No Holds Barred: John Perretti on the Devolution of Mixed Martial Arts

No Holds Barred: John Perretti on the Devolution of Mixed Martial Arts

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-06T05_37_00-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman begins with some comments on the new college wrestling season, and the important development of the formation of the College Wrestling Network (http://www.collegewrestlingnetwork.com/), a joint effort of several wrestling media outlets designed to expand the coverage of college wrestling on the Internet and to promote the sport.

In the main segment of this show, we speak with the legendary mixed martial arts matchmaker, promoter, and commentator, John Perretti.

Among the many topics covered in this spirited and frank discussion were why the Brock Lesnar-Randy Couture fight at UFC 91 was a "debacle", why UFC is a "fossil" in terms of what is once was, the devolution of mixed martial arts, the importance of people like Wallid Ismail to the sport, the recent controversy over the promotion by UFC of anti-social behavior on "The Ultimate Fighter" television series, the issue of sportsmanship, and what the combat sports ought to be about.

In addition, we both openly and enthusiastically endorsed the need for the formation of a fighters' union for mixed martial arts.

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 speak with the award-winning boxing writer and author, Thomas Hauser of SecondsOut.com (http://www.secondsout.com/). We focus on previewing the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight, which takes place Saturday, December 6, in Las Vegas, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. Pacquiao, who has fought at featherweight and super featherweight in recent years, and just moved up to lightweight in June, will be fighting the much larger De La Hoya at welterweight. In a lengthy interview, we discuss how the problems surrounding this fight are symptomatic of the many problems in boxing, and in particular of the way in which HBO has been running their boxing programming. 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.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

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/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

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
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

ABREGU REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH A 10-ROUND SPLIT DECISION OVER ESTRADA; UNDEFEATED KAUFFMAN STOPS FARRELL

SANTA YNEZ, California– Undefeated Argentine Luis Carlos Abregu passed his first major test as a pro, winning a controversial 10-round split decision over David Estrada of Chicago in the main event Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation.

But it was anything but easy.

After manufacturing a big early lead during the initial four rounds, Abregu (25-0, 21 KOs) struggled mightily down the stretch as Estrada (22-6, 13 KOs) came on strongly.

At the finish, however, Abregu, who fought the last half of a hard-fought, crowd-pleasing match with a cut over his left eye, had done enough in the eyes of the judges to triumph by the scores of 98-92, 98-91 and 94-96.

To many at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., including ShoBox announcers Nick Charles and Steve Farhood, the winning scores for Abregu seemed way out of line. He may have deserved the victory, but not by that margin.

In the co-feature, Travis Kauffman of Reading, Pa., ran his unbeaten record to 14-0 with 11 knockouts by stopping Malachy Farrell (16-2, 12 KOs) of Chicago at 2;29 of the third round. Both heavyweights went down in the opening round, but Kauffman mostly had his way.

A solid doubleheader promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, aired on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

“When Abregu looked good, he looked very good,’’ said Farhood, the ShoBox expert analyst who had the World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 7-ranked welterweight ahead by two points at bout’s conclusion. “But when he looked bad, he didn’t.

“For sure, though, he is a kid you want to see more of. I think he won the fight because of two things: heart and conditioning. And, remember, the guy he defeated had only lost to the very best fighters.’’

Abregu had won 17 straight by knockout dating to September 2005. None of his outings had gone more than nine rounds and 21 had lasted less than six. The 5-foot-10, 25-year-old did not come close to flooring the battle-tested Estrada, however, much less stopping him.

“This was definitely my toughest fight,’’ said Abregu, who was making his ShoBox debut and fourth start in the United States. “But I definitely felt I won, if not by the spread they had me winning by. I know going into the eighth round that I had to win at least one round.

“My opponent deserves a lot of credit. He’s a really good fighter who came to win. But I know I learned a lot tonight and will be better for it in the future.’’

Estrada, who was making his fourth ShoBox appearance, had been in with the likes of current or former world champions Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and Kermit Cintron. So he entered the ring with a vast advantage in experience and quality of opposition.

Somewhat surprisingly, Estrada opted to box in the early rounds rather than fight aggressively. He showed excellent ring generalship, but didn’t let his fists fly.

“The plan was to box and then take him into the deep waters, and I did just that,’’ the 5-foot-9, 30-year-old said. “Maybe I should have just come out bombing, but there is no doubt in my mind that I won the fight.

“I was chasing him around the ring and he was running for his life in the last couple rounds. I don’t know what hurts worst. The fact, they gave him the decision, or the margin two of the judges had him winning by.’’

Nick Charles called the action from ringside with Farhood at his side. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Friday’s bouts will re-air as follows:

DAY CHANNEL Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 11 p.m. ET/PT SHO2

The telecast also will be available On Demand beginning Monday, Dec. 8, and running through Jan. 4, 2009.

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

“Holiday Hits”; RESULTS FROM NEW YORK CITY

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Marcellus Brown (26-17-1, 21 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WDQ2 (2:40) Nagy Aguilera (10-1, 6 KOs), Newburgh, NY, (referee halted bout when Brown was unable to continue due to an intentional head butt by Aguilera)

Marcellus Brown


Marcellus Brown


Tor Hamer (2-0, 2 KO), New York, NY WTKO1 (2:17) Royal Bryant (1-2-1, 1 KO), North Platte, NE

Tor Hamer


LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Daniel Judah (23-3-3, 10 KOs), Brooklyn, NY WDEC12 (120-108, 117-111, 116-112) Jaffa Ballogou (46-7, 40 KOs), Manhattan, NY (Judah won IBF International Light Heavyweight Championship)

Daniel Judah




Will Rosinsky (3-0, 3 KOs), Queens, NY WTKO1 (2:18) Amador Acevedo (2-4-1, 2 KOs), Moca, Puerto Rico

Will Rosinsky (Bottom, R)


MIDDLEWEIGHTS
George Walton (19-3, 12 KOs), Harlem, NY WDEC6 (58-54, 58-54, 58-54) Clarence Taylor (13-19-3, 6 KOs), Wilmington, DE

LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Lambrose Karaolides (1-0, 1 KO), Island of Cyprus WTKO1 (2:09) James Justice (0-2), Portsmouth, VA

Ken Dunham (5-6, 3KOs), Charlotte, NC WTKO1 (2:30) Luis Ruiz (3-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY

WELTERWEIGHTS

Eluid Torres (1-0-1, 1 KO), Allentown, PA WTKO1 (2:18) Romain Oliveri (0-1, 0 KOs), Brooklyn, NY

Eluid Torres


LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS

Christian Martinez (1-0, 1 KO), Bronx, NY WTKO1 (2:14) Murray Cunningham (1-1, 0 KOs), Rochester, NY

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Aldo Valtierra (25-10, 13 KOs), Mexico City, Mexico WDEC10 (96-94,95-94, 95-95) Jorge Luis Teron (22-1-1, 15 KOs), Bronx, NY

Aldo Valtierra


Jorge Luis Teron


SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Eddie Hyland (11-1, 3 KOs), Dublin, Ireland WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55) Gustavo Dailey (2-4, 0 KOs), Philadelphia, PA

Eddie Hyland


FEATHERWEIGHTS

Robert Semidei (3-0, 0 KOs), Brooklyn, NY WDEC4 (37-37, 38-36, 38-36) Soumana Abdoulaye (0-4), New York, NY

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS

Emmanuel Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO), Bronx, NY WTKO1 (2:14) Jean Ramos (0-3), Rochester, NY

Emmanuel Gonzalez


See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

LUIS CARLOS ABREGU & DAVID ESTRADA, TRAVIS KAUFFMAN & MALACHY FARRELL FINAL QUOTES

Undefeated, world-ranked but virtually untested welterweight Luis Carlos Abregu (24-0, 21 KOs) of Argentina faces what will be by far his sternest challenge in his career when he takes on the vastly more experienced David Estrada (22-5, 13 KOs) of Chicago in the 10-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Dec. 5, on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. E/PT, delayed on the west coast).

In the ShoBox co-feature at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., undefeated Travis “GW Hope’’ Kauffman (13-0, 10 KOs) of Reading, Pa., will face once-beaten Malachy “The Seventh Son’’ Farrell (16-1, 12 KO’s) of Chicago in a solid eight-round heavyweight bout.

The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.

What the fighters said Thursday:

LUIS CARLOS ABREGU
“This is definitely a legit fight and a real test. He’s a tough guy and has a lot of experience, but he is the kind of fighter that will bring out the best in me. He want to fight and will bring it to me, and those are the kinds of guys I like.

“Estrada has fought bigger-named fighters in tough fights so I know he has a lot left and I have to be aware of him. But it’s hard to say if it’ll be my toughest fight right now. Wait until after the fight to ask me. But I do expect it to be my toughest.

“I know for sure Estrada will be my toughest fight since coming to the United States. I fought two guys in Southern American title fights in Argentina that were definitely tougher than the last two guys I fought in the U.S. But Estrada is at another level.

“Winning this fight is very important to me. I want to prove I can fight at this level. I disappointed myself in my last fight. Fans should know that was not the real me. It was just a little stumbling block. I’m confident things will work out. The key is always for me to be relaxed. When I am, I can do what I want in the ring.’’



DAVID ESTRADA
“There’s no question that this will be the best fight of the weekend. Both of us come to fight. There is no boxer and puncher here -- just two fighters coming to work and put on a show.

“I can’t say it will be the best true welterweight fight of the weekend, but only because I am going to beat him down like you wouldn’t believe. He may be undefeated, but he’s so one dimensional. It’ll be simple.

“He’s a strong kid but all he has is a right hand. I am very well prepared and have a good game plan. He’s been knocking everybody out; let’s see how he does when I take him into deep waters.

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION: ABREGU, ESTRADA, KAUFFMAN, FARRELL FINAL QUOTES

“It is not insulting, but one of these days promoters are going to learn to stop putting their undefeated fighters up against me. They still haven’t learned. Maybe, after this one, I will get the respect. I want to out-everything him – out-jab, out-punch, out-everything. I want to make him look like an amateur.

“I feel I’m where I need to be. After this fight I’ll be back in the top 10 and getting a shot at the title. I really want a rematch with (Andre) Berto. We have unfinished business. That last stoppage against me was total bull. I felt I was winning and he was about to quit. I still don’t understand why the referee stopped it.’’

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN
“I’m really excited about fighting on ShoBox and I hope there are many more opportunities to come. I feel really good, especially considering I weighed 310 pounds about a year ago. At 221, this will be the lightest I have been in my career.

“All fighters are tough, and this will be my toughest fight. He also is most definitely the most awkward fighter I have fought. He throws punches from his back pocket. But I have been training really well for the last 5½ weeks and had great sparring against all kinds of fighters with different styles.

“I beat him in the amateurs, but what I remember is how I kept hitting him and he kept coming forward. I can box or bang but this time I plan to outbox him. They say I am slick with a good chin, but I have heart and pride, too.’’



MALACHY FARRELL
“I want to get him out of there early. I am fighting for my career. I can’t afford another loss.

“I really felt won I won the fight I lost, but it was my fault for leaving it in the judges’ hands. I had the guy out twice but didn’t finish him.

“I’m as ready as I can be for training for about six weeks. I really want to see if he can handle my power.’’

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

"HOLT-TORRES – UNPREDICTABLE": SHOWTIME TO REPLAY THE PAIR’S FIRST TWO FIGHTS AND PRESENT AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT UPCOMING RUBBER MATCH

“Holt-Torres – Unpredictable’’ Premieres Monday, Dec. 8, on SHO2 at 10 P.M. ET/PT

NEW YORK– The initial two action-packed encounters between Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres were rife with controversy, questionable officiating, punches after the bell and head butts. They resolved little and spawned a nasty rivalry. SHOWTIME will present “Holt Torres – Unpredictable,” a 90-minute telecast that will replay in their entirety the two hotly contested fights and preview their impending third.

The first two fights ended in knockouts—Torres took the first inside 11, Holt won the second in round 1, the leading candidate for Round of the Year—but left many unanswered questions. The most obvious of which: Who is the better 140-pound world champion, Holt (24-2, 13 KOs), the current holder of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight title, or Torres (32-2, 28 KOs), the former WBO champ?

To settle matters once and for all, Holt, of Paterson, N.J., will defend against Columbia’s Torres in a must-see rubber match in the main event of a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on Saturday, Dec. 13, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

“Holt-Torres – Unpredictable” will premiere on SHOWTIME 2 on Monday, Dec. 8, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. It will re-air at the same time on SHO2 on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and Thursday, Dec. 11, before airing on Dec. 13 at 5:15 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. ShoBox announcers Nick Charles and Steve Farhood will host the program.

“Holt-Torres – Unpredictable” is a perfect precursor to what analysts are predicting will be a superb third meeting between the two proud fighters. Fans will not want to miss it.

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com.

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SecondsOut Radio: Thomas Hauser Previews De La Hoya-Pacquiao

On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman speaks with the award-winning boxing writer and author, Thomas Hauser of SecondsOut.com (http://www.secondsout.com/). We focus on previewing the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight, which takes place Saturday, December 6, in Las Vegas, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. Pacquiao, who has fought at featherweight and super featherweight in recent years, and just moved up to lightweight in June, will be fighting the much larger De La Hoya at welterweight. In a lengthy interview, we discuss how the problems surrounding this fight are symptomatic of the many problems in boxing, and in particular of the way in which HBO has been running their boxing programming. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register togain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

USBA MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION, LAJUAN SIMON TO BATTLE JOSE SPEARMAN THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

PHILADELPHIA— This Friday night, USBA Middleweight champion, Lajuan Simon will make his sixth appearance when he takes on veteran Jose Spearman in an eight round bout that will be part of one of the biggest nights in Philadelphia Boxing in recent memory at The Legendary Blue Horizon

Simon, twenty-nine years old of Philadelphia will bring in an undefeated record of 20-0-2 with eleven knockouts will fight in front of the hometown fans for the first time in almost two-years.

“I am just waiting to get a back shot” said Simon

“I want to fight one of the big names in the middleweight division and I am ready to step it up to the next level.”

Simon is coming off a sixth round stoppage over Emanuel Gonzalez this Past October 29th in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

Spearman of Indianapolis, Indiana has fought some of the bigger names in the sport and has had some success when coming up against undefeated fighters

Spearman’s experience (27-14-5, 11 KO’s) will provide a test for Simon as he has fought the likes of Anthony Hanshaw, Mads Larson, currant IBF Super Middleweight champion Lucien Bute, Joey Spina, Curtis Stevens, former world chmpaion Bronco McKart.

Spearman is coming off a draw with Wayne Cooper on February 29th.

In the main event, Israeli knockout sensation, Ran Nakash (15-0, 11 KO’s) takes on Harvey Jolly in an eight round cruiserweight affair.

Also on the card will see Steve Upsher Chambers (18-1-1, 5 KO’s) take on an opponent to be announced in a eight round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jules Blackwell (8-1-1, 2 KO’s) of Phoenixville, Pa. will see action in a six round Featherweight affair against Darrell Martin

Lenny DeVictoria (11-12, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Ricardo Medina (31-32-4, 17 KO’s) in a Jr. Welterweight rematch

Earlier in the evening, DeVictoria will receive The Briscoe Award from John DiSanto of www.phillyboxinghistory.com for his 2007 Fight of The Year with Elad Shmouel

There will be 10 bouts in all

This card will be broadcasted all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com

There will be a press gathering on Wednesday, December 3rd at the Legendary Blue Horizon at 2pm

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS LOOKS TO FINISH STRONG IN 08; Can Christmas Come Early for the Native-American Owned Boxing Company?

SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS LOOKS TO FINISH STRONG IN 08; Can Christmas Come Early for the Native-American Owned Boxing Company?

SAN DIEGO, Calif.– For various reasons, the end of the year is typically a slow period for the boxing industry. Television networks and promotional companies are closing in on their budgets and boxers typically like to enjoy the holiday season away from the ring.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions is bucking that trend by placing three of its boxers into meaningful, “late season” fights. Former world champions Joan Guzman and Carlos Baldomir are in title eliminator bouts, while their newest charge, welterweight Carlos Abregu of Argentina, is fighting for the first time on SHOWTIME this Friday.

Abregu (24-0, 21 KOs), a hard-hitting undefeated prospect who is co-promoted by Gary Shaw, faces his toughest challenge of his career when he meets David Estrada of Chicago (22-5, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, Dec. 5, on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. E/PT, delayed on the west coast).

"Carlos Abregu will get tested against David Estrada,” said Sean Gibbons, matchmaker and vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “Estrada has fought Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and Kermit Cintron. All of these guys are either current or former world champions.

“We feel Abregu has what it takes to challenge for a world title, but he has to move past the prospect label first. A strong outing on Friday and Abregu will show everyone that he is the real deal.”


Baldomir (44-11-6, 13 KOs), a former WBC welterweight champion and close friend of Abregu (both are from Argentina), is inching closer to a title shot when he faces Jackson Bonsu (29-2, 23 KOs) on Saturday, Dec. 20, in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator from Belgium.

“Baldomir is looking great right now,” Gibbons said. “He has that bounce in his step. He wants the distinction of becoming a two-time WBC welterweight champion. We know Baldy can do it. He’ll prove it on Dec. 20.”

Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs), a former two-division champion, is in a 12-round WBA lightweight title eliminator.

Guzman travels to his native Dominican Republic to take on WBA Fedelatin lightweight champion Ameth Diaz (25-7, 19 KOs) on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, from El Palacio de los Deportes in Guzman’s hometown of Santo Domingo.

“We’ve had big plans for Guzman since the very beginning,” Gibbons said. “With a win against Diaz, Guzman is back in the lightweight picture.”

“We’re aiming for three victories in December: one for Abregu, one for Baldomir and one for Guzman. We hope Christmas comes a little early this year.”

ABOUT SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS

Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including undefeated and former World Boxing Organization junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, World Boxing Council super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero, former WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir, former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz, lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr., undefeated welterweight prospect Carlos Abregu, undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk and once-beaten, super middleweight prospect Henry Buchanan.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Scott Woodworth, president; Willie Tucker, executive vice president; and Sean Gibbons, vice president/matchmaker.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Oisin Fagan - I Khan do it!‏

Oisin Fagan - I Khan do it!

Oisin Fagan is planning to give himself an early Christmas present by grabbing the chance of a lifetime with both hands. The Dubliner faces Amir Khan in London on December 6th with Khan looking to bounce back from his sensational first round knockout defeat to Breidis Prescott.

A second successive defeat for Khan would all but end the grand plans made for the Bolton native since he turned professional following his Olympic Silver medal in 2004. Fagan believes that pressure will play into his hands in London next month.

“I’m coming to London to win, no doubt about that,” insisted Fagan. “I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t think I could win it. Of course I’m going to be the underdog but that’s ok, I’m well used to that and I kind of like that ‘me against the world mentality’, it’s helps to fire me up.

“There's no doubt I'm being overlooked by Khan his team, they obviously see me as a soft touch but they'll be in for a shock if they think I'm just going to fall over. This is a huge opportunity for me and I intend to grab it with both hands.”

Fagan, who graduated with a degree in Political Journalism following a soccer scholarship in the U.S. returned home to Ireland earlier this year and says that the timing of the Khan fight couldn’t have been any better.

“This fight has come at the perfect time for me. I came back home to Dublin in the summer after being in the States for a good few years and I’ve come back to a terrible economy. I was a schoolteacher in Oklahoma but I was finding it hard to get a job at home since coming back so the Khan fight came along at just the right time for me. I know a win over Amir can catapult me into the European and World title picture.”

Fagan has based himself at John Breen’s gym in Belfast in training for the fight and he says that Khan’s main weakness is no secret. “I do think he’s chinny but let’s face it that’s hardly breaking news, everybody knows he is, the facts speak for themselves.

“He’s been down numerous times even before he was knocked out last time. He was floored heavily in the amateurs and since he’s turned pro he’s been down against guys who aren’t known to be punchers and of course the Prescott fight proved it beyond doubt. That doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s a great fighter. He's great ability and he's lighting fast but he’s a great fighter with a serious, serious flaw, his chin.”

The Dubliner is refusing to make any predictions but he’s promising Khan one thing. “He’s going to be in for a real fight. I might not be able to match him for skill but I don’t think he’s going to be able to match me for heart, pride and desire. I've a heart that's second to none I’m a very proud Irish man and every time I step into that ring I feel like I’m representing my country as well as myself and that really drives me on in there because I want people to be proud of me."

View exclusive video highlights and the latest news on our website: brianpeterspromotions.com

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

DE LA HOYA HONORED AT STAPLE CENTER WITH 14' BRONZE STATUE; ICONIC FIGHTER JOINS JOHNSON AND GRETZKY AS RECOGNIZED LOS ANGELES SPORTS GREATS

LOS ANGELES- Olympic gold medalist and 10-time world champion Oscar de la Hoya was honored yesterday during a special ceremony at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles with the unveiling of a 14' bronze statue of his likeness in acknowledgement of his role as being one of the City's most influential sports figures.
Six Division and Ten-Time World Champion Oscar de la Hoya poses next to a bronze statue in his likeness at STAPLES Center Star Plaza Walk Of Fame in Los Angeles on December 1, 2008 at the statue's unveiling where De La Hoya joined NBA superstar Magic Johnson and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky as the only athletes who have received such an honor from AEG and STAPLES Center. Immediately following the unveiling, De La Hoya departed for Las Vegas, Nevada where he will fight Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound-For-Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, December 6, 2008 in a bout which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
PHOTO CREDIT: Gene Blevins - Hoganphotos.

The statue of the iconic fighter will be permantly display at STAPLES Center Walk of Fame, along side the likenesses of NBA great Magic Johnson who famously led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships from 1979-1991 and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, who drew an unprecendented fan base to the sport of hockey during his eight year stint with the Los Angeles Kings.

"I have been fortunate to have received many accolades throughout my career, but receiving this statue is one of the proudest moments of my life. It is humbling to be placed alongside Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky, two great sports legends who mean so much to Los Angeles and its sports history. I am extremely grateful to AEG and STAPLES Center for honoring me in such a way."

AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke, who was joined by De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions CEO and De La Hoya business partner Richard Schaefer, made the presentation to the fighter at an outdoor ceremony, which was emceed by longtime, much-heralded Los Angeles sportscaster Jim Hill, at STAPLES Center Star Plaza, in front of a throng of media, special guests and fans .

"Oscar is the third athlete to receive a statue on the Walk of Fame but the first native Angelino to receive the honor as an acknowledgement of his stature as one of the most important and influential sports figure to the City of Los Angeles," said Leiweke. "It is his history at STAPLES Center and his direct relationship to the area that marks this occasion as a truly memorable event."

"All of us are immensely proud of Oscar's achievements and the statue very much signifies that with hard work and determination dreams can come true," said Schaefer. "this statue is her to motivate others to reach for the stars and make a difference in whatever field you are in."

The fighter, who grew up in East Los Angeles and solidifed his place in STAPLES Center history when he took on Shane Mosley in the first boxing match ever held in the arena, has been a professional fighter for 17 years and is undoubtably the biggest pay-per-view attraction in the history of the sport. The son of Mexican immigrant parents who settled in the Los Angeles area to raise him and his two siblings, De La Hoya has made it a priority to never forget the community that made it possible for him to achieve success. His most notable efforts include creating the Cecilia de la Hoya Cancer Center for Women at White Memorial Medical Center in 2000, in honor of his mother who passed away from breast cancer when De La Hoya was 17, and establishing the Oscar de la Hoya Charter School in 2003, now educating more than 500 students from grades nine to 12. His annual golf tournament and fundraising Oscar de la Hoya Foundation dinner, raises substantial monies for these and many other causes.

De La Hoya continued, "To think it all started from humble beginnings in East Los Angeles and now this statue. This is such a wonderful tribute for myself and my family but this is also for all of the people in the Los Angeles community in general and East Los Angeles in particular, who have believed in and supported me throughout my career.

De La Hoya, departed immediately following the ceremony for Las Vegas, Nevada, where he meets pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao in "The Dream Match" Saturday night at the MGM Grand and live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

McCloskey out to prove he has the X Factor against Lynes

Paul McCloskey is determined to prove he has the X Factor by taking the British Light Welterweight title on Friday night in Dagenham. McCloskey, a cousin of X Factor semi finalist Eoghan Quigg has been handed a surprise shot at the title following the withdrawal of David Barnes over the weekend. The champion’s withdrawal handed McCloskey the opportunity to face former European champ Lynes for the vacant title and he didn’t need to be asked twice.

The Dungiven southpaw was scheduled to fight in an 8 round contest on the undercard of the Matchroom Sports promotion which is being televised live by Sky Sports. Despite the late promotion to headline status McCloskey says he’s more than ready for twelve hard championship rounds with Lynes. “It’s a chance that has come a bit out of the blue but it’s one I’m ready for”, declared the undefeated 29-year-old. “I’ve sparred over 100 rounds and my weight is perfect. I always give it 100% in training for each and every fight so I’m in excellent shape.

“To be honest I’ve felt for a long time that I’m ready for these kind of fights. I feel I’m at my peak as an athlete so from that point of view the timing of this has been perfect. At the start of the year I set a goal for myself of ending the year as either British or European champion so this is my chance to make that happen.”

Lynes will have home advantage for the bout at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre and the Hornchurch native will be confident of reclaiming the British title he vacated last year. McCloskey though has other ideas and having watching Lynes defend his European title from ringside earlier this year he didn’t see too much to worry him. “I watched Colin outpoint Juho Tolppola back in January and he’s a decent fighter, he’s proved he’s above British level having won the European title but I believe I’m the better fighter and am very confident of beating him.

“I've also just watched his European title defeat to Gianluca Branco and while he’s technically very good I think he probably left the title behind him in Italy because if he’d been a bit more adventurous I believe he’d have beaten Branco. I’m not sure how he’ll feel about fighting me, he was preparing to fight a southpaw anyway with Barnes so maybe the change won’t affect him too much. I’m sure the bookies will probably have him favourite and if he’s underestimating me then that’s fine as well.

"I’ve answered every question asked of me in my pro career to date and this is just another test I have to pass. The fact that the fight will be in his own back garden only makes it all the more special. I’m buzzing about this opportunity, I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m confident of delivering the goods on Friday night."

The John Breen trained stylist improved his perfect record to 17 straight wins this year courtesy of wins over Mexican dangerman, Manuel Garnica, former World Champ, Cesar Bazan and leading British contender Nigel Wright. His promoter Brian Peters believes he’s ready to add the scalp of Lynes to that list on Friday night. “Paul has been pretty much flawless to date in his pro career and I believe he’s capable of winning British, European and World titles. He’s been something of a well kept secret from British fight fans until now but I think they’ll all find out just how good he is on Friday night.”

Tickets for Friday night's fight cost £30 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) and are available by calling Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Top prospect Remillard moving up featherweight ranks

MANCHESTER, Conn.– What a difference a year makes, especially for 22-year-old Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, the reigning WBC Youth and USNBC featherweight champion.

A year ago, Remillard (16-0, 8 KOs) was in the midst of a 1 1/2 -year stretch of inactivity due to wrist injury requiring surgery for torn ligaments that separated bones in his hand. Noted hand surgeon Dr. Steven Margles (LaheyClinic in Burlington, MA) operated, using artificial bone and pins to hold everything together. The artificial bone, however, never healed properly and Dr. Margles performed additional surgery, where he took bone from Matt’s hip to his wrist, and held it together with a screw.

Remillard suffered the aforementioned injury in 2006, winning a 10-round decision against Jose Hernandez (6-0) for the WBC super featherweight title, which he was forced to relinquish due to his injury sidelining him for 16 months. During his long layoff, Matt worked with his longtime trainer, Paul Cichon, at the Manchester (CT) PAL gym, just daily stretching, running, walking and calisthenics as he rehabilitated his left hand. Unable to use his left hand, he strengthened his right, and eventually learned how to fight comfortably as a southpaw.

In 2008, however, he returned to the ring with a vengeance, winning all five of his fights and capturing the WBC Youth and USNBC featherweight title belts, as well as being named the NABF and Connecticut Fighter of the Year.

“This year was huge for me after having to take off 1 ½ years to recuperate,” Remillard said. “I felt like I had to step up in order to catch up to where I was. I had time off to mature, in and out of the ring, and work on different skills. I thought that it was reality because everything had been taken away. I came back fully focused and worked with Paul in the gym to become more than a one-handed fighter.

“There are days my hand lets me know it was injured. It’s never going to be 100-percent, but these tools aren’t meant to hit people or take punishment. The most important thing is that it doesn’t hurt to fight.”

The multi-tattooed Remillard realizes he’s in a very competitive division, one dominated by Latinos. “I’m in one of the toughest decisions,” Remillard commented. “There are a lot of tough Mexicans and Olympians. My last fight was against the toughest guy I’ve fought (3-time world champion, 34-9-2 Maurico Pastrana). He’s a world-class veteran who came to fight and was in good shape. I used my boxing skills more and I think that win (6-round decision) has to help move me up the ladder.

“Next year, I hope to have five or six more fight for a regional title like the NABF or USBA, and move up in the rankings. If I can beat a couple of big names in 2009 to use as a stepping stone, I feel that I’ll be able to make some noise in 2010 and possibly fight for a world title. I’m 16-0 now and hopefully I’ll have somewhere in the mid-twenties for wins next year, which will position me to knock on the door for a world title shot in 2010. I leave all of that up to my team – promoter Jimmy Burchfield, manager Bret Hallenbeck and trainer Paul Cichon. I’ll be ready. I’ve never turned down a fight.”

Remillard, rated No. 23 by the WBC, also is ranked No. 5 by the USBA and NABF.

Two years ago, Remillard was wearing a cast and training with one hand; today, he’s one of the brightest American prospects among smaller weight fighters. Oh, what a difference a year has made for “Sharp Shooter.”

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

No Holds Barred: Ricardo Lois Previews De La Hoya-Pacquiao

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Ricardo Lois, co-host of Boxing Confidential Radio (http://boxingconfidential.com/). The main subject is the controversial fightbetween Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, which will take place Saturday, December 6, in Las Vegas, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. Pacquiao, who has fought at featherweight and super featherweight in recent years, and just moved up to lightweight in June, will be fighting the much larger De La Hoya at welterweight.
In a lengthy interview, we discuss our criticisms of the De La Hoya-Pacquiao fight, why it is not good for boxing, how it is related to the decline of boxing in the U.S., the ethics of watching pay-per-views such as this one online on sites which do not hold their copyrights, and more. You can play or download No Holds Barred http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-02T23_14_25-08_00. You can also download No Holds Barred at http://www.mediafire.com/?lkjnd9ypmnw. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3format, so may take some time to download. The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter(http://iancarpenter.com/). No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by: 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/). BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more. Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling. FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews,and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martialarts. Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

JOAN GUZMAN LOOKS SHARP IN RECENT SPARRING SESSIONS; Joan Guzman vs. Ameth Diaz El Palacio de los Deportes Dominican Republic, Dec. 20, 2008

LOS ANGELES– Joan Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs) continues to leave his sparring partners gassed and looking for the exits. On this occasion, from the Maywood Gym in Los Angeles, undefeated super featherweight Urbano Antillion (24-0, 17 KOs) got a taste of what it’s like to be in the ring with a two-division world champion.

“Guzman’s hand speed and quickness is unlike anything I’ve seen before,” Antillion said. “He doesn’t let you develop any kind of rhythm. “After a while, you just get tired because of the pace he keeps. It was a good learning experience for me.”

Young boxers, trainers and those merely looking for a glimpse of the Dominican star followed every punch, step and movement that came from the slick-footed Guzman.

“That happens quite frequently when I train in gyms that I’m not familiar with,” said Guzman, who enjoyed bigger crowds at an Atlantic City, N.J. gym during fight week workouts for his bout against Humberto Soto in 2007. “Everyone kind of stops what they’re doing and looks. Afterward, I get to talk to some of the youngsters and give them some tips.”

Guzman travels to his native Dominican Republic to take on World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin lightweight champion Ameth Diaz (25-7, 19 KOs) on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, from El Palacio de los Deportes in Guzman’s hometown of Santo Domingo.

The 12-round fight is promoted by Jay Boxing Promotions and will be Guzman’s first since outpointing Soto last November. The bout also serves as a WBA lightweight title eliminator.

“I’m getting into that stage in training where everything is clicking,” Guzman said. “The jab, combinations and defense are working together. Every move and reaction is built for a purpose.

“With the fight being in my native Dominican, I have to make sure to give my hometown fans a good show. I haven’t fought there in two years so I’m looking forward to it.”

Guzman is trained by the veteran Robert Garcia.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

No Holds Barred: Kid Peligro on 2009 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship

No Holds Barred: Kid Peligro on 2009 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-30T15_10_11-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with our colleague Kid Peligro, a senior editor of the ADCC News (http://www.adcombat.com/) and a correspondent for our show, about the plans and preparations for the 2009 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championship. This event is by far the most important and prestigious grappling tournament in the world.

We discuss the regional qualifying tournaments going on right now for this tournament, the rules of this grappling event, the likelihood of many champion mixed martial arts fighters competing in this event including top heavyweight and pound-for-pound fighter Fedor Emelianenko and Dream middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, and much more.

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 speak with the award-winning boxing writer and author, Thomas Hauser of SecondsOut.com (http://www.secondsout.com/). We focus on previewing the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight, which takes place Saturday, December 6, in Las Vegas, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. Pacquiao, who has fought at featherweight and super featherweight in recent years, and just moved up to lightweight in June, will be fighting the much larger De La Hoya at welterweight. In a lengthy interview, we discuss how the problems surrounding this fight are symptomatic of the many problems in boxing, and in particular of the way in which HBO has been running their boxing programming. 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.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

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/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

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
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

New Era Fighting lawsuit threat pressures CSAC head Garcia’s resignation

IRVINE, California– The recent resignation of embattled California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) Executive Director Armando Garcia apparently came from pressure applied after it was announced a year ago that New Era Fighting (NEF) was filing a $500,000,000 lawsuit against Garcia, alleging a pattern and practice by the California State Athletic Commission of intentionally, willfully and viciously interfering with a licensed and approved event, which effected and injured New Era Fighting in the same or similar fashion as other mixed martial arts promoters, managers and fighters.

In addition to Garcia, the California State Athletic Commission, Frank Munoz (CSAC Staff Services Analyst), and the State’s Department of Consumer Affairs were also named in the lawsuit, presently in the investigation process for loss of revenues (past, present and future), film production, media exposure, credibility, television show, venue deposits, fighters and opportunity costs.

“I want to take the time to thank all of the promoters, fighters and members of the press who have come forward to give me their story against CSAC and Armando,” NEF president Ron Kort said. “There appears to be one underlining fact in all the information provided by supporters of New Era Fighting’s movement to clean up the industry – someone was helping Armando. This is just one small victory in a larger puzzle. We are in the process of a much larger investigation dealing specifically with corruption in the industry and where that corruption stems from.”

NEF was given a cease and desist order by the CSAC, issued only minutes prior to and forcing the cancellation of NEF’s much publicized scheduled tryouts on July 19, 2007 in Montebello (CA). The CSAC claimed Kort wasn’t a licensed promoter despite having approved his application, issuing a promoter’s license, and cashing his check in 2007for the renewal of the promoter’s license.

The CSAC responded by announcing a review of NEF’s promotional licensing renewal, incredibly, 10 months after the CSAC cashed NEF’s check for its 2007-2008 promoter’s license, and two weeks after a legal claim had been delivered to the State.

The CSAC, under Garcia’s direction, has been linked to numerous improprieties including alleged corruption, superseding its authority, double bonding promoters, protecting or favoring specific MMA promoters, and unfairly treating some MMA promoters such as Kort.

“I believe, based on information we have today, that New Era Fighting’s actions contributed to Garcia’s resignation,” Kort continued. “I can’t believe how many people came forward with stories of abuse regarding Garcia and the CSAC. There were numerous complaints by promoters, as well as fighters and even the media. I think it’s obvious that Garcia’s appointment as executive director of the CSAC was improper due to his lack of experience in this arena, which thankfully came to light. Our investigation was launched and is ongoing.

“New Era Fighting has regrouped and soon we’ll be making a major announcement about our worldwide plans. NEF is for the fighters, by the fighters. MMA promoters will never have a level playing field until the MMA industry is cleaned up. Armando being forced to resign is just one piece of a larger puzzle. How does a guy have $350,000 in cash sitting in his locker on a state employee salary? After all, I wasn’t aware that promoter can pay state paid employees in cash. One obstacle is out of the way, Armando Garcia. The reality is one guy can’t be that bad without some help. MMA promoters, fighters and fans in California had something to really be thankful for on Thanksgiving. We continue to request your stories and support be sent to fightback@newerafighting.com. Any and all support is greatly appreciated.”

NEF, based in Irvine, California, is a mixed martial arts fighting organization that combines the raw brutality of mixed martial arts with entertaining, sexy and dramatic themes

If you have been victimized by the CSAC, feel free to confidentially share your experiences by sending emails to FightBack@NewEraFighting.com. Your names and identities will be used only with your express permission to use them.

NEF, on a temporary basis, has opened up its weight divisions to include lighter weight fighters for an international promotion scheduled to be announced within the next 60 days. All fighters interested in an MMA career should submit their fight pictures, preferably video, to submissions@newerafighting.com.

For more information about NEF call 714.973.3053/714.448.9999 or go on line to www.NewEraFighting.com.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Ballogou-Judah crossroads fight on “Holiday Hits” , Dec. 4 at Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan

Jaffa “African Assassin” Ballogou (left)
NEW YORK– The 12-round IBF International light heavyweight championship bout between Jaffa “African Assassin” Ballogou and Daniel Judah is a crossroads fight for both New York City southpaw in the co-feature on the third annual “Holiday Hits” pro boxing show, promoted by Bob Duffy’s Ring Promotions, December 4 at the famed Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, New York.

Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Nagy “Dominican Dynamite” Aguilera (10-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of Newburgh (NY), headlines for the first time in the 8-round main event against 7-foot Marcellus “More Than A Conqueror” Brown (25-17-1, 21 KOs), who has been a sparring partner the past two months for former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman.

Togo born and Manhattan residing Ballogou (46-6-1, 40 KOs), reigning IBF Continental Africa cruiserweight champion, battles Bronx’ Judah (22-3-3, 10 KOs), in the 12-round co-feature. Ballogou, 40, also is the former WBC Latin America and WBA International super middleweight champ and ex-African light middleweight title holder. He had one world title shot, losing a 12-round decision to Frankie Liles for the WBA super middleweight belt. The 31-year-old Judah, former New York State light heavyweight champion, has been stopped only once, by Darnell Wilson, and fought draws with Glen Johnson and the late Julian Letterlough.

“Both Ballogou and Judah have a lot riding on this fight,” promoter Bob Duffy said. “This is a great opportunity for two New York fighters with the winner getting rated in the top 15 (IBF). East Coast boxing is coming back. Fewer and fewer East Coast fights have been on television because name fighters weren’t fighting each other. They are now and I hope more East Coast shows will be in television next year.”

NABO lightweight champion Jorge “The Truth” Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx, takes on Aldo “El Pato” Valtierra (24-10, 13 KOs) in a 10-round, non-title Special Lightweight Attraction. Teron, trained by former Olympic gold medalist and world champion, Mark Breland, is rated No. 4 by the WBO, as well as No. 13 by the WBA and No. 19 by the WBC. Mexican warrior Valtierra is a former WBA Fedecentro and WBC FECARBOX Central American super featherweight title-holder.

Popular middleweight George “Blaze” Walton (18-3, 12 KOs), of Harlem, meets Clarence “Sonny Bono” Taylor (13-18-3, 6 KOs) in a 6-rounder. Dublin super featherweight Eddie “Pride of Tallaght” Hyland (10-1, 3 KOs), making his much anticipated New York City debut, fights Gustavo Dailey (2-3) in another 6-round bout.

Also on the undercard in separate 4-round bouts is highly-touted Brooklyn light heavyweight Will Rosinsky (2-0, 2 KOs), three-time National Golden Gloves champion vs. Amador Acevedo (2-4, 2KOs), Queens, Lou DiBella-promoted NYC heavyweight Tor Hamer (1-0, 1 KOs) vs. Royal Bryant (1-1-1, 0 KOs), Brooklyn welterweight Luis “El Mero Mero” Ruiz (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Ken Durham (4-26-1, 2 KOs), Queens light middleweight (by way of Cyprus) Lambrose “Lionheart” Karaolides (1-0, 1 KO) vs. James Justice (0-1), Howard Beach light welterweight Anthony Accardi (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Rafael Luna (1-6), pro debuting Bronx super flyweight Emmanuel Gonzalez vs. Jean Ramos (0-2), Brooklyn light middleweight (by way of France) Roman Oliveri vs. Eluid Torres (0-0-1). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $150.00 (Golden Ringside), $100.00 (Ringside) and $50.00 (General Admission), are on sale and available to purchase at the Roseland Ballroom, going to www.ringpromotions.com or calling 516.313.2304. Doors open at 6:00 PM, first bout at 6:30 PM.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

DARCHINYAN TO DEFEND AGAINST ARCE ON SATURDAY, FEB. 7, ON SHOWTIME

NEW YORK– A must-see matchup that fans, media and the fighters themselves have been clamoring for will take place when two of boxing’s biggest little men and hardest punchers, Vic Darchinyan and Jorge Arce, clash on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (SHOWTIME, 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Darchinyan’s newly acquired 115-pound International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) world titles will be on the line.

Vic Darchinyan


The once-beaten Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, by way of Armenia, will be making his first defense since unifying the 115-pound division with a demonstrative ninth-round knockout over Mexico’s Cristian Mijares Nov. 1, 2008, on SHOWTIME.

Darchinyan, who entered the ring as the IBF champion, walked out with Mijares’ WBC and WBA belts after blowing away the favored champion in a career-defining performance.

The popular, crowd-pleasing Arce (51-4-1, 39 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, is the current WBA interim super flyweight champion and is a former WBC 115-pound and WBO 108-pound titleholder.

Arce has been victorious in five consecutive fights, including a fourth-round TKO over Isidro Garcia Nov. 1, 2008, to capture the interim WBA strap, and has won 31 out of his last 32. The only loss during his scintillating run came on a 12-round decision to Mijares on April 14, 2007.

The 12-round world title fight, co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc., will take place at a site to be announced.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit the SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.


About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Godfrey 1st SNBC champion WBC Title Eliminator next up against Herbie Hide

PROVIDENCE– World cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (18-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 3 by the WBC, became the first Sovereign Nations Boxing Council (SNBC) champion last Saturday night when he won a dominating 10-round decision against Eddie “The Iron Man” Gutierrez at 4 Bears Casino in New Town, North Dakota.

SNBC links federally recognized tribes throughout the United States and Canada. SNBC’s mission is to develop, promote and help regulate boxing in a fair and professional manner by federally recognized tribes that are sovereign nations.

Godfrey won every round on two judges’ scorecards and nine on the other (100-90, 100-90, 99-91) against Gutierrez (15-6-1, 6 KOs) in a near perfect performance.

“It was an honor for me to fight for the first Sovereign Nations Boxing Council title, let alone win the first SNBC belt because I’m Native American,” Godfrey said upon returning to his Providence home. “Finally, Native American boxers have a chance to be recognized and being the first SNBC champion is a huge honor for me.

“I threw a lot of punches, put them together, and worked on everything we had trained to do. Credit Gutierrez because he can really take a punch; I hit him with some great shots. It was a good fight for me because I got in some rounds.”

Next up for Godfrey is a recently ordered WBC title elimination bout next year against No. 2 rated Herbie Hide, former 2-time WBO heavyweight champion, with the victor facing the winner of the WBC championship bout between new defending champion Giacobbe Fragameni and the No. 1 mandatory challenger, Krzystof Wlodarczyk.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m glad to be getting another chance (Godfrey’s lone loss was earlier this year in a WBC title eliminator by 12-round decision to Rudy Kraj in Germany),” Godfrey noted. “I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait to start training again.”

Godfrey, reigning NABF champion, is also rated No. 11 by the WBA and IBF.

“Matt fought well in North Dakota,” Godfrey’s manager Bret Hallenbeck commented. “The other guy made it difficult to look good. He was in a defensive mode the entire fight, leaning back or covering up like a turtle. We’re waiting to learn more about the WBC eliminator against Hide. We have to see what the offers are and where the fight will be.”

Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved