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Sunday, January 6, 2013

No Holds Barred: The Death of Strikeforce and the Rise of Bellator

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the death of Strikeforce and the rise of Bellator MMA.

We trace some of the history of Strikeforce, and how its first show in March 2006, featuring Frank Shamrock vs. Cesar Gracie, was directly related to the rebirth of this show. No Holds Barred. After slowly growing, culminating in the inception of the Heavyweight Grand Prix in 2011, Strikeforce was sold in March 2011 to Zuffa. After that, it was only a matter of time until it was closed down, which will happen following the final Strikeforce card on January 12, 2013. We thus discuss the some of the main lessons of the rise and fall of Strikeforce.

Bellator began running shows in April 2009, which were only televised live in the U.S. in Spanish on ESPN Deportes. After a year there and one on Fox Sports Net, where it was preempted numerous times amidst a different schedule in many markets, Bellator began to get more stability with a deal for weekly live shows on TV giant Viacom's MTV2 beginning in March 2011. Then, on October 26, 2011, Viacom itself announced the purchase of a majority stake in Bellator. Beginning on January 17, 2013, Bellator's live weekly shows will be shown in the U.S. on Spike TV, a cable powerhouse and former home of the UFC.

We thus also discuss the growth of Bellator, their tournament format for crowning champions and number-one contenders, their rebranding efforts as Bellator MMA, and their prospects now that they will be live on Spike TV. We also play an excerpt from a Bellator and Spike TV media conference call of December 11, 2012, with Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney and Spike TV President Kevin Kay about Bellator MMA's first season on Spike TV.

♔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.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

JOE GREENE AND ANTOINE DOUGLAS RETURN JANUARY 10TH AT CORDON BLEU IN WOODHAVEN, NY

Welterweight contender Joe Greene will Headline a big night of boxing on Thursday January 10^th at the Cordon Bleu in the Woodhaven section of Queens, New York.

Greene of the nearby Jamaica section of Queens will take on Calvin Odom in the eight round main event promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

In the four round co-feature, former amateur standout Antoine Douglas will see action against

Greene (24-1, 16 KO’s) won his first twenty-two bouts which included wins over Edson Aguirre, Darryl Salmon (16-1), Francisco Mora (52-12) and Jose Miguel Torres (20-3) before dropping a close decision to former U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyan at famed Yankee Stadium.

Since his lone defeat, Greene has two victories which includes an eighth round stoppage over Nathan Bedwell on January 28^th, 2012.

Odom of Inglewood, California has a record of 15-12 with eleven knockouts has faced top competition and has quality wins over Juan Gil (2-0), Jose Luis Zertuche (5-0-1), Glenn Corbus (17-4-1), Roberto Garcia (13-0) and Luciano Perez (13-3-1). He is coming off a eight round defeat to Tony Harrison (8-0) on July 27^th.

Douglas of Washington, D.C. has a record of 2-0 with both wins coming via stoppage which includes he last outing when he stopped Carlos Lopez on November 10^th.

Douglas compiled an amateur record of 85-30 and was a National PAL Champion, 2009 Jr. Olympic Champion as well as a Ringside World champion and. placing third in the Olympic trials. He is managed by Bill Mielnicki and Kay Korona and with promoter Greg Cohen.

The Pro-Am show will also feature top amateurs Gary Beriguette and 10 year-old sensation Sharlone Nelson

Ticket Prices are $125 (VIP with Dinner) and $40 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Elite Heat Boxing Gym (130 Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Newark, NJ).♔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.

BRANDON GONZALES EAGERLY PREPARING TO DEFEND UNDEFEATED RECORD AGAINST DON MOUTON The Two Super Middleweights Will Open for Molina-Williams in an ESPN Friday Night Fight on Jan. 11

Undefeated Super Middleweight Brandon Gonzales, 28, is coming off a dominant victory by unanimous decision over Elie Augustama in which he battled through a substantial gash over his left eye that severely hindered his vision for the last few rounds of the fight.

"I learned about patience and sticking to the game plan and knowing that I can fight through adversity if necessary," Gonzales said of his bloody cut. "It showed I could carry out a fight regardless of the circumstances."

The Sacramento native, who is training with Virgil Hunter (also trainer of Andre Ward), is prepared to exhibit the same heart and determination against his upcoming challenger.

Mouton, 34, has momentum on his side as well, as the Houston native has won all of his fights since returning to the ring after a three-year hiatus, with all the wins coming in 2012. After stunning Jesse Luna with a TKO in his first fight since 2009, Mouton has won two bouts, including a knockout of Samuel Clarkson in his most recent fight.

As Mouton has garnered plenty of hype in his recent return to boxing - his opponents had a very respectable combined 40-7-1 record - Gonzales is prepared to face him at his best.

"[Don's] a tough fighter and he comes to fight. He's given a lot of guys trouble," Gonzales said. "I definitely know he's coming with the mindset this is his opportunity and he'll be fully prepared. This is my first fight in seven months and I'm eager to get back into it and showcase my skills on a platform like ESPN."

Promoter Dan Goossen says "This is the type of fight that can establish Brandon as a bonafide world rated super middleweight."

The bout is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with

M & H Promotions. The event will be televised on ESPN2 (9:00PM EST/6:00PM PST) and ESPN Deportes and held at the Pueblo Pavilion in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

♔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.

High Voltage Double Header Tops Off NBSN Fight Night Season Opener Jan 19‏

NBC Sports Network's Fight Night boxing series kicks off its second season on Saturday, January 19th, with a high-voltage double header. The nationally televised event will be shown live from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, beginning 9PM ET.

In the Internationally flavored main event, light heavyweights Gabriel Campillo, 21-4-1, 7 KOs, of Madrid, Spain, meets Sergey Kovalev, 18-0-1, 15 KOs, Chelyabinsk, Russia, in an compelling 10-rounder. The bout looks like a classic boxer-puncher match up, with Kovalev bringing the power while Campillo provides the finesse.

Campillo is a former WBA light heavyweight champion, who came within a whisker of winning the IBF crown against Tavoris Cloud last year. Cloud retained his title by controversial decision, but most believed slick southpaw Campillo deserved the victory. "The Handsome Man" will look to bounce back by schooling the hard-punching "Krusher", but this main event is a toss-up.

Kovalev has been on the rise, knocking out almost everyone put in his path. He hasn't been extended to the final bell in more than two years, and will certainly be looking to add another KO to his resume, especially one with a name as distinguished as Campillo's.

In the 10-round co-feature, Elvin Ayala, 26-5-1, 12 KOs, takes on Curtis Stevens, 22-3, 16 KOs, in a battle between two middleweights hungry for the spotlight. Their clash before a nationally televised audience should provide them with the perfect opportunity to shine.

Ayala, of New Haven, CT, is a well-travelled vet with six straight wins, three of them by KO. He stopped John Mackey at the Mohegan Sun in his last fight, and before that, pitched a near shutout on national TV against Eric Mitchell at Foxwoods, also in CT. Against Stevens, Ayala will again have the home-state advantage.

Curtis Stevens, of Brownsville, Brooklyn, is a rising star who's kayoed four of his last six opponents. His most recent foe, Romaro Johnson, didn't make it out of the first round. Another of his KO victims was then-undefeated Pitor Wilczewski, whom Stevens starched in three rounds.

Ayala and Stevens are both boxer-punchers with something to prove, and should provide each other with a serious test.

With these two excellent bouts on tap, and their likelihood to produce knockouts, boxing fans are certain to be the big winners on this busy night of televised boxing. With other cable boxing shows scheduled for later in the evening, these excellent Fight Night wars should be settled long before the other programs even begin.

Seven bouts are planned for the January 19 card to be held at Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard Uncasville, CT. Sergey Kovalev, 19-0-1, 17 KOs, takes on Gabriel Campillo, 21-4-1, 8 KOs, in an international 10-round light heavyweight main event. In the co-feature, Elvin Ayala, 26-5-1, 12 KO's, battles Curtis Stevens, 22-3, 16 KO's, in a 10-round middleweight contest. The card is promoted by Main Events and Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment Sports in association with Peltz Boxing, Sampson Boxing, and Dovolani Boxing.

Yuri Foreman will be on the Broadway Boxing Show Wednesday, January 23rd in New York City's BB King Blues Club and Grill,

Yuri Foreman will make his first comeback fight on

the DiBella Entertainment promotion.

Yuri won the WBA World light middleweight title from Daniel Santos in 2009. He lost the title to Miguel Cotto a year later in the new Yankee Stadium.

Other Gleason's fighters on the card include Heather the Heat Hardy in her fourth exciting bout. She is undefeated at 3-0. And Delen Parsley 9-0-0

The doors open at 6:00PM and the first bout is 7:00PM.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Dmitriy Salita vs Hector Camacho Jr @ Barclays

Dmitriy will be starting 2013 with one of the biggest fights of his career, against seasoned veteran and former world rated contender Hector Camacho Jr. The fight will take place at Barclays Center as part of a Showtime World Championship Boxing featuring current Junior Welterweight Champion Danny Garcia vs. former unified World Champion Zab Judah.

Dmitriy completed intense four weeks of training at Starret City boxing club with his trainer Nirmal Lorick and conditioning program with fitness expert Dave "Scooter" Honig. Dmitriy will continue his training in Detroit under watchful eye of Jayven "Sugar" Hill of the famed Kronk gym for the reminder of the training camp.

"I am happy and grateful that Golden Boy is giving me this opportunity. I want good, significant fights. Camacho is a talented fighter and I expect for him to come prepared. I am excited about February 9 fight card at Barclays! This will be my 6th camp in Detroit; I look forward to getting great sparring and continuing my preparation in that great competitive environment." - Dmitriy
Team Salita wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

No Holds Barred: Peter Maguire and John Perretti on the Real Origin of Mixed Martial Arts‏

Heather "The Heat" Hardy next fight January 23rd in NYC

(((((38 DAYS)))) UNTIL GARCIA VS JUDAH'S FIGHT AT THE BARCLAY CENTER..

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Undefeated WBA middleweight titleholder Gennady Golovkin vs. Gabriel Rosado on HBO Jan. 19.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE ON THE BOXING CHANNEL‏

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/SPECIAL-TRIBUTE-ON-THE-BOXING-CHANNEL.html?soid=1103933566582&aid=ZZtN6BUQD90

SPECIAL TRIBUTE ON THE BOXING CHANNEL

The sport of Boxing lost a number of very important figures in 2012. A special tribute to them is currently featured on The Boxing Channel. This tribute is more unique because it features Hall of Fame boxing announcer Al Bernstein revisiting his role as recording artist as he is the vocalist in the musical part of the feature.

The musical tribute honors the likes of Emanuel Steward, Johnny Tapia, Hector Camacho, Angelo Dundee and others who passed away in 2012. It is part of the Boxing Channel's year end review, which includes other features looking back on 2012.

Also on The Boxing Channel several well received features return in January of the new year. The discussion show "Hot Topics" features expert panelists discussing the hot boxing topics of the day. The show has featured Yahoo Sports Boxing Writer Kevin Iole, Broadcasters Steve Farhood, Dave Bontempo and Al Bernstein. 2013 will also bring with it new episodes of "Center Stage," an intimate look at a fighter or major boxing figure.

♔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.

Womens Boxing - WBAN Awards 2012

Womens Boxing - WBAN Awards 2012

♔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.

Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy new month, Here's to a blissful happy, healthy, and prosperous new season!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

No Holds Barred: Antonio McKee

http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-30T12_37_39-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with MMA fighter Antonio McKee (http://www.facebook.com/antonio.mckee).

The 42-year-old McKee, whose only loss since 2003 was a highly controversial split decision in 2011 on a UFC show in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be returning to action New Year's Eve. He will face the submission master Shinya Aoki in a mixed martial arts fight on the Dream portion of the "GSI presents DREAM 18 and GLORY 4 Tokyo - New Year's Eve Special" event at Japan's Saitama Super Arena on Monday, December 31. Since McKee has a strong wrestling base, this fight with Aoki could see a lot of technical and entertaining grappling between two fighters with different styles.

"I think it's a great matchup," said Antonio McKee in this interview, which was recorded by phone Monday, December 17. "I think it's a dangerous matchup for Aoki, considering he's not a real threat on the feet, and we both kind of specialize on the ground. I'm more of the defense and he's more of an offense. So I think it's going to come down to conditioning and who has the heart to win. I really don't plan on it going to a decision."

We also discussed his support for the formation of a union for MMA fighters, the health problems which caused him to miss weight in his final fight in MFC, the need for fighters to be treated professionally, how long he plans to continue fighting, and much more.

Bantamweight Title Fight Headlines Bellator MMA on February 14th From North Carolina

Bellator MMA Returns to Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort January 31st

The event will broadcast LIVE starting at 10 p.m. EST on Spike, as well as in Spanish language on mun2. The preliminary card will be streamed LIVE and FREE on Spike.com starting at 8 p.m. EST.

Mike Tyson Interview Excerpt - Jim Rome on SHOWTIME

The Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson, goes the distance and answers 10 Questions with Jim Rome. Check out this excerpt of Iron Mike in rare form before it airs ... then see the full interview on Wednesday, December 26th 10PM ET/PT on an all-new ...

♔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.

VICTOR VASQUEZ TO TAKE ON ESTEBAN RODRIGUEZ ON SATURDAY JANUARY 26TH AT HARRAHS PHILADELPHIA Plus undefeated Amir Shabazz, Althea Saunders, Tyrone Crawley Jr., John Mercurio & Mark Rideout as well as the anticipated return of Chuck Cavallo

On Saturday night January 26th, boxing returns to Harrahs Philadelphia as Joey Eye Boxing and David Feldman present a big show to kick off the new year.

In the main event, fan favorite Victor Vasquez will take on Esteban Rodriguez in a Lightweight bout scheduled for six rounds.

Vasquez of Philadelphia has a record of 15-7-1 with seven knockouts and is always in action packed fights.

Vasquez has quality wins over Thomas McCuiston (1-0), Tyric Robinson (9-4-1) and Angel Rios (9-5). The “Blood and Guts” Warrior of Philadelphia has been in many memorable scraps which includes his bout which he dropped a close unanimous decision to Naim Nelson (7-0) on September 14th in a bout that contested for the Pennsylvania State championship at Harrahs in Philadelphia.

Rodriguez of Lebanon, PA has a record of 6-4-1 with one knockout likes to mix it up and has a fan friendly style. He has a good win over undefeated Luis Quezada in his native Puerto Rico. Rodriguez is looking to get back in the win column after dropping two consecutive fights which includes being stopped in his last bout by undefeated Angel Luis Ocasio (6-0-2) on December 8th in Philadelphia.

There will be three separate six round co-features featuring returning Heavyweight Chuck Cavallo (16-1, 6 KO’s); Jr. Middleweight DeCarlo Perez (8-2-1, 3 KO’s) and Jr. Middleweight Julio DeJesus (6-3-3, 3 KO’s)

Cavallo of Trenton, NJ will be making his return to the ring after a five-plus year hiatus.

Still just twenty-eight years old, Cavallo was a touted Light Heavyweight prospect as he racked up impressive wins over Dhafir Smith and an ESPN 2 televised decision over Marlon Hayes. Cavallo was stopped in his last bout by Shannon Miller on September 27, 2007.

Perez of Atlantic City will be looking for his third consecutive win with the latest being his best win to date when he stopped crosstown rival Shamone Alvarez (21-5) in three rounds on September 29^th

Dejesus of Chester, PA is unbeaten in his last three as he has a win over Gabriel Diaz that was sandwiched in between two draws with Korey Sloane with the latest coming on December 22nd.

Cavallo, Perez and Dejesus will have their opponents announced shortly

Seeing action in four round fights will be Light Heavyweight Amir Shabazz (2-0) of Philadelphia fighting a rematch with Abdellah Smith (2-4, 2 KO’s) of Queens, Ny

Althea Saunders (3-0-1) of Atlantic City will take on an opponent to be announced in a female Welterweight bout.

Tyrone Crawley Jr. (2-0) of Philadelphia squares off with Benjamin Burgos (1-1) of Mount Pocono, PA in a Welterweight bout.

Undefeated Heavyweight John Mecurio (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia takes on rugged Lonnie Kornegay (1-7-2) of Baltimore, MD.

Heavyweight Mark Rideout (2-0) of Philadelphia boxes debuting Aaron Braxton of Baltimore, MD.

Jr. Middleweight Gilbert Alex Perez (2-1, 2 KO’s) of Camden, NJ will take on an opponent to be named.

Rounding out the card will be the pro debut of Lightweight Sam Teah of Philadelphia taking on an opponent to be named.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Demetrius Andrade vs. Freddy Hernandez to headline SHO BOX: The New Generation broadcast on January 25th at the Paramount

Headlining the event will be a sensational 10-round junior middleweight showdown between world ranked and undefeated Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (18-0-0, 13KOs) of Providence, R.I. and former world title challenger Freddy "EL Riel" Hernandez (30-3-0, 20 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Title.

Ranked #3 by the IBF, #3 by the WBO and #7 by the WBC, the 24-year-old southpaw Andrade is an amateur sensation with extensive international experience. He was considered the cream of the 2008 United States Olympic Team advancing to the quarterfinal round. He also won the Gold Medal in the 2007 World Championships, the first American do so since 1999.

Andrade's 2012 campaign demonstrated his brutal knock out power with devastating early knockout wins over Angel Hernandez (KO in Round 2),Rudy Cisneros (KO in Round 1), , and Alexis Hloros (TKO in Round 2)..

However, Hernandez is certainly the biggest challenge of Andrade's career. The hard-hitting Hernandez has faced numerous former world champions and contenders over his 11-year career and holds recent wins over Luis Collazo, Mike Anchondo and DeMarcus Corley.

On October 15, 2011, Hernandez dominated former world champion Collazo towards a ten round unanimous decision win. Most recently he challenged top contender Erislandy Lara on June 30, coming up short in a hotly contested 10-round bout in Indio, CA.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Demetrius to show the terrific fans at The Paramount and the ShoBox audience that he is deserving of his recognition as one of the best junior middleweights in the world. However, Hernandez is a tough, rugged fighter with a great deal of experience and is a true spoiler in the division," said Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing.

Stated Artie Pellulo of Banner Promotions, "We are very proud of Demetrius. This fight with Hernandez, which is a WBO Regional title fight is the next step towards a world championship."

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