★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Hopkins-Cloud conference call quotes

BERNARD HOPKINS, Three-Time And Two-Division World Champion & Oldest Fighter In History To Win A World Championship

“Age is not an enemy to me. The clock is not something to try to stop. The man upstairs can’t even do that. You can get the daylight to be earlier or the darkness to be later, but the clock has to move forward.

“People will always tell me, ‘You can’t do this. You can’t do that.’ When I hear that, it gives me motivation. I know there are some things in life that are out of reach. Some people are not capable of doing certain things. I have been doing this half of my life. I know what I am capable of.

“Some people are trying to write my destiny, but when you see a guy that has a track record that has proven to be more right than wrong over 28 years, Cloud has to say that he has a challenge. In reality, he is going to have to train harder than he ever has before.

“[To Cloud] If you ain’t ready now, seven or eight weeks out, then you’re in trouble.

“I’m letting you all know that the smart money goes on me. The other money goes somewhere else. If you want to bet against me, that’s your prerogative.

“[To Cloud] You’re 20 years younger than me, but you are looking at the number, not looking at the man.

“If you’ve never thrown punch and you’re making a judgment about me, then you’re a fool. You are making a decision based on what you think, not what you know.

“I am not underestimating Cloud. He isn’t beating a Yusuf Mack here. He is trying to beat a legacy. He is trying to beat a legend.

“Don and I are alumni of the sport. He helped build my career. At the end of the day, everyone he threw in front of me helped secure my legacy in the middleweight division. I am at least 15-0 against him. He really helped me without even knowing it.

“I understand that I have a blessing to not only make history once but two, three and four times. I understand you will miss me when I’m not here.

“Who is going to run from a 48 year old man? Cloud isn’t going to run. He’s going to fight. I’m going to be the professor and teach him his ABC’s.

“I have never been the favorite in anything in my life. No matter what I’ve done. I would rather be the underdog than the favorite.

“After I beat Cloud, Don King will have to pawn his jacket [to make money], and that jacket is just as old as me.

“[To Cloud] Don King is going to make sure you do your business. His empire is on your shoulders. You’re the last horse. There’s no one left in the stable.

“[To Don King] Enjoy your day because after March 9, there will be a big celebration of your long lasting promotional legacy as I send you into retirement.”

TAVORIS CLOUD, Undefeated IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I want to thank Bernard Hopkins for calling me out for this fight. It’s weird when a champion gets called out, but like he [Hopkins] says, he’s different.

“I am willing to accept the challenge. I don’t duck. I don’t run.

“On March 9, I’ll be in great shape. I’ll be here to put on the fight on my life.

“People ask me if I’m worried about Bernard’s experience, his tricks and this and that. He might have more tricks than me, but I’m going to throw punches. You have to throw punches to win fights. I’m definitely going to win the fight by throwing punches.

“Training camp is going well. I’m going to be in the best shape of my life. I’m going to bring my A plus game.

“Hopkins doesn’t faze me. He’s up there banging on the podium and yelling. It just goes in one ear and out the other.

“My opinion is that he’s talking to convince himself and motivate himself. It isn’t directed at me.

“I’m game for his experience. I’m not inexperienced myself. If he’s going to be dirty with me, I can be dirty right back.

“I think Don won the war of words against Bernard. Don got into Bernard’s head. Don got Bernard thinking about what he was saying, not the other way around.”

DON KING, Renowned Boxing Promoter & President, Don King Productions

“Hello Brooklyn! Bernard is in foreign territory. I’m at home here in Brooklyn. He doesn’t know the half of what it’s going to mean fighting here. Brooklynites know what time it is. It’s time to put you [Hopkins] out to rest and reside.

“I’m delighted to be here at the new Barclays Center. It’s spiritually redeeming. It’s alive. It’s a family affair here. I’m looking forward to a sold-out crowd at Barclays Center on March 9. We’re looking to make history here in Brooklyn. History in this new beautiful building,

“Bernard Hopkins is one of the greatest fighters of our time. He has shown the tenacity and perseverance. It’s evident that he is different.

“When the hands of time are moving, the old moves on and the young moves forward. Bernard is stubborn. He is resistant. Something has got to give and give it will on March 9.

“When you see the new face of glory, the excitement of what youth can do, you believe in God and that is deeply imbedded in the heart and mind of Tavoris Cloud.

“I’m happy to be here at Barclays Center. I am delighted to be associated with Golden Boy. I want friend and foe alike to be a part of this history making night when we let Bernard Hopkins take this weight off of his shoulders.

“There was a lot of thunder and weather that happened here in New York when Hurricane Sandy came through and devastated so many homes. With his [Tavoris] name being Cloud, we are going to work toward helping those affected by Sandy.”

NAAZIM RICHARDSON, Hopkins’ Trainer

“Anybody that knows anything about boxing on this level knows Bernard Hopkins. You may not be familiar with Tavoris Cloud, but I’m familiar with him. He’s an exciting fighter. He’s focused and very dangerous. I know what this kid is capable of doing. He’s going to be up for fighting a legend.

“I was on tour with Bernard and Don King and you are getting a small preview of what they can say. I was with Don in Puerto Rico and he was Puerto Rican then and he’s a Brooklynite now. That is the magic of Don King. He’s one of the icons of our sport and you’ve got to respect that.

“You want to see this fight because our history has shown, the more dangerous the opponent, the higher his game rises and Tavoris Cloud is a dangerous opponent.

“When you come to Brooklyn to see this fight, be prepared to see a fight of the year candidate. You want to be able to say you saw it live. You want to be able to say you saw it here at the Barclays Center.”

DAVID ITSKOWITCH, Chief Operating Officer, Golden Boy Promotions

“I would have let Bernard and Don keep talking, but we would have been here for days.

“If you weren’t able to be here on October 20, Barclays Center is an unbelievable venue. It’s state of the art. There is a great staff here with great customer service.

“Bernard Hopkins thrives off of people doubting him.

“For those of you who didn’t see Bernard’s record breaking fight with Pascal, before the seventh round, Bernard decided to drop to the canvas and do push ups. It was amazing.

“It is always an honor to introduce a future first ballot Hall of Famer and legend in the sport…Bernard Hopkins.”

JAMES PRINCE, Cloud’s Manager

“We are very excited about this opportunity. Out of all of the fights that are coming here [to Barclays Center] this year, this is the one you want to see.

“What can you say about Bernard Hopkins? He holds his own very well, and Cloud is going to hold his own on March 9. It’s going to be a war.”

SEAN SAADEH, Vice President of Programming, Barclays Center

“On behalf of Bruce Ratner and Brett Yormark, we’re thrilled to host our third night of championship boxing.

“We’re delighted to have a true champion here and the oldest fighter in history to win a title fighting at the newest venue.

“We’re pleased that Bernard wants to get in the ring once again and that it’s going to be here. Tavoris is a great champion and Brooklyn is going to love his style.

“There is so much potential for boxing here in Brooklyn and we want this arena to be a fighter’s ultimate goal.

“We look forward to welcoming boxing back to Barclays Center on March 9.”

KERY DAVIS, Senior Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports

“There is some world class trash talking between Don King and Bernard Hopkins on this stage.

“As a Bronx native, I have always had a love-hate relationship with the borough of Brooklyn, but as a New Yorker I love the excitement that Barclays Center has brought to the New York landscape. It is a pleasure to have Barclays Center as an option for boxing events.

“This will be the twentieth time that Bernard Hopkins will be on HBO as he sets out again to make history against Light Heavyweight World Champion Tavoris Cloud.

“Bernard is one of the highest rated fighters we have on our network. When he beat Jean Pascal to become the oldest fighter in history to win a world title in 2011, it was the highest rated fight of that year.

“Tavoris is a worthy, exciting, relentless, young light heavyweight champion. It’s going to be a great night.”

♔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, January 14, 2013

Peter Quillin will defend his WBO middleweight title against Fernando Guerrero on February 9

WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION PETER QUILLIN TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST TOP CONTENDER FERNANDO GUERRERO AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 LIVE ON SHOWTIME

Co-Featured Bout To World Champion Danny Garcia vs. Brooklyn's Own

Zab Judah For Unified Super Lightweight World Title

Local Stars Danny Jacobs, Dmitriy Salita and Boyd Melson

Return to Barclays Center in Separate Fights

Hector Camacho Jr. Faces Salita and U.S. Olympian and Staten Island Native Marcus Browne Makes His New York Professional Debut

WBO Middleweight World Champion and New Yorker Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin will make his first title defense against Fernando Guerrero in the co-featured bout to the world title clash between Unified Super Lightweight Champion Danny "Swift" Garcia and Brooklyn native Zab "Super" Judah at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

In addition to Quillin and Garcia, the stars of last October's inaugural boxing event at Barclays Center will return to the sport's most popular new venue.

SHOWTIME Extreme will start the televised action with a 10-round junior middleweight bout between Brooklyn's Dmitriy Salita and Hector Camacho Jr. along with a 10-round middleweight fight featuring boxing's most inspirational fighter, Brooklyn's Daniel "Miracle Man" Jacobs, who continues his comeback following a successful battle against cancer against an opponent to be named.

Other undercard fights will feature the New York professional debut of Staten Island's 2012 United States Olympian Marcus Browne in a four-round light heavyweight fight as well as crowd- pleasing Boyd Melson, whose dedication to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries makes him a true champion, who will fight in a six-round middleweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia's Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Ronda Rousey headlines UFC 157...women's MMA has officially hit mainstream status

No Holds Barred: Bellator Debut on Spike January 17 Preview with Michael Chandler, Rick Hawn, Pat Curran, Patricio Pitbull, Babalu, Bjorn Rebney‏

No Holds Barred: Bellator Debut on Spike January 17 Preview with
Michael Chandler, Rick Hawn, Pat Curran, Patricio Pitbull, Babalu,
Bjorn Rebney


On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with
Bellator MMA fighters Michael Chandler, Rick Hawn, Pat Curran,
Patricio Pitbull, and Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and Bellator CEO Bjorn
Rebney.

The highly-anticipated debut of Bellator MMA on Spike TV will take
place this Thursday, January 17, on a card at the University of
California’s Bren Center in Irvine, California. It will be broadcast
live in the U.S. on Spike TV and in the Spanish language on mun2.

Bellator returns with a bang by featuring two title fights on this
first card of 2013. Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler
will defend his belt against challenger and former U.S. judo Olympian
Rick Hawn. Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran will face
Patricio "Pitbull" Freire. This card will also feature the start of
the Bellator season eight light heavyweight tournament, including an
opening round bout between grappling and MMA veteran Renato "Babalu"
Sobral and Russian MMA fighter and former combat sambo champion
Mikhail Zayats.

On a series of recent Bellator media conference calls, we had a chance
to speak with Michael Chandler, Rick Hawn, Pat Curran, Patricio
"Pitbull" Freire, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and Bjorn Rebney. We
discussed with the fighters what to expect in these important title
and tournament fights, and with Bjorn Rebney the plans for upcoming
tournaments.

In these interviews, former Missouri wrestling All-American Michael
Chandler called it "an honor" to fight an Olympian and an "awesome"
opponent like Rick Hawn, while Rick Hawn noted that this fight "has
the potential to live up to the Alvarez-Chandler fight", the four-
round war in November 2011 where Chandler captured the Bellator
lightweight title from Eddie Alvarez. Both fighters come from
different grappling backgrounds, but have added effective striking to
their arsenals to sustain them at this level of competition.

Pat Curran described his transformation from being a wrestler who
fought MMA into a fighter who has become more confident as a striker.
"I love striking. I love everything about it. I love learning new
moves, new techniques." Patricio "Pitbull" Freire stated that his
opponent is an "all-around" fighter and "complete in all areas". We
shall see how much striking and grappling will take place in this
fight, but both fighters can win on their feet or on the ground.

With their compelling title fights, championship tournament format,
and the best TV deal they've ever had, Bellator MMA, which began in
2009, is now in a position to make a major and lasting impact on the
MMA world. Their January 17 debut card on Spike is one of the
strongest MMA shows which will ever be shown on free TV in the U.S.,
so make sure to watch it.

Plus, we briefly comment on the Eddie Alvarez contract situation and

its coverage in the media.

♔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.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

“Women’s Sports: A History" by Allen Guttman

The articles contain carefully collected mentions about female single combat (mostly in in Europe and in USA) - from the Ancient times to the beginning of the twentieth century. In fact, female combat used to be exceptionally rare but the brought facts state that women participated in all possible forms of single combat, such as wrestling, fist fighting and armed fight
The history of female athletic combat goes far back into centuries, although not too many historical documents remain, especially for the period before the XX century. The substantial part of materials for this selection has been taken from the book
“Women’s Sports: A History" by Allen Guttman (Columbia University press, 1991), which contains some information regarding women in combative sports. (Other sources will be pointed to particularly). Following the author we leave beyond our consideration the period after middle the XX century and armed combat. During the entire period from the ancient times until the XIX century female athletic combat (as women’s sports in general) hadn’t been mass except Ancient Sparta. Female combative sports became relatively mass just at the end of the XX century.

Andre Ward Surgery‏; ANDRE WARD SET TO BEGIN REHAB AFTER SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

Deferring to the recommendation of a noted Bay Area orthopedic specialist after receiving a second opinion on his injured right shoulder, reigning WBA, WBC and Ring Super Middleweight World Champion Andre "S.O.G." Ward underwent successful surgery, which will keep him out of action for an indefinite period and has forced the postponement of his highly-anticipated title bout against Kelly Pavlik for a second time.

Originally scheduled as an HBO "World Championship Boxing" main event from the Galen Center on the campus of USC on January 26, the bout was rescheduled to March 2^nd after the 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, "Super Six" World Boxing Classic tournament winner and 2011 "Fighter of the Year" felt pain in his right shoulder after throwing a punch at sparring partner Tony Hirsch during training in Andre's hometown of Oakland. The original MRI revealed a significant amount of swelling and inflammation, but no injury to the rotator cuff.

However, after a period of rest and rehab resulted in little improvement, Andre sought a second opinion from Dr. Michael Dillingham, for 25 years the team orthopedic surgeon for the San Francisco 49ers and currently for the San Francisco Giants. A subsequent MRI revealed a small tear in Andre's right shoulder capsule and, this past Friday, surgery was performed by Dr. Dillingham at the SOAR Surgicenter in nearby Burlingame. Assisting the doctor on the surgical team were his partners Ken Akizuki (team orthopedist for the Giants) and Joe Donahue (former 49ers assistant team orthopedist and current team physician for Santa Clara University).

"Technically, things went very well and all involved are very hopeful about the eventual outcome," stated Dr. Dillingham. "Within a week, Andre will begin his rehab."

Lisa Giannone, of Activecare Physical Therapy in San Francisco, will head up Andre's rehabilitation team.

"The doctor said Andre will initially have his arm in a sling where he will be better prepared to give a timeline for Andre's recovery process once the sling is removed," said promoter Dan Goossen.

"Andre has always surpassed everyone's expectations and I told Dr. Dillingham he can expect the same fire from Andre with his rehabilitation as the fans see when he's in the ring.

The timing is unfortunate for Andre (26-0, 14 KOs), whose fast-track rise to elite status since winning his first world title in 2009 against reigning WBA super middleweight champ Mikkel Kessler -- then capturing the WBC version in late 2011 against brash Briton Carl Froch and, in his most recent domination of current WBC light heavyweight king Chad Dawson -- has vaulted him near the top of the "Pound for Pound" ratings and cemented him as a recognized superstar worldwide.

"My surgery went very well and I am definitely pleased with the outcome. I had a fantastic team of surgeons overseeing everything on Friday morning and they did a great job of repairing the injury. I am confident that I will return to the ring even better than I was prior to the injury," stated Ward.

"I really want to thank everyone for all of the prayers and support that my family and I have received. We truly appreciate it and it has helped throughout this process. I can't wait to get back out there and perform for all my fans and plan to keep everyone updated on my progress. The best is yet to come so stay tuned."

Andre Ward Surgery‏♔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 12, 2013

Luis Looks to keep on rolling January 25!

Junior welterweight sensation Tony “Lighting” Luis has high expectations of where his blossoming career will take him during the next twelve months.

A multi-time Canadian amateur champion and former WBC Continental Americas titlist, Luis’ 2013 begins on January 25 when he battles well-regarded Miguel Gonzalez of Cleveland, OH. The bout takes place on ESPN Friday Night Fights live from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY and is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions.

Recognized as one of the top young talents in a nation flooded with quality prizefighters, Luis, 15-0 (7 KO’s), destroyed hard-hitting veteran Andres Ledesma last September in his United States debut. The popular 24-year-old is a perfect 4-0 with all 4 wins by knockout since moving up to the junior welterweight division.

Dubbed as “Silky Smooth”, Gonzalez won the 2008 National Amateur Championship in the lightweight division and came close to earning a spot on that year’s Olympic team. As a pro, Gonzalez has an outstanding 20-3 record with 15 knockouts. In his last bout, he dropped a decision to Mike Dallas on EPSN Friday Night Fights.

Regardless of the outcome from Gonzalez’ last fight, Luis expects a tough challenge on the 25^th.

“He’s a slick southpaw with a dangerous left hand,” the well-spoken Luis said of Gonzalez. “He’s fought some very tough fighters and won’t be flustered or fazed by anything. Like me, he had a ton of amateur fights against the best competition out there. I’ve got a good game plan and he’ll see what I’m about once we get into the ring.”

In addition, Luis, who lives a few hours north of Turning Stone Casino and has a large fan base in Canada, believes there’ll be a solid turnout for this fight.

“We’re organizing a bus so people from Cornwall can come down to the fight. I’ve got great fans and they really support me. January 25 will be a great night for me and everything will go as expected if I follow the game plan.”

ONE FC announces Malaysian Featherweight tournament

ONE Fighting Championship™ (ONE FC) announced the launch of the Malaysian National Featherweight Championship Tournament. Four of the top Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) prospects in Malaysia will battle it out in the first round of the tournament at ONE FC: RETURN OF WARRIORS which takes place live on 2 February from the state-of-the-art Stadium Putra in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The two fights signed for this historic tournament are Raymond “The Rocket” Tiew taking on Melvin “Overkill” Yeoh and AJ “Pyro” Lias Mansor squaring off against Jian Kai “The Headhunter”Chee. By the end of the evening, Malaysians will know who the top two contenders for the National Featherweight Championship title will be.

CEO of ONE Fighting Championship™ Victor Cui stated, “ONE FC is stacked with the largest roster of Asian champions and the Featherweight division is probably the most exciting division. It is time for us to crown National champions in Asia and Tiew, Yeoh, Mansor and Chee have proven that they are the most exciting prospects in Malaysia. We are giving these home-grown champions the chance to earn themselves the right to be called the Malaysian National Champion and rise to the top of the division as the number one contender.”

Raymond Tiew is a Sanshou Champion who has also represented Malaysia at Wushu. He is a stand up specialist with explosive striking which never disappoints the avid MMA fan. Tiew knows that this is his chance to show that he is the top Malaysian Featherweight but first he must get passed the brawler from Johor Bahru, Melvin Yeoh.

Melvin Yeoh has been called the top MMA prospect in Malaysia by international MMA media. A full-time school teacher, Yeoh has received much media attention both outside and inside the cage. He has always kept his gym doors open for kids on the streets looking to better themselves by learning the discipline associated with MMA and the valuable life skills that go along with the sport. This ferocious warrior will carry the weight of the community, gym and country come 2 February.

The second fight of the tournament will be between AJ “Pyro” Lias Mansor and Jian Kai Chee. Mansor is the first thoroughbred Silat fighter to ever compete in MMA. His athletic ability earned him the National Silat Champion crown in the past and he will now turn his razor sharp striking toward his opponent, the Muay Thai champion Jian Kai Chee.

Chee has competed against some of the top MMA fighters in the region including Ole Laursen, Arnaud Lepont and Eddie Ng. Chee’s strength is his ability to finish a fight in an instant with punches, kicks, knees or elbows and will be looking to showcase his arsenal of skills at the Malaysian National Featherweight Championship tournament on 2 February in Stadium Putra, KL.

Cui further commented, “This tournament is part of ONE FC’s initiative to continually grow and support the local MMA community. ONE FC already has the very best Malaysian MMA fighters signed to us exclusively and this tournament, which is spread over two events, is a way for us to identify a true Malaysian National Champion.”

Light Heavyweight World Title Fight Headlines Bellator MMA from New Mexico on Feb. 28

The title fights continue for Bellator MMA as the promotion announced today Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion Christian M’Pumbu will put his World title on the line against knockout artist Attila Vegh on February 28th from New Mexico’s Santa Ana Star Center.

M’Pumbu defends the title that he won in the inaugural Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament by storming through the competition, delivering three highlight reel knockouts along the way to capturing the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Title. With previous victories over Richard Hale, Marcus Vanttinen and Stefan Struve, M’Pumbu is primed for another explosive finish on February 28th.

“I am extremely excited about this opportunity to defend my Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship,” M’Pumbu said. “I look forward to getting back in the cage and putting on a show for all of the amazing Bellator fans throughout the world. On February 28th, I will have my hand raised and remain Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion.”

For Vegh, the Slovakian finisher is currently riding an eight fight win streak, including his Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Finals knockout victory over longtime MMA veteran Travis “Diesel” Wiuff. For the man they call “Pumukli”, winning the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Title would be nothing short of a dream come true.

“This fight is all I am focused on,” Vegh said. “I’ve never worked harder for something in my life, and on February 28th, I will hold that belt and become the new Bellator World Champion.”

“Both Christian and Attila made incredible runs through their respective tournaments, and I expect nothing but fireworks on February 28th,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “New Mexico’s own Orthrus Promotions is going to provide Bellator with tremendous support and we’re very excited to begin our partnership.”

Williams makes debut with heavy heart‏; Following his heart Four years after his mother’s murder, Williams embarks on new journey in boxing

Jimmy Williams knows he was born for this. His mother knew, too.

She won’t be there to watch him make his professional boxing debut Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at Mohegan Sun Casino, but she’ll guide him every step of the way.

“I take her spirit with me every time I step in the ring,” Williams said. “I fear nothing.”

Williams’ mother, Belinda Jordan Williams, died in November of 2008, the victim of a homicide police in Williams’ hometown of Plainfield, N.J., have yet to solve. Her partially-clothed body was found strangled to death behind an abandoned building with signs of a struggle evident by the cuts and scratches on her face. The case remains unsolved. No leads. No motives. No answers.

Though the trail has gone cold, Williams remains in hot pursuit of the truth while chasing his dream of becoming a world champion, a dream his mother always knew he’d follow, even if he didn’t quite know it at the time.

“We were tight. She knew me well,” said Williams, a 26-year-old welterweight prospect now fighting out of New Haven, Conn., where he once starred as a defensive back for the Southern Connecticut State University football team.

“Even during my football days, she told me to never rule out boxing. She told me football was just a phase. We used to argue sometimes. I’d tell her, ‘I’m going to play football!’ but she always kept boxing in the back of my mind.”

Williams actually began boxing with his uncle when he was just 8 years old, but stopped during high school as he became more involved with football. After a standout career at Plainfield High in which he was named one of the nation’s Top 100 players as a senior, Williams was recruited by several Division I colleges, including Virginia Tech, Rutgers and Penn State. He fully committed to Western Michigan until the entire coaching staff that had originally recruited him was abruptly fired; by then, the only school still interested was Southern Connecticut State, leaving him with no options.

“I committed without even visiting,” Williams said.

As a three-year starter, Williams blossomed as one of the nation’s premier defensive backs in college, but everything changed in 2008 when he learned of his mother’s death during a team meeting.

“My sister kept blowing up my phone,” Williams said. “She never really called that much, so I knew something was wrong. I still remember the words she said to me – ‘Don’t stop doing what you’re doing. Keep working hard.’

“My whole life changed.”

After college, Williams entertained thoughts of playing in the NFL. He wasn’t drafted, but he was invited to several post-draft workouts, starting in Oakland with the Raiders. Similar workouts followed with the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts, but after tweaking a groin muscle while training with the Raiders, Williams wasn’t quite the same physically, and his dream of playing professional football came to a sudden end.

“A lot of teams told me to go play in Canada,” he said. “I couldn’t run as fast as I wanted to. I just lost my spirit. I got discouraged.”

Enter boxing, which was always Williams’ first love. Back in New Jersey, he resumed training with his uncle and competed in the state’s Diamond Gloves Tournament, but lost in the opening round, his nine-year layoff a contributing factor.

“I was too stiff,” Williams recalled. “I couldn’t move around the ring.”

Those who had watched Williams in the gym knew there was reason for optimism despite his performance. Underneath his football physique – he bulked up to 180 pounds as a college defensive back – he still had the body of a slick-punching, welterweight capable of out-boxing anyone in his class. Once he shed the extra pounds, he began turning heads in local gyms, including New Haven Boxing, where he made enough of an impression to earn a permanent spot on the roster.

“I used to spar one of their top guys, and they saw day in, day out how I used to bring it to him,” Williams recalled, “so they asked me to join their gym. That’s all she wrote.”

With a new team behind him, including promoter Jimmy Burchfield, who recently signed him to a promotional contract, Williams will make his highly-anticipated debut Jan. 19 on the undercard of NBC Sports’ nationally-televised Fight Night series, co-promoted by Main Events and Classic Entertainment & Sports.

“When I got back into the ring, I didn’t know it would come to this,” he said. “This is my goal. I want to become a world champion, and this is the first step.

“Signing with CES, I think they’ll give me my chance. I’m excited. I’m fired up. I’m ready to go. Words can’t express how I feel. Whoever they put in front of me, I’m willing to beat. I’ve made it this far and been through so much already. Nothing is going to stop me now."

Unbeaten Russian light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev (19-0, 17 KOs) will face Spanish southpaw Gabriel Campillo (21-4-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event while New Haven middleweight Elvin Ayala (26-5-1, 12 KOs) will battle Curtis Stevens (22-3, 16 KOs) of Brownsville, N.Y., in the 10-round co-feature. The undercard includes an eight-round super middleweight showdown between Vladine Biosse (14-1-1, 7 KOs) of Providence, R.I., and Marcus Upshaw (14-8-2, 6 KOs) of Jacksonville, Fla., and a six-round female bantamweight bout between undefeated Shelito Vincent (6-0) of Providence (New London, Conn.) and Bronx native Nydia Feliciano (5-3-3).

Hartford, Conn., super featherweight Joseph “Chip” Perez (10-3, 1 KO) will face Jason Sosa (7-1-3, 3 KOs) of Camden, N.J., in a six-round bout; Brooklyn’s Ian James (2-4-1, 1 KO) will battle newcomer Edwin Cotto of Willimantic, Conn., in a four-round lightweight bout; and unbeaten heavyweight Jarrell Miller (4-0, 4 KOs) of New York will face Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko (7-1-1, 3 KOs) in a four-round bout.

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

JAPANESE GRAND PRIX HOLDING FIGHTER MEETINGS, SET TO BEGIN MARCH 22

Following a handful of unexpected occurrences prohibiting the commencement of the renowned Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament to end 2012, the committee has announced that they have been conducting fighter meetings with the handful of selected combatants and that competing will begin promptly on March 22.

“We had several issues arise these last few months, involving fixed fights, issues with Visa’s and more, and as much as it was to our dismay, we chose to postpone the exclusive tournament until all of the kinks were worked out,” said Committee President Sadahura Takinawa.

Over the past few weeks the Committee had flown in a few of the participants in to conduct an intense investigation to ensure that the fighters were not carrying any personal baggage or illegal activity into the tournament.

Some of the fighters who are going to participate have been flown to meet with the Committee to go through the investigative process, but were provided with the top training environments. Following the conclusion of the investigation the fighters will be sent back to their respective countries to finalize their training leading up to the tournament.

In exchange for participating in the investigation to ensure they were clear to fight in the prestigious tournament, the Grand Prix Committee provided top training camps for the warriors, and they had a chance to meet with the heads of the association.

The annual Japanese Grand Prix freestyle fighting tournament contains the top fighters in their discipline across the world. Competing this year are Japan’s acclaimed sumo champion Harumafuji, America’s Bare Knuckle Boxing Champion Gunn and Argentina’s Muay Thai Bosch, amongst several other top combatants.

“This is not an average MMA or boxing match; this is one of the most revered freestyle fighting tournaments in the world, and we will go above and beyond to ensure the success of it,” said Takinawa. “We owe it to the fighters who have qualified, and of course to the fans around the world.”

This unique tournament is one of a kind, as it encompasses all of the diversified martial arts and boxing disciplines across the world, and brings the most elite fighters in each discipline together to compete in a winner take all, single elimination tournament with the grand prize being the purse of $1 million and eligibility to fight in any tournament worldwide.

♔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, January 11, 2013

Hopkins vs. Cloud, a 12-round bout for Cloud's IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship will take place Saturday, March 9

FUTURE HALL OF FAME BOXING LEGEND BERNARD

"THE EXECUTIONER" HOPKINS' BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

AND PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE WORLD

CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT AGAINST UNDEFEATED IBF LIGHT

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

TAVORIS "THUNDER" CLOUD TAKING PLACE MARCH 9 AT

BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN AND TELEVISED LIVE ON

HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

YORGEY READY FOR CHARLO SHOWDOWN

Jr. Middleweight contender, “Lightning” Harry Joe Yorgey is looking forward to his Showtime televised ten round encounter with undefeated Jermell Charlo that will take place on January 26^th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Yorgey (25-1-1, 12 Knockouts) of Bridgeport, PA knows that this is a great opportunity get himself back in the title picture with a win and knows that Charlo is a quality fighter behind his record that reads 19-0 with 9 knockouts.

“We were offered the fight and we didn’t know much on Charlo”, said Yorgey.

“I know he is a very sound fighter but he hasn’t fought any big names but we know he can fight”

Yorgey knows that this fight has the potential to steal the show that is headlined by Lucas Matthysse battling Mike Dallas Jr.

“I really feel that this is a great fight for boxing, the fans and will see a television friendly fight. When I found out this would be on Showtime I knew it would be a great opportunity so I jumped at it.”

Yorgey has won three in a row since his lone pro defeat to Alfredo Angulo and he feels that he may have taken lightly by Charlo

“I know a win puts me back to where I was before the Angulo fight. I know that people are sleeping on me because of that fight and that’s fine by me because I know I have the skills and experience to win on January 26^th”

“That great thing about this game is that everything can change with one punch and I plan on putting myself right back in the title picture on January 26^th”

Yorgey is training in Reading, Pennsylvania under Marshall Kauffman and veteran trainer believes that Yorgey is ready and deserving of this high profile fight

“Harry deserves this opportunity to show what he is made of. He is getting great work in the gym and he will be in prime shape on January 26^th”

Yorgey’s promoter Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions agrees and sees a breakthrough performance from Yorgey.

“Harry had one bad night and people will be underestimating him but we are excited that Harry will put on a great performance and earn himself another big fight when he defeats Charlo”, said Pelullo♔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.

Unbeaten Ronny Rios faces former champion Rico Ramos in the main event of the evening.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

No Holds Barred: King Mo on His Bellator Debut January 24

No Holds Barred: King Mo on His Bellator Debut January 24
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Bellator MMA fighter "King" Mo Lawal.

"King" Mo will be making his Bellator debut Thursday, January 24, when he faces Przemyslaw Mysiala in the opening round of the Bellator season eight, eight-man light heavyweight tournament. This fight takes place at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. It will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Spike TV and in the Spanish language on mun2.

Although "King" Mo is perhaps the most prominent fighter to join the ranks of Bellator MMA, he will start his title quest like everyone else, in a tournament - and that is fine with him.

"I started off in wrestling tournaments. To me I look at this tournament as a prolonged wrestling tournament," said "King" Mo, a three-time U.S. national champion in freestyle wrestling, in this interview which was recorded by phone Thursday.

"I'm actually honored to be in the tournament because I don't feel like I deserve a title shot right away. I have to prove myself by beating the rest of the guys in the tournament to get a title shot," he continued.

We also discussed whether he expects to be hampered by ring rust since he hasn't fought in about a year, what to expect in his fight with Mysiala, advice he received from Floyd Mayweather Jr., boxing and MMA, why he is so impressed with three-time NCAA champion wrestler Kyle Dake, freestyle and folkstyle wrestling, his release last year from Strikeforce being a blessing in disguise, and more.
♔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.

BURGOS WINDING DOWN TRAINING CAMP FOR TITLE BOUT AGAINST MARTINEZ SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

WBO number-one ranked Jr. Lightweight Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos (30-1, 20 KO’s) is finishing up a hard training camp preparing for his WBO world title bout on January 19^th against Roman “Rocky” Martinez (26-1-1, 16 KO’s) at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City that will be part of a championship tripleheader televised Live on HBO.

Burgos has what he has termed the best training camp of his life as he prepares for his second opportunity for a world championship title.

Burgos believes that his past experience of competing for a title will serve him well.

Back on November 26, 2010, Burgos dropped a hotly contested decision to Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan in his lone attempt at a world title.

"I don't want to let this opportunity get away from me. I have been in this position before when I faced Hasegawa and I know I could’ve done much better that night. I could have been a life changing victory for me but I let that one get away. Not this time," said Burgos

Continued Burgos, "I have grown mentally and physically and I am prepared for a fight like this and I know it will be exciting."

Since that setback, Burgos has wins over two undefeated fighters in Luis Cruz (19-0) and Cesar Vazquez (25-0) as well as former world champion Cristobal Cruz.

“I have to show the whole world what I am capable of, Martinez is the champ so I have to get that belt away from him, it won’t be easy but I know I can do it.”

Burgos wants to win this title in exciting fashion in front of a huge audience on HBO and the knowledgeable boxing crowd inside a sold out Madison Square Garden.

"Not only do I want to get the victory and be a champion but I want to please the crowd and make sure that the fans get their monies worth.”

This fight will be an emotional fight for Burgos as he is dedicating the bout to his uncle and former Light Flyweight champion Victor “El Acorazado” Burgos who won his world title, almost ten years to the day (February 15, 2003), with a scintillating 12th round stoppage over Puerto Rican Alex Sanchez.

Victor Burgos was nearly fatally injured on his final bout against Vic Darchinyan in 2007; he has had a miraculous recovery and currently works for Tijuana’s City Hall.

Juan Carlos and Victor had a chance to chat over the holidays as the former champion shared his experience and motivated the young challenger.

"It was inspiring for me to hear my uncle tell me the story of his first world title victory and how it was nearly 10 years to the date of my fight. He battled it out against Puerto Rican Alex "Nene" Sanchez back in 2003. He finally got that belt after many fights in which he was not that lucky. Now I just want to keep the tradition and make my family proud."

The LIVE HBO tripleheader fistic action that is set to take place on January 19^th will air 9:45 (ET/PT).

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