★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

"Mares vs. Morel: Battle on the Border" set for April 21 at UTEP's Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas

"Mares vs. Morel: Battle on the Border" is a 12-round super bantamweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME^® Championship Boxing telecast airs live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Just prior to the action on SHOWTIME, preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Abner Mares and Eric Morel held a press conference on Tuesday, March 20, at Don Haskins Centerin El Paso, Texas, to formally announce their upcoming showdown for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight World Title on Saturday, April 21, live on SHOWTIME^®(9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Don Haskins Center.

A former Bantamweight World Champion, Mares (23-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, will return to the 122-pound division for the first time since 2006 to take on former Two-Time World Champion Eric "Little Hands of Steel" Morel(46-2, 23 KOs), of Madison, Wis. by way of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the 12-round main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtripleheader.

In a second world title fight, World Boxing Association (WBA) Bantamweight Super World Champion Anselmo "Chemito" Moreno (31-2-1, 11 KOs), of Panama City, Panama, will defend his title for a 10^th time when he faces Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico's David "Morita" de la Mora (24-1, 17 KOs).

Opening the telecast will be a 10-round featherweight matchup between undefeated consensus 2011 “Prospect of the Year” Gary Russell Jr.(19-0, 11 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., and Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KO's), of Vero Beach, Fla., by way of Vietnam.

Additional preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

What the participants had to say on Tuesday:

Abner Mares, Former Bantamweight World Champion

“This is a dream come true to be fighting for the WBC title. I never thought I would get this chance.

“Eric Morel is a great fighter. I have no doubt about that. He will be a world champion again someday, just not at 122 and not on April 21.

“I started my career at 122 pounds for my first 15 fights and then I moved down. I became the world champion there (118 pounds) and now it’s time to become a world champion at super bantamweight. My dreams are high. I’m definitely not going to stop.

“I’ve been on SHOWTIME four times now and you know I always bring a great fight. It will be no different on April 21.

“It will be a victory for Team Mares and for all the fans.”

Eric Morel, Former Two-Time World Champion

“I’m aware of Mares’ style, power, speed and what he is capable of doing. I know I can pull it off. I know I have the style and speed to do it and I’m going to do it.

“Boxing is not fair. You win and you take one step at a time and if you lose you take 15 steps back. I’m not planning on taking 15 steps back.

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m not going to let this opportunity go by. I will do everything in my power to be victorious.

“April 21 is going to be a great fight and it’s not going to be easy for either one of us.”

Eric Gomez, Vice President/Matchmaker of Golden Boy Promotions

“We have worked with Abner since the beginning and he takes boxing very seriously; as a champion and as a fighter and he represented Mexico in the Olympics.

“There is a great rivalry between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, so when you bring that into the picture it adds even more excitement to the fight.

“We know Abner has what it takes to be a world champion at 122 pounds and look forward to him showcasing his skills on April 21.

“Morel is very hungry. He has been up and down in his career. This is a great opportunity for him and I hope he takes advantage of it.”

Clemente Medina, Mares Trainer

“We are preparing extremely hard to be ready for another world championship. With all due respect to Eric Morel, we will not be denied.”

Frank Espinoza, Mares Co-Manager

“We are really excited to be here in El Paso.

“Abner Mares is the future of boxing. His performances with Yhonny Perez, Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agbeko have proved that he deserves elite-level status. On April 21, he faces another former World Champ, this time for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship and an opportunity to continue his dream to be boxing’s next icon.

“You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see the future of boxing in Abner Mares.”

Jose Guzman, Morel Trainer

“We have been training very hard for this fight, and we are looking forward to it.”

Chris DeBlasio, Vice President of Communications, Sports & Event Programming for SHOWTIME Networks Inc.

“We couldn’t be more proud to have this tripleheader live on SHOWTIME. We’ve been fortunate to have witnessed Abner Mares come of age on our network. He’s demonstrated his toughness and incredible talent by winning the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament last year. Now, with his move up to super bantamweight, Mares will take on a very tough opponent in Eric Morel in another important world championship fight.

“In addition to the three fights on the main network, we will have additional undercard fights live on SHOWTIME EXTREME, along with the SAP simulcast for our Spanish speaking audience.”

Jorge Vazquez, Executive Director of UTEP Special Events

“This is going to be a great event. We are excited to have SHOWTIME and Golden Boy Promotions here for another magnificent night of boxing.”

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

Peterson vs. Khan II, a 12-round Unified Super Lightweight World Title Fight for Peterson's WBA World Super Championship and IBF World Championship

Peterson vs. Khan II, a 12-round Unified Super Lightweight World Title Fight for Peterson's WBA World Super Championship and IBF World Championship taking place Saturday, May 19 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev., is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and Headbangers Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The fight will be telecast live on HBO World Championship Boxing at 10:45 p.m. ET/7:45 p.m. PT in the United States and live on Sky in the United Kingdom. For 12 rounds last December, Peterson and Khan battled it out in one of the most compelling championship bouts of 2011. When it was over, controversy raged over the officiating and the final judges' verdict, but in the end Peterson won a split decision capturing Khan's world championship belts. It was a classic battle of contrasting styles with Peterson brawling and banging while Khan used his lightning quick speed and boxing ability. The deduction of two points from Khan by the referee for a seldom-called foul (pushing) proved to be the difference in the outcome of the close fight, leading to questions being raised as to who actually deserved to win the decision. Khan immediately filed multiple protests following the fight, much to the ire of Peterson who felt Khan's actions tainted his victory and were an act of disrespect. On May 19, the fighters will have the opportunity to settle the score on neutral ground in Las Vegas.

The APB Executive Board approves APB and BMA business plan

Further to the approval by the AIBA Extraordinary Congress of the inclusion of the AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) in the AIBA Statutes, the international consulting company KPMG was hired to develop a master business plan for both AIBA and AIBA's exclusive Marketing Company (BMA). In addition, following the Statutes, the APB Executive Board was formed with eight initial members.

Chaired by Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, AIBA President, the APB Executive Board includes Dr Abdellah Bessalem (Algeria), Mr Bekzhan Bektenov (Kazakhstan), Mr Osvaldo Bisbal (Argentina), Mr Luiz Boselli (Brazil), Mr Franco Falcinelli (Italy), Dr Humbert Furgoni (France) and Dr Tom Virgets (USA). Mr David Francis (Wales), as AIBA Treasurer and Mr Ho Kim, as AIBA Executive Director, are non-voting members.

On Wednesday 21 March 2012 at the AIBA Headquarters in Lausanne (Switzerland), the APB Executive Board received a final presentation of the AIBA and BMA business plan and approved it unanimously. This business plan will now need to be ratified by the AIBA Executive Committee in July.

The plan includes the new AIBA administration and management embracing three major programs, AOB (AIBA Olympic Boxing), WSB (World Series of Boxing) and APB (AIBA Professional Boxing). It also includes the business plan for the AIBA Marketing Company, BMA (Boxing Marketing Arm). This BMA business plan will certainly be further enhanced by the company once it is registered independently.

The APB Executive Board approved the projections of the competition structure, the marketing plans, the organisational structure, the P/L projections and timelines. In addition, the Board also approved to register BMA in Switzerland and to locate its HQ Offices in Lausanne.

In regard to the running on these three AIBA programs, it was decided to integrate all administrative work in one umbrella organisation which will oversee all AOB, WSB and APB programs from the existing AIBA HQ Offices. With this expansion, AIBA will be hiring additional staff.

In a letter sent to all 194 AIBA National Federations, AIBA President, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu stated: "I would like to sincerely express my appreciation for your confidence and support on all new initiatives and efforts made to enhance the sport of boxing and our organization for the betterment of all boxers".

The APB Executive Board will next meet on 7-8 July 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand, around the AIBA Executive Committee meeting.

Team Molina's Official Position on Travesty in Texas "Texas Commission Has No Choice But to Reverse DQ and Rule a No Contest."

Team Molina's Official Position
on Travesty in Texas

"Texas Commission Has No Choice But to Reverse DQ and Rule a No Contest."

The representatives of junior middleweight Carlos Molina have the following official response to his improper disqualification Saturday night against James Kirkland in a WBC Light Middleweight Semi-Final Elimination fight at the Reliant Arena in Houston, Texas.

"Referee Jon Schorle was in error of Texas rules last night when he disqualified Carlos Molina and therefore the fight must be changed to a No Contest ruling," asserts Leon Margules, promoter of Chicago-based junior middleweight "King" Carlos Molina.

Schorle, with assistance from Texas Commission officials and others at ringside, disqualified Molina, saying that his cornerman entered the ring while the round was ongoing because he was still delivering his standing eight count for the questionable flash knockdown Molina suffered at the end of round 10.

If a cornerman enters the ring during a round, a disqualification is possible, however, Margules correctly points to Texas Commission Rule 61.41(K)(6), which states:

When a round ends before a contestant who was knocked down rises, the bell shall not ring, and the count shall continue. If the contestant rises before the count of ten, the bell shall ring ending the round.

"By issuing a standing eight count after the knockdown, Referee Schorle was in violation of his own commission's rule," explains Margules. "The moment Carlos Molina got to his feet, the round was over. In Texas, and as far as I know everywhere else in the United States, there is no standing eight count in the case of a knockdown at the end of a round. Once the fighter stands up, the round is over. Therefore, Carlos' cornerman was correct to enter the ring after his fighter stood up because the bell had already rung, and it was Referee Schorle who was incorrect to issue an eight count. The Texas Commission should have no choice but to change this to a No Contest. It was their referee who didn't know their own rules. There was no foul. Under Texas rules, the cornerman did not enter the ring until after the round ended."

Margules says it was an unfortunate conclusion to what could have been a cliff hanger over the final two rounds. "Even if there hadn't been a rule violation necessitating a No Contest... even if the disqualification had been technically justifiable, it was a tragic ending to a fight between two young fighters who trained extremely hard and fought extremely hard to get where they are. The fans will never know what would have happened in those last two rounds. We think Carlos would have gotten back up and continued dominating the fight, but I'm sure their side thinks James was starting to turn it on and would have completed the miracle comeback. Now none of us will ever know and that's a shame."

Schorle's mishandling of Texas rules wasn't the only impropriety Margules makes note of from Saturday night.

"Gale Van Hoy's scorecard is a pretty clear indication that he's not physically capable of judging fights anymore. Gale has served boxing honorably for many years, but his declining health has obviously robbed him of his ability to accurately judge a fight."

Unbelievably, Judge Van Hoy had Kirkland winning the fight 86-85 at the time of the DQ, while the vast majority of observers feel that Molina had established a dominant lead. Judges Dave Moretti (88-83) and David Sutherland (87-84) agreed, having Molina winning by five and three points respectively.

Margules says in addition to the inevitable No Contest ruling he will oversee, he will petition the WBC for an immediate rematch.

Luis DeCubas, Molina's advisor further stated, "I'm sure Golden Boy Promotions (Kirkland's promoter) will agree with me that an immediate rematch is warranted. I remember their great concern for the improper actions of ringsiders after Amir Khan lost to Lamont Peterson, so watching the tape and seeing the obvious influence on the situation exerted by their matchmaker Eric Gomez, who was standing behind the ringside officials shouting at them to disqualify Molina... they must be mortified by his actions and in search of an immediate rectification."

DERRICK “TAKE IT TO BANK” WEBSTER STEPS IT UP TO TAKE ON JOHN MACKEY THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST IN HAMILTON, NJ‏

This Saturday night, March 31^st Nedal Abuhumoud’s Nedal’s Promotions and Andre Kut’s KEA Boxing present a great night of professional boxing at the Beautiful Hamilton Manor in Hamilton, New Jersey.

In the main event, rising Super Middleweight prospect, Derrick “Take It to the Bank” Webster will take on his sternest test to date when he takes on veteran John Mackey in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Webster of Glassboro, New Jersey is unblemished with a record of 12-0 with seven knockouts and has been upping the competition and has solid victories over thirty-five fight veteran Jose Medina (KO 1); a six round unanimous decision over Romaro Johnson (11-3-1) and his last bout he scored an explosive first round stoppage over Brian Bernard to capture the BAM Super Middleweight title.

Mackey of Montgomery, Alabama has a record of 13-6-3 with six knockouts and has faced and defeated top competition. Mackey won his first eight bouts with quality wins over Tim Leonard (3-0-1); Tony Cygan (12-0-1) and Alexander Mancea (7-1). Mackey’s only losses have been to quality fighters such as Cecil McCalla (6-0); Derek Ennis (17-2-1); James McGirt Jr. (21-2-1) and Tarvis Simms (26-1-1). Sprinkled in between Mackey proved to be an ultimate spoiler with wins over then undefeated prospect Donald Orr (15-0) and George Rivera and draws with Jesse Nicklow (19-1-1). In his last bout Mackey fought to a disputed draw with New England prospect Vladine Biosse (11-1)

A terrific undercard has been assembled that will feature undefeated Polish import Przemyslaw Opalach (9-0, 8 KO’s) make his American debut when he takes on Sean Ryan Wilson (7-3, 2 KO’s) of Cambridge, Nebraska in a six round Middleweight bout

KEA Boxing’s undefeated Welterweight Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez Jr. (8-0, 3 KO’s) of Union City, NJ will take on the rugged Daniel Crabtree (3-4, 3 KO’s) of Hilliard, Ohio in a six round Welterweight bout.

In a six round Middleweight bout, Alando Swain (4-1, 1 KO) of Trenton, NJ will take on Eddie Edmonds (2-1-2, 1 KO) of Trenton, NJ

In a four round female Featherweight bout Mikayla Nebal of Ohio will make her pro debut when she takes on Nydia Feliciano (4-2-3) of Bronx, NY

Undefeated Heavyweight Joe Cusumano (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Virginia Beach, VA will take on durable Lonnie Kornegay (1-6-2) of Baltimore, MD

Rounding out the card will be Tyrone Luckey (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Middletown, New Jersey battling Philadelphian Ramon Ellis (2-7-1, 1 KO) in a four round Lightweight bout.

CNN Broadcasts HBO Reality Series 24/7 Mayweather/Cotto‏

HBO's Emmy-Award^®-winning reality series '24/7' is returning to CNN, which will air replays of the all-new four-part series 24/7 MAYWEATHER/COTTO, beginning Saturday, April 14 at midnight ET/PT.

In the lead-up to the blockbuster HBO Pay-Per-View^® telecast on May 5 in Las Vegas when Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto battle for Cotto's world super welterweight title, CNN will present all four episodes of 24/7 MAYWEATHER/COTTO, the all-access, behind-the-scenes pass that allows viewers to step into the lives of the fighters before they step into the ring. Mayweather lives and trains in Las Vegas, NV, while Puerto Rico's Cotto will train in Florida.

35-year-old Floyd Mayweather (42-0, 26 KOs) is a celebrated superstar making his sixth appearance on the '24/7' series. Cotto, 31, (37-2, 30 KOs) has reinvigorated his career by capturing the super welterweight title and successfully defending it twice in 2011. This is Cotto's third appearance on '24/7.'

Episode one will air on CNN on Saturday, April 14 at midnight ET/PT, following the HBO premiere at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Episode two and three will air on CNN on subsequent Saturdays - April 21 (12 midnight ET/PT) and 28 (12 midnight ET/PT). The finale will air on CNN on Friday, May 4 at 12 midnight ET/PT, less than 24 hours before the mega-fight in Las Vegas.

In the past four years, HBO's 24/7 franchise has earned 14 Sports Emmys^® for production excellence, making it the most honored sports series on television since its inception. Narrated by Liev Schreiber, the fast-moving, documentary-styled production focuses on the training, commitment and sacrifices that prizefighters make in order to realize their dreams. The turnaround time is among the quickest in television as the series follows the fighters and their teams both at camp and at home as excitement and anxiety builds for the big fight.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world's most extensively-syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

Red Hawk Promotions Professional Boxing Goes West‏

RED HAWK PROMOTIONS will run their first professional boxing event on Saturday, May 19 at The Hub venue in Castlerea, Roscommon. Promoter Maria Ni Shiuilleabhain has an action-packed bill lined up for all fans of the noble art.

Former Irish light-heavyweight champion John Waldron and exciting female boxing talent Christina McMahon will both compete in title fights, while ex-amateur achiever Stephen Reynolds makes his first step on the road to professional honours. The Ballinacarrow cruiserweight will be joined by fellow debutants Finton Glynn, Michael Waldron and Brandon Peake.

Unbeaten Galway prospect Alan Donnellan also features, alongside Roscommon’s own Darren Cruise who will be hoping to thrill his hometown fans off the back of a successful Prizefighter campaign on May 5. Middleweight Willie Mitchell’s inclusion caps what promises to be an exciting evening’s action for all fight fans.

“It’s going to be a very different show from the norm with top class boxing, performers and musicians,” said Maria Ni Shiuilleabhain. “Red Hawk is delighted to be coming to Roscommon for a pro show. The local fans love their boxing and we have a quality show lined up for them. We are expecting a strong and enthusiastic crowd to come along to Castlerea and support the cream of Irish boxing talent.

“I want people to start celebrating boxing in Ireland again and for fans to enjoy the experience of getting out and going to shows to see that it is fun to be at a real live boxing show, rather just watching on TV. By bringing their friends and family, and even those who would not normally attend boxing, they can also enjoy an entertaining experience.

“That’s where the challenge lies with Irish boxing at the moment. I am very proud to have such a great team in Red Hawk, we have hugely talented and experienced boxers and I hope to showcase their skills on this show.”

Maria intends to take the experience beyond boxing and is planning a show filled with surprises. Galway Samba Drummers, Red Hawk Golden Girl Cheerleaders, Fierce Studio Firebreathers and Pole Fitness Performers will join an Irish Speaking MC for what is shaping up to be unforgettable evening’s entertainment.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Morales vs. Garcia and Kirkland vs. Molina, Tonight at 10PM ET/7PM PT on HBO

Fight Night 36: Zab Judah vs. Vernon Paris

The fight is tonight on NBC Sports Network at 10 pm ET! "Fight Night 36: Zab Judah" is a half hour special about 36 hours in the life of Zab Judah as he prepares for his fight against Vernon Paris.

Friday, March 23, 2012

FIRST ROUND PROMOTIONS PIERSON & THOMPSON READY TO ROLL ON APRIL 18TH IN NEWARK

On Wednesday night April 18th, Gabe LaConte’s First Round Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions presents a great night of boxing at the Beautiful Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark.

Two of the star members of LaConte’s growing stable Richard Pierson and undefeated John Thompson will be in the main event and co-main event respectively and will be looking to make big statements on the night of the 18th.

Pierson, thirty-one years of Paterson, New Jersey has a record of 10-2 with seven knockouts and looked like he didn’t miss a beat after a twenty month layoff when he took out Anibal Acevedo in one round this past February 17th in Nutley, New Jersey.

Pierson now feels with LaConte behind him that he has a chance to make a lot noise in his career.

“I felt good and I was a little rusty because of the inactivity”, said Pierson.

“I was happy that I won but I wasn’t satisfied as I wanted and needed rounds because I didn’t even spar a lot for the fight.”

Pierson will take on Joshua Snyder (9-6-1, 3 KO’s) of Berlin, MD

“I always never know much about my opponent. I am not bothered by it. It’s almost like fighting in the streets. You never know when you will get into a street fight and it’s kind of like the same thing as I don’t watch much tape anyway. I can’t complain how things are going, I know I will have an opponent and it doesn’t matter. The only guy I won’t fight is Mike Tyson”

Besides LaConte, Pierson has Lou Esa and Vito Mielnicki as part of the team.

“I have known Vito for years. I met him at the gym. Vito and Lou really take care of me and I know they really care about their fighters. Vito makes sure we are training and you don’t see that a lot and unlike a lot of people in this business, Vito has given me no false promises”

Thompson will take on Jamond Bourgeos (4-1, 1 KO) in a six round Middleweight bout.

The twenty-three year old former amateur standout from Newark is known as “The Apollo Kid” has been perfect in his six outing and notched his second knockout on February 17th when he took care of Laureano Laracuente in three rounds.

“I feel great and I am making progress in every fight”, said Thompson.

“Right now I have been building my name and I feel like a local celebrity.”

“In my last bout, I did what I had to do and I feel good about my performance. For this fight I have seen Jamond. I know he holds his hands up and just swings. I know I am on a whole different caliber. Anybody can just go in there in swing where I come with a lot skill”

“Vito Mielnicki and Gabe LaConte have moved me well. They have been keeping me active and it’s been great so far and I look forward to see what the future holds”

Those are just two of the bouts of a loaded night of boxing:

In a six round Bantamweight bout, Qa’id Muhammad (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City, New Jersey takes on Steven Johnson (7-4, 4 KO’s) of St. Joseph, Missouri

Tommy Rainone (17-4, 4 KO’s) of New York takes on Josh Hammaock (9-8, 6 KO’s) of Fort Smith, Arkansas in a six round Welterweight bout.

Mike Concepcion of Newark will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Aaron Kinch (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Newark will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Heavyweight affair.

Leandro Acevedo of Newark will make his pro debut against Marcus Clay (0-1) of Baton Rouge, LA in a four round Super Middleweight fight.

Joseliz Cepeda (5-2) of Newark will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Super Featherweight bout.

Joel De La Paz (6-0, 4 KO’s) will return after a sixteen month absence against an opponent to be named in a four round Super Middleweight bout.

♔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.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Carson Jones Ready to face Kell Brook!‏

USBA Welterweight champion and IBF #3 rated “Kid” Carson Jones has made a career out of shattering his opponents’ dreams.

The 25-year-old Oklahoman has impressive wins over knockout artist Tyrone Brunson, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams, world rated Said Ouali and title contender Michael Clark, but recognizes that there are plenty of fish to fry.

Enter brash Brit Kell Brook. Like Jones, Brook is a rising star who’s rated highly by the IBF. With a dynamic personality backed by an outstanding record of 27-0 with 18 wins by knockout, the Sheffield native’s widely regarded as the second coming of Naseem Hamed. Although he continues to improve with each performance and is fresh off a dominant victory over Matthew Hatton, many would argue that Brook is yet to challenge a legitimate contender; such as Carson Jones.

“Kell Brook thinks he’s more than what he is at this point,” said Jones, who has a 33-8-2 record with 23 KO’s and went from being regarded as an opponent to a top-tier contender. “He’s calling out Amir Khan but hasn’t earned the right to do. Beating Matthew Hatton doesn’t give him that luxury and we all saw what Saul Alvarez did to Hatton. Brook is decent but I’ve beaten better fighters and I’d gladly go to England to fight him!”

Jones manager Bobby Dobbs also sees no issue with his fighter once again entering enemy territory en-route to a world title shot.

“Carson Jones is willing to do whatever it takes to become champion,” said Dobbs. He has fought all comers since day one and if he has to go to England to knockout Kell Brook, then that is what we will do!”

Monday, March 19, 2012

Bernard Hopkins taking a vow of silence when it comes to trash-talking Chad Dawson; by Denzil Stone - Atlantic City

Hopkins wants to prove he can beat another guy two decades his junior. Credit: Hogan Photos/Golden Boy

Hoping to emulate the veteran pugilists of yesteryear like Archie Moore, reigning WBC and lineal light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32ko) will defend his world honours on Saturday, April 28 at the historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, however, during the promotion, the 47-year-old has elected to refuse to engage in any verbal jousting with 29-year-old challenger Chad Dawson (30-1-0, 17ko).

Dawson, though, has other ideas. The southpaw, a former champion of the IBF and IBO titles with victories over Antonio Tarver (twice), Glen Johnson (twice) and Tomasz Adamek, has already crossed swords with Hopkins; a two round technical knockout in October last year that was later changed to a 'No Contest' as B-Hop was unable to continue due to suffering a shoulder injury following a fall.

“The first fight did not go as planned, but I’m confident I was going to win that night," said Dawson, who then alluded to the possibility that Hopkins was looking for an exit when they last fought but will not be able to find another when they box in New Jersey next month.

"Hopkins is going to have to face his fears," Bad Chad added. "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."

Hopkins commented that he will leave the bad-mouthing to Dawson: "Chad can say whatever he wants, but I am not going to trash talk this one. Everyone knows what I am capable of in the ring. They have seen it over 50 times before in the last 20 plus years."

History-making Hopkins, inspired by Moore, aims to continue to place his name next to the Old Mongoose by making successful defences that belie his elder statesman status.

Moore was 44 years and 190 days when he triumphed over Giulio Rinaldi in 1961, while George Foreman was 46 years and 113 days when he defeated Axel Schulz. Hopkins, though, would surpass both with a win over Dawson: "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."

Alicia "Slick" Ashley retains her WBC Super Bantamweight Title!

Alicia Ashley land a right hand against challenger Maria Elena Villalobos on 3/17/2012 to retain her WBC Title, Photo: Alma Montiel

The pride of Brooklyn and Jamaica and Gleason's own, Alicia "Slick" Ashley (18-9-1, 1-KO) retained her WBC Female Super Bantamweight title by soundly defeating Maria Elena Villalobos (12-6-1, 5-KO) by unanimous decision in their ten round bout held in Mexico City on March 17, 2012. Villalobos who'd previously lost her WBO Female Super Bantamweight title to Ana Julaton this past September was no match for Ashley's truly "slick" style. With her win Ashley remains the oldest female world boxing champion. Speaking after the fight, Ashley is quoted as saying "I am thrilled that I was able to retain my title in fine style and I really want to fight in Jamaica next."

Prindle vs. Santos $100,000 Heavyweight Tournament Championship Added to Bellator 62

Everything is bigger in Texas – including the fight cards. Bellator Fighting Championships returns to The Lone Star State on Friday, March 23rd with a completely stacked night of fights at Bellator 62 live from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.

The night will feature the long-awaited rematch between “The American Soldier” Eric Prindle and Thiago “Big Monster” Santos to determine a winner from last season’s heavyweight tournament. The night’s main event, which was originally scheduled for Bellator 61 on March 16, was moved to this Friday because of a commission mandate due to Prindle battling flu-like symptoms. Despite the minor setback, “The American Soldier” is itching to not only get his hands on Santos, but to get that heavyweight gold.

“I’m just ready to get into the cage and end this,” Prindle said. “I’m a warrior and want my shot against Konrad.”

But Thiago “Big Monster” Santos doesn’t agree with Prindle’s game plan; and the colossal Brazillian wants to make sure that he’s the one that earns the $100 K and world heavyweight title shot.

“Now I’ve just got one more week to train and one more week to think about winning,” Santos said. “It sounds like Eric may have been sick, and I don’t want to fight with any excuses. I want to beat him at 100 percent.”

“It makes sense that this huge fight between two Heavyweights is coming to Texas,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “When Oscar Enriquez and his team at Ultimate Warrior Fighting approached me about bringing Bellator live on MTV2 to Laredo, he had all of the right pieces in place and he made the decision an easy one. With our first trip to Laredo already packed with world class talent, adding this Championship fight makes this one of the best event line-ups we’ve ever put together.”

Not only will Bellator 62 decide Bellator Heavyweight World Champion Cole Konrad’s next title opponent, but the talent-laden Laredo card will also feature the quarterfinals of Bellator’s $100,000 Season 6 Lightweight Tournament as well a host of Texas’ top MMA talent.

Coming off an explosive knockout victory over UFC veteran Kurt Pellegrino at Bellator 59, Patricky Pitbull (@PatrickyPitbull) is back and looking to start his ascent toward a title shot with a quarterfinal matchup against fan-favorite Lloyd “Cupcake” Woodard (@mmacupcake). Patricky has produced a number of incredible Bellator “YouTube Moments” and has his sights set on adding another highlight to his collection.

Former U.S. Olympian Judoka Rick Hawn (@RickHawnmma) is making the drop to lightweight and meets the dangerous Ricardo Tirloni (@Tirlonimma). Hawn compiled an impressive 11-1 record as a welterweight, but is confident the drop in weight will make him even more dangerous.

“I felt like I was sort of undersized in the last tournament,” Hawn said. “Everyone had a height advantage on me, and while I thought I made a good run in my last welterweight tournament, I think lightweight is going to be a better fit for me and just give me an advantage over everyone else.”

Also making the drop to lightweight is longtime Bellator veteran Brent Weedman (@brent_weedman). Always looking for a finish, “Weedman Nation” will be on full display as he battles Bellator newcomer J.J. Ambrose (@SuperJJAmbrose).

“I’ve already tested myself with a lightweight weight cut and I felt great,” Weedman said. “Over the last year, I’ve felt a little undersized as a welterweight, so I think lightweight is going to be a great spot for me. I’m excited to show off my new skills, and this tournament is stacked, so we’re going to put on a show this season.”

Rounding out an absolutely loaded tournament class, Rene “The Brazilian Bomber” Nazare (@Nazaremma) will square off with top prospect Thiago Michel. A product of Team Bombsquad, Nazare always has his eye on delivering the knockout, and nothing will change on March 23rd.

Bellator 63 - Live on MTV2 and Spike.com at 7/6c Friday, March 30, 2012

Welterweights kick off one of the most stacked tournaments in Bellator history. Several promotional newcomers look to make an immediate splash, while a handful of veterans are out for redemption.

Chris "The Cleveland Assassin" Lozano vs. Karl "Psycho" Amoussou (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

Ben "Killa B" Saunders vs. Raul Amaya (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

Brian Foster vs. Dave "The Caveman" Rickels (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

Bryan "The Beast" Baker vs. Carlos “Indio” Pereira (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

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