★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Friday, May 17, 2013

ESQUIVIAS VS. CASTAÑEDA SEEKING THEIR PATH TO GLORY!‏

Few professional fighters bring a crowd like Efrain Esquivias does. Few boxing prospects risk their immediate future after unsuccessful outings. Esquivias and Castañeda, who face each other in an eight-round main event of Friday, May 17, will make their return to the ring with the knowledge that another setback will directly interfere with their championship wishes.

Once again, Thompson Boxing Promotions brings a fully loaded fight card to the Doubletree Hotel, Ontario, where many current boxing stars began their careers. Esquivias and Castañeda lead this newest fight parade.

Efrain Esquivias (16-2, 9 KOs) hails from Carson and has built a reputation as a prizefighter capable of fighting the best. So far he's been at close range of getting a world title shot but fell short and lost. Those losses are nothing to be ashamed of as they came against former or current world champions Rico Ramos on Telefutura and Jhonatan "Momo" Romero in a ShoBox main event.

"I picked myself up and dusted myself off," said Esquivas while training in Carson.Ca. "Those losses made me think and concentrate even more on what is at stake. On May 17, Castañeda will have his hands full and I'm only thinking about the victory."

Roberto "Azabache" Castañeda (20-3, 15 KOs) comes from Mexicali, a border town known for its toughness and for producing some of the best prizefighters in Mexico. It's a big moment for Castañeda, who lost a seesaw battle until he got dropped by successive body shots to Christopher Martin on ESPN Friday Night Fights. He also lost by knockout to Gary Russell, Jr. on Showtime's ShoBox.

"I appreciate the opportunity to return to the ring and show everyone that I'm not finished," said Castañeda from his training camp. "I know Esquivias well and he has the perfect style for me to shine and clean the slate."

As the co-main event, Riverside's Richard "El Terminador" Contreras (10-1-1, 9 KOs)recently fought victoriously on the May 2 undercard of Herrera-Kim, prior to his fight he was out of action for a an extended time due to a jaw injury. He's had time to heal and has made his return to the ring and is ready to keep the momentum of his winning streak going. He fights Houston's Victor Sanchez (4-6-1, 1 KO) in a featherweight match set for eight rounds.

Featured on the undercard, is San Diego's Giovanni "El Gallo de Oro" Santillan (7-0, 5 KOs) who recently fought and won late last month at this same venue. His opponent Jesus Mendez (3-3, 2 KOs) from Houston, TX, will need to come prepared and expect to feel the rising star's wrath in the 6-round junior welterweight showdown.

In a junior middleweight bout former 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (2-0, 2 KOs) of the Ukraine and Mario Angeles (1-3-1) of Mexico City clash in a four round bout. Fight fans should expect a competitive match up between these two fighters from opposite parts of the hemisphere. A four-round super middleweight fight has Riverside's Rafael Lopez (5-1, 5 KOs) meeting Omar Barefield (0-3) of Los Angeles who is looking for his first win. Lopez is the younger brother of welterweight contender Josesito Lopez. Others on the card include Lancaster's junior featherweights Johnny Reyes (2-0, 1 KO).

"PATH TO GLORY" is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, Tequila Don Cardona in association with Time Warner Cable Deportes.

♔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, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

FIGHT FOR PEACE: …TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE Don King Invites Leaders of Russia, Panama To WBA Cruiserweight Unification Championship; Denis Lebedev and Guillermo Jones Meet On May 17 At Crocus City Hall In Moscow, Russia World Boxing Promoter & World Peace Ambassador Goes to Moscow

World Boxing Association cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (25-1, 19 KOs), from Chekhov, Russia, and WBA cruiserweight champion in recess Guillermo “El  Felino” Jones (38-3-2, 30 KOs), from Colon, Panama, are set to meet on May 17 at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia.  Co-promoter Don King has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli to attend the event.

“I have invited the leaders of Russia and Panama to attend our big boxing event in Moscow on May 17 as the world champions in the main event hail from these great countries,” King said.  “Sports can transcend boundaries and bring us together, so what better way to exemplify that than to have these great leaders on the scene supporting their countrymen.”

The event will take place in the beautiful 7,000-seat Crocus City Hall and has been dubbed “Fight For Peace, The One Will Stand.”

“It’s to Russia with love and understanding, a sports extravaganza to bring people together for peace, democracy and freedom.  President Putin said, ‘Nobody and nothing will stop Russia on the road to strengthening democracy and ensuring human rights and freedoms,’ and I support him in his quest to make a better Russia for the Russian people.”

"Knockout Kings II" Featuring Andre Berto vs. Jesus Soto Karass & Undefeated Rising Stars Keith Thurman vs. Diego Chaves Lands At The AT&T Center in San Antonio on July 27 Live on SHOWTIME - Tickets Go On Sale Friday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m. CT‏

"KNOCKOUT KINGS II" FEATURING FORMER TWO-TIME

WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE BERTO FACING

PERENIAL CONTENDER JESUS SOTO KARASS AND UNDEFEATED

RISING STARS KEITH THURMAN AND DIEGO CHAVES SQUARING OFF FOR WBA INTERIM WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LANDS AT THE AT&T CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO ON JULY 27

PLUS, UNBEATEN TEXAS SENSATION OMAR FIGUEROA JR.

FACES JAPAN'S NIHITO ARAKAWA FOR WBC INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SHOWTIME^® TO TELEVISE TRIPLEHEADER LIVE

San Antonio, Texas will once again be the site of a major boxing event when SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® returns to the Lone Star State on Saturday, July 27 with "KNOCKOUT KINGS II," a spectacular night of world-class fights at the AT&T Center featuring a tripleheader starring some of the sport's brightest stars live on SHOWTIME.

In the 12-round main event, former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto is back in the ring to take on tough Mexican contender Jesus Soto Karass. Plus, unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman and fellow power-puncher Diego Gabriel Chavesbattle for Chaves' WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship and Weslaco, Texas' undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Tokyo's Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship.

The event marks the return of co-promoters Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions to San Antonio where they recently promoted the April 20 blockbuster fight between Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout which had almost 40,000 fans in attendance.

"Texas is our new home away from home and it's great to be returning so soon after the Alvarez-Trout mega event in April," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "That event proved that boxing is alive and well and on July 27, we're going to have another stacked card that will pack the AT&T Center."

"Leija-Battah Promotions is thrilled to be co-hosting another SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event in San Antonio in collaboration with Golden Boy Promotions," said Mike Battah, President of Leija & Battah Promotions. "The people of San Antonio and Texas demonstrated their affinity for boxing on April 20 at the Canelo vs. Trout sell-out event and we look forward to hosting multiple mega-fights yearly."

"We have always dedicated ourselves to providing the people of San Antonio and all of South Texas with a broad variety of first-class sports and entertainment events at the AT&T Center," said Rick Pych, Spurs Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations. "San Antonio is a city that truly appreciates and supports boxing in a big way and this is a terrific opportunity for fight fans to witness three world-class bouts in an arena setting."

A member of the 2004 Haitian Olympic team, Andre Berto (28-2, 22 KO's) turned pro later that year and has never looked back. A throwback fighter willing to go into the trenches to put on exciting bouts for his fans, the 29-year-old from Winter Haven, Florida first struck professional gold in 2008 when he stopped Miguel Rodriguez in the seventh round to win the WBC Welterweight World Championship. Berto successfully defended the crown five times before losing it to Victor Ortiz in The Ring Magazine's 2011 Fight of the Year. He bounced back five months later to defeat Jan Zaveck for the IBF Welterweight World Championship. In his most recent bout, Berto engaged in a fight of the year candidate against Roberto Guerrero, losing a hard fought 12-round decision last November.

"It's been a long time since I've fought in Texas and I'm happy to be back fighting in front of the great fans here," said Berto. "I'm hungrier than ever to get my title back and the first step is taking out Soto Karass on July 27."

One of the fight game's most rugged competitors, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico's Jesus Soto Karass (27-8-3, 17 KO's) always gives a supreme effort in the ring and, win or lose, his opponents never emerge from their fights with him unscathed. Fresh off of a January win overSelcuk Aydin, the 30-year-old Soto Karass hopes to add Berto's name to a list of vanquished foes that includes Euri Gonzalez, Said El Harrak, Vince Phillips, David Estrada and Chris Smith.

"I respect what Andre Berto has done in his career and he's a tough fighter, but a win over him would be the biggest of my career," said Soto Karass. "If I want to get a world title shot, I have to go through him to get it."

A crushing puncher with a 90% knockout rate, Clearwater, Florida's Keith "One Time" Thurman (20-0, 18 KO's) has raised his worldwide profile considerably since returning from a year-long injury induced layoff in 2012. Since then, Thurman has gone 5-0 with four knockouts, with wins over Brandon Hoskins, Orlando Lora and former World Champion Carlos Quintana. In his last fight in March, the 24-year-old scored a shutout win over former World Champion Jan Zaveck and on July 27, he challenges for his first world title.

"I'm looking forward to fighting for an interim title and doing it against someone like Chaves," said Thurman. "I'm not going to have to chase him or get him to fight. We're going to battle and I'm going to be the last man standing."

The latest in the line of hard-hitting standouts from Argentina, Diego Gabriel "La Joya" Chaves (22-0, 18 KO's) shares a similar fighting philosophy with his opponent, Thurman: to end matters as soon as possible. Currently sporting a five-fight knockout streak, the 27-year-old Chaves won the WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in July of last year with a second round knockout of Ismael El Massoudi and defended it two months later with an identical result against Jose Miranda. Now he's back to fight in the United States for the first time since 2010.

"I appreciate the opportunity to fight in the United States and against someone with a great reputation like Keith Thurman," said Chaves. "We're proud people and proud fighters in Argentina and I'm going to show this to the world on July 27^th."

Adding to the knockout theme on July 27 is Texas' own titan, Weslaco native Omar "Panterita" Figueroa Jr. (21-0-1, 17 KO's), who has ended four of his last five wins with first round knockouts. In April, the 23-year-old thrilled his home state fans with a first round knockout over then unbeaten top prospect Abner Cotto, winning the NABA and WBC Interim Silver Lightweight titles in the process. He will draw on the energy from a San Antonio crowd for his third consecutive fight when he fights for his first world title against Arakawa on July 27.

"For me there's nothing like fighting at home in Texas and the fans of San Antonio have pushed me to new heights in my last two fights," said Figueroa. "I'm looking forward to giving them another big knockout win."

Fighting out of Tokyo, Japan, 31-year-old southpaw Nihito Arakawa (24-2-1, 16 KO's) is a nine-year veteran guaranteed to give Figueroa some looks he has never seen in the ring before. A Japanese and OPBF lightweight champion, Arakawa has won 11 of his last 12 bouts, most recently dispatching Pakphum Tor Pornchai in two rounds on May 4. On July 27, he'll enter hostile territory with the goal of pinning a "1" on Figueroa's loss column.

"I'm looking forward to fighting in the United States for the first time against a tough opponent like Omar Figueroa," said Arakawa. "I'm coming here to put on a great show and take the title back to Japan with me."

"KNOCKOUT KINGS II," featuring Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto vs. tough Mexican contender Jesus Soto Karass in a 12-round welterweight main event, takes place Saturday, July 27 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the 12-round co-featured attractions, unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman and fellow power-puncher Diego Gabriel Chaves battle for Chaves' WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with KO International and Weslaco, Texas' undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Tokyo's Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with Teiken Promotions. The tripleheader will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME and will be available in Spanish via second audio programming (SAP).

Haroon Khan Makes United States Debut Saturday On Lamont Peterson vs. Lucas Matthysse Undercard In Atlantic City

Haroon Khan (1-0) will be starting his American adventure sooner rather than later as he takes on Vicente Medellin (0-5) on the undercard of the Lamont Peterson vs. Lucas Matthysse clash this weekend in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The younger brother of former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Amir Khan got off to a winning professional start in his debut fight against Brett Fidoe last month in Sheffield, England where he won a unanimous decision over four rounds.

The 22-year-old will now be showcasing his talents on Saturday, May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in a four round bantamweight clash against 25-year-old Medellin.

Time permitting, Khan vs. Medellin will be featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® in the United States. In the United Kingdom, highlights of the bout or, time permitting, the bout in its entirety, will be shown as part of Sky Sports 1 HD's coverage of the event on Sunday May 19 from 12.30 a.m. BST.

A 2010 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist, Khan is ready for a tough encounter when he takes on the sturdy American and is looking to put on a dazzling performance in his second professional fight.

"I'm really pleased to be fighting on such a big card in the United States so early in my career," said Khan. "Gaining this type of experience is really going to help me in my career and I'm thrilled to be given the chance to take part in this bill. It was great to get the win under my belt in my pro-debut fight last month and I'll be looking to continue by winning in style against Vincente Medellin. He's a tough, durable opponent, so I will need to be on my 'A-game' if I want to get the victory."

Oliver Harrison, Khan's trainer, said, "I'm pleased with how Haroon is progressing. He's a talented fighter and has been putting in the hard work that is required of anyone who wants to make a big splash in the professional game. Each day he's improving and getting better and this type of experience is only going to help him on as a fighter. We're ready to go and can't wait for fight night."

Asif Vali of Khan Promotions, said, "It's fantastic that we've managed to get Haroon on this card. We want Haroon to stay busy and to be fighting regularly on these types of shows. Making his debut on Amir's bill in Sheffield last April and now to be fighting in the United States the month after on a world championship bill helps build a solid foundation to help him grow into the top level fighter we know he will become."

British welterweight ace Lee Purdy will challenge Devon Alexander for Alexander's IBF Welterweight World Title on the card, with London 2012 Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo also featured on the card.

No Holds Barred: Malcolm X and the Martial Arts and Combat Sports‏

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the legacy of Malcolm X and its meaning for the martial arts and combat sports.

On March 29, 1964, at a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York, Malcolm X repeated what he had said many times about the importance of the martial arts: "If you're interested in freedom, you need some judo, you need some karate, you need all the things that will help you fight for freedom."

That building now houses the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, at 3940 Broadway, New York, NY 10032, where one of the many celebrations of the 88th anniversary of Malcolm's birth will take place this Sunday, May 19.

Malcolm X also explained the importance of martial arts training in "The Autobiography of Malcolm X", and how the values they teach are part of the overall training in values which "are vital in a person, a home, a community, a nation, and a civilization," and not only the aspect of training in self-defense. The book also discussed his relations with Muhammad Ali, when he won the heavyweight boxing championship of the world from Sonny Liston in 1964.

But the type of positive values which Malcolm advocated are today often not being promoted, particularly in combat sports like MMA and wrestling. This is discussed, including how this may be affecting the bid by wrestling to be restored to the Olympic program.

So the lessons taught by Malcolm X about the martial arts and combat sports are still valid. It is up to us to learn this legacy, and to apply it to what we do today.

♔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, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Video: Lamont Peterson—a study in perseverance, humility and achievement. Lamont Peterson: "It's About Respect"

Watch a sneak peek of Saturday's SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING feature on Lamont Peterson—a study in perseverance, humility and achievement. Even by boxing's standards, Peterson's back story, and his paternal bond with trainer Barry Hunter, is unique and inspirational.

"I thought that the only way to get over in life was to take things... to hurt people." -Lamont Peterson commenting on his youth

Peterson, the current IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion is set to take on arguably the biggest puncher in boxing, WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion

Lucas Matthysse, this Saturday, May 18, in the headline attraction of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (live at 9p.m. ET/PT) at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT "PETERSON VS. MATTHYSSE":

Peterson vs. Matthysse, a 12-round 141 pound catch-weight fight,will take place Saturday, May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME^® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) immediately following ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. GUERRERO Epilogue. In the co-main event, IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defends his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdy. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air live onSHOWTIME EXTREME^® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

IT'S SUGAR TIME AGAIN! SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY RETURNS TO THE RING ON MAY 18 TO FACE TOP CONTENDER PABLO CESAR CANO IN CANCUN IN A FIGHT TO BE TELEVISED LIVE ON FOX DEPORTES IN THE UNITED STATES AND TELEVISA IN MEXICO

With the fire to compete still burning brightly, former Three Division World Champion and future Hall of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley will return to the boxing ring on Saturday, May 18 to square off against highly regarded welterweight contender Pablo Cesar "El Demoledor" Cano in a temporary venue which will be set up on the beach in front of The Grand Oasis in Cancun, Mexico. The welterweight fight will air live on FOX Deportes in the United States and on Televisa in Mexico on a delayed basis.

Mosley vs. Cano is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Pepe Gomez Promotor Deportivo and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui, The Grand Oasis Cancun, Quintana Roo Tourism and Cancun Tourism. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. CT. The FOX Deportes broadcast will air live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and the Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 beginning at 10:30 p.m. CT.

The owner of multiple world titles in the lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight divisions, Sugar Shane Mosley (46-8-1, 39 KO's) has compiled a career resume any fighter would envy. Having scored wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Winky Wright, Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito and Jesse James Leija,, Pomona, California's Mosley has also shared the ring with the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, thrilling fans for years with his style, speed and ring savvy. In his most recent fight in May of 2012, Mosley lost a 12 round decision to Alvarez, but after a year away from the ring, Sugar Shane is back and ready to face a stern test in Cano.

Former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Pablo Cesar "El Demoledor" Cano (25-2-1, 19 KO's) made a big impression on the boxing world when he took a last minute fight with future Hall of Famer Erik "El Terrible" Morales in 2011 in which he went 11 hard rounds before losing to the Mexican superstar. In his 147-pound debut last October he impressed once again when he went 12 hard-fought rounds with WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi, scoring an 11^th round knockdown before losing a controversial split decision. Undeterred, the 23-year-old Cano has the opportunity to not just get back on a winning track, but to defeat a legend on May 18.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Betfair's 'Warriors' Call' - Froch vs.Kessler II LIVE on Sky Sports HD Box Office May 25th

IBF world super-middleweight title holder Froch, nicknamed "The Cobra", will fight Denmark's WBA world champion Mikkel Kessler for the second time on May 25.

♔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, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Paulie Malignaggi vs. Adrien Broner: Emotionally Charged Press Conference (Video)

At the press conference to announce this explosive world title tilt, WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie Malignaggi and undefeated, two-division World Champion Adrien Broner promised an emotionally charged affair when the excitable and vocal pair finally meet in the ring on Saturday, June 22 in Malignaggi's backyard at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Don't miss the next edition of Brooklyn Boxing powered by Golden Boy Promotions live on SHOWTIME (9p ET/6p PT). Saturday, June 22 Live on
From Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY

Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi's WBA Welterweight World Championship will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, supported by Golden Boy Promotions' sponsors Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). In the co-featured bout, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fightpresented in association with K2 Promotions. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Full Card Announced For This Saturday's Lamont Peterson vs. Lucas Matthysse Showdown From Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City‏

KEY SHOWDOWN BETWEEN

SHAWN PORTER AND PHIL LO GRECO TO BE

FEATURED ON SHOWTIME EXTREME^®ON MAY 18

LAMONT PETERSON VS. LUCAS MATTHYSSE UNDERCARD

FROM BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

ANTHONY PETERSON, 2012 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST

ANTHONY OGOGO, HAROON KHAN AND 2012 U.S. OLYMPIANS

RAU'SHEE WARREN AND JAMEL HERRING ALSO IN ACTION

The explosive May 18 match-up between unbeaten contendersShawn Porter and Phil Lo Greco at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey will air as part of the event's SHOWTIME EXTREME^®telecast live at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). 2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo will also participate one of the featured undercard bouts.

With both Porter and Lo Greco currently ranked in the top 15 (Porter #5 by the WBO and Lo Greco #12 by the WBA and #13 by the WBO), the stakes have never been higher for these fighters who will look to not only ignite the crowd at Boardwalk Hall, but also move further up the welterweight ladder to challenge the division's elite as they square off in a 10-round 150 lb. catch-weight bout.

The evening of fights is headlined by IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson facing Argentinian power-puncher and WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse and IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defending his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdyof England. The undercard will also feature Lamont Peterson's brother and lightweight contender Anthony Peterson, Washington, D.C. rising star Thomas Williams, Puerto Rico'sCesar Seda, Amir Khan's younger brother Haroon Khan, 2012 U.S. Olympians Rau'shee Warren and Jamel Herring as well as undefeated prospect Robert Easter Jr.

Akron, Ohio's Shawn "Showtime" Porter (20-0-1, 14 KO's), one of the United States' top amateurs for years, is on his way to even greater success as a professional. Unbeaten in 21 bouts, the aggressive 25-year-old scored the biggest win of his career last July when he defeated Alfonso Gomez for the NABO welterweight title. After battling to an exciting draw against Julio Diaz last December, he will look to turn back fellow undefeated contender Lo Greco and move a step closer to his first world title shot.

An international star that is now making a name for himself in the United States, Toronto's Phil "The Italian Sensation" LoGreco (25-0, 14 KO's) made his return to the ring after nearly a year off in 2012, thrilling fans in Atlantic City and Las Vegas with his victories over Hector Orozco, Brandon Hoskins and Daniel Sostre. On May 18, Lo Greco will make his Boardwalk Hall return in pursuit of victory against Shawn Porter.

In the SHOWTIME EXTREME opening bout, Lowestoft, England's Anthony Ogogo (1-0, 1 KO) makes his Untied States debut in a six-round middleweight bout against Edgar Perez (5-4, 3 KO's) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The 24-year-old Ogogo took home a Bronze Medal in the 2012 London Olympics and on April 27 he made a spectacular pro debut, stopping Kieron Gray in two rounds on the Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz undercard in Sheffield, England. Perez will look to regain his winning ways after losing on points on April 27 to hot prospect Boyd Melson at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

22-year-old Bolton, England native Haroon Khan (1-0) will meet Riverside, California's Vicente Medellin (0-5) in a four-round bantamweight bout which will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME, time permitting. The brother of British superstar Amir Khan, Haroon is a former amateur star who got his pro career off to a rousing start on April 27 when he won a four- round decision over Brett Fidoe on his big brother's undercard in Sheffield.

Competing in an intriguing 10-round light heavyweight bout will be Washington, D.C. prospect Thomas Williams (13-0, 10 KO's) and veteran Otis Griffin (24-12-2, 10 KO's) of Sacramento, California. The 25-year-old Williams is already 2-0 in 2013, stopping 8-1 Jason Smith and 20-7 Kevin Engel in three rounds each. The winner of the reality program "The Next Great Champ," Griffin is a former USBA Light Heavyweight Champion looking to get back on track after some tough recent outings.

The blockbuster undercard will also see the return of Anthony Peterson (31-1, 20 KO's) after a 17-month layoff. The talented Washington, D.C. product, who owns wins over Javier Jauregui, Daniel Attah, and Luis Arceo, with his only loss a controversial disqualification against Brandon Rios, will meet Rialto, California's Dominic Salcido (18-4, 9 KO's) in a 10-round lightweight contest. A slick boxer who isn't afraid of standing toe-to-toe and trading punches, the flashy Salcido always puts on a show when he steps between the ropes.

Fresh off of their stint at the 2012 Olympics, United States team members Rau'shee Warren (3-0, 1 KO) of Cincinnati and Jamel Herring (2-0, 1 KO) of Rockville Centre, New York continue their pro careers in Atlantic City this weekend. Bantamweight Warren will face Chicago's Angel Carvajal (2-1) and lightweight Herring meets San Juan's Victor Galindo (1-1), both in bouts scheduled for four rounds.

In an eight-round bantamweight fight, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico's Cesar Seda (24-1, 17 KO's) will face off against Ciudad Obregon's Miguel Tamayo (13-5-2, 11 KO's) with the undercard being rounded out by a four-round lightweight match between Toledo, Ohio's Robert Easter Jr.(3-0, 3 KO's) against Antoine Knight (2-3) of Merrillville, Ind.

ABOUT "PETERSON VS. MATTHYSSE":

SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) immediately following ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. GUERRERO Epilogue. In the co-main event, IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defends his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdy. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME
^®
at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Maidana vs. Lopez & Angulo vs. Lara Press Conference Quotes For June 8 Fights At The Home Depot Center, Live On Showtime‏

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara.SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME Extreme at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

MARCOS MAIDANA

"I know Josesito is a great fighter. I know he likes to stand and trade and fight. That's what I do and that's why it's going to be such an exciting fight.

"My plan is to go toe-to-toe. I don't know what Josesito is going to do, but that's what I plan to do. Pressure is the key to the fight.

"I'm feeling great. I've been in Oxnard, California for over a month already. I love training there. The weather is great and it's where my coach (Robert Garcia) is. It's going to be a great fight and I'm going to defend the honor of Argentina.

"The 147-pound division is where I feel best. I didn't feel that way at 140. Now I'm free and I can eat more. My body is different and you can see the definition."

JOSESITO LOPEZ

"When you're fighting a heavy puncher like Maidana, you have to be smart. The move up to 154 pounds helped me now that I'm back at 147. Now I feel I'm a true welterweight. I feel great in the gym; stronger and faster.

"I'm so excited about this fight and I'm the one receiving the punches. I can only imagine how excited the fans are. Years ago before I was at this level I thought, 'Man, this would be an exciting fight. I would love to get in there and bang with him.' Now we're here. It's a hell of a match-up. It could be the fight of the year.

"This is a fight I have to win. It's a fight that keeps me on the map. This is where I want to be and I'm working my ass off

"He's a strong puncher and I like to think I have a little punch myself. In the ring I just have to be smart whether it's defense on the inside or boxing on the outside. I have to be the smarter fighter and whatever works that's what I'm going to have to do

"We have to be smart and shoot our jab. We have to pick our spots and not let him. He's an inside fighter and he likes to bang. Well, I like to bang too. I've got to be in a position where I want to be, not where he wants me to be."

ALFREDO "EL PERRO" ANGULO

"This is my third fight after my time off and conditioning-wise I'm feeling like my old self, feeling like I used to feel. There's no doubt I'll be in better condition than I was for my last two fights. There was just too much time off. Now, I'm in a rhythm

"It's going to be a very good fight, the bull versus the matador. I have a lot of respect for Lara. He's a really good fighter and he wants to show he's the best, but he's going to have to come out and fight.

"He may think he's just going to box, but he's going to fight."

ERISLANDY LARA

"There's always a lot at stake when I fight, so I know I can't look ahead or take Angulo for granted. He is my total focus now. After I win on June 8; I can start thinking about a world title shot again.

"Angulo is a good fighter. I give him a lot of credit. He always comes to fight. I've worked very hard and am preparing for the best Angulo possible.

"The fact that I'm favored to win means nothing. Once the bell rings, it doesn't matter what the odds are. It's what you do in the ring that counts.

"Style-wise this is a perfect fight for me because Angulo likes to come forward. It's the classic boxer versus the puncher. I expect to put on a boxing clinic, so you can expect a smart fight from me.

"Obviously, the most important thing is for me to win, but I want to put on a great show for all the fans."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA

"We should have called this 'High Stakes' because you have the welterweight division where you have Floyd Mayweather. The winner between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez automatically puts himself in line and at the front door knocking to fight the very best.

"This is how important this event is. This is high stakes here for everyone on this card. Saturday, June 8 will be explosive, that's for sure.

"What's most exciting for Alfredo Angulo's team is that he's just now putting everything together and really learning the craft of boxing under Virgil Hunter. It's going to be very exciting to see him fight such an incredible fighter like Erislandy Lara

"Stephen Espinoza (Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME SPORTS) has now taken SHOWTIME to a whole new level. This is the home of boxing and it will continue to be the home of boxing for many years to come."

KEN THOMPSON, Josesito's Lopez' Co-Promoter

"Here we go again...one more time in L.A. and in every city thanks to SHOWTIME. We have the best fighter in the world in Josesito Lopez, the 'Riverside Rocky.'

"When Josesito and Marcos Maidana enter the ring for the main event on June 8, no judges will be needed. This fight will end with one great fighter laying in the middle of the ring, while the other great fighter will be standing and getting his hand raised in victory and that fighter is the 'Riverside Rocky,' Josesito Lopez.''

LUIS DECUBAS JR., Erislandy Lara's Manager

"This is going to be a great fight. We're happy to be on such a great card. Erislandy is ready. He knows he is in with a very tough, aggressive fighter.

"Angulo is a hungry and determined fighter, but so is Erislandy. We're excited about fighting on June 8."

ROBERT GARCIA, Marcos Maidana's Trainer

"We're training hard for this fight and we know what type of fight we have in front of us. We cannot take this fight lightly.

"We've gotten some great sparring in for this fight and I know Josesito and his coach have done the same. We're actually pretty good friends with Henry (Ramirez). We just know this is a fight that fans are really going to enjoy.

"We know both fighters' styles and we know this could turn out to be one of the best fights of the year. As everyone who has seen the last few of Maidana's fights knows, he is starting to use his jab a little more and using a little more footwork, in and out, so we're going to fight smart. I know this will be end up in a war and whoever is the best conditioned has the best chance to win

"I fought most of my fights on SHOWTIME so I'm just so happy to be part of SHOWTIME again.''

HENRY RAMIREZ, Josesito Lopez's Trainer

"Josesito has been living with me at my place the last few weeks. He wanted to do it and it was his idea. This way there are no distractions. Just eat, sleep and think boxing. It's been working out great.

"The return to 147 pounds will do him a lot of good. I think the time off will do him a lot of good, too, but we didn't really plan to be off this long.

"This fight, Josesito and Maidana, is a Fight of the Year candidate. Robert Garcia and I are good friends, but this is a sport and I know he has been preparing Maidana like I've been preparing Josesito.

"This will be a terrific fight."

VIRGIL HUNTER, Alfredo Angulo's Trainer

"I want to thank SHOWTIME and Golden Boy. This is going to be a great fight. We have great respect for Lara, who's a great Cuban fighter, but we know what a big chance this is for us.

"I believe Angulo has been judged a little harshly; after all, he has only had two fights after spending nine months in detention. That's tough for a fighter to be away that long. His first comeback fight lasted a minute. The last fight, he went 12 strong rounds and closed the show. He'll be even better on June 8.

"I don't think the styles will make a difference. The winner will be who wants it more. I expect Alfredo to hit another level. He's prepared and excited to fight Lara.

"Don't miss it. Tell a friend."

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Takinawa’s Illness Stalls Commencement of Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament‏

Takinawa’s Illness Stalls Commencement of Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament

It has been released to the media earlier today that the prolonging of the highly anticipated Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament as of recent is due to the ongoing illness suffered by the President of the Tournament, Sadahura Takinawa.

The Committee released the following via newswire this morning:

“We have kept President Takinawa’s illness under the radar over the past several weeks as we did not want to draw away from the attention we have been receiving regarding the tournament, from competitors and fans around the world. We have discussed in lengths how best we could proceed; Takinawa advised that we appoint an interim President to allow the Tournament to get underway, but we rejected that idea. This is not like any other fighting competition in the world. We pride ourselves on the honor of our people, the sportsmanship of our competitors, and the unrelenting loyalty and respect of our fans. Takinawa founded this Tournament, and to host it while he is bedridden and ill would be an injustice to the Tournament and to martial arts in general. So we thank our competitors and fans for their continued patience as we work to getting the Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament underway, and will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

Since last summer the Committee has been anxious to get the tournament underway, but has been forced to acknowledge various problems surrounding the fighters involved.

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, Muay Thai specialist Aaron Seamans and Argentina’s Bosch, amongst several other top combatants.

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.

UFC middleweight king Anderson Silva takes on undefeated challenger Chris Weidman for the 185-pound title on Fourth of July weekend in Vegas!

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva defends the title against Chris Weidman on Saturday, July 6th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas!

♔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, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Boxing News: Weights: Holm 139.2, McGee 137

Holly Holm 139.2 lbs. Mary McGee 137 lbs. WHAT: “Mayhem” Professional Boxing IBA & WBF WOMEN’S LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS MAIN EVENT (10) HOLLY HOLM (32-2-3, 9 KOs), Champion, Albuquerque, NM 139.2 lbs. vs. MARY McGEE (20-1, 11 KOs), Challenger, Gary, IN 137 lbs.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, Shttp://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.
ee you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter

Share SBS w/Family or Friends

Friday, May 17, 2013

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Saturday, May 11, 2013