Malignaggi plays “The Name Game”/ Malignaggi’s IBF Junior Welterweight Title on January 5, 2008

VERO BEACH, Florida– International Boxing Federation light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi took a break from his Vero Beach training camp, where he’s preparing for his first title defense January 5 on Showtime Championship Boxing against No. 1 contender Herman “The Black Panther” Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs) at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City, to play boxing’s version of “The Name Game.”


The outspoken Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, commented on some of the top welterweights and light welterweights in the world:

Paul Malignaggi


Floyd Mayweather: “The best pound-for-pound in boxing today, maybe ever. He dominates and is definitely the smartest boxer.”
Floyd Mayweather


Ricky Hatton: “Workmanlike but a little overrated. He’s not great but is a good fighter who is tough and a worker. He’s overrated in that some believe he’s the best.”
Ricky Hatton


Miguel Cotto: “One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today -- very powerful, strong, hungry and determined.”
Miguel Cotto


Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.: “I didn’t see his last fight but he surprised me by beating (Ray) Sanchez, who I know from the amateurs. Chavez came back from being down on two cards to stop Sanchez. Maybe, he has gotten a little better.”

Herman Ngoudjo: “Another workmanlike fighter but not the same as Gavin Rees because he doesn’t throw as many punches. What you see is what you get with him. He’s a former Olympian and I expect him to come into our fight at 100-percent. He’s never been given anything and has come up the hard way. I’m looking forward to fighting him.”


Junior Witter: “Probably the most dangerous, underrated, unappreciated fighter in boxing. I’d love to meet him in the ring but that’s up to the networks. Witter is definitely the best light welterweight in England.”
Demetrious Hopkins: “Good family pedigree and a solid fighter. He’ll lose his first pro fight in 2008 when he meets Paulie Malignaggi.”

Lovemore N’dou: “The biggest clown in boxing today. He’s like Barnum & Bailey, you see the same show. His recent words and actions make him look even more stupid to the media and fans.”


Paul Malignaggi and trainer Buddy McGirt prepare for Mailignaggi's bout with Ndou.


Gavin Rees: “I’ve watched some clips of his fights and he seems like a rugged fighter who throws a lot of punches. Another workmanlike fighter, but he won’t last too long as a title holder.”

Ricardo Torres: “A strong fighter who can’t fight a lick.”

Timothy Bradley: “I know him from the amateurs. He’s a darkhorse junior welterweight right now and he’ll eventually become a contender in this division.”

Jose Luis Castillo: “Past his prime; a legend in his day.”

Vivian Harris: “Another underappreciated fighter who has been mismanaged. It’s a shame that his loss to Witter has hurt his career so much. It shouldn’t have.”

Kendall Holt: “A solid fighter who could become world champion. He’s had a couple of bad breaks. It’s all up to him. He has all of the physical tools but, mentally, he has to overcome negativity and setbacks. If he can overcome that he can be world champion.”

CONTACT: Bob Trieger Full Court Press

Don King and Roy Jones Jr. travel to San Juan, to join Felix "Tito" Trinidad in an open to the public media press conference.

(Photo courtesy of DKP Photographer)


Trinidad became very serious at the end of the media-packed press conference, striking the podium and telling his interpreter to translate what he had to say in English because he wanted to make sure Jones would hear him. “Roy, I am telling you this and I am serious this time,” Trinidad said. “Every time I hit you it’s going to hurt. I think Roy has a bad memory when he says he’s going to win in four rounds. What are you going to do when I knock you out in the second round, Roy?”

Felix “Tito” Trinidad at the New York City Press conference for Trinidad vs. Jones Jr..


Jones responded, “Tito’s got to go in fo. He’s doing a lot of talking now. He’s got a big mouth. That’s a bad sign.”

Roy Jones Jr.: “I love Puerto Rico. It’s a great place. I’ve got to give credit to Miguel Cotto for his performance against Shane Mosley. He came out and out-boxed the boxer. Watching the Cotto-Mosley fight caused me to go home and tighten up all of my bolts and screws because Tito comes from the same place Cotto does so I’ve got to be on the top of my game.

Roy Jones Jr. at the New York City Press conference for Trinidad vs. Jones Jr..


Roy Jones Jr.: “I love to fight. Tito is a great world champion who loves to fight. We are going to both come to fight on January 19 at Madison Square Garden. Fans don’t want to see a boring fight. They want to see somebody’s ass hit the grass.

Roy Jones Jr.: “I’m going to take Tito down in four. He must go in fo.”

Roy Jones Jr.: “Tito’s got to go in fo. He’s doing a lot of talking now. He’s got a big mouth. That’s a bad sign.”

Felix “Tito” Trinidad: “It’s great to be on my island. Roy Jones and I are donating money from our purses to help fight breast cancer and that is a good thing.

Felix “Tito” Trinidad: “Roy Jones is a great eight-time champion of the world. He’s been a great champion and was undefeated for many years. He stepped up to heavyweight and beat John Ruiz. All of this is true but on Jan. 19, Roy Jones, you will have the toughest fight of your life. Every time I come into the ring I come to fight. I come with only one bag into the ring, the bag of hitting you. The bag of getting hit I left at home.

Felix “Tito” Trinidad: “I’m very sure Madison Square Garden will be sold out. You [Roy] will see a Boriqua Tito punching Roy Jones around the ring. I want you to be prepared Roy because every time I hit you, you’re going to feel it. I want my translator to say this in English because I want him to understand what I am about to say. Roy, I’m telling you this and I am serious this time. Every time I hit you it’s going to hurt.

Felix “Tito” Trinidad attend Cotto vs. Mosley at Madison Square Garden.


Felix “Tito” Trinidad: “I think Roy has a bad memory when he says he’s going to win in four rounds. What are you going to do when I knock you out in the second round, Roy?”

Contact: Alan Hopper, Don King Productions

“UNDEFEATED” Mayweather vs. Hatton, Jacobs Pro-Debut, Lacy vs. Manfredo Jr. and Cherry vs. Ferguson

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS AND MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS PRESENTED: Mayweather vs. Hatton
“UNDEFEATED” Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas, Live on HBO-PPV.


Mayweather vs. Hatton

"Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather remains "Undefeated" and retains his title as the World Welterweight champion. The boxing great "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather (39-0,25 KOs)of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the 10th round, TKO'd British icon Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton now(44-1,32 KOs) of Manchester, England. Hatton's corner threw the towel in, 1:35 of the 10th round, just as referee Joe Cortez, stopped the fight. The judges for the bout were; Burt Clements Dave Moretti and Paul Smith.

"Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather at the New York City Press conference at Rockefeller Center Garden.


Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton face-off at the New York City Press conference at Rockefeller Center Garden.The boxing celebrity, Floyd Mayweather's decision to participate in the popular network television contest "Dancing with the Stars" despite the boxing champs lost out of the ring, Mayweather displayed dancing abilities, dapper styles, elegant and fancy foot works and learning skills, the ballroom dancing did not par up for the boxer's debut, the fans voted Mayweather off, giving "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather more time to spar and train where he is at his best in the ring. "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather in many ways is multi-talented, and still the best pound for pound in the square ring, still "Undefeated" and still the World Welterweight champion.

"Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather at the New York City Press conference at Rockefeller Center Garden.

Jeff Lacy vs. Peter Manfredo Jr.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS- 10 ROUNDS Jeff Lacy now (22-1,17 KOs) of St. Petersburg, Florida won by decision over Peter Manfredo Jr. now (28-4,13 KOs) Providence, Rhode Island. Referee for the bout Robert Byrd and the Judges for the contest; Chuck Giampa, C.J. Ross and Jerry Roth.

Jeff Lacey at Cotto vs Judah and Keisha.
Peter Manfredo Jr., Keisha and Joe Calzaghe at New York City Press conference for Calzaghe vs. Manfredo.

Cherry vs. Ferguson

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS Edner Cherry now (23-5-2,11 KOs) of Nassau Bahamas, stopped in round 6, by TKO, Wes Ferguson now (17-3-1,5 KOs) of Flint, Michigan.
Referee for the bout, Vic Drakulich and the Judges for the contest; Chuck Giampa, Bill Graham and Dalby Shirley.

Edner Cherry and Keisha after his lost to Paul Malignaggi.

Ponce De Leon vs. Escobedo

WBO JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE – 12 ROUNDS Daniel Ponce De Leon now (34-1,30 KOs)
122 lbs. of Cuathemoc, Mexico won by decision over Eduardo Escobedo now (20-3,14 KOs)of Mexico City, Mexico. Referee for the bout Kenny Bayless and the Judges for the contest; Adalaide Byrd, Duane Ford and Robert Hoyle.

The "Undefeated" Under card

Jacobs vs. Hurtado

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS Daniel Jacobs (1-0,1 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York in a professional debut TKO'd in just 29 seconds of round 1, with a monster left hook Jose Hurtado now (1-2,1 KO) of San Isidro, California. Daniel Jacobs is a 4x Golden Glove champ and was a candidate for the 2008 Olympics.

Danny Jacobs


Hatton vs. Santos

WELTERWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS Matthew Hatton now (16-5-3,17 KOs) 148 lbs. of Manchester, England, won by decision over Frankie Santos now(32-4-1,13 KOs) 148 lbs. of Puerto Rico.

Garcia vs. Villareal

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS Danny Garcia now (2-2-2,KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, KO'd 2:28 in round 2 Jesus Villareal who now drops to(1-1,1 KO) 144 lbs. of Harris Texas.

Oquendo vs. Ledesma

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS Jonathan Oquendo now (15-6,10 KOs) 123 lbs. of Miami, Florida by TKO, 1:29 of round 1, Andres Ledesma now (13-2,8 KOs) 123 lbs. of Baymon, Puerto Rico.

Rodriquez vs. Arvin

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS Jose Angel Rodriquez now (13-1-1,6 KOs) 155 lbs. of New York, New York by majority decision draw Ishmail Arvin (12-0-1,2 KOs) 154.5 lbs. of Baltimore, Maryland.

Sechew Powell, Juan Urango, and Kevin Johnson's “Seasons Beatings” Victories

The main event of the evening featured up and coming contender Sechew “Iron Horse” Powell now (22-1, 13 KOs) stopped Terrance “Heat” Cauthen now (32-4, 9 KOs) of Trenton, NJ. Referee Telis Assimenios called the contest off at 2:19 in the 4th round of an IBF Eliminator, scheduled for 12 rounds of Light Middleweight action. Powell is coming off an impressive recent victory against the popular former Contender star Ishe Smith.In the co-main event of the evening, Light Welterweight Juan “Iron Twin” Urango now (19-1-1, 15 KOs) of Miami, FL squared off against Marty “Too Sweet” Robbins now (22-40-1 15 KOs) of Crossville, TN for 10 scheduled rounds. Referee Frank Santore Jr. called off the brutality at 2:44 in round 5. Urango is trying to get back into the title picture after losing the IBF belt earlier this year to Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.

In an 8 round Heavyweight under-card, Kevin Johnson now (18-0-1, 6 KOs)of Atlanta, GA faced Jermel Barnes now (18-15-2 4 KOs.) of Rochester, NY for 8 rounds of action. All three judges scored the fight for Johnson, with scores of 80-72.

WBC News: Boxing is a live and well in the East and Women's boxing is on the upswing.

In WBC News: Straw-weight Carina Moreno defeated Suszannah Warner, December 6, at the Tachi Palace in Lemoore, CA, for the NABF World tiltle. The bout was a rematch for the two women. The "Rock & Sock Holiday Show" featured on the same card; NABF Super Light-weights, Terri Blair defeat of Jill Emery.(All Photos courtesy of Jill Diamond, WBC and NABF, for publicity purposes)

Carina Moreno at the weigh in.



Suszannah Warner at the weigh in.


Terri Blair and Jill Emery at the weigh in.



Here's what's coming up on the home front:

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT Dec 7 Jelena Mrdjenovich vs Domina Olivo in Edmonton, AB

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT Dec 15 Natacsha Ragosina vs Akondaye Fountain in Dessau, Germany

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT Jan 26 Ijeoma Egbunine vs Carlette Ewell in Lagos Nigeria

http://wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/Portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=1893&docTipo=1&orderby=docid&sortby=ASC

Fight on!

Jill Diamond
WBC Championship Committee, NABF Women's Division
World Boxing Cares, Chair

DO OR DIE TIME FOR MONTE BARRETT; Barrett vs. Couser 2

Barrett vs. Couser rematch.
DO OR DIE TIME FOR MONTE BARRETT
*** Barrett looks to Avenge Loss to Cliff Couser At Holiday Havoc in the Bronx***

Monte Barrett and Omar Sheika at the WBCares Fundraiser in New York City.


New York, NY — There was fireworks in the Bronx as Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett now (32-6,17 KO’s) defeated hard hitting veteran Cliff Couser (26-14-2,14 KO’s) in a heavyweight bout.

Cliff Couser and trainer, at Barrett vs Couser I, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.


Barrett looked to settle the score in the rematch of the July 7 encounter with Couser in Bridgeport, Connecticut where he was knocked out in the second round. Barrett is coming back in a fight that means something and wants to prove that the loss to Couser was just a hiccup on his road to the top of the heavyweight division.

Monte Barrett weigh-in for Barrett vs Couser I, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.


Cliff Couser weigh-in for Barrett vs Couser I, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.


Monte Barrett's trainer Nasir Nettles, at Barrett vs Couser I, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.


The main event on the card featured a 10 round Junior Middleweight battle of talented Eastern Europeans, as NABF CHAMPION and Ukraine born Andrey Tsurkan now (25-3,16 KO’s) lost to undefeated Yuri Foreman (24-0,8 KO’s). The co-feature bout was another 10 round Junior Middleweight show down between Argentinean Sergio Martinez
now (41-1-1,22 KO’s) and Rochester native Russell “Spiderman” Jordan now (14-5,9 KO’s). DBE’s Spanish Harlem junior welterweight, Puerto Rican Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana now (22-3,13 KO’s) and DBE cruiserweight Andre “Tombstone” Purlette (39-2,35 KO’s). Star Boxing’s Young Philly welterweight Ray Robinson now (6-0,1 KO) and one of America’s top amateur heavyweights, Joe Hanks (Pro Debut) will also be on the card.
Monte Barrett and (Neighbor)Keisha at a Black-tie Boxing fundraiser on Wall street.

HOLIDAY HAVOC IN THE BRONX ANDREY TSURKAN vs. YURI FOREMAN

HOLIDAY HAVOC IN THE BRONX
***Andrey Tsurkan defends NABF TITLE vs. Yuri Foreman***
***Bob Arum and Rabbi Hecht Team Up to Spread Chanukah Cheer***



ANDREY TSURKAN vs. YURI FOREMAN

Bronx New York, In a 10 round Junior Middleweight main event, two of New York's most talented fighters, Eastern Europeans, NABF CHAMPION and Ukraine born Andrey Tsurkan now,(25-3, 16 KO’s) lost his title against undefeated #1 challenger Yuri Foreman now (24-0, 8 KO's) born in Belarus, by decision, on Thursday, December 6 2007, at the Utopia Paradise Theater in the Bronx as part of Star Boxing's successful fight series "Punchin' at the Paradise".

Foreman, who lives in Brooklyn, last fought on the under card of Cotto/Judah at Madison Square Garden on June 9, 2007 where he won the biggest fight of his career; a 10 round decision over Anthony Thompson (23-2, 16 KO’s).

Yuri Foreman at the New York City Press conference at Hurley's Restaurant.


The exciting event was televised live on VERSUS, and is a co-promotion of DiBella Entertainment, Top Rank and Star Boxing.

Joe DeGuardia Andrey Tsurkan Yuri Foreman and Lou DiBella at the New York City Press conference at Hurley's Restaurant.


Yuri Foreman and trainer at the New York City Press conference at Hurley's Restaurant.


Star Boxing promoted Tsurkan, who now lives in the Bronx, defending his title in his second straight fight at the Paradise, he viciously knocked out Sammy Sparkman in the ninth round of a ten round bout in the Bronx on April 11, 2007.

Joe DeGuardia and Andrey Tsurkan at the New York City Press conference at Hurley's Restaurant.


The televised card featured DBE’s Spanish Harlem welterweight, Puerto Rican Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana now (22-3,14 KO's) who appeared on the talent loaded under card, defeating Mike Gonzalez now (10-3-1,9 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wiconsin.

Edgar "El Chamaco" Santana after the victory.


The co-feature bout was another 10 round Junior Middleweight showdown between Argentinean Sergio Martinez now (41-1-1, 22 KO’s). Martinez is fighting his first bout under the DiBella banner. Martinez, who resides in Spain, has won 24 straight fights including a 4th round knockout of Saul Roman (28-4, 24 KO’s) who most recently knocked out former World Champion Kassim Ouma (25-4-1, 15 KO’s) on November 2. Sergio Martinez defeated Russell "Spiderman" Jordan who drops to (14-5,9 KOs)of Rochester, New York.

DBE cruiserweight Andre “Tombstone” Purlette (39-2, 35 KO’s) was also featured on the card. One of America’s top amateur heavyweights, Joe Hanks (Pro Debut) was also on the card.

Heavyweight Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett now (32-6, 18 KO’s) stopped Cliff Couser, who drops to (26-14-2,14 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Star Boxing’s Young Philly welterweight Ray Robinson now (6-0, 1 KO) defeated Oscar Gonzalez who drops to (9-10-1,3 KOs) of Tampa, Florida.

Joe DeGuardia at the New York City Press conference at Hurley's Restaurant.




BOB ARUM DONATES TICKETS TO LOCAL CHARITIES FOR HOLIDAY BOXING IN THE BRONX DEC. 6

New York - It is the holiday season and Bob Arum is in the spirit of giving back. Arum has donated hundreds of tickets to Rabbi Shea Hecht of New York to give out to various charities and organizations so that they can attend the Holiday Havoc boxing event at The Paradise Theater in the Bronx on Thursday evening December 6.

“I’m a New Yorker. I grew up there and the Bronx means a lot to me,” said Arum, the Hall of Fame promoter. “We have a wonderful boxing event on December 6th and I want everyone to be able to come and enjoy during this special time of year.”

The tickets were given to Rabbi Shea Hecht to distribute to many deserving charities and youth organizations throughout New York City.

“I am happy I was given the opportunity to give out tickets to hundreds of kids who cannot afford to go to sporting events. December 6th is the third night of Chanukah and this is a great present for all who will get a chance to come out and watch a great night of boxing,” said Rabbi Hecht.

Seats were given out to groups including, Operation Survival, Camp Gan Israel ,Castle Hill Little League, Chabad-Lubavitch of Riverdale, Medgar Evers College, Jewish Programs for Russians, Toys for Hospitalized Children, and the Albert Einstein Medical College Jewish Student Association.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Bob on this great event on December 6th, “ said DBE head Lou DiBella. “His generosity, donating tickets is great as it gives people who would not normally be able to afford to see a boxing event a chance to see this great sport up close and personal.”

Commissioner, NYSAC Ron Scott Stevens, Lou DiBella and Joe DeGuardia at the New York City Press conference at Hurley's Restaurant.

Turner plans on Duddy being his lucky No. 21

NEW YORK– Veteran trainer Don Turner believes WBO No. 2 rated middleweight contender “Ireland’s” John Duddy (22-0, 17 KOs) will become his 21st world champion. First, though, Duddy has to get past former European champion and 2-time world title challenger Howard “The Battersea Bomber” Eastman (42-5, 35 KOs) on December 8 in the 10-round main event at King’s Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

John Duddy


Duddy, who hails from Derry (N. Ireland) but now lives in Queens (New York City), has been training in North Carolina under the guidance of Turner, whose former world champions include Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, Aaron Pryor and Mike McCallum.

Turner has been in Duddy’s corner for his last two fights, victories by TKO against Alessio Furlan and Prince Arron, both in Dublin. Duddy’s improvement under Turner has become more evident, fight-by-fight, and figures to even more prominent against Eastman.

John Duddy and Vaughn Parham


“John’s not getting hit as much,” Turner said about the area where John has improved the most. “He was a boxer before, as an amateur, but he got off track. It’s not like he didn’t do it (box) before he started getting hit. He’s gone back to doing what he did as an amateur boxer. Unless a fighter is a great one-punch guy who opponents fear, not getting hit is a matter of balance and leverage, as well as how his feet are planted and how to turn properly. The best way not to get hit is to hit a guy and put him on the defensive. That way he can’t counter punch. The great Ray Robinson never worked on defense because his offense was his defense. Now, John’s not getting hit as much.”

In 47 pro fights, Eastman has been only stopped only once, by powerful Edison Miranda. His other losses have been to world champions Bernard Hopkins, Arthur Abraham and William Joppy, as well as world title contender Wayne Elcock by close 12-round decision (116-113-, 115-113, 115-114) in his last fight on September 28.

“I know Howard Eastman and losing two world title shots is all that’s kept him from making real money,” Turner continued. “He’s going to bring his best to get back up there. Eastman is going to try to keep moving forward. John has to be aggressive, throw combinations, and push Eastman back. That’s what John does best.



“If John Duddy takes care of himself, keeps his weight down, and behaves like a fighter should, he has the potential to be a world champion but it’s all up to him. I’ve had 20 world champions and John’s going to be my 21st.”

Duddy is on the verge of a major world title shot in 2008, provided he defeats his toughest opponent to date, Eastman. The popular Irishman also is rated No. 4 by the WBC, No. 7 by the WBA and No. 13 by the IBF.

“I have a good working relationship with Don Turner,” Duddy noted. “I’ve really enjoyed working with Don. I’ve learned a lot. I’m looking forward to fighting Howard Eastman, who is a dangerous customer. He has a great record, good experience and has been in against some of the best middleweights of his era. Hopefully, after fighting Eastman, the doors will be open for me to fight one of the top middleweights for the world title. But all I’m focused on right now is fighting Eastman and showing everybody how much I’ve improved training with Don.”

John Duddy


For more information about Irish Ropes Promotions or John Duddy go to www.irishropes.com. Bob Trieger Full Court Press

Gary James; Why I'm voting for Giuliani and the GOP in 2008

Why I'm voting for Giuliani and the GOP in 2008

"The political state of Black America as the weakest in comparison to all other political and ethnic minorities in the wake of the advances and successes associated with the modern civil rights movement is paradoxical and complex. Ironically, there is no coherent strategy being advanced by the Black political leadership and civil rights orthodoxy, to resolve this perplexing dilemma.

Gary James and Rudolph Giuliani


The cavalcade of presidential aspirants and their respective platforms offer nothing consequential to the fortunes of Black America, moving forward. It remains to be seen if the generational and class subtext of the Obama vs. Clinton political dichotomy will fracture the generally monolithic Black vote for the Democratic Party candidate in the general election. While conventional political wisdom suggests that the dye is already cast as to the ultimate destination of the Black vote, Gary James, longtime political activist and analyst articulates an alternative political scenario.

Gary James


I disagree with conventional political wisdom regarding the destination of the Black vote in 2008. The Obama campaign has crystallized a growing generational and independent bifurcation resulting from the adversarial Democratic Party primary campaign. The emerging demographic may ultimately find expression in the GOP column, in the context of a consequential independent vote. The increasing level of voter sophistication and independence among Black American voters may very well be a wild card in the 2008 presidential election.

A majority Black vote for Obama over Clinton in the party primary election is a healthy and positive development and would illustrate a growing level of political sophistication relative to leveraging the electoral process. The myopic political rhetoric by conventional Black political leadership and the civil rights orthodoxy has little currency with the emerging Black voting demographic. Therefore, I suspect the emerging demographic will likely reveal a maturity beyond the symbolic myths of popular mundane politics.

Conventional Black leadership and their paternal political benefactors will have to account for that state Black America and the cursory level of political dialogue. They perpetuate sophomoric political rhetoric like emotional friends versus symbolic enemies, as well as sophisticated political concepts such as 'social justice' as a narrative that effectively modulates Black political power potential. The inevitable outcome is that the Black American community defines and plays electoral politics as though it is a game of checkers. On the contrary, all other communities define and play electoral politics as a game of chess. Chess requires the application of knowledge, skill, coordinated strategy, discipline and longrange planning for success.

I predict that the Black vote will demonstrate a new level of political sophistication in 2008. My vote for Giuliani and the Republican Party in 2008 in conjunction with 25 percent of the Black vote will unequivocally establish political leverage and translate to an improved power relationship with the Democratic as well as the Republican Parties. Consequently, my vote and political position in the 2008 election is a vanguard initiative that advances a new political paradigm and strategy for empowering the Black community in the 21st century.
The new paradigm is juxtaposed to the philosophy and efficacy of 'political correctness' as a practical application for the future.

" The state of Black America is not a partisan issue!" The state of Black America is a power issue!" Political power for Black America requires multi-party strategy based on an organized electorate locally, tactically deployed.
Election 2008 can be a watershed political year for the future of the Black voter. We have pre-launched a web site http://www.blackpt.org/ (Black Political Taskforce) in order to advance our initiative to establish political leverage in the Black community at large."

Gary James is an author, political activist and analyst.
"Eracism" the book.

He is a principle of the newly launched harlemweekly.com and chair of VotersAnonymous.org a political education and research organization. For more information visit: http://www.garyjames.info/.
Contact Person: Gary James Email garyjamesusa@netscape.netBlack Political Taskforce c/o Gary JamesP.O. Box 342 New York, NY 10037 http://www.blackpt.org/

3 TITLE FIGHTS! TARVER vs.SANTIAGO/ FORREST vs. PICCIRILLO/ DONAIRE vs. MALDONADO

3 TITLE FIGHTS! TARVER vs.SANTIAGO/ FORREST vs. PICCIRILLO/ DONAIRE vs. MALDONADO took place live Saturday, December 1, 2007 at Foxwoods Resort Casino and was televised LIVE on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Gary Shaw Productions and SHOWTIME cordially invite you to attend a private media luncheon, at the Trophy Room at Gallagher's Steak House to introduce the title triple header at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Vernon Forrest, Antonio Tarver, Danny Santiago, and Nonito Donaire attend the New York City Press conference.


Gary Shaw


Antonio Tarver attends the New York City Press conference.


Vernon Forrest attends the New York City Press conference.


Nonito Donaire talks to the media at the New York City Press conference.


IBO light heavyweight champion Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver now (26-4,18 KOs) of Orlando, Florida TKO'd his opponent Danny Santiago now (29-4-1-19 KOs) of Ocala, Florida.

Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver enters the arena.


Antonio Tarver exits the square ring after the TKO win over former "Contenders" the boxing series star Danny Santiago.


Antonio Tarver's cut woman Angela Mitchell, Keisha and Legendary trainer Jimmy Williams.


Antonio Tarver, with the WBC belt and family after the victory over Danny Santiago.


WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest, now (40-2-29 KOs)of Atlanta, Georgia "boxing's comeback fighter of the year", due to his TKO, in the eleventh round of a scheduled twelve round of Michele Piccirillo, now (48-4-30 KOs) of Puglia Italy, who hopped on one leg and taken out of the ring by stretcher.

Vernon Forrest, Al Mitchell and Buddy Mc Girt and corner man after victory over Michele Piccirillo.


Michele Piccirillo is taken out of the ring by a stretcher.


IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito Donaire now (19-1,13 KOs) of General Santos City, The Philippines TKO'd opponent Luis Maldonado, now (37-2-1,28 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico, the physician in charge, Dr. Schwartz due to cuts over both eyes, due to clean punches, and a head clash in the bloody brawl, referee Charlie Dwyer stopped the contest at 1:16 of round 8 in a scheduled 12 round bout. This bout is considered to be in the running for the "Fight of the year."

Nonito Donaire and Dad attend the Post- Press conference.


The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Under card Winners

Tony Grano now,(13-0,11 KOs) of Hebron Connecticut defeated John Battle now,(14-19-1,7 KOs) of Rocky Mt. North Carolina, by TKO victory, 34 seconds into round two, the referee Lupino stopped the contest, in a scheduled 6 round, Heavyweight bout.

Tony Grano attends the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame's Third Annual Induction Ceremony Dinner.


John Battle exits the square ring.


Heavyweight Cedric Boswell now,(25-1,20 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia defeated Josh Gutcher now, (18-8,13 KOs) of Albia Iowa. 2:18 of round 2 the referee Mercante stopped the bout, in a scheduled 8 round bout.
Cedric Boswell in the ring after win over Gutcher.


Jason "Friday the 13th" Douglas now,(2-0,1 KO) of Ontario Canada defeated Anthony Cannon now,(4-8,1 KOs)of Saginaw, Michigan, in a Lightweight bout. Cannon's Corner man threw in the towel, 55 seconds into round 2. Maureen Shea was there to support her stablemate Douglas and former trainer Hector La Roche.

Jason "Friday the 13th" Douglas, referee Charlie Dwyer, and trainer Hector La Roche in the square ring after the victory.


Jason Douglas exits the ring after the victory.


Mark Deluca now, (3-0,2 KOs) of Quincy, Ma. in a four round Super Middleweight bout defeated Donyell Dukes now (0-4-0, KOs) of Albany, New York, by a 40-36 unanimous decision.

Mark Deluca


Adelita Irizarry now (3-1,2 KOs) by a 39-37 unanimous decision defeated Nicole Wood (1-1,0 KOs)of Brooklyn, New York, in a four round female Super Lightweight fight, to the finish.

Adelita Irizarry after her Victory over Nicole Wood.


Nicole Wood enters the ring to face-off with Adelita Irizarry.


Celebrity Sitings

Elvir Muriqui attends the Forrest Tarver Donaire triple header at the Foxwood resort and casino.


"The Contenders" star Jaidon Codrington and Chad Dawson attend the Forrest Tarver Donaire main event at the Foxwood resort and casino.


Danny Jacobs and "Contender" star Jaidon Codrington attend the Forrest Tarver Donaire main event at the Foxwood resort and casino.