★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Sunday, June 9, 2013

AALAN MARTINEZ TO FACE CHARLIE SERRANO FOR VACANT WBO LATINO FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE :

On Friday, July 12th Mexican lightweight Aalan Martinez (14-2-1, 10 KOs) will get an opportunity to redeem his last loss in a significant manner when he steps into the ring with featherweight Charlie Serrano

♔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.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana, top rated welterweight contender Josesito Lopez and top rated super welterweight contenders Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and Erislandy Lara will face off

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The tripleheader will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and top rated super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a 12-round fight between veteran Demetrius Hopkins and unbeaten phenom Jermell Charlo for Hopkins' USBA Junior Middleweight Championship and Charlo's WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

♔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.

Hitz Boxing returns Saturday, June 8 to the Horseshoe Casino and in the main event, "Fast" Fres Oquendo vs. Derric Rossy

THE MAIN EVENT:
WBA Latin American Heavyweight Champion “Fast” Fres Oqendo (35-7, 23 KOs) will defend his title as well as vie for the vacant NABA Heavyweight belt against Derric Rossy (28-6, 14 KOs) during the 10 round main event at “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” on Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 PM at the The Venue inside of Hammond, Indiana’s Horseshoe Casino. Dynamic super middleweight Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (10-0, 7 KOs) and equally exciting lightweight Frankie “Time Bomb” Scalise (6-1, 6 KO’s) are the co-features for the evening.

Chad Dawson defends his WBC Light-HeavyWeight Title against Adonis Stevenson

ESPN Friday Night Fights: IBF Intercontinental Lightweight Title: John Molina vs Andrey Klimov June 7th - Sherman Oaks, CA

Friday, May 31, 2013

Melissa Hernandez vs. Jelena Mrdjenovich for the third time in their prof. careers, May 31st

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI VS. JOHAN PEREZ AND GERALD WASHINGTON VS. SHERMAN WILLIAMS WILL AIR ON SHOWTIME EXTREME® ON SATURDAY, JUNE 8 FROM THE HOME DEPOT CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF. MARCOS MAIDANA VS. JOSESITO UNDERCARD ALSO FEATURES TOP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TALENT JOSEPH DIAZ JR., RONNY RIOS, JAMIE KAVANAGH, MANUEL AVILA AND EDGAR VALERO

A full undercard of action is expected on Saturday, June 8 when a roster of top local talent and international contenders step into the ring at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. to lead up to the highly anticipated SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader headlined by the WBA Intercontinental Welterweight title bout between Marcos "El Chino" Maidanaand "The Riverside Rocky" Josesito Lopez.

A clash between welterweight contenders and a showdown of heavyweight power hitters will be on tap for SHOWTIME EXTREME^® viewers when unbeaten Japanese standout Yoshihiro Kamegai faces Venezuela's former World Champion Johan Perez in a ten-round bout. Also on SHOWTIME EXTREME, undefeated heavyweight prospect Gerald Washington meets Sherman "Tank" Williams in an eight round battle. With time permitting, 2012 United States Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. will see action on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® against an opponent to be determined. Also in action on the undercard will be some of California's top pugilists including Luis Ramos, Ronny Rios,Jamie Kavanagh, Manuel Avila and Edgar Valero.

After engaging in a hard fought draw against Jorge Silva in Sacramento last October that impressed stateside fight fans, Sapporo, Japan's Yoshihiro Kamegai (22-0-1, 19 KO's) will return to the United States to battle Venezuelan Johan Perez. A punishing puncher with both hands, Kamegai most recently knocked out Jose Alberto Leal in two rounds on February 2. With 19 of his 22 wins coming by way of knockouts, it's a safe bet that he'll look to end his fight on June 8 early as well.

A former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion from Caracas, Venezuela, Johan "El Terrible" Perez (16-1-1, 12 KO's) bounced back from the lone loss of his career against Pablo Cesar Cano last July with a gritty 10 round win over former World Champion Steve Forbes on January 12. With his sites set on a title shot at 147 pounds, he hopes to make his case with a big win over Kamegai.

With the search for boxing's next great American heavyweight always ongoing, fans may not need to look any further than Los Angeles, home to highly touted prospect Gerald Washington (7-0, 5 KO's). Squaring off again Williams in his toughest test to date , the United States Navy veteran and former USC football player Washington hopes to keep his perfect record intact on June 8.

Unbeaten in 11 of his last 13 bouts dating back to 2005, Sherman "Tank" Williams (35-12-2, 19 KO's) is a vet of the sweet science who shows opponents that life begins at 40. A native of the Bahamas, who now makes his home in Florida, the latest chapter in Williams' 16-year career lands him in Carson, California for a pivotal bout against the unbeaten Washington.

In a fight that will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME time permitting, 2012 United States OlympianJoseph "Jo Jo" Diaz Jr. (4-0, 2 KO's) of South El Monte, California will face an opponent to be named in a four or six-round junior featherweight contest. Diaz, who impressed fans and boxing insiders for years as an amateur, turned pro in December of last year and has shown no growing pains while transitioning to the pro game. Fresh off of a third round technical knockout win over Eric Gotay on May 3, Diaz is ready for battle once again.

Unbeaten in 20 pro bouts, 23-year-old Ronny Rios (20-0, 9 KO's) has been steadily climbing up the world ratings, most recently defeating former World Champion Rico Ramos for the NABF featherweight title. On June 8, Santa Ana's Rios collides with Sonora, Mexico southpaw Leonilo "Veneno" Miranda (32-5, 30 KO's) in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

A native of Dublin, Ireland, Jamie "The Nuisance" Kavanagh (13-0-1, 5 KO's) has become a popular attraction in his adopted hometown of Hollywood, California. He will risk his undefeated record on June 8 against Tijuana veteran Sergio "Sirenito" Perez (27-14, 18 KO's) in an eight-round lightweight match.

Also in action will be Fairfield, California's Manuel "Tino" Avila (11-0, 4 KO's) facing off against St. Louis' Jamal Parram (6-7-1, 4 KO's) an eight-round junior featherweight contest and Edgar Valero(2-0, 2 KO's) of Los Angeles who will meet fellow Angelino David Reyes (2-3-1) in a four-round bantamweight bout.

HARRY JOE YORGEY TO REMATCH JULIUS KENNEDY ON SATURDAY JUNE 15TH AT THE VALLEY FORGE CASINO AND RESORT PLUS TEVIN FARMER VERSUS VICTOR VASQUEZ IN A PHILADELPHIA LIGHTWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ON A TERRIFIC 11 BOUT CARD

On Saturday night June 15^th, Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Boxing Promotions will present a great night of boxing at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort that will be headlined by an intriguing rematch featuring local favorite Harry Joe Yorgey ans Julius Kennedy in Jr. Middleweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

On March 15^th, Yorgey and Kennedy battled to a disputed six round split decision for which Yorgey’s hands were raised in victory. Many in the crowd disagreed and the two will mix it up in the rematch.

Yorgey of Bridgeport, PA has a record of 26-2-1 with 12 knockouts and is looking to get back into title contention.

Yorgey was undefeated in his first twenty three bouts (22-0-1) with big wins over Ronnie Warrior Jr. (11-0-1); Jason LeHoullier (21-0-1) & Ronald Hearns (21-0) before losing to heralded Alfredo Angulo. Yorgey got back with three consecutive victories before being stopped in eight to undefeated Jermell Charlo on January 26^th in Las Vegas. His last bout was the aforementioned draw with Kennedy.

Kennedy of Windsor Mill, Maryland has a record of 7-5-1 with three knockouts.

The thirty-three year old has quality wins over Inka Laley (3-0-1) & Aaron Pryor Jr. (12-1) as well as a draw with Jesse Nicklow (20-2-2). In his last bout, Kennedy dropped a six round unanimous decision to undefeated Alantez Fox on January 12^th.

After losing to Yorgey, Kennedy was stopped by DeCarlo Perez in five rounds on April 19^th.

In the eight round co-feature, it will be a Lightweight Philadelphia turf war between Tevin Farmer and Victor Vasquez

Farmer of Philadelphia has a record of 10-4-1 with 1 knockout and is riding a three bout winning streak.

Farmer has quality wins over Tim Witherspoon Jr. and Tyrone Luckey and has won six of his last seven with his only blemish losing to hot prospect Jose Pedraza when he took a fight on SHO BOX on just a few days’ notice. Farmer is coming off a four round unanimous decision over Jesus Bayron on April 26.

Vasquez of Philadelphia has a record of 16-7-1 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. He is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Esteban Rodriguez on January 26^th at Harrahs Philadelphia.

Frankie De Alba (7-1-2, 3 KO’s) of Bayamon, PR will take on Jamell Tyson (3-9-2, 1 KO) of Rochester, NY in a six round Lightweight bout.

In a six round Cruiserweight bout, Jeremey Stauffer of Reading, PA (7-2-2, 6 KO’s) takes on returning Kamarah Pasley (5-6, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA

Returning Lightweight Anthony Flores (9-4-1, 6 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Ramon Ellis (4-8-2, 2 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Todd Unthank-May (6-0, 2 KO’s) will see action in a six round Light Heavyweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Jovantae Starks (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN will take part in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout against an opponent to be named.

In a four round Lightweight bout, Travis Thompson (4-9-2, 3 KO’s) of Pottstown, PA will take on an opponent to be named.

Also in a four round Lightweight bout, Damon Allen (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named.

In a four round Featherweight bout it will be a battle of pro debuter’s as Tony DuBose will take on John Portillo.

Khalib Whitmore of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Brian Donahue (2-4-1) of Philadelphia in a four round Light Heavyweight bout

FORMER OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL WINNER AND TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION MELDRICK TAYLOR TO JOIN CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW PROMOTIONAL TEAM 1st card on June 20th at the Deck in Essington, PA

Former Olympic Gold Medal winner and two-time world champion Meldrick Taylor has been added to the Champions of Tomorrow Promotional team.

The inaugural event will take place on Thursday night June 20^th at the Deck in Essington, PA.

Taylor, who captured Olympic Gold in 1984, went on to win the IBF Jr. Welterweight championship with a 12^th round stoppage over Buddy McGirt on September 3, 1988. Taylor defended the title twice before engaging his memorable fight with Julio Cesar Chavez. Taylor went on to win WBA Welterweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over Aaron Davis. He defended that belt two times and challenged for the world championship on three more occasions.

Taylor joins Marty and Damon Feldman as part of the promotional team.

“It’s great to get back in boxing”, said Taylor

“I hope to help these young fighters realize their dreams to become world champions and with my experience I hope to be able to provide that insight. Plus it’s great to work with Damon and his father. We go back a long time. In fact Damon fought on one of my undercards”

Scheduled to appear on the card will be:

In six round bouts: Welterweight Tim Witherspoon Jr. (9-3-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia; Middleweight Isiah Seldon (7-0, 3 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ and Lightweight Joey Tiberi (9-1, 5 KO’s) of Newark, DE

In four round bouts: Super Bantamweight Alex Barbosa (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia; Pro debuting Lightweight Omar Mangual of Philadelphia; Pro debuting Heavyweight Corey Morley of Philadelphia; Welterweight Terrell James (1-0) of Philadelphia and Lightweight John Dipolito (0-4) of Philadelphia

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Tony Bellew vs Isaac Chilemba WBC Silver light heavyweight title

Tony Bellew vs Isaac Chilemba: Tony Bellew's rematch with Malawian pugilist Isaac Chilemba will be held on May 25 at the O2 Arena on the undercard of Carl Froch's vs. Mikkel Kessler's world title unification fight. The O2 Arena in London, England will host the rematch between light heavyweights. Tony Bellew (19-1-1, 12 KO's) and challenger Isaac Chilemba are scheduled to open up the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast.

(Photo of Jay Mwamba and Isaac Chilemba (r) By Keisha Morrisey)

Melissa Hernandez-Pacheco will face off against Jelena Mrdjenovich On May 31st for the third time in their professional careers

On May 31st Melissa Hernandez-Pacheco (18-3-3) @HuracanShark of Puerto Rico will face off against Jelena Mrdjenovich (28-9-1)( @jelenaboxing) of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for the third time in their professional careers in the main event of the Double Jeopardy card. The bout will be a ten rounder for the WBC Female Featherweight Title.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

David Haye to attend WCBC boxing event Saturday June 1st 2013

On the 1st of June 2013 WCBC Boxing Promotions will be hosting a boxing event with the one and only boxing champion David Haye!

This event will feature 6 top quality boxing bout with the winners being presented their medal by David himself.

There will also be a question and answer session with David and the opportunity to meet him and have your picture taken with him also.

No Holds Barred: Luke Cummo on League of Assassins, and Safety in MMA‏

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with the Long Island, New York-based martial artist and former MMA fighter Luke Cummo (http://teamlukey.blogspot.com).

We spoke with Luke Cummo by Skype Tuesday.

It would not do justice to the unique and highly passionate style and commentary used in the remarks of the always colorful and outspoken Luke Cummo merely to quote them. They have to be heard, read, and seen to be understood properly. He has already been posting online critiques of the violence and the dangers inherent in the sport which earned him much recognition: MMA. One of these is a video called "Against the Cage" (http://youtu.be/qbruO7ntLfQ).

He not only has vowed not to fight in MMA again, but is now starting a new, less violent martial arts event called, almost ironically, the League of Assassins. Their first show, open to all, will be held this Saturday afternoon, May 25, at Pride Fitness and MMA, which is located at 906 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, New York, USA 11787 (http://www.pridefitnessandmma.com).

We spoke with Luke Cummo about his views on MMA, health and nutrition, the system where promoters profit from the fighters battling each other, fighter safety and injuries in MMA, the effect on children, the League of Assassins and its rules, and much, much more.

Ronica Jeffrey vs Olivia Gerula this Friday, May 24th, 2013 at the Westchester County Center

The card is all most final!! Come out and enjoy a night of boxing!! Featuring: Ronica Jeffrey vs Olivia "The Predator" Gerula in a 10 round IWBF World Title Fight, Alexis Mejias vs Ahmed "Prince of Egypt" Samir, Tommy "The Razor" Rainone vs James Winchester, Dorsett "The Bullett" Barnwell vs David Williams, Joe Smith, Jr vs TBA, Antowyan "Iceman" Aikens vs. Yasin Abdur-Rashid, Danny Valle vw David Warrenhuffman, Edwin Cotto vs. Yuchua Isreal Nieves, Armin Mrkanovic vs. Eric George and Marcos Suarez vs TBA. "Fight Night!' at the Westchester County Center, Friday, May 24th, 2013 the doors open at 6pm.. BE THERE!!

THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS & BANNER PROMOTIONS RE-INK WBO #1-RATED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT JUAN CARLOS BURGOS

Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotionsare re-signing Tijuana's crackerjack super featherweight contender Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-1, 20 KOs) to a second promotional contract.

After coming extremely close to winning a world title why stop now?

Co-Promoters Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions and Burgos held a press conference luncheon earlier today in East Los Angeles to celebrate the re-connection at the world famous Tamayo Restaurant.

Said Thompson, "Juan Carlos Burgos should be recognized as the best 126-130

pounder out there. He has done a great job in every facet of his young career and today we will solidify his future and we will make sure he gets what he so eagerly deserves, a belt around his waist. Although he is 25 years old, he is a veteran of the sport as he started his professional career at the age of 16 and we know one day he will be considered as one of the greats. This is a happy day for our company."

"We know Juan Carlos Burgos can be the best 130 in the world. He is ranked #1 in the world by the WBO and he should be challenging for that title in the very near future. I'm happy to have been able to work with Burgos thanks to my friendship and association with Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo, I know we will continue doing great things together," added Art Pellulo (President of Banner Promotions).

Said Camponovo, "we have worked very hard to make sure Juan Carlos Burgos stays with our family. We know of his potential and value it as such, we will show him the way and he will get there soon. He tried to capture that elusive belt twice, once he was close but inexperienced (Hasegawa), the last time he was robbed (Martinez) and got a draw, so we are hopeful that the third time will be the charm."

"Mini" Burgos as boxing enthusiasts call him, has come razor close to winning a world title on two occasions. Last January, in New York City, the Mexican slugger was soundly beating Puerto Rico's Roman Martinez and was the recipient of the worse judging seen in several years. After 12 rounds the fight was ruled a split draw and the Tijuana fighter was denied the WBO junior lightweight world title.
Many in the boxing media including those on the HBO telecast found the scoring an abomination.

Offered Burgos, "I want to thank both my promoters, Ken Thompson of Thompson Boxing and Art Pelullo of Banner for having the confidence in me and in my career and to Alex Camponovo for guiding me along the way, I also have to thank my trainer Gerardo Espinoza and my manager Roberto Sandoval for being always there for me. All of them have given me the opportunity to get to a world title in two occasions and now is my turn to pay them back. I will be a world champion and that day we will have a big celebration because they have been with me during the happy and hard times of my career."

Added Sandoval (Burgos' manager), "The signing of a new contract is really not the main significance of this event. It's the confidence of our promoters in a young boxer who will be a world champion and now he has to show it in the ring. We are thankful because we want to continue the good work we started some five years ago and I know that Juan Carlos can reach all his goals but with the people that really care for him and have been there since the beginning."

Back in 2010, Burgos was blocked from winning the WBC featherweight world title while challenging Hozumi Hasegawa. That fight held in Nagoya, Japan ended in a unanimous decision in favor of the Japanese boxer.

Burgos, who is the nephew of former mini flyweight world champion Victor Burgos, has rattled off some impressive wins while fighting under the promotional banner of Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions. Wins over undefeated Luis Cruz and Cesar Vazquez established Burgos as a force in the 130-pound division. Other notable wins came against Ricardo "Piolin" Castillo and former world champion Cristobal Cruz.

There's little doubt that Burgos will follow in the footsteps of other Thompson Boxing fighters who achieved world championship status such as Yonnhy Perez and Timothy Bradley. More than a few think it's just a matter of time.

Two months away from first ever APB bout‏

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) is delighted to announce that the first ever AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) bout will take place on Friday 19 July in Jeju Island, Korea.

Prior to the official start of the competition scheduled for January 2014, AIBA will stage a number of APB exhibition bouts all around the Globe. These bouts will consist of 8 rounds of 3 minutes with the best fighters in the World involved.

Following the event in Korea, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), the host city of the 2016 Olympic Games will be the second destination of APB in August. Some additional exhibition bouts are being planned for September with France, Italy, Mexico and Ukraine having expressed their interest in hosting those events.

AIBA Pro Boxing (APB), the individual pro-style boxing competition program under the governance of AIBA, is a revolution for the sport of boxing. It is the first and only individual competition in history allowing pro boxers to compete whilst retaining their Olympic eligibility. The APB exhibition bouts will feature the best APB boxers such as Welsh Wonder Andrew Selby, Brazil's Falcao brothers, Italian poster-boys Clemente Russo and Domenico Valentino, German powerhouse Erik Pfeifer, Mexican superstars Juan Romero and Elias Emigdio, rising Korean star Jonghun Shin and many others.

All the foreseen events will be considered as exhibitions and therefore will not affect 2014 APB Ranking.

APB unveils its boxers' roster through "Boxer of the Week" campaign‏

Just a few hours after the wrap-up of the third and most impressive World Series of Boxing (WSB) season to date, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) was pleased to launch an exciting Social Media campaign named APB "Boxer of the Week", designed to unveil step by step the entire APB boxers' roster.

The APB "Boxer of the Week" campaign was launched on Monday 13 May with Welsh Wonder Andrew Selby. Fans of the WSB "British Lionhearts" celebrity had the opportunity to learn more about him through the AIBA Pro Boxing Official Facebook (facebook.com/APB.Boxing) page and the APB Twitter (@APB_Boxing) account. The main goal of the campaign is to let boxing fans interact with their favourite athletes and let them discover details of the upcoming top-class AIBA Pro Boxing competition.

Answering the questions of his fans, Andrew Selby confessed: "My goal is to become APB World Champion. APB gives me the chance to box professionally, whilst remaining on the GB Team and hopefully represent Britain in the next Olympic Games."

AIBA is now determined to bring to life the most exciting project in the history of our sport - AIBA Pro Boxing (APB). According to AIBA President and APB Board Chairman Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, the organisation designed this proposal to satisfy a demand from boxers themselves. "We are convinced that it is the right time to provide something different for our top boxers. With APB, we will revolutionize the world of boxing and establish a blueprint for its development. Finally our athletes won't have to jump into the unknown while embracing a professional career".

With APB, the World's best boxers will now be able to turn Pro without taking risks, as within APB they will remain under the patronage of their National Federation and therefore AIBA throughout their entire careers. Moreover they will compete professionally in an innovative competition structure under a transparent ranking system, and still retain their Olympic eligibility. Each signed boxer will have a guaranteed number of bouts at an agreed purse, equal career chances and a fair remuneration package. Boxers will be able to maximize their training programs and fight schedule through the year with regular match calendar.

With an obvious and transparent competition structure, based only on their performance, a doubtless development path, protection and financial stability, APB is the best ever existing proposal for boxers worldwide. This is confirmed by the impressive APB boxers' roster with the best AIBA Open Boxing (AOB) and WSB athletes and a selection of Pro boxers from around the world.

Whilst the APB competition will officially kick-off in January 2014, a number of exhibition bouts will be organized in the next weeks all around the World. More details to be revealed on Tuesday 21 May.

Statement from Andre Ward on the WBC World Champion Emeritus Title

After careful thought and consideration with my family and team, I have decided to relinquish my WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Emeritus Title. As has been recently reported, the WBC elected to strip me of my world title belt, making the upcoming bout between Sakio Bika and Marco Antonio Periban for the vacant Super Middleweight Title. After consultation with my manager James Prince and attorney Josh Dubin, it is my belief that the WBC did not have the right to strip me of my World Title and name me Champion Emeritus. We voiced our position to the WBC, and after several discussions, have agreed to disagree with their interpretation of the facts and rules. In our opinion, we feel strongly that I did not violate the rules in any manner whatsoever.

When I fought Chad Dawson, there was no mandatory contender. Subsequent to my victory, I injured my shoulder but have remained ready, willing and able to defend my title within the period specified by the WBC's rules. Nonetheless, without what we feel was appropriate due process, the WBC elected to strip me of my World Title. I think my track record in fighting the best opponents available speaks for itself. I worked extremely hard and dedicated my entire career to win and defend my WBC belt. As a matter of principle, I have chosen to stand up for what I believe is right. I think the fans know and appreciate that I am the Super Middleweight Champion of the World, and I trust that I will continue to be recognized as such. I am back in training again, feeling great, and excited about my return to the ring

The Super Middle Weight Champion of the World

Bernard Hopkins To Face Mandatory Challenger Karo Murat On Saturday, July 13 At Barclays Center in Brooklyn

IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION BERNARD HOPKINS TO FACE MANDATORY CHALLENGER KARO MURAT ON SATURDAY, JULY 13

Continuing to break his own records, IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins will become the oldest fighter in history to make his initial title defense when he faces number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Karo Murat on Saturday, July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The bout will mark Hopkins' second time fighting in Brooklyn's new arena following his stellar win over Tavoris Cloud at Barclays Center in March.

Hopkins vs. Murat, a 12-round bout for Hopkins' IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship taking place Saturday, July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.

"Murat has nothing to lose and everything to gain by fighting me," said Hopkins. "He knows he is fighting a 48-year-old, but he has to understand that there aren't any other 48-year-olds like me. I keep saying 'I'm different' because it is true and I'm going to prove it once again on July 13. I don't know a lot about Murat, which makes him a dangerous competitor, but after over two decades in this sport, there isn't anything I haven't seen, so I plan on showing the world that I can face anyone at any time and be victorious."

"It's like a dream come true," said Murat. "I'm so happy to have this opportunity. Bernard Hopkins has nothing else to prove and this will be the first fight in my career where I have nothing to lose. I can only win against Hopkins and I plan on retiring him. His biggest strength is his experience, but I will reveal his weaknesses at Barclays Center in front of his own fans. I will be in the best shape of my life and will snatch his belt from under his nose."

"Every Bernard Hopkins fight is a historic event and an opportunity for fans to see one of the all-time greats in action," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "On July 13, he'll look to keep his remarkable streak going, but Karo Murat is a hungry challenger and he's coming to Brooklyn to win, so I expect a great fight."

"We are delighted that at long last Karo Murat is getting the mandatory shot he earned a long time ago," said Kalle Sauerland, Murat's promoter from Sauerland Event. "The fact that Bernard Hopkins plays by the rules and is giving this young mandatory his opportunity speaks volumes of him. Of course Murat is the underdog, but as the saying goes every dog has its day."

"Bernard Hopkins made history at Barclays Center in March and created an unforgettable atmosphere," said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. "We are honored to host Hopkins' next title fight at Barclays Center where he can potentially break his own record. Boxing is flourishing in Brooklyn and we are proud to work with Golden Boy Promotions to continue driving the renaissance of the sport in the borough."

Nothing can be said about the life and career of Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO's) that hasn't already been written or aired on television, radio or the internet already, but suffice to say that the 48-year-old from Philadelphia has rightfully earned the title of "legend" as a result his accomplishments throughout his storied career. The longest reigning middleweight champion in boxing history, Hopkins went on to reinvent himself as a light heavyweight after turning 40, winning a world title three times. With his last two title wins, he set a new record as the oldest fighter to win a major world championship in boxing history, and as his dominant 12-round unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Tavoris Cloud in March showed, he's far from finished, a fact he plans on letting Murat know on July 13.

The number one contender for the IBF light heavyweight title, 29-year-old Karo Murat (25-1-1, 15 KO's) is on the verge of making history with the chance of a lifetime. A pro since 2006, the resident of Kitzingen, Germany has won several regional titles en route to his place among the top 175-pound fighters in the world. Unbeaten for nearly three years since the lone loss of his career to WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly in 2010, Murat's last two wins have been knockouts, putting him at the front of the line for his dream fight against a future Hall of Famer.

Share SBS w/Family or Friends