Sunday, July 15, 2012

In search of a winner; Kozlin, Rodriguez clash again‏; Kozlin, Rodriguez lace ‘em up again in hopes of settling the score from previous fight

Keith Kozlin says there’s no way he didn’t beat Reynaldo Rodriguez the first time they fought last summer. His opponent disagrees.

The only logical solution is to fight again, which these two super middleweights will do Thursday, July 19^th, 2012 when they face off in a six-round intrastate showdown on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Built To Last” professional boxing event at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

Their first fight in July of 2011 – a four-rounder – ended in a draw with both fighters trading knockdowns in the final round. Two of the judges scored it even at 38-38 while the other judge favored Kozlin by a score of 40-36. Now they’ll square off again, this time in a six-rounder, which could be the deciding factor.

“With two extra rounds the first time around, I would’ve at least won or knocked him out. I need those rounds,” said Rodriguez (6-4-1, 3 KOs), a Woonsocket, R.I., native. “I’m definitely in way better shape this time. I’m going to win. With the way I’m training, I don’t think it’ll even go six rounds.”

“[Six rounds] favors me in the long run,” countered Kozlin. “I wouldn’t say I’m a slow starter, but I pick up the pace as I go along. I have a work rate and love to stay busy. I throw a lot of punches. Whatever he brings, I’ll be ready for.”

Both fighters could use a win. After knocking out local favorite Richard “Bobo” Starnino in October, Rodriguez stepped outside of New England and lost back-to-back fights in Washington and California, while Kozlin (6-3-1, 4 KOs), a West Warwick native, hasn’t won since July of 2010 and is 0-2-1 in his last three fights, which includes a loss to Woonsocket’s Joe Gardner in November of 2010, a loss he had hoped to avenge on next week’s card.

“That’s the fight I wanted,” Kozlin said, “but I’ve kind of come to terms with the fact it won’t happen. He’s scared. I know that now. I just need a win. It would do a lot for me. Nobody wants to keep seeing me fight if I lose or get draws. They want to see wins, and they want to see knockouts.”

Kozlin’s confident he’ll come out on top based primarily on his workload over the past 11 weeks, which he admits was a problem prior to his first fight against Rodriguez.

“I saw he had gotten knocked out [against Greg McCoy] before he fought me, so I thought, ‘I can do that! I don’t have to train hard,’” Kozlin said. “I didn’t think it’d be a hard fight.

“I learned my lesson. I learned not to take anyone lightly. I wasn’t anywhere near my peak conditioning for that fight, but I am now and it’ll show.”

Yet regardless of his lack of training, Kozlin still thinks he won the first fight, especially since one of the three judges had him winning all four rounds despite the knockdown.

“He definitely did not win that fight. No way,” Kozlin said. “I got robbed real bad. The one upside he had was a flash knockdown, and then I knocked him down. I outworked him. He was running a lot, so I cut the ring off. I was the aggressor. All in all, it was a good fight, but I overlooked him. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“I thought I slipped, but they called it a knockdown,” Rodriguez said. “It was a good fight, and he’s a good fighter. I have nothing bad to say about him. Hopefully, this fight will be better and I’ll win this time, but, yeah, I think I won the first one. I put more pressure on him in the last 10 to 20 seconds of each round. I basically out-boxed him. I thought I won, but they called it a draw.”

Like Kozlin, Rodriguez is hoping a victory can launch the next stage of his career. The only catch is someone must win, otherwise we could be talking trilogy in the near future.

“This can open a lot of doors. That’s the way I look at it,” he said. “We’ll see on the 19^th.”

♔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.

Reigning WBC USNBC middleweight champion Elvin Ayala will face John Mackey in the 10-round main event next Saturday at Mohegan Sun

‶The Lycan″ returns July 21st. Reigning WBC USNBC middleweight champion Elvin Ayala will face John Mackey in the 10-round main event next Saturday at Mohegan Sun.

Lettin’ it all out!; Vincent breaking out of her shell‏; With three fights under her belt, Vincent looking to take her career to the next level

Believe it or not, the Shelito Vincent who won each of her first three professional fights in dominant fashion was actually a toned-down version of the one we might see Saturday night.

“I’m starting to feel more comfortable in the ring,” said Vincent (3-0), who will put her undefeated record on the line Saturday, July 21st, 2012 against Ivana Coleman of Slidell, La., in a four-round bantamweight bout on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s “The Fire Within” professional boxing show, presented by Classic Entertainment & Sports at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

“Everything is starting to come together. Expect to see a lot of great things coming.”

For Vincent – raised in New London, Conn., and now training in Providence, R.I. – one of the biggest hurdles was adjusting to her new life as a professional boxer, which began in October with a win over Karen Dulin.

Now she’s in search of her fourth consecutive victory under the promotional guidance of Burchfield, who is no stranger to the intricacies of women’s boxing; he helped guide Jaime Clampitt to two world titles during her 10-year career.

“[Signing a long-term contract] is something all of us girls want,” Vincent said. “I’ve always wanted Jimmy to support me. This is the team I’m going to be with for my whole career.”

Burchfield and the rest of the viewing audience next Saturday might witness Vincent’s best performance to date. Her comfort level has increased dramatically within the past nine months, and she’s finally broken out of her shell both in and outside of the ring, which could be bad news for Coleman.

“My last fight was my best fight,” said Vincent, who beat Carmen Cruz unanimously in March to improve to 3-0. “I just felt as though I was in a certain rhythm and everything came together. My combinations were good, I was coming up underneath – all the training and work I put into that fight brought out the best in me.

“Boxing is like anything else; the more you do it, the more comfortable you get. It was like that in the amateurs, too, and now I’m starting to get that same feeling as a pro.”

Coleman has never boxed professionally, but she has a 1-2 record in professional mixed martial arts, so Vincent is expecting the unexpected next weekend, something she’s prepared for in camp by sparring other mixed martial arts fighters.

“The thing I’ve noticed about them is everything they do is wide, whether it’s the way they punch, or their footwork – everything is wide, more so than boxers,” Vincent said. “I’ll try to use my jab and work off that, and just move around more.

“She has a good right hand and hits hard. A lot of times when I spar other MMA girls their feet are all over the place. They’re actually harder to spar with than someone who has boxing skills. They’re more awkward. That’s what I’m expecting.”

Vincent is also expecting tremendous fan support, which has become a theme at each of her professional fights. With a captivating background stemming from her rough childhood, she’s become an ally for troubled youth both in Connecticut and Rhode Island. After this fight, she’ll continue her tour of Connecticut schools, relaying her story to children to help make sure they don’t go through the same thing she went through growing up. She’s also participating in the World Boxing Council’s WBC Cares anti-bullying campaign.

“I love doing this in my spare time. I think it’s my calling,” she said. “I just love working with kids. I think it would’ve been such a big difference in my life I had someone to talk to growing up.”

Part of Vincent’s message is the need for discipline and structure, which she developed later in life through boxing. She turned the corner for good in 2008 and won a national Golden Gloves title before making her pro debut at the age of 32.

“The boxing kept me on track. It made me not afraid. It made me feel strong,” Vincent said. “It brings a lot of stuff out of me. Hitting the bag is like running. If you’re having a bad day, go to the gym, hit the bag and let it all out.

“It’s definitely been the most positive thing for me in my life. Like I always tell people, boxing saved my life.”

Vincent’s new life inside the ring is off to a tremendous start, and with Burchfield in her corner, the sky’s the limit. The female bantamweight division is wide open, and Vincent’s rise to the top could continue Saturday with another impressive performance.

“The ultimate goal is to get some belts and bring them back to CES and New London,” she said. “I want to make everyone in my city proud. To be the best, who doesn’t want that? That’ll be the best feeling in my life. I think I’ll get it – I know I will. I’ll make sure no one else works harder than I do.”

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Preview of Amir Khan vs Danny Garcia: Tonight at 11PM on HBO

AMIR KHAN VS. DANNY GARCIA live on HBO World Championship Boxing

Khan vs. Garcia, a 12-round unification fight for Khan's WBA Super Lightweight Super World Championship, Garcia's WBC Super Lightweight World Championship and the vacant Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Doors open on fight night at 3:00 p.m. PT and the first bell rings at 3:30 p.m. Khan vs. Garcia will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT in the United States and live on Sky Sports 1HD in the United Kingdom at 2:00 a.m. BST Sunday, July 15.

David Haye vs. Dereck Chisora Saturday July 14 2012 @ Upton Park, West Ham, London, UK TV: EPIXHD.com Time: 6pm ET

Mike Tyson in Mexico, By Gabriel F. Cordero

Mike Tyson in Mexico

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson has arrived Mexico City as a guest of the Mexico Tourism Board and the WBC. Iron Mike will attend a gala dinner and be an honorary tourism ambassador as part of a campaign to promote tourism to Mexico. His Broadway debut in MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH, directed by Academy Award nominee Spike Lee, starts July 31 at the Longacre Theatre.

CageSport XX: Loaded from end to end‏

When Brian Halquist put together “CageSport XX,” he followed the same plan that’s helped him earn the notation as one of the west coast’s top promoters; putting the fans first.

Halquist, along with his reliable staff, worked tirelessly on an exciting fight card slated for Saturday evening at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA.

A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased by going to ticketmaster.com or at the Emerald Queen box office.

Headlining the ten-bout event is a three round lightweight battle between Spokane, WA’s Sterling Ford, 15-4, and interstate rival James Marohl, 6-1, of Longview. Both fighters are on the cusp of landing a big fight and have been on a hot streak during the last few years, winning 11 of their last 12 fights combined.

Female standouts “Slick” Sally Krumdiak of Bellingham, WA and “Little” Patricia Vidonic will go toe to toe in the highly anticipated three round co-feature. Krumdiak and Medford, OR’s Vidonic fought most of the top fighters in and around the strawweight division. Both are regarded as upper echelon fighters and believe a victory will earn them a title shot.

Much like the main bouts, the supporting contests features talented combatants looking to move up the ladder. Unbeaten rising stars Cory Vombaur, Justin Harrington Gustavo Lopez and Shaine Jamie will all look to make waves in separate bouts. Additional matches include Jerome Jones, 4-3, against Byron Sutton, 5-3, along with a battle of unbeaten middleweights when Brent Knopp challenges Darrio Mobley.

“We’re putting our best foot forward with this card,” said Halquist. “The CageSport staff did a great job of making this exciting event a reality and I consider it extremely important for every fight to be one that the fans want to see. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, I’d definitely come out for fight night because you’re in for a real treat of incredible MMA fights!”

Former world champion, Female Fighter of the Year and CageSport veteran Miesha Tate is going to be at the fights as the evening’s special guest. A Tacoma native, Tate will be available for a meet and greet, photo ops and autographs throughout the evening for all ticketholders.

Former CageSport standout and Female Fighter of the Year Miesha “Takedown” Tate will appear at “CageSport XX” as a special cageside guest Saturday, July 14 at the Emerald Queen Casino in her hometown of Tacoma, WA.

A universally recognized top ten pound-for-pound fighter, Tate won both of her bouts under the CageSport banner by knockout and is amongst the most famous female martial artists in the world. In her most recent match Tate, 12-3, battled Rhonda Rousey in the main event of a Showtime card. Although she came up short against the unbeaten submission master, Tate earned worldwide recognition as the bout was one of the most viewed in Strikeforce history.

“Miesha is one of the most popular athletes in the area and an inspiration to many male and female MMA fighters,” said Brian Halquist, CEO of Halquist Productions and the creator of CageSport MMA. “I’m glad to have her back and she’s somebody I consider a dear friend.”

Tate will be available to all ticketholders for a meet and greet, photo ops and autographs throughout the evening.

The card is topped by a bout between Sterling Ford and James Marohl as well as a matchup between female superstars “Slick” Sally Krumdiak and “Little” Patricia Vidonic.

STRIKEFORCE®: ROCKHOLD vs. KENNEDY, World Championship Doubleheader tomorrow/Saturday, July 14, live on SHOWTIME®

All the fighters who will compete on a STRIKEFORCE^® World Championship Doubleheader tomorrow/Saturday, July 14, live onSHOWTIME^® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore., made weight Friday.

Luke Rockhold, who will defend his STRIKEFORCE middleweight title against Tim Kennedy in the main event, and Lorenz Larkin, who meets Robbie Lawler in a featured non-title televised fight, required two attempts at the scale. The live undercard fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME® begin at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The matchups and weights: Jorge Masvidal (156 pounds) vs. Justin Wilcox (155 1/2 pounds), Pat Healy (156 pounds) vs. Mizuto Hirota (156 pounds), Ryan Couture (155 1/2 pounds) vs. Joe Duarte (155 1/2 pounds), Jordan Mein (170 pounds) vs. Tyler Stinson (170 1/2 pounds) and Jason High (171 pounds) vs. Nate Moore (171 pounds).

Luke Rockhold will defend his STRIKEFORCE® middleweight title against Tim Kennedy in the main event of a World Championship Doubleheader this Saturday, July 14, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Rose Garden.
In the co-feature scheduled for five rounds, Tyron Woodley and Nate Marquardt will clash for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Welterweight crown. Other matches on the SHOWTIME telecast: Lorenz Larkin vs. Robbie Lawler (middleweights) and Roger Gracie vs. Keith Jardine (middleweights).
The live undercard fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME® begin at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The fights: Jorge Masvidal vs. Justin Wilcox (lightweights), Pat Healy vs. Mizuto Hirota (lightweights), Ryan Couture vs. Joe Duarte (lightweights), Jordan Mein vs. Tyler Stinson (welterweights) and Jason High vs. Nate Moore (welterweights).

What STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker and the world championship competitors said Thursday:

SCOTT COKER

“When I look at this fight card from top to bottom this is an amazing card. Like I’ve said, look at the fights that are on SHOWTIME EXTREME; those fights could really be on the championship part of the card. So from top to bottom STRIKEFORCE is going to deliver another world class match up.’’

(Regarding the vacant welterweight title) “Nate Marquardt is an amazing fighter. If you’ve never seen him fight, he is a dangerous fighter. T-Wood (Woodley) is somebody who came up through the STRIKEFORCE organization on SHOWTIME. This is going to be his toughest test to date.”

LUKE ROCKHOLD

(On being a fighter in STRIKEFORCE and the fan’s reaction) “I’m fighting to legitimize myself and keep bettering myself and to prove to everyone that I am one of the best in the world. They need to realize how good we (STRIKEFORCE fighters) are and if they haven’t seen that then they don’t know what they are missing. STRIKEFORCE guys are going over to the UFC and they are killing guys over there.’’

TIM KENNEDY

“We both want to demonstrate that we are the best fighter in our division. We are going to step in there and go 25 minutes to prove that. What we say before we step in there is irrelevant.

“I think the best way for me to represent the military community is for me to win this fight.”

TYRON WOODLEY

“I think Nate has been around the block for a while. I think he brings a lot to the table. I think he is a well-rounded fighter. I think in this weight class he brings the most name recognition and more skills than the other guys. Most of the guys in the division I’ve already beat or I’ve beat someone who has beat them. I have no issue with him coming over and getting the title shot. ’’

NATE MARQUARDT

(About Tyron’s style) “As a fighter I respect his skills. He is a great wrestler and that’s what he does and that’s what he should be using in his fights. The thing is, we’re there to fight. So when you’re a wrestler your job is to fight. And if you are going to use wrestling that’s great and can be super exciting for the fans. If you can get that guy down and ground and pound that’s great, but if you are going take that guy down and hold him and wait for the decision, that’s a different thing.”

(Regarding what kind of a fight he is expecting on Saturday) “I am expecting to knock him out. This layoff has rejuvenated me and I’m ready to go. ’’

♔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.

QUOTES FROM TODAY'S AMIR KHAN VS. DANNY GARCIA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

QUOTES FROM AMIR KHAN VS. DANNY GARCIA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
AMIR KHAN, WBA Super Lightweight Super World Champion

"Training camp has been brilliant. It was a long camp, but we paced it well. We were very professional and smart with the way we did things. It was a 15-week camp and I enjoyed every second of it.

"I did make a lot of mistakes in my last fight [against Lamont Peterson], but it was a wakeup call. I learned a lot from that fight.

"We will win the title. We will take the WBC belt home to the U.K. It is a title I have always wanted.

"I have fans all over who have traveled to Las Vegas for this fight. A lot of them came over for my fight against Peterson too and it means a lot to me. The U.K. press shows me so much support as well and I am grateful.

"I will knock Danny Garcia out. I will take the world titles home. I know Danny didn't train as hard as me. I promise I will knock him out. That is the only way.

"[To Angel Garcia] I cannot wait until after the fight when we stand here and I have knocked your son out. He is going to see what a Pakistani British fighter can do. I cannot wait to get in there."

DANNY GARCIA, WBC Super Lightweight World Champion

"We had a great camp and great sparring partners. I am just ready to showcase my skills on July 14.

"My dad talked sh*t 23 times, and I backed it up 23 times. I am 23 and 0. Come Saturday, he will have talked sh* 24 times and I am going to back it up for the twenty-fourth time.

"It means the most when your team always supports you."

FREDDIE ROACH, Khan's Trainer

"We have had a great training camp. We are ready for this fight. We had to switch gears in opponents a little bit, but there were no major setbacks. Amir is in the best shape of his life.

"[To Garcia] Danny, I wish you luck, but I am not so sure about your dad!"

ASIF VALI, Khan Promotions

"Amir has worked hard, the team has been fantastic. He is ready to go. I have never ever seen Amir in this kind of shape.

"Whatever happened with Peterson is behind us. Now we have an opportunity to unify those belts.

"Amir Khan won a medal in the 2004 Olympics and in order to do something like that you have to go out and earn it. You have to make sacrifices, which is what Amir has done his whole career.

"We are very proud to say that the U.S.A. Boxing Team will be training in our gym in Bolton. As soon as Amir gets back from this fight he will be hosting them. Boxing in the Olympics is a big thing.

"It's going to be a fantastic fight. Tune in and watch because we are going to have the belts on the line and Amir is going to win.

"We wish the very best to team Garcia."

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny Garcia's Father/ Trainer

"This fight right here is going to be a spiritual fight. Spiritually, mentally and physically; it is going to come down to who is a greater spirit.

"Danny is on weight right now without struggling.

"Everybody on this team has been here from the beginning. We don't have changes. There's no place like home. When you move to another state you are doing yourself a disservice. If you are disciplined and you give your soul to this sport anything is possible.

"Khan is a superstar, but that's all he has. If he were American, nobody would care.

"This fight is going to show the world who is the boss. Danny is the boss.

"Khan has never faced a Latino like Danny. This is Latino blood. A nation. We are going to show the world who is the boss."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

"This matchup [between Amir Khan and Danny Garcia] is a matchup that we don't see every day. We have two young champions who are at their peak. This is what really drives me, when you have two young fighters who are willing to fight anybody, when you are willing to fight the best, which is what boxing is all about.

"The fact that this is a unification is great, but these two fighters that we have here are fighting because they want to be great. They want to leave a legacy.

"Personally I am very proud and thrilled that Amir Khan is willing and able to go up against Danny and that Danny Garcia is willing and able to go up against Amir Khan. It has been a while since we have seen two young, strong fighters [fight each other] at their peak and I want to say thank you to them.

"I believe this fight is going to bring out the very best of Danny Garcia and the same goes for Amir Khan."

RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment, MGM Resorts

"Mandalay Bay would like to welcome our partners at Golden Boy Promotions, HBO and the media and of course the fighters.

"Khan, who's known for his exceptional speed and skills showcased that talent perhaps his most accomplished victory - a knockout over Zab Judah nearly one year ago to date here at Mandalay Bay.

"Danny Garcia returns to Mandalay Bay for the first time in almost three years. With a win over Khan, he will extend his undefeated record to 24-0 in what will be an exciting bout Saturday night."

AMIR KHAN vs. DANNY GARCIA UNDERCARD FIGHTERS

FERNANDO GUERRERO, Rising Super Middleweight Star

"I think boxing is one of the hardest sports. Before we even get in the ring, I want to say to Amir, Danny and everyone else, good luck because I know how hard it is.

"It has been a long journey for me and I am loving it. I used to just work hard, but now I am learning how to work hard and love life.

"I want to prove to the world that there is no difference between me and the other talent on HBO and I am going to show it. I want everyone to be there to witness an electrifying card because I know it is going to be an electrifying show."

PHIL LO GRECO, Undefeated Welterweight Contender

"It is an honor and a thrill for me to be here.

"I am an Italian guy from Canada. Ever since I was a kid, it was my dream to fight in Las Vegas. It's a big responsibility to fight in Las Vegas.

"I fight for the Italian people, the Canadian people and now I am fighting for all of the hard core American boxing fans. I want to give them a good show and prove myself Saturday night."

J LEON LOVE, Undefeated Middleweight Prospect

"It is a pleasure to be on this card. We worked hard and this is going to be a great night of boxing."

JAMIE KAVANAUGH, Undefeated Lightweight Prospect

"This Saturday is going to be a great night of boxing.

"I have been sparring with Amir Khan and training with Freddie. I can't wait for Saturday night."

ABNER COTTO, Undefeated Lightweight Prospect

"I want you to know that I am a strong prospect. It is a pleasure to be on this card and pretty soon Puerto Rico will have another world champion."

♔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.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Anthony Mundine vs. Bronco McKart IBF North American Middleweight Championship Dmitry Sukhotsky vs Cornelius White IBF International Light Heavyweight

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE PPV Anthony Mundine vs. Bronco McKart IBF North American Middleweight Championship Dmitry Sukhotsky vs. Cornelius White IBF International Light Heavyweight Championship Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, NV ● Saturday, July 14, 2012 Live on WealthTV Pay Per View - 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT

Three-time world champion Anthony Mundine makes US debut Saturday night on WealthTV PPV Australian targeting Mayweather.

Three-time world champion Anthony "The Man" Mundine (43-4, 25 KOs) makes his United States debut Saturday night (July 14), headlining the "When Worlds Collide" pay-per-view event, live from Pearl Theater at Palms Resort Casino in Las Vegas.

Mundine takes on tough veteran Bronco "Superman" McKart (54-9-1, 32 KOs), a two-time world champion, in the 10-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American Middleweight Championship.

The WealthTV PPV co-feature matches a pair of world-rated light heavyweights, Russian invader Dmitry Surkhotsky (18-1, 13 KOs) and Cornelius "Da Beast" White (19-1, 16 KOs), in a entertaining 12-round bout for the vacant IBF International title.

The "When Worlds Collide" PPV, presented by Millennium Events, Inc. in association with WealthTV, for live viewing at 9:00 PM/ET - 6:00 PM/PT on both cable andsatellite pay-per-view via Comcast, Time Warner Cable, AT&T U-Verse, Cox Communications, Verizon FiOS TV, Charter Communications, DirecTV, and many other carriers for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The Mundine vs. McKart fight started from a simple question asked earlier this year, in-house by WealthTV's boxing staff, regarding a viable opponent who could defeat Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

"After much debate with boxing experts and insiders," explained Charles Herring, president of WealthTV, "Mundine's name kept coming up. In late March, we aggressively pursued the WBA purse bid for the Mundine vs. Trout fight. Our representative went to Panama City with a substantial check in hand but the bid never went through. Our second attempt, however, was successful and we're pleased to be the network that is bringing this three-time world champion to the boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas, for his United States boxing debut.

"Mundine has to get past a highly-skilled boxer and proven veteran, Bronco McKart, before he starts thinking about a fight with Mayweather. McKart's in the best shape of his life and ready to take on Mundine. McKart's skills and legendary work ethic are quite impressive and we believe this has all the makings to be a Fight of the Year candidate. It's going to be war in the ring Saturday night as both fighters try to make strong statements."

Demonstrating its commitment to becoming a powerhouse in world-class, live professional boxing, the Mundine vs. McKart card represents WealthTV's fifth major live boxing event in the last nine months and its first pay-per-view event in the U.S.

"We're committed to providing top quality championship boxing to our viewers," WealthTV CEO Robert Herring commented. "We'll air exciting cards live on the network for free, yet when the purses get too large, we'll feature pay-per-view events. Our staff is quickly gaining boxing expertise and is focused on showcasing a major boxing event about once a month."

Mundine vs. McKart on WealthTV PPV

Fighting out of his native Australia, Mundine first captured the World Boxing Association 168-pound title in 2003, taking a unanimous 12-round decision fromAntwun Echols. The dangerous Australian recaptured the WBA super middleweight title in 2007, stopping in-country rival Sam Soliman in the ninth round. In his last fight on October 19, 2011, Mundine became the Interim WBA light middleweight champion by way of a 12-round unanimous decision over Rigoberto Alvarez.

Mundine's impressive resume includes victories against other even more notable opponents such as bitter arch-rival Danny Green, a former WBA light heavyweight champion, and current IBF middleweight world title-holder Daniel Geale. Three of Mundine's four career losses have been to world champions Mikkel Kessler, Manny Siaca and Sven Ottke.

McKart, fighting out of Munroe, Illinois, won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight crown in 1996, registering a ninth-round technical knockout of Santos Cardona. McKart added the International Boxing Association (IBA) title belt to his collection in 1997. The battle-tested McKart has defeated world champions Raul Marquez and Aaron Davis, as well as world title challengers Enrique Ornelas andAlex Bunema during the course of his 20-year professional career.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

FLOYD MAYWEATHER CONTINUES TO MAKE HEADLINES AS WINNER OF 2012 ESPY FOR BEST FIGHTER, HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE & PIONEER FOR DRUG TESTING IN BOXING‏

Boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather's acclaim continues to soar in unprecedented fashion. Last night, he was crowned the 2012 EPSY winner for the Best Fighter category, making him a four-time champion of the coveted honor. The award, voted on by fans throughout the country, recognizes the fighter for his ring prowess and accomplishments, including his defeat of Miguel Cotto for the Super Welterweight World Championship on May 5 of this year.

The accolade is yet another indication of Mayweather's remarkably successful career as the seven-time world champion also reigns atop Forbes' highest paid athlete list, knocking Tiger Woods out of the top slot for the first time since 2001.

"The accolades Floyd receives for his hard work and dedication in the ring speak for themselves," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "He holds all of the pay-per-view records and is the highest paid athlete in sports today. Now he has another ESPY award to add to his long list of honors and recognitions. These are just more notches in his future Hall of Fame career."

With Mayweather at the helm of the 100 highest paid athletes, Forbes has assessed that "boxing is not dead" and states that "Mayweather has generated 9.6 million buys and $543 million in television revenue during his nine HBO PPV events." [Read the full article "Boxing Is Not Dead Yet"

In addition to accomplishing financial supremacy, Mayweather also dominated the world's top search engine Google as his name ruled sports searches during the month of May when Mayweather fought Cotto. The super fight accounted for three of the United States' top 10 trending sports-related queries on Google. Each of these queries trended higher than searches for any NBA player or team during the NBA playoffs.

Perhaps Mayweather's most crowning achievement is his role in instituting Olympic-style drug testing in boxing. He was the first fighter to require blood testing administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in order to face him in the ring. Mayweather is now seen as a trailblazer in the campaign to make the ring an even playing field. In the last few months alone, more than five boxers have tested positive for steroids who may not have been caught had it not been for the fighter's foresight and desire to clean up the sport, .

Above all else, Mayweather is grateful for his fans and supporters, without whom he would not have had the opportunity to reign supreme as the highest paid athlete list, win an ESPY or even pioneer drug testing in boxing. Mayweather sent a message to his fans via his Twitter account (@FloydMayweather) last night saying, "Thank you to all the fans who voted and helped me win at tonight's #ESPYs. Your continued support is appreciated."

Ellerbe continued. "Floyd has always recognized and thanked his fans for their support throughout his career. He knows that an athlete has to do his or her job to prepare their best and dedicate their lives to be great. But without the backing and enthusiasm of the fans, the victories would be bitter sweet. Floyd should be commended for his undeniable ability to draw attention to the sport of boxing, as well as his own career, as he has delivered amazing results each time he steps into the ring."

♔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.

Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann event at Memorial Hall in Kansas City on Saturday, July 28.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Beatdown in C-Town Saturday, July 28 at 7:00pm at Columbus Civic Center

Melissa Hernandez 16(6)-3(1)-3 SC Nicole Woods
IBS World Title Fight
bout subject to change & commission approval

Tevin Farmer 4(1)-3(1)-1 SC TBA 8
bout subject to change & commission approval

Tim Witherspoon Jr 6(2)-2-1 SC TBA 8
bout subject to change & commission approval

Roger Streeter debut SC TBA 4
bout subject to change & commission approval

Pro Boxing and Amateur MMA
Philly fighters invade the South
Pro Boxing Debut of Columbus' own Roger Streeter
Amateur MMA featuring Columbus Gym's, Atlanta Gym's and Soldier's from Ft.Benning

Based in Columbus, Georgia, Syndicate Promotions LLC was established in 2012,the firm operates under a simple philosophy - bring boxing and MMA to the tri-city Columbus area for the fight fans, match them up in competitive bouts, and in doing so help establish the sports of boxing and MMA for the next generation.

Top-ranked Lundy returns to ESPN‏

Hard work pays off

Top-ranked Lundy remains in hunt for title as he prepares for latest ESPN showcase

Though he’s closer to the top than he’s ever been in his professional career, “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy’s journey is far from over.

Ranked No. 1 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) among lightweights, the Philadelphia native is on the doorstep of fighting for a major world title in 2012, but Lundy (22-1-1, 11 KOs) must first take care of business in front of a national television audience – again – on Friday, July 27^th, 2012 at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

The reigning North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion will defend his title for the third time against Mexican veteran Raymundo Beltran (25-6, 17 KOs) of Phoenix, Ariz., in the main event of “Title Wave,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, which will air live beginning at 10 p.m. (EST) on ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes.

“Even after I win a world title, my job still won’t be done,” Lundy said. “My work in the boxing game will never be done.”

The 10-round showdown between Lundy and Beltran will be one of two nationally-televised bouts; the other is a 10-round co-feature between hard-hitting super middleweights Richard Pierson (11-2, 8 KOs) of nearby Paterson, N.J., and rising star Farah Ennis (19-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia, who has scored knockouts in six of his last seven wins dating back to February of 2010.

Expect sparks to fly July 27^th as the four fighters featured in televised bouts enter the night with 48 combined knockouts, a belated Independence Day treat for ESPN2’s worldwide audience, which has watched Lundy grow from a budding prospect to a championship contender within the past two years.

“I’ve got a lot of love for ESPN,” said Lundy, who’s appeared on the network six times since 2010 and seven times overall in his professional career. “After this fight they should rename it the ‘Hammerin’’ Hank network!”

With a win over Beltran, Lundy could have every network executive knocking on his door. The NABF titlist is still eyeing a shot at WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco, but since DeMarco is already scheduled to defend his belt in September against John Molina – the only fighter to beat Lundy – Lundy is instead putting his No. 1 ranking on the line against Beltran, sending a stern message to the champions who’ve yet to answer the bell.

“Once again, I’m going to show everybody that I don’t run or duck from anybody,” Lundy said. “The guy I’m fighting is solid. He’s coming to fight and he’s coming to win. He’s got a family to feed just like I have a family to feed.

“The difference between me and these other guys is a lot of other guys say it, but I’m a true throwback because I’ll fight anybody. I’m No. 1 right now, but you could sit on that lead and fall asleep, and then when you get your shot at a world title, you might not be ready. I want to stay busy and keep working.”

Beltran will certainly test Lundy’s endurance – and chin. The 30-year-old Sinaloa, Mexico native has stopped his opponent in each of his last nine wins, a streak that began in 2005 with a first-round knockout against Jaime Orrantia.

Even in defeat, Beltran is a handful; in his last two losses – both against previously-unbeaten opponents – Beltran went all 10 rounds, coming within two points on two of the three scorecards in a loss to Sharife Bogere in May of 2011 and in January losing by no more than four points on any of the scorecards in a unanimous-decision loss to undefeated Luis Ramos Jr.

This could be Beltran’s big break; having toiled in relative anonymity for years, he’s more known in some circles for being one of Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partners than he is for his own success inside the ring.

“I want to make a name myself,” Beltran said. “If I win, everything will change.”

The same goes for Lundy, who once again finds himself mixing it up with a dangerous puncher looking for his own signature win, similar to what he faced in March when he stepped to the plate against Dannie Williams, at the time a relatively unknown fighter who sent Lundy to the canvas in the opening round before the champion dominated the remainder of the bout en route to a unanimous-decision win.

“I saw his fight against Bogere,” Lundy said of Beltran. “He comes forward – nonstop pressure, but he’s a little slow. A guy like that, I can definitely handle, but I know he’s going to give it all he’s got. I’m ready for the challenge.”

While he prepares for Beltran, Lundy continues to keep his eye on the rest of the competition in the lightweight division, and the irony of DeMarco facing Molina in September certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed in Lundy’s camp. Lundy faced Molina in July of 2009 and led decisively on all three scorecards before Molina stopped him in the 11^th round, capturing Lundy’s North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title.

“They feel as though since John beat me they’ll fight him to get ready for ‘Hammerin’’ Hank,” Lundy said, “but like I tell everybody, John was taking a beating in that fight. That’s why he’s scared to fight me. John is old news. They know he’s done.

“Everybody talks about Molina in a rematch with me. I’d love to avenge that loss, but, at the end of the day, he wouldn’t get back in the ring with me.”

Molina wouldn’t have a choice if he were to pull off the upset against DeMarco in September and Lundy were still the No. 1 contender for the WBC title, which would more than likely set up a rematch for the world title, but, as Lundy said, “[DeMarco] knows John is shot, so that ain’t going to happen.”

Instead, Lundy is focusing on the task at hand, which is defending his title against another hungry opponent looking to bump him off the path to greatness.

“I know what I’m fighting for,” Lundy said. “I’ve got this fire burning inside me. I’m going to be great. I’m destined to be great. No one is going to put that fire out.”

“I’m ready to win this fight,” Beltran added. “The key is not to fight his fight and do my own thing – make him follow my lead. To me, he’s a future world champion, and once I beat him I know I’ll one day be a world champion, too.”

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