Tuesday, June 5, 2012
"Fights for Freedom” Sunday, July 1st Salita Foundation To Honor Israeli Athletes Murdered At 1972 Munich Olympics"
"Fights for Freedom”
*Exciting match ups, ringside celebrities, a special musical performance, a raffle, lots of surprises, and much much, more on "Fights for Freedom."
On Sunday, July 1st, Salita Promotions and Fight Factory Gym will bring you an exciting evening of boxing and entertainment to honor our Nation’s birthday.
This summer, during the week of Independence Day, at the Fight Factory Gym located at 24 Cobek Ct., Brooklyn, NY, fans can look forward to some exciting amateur boxing. The card will showcase 12 matches that will feature Golden Gloves Champions, US National Champions, 2016 Olympic hopefuls, and a special star studded musical performance.
Featured will be Fight Factory’s own 2012 Golden Gloves 132 pound Champion Vassiley Zherbnenk who
is looking to impress his fans as he comes home after his Golden Gloves victory.
Also on the show will be five time US National Champion, and 2016 Olympic hopeful light heavyweight, Sherif “Sugar Boy” Younan, who promises to dazzle New York fight fans with his virtuoso boxing skills.
The upcoming Olympic Games will mark the 40th anniversary of the massacre of Israeli athletes in Munich in 1972. The IOC, the International Olympic Committee, has denied honoring the innocent athletes who were murdered with a minute of silence at the opening ceremonies to commemorate their heroic participation in the international language of sports.
Salita Foundation To Honor Israeli Athletes Murdered At 1972 Munich Olympics"
Less than 30 years after the tragedy of the Holocaust, Israeli athletes went back to Germany to compete. In doing so they displayed an open mind, understanding, and the willingness to participate in an international event in a country that orchestrated the killing of 6 million of their brothers. In doing so the Israeli team demonstrated the definition of what an athlete is.
In one hideous moment in Olympic history, armed terrorists wearing masks held innocent young people hostage then proceeded to commit mass murder as the world watched helplessly. Eleven Israeli team members and coaches, plus a West German police officer were killed.
Unfortunately their memory will not be commemorated at the upcoming Olympics. This is very sad and unfortunate. It is upsetting to many people as it is to me, as a Jew, as an American, and as an athlete. A lot more can be said about this, but action speaks louder than words.
At my upcoming Fights for Freedom boxing show on July 1st which will take place at Fight Factory Gym, 24 Cobek Court in Brooklyn, NY we will see the participation of Israeli National Champion Akiva Dombroff, and the evening will have an honorary 10 count and a minute of silence in honor of the Israeli Team of 1972.
The proceeds from this evening will go, through the Salita Foundation, towards helping Israel's sports programs; specifically the boxing gyms around the country. If you are interested in making a donation please email salitafoundation@gmail.com
THE GOOD FIGHT
By Ron Ross
Dmitriy Salita is a fighter but not every fight is fought with gloves in a roped-off enclosure. And not every fight is fought for personal gain. Right now Dmitriy is fighting mad and readying himself for a fight that he never thought would have to be fought – and there is no backing off!
Ten years before Dmitriy Salita was born the world was witness to possibly the single most horrific, heinous act ever committed within a performance venue – inclusive of theater, musical entertainment, and athletic competition. On September 5th, 1972, eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team participating in the 20th Olympic Summer Games in Munich, Germany were ambushed and cold-bloodedly assassinated by a Palestinian hit squad called Black September.
This being the 40th Anniversary of this monumental tragedy, a formal request was made by the Israeli government for a minute of silence in honor and memory of those fallen eleven Israeli athletes at the start of this year’s Summer Olympics in London.
When this request was denied by Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, much of the civilized world was shocked and dismayed at this response. For Dmitriy, it was more painful and difficult to contend with than any blow he has ever received in the ring.
On July 1st Salita Promotions will be putting on the “Fights For Freedom” at the Fight Factory Gym located in Coney Island – 24 Cobek Ct, , Brooklyn, NY , a card showcasing 12 matches featuring Golden Gloves champions, US National Champions, 2016 Olympic hopefuls plus special musical entertainment. But now Dmitriy is going to turn the spotlight full focus on the true highlight. What the IOC did not have the guts or conscience to do, Salita, a young man with heart, soul and a strong sense of justice will fight the good fight – no gloves, no throwing punches, just standing up for what he believes in.
“At the show we are going to have a ten-count and a minute of silence for the victims of that attack. Unfortunately, the IOC, in a disgraceful display of cowardly behavior will not honor the victims of that attack, thus breaching the international language of sports. I am upset about it as a Jew and as an athlete.
Israeli athletes went to Munich with great expectations and enthusiasm. They went to Germany to compete in an athletic event in 1972 – less than thirty years after the Holocaust. They were true athletic heroes and it’s a shame and a stain on the Olympic community for politicizing this by not giving them the honor and respect that they deserve. I cannot stand by and permit this without doing whatever I can to memorialize these wonderful athletes.”
Dmitriy Salita won’t be wearing gloves on July 1st but he sure as Hell is fighting the good fight! And he will not be fighting this one alone. Besides the multitudes cheering his efforts and standing side-by side with him in moral support, Israel’s under-19 middleweight champion Hillel Dombroff. Is now being added to a card already featuring 2012 Golden Gloves 132 pound champion Vassiley Zherbnenk and five time US National Champion, light heavyweight Sherif “Sugar Boy” Younan.
♔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.
Video: Manny Pacquiao v Timothy Bradley documentary; Ricky Hatton breaks down fight
Adamek – Chambers June 16th NBC Sports Network Fight Night card at Newark’s Prudential Center
♔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.
Longtime Philadelphia Boxing personality Rob Murray, Sr. succumbed to cancer
Murray was a well known fight figure for three-plus decades as he managed, trained, promoted and did almost everything around Philadelphia boxing.
Murray was the original manager of future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and also managed future world champion Steve Little. Murray trained Bennie Briscoe for a short period. Murray managed world title challengers Will Taylor and most recently guided the career of World Heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers and his brother Steve Upsher Chambers.
For the better part of the past decade Murray was the Director of Boxing at The Legendary Blue Horizon. As many of you know, Rob or “Big Rob” was one of Philadelphia’s outstanding boxing personalities. He was known for his WURD Radio Shows- This Week in Boxing and This Week in Sports.
Rob was married to Denise Blocker Murray and the proud father of two sons, Robert, Jr. and Raheem.Monday, June 4, 2012
Sonya Lamonakis vs Tiffany Woodard June 14
♔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.
FLORIANO PAGLIARA CONTINUES HIS AMERICAN DREAM ON JUNE 14TH IN NEW YORK CITY
On Thursday night June 14th at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, Floriano "L’Italiano" Pagliara will return to the squared circle when he takes part on the Lou DiBella’s Popular Broadway Boxing Television Series
Pagliara who has a record of 12-4-1 with seven knockouts will be continuing on his quest to live the American dream as the import from Cecine, Italy will be making his second New York City appearance over the past three months
For this bout, the popular IBF Mediterranean Super Featherweight Champion has set up training in the Aqua Villiage Water Park in his hometown of Cecine Italy near the Livornese coast.
Pagliara has become a major draw in the New York area as he quickly made an impression on the many Italian fans in the “Little Italy” sections of the city including the Williamsburgh Brooklyn neighborhood and on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx
L”Italiano as he is referred to in America could have stayed in Italy and been very successful as he is a very popular attraction in the Tuscan resort coastal town where he routinely draws 3,000 plus fans for his bouts.
“People are just drawn to Floriano, he is very approachable and a pleasure to work with said Rich Komissar, Pagliara's American sponsor and matchmaker at RKO Boxing. “He works hard and promotes himself well. We had an overflow of people outside BB Kings looking for tickets to his fight on March 7th. The place was sold out more than a week in advance. Even Floriano was surprised” added Komissar. We are getting hit every day by more and more people looking to know when his next fight is”
Another reason for Floriano's popularity is that he gets involved in community issues. He is a member of the Ring 8 NY Veteran Boxers Association which provides help to retired boxers. Floriano is hoping to become the official liaison to the retired Italian American fighters in the New York area. "Floriano cares as much as he works" said Tommy Gallagher, the veteran boxing trainer from New York who also is one of the directors on the board for Ring8 NY
Additionally Pagliara has recently become involved with the Cooley's Anemia Foundation. Cooley's Anemia is a blood disorder that mostly affects children with Mediterranean heritage. Children afflicted with Cooley's Anemia or Thalassemia are not expected to live much past their teen years. The mission of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation is to help in advancing the treatment and cure for this fatal blood disease. Floriano, with the help of local businessman and organization member Paul Tucci is hoping to become more involved with the Long Island Fund Raising Chapter. (www.thalassemia.com)
“The DiBella goup has seen the potential and the fan base that Floriano brings and as he continues to appear on Broadway Boxing, there are discussions for Floriano's fights to be syndicated back in Italy.”
This Wednesday the Super Bowl of all Boxing affairs will take place at the Copacabana in New York City.
Andre Ward has won an Olympic Gold medal, professional world titles, and the Showtime Super Six Super middleweight tournament. For the unbeaten Ward the accomplishments keep growing. His latest milestone will come at the Copacabana in New York City this June 6, when he receives the 2011 Sugar Ray Robinson "Fighter of the Year" award from the Boxing Writers Association of America.
For the unbeaten Ward this award ranks with the rest. And what makes it extra special is that his mentor and long time trainer Virgil Hunter, will be honored that same evening as the "Trainer of the Year."
Reflecting on his good fortune, Ward had this to say. "I want to thank God for giving me the strength to put in the work year after year to get to this point. I also want to thank my manager James Prince, my promoters Antonio Leonard and Dan Goossen, everyone who is a part of team Ward, as well as all my family, friends, and loyal fans who have been behind me all these years" Ward 28, of Oakland, Calif., said. "This award is just as much for them as it is for me.
"Even in the midst of receiving this tremendous award, Team Ward is not going to let up. In 2012 and beyond we're going to push forward and God - willing, we can be considered for these awards every year. It's easy to get comfortable at a time like this, but I can assure everybody that I'm going to continue to put in the work to be the best that I can be. I'm going to stay humble, keep God first and, with that, the best is yet to come."
SADAM ALI & WORLDKID PROMOTIONS A WINNER IN INAUGURAL SHOW Ali, Santiago, Gamache, Mrkanovic and Frederick all post wins in Brooklyn
Sadam Ali remained perfect as he thrilled a packed house at the Aviator Sports Complex when he took out Franklin Gonzales in the eighth round of the Welterweight contest. That result was the perfect ending for Ali as it a was successful evening for Ali’s first promotion with his new company Worldkid Promotions.
Ali thrilled his legions of fans with a diverse attack as he used both hands and continued to back Gonzalez up. Ali had Gonzalez throughout the contest and finally was able to score a knockdown in round eight.Ali closed the show in spectacular fashion as a thunderous combination that sent Gonzalez down for a second time and the bout was stopped at 2:22 of round eight.
With the victory, Ali captured the WBU America’s title.
“It was a great night and I just have to thank my fans”, said the 2008 U.S. Olympian.
“I wanted to get the knockout so bad for them and it was a fitting end to a great night”
Some of New York’s finest boxers were in attendance to support Ali such as WBA Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi and 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne.
In the co-feature, Brooklyn’s Jennifer Santiago made a successful pro debut with a four round unanimous decision over Mikaya Nebal in a Super Bantamweight bout.
Steven Gamache of New York made it 3-0 with a four round unanimous decision over Willie Brown in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
Queens native Armin Mrkanovic stopped the game Daniel Pietch in the fourth round of their Cruiserweight bout.
In the opening bout it was a battle of pro debut’s that saw Brooklyn’s Akil Frederick stop Jamil Gadsen in a Middleweight bout.
FULL RESULTS
8 Rounds—WBU Americas Welterweight title—Sadam Ali (15-0, 9 KO’s) TKO 8 over Franklin Gonzalez (15-10)
4 Rounds—Super Bantamweights—Jennifer Santiago (1-0) U DEC over Mikayla Nebal (0-2)
4 Rounds—Jr. Middleweights—Stevn Gamache (3-0) U DEC over Willie Bryant (0-4-1)
4 Rounds—Cruiserweights—Armith Mrkanovic (3-1, 2 KO’s) TKO 4 over Daniel Pietch (0-1)
Kate Sekules and The Boxer's Heart: A Woman Fighting!
As Kate Sekules says of her love affair with boxing in her memoir, The Boxer's Heart: A Woman Fighting, "I wonder myself what set this obsession in motion." Kate never stops describing it either, from her affection for the sport on through her experiences beginning with her early forays into the gym and what it felt like the first time she stepped into the ring to fight. As she says,
"Training to box is one of the toughest physical challenges you can set yourself, and it is clean. But once you step through the ropes, a dimension rears up that is not pure at all. To compete as a runner, a swimmer, a player of tennis, golf, basketball, football-any noncombat sport-what you do is an extension of what you did in training, only more intense; but to compete as a boxer, your aims are suddenly quite distinct from those of your training sessions. You hope to inflict so much pain on your opponents that they fall over and can't get up."
Kate's book is a warm, colorful homage to her years training at Gleason's Gym -- and of the women she trained along side beginning in 1992 on through the late 1990's. Originally published in 2000, Kate has reissued her memoir with a new afterward to coincide with the historical debut of Women's Boxing at the 2012 Olympics.
As for the ensuing 11 years, Kate notes the sport has "actually become less visible." Something we all feel with "more female mis-matches ... and more neglect of women's bouts by mainstream media."
What comes across, however, in Kate's highly engaging book is truly the viewpoint of a boxer's heart. She shows us her love of the sport, the camaraderie of her fellow boxers and an intimate perspective of the journey of a boxer. As Kate said recently in an interview with Girlboxing, "We confront through boxing the same issues every woman faces," only in the case of a female boxer we add a touch of "rebellion perhaps and a counter to mainstream culture."
Kate also made the point that the "book is for men and women about gender roles as much as about the sport." Still what Kate provides is a treasure trove of details about the sport at a certain time and place -- as well as an intimate portrait of Kate and her cohort of boxing friends all working hard to practice the art they love so much.
These days, Kate can be found back at Gleason's Gym once a week -- after having worked out at Chelsea Piers for a while doing their "Lunchbox" series which she swears was "amazing, he's really, really good." She's also the owner of Refashioner, a marketplace for pre-owned couture.
♔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.Ceilia Braekhus retains her titles in 10-round bout by UD!
Ceclia Braekhus, the WBO, WBA and WBC female welterweight champion came out blazing to score a unanimous decision over contender Jessica "The Hammer" Balogun (22-1) through ten hard-fought rounds of action at the Herning Kongrescenter in Herning, Denmark last night.
The judges scored the bout 99-92, 97-93, 97-93 in favor of Braekhus who exhibited much better boxing skills than her opponent. The previously undefeated Balogun, from Aachen, Germany, was a game opponent, however, who kept on coming despite Braekhus' evident dominance. This led to some rounds that have been characterized as "messy," but Braekhus' superior ring generalship kept her in control of the fight to take the win.
Braekhus, a Columbian-born fighter who resides in Bergen, Norway, is considered pound-for-pound one of the best female boxers in the world. Her record stands at a perfect 20-0 with five wins by way of knockout. In recent outings she has defeated such boxing luminaries as Jill Emery (2011) and Chevelle Hallback (2011) with similar results.ERICK ‘THE EAGLE’ OCHIENG English Light Middleweight Champion
On Saturday night Stoke Newington’s Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng retained his English Light Middleweight title in emphatic style, on the undercard of Carl Froch versus Lucian Bute IBF World Super Middleweight title clash in Nottingham.
Erick’s first defense of the title he won back in January, via a ninth round retirement by then opponent Nick Quigley, was against local ‘Masters’ title holder AA Lowe.
Erick took a laid back approach to the bout, preferring to box of the back foot and pick his punches, and boy did he pick them in style on his way to securing a virtual shut out points victory.
Judge Terry O’Connor clearly felt that Erick reigned supreme, scoring every round in Erick’s favour (100-90), judge Steve Gray didn’t see it much different, only scoring one round in favour of AA Lowe (99-91) and judge Howard Foster scored only two rounds in favour of Erick’s challenger (98-92).
Last night Erick returned victorious to his ‘home’ gym, the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, where he spoke about the excellent victory and his future aspirations. “First of all I want to give thanks to Jesus Christ for the victory.
Yeah, the fight, I came out quick, nice and relaxed. I was using my jab, most of my punches were one-two, one-two-three, but mostly using the jab and catching him all the time and I was making him miss.
The thing is I could have changed gear, my speed, and finished things early but I was relaxed.
Around round seven or eight I caught him with a right hook, straight right hand, left hook combination and rocked him a bit, but I took my foot of the gas and used my jab.
Yeah it was a comfortable win, one of the judges gave me all the rounds and two of the judges gave me all but two rounds.
I think one of them was the last round, I was just taking my time and enjoying myself. It was a big venue, it was incredible.
A big thanks to my supporters, all I could hear was Eagle, Eagle, Eagle all through the fight, yeah it was an awesome night.”
Erick then turned his attention to the headlining bout, in which fellow Matchroom Sport promoted Carl Froch comprehensively beat former Champion Lucian Bute to become a three time World Champion. “ It was an awesome fight. Carl Froch took the fight to Bute, Bute didn’t know what hit him and before he knew the fight was over.
Carl’s now a three time World Champion, without doubt making him our most successful boxer.
The whole night was electrifying, every punch Carl threw had the crowd cheering. He was incredible, it was an awesome night.”
Before returning to his fight and his future aspirations. “Fighting on such a big event in front of such a huge crowd made me so excited, I liked the environment, the big crowd and everyone chanting my name.
It’s just a matter of time, because this is where I see myself in the future. I had a photo taken of me with Carl Froch and the IBF belt, it looked good on me, I was wearing my red jacket and his IBF belt is red, so it’s yeah I’m going for the IBF.
Obviously my aim is to become World Champion and one of the titles will be the IBF, that or the WBC.
Hopefully I’ll be defending my title next on the undercard of ‘Special K’, Kell Brook’s, fight on the 7th July, obviously we’re still waiting for confirmation.
Then, God willing, by the end of the year I’ll be fighting for the British or Commonwealth title - It’s onwards and upwards.
I want to give a big thanks to all my fans, you’re fabulous. I want to give thanks to my sponsors, King Apparel, BoxFit, Glenn Insurance and Addison Lee, thank you guys for your support which I really appreciate and thank you Rio at the TRAD TKO.”
♔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.
Three-Time World Champion Bobby Czyz To Attend All Star Boxing Legends Gala
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL BBobby Czyz—former IBF Light Heavyweight champion, Cruiserweight champion, Super Cruiserweight champion and active Board Member of Find A Dream will be attending this years All Star Boxing Legends Gala this weekend at the acclaimed Resorts Hotel Casino I Atlantic City.
On Saturday a tribute dinner will take place within Resorts honoring boxers of the past and present, with several of the sport’s most prevalent names making an appearance. Czyz will be joined by Mike Tyson and several other boxing icons, including Find A Dream members Ray Mercer, Don Steele and Hector Camacho Jr.
“When I was a kid, it was my dream to fight at the grand stage of Atlantic City, and now being able to be part of the gala this weekend means a great deal to me,” said Czyz. “Every young person has a dream, and it’s a privilege to be connected to an organization such as this one to help those kids’ dreams materialize.”
Growing up Czyz faced much adversity, and it would’ve been easy for the three time world champion to lean towards a life of crime. But rather than falling into the elements, he made the decision to pursue boxing, and through hard work, determination and discipline, he became a sensation finishing his career with an impressive record of 44-8 with three title belts.
In 2012 Find A Dream is striving to continue to expand and impact the lives of children throughout various communities. Find A Dream plans to spread their word through boxing and MMA events, car shows, cook-offs, concerts and more in hopes of reaching out to communities and bringing awareness of the necessity to work towards enriching the lives of our youths.
Tickets for the are priced at $100 and are available through Resorts’ Box Office or through Ticketmaster at. Ticket includes the cocktail hour, dinner and presentations. is located at 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.
Find A Dream is a nonprofit organization unlike any other. We have partnered with professionals to deliver on our promise of positive change in young lives. Our communities become stronger when our youth is mentored through people of character with a true interest in pouring constructive, character-building activities and input into their livesSaturday, June 2, 2012
"Four Warned" Final Press Conference Quotes
All eight fighters participating in Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING “Four Warned” event and the SHOWTIME EXTREMEfighters participated in a final press conference on Thursday, just two days before the highly anticipated June 2 Quadrupleheader which will be telecast live on SHOWTIME®(9:00 p.m. ET/PT) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
“Four Warned,” a rare four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, features former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (29-6, 20 KO’s) facing unbeaten Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KO’s) in a 12-round cruiserweight fight, former undisputed junior middleweight kingpin Winky Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s) returning to the ring to meet undefeated Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s) in a middleweight bout, Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KO’s) risking his perfect record and WBA Super Welterweight belt against Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO’s) and IBF number one rated bantamweight contender Vusi Malinga (20-3, 12 KO’s) facing IBF number five rated bantamweight contender Leo Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO’s) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title. All four bouts are set for Saturday, June 2, airing live on SHOWTIME (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. “Four Warned” is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions with Trout vs. Rodriguez being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz being presented in association with Branco Sports Productions. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T.
Headlining the SHOWTIME EXTREME preliminary fight telecast will be a 10-round battle for the NABF and vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super Middleweight titles between talented up-and-comer Dyah Davis (21-2-1, 9 KO’s) and perennial contender Sakio Bika (29-5-2, 20 KO’s), beginning live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Also featured on the SHOWTIME EXTREMEM telecast (time permitting) will be highlights from the showdown between unbeaten lightweight rising star Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (22-0, 14 KO’s) and crafty southpaw Manuel Leyva (21-5, 12 KO’s).
Tickets for “Four Warned” are available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at AXS.com or by phone at 1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:
TARVER:
“Sometimes when you sign for a fight you never know how it will turn out, but this event took a life of its own. It wasn’t until the kickoff (press conference) when I realized what I was really in for. Everything had to take a back seat to my training. The passion and love for the sport still lives inside.
“Age is nothing but a number. I know this is the fight that will bring the best out of me because I know he will press hard all night long looking for that lightning in the bottle that I know won’t come. You’ll see on Saturday.”
“They (SHOWTIME) wanted to mic me up for the bout [to commentate and fight simultaneously], but I know I have my hands full with Lateef.
“I guess Lateef took offense to how I critiqued his fighting – he was used to the compliments. It’s different to look in the mirror and say I need to do this and that. We need training camp to become better, well-rounded fighters. I was trying to help him and he thought I was disrespectful.
“It’s going to be an interesting fight. Trust me, I’m in good shape. I haven’t taken him lightly. I know he has potential, I know he has the power to end the fight in one punch and that’s why I went back and trained hard for this.”
KAYODE:
“I’m ready for this fight. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. I stay in the gym, I work hard and I listen to my trainer.
“I’ve never fought anyone like this. For me to fight this man I’ll need to dig deep into my soul.
“I will knock you down. I’m sorry to say this to my brother, but on June 2, you will have to go down.
“He said I was too aggressive when I was fighting, but I’m going to show him aggressive on Saturday.”
WRIGHT:
“I’m so excited to be back in the ring – it’s been three years. Boxing got real boring for me and and no one wanted to fight me.
“Now that I’m back, I needed a great challenge. I’m coming back because I want to be champion. Peter is a great fighter, he’s coming to fight and I’m coming to fight. You’re going to see on Saturday. I wouldn’t come back if I wasn’t ready. I’m back to be the champ.
“To be the best, you got to fight the best, and Peter is a step in that direction.”
QUILLIN:
“I know this is a tough fight and a great opportunity for me. I trained harder than ever for my time in the spotlight.
“There are a bunch of inspiring stories on this card and I’m glad to be part of it.
“Hard work means easy work. I believe that I’m a future superstar of this sport.
“My dad came here 32 years ago on Saturday to this country for opportunity and now I’m fighting here for opportunity. I came from the floor to the big stage.”
TROUT:
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to fight alongside these guys. All excitement aside, I have my eye on the prize. I’m ready to make a statement.
“I want to be the pound-for-pound champ and I feel like Delvin is the gatekeeper to bigger and better things. I’m excited to get in there and put my stamp on the game. Win or lose, I’m going to give it all.”
RODRIGUEZ:
“This fight speaks for itself. The fans know it’s going to be exciting.
“Austin must be doing something right to be in the position he is now as an undefeated fighter, so we have a lot of respect for him.
“I’ve been training hard for this opportunity and this shot at the world title. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs so to get this opportunity is a blessing. We trained for seven weeks and now the fight is finally here. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.”
MALINGA:
“I’m happy to stand next to these legends. I’m prepared and have been training very hard. I’m hoping to take the title to Africa and on Saturday. I’m going to win.”
SANTA CRUZ:
“This is my first time fighting for a title. This is what I’ve been training for. I know Malinga will come ready because he wants the title, but Mexicans are warriors, too.
“I trained harder than ever because I want this title and I want it to stay in California. I can’t wait to get in there and win it.”
DAVIS:
“There’s a lot of history here and I’m happy to be part of it. I’m ready and it’s my time to shine. I’ll let my fists do the talking.”
BIKA:
“I’ve trained very hard and I’m happy to be on the undercard of these legends. I’ll bring my best Saturday because I know everyone will be watching.”
BOGERE:
“We’re coming to fight. I’m the lion. I’m happy to be put on with these legends of boxing. This is like a dream come true and I can’t wait for my time to shine.”