinction of being presented by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

At the New York news conference for this fight held February 28 at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, we discussed the significance of this promotional arrangement with Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions; Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions; and Bryan Perez, Executive Director of Miguel Cotto Promotions. The consensus seemed to be from all parties in this fight that this represents a new era in boxing. We also asked Richard Schaefer about the drug testing for Mayweather-Cotto, which will be conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.







We also spoke about this fight with the outspoken trainer of Floyd Mayweather, his uncle, Roger Mayweather, who discussed the place of his nephew in boxing history.

And we discussed with our long-time colleague and correspondent Keisha

Morrisey, who has been invaluable to No Holds Barred, this fight and
this new era in boxing, as well as some of the numerous problems
plaguing the declining sport of boxing.

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

Mayweather Vs. Cotto Hollywood press conference live today March 1

If you can't make it to Hollywood for the press conference, you can watch it live here at 1pm PST / 4pm EST: http://ustream.tv/mayweathervscotto


♔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.

FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER and MIGUEL"JUNITO" COTTO

BOXING'S BIGGEST STAR FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL "JUNITO" COTTOTO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AT HARLEM'S WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO THEATER TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE MAY 5 MEGA-FIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 AT 1:00 P.M. ET HARLEM'S WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO THEATER **OPEN TO THE PUBLIC**

Floyd "Money" Mayweather signed autographs for the fans with head of Mayweather security Big Kip Hip, Hop Icon and Mogul 50 Cent was, Iran Barkley and Roger Mayweather posed for the camera, Pugilist Mariusz Wach, Jerson Ravello and Shaun Georgewas in the building.

Golden Boy Promotions- Richard Schaefer, Miguel Cotto Promotions- Brian Perez, Mayweather Promotions- Richard Ellerbe, El Boxing Empress- Keisha Morrisey

Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Miguel Cotto

MAYWEATHER and MIGUEL"JUNITO" COTTO will hold a press conference at Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater to officially announce their WBA Super Welterweight World Championship fight taking place Saturday, May 5 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

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♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

2012 INDEPENDENT NORTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIPS COMES TO ELEITE HEAT GYM IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY ON JUST 12ST-JUNE 3RD

Beginning on Friday June 1st a very important and distinguished amateur boxing tournament in Newark as the Elite Heat Gym will play host to the 2012 Junior Independent Gloves Northeast Championships.

Fighters from all over will be on display as the Tournament has already received commitments from fighters from Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia & Vermont.

There will be belts awarded to all winners.

All applications MUST be completed and returned by May 20th and those applications can be downloaded from www.eliteheatgym.com

The applications can be faxed to 862-772-2533 or emailed to independentboxingjunior@aol.com

The fights will begin at 7PM each night

The On-Time check in will be May 29th 8AM – 9PM with the final check in 8AM-1PM

The Elite Heat Boxing Gym is located at 130 Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Newark, New Jersey 07104 and the phone number is 862-772-2532

♔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.

Early Fight Of The Year Contender - Montes Beats Ibarra In Total War

Early Fight Of The Year Contender - Montes Beats Ibarra In Total War

Less than two months into 2012, we probably already have the fight of the
year locked down after fellow Mexicans Juan Jose Montes and Oscar Ibara
traded non-stop bombs Saturday night in Guadalajara in their fight for the
vacant World Boxing Federation World Super Flyweight title.

Ibara got off to the better start and landed some huge right hands in the
first round, but “Goofy” Montes took back control in the second by driving
his opponent to the ropes and firing relentlessly with both hands. Ibara
didn’t just receive, but landed some shots of his own and the capacity
crowd was on its feet watching what was turning out to be an outright war.

This trend continued throughout, Montes on the offensive but Ibara always
active and dangerous with his right hand. In the fourth he cut Montes over
the right eye, and in the tenth over the left, and with a bloody nose to
boot it was evident that Ibara had his share of success. But Montes
continued to charge relentlessly, and showed extraordinary courage and
determination from start to finish.

After twelve pulsating rounds of boxing, the crowd had hardly used their
chairs and gave the two warriors a two-minute standing ovation while
waiting for the decision. Judges Jose Garduno, Sergio Sotelo and Alan
Santana scored the bout 118-109, 116-111 and 114-113, all for Montes, but
both fighters deserves big credit for putting on one of the best WBF world
title fights in recent memory.

New World Boxing Federation World Super Flyweight Champion Juan Jose
Montes improved his professional record to 22-2 (14), while Oscar Ibara
fell to 27-6 (18). The fight was promoted by Hector Garcia and HG Boxing,
and televised live in Mexico by Televisa. Supervisor was WBF President
Howard Goldberg.

On the previous night, Friday February 24 in Saint Quentin, France, local
hero Thierry Karl captured the vacant WBF International Cruiserweight
title with a unanimous decision over Georgian Sandro Sirposhvili at the
Palais des Sports. Karl fought a clever fight, and seemed to be one step
ahead of his opponent from the first bell, although Siproshvili never
stopped trying.

At the conclusion, scores were 97-93 (Jean Marcel Nartz, Germany), 99-93
(Alfred Asaro, France) and 100-90 (Robert Verwijs, Netherlands). Referee
was Alexsander Kalinkin from Russia. The fight was promoted by Boxing Club
des Saint Quentin. Thierry Karl, who won his first title at
Cruiserweight, is now 30-5 (19) in the professionals. Siproshvili drops to
25-11 (12).

♔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.

Mayweather Vs. Cotto press conference live from the Apollo Theatre in NY

Mayweather Vs. Cotto press conference live from the Apollo Theatre in NY http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/20758924

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MIGUEL COTTO PRESS TOUR KICKS OFF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 IN PUERTO RICO WHEN THE UNDEFEATED SUPERSTAR MAYWEATHER AND WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION COTTO WILL OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THEIR MEGA-FIGHT SLATED FOR SATURDAY, MAY 5
AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

Seven-Time, Five-Division World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and reigning WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel "Junito" Cotto will officially announce their May 5 mega-fight with a press tour making stops in San Juan, New York City and Los Angeles beginning Monday, February 27.

The tour will reflect the magnitude of this highly competitive match-up between two pound-for-pound greats with one-of-a-kind press conferences in all three cities. Mark your calendars as you won't want to miss it when Mayweather and Cotto come to town!

Mayweather vs. Cotto, a 12-round fight for Cotto's WBA Super Welterweight World title, is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The 12-round WBA Super Welterweight World Championship bout will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®. More information on Mayweather vs. Cotto, including ticket on sale date and prices will be announced shortly.

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

Ten-Count for Henry Cooper

The boxing public generally are a blood-thirsty lot. They like to see a good hard fight, and if there’s plenty of blood and gore flying around they love it.” – Henry Cooper

One of England’s most beloved sporting figures, Sir Henry Cooper, passed away Sunday at the age of 76.

The former English, Commonwealth, and European champion retired in 1971 at the age of 36 with a 40-14-1 record. He is best-known for his knockdown of an inexperienced young American heavyweight named Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali in 1963. (On British TV after the fight, Clay/Ali said that Cooper “hit me so hard that my ancestors in Africa felt it.”)

Born in London in 1934, Cooper fought as an 18-year-old in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, and turned pro two years later.

Sir Henry got it on with such notables as Floyd Patterson, Zora Foley, Karl Mildenberger, and Joe Bugner, in addition to twice fighting Ali, and is the only British boxer to have won three Lonsdale belts.

He was knighted in 2000 and is considered, along with Lennox Lewis, Tommy Farr, and Frank Bruno, one of the greatest heavyweights in British boxing history.

WBA heavyweight champion David Haye paid tribute to Cooper by writing, “One of Britain’s greatest sportsmen Sir Henry Cooper passed away today. A true warrior and great human being. Rest in Peace.”

“He was a lovely fella,” former featherweight champion Barry McGuigan told the BBC, “and I was a personal friend of him and his wife. It really is tragic news for the world of boxing. What a great man he was.”

Former middleweight and super-middleweight champion Chris Eubank said, “There are many world champions who did not have the respect which he garnered. A world championship belt is one thing – it’s a symbol. A lot of people mistake having a belt for being a champion, when in fact it is winning the heart of the people.

“Henry Cooper behaved as a champion which is why he was a champion of the people.”

♔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.

LONNIE SMITH IS READY TO FIGHT VINCENTE ESCOBEDO IN WOODLAND, CA THIS SATURDAY

Super-featherweight prospect “El Negro Mexicano” Lonnie Smith (14-2-2, 10 KOs) will face off against former world title challenger Vicente Escobedo (24-3, 14 KOs) on March 3rd in Woodland, CA for the WBO NABO Jr. Lightweight Title. The Smith vs. Escobedo bout is scheduled for ten rounds and will headline Telefutura’s Solo Boxeo Series (check local listings).

This is by far the most important fight in Lonnie Smith’s career. Even after a string of bout fall-outs, nothing deterred him from continuing to work hard in the gym. The 24 year old is excited and prepared for this opportunity.

“I’m a gym rat that doesn’t stop working.” Says Smith. “I have been focused and working very hard. This fight means everything.”

Smith is known for his action-packed fighting style. Although he promises to always deliver excitement in the ring, he is looking forward to showing boxing fans the improvements he has made in the gym.

“I hope that the people who have seen me fight before see the growth and maturity in my fighting style. I believe I have come a long way from just being a puncher. I am dedicated to improving my craft each fight.”

Smith lives in Las Vegas and trains with Skipper Kelp. Kelp is a former world-ranked welterweight, but has developed a reputation as a great boxing trainer.

Vicente Escobedo is a big step up in competition for Lonnie Smith. Along with facing Michael Kadsidis for the interim WBO world title in 2009, he went the distance against current interim WBO and interim WBA world titlist Robert Gurrero in 2010. In Escobedo’s last fight, he beat former world champion, Rocky Juarez.

To make Smith’s task even tougher, the upcoming fight is taking place at the Woodland Community Senior Center in Escobedo’s hometown. Smith remains confident, nonetheless.

“I am only going to Woodland, CA for a win!”

On Saturday, a young, hungry prospect is pitted against an experienced, skillful world title challenger. Lonnie Smith vs. Vicente Escobedo is a can't-miss for boxing fans!


ABOUT LONNIE SMITH

“Lighting” Lonnie smith, also known as “El Negro Mexicano”, or “Lonnie Love” is a 24 year old super-featherweight/Jr. Lightweight boxing prospect based out of Las Vegas, NV. His current record is 14-2-2 with 10 knockouts.

♔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.

MATTHEW MACKLIN Vs. SERGIO "MARAVILLA" MARTINEZ on Saturday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

MATTHEW MACKLIN Vs. SERGIO "MARAVILLA" MARTINEZ on Saturday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day at The Theater at Madison Square Garden The card which will be aired live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing is entitled, "THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up", features Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez (48-2-2, 27KO's) defending his middleweight crown against Ireland's Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin (28-3, 19KO's). The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and will be shown live on HBO beginning 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.

Zab Judah Vs. unbeaten Junior Welterweight Vernon Paris Saturday, March 24th

On Saturday, March 24th the NBC Sports Network’s “Fight Night” boxing series comes to Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex. In the main event of the evening, Brooklyn’s Zab Judah takes on unbeaten Junior Welterweight Vernon Paris in a mandated fight for the #1 position in the IBF.

♔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.