Ken Chertow's Gold Medal Training Camp System
Upcoming June Camp Locations
Texas
Wisconsin
Florida
North Carolina
Indiana
Ohio
Chicagoland Area
New York
Pennsylvania
At many of our camp locations we offer multi-week Super Gold options with free, safe transportation provided between locations.
We offer double camp discounts at all locations. Register now and save $100 off your second camp fee.
For more information about our multi-week options please click here.
The Olympic Trials will be held June 13-15, 2008 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Coach Chertow's Olympic Trials Memory ...
"When I went away to college, my mom gave me a good luck card that said, "Don't settle for being good...when you dream of being great!" I kept that card on my dresser throughout college. I even took it with me to the Olympic Trials in Florida, and I still remember vividly reading it multiple times before I would leave my hotel room to go to the arena for sessions. My mom's words of encouragement definitely helped me live my dreams and make our Olympic Team."
Clinic At Olympic Trials
Coach Chertow, a USA Olympian will be conducting a free clinic at 3:00 on June 15th.
Be sure to check out the Gold Medal Training Camp table at FanFest where Coach Chertow will be signing posters and available to answer questions about camp.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
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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
Thursday, June 5, 2008
“THE CONTENDER” WINNER SERGIO MORA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES; From Latin Snake Training Gym, Montebello, California
Sergio Mora participated in a recent media workout as he winds down preparations for the biggest fight of his career against Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) for his WBC super welterweight title Saturday, June 7, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).
Photo credits: Joe Miranda/SHOWTIME
Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), of Los Angeles, won “The Contender” television series on Oct. 15, 2005, with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.
As part of a world championship doubleheader on SHOWTIME, the evening will kick off when Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs). The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight that Quintana won in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008.
The fights, which will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions.
SERGIO MORA
“After my last two performances, I was really down. I needed the motivation. Forrest has provided me with the motivation I needed. I have learned not to take things for granted.”
“This is maybe my fifth or sixth fight out of 21 that I have been completely motivated.”
“Forrest is an old lion and a cagey veteran. He is a smaller Bernard Hopkins. He has all the tools in the book. He has all the punches.”
“Last year was a lost year for me. Boxing is stressful. Even if you want to fight, sometimes promoters and business matters get in the way. Boxing is mental, physical and spiritual. It takes more than training. It takes handling your personal life.”
“I had some off years. I was going to get to this position (fighting for a world title) even without ‘The Contender.’ Boxing needed some fresh blood. Now, it is my time.”
“I just need to prove myself. You have to roll with the punches. I don’t care what people say. I don’t care what critics say.”
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
Photo credits: Joe Miranda/SHOWTIME
Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), of Los Angeles, won “The Contender” television series on Oct. 15, 2005, with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.
As part of a world championship doubleheader on SHOWTIME, the evening will kick off when Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs). The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight that Quintana won in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008.
The fights, which will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions.
SERGIO MORA
“After my last two performances, I was really down. I needed the motivation. Forrest has provided me with the motivation I needed. I have learned not to take things for granted.”
“This is maybe my fifth or sixth fight out of 21 that I have been completely motivated.”
“Forrest is an old lion and a cagey veteran. He is a smaller Bernard Hopkins. He has all the tools in the book. He has all the punches.”
“Last year was a lost year for me. Boxing is stressful. Even if you want to fight, sometimes promoters and business matters get in the way. Boxing is mental, physical and spiritual. It takes more than training. It takes handling your personal life.”
“I had some off years. I was going to get to this position (fighting for a world title) even without ‘The Contender.’ Boxing needed some fresh blood. Now, it is my time.”
“I just need to prove myself. You have to roll with the punches. I don’t care what people say. I don’t care what critics say.”
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
Showtime Fighters Wear Lakers, Celtics Jerseys at N.Y. Press Conf.
Sergio Mora (left) of Los Angeles and Vernon Forrest (right) of Atlanta, make their pro basketball allegiances known Thursday during a press conference at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York City. Forrest (donning the No. 24 Lakers away jersey) will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Mora (sporting the No. 5 Celtics home jersey) this Saturday live at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
For the record, both fighters predict that the series will “go the distance” and end in seven games. Mora likes his hometown team, the Lakers, while Forrest, believes that the Celtics will take home pro basketball’s ultimate trophy.
“The Celtics have more star players and a better bench,” Forrest said.
“Both teams have a tradition of greatness and rivalry,” Mora said. “However, the Lakers have youth, a hot bench and are destined to win.”
(From left) Carlos Quintana, Sergio Mora, Vernon Forrest and Paul Williams pose during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York City. To kick off the world championship doubleheader this Saturday on SHOWTIME, Quintana will attempt to retain his WBO welterweight belt against Williams, the boxer he dethroned in February.
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
For the record, both fighters predict that the series will “go the distance” and end in seven games. Mora likes his hometown team, the Lakers, while Forrest, believes that the Celtics will take home pro basketball’s ultimate trophy.
“The Celtics have more star players and a better bench,” Forrest said.
“Both teams have a tradition of greatness and rivalry,” Mora said. “However, the Lakers have youth, a hot bench and are destined to win.”
(From left) Carlos Quintana, Sergio Mora, Vernon Forrest and Paul Williams pose during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York City. To kick off the world championship doubleheader this Saturday on SHOWTIME, Quintana will attempt to retain his WBO welterweight belt against Williams, the boxer he dethroned in February.
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
CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER VERNON FORREST vs. SERGIO MORA and CARLOS QUINTANA vs. PAUL WILLIAMS II; June 7, 2008 ● LIVE ON SHOWTIME ● Mohegan Sun
On Saturday, June 7, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present a world championship doubleheader as Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his WBC super welterweight title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), while Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs) live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
VERNON FORREST
“The fight is what it is. I’m going to put up a great fight, and it will be a great night. I will see you all there.”
Vernon Forrest shares his thoughts with the media at the podium Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House as promoter Jeff Wald and Sergio Mora (far left) listen in.
“Jeff [Wald] stated today that he didn’t like me. I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me, so he wouldn’t have the knowledge to make that statement. I don’t even know what he means by that. He liked me, and now he doesn’t. I don’t know what that means.”
“I’m a heterosexual. This is no high school sweetheart thing. I’m like a jilted boyfriend. Whether Wald likes me or not, his fighter has got to fight me. All he has to do that night is pull out his pom pons because his fighter will be the one fighting.”
SERGIO MORA
“All of these fights are going to be exciting. As for me and Forrest, we don’t know how to lose. We’re both prideful, and we don’t back up.”
“I come to box, fight, bleed, whatever it takes to win. I don’t back down.”
“I’m excited about where I am, but I would have gotten here with or without ‘The Contender.’ God blessed me to be on that show and it gave me a head start. Because of it, I got here [world title opportunity] a little faster. But, I would have been here eventually.
Sergio Mora addresses the media during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York, while promoter Gary Shaw and Vernon Forrest (far right) look on. Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Mora this Saturday live at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
“Forrest is a hell of a fighter. I know that I have to prove myself. I will prove myself.”
“I see the fight going the distance. I’ve never been down, and I don’t plan on going down. It’s going to the late rounds. We’re both arrogant fighters.”
(When asked about Forrest’s power and knockout history): “Power doesn’t matter. I worry about his right hand, but I’m the biggest guy he’s ever fought. I’m smarter than the others. I’m younger. These are the things that will be what changes the fight.”
CARLOS QUINTANA
“I want to thank SHOWTIME and all of the promoters. I prepared myself better this time around. Williams is good, he throws a lot of punches, but I am better prepared and I will win on Saturday.”
“I will be here with my belt for a long time. Williams said he wasn’t really himself for our last fight on February 6, but, this time, I am so prepared that even if he brought his best game, I can handle it.”
PAUL WILLIAMS
“I had an off night [during the first fight against Quintana]. I want to get back in the ring on Saturday night and get my title back.”
“My confidence level is through the roof. I can’t wait to get out there Saturday. I will show up. In February after they said I lost, I didn’t think about it anymore. I left it behind. That wasn’t me. The real Paul Williams will show up, and when he does, he will punish Carlos Quintana.”
Paul Williams (left) and Carlos Quintana (right) stare each other down at Gallagher’s Steak House while promoter Gary Shaw (middle back) observes the festivities.
GEORGE PATTERSON (Williams’ Manager/Trainer)
“We had fun in this training camp. We were more relaxed. It was different from the last camp. We have worked hard, done a good job, and we plan to get our title back.”
LOU DIBELLA (Promoter)
“I want to especially thank Ken Hershman and SHOWTIME for making this fight. I respect Paul Williams. Everyone was afraid to fight him. Quintana wasn’t afraid for the first fight and he’s not afraid of Williams this time.
JEFF WALD (Promoter)
“I can guarantee that Mora will not run. He has never run from anybody. He would rather die than run.”
“This is a hell of a night of boxing, and it is great for television. Forrest and Mora always bring it.”
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
The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
VERNON FORREST
“The fight is what it is. I’m going to put up a great fight, and it will be a great night. I will see you all there.”
Vernon Forrest shares his thoughts with the media at the podium Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House as promoter Jeff Wald and Sergio Mora (far left) listen in.
“Jeff [Wald] stated today that he didn’t like me. I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me, so he wouldn’t have the knowledge to make that statement. I don’t even know what he means by that. He liked me, and now he doesn’t. I don’t know what that means.”
“I’m a heterosexual. This is no high school sweetheart thing. I’m like a jilted boyfriend. Whether Wald likes me or not, his fighter has got to fight me. All he has to do that night is pull out his pom pons because his fighter will be the one fighting.”
SERGIO MORA
“All of these fights are going to be exciting. As for me and Forrest, we don’t know how to lose. We’re both prideful, and we don’t back up.”
“I come to box, fight, bleed, whatever it takes to win. I don’t back down.”
“I’m excited about where I am, but I would have gotten here with or without ‘The Contender.’ God blessed me to be on that show and it gave me a head start. Because of it, I got here [world title opportunity] a little faster. But, I would have been here eventually.
Sergio Mora addresses the media during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York, while promoter Gary Shaw and Vernon Forrest (far right) look on. Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Mora this Saturday live at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
“Forrest is a hell of a fighter. I know that I have to prove myself. I will prove myself.”
“I see the fight going the distance. I’ve never been down, and I don’t plan on going down. It’s going to the late rounds. We’re both arrogant fighters.”
(When asked about Forrest’s power and knockout history): “Power doesn’t matter. I worry about his right hand, but I’m the biggest guy he’s ever fought. I’m smarter than the others. I’m younger. These are the things that will be what changes the fight.”
CARLOS QUINTANA
“I want to thank SHOWTIME and all of the promoters. I prepared myself better this time around. Williams is good, he throws a lot of punches, but I am better prepared and I will win on Saturday.”
“I will be here with my belt for a long time. Williams said he wasn’t really himself for our last fight on February 6, but, this time, I am so prepared that even if he brought his best game, I can handle it.”
PAUL WILLIAMS
“I had an off night [during the first fight against Quintana]. I want to get back in the ring on Saturday night and get my title back.”
“My confidence level is through the roof. I can’t wait to get out there Saturday. I will show up. In February after they said I lost, I didn’t think about it anymore. I left it behind. That wasn’t me. The real Paul Williams will show up, and when he does, he will punish Carlos Quintana.”
Paul Williams (left) and Carlos Quintana (right) stare each other down at Gallagher’s Steak House while promoter Gary Shaw (middle back) observes the festivities.
GEORGE PATTERSON (Williams’ Manager/Trainer)
“We had fun in this training camp. We were more relaxed. It was different from the last camp. We have worked hard, done a good job, and we plan to get our title back.”
LOU DIBELLA (Promoter)
“I want to especially thank Ken Hershman and SHOWTIME for making this fight. I respect Paul Williams. Everyone was afraid to fight him. Quintana wasn’t afraid for the first fight and he’s not afraid of Williams this time.
JEFF WALD (Promoter)
“I can guarantee that Mora will not run. He has never run from anybody. He would rather die than run.”
“This is a hell of a night of boxing, and it is great for television. Forrest and Mora always bring it.”
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
Pavlik / Lockett / De Leon / Lopez NY News Conference
NEW YORK, NY- “ Undefeated world middleweight champion KELLY "The Ghost" PAVLIK and No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger GARY "The Rocket" LOCKETT, their respective trainers, Jack Loew and Enzo Calzaghe,
WBO junior featherweight champion DANIEL PONCE DE LEON, undefeated No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ and Hall of Fame promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren (who gets inducted on Sunday, June 8) will host a news conference luncheon in New York before heading to Atlantic City for their world middleweight title fight. It all takes place Next Wednesday! June 4, at Gallagher's Steak House (228 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019), at 11:30 A.M. ET.
Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs), from Youngstown, Ohio, returns to ring for his first world championship defense after back-to-back victories over former world champion Jermain Taylor.
Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs), from Cwbran, Wales, has promised to mete out a "mandatory sentence" to the defending champion. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warrens Sports Network and Caesars Atlantic City, the 12-round Pavlik-Lockett world middleweight championship fight will take place Saturday, June 7, at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, and will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:05 p.m. EDT / 7:05 p.m. PDT. The broadcast will open with De Leon (34-1, 30 KOs), from Huntington Park, Calif., making the seventh defense of his title against Lopez (21-0, 19 KOs), from Puerto Rico. Combined, this quartet of sluggers boasts an incredible record of 118-2 (99 KOs), a winning percentage exceeding 98% and a victory by knockout ratio of 84%!
Marty Rosengarten
www.RingsidePhotos.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
Legendary fighter Sugar Ray Leonard recently shared his thoughts about Sergio Mora and the challenger’s upcoming bout against Vernon Forrest Saturday
Legendary fighter Sugar Ray Leonard recently shared his thoughts about Sergio Mora and the challenger’s upcoming bout against Vernon Forrest Saturday on SHOWTIME.
Mora will face his biggest test when he takes on Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) for his WBC super welterweight title Saturday, June 7, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).
Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), of Los Angeles, won “The Contender” television series on Oct. 15, 2005, with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.
As part of a world championship doubleheader on SHOWTIME, the evening will kick off when Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs). The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight that Quintana won in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008.
The fights, which will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions.
Sugar Ray Leonard:
“For Sergio, it’s do or die. It’s a fight to determine his last hurrah.”
“Mora has so much natural talent, speed and power in his punches. He just needs to put it all together.”
“Mora is getting in the ring with a guy who has tons of experience and can certainly punch.”
“This is a great chance for Mora and excellent exposure. He needs to capitalize on it.”
“Stylistically, this will be a good fight. Sergio can box and Vernon can punch. I think it will be an action-filled fight.”
“Whoever loses goes to the back of the line. And at their age, it could be over.”
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
Mora will face his biggest test when he takes on Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) for his WBC super welterweight title Saturday, June 7, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).
Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), of Los Angeles, won “The Contender” television series on Oct. 15, 2005, with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.
As part of a world championship doubleheader on SHOWTIME, the evening will kick off when Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs). The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight that Quintana won in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008.
The fights, which will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions.
Sugar Ray Leonard:
“For Sergio, it’s do or die. It’s a fight to determine his last hurrah.”
“Mora has so much natural talent, speed and power in his punches. He just needs to put it all together.”
“Mora is getting in the ring with a guy who has tons of experience and can certainly punch.”
“This is a great chance for Mora and excellent exposure. He needs to capitalize on it.”
“Stylistically, this will be a good fight. Sergio can box and Vernon can punch. I think it will be an action-filled fight.”
“Whoever loses goes to the back of the line. And at their age, it could be over.”
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
2K Sports’ Don King Presents: Prizefighter Has Gone Gold and is Ready to Rumble on June 10th
June 3, 2008 – 2K Sports announced today that Don King Presents: Prizefighter, the first documentary-style boxing extravaganza, has officially gone gold and is now ready for production for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by Venom Games, a 2K studio, Don King Presents: Prizefighter is equal parts sports simulation and true boxing drama that takes place both inside and outside the ring.
Don King Presents: Prizefighter casts players in the role of a talented, unknown boxer fighting his way out of obscurity and into the international spotlight while attempting to claim the world championship title. The immersive storyline challenges players to balance their rigorous training regimen with the temptations of wealth and stardom and unfolds in a unique, live-action sports documentary style that features real-life legends and current stars from the world of boxing including Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Andrew Golota, Joe Calzaghe and many others. Heather Vandeven, the reigning 2007 Penthouse Pet of the Year, and popular video vixen Bria Myles also star in the documentary and act as temptations for boxers throughout their careers.
Don King Presents: Prizefighter is rated T for Teen and will be available June 10, 2008 for Xbox 360, and this fall for Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and Nintendo DS™. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/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 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
Don King Presents: Prizefighter casts players in the role of a talented, unknown boxer fighting his way out of obscurity and into the international spotlight while attempting to claim the world championship title. The immersive storyline challenges players to balance their rigorous training regimen with the temptations of wealth and stardom and unfolds in a unique, live-action sports documentary style that features real-life legends and current stars from the world of boxing including Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Andrew Golota, Joe Calzaghe and many others. Heather Vandeven, the reigning 2007 Penthouse Pet of the Year, and popular video vixen Bria Myles also star in the documentary and act as temptations for boxers throughout their careers.
Don King Presents: Prizefighter is rated T for Teen and will be available June 10, 2008 for Xbox 360, and this fall for Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and Nintendo DS™. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/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 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
ADAMEK RETURNS TO CHICAGO ON JULY 11, ESPN2 “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” TO BROADCAST
CHICAGO, IL– IBF #1 ranked mandatory challenger Tomasz Adamek will return to the Windy City on July 11 when he headlines an exciting fight card at the Aragon Ballroom against veteran brawler Gary Gomez, it was jointly announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva and 8 Count Productions President Dominic Pesoli. ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” broadcast begins at 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT.
“It was very important to Tomasz to fight once more prior to his showdown against Steve Cunningham,” said Duva. “What better place for him to fight than in Chicago where he was warmly welcomed by his Polish brethren the last two times he fought here?”
“We're very happy to once again work with Kathy Duva and the Main Events team to co-promote this event,” said Pesoli. “Chicago fight fans will be thrilled to see former world champion Tomasz Adamek once again after his two ‘Fight of the Year’ wars he won over Paul Briggs in the last few years in Chicago."
Adamek (34-1, 23 KO’s) earned the IBF’s #1 mandatory position in his last bout on April 19, 2008, when he schooled former undisputed world cruiserweight champion O’ Neal Bell for seven rounds before forcing Bell to retire on his stool prior to round eight (TKO 7). The 31-year-old Zywiec, Poland native has stopped 15 opponents within the first three rounds. He captured the vacant WBC light heavyweight championship on May 21, 2005, when he decisioned Paul Briggs (W 12). He defended the title twice before losing to Chad Dawson on Feb 3, 2007 (L 12). Since moving to cruiserweight he is 3-0, 2 KOs.
Gomez (18-9, 7 KO’s) lost a split decision to Jeremy Williams in his last bout on August 18, 2007, (L 8). Prior to the bout the 33-year-old Salt Lake City, UT native had gone 4-1-1 in his last six bouts. On July 21, 2005, Gomez lost a decision to Charles Davis in an unsuccessful attempt to win WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight championship (L 10). Gomez has never been stopped in his career.
Popular Polish middleweight Andrzej Fonfara, who now resides in Chicago, will compete in the eight round televised co-feature bout against an opponent to be determined shortly. Fonfara is 10-1, 3 KO’s.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
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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
“It was very important to Tomasz to fight once more prior to his showdown against Steve Cunningham,” said Duva. “What better place for him to fight than in Chicago where he was warmly welcomed by his Polish brethren the last two times he fought here?”
“We're very happy to once again work with Kathy Duva and the Main Events team to co-promote this event,” said Pesoli. “Chicago fight fans will be thrilled to see former world champion Tomasz Adamek once again after his two ‘Fight of the Year’ wars he won over Paul Briggs in the last few years in Chicago."
Adamek (34-1, 23 KO’s) earned the IBF’s #1 mandatory position in his last bout on April 19, 2008, when he schooled former undisputed world cruiserweight champion O’ Neal Bell for seven rounds before forcing Bell to retire on his stool prior to round eight (TKO 7). The 31-year-old Zywiec, Poland native has stopped 15 opponents within the first three rounds. He captured the vacant WBC light heavyweight championship on May 21, 2005, when he decisioned Paul Briggs (W 12). He defended the title twice before losing to Chad Dawson on Feb 3, 2007 (L 12). Since moving to cruiserweight he is 3-0, 2 KOs.
Gomez (18-9, 7 KO’s) lost a split decision to Jeremy Williams in his last bout on August 18, 2007, (L 8). Prior to the bout the 33-year-old Salt Lake City, UT native had gone 4-1-1 in his last six bouts. On July 21, 2005, Gomez lost a decision to Charles Davis in an unsuccessful attempt to win WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight championship (L 10). Gomez has never been stopped in his career.
Popular Polish middleweight Andrzej Fonfara, who now resides in Chicago, will compete in the eight round televised co-feature bout against an opponent to be determined shortly. Fonfara is 10-1, 3 KO’s.
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
"LETHAL COMBINATION"; Saturday, June 28, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas - HBO PPV
"LETHAL COMBINATION"; Saturday, June 28, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas - HBO PPV
12 Rds., WBC Lightweight Championship
Champion DAVID DIAZ, 34-1-1, 17 KOs, Chicago
vs. MANNY PACQUIAO, 46-3-2, 34 KOs, General Santos, Philippines
12 Rds., WBO Featherweight Championship
Champion STEVEN LUEVANO, 35-1, 15 KOs, LaPuente, Ca.
Vs. MARIO SANTIAGO, 19-1, 14 KOs, Ponce, Puerto Rico
10 Rds., Heayweights
TYE FIELDS, 40-1, 35 KOs, Las Vegas
vs. MONTE BARRETT, 33-6, 19 KOs, Queen, N.Y.
12 Rds., Jr Lightweights
HUMBERTO SOTO, 43-6-2, 27 KOs, Los Mochis, Mexico
vs. TBA
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
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
ISRAEL VAZQUEZ HOSTS KIDS BOXING CLINIC ON WEDNESDAY IN SANTA ANA
LOS ANGELES, CA- World Boxing Council Super Bantamweight Champion Israel Vazquez will host a youth boxing clinic at the TKO Boxing Club in Santa Ana on Wednesday, June 4th at 4pm. The club is located at 726 S. Center St. in Santa Ana, California.
Vazquez will speak to the kids about his career in boxing and demonstrate some training techniques that have made him one of the sport’s elite fighters.
“Luis Ramos is a training partner of mine, he and Hector Lopez who runs the gym asked me to come and spend some time with the kids in the boxing camps” said Vazquez.
Said manager Frank Espinoza, “Israel is taking a nice break from the rigors of training for a fight, he’s got some friends who run TKO and he was happy when they asked him to come to the club and speak to the kids.”
Vazquez is coming off a legendary three fight trilogy with Rafael Marquez that saw “MAGNIFICO” demonstrate the highest levels of skills and heart, culminating in their third bout on March 1, 2008, won by Vazquez when he scored a knock down in the final brutal round.
After losing the first bout on March 3, 2007, Vazquez won the second matchup in spectacular fashion on August 4th with a devastating sixth round knockout in a bout that was named 2007 “FIGHT OF THE YEAR” by Ring Magazine.
The trilogy has become amongst the most talked about series of bouts in the annals of the sport with each fighter winning one by stoppage and Vazquez winning the third bout by decision.
Continued Espinoza, “It’s only been three months since the grueling last fight with Marquez. Izzy’s enjoying the time off with his family. When the time is right, he’ll get back to training and prepare once again to give boxing fans his finest performance.”
In addition to holding the WBC title, Vazquez is also rated on the “Pound for Pound lists; # 6 with Ring Magazine and Yahoo Sports and #8 by ESPN.
In a final word to his fans, the classy Vaszquez said, “Please don’t forget about me, I’m just taking a little bit of time off to spend with my family. I’m looking for big fights and great things in the future and as always thanks very much for your continued support.”
For more information on Israel Vazquez, please his website at www.israel-vazquez.com and the Espinoza Boxing Club website at www.espinozaboxingclub.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
Vazquez will speak to the kids about his career in boxing and demonstrate some training techniques that have made him one of the sport’s elite fighters.
“Luis Ramos is a training partner of mine, he and Hector Lopez who runs the gym asked me to come and spend some time with the kids in the boxing camps” said Vazquez.
Said manager Frank Espinoza, “Israel is taking a nice break from the rigors of training for a fight, he’s got some friends who run TKO and he was happy when they asked him to come to the club and speak to the kids.”
Vazquez is coming off a legendary three fight trilogy with Rafael Marquez that saw “MAGNIFICO” demonstrate the highest levels of skills and heart, culminating in their third bout on March 1, 2008, won by Vazquez when he scored a knock down in the final brutal round.
After losing the first bout on March 3, 2007, Vazquez won the second matchup in spectacular fashion on August 4th with a devastating sixth round knockout in a bout that was named 2007 “FIGHT OF THE YEAR” by Ring Magazine.
The trilogy has become amongst the most talked about series of bouts in the annals of the sport with each fighter winning one by stoppage and Vazquez winning the third bout by decision.
Continued Espinoza, “It’s only been three months since the grueling last fight with Marquez. Izzy’s enjoying the time off with his family. When the time is right, he’ll get back to training and prepare once again to give boxing fans his finest performance.”
In addition to holding the WBC title, Vazquez is also rated on the “Pound for Pound lists; # 6 with Ring Magazine and Yahoo Sports and #8 by ESPN.
In a final word to his fans, the classy Vaszquez said, “Please don’t forget about me, I’m just taking a little bit of time off to spend with my family. I’m looking for big fights and great things in the future and as always thanks very much for your continued support.”
For more information on Israel Vazquez, please his website at www.israel-vazquez.com and the Espinoza Boxing Club website at www.espinozaboxingclub.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
Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore ready to rumble on June 4 on ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights
Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore, a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, weighed in at a slim and ready 154 pounds for his eight round bout against hard-punching Gabriel Rosado, 152 ½, of Philadelphia. The two will open the show on the June 4 installment of ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights from the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, NY. Moore is 15-0 (10 KOS), while Rosado boasts a record of 9-2 (6 KOS).
In the main event Yusaf Mack, 24-2-2 (15 KOS), of Philadelphia takes on Daniel Judah, 22-2-3 (10 KOS), of Brooklyn. At stake will be the vacant NABA light heavyweight title. The show is being promoted by Winky Wright Promotions, in association with Thomas Gallagher Productions. Wright was in attendance for the weigh-in and will also be at the show.
Mack and Judah weighed in first. Both came in on weight, but Judah and his chief cheerleader, a character named Crocodile who used to tell anyone within earshot how tough Mike Tyson was in Tyson’s waning days, began cursing loudly at Mack. There was a lot of profanity and name calling that began with the word mother. At one point Mack challenged Judah to a winner take all bout.
Moore and Rosado patiently waited to get on the scales, then politely shook hands and wished each other well. “You want hear any of that from me,” said Moore. Rosado couldn’t have agreed more.
What they did disagree on was the outcome of their own fight. Both realize how important a victory on ESPN 2 is to their careers, and both looked locked, loaded and ready to go.
“It’s his hometown, so I know everyone will be cheering for him and booing me,” said the 22-year-old Rosado. “But once I get in the ring, I get in my zone and nothing bothers me. I think the booing will just fuel me up.
“Moore has a basic style,” he continued. “It’s one, two, hook to the body. I’ll just use my faster feet and hands and take away whatever he has. This is an eight-rounder on ESPN. If I win, a lot of doors will open.”
“I really don’t know much about him, other than he is very strong, tough and aggressive,” said Moore. “This fight is as important to him as it is to me, so I expect him to be at his best. He will come out blazing, so I’ll have to be at my best. I’m in good shape, so I’m ready for anything.”
“We’re not taking this guy for granted but those two losses means he knows how to lose already,” said Harry Keitt, Moore’s trainer. “We’re going to introduce him to one more loss on Wednesday night.”
The Aviator Sports Complex is located on Flatbush Avenue, just south of the Belt Parkway, Exit 11S, Brooklyn, NY 11234. Doors will open at 7:00 P.M. and the first bout will be at 8:00 P.M.
For tickets call Gleason’s Gym at 718-797-2872. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities contact Tommy Gallagher at 917-774-3517.
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
CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights Photos, Brief Recap And Undercard Results
On a history-making evening which featured a lot of exciting, entertaining two-way action and a little bit of everything, including licks, kicks and controversy, unbeaten Kimbo Slice (3-0) of Perrine, Fla., scored a hard-fought third-round TKO over England's James "Colossus" Thompson (16-9) in the main event of the
inaugural "CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights" on the CBS Television Network.
Kimbo Slice follows up with an uppercut as a bloodied James Thompson attempts to retaliate.
Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC
The monumental event, the first-ever mixed martial arts card shown live in primetime on network television, was witnessed by 8,033, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and millions more on CBS.
It was presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division EliteXC.
"The night was electric, every fight was exciting,'' EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. "I'm sure all the viewers who watched stayed glued to their television sets for the entire show.
"Kelly Kahl (Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime) and everybody at CBS, Ken Hershman (Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports Programming) and everybody at SHOWTIME, the EliteXC fight team, everybody at the Prudential Center, the media and fans, I can't thank them all enough.''
Said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc. "All the athletes did the sport of mixed martial arts proud. The sport has a whole new audience after tonight.''
In other CBS fights, EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4) of St. Louis, by way of Granite City, Ill., retained his belt when his match with Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (15-4) of Sacramento, Calif., was declared a no contest. A good action fight with ferocious exchanges was stopped with 1:34 left in the third round after Smith was accidentally poked in the eye. Since a world title fight in New Jersey must go three full rounds to be official, it went into the books as a No Contest.
Robbie Lawler connects with a vicious kick to the body against Scott Smith.
Gina Carano (6-0) of Las Vegas, Nev., defeated Kaitlin Young (4-2) of Circle Pines, Minn., by TKO at the end of the second round;
Gina Carano delivers a perfect leg kick against Kaitlin Young.
Joey Villasenor (26-6) of Albuquerque, N.M., registered a 1:11, first-round TKO over Phil Baroni (10-10) of Long Island, N.Y., in a battle of 185-pounders;
Joey Villasenor lands a smashing right hand as Phil Baroni attempts to cover up.
Hard-hitting Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minn., who called out Kimbo at the post-fight press conference, scored a 1:01, first-round TKO over Jon Murphy (4-3) of Minersville, Pa.Brett Rogers lands a short, solid right hand to the face of Jon Murphy.
In fights streamed live and for free at ProElite.com: Chris “The Story” Liguori (9-7) of Red Bank, N.J., scored a second-round TKO over Jim Bova (3-1) of New Ringgold, Penn., Carlton Haselrig (2-0), of Johnstown, Penn., won by TKO when Carlos Moreno (5-3), of Elizabeth, N.J., failed to answer the bell for the second round; Matt Makowski (3-0) of Philadelphia, Pa. registered a second-round TKO over Nick “The Mad Monkey” Serra (8-3) of East Meadow, N.Y.; Wilson Reis (4-0) of Philadelphia submitted (rear-naked choke) Justin Robbins (12-4-1) of Granite City, Ill., at 4:06 of the opening round; and James “Binky” Jones (7-5) of Baltimore, Md., triumphed by submission (rear naked choke) over Calvin Kattar (2-1) of Methuen, Mass., at 4:49 of the first.
In preliminary bouts that were not streamed at ProElite.com, Zach Makovsky (4-1) of Philadelphia took a unanimous decision over Brazilian Andre “Gigetto” Soares (5-2) of Pinebrook, N.J., by the scores of 29-26 twice and 29-28; and Joe Sampieri (1-2) of Manhattan, N.Y. knocked out Mike Groves (0-2) of Philadelphia at 4:58 in the first round.
CBS announcer Gus Johnson handled play-by-play Saturday with legendary Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo serving as analysts and Karyn Bryant as cageside reporter.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS was produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer was David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
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).
Fighter pages (ProElite.Com): Haselrig (http://carltonhaselrig.proelite.com), Moreno (http://carlosmoreno.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).
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.
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
inaugural "CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights" on the CBS Television Network.
Kimbo Slice follows up with an uppercut as a bloodied James Thompson attempts to retaliate.
Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC
The monumental event, the first-ever mixed martial arts card shown live in primetime on network television, was witnessed by 8,033, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and millions more on CBS.
It was presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division EliteXC.
"The night was electric, every fight was exciting,'' EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. "I'm sure all the viewers who watched stayed glued to their television sets for the entire show.
"Kelly Kahl (Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime) and everybody at CBS, Ken Hershman (Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports Programming) and everybody at SHOWTIME, the EliteXC fight team, everybody at the Prudential Center, the media and fans, I can't thank them all enough.''
Said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc. "All the athletes did the sport of mixed martial arts proud. The sport has a whole new audience after tonight.''
In other CBS fights, EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4) of St. Louis, by way of Granite City, Ill., retained his belt when his match with Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (15-4) of Sacramento, Calif., was declared a no contest. A good action fight with ferocious exchanges was stopped with 1:34 left in the third round after Smith was accidentally poked in the eye. Since a world title fight in New Jersey must go three full rounds to be official, it went into the books as a No Contest.
Robbie Lawler connects with a vicious kick to the body against Scott Smith.
Gina Carano (6-0) of Las Vegas, Nev., defeated Kaitlin Young (4-2) of Circle Pines, Minn., by TKO at the end of the second round;
Gina Carano delivers a perfect leg kick against Kaitlin Young.
Joey Villasenor (26-6) of Albuquerque, N.M., registered a 1:11, first-round TKO over Phil Baroni (10-10) of Long Island, N.Y., in a battle of 185-pounders;
Joey Villasenor lands a smashing right hand as Phil Baroni attempts to cover up.
Hard-hitting Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minn., who called out Kimbo at the post-fight press conference, scored a 1:01, first-round TKO over Jon Murphy (4-3) of Minersville, Pa.Brett Rogers lands a short, solid right hand to the face of Jon Murphy.
In fights streamed live and for free at ProElite.com: Chris “The Story” Liguori (9-7) of Red Bank, N.J., scored a second-round TKO over Jim Bova (3-1) of New Ringgold, Penn., Carlton Haselrig (2-0), of Johnstown, Penn., won by TKO when Carlos Moreno (5-3), of Elizabeth, N.J., failed to answer the bell for the second round; Matt Makowski (3-0) of Philadelphia, Pa. registered a second-round TKO over Nick “The Mad Monkey” Serra (8-3) of East Meadow, N.Y.; Wilson Reis (4-0) of Philadelphia submitted (rear-naked choke) Justin Robbins (12-4-1) of Granite City, Ill., at 4:06 of the opening round; and James “Binky” Jones (7-5) of Baltimore, Md., triumphed by submission (rear naked choke) over Calvin Kattar (2-1) of Methuen, Mass., at 4:49 of the first.
In preliminary bouts that were not streamed at ProElite.com, Zach Makovsky (4-1) of Philadelphia took a unanimous decision over Brazilian Andre “Gigetto” Soares (5-2) of Pinebrook, N.J., by the scores of 29-26 twice and 29-28; and Joe Sampieri (1-2) of Manhattan, N.Y. knocked out Mike Groves (0-2) of Philadelphia at 4:58 in the first round.
CBS announcer Gus Johnson handled play-by-play Saturday with legendary Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo serving as analysts and Karyn Bryant as cageside reporter.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS was produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer was David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
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).
Fighter pages (ProElite.Com): Haselrig (http://carltonhaselrig.proelite.com), Moreno (http://carlosmoreno.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).
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.
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: Mark Coleman, Joey Villasenor, Brett Rogers, EliteXC Review
No Holds Barred: Mark Coleman, Joey Villasenor, Brett Rogers, EliteXC Review
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-03T07_07_49-07_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman reviews the CBS and EliteXC Saturday Night Fights card, which took place Saturday, May 31, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and was shown live in the U.S. on CBS.
We continue our discussion of the Pygmalion-like story of Kimbo Slice, examining its next chapter, his third-round TKO over James Thompson in the main event on this card.
We discuss the positive and negative aspects of this show, including the belittling of the role of grappling in mixed martial arts.
We conducted several interviews right after the show. We spoke with former UFC heavyweight and Pride Grand Prix champion Mark Coleman, who seconded Phil Baroni and Carlton Haselrig, about those fights, as well as his own return to fighting.
We spoke with middleweight Joey Villasenor, who scored a first-round TKO over Phil Baroni.
We spoke with unbeaten heavyweight Brett Rogers, who scored a first-round TKO over Jon Murphy.
And we got a brief comment from former UFC heavyweight champion and King of Pancrase Bas Rutten, who trains Kimbo Slice.
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 preview two major title fights taking place this coming Saturday, June 7. On that date, WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) from "The Contender" series. This fight takes place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and will be shown in the U.S. on Showtime. We spoke with both Vernon Forrest and Sergio Mora on a media teleconference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Vernon Forrest also discussed his role as a promoter, and offered a highly critical appraisal of the fighters who have come from "The Contender". Also on June 7, middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio, will defend his title against mandatory challenger Gary Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs) of Cwbran, Wales. This fight takes place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO. At the kickoff news conference, we spoke with both Kelly Pavlik and Gary Lockett about this fight. 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:
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!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif
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
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-03T07_07_49-07_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman reviews the CBS and EliteXC Saturday Night Fights card, which took place Saturday, May 31, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and was shown live in the U.S. on CBS.
We continue our discussion of the Pygmalion-like story of Kimbo Slice, examining its next chapter, his third-round TKO over James Thompson in the main event on this card.
We discuss the positive and negative aspects of this show, including the belittling of the role of grappling in mixed martial arts.
We conducted several interviews right after the show. We spoke with former UFC heavyweight and Pride Grand Prix champion Mark Coleman, who seconded Phil Baroni and Carlton Haselrig, about those fights, as well as his own return to fighting.
We spoke with middleweight Joey Villasenor, who scored a first-round TKO over Phil Baroni.
We spoke with unbeaten heavyweight Brett Rogers, who scored a first-round TKO over Jon Murphy.
And we got a brief comment from former UFC heavyweight champion and King of Pancrase Bas Rutten, who trains Kimbo Slice.
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 preview two major title fights taking place this coming Saturday, June 7. On that date, WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) from "The Contender" series. This fight takes place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and will be shown in the U.S. on Showtime. We spoke with both Vernon Forrest and Sergio Mora on a media teleconference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Vernon Forrest also discussed his role as a promoter, and offered a highly critical appraisal of the fighters who have come from "The Contender". Also on June 7, middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio, will defend his title against mandatory challenger Gary Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs) of Cwbran, Wales. This fight takes place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO. At the kickoff news conference, we spoke with both Kelly Pavlik and Gary Lockett about this fight. 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:
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!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif
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
Ruiz helps WBA KO drugs; Boxing in benefit exhibition vs. Gilberto Jesus Mendoza in Venezuela
LAS VEGAS– Former 2-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, currently the WBA’s No. 2 rated contender, left today for Venezuela to participate in this week’s 18th annual WBA – KO to Drugs Festival.
The WBA’s international festival will he highlighted by Saturday night’s professional boxing show at the Olympic Center in San Juan de los Morros, Venezuela. During the show, Ruiz will engage in a three-round (2 minutes per round) benefit exhibition against Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, Vice President of the World Boxing Association. For each blow Mendoza’s lands against Ruiz, $100 will be donated to a charitable foundation that will be announced this week.
“It will be a pleasure to box with no less the first Latin American heavyweight champion, John Ruiz,” Mendoza said. “John represents the spirit of our festival because as a Latin American, he achieved what seemed to only be reserved for Americans or Europeans.”
Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
“I’m excited about returning to Venezuela, especially for such a great cause and one I’ve always supported,” Ruiz remarked. “The last time I was there it was for an awards ceremony. Venezuela is a beautiful country and the people there are very friendly. I’m honored to be invited and I’d like to thank the WBA and the Mendoza family for selecting me to help promote its anti-drug program. I have spoken to kids for years about the perils of drugs, encouraging them to stay away from all illegal drugs, and to follow their dreams. It’s about surrounding yourself with good people and making wise decisions in life.”
For more information about John Ruiz go to his My Space at “johnquietmanruiz.”
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
The WBA’s international festival will he highlighted by Saturday night’s professional boxing show at the Olympic Center in San Juan de los Morros, Venezuela. During the show, Ruiz will engage in a three-round (2 minutes per round) benefit exhibition against Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, Vice President of the World Boxing Association. For each blow Mendoza’s lands against Ruiz, $100 will be donated to a charitable foundation that will be announced this week.
“It will be a pleasure to box with no less the first Latin American heavyweight champion, John Ruiz,” Mendoza said. “John represents the spirit of our festival because as a Latin American, he achieved what seemed to only be reserved for Americans or Europeans.”
Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
“I’m excited about returning to Venezuela, especially for such a great cause and one I’ve always supported,” Ruiz remarked. “The last time I was there it was for an awards ceremony. Venezuela is a beautiful country and the people there are very friendly. I’m honored to be invited and I’d like to thank the WBA and the Mendoza family for selecting me to help promote its anti-drug program. I have spoken to kids for years about the perils of drugs, encouraging them to stay away from all illegal drugs, and to follow their dreams. It’s about surrounding yourself with good people and making wise decisions in life.”
For more information about John Ruiz go to his My Space at “johnquietmanruiz.”
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
DAVID DIAZ ON TELEMUNDO’S TITULARES Y MAS MONDAY NIGHT
Chicago, IL,- World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion DAVID DIAZ took a quick breather from training this afternoon to tape an appearance for Telemundo’s Titulares Y Mas with host MIRELLA GRISALES for airing tonight.
After his training finished at Chicago’s JABB Boxing Gym, Diaz discussed his upcoming fight on June 28th against boxing superstar MANNY PACQUIAO with Grisales while also demonstrating a couple of boxing techniques for the Columbian model.
“Titulares Y Mas” is broadcast on Telemundo at 11:30 EST and PST, and 10:30 CST.
When two explosive world champions at the top of their game mix it up for the world title, it’s a “Lethal Combination!” Newly-crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion MANNY PACQUIAO and WBC lightweight champion DAVID DIAZ will battle in a 12-round rumble with Diaz’s title at stake. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Pacquiao vs. Diaz will take place Saturday, June 28, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. PDT.
Remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs.Diaz, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
“This will be my hardest-fought battle,” said Pacquiao. “It’s been over three years since I have changed weight divisions and I will be doing it against the lightweight division’s world champion. I saw how he took the fight to Erik Morales in his last title defense and I’m expecting to see the same firepower out of him when we meet. But this is my drive for five. Five world titles in five different weight classes and I will not be denied. I am fighting for history, for destiny and for my people of the Philippines.”
"Manny Pacquiao has beaten many great fighters, especially Mexicans like Morales, Barrera, Marquez, Larios and Solis. That's why they call him “The Mexicutioner,” said Diaz. “I will shock the world and beat Pacquiao at his own game, power for power. He’s a great champion but he’s fighting in my division – lightweight. I have worked too hard for this world title and I will not give it up to him."
“Two world champions, at the top of their game, matching each other in speed, power, stamina and courage is a recipe for a great fight,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “Manny has never felt the power thrown at this weight class just as Diaz has never gone toe-to-toe with such a human dynamo. But Manny possesses an inner strength from his fellow countrymen the likes I have never seen as a promoter with over 40 years of experience. Manny is more than a national treasure to the Philippines, he is the very symbol of its national pride. He doesn’t fight for himself, he fights for his people. It’s a responsibility that no other athlete could, or attempt to, accomplish.”
“Boxing fans recognize that in Pacquiao vs. Diaz you have one of the sport’s best fighters and biggest attractions moving up in weight to challenge a bigger, stronger champion,” said HBOPPV’s Mark Taffet. “It’s a very intriguing proposition and we look forward to the event."
Dubbed "Republica Enemy No. 1," Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, has blitzed through the best fighters Mexico has had to offer since 2003 including Erik Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Juan Manuel Marquez (W 12, D 12), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). Pacquiao was named 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring magazine for his two spectacular knockout victories of Mexican icon and three-division champion Morales, as well as his dominating 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Larios. The hard-hitting southpaw has won 22 of his last 23 bouts including 2007 victories over Barrera and Solis. Pacquiao’s 12-round split decision victory over Marquez earlier this year not only avenged a disputed draw from their 2004 battle, it also made Pacman a four-division world champion.
Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs), from Chicago, will be making the second defense of his title. He successfully defended it against the three-division world champion Morales last summer winning a hard-fought unanimous decision over the future Hall of Famer. Although behind on the scorecards early, Diaz remained cool and rallied before the raucous hometown Chicago crowd of 10,000 to capture the decision. He swept the championship rounds and won the decision by scores of 114-113, 115-113 and 115-112. With the victory, Diaz cemented his place among the best lightweights in the sport and one of the most popular and respected athletes in the sports-crazy town of Chicago. A member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, Diaz, with 12 years of experience as a professional, is more than prepared to handle the pressures that come with battling boxing’s pound-for-pound most exciting fighter.
The Pacquiao vs. Diaz pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Diaz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.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
Moreno-Olszewski: Size doesn’t matter
ALBUQUERQUE– Popular WBC mininumweight champion Carina “La Reina” Moreno is a prime example of good things coming in small packages. The 5-foot, barely over 100-pounds Moreno (11-1, 5 KOs) faces WIBA flyweight title-holder and former New York Knicks dancer, Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0-1), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, in a 10-round fight June 13 for the IFBA junior flyweight crown on the “Finally” pay-per-view show, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The greatest collection of women boxers on one show, including five independently No. 1 rated fighters, are scheduled to battle in four world title bouts for five different belts on “Finally,” promoted by Fresquez Productions, Inc., is being 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 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), squaring-off in the 10-round main event for the vacant IFBA junior middleweight crown and universal pound-for-pound supremacy.
“This is going to be the biggest women’s boxing show ever and I’m blessed to be part of it,” Moreno said. “I’m very excited to fight on pay-per-view at a casino and area I’ve never been to. It’s really going to help women’s boxing. All-around, I’m anxious and can’t wait. I know Eileen. We were both on Team USA for two years and trained together. She fought at 112 pounds, I was 106. We sparred quite a bit because we were the two smallest. Everybody stopped to watch us. The smaller fighters are fast and throw a lot of punches. There’s always a lot of action.
“Eileen’s coming down to 108 for this fight and I’m moving up. It’s going to be a good, exciting, tough fight. I’m faster, she’s stronger. I don’t know if she’s changed her style. As an amateur, she applied a lot of pressure and came right at you. She didn’t slip a lot of punches. I’m not sure what to expect from her. I saw one of her pro fights and she had that New York-style, hands down, but she held her hands high as an amateur. She’s always in tremendous condition and I assume she’ll be putting a lot of pressure on me. I did a lot of slipping and ducking, but we went at it as amateurs, I didn’t back down.”
Moreno owns and teaches classes at a gym (Noble-Moreno Boxing) she owns with her trainer, Rick Noble, in Watsonville, California. She’s finishing up at Cabrillo Community College and will soon transfer to San Jose State to pursue her business degree. On weekends, Carina helps out at her parent’s restaurant in Santa Cruz, “Tacos Moreno.”
“I’m going into my fight with Eileen to take care of business,” the WBC 2007 Female Fighter of the Year added. “I’d love for it to be the best fight of the night. I’m going to do my best to steal the show. There are going to be a lot of fans watching in Albuquerque and on pay-per-view. They’re going to see a lot of action. Smaller fighters like us seem to be more entertaining. We’ll be throwing a lot of punches. We’re going to put on a great show for everyone.”
WIBA & IBA junior lightweight title-holder Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), takes on WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), of Ontario (Canada), in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant IFBA lightweight championship that has all the makings of a female version of Gatti-Ward.
IBA junior flyweight champion Wendy “Little Thunder” Rodriguez will be seeking revenge June 13 when she fights one of only four opponents to ever defeat her, Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway, in their 10-round bout for the vacant IBA strawweight and IFBA mini-flyweight belts. Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, lost an eight-round decision March 15, 2007 to Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), the reigning WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder and NABF flyweight champion, fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, are 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.
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
The greatest collection of women boxers on one show, including five independently No. 1 rated fighters, are scheduled to battle in four world title bouts for five different belts on “Finally,” promoted by Fresquez Productions, Inc., is being 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 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), squaring-off in the 10-round main event for the vacant IFBA junior middleweight crown and universal pound-for-pound supremacy.
“This is going to be the biggest women’s boxing show ever and I’m blessed to be part of it,” Moreno said. “I’m very excited to fight on pay-per-view at a casino and area I’ve never been to. It’s really going to help women’s boxing. All-around, I’m anxious and can’t wait. I know Eileen. We were both on Team USA for two years and trained together. She fought at 112 pounds, I was 106. We sparred quite a bit because we were the two smallest. Everybody stopped to watch us. The smaller fighters are fast and throw a lot of punches. There’s always a lot of action.
“Eileen’s coming down to 108 for this fight and I’m moving up. It’s going to be a good, exciting, tough fight. I’m faster, she’s stronger. I don’t know if she’s changed her style. As an amateur, she applied a lot of pressure and came right at you. She didn’t slip a lot of punches. I’m not sure what to expect from her. I saw one of her pro fights and she had that New York-style, hands down, but she held her hands high as an amateur. She’s always in tremendous condition and I assume she’ll be putting a lot of pressure on me. I did a lot of slipping and ducking, but we went at it as amateurs, I didn’t back down.”
Moreno owns and teaches classes at a gym (Noble-Moreno Boxing) she owns with her trainer, Rick Noble, in Watsonville, California. She’s finishing up at Cabrillo Community College and will soon transfer to San Jose State to pursue her business degree. On weekends, Carina helps out at her parent’s restaurant in Santa Cruz, “Tacos Moreno.”
“I’m going into my fight with Eileen to take care of business,” the WBC 2007 Female Fighter of the Year added. “I’d love for it to be the best fight of the night. I’m going to do my best to steal the show. There are going to be a lot of fans watching in Albuquerque and on pay-per-view. They’re going to see a lot of action. Smaller fighters like us seem to be more entertaining. We’ll be throwing a lot of punches. We’re going to put on a great show for everyone.”
WIBA & IBA junior lightweight title-holder Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), takes on WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), of Ontario (Canada), in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant IFBA lightweight championship that has all the makings of a female version of Gatti-Ward.
IBA junior flyweight champion Wendy “Little Thunder” Rodriguez will be seeking revenge June 13 when she fights one of only four opponents to ever defeat her, Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway, in their 10-round bout for the vacant IBA strawweight and IFBA mini-flyweight belts. Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, lost an eight-round decision March 15, 2007 to Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), the reigning WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder and NABF flyweight champion, fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, are 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.
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
Jaffa Ballogou Ready To Return But Is Anyone Man Enough To Fight Him?
Former WBC international champion and WBA super middleweight title challenger Jaffa “The African Assassin” Ballogou 45-6 (39 KO’s) is ready for a return to the ring, but has found it difficult to find an opponent. He also dealt with a recent issue of what he describes as a phony promotional contract. Ballogou had signed an exclusive agreement with a well known promoter before the promoter’s matchmaker rushed him and his handlers off the phone daily when he called about a fight date. Ballogou claims that after two months of phone calls, the matchmaker finally told him he couldn’t get him a fight.
“They promised me fights, and an opportunity but nothing happened. I am very upset with how this promoter and his matchmaker handled the situation. It is extremely unprofessional what they did and everyone who knows this matchmaker knows about his reputation for rushing people off the phone. We were frequently told by the matchmaker that we would get a call back but never did. I regret signing that contract and wasting some time, but life has to go on”, said the heavy handed veteran. Ballogou is still confident that he can get something together and quickly get back into the ranks.
“I know I can still do this. My age is not a factor since I have never taken a beating. I am ready to take on any light heavyweight in the world”, exclaimed Ballogou.
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Forrest, Mora, Quintana, Williams C.C. Quotes
On Saturday, June 7, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present a world championship doubleheader as Vernon Forrest defends his WBC super welterweight title against Sergio Mora, while Carlos Quintana looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, previously unbeaten Paul Williams live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
Question: Lou DiBella, Dan Goossen, Paul, Vernon, Jeff Wald, and Sergio, can you provide us with some opening comments?
DiBella: I am pleased to have my champion, Carlos Quintana, defend his title for the first time, giving a rematch to the ex‑champion who the granted him the opportunity. It was a terrific fight the first time. I think people saw the terrific ability of Quintana and the strategy and toughness of Quintana and, frankly, the best of Quintana when he beat Williams.
But, Williams has big wins over Antonio Margarito and was a terrific champion in his own right. He is one of the tallest and has one of the biggest reaches I've ever seen in the welterweight division, and is a very dangerous guy.
I expect it to be a terrific fight. Vernon Forrest has been one of the best fighters of his generation. He is really a Hall of Famer. He is a first ballot Hall of Famer when he continues to challenge at 154 pounds and look for a major fight at 154 pounds at this stage of his career. He's got Sergio Mora, who won the first year of "The Contender" in front of him. That figures to be a terrific fight.
SHOWTIME has a tremendous show on June 7. It's something they can be really proud of. But, I think they have the best show on June 7th, and I expect really nice viewership and really good attendance in Connecticut.
Goossen: I thought you were going to say all of the problems were because of me, but you didn't. So, I know there are some reporters out there who are laughing right now.
February 9 was a stunner. It just shows me how crazy this business is. No one gave Quintana a shot and he pulled out a major upset. I am chomping at the bit to get out there next week. I'm anxious to do everything we can to get this thing turned around.
I want to thank SHOWTIME. It's good to be with Vernon Forrest. We go back many years. Lou, you're right, he's a classy man.
Williams: I'm happy to be on SHOWTIME. It will be cool to get my title back. I'm just going to go out there, do my job again and get my belt back.
Forrest: It's a pleasure to be fighting on SHOWTIME again and also in Connecticut again. It's always a pleasure to work with Lou DiBella and Goossen Tutor. But, I have my company with Fight Night. So, finally I get an opportunity to hook up with those guys, and it's a pleasure to be associated with them and continue to do business with them.
We did business in the past. We'll definitely do business in the future. We look forward to a big night of boxing next Saturday.
Wald: I agree with Lou. You've got Dan Goossen, Lou DiBella and Gary Shaw. I'll throw another name in there, Lou, am I right? And you have the first promotion by Vernon's promotion company. You've got Goossen Tutor, Lou DiBella, and you've got "The Contender" and Gary Shaw and we're all still talking to each other.
DiBella: Not for much longer if you keep blabbing.
Wald: You'll see a great fight between Mora and Forrest. Forrest has been a great champion. I've watched him fight many, many times. I saw his last fight. He was terrific. I can tell you that Mora has had a phenomenal training camp. He's in the best shape of his life.
Mora is motivated. He knows what's ahead of him. He has a tremendous amount of respect for Forrest, and he's in it to win it. You are going to see a good fight. What you've seen with a lot of our guys is they go toe-to-toe and don’t run.
Mora is far from a runner, and all of his fights have been really exciting. He' is undefeated and wants to stay that way. It's going to be a great night of boxing. I am also looking forward to seeing Williams and Quintana. That is going to be an exciting rematch. Everybody expected Williams to win the first one, and there was an upset there with Quintana. You are going to see a great, great evening of boxing.
DiBella: Northeast Promotions is my partner of Carlos Quintana, I want to acknowledge them.
Mora: Good afternoon, everybody. I've been listening in. I want to add that, since we're on the subject, why don't I throw in my promotional company while I'm at it. Mora Promotions is starting today. I'm glad to be working with so many talented people. That's what boxing needs, instead of being at war with each other and trying to compete. So that's bulls**t. I'm glad. I'm happy.
The fighters are going to get the best out of me, get the best out of Forrest, obviously. He is a respectable champion. Quintana and Williams have a lot to prove. It's a great card, and SHOWTIME has been proving it, especially this year. So, I'm excited.
Question: Paul, do you consider yourself the champion and that Quintana has to prove himself to you?
Williams: I'm proving I'm the upset because by right he's the champion. So, I have to go back and take that back from him.
Question: Why didn't you return to Puerto Rico to train for this fight as in the past?
Williams: We just didn't.
Question: Why is that?
Williams: I don't know why we didn't go back to Puerto Rico. That's up to my manager. He figured out where we're going to train. I just do what he says.
Question: What are you going to do differently? Did you learn by your mistakes in the past?
Williams: I ended up doing all that in the ring. I'll just do it in the ring on fight night.
Question: Sergio, what are some of your thoughts that you're about 10 days away from the biggest fight of your life? Are you nervous? Have you had dreams about this?
Mora: This is definitely a moment I've dreamed about my entire career. I have aspired to be a world champion. Out of all the belts, the WBC is the most prestigious and actually the nicest looking belt, too. So, it's a great moment of my life. I'm not nervous because whenever you're prepared for something mentally and physically you just look for an opportunity to just come already. I'm eager for it. I know it's going to be a tough fight. Forrest is a hell of a fighter. He is a great champion. He is an Olympian. He does everything right. It is going to be a tough fight.
Question: Do you think having a long body gives you a little bit better chance to defeat Forrest than maybe some of the other guys he's fought who are shorter than him?
Mora: I can think what I want. But, basically it's going to come down to whether I can do it or not. I'm a lot bigger than Shane Mosley. We should be similar in height and length. If Forrest happens to be a little longer, I'll have to adapt to that.
If I'm a little longer, great. But, I think the fight is basically going to come down to who can adapt to each other's style. It is basically a fight of attrition as well. So, that's exciting for me, the fans and for Forrest, I'm sure.
So, I've fought tall fighters before, guys that are six-foot-three, six-foot-one. I like fighting tall guys. I prefer fighting short guys because I have the advantage. It makes no difference if it is a tall fighters or a short fighter.
Question: Jeff, do you look at this fight as a chance for a contender like Mora to score that upset victory? In your eyes, is that a feasible thing to happen?
Wald: Yes, there's no doubt about it. While these guys fight under ‘The Contender’ banner, they fight for themselves and their families. Mora had a career before he came to us. He was brought to us by Fernando Vargas. All these fighters on the phone have promoters.
We're just facilitating what it is they do. We had an upset when Gomez beat Gotti. Everybody forgets Gotti was a huge favorite in that. They already booked the next fight. We had an upset when Brian Vera beat Andy Lee.
Forrest: I'm no Gotti or Andy Lee. You have to realize who you're dealing with. I'm on a completely other level than that them. Don't compare me.
Wald: Talking about upsets.
Forrest: There won't be an upset next Saturday. Trust me on that. You can forget about that s**t.
Quintana: I'm very happy about this opportunity that SHOWTIME has provided me to fight again. I'm expecting another great fight. I can't say what type of win it will be, but I'm expecting another triumph.
Question: Vernon, can you tell us why, with half the promoters in America, apparently, involved in this fight, why you also have decided to create your own promotional company at this point?
Forrest: Actually, I've been my own promoter since I left Main Events back in 1998. But I never signed any fighters. So, finally I decided to open it up and start signing fighters and give other guys opportunities to fulfill their dreams of winning a world championship.
There are a lot of unscrupulous people in this business. When guys honor their word, honor the business, than people like to work with them.
So, I felt it's time that I was the only team I played on. Now, it's time to open it up to other guys to give them opportunity.
Question: How is it preparing for this fight? How is it doing the promotional work and preparing for a major title fight at the same time?
Forrest: I've been training for this fight for three months. I've been in camp since February. So, trust me, I'm not taking Mora lightly at all. I'm really, really focused on this guy. I'm looking at him exactly the same way I looked at all the other fights that I've had.
I only had one guy that I fought that I didn't take seriously, and I got an "L" on my record for that. From that point on I learned my lesson. So, I'm definitely taking him very, very seriously.
Question: Sergio, how are you going to approach this fight?
Mora: It's definitely a big step up for me, but I think it's time for me to take that step. If you look at my last 10 opponents, they have 80 to 90 percent winning records.
I may not deserve this title shot, say maybe the rankings per se, but as far as me being a formidable fighter, and I've proven myself against different opposition that would prove that I actually do have a chance against Forrest. I respect him as a champion and as a hell of a fighter. He's human, obviously. He makes mistakes just like everyone else. I'm just going to try to do my job and try to capitalize on those mistakes. He is going to try to do the same. Whoever has the most success is going to win the fight.
Question: Do you see any specific weaknesses that Forrest has exhibited in his last couple of fights since he's been fighting regularly again?
Mora: We all have weaknesses, whether we choose to exploit them verbally or during the fight, if I would choose. I know I'm going to choose to do it on June 7.
Question: Vernon, is your shoulder or arm giving you any issues during your past few fights or during training?
Forrest: Before I go to camp, I have short camps. You have to get your body in shape to get in shape. Then, you have to get into boxing shape, sparring shape and fight shape.
So, it was more or less a rush job. This time, from since I came back from my injury, what I've been doing when I go to camp is to make sure I'm physically in shape. Then, I'm in boxing shape, sparring shape, fight shape.
When I take my time, condition my body and my mind right, then I don't have any problems. When I have a great camp, I have a great performance. I had a great camp this time so you'll see a great performance.
Question: What did you do during your two years off from boxing?
Forrest: I was still training. Here is the misconception. People thought I was sitting watching football or eating potato chips. No, I was training. I just couldn't fight.
I had to pull out of a couple of fights during that time because my body just wouldn't allow me to fight. I was still training. I never took two years off. I just couldn't fight for two years because my body wouldn't allow me to get in there and compete at a level that I wanted to. So, I had to pull out of a couple of fights.
Question: Carlos, can you talk about your fight with Williams? What kind of adjustments did you make?
Quintana: In the last fight, I had good defense, and I am going to keep that up in this fight. I'm going to come and see what else, whatever new tactics he brings and I'll be able to adjust to them.
Question: Paul, how difficult was it for you to make 147 pounds, and was there a possibility that you were going to move up? How much thought did you give to that?
Williams: I gave a little thought to it, but not that much. But the weight's no problem. It is not tough for me to make it.
Question: Did the weight sap your energy at all?
Williams: I just didn't get in my rhythm last time.
Question: Dan, did you have discussions with Williams on the weight? What are your thoughts on his weight?
Goossen: We discussed it with George (Peterson) and with Al Hayman, and the bottom line was that it was going to be left up entirely to Williams and to Peterson because they're the ones that have to deal with it every day.
We certainly gave them every opportunity to say it was a problem, and that we should move up. But they insisted it wasn't the weight. Based upon that, you move forward.
It was a Williams that none of us had seen before, expected to see that night. Come next week, he has to go out there and show that that's exactly why he lost. His actions next Saturday will dictate where everything is if the weight was good, bad, or if it was a rhythm problem, or just a Quintana problem.
Question: Can you state your case now for any of the viewers out there why people, if they don't have a TiVo, should watch your June 7 broadcast and not a fight on another network?
Forrest: People should watch because it is the best fight of the night. You have me, a world champion. You've have Mora. By winning ‘The Contender’, he has millions of fans that follow him, have been following his career. You have a Quintana-Williams rematch.
Any time a guy beats you, the first thing you want to do is get that win back. So, you're talking about a major upset in boxing. Williams wants to get his revenge and Quintana said it was his win. You've have four of the best fighters in the world fighting that night.
Question: Paul, have you been able to figure out why you couldn't get into a rhythm during the first Quintana fight? Do you think you took him lightly or maybe over trained?
Williams: That's the thing about it. I just couldn't get my rhythm.
Forrest: Paul, sometimes you have a bad night. Sometimes Mickey Mantle had a bad night. Sometimes guys just have a bad night. That's just the way it goes.
Question: Paul, was there any point during that Quintana fight where you were thinking to yourself: I'm having a bad night here, I have to do something, or did it just happen?
Williams: I thought about it in the first round. I couldn't get in my rhythm. He knows it too. You have to work through it.
Question: When you say you couldn't get in your rhythm, what did it prevent you from doing?
Williams: It prevented me from doing everything, how I normally fight. I just couldn't get in rhythm.
Question: You couldn't fight the way you did against Antonio Margarito and everyone else?
Williams: Yeah, I wasn't in my rhythm. This time, I just don't know what it was. I couldn't do it like I could before.
Question: Paul, why is there so much secrecy about where you have trained for this fight?
Williams: Ask my manager, Mr. Peterson. You have to talk to him about why we didn't go to Puerto Rico. He said this is where we're going to train. I follow suit.
DiBella: You go back to basics. You go back to the dingy gyms and that privacy to get that head together. That is exactly why Peterson and Williams aren't in Puerto Rico right now. This is serious business.
Question: Paul, could you tell us how you adjusted your training, or is there anything you've done differently to prepare for this fight so that doesn't happen again?
Williams: You'll see it on the 7th. When I get into the ring, you'll see the difference.
Question: Lou, can you tell us what could be different in this fight?
DiBella: Whenever you have a good fighter like Williams, he's going to make some adjustments and will be a better fighter. You're also going to have a very confident champion in Quintana who beat Williams the first time, who feels like he knows him even better and he's going to be able to be a better fighter. I expect it to be a sensational fight.
I'm interested as a fan, honestly, whether the weight is going to be an issue for the former champion, because it was certainly an issue last time. I want to see if Williams feels comfortable at 147 pounds still. If he is comfortable at 147, it's going to be a great, great fight. I can't wait for it. If he's not comfortable at 147, he'll have a real problem.
Question: Paul, have you had a chance to look at the tape of that first Quintana fight? If so, did you pick out specific weaknesses that you can take advantage of this time that you weren't able to do in the first fight?
Williams: Yeah, I saw a lot of weakness, but I'm not going to share them with nobody.
Question: Do you want to make a prediction for the fight?
Williams: I'm getting my belt back, that's one.
Question: Lou, do you feel the same result is going to happen in this fight?
DiBella: First of all, I'm not Williams, his trainer, manager or promoter, so what I think doesn't matter for s**t when it comes to Williams. That's the truth.
Whenever I see a guy who is as tall as Williams and has as much reach as Williams, he's struggling to make weight. It is an issue. I was really surprised with a champion of Quintana's quality that Williams would want the rematch. But, I promoted Jermain Taylor, and he was having a problem making weight. He could have taken an easier route and used weight as a reason not to take the rematch. He insisted on fighting Kelly Pavlik. It doesn't shock me that the champion wants to get right back to the guy that beat him. I think the result is going to be the same.
Question: Do you think Quintana will pose the same types of problems for Williams?
DiBella: People discount Quintana’s credentials because of one loss to Miguel Cotto. A lot of terrific fighters have been knocked out by him. That night doesn't reflect his career. He's a very tough guy, a very cagey guy, skilled boxer and he's rough. As Williams saw from the first fight, Quintana is a guy that will fight you in the ring, but is also a boxer.
Quintana is a tough fight for anybody. Williams is going to discover again that it's a tough fight. But, I know Williams is not underestimating him, and is ready for a tough fight. I just think that Quintana might have his number and I expect the same kind of fight.
Goossen: Today, Quintana fighting Cotto would be a completely different fight. He's learned a lot from that loss just like any good champion does. I have to disagree with you on one thing. We'll see the real Williams on June 7, which is going to translate into a victory.
Question: Paul, are you prepared for the kind of pace that Quintana is obviously going to set that worked the first time?
Williams: Whatever. I'm going to prepare for whatever I have to prepare for, sir.
Question: Vernon, can you talk about your desire not to be compared to other fighters?
Forrest: Gotti and Andy Lee are overrated. So, when you try to compare, you put me right in the middle of those two guys. I'm nowhere on that level.
So, when you're talking about fighting a guy with my skill level, it is a whole different ball game.
Wald: Vernon, we weren't comparing you on that level. What I was saying is it is real easy to say the guy is going over the hill. Mora is not that little. He won ‘The Contender,’ and he beat those guys.
Forrest: Let me throw something out.
Wald: Let me finish.
Forrest: The only real fighter you had on ‘The Contender’ show was the little guy, Stevie Forbes. That's the only real guy you had on your show. He damn near won the show. So, I am going to call that little boys club ‘The Pretenders,’ not ‘The Contenders.’ Now, I'm going to beat the dog s**t out of your main pretender on June 7. I want you to know that.
So, don't compare me with no Gotti or no Andy Lee. Don't even put my name in the same breath with them.
Question: Sergio, do you think you will be the first fighter from ‘The Contender’ who can actually step out of that pretender role?
Mora: Gomez and Manfredo took the fight for the wrong reasons. One took it for the money and the other for celebrity status to say he fought on that caliber.
I could have both by accepting the Jermain Taylor fight earlier this year. I could have had a nice payday and a big fight for me. I thought I wasn't going to win in Memphis, so I didn't take that fight. I feel that this is my time now. I'm ready and prepared, and I'm hitting my peak, my physique, the way I'm taking camp and life. I'm ready. I'm 27. I'm ready and in my prime.
I have nothing but respect for Forrest. I can see by what he's saying he has no respect for me, which is cool. That's fine. But, when it comes down to it, I can say all I want. I still have to do what I'm going to do. Whether I'm real or not, a contender or pretender, I have to prove something on June 7. Don’t make a mistake of comparing me to ‑‑
Forrest: I just want you to come and fight. Come and fight and I promise you they're going to take you out on a stretcher. I guarantee it. If you do all that running shit you normally do, then it will be a boring fight. I will win by unanimous decision.
Mora: My man, listen, there's no way I'm going to make it a boring fight. I don't come to run, I come to fight.
Forrest: Come to fight and they'll take you out on a stretcher. If you come to fight and step up like a proud Mexican warrior, I'm knocking your mother $$!!## out.
Mora: I don't wish anyone stretchers.
Wald: Vernon, you don't know me, but you fought in Indianapolis at the Indianapolis Center there. I went out of my way to work behind the scenes on that fight and told everyone to invite the people that you handle down in Atlanta from that home that you support. I've been a big fan of yours as a human being for what you've given down there with your fianc?.
Forrest: We're not talking stories. Right now we're talking business. We're talking business. I didn't ask you ‑‑
Wald: You've been very disrespectful.
Forrest: I don't know you either. Right now we're talking about a fight. This is not a buddy system. We ain't friends, so make your point, but don't bring all the other stuff in there. If you've got a point, make it relevant to what we do.
Wald: My point is this is a sport and a business, and there's no reason for you to act like that. So I'm surprised. This is the first press conference we've had with any of the fights we've had where the other side has acted like that. That's all. You can be a little respectful.
Forrest: You ain't fighting. You need to get off the line. I got to fight Mora. You ain't doing nothing but sitting back and watching. Get off the line and let me talk to your fighter.
The middleman has something to say. You sit back and shut up and enjoy the conversation.
Question: Vernon, how would you describe Mora's style, and have you fought anybody with that similar style?
Forrest: I describe Mora’s style as garbage. We sparred before in Los Angeles. He was the first guy that got in the ring after my surgery. I beat him up with one arm. I was lighting him up.
As a matter of fact, I was laughing. Ask his trainer. He was sparring and I was laughing. His trainer asked me: ‘Why are you laughing?’ I can't believe they're getting ready to pay Mora a million dollars to fight. I had to beat King Kong to make that kind of money.
Mora: I don't remember you laughing about it.
Forrest: Ask your trainer. You'll see. He was there.
Question: Sergio, after hearing the disdain Forrest has for you, does that fire you up, is this fight personal now, and are you more motivated than ever?
Mora: No, man that doesn't motivate me. What motivates me is other stuff. Man, I'm getting entertained by this. Listen, I can see what I will do and what I won't do, vice versa. The bottom line is he's the champion. He's proven himself. I'm a guy who is fighting for the championship and I need to prove myself. That's the basic story line. That's it.
I expected to be the underdog, obviously. As far as his insults go, I can't do anything about that. That's what Forrest says. I'm not a pretender. I know that. I know I'm a damn good fighter. I have enough pride not to not embarrass myself or embarrass my promotional company. Bottom line is I'm coming to fight and that's it. I'm ready for this.
Question: Vernon, it seems like you have more fire for this fight than you've had in a long time. What has changed for this fight?
Forrest: I'm setting my legacy. Every fight is personal to me right now. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Those days are over. Nice guys always finish last.
So people are saying, well, you know, you've changed since you've had the surgery. I haven't changed. In order for me to go where I want to go and make it, there are certain things I have to do that some other people might not agree with. But so be it. This is my career and these are the things I choose to do. It's what it is.
Question: George, why the big change in Williams’ training?
Peterson: It's not that the camp was secretive. We just focus on June 7
We're right here in Washington, D.C. If you can remember, Washington, D.C., had world champions several years ago. This is a boxing Mecca here. I'm from here and we're training here. We started here.
Question: Was it a misconception of you training in Puerto Rico this time?
Peterson: It was so convenient, it's our backyard. We decided to go back to where we came from.
Question: Was it evident early on in the first Quintana fight that Williams wasn't himself?
Peterson: It happens. I'm relocated to the Augusta, Georgia, area. I've seen Tiger Woods down there. I know you've noticed it a number of times. It's not every time that he is on point.
It was just a night when Williams wasn't on point. There are times when you see Michael Jordan and any athlete have an off day. I can't understand why they continue to dwell on this Williams having a bad night.
Question: Do you have any closing comments?
Peterson: We'll be present that night and Williams will put out one of the best performances like he's done so many times before.
Mora: I'm glad to be fighting on SHOWTIME. I'm ready to get some press. I hope everybody attends. I want to thank SHOWTIME, and the promoters, whether I fought on your card before or not. I want to take home a title. I’m looking to be the best possible fighter I can be and prove a lot of people wrong. That's it. God bless.
Forrest: June 7 is going to be a great night of boxing I look forward to putting on a great performance. My last performance was pretty good, but I think this one is going to be spectacular. I'm looking forward to continuing to put on great shows in the future with SHOWTIME and Fight Night Promotions.
DiBella: You're going to have a good night of entertainment. I expect my champion, Carlos Quintana, to defend his title successfully.
Goossen: I understand the juices are flowing through Forrest as a fighter and as a promoter now. You did a great job on this call. Bottom line, I'm anxious to see Williams get out there on June 7. There have been a lot of great champions throughout our history starting with Sugar Ray Leonard that had their first loss in a championship title defense, and have come back and reclaimed their titles. There have been some that have tried to get that title back and were unsuccessful against the man that took it.
I believe Williams is going to be successful. George Peterson did the right thing on getting him out to the roots where I believe that we're going to see the difference on June 7.
Wald: I'm interested to see what happens in the ring. First of all, as a fan, it's going to be a great night of boxing. I know what Mora is capable of and what he can do. I've enjoyed watching Forrest, contrary to whatever you heard here, and I can't wait to see Quintana and Williams again. I think that will be a great fight.
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The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
Question: Lou DiBella, Dan Goossen, Paul, Vernon, Jeff Wald, and Sergio, can you provide us with some opening comments?
DiBella: I am pleased to have my champion, Carlos Quintana, defend his title for the first time, giving a rematch to the ex‑champion who the granted him the opportunity. It was a terrific fight the first time. I think people saw the terrific ability of Quintana and the strategy and toughness of Quintana and, frankly, the best of Quintana when he beat Williams.
But, Williams has big wins over Antonio Margarito and was a terrific champion in his own right. He is one of the tallest and has one of the biggest reaches I've ever seen in the welterweight division, and is a very dangerous guy.
I expect it to be a terrific fight. Vernon Forrest has been one of the best fighters of his generation. He is really a Hall of Famer. He is a first ballot Hall of Famer when he continues to challenge at 154 pounds and look for a major fight at 154 pounds at this stage of his career. He's got Sergio Mora, who won the first year of "The Contender" in front of him. That figures to be a terrific fight.
SHOWTIME has a tremendous show on June 7. It's something they can be really proud of. But, I think they have the best show on June 7th, and I expect really nice viewership and really good attendance in Connecticut.
Goossen: I thought you were going to say all of the problems were because of me, but you didn't. So, I know there are some reporters out there who are laughing right now.
February 9 was a stunner. It just shows me how crazy this business is. No one gave Quintana a shot and he pulled out a major upset. I am chomping at the bit to get out there next week. I'm anxious to do everything we can to get this thing turned around.
I want to thank SHOWTIME. It's good to be with Vernon Forrest. We go back many years. Lou, you're right, he's a classy man.
Williams: I'm happy to be on SHOWTIME. It will be cool to get my title back. I'm just going to go out there, do my job again and get my belt back.
Forrest: It's a pleasure to be fighting on SHOWTIME again and also in Connecticut again. It's always a pleasure to work with Lou DiBella and Goossen Tutor. But, I have my company with Fight Night. So, finally I get an opportunity to hook up with those guys, and it's a pleasure to be associated with them and continue to do business with them.
We did business in the past. We'll definitely do business in the future. We look forward to a big night of boxing next Saturday.
Wald: I agree with Lou. You've got Dan Goossen, Lou DiBella and Gary Shaw. I'll throw another name in there, Lou, am I right? And you have the first promotion by Vernon's promotion company. You've got Goossen Tutor, Lou DiBella, and you've got "The Contender" and Gary Shaw and we're all still talking to each other.
DiBella: Not for much longer if you keep blabbing.
Wald: You'll see a great fight between Mora and Forrest. Forrest has been a great champion. I've watched him fight many, many times. I saw his last fight. He was terrific. I can tell you that Mora has had a phenomenal training camp. He's in the best shape of his life.
Mora is motivated. He knows what's ahead of him. He has a tremendous amount of respect for Forrest, and he's in it to win it. You are going to see a good fight. What you've seen with a lot of our guys is they go toe-to-toe and don’t run.
Mora is far from a runner, and all of his fights have been really exciting. He' is undefeated and wants to stay that way. It's going to be a great night of boxing. I am also looking forward to seeing Williams and Quintana. That is going to be an exciting rematch. Everybody expected Williams to win the first one, and there was an upset there with Quintana. You are going to see a great, great evening of boxing.
DiBella: Northeast Promotions is my partner of Carlos Quintana, I want to acknowledge them.
Mora: Good afternoon, everybody. I've been listening in. I want to add that, since we're on the subject, why don't I throw in my promotional company while I'm at it. Mora Promotions is starting today. I'm glad to be working with so many talented people. That's what boxing needs, instead of being at war with each other and trying to compete. So that's bulls**t. I'm glad. I'm happy.
The fighters are going to get the best out of me, get the best out of Forrest, obviously. He is a respectable champion. Quintana and Williams have a lot to prove. It's a great card, and SHOWTIME has been proving it, especially this year. So, I'm excited.
Question: Paul, do you consider yourself the champion and that Quintana has to prove himself to you?
Williams: I'm proving I'm the upset because by right he's the champion. So, I have to go back and take that back from him.
Question: Why didn't you return to Puerto Rico to train for this fight as in the past?
Williams: We just didn't.
Question: Why is that?
Williams: I don't know why we didn't go back to Puerto Rico. That's up to my manager. He figured out where we're going to train. I just do what he says.
Question: What are you going to do differently? Did you learn by your mistakes in the past?
Williams: I ended up doing all that in the ring. I'll just do it in the ring on fight night.
Question: Sergio, what are some of your thoughts that you're about 10 days away from the biggest fight of your life? Are you nervous? Have you had dreams about this?
Mora: This is definitely a moment I've dreamed about my entire career. I have aspired to be a world champion. Out of all the belts, the WBC is the most prestigious and actually the nicest looking belt, too. So, it's a great moment of my life. I'm not nervous because whenever you're prepared for something mentally and physically you just look for an opportunity to just come already. I'm eager for it. I know it's going to be a tough fight. Forrest is a hell of a fighter. He is a great champion. He is an Olympian. He does everything right. It is going to be a tough fight.
Question: Do you think having a long body gives you a little bit better chance to defeat Forrest than maybe some of the other guys he's fought who are shorter than him?
Mora: I can think what I want. But, basically it's going to come down to whether I can do it or not. I'm a lot bigger than Shane Mosley. We should be similar in height and length. If Forrest happens to be a little longer, I'll have to adapt to that.
If I'm a little longer, great. But, I think the fight is basically going to come down to who can adapt to each other's style. It is basically a fight of attrition as well. So, that's exciting for me, the fans and for Forrest, I'm sure.
So, I've fought tall fighters before, guys that are six-foot-three, six-foot-one. I like fighting tall guys. I prefer fighting short guys because I have the advantage. It makes no difference if it is a tall fighters or a short fighter.
Question: Jeff, do you look at this fight as a chance for a contender like Mora to score that upset victory? In your eyes, is that a feasible thing to happen?
Wald: Yes, there's no doubt about it. While these guys fight under ‘The Contender’ banner, they fight for themselves and their families. Mora had a career before he came to us. He was brought to us by Fernando Vargas. All these fighters on the phone have promoters.
We're just facilitating what it is they do. We had an upset when Gomez beat Gotti. Everybody forgets Gotti was a huge favorite in that. They already booked the next fight. We had an upset when Brian Vera beat Andy Lee.
Forrest: I'm no Gotti or Andy Lee. You have to realize who you're dealing with. I'm on a completely other level than that them. Don't compare me.
Wald: Talking about upsets.
Forrest: There won't be an upset next Saturday. Trust me on that. You can forget about that s**t.
Quintana: I'm very happy about this opportunity that SHOWTIME has provided me to fight again. I'm expecting another great fight. I can't say what type of win it will be, but I'm expecting another triumph.
Question: Vernon, can you tell us why, with half the promoters in America, apparently, involved in this fight, why you also have decided to create your own promotional company at this point?
Forrest: Actually, I've been my own promoter since I left Main Events back in 1998. But I never signed any fighters. So, finally I decided to open it up and start signing fighters and give other guys opportunities to fulfill their dreams of winning a world championship.
There are a lot of unscrupulous people in this business. When guys honor their word, honor the business, than people like to work with them.
So, I felt it's time that I was the only team I played on. Now, it's time to open it up to other guys to give them opportunity.
Question: How is it preparing for this fight? How is it doing the promotional work and preparing for a major title fight at the same time?
Forrest: I've been training for this fight for three months. I've been in camp since February. So, trust me, I'm not taking Mora lightly at all. I'm really, really focused on this guy. I'm looking at him exactly the same way I looked at all the other fights that I've had.
I only had one guy that I fought that I didn't take seriously, and I got an "L" on my record for that. From that point on I learned my lesson. So, I'm definitely taking him very, very seriously.
Question: Sergio, how are you going to approach this fight?
Mora: It's definitely a big step up for me, but I think it's time for me to take that step. If you look at my last 10 opponents, they have 80 to 90 percent winning records.
I may not deserve this title shot, say maybe the rankings per se, but as far as me being a formidable fighter, and I've proven myself against different opposition that would prove that I actually do have a chance against Forrest. I respect him as a champion and as a hell of a fighter. He's human, obviously. He makes mistakes just like everyone else. I'm just going to try to do my job and try to capitalize on those mistakes. He is going to try to do the same. Whoever has the most success is going to win the fight.
Question: Do you see any specific weaknesses that Forrest has exhibited in his last couple of fights since he's been fighting regularly again?
Mora: We all have weaknesses, whether we choose to exploit them verbally or during the fight, if I would choose. I know I'm going to choose to do it on June 7.
Question: Vernon, is your shoulder or arm giving you any issues during your past few fights or during training?
Forrest: Before I go to camp, I have short camps. You have to get your body in shape to get in shape. Then, you have to get into boxing shape, sparring shape and fight shape.
So, it was more or less a rush job. This time, from since I came back from my injury, what I've been doing when I go to camp is to make sure I'm physically in shape. Then, I'm in boxing shape, sparring shape, fight shape.
When I take my time, condition my body and my mind right, then I don't have any problems. When I have a great camp, I have a great performance. I had a great camp this time so you'll see a great performance.
Question: What did you do during your two years off from boxing?
Forrest: I was still training. Here is the misconception. People thought I was sitting watching football or eating potato chips. No, I was training. I just couldn't fight.
I had to pull out of a couple of fights during that time because my body just wouldn't allow me to fight. I was still training. I never took two years off. I just couldn't fight for two years because my body wouldn't allow me to get in there and compete at a level that I wanted to. So, I had to pull out of a couple of fights.
Question: Carlos, can you talk about your fight with Williams? What kind of adjustments did you make?
Quintana: In the last fight, I had good defense, and I am going to keep that up in this fight. I'm going to come and see what else, whatever new tactics he brings and I'll be able to adjust to them.
Question: Paul, how difficult was it for you to make 147 pounds, and was there a possibility that you were going to move up? How much thought did you give to that?
Williams: I gave a little thought to it, but not that much. But the weight's no problem. It is not tough for me to make it.
Question: Did the weight sap your energy at all?
Williams: I just didn't get in my rhythm last time.
Question: Dan, did you have discussions with Williams on the weight? What are your thoughts on his weight?
Goossen: We discussed it with George (Peterson) and with Al Hayman, and the bottom line was that it was going to be left up entirely to Williams and to Peterson because they're the ones that have to deal with it every day.
We certainly gave them every opportunity to say it was a problem, and that we should move up. But they insisted it wasn't the weight. Based upon that, you move forward.
It was a Williams that none of us had seen before, expected to see that night. Come next week, he has to go out there and show that that's exactly why he lost. His actions next Saturday will dictate where everything is if the weight was good, bad, or if it was a rhythm problem, or just a Quintana problem.
Question: Can you state your case now for any of the viewers out there why people, if they don't have a TiVo, should watch your June 7 broadcast and not a fight on another network?
Forrest: People should watch because it is the best fight of the night. You have me, a world champion. You've have Mora. By winning ‘The Contender’, he has millions of fans that follow him, have been following his career. You have a Quintana-Williams rematch.
Any time a guy beats you, the first thing you want to do is get that win back. So, you're talking about a major upset in boxing. Williams wants to get his revenge and Quintana said it was his win. You've have four of the best fighters in the world fighting that night.
Question: Paul, have you been able to figure out why you couldn't get into a rhythm during the first Quintana fight? Do you think you took him lightly or maybe over trained?
Williams: That's the thing about it. I just couldn't get my rhythm.
Forrest: Paul, sometimes you have a bad night. Sometimes Mickey Mantle had a bad night. Sometimes guys just have a bad night. That's just the way it goes.
Question: Paul, was there any point during that Quintana fight where you were thinking to yourself: I'm having a bad night here, I have to do something, or did it just happen?
Williams: I thought about it in the first round. I couldn't get in my rhythm. He knows it too. You have to work through it.
Question: When you say you couldn't get in your rhythm, what did it prevent you from doing?
Williams: It prevented me from doing everything, how I normally fight. I just couldn't get in rhythm.
Question: You couldn't fight the way you did against Antonio Margarito and everyone else?
Williams: Yeah, I wasn't in my rhythm. This time, I just don't know what it was. I couldn't do it like I could before.
Question: Paul, why is there so much secrecy about where you have trained for this fight?
Williams: Ask my manager, Mr. Peterson. You have to talk to him about why we didn't go to Puerto Rico. He said this is where we're going to train. I follow suit.
DiBella: You go back to basics. You go back to the dingy gyms and that privacy to get that head together. That is exactly why Peterson and Williams aren't in Puerto Rico right now. This is serious business.
Question: Paul, could you tell us how you adjusted your training, or is there anything you've done differently to prepare for this fight so that doesn't happen again?
Williams: You'll see it on the 7th. When I get into the ring, you'll see the difference.
Question: Lou, can you tell us what could be different in this fight?
DiBella: Whenever you have a good fighter like Williams, he's going to make some adjustments and will be a better fighter. You're also going to have a very confident champion in Quintana who beat Williams the first time, who feels like he knows him even better and he's going to be able to be a better fighter. I expect it to be a sensational fight.
I'm interested as a fan, honestly, whether the weight is going to be an issue for the former champion, because it was certainly an issue last time. I want to see if Williams feels comfortable at 147 pounds still. If he is comfortable at 147, it's going to be a great, great fight. I can't wait for it. If he's not comfortable at 147, he'll have a real problem.
Question: Paul, have you had a chance to look at the tape of that first Quintana fight? If so, did you pick out specific weaknesses that you can take advantage of this time that you weren't able to do in the first fight?
Williams: Yeah, I saw a lot of weakness, but I'm not going to share them with nobody.
Question: Do you want to make a prediction for the fight?
Williams: I'm getting my belt back, that's one.
Question: Lou, do you feel the same result is going to happen in this fight?
DiBella: First of all, I'm not Williams, his trainer, manager or promoter, so what I think doesn't matter for s**t when it comes to Williams. That's the truth.
Whenever I see a guy who is as tall as Williams and has as much reach as Williams, he's struggling to make weight. It is an issue. I was really surprised with a champion of Quintana's quality that Williams would want the rematch. But, I promoted Jermain Taylor, and he was having a problem making weight. He could have taken an easier route and used weight as a reason not to take the rematch. He insisted on fighting Kelly Pavlik. It doesn't shock me that the champion wants to get right back to the guy that beat him. I think the result is going to be the same.
Question: Do you think Quintana will pose the same types of problems for Williams?
DiBella: People discount Quintana’s credentials because of one loss to Miguel Cotto. A lot of terrific fighters have been knocked out by him. That night doesn't reflect his career. He's a very tough guy, a very cagey guy, skilled boxer and he's rough. As Williams saw from the first fight, Quintana is a guy that will fight you in the ring, but is also a boxer.
Quintana is a tough fight for anybody. Williams is going to discover again that it's a tough fight. But, I know Williams is not underestimating him, and is ready for a tough fight. I just think that Quintana might have his number and I expect the same kind of fight.
Goossen: Today, Quintana fighting Cotto would be a completely different fight. He's learned a lot from that loss just like any good champion does. I have to disagree with you on one thing. We'll see the real Williams on June 7, which is going to translate into a victory.
Question: Paul, are you prepared for the kind of pace that Quintana is obviously going to set that worked the first time?
Williams: Whatever. I'm going to prepare for whatever I have to prepare for, sir.
Question: Vernon, can you talk about your desire not to be compared to other fighters?
Forrest: Gotti and Andy Lee are overrated. So, when you try to compare, you put me right in the middle of those two guys. I'm nowhere on that level.
So, when you're talking about fighting a guy with my skill level, it is a whole different ball game.
Wald: Vernon, we weren't comparing you on that level. What I was saying is it is real easy to say the guy is going over the hill. Mora is not that little. He won ‘The Contender,’ and he beat those guys.
Forrest: Let me throw something out.
Wald: Let me finish.
Forrest: The only real fighter you had on ‘The Contender’ show was the little guy, Stevie Forbes. That's the only real guy you had on your show. He damn near won the show. So, I am going to call that little boys club ‘The Pretenders,’ not ‘The Contenders.’ Now, I'm going to beat the dog s**t out of your main pretender on June 7. I want you to know that.
So, don't compare me with no Gotti or no Andy Lee. Don't even put my name in the same breath with them.
Question: Sergio, do you think you will be the first fighter from ‘The Contender’ who can actually step out of that pretender role?
Mora: Gomez and Manfredo took the fight for the wrong reasons. One took it for the money and the other for celebrity status to say he fought on that caliber.
I could have both by accepting the Jermain Taylor fight earlier this year. I could have had a nice payday and a big fight for me. I thought I wasn't going to win in Memphis, so I didn't take that fight. I feel that this is my time now. I'm ready and prepared, and I'm hitting my peak, my physique, the way I'm taking camp and life. I'm ready. I'm 27. I'm ready and in my prime.
I have nothing but respect for Forrest. I can see by what he's saying he has no respect for me, which is cool. That's fine. But, when it comes down to it, I can say all I want. I still have to do what I'm going to do. Whether I'm real or not, a contender or pretender, I have to prove something on June 7. Don’t make a mistake of comparing me to ‑‑
Forrest: I just want you to come and fight. Come and fight and I promise you they're going to take you out on a stretcher. I guarantee it. If you do all that running shit you normally do, then it will be a boring fight. I will win by unanimous decision.
Mora: My man, listen, there's no way I'm going to make it a boring fight. I don't come to run, I come to fight.
Forrest: Come to fight and they'll take you out on a stretcher. If you come to fight and step up like a proud Mexican warrior, I'm knocking your mother $$!!## out.
Mora: I don't wish anyone stretchers.
Wald: Vernon, you don't know me, but you fought in Indianapolis at the Indianapolis Center there. I went out of my way to work behind the scenes on that fight and told everyone to invite the people that you handle down in Atlanta from that home that you support. I've been a big fan of yours as a human being for what you've given down there with your fianc?.
Forrest: We're not talking stories. Right now we're talking business. We're talking business. I didn't ask you ‑‑
Wald: You've been very disrespectful.
Forrest: I don't know you either. Right now we're talking about a fight. This is not a buddy system. We ain't friends, so make your point, but don't bring all the other stuff in there. If you've got a point, make it relevant to what we do.
Wald: My point is this is a sport and a business, and there's no reason for you to act like that. So I'm surprised. This is the first press conference we've had with any of the fights we've had where the other side has acted like that. That's all. You can be a little respectful.
Forrest: You ain't fighting. You need to get off the line. I got to fight Mora. You ain't doing nothing but sitting back and watching. Get off the line and let me talk to your fighter.
The middleman has something to say. You sit back and shut up and enjoy the conversation.
Question: Vernon, how would you describe Mora's style, and have you fought anybody with that similar style?
Forrest: I describe Mora’s style as garbage. We sparred before in Los Angeles. He was the first guy that got in the ring after my surgery. I beat him up with one arm. I was lighting him up.
As a matter of fact, I was laughing. Ask his trainer. He was sparring and I was laughing. His trainer asked me: ‘Why are you laughing?’ I can't believe they're getting ready to pay Mora a million dollars to fight. I had to beat King Kong to make that kind of money.
Mora: I don't remember you laughing about it.
Forrest: Ask your trainer. You'll see. He was there.
Question: Sergio, after hearing the disdain Forrest has for you, does that fire you up, is this fight personal now, and are you more motivated than ever?
Mora: No, man that doesn't motivate me. What motivates me is other stuff. Man, I'm getting entertained by this. Listen, I can see what I will do and what I won't do, vice versa. The bottom line is he's the champion. He's proven himself. I'm a guy who is fighting for the championship and I need to prove myself. That's the basic story line. That's it.
I expected to be the underdog, obviously. As far as his insults go, I can't do anything about that. That's what Forrest says. I'm not a pretender. I know that. I know I'm a damn good fighter. I have enough pride not to not embarrass myself or embarrass my promotional company. Bottom line is I'm coming to fight and that's it. I'm ready for this.
Question: Vernon, it seems like you have more fire for this fight than you've had in a long time. What has changed for this fight?
Forrest: I'm setting my legacy. Every fight is personal to me right now. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Those days are over. Nice guys always finish last.
So people are saying, well, you know, you've changed since you've had the surgery. I haven't changed. In order for me to go where I want to go and make it, there are certain things I have to do that some other people might not agree with. But so be it. This is my career and these are the things I choose to do. It's what it is.
Question: George, why the big change in Williams’ training?
Peterson: It's not that the camp was secretive. We just focus on June 7
We're right here in Washington, D.C. If you can remember, Washington, D.C., had world champions several years ago. This is a boxing Mecca here. I'm from here and we're training here. We started here.
Question: Was it a misconception of you training in Puerto Rico this time?
Peterson: It was so convenient, it's our backyard. We decided to go back to where we came from.
Question: Was it evident early on in the first Quintana fight that Williams wasn't himself?
Peterson: It happens. I'm relocated to the Augusta, Georgia, area. I've seen Tiger Woods down there. I know you've noticed it a number of times. It's not every time that he is on point.
It was just a night when Williams wasn't on point. There are times when you see Michael Jordan and any athlete have an off day. I can't understand why they continue to dwell on this Williams having a bad night.
Question: Do you have any closing comments?
Peterson: We'll be present that night and Williams will put out one of the best performances like he's done so many times before.
Mora: I'm glad to be fighting on SHOWTIME. I'm ready to get some press. I hope everybody attends. I want to thank SHOWTIME, and the promoters, whether I fought on your card before or not. I want to take home a title. I’m looking to be the best possible fighter I can be and prove a lot of people wrong. That's it. God bless.
Forrest: June 7 is going to be a great night of boxing I look forward to putting on a great performance. My last performance was pretty good, but I think this one is going to be spectacular. I'm looking forward to continuing to put on great shows in the future with SHOWTIME and Fight Night Promotions.
DiBella: You're going to have a good night of entertainment. I expect my champion, Carlos Quintana, to defend his title successfully.
Goossen: I understand the juices are flowing through Forrest as a fighter and as a promoter now. You did a great job on this call. Bottom line, I'm anxious to see Williams get out there on June 7. There have been a lot of great champions throughout our history starting with Sugar Ray Leonard that had their first loss in a championship title defense, and have come back and reclaimed their titles. There have been some that have tried to get that title back and were unsuccessful against the man that took it.
I believe Williams is going to be successful. George Peterson did the right thing on getting him out to the roots where I believe that we're going to see the difference on June 7.
Wald: I'm interested to see what happens in the ring. First of all, as a fan, it's going to be a great night of boxing. I know what Mora is capable of and what he can do. I've enjoyed watching Forrest, contrary to whatever you heard here, and I can't wait to see Quintana and Williams again. I think that will be a great fight.
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