LOS ANGELES– With no less than 11 fighters scheduled to fight, there will be a distinct East Coast flavor to the six announced undercard bouts that will immediately precede the highly anticipated, first-ever mixed martial arts fight card shown live in primetime on network television Saturday, May 31, at the Prudential Center at Newark, N.J.
Tickets for a spectacular live event, starting at $25, are available at Ticketmaster locations, by phone at (201) 507-8900, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Prudential Center box office (973) 757-6625. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET. The first live fight is at 6:30.
Among the East Coast favorites who will appear in undercard fights presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, are Philadelphians Wilson Reis (3-0), Matt Makowski (2-0), Jim Bova (3-0) and Zach Makovsky (3-1), Chris “The Story” Liguori (7-7) of Middleton, N.J., James “Binky” Jones (6-6) of Baltimore, Md., Nick “The Mad Monkey” Serra (4-2) of East Meadow, N.Y., and Andre “Gigetto” Soares (5-1) of Pinebrook, N.J.
Four of the six announced prelim bouts will be streamed live and for free at ProElite.com. Fans also can watch pre- and post-fight interviews on ProElite.com (see Fighter Pages below).
“From top to bottom, this fight card is totally stacked,’’ EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. “I’m extremely proud of the fights we will be offering to those in the arena and those watching the undercard live on ProElite.com. All the fighters are matched tough.
“For some, this will be their opportunity to watch young, talented, promising fighters who they may not have had the opportunity to see before. It’s always exciting to witness and follow the emergence of new stars. And there are a lot of talented athletes on this show.’’
Kimbo Slice (2-0), Perrine, Fla., will be opposed by England’s James “Colossus’’ Thompson (10-8) in the main event of “CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” on the CBS Television Network at 9-11 p.m. ET/PT.
In other televised fights, EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4) of St. Louis, by way of Davenport, Iowa, will defend against Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (13-4) of Sacramento, Calif.; Gina Carano (5-0) of Las Vegas, Nev., faces Kaitlin Young (4-1) of Circle Pines, Minn., in a women’s fight at 140 pounds; Phil Baroni (10-9) of Long Island, N.Y., faces Joey Villasenor (25-6) of Albuquerque, N.M. in a 185-pound scrap and Brett Rogers (6-0) of Minneapolis throws down with Jon Murphy (4-2) of Minersville, Pa., in a heavyweight fight.
The Lawler-Smith fight is scheduled for five, 5-minute rounds. The others are slated for three, 5-minute sessions with the exception of Carano-Young, which is set for three, 3-minute rounds (See Fighter Pages below).
The crowd-pleasing Liguori is a one-time middleweight who now competes at 155-160. “I feel awesome at this weight,’’ he said. “I should have been a lightweight my whole career.’’
Liguori, who’s fought some good ones since turning pro in ‘02, will look to regain his winning ways against the promising Bova, who, like Liguori, signed recently with EliteXC.
Bova is a well-rounded fighter and awesome wrestler with excellent technical ability and a seemingly unlimited gas tank. He trains out of the same gym as Murphy in Minersville, Pa.
In his last start, Bova scored a 3:59, first-round submission (rear naked choke) over Mark Getto on Oct. 6, 2007. Bova has won all three of his fights by submission.
The popular Serra, the younger brother of Matt Serra and the second American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under world renowned Renzo Gracie, will be opposed by the up-and-coming Makowski in what will be a top-notch 170-pound scrap.
A submission specialist, all four of Serra’s victories have been via tap out. In his last start, he submitted (armbar) Mike Varner in the second round on June 23, 2007, at Atlantic City.
Serra, whose vast skills and unique style makes for crowd-pleasing scraps, is also known for entertaining cage entrances (he wears a Mad Monkey mask and throw bananas to the crowd). But don’t be fooled by the monkey business. Serra has never been submitted or knocked out, is supremely talented and has a fierce competitive spirit. “I’ll fight anybody,’’ he said.
Makowski, who compiled an outstanding record in Muay Thai, is fundamentally sound, possesses well-rounded skills, terrific cardio and always enters the ring well prepared.
In his most recent outing, the highly regarded Makowski showed a good ground game to go with his striking en route to registering an excellent 4:01, first-round submission (rear naked choke) over Muay Thai specialist Joe Schilling on Jan. 25, 2008, in Atlantic City.
Makowski has yet to be severely challenged in a pro, amateur or Muay Thai fight so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
The 140-pound Reis, who takes on Justin Robbins, has been totally dominant in his brief career, always appearing to be a class or two above his opponent.
In a fight that got off to a wild start, Reis won his EliteXC debut with a second-round submission (rear naked choke) over Zach Makovsky on Jan. 25, 2008, in Atlantic City.
A fast-rising featherweight who possesses all the right tools, Reis is only 23 but already is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. The world class grappler made Makovsky, a former Division I wrestler and respectable prospect, look pedestrian in what was expected to be a close fight.
Robbins (8-3-1), of St. Louis, has won three of his last four, including an eye-opening 0:47, first-round submission (arm triangle choke) victory over Jeff Hodges on Jan. 26, 2008.
A submission fighter, Robbins holds notable wins over Matt Jaggers and Tristan Yunker.
No stranger to big cards, Jones is putting it together at the right time. He will be seeking his third consecutive victory when he meets unbeaten Calvin Kattar (3-0).
Jones won his last two starts by impressive first-round submission (kimoura). He needed 1:59 to devalue Al Buck on March 7, 2008. The previous Jan. 25 in Atlantic City, Jones won his EliteXC debut by dominating Mark Getto en route to dispatching him at 1:12.
A victory keeps Jones in the thick of what is one of EliteXC’s deepest divisions.
New Hampshire’s Kattar is an exciting, crowd-pleasing, talented wrestler who likes to ground and pound.
In preliminary bouts that will not be streamed at ProElite.com, Makovsky meets Soares at 135 pounds and Mike Groves (0-1) of Philadelphia and Joe Sampieri (0-2) of Manhattan, N.Y., clash in a battle of capable but winless fighters at 155.
Makovsky, who suffered his first loss, to Reis, in his last start, is a former Division I wrestler from Drexel University. His 72 victories rank 18th on the all-time Drexel win list.
Soares has won four in a row, all via first-round stoppage. A Brazilian who’s always ready to fight and brings an aggressive submission style attack to the cage, Soares scored a 0:19, first-round submission (guillotine choke) over Jason Spearman April 18, 2008, in Atlantic City.
The aggressive-minded Groves, who boasts a strong boxing and wrestling background, lost his debut by second-round TKO undefeated Pat McGreal in October 2007.
Sampieri, a Muay Thai coach at Renzo Gracie’s Jiu-Jitsu academy in New York, is overdue for a win. He is obviously talented on his feet and is definitely overdue to win one.
The seven undercard fights are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds.
Fighter pages (ProElite.Com): Liguori (http://chrisliguori.proelite.com), Bova (http://jimbova.proelite.com), Serra (http://nickserra.proelite.com), Makowski (http://mattmakowski.proelite.com), Robbins (http://justinrobbins.proelite.com), Reis (http://wilsonreis.proelite.com), Jones (http://jamesjones.com), Kattar (http://calvinkattar.proelite.com), Makovsky (http://zachmakovsky.proelite.com), Soares (http://andresoares.proelite.com), Sampieri (http://joesampieri.proelite.com), Groves (http://mikegroves.proelite.com).
Fighter pages (CBS): Slice (http://kimboslice.proelite.com), Thompson (http://jamesthompson.proelite.com), Lawler (http://robbielawler.proelite.com), Smith (http://scottsmith.proelite.com), Carano (http://ginacarano.proelite.com), Young (http://kaitlinrose.proelite.com), Villasenor (http://joeyvillasenor.com), Baroni (http://philbaroni.proelite.com), Rogers (http://brettrogers.proelite.com), Murphy (http://jonmurphy.proelite.com).
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content.
About The Prudential Center
Prudential Center is the first new, state-of-the-art facility built in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area in over 25 years. Located within 2 blocks of Newark Penn Station, it is the home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, NCAA Division I Seton Hall men’s basketball and the New Jersey Ironmen of the MISL. Prudential Center is managed by AEG, one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
MANNY PACQUIAO vs. DAVID DIAZ NEWS CONFERENCE LUNCHEON TO ANNOUNCE JULY 28th WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN
MANNY PACQUIAO vs. DAVID DIAZ NEWS CONFERENCE LUNCHEON TO ANNOUNCE MANNY PACQUIAO, (46-3-2, 34 KOs), General Santos City, Philippines vs DAVID DIAZ, (34-1-1, 17 KOs), Chicago, Illinois, took place May 13th, at the WESTIN BONAVENTURE HOTEL.
WBC super featherweight champion MANNY PACQUIAO, the No. 1 pound for pound most exciting fighter, and WBC lightweight champion DAVID DIAZ, the pride of Chicago, will host a news conference announcing their world title fight. Promoted by Bob Arum, CEO, of Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Pacquiao vs. Diaz will take place Saturday, June 28, at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. The 12-round lightweight championship bout will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 P.M. ET /6 P.M. PT.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
WBC super featherweight champion MANNY PACQUIAO, the No. 1 pound for pound most exciting fighter, and WBC lightweight champion DAVID DIAZ, the pride of Chicago, will host a news conference announcing their world title fight. Promoted by Bob Arum, CEO, of Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Pacquiao vs. Diaz will take place Saturday, June 28, at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. The 12-round lightweight championship bout will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 P.M. ET /6 P.M. PT.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
FIGUEROA READY FOR ESPN2 WED. NIGHT FIGHTS 5/14 MAIN EVENT, SPEAKS ON SHANE MOSLEY
New York State Light Welterweight Champion Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa has arrived in New York City after an eight week stay in Big Bear Lake, California where he acted as the chief sparring partner to "Sugar" Shane Mosley. Figueroa's time spent with the renowned welterweight accounted for his second time aiding a fighter set to face Brownsville, Brooklyn's "Super" Zab Judah. In May 2006, Figueroa assumed the five week duties of chief sparring partner to Puerto Rican welterweight superstar Miguel "Angel" Cotto, for a mega-bout that resulted in a knock out loss for Judah. Many who viewed the Cotto vs. Judah (June 9, 2007) bout recognized the influence Figueroa had on Cotto's fighting style.
Mosley, however, will not be utilizing the tactics acquired from Figueroa on May 31, as scheduled, after Judah suffered severe lacerations to his arm last week, resulting in 50 stitches. "Everybody's momentum was completely decelerated after the fight was called off," said Figueroa. "It was a big disappointment." However, Figueroa eagerly anticipates his treacherous southpaw style to cause serious damage to IBF Mexican lightweight champion Luis Rodriguez (22 wins-13 kos-1 loss) on May 14, as the Main Event bout on an ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights live telecast from the prestigous Gotham Hall in New York City, promoted by Dibella Entertainment.
"I don't know much about Luis Rodriguez except for his stats," Figueroa admits. "I just hope he comes forward, unlike my last opponent, Noel Rodriguez, who I had to repeatedly chase around the ring. But if I have to chase him too, so be it, I'll do what it takes to win." Figueroa, who also holds the light welterweight WBC Intercontinental Mundo Hispano and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) titles, is often referred to as "Boxing's Best Kept Secret." Over the past several years the Bronx bomber has developed quite the reputation for being to the best southpaw teacher in boxing. He's played the role of chief sparring partner to Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, "Vicious" Vivian Harris, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti and Jose Cotto—all who've walked away from their subsequent bouts with wins.
Figueroa (18 wins-13 kos-2 losses) admits he's learned a great deal from his sparring partners in the past— as was the case throughout his interaction with Mosley. "Shane taught me better hand and eye coordination," says Figueroa. "My timing against my opponents is much easier at a much faster pace now. Overall, Shane's an extremely humble guy. I witnessed how much he gives back to his supporters, and how he appreciates his team. In addition to giving me great bowling tips, Anthony Randolph, the camp coordinator, helped me set me up my business, Gato Productions. Fans can purchase my latest "Team Gato Can't Stop Won't Stop T-Shirts" at www.gatofigueroa.com."
It's a known fact that prior to his previous 18 bouts, Figueroa, now on a 10 fight winning streak, has had trouble making his weight of 140 pounds come weigh-in time. This time, the Bronx bomber made weight one week prior to hitting the scale. "Shane hired a chef so I was eating healthy balanced meals. I have to thank CNP professionals (cnp-professionals.com) for supplying me with nutritional supplements such as protein shakes, meal replacements and desserts as well." New York-based clothing company "Four Runners" has also come aboard as a Team Gato Sponsor.
Figueroa credits his sparring partners, Joaquin Zamora, Austin Troat, and Cleotis Pendarvis, with keeping his training regimen extremely on-point, while they provided Mosley with preparation for Judah as well.
For more information about Figueroa and explosive Ko footage visit: www.gatofigueroa.com www.myspace.com/gatofigueroa
For more live video interviews go to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Mosley, however, will not be utilizing the tactics acquired from Figueroa on May 31, as scheduled, after Judah suffered severe lacerations to his arm last week, resulting in 50 stitches. "Everybody's momentum was completely decelerated after the fight was called off," said Figueroa. "It was a big disappointment." However, Figueroa eagerly anticipates his treacherous southpaw style to cause serious damage to IBF Mexican lightweight champion Luis Rodriguez (22 wins-13 kos-1 loss) on May 14, as the Main Event bout on an ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights live telecast from the prestigous Gotham Hall in New York City, promoted by Dibella Entertainment.
"I don't know much about Luis Rodriguez except for his stats," Figueroa admits. "I just hope he comes forward, unlike my last opponent, Noel Rodriguez, who I had to repeatedly chase around the ring. But if I have to chase him too, so be it, I'll do what it takes to win." Figueroa, who also holds the light welterweight WBC Intercontinental Mundo Hispano and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) titles, is often referred to as "Boxing's Best Kept Secret." Over the past several years the Bronx bomber has developed quite the reputation for being to the best southpaw teacher in boxing. He's played the role of chief sparring partner to Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, "Vicious" Vivian Harris, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti and Jose Cotto—all who've walked away from their subsequent bouts with wins.
Figueroa (18 wins-13 kos-2 losses) admits he's learned a great deal from his sparring partners in the past— as was the case throughout his interaction with Mosley. "Shane taught me better hand and eye coordination," says Figueroa. "My timing against my opponents is much easier at a much faster pace now. Overall, Shane's an extremely humble guy. I witnessed how much he gives back to his supporters, and how he appreciates his team. In addition to giving me great bowling tips, Anthony Randolph, the camp coordinator, helped me set me up my business, Gato Productions. Fans can purchase my latest "Team Gato Can't Stop Won't Stop T-Shirts" at www.gatofigueroa.com."
It's a known fact that prior to his previous 18 bouts, Figueroa, now on a 10 fight winning streak, has had trouble making his weight of 140 pounds come weigh-in time. This time, the Bronx bomber made weight one week prior to hitting the scale. "Shane hired a chef so I was eating healthy balanced meals. I have to thank CNP professionals (cnp-professionals.com) for supplying me with nutritional supplements such as protein shakes, meal replacements and desserts as well." New York-based clothing company "Four Runners" has also come aboard as a Team Gato Sponsor.
Figueroa credits his sparring partners, Joaquin Zamora, Austin Troat, and Cleotis Pendarvis, with keeping his training regimen extremely on-point, while they provided Mosley with preparation for Judah as well.
For more information about Figueroa and explosive Ko footage visit: www.gatofigueroa.com www.myspace.com/gatofigueroa
For more live video interviews go to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Brad Imes will challenge Roy Nelson for the heavyweight championship as part of the nine-bout card as the International Fight League
NEW YORK– Mixed martial arts veteran Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) will challenge Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) for the heavyweight championship as part of the nine-bout card as the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday, May 16. Imes replaces Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.), who was injured in training. A training injury to Fabricio Camoes of Brazil also necessitated a change in a non-championship lightweight bout. Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) will battle John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.). Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.), originally slated to face Camoes, withdrew from the bout following the injury to Camoes. Imes, known as “The Hillbilly Heartthrob,” trains with Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa. He He has competed in several MMA organizations, and was notably a finalist in the second season of The Ultimate Fighter television series. Imes is 11-4 in his MMA career and will be making his IFL debut. May 16 will also mark the first IFL bouts for Latina (4-1 overall) and Franchi (3-0). As previously announced, two other IFL Champions will put their respective titles on the line to headline the card, as Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) takes on Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) at middleweight and Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) defends against Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) at lightweight. HDNet will televise all three championship bouts, plus three preliminary matchups. The preliminary bouts feature athletes from four MMA camps, including Team Quest, Team Bombsquad, World Class Fight Center and Team Prodigy. Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office, and by telephone at 860-886-0070. IFL Mohegan SunFriday, May 16, 2008 (order TBD) Preliminary Bouts155 lbs.: Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) (0-0 IFL, 4-1 overall MMA) vs. John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 3-0)205 lbs.: Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (2-2, 5-4) vs. Lamont Lister (Philadelphia) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-3)170 lbs.: John Howard (Boston) (0-0 IFL, 8-3 overall MMA) vs. Nick Calandrino (Emerson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-0)155 lbs.: Zac George (Norman, Okla.) (Team Quest) (1-1, 12-2) vs. Josh Souder (Mason, Ohio) (Team Prodigy) (0-0, 10-6)185 lbs.: Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (6-4, 21-10-1) vs. Joey Guel (Oregon) (0-0, 12-5)185 lbs.: Danillo Villefort (Pompano Beach, Fla.) (World Class Fight Center) (0-0, 6-2) vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 10-1) Championship Bouts185 lbs.: *Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (6-4, 12-5) vs. Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) (AMA Fight Club) (1-0, 7-1)265 lbs.: *Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (Lion’s Den) (5-1, 12-2) vs. Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (0-0, 11-4)155 lbs.: *Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) (Team Quest) (6-2, 19-9-1) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (Renzo Gracie) (3-0, 9-2) *Current Titleholder About the IFL International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.
---"Circus life Under the big top world We all need the clowns
To make us smile Through space and time Always another show"-Journey, 'Faithfully'
Jerry Milani Manager of Public Relations
International Fight League
Catch the IFL on FSN Saturdays at midnight and LIVE on HDNet on May 16 This message was sent by: International Fight League, 424 W. 33rd Street, Suite 650, New York, NY 10001
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
Three unbeaten boxers headline FedExForum card DiBella's HBO event built to be affordable
Three unbeaten boxers headline FedExForum card DiBella's HBO event built to be affordable
By Ron Higgins
Boxing promoter Lou DiBella's head and stomach have driven him to Memphis again.
Unbeaten boxers Andre Berto, Chazz Witherspoon and Rayonta Whitfield headline an HBO "Boxing After Dark" tripleheader on June 21 in FedExForum. The eight-bout card is presented by New York-based DiBella Entertainment in association with Memphis-based Prize Fight Boxing.
Berto, the unbeaten NABF welterweight champion at 21-0 with 18 knockouts, faces Miguel Angel Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KOs) in a 12-round WBC title elimination bout between that organizations' No. 1 and No. 2 ranked contenders. In the next few weeks, it's likely the WBC will revise the fight to being an interim world title bout.
Witherspoon, an unbeaten heavyweight (23-0, 15 KO's) who's ranked third nationally by the USBA, will slug it out with Chris Areola, who's also unbeaten (23-0, 21 KOs) and ranked No. 6 in the world by the IBF. The opponent for Whitfield, 21-0 with 10 KOs as the NABO flyweight champion and ranked No. 1 in the world by the WBO, hasn't been finalized.
The complete card will be announced later this week at a press conference in
FedExForum.
DiBella originally had the fight set in New York, but staging it there was cost prohibitive. So he turned to Memphis, where he has teamed once more with tireless promoter Brian Young of Prize Fight Boxing. DiBella and Young staged FedExForum cards the last two years with former middleweight world champ Jermain Taylor of Little Rock as the main attraction.
"Memphis is a great place to do an event, and I do need my barbecue fix," DiBella said. "The Rendezvous already has my name on it for one night, and I'll be doing my circle of barbecue for a week."
The one thing DiBella learned from his previous experiences in Memphis -- besides the difference between wet and dry ribs -- is the ticket price ceiling of the Memphis sports fan.
That's why DiBella and Young have priced tickets from a mere $25 to $100 (for a ringside seat). All seats will be on the floor and the lower bowl of the arena, and Young said 70 percent of the tickets will be $50 or less. Tickets will likely go on sale Friday or Saturday.
"The economy is terrible right now," DiBella said. "But we've gotten a good deal with the FedExForum, and they've allowed us to make this a very affordable fight. I know Memphis isn't Las Vegas and isn't a casino town, but Memphis is a great place to do an event. This (fight) is a way for me to come back to Memphis and price a fight to where even the ringside seats are affordable for regular folk to see some of the best in boxing."
Four years ago, Berto, Witherspoon and Whitfield were chasing Olympic dreams at the U.S. Olympic boxing trials in Tunica. That's why it will be unique to have them on the same card in the three featured fights.
Berto last fought in September, scoring an 11th-round knockout of David Estrada in Atlantic City. The victory gave Berto the NABF welterweight championship and made him the No. 1 contender in the WBC and IBF, just ahead of Rodriguez.
June's fight against Rodriguez will be Berto's third in FedExForum. His last appearance in May 2006, on the Jermain Taylor-Cory Spinks undercard, ended with his seventh-round TKO of Martinus Clay.
"Rodriguez is a real knockout puncher, so Berto has to be careful," DiBella said.
The Areola-Witherspoon fight is scheduled for 12 rounds, but Young said it won't last that long.
"They are both headhunters, and they are the two best American heavyweights out there, America's best hopes to get the title back," Young said. "Right now, the Russians are dominating."
Young said Whitfield's bout is a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
"He's very close to fighting for a world title," said Young, who's Whitfield's promoter. "He has this one more test to pass in June, then he could get the world title fight, possibly in the fall. This is the biggest fight of his life so far."
Young is excited about the diversity of talent on the card and the ticket prices.
"We've made the tickets very affordable, so there's no excuse why people can't come out and watch world class fighters on an HBO-televised card," said Young, who is bringing a televised world title fight to Memphis for the seventh straight year.
For a live interview with Chazz Witherspoon go to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
By Ron Higgins
Boxing promoter Lou DiBella's head and stomach have driven him to Memphis again.
Unbeaten boxers Andre Berto, Chazz Witherspoon and Rayonta Whitfield headline an HBO "Boxing After Dark" tripleheader on June 21 in FedExForum. The eight-bout card is presented by New York-based DiBella Entertainment in association with Memphis-based Prize Fight Boxing.
Berto, the unbeaten NABF welterweight champion at 21-0 with 18 knockouts, faces Miguel Angel Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KOs) in a 12-round WBC title elimination bout between that organizations' No. 1 and No. 2 ranked contenders. In the next few weeks, it's likely the WBC will revise the fight to being an interim world title bout.
Witherspoon, an unbeaten heavyweight (23-0, 15 KO's) who's ranked third nationally by the USBA, will slug it out with Chris Areola, who's also unbeaten (23-0, 21 KOs) and ranked No. 6 in the world by the IBF. The opponent for Whitfield, 21-0 with 10 KOs as the NABO flyweight champion and ranked No. 1 in the world by the WBO, hasn't been finalized.
The complete card will be announced later this week at a press conference in
FedExForum.
DiBella originally had the fight set in New York, but staging it there was cost prohibitive. So he turned to Memphis, where he has teamed once more with tireless promoter Brian Young of Prize Fight Boxing. DiBella and Young staged FedExForum cards the last two years with former middleweight world champ Jermain Taylor of Little Rock as the main attraction.
"Memphis is a great place to do an event, and I do need my barbecue fix," DiBella said. "The Rendezvous already has my name on it for one night, and I'll be doing my circle of barbecue for a week."
The one thing DiBella learned from his previous experiences in Memphis -- besides the difference between wet and dry ribs -- is the ticket price ceiling of the Memphis sports fan.
That's why DiBella and Young have priced tickets from a mere $25 to $100 (for a ringside seat). All seats will be on the floor and the lower bowl of the arena, and Young said 70 percent of the tickets will be $50 or less. Tickets will likely go on sale Friday or Saturday.
"The economy is terrible right now," DiBella said. "But we've gotten a good deal with the FedExForum, and they've allowed us to make this a very affordable fight. I know Memphis isn't Las Vegas and isn't a casino town, but Memphis is a great place to do an event. This (fight) is a way for me to come back to Memphis and price a fight to where even the ringside seats are affordable for regular folk to see some of the best in boxing."
Four years ago, Berto, Witherspoon and Whitfield were chasing Olympic dreams at the U.S. Olympic boxing trials in Tunica. That's why it will be unique to have them on the same card in the three featured fights.
Berto last fought in September, scoring an 11th-round knockout of David Estrada in Atlantic City. The victory gave Berto the NABF welterweight championship and made him the No. 1 contender in the WBC and IBF, just ahead of Rodriguez.
June's fight against Rodriguez will be Berto's third in FedExForum. His last appearance in May 2006, on the Jermain Taylor-Cory Spinks undercard, ended with his seventh-round TKO of Martinus Clay.
"Rodriguez is a real knockout puncher, so Berto has to be careful," DiBella said.
The Areola-Witherspoon fight is scheduled for 12 rounds, but Young said it won't last that long.
"They are both headhunters, and they are the two best American heavyweights out there, America's best hopes to get the title back," Young said. "Right now, the Russians are dominating."
Young said Whitfield's bout is a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
"He's very close to fighting for a world title," said Young, who's Whitfield's promoter. "He has this one more test to pass in June, then he could get the world title fight, possibly in the fall. This is the biggest fight of his life so far."
Young is excited about the diversity of talent on the card and the ticket prices.
"We've made the tickets very affordable, so there's no excuse why people can't come out and watch world class fighters on an HBO-televised card," said Young, who is bringing a televised world title fight to Memphis for the seventh straight year.
For a live interview with Chazz Witherspoon go to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Instant Classic? Mijares-Munoz Unification on PPV Salado-Miranda co-feature May 17 in Mexico
GOMEZ PALACIO, DURANGO, Mexico – Styles make fights and the May 17 unification title bout between WBC champion Cristian Mijares and WBA title-holder Alexander “El Explosivio” Munoz has all the makings of an instant classic.
The 12-round Mijares-Munoz main event, marking the first super flyweight unification title bout in more than 10 years, headlines the “Noche de Campeones” pay-per-view event live from the Auditorio Centenario in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.
“Noche de Campeones,” promoted by KO Entertainment in association with DiBella Entertainment, will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States (9 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and DISH Network, as well as on The Fight Network in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
The 12-round co-feature matches Mexican warriors Omar Salado and Julio Cesar “Pingo” Miranda in a WBC flyweight elimination bout.
“Unifying the super flyweight title is one of my first goals to be recognized as the best in my weight class,” Mijares said. “I’ve always desired to fight on a pay-per-view show and now it’s real. At the same time it is a big responsibility because so many boxing fans are going to be watching my performance. It’s an honor to fight before my people and I know millions of Mexicans will be watching me live on television.”
Mijares (34-3-2, 14 KOs) is a pure boxer with tremendous defensive boxing skills, while Munoz (32-2, 27 KOs) rates as a feared knockout specialist. Mijares captured the WBC Interim title on September 18, 2006 by 12-round split decision (114-113, 114-113, 113-114) against Katsushige Kawashima (30-4) in Japan. The slick Mexican southpaw successfully defended his WBC Interim belt the following November in Mexico, winning a 12-round unanimous decision (118-109, 117-110, 116-111) versus Reynaldo Lopez (28-3-2), and won his rematch for the WBC outright championship on January 3, 2007, stopping Kawashima (30-5) in the 10th round.
Mijares burst upon the global scene a year ago with an impressive, one-sided victory by unanimous 12-round decision (119-109, 118-110, 117-11) on PPV versus colorful Jorge “Travieso” Arce (46-4-1, 35 KOs) in San Antonio. Currently riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak with 23 wins and one draw, Mijares has made four successful title defenses since defeating Arce against, in order, Terrei Kikui (21-5) by 10th round TKO, Frank Gorrjux (16-7) in the opening round, and Jose Navarro (26-3) via a 12-round decision on February 16 in Las Vegas.
Venezuela-native Munoz is a 2-time WBA super flyweight champion, originally winning his title belt in 2002 with an eighth-round stoppage of Celes Kobayasho. Munoz made three winning title defenses against Eiji Kojima twice (KO2 and TKO10), sandwiched around a 12-round decision versus Hidenobu Honda (26-2), before losing a 12-round decision and his title belt to Martin Castillo (26-1) in 2004. Munoz won the WBA Fedelatin super flyweight crown in a WBA title eliminator, but Castillo won their 2006 rematch by 12-round split decision.
Munoz regained his WBA super flyweight title on May 3, 2007, taking a dominating 12-round decision from Nabuo Mashiro (9-0) in Japan. In a pair of title defenses, “El Explosivo” retained his belt with 12-round decisions against, respectively, Kuniyuki Aizawa (13-1-1) and Katsushige Kawasjima (32-6) this past January in Japan.
“Munoz is a dreaded knockout fighter and that’s why he’s a 2-time world champion,” Mijares noted. “All fights are different and I prepare myself 100-percent. I believe in my ability and also put myself in the hands of God. I believe it’s going to be a classic fight between a fighter and a puncher; a very tough, hard fight. I’m not looking ahead of this fight, but I’d like two or three more fights at this weight and then look at fighting for another world title at a higher weight.”
Undefeated former WBA Fedelatin super fIyweight champion Salado (19-0-2, 11 KOs) fought a 12-round draw with Ulises Solis (22-1-1) for the IBF light flyweight title in 2006. Salado is rated No. 4 by the WBC, No. 6 by The Ring, and No. 8 by the WBA. Miranda (25-3-1, 18 KOs) is ranked No. 3 by the WBC.
Unbeaten Japanese Koki Kameda (17-0, 11 KOs), former WBA light flyweight title-holder and current WBA No. 1 flyweight contender, is scheduled to fight in a 10-round PPV bout against an opponent to be determined. Kameda is also ranked No. 2 by the WBC, No. 9 by the WBO and The Ring.
Also scheduled to fight on the live undercard are other tough Mexican boxers such as middleweight Martin “Azteca” Avila against Alberto Hernandez in a 10-round match-up, as well as lightweights Ricardo “Camaleon” Mijares (9-0, 8 KOs) and Arturo Mijares (5-1, 4 KOs), and welterweight Ivan “El Ruso” Pereyra (1-0, 1 KO). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
The 12-round Mijares-Munoz main event, marking the first super flyweight unification title bout in more than 10 years, headlines the “Noche de Campeones” pay-per-view event live from the Auditorio Centenario in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.
“Noche de Campeones,” promoted by KO Entertainment in association with DiBella Entertainment, will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States (9 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and DISH Network, as well as on The Fight Network in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
The 12-round co-feature matches Mexican warriors Omar Salado and Julio Cesar “Pingo” Miranda in a WBC flyweight elimination bout.
“Unifying the super flyweight title is one of my first goals to be recognized as the best in my weight class,” Mijares said. “I’ve always desired to fight on a pay-per-view show and now it’s real. At the same time it is a big responsibility because so many boxing fans are going to be watching my performance. It’s an honor to fight before my people and I know millions of Mexicans will be watching me live on television.”
Mijares (34-3-2, 14 KOs) is a pure boxer with tremendous defensive boxing skills, while Munoz (32-2, 27 KOs) rates as a feared knockout specialist. Mijares captured the WBC Interim title on September 18, 2006 by 12-round split decision (114-113, 114-113, 113-114) against Katsushige Kawashima (30-4) in Japan. The slick Mexican southpaw successfully defended his WBC Interim belt the following November in Mexico, winning a 12-round unanimous decision (118-109, 117-110, 116-111) versus Reynaldo Lopez (28-3-2), and won his rematch for the WBC outright championship on January 3, 2007, stopping Kawashima (30-5) in the 10th round.
Mijares burst upon the global scene a year ago with an impressive, one-sided victory by unanimous 12-round decision (119-109, 118-110, 117-11) on PPV versus colorful Jorge “Travieso” Arce (46-4-1, 35 KOs) in San Antonio. Currently riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak with 23 wins and one draw, Mijares has made four successful title defenses since defeating Arce against, in order, Terrei Kikui (21-5) by 10th round TKO, Frank Gorrjux (16-7) in the opening round, and Jose Navarro (26-3) via a 12-round decision on February 16 in Las Vegas.
Venezuela-native Munoz is a 2-time WBA super flyweight champion, originally winning his title belt in 2002 with an eighth-round stoppage of Celes Kobayasho. Munoz made three winning title defenses against Eiji Kojima twice (KO2 and TKO10), sandwiched around a 12-round decision versus Hidenobu Honda (26-2), before losing a 12-round decision and his title belt to Martin Castillo (26-1) in 2004. Munoz won the WBA Fedelatin super flyweight crown in a WBA title eliminator, but Castillo won their 2006 rematch by 12-round split decision.
Munoz regained his WBA super flyweight title on May 3, 2007, taking a dominating 12-round decision from Nabuo Mashiro (9-0) in Japan. In a pair of title defenses, “El Explosivo” retained his belt with 12-round decisions against, respectively, Kuniyuki Aizawa (13-1-1) and Katsushige Kawasjima (32-6) this past January in Japan.
“Munoz is a dreaded knockout fighter and that’s why he’s a 2-time world champion,” Mijares noted. “All fights are different and I prepare myself 100-percent. I believe in my ability and also put myself in the hands of God. I believe it’s going to be a classic fight between a fighter and a puncher; a very tough, hard fight. I’m not looking ahead of this fight, but I’d like two or three more fights at this weight and then look at fighting for another world title at a higher weight.”
Undefeated former WBA Fedelatin super fIyweight champion Salado (19-0-2, 11 KOs) fought a 12-round draw with Ulises Solis (22-1-1) for the IBF light flyweight title in 2006. Salado is rated No. 4 by the WBC, No. 6 by The Ring, and No. 8 by the WBA. Miranda (25-3-1, 18 KOs) is ranked No. 3 by the WBC.
Unbeaten Japanese Koki Kameda (17-0, 11 KOs), former WBA light flyweight title-holder and current WBA No. 1 flyweight contender, is scheduled to fight in a 10-round PPV bout against an opponent to be determined. Kameda is also ranked No. 2 by the WBC, No. 9 by the WBO and The Ring.
Also scheduled to fight on the live undercard are other tough Mexican boxers such as middleweight Martin “Azteca” Avila against Alberto Hernandez in a 10-round match-up, as well as lightweights Ricardo “Camaleon” Mijares (9-0, 8 KOs) and Arturo Mijares (5-1, 4 KOs), and welterweight Ivan “El Ruso” Pereyra (1-0, 1 KO). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Hallback-Garside potential female Gatti-Ward fight; Holm-Sanders headlines June 13 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque
Holm-Sanders headlines June 13 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE- Four time world champion Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs) is one of the most recognizable, experienced and respected woman boxer in the world.
Her June 13 showdown against WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature feature for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) lightweight championship on the “Finally” pay-per-view event, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, not only figures to be a candidate for Fight of the Night, it also has all the makings of a female version of Gatti-Ward.
“Finally,” promoted by Fresquez Productions, Inc., will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States and Canada (10 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, Shaw Communications, DirecTV, Bell Expressvue and StarChoice for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
The greatest collection of women boxers on one show with all eight independently rated among the world’s top 3 by divisions, including five No. 1 rated fighters, will battle in four world title bouts on “Finally.” The main event features the top two women boxers in the world today, Albuquerque favorite Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs), recognized as the No. 1 welterweight in the world, versus the world’s No. 1 middleweight, Detroit icon Mary Jo Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs), fighting in the 10-round main event for the vacant IFBA junior middleweight crown and pound-for-pound supremacy.
The No. 1 ranked lightweight, WIBA and IBA title-holder Hallback, of Tampa, and WIBA champion Garside, the world’s No. 1 rated featherweight from Ontario, agree that their fight will steal the “Finally” thunder and the PPV event will take women’s boxing to another level.
“We fought on the same card once but I didn’t see her fight,” Hallback said of Garside. “I know she has a big heart and can really fight. I may have more pro fights, but she had a lot of amateur fights, and I didn’t have one. Experience-wise, we’re even or she may even have a little more experience. She’s coming to fight and I am, too. Our styles help us put on a show for fans. We’re both very exciting fighters. It’s going to be like the 4th of July in June. We’re going to be a tough act to follow for the main event. Jeannine’s coming prepared to win and prove that she’s one of the best. So am I. This fight will go down in the history books. In 10 years, boxing fans will be talking about Hallback-Garside.
“There are a lot of good, quality fighters – some of the best females in the world – on this pay-per-view card. I’m excited to be fighting on it. It’s important that mainstream watches so women’s boxing gets to the next level. We belong on prime time TV. I’m excited to be part of it.”
Hallback is one of only five boxers to fight Holm and Sanders, dropping 10-round decisions to both. “Holm-Sanders isn’t going to be like my fight with Garside,” Chevelle noted. “Their fight is between good boxers with some power. It’s going to be a chess match. Holly moves a lot, Mary Jo doesn’t move as much. I pushed both fights, pressuring them throughout. I think it’s going to be a close match between two good fighters.
Also on PPV, IBA junior featherweight champion Wendy Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, faces WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas, in a 10-round bout for vacant IBA strawweight title; WBC 2007 Fighter of the Year, WBC mininumweight champ Carina “La Reina” Moreno (11-1, 5 KOs), of Watsonville (CA), meets WIBA flyweight title-holder Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0-1), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, in a 10-round fight for the IFBA junior flyweight crown. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, go on sale March 18 at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.
Fighters.com & Xtreme Couture Running Together for the Troops
Lincoln, NE (PRWEB)-- For soldiers fighting in Iraq there is more than one battle to fight. According to recent reports, soldiers are in financial need at home as they fall behind in house payments and return with expensive medical issues. A former soldier and the owner of Fighters.com are responding.
Fighters.com is sponsoring The Xtreme Couture Operation Freedom 5k Run. The race is part of the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation's effort to raise money for troops who are in financial trouble as they fight in Iraq. The Xtreme Couture Operation Freedom 5k Run will be on Saturday, May 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"This really hits a number of things with me and we are proud to be the premier title sponsor for this event," said Fighters.com President and CEO Jeremy Schoemaker. "I am a big fan of physical fitness. Also, the money from this race goes to help American troops who have suffered massive losses."
The race was organzied by the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, which was founded by Randy Couture, current UFC Heavyweight Champion. Nicknamed "Captain America," Couture is a former soldier who served in the U.S. Army for six years. He later competed as an alternate on the U.S. Olympic wrestling team in 1988, 1992, 1996. Couture is ranked second on Fighters.com as "The Natural" (16-8).
Fight fans and military supporters to show their support by running with Couture. Schoemaker and the Fighters.com promo girls will be there to greet runners when it starts. They will be at the Centennial Hills YMCA in Las Vegas. The race begins at 8:00 AM, with registration beginning at 6:00 AM.
Registration cost is $45 before May 12 and $60 thereafter. To register online go to:
www.xtremecouturegifoundation.org/OperationSignUp.asp
In March 2007, the 44-year old physical phenom returned from retirement to recapture the UFC heavyweight title in a five-round unanimous decision over fourth-ranked "Maine-iac" Tim Sylvia (24-4). In October 2007, Couture sent his "resignation" to the UFC, but is still considered co-champion by the promotion.
About Fighters.com
Fighters.com was founded by online marketer Jeremy Schoemaker to showcase UFC fights and personalities. Shoemaker owns several online companies and writes on the popular blog Shoemoney.com. Fighters.com premiered online April 1, 2008 and is the fastest growing online MMA community. Read more about Couture at http://www.fighters.com/fighter/Randy_The_Natural_Couture.html.
About Xtreme Couture GI Foundation
Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, was founded by former solider Randy Couture and his wife Kim. The foundation was formed to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.
The Foundation receives referrals from the Military Severely Injured Center for soldiers and families who are experiencing financial crises. The Foundation assists soldiers with house payments, bills, and helping discharged soldiers start their lives back home.
For more information, contact Alexa Wakefield at alexa(at)xtremecouture.tv or visit the Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation's web site at www.xtremecouturegifoundation.org.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Fighters.com is sponsoring The Xtreme Couture Operation Freedom 5k Run. The race is part of the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation's effort to raise money for troops who are in financial trouble as they fight in Iraq. The Xtreme Couture Operation Freedom 5k Run will be on Saturday, May 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"This really hits a number of things with me and we are proud to be the premier title sponsor for this event," said Fighters.com President and CEO Jeremy Schoemaker. "I am a big fan of physical fitness. Also, the money from this race goes to help American troops who have suffered massive losses."
The race was organzied by the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, which was founded by Randy Couture, current UFC Heavyweight Champion. Nicknamed "Captain America," Couture is a former soldier who served in the U.S. Army for six years. He later competed as an alternate on the U.S. Olympic wrestling team in 1988, 1992, 1996. Couture is ranked second on Fighters.com as "The Natural" (16-8).
Fight fans and military supporters to show their support by running with Couture. Schoemaker and the Fighters.com promo girls will be there to greet runners when it starts. They will be at the Centennial Hills YMCA in Las Vegas. The race begins at 8:00 AM, with registration beginning at 6:00 AM.
Registration cost is $45 before May 12 and $60 thereafter. To register online go to:
www.xtremecouturegifoundation.org/OperationSignUp.asp
In March 2007, the 44-year old physical phenom returned from retirement to recapture the UFC heavyweight title in a five-round unanimous decision over fourth-ranked "Maine-iac" Tim Sylvia (24-4). In October 2007, Couture sent his "resignation" to the UFC, but is still considered co-champion by the promotion.
About Fighters.com
Fighters.com was founded by online marketer Jeremy Schoemaker to showcase UFC fights and personalities. Shoemaker owns several online companies and writes on the popular blog Shoemoney.com. Fighters.com premiered online April 1, 2008 and is the fastest growing online MMA community. Read more about Couture at http://www.fighters.com/fighter/Randy_The_Natural_Couture.html.
About Xtreme Couture GI Foundation
Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, was founded by former solider Randy Couture and his wife Kim. The foundation was formed to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.
The Foundation receives referrals from the Military Severely Injured Center for soldiers and families who are experiencing financial crises. The Foundation assists soldiers with house payments, bills, and helping discharged soldiers start their lives back home.
For more information, contact Alexa Wakefield at alexa(at)xtremecouture.tv or visit the Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation's web site at www.xtremecouturegifoundation.org.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
2008 ADRENALINE MMA* Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
ADRENALINE MMA Main Event
Jeff Monson (23-7) vs. Mike Russow (9-1)
Main Card
Daiju Takase (7-11) vs. Terry Martin (16-4)
Zac George (11-2) vs. Clay French (14-2)
Tony Fryklund (14-9) vs. Brian Gassaway (25-17-1)
Jeff Cox (9-6) vs. Bart Palaszewski (28-11)
Tiawon Howard (6-1) vs. Rory Markham (14-4)
Anthony Lapsley (13-3) vs. Mark Miller (9-3)
Herc Hayes (7-5) vs. Kerry Schall (22-9)
Rob Kimmons (15-3) vs. Hector Urbina (11-3)
Aaron Rosa (10-2) vs. Ron Fields (23-24-1)
Louis Taylor (4-0) vs. Adam Maciejewski (6-4)
Preliminary Bouts
Dom O'Grady (5-0) vs. Mike Stumpf (9-1)
Joe Jordan (41-11) vs. Ryan Williams (6-1)
Joe Pearson (22-9) vs. John Hosman (8-3-1)
For more about Adrenaline MMA, check out our website at: www.adrenaline-mma.com.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
Shaun George: "I Feel like a New Fighter"; May 16 showdown with Chris Byrd
For Shaun George, his May 16 showdown with Chris Byrd is about more than a fight - it represents the struggle to fulfill the lofty potential held in his fists.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, George has had to overcome the odds more than once to reach his goals. Yet even in New York City's deep and competitive amateur boxing program, George was able to make a name for himself, earning two NY Golden Gloves titles and a US National Amateur championship. His amateur accolades have yet to translate into the professional acclaim that once seemed inevitable, a fact that George fully recognizes.
"Up until this point, I feel my career has been a disappointment to myself. I have all of this telent and I haven't shown it. I have the ability to take my fight game to the next level. I'm bringing it all to the table on May 16. I want to show everyone, not just the judges, not just myself, but everyone what I am made of."
Just as aware as George is of his thus far unlocked talent, he is just as cognizant of the stern challenge set before him. Byrd, 40-4-1 (21 KO), is a significantly more experienced professional with two heavyweight championships in his past. In order to elevate his training process, George left his adopted home base of North Jersey for the first time to prepare in Arizona.
Leaving behind his wife Casey, who is expecting their first child in September, has not been easy on George.
"Being away from my wife bothers me, but it's a sacrifice I have to make. I want to be the best that I can be. In the end, winning this fight will make it all worthwhile. I don't want to look back and say that I didn't give it my best."
As he reflects on what lies ahead, George keeps in mind the reason why he puts himself through the grueling training process, why he needs to travel that extra mile for the sake of pugilistic accomplishment. Setting his priorities in perspective has made the process more bearable.
"I'm doing this for my family. I don't want my family to work so hard. I have a wife and a child on the way. I have problems and concerns just like anybody else. Beating Chris Byrd puts me one step closer to my dream, which is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day."
Aside from the tangible motivations that drive George, his competitive nature compels him as he approaches his highest stage as a pro. "If people say that I can't beat someone, then I want to be him. I want to be world champion. The only person in my way is Chris Byrd."
George is no stranger to fighting in his opponent's hometowns. One such instance, last February in Russia against Alexander Gurov, saw George win 10 out of 12 rounds only to drop a hometown decision.
"I'm a little nervous about that," George says of fighting in Las Vegas, where Byrd makes his residence. "I hope the judges give me credit where credit is due. Chris Byrd has his antics and is a bigger name. I don't want to win 2:30 of a round only to lose a round because Byrd lands one decent punch. I have faith that the commission will be fair and objective when scoring this fight, however."
George has one previous fight in Las Vegas, a 2003 knockout win over Terrence Smith.
To Shaun George, this isn't just another trip through the ropes; it is a new beginning. "In my first amateur fight, I left everything in the ring and gave it everything I had. This feels like my first fight. I feel like a new fighter; I'm refreshed. I can't think ahead past this fight. My only focus is on giving it everything I can for ten rounds.
"This is my life. I am Shaun George, a professional prizefighter."
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
BLACKWELL TO FACE SAMUEL ON FRIDAY JUNE 6TH AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON; Step-up fight for undefeated Featherweight highlights a big night of boxing
Philadelphia, PA- On Friday night, June 6th, undefeated Featherweight, Jules Blackwell will be in with his toughest test as he takes on Tyrell Samuel in an eight round bout that will headline a big night of boxing promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc.
Blackwell of Phoenixville, Pa is itching to get back in the win column after two consecutive draws with the most recent being against Jae-Sung Lee on March 15th at Madison Square Garden. That bout was an exciting back and forth tussle which many ringsiders thought the decision could have gone either way.
Jules Blackwell
The twenty-seven year old Blackwell brings in a record of 7-0-2 with two knockouts and is 7-0 at The Legendary Blue Horizon. In his last Blue Horizon appearance, Blackwell was very impressive in taking a unanimous decision from then undefeated Paul Fernandez last December 7th.
Like Blackwell, Samuel was unblemished until his last two fight.
Samuel of Baltimore had amassed a record of 9-0 until being stopped by Jose Hernandez in four rounds last April 7. Samuel then received a coveted spot on the highly popular SHO BOX series as he took on top prospect Eric Hunter.
Samuel fought well but came up just short and dropped the unanimous decision to the Philadelphia native.
Samuel, twenty-eight years old is 9-2 with five knockouts and holds a win over Tim Witherspoon Jr. and two wins over Carlos Vinan (who defeated Hunter). This will be Samuel’s first appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
One of the co-feature bouts will be an eight round middleweight affair between Blue Horizon fan favorite, Gee Cullmer and Anthony Little.
Cullmer of Philadelphia has a record of 14-1 with three knockouts and has fought his last nine bouts at The Legendary Blue Horizon which includes his last outing where he scored a six round unanimous decision over Mustafah Johnson.
Little of Akron, Ohio has a record of 7-10-1 with one knockout has fought solid opposition such Andre Berto, Pawel Wolak and James McGirt Jr. He is coming off a draw with George Klinesmith (23-13-3) on February 16th.
Steve Upsher Chambers makes his return to The Legendary Blue Horizon when he takes on the straight forward style of Jaime Morales in a six round Jr. Welterweight affair.
Eddie Chambers and Steve Upsher Chambers
He has a record of 16-1-1 (1 NC, 4 KO’s) and has fought every one of his fights at The Legendary Blue Horizon except for one fight.
In his last bout, Chambers scored an easy unanimous decision over late-replacement, Jean Petit Homme on April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
Morales of Philadelphia is a come forward fighter who always is involved in action packed affairs. He has a record of 4-7 with two knockouts and is looking to get back in the win column after being stopped by undefeated Daniel Hartvig in Gothenburg, Sweden on March 27th.
An exciting undercard is being put together that will feature four undefeated fighters in separate bouts:
Fresh off his exciting pro debut on April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon, middleweight, Mario Mina (1-0, 1KO) will be back in action in a four round bout.
Undefeated cruiserweight, Ran Nakash (12-0. 8 KO’s) will make the trek from Israel to make his fifth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
New York based middleweight, Defferson LeGrand (3-0, 2 KO’s) and Super Featherweight Gerald Smith (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will appear in four round bouts.
Smith will be making his third straight appearance at The Blue Horizon with his most recent outing being a 2nd round stoppage over Jose Guerrido on April 11th.
Rounding out the card will be returning Jr. Middleweight, Orlando Lewis (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Vineland, New Jersey. Lewis will be back in the ring after a twenty-two month lay off. He started his career with three straight knockouts at The Blue Horizon.
Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM
The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA
THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 4th AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON AT 11 AM For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com
For more on Steve Upsher Chambers go to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Blackwell of Phoenixville, Pa is itching to get back in the win column after two consecutive draws with the most recent being against Jae-Sung Lee on March 15th at Madison Square Garden. That bout was an exciting back and forth tussle which many ringsiders thought the decision could have gone either way.
Jules Blackwell
The twenty-seven year old Blackwell brings in a record of 7-0-2 with two knockouts and is 7-0 at The Legendary Blue Horizon. In his last Blue Horizon appearance, Blackwell was very impressive in taking a unanimous decision from then undefeated Paul Fernandez last December 7th.
Like Blackwell, Samuel was unblemished until his last two fight.
Samuel of Baltimore had amassed a record of 9-0 until being stopped by Jose Hernandez in four rounds last April 7. Samuel then received a coveted spot on the highly popular SHO BOX series as he took on top prospect Eric Hunter.
Samuel fought well but came up just short and dropped the unanimous decision to the Philadelphia native.
Samuel, twenty-eight years old is 9-2 with five knockouts and holds a win over Tim Witherspoon Jr. and two wins over Carlos Vinan (who defeated Hunter). This will be Samuel’s first appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
One of the co-feature bouts will be an eight round middleweight affair between Blue Horizon fan favorite, Gee Cullmer and Anthony Little.
Cullmer of Philadelphia has a record of 14-1 with three knockouts and has fought his last nine bouts at The Legendary Blue Horizon which includes his last outing where he scored a six round unanimous decision over Mustafah Johnson.
Little of Akron, Ohio has a record of 7-10-1 with one knockout has fought solid opposition such Andre Berto, Pawel Wolak and James McGirt Jr. He is coming off a draw with George Klinesmith (23-13-3) on February 16th.
Steve Upsher Chambers makes his return to The Legendary Blue Horizon when he takes on the straight forward style of Jaime Morales in a six round Jr. Welterweight affair.
Eddie Chambers and Steve Upsher Chambers
He has a record of 16-1-1 (1 NC, 4 KO’s) and has fought every one of his fights at The Legendary Blue Horizon except for one fight.
In his last bout, Chambers scored an easy unanimous decision over late-replacement, Jean Petit Homme on April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
Morales of Philadelphia is a come forward fighter who always is involved in action packed affairs. He has a record of 4-7 with two knockouts and is looking to get back in the win column after being stopped by undefeated Daniel Hartvig in Gothenburg, Sweden on March 27th.
An exciting undercard is being put together that will feature four undefeated fighters in separate bouts:
Fresh off his exciting pro debut on April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon, middleweight, Mario Mina (1-0, 1KO) will be back in action in a four round bout.
Undefeated cruiserweight, Ran Nakash (12-0. 8 KO’s) will make the trek from Israel to make his fifth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
New York based middleweight, Defferson LeGrand (3-0, 2 KO’s) and Super Featherweight Gerald Smith (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will appear in four round bouts.
Smith will be making his third straight appearance at The Blue Horizon with his most recent outing being a 2nd round stoppage over Jose Guerrido on April 11th.
Rounding out the card will be returning Jr. Middleweight, Orlando Lewis (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Vineland, New Jersey. Lewis will be back in the ring after a twenty-two month lay off. He started his career with three straight knockouts at The Blue Horizon.
Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM
The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA
THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 4th AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON AT 11 AM For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com
For more on Steve Upsher Chambers go to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
ProElite.com Introduces MMA Video On Demand; VOD ‘Fight Pass’ Provides Unlimited Access to MMA Events
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ProElite.com, the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) social networking and entertainment Web site, today unveiled its online offering of video-on-demand (VOD). Leveraging their industry-leading library of MMA events, ProElite.com’s VOD features high-quality streaming, top-notch competition, and world-class fight brands.
MMA fans will be able to purchase VOD at ProElite.com on a fight-by-fight and full-event basis starting as low as 99 cents and $4.95, respectively. Fighters include Kimbo Slice, Anderson Silva, BJ Penn, Gina Carano, Jake Shields and more going toe-to-toe in events produced by EliteXC, ShoXC, Cage Rage, ICON Sport and Rumble on the Rock. ShoXC’s undercard footage, featuring the up and comers of MMA, will be offered free of charge.
Additionally, ProElite is introducing the “ProElite Fight Pass,” which provides unlimited access to the entire VOD library and any future PPV event streams for an introductory price of $7.95 per month. Fight Pass is regularly priced at $12.95 per month.
“We have hand picked hours upon hours of high-quality MMA content and provided a compelling online product that is accessible to fans on a global scale,” said Douglas Deluca, executive chairman of ProElite, Inc. “With more than 50 hours of combat currently available and 20 hours added monthly, our Fight Pass offering allows MMA fans to gain instant access to all of the MMA action they can handle.”
To learn more about the ProElite Fight Pass go to: http://www.proelite.com/vod/fightpass.
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters (elitexc.com). The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content.
Contacts
PondelWilkinson Inc.
Evan Pondel, 310-279-5980
epondel@pondel.com
Source: ProElite, Inc.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
MMA fans will be able to purchase VOD at ProElite.com on a fight-by-fight and full-event basis starting as low as 99 cents and $4.95, respectively. Fighters include Kimbo Slice, Anderson Silva, BJ Penn, Gina Carano, Jake Shields and more going toe-to-toe in events produced by EliteXC, ShoXC, Cage Rage, ICON Sport and Rumble on the Rock. ShoXC’s undercard footage, featuring the up and comers of MMA, will be offered free of charge.
Additionally, ProElite is introducing the “ProElite Fight Pass,” which provides unlimited access to the entire VOD library and any future PPV event streams for an introductory price of $7.95 per month. Fight Pass is regularly priced at $12.95 per month.
“We have hand picked hours upon hours of high-quality MMA content and provided a compelling online product that is accessible to fans on a global scale,” said Douglas Deluca, executive chairman of ProElite, Inc. “With more than 50 hours of combat currently available and 20 hours added monthly, our Fight Pass offering allows MMA fans to gain instant access to all of the MMA action they can handle.”
To learn more about the ProElite Fight Pass go to: http://www.proelite.com/vod/fightpass.
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters (elitexc.com). The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content.
Contacts
PondelWilkinson Inc.
Evan Pondel, 310-279-5980
epondel@pondel.com
Source: ProElite, Inc.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
Monday, May 12, 2008
JUDAH INJURED, BOUT WITH MOSLEY OFF; MAY 31 PAY-PER-VIEW SHOW CANCELED
JUDAH INJURED, BOUT WITH MOSLEY OFF; MAY 31 PAY-PER-VIEW SHOW CANCELED
LOS ANGELES The scheduled May 31 fight between Shane Mosley and Zab Judah has been canceled due to an arm injury suffered by Judah during his Las Vegas training camp it was announced by Golden Boy Promotions today. The HBO Pay-Per-View event was scheduled to take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Judah suffered multiple severe lacerations on his right forearm and received 50 stitches to close the wounds suffered in an accidental fall. As a result, Judah will be unable to train for four weeks and was forced to withdraw from the bout.
"It is very unfortunate that Zab suffered this injury and that this great event had to be canceled," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "We are already in discussions with all parties involved to attempt to reschedule the fight for the near future."
Tickets purchased for this event may be refunded at the original point of purchase.
For more from the "High Stakes" Mosley vs Judah New York City Press conference and One on One's- Interviews with "Sugar" Shane Moslei and Zab Judah go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Brad Imes to Replace Injured Branden Lee Hinkle on IFL Mohegan Sun Card May 16
NEW YORK– Mixed martial arts veteran Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) will challenge Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) for the heavyweight championship as part of the nine-bout card as the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday, May 16. Imes replaces Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.), who was injured in training. A training injury to Fabricio Camoes of Brazil also necessitated a change in a non-championship lightweight bout. Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) will battle John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.). Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.), originally slated to face Camoes, withdrew from the bout following the injury to Camoes. Imes, known as “The Hillbilly Heartthrob,” trains with Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa. He He has competed in several MMA organizations, and was notably a finalist in the second season of The Ultimate Fighter television series. Imes is 11-4 in his MMA career and will be making his IFL debut. May 16 will also mark the first IFL bouts for Latina (4-1 overall) and Franchi (3-0). As previously announced, two other IFL Champions will put their respective titles on the line to headline the card, as Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) takes on Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) at middleweight and Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) defends against Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) at lightweight. HDNet will televise all three championship bouts, plus three preliminary matchups. The preliminary bouts feature athletes from four MMA camps, including Team Quest, Team Bombsquad, World Class Fight Center and Team Prodigy. Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office, and by telephone at 860-886-0070. IFL Mohegan SunFriday, May 16, 2008 (order TBD) Preliminary Bouts155 lbs.: Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) (0-0 IFL, 4-1 overall MMA) vs. John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 3-0)205 lbs.: Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (2-2, 5-4) vs. Lamont Lister (Philadelphia) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-3)170 lbs.: John Howard (Boston) (0-0 IFL, 8-3 overall MMA) vs. Nick Calandrino (Emerson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-0)155 lbs.: Zac George (Norman, Okla.) (Team Quest) (1-1, 12-2) vs. Josh Souder (Mason, Ohio) (Team Prodigy) (0-0, 10-6)185 lbs.: Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (6-4, 21-10-1) vs. Joey Guel (Oregon) (0-0, 12-5)185 lbs.: Danillo Villefort (Pompano Beach, Fla.) (World Class Fight Center) (0-0, 6-2) vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 10-1) Championship Bouts185 lbs.: *Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (6-4, 12-5) vs. Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) (AMA Fight Club) (1-0, 7-1)265 lbs.: *Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (Lion’s Den) (5-1, 12-2) vs. Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (0-0, 11-4)155 lbs.: *Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) (Team Quest) (6-2, 19-9-1) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (Renzo Gracie) (3-0, 9-2) *Current Titleholder About the IFL International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv. ---"Circus lifeUnder the big top worldWe all need the clownsTo make us smileThrough space and timeAlways another show"-Journey, 'Faithfully' * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Jerry MilaniManager of Public RelationsInternational Fight League424 W. 33rd St., Suite 650New York, NY 10001212/356-4009 direct917/797-5663 mobilejmilani@ifl.tvwww.ifl.tv* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Catch the IFL on FSN Saturdays at midnight and LIVE on HDNet on May 16 This message was sent by: International Fight League, 424 W. 33rd Street, Suite 650, New York, NY 10001Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
ESPN DEPORTES ANNOUNCES WEDNESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS DURING THEIR 2008 UPFRONT EVENT
DON’T MISS THE OPENING NIGHT OF THE NEW ESPN DEPORTES WEDNESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS FEATURING UP AND COMING LATINO BOXERS
ESPN Deportes, the leading multimedia Spanish-language sports brand, will
announce the launch of Wednesday Night Fights during a live televised presentation of its 2008 Upfront.
ESPN Deportes has partnered with DiBella Entertainment in order to produce a series of boxing matches airing weekly on Wednesday nights which will feature up-and-coming Latino boxers.
A total of three fights will be televised with a one hour delay in ESPN Deportes. Categories include: NABF Junior Welterweight Championship, Junior Welterweights, Heavyweights, Junior Lightweights, Super Bantamweights and Super Middleweights.
The following fights will be televised:
12 ROUNDS – NABF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa
Bronx, NY
18-2, 13 KO’s
vs.
Luis Rodriguez
Monterrey, Mexico
22-1, 13 KO’s
Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa
8 ROUNDS – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Joelo Torres
Puerto Rico
9-0, 5 KO’s
vs.
Chris Fernandez
Salt Lake City, UT
15-4, 8 KO’s
6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Alberto Amaro
Catano, Puerto Rico
3-1
vs.
Jorge Lara
Bronx, NY
2-4-1
Gotham Hall
1356 Broadway & 36th Street
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Boxing Fights start at 7:00 PM
For live interviews with Frankie Figueroa and more go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
ESPN Deportes, the leading multimedia Spanish-language sports brand, will
announce the launch of Wednesday Night Fights during a live televised presentation of its 2008 Upfront.
ESPN Deportes has partnered with DiBella Entertainment in order to produce a series of boxing matches airing weekly on Wednesday nights which will feature up-and-coming Latino boxers.
A total of three fights will be televised with a one hour delay in ESPN Deportes. Categories include: NABF Junior Welterweight Championship, Junior Welterweights, Heavyweights, Junior Lightweights, Super Bantamweights and Super Middleweights.
The following fights will be televised:
12 ROUNDS – NABF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa
Bronx, NY
18-2, 13 KO’s
vs.
Luis Rodriguez
Monterrey, Mexico
22-1, 13 KO’s
Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa
8 ROUNDS – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Joelo Torres
Puerto Rico
9-0, 5 KO’s
vs.
Chris Fernandez
Salt Lake City, UT
15-4, 8 KO’s
6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Alberto Amaro
Catano, Puerto Rico
3-1
vs.
Jorge Lara
Bronx, NY
2-4-1
Gotham Hall
1356 Broadway & 36th Street
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Boxing Fights start at 7:00 PM
For live interviews with Frankie Figueroa and more go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
No Holds Barred: State of MMA, Affliction, IFL
No Holds Barred: State of MMA, Affliction, IFL
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-10T09_56_34-07_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman focuses on several key issues regarding the state of mixed martial arts. Among the many topics discussed are the new Affliction promotion and the numerous challenges they are facing, the troubled pay-per-view model, and the recent announcement of major changes for the International Fight League (IFL).
We also hear comments by IFL CEO Jay Larkin and VP of Fighter Relations Bas Rutten on a media conference call this past week, and discuss with them the need for mixed martial arts promoters to co-promote events.
To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.
You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.
The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).
Make sure to check out my regular weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we begin by reviewing the expectedly lopsided decision victory by Oscar De La Hoya Saturday night over Steve Forbes, and explains what it was really all about. Almost 25 years ago, on June 16, 1983, one of boxing's most notorious scandals took place. On that date in Madison Square Garden, Luis Resto originally upset previously-unbeaten Billy Collins by unanimous decision. It was soon discovered, however, that the stuffing had been removed from Resto's gloves. The outcome of the fight was changed to a no contest, but Collins had been severely battered during this fight and suffered from blurred vision because of it. Nine months after it, while intoxicated, Collins died in a car crash. Now new information has been revealed that makes this case even more sickening. At a recent New York new conference, Resto has now not only admitted that he knew about the stuffing being taken out of his gloves, but also that his hand wraps had been soaked in plaster of Paris. This meant that these loaded wraps were landing almost directly on Collins's head. Filmmaker Eric Drath is working on a new documentary about the Collins-Resto tragedy, called "Cornered". At this news conference, we spoke with him about these new revelations and his upcoming film. We also spoke with Randy Gordon, former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, who took office several years after the Collins-Resto fight, about the significance of this, and his subsequent dealings with Resto. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.
Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com). The producers of the original UFC and Live Nation (http://livenation.com/), worldwide leaders in live entertainment, present YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law.
ProElite.com (http://www.proelite.com/?utm_source=NHBRadio&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=GeneralPE), an MMA website built by and for the fans and fighters of this great sport. Watch action-packed fights, connect with others, and get exclusive MMA coverage all in one place. It's "All Combat All the Time" at ProElite.com!
IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.
Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/).
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).
FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
Thanks, Eddie Goldman
No Holds Barred blog
http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/
No Holds Barred podcast
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
The Boxing Standard
http://boxingstandard.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
Enjoy!
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-10T09_56_34-07_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman focuses on several key issues regarding the state of mixed martial arts. Among the many topics discussed are the new Affliction promotion and the numerous challenges they are facing, the troubled pay-per-view model, and the recent announcement of major changes for the International Fight League (IFL).
We also hear comments by IFL CEO Jay Larkin and VP of Fighter Relations Bas Rutten on a media conference call this past week, and discuss with them the need for mixed martial arts promoters to co-promote events.
To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.
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Make sure to check out my regular weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we begin by reviewing the expectedly lopsided decision victory by Oscar De La Hoya Saturday night over Steve Forbes, and explains what it was really all about. Almost 25 years ago, on June 16, 1983, one of boxing's most notorious scandals took place. On that date in Madison Square Garden, Luis Resto originally upset previously-unbeaten Billy Collins by unanimous decision. It was soon discovered, however, that the stuffing had been removed from Resto's gloves. The outcome of the fight was changed to a no contest, but Collins had been severely battered during this fight and suffered from blurred vision because of it. Nine months after it, while intoxicated, Collins died in a car crash. Now new information has been revealed that makes this case even more sickening. At a recent New York new conference, Resto has now not only admitted that he knew about the stuffing being taken out of his gloves, but also that his hand wraps had been soaked in plaster of Paris. This meant that these loaded wraps were landing almost directly on Collins's head. Filmmaker Eric Drath is working on a new documentary about the Collins-Resto tragedy, called "Cornered". At this news conference, we spoke with him about these new revelations and his upcoming film. We also spoke with Randy Gordon, former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, who took office several years after the Collins-Resto fight, about the significance of this, and his subsequent dealings with Resto. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.
Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
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ProElite.com (http://www.proelite.com/?utm_source=NHBRadio&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=GeneralPE), an MMA website built by and for the fans and fighters of this great sport. Watch action-packed fights, connect with others, and get exclusive MMA coverage all in one place. It's "All Combat All the Time" at ProElite.com!
IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.
Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/).
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).
FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
Thanks, Eddie Goldman
No Holds Barred blog
http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/
No Holds Barred podcast
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
The Boxing Standard
http://boxingstandard.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
Enjoy!
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
RESULTS FROM CHICAGO BATTLE FOR PRIDE 8 COUNT PRODUCTIONS CICERO STADIUM FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING
Derrick Findley 11-2, UD8 Miguel Hernandez 20-8 (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)
Francisco Rodriguez, 12-2, TKO3 (2:23), Angel Priolo, 30-7
Henry Coyle, 7-1, TKO3 (1:18), Ben Aragon, 7-10-2
Gadiel Andaluz, 3-0, MD4, Jose Madujano, 2-1 (38-38, 39-37, 39-37)
Eric Estrada, 4-0, TKO2 (1:58) Tim Carrizales, 4-8-1
Bernie Bahrmasel, Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Derrick Findley 11-2, UD8 Miguel Hernandez 20-8 (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)
Francisco Rodriguez, 12-2, TKO3 (2:23), Angel Priolo, 30-7
Henry Coyle, 7-1, TKO3 (1:18), Ben Aragon, 7-10-2
Gadiel Andaluz, 3-0, MD4, Jose Madujano, 2-1 (38-38, 39-37, 39-37)
Eric Estrada, 4-0, TKO2 (1:58) Tim Carrizales, 4-8-1
Bernie Bahrmasel, Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
ProElite Partners with FirstDIBZ™ to Offer Cageside Seats, Sit Down with Fighters at May 31 EliteXC Fight DIBZ Offers Rare Opportunity
ProElite Partners with FirstDIBZ™ to Offer Cageside Seats, Sit Down with Fighters at May 31 EliteXC Fight DIBZ Offers Rare Opportunity to Get ‘Up Close and Personal’ with EliteXC Fighters --
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ProElite, Inc. (Pink Sheets:PELE), a sports entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) events, today announced it has partnered with FirstDIBZ™ to offer MMA fans cageside seats, a sit down with fighters and other exclusive opportunities at the upcoming May 31 EliteXC fight at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
MMA fans will have the option to purchase DIBZ for either a platinum or gold VIP package featuring cageside seats, a pair of signed gloves and poster, invitation to the fight press conference and weigh in, as well as a photo op with the fighters. To learn more or purchase the VIP packages, fans are invited to visit www.FirstDIBZ.com.
“This is a unique opportunity for MMA fans to get up close and personal with EliteXC fighters without feeling any pain,” said Gary Shaw, legendary fight promoter and president of EliteXC, ProElite’s live fight division. “The May 31 fight is going to be a spectacular event featuring heavyweight phenom Kimbo Slice, EliteXC Champion Robbie Lawler, among other top-notch fighters.
“Never before have MMA fans been able to get a behind-the-scenes look of how a fight unfolds before, during, and after the fits of rage, pride and athleticism play out in front of a live audience,” Shaw said.
“EliteXC’s May 31 fight is a highly anticipated event that MMA fans will not want to miss, and we are thrilled to offer fans a front row seat and rare opportunity to meet and greet the fighters,” said Daniel Lotzof, president of FirstDIBZ. “Partnering with ProElite provides FirstDIBZ with an opportunity to help MMA fans enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“FirstDIBZ provides fans with a new and innovative approach to gaining access to some of the most prestigious events in the world,” said Eric Ficksman, senior vice president of corporate development at ProElite. “With our May 31 fight just around the corner, MMA fans will be hard pressed to pass up an opportunity to attend this milestone event.”
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content.
About FirstDIBZ
FirstDIBZ (www.firstdibz.com) is dedicated to providing consumers with advanced access to the most highly anticipated goods and services including live events, travel accommodations, publishing, consumer electronics, and other forms of content. Through the purchase of "DIBZ" consumers can guarantee themselves the right to first delivery of the items they most covet. "DIBZ" can be bought, sold and traded in real-time 24/7 on the www.firstdibz.com marketplace. FirstDIBZ pioneered the Pre-Primary or Forward Market to give consumers the opportunity to guarantee themselves access to those highly anticipated goods and services. The company is based in Chicago.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ProElite, Inc. (Pink Sheets:PELE), a sports entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) events, today announced it has partnered with FirstDIBZ™ to offer MMA fans cageside seats, a sit down with fighters and other exclusive opportunities at the upcoming May 31 EliteXC fight at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
MMA fans will have the option to purchase DIBZ for either a platinum or gold VIP package featuring cageside seats, a pair of signed gloves and poster, invitation to the fight press conference and weigh in, as well as a photo op with the fighters. To learn more or purchase the VIP packages, fans are invited to visit www.FirstDIBZ.com.
“This is a unique opportunity for MMA fans to get up close and personal with EliteXC fighters without feeling any pain,” said Gary Shaw, legendary fight promoter and president of EliteXC, ProElite’s live fight division. “The May 31 fight is going to be a spectacular event featuring heavyweight phenom Kimbo Slice, EliteXC Champion Robbie Lawler, among other top-notch fighters.
“Never before have MMA fans been able to get a behind-the-scenes look of how a fight unfolds before, during, and after the fits of rage, pride and athleticism play out in front of a live audience,” Shaw said.
“EliteXC’s May 31 fight is a highly anticipated event that MMA fans will not want to miss, and we are thrilled to offer fans a front row seat and rare opportunity to meet and greet the fighters,” said Daniel Lotzof, president of FirstDIBZ. “Partnering with ProElite provides FirstDIBZ with an opportunity to help MMA fans enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“FirstDIBZ provides fans with a new and innovative approach to gaining access to some of the most prestigious events in the world,” said Eric Ficksman, senior vice president of corporate development at ProElite. “With our May 31 fight just around the corner, MMA fans will be hard pressed to pass up an opportunity to attend this milestone event.”
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content.
About FirstDIBZ
FirstDIBZ (www.firstdibz.com) is dedicated to providing consumers with advanced access to the most highly anticipated goods and services including live events, travel accommodations, publishing, consumer electronics, and other forms of content. Through the purchase of "DIBZ" consumers can guarantee themselves the right to first delivery of the items they most covet. "DIBZ" can be bought, sold and traded in real-time 24/7 on the www.firstdibz.com marketplace. FirstDIBZ pioneered the Pre-Primary or Forward Market to give consumers the opportunity to guarantee themselves access to those highly anticipated goods and services. The company is based in Chicago.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
UNBEATEN BRADLEY UPSETS WITTER TO BECOME 25TH SHOBOX ALUM TO WIN A WORLD TITLE FROCH DISPOSES OF RYBACKI IN FOUR ON SPECIAL SATURDAY EDITION OF SHOBOX
NEW YORK– Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley showed no signs of jetlag in his upset, split-decision victory over defending world champion Junior Witter Saturday. Bradley, a four-fight veteran of the SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation, captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Championship by scores of 115-113, 114-113 and 112-115 to become the 25th ShoBox fighter to win a world title.
Photos by: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Bradley celebrated with his team following a victory that made the unbeaten fighter the 25th ShoBox alum to capture a world title belt. ShoBox premiered in July 2001.
The special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented series was promoted by Hennessy Sports from the Trent FM Arena at Nottingham, England and aired on a same-day tape delay.
In the co-feature, No. 1-ranked WBC super middleweight contender Carl Froch of Nottingham dispatched late-replacement Albert Rybacki of Poland with a fourth-round stoppage.
The undefeated Bradley (22-0, 11 KOs) had never fought professionally outside his home state of California. Earlier this week, he traveled more than 5,000 miles from his hometown of Palm Springs, Calif., to the homeland of the reigning 140-pound champion for his first world title fight.
Early on, Witter controlled a sloppy fight and appeared to be on his way to his third championship defense. But Bradley, reportedly a 6-1 underdog, rocked the champion in the sixth with a devastating overhand right sending Witter down for only the second time in his career.
That one-punch knockdown turned the tide for Bradley who controlled the rest of the contest with effective aggression.
“I knew this fight was mine,” said the newly crowned 24-year-old champion. “I’ve seen the tapes [of Witter’s past fights], and he fades in the sixth and seventh. And I know that’s when I come on. I get stronger in the later rounds.
“I have been working on that punch,” said Bradley of the overhand right that dropped Witter. “He tends to pull back with his chin up in the air and I just caught him. But I couldn’t finish him. I had to be careful in there. He’s got power in both hands.”
“This can be considered an early candidate for upset of the year,” said renowned ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “It is so difficult to win a world title on the road. And to do it with as little experience as Bradley has, this was something special. That one-punch knockdown in the sixth proved to be the difference maker in the fight.”
Unbeaten Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, Calif., scored a sixth-round knockdown over defending champion and hometown favorite Junior Witter en route to winning a 12-round split decision and the WBC 140-pound title Saturday on a Special Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Witter, 34, drops to 36-2-2, 21 KOs and will have to recalculate his career path. He was lobbying for marquee fights with other top 140-pound fighters including Ricky Hatton.
The undefeated Froch easily outclassed Rybacki and improved his record to 23-0, 19 KOs. Froch was originally scheduled to face Denis Inkin in a WBC final eliminator for the super middleweight title, but Inkin pulled out two weeks ago with a training injury. As a result, the WBC officially named Froch the mandatory challenger to current 168-pound champion Joe Calzaghe.
Froch didn’t have to take this fight to guarantee his title shot but said he was eager to showcase his power to the American television audience on SHOWTIME.
NEW YORK– ShoBox: The New Generation returns to the United Kingdom on May 10, 2008, with an outstanding world title showdown and a promising undercard bout featuring two undefeated prospects.
On a special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented SHOWTIME boxing series, World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Champion Junior Witter will defend his crown for the third time when he takes on WBC No. 1 contender Timothy Bradley at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England (same day tape delay at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME).
In a spectacular co-feature pitting two young undefeated British prospects against each other, hard-hitting John Murray will take on the slick John Fewkes in a 10-round lightweight bout. The evening of boxing will be promoted by Hennessy Sports.
In his last outing, Witter (36-1-2, 21 KOs), of Bradford, England, successfully defended his WBC title for the second time by scoring a stunning, seventh-round knockout over Vivian Harris on Sept. 7, 2007. In his initial 2007 outing, Witter defended his world championship for the first time by out-boxing Arturo Morua en route to a ninth- round TKO on Jan. 20.
“I know how to prepare for Bradley,” Witter said. “This isn’t my first title defense. Bradley will be a tough out, but I’m confident that I will be the winner. I have the strength, power and experience to take care of him.”
Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., is no stranger to the bright lights and big stage of national television, as he will make his fourth ShoBox appearance on SHOWTIME. If victorious against Witter, the promising unbeaten will become the 25th ShoBox fighter to win a world title.
Long considered to be one of the super lightweight division’s top prospects, Bradley has won his last two fights by lopsided unanimous decisions.
“This is what boxing is all about,” Bradley said. “You work hard and put in the sweat and long hours in the gym so one day you set yourself up for a title shot. This is what I’ve been waiting for all my life. I can’t see myself losing this fight. I can see myself becoming a world champion on May 10.”
*CARL FROCH TO MAKE SHOWTIME DEBUT THIS SATURDAY ON A SPECIAL EDITION OF SHOBOX;From Trent FM Arena Nottingham, England 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME
NEW YORK– Hard-hitting super middleweight Carl Froch has been added as the co-feature to Saturday’s special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, which is taking place from Nottingham, England (SHOWTIME, 10:45 p.m. ET/PT, tape delayed). The main event remains the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship bout between titlist Junior Witter of Bradford, England and American contender Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, California.Hard-hitting super middleweight Carl Froch squares off with Albert Rybacki, who he will be facing in the co-feature of Saturday night’s telecast. Froch, who weighed in at 167 ½ pounds, is the No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger to WBC super middleweight Joe Calzaghe. Rybacki, who tipped the scales at 168 ¼ pounds, is an undefeated and hard hitting late replacement for Denis Inkin.
In a battle of previously undefeated super middleweights, No. 1-ranked Carl Froch (left) knocked out Albert Rybacki in the fourth round in Saturday's ShoBox co-feature.
The undefeated Froch (22-0, 18 KOs) of Nottingham, was originally scheduled to face Denis Inkin in a WBC final eliminator for the super middleweight title, but Inkin pulled out two weeks ago complaining of a back injury sustained in training. As a result, the WBC officially named Froch the mandatory challenger to current 168-pound champion Joe Calzaghe. Froch, eager to showcase his exciting style to his hometown fans and an American television audience on SHOWTIME, accepted the 12-round International contest against Rybacki.
"Carl Froch is an exciting and talented fighter to watch," said ShoBox Executive Producer Gordon Hall on location in Nottingham. "He's got significant power and a thrilling style. This is a great opportunity to give our viewers a first look at a guy who very well could be the next super middleweight world champion."
"Froch likes to keep busy," said promoter Mick Hennessy of his 30-year-old charge. "Even though he's got a guaranteed WBC world title fight coming up next, he likes to test himself. Froch is getting into the ring against guy with nothing to lose. Rybacki showed up here in great physical shape. We know his a rough, tough fighter and essentially he's gate crashing a world title contender.
"Froch is confident enough to put his unbeaten record on the line against anyone," continued Hennessy. "We did not want to pass up the opportunity to put on a good performance to the American television audience on SHOWTIME. Ticket sales have been strong behind our hometown boy and we expect an excitable crowd to really rock the Trent FM Arena."
*Undefeated Timothy Bradley Fun Facts, Challenging for WBC Super Lightweight Title Saturday On SHOWTIME
Undefeated 24-year-old boxer Timothy Bradley, of Palm Springs, has traveled approximately 2,100 miles total for his 21 professional fights. In fact, he has fought exclusively in California and never traveled farther than 230 miles from his hometown. Since turning pro in August 2004, Bradley has fought in Ontario (11 times), Corona (five times), Santa Ynez (three times), Los Angeles (once) and Lancaster (once).
On Saturday, that will change dramatically, however, when the WBC super lightweight No. 1 contender travels 5,300 miles to challenge WBC Super Lightweight Champion Junior Witter in Nottingham, England. SHOWTIME will televise the world title bout at 10:45 p.m. PT.
*CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES JUNIOR WITTER AND TIMOTHY BRADLEY WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
Question:Junior, can we have opening comments on you? How is training going? What are your thoughts on defending your championship on “ShoBox” on SHOWTIME, and your thoughts on the challenger, Timothy Bradley.
Witter: It’s great to be getting back in the ring. It feels like a while since I've been here. Training's gone very well. It's been a long hard slog, and I'm just raring to go. Timothy Bradley is obviously accomplished in his own right. He's done quite well for himself, and he's going to find out on Saturday night that he is in with the champ.
Question: You have improved like 1,000 percent since the last time you fought on SHOWTIME. What do you credit that to?
Witter:I put it down to dedication, hard work and listening to my trainers.
Question: Timothy, what are your thoughts on finally fighting for the world championship and trying to become the 25th ShoBox alum to win a world title?
Bradley: This is a dream come true. I've been waiting on this pretty much my whole life. It is going to be a very exciting fight, and I am expecting the best. Junior Witter is not the same fighter he was eight years ago. He is at the top of his game, and I feel I'm in the prime of my game right now. It’s going be an explosive night. I am confident I can win the fight and that I'm going to win. I'm just really anxious to get in the ring right now. Because the (Jose Luis) Castillo fight fell through, the warriors that we are, we decided, ‘hey let's get in there and let's do this you know.’ So, everybody pretty much is running for Junior Witter. He has something that I want and that's the WBC title. I'm going to go get it.
The undefeated Bradley, who is fighting in his first world title fight, stands in front of a mirror in his hotel gym and says “I’m so slick, he (Witter) will think that he’s fighting two of me.”
Question: Junior, is there anybody that you fought that you can compare style‑wise to Bradley? What kind of a fight do you expect from him?
Witter: I'm not really counting on anything. I've seen Bradley box. He is aggressive enough. He's got quick hands. He's got decent power. I'm just taking it as it comes.
Question: Timothy, what's it going to be like fighting in England? Have you prepared differently because basically you are going to be the bad guy wearing the black hat? Does that bother you at all?
Bradley: No, it doesn't bother me at all. Coming from California, and California being predominantly Latinos and me fighting a lot of Latino fighters, I am like the underdog anyway. They always cheer for their guy. I'm use to it. So, I'm used to the oohs and ahhs, and the boos, and people telling me that I am nothing. It doesn't really bother me, man. Once I get in the ring and just start doing my thing, I earn my respect that way. So, I'm not really worried about that.
Question: Timothy and Junior, can you talk about your opponent and what impresses you from the films?
Bradley: What I notice in his film is that Witter is multi‑versatile. He can fight from any position. It doesn't matter where he is in the ring or what position's he's in. He has really good power and speed. So, it's going to be really challenging to get in there, figure Witter out and break him down.
Bradley and Samuel L. Jackson
Witter: Bradley has good hand speed. He works well when he goes to work. He has belief and desire. He is going to be good to face, and one who thinks he can do it.
Question: Timothy and Junior, does it concern you that neither of you has been in the ring for awhile? What are you trying to do to overcome the lack of ring time?
Bradley: I put in the work in the gym. So, it's like I sparred over 100 rounds for this fight. So, that will be out of the question. My timing is on. It's on point. I'm not really looking forward to having any ring rust on May 10.
Witter: Ring rough is not even a question or a thought in my head. When I won the world title I had 11 months out of the ring before that, and I got in and I boxed fine. My last fight was in September, but the way I train, I am in the ring all the time training. It's not like it's something under consideration.
Question: Timothy, who were some of your sparring partners for this fight? Were they trying to emulate Witter's style?
Bradley: I sparred against Dominic Salcedo. He's a very good fighter. He switches a lot. He can punch from any angle. He has a really known style. He has fast feet and gets out of the way like Witter. I had really good preparation for the fight. I sparred a lot of rounds with him and made sure my time was going on be to point.
Question: Is Witter more of just a switch‑hitter though? Would you consider him to be unorthodox or unpredictable?
Bradley: Witter is unpredictable. He can punch from any position he is in. If you think you are in the clear, you're not because he is so fast he can leap in with punches. So, he is a very dangerous champion, and that's why nobody wants to fight him.
Question: Do you feel that maybe you are taking this fight a little bit too early?
Bradley: I really don't care about the critics, man. It doesn't really bug me at all. I know what I can do. I know when I get in there with someone that's really good, I will step up to the plate and take the challenge and beat him. You don't know until you get in the ring. I am at the peak of my career right now. I am 24 years old. I've had 21 fights with 11 KOs. I am a hard worker. I have been working hard for the past three years to get to this point.
Question: Do you wish you had more quality rounds under your belt, or do you just feel ready?
Bradley: No way. I'm ready, man. I've had some tough fights. It's all prepared for me for this. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, I'm ready for this next stage. You guys will see on May 10th. You're definitely going to see.
Question: Junior, does the tremendous amount of attention on this fight affect the way that go in to the fight? Do you feel the need to not only win, but make a statement?
Witter: It's (media attention and television coverage) not going to change the way I fight. I'll be focused on what I'm doing, the way I prepared for it. I know it's an opportunity to show the world what I can do, and reinforce the fact that I am the best light welterweight there is throughout all the federations and so forth. I have just been focusing on what I'm going to do. I'm going to get in the ring and I'm going to do what I do best.
Question: Why has it been so long since you have been in the ring? Was it because of the politics of boxing, or was that planned?
Witter: It's the politics of boxing. I had a slight injury that I had to deal with straight after the Vivian Harris fight (September 2007). It took me a little bit to get back to fitness where I thought I was ready to fight. Since then, we've had a couple of people pull out, like Demetrius Hopkins.
Question: Timothy, how is it going to be for you to challenge a world champion on his home turf without having a lot of experience on a professional level?
Bradley: I will stay focused, stay with the game plan, listen to my corner and listen to my trainers. I'm just here to do a job. I'm just going to be completely focused on Witter.
Question: What is the source of your confidence knowing Witter’s record and his experience?
Bradley: I'm just confident in my abilities. I'm just confident. I am a hard worker. I have talent and I put in the work. I put in the miles. I put in the hours of studying videos. I'm just dedicated to the sport. That's what builds my confidence. I'm ready for this big stage.
Question: Timothy and Junior, do either of you want to make a prediction for the fight?
Bradley: My prediction is I just want to win. That's it. That's just hands down. I don't care how I get the ‘W,’ I just want to win. I don't really make predictions. Fighters can sit here and say I'm going to knock Witter out. But, it's a whole different ball game once you get in the ring.
Witter: I predict an exciting fight, and the champion will remain the champion. I'm going out there and will deliver some pain. I am not about to give in.
Question: Timothy, since you are fighting on foreign soil, do you feel like you have to knock Witter out to win? Are you concerned about a close fight not going your way?
Bradley: No, I don't have any thoughts about that. They have judges who judge the fights, and they have the fight fans who judge it. They have their own opinion. Whoever wins the fight should win the fight definitely. It doesn't bother me at all. I never really think about. At the end of the day, I have to live with the decision.
Question: Is your mindset then to go out and win rounds and leave no doubt?
Bradley: I definitely think that way. You have to go out and beat the champion. You just can't dance around the ring and not do anything at all. You take it to the champion. It has to be precise, and that's what we're planning on to do.
Question: Junior, when did you injury your knee, and how is it holding up in training camp?
Witter: I injured my knee about six weeks before I boxed Vivian Harris. Surgery was the week after. I'm fine now. I have not had a problem with it.
Question: How much do you know about Bradley as a fighter?
Witter: I don’t know loads and loads about Bradley, but I'm not a studier of boxing and what everyone is doing. I look at who you are right now. I find a weakness exploit it.
Question: Why did it take six years after you fought Zab Judah in June 2000 to show the boxing world that you are a world champion?
Witter: The politics of boxing is scary. That's why it took so long. No one wanted to give me a shot after Judah. They realized that I was good. They were managing to find a way to avoid that. But, I went on to win the European International title, and I did everything I had to do. I took the long road because it was the only road that was really left for me and it's just gone that way.
Question: Timothy, do you feel any kind of nerves being in a fight like this?
Bradley: You are going to have some nerves. This is a fight. It's not dancing. I've had people around me to keep me focused and keep me on the quest that's ahead. So, I'm all right. I'm just relaxed and really anxious to get in the ring.
Question: Junior, is there any chance that you may be taking Bradley a little lightly? Are you looking forward to calling some of the other guys in the 140-pound division out?
Witter: I am not taking Bradley lightly at all. I've called out a couple of people. No one's really stepped up to the plate the way I would like them to. I accept that and I will do the job on Saturday night.
Question: Junior, if you win this fight, who would you like to fight? Do you think Hatton will ever fight you?
Witter: I think the Hatton fight will happen. It's that much of a big demand in the U.K. from the boxing world unit. The pressure is on him to take the fight.
Question: Timothy, what kind of adjustments have you made to prepare for this fight now that you are in England? What's this week been like so far?
Bradley: This has just been a pretty light week. All the hard work's been done in the gym. I have been pretty much just breaking a sweat, and that's just pretty much it. I have gotten a lot of rest and eaten quality food. I am just staying focused on the game plan, and that's all.
Question: What did you learn from your first ShoBox experience, and what do you take from that into this fight?
Bradley: I just have to get in there and do my thing. I have to stay relaxed, stay calm, stay focused and fight like a champion. Being on a big network with a new promoter on ShoBox, I felt like I had to prove myself to everybody. Things like that just kind of bit me in the ass. But, I've been through that and it's not a big deal. This is what I do for a living. I'm going to get in there and I'm going to do what I do. I just have to stay relaxed, and that's it.
Question: Did you have your body fat measured?
Bradley: I'm about three percent body fat right now.
Question: Does it motivate you that people say you are taking this fight too early in your career?
Bradley: That motivates me. Negative comments always motivate me and get me up for the challenge. I really don't care what people say, or what they think. How many people get a chance to fight for the world title as quickly and as fast as me? It has taken me a little less than three‑and‑a‑half years to get to this point. I worked my way up through the rankings and got to the No. 1 challenger spot. It's either sink or swim. It's either you do it or you don't do it. I'm going to do it.
Question: Did you do anything to compensate for the time difference in your preparation?
Bradley: No. I trained at the regular time and trained like I normally do. I am ready.
Question: What were the circumstances like for you on the actual day before word of the cancellation of the Castillo fight came out? Did you get a little bit of inkling beforehand?
Bradley: The cancellation did not really bother me at all. You know, it bothered me a little bit. But, my dream was always to fight for the title and win the title, to become the WBC world champion. So, the WBC granted me the No. 1 challenger spot. I was not punished because Castillo likes to eat a lot of burritos and stuff. I got what I wanted, and now we’re here.
Question: Timothy, who does the desert area in California (Palm Springs) have so many good fighters? What breeds all these great fighters over there?
Bradley: The heat. (Laughing). I guess it's the heat. I'm not sure. Just having about six or seven local gyms in the area helps. It's just having Palm Springs and every location, every city in the valley. We just have some great trainers come through that desert that push fighters. We train in the heat, and it's really challenging for us. So, we come in great shape. We are hungry fighters because we definitely want to be the best.
Question: When you are out running, do you ever worry about rattlesnakes and stuff?
Bradley: No, I never worry about that. I do a lot of my running in the hills, the mountains and on the track. So, when I do my distance, I like to run on the street. I run too much in the sand. Rattlesnakes like to come out in the heat, so I really don't do too much running when it gets to be midday. That's when they're out.
Question: Timothy, have you embraced the role of being the underdog, and do you feel any kind of pressure or anything?
Bradley: No, I don't feel any kind of pressure. I really don't get into all the odds and stuff like that and listen to all that stuff. I pretty much think positively the whole time. I am on Witter’s home soil. I'm definitely not going to be the favorite. So, I expected that. It doesn’t bother me at all.
Question: Is there any kind of pressure going in to this fight, or is this just another fight? Is this the fight of your career at this point.
Bradley: This is the fight of my career. This is the big stage, man. It doesn't get any higher than this. I am taking it as an opportunity. I thank Junior Witter and Mick Hennessy for putting this show on. It's exciting for boxing, and it's exciting for me. It’s going to be a great fight.
Question: Junior, since they are basically two different fighters height and style-wise, how do you go from training for someone like Demetrius Hopkins to training for Bradley?
Witter: I basically do the same training route to the end. Then, I'll just tweak my style for my opponent. I got to that level where I'm just about to tweak and the fight got cancelled. I took a little bit of time off and just eased off a bit. I kept fit, kept sharp and then just tweaked things at the end for Bradley. So, I'm cool.
Question: Timothy, what was it like going from getting ready to fight Castillo to fighting Junior Witter, a far more better fighter at this stage of their careers?
Bradley: I just trained for the Castillo fight and took about a week off. I heard they were negotiating and stuff like that and I went back to the gym and been in the gym ever since. Now, we're at this point. When you train so much, you train so hard and you get hungry. You want to fight. You need to release. Witter and I are both going to be in prime time May 10th. You are going to see some fireworks.
Question: Junior, do you have a particular routine for fight days that you've developed over the years?
Witter: I chill. I'll have something to eat, go for a little walk, have a rest, and have something else to eat. Bob comes over and cuts my hair. Then I just relax and do very little.
Question: What time do you like to get to the venue?
Witter: I like to get to the venue about two hours before the fight. I like to play the music, get into the zone, and get ready to do my stuff.
Question: Timothy, how long have you been in England?
Bradley: I've been in England since Sunday.
Question: Have you been able to acclimate to the time change?
Bradley: I'm sleeping at night, and waking up early. I am fine.
Question: Junior, do you have any plans on coming into fight here in America?
Witter: Yeah, I want to headline a big card over there. For me, it's a case of getting the next fight. The next fight can be done as soon as it can be done. If you can do one over there, brilliant. If the next one can't be over there, it can't. Just get me another fight.
Question: Junior, is this just another fight for you?
Witter: It's another dangerous fight. It's not the biggest. It's not going to be the last. I'm going to remain champion. That's what I've got to do.
Question: Junior and Timothy, do you have any closing comments?
Witter: Timothy, I am glad you took the fight. I am glad you came over. It is not your night. It's not your month. You might come again. I'm still going to remain champ.
Bradley: I want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing Promotions for making this fight possible. I just want to thank Hennessy Sports and Mick. I just want to thank the champion for giving me a shot at his title. All praises to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's do this.
If you missed Saturday’s exciting telecast, catch the replay on SHOWTIME.
Monday, May 12 8 p.m. ET/PT Showtime Extreme
Tuesday, May 13 Midnight Showtime Extreme
And anytime at SHOWTIME On Demand beginning Tuesday, May 13.
Nick Charles and Farhood called the action from ringside in Nottingham with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall.
For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young, talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. To date, 25 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox have advanced to garner world titles including Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi, Paul Williams and Timothy Bradley.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
Photos by: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Bradley celebrated with his team following a victory that made the unbeaten fighter the 25th ShoBox alum to capture a world title belt. ShoBox premiered in July 2001.
The special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented series was promoted by Hennessy Sports from the Trent FM Arena at Nottingham, England and aired on a same-day tape delay.
In the co-feature, No. 1-ranked WBC super middleweight contender Carl Froch of Nottingham dispatched late-replacement Albert Rybacki of Poland with a fourth-round stoppage.
The undefeated Bradley (22-0, 11 KOs) had never fought professionally outside his home state of California. Earlier this week, he traveled more than 5,000 miles from his hometown of Palm Springs, Calif., to the homeland of the reigning 140-pound champion for his first world title fight.
Early on, Witter controlled a sloppy fight and appeared to be on his way to his third championship defense. But Bradley, reportedly a 6-1 underdog, rocked the champion in the sixth with a devastating overhand right sending Witter down for only the second time in his career.
That one-punch knockdown turned the tide for Bradley who controlled the rest of the contest with effective aggression.
“I knew this fight was mine,” said the newly crowned 24-year-old champion. “I’ve seen the tapes [of Witter’s past fights], and he fades in the sixth and seventh. And I know that’s when I come on. I get stronger in the later rounds.
“I have been working on that punch,” said Bradley of the overhand right that dropped Witter. “He tends to pull back with his chin up in the air and I just caught him. But I couldn’t finish him. I had to be careful in there. He’s got power in both hands.”
“This can be considered an early candidate for upset of the year,” said renowned ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “It is so difficult to win a world title on the road. And to do it with as little experience as Bradley has, this was something special. That one-punch knockdown in the sixth proved to be the difference maker in the fight.”
Unbeaten Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, Calif., scored a sixth-round knockdown over defending champion and hometown favorite Junior Witter en route to winning a 12-round split decision and the WBC 140-pound title Saturday on a Special Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Witter, 34, drops to 36-2-2, 21 KOs and will have to recalculate his career path. He was lobbying for marquee fights with other top 140-pound fighters including Ricky Hatton.
The undefeated Froch easily outclassed Rybacki and improved his record to 23-0, 19 KOs. Froch was originally scheduled to face Denis Inkin in a WBC final eliminator for the super middleweight title, but Inkin pulled out two weeks ago with a training injury. As a result, the WBC officially named Froch the mandatory challenger to current 168-pound champion Joe Calzaghe.
Froch didn’t have to take this fight to guarantee his title shot but said he was eager to showcase his power to the American television audience on SHOWTIME.
NEW YORK– ShoBox: The New Generation returns to the United Kingdom on May 10, 2008, with an outstanding world title showdown and a promising undercard bout featuring two undefeated prospects.
On a special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented SHOWTIME boxing series, World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Champion Junior Witter will defend his crown for the third time when he takes on WBC No. 1 contender Timothy Bradley at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England (same day tape delay at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME).
In a spectacular co-feature pitting two young undefeated British prospects against each other, hard-hitting John Murray will take on the slick John Fewkes in a 10-round lightweight bout. The evening of boxing will be promoted by Hennessy Sports.
In his last outing, Witter (36-1-2, 21 KOs), of Bradford, England, successfully defended his WBC title for the second time by scoring a stunning, seventh-round knockout over Vivian Harris on Sept. 7, 2007. In his initial 2007 outing, Witter defended his world championship for the first time by out-boxing Arturo Morua en route to a ninth- round TKO on Jan. 20.
“I know how to prepare for Bradley,” Witter said. “This isn’t my first title defense. Bradley will be a tough out, but I’m confident that I will be the winner. I have the strength, power and experience to take care of him.”
Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., is no stranger to the bright lights and big stage of national television, as he will make his fourth ShoBox appearance on SHOWTIME. If victorious against Witter, the promising unbeaten will become the 25th ShoBox fighter to win a world title.
Long considered to be one of the super lightweight division’s top prospects, Bradley has won his last two fights by lopsided unanimous decisions.
“This is what boxing is all about,” Bradley said. “You work hard and put in the sweat and long hours in the gym so one day you set yourself up for a title shot. This is what I’ve been waiting for all my life. I can’t see myself losing this fight. I can see myself becoming a world champion on May 10.”
*CARL FROCH TO MAKE SHOWTIME DEBUT THIS SATURDAY ON A SPECIAL EDITION OF SHOBOX;From Trent FM Arena Nottingham, England 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME
NEW YORK– Hard-hitting super middleweight Carl Froch has been added as the co-feature to Saturday’s special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, which is taking place from Nottingham, England (SHOWTIME, 10:45 p.m. ET/PT, tape delayed). The main event remains the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship bout between titlist Junior Witter of Bradford, England and American contender Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, California.Hard-hitting super middleweight Carl Froch squares off with Albert Rybacki, who he will be facing in the co-feature of Saturday night’s telecast. Froch, who weighed in at 167 ½ pounds, is the No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger to WBC super middleweight Joe Calzaghe. Rybacki, who tipped the scales at 168 ¼ pounds, is an undefeated and hard hitting late replacement for Denis Inkin.
In a battle of previously undefeated super middleweights, No. 1-ranked Carl Froch (left) knocked out Albert Rybacki in the fourth round in Saturday's ShoBox co-feature.
The undefeated Froch (22-0, 18 KOs) of Nottingham, was originally scheduled to face Denis Inkin in a WBC final eliminator for the super middleweight title, but Inkin pulled out two weeks ago complaining of a back injury sustained in training. As a result, the WBC officially named Froch the mandatory challenger to current 168-pound champion Joe Calzaghe. Froch, eager to showcase his exciting style to his hometown fans and an American television audience on SHOWTIME, accepted the 12-round International contest against Rybacki.
"Carl Froch is an exciting and talented fighter to watch," said ShoBox Executive Producer Gordon Hall on location in Nottingham. "He's got significant power and a thrilling style. This is a great opportunity to give our viewers a first look at a guy who very well could be the next super middleweight world champion."
"Froch likes to keep busy," said promoter Mick Hennessy of his 30-year-old charge. "Even though he's got a guaranteed WBC world title fight coming up next, he likes to test himself. Froch is getting into the ring against guy with nothing to lose. Rybacki showed up here in great physical shape. We know his a rough, tough fighter and essentially he's gate crashing a world title contender.
"Froch is confident enough to put his unbeaten record on the line against anyone," continued Hennessy. "We did not want to pass up the opportunity to put on a good performance to the American television audience on SHOWTIME. Ticket sales have been strong behind our hometown boy and we expect an excitable crowd to really rock the Trent FM Arena."
*Undefeated Timothy Bradley Fun Facts, Challenging for WBC Super Lightweight Title Saturday On SHOWTIME
Undefeated 24-year-old boxer Timothy Bradley, of Palm Springs, has traveled approximately 2,100 miles total for his 21 professional fights. In fact, he has fought exclusively in California and never traveled farther than 230 miles from his hometown. Since turning pro in August 2004, Bradley has fought in Ontario (11 times), Corona (five times), Santa Ynez (three times), Los Angeles (once) and Lancaster (once).
On Saturday, that will change dramatically, however, when the WBC super lightweight No. 1 contender travels 5,300 miles to challenge WBC Super Lightweight Champion Junior Witter in Nottingham, England. SHOWTIME will televise the world title bout at 10:45 p.m. PT.
*CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES JUNIOR WITTER AND TIMOTHY BRADLEY WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
Question:Junior, can we have opening comments on you? How is training going? What are your thoughts on defending your championship on “ShoBox” on SHOWTIME, and your thoughts on the challenger, Timothy Bradley.
Witter: It’s great to be getting back in the ring. It feels like a while since I've been here. Training's gone very well. It's been a long hard slog, and I'm just raring to go. Timothy Bradley is obviously accomplished in his own right. He's done quite well for himself, and he's going to find out on Saturday night that he is in with the champ.
Question: You have improved like 1,000 percent since the last time you fought on SHOWTIME. What do you credit that to?
Witter:I put it down to dedication, hard work and listening to my trainers.
Question: Timothy, what are your thoughts on finally fighting for the world championship and trying to become the 25th ShoBox alum to win a world title?
Bradley: This is a dream come true. I've been waiting on this pretty much my whole life. It is going to be a very exciting fight, and I am expecting the best. Junior Witter is not the same fighter he was eight years ago. He is at the top of his game, and I feel I'm in the prime of my game right now. It’s going be an explosive night. I am confident I can win the fight and that I'm going to win. I'm just really anxious to get in the ring right now. Because the (Jose Luis) Castillo fight fell through, the warriors that we are, we decided, ‘hey let's get in there and let's do this you know.’ So, everybody pretty much is running for Junior Witter. He has something that I want and that's the WBC title. I'm going to go get it.
The undefeated Bradley, who is fighting in his first world title fight, stands in front of a mirror in his hotel gym and says “I’m so slick, he (Witter) will think that he’s fighting two of me.”
Question: Junior, is there anybody that you fought that you can compare style‑wise to Bradley? What kind of a fight do you expect from him?
Witter: I'm not really counting on anything. I've seen Bradley box. He is aggressive enough. He's got quick hands. He's got decent power. I'm just taking it as it comes.
Question: Timothy, what's it going to be like fighting in England? Have you prepared differently because basically you are going to be the bad guy wearing the black hat? Does that bother you at all?
Bradley: No, it doesn't bother me at all. Coming from California, and California being predominantly Latinos and me fighting a lot of Latino fighters, I am like the underdog anyway. They always cheer for their guy. I'm use to it. So, I'm used to the oohs and ahhs, and the boos, and people telling me that I am nothing. It doesn't really bother me, man. Once I get in the ring and just start doing my thing, I earn my respect that way. So, I'm not really worried about that.
Question: Timothy and Junior, can you talk about your opponent and what impresses you from the films?
Bradley: What I notice in his film is that Witter is multi‑versatile. He can fight from any position. It doesn't matter where he is in the ring or what position's he's in. He has really good power and speed. So, it's going to be really challenging to get in there, figure Witter out and break him down.
Bradley and Samuel L. Jackson
Witter: Bradley has good hand speed. He works well when he goes to work. He has belief and desire. He is going to be good to face, and one who thinks he can do it.
Question: Timothy and Junior, does it concern you that neither of you has been in the ring for awhile? What are you trying to do to overcome the lack of ring time?
Bradley: I put in the work in the gym. So, it's like I sparred over 100 rounds for this fight. So, that will be out of the question. My timing is on. It's on point. I'm not really looking forward to having any ring rust on May 10.
Witter: Ring rough is not even a question or a thought in my head. When I won the world title I had 11 months out of the ring before that, and I got in and I boxed fine. My last fight was in September, but the way I train, I am in the ring all the time training. It's not like it's something under consideration.
Question: Timothy, who were some of your sparring partners for this fight? Were they trying to emulate Witter's style?
Bradley: I sparred against Dominic Salcedo. He's a very good fighter. He switches a lot. He can punch from any angle. He has a really known style. He has fast feet and gets out of the way like Witter. I had really good preparation for the fight. I sparred a lot of rounds with him and made sure my time was going on be to point.
Question: Is Witter more of just a switch‑hitter though? Would you consider him to be unorthodox or unpredictable?
Bradley: Witter is unpredictable. He can punch from any position he is in. If you think you are in the clear, you're not because he is so fast he can leap in with punches. So, he is a very dangerous champion, and that's why nobody wants to fight him.
Question: Do you feel that maybe you are taking this fight a little bit too early?
Bradley: I really don't care about the critics, man. It doesn't really bug me at all. I know what I can do. I know when I get in there with someone that's really good, I will step up to the plate and take the challenge and beat him. You don't know until you get in the ring. I am at the peak of my career right now. I am 24 years old. I've had 21 fights with 11 KOs. I am a hard worker. I have been working hard for the past three years to get to this point.
Question: Do you wish you had more quality rounds under your belt, or do you just feel ready?
Bradley: No way. I'm ready, man. I've had some tough fights. It's all prepared for me for this. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, I'm ready for this next stage. You guys will see on May 10th. You're definitely going to see.
Question: Junior, does the tremendous amount of attention on this fight affect the way that go in to the fight? Do you feel the need to not only win, but make a statement?
Witter: It's (media attention and television coverage) not going to change the way I fight. I'll be focused on what I'm doing, the way I prepared for it. I know it's an opportunity to show the world what I can do, and reinforce the fact that I am the best light welterweight there is throughout all the federations and so forth. I have just been focusing on what I'm going to do. I'm going to get in the ring and I'm going to do what I do best.
Question: Why has it been so long since you have been in the ring? Was it because of the politics of boxing, or was that planned?
Witter: It's the politics of boxing. I had a slight injury that I had to deal with straight after the Vivian Harris fight (September 2007). It took me a little bit to get back to fitness where I thought I was ready to fight. Since then, we've had a couple of people pull out, like Demetrius Hopkins.
Question: Timothy, how is it going to be for you to challenge a world champion on his home turf without having a lot of experience on a professional level?
Bradley: I will stay focused, stay with the game plan, listen to my corner and listen to my trainers. I'm just here to do a job. I'm just going to be completely focused on Witter.
Question: What is the source of your confidence knowing Witter’s record and his experience?
Bradley: I'm just confident in my abilities. I'm just confident. I am a hard worker. I have talent and I put in the work. I put in the miles. I put in the hours of studying videos. I'm just dedicated to the sport. That's what builds my confidence. I'm ready for this big stage.
Question: Timothy and Junior, do either of you want to make a prediction for the fight?
Bradley: My prediction is I just want to win. That's it. That's just hands down. I don't care how I get the ‘W,’ I just want to win. I don't really make predictions. Fighters can sit here and say I'm going to knock Witter out. But, it's a whole different ball game once you get in the ring.
Witter: I predict an exciting fight, and the champion will remain the champion. I'm going out there and will deliver some pain. I am not about to give in.
Question: Timothy, since you are fighting on foreign soil, do you feel like you have to knock Witter out to win? Are you concerned about a close fight not going your way?
Bradley: No, I don't have any thoughts about that. They have judges who judge the fights, and they have the fight fans who judge it. They have their own opinion. Whoever wins the fight should win the fight definitely. It doesn't bother me at all. I never really think about. At the end of the day, I have to live with the decision.
Question: Is your mindset then to go out and win rounds and leave no doubt?
Bradley: I definitely think that way. You have to go out and beat the champion. You just can't dance around the ring and not do anything at all. You take it to the champion. It has to be precise, and that's what we're planning on to do.
Question: Junior, when did you injury your knee, and how is it holding up in training camp?
Witter: I injured my knee about six weeks before I boxed Vivian Harris. Surgery was the week after. I'm fine now. I have not had a problem with it.
Question: How much do you know about Bradley as a fighter?
Witter: I don’t know loads and loads about Bradley, but I'm not a studier of boxing and what everyone is doing. I look at who you are right now. I find a weakness exploit it.
Question: Why did it take six years after you fought Zab Judah in June 2000 to show the boxing world that you are a world champion?
Witter: The politics of boxing is scary. That's why it took so long. No one wanted to give me a shot after Judah. They realized that I was good. They were managing to find a way to avoid that. But, I went on to win the European International title, and I did everything I had to do. I took the long road because it was the only road that was really left for me and it's just gone that way.
Question: Timothy, do you feel any kind of nerves being in a fight like this?
Bradley: You are going to have some nerves. This is a fight. It's not dancing. I've had people around me to keep me focused and keep me on the quest that's ahead. So, I'm all right. I'm just relaxed and really anxious to get in the ring.
Question: Junior, is there any chance that you may be taking Bradley a little lightly? Are you looking forward to calling some of the other guys in the 140-pound division out?
Witter: I am not taking Bradley lightly at all. I've called out a couple of people. No one's really stepped up to the plate the way I would like them to. I accept that and I will do the job on Saturday night.
Question: Junior, if you win this fight, who would you like to fight? Do you think Hatton will ever fight you?
Witter: I think the Hatton fight will happen. It's that much of a big demand in the U.K. from the boxing world unit. The pressure is on him to take the fight.
Question: Timothy, what kind of adjustments have you made to prepare for this fight now that you are in England? What's this week been like so far?
Bradley: This has just been a pretty light week. All the hard work's been done in the gym. I have been pretty much just breaking a sweat, and that's just pretty much it. I have gotten a lot of rest and eaten quality food. I am just staying focused on the game plan, and that's all.
Question: What did you learn from your first ShoBox experience, and what do you take from that into this fight?
Bradley: I just have to get in there and do my thing. I have to stay relaxed, stay calm, stay focused and fight like a champion. Being on a big network with a new promoter on ShoBox, I felt like I had to prove myself to everybody. Things like that just kind of bit me in the ass. But, I've been through that and it's not a big deal. This is what I do for a living. I'm going to get in there and I'm going to do what I do. I just have to stay relaxed, and that's it.
Question: Did you have your body fat measured?
Bradley: I'm about three percent body fat right now.
Question: Does it motivate you that people say you are taking this fight too early in your career?
Bradley: That motivates me. Negative comments always motivate me and get me up for the challenge. I really don't care what people say, or what they think. How many people get a chance to fight for the world title as quickly and as fast as me? It has taken me a little less than three‑and‑a‑half years to get to this point. I worked my way up through the rankings and got to the No. 1 challenger spot. It's either sink or swim. It's either you do it or you don't do it. I'm going to do it.
Question: Did you do anything to compensate for the time difference in your preparation?
Bradley: No. I trained at the regular time and trained like I normally do. I am ready.
Question: What were the circumstances like for you on the actual day before word of the cancellation of the Castillo fight came out? Did you get a little bit of inkling beforehand?
Bradley: The cancellation did not really bother me at all. You know, it bothered me a little bit. But, my dream was always to fight for the title and win the title, to become the WBC world champion. So, the WBC granted me the No. 1 challenger spot. I was not punished because Castillo likes to eat a lot of burritos and stuff. I got what I wanted, and now we’re here.
Question: Timothy, who does the desert area in California (Palm Springs) have so many good fighters? What breeds all these great fighters over there?
Bradley: The heat. (Laughing). I guess it's the heat. I'm not sure. Just having about six or seven local gyms in the area helps. It's just having Palm Springs and every location, every city in the valley. We just have some great trainers come through that desert that push fighters. We train in the heat, and it's really challenging for us. So, we come in great shape. We are hungry fighters because we definitely want to be the best.
Question: When you are out running, do you ever worry about rattlesnakes and stuff?
Bradley: No, I never worry about that. I do a lot of my running in the hills, the mountains and on the track. So, when I do my distance, I like to run on the street. I run too much in the sand. Rattlesnakes like to come out in the heat, so I really don't do too much running when it gets to be midday. That's when they're out.
Question: Timothy, have you embraced the role of being the underdog, and do you feel any kind of pressure or anything?
Bradley: No, I don't feel any kind of pressure. I really don't get into all the odds and stuff like that and listen to all that stuff. I pretty much think positively the whole time. I am on Witter’s home soil. I'm definitely not going to be the favorite. So, I expected that. It doesn’t bother me at all.
Question: Is there any kind of pressure going in to this fight, or is this just another fight? Is this the fight of your career at this point.
Bradley: This is the fight of my career. This is the big stage, man. It doesn't get any higher than this. I am taking it as an opportunity. I thank Junior Witter and Mick Hennessy for putting this show on. It's exciting for boxing, and it's exciting for me. It’s going to be a great fight.
Question: Junior, since they are basically two different fighters height and style-wise, how do you go from training for someone like Demetrius Hopkins to training for Bradley?
Witter: I basically do the same training route to the end. Then, I'll just tweak my style for my opponent. I got to that level where I'm just about to tweak and the fight got cancelled. I took a little bit of time off and just eased off a bit. I kept fit, kept sharp and then just tweaked things at the end for Bradley. So, I'm cool.
Question: Timothy, what was it like going from getting ready to fight Castillo to fighting Junior Witter, a far more better fighter at this stage of their careers?
Bradley: I just trained for the Castillo fight and took about a week off. I heard they were negotiating and stuff like that and I went back to the gym and been in the gym ever since. Now, we're at this point. When you train so much, you train so hard and you get hungry. You want to fight. You need to release. Witter and I are both going to be in prime time May 10th. You are going to see some fireworks.
Question: Junior, do you have a particular routine for fight days that you've developed over the years?
Witter: I chill. I'll have something to eat, go for a little walk, have a rest, and have something else to eat. Bob comes over and cuts my hair. Then I just relax and do very little.
Question: What time do you like to get to the venue?
Witter: I like to get to the venue about two hours before the fight. I like to play the music, get into the zone, and get ready to do my stuff.
Question: Timothy, how long have you been in England?
Bradley: I've been in England since Sunday.
Question: Have you been able to acclimate to the time change?
Bradley: I'm sleeping at night, and waking up early. I am fine.
Question: Junior, do you have any plans on coming into fight here in America?
Witter: Yeah, I want to headline a big card over there. For me, it's a case of getting the next fight. The next fight can be done as soon as it can be done. If you can do one over there, brilliant. If the next one can't be over there, it can't. Just get me another fight.
Question: Junior, is this just another fight for you?
Witter: It's another dangerous fight. It's not the biggest. It's not going to be the last. I'm going to remain champion. That's what I've got to do.
Question: Junior and Timothy, do you have any closing comments?
Witter: Timothy, I am glad you took the fight. I am glad you came over. It is not your night. It's not your month. You might come again. I'm still going to remain champ.
Bradley: I want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing Promotions for making this fight possible. I just want to thank Hennessy Sports and Mick. I just want to thank the champion for giving me a shot at his title. All praises to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's do this.
If you missed Saturday’s exciting telecast, catch the replay on SHOWTIME.
Monday, May 12 8 p.m. ET/PT Showtime Extreme
Tuesday, May 13 Midnight Showtime Extreme
And anytime at SHOWTIME On Demand beginning Tuesday, May 13.
Nick Charles and Farhood called the action from ringside in Nottingham with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall.
For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young, talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. To date, 25 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox have advanced to garner world titles including Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi, Paul Williams and Timothy Bradley.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
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