★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Thursday, June 28, 2012

REMEDY OF THE WU TANG CLAN FEATURED AT “FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM” AT THE FIGHT FACTORY‏

This Sunday, July 1^st, Salita Promotions and Fight Factory Gym put together an exciting show featuring twelve thrilling fights showcasing boxing’s hottest prospects dubbed "Fights for Freedom." A much anticipated addition will be Remedy, of the Wu Tang Clan, whowill be performing some of his songs including hits like "Never Again" and "Testimony" among others. Remedy is the Co-Executive producer of the "Wu-Tang Killa Bees: Return of the Swarm" album.

The Fight Factory, located at 24 Cobek Court in Brooklyn, will host this exciting amateur boxing event showcasing young talent in nose to nose competition.

Included on the show 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.

Another local star who will be featured is five time US National Champion, and 2012 US National Jr. Olympics finalist, light heavyweight Sherif “Sugar Boy” Younan who promises to dazzle New York fight fans with his virtuoso boxing skills. “Sugar Boy” is the son of one of boxing’s most respected trainers, Sherif Younan Sr.

Also ready to impress is Israeli National Champion Akiva Dumroff who is looking to make his US debut a successful one.

The announcing duties for the show, which begins at 6 PM, will be handled by the voice of the New Jersey, but soon to be Brooklyn Nets, David Diamante.

The evening will have a special ceremony; a traditional 10 count, and a minute of silence, to honor the Israeli Olympic Team of 1972 when eleven Israeli team members and coaches, plus a German police officer were murdered at the Munich Games by terrorists.

♔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, June 27, 2012

Roots of Fight - 'IRON' Mike Tyson Short Film

Roots of Fight is proud to honor the most devastating heavyweight boxer of all time, “Iron” Mike Tyson, with a new short film to commemorate Tyson’s three victories in 1988, including his demolition of Michael Spinks on June 27th, that earned him the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion title, but also the rare “lineal” heavyweight championship of the world. The stunning short film features Tyson and is anchored by boxing legend Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, with insights from Randy Couture, Forrest Griffin, and Snoop Dogg.

USA Boxing Announces the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games Staff‏

The coaching staff that will be nominated to the United States Olympic Committee to lead the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team into action in London has been set. 2004 Olympic Head Coach Basheer Abdullah (Fort Carson, Colo.) will serve in the same role in London while 2000 Olympic Assistant Coaches Candelario Lopez (San Jose, Calif.) and Israel Acosta (Milwaukee, Wis.) will join him as assistants. 2012 Women’s World Championships Team Manager Delilah Rico (Los Angeles, Calif.) rounds out the staff in the Team Leader role.

“We are sending a very experienced coaching staff to London with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team and we believe that their knowledge will be critical in aiding our athletes to perform at the highest level,” said USA Boxing Executive Director Anthony Bartkowski. “Coach Abdullah’s Olympic Games experience provides him and the staff with a huge advantage as the team prepares to face the world’s best boxers.”

Abdullah will be traveling to his fourth straight Olympic Games, having served as the Technical Advisor in 2000 and 2008. The 49-year-old Abdullah led the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program as Head Coach from 1997 to 2012 and has coached numerous athletes to national titles during his career. In addition, he served as the Head Coach for the past two Women’s World Championships as the female athletes prepared for their Olympic debut. The 2004 USA Boxing Coach of the Year, Abdullah has coached at every major national and international event, including the Pan American Games and World Military Championships and looks forward to using his expertise to guide the U.S. team to medals in London.

Acosta, who enjoyed a decorated career as an athlete, is returning to the Olympic Games for the second time. With 28 years of experience in coaching, Acosta also enjoys an impressive resume. In addition to his work in 2000, he served on the 2007 Pan American Games staff and has worked numerous international duals and competitions. He has coached multiple national champions over the past three decades and enjoyed numerous coaching awards, including USA Boxing Coach of the Year in 1992. Acosta most recently served as the Head Coach for the Women’s Continental Championships and Team USA won eight medals, six of them gold.

Lopez will enjoy a repeat appearance at the Olympic Games as well with his selection to the 2012 staff. A veteran of international competition, Lopez has led the Youth World Championships squad three times, most recently in 2008 as well as previously serving as Head Coach for the Women’s World Championships.

Rico has dreamt of being Olympic Team Manager since she first got involved in the sport in 2005. She worked her way up the ladder, serving in the important role at the Junior Olympics three times before being selected as the Women’s International Dual Series Team Leader in 2010. Most recently, she worked as the Team Manager for the Women’s World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China where the women won five medals.

All of the staff nominations are pending approval from the United States Olympic Committee Board of Directors.

Video Games: WWE 13 – Mike Tyson Pre-Order Bonus

Mike Tyson returns to the ring, Live the revolution with the “baddest man on the planet” when you pre-order WWE ’13. WWE ’13 is set to be available in North America on October 30th, 2012

Tyson returned to WWE on January 11, 2010 as a guest host on Monday Night Raw and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2, 2012.

Tyson, sporting a sleeveless DX t-shirt and black jeans — the same look as his playable character in WWE ’13 – interfered in the match, allowing Austin to secure the victory and ultimately abandoning his presumed alliance with the renegade faction.

TAVORIS CLOUD VS. JEAN PASCAL IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY, AUG. 11, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

TAVORIS CLOUD VS. JEAN PASCAL

IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

SATURDAY, AUG. 11, LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

Cloud: “Pascal’s style and my style are perfect for each other;
It will be a hell of a fight”

Pascal: “This fight will not go the distance”

In front of a packed room of television cameras, radio microphones and sports writers at Restaurant 9-4-10 within Montreal’s Bell Centre, undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., and popular hometown favorite and former World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight titleholder Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) held a press conference Wednesday to formally announce their upcoming world title showdown on Saturday, Aug. 11, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME® from Bell Centre.

There was a respectful but intense atmosphere to announce what could potentially be the division's best matchup in years between two young fighters in their prime. Hall of Fame promoter Don King, who promotes Cloud, waved Canadian flags while sporting his signature U.S. jean jacket throughout the press conference.

The co-feature will match Canadian knockout artist Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, (18-1, 15 KOs) of Montreal , against an opponent to be announced in a super middleweight bout.

At the press conference, SHOWTIME Sports® announced that future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins would be joining the Aug. 11 telecast as a special guest analyst. With his success in the light heavyweight division coupled with his firsthand experience traveling to Canada to take on Pascal and his legions of fans, Hopkins will offer a unique perspective and commentary to the viewers at home.

Here’s what the participants had to say Wednesday:

Tavoris Cloud:
“When I think about this fight, wow. Pascal’s style and my style are perfect for each other. It will be a hell of a fight. Nevertheless, I’m coming away with my title still intact

“I’m just glad to be here. Montreal is a beautiful place. I’m putting in a lot of hard work for this fight and on Aug. 11, I look forward to putting on a great show for you guys.

“Pascal could think he is the gatekeeper to bigger and better things for me, but I just come in and fight my fight.”

Jean Pascal:
“I have two words to say finally: I’m back. It’s been a long, long time but this show is going to be a great night for Quebec. I’d like to thank Yvon Michel, Greg Leon, Don King and Team Cloud for giving me a shot because I know I am a good boxer. He’s the champion and I really respect Cloud because he’s like me. He’s a good guy, a family man and he wants to fight the best.

“The reason why I took this fight is simple. It’s because of you guys, the fans. You want to see the best versus the best. I am the former world champion. He is the current world champion but unfortunately for him on Aug. 11, he is going to leave as the former world champion and I am going to be a two-time world champion.

“This man right here (Cloud) is dangerous. He is hungry but, with all due respect, I don’t think you are going to make your name on me. I know this is a big opportunity for you because I ‘m the door to success and big money.

“You’re a warrior like me and this fight will not go to the distance. I’m not saying that I’m going to knock him out. That’s not what I’m saying right now. I’m just saying it won’t go the distance which is why you have to tune in Aug. 11. I love challenges. I told Yvon, no tune up fights. Let’s face the guy at the top. That’s how I’ll get back on top. I hope Cloud comes in the best shape because I don’t want any excuses. And I won’t have any excuses either.”

Adonis Stevenson:
“I would like to thank SHOWTIME and Group Yvon Michel. I don’t have my opponent yet but he’s coming soon hopefully. Now the IBF champion is Carl Froch. It isn’t Lucian Bute anymore but I will be focused. Obviously, Aug. 11 is very important to me. I’d like to be the No. 1 (mandatory challenger for the IBF title) but no one wants to fight me. It’s always some reason. No money, no this, no that. I know that’s [untrue] but now I’ll just stay focused on the fight ahead of me.

“Emmanuel Steward is my trainer now. He is training Wladmir Klitschko and next week I will go to Klitschko’s camp and start my training there.”

Don King, Cloud’s Promoter:
“Bonjour to all the beautiful people of Montreal because this is like home to me. We had Sugar Ray Leonard here who changed the globe and took on Roberto Duran right here in Montreal. How did we get to Montreal? Because it’s one of the fairest cities in the world. We were looking for a neutral site and we picked Montreal. Sugar Ray Leonard came in and Roberto Duran beat him – because we got our fair shake in Montreal.

“Pascal has an opportunity now to take over for Bute (as Canada’s most popular fighter). Can he do it? He seems to think so but thunder is in the air. There will be lightning bolts striking so I don’t know. I think it’s going to be a devastating storm that night on Aug. 11.

“The Bell Centre is going to be the hour, the hour of the talk around the world. Not only is it going to be seen on SHOWTIME, it’s going to be seen around the world. It’s going to be a super extravaganza. It’s going to be a provocateur to titillate your taste buds. I know Pascal. I know how he has tried so desperately to be approved and respected by his fellow countrymen. So he is going to be giving everything he can and then some. And I know “Thunder” Cloud, he didn’t come up here to leave that (IBF Light Heavyweight) belt. Pascal is going to have to take it. And to take it, that means he is going to have to go up against the thunder the lighting and the rain.”

Yvon Michel:
“This fight is going to be not only the most important boxing event this year but I also believe that Aug. 11 will be the biggest sporting event of the year in Quebec.

“Each time we have a big event in Montreal, each time Jean Pascal is fighting, we have celebrities come out. For this fight will have the celebrity of celebrities, Don King, to co-promote the event. He is the only boxing promoter to be named one of the 40 most influential people in sports over the last 50 years by Sports Illustrated. And he is our prestigious guest here today.

“Tavoris Cloud and Jean Pascal have amazing power. Adonis Stevenson is the purest puncher I’ve ever seen. To have three guys with steel hands competing on Aug. 11, I think we’ll see two fantastic fights.”

Al Bonanni, Cloud’s Trainer:
“These are the two best light heavyweights in the world. SHOWTIME took the fight, not because they love us, but because these are the two best light heavyweights in the world. Unfortunately for Pascal, I have the best light heavyweight in the world.

“We’re training very, very hard. We started in Miami, Fla., five weeks ago and now we’re at Don King’s Gym in Ohio, across the river from here. So we can see Canada from where we’re training. Cloud could fight tomorrow. He’s 12 pounds off weight and ready to go. I thank you for the hospitality. I thank you for the money we’re going to make. And it’s going to be a great feeling to go back home with the belt again.”

Marc Ramsay, Pascal’s Trainer:
“I just really want to thank SHOWTIME, Don King and Group Yvon Michel for making this fight happen, to give us the opportunity to go straight back to the top. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’re going straight to the top.”

♔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, June 26, 2012

Juan Carlos Burgos and undefeated Cesar Vazquez on July 20th on ESPN 2 in Laughlin, NV‏for the WBO Latino Junior Lightweight Championship

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS VS CESAR VAZQUEZ

HEADLINES CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT CARD ON JULY 20,

IN LAUGHLIN, NEVADA AT THE EDGEWATER CASINO RESORT

TELEVISED ON ESPN2

Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions, Ken Thompson/Thompson Boxing, JEG Boxing, ESPN & the Edgewater Casino Resort Presents a night of world class boxing on July 20^th at The Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. The main event & co-main event will be televised live on ESPN’S Friday Night Fights on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN 3 at 9 p.m. ET.

In the ten round main event, former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos, 29-1 with 19 knockouts of Tijuana, Mexico will look to make it five straight wins when he takes on Cesar Vazquez, 25-0 with 16 knockouts of Mexicali, Mexico in a ten round Super Featherweight bout for the WBO Latino Junior Lightweight Championship.

Burgos, 24 years old is ranked No. 2 by the WBO and No. 4 by the IBF and is one of the hottest fighters in the 130 pound division. Since he came up just short in his title opportunity to the distinguished Hozumi Hasegawa, Burgos has had four signature victories which include wins over previously undefeated Luis Cruz and former world champion Cristobal Cruz. In the fight with Cristobal Cruz, which took place on February 24^th, Burgos claimed the WBC Silver Super Featherweight belt.

Vazquez, 26 Years old, has been perfect and is looking to impress the nationwide audience as he makes his American debut. He is coming off a 3^rd round knockout over Carlos Medlin on January 21^st.

Promoter Art Pelullo said “This is an important fight with a lot on the line. The winner will be on a short list to receive a title shot. Everybody knows that when two Mexican fighters square off there is also a lot of pride on the line as well so I expect this to be an explosive fight”

“Burgos is on a serious quest to get a world title shot again and Cesar Vazquez will put it all on the line to derail those dreams,” said co promoter Ken Thompson, “It will another thrilling night of boxing as two Mexican warriors try to make a name for themselves and place their careers on the limelight.”

President of JEG Boxing Daren Libonati said “I am thrilled to partner with Edgewater Casino in bringing this action packed card to Laughlin. “

Floyd Mayweather vs Miguel Cotto Generated Massive Spikes in Google

According to the revenue generated for the jr middleweight title bout between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto last month and analytics data from Google for the same event, the answer is a resounding 'No.'

Google Insights, which provides a representation of regional and international interests based on user searches for the world's largest search engine, released data that would be reassuring for any boxer, boxing promoter and hardcore fan.

For the month of May 2012, the queries 'mayweather vs cotto' and 'mayweather' represented the third and fourth highest trending sports searches in Google worldwide.

And in the United States, interest in the bout was even stronger. In the same time period, three of nation's top ten trending sports-related queries were related to last month's Floyd Mayweather - Miguel Cotto superfight. Moreover, each of three queries trended higher than search terms for any NBA player or team during the basketball playoffs in May.

The Mayweather vs Cotto fight card, which generated 1.5 million pay-per-view (PPV) buys and a whopping $94 Million USD, was seemingly an all-around success. In the end, Floyd Mayweather lifted the WBA Jr Middleweight title from a very determined Miguel Cotto in an action-packed bout.

In 2011, Mayweather took part in Google's most searched sports event for the entire year in the United States, 'mayweather vs ortiz.' And Floyd's nemesis, Manny Pacquiao, was Google's most queried athlete in the United States during the same period.

Terms Surpassing Mayweather vs Cotto Searches
May's highest trending query internationally and in the United States, 'Junior Seau,' was generated by users seeking details about the shocking apparent suicide of the former NFL football superstar on May 2nd. And internationally, the term 'roland garros' finished second.

Known to many as The French Open, the Roland Garros tennis event is the premier clay court tennis tournament in the world, one of the sport's four annual Grand Slam tournaments and one of the most watched events worldwide. Its participants included Rafael Nadal, currently the world's top male tennis player, and the always-intriguing Maria Sharapova.

The query 'hatfields and mccoys,' cited as the No. 2 sports query in the United States, is believed to be an error. The TV series Hatfields & McCoys, which aired on a US cable station last month, was a highly-promoted drama about famous feuding families of the same name in the United States from 1863-1891.

Champion Cornelius "K9" Bundrage Corey "next Generation" Spinks Sat June 30th on Showtime 9:00pm

World Championship Boxing Super Welterweight Reigning And Defending Champion Cornelius "K9" Bundrage Defends his title against former 5x Champion Corey "Next Generation" Spinks Sat June 30th on Showtime 9:00pm Eastern time

Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth; Rick Reilly goes behind-the-scenes at Mike Tyson's new one-man show in Las Vegas

Rick Reilly goes behind-the-scenes at Mike Tyson's new one-man show in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson on Broadway extends for 6 performance; 12 Performances ONLY! July 31 - August 12s

Mike Tyson and Spike Lee announced last week that his Vegas act is heading to Broadway.Mike Tyson: UNDISPUTED TRUTH, directed by Lee, will now play Broadway's Longacre Theatre for 12 performances only, July 31-August 12.

In the show, Tyson "reveals untold stories, peeling back layers of tragedy and public turmoil while unfolding his tale of triumph and survival. In an up-close-and-personal setting featuring images, music and video, Tyson, in an intimate and theatrical setting, will share the stories of his life and experiences as a professional athlete and controversies in and out of the ring."

MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one-man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.

Mike Tyson laments the state of boxing

Former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world talks to PTI about his new Broadway show, The Hangover and how he rates MMA as a sport. Mike Tyson joins Mike and Tony to discuss his one-man Broadway show, boxing vs. MMA, his role in "The Hangover," venereal diseases, and the famous movie actor he once spotted in his ex-wife's car.

Monday, June 25, 2012

“Psycho” vs. “The Beast” Headlines Bellator 72

Bellator Fighting Championships will once again head to the Sunshine State as the promotion will host Bellator 72 from The University of South Florida’s Sun Dome in Tampa on July 20 LIVE on MTV2 and in commercial-free HD on EPIX. The night will feature the Season 6 Welterweight Tournament Finals as the explosive Karl “Psycho” Amoussou takes on Bryan “The Beast” Baker, plus it’s the semifinals of the Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament and the highly anticipated trilogy fight between Waachiim Spirtwolf and Marius Zaromskis.
♔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.

Catch Rockhold vs. Kennedy for the STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Championship LIVE on SHOWTIME SATURDAY JULY 14th AT 10PM ET/PT

What’s an MMA promotion without a villain? Veteran fighter Frank Shamrock gives a crash course in evil to two of the sport’s nicest guys LUKE ROCKHOLD and TIM KENNEDY

♔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.

Sterling Ford to meet James Marohl at CageSport XX! Female pound for pound stars to meet in co-feature!

Welterweight star Sterling Ford will look to continue his recent streak of success when he challenges James Marohl Saturday, July 14 in the main event of “Cagesport XX” at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA.

Hailing from nearby Spokane, WA, Ford has an impressive record of 14-5 with 8 wins by stoppage. The Strikeforce veteran won seven of his last eight bouts, including an impressive unanimous decision victory over Brian McLaughlin at “Strikeforce 17” in July 2011.

Marohl’s rolled through his last four opponents, stopping three of them in two minutes or less. With a professional record of 6-1, the Longview, WA resident is a renowned submission specialist who promoter Brian Halquist gives a ton of credit to for his willingness to take tough fights.

“I tip my hat to Marohl” said the Washington-based MMA and boxing promoter. “Sterling’s fought at an extremely high level and is a top-tier talent. Most fighters want to take their time before moving up the ranks like this, but Marohl is confident that this is the perfect opportunity for him.”

The Ford-Marohl bout is scheduled for three rounds.

Female stars “Slick” Sally Krumdiak of Bellingham, WA and “Little” Patricia Vidonic, a Medford, OR native, battle for supremacy in the three round strawweight co-feature. Both Krumdiak, 9-5, and Vidonic, 5-3, fought at the sport’s highest level. The victor will likely receive a title shot in the near future.

“The co-feature is undoubtedly a main event type of fight,” stated Halquist. “I’m extremely excited for this match-up because Krumdiak and Vidonic are two of the world’s best.”

Tacoma’s very own Meisha Tate, a former world champion, Female Fighter of the Year and CageSport veteran, will be in attendance. Tate, 12-3, is available for a meet and greet, photo ops and autographs throughout the evening for all ticket holders.

THOMAS “CORNFLAKE” LAMANNA & PROTÉGÉ MOSES MOLINA TO SEE ACTION ON JULY 27TH AT RESORTS IN ATLANTIC CITY‏

On Friday night July 27^th at Resorts in Atlantic City, undefeated Jr. Middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will return to the ring in a six round bout.

Also scheduled to appear on the ESPN-2 Televised card will be undefeated Lightweight Moses Molina.

In the main event, top Lightweight contender “Hammerin” Hank Lundy will take on Reymundo Beltran.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 8-0 with five knockouts and is coming off a six round unanimous decision over late replacement Shawn Rawley Wilson on April 27^th at Resorts.

Molina of Bridgeton, New Jersey is 1-0 with one knockout as he stopped Desi Williams in ninety-three seconds in his pro debut on January 28^th in the same Resorts ring.

What’s Ironic about the situation is the LaManna is the licensed manager of Molina.

“I am looking forward to this big night as it is exciting to be competing both inside and outside the ring on the same card”, said LaManna.

“I am totally focused on what I need to do to get my ninth victory inside the ring but also it will be a double satisfying that Moses can get a great victory and we can accomplish this on the same card in front of a large audience”

“With a win, I am looking to get back in September and fight for the IBF World Youth championship and I am happy with my progress and I would like to thank Jimmy Burchfield for providing me this unique opportunity.”

“I would like to also thank my promoter Vincent M. Ponte and Gulfstream Promotions for his continued support in my career”

The show is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing.

Gracie Worlds Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15, 2012

The Gracie Worlds will continue to set the standard for Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling tournaments when they make their San Jose debut in conjunction with California's premier fitness event,TheFitExpo™, Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15, 2012 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 West San Carlos, San Jose in Halls 1 & 2.

"We're honored to once again be working with Rose Gracie from the legendary Gracie family on hosting The Gracie Worlds," said TheFitExpoExecutive Director, Erin Ferries. "We're thrilled to have such an important event at our debut San Jose Expo. We love the synergy they create for competitors and attendees alike."

Rose Gracie made significant changes to the rules of both adult and child competitions at the Gracie US Nationals in January 2012 as her desire is to bring back the original Jiu-Jitsu that her grandfather, Grandmaster Helio Gracie, envisioned from the beginning. "These changes were much needed in the sport and they were received with praise by the Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling community worldwide," said Gracie. "I cant wait until San Jose, and I am excited that we will have some of my family members including my brother Ryron and my cousin Kron competing this year. "

"My events are setting the new standard of what competitions should be like," Rose Gracie continued. "I am persistent enough to know that I will change Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling forever. I feel like I owe it to these folks that get on the mat every day to celebrate such an amazing art."

Gracie will once again work with the TheFitExpo to create the ideal environment and venue for a top-notch competition. TheFitExpo is bringing industry leaders together for a weekend of Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, fitness challenges and much more.

Video: Mike Tyson tribute preview from Roots of Fight

Gary Shaw Responds To Tarver's Positive Drug Test‏

Promoter Gary Shaw is concerned about the damage done in the sport of boxing after the news Friday that Antonio Tarver tested positive for a banned substance in a pre-fight drug test conducted by the California State Athletic Commission before his fight with Lateef Kayode.

"It's very worrisome where our sport is heading these days with the recent array of fighters testing positive for banned substances," Shaw said. "With all these fights being canceled its killing the sport and I hope the networks are not going to lose interest. As promoters, we do our best to make sure everyone is abiding by the rules. I'm happy that the commissions are stepping up their stance on catching fighters cheating because the safety of the fighter should always come first.

"It's unfortunate that in Lateef Kayode's first major opportunity, he had to fight on what appears to be an unlevel playing field. I have a lot of respect for Antonio Tarver and would be very disappointed to find out that he knowingly took performance enhancing drugs. It is my hope that Tarver requests that the B sample will be tested and will show that Tarver was clean. However if the sample comes back dirty, then the commission should take appropriate action. It was a very close fight as it was ruled a split draw, but now that we have been informed by the California State Athletic Commission about the alleged drug use, I'll have to talk to Lateef and his management team to see what we'll do to resolve this matter.

"In addition, the horrible scoring by the judges, the excessive use of PED's, and the inability of promoters working together, is only going to kill this sport,'' Shaw continued. "Something needs to be done and major changes need to be made, and the time is now. The boxing business is getting worse by the day and we are losing fans by the minute. Boxing has been around longer than any other sport and we must keep the integrity of the game pure. I implore the commissions around the United States to take severe action against any fighter who doesn't abide by the commissions' standards. We need a strict drug testing policy to rid the sport of those that don't want to play by the rules, and we need more competent judges."

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Brett Rogers wins debut, Bellator 71,Brett Rogers 'not perfect' but ready to 'change and make it right' in Bellato

In the first fight of the evening, heavy-handed heavyweight Brett “Da Grim” Rogers made his Bellator debut against former friend and training partner Kevin Asplund, who came in to the fight riding a 19-fight winning streak. After a dominant first round that included a beautiful throw and devastating uppercut that opened a cut on Asplund (19-2), the much larger Rogers (12-4) opted to use his size and weight advantage in the second to control Asplund on the ground. After two rounds of punishment, referee Robert Riley deemed Kevin Asplund unfit to start the third round, awarding the TKO victory to Brett Rogers

“It was definitely a tough fight,” said Rogers. “We trained together in the past, so I knew it was going to be a hard fight.”

Rogers was also optimistic about his future in Bellator going forward.

“I just want to continue getting better here in Bellator. I just want to get in here and knock these guys out.”

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