★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Saturday, March 10, 2012

CES prepares to launch epic boxing tripleheader with three-city tour in March

Three shows, nine days, one world-class promoter – brace yourself this month for an amazing ride through the dynamic world of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports. Spanning nine days between March 22^nd and 30^th, CES will promote three live boxing events in three cities, starting with the official launch of its 2012 Thursday Night Fight Series at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I., on Thursday, March 22^nd, continuing Saturday, March 24^th with a spectacular heavyweight event at the Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, N.J., and culminating with the return of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” on Friday, March 30^th at the Foxwoods Resort Casino’s MGM Grand Theater in Ledyard, Conn., featuring two nationally-televised title bouts.

“Anyone who thinks boxing is dead should take a look at what we’re doing this month,” Burchfield said. “This sport is alive and well thanks to the loyal fans who pack arenas on a weekly basis, and our tripleheader this month will be no exception.

“We’ve got three dynamic shows in a nine-day span, not simply for the sake of promoting shows, but to provide boxing’s most loyal fans with the best and brightest this sport has to offer. Anyone can run a handful of shows in a short amount of time, but only a world-class promotion can bring you three standout cards featuring an eclectic mix of established veterans and up-and-coming talent.

“There’s truly something for everyone on this tripleheader, and we’re thrilled to not only reestablish our presence at familiar venues such as Foxwoods Resort Casino and Twin River, but to be breaking new ground at the breathtaking Resorts Hotel & Casino as well. This is a landmark stretch for Classic Entertainment & Sports and there’s no one we’d rather share it with than you, our loyal fans.”

These next three events feature an array of television-friendly showstoppers, world-ranked contenders, up-and-coming prospects and household names, starting with Providence, R.I., super middleweight Vladine Biosse (11-1-1, 6 KOs), a former two-time winner on “Friday Night Fights,” and New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Jason “School Boy” Pires (22-4-1, 9 KOs), both of whom will be in action March 22^nd at Twin River.

On March 24^th, undefeated Mariusz Wach (26-0, 14 KOs) of North Bergen, N.J., the World Boxing Council (WBC) International heavyweight champion who’s now ranked No. 6 in the world among heavyweights, will defend his title against hard-hitting veteran Tye Fields (49-4, 44 KOs) of Alberta, Canada (by way of Missoula, Mont.); and former world-rated light heavyweight Joey “K.O. Kid” Spina (26-1-2, 18 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time in a year in a half to face Jerson Ravelo (20-5, 12 KOs) of Newark, N.J., a former participant on “The Contender” reality television series.

Not to be outdone, the March 30^th Foxwoods show will feature two dynamic bouts, including Philadelphia native “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs) – ranked No. 4 in the 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) in the 10-round co-feature. Both fights will air live on ESPN2 beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

The March 24^th heavyweight spectacular in Atlantic City will also be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Avail-TVN for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

“To have these shows available for nationwide and worldwide viewing is a major plus,” Burchfield said. “Our fan base continues to expand with each event as we attract viewers from multiple countries. The CES brand has grown tremendously in the past few years, and it’ll continue to develop during this unparalleled stretch. The possibilities are endless, and we’re only getting started.”

(Photos of Mariusz Wach and Jerson Ravello by Keisha Morrisey)

♔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.

Middleweight Prospect Richard Pierson’s Upcoming April 18 Bout‏

Tickets Now Available For Middleweight Prospect Richard Pierson’s Upcoming April 18 Bout

Team Pierson has announced that tickets for middleweight prospect Richard Pierson are now available. Pierson will be stepping back into the ring April 18 at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ, fresh off an impressive KO victory.

On February 17, Pierson (10-2, 7 KO) finished off Anibal Acevedo with a devastating right hand to the ribs at the end of the first round in his first fight back following an 18-month layoff.

“It felt good to be back in the ring, but feels even better to have a team,” said Pierson about his recent victory.

Throughout his career Pierson has dealt with his share of adversity and having fights fall through, yet he has stayed focus and determined to work towards a world title shot.

“The way I stay focused is that I keep my faith in God, and I stay around positive people,” said Pierson. “Boxing is life, and before you can get into that ring, you have to be mentally stable. You can’t get into the ring and have any doubt or concern for anything. So before I lace up the gloves, I make sure my household is safe and stable, and the people that surround me and care about me are happy. That is what really affects me and keeps me focused.”

Pierson has established himself as a top middleweight fighter with serious implications on making a title run by the end of 2012.

“I feel good about the upcoming fight; I’m hoping that nothing happens like it has in the past, where the fight falls through last minute,” said Pierson. “I’m working hard and training camp is going great, and I want to be able to get out there and work.”

Richard Pierson has waited patiently for his chance to shine. From day one all he has wanted to do is step between the ropes and have a fair shot, and although he has been thrown to the wolves countless times to simply be an opponent against “A” fighters, Pierson has rose above.

Pierson has caught the attention and respect of fellow fighters due to his unrelenting work ethic, determination and drive to excel in what he does.

Outside the ring Pierson is a dedicated student and full-time father, striving to give his children a better life. Quiet and humble, Pierson goes about life one day at a time, creating and seizing opportunities at will.

And for the first time in his career, Pierson has had a solid team around him to give him a full time training camp.

“It means a lot to have the resources around me and the people willing to put the time in,” said Pierson. “I am going to make the most of it, and it will show when I step between the ropes April 18.”

For tickets for Richard Pierson’s road to a middleweight title fight, call Bruce Vega at 973-885-4626 or Lou Esa at Final Round Boxing and Fitness at 973-885-7962 or visit the gym at 159 Algonquin Parkway in Whippany, NJ.

The Robert Treat Hotel is located at 50 Park Place, Newark, NJ.

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

Gunn Ready To Battle Toney For IBA Heavyweight Title

Gunn Ready To Battle Toney For IBA Heavyweight Title

Following last month’s press conference where Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn and James “Lights Out” Toney nearly came to blows, Gunn made it clear to Team Toney and to the boxing world that this was going to be a fight that James Toney will never forget.

As today marks one month from the IBA Heavyweight Title, Gunn has expressed that he can’t wait for April 7 to go to war with James Toney.

“Training camp has been going really well,” said Gunn. “I feel great. I am going to be coming into this fight in the best condition of my career, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to battle for the IBA Heavyweight Title.”

In recent weeks Gunn has had his name thrown around the media quite heavily, and not only in regards to his upcoming title fight.

Gunn addressed the growing issue of bullying a few weeks back, and has publicly announced that he will be dedicating this fight against James Toney to all the victims of bullying.

“Bullying has become a disease that is slowly killing innocent kids; although it is a disease, it can be cured,” said Gunn. “People need to be proactive and take a stand against bullying. It isn’t how high you stand on the issue, as long as you take a stand, because if you don’t take a stand for one thing, you will fall for all things.”

Gunn’s fight against Toney is more than for just the IBA Heavyweight Title. The current World Heavyweight BKB Champion, Gunn has the chance to hold both the Heavyweight BKB Title and Heavyweight Boxing Title simultaneously. Additionally, Gunn has the opportunity to do something no other boxer has ever done—stop James Toney.

“I have a great team around me, and I get a ton of support,” said Gunn. “This is what I’ve worked for all my life, and come April 7 the world is going to see a Bobby Gunn that they have never seen before. This is my time.”

Friday, March 9, 2012

Outside The Ropes With Up-And-Coming Light Middleweight Prospect Bobby Bryant‏

Boxing became a way of life for light middleweight Bobby “The Prodigy” Bryant at an early age, and since the love for the sport has coursed through the 19-year-old’s blood.

Turning pro at the age of 17, Bryant has been active within the squared circle and has put together an unblemished record of 13-0 with 9 KO’s. His heavy hands paired with his ability to put on a show have led him to fighting in the featured bout on the James Toney/Bobby Gunn IBA Heavyweight Title fight.

On April 7 at the Landers Center in Southaven, MS, Bobby Bryant will go to battle with Justin Flanagan (9-2, 5 KO), in what may be Bryant’s toughest test to date.

Bryant attributes his success to his extensive amateur experience and training regime. Ending his amateur career with an impressive record of 112-17, Bryant took gold in the 2007 National Jr. Golden Gloves Championship and silver in 2008.

“All of the amateur fights made me ready and gave me an edge when I turned pro,” said Bryant. “I love being in the ring; and every chance I get to run or train, I take advantage of it. I have been lucky to have such a great training camp and I take every opportunity to train with different camps. Right now I am in the best shape of my life; I’ve been able to go 10-12 rounds of sparring for my 8 round fight. This is my first time being on TV and it’s an honor to be on Fox Sports for the James Toney and Bobby Gunn card. It shows me that I’ve been coming along great in my career.”

From the first day Bobby Bryant wrapped up and put the gloves on, his father John Bryant was in his corner. Under his father and coach’s tutelage, Bobby Bryant stood out as an amateur and has quickly risen through the pro ranks.

Often in boxing you see relatives working in each other’s corners, and unfortunately more often than not you read about the fallouts between them, which typically have a negative effect on a fighter’s career.

Having talked to John and Bobby, it was clear they have established not only a very functional but also a very successful relationship in and out of the ring.

“I’m very proud of him; you see a lot of kids that are great boxers in the amateurs, and they lose their drive and passion and fade out,” said John Bryant. “But Bobby always stayed dedicated and taken it a step further, turning pro and working as hard as he does. It’s been a long road to this point, with all of the traveling through the amateurs, but after all of the years of money and time, it’s all coming back and paying off. When he’s not training he attends college. I always tell him education comes first, and then boxing. He is diligent with everything he does; so many father and son’s in boxing have fall outs, but with us it’s been great all along.”

Although both John and Bobby spoke with utter humility, their determination and drive to win a world title was evident in their voice.

In regards to having his father in his corner, Bobby shared, “Sometimes it’s kind of frustrating. I mean, he always tells me how it is, and if you don’t do it right, you’re going to get bumped on the head. It’s different from having a coach; he’s a father inside and outside of the ring, and he has always pushes me to my most potential.”

The father and son combination has proven to be successful in Bobby’s early career, and in coming weeks “The Prodigy” will look to extend his undefeated win streak.

In his young career Bryant has remained active, fighting consistently each year. “Right now we have three upcoming fights lined up; everything’s looking great. I am hoping to get on a few Showtime or ESPN cards later this year. Whatever comes my way, I am ready for it.”

If Bryant continues to walk through his opponents, he will find himself nearing the top 10 ranks by the end of the year.

When asked if he thinks if he will be fighting for a title by year end, Bryant responded, “I wouldn’t say the end of 2012. Maybe in 2013. We are picking it up, but my career is still young. I know I have a bright future ahead, so why rush it?”

Through his first 13 professional fights Bryant is yet to show any signs of complacency and continues to grow as a fighter.

“My experience as a fighter continues to get better with each round and each fight,” said Bryant. “Each fight the opponent gets harder; my conditioning is great right now, and that makes a huge difference. There is a much different adrenaline level from amateur to pro, and that can wear a guy out. I think I have gotten smarter as a fighter. I’ve learned that it is not necessarily about who the tougher fighter is, but who is more intelligent during the fight.”

The boxing line in the Bryant family doesn’t end with Bobby.

Also appearing on the Toney/Gunn undercard is Bobby’s 17-year-old brother Joey. The Bryant brothers are two of the most successful amateur boxers in the Mid-South. Joey ended his amateur career with a record of 214-16, and was the 2007 95 lb. National Jr. Golden Gloves Champion and 2008 100 lb. National Silver Gloves Champion.

About watching his brother progress in his career, Bobby Bryant said, “Working with my brother and father is a great opportunity. It gives me a chance to spend more time with them, and makes us closer as a family. Most people don’t have that kind of chance to spend with their brother and father, and I love it.”

Bobby Bryant is a young, skilled pugilist with the experience and boxing knowledge of an elder fighter. Inside the ring he is a technical and sound boxer with devastating punching power, while outside he is a humble, respectful and well-spoken teenager working towards a better life

“Lastly I’d like to thank my dad, John Bryant…I really appreciate everything he’s done and doing for me, and my mom Lisa Bryant. I thank them both for everything they’ve done for me.”

Refreshed Pires attempts second comeback‏

Jason Pires will probably be the only person at Twin River on March 22^nd with the authority to both start and stop a fight.

A six-year veteran of the New Bedford, Mass., Police Department, Pires will resume his professional boxing career Thursday, March 22^nd, 2012 at the Event Center in the main event of “Home Invasion,” the official launch of the 2012 Twin River Thursday Night Fight Series, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports.

Pires’ life outside the ring has changed a bit since his last fight in May of 2009 (a unanimous-decision loss to Michael Clark). For the past year and a half, the veteran officer has also been a member of New Bedford’s SWAT Team, a promotion Pires had been seeking for quite some time. As a member of the SWAT Team, Pires (22-4-1, 9 KOs) is on call 24 hours a day and could be summoned at any moment to take part in a hostage rescue – or any other high-risk situation.

“I could get that call right now if something goes down,” he said. “It’s a learning process, just like boxing. If you stray away from it, you start to lack. You have to stay on top of it.”

The 37-year-old Pires will face fan-favorite Eddie Soto (12-3, 4 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., in a six-round welterweight bout, one of nine dynamic bouts on the March 22^nd card.

“I remember Eddie from the amateurs,” Pires said. “I actually gave him some pointers for his next fight. He comes to fight, and he’ll stand right in front of me, which is good. That’s what I’m looking for. I like guys who’ll stand right in front of me so I can work my jab and try to take them out in the end.”

After losing to Clark three years ago, Pires decided to take a break, not to contemplate retirement, but to rest his weary body, which had just endured four grueling fights in 18 months – including a draw – during his first comeback attempt (Pires had previously sat out five years before returning in 2008).

“I just needed a break,” Pires said. “People don’t realize how much my regular job takes out of me between working details, and overtime. Trying to make boxing a full-time job is difficult.

“I’ve learned I have to space my fights in between. I’m getting older. I can’t fight month-to-month anymore. So much goes into training for a fight that I don’t take any details or work any overtime – nothing. It’s just work and boxing. I actually lose money when I train! But I won’t half-ass it; I want to protect myself and be able to step into that ring and go all out and do what I have to do.”

Pires works the overnight shift with the police department, which runs from midnight to 8 a.m. – four days on, two days off. On training days, he runs four to five miles immediately following his shift, naps until 3, hits the gym between 6 and 8, and then gets ready for the next shift beginning at midnight – a hectic schedule that takes incredible discipline and a genuine love for boxing.

“That’s why I do it,” Pires said. “I have a tremendous desire to be in this sport.”

Pires also trains 24 hours a month for the SWAT Team, which requires practicing his aim at a shooting range for sniping purposes and preparing for rescue scenarios by entering abandoned buildings, along with other physical fitness and agility drills that coincide with his daily boxing regimen.

“Of the 12 guys who tried out, I was one of six who made it, so it’s a great accomplishment for me,” Pires said. “There’s always something going down in New Bedford, so you never know when you’ll get that call. We go right in carrying ARs, handguns – it’s definitely something nice to be a part of.

“It’s just like boxing. You train and work hard, and whatever you put into it is what you’ll get out of it.”

Asked about his long-term goals in boxing, Pires laughs, pauses for a bit, and says, “Right now, it’s one fight at a time.

“Ultimately, it depends on how the fights go. We’ll see what happens down the road. Maybe I can, maybe I can’t. I just want to have a good showing when I go out there. If I keep winning, that’s great. Hopefully, something will come out of it.”

The possibility of competing for another title – Pires is a former United States Boxing Association (USBA) super bantamweight champion and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light welterweight title contender – hasn’t crossed his mind yet. For now, he’s fighting for the love of the sport. Why else would he put his body through such a rigorous daily grind?

“If that shot comes, it comes,” Pires said. “For the time being, I just want to keep winning.”

“Home Invasion” also features the long-awaited return of super middleweight Vladine Biosse (11-1-1, 6 KOs) of Providence, R.I., who will face George Armenta (14-7, 11 KOs), a dangerous veteran from Silver Spring, Md., in a six-round bout. Fellow New Bedford welterweight Johnathan Vazquez (4-1-1, 3 KOs), who is looking to bounce back from a knockout loss to Bryan Abraham in October – the first of his career – will face New Jersey’s Rashard Bogar (3-3-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout.

Fan-favorites Alex Amparo (2-0, 1 KO) of Providence and Benny Costantino (7-0, 4 KOs) of West Warwick, R.I., will also return to Twin River following victories in October. Amparo, a middleweight, will face newcomer John Downey in a four-round bout while Costantino, 40, will continue his comeback in a four-round super middleweight bout against Yolexcy Leiva (4-2, 3 KOs) of Nashville, Tenn.; Costantino’s victory over Odias Dumezil in October was his first fight in 10 years.

Unbeaten middleweight prospect Thomas Falowo (5-0, 4 KOs) of Pawtucket will put his perfect record on the line againstRonald Reaves (2-2, 1 KO) of Atlanta, while light welterweight Carlos Hernandez (1-2) of Bridgeport, Conn., will face Robert Brando-Hunt (0-1) of Hyannis, Mass., who is searching for his first professional win. Super middleweight Kevin Cobbs (2-0, 1 KO) of Burlington, Vt., will face Kentrell Claiborne (2-5, 1 KO) of Cleburne, Tex., in a four-round bout. Female welterweightAleksandra Magdziak Lopes (5-1, 1 KO) of Quincy, Mass., will also be on the undercard in a four-round bout.

Floyd Mayweather breaks down Miguel Cotto bout, alludes to knockout victory

Denzil Stone – Atlantic City Credit: Hogan Photos

Having campaigned at welterweight for six years, Floyd Mayweather Jr boxes at junior middleweight for only the second time in his storied career when he challenges reigning ‘Super’ WBA champion at 154lbs; Miguel Cotto, for the Puerto Rican’s world title on May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A potential size disparity does not concern Money, though, who is confident he has the required technical tools to deconstruct his opponent.

A Mayweather versus Cotto (37-2-0, 30ko) match-up represents the coming together of two multi-dimensional prizefighters. A defensive-wizard, Floyd, 35, is known primarily for his trademark shoulder-roll and his ability to deny fighters a route to his face and body by relying formerly on movement and now, on blocking. Mayweather (42-0-0, 26ko) is also a remarkable inside fighter, well-conditioned, has good speed, a high ring IQ, a tough overhand right and a contest-ending check hook.

Four years Mayweather’s junior, Cotto, under ex trainer Emanuel Steward and current coach Pedro Luis Diaz has seen a renaissance of his erstwhile box-and-move style rather than one who gets drawn into an exchange of slugs. Cotto boxes, is a tremendous body-puncher and, as his most recent bout – a rematch with Antonio Margarito – demonstrated, is disciplined enough to follow a game-plan in a fight laden with high emotion.

“I feel like I have what it takes to win this fight,” said Mayweather recently, unfazed by Cotto’s talents and credentials as a champion of three weight divisions. “I feel that my hands are faster, I’m the better counter puncher,” he added. “I’ve shown that I have a great chin. My thing is to be Floyd Mayweather and keep doing what I’ve been doing.”

Mayweather has pledged to stand and trade with Cotto should a toe-to-toe war erupt and, if such a scenario were to occur, believes the potential mental scars from Miguel’s stoppage defeats to Margarito (2008) and Manny Pacquiao (2009) will come into play.

“I feel like if a guy has hit the canvas before, it’s in his mind that it can happen again.”

Andy Lee and Saul Duran headline Kronk event studded with Emanuel Steward prospects

Andy Lee, Irish Kronk middleweight contender, will headline a ‘Pre-St Patrick’s Day Brawl Boxing Event’ this Saturday evening, March 10 at the Suburban Collection Showpiece in Novi, Michigan. The event is promoted by Emanuel Steward, Kronk Boxing and will see Lee (27-1-0, 19ko) defend his NABA middleweight championship title against the durable Mexican; Saul Duran (40-19-2, 33ko).

Orlando “Siri” Salido vs. Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez on Saturday, March 10, LIVE on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Salido-Lopez II In Puerto Rico‏

World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight World Champion Orlando “Siri” Salido weighed in at 126 pounds during Friday’s weigh in at the Verdanza Hotel in Isle Verde, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Salido will defend his title against the man he dethroned, former world champ Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, on Saturday, March 10, LIVE on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Lundy issues warning to Williams‏;War of words between Lundy and Williams continues in lieu of lightweight title bout, Put up, or shut up!

With his opponent all but guaranteeing a victory, vocal lightweight champion“Hammerin’” Hank Lundy has issued yet another reply in hopes of ending the banter between he and Dannie Williams before the two settle their feud in the ring later this month.

“This kid is a joke,” Lundy said in response to Williams’ promise that he’ll be “fighting for a knockout” Friday, March 30^th, 2012when the two face one another for Lundy’s North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title in the main event of “All In,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports and broadcasted live on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” from the Foxwoods Resort Casino’s MGM Grand Theater in Mashantucket, Conn.

“You can’t scare me. You can’t derail me, because I fight for a living. I’m going to hurt this boy. There’s an old saying that goes, ‘Your arms are too short to box with God.’ I’m not god, but in the ring I’m the closest thing to it.”

Lundy, ranked No. 4 in the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 12 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 7 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO), is searching for his second consecutive title defense and first since knocking out former world champion David Diaz on ESPN2 in August.

“We are thrilled to have this main event fight on ESPN’s FNF series from the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods and appreciate the work both promotional camps demonstrated to make this fight a reality,” said ESPN Director of Programming and AcquisitionsDoug Loughrey. “Our loyal fans are most familiar with both fighters, who had tremendous knockouts in 2011 on FNF, and hopefully the battle of words these two fighters have engaged in thus far will transfer to the ring for an action-filled and entertaining night on March 30^th.”

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 championHector “Macho” Camacho Sr., in the 10-round co-feature.

The highly-anticipated title bout between Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs) and Williams (21-1, 17 KOs) could wind up as an early candidate for ESPN’s Fight of the Year. The war of words began in late December when Williams, ranked No. 1 in the NABF, vowed to “hurt” Lundy if the two were to face one another. Though Williams later claimed those words came from his promoter, Steve Smith of Rumble Time Promotions, Lundy issued a threat of his own – ironically on Valentine’s Day – promising a knockout victory.

“I’m going to take your heart, I’m going to crush it up, I’m going to break you down, and I’m going to knock you out,” Lundy said in February. “I put that on my kids. I’m going to hurt you. You’re going to feel what real pain is about.”

Williams fired back Monday, focusing primarily on his training camp in Youngstown, Ohio, with head trainer Jack Leow, and the thrill of fighting on national television, where he hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow St. Louis veterans Deandre Latimore andDevon Alexander, both of whom won televised bouts in recent weeks.

The feud between he and Lundy has also gone viral with the two taunting one another through social networking.

“Lundy's talking so much [he] has made me loose,” Williams said Monday in a statement issued by Rumble Time Promotions. “You know the old saying, ‘The loudest person in the room is the weakest guy.’ His people have been saying I’ve never fought anybody. Well, we’ve fought one common opponent, Reggie Sanders. They went the distance [in 2006] and I nearly killed him. His head was dangling on the ropes. I hurt guys that I hit.”

“Of course, when you fight tomato cans they’re going to fall. Let’s be serious,” Lundy answered. “He keeps talking about his built-up record. He’s got all these knockouts, but who are those knockouts against? Let’s be real. When you get a real name on your resume, we’ll talk. I’ve been in the gym everyday for hours on end. I’ve been in there with guys bigger than me and I’m putting them to sleep. I can’t wait to show him what a real punch is.”

The Philadelphia native certainly has every reason to be confident. Since suffering the first and only loss of his career in 2010, he’s won his last three bouts, including a unanimous-decision win over former Venezuelan Olympian Patrick Lopez on ESPN2 in April to capture the then-vacant NABF title, and his subsequent knockout win over Diaz, one of FNF’s top finishes of the year.

“We’ve been doing two-a-days in training camp – two times a day with cardio and strength training,” Lundy said. “Our whole camp has featured two-a-days. I’m going to show the world I should be fighting for a world championship. The champs up there should be fighting me instead of ducking me.

“I’m going to make an example out of [Williams]. I’ll put it like this: The last guy they told me had a big right hand was Omri Lowther. What did I do? I took his right hand away,” added Lundy in reference to his unanimous-decision win over Lowther on ESPN in August of 2010. “He couldn’t touch me – and Lowther is a better fighter than Dannie Williams. I took that fight on four days’ notice. Let’s be serious.”

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) will face Thomas Miller (2-0, 2 KOs) of Huntington, W.V., in a four-round bout.

Light heavyweight Joe Smith Jr. (7-1, 7 KOs) of Long Island, N.Y.; Providence, R.I., cruiserweight Donte Wiggins (1-0, 1 KO); and newcomer Abner Lloveras of Barcelona, Spain – the winner of the Spanish Olympic Boxing Tournament in 2010 who also has won 14 victories on his resume in professional mixed martial arts – will be featured in separate four-round bouts.

George Groves Vs. Kenny Anderson II

Some sixteen months after George Groves and Kenny Anderson battled it out for Groves’ then newly acquired Commonwealth Super Middleweight Crown, at the M.E.N. in Manchester, the pair are preparing to go to war again on the 16th March. This time it’s for the British title Groves ceremoniously ripped from James DeGale’s grip back in May last year.

Before I get into making any predictions about the outcome, let’s cast our mind back to the 13th November 2010 when the pair clashed for the first time.

Some six months earlier Groves conclusively beat Ghana’s Charles Adamu to be crowned Commonwealth Super Middleweight Champ and was the bookies favourite to retain his crown against Anderson.

However the Groves that turned up was not the same as the one that stopped the Ghanaian inside six rounds. Groves had a sluggish start, keeping his distance and only occasionally landed the odd combination.

By the third Groves became increasingly reckless and started showboating with his hands down, in an attempt to draw the Scot in. When Anderson did come forward the pair started trading some venomous big shots and the writing was on the wall for Groves, as it was Anderson that was getting the better of each exchange.

Things then got worse for Groves, he was forced back onto the ropes, constantly getting caught by big right and left hands. Groves was clearly struggling to cope with the constant pressure and it came as no surprise when Anderson landed a peach of a left hook to send the Londoner to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Luckily for Groves before Anderson could finish him off the bell rang to end the round.

Coming out for the fourth round it was clear that Groves wanted a war and was seemingly determined to go for it regardless of the instructions his manager/coach Adam Booth was screaming at him from ringside. As the round progressed Booth was becoming increasingly irate. When Groves returned to the corner at the end of the round Booth implored Groves to stop slugging it out with Anderson.

In the fifth Stanza Groves continued to ignore Booth’s advice, as he continued to slug it out with Anderson each time the Scot marched forward. Groves showed heart though and eventually got a break, landing a couple of wicked body shots that stopped Anderson in his tracks.

Finally Groves started to heed Booth’s warnings and started boxing long, smoothly moving around the ring keeping Anderson at bay with good solid jabs. Around the midway mark the Scot began to tire, in an instant Groves took the fight back to Anderson and let rip with a series of heavy body shots.

In a flash the tables had turned, now it was Anderson boxing on the back foot as Groves chased him around the ring letting rip with exocets to body and head until the referee stepped in to stop the fight on the 2 minute 35 second mark.

Whilst the fight on the 16th March is going to be another all action affair, I for one do not think that Groves will make the same mistakes as he made the first time these two met.

The reason I say this is just two fights later Groves fought and beat his old adversary from the amateur days, James DeGale. Throughout the bout Groves stuck rigidly to Adam Booth’s excellent game plan, keeping it long, picking his shots and not getting into the much expected slugging match.

It’s these tactics that eventually see Groves get the better of Anderson last time, this time around expect him to use this approach right from the off, as well as notch up another stoppage finish.

The main support for Groves-Anderson sees the welcome return of former British Light Middleweight Champion Sam Webb in a British Light Middleweight title final eliminator against former Commonwealth Champion Matthew Hall, which should be an absolute cracker and could well be the fight of the night.

Webb’s fired up at getting straight back in the mix for the chance to recapture the coveted British crown, that he lost to Prince Arron in a storming battle back in May last year, so we can expect a similar gutsy performance to those he put up against Anthony Small, to win the title in March 2010, and against Martin Concepcion some seven months later in his first defense.

Hall on the other hand will be equally determined to prove to the doubters out there that he is still Championship material. Saying that I am sure that his first class performance against Kris Carslaw, back in November, will have already have swayed many of them into realising this.

It’s a hard fight to call, If Webb tries to take Hall head on it could go awfully wrong for the Chislehurst man, I can’t help but feel that if this becomes a slug fest it will be Hall that will be victorious and get to challenge Brian Rose for his crown - I know Rose’s first defense is against Max Maxwell, but honestly I can’t see Maxwell causing an upset - however if Webb boxes clever and utilises a game plan similar to the one used against Prince Arron I envisage a totally different result and it will be Webb that emerges victorious.

Sticking with the Light Middleweights Southern Area Champ Steve O’Meara takes on former Commonwealth Champion Bradley Pryce in a non-championship bout. Just as with Webb-Hall this bout has the potential to be an explosive all action affair, although have to say it could well be a short one if O’Meara continues his exceptional form of late - first round knockout of big punching Ryan Toms to lift the Southern Area strap in September last year and another first round KO of Nathan Weise in his first defense back in December.

Also on the card are no less than three classy TRAD TKO gym mates, former Olympian and current Southern Area Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders, Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne and the superb rising Super Middleweight star Frankie Buglioni.

Last but not least Sam Webb’s team mate the hugely popular ‘Super’ Bradley Skeete will take part in his third bout of 2012.

Even though opponents have yet to be named for Saunders, Byrne, Buglioni and Skeete, already this card is looking to be one of the strongest and most exciting of the year so far. Mind you it could also be one of the shortest.

The reason I say that is I honestly can’t see either Groves-Anderson, Webb-Hall or O’Meara-Pryce going the distance, and let’s face it no matter who you put in with Saunders and Buglioni they are likely to get them out of there early.

Out of Saunders’ last six fights only one, against Gary Boulden, has gone the distance, all the others Billy Joe dispatched in under two rounds, whilst his TKO gym mate Buglioni has two first round finishes out of three outings, including a stunning stoppage of former Southern Area Champ Paul Morby, pretty impressive when you consider that headlining Kenny Anderson took three rounds to finish Morby off only a month earlier.

The Frank Warren Promoted event, headlined by ‘Saint’ George Groves versus Kenny Anderson, will take place at Wembley Arena, and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456 and Virgin Ch. 546), on Friday, 16th March 2012.

Share SBS w/Family or Friends

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Friday, March 9, 2012

Refreshed Pires attempts second comeback‏

Thursday, March 8, 2012