★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Monday, March 5, 2012

COMING THIS SUMMER CHRISTY MARTIN vs. MIA ST. JOHN II TWO CHAMPIONS IN THEIR FINAL BLOCKBUSTER BATTLE

Ever since it gained worldwide notice in 1996, women’s boxing has produced a series of great fighters, but two iconic names stand above the rest – Christy Martin and Mia St. John.

This summer, nearly a decade after their first bout in 2002, Martin and St. John will meet again, in FINAL VICTORY, only this time the stakes will be even higher, as these two champions will fight for the final time and it will be for the WBC World Super Welterweight Belt in a big night of championship boxing on Tuesday evening, June 19th that will be presented by Table Mountain Casino, in association with Roy Englebrecht Promotions.

For Martin, this is her opportunity to reach the 50-win milestone against a heated rival looking to keep her from that mark. More importantly, it will be a fitting celebration of a career and life thought to be over when “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” was allegedly shot and stabbed by her ex-husband Jim in 2010. Yet despite the odds, Martin not only survived, but she returned to the ring in 2011. Now she wants to finish the most memorable career in women’s boxing history by defeating St. John. “I am excited about this opportunity to get my 50th win against Mia St John to finish my career,” said Martin. “I am honored to fight for the WBC World Title at Table Mountain Casino and look forward to becoming a World Champion once again. This time I will KO Mia, that’s as good a guarantee as you get.”

St. John has her own reasons for wanting this fight, and the way she sees it, this matchup is all about respect and redemption. In 2002, despite her stellar 26-1-1 record, it took an exciting 10 round war with Martin to earn the acclaim from the boxing world that she deserved. Since then, “The Knockout” has continued to be one of the sport’s great ambassadors, in and out of the ring, and all that’s left for her is to even the score with her greatest rival in Christy Martin. “I’ve waited nearly 10 years for this rematch,” stated St John. “I know I out-boxed Christy in the last fight, but this time I am going to BEAT her. Now we’ll see who the real WBC Champion is, La Gallina or La Guerrera.”

“Since I promoted my first female pro boxing bout in December of 1995 on a Battle In The Ballroom show at the Irvine Marriott, I am proud to say that Roy Englebrecht Promotions has promoted more female boxing bouts than any other fight promoter in history,” stated Englebrecht. “To now have the opportunity, with the FINAL VICTORY show, to work with and promote two boxing, if not sports icons, in Christy and Mia, is an honor and privilege, and believe me fight fans in the Central Valley will be in for a special evening when these two ladies meet in the ring with a legitimate world championship on the line.”

The Final Victory show which will also include four undercard bouts will be held in the Events Center at Table Mountain Casino in Friant, California, which is located just 15 miles outside Fresno. Tickets for this night of championship boxing will be priced at $70 VIP, $65 Gold, and $55 General Admission, and will go on sale on May 7th at 12 noon at www.tmcasino.com or at Table Mountain Casino. Doors will open at 6pm with the first bout scheduled to begin at 6:30pm, and you must be 18 years or older to attend the show.

Needless to say, this event is as historic as it is compelling, making it the must see fight of the Summer of 2012.

Christy Martin “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” 49-6, 31 KOs 5-4, 147 pounds Orlando, Florida 36-1-2 in first 39 pro fights Has only been stopped twice (once due to injury, once by Laila Ali) Unbeaten in four of her last five bouts Former WBC junior middleweight champion Holds 2002 decision win over St. John Featured on several Don King Productions Pay-Per-View cards Has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine Survived harrowing shooting by her husband in November 2010; came back to fight in June of 2011 and was defeating Dakota Stone before the fight was stopped due to her broken hand.

Mia Rosales St. John “The Knockout” 46-11, 18 KOs 5-6, 147 pounds Oxnard, California 15 wins in three rounds or less Former WBC international lightweight champion Former WBC international welterweight champion Former IBA lightweight champion Unbeaten in first 23 pro fights Featured on several Top Rank Pay-Per-View cards Has appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine Has won three of her last five bouts

♔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.

Smith Jr. continues comeback March 30th‏; Nearly two months after breaking his jaw, Smith Jr. is ready to continue climb

Light heavyweight prospect Joe Smith Jr. knew something was wrong during his bout against hard-hitting Eddie Caminero in August of 2010. He just had no idea how serious it was.

“The pain just started to take over,” recalled the 22-year-old Long Island native. “I couldn’t close my mouth. I couldn’t even bite down on my mouthpiece.”

By the time Caminero finished Smith (7-1, 7 KOs) for good via technical knockout with two seconds remaining in the fourth round – the first and only loss of Smith’s career – Smith had suffered a broken jaw on both sides of his mouth, an injury that left him with his jaw wired shut for six weeks.

“They had to put in plates and screws on both sides,” he said. “It completely snapped in half.”

Determined to finish the fight, Smith battled for another round after breaking his jaw in the third, but the increasing pain was too much to overcome. Following the loss, Smith spent the next 11 months recovering before returning triumphantly in July with a win over Santos Martinez in Brooklyn.

With the rust finally gone, Smith is ready to step back into the ring Friday, March 30^th, 2012 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino’s MGM Grand Theater on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “All In” professional boxing event, which will air live as part of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” telecast.

Smith shook off the cobwebs in his second-round knockout win over Martinez, but talk of the injury still hits close to home. Some doubted whether he’d ever return to the ring, but Smith always believed, as evident by the fact he was back in the gym only three weeks after having his jaw wired shut.

“I wasn’t allowed to do too much because I couldn’t put strain on my body. The doctors didn’t want the wires to break,” Smith said, “but I didn’t want to quit. Once it healed up, I was back in there working as quickly as possible.”

Unable to eat solid foods for almost two months, Smith lost close to 30 pounds, dropping from his typical fight weight of 175 to 180 pounds to as low as 150 by the time his jaw was unwired.

“Luckily, it came back to me quickly,” he said. “I had to eat through a straw for six weeks, but as soon as I could eat real food again, I was so stoked to get back in the gym. I love working out. I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

Smith’s doctors gave him a nine-month window to train and rehabilitate before he would be cleared to fight again. Upon his return in July, he remained determined to finish his opponent as quickly as possible, but wanted to absorb some punishment, too, just to see how his surgically repaired jaw would react.

“To be honest, I wanted to know my jaw was good and that this wouldn’t happen again,” he said. “I wanted to test it a little bit.

“In the first round, I was little rusty, but I did what I had to do in the second round and got him out of there. That’s the plan. That’s always the plan.”

Smith now has seven wins, all by knockout, and will aim for his second consecutive victory March 30^th at Foxwoods. The setback suffered two years ago has done little to dissuade him from his ultimate goal of winning a world title. A broken jaw couldn’t derail him, so it’s hard to imagine any other roadblock standing in his way.

“If anything, this has motivated me even more,” Smith said. “It makes me want to train harder so it won’t happen again. I can’t wait for March. I’ve been in the gym training hard everyday. I’m in great shape. I’m ready to go.”

“All In” stars Philadelphia native “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs) – ranked No. 4 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) – defending his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight title against No. 11-ranked “Dangerous” Dannie Williams (21-1, 17 KOs) in the 10-round main event. New Haven, Conn., native Elvin Ayala (24-5-1, 11 KOs), ranked No. 16 in the WBC, will defend his WBC U.S. National Boxing Council (USNBC) middleweight title against Hector Camacho Jr. (53-4-1, 28 KOs), the son of former four-time world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho Sr., in the 10-round co-feature.

The undercard features Philadelphia’s Frankie Trader (8-0, 2 KOs) facing Adrian Perez (7-4-1, 1 KO) of Sarasota, Fla., in a six-round super featherweight bout; and Shelton, Conn., super middleweight Nick Lavin (2-2, 2 KOs) battling Steven Chadwick (0-3) of Jacksonville, Fla. New London, Conn., featherweight Shelito Vincent (1-0) will face Karen Dulin (2-10, 1 KO) of Mystic, Conn., in a four-round rematch; and Josh Crespo (0-1-1) of New Haven will take on Alfredo Garcia (2-0) of Sarasota in a four-round super bantamweight bout. New Haven welterweight Christian Lao (3-1, 1 KO) and Providence, R.I., cruiserweight Donte Wiggins (1-0, 1 KO) will also be featured in separate four-round bouts.

Melson to meet Parsley in Battle of Unbeatens!‏

Junior Middleweight Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will put his perfect record on the line when he faces fellow unbeaten Delen “Sniper” Parsley of Brooklyn, NY in an eight round contest Wednesday, March 7 at BB King Blues Club in New York City.

A Brooklyn native who currently resides in Manhattan, Melson is amongst the most popular fighters in the tri-state area. In his most recent match, Melson, 8-0 (4 KO’s), impressed a capacity crowd at the Roseland Ballroom by dominating Shawn Rawley Wilson over six one-sided rounds.

Long and lean, the 6’2 Parsley is 6-0 with 2 wins coming by way of knockout. The 24-year-old Parsley outboxed Jevon Boisseau in October of last year and has won all six of his bouts with ease.

“Delen is a tremendously gifted athlete with a great deal of natural ability in the ring,” said Melson, who was selected as an alternate for the 2008 US Olympic Team but withdrew due to an injury. We sparred twice prior to my second pro bout, and I think he’d agree that we both held our own. This is going to be a strong test for me and it’s also my first eight rounder, so I have to look to what beats inside my chest.”

Following all eight of his professional bouts, Melson’s donated his entire purse to justadollarplease.org to support America’s first Clinical Stem Cell Trial using umbilical cord cells. After his bout with Parsley however, the West Point grad will give his earnings to childhood friend Jason Shelbourne, whose three year old son is battling brain cancer.

“This morning, I saw a Facebook group called “Prayers for Adler Shelbourne,” stating that Jason's son has brain cancer and tears just started to flow. Jason and his wife Stephanie are incredible human beings and now they have had to hold fundraisers because of the massive medical bills. It’s my pleasure to be helping out a lifelong friend, especially when his family needs it most. I told Jason you better not feel bad for your son. God made him strong enough to handle this and you underestimate his strength by feeling bad for him. You never need to feel bad for those strong enough to handle life's challenges.”

In association with Justadollarplease, Melson created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympian Shawn Estrada, and prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Frank Galarza, Will Rosinsky, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

♔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.

Paris wants to old man Judah in Brooklyn

On The Beak - Admin

Undefeated super lightweight Vernon Paris (26-0-0, 15ko) is already in the best shape of his career and is looking forward to his big opportunity against Zab Judah (41-7-0, 28ko) on March 24 at the Aviator Sports Complex, an arena in Judah’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York. The 24-year-old fighter, known as the Ice Man, sees his fight on the NBC Sports Network Fight Night broadcast as the big chance he’s been waiting for.

"I have to go through Zab to get where I have to go," said Paris. "I’m coming in the best shape of my life because I know what the reward is going to be. This is an eliminator. I’m fighting for the number one spot in the IBF."

Paris realises that, in Judah, he’ll be facing his stiffest challenge to date: "I’m not taking anything away from him; he’s a five-time world champion. I know he’s got the experience. I know he’s been there but if he thinks I’m going to lose to a 34-year-old Zab Judah, he doesn’t have a clue about what he’s getting into the ring with… he doesn’t know what’s coming."

Paris added that he is working harder than ever, noting that fights are won in training camp rather than in the ring: "I’m not waiting until March 24 to win this fight. I’m gonna win this fight right now, while I’m in training. It’s not when you get there on that day of the fight, working hard now is what’s going to get me where I gotta go.

"I’m putting it in two or three times a day," Paris said. "I’m up in the morning running. I’m running at night. Every chance I get." Paris continued, "I lay down for a couple hours, but then I’m back up and we go back to the gym. I’m eating good, sleeping good, and I have a clear mind. That’s not good for Zab Judah."

Advisor Carlos Linas and Manager David Shumate have been with the fighter since day one and notice a difference in Paris as this fight approaches: "He has never been in this kind of shape," Linas commented. "We know Zab is a southpaw and that he still has power in the first few rounds, but these days Zab is fighting himself. He’s not like he was ten years ago. Our only concern is how to get out of the arena safely after we knock Judah out in front of his crowd."

On being the away fighter, Paris said: "I’m not afraid to go into Brooklyn to fight him. It’s more pressure on Zab to fight in front of his hometown. Nothing about Brooklyn scares me; that’s where I want to go. Besides, he’s never fought there either.

"Under the lights and cameras, I transform into an animal," Paris said. "This fight ain’t gonna be decided by the judges, it’s gonna be decided in the middle of the ring. From start to finish, we are going to be banging. So if Zab can’t handle the pressure, then he’s going out. I got too many plans. I need this fight to get where I got to go. I need it bad."

Linas concluded: "It’s time for some new blood to move in. This is Vernon’s time. I almost feel sorry for Zab."

Female 2012 USA Boxing National Champions Crowned!

Female 2012 USA Boxing National Champions Crowned! Franchon Crews will be representing the US once again at the 2012 Women's World Championships as winners of the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships. She will reunite with the three US Olympic Trials champions, Marlen Esparza, Queen Underwood and Claressa Shields, to round out the US team.

Alex Love (106 lbs), Christina Cruz (119 lbs),Tiara Brown (125 lbs), Mikaela Mayer (141 lbs), Raquel Miller (152 lbs), and Franchon Crews (178 lbs), each veterans of the first-ever female Olympic Trials and each competing in a non-Olympic weight class, will be representing the US once again at the 2012 Women's World Championships as winners of the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships in their respective weight classes. They will reunite with the three US Olympic Trials champions,Marlen Esparza, Queen Underwood and Claressa Shields, to round out the US team.

Mikaela Mayer had the additional honor of being name the outstanding female boxer of the 2012 USA Boxing National tournament.

Girlboxing sends a huge shout out to these remarkable women for their accomplishments!

Saturday’s Championship Results

5 p.m. session - Winners will go on to the 2012 Women's World Championships in China this coming May 2012!

106 lbs/female: Alex Love, Monroe, Wash., dec. Lisa Ha, Honolulu, Hawaii, 26-13

119 lbs/female: Christina Cruz, New York, N.Y., dec. Jamie Mitchell, Pacific Grove, Calif., 22-7

125 lbs/female: Tiara Brown, Lehigh Acres, Fla., dec. Rashida Ellis, Lynn, Mass., 20-17

141 lbs/female: Mikaela Mayer, Los Angeles, Calif., dec. Cashmere Jackson, Cleveland, Ohio, 20-16

152 lbs/female: Raquel Miller, San Francisco, Calif., dec. Danyelle Wolf, San Diego, Calif., 10-5

178 lbs/female: Franchon Crews, Baltimore, Md., dec. Tiffanie Hearn, San Diego, Calif., 27-17

178+ lbs/unopposed female: Victor Perez won unopposed

1 p.m. - Olympic Weight Classes

112 lbs/female: Ayesha Green, Trenton, N.J., dec. Anissa Vasquez, Fort Worth, Texas, 26-7

132 lbs/female: Emily Dagnan, Jasper, Tenn., dec. Katie Brunacini, Los Angeles, Calif., 16-9

165 lbs/female: Fallon Farrar, Staten Island, N.Y., dec. Dara Shen, Alexandria, Va., 22-15

TRAD TKO Boxing Gym Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions Presents MITCHELL BALKER Vs. CHINA CLARKE Friday, 23rd March 2012 @ The Troxy, London

After six months without a fight, London based Dutch Cruiserweight Mitchell Balker finally gets the chance to return to the fray at Spencer Fearon’s Hard Knocks Promotions first event of the year, Shamrock Showdown II, at The Troxy in Limehouse, London on the 23rd March.

Ever since Balker relocated to the UK, to train at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, his manager Johnny Eames has found it hard to secure his talented charge any bouts, especially after word got out that prior to turning pro that Balker had traveled to America to take part in, and win, the prestigious New York Golden Gloves tournament at the famous Madison Square Gardens.

However finding fights for the Dutch #1 here in the UK was made virtually impossible following a sensation against the odds victory over World ranked Blackpool based Slovakian knockout maestro Richard Turba back in August last year, which unsurprisingly rocketed Balker to the top of the domestic Cruiserweights ‘Fighters to Avoid’ list.

Things now look set to change for Balker though, as the aforementioned Spencer Fearon was so impressed by the Dutchman’s never say die attitude, as well as the victory over Turba, that he decided to add him to upcoming Premier Sports (Sky platform Ch 433) televised show, and true to form matched him in a genuine 50/50 fight against unbeaten Leeds hardman China Clarke.

Following yet another sparring war, with former British Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams and Caine Brodie, a jubilant Balker said, “I feel very good and very excited about it, you know I’m always ready, so let’s do it.

I know nothing about my opponent, Spencer (Promoter Spencer Fearon) told me there is an opponent, China Clarke, so there is an opponent so we are going to have a fight and we’re going to make a special fight for the fans, and the TV, as they haven’t seen me fight for so long.

Even when there was no fight coming up I still stay in the gym, training and sparring, so I am always ready, my manager Johnny (Eames) and trainer Barry (Smith) make sure of that.

I have been sparring Leon (Williams) Caine (Brodie) and Paul (David) a lot, it’s the best preparation I could hope for, Leon was British Champion, Paul is the English Champion and Caine is a tough competitor at any time, so it’s good hard sparring with three of the best fighters in the UK.

Knowing Spencer it will be a hard fight, a 50-50 fight, but to me It’s a very special fight, my first with Hard Knocks and Premier Sports, so I will be really up for it and looking to win big.”

Mitchell Balker versus China Clarke will feature on the support card of Choi Tseveenpurev’s challenge for the vacant WBC Silver International Featherweight title at Spencer Fearon’s Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions ‘Shamrock Showdown II’ event at the Troxy in Limehouse, London on Friday 23rd March and broadcast live on Premier Sports (Sky platform Ch 433)

Golden Gloves March 14th at Empire City Casino‏

For Second Straight Year…

HISTORIC NEW YORK DAILY NEWS GOLDEN GLOVES TO BE CONTESTED AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO AT YONKERS RACEWAY ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MARCH 14

The iconic New York Daily News Golden Gloves returns to Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway for the second straight year. The 2012 semi-finals of the fabled amateur boxing tournament will be hosted on the Casino’s fourth floor, it was announced jointly by Casino President Timothy J. Rooney and Daily News Senior Vice President John Campi.

Last year, for the first time in the storied history of Yonkers Raceway, hundreds of fans flocked to the raceway to attend the Golden Gloves. The oldest and most esteemed amateur event in the U.S.A., celebrating its 85^th anniversary this season, has produced generations of legendary boxers including Sugar Ray Robinson, Emile Griffith, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Jose Torres, and Zab Judah.

Yonkers Raceway first opened its doors in 1899, and in over 100 years of its history has been the home to harness racing’s Triple Crown events such as the Yonkers Trot, Cane Pace and Messenger Stakes, as well as such premier stakes races as the Art Rooney Pace. Professional boxing had been held in the Old Glory Horse Pavilion, and many major fights shown on closed circuit television. But the Daily News Golden Gloves, the most elite Golden Gloves tournament in the country for 85 years, became a “first-time starter” in 2011.

“We are delighted to again bring the Daily News Golden Gloves to Yonkers Raceway,” said Rooney. “Two New York institutions are teaming for a spectacular evening of boxing for fight fans.”

“It will be another historic night for the Daily News Golden Gloves,” said Campi. “Our rich history grows even richer, and we are looking forward to making the return of the Golden Gloves another memorable night at the casino.”

Bernard Hopkins & Chad Dawson To Meet Saturday, April 28 At Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City To Determine Who Is Champion "Once And For All"‏

WBC AND RING MAGAZINE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION BERNARD "THE EXECUTIONER" HOPKINS AND FORMER WORLD CHAMPION "BAD" CHAD DAWSON TO MEET SATURDAY, APRIL 28 AT BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY TO DETERMINE WHO IS CHAMPION "ONCE AND FOR ALL"

HBO World Championship Boxing® To Televise The Light Heavyweight Showdown

The oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title, Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins, and former World Champion "Bad" Chad Dawson will meet again to settle their heated feud following their October 2011 bout, which was originally scored as a TKO win for Dawson, but later ruled a no decision by the California State Athletic Commission. The two are ready to resume their high-stakes rivalryon Saturday, April 28 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 12 round bout for Hopkins' WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world championships will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/7:15 p.m. PT.

"Chad Dawson can say whatever he wants, but I am not going to trash talk this one," said Hopkins. "Everyone knows what I am capable of in the ring. They have seen it over 50 times before in the last 20 plus years. I will say that I am really happy that this is on HBO so that all of my fans from across the country can see me continue this unprecedented path. I absolutely want to prove that I can beat Chad Dawson, another guy that is almost two decades younger than me and I am confident I will on April 28."

"The first fight did not go as planned, but I'm confident I was going to win that night," said Dawson. "Hopkins is going to have to face his fears. Bernard tried to run away from me, but here we are again. I'm thrilled about the whole situation. I'm very excited to fight on the East Coast because a lot of my fans will be there to see me live. I know I'll be ready come fight night."

"Whenever Bernard Hopkins fights, I get the chills because he is a living legend," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "Bernard has an amazing history, having fought and defeated so many world champions. I truly believe that he and Dawson facing off in Atlantic City on HBO World Championship Boxing is a recipe for an unforgettable night."

"The score must be settled once and for all," said Gary Shaw, CEO of Gary Shaw Productions. "Chad Dawson has something to prove. We all know Bernard Hopkins is a future Hall of Famer, but Chad is not going to let him get away with any of his antics or funny stuff. Chad wanted this bout and now that he has it, he's going to do whatever it takes to be a champion once again."

"Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson have unfinished business and we look forward to televising this intriguing light heavyweight showdown," said Kery Davis, senior vice president, programming, HBO Sports. "Bernard's credentials as a future Hall of Famer are firmly established and he captured the world's attention last year when he won a world title at the age of 46. Chad is an extremely talented fighter in his prime. This sets up to be a hard-fought encounter that boxing fans will be excited to see."

"Bernard Hopkins is a world champion athlete who grew up and trained in the greater Philadelphia area, just a short ride from Atlantic City, so this fight is going to be a great draw for Atlantic City," said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment. "Some of the greatest boxing matches and sporting events have been hosted in Atlantic City and on April 28, Historic Boardwalk Hall will be the backdrop to what could be Hopkins' most historic fights and likely one of the final bouts of his career - he's one of the most exciting boxers to watch and one of the greatest athletes of the past 50 years."

"Hopkins vs. Dawson: Once And For All," a 12 round bout for Hopkins' WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world championships, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City. The bout will take place from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey and be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/7:15 p.m. PT.

Tyson Fury vs. Martin Rogan; Hennessy Sports proudly presents “Unfinished Business” Saturday April 14 at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast.

“How much are you looking forward to this fight in Ireland on April 14th?” Martin Rogan responded “Very much, very long anticipated fight, respectfully Tyson’s world number 6 and I’m getting a great opportunity thanks to Mick Hennessy, Mickey Hughes and Tyson Fury, lot’s have gone on with the politics in boxing obviously with the purse offers, but some of the phrases that were used against Tyson calling him a chicken and stuff like that I find very disrespectful because any man who steps in the ring is far from a chicken, and as I said, I respect the chance that I've been given to step in the ring.

"I’m a great heavyweight, I’ve proved that by beating Matt Skelton, the undefeated and un-knocked out guy, I beat Audley Harrison, so I got the pedigree to do the business on the 14 April and that’s what I intend to do.”

“Why is it Martin next for you Tyson, why is it Martin Rogan?”” ask Mark Pougatch.

Tyson Fury Said; “Well we sat down and it’s been a long decision, the fight has been off and on two or three times and it was suppose to happen last year when I fought at the Kings Hall and like you said before it’s politics that got in the way of the boxing match and that’s what it’s not about. It’s about going in there given the fans a great fight and I know Martin Rogan, I’ve grew up my full career watching him so I’ve nothing but respect for the man.

"I was watching the fights when he beat Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison and I know he is coming firing with both hands to take what I’ve got away but as he said I’m number 6 in the world and I’m working my way to a world title shot and I'm hoping I’m going to get there.”

Mark Pougatch asked Tyson “So what is your prediction for the fight on the April 14 with Martin Rogan?”

Tyson Fury answered “All I can say in prediction is this is going to be a great fight, there is going to be plenty of action and Martin Rogan always comes to fight as does Tyson Fury.

“And you are going to see two true warriors in the ring come April 14, in a fighting country as well.”

Mark Pougatch then asked Martin Rogan “A prediction from your point of view?”

Big Rogie responded “I don’t make predictions, Tyson makes predictions”

He then turned to Tyson and asked “Tyson, what round am I going to knock you out in?”

Tyson jokingly responded “The first, 10 seconds”

..0

Martin Rogan added “Listen everybody get your arse in to gear and get to Belfast and all you Belfast people come and watch a real good fight.”Go on line www.hennessysports.com for more information about the April 14 show.

#2 IBF, 40-year-old Tony Thompson (36-2, 24 KO’s) will be the next fight for Wladimir???

Unless IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (57-3, 50 KO’s) wants to give him a step aside payment, 40-year-old Tony Thompson (36-2, 24 KO’s) will be the next fight for Wladimir. Thompson, #2 IBF, is Wladimir’s mandatory challenger and he’s due to get his title shot. If Wladimir chooses to ignore him, then the IBF will strip Wladimir of his IBF title and that’s something Wladimir doesn’t want to happen.

It’s not an interesting fight or one that boxing fans are clamoring for, as Wladimir already knocked out a younger version of Thomson four years ago in an 11th round TKO win in July 2008. It was one of the most competitive fights that Wladimir has had since his first fight against Samuel Peter in September 2005. However, it wasn’t a thrilling fight and thought of seeing Wladimir face Thompson again now four years later is kind of off-putting to say the least.

Thompson has won his last five fights since the defeat to Wladimir, beating Adnan Serin, Chazz Witherspoon, Owen Beck, Paul Marinaccio, and Maurice Harris. Those are all 2nd tier heavyweights and it’s going to be a bit of a shock for Thompson to go from those guys to a fight against Wladimir now, because Wladimir has improved a lot since he fought him last, while Thompson has slowed down and isn’t quite the same fighter he once was.

It would be a lot more interesting to see Wladimir take on Chris Arreola, Denis Boytsov, Alexander Dimitrenko, Alexander Povetkin, Tyson Fury or David Price rather than seeing him fight Thompson again. Hopefully Wladimir can get Thompson to step aside so that boxing fans can see Wladimir fight a little younger heavyweight, preferably someone good. His last opponent Mormeck is 39, and a fight against the 40-year-old would make it seem like Wladimir is picking off the old codgers instead of going after younger fighters that can really test him in a major way

Jean Pascal

Although Jean Pascal hasn't been seen in a ring for more than nine months, he hasn't been far away.

In fact, if you peak through the ropes on any given night as you're watching the week's action on television, there's a good chance you'll see the former RING light heavyweight champion seated ringside.

An avid fan of the sport he thrives in, Pascal is a mainstay at not just the major fights, but anywhere anyone is staging a boxing match. Recently, the Laval, Quebec resident was even spotted at two local club shows in Southern California.

In the same night.

“I love studying other boxers and learning by watching and analyzing,” Pascal told RingTV.com. “I guess you could call me -- hopefully -- a student of the sport.”

If Pascal (26-2-1, 16 knockouts) were to step away from the action and watch for a while, he could be forgiven. In today's boxing landscape, the 29-year old has had one of the toughest schedules of any high-level fighter. Since entering title contention in 2008, he has been in the ring with Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, and Adrian Diaconu, plus Bernard Hopkins twice.

He insists, though, that he never really left the gym during the layoff.

“I did spend lots of time with my coaches, working on weaknesses and building strengths. The time was well-spent,” said Pascal. “With the next opponent soon chosen, my coaches and I will look at where I am in fitness and mentality, and then build strengths from there.”

He is being forced to spend a few days away from the gym, however. Ever the Canadian, Pascal recently took to the ice with his pal and ex-NHL enforcer George Laraque. Apparently the former champion had a little too much competitive spirit in him, as he suffered a minor shoulder injury.

The injury won't delay his next bout, but it is the latest in a series of frustrating setbacks. A rumored bout with Tavoris Cloud last December never materialized, and a more recent one with Zsolt Erdei fell through due to what is being reported elsewhere as a “lack of funds.”

Pascal says he just wants to get back to work, and that he's tired of the entitlement displayed by other fighters in the division.

“I needed to earn my place among the leaders in the division. People need to shark their way up to the top before they can demand a big fight. Fights are business and the public is interested in match-ups that promise to be of the highest standard, especially in today's economy,” said Pascal.

It's doubtful that anyone would disagree with him there, but he does have one controversial opinion as it pertains to what certain fighters are entitled to. Pascal is one of the few who believe Cloud's recent decision victory over Gabriel Campillo was scored correctly by the judges.

“To win a fight against a champion, you need to be compelling. I think the fight was close, and so, the champion in those cases should retain his crown,” believes Pascal.

No doubt the former champ wishes the judges felt the same way last time he was in the ring against Bernard Hopkins, but he's not looking to take any kind of “confidence boosting” fight next. Atop his wish list currently are fellow countryman Lucian Bute, who just signed to fight Froch on May 26, and a rematch with Chad Dawson.

In truth, Pascal could fight just about anybody in his home province and would likely sell the venue out. According to the full-time fighter and full-time fan, though, there's plenty of talent to keep the turnstiles spinning in Quebec -- not just in the meantime, but for years to come.

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Monday, March 5, 2012