Friday, March 16, 2012
FIGHTVILLE: MMA fighter Dustin "The Diamond" Poirer
Opens 4/20 in New York and Los Angeles, with nationwide dates to follow. Also available the same day via on demand and digital download.
Directed by Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker (“Gunner Palace,” “The Prisoner: Or How I Planned to Kill Tony Blair”)
Over the last decade, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has grown from a controversial no-holds-barred gladiatorial sideshow into a billion dollar phenomenon. MMA has eclipsed boxing as the dominant combat sport in the world, and is so popular that MMA fights regularly appear on U.S. network television – even as a longstanding ban remains in force in New York State. But far from Las Vegas, in sweat-soaked gyms and low-rent arenas across America, the big lights are but a dream.
Here, men fight to test their mettle, fortified with the mythic promise that an ordinary man can transform into a champion.
Directed by the accomplished filmmaking duo of Petra Epperlein and
Michael Tucker (GUNNER PALACE), FIGHTVILLE takes us to Southern
Louisiana, where a group of young athletes, including future MMA powerhouse Dustin Poirier, strive towards personal and professional greatness. The reward? A triumph that could ultimately yield an opportunity to compete professionally in the sport’s upper echelons.
FIGHTVILLE is a microcosm of life, a physical manifestation of the
American Dream and the relentless dedication required of all who hope to attain it. Here, men are not born, but are instead built through self-determination, hard work and faith. In FIGHTVILLE, that’s what champions are made of.
♔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 Senate Includes MMA Bill in Budget Report
Monday, March 12 was an overall strong day for mixed martial arts fans, capping off with the news that the New York State Senate has included the bill to lift the ban on professional mixed martial arts as part of its 2012-2013 budget report. The 39 page report ended with a section called “New Jobs New York,” which included all of the Senate’s recommendations for increasing financial activity within the state. Among the items was a note in favor of legislation sanctioning the sport.
“PART II: The Senate proposes regulating the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and allowing such bouts to be held within the state,” the report reads.
While the bill to sanction MMA has passed freely through the Senate, it has thus far been stalled in the Parks, Tourism, and Sports Development Committee of the State Assembly. The chair of the committee, Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, has yet to place the MMA bill on her committee agenda to be voted on. The Senate including MMA in its budget proposal goes a long way to remind the Assembly that the sport is not something that can be swept under the rug.
In other parts of the country the administrative front has reported back with victory for MMA. On Monday morning it was announced that Wyoming has officially become the 45th state in the union to sanction MMA under its State Athletic Commission. Of the remaining five states in the US, Alaska lacks a governing body to cover combat sports, Connecticut and Vermont have sanctioned events on their reservations under Tribal authorities, and Montana allows for MMA but does not regulate it under its athletic commission. New York remains the only state in the union and one of the only places in the modern world where professional mixed martial arts competition is expressly banned under the law.
The Dewey Bozella story will air on ESPN
Dewey Bozella’s life changed forever when he was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for a murder he did not commit. Throughout his 26 years behind bars, Bozella found strength and purpose through boxing, becoming the light heavyweight champion of Sing Sing Prison, and made it a goal to be proven innocent and box professionally once he was released. ESPN Films chronicles Bozella’s journey from prison cell to professional boxer in 26 Years: The Dewey Bozella Story premiering on Thursday, March 16, at 8:30pm ET on ESPN.
Unyielding in his innocence, Bozella never gave up fighting - both in and out of the ring. He was offered more than four separate chances for an early release if he would only admit guilt and show remorse, but Bozella consistently refused to accept freedom under such conditions.After a law firm took on his case and uncovered new evidence that exonerated him, Bozella was released and returned to boxing as a volunteer trainer to kids and aspiring fighters. When Bozella was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The 2011 ESPYs in July, he caught the attention of light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins and boxing great Oscar De La Hoya who then helped make his dream to fight one professional fight as a free man come true.
Directed by award winning producer/director Jose Morales, 26 Years: The Dewey Bozella Story follows Bozella on his quest to earn a professional boxing license at age 52, and sheds light on a man who never gave up fighting for his freedom. The film is narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Laurence Fishburne and includes interviews from Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, and Bozella’s wife Trena and attorneys.
Key Quotes
Dewey on why he continued to box after being released from prison: "I didn’t want to fight amateur. What I really liked to know was what it feels like to be a pro. And I believed that it was something that I needed to find out for myself."
Oscar De La Hoya before Dewey’s second attempt at passing his boxing license: "I don’t wish for the commission to look at his speed and his punching power. I want them to focus directly on his heart and think about what he has accomplished, what he has gone through to be right here today. Doesn’t get any tougher than that."
Dewey on how he felt going into his first professional fight: "Bring it. You can’t hurt me no more than I’ve already been hurt. Black eye, busted lip, busted nose, broken rib… you can’t hurt me no more. You can’t. I’ve been knocked down so many times I had no choice but to get back up or lay down and die.
"And I ain’t ready for that yet, so I’m going to fight."
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.
Alicia “Slick” Ashley Defending WBC Super Bantamweight Title against Maria Elena “The Rush” Villalobos on March 17, 2012
Macklin - Martinez: Final Quotes
“It's been a long road to get here, I've won everything along the way, the Irish middleweight title, the British middleweight title, the European Championship twice and should have added the WBA World Championship to that only to get stiffed out in Germany to Felix Sturm on a horrible decision. However I'm here now and sometimes things happen for a reason. Sergio's the lineal middleweight champion and the real world champion, he's universally regarded as the number one in the division and if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.
“I'm very honored to be fighting at Madison Square Garden, such an iconic venue and I'll be even prouder to win my first world title here. Bringing in World class sparring and setting up training camp in downtown Manhattan for 10 weeks doesn't come cheap so I'm very appreciate and grateful to my sponsors Goodfellas Pizza, Green Isle, Martin Donnelly and Sierra Communications for their kind and generous support.
Since I started boxing on St. Patrick's Day in 1994 at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham I always believed that I could go all the way in this sport. On Saturday it will be 18 years to that day when I step into the ring against Sergio Martinez who is not only the best middleweight in the world but one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport. With regard to Sergio there really is nothing bad to say and it's not my style to trash talk anyway but every dog has his day and he is 37 years old now and on Saturday night he's going to feel every single day of those 37 years and there will be a new middleweight champion.
"I dedicate this fight to my family and victims of domestic violence. It's a great, great honor to fight at Madison Square Garden and a life time dream. It makes me quite emotional.“
Award winning artist Slone puts Macklin and Martinez on the canvas
“It was an honor to paint these two gladiators in action. I wanted to capture the ferocity that a championship fight is all about. It’s going to be a great fight that continues the rich history of championship fights at Madison Square Garden.
“I’m thrilled to have been selected to paint the Martinez-Macklin showdown. Fights like this are fun to paint, because both boxers fight with such passion and heart. I try to portray that on canvas and give each viewer a chance to be close to the action and interpret the painting as they see it.”
Speaking on the painting, Brian Peters said, “Richard has painted some of the great fights and fighters in recent years sand I think this canvas is a fitting tribute to a fight of this magnitude. For an Irish fighter to headline a major, world title fight at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick's Day is something very special and I wanted to mark the occasion.”
Slone is the official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the official cover artist of the RING Magazine. Over the years his art has featured boxings biggest names including Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather amongst other while collectors of his works include Muhammad Ali, Hugh Hefner, Donald Trump and Nelson Mandela
Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva in the April 2012 issue of Marie Claire magazine
Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva
FX’s Premiere of The Ultimate Fighter® Live Gets Off to a Strong Start
This Week the Series Moves to its Regularly Scheduled Time Period
Fridays Live at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT (Tape Delay at 10 p.m. PT/11 p.m. MT)
Coaches Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber Pick Their Teams Friday
With the First Live Fight Between Team Cruz and Team Faber
The series debut of The Ultimate Fighter® Live on FX got off to a strong start Friday night (3/9/12, 9:00-11:38 PM) delivering 1.28 Million Total Viewers, 953,000 Adults 18-49 and 538,000 Adults 18-34, and ranking among the top five cable programs on Friday in Men 18-34 (#2), Adults 18-34 (#3), Men 18-49 (#4), and Adults 18-49 (#5).
The combination of The Ultimate Fighter® Live and its lead-in movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, propelled FX to cable’s #1 rank in primetime Friday (8-11PM) in delivery of Adults 18-49 (933,000), Adults 18-34 (532,000), and Men 18-34 (352,000). In addition, The Ultimate Fighter® Live (9-11:38 PM ET) was up +58% in Adults 18-49, +96% in Men 18-49 and +124% in Men 18-34 vs. year ago time period.
“We’ve been anticipating this day since FOX acquired the rights to UFC last summer and we knew it would be a special night for our network,” said Chuck Saftler, Executive Vice President of FX Networks. “The Ultimate Fighter® Live makes Friday nights on FX the ultimate destination for MMA fans. We’re thrilled with the performance of the premiere telecast and we look forward to an exciting season ahead.”
Compared to other MMA telecasts on Friday evening, The Ultimate Fighter® Live Season 1 debut significantly outperformed Spike’s repeat counter-programming of The Ultimate Fighter® Season 10 by +189% in delivery of Adults 18-34, +162% among Adults 18-49, +208% with Men 18-34, and +167% in Men 18-49, and it also battered live MMA bouts on MTV2 by +703% in delivery of Adults 18-34, +947% among Adults 18-49, +568% with Men 18-34, and +842% in Men 18-49.
In the premiere telecast, which was televised live, 16 of the best unsigned fighters in the world took their first step towards glory as they won their first round tournament fights. The result was some of the most intense, emotional and action-packed bouts in TUF history, including a startling eight-second KO. In addition, fighters were offered a bonus of $5,000 if they succeeded in scoring a submission or knockout in their fight. A total of $40,000 was handed out. With the win, the victors now move into The Ultimate Fighter® Live House for the next 12 weeks as they continue to compete for a lucrative six-figure contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®).
The UFC has transformed The Ultimate Fighter® Live and it no longer is just a competition reality series; it is a LIVE sporting event.
The first season of The Ultimate Fighter® Live on FX features fighters from the lightweight division (155 pounds). The fighters will train together under the supervision of their team’s respective coach. One fighter from each team will be selected by their coach to fight at the end of each episode and the right to advance in the competition. At the end of the season, one man will be crowned The Ultimate Fighter® LiveChampion.
The coaches selected for the two teams this season are current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and former champion and current top contender Urijah Faber. In addition to their coaching duties, Cruz and Faber will be training for their rubber match this summer. The first time they met, Faber successfully defended his title against the rising contender, but Cruz was able to unseat Faber in their second match to capture the title.
FX’s coverage of the UFC this year includes two seasons (26 weeks) of The Ultimate Fighter® Live, six major two-hour fight cards televised live nationally, and 14 live telecasts of preliminary fights preceding UFC pay-per-view telecasts
Ratings Source: The Nielsen Company (Live+Same Day)
FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule includes a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series including Sons of Anarchy,Justified and American Horror Story, and acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer andWilfred. Its library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. The network's other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with college football and the UFC. For more information about FX, visit our web site at www.FXnetworks.com.
SIX QUESTIONS WITH RANDY ‘EL MATADOR’ CABALLERO
Coachella Valley Fighter Steps Into SHOWTIME Co-Feature
In Front of Hometown Crowd On ShoBox: The New Generation
At Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.
Omar Figueroa vs. Ramon Ayala
Randy Caballero vs. Jose Luis Araiza
Friday, March 16, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)
Randy “El Matador” Caballero’s manager Cameron Dunkin feels his fighter is at the top of a long list of hugely talented Coachella Valley boxers who are ready to bust out and contend for multiple world championships.
“He’s a terrific talent and had a fantastic amateur career,” said Dunkin, who also manages Two-Division World Champion Nonito Donaire, former Middleweight World Champion Kelly Pavlik and former Lightweight World Champion Brandon Rios. “He’s just part of this really good group of fighters from that Indio area that is really hot. Randy sells tickets and the crowd loves him. He’s an exciting, energetic fighter who I think will be a world champion someday.”
Caballero (13-0, 7 KO’s) will make his ShoBox debut in what will be the toughest test of his career against Tecate, Mexico’s Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza (29-5-1, 20 KO’s) in a 10-round bantamweight co-featured bout. In the main event, undefeated prospect Omar Figueroa Jr. (14-0-1, 11 KO’s), of Weslaco, Texas, will take on Morelos, Mexico’s Ramon “Nino De Oro” Ayala (23-2-1, 11 KO’s) in a 10-round lightweight fight.
The ShoBox doubleheader, which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T, will be televised live at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®.
Trained by his father Marcos and brother Robert, Caballero has won his last seven consecutive bouts – and eight overall – at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The 21-year-old prospect answered six questions just days before the fight.
QUESTION: More than half of your pro fights have been in Indio. Are you on a first-name basis with most of the employees at Fantasy Springs?
Caballero: “Oh, yeah. They’re all like family to me. I see them and they say good luck and they wish me well. The boxing fans in Indio are very knowledgeable and have been so great to me and I thank them for that. When I start my ring walk and I hear the crowd I get so pumped because I know they are all rooting for me. It’s a real advantage and something I’m thankful for.”
QUESTION: What does it mean for you get the call from SHOWTIME and to appear on ShoBox?
Caballero: “When I got the call from SHOWTIME I just couldn’t believe it. I know it’s the next step for me and that my career is on the right path. This SHOWTIME fight will just get my name out there even more and show that I’m capable of being one of the greatest boxers out there. We do have a good crop of fighters from this area and we want to showcase that. There’s no better place to do that than on SHOWTIME.”
QUESTION: You’ve been boxing for more than half your life. Did you ever have dreams of doing anything else?
Caballero: “No, not really. I just love the feeling that I get when I step into the ring. I’ve been fighting since I was eight years old. It’s what I know and what I love.”
QUESTION: Do you follow the sport and consider yourself a fan of the game?
Caballero: “No, I wouldn’t call myself a huge boxing fan. I mean, I watch all the big fights on SHOWTIME and follow the guys I’ve come up with, but that’s about it.”
QUESTION: You have fought some tough fighters in your first 13 pro fights. Do you think you’ve matched up well against each of them?
Caballero: “I’m happy with the opponents I’ve faced and beaten. Regardless of who they put in front of me, everyone is dangerous. You get caught with a left hook and it can end your career so I don’t take anyone lightly. Everybody who steps into that ring is going to get hit and I believe this guy I’m fighting on Friday (Araiza) is a big step up for me. He’s a veteran and he knows all the tricks inside the ring.”
QUESTION: Can you describe your personality?
Caballero: “I’m a real family guy. I like to hang with family, that’s about it. I’m pretty low-key. I like to go out with friends here and there but I’m kind of a reserved guy. I’m a quiet guy but very respectful and very friendly. I don’t like to talk too much smack. I would say I’m a fun guy to be around.”
Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Ryan McCarthy vs Sean Shamrock will battle for the title March 16th at Harrahs Reno
Steven Lively Vs. Alex Lambert 170lb Title Fight
Mike Morales Vs. Phillip Wilson
Brian Moore Vs. Roy Benites
Spencer Roberts Vs. Wes Fletcher
Robert Johnson Vs. Russell Harrington
Chad Brewer Vs. Eric "Spike" Vance
John Ables Vs. JACK TUCKER
Joe Mavins Vs. Adam Hebenstreich
Ricky Santos Vs. Cody Downs
EJ Schmehl Vs. Willy Whipple
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast)
In the main event, undefeated prospect Omar Figueroa Jr. (14-0-1, 11 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, will take on Mexico’s Ramon “Nino De Oro” Ayala (23-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Figueroa, who has ended eight of his wins in two rounds or less, is fresh off handing previously unbeaten prospect Michael Perez his first loss on Jan. 6 on ShoBox, while Ayala has won five in a row, including three by knockout.
In Friday’s co-feature, local Coachella, Calif., favorite Randy Caballero (13-0, 7 KOs) will make his ShoBox debut in what will be the toughest test of his career against Mexico’s Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza (29-5-1, 20 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight bout. Caballero has won his last seven consecutive bouts – and eight overall – at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, while the hard-hitting Araiza has registered 11 of his 20 knockouts in three rounds or less.
The ShoBox doubleheader is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools, and AT&T. ♔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.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
FARAH ENNIS LOOKING TO THROW HIS NAME IN CROWDED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT PICTURE
FARAH ENNIS LOOKING TO THROW HIS NAME IN CROWDED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT PICTURE
Ennis – Savage headlined huge ten bout card on March 17th at Ballys in Atlantic City
It was just a year ago when then undefeated Super Middleweight Farah “The Quiet Storm” Ennis was undefeated and carried the NABF Super Middleweight championship proud.
Fast forward to April 2, 2011, Ennis, who went into his bout with fellow undefeated Super Middleweight Alexander Johnson, with a fever, took a small step backwards as he dropped a ten round majority decision.
Ennis took about nine months off before stopping Grover Young on January 13th, thus becoming the first man to stop the ten fight veteran and Ennis feels he is back on track.
Ennis will return to the scene of his only loss at Ballys in Atlantic City as he takes on one-time fellow hot prospect Dion Savage (11-2, 6 KO’s) in a ten round bout.
The twenty-nine year old native of Philadelphia still sports an impressive mark of 18-1 with twelve knockouts knows that he is basically just one win away being back to where he was in early 2011.
“I am just focusing and ready to rumble”, said Ennis
“I don’t know much about Savage but I Know he is coming to win.”
“I know a win over him will hopefully get one of those big money or a quality television fight so the world can see me but the most important thing is winning this fight and moving forward”
The packed card is promoted by John Lynch’s Pound 4 Pound Promotions and can be seen LIVE all over the world on www.gfl.tv
In the eight round co-feature, Vitaliy Demyaneko (19-0, 12 KO’s) of Las Vegas via Kazakhstan will take on rugged Ayi Bruce (21-5, 13 KO’s) of Albany, NY via Ghana.
Glen Tapia (12-0, 6 KO’s) will take on Antonio Infante (6-2, 4 KO’s) of Miami, Florida in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout.
In six round Welterweight bout, Jose Peralta Alejo (7-1, 4 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ will battle Sammy Santana (4-5-2) of Carolina, PR.
Dennis Hasson (12-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Eddie Caminero(7-6, 7 KO’s) of Lawrence, MA in a six round Light Heavyweight bout.
Hot shot prospect Mikael Zewski (12-0, 8 KO’s) of Trois Rivieres, Quebec Canada will take on an opponent to be named in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout.
Patrick Farrell (5-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ will tussle with Kelven Jenkins (0-0-2) of Troy, NY in a four round Heavyweight fight.
Brian Acaba (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will see action in an four round Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.
Andrew Bentley will make his pro debut in a four round Lightweight bout against Jose Rivera (0-3) of Ocala, FL
Joey Tiberi (7-1, 5 KO’s) of Newark, DE will fight an opponent to be named in a four round Lightweight bout.HISTORY BECKONS. FURY AND ROGAN FIGHT FOR CUCUHALIAN'S CROWN
TYSON Fury says he is coming to the Odyssey Arena to fight Martin Rogan onApril 14 to prove that he is the rightful successor to the ultimate Irish warrior Cucuhalian.
The battle between Ireland's two top heavyweights will be a memorable night and Fury, whose uncle lives just outside Belfast, says it will be a fight unlike any other ever seen in an Irish ring.
“Never before has a fight like this taken place on Irish soil between two proud heavyweight warriors who never say die – the fans know this is a once in a lifetime fight,” said Fury, who recently vacated the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles so he could focus on “unfinished business” with Rogan.
Rogan has seen himself as the Irish king of the heavyweights but Fury says he will be the man wearing the crown on April 14.
“Then ultimate Irish warrior was Cucuhalian, everybody knows that. Now Rogan and I will decide who is the rightful heir to his throne and I have no doubt it will be me.
“The legend goes that Cucuhalian could stand single handed against an army and that his sword inflicted wounds from which you could never recover and Martin Rogan is going to feel pain that he has never felt before when I land my big shots.
“There's a lot of pride on the line here, nobody is going to back down and it's going to be an absolute war. Rogan thinks he is the king of the Irish but on April 14 he will realise that I am the true king.
“I'm sure Cucuhalian will be looking down on us that night, watching two 21st century warriors showing the same pride and desire for victory that he always showed.”
Fury is convinced that victory over Rogan on the Odyssey Arena stage will then set him on the path to European and World glory.
“I've won the British and Commonwealth titles but I always said that I wanted to prove I'm the best Irishman around before I tackle the European and World stage.”
RICHARD PIERSON HEADLINES WEDNESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS ON APRIL 18TH AT THE ROBERT TREAT HOTEL IN NEWARK, NJ
In the main event, Super Middleweight Richard Pierson will see action in a eight round bout.
Pierson of Newark came back from a twenty month layoff to take out veteran Anibal Acevedo in just one round on February 17th in Nutley, New Jersey.
Pierson has a record of 10-2 with seven knockouts and has quality victories over the likes of Curtis Jones, Ray Smith, Jimmy Campbell and Jamaal Davis.
In the six round co-feature, John Thompson of Newark will look to remain undefeated against Jamond Bourgeois
Thompsonhas a record of 6-0 with two knockouts and is coming off a third round stoppage over Laureano Laracutene on February 17th.
Bourgeos of Harvey, Louisiana is 4-1 with onbe knockout and is on a two fight winning streak which includes his last effort when he took a four round split decision over Tyi Edmonds on October 14th.
Qa’id Muhammad (6-0, 5 KO’s) will make his return in a six round Bantamweight bout against an opponent to be named.
Joseliz Cepeda (5-2) will take part in a six round Featherweight bout against an opponent to be named
Highly touted Mike Concepcion of Newark, BJ will make his pro debut against Gerald Fisher (1-3) of Atlanta in a Welterweight bout
Aaron Kinch (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Newark will take on debuting Clyde Daniels of New York in a four round Heavyweight bout.
Leandro Acevdo of Newark will make his pro debut against Marcus Clay (0-1) of Baton Rouge, LA in a four round Super Middleweight bout.
Rounding out the card will be the return of undefeated Super Middleweight Joel De La Paz (6-0, 4 KO’s) will fight a four round bout against an opponent to be named.
♔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.
Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports is proud to announce the launch of its 2012 Thursday Night Fight Series
After successfully bringing professional boxing back to the Ocean State in 2011 following an 11-month drought, Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports is proud to announce the launch of its 2012 Thursday Night Fight Series, which begins Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., with “Home Invasion,” the first of four events this year.
“Home Invasion” features the long-awaited return of New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Jason “School Boy” Pires (22-4-1, 9 KOs), an active member of the New Bedford police force SWAT Team, along with Providence, R.I., super middleweight Vladine Biosse (11-1-1, 6 KOs), who’s in search of his first win since April.
Pires will face fan-favorite Eddie Soto (12-3, 4 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., in the six-round main event while Biosse will take on hard-hitting veteran George Armenta (14-7, 11 KOs) of Silver Spring, Md., in the six-round special attraction.
The series begins March 22nd and continues May 24th, July 19th, and Oct. 18th, and at the end of the year, the media will select – among other awards – the series’ Most Outstanding Fighter, Knockout of the Year, and Most Outstanding Prospect.
“No matter where our travels take us, Rhode Island will always remain our home, so it’s an honor to bring the finest up-and-coming talent in professional boxing back to the beautiful Twin River Event Center for this unique fight series,” Burchfield said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for both our fighters and our loyal fans.”
“I’ve been in the gaming industry for 33 years and I’ve never experienced a more professional boxing program than what Classic Entertainment & Sports produces regularly at Twin River,” added Phil Juliano, Vice President of Marketing at Twin River. “This new attempt at programming on Thursday nights should excite all of us as we get the chance to start the weekend early with a spectacular event presented by a first-class promoter in a first-class facility.”
Pires, 37, is looking to make one last run at championship glory as he begins his second comeback. In 2008, “School Boy” returned to the ring for the first time in five years with a unanimous-decision win over Frank Houghtaling at Twin River. Less than two years later, he challenged Michael Clark for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) USA light welterweight title; Clark cruised to a unanimous-decision win, ending Pires’ first comeback attempt. The March 22nd bout against Soto will be his first in 22 months.
“It feels great to be back!” Pires said. “The rest has definitely worked wonders. My body has had more time to heal. I’m definitely motivated for this fight. This is a good comeback fight for me, and I’m looking forward to bringing all of my fans back to Rhode Island.”
Coming off a loss and a draw in his last two fights, Biosse will also lean on the support of his fans when he returns to the ring for the first time since October to face Armenta. In his last bout, Biosse pulled his left pectoral muscle in the opening round, which affected his performance in a majority draw against John Mackey.
“I’m really excited about the fact we’re coming back home,” Biosse said. “I like fighting in front of my hometown fans in my home state. Fighting here gives a lot of people who can’t get out to where we’re fighting a chance to come out and support us.
“The last time I fought, it didn’t go as I had planned, but I was thankful for the people that came out. We had a great turnout. It’s good to see that we still have boxing fans in Rhode Island who will come out and show their support.”
“Home Invasion” features seven dynamic undercard bouts, including the return of New Bedford welterweight Johnathan Vazquez (4-1-1, 3 KOs), who’s looking to bounce back from a knockout loss to Bryan Abraham in October, the first of his career. Vazquez 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 against Ronald 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. Female welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (5-1, 1 KO) of Quincy, Mass., ranked No. 13 in the World Boxing Council (WBC), will battle Denver’s Brittney Christian (3-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout, and super middleweight Kevin Cobbs (2-0, 1 KO) of Burlington, Vt., will also be on the undercard in a four-round bout.