Brenneman Replaces Marquardt at UFC Live 4; Cheick Kongo and Pat Barry go toe-to-toe - live tonight at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT on Versus

Nate Marquardt’s loss was Charlie Brenneman’s gain.
by Brian Knapp (bknapp@sherdog.com)

Brenneman will replace Marquardt in a welterweight bout against Rick Story at UFC Live 4 on Sunday at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. Marquardt, who was set to make his first UFC appearance at 170 pounds, was scratched from the lineup on Saturday, a little more than 24 hours before the event. Marquardt was not cleared to fight, though the specific reasons behind his exit were not immediately known.

Spawned by the AMA Fight Club in New Jersey, Brenneman (13-2, 2-1 UFC) last appeared at UFC “Fight for the Troops 2” in January, when he outpointed Amilcar Alves en route to a unanimous decision at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. The 30-year-old Hollidaysburg, Pa., native has won eight of his last nine fights. Brenneman made his UFC debut in March 2010 with a unanimous decision victory over 2009 Dream welterweight grand prix finalist Jason High.

Story (13-3, 6-1 UFC) has rattled off six consecutive wins, including a unanimous nod over Thiago Alves at UFC 130 less than a month ago.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson; WINS IN GEORGIA‏

Last night, former heavyweight title challenger, Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson, added another win to his record, scoring a first round knockout over Harold Sconiers in the main event at the Elder Entertainment Center in Decatur, Georgia.

It was the third consecutive win, and second by knockout, since Johnson's decision loss in his first heavyweight championship opportunity against Vitali Klitschko. Johnson who has vowed to return to championship form, is slowly working his way back into the title contention, as he is now ranked #15 in the WBC. Look for Kingpin, who improved to 25-1-1, 11KO's with the win, to be back in action very soon, as he looks to stay active and work his way back into the title picture.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin Return Bout Set for July 9!‏

Junior middleweight rising star Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin will return to the squared circle Saturday, July 9 when he battles an opponent to be named at Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk Hall.

The bout will be his first since a shocking defeat against cement fisted spoiler Doel Carrasquillo in February. Since his lone setback, Douglin, 12-1 (8 KO’s), has spent countless hours in the gym honing his craft to become a better overall fighter.

“This sport is my life and I know another loss will destroy me” said Douglin, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion. “I was overconfident in my last fight and I won’t let that happen again. I’m treating this fight like it’s a world title bout and that I have to shine.”

Tickets to the card, which is headlined by the Paul Williams-Erislandy Lara bout and also includes two world title fights, start at $50 and are available at ticketmaster.com. Douglin’s opponent will be announced shortly.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

TYSON JEFFRIES VS. ARTHUR GUSEINOV OFFICIAL FOR M-1 CHALLENGE: BENNETT VS GARNER - LIVE ON SHOWTIME(R)‏

M-1 GLOBAL announces the addition of 2010 M-1 Selection Americas middleweight tournament winner Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries (7-5) versus feared Russian striker Arthur Guseinov (7-2) at the mixed martial arts (MMA) event titled M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner. The bouts from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California will air LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

The July 8th event is headlined with the rematch between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight finalists Pat Bennett (4-2) and Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3).

“Tyson Jeffries is a fighter with incredible heart and a determination to consistently improve his game; he adds depth and excitement to every card and he’s a welcome addition on M-1’s second televised event on SHOWTIME,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan. “The European fighters who participated in the March card set an extremely high bar this time out. Guseinov has been very vocal about making this an entertaining battle.”

Tyson Jeffries: Eager for SHOWTIME’s Familiar Spotlights

After enduring a round-and-a-half of pure punishment from newly crowned Middleweight Champion Magomed Sultanakhmedov, Oregon native and Team Quest fighter Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries has done all he can to prepare himself this time out. When the bell rings to start the action from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, Jeffries will look to draw first blood against feared Russian striker Arthur Guseinov.

Coming from a team known for producing impeccable fighters with sound wrestling foundations, Coach Matt Lindland has placed high expectations on his protégé to execute hard-fought, exciting tilts. As a Sport Fight veteran, Jeffries has built a 7-5 record and possesses the qualities and skills necessary to be a successful professional fighter; being exposed to the Team Quest mentality is certainly aiding his development, “I train with the some of the best fighters in the world ... I owe lots of appreciation to my coaches and friends,” says Jeffries.

Known for his relentless, never-say-die fighting style, Jeffries is a fighter that simply doesn’t quit; he would rather have his arm broken than to ever admit an opponent has broken his will. Although putting forth a valiant effort against Sultanakhmedov, the sturdy American scrapper is covering all bases to ensure he stands with his arm raised on July 8th, calling in some favours to train with Rampage in Las Vegas and at the Wolfslair MMA Academy in England.

2010 was an exceptional year for Jeffries, winning the M-1 Selections Americas tournament middleweight brackets with a solid combination of submission skills and striking abilities. Facing Mike Johnson in his opening round bout, Jeffries systematically dismantled Johnson’s striking with a steadfast defense and effective counter-punching.

Facing the wild striking of Plinio Cruz in his semi-finals bout, Jeffries maintained an impenetrable defesce as he stalked and cut off Cruz’s position inside the ring. Although standing within Cruz’s striking range on occasion which allowed Cruz to score much needed points, Jeffries was able to withstand the barrages and go on to win a razor-thin split decision and berth in the Finals.

Watching Jeffries from the beginning of the tournament, it is easy to conclude that his Finals bout was where he matured as a fighter. The middleweight finals battle with Team Bombsquad’s Mike Geurin took the night’s ‘fight of the night’ honours, is regarded as the highlight bout of the tournament and is also cemented as M-1 Global’s #3 fight of 2010. When Jeffries’ miraculous triangle is tied into the equation, it’s no wonder why this fight also captured the night’s ‘submission of the night’ award as well. Jeffries vs. Geurin exemplified the exciting MMA action that the M-1 Selection tournament was designed to produce.

Jeffries is a patient fighter capable of sitting back and effectively countering while always maintaining an offensive ring position to compliment his takedown threat; he also exhibits a veteran’s composure when timing his opponent’s offensives allowing him to set up his magnificent overhand right. Adding to his versatility, Jeffries is comfortable fighting off his back and has a repertoire of submissions as evident by the elbow-snapping armbar which he transitioned into the bout-ending triangle, a truly miraculous, 11th hour, highlight reel finish.

In the fight game, you’re only as good as your last trip to the mat and Jeffries needs a win to rebound off the one-sided beating issued by Sultanakhmedov, marking this fight as a turning point for Jeffries’ career; kicking off a string of wins will reposition him in the queue for another future title shot while a loss marks him as a +500 journeyman fighter to be used as a stepping stone for other rising prospects.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

An Inside Look at Pat Bennett vs. Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner, 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Touranment Finals Rematch‏; LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8

Standing under the headline bout spotlights at M-1 Challenge XXVI opposite decorated American wrestler, Pat Bennett, is none other than self-marketing machine, Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner; with Garner getting the best of Bennett nearly a year ago in their M-1 Selection Americas tournament final, the New Jersey native and Team Bombsquad fighter will need to deliver a career performance to stop the heavy-striking freight train headed directly in his path. The action goes down from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).


As a key member of the Team Bombsquad contingent, Bennett’s manager, Ryan Ciotoli, has nothing but praise for the heavyweight’s performances to date. “Pat’s a three time All-American wrestler, so he possesses a great base and he’s an electrifying striker; hence the reason for his five first round wins. I definitely consider Bennett to be the top contender in the heavyweight division.”

Love to hate him or hate to love him, the Port St. Lucie, Florida and American Top Team fighter, Kenny Garner is making a name for himself in the State of Florida, who has him ranked as the #9 heavyweight. With an affliction for the camera, Garner is surprising fans, media and executives at every turn and his ‘in your face’ personality has critics split between whether he’s the ‘real deal’ or just flash in the pan; but his convincing wins – with two having him marked as a huge underdog – the Deuce is proving to be a force to reckon with.

Both men declare they are not the same fighters who entered the ring to faceoff in September but what’s improved their games and how do these men actually stack up against each other?

Bennett states it’s his striking that’s drastically improved since last facing Garner; “I’ve really focussed on my stand up. I’ve worked on improving this aspect to round out my skillset. I’m not the same fighter Kenny is expecting to see. I’ve wanted to fight him again ever since last year and I can GUARANTEE a much different result this time out.”

Conversely, Garner doesn’t seem to care what his opponent as improved; “I will end this fight faster than the last time I beat him, trust me. I’m stronger, faster and more technical. There’s no way he’s stopping my striking. He’s not making it out the first round. Pat’s got no chance.” Garner last faced Bennett in the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament finals and won a convincing first-round TKO; clearly Deuce feels he’ll produce the same results this time out.

Prior to starting the 2010 Selections tournament, Garner’s manager, UFC veteran, Din Thomas, didn’t hold back when discussing his two early losses; “He took a couple bad fights on short notice and when you take a fight without preparation – as a heavyweight – you pay the price.” Garner’s losses came at the hands of Chris Barnett and Tony Johnson Jr; both by way of TKO in the late rounds which may have been attributed to questionable conditioning according to Thomas. In comparison, Deuce has shown exceptional performances when prepared as all six of victories have been total dominations.

Garner opened the Heavyweight brackets of the Selections tournament with a dominating victory over Matt Hopkins; from here, Garner was next slated to fight the imposing Russian favourite, Andre Kapilou, in a semi finals bout he fighter wasn’t even given a ‘fighter’s chance’ of winning and put on a grappling clinic to win a hard-fought decision.

In the Finals, Garner neutralized Bennett’s wrestling skills, stuffed every takedown and put Bennett in a world of hurt, winning via TKO in the opening frame and proving why he should be considered one of the most-feared strikers in M-1’s heavyweight division.

Bennett has his work cut out for him on July 8th. Sporting an established 7-2 combined amateur and professional record heavily weighted in the ‘win’ column with five first-round TKO’s, Bennett is aptly known for his proud wrestling pedigree but has also proven to be a multidimensional fighter able to transition his skills to whatever is set in front of him.


Bennett had recently set his wrestling on the back burner in favour of striking throughout his 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament run, displaying a wide array of talents. Opening up the brackets against Nick Smiley, the mild-mannered monster needed a total of 37 seconds to destroy Smiley by TKO. His semi-final bout was a marathon war with Mehdi Hassan where he earned a unanimous decision victory. But the run was halted in the finals by Garner’s lead left hook.

At 6’ 3”, 240 pounds, Bennett has the heavy hands to match Garner’s striking prowess but his advantage comes on the canvass, IF he can secure the takedown. He’ll need to push the pace as he sees fit while being cautiously aware of Garner’s lethal bombs. If Bennett can’t take this fight to the mat, he’s going to wish he had head gear as Garner will look to implant his right hand in Bennett’s face.

Garner has shown time and time again that his defense is steadfast and should Bennett score the single or double-leg, he is well versed in submissions and fight effectively off his back or in top position. Garner’s plan is without a doubt to keep this fight standing and dismantle Bennett from his feet; he’s done it before and knows he can do it again.

This headline bout carries serious implications in both men’s quest for the M-1 Heavyweight strap.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Interview with “Relentless” Lamon Brewster; www.Fightingconnection.com, will revolutionize not just "Boxing but all full contact sports!"

By Pattee Mak on June 18, 2011

Pattee: Hello Mr. Brewster! Currently you are retired from boxing. Your last fight was January 30, 2010 against Robert Helenius in Germany. He won by TKO in the 8th. Can you tell me what happened in that match?

BREWSTER: That particular night was a tragedy because when we got to the venue we arrived at about 7:00 pm and I was suppose to go on at 9:00 pm and so when we got there we walked pasted my opponent’s room and went to my room and I didn’t have a room. They put me in a room with 10 of other guys. But I understand that because I was the opponent.

Now when a fighter wraps his hands he wraps it an hour to an hour and a half before the fight. Normally that is what a fighter does. Because if you wrap it too soon the wraps gets soft. So we sat around for 30 minutes and we waited to wrap my hands and they told us don’t worry about it just wrap your hands. What do you mean don’t worry about it. They said that because Helenius already wrapped his hands. I’ve never been to a fight or anywhere were I wasn’t allowed to watch someone wrap their hands. So basically they said if I didn’t fight they were gonna sue me. So I came to fight that’s who I am, I’m a fighter. So I’m fighting this guy and I just remembered when I got to the 6th round at the beginning of every round I was seeing white and I couldn’t see into the first 30 seconds of each round. I thought maybe he had something in his gloves. I didn’t know what to make of it. During the 6th round in the first 30 seconds he landed a punch and I was blinded in both my eyes and was seeing white. At the 8th round after I was blinded he kept throwing punches and I couldn’t see so the referee stopped the fight. I never did get a chance to inspect his gloves after the fight. So after that I went back to Los Angeles that same night and I had a whole lot of cuts across my eyelids as if you took a razor across my eyelids. I never experienced anything like this because those types of cuts are never like that for a fighter. Even my doctor couldn’t understand it either as it isn’t conclusive to boxing. Afterwards I thought I could have died in the ring.

Pattee: How are you feeling now?

BREWSTER: I had 4 surgeries last year and I have another surgery next month and hopefully this surgery will repair my vision for my left eye. The Doctor said I have a slit across my iris and cornea. Whatever was on his glove cut it and once it started to heal, it infused my eyelid together. They have to give me a cornea transplant. Being a man of faith I believe God closes one door and opens another.

Pattee: OMG! That is awful.

Pattee: What titles did you hold as a professional boxer?

BREWSTER: NABA heavyweight title, WBO heavyweight title, WBO NABO heavyweight title and the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title.

Pattee: Currently you are involved in a new adventure you are putting together which is an up and coming website called www.fightingconnection.com. How did this come about?

BREWSTER: It’s going to launch this August. I came up with this because a lot of times when I was getting ready to go to camp my trainer would say this is a fight and we would have to find sparring partners to train me for this particular fight and so I always ask someone if they know someone so I can get them to my training camp. Well that is such a headache because lets say I do find someone and you find that person, well say he gets hurts then you need to find someone else or someone to fight a certain way. It’s really hard and I got frustrated and I knew there has to be a better way. So I was talking with a few people and we were brainstorming and I said I was going to have a search engine built. For instance, if I was going to fight a guy who’s 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds and he’s a right hand fighter and a boxer who moves to his left, I would go to my website and put all the information in and let it bring up everyone around the world with those same criterias. I personally asked myself the questions to build this site. Nobody knows better than me when they go to camp. I been in camp with guys that I couldn’t open up 100 percent because if I did, I was afraid to hurt them because then I’d have to look again for someone to train with. A lot of times I’d leave my wife on vacation and want to work out. Man let me try to find a gym. So I’d look in the yellow pages or phone book. Now you go to my website, type in the country, zip code, providence etc etc and you click what you are looking for, boxing, mma, mauy thia and press enter and it’ll bring up everything in that region. I believe the cut man is very important to me because when you go to a fight you only get 2 tickets one for you and the other for your trainer. So what me and my trainer would do is once we registered in we would always find someone who was walking around with a bucket and give them $50.00 to work my corner. 9 times out of 10 they would say yes. Although this worked, I got frustrated at that. So now I made it easier for everyone. You’d just type in I’m looking for a cut man, when, where and hit search and the site will bring up all cut men available. I even added a star rating next to the cut man so everyone can vote and see their ratings.

Pattee: Who is Sam Simon and how was he involved with the show “The Simpsons”?

BREWSTER: Well “The Simpsons” was a show that was created by my former manger. He actually created Bart Simpson. He helped me and went beyond the call of being a manager. He is considered to be family. He was instructing me to fight for the world title.

Pattee: On 4-10-2004 you fought Wladimir Klitschko at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and won the vacant WBO heavyweight title by TKO in the 5th round. On 7-7-2007 there was a rematch in Germany for the IBF heavyweight title and the IBO heavyweight title. You lost that fight due to your trainer stopping the fight in the 6th round. Can you compare these two fights?

BREWSTER: Let me tell you about that fight. Everyone knows I suffered a detached retina. During that time, I was lying faced down for almost 6 months. It took me a year and a half to recover fully. When the word got out I was coming back to boxing because of my recovery, Klitschko’s people approached me to fight and I said no problem and I want to have a tune up fight beforehand because I’ve been out a year and a half. Well they said no and we’ll pay you extra not to have a tune up fight. So they paid me more than I’ve ever made, even when I had the title. In the 6th round my eye started to swell up and I was very rusty in the fight. So they were worried and thinking something will happen to my eye.

Pattee: Your prediction on the Klitschko-Haye fight coming up?

BREWSTER: I think it’ll be a tricky one to predict because of the fact you can’t count out Haye because he’s proven to be a smart and crafty fighter but at the same time I myself know first hand what it means to be a heavyweight champion and not wanting to give up your title. Klitschko is fighting for legacy whereas Haye is fighting for glory. You got two different mindsets coming into a fight. I think the one that has the best strategy and the most determination will win and no one can go in and say so and so will win but as a fan it could go anyway. Both are proven to have great skill.

Pattee: Out of all your 41 fights, which one was the most difficult?

BREWSTER: Hmmm… was when I lost my title to Siarhei Liakhovich because I was blind and fought 12 rounds and lost. I was in so much pain. I could only breathe through one nostril. I had a one-piece mouthpiece and I couldn’t open my mouth. I had previously broken my nostril in camp. They gave the fight of the decade to someone I know I could have knocked out. Even if I couldn’t see I could have knocked him out but I couldn’t see.

Pattee: From your professional debut on 11-8-1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada through your 23rd fight you never lost a bout. Then on 5-6-2000 you fought Clifford Etienne in Pennsylvania and that all came to an end. What happened?

BREWSTER: I lost my cool because I trained to box him and then when I arrived to fight him I was like this is my first time on HBO, I’m “Relentless” Lamon Brewster and I said he’s been in prison so I’m going to go in there and knock him out. Well you can only practice what you preach and in boxing camp you are trained to box and then when I got to the ring I let the crowd overwhelm me and I let it get the best of me. I never came to the ring with game plan. I was throwing bad punches and I missed. He practiced to brawl and I came to box. My football coach had a quote: “Do it right, do it light. Do it wrong, do it long”.

Pattee: You started fighting at the young age of 7. Usually a typical 7 year old would be playing with GI Joes. How did you get into boxing?

BREWSTER: My mother said I had too much energy because I would tear up all the toys she purchased me. There was a community center down the street from me but didn’t offer anything for a 7 year old but the coach liked my mother so they allowed me to start training for boxing.

Pattee: You have an impressive amateur record of 70-10. Tell me about the 1995 US heavyweight championship as an amateur?

BREWSTER: It was a great career and run. I should have went to the Olympics. I was picked to go but at the same time I went through a divorce and when that happened it was the worse thing that could have happened to me. I was the team caption. I traveled the world with Floyd Mayweather, Antonio Tarver and David Reed who one the gold medal.

Pattee: Are you currently still do any type of boxing training? If so where and who is training you?

BREWSTER: No I haven’t been able to do anything because of the eye surgery. There is so much pressure. If I stand for a long period of time I get a headache because of the eye surgery.

Pattee: Which boxer did you admire the most while growing up?

BREWSTER: Marvin Hagler. He was a man’s man. I admired the fact that he was a man’s man. He didn’t care to be glamorous. He came to fight. He didn’t have the entourage, fancy cars or the big jewelry. He was a warrior and came to fight. Every time he went to the ring he came to fight. I also admire Julio Chavez because he was a beast and a great fighter and best fighter of all time.

Pattee: Is there anyone you would have liked to fight?

BREWSTER: I just wished I would have fought Wladimir Klitschko when I was right. He knows and I know he can’t beat me. I regret I didn’t get to tune up. I wish I could have had a rematch and a 3rd fight. Even in the 2nd fight he only hit me with a jab and run and no big shots and then I swelled up. He knows and I know he can’t beat me.

You can follow Lamon Brewster on facebook and sign up on www.FightingConnection. Com. He hopes that people see him for what he stands for and people see him as being successful. He wants people to see him as a role model and a role model of faith. No one gave him a chance and he overcame everything through his faith and determination and he wants to set an example that you can do anything you set your mind to do.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Post-Fight Ring Quotes; "SHOW ME SOMETHING GREAT" Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthysse

A great night of professional prizefighting in St. Charles in front of a raucous and noisy crowd of 6,238 fans at The Family Arena.

Post-Fight Ring Quotes

Devon Alexander: “Matthysse is a rough and tough fighter. I brought the fight out in me because people had their doubts about my abilities as a boxer.

“The knockdown [first of his career] was a flash knockdown [in the fourth round]. I had to pull it out. I was having flashbacks from my last fight with Bradley, and I wasn’t going to lose two fights in a row. As a matter of fact, I’m never going to lose again.”

Kevin Cunningham: (trainer and manager of Devon Alexander) “I didn’t enjoy watching a rugged, tough guy like Matthysse in there with my fighter. I knew it was gonna be tough. I didn’t want to see my fighter trading with a puncher like Matthysse, but because of all the criticism he took after the Bradley fight, he felt he had something to prove in his hometown.

“I think when Devon reviews the tape of the fight, he’ll see that he was at his most effective when he was using his boxing skills to the fullest.”

Lucas Matthysse: “I gave it my all. It was a tough fight but I thought I won. Once again, I was robbed. He’s lucky he won the fight. I thought when I put him down, I’d finish him off but I couldn’t.”

Tavoris Cloud: “Yusaf Mack is a good fighter. I can’t take nothing away from him. I just caught him with some good shots.

“If you noticed, he was tiring down. I heard him breathing hard during the last three rounds. I was telling him, ‘You’re tired, aren’t you?’

“The whole game plan was to go to the body. He wasn’t hurting me. I knew he was a bouncy-bouncy guy, an in-and-out guy. I wore him down with body shots and took him out.

“Jean Pascal is here tonight. If he’s ready, I’m ready. I’m ready for anybody.”

Yusaf Mack: “He kept clipping me on the top of the head. I kept telling the ref about it but he only warned him once. The ref told me to stop holding him.

“I thought my plan was working well.

“The first shot in the corner dazed me but it was on the top of the head. The final punch was on top of the head also.”

Bermane Stiverne: “I knew he was going to try and box me but he often drops his right hand. I kept listening to his corner. Whatever they said, he did. So I started anticipating that. It became a big advantage for me.

“I was a little too lax but I felt good tonight. I was looking for the perfect shot instead of establishing my jab. The perfect shot did come in the 10th round. It was a short shot, a half-hook right hand that did him in.”

I’m on my way to my first world championship. I can feel it. I still have a lot to learn and I can get better.”

Ray Austin: “I was waiting ‘til he [the referee] reached eight [in his count during the 10th round]. In the dressing room before the fight, he told me as long as I am up by nine it would be OK. Then I got up and bounced around to let him know I was ready. So I got up at eight and bounced around on my feet to let him know I was ready and he stopped the fight. How many rounds do you think I won? [Austin was winning on two cards at the time of the stoppage.]

Ryan Coyne: “There was a reason David McNemar had never been defeated before tonight. He’s a good fighter, tough opponent, tough guy.

“It was very hard to adjust to his style on such short notice after preparing all camp for Guillermo Jones [WBA cruiserweight champion, who was injured the week before the fight].

“Thanks to all my loyal fans who showed up to support me tonight. I will be in my first world championship fight very soon.”

David McNemar: [McNemar was in his locker room after the fight, face down and bawling. After a few minutes, he composed himself.] “Fuckin pussy! Tell me how I lost that fight. Did he outwork me? I came to St Louis on six days’ notice. I sparred twice. I won that fight.

“To be so close to having them give me those belts so I could have taken it home to Parkersburg, West Virginia.

“What big shots [from Coyne]? He doesn't hit hard. I want to fight him again [This was McNemar’s first fight since 2007).]

Cornelius Bundrage: “I was happy with my performance but I felt I could have done better. Sechew is a good fighter. He’s rated higher than me in Ring Magazine. It was a hard fight but I refuse to lose. I grinded him out. All credit to god.”

Sechew Powell: “It was a god fight. He fought just like we thought he would. I didn’t follow the game plan. I should have thrown more combinations.”

Cory Spinks: “I was a little rusty but I had a good time out there tonight. Shakir Ashanti gave me some good work and it was great to be fighting in my hometown.

“This whole week has been inspirational for me. I think I can win another world championship, and the road started tonight.”

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Revenge: The Rematch, Cotto-Margarito II looms for Madison Square Garden Dec. 3

Resurgent Miguel Cotto looks to Madison Square Garden for Dec. 3‏
Michael Marley, Boxing Examiner
There was something missing from the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend this year in New York.

The huge ethnic celebration did have two Boricua-flavored, club boxing shows put on by Lou DiBella at Roseland Ballroom but, unlike several years past, there was no big fight in the city featuring the island nation’s biggest ring star, Miguel Angel Cotto.

Now I’m hearing that Cotto, who has a 36-2, 29 Kos record as he nears his 31stbirthday in October, may grace the ring at historic Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Dec. 3.

“We’re looking at the Garden,” a member of the Cotto camp told me Saturday night. “They’ve been closed all summer for phase one of a three year, three phase renovation of the arena but they reopen soon with the Knicks and the Rangers returning in the fall.”

That’s the favored site for Cotto’s first bout since his resounding TKO 12 over Nicaragua’s zany Ricardo Mayorga on March 12 in Las Vegas.

Less certain is Cotto’s opposition at 154 pounds.

“We’re looking at all the champions,” the Cotto adviser said. “We’d prefer the revenge rematch with (Antonio) Margarito but it looks like he won’t fight until 2012.”

It’s obvious that Manny Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum hopes to shine up Cotto for a possible second shot at the Pinoy Idol next year.

Cotto made a tradition of fighting in New York in midsummer, beating Yuri Foreman in 2010 at Yankee Stadium and whipping Joshua Clottey at MSG the year before.

Cotto also defeated Brooklyn’s Zab Judah in June of 2007 at “the World’s Most Famous Arena” and also posted June victories over Paulie Malignaggi and Muhammad Abdulaaev in Garden bouts going back to 2006 and to 2005 respectively.

The old song asks, “What street compares with Mott Street in July?” but boxing fans in New York definitely noticed that we just had a Puerto Rican Parade Weekend sans the traditional Cotto bout.

(mlcarley@aol.com)

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Holly “The Preachers Daughter” Holm will take on Anne Sophie Mathis for ‘World Dominance’ Announced Dec. 2 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque

Right after she registered her 30th career victory last night, promoter Lenny Fresquez announced that Holly “The Preachers Daughter” Holm will take on Anne Sophie Mathis -- the top two pound-for-pound female boxers in the world -- December 2 for “World Dominance,” at the Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.

Holm dominated all 10-rounds en route to unanimous decision (100-90 X 3) victory last night against aggressive Victoria Cisneros at Route 66 Casino Hotel.

Holm (30-1-3, 9 KOs) will try to regain her IBA Welterweight title and WBAN Championship Belt in the 10-round main event against Mathis (23-1, 20 KOs), the WBO European Welterweight Champion from France. Holm-Mathis, presented by Fresquez Productions, is a modern day match-up between the consummate boxer, southpaw Holm, and knockout specialist, Mathis, who will be fighting outside of Europe for the first time.

“This has all the makings of an instant classic, potentially one of the greatest fights in women’s boxing history,” Fresquez said. “Holly has exhausted all of her competitive options in the U.S., fighting just about every legitimate title challenger – 11 world champions – and now she wants to test herself against the best European fighter, Ann Sophie Mathis. It promises to be a memorable night for boxing fans all over the world, not just women’s boxing fans.”

Holm’s only loss was in 2004 and she’s won 23 of 24 fights since with one draw. A multiple world champion in three different divisions (light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight), Holly has defeated all of the significant names in women’s boxing from the 140 through 154-pound classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice).

Mathis is riding a 22-fight win streak, dating back to 1995 when she lost in her second pro fight, and she’s a two-time world light welterweight champion. December 2nd will mark the fifth anniversary of her first world title victory, in which she stopped previously unbeaten Myriam Lamare (13-0) for the WBA crown as well as the vacant EBU championship. Ann Sophie’s victims also include Couch, Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro. EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthysse, Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud vs. Yusaf “Mack Attack” Mack

Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthysse



















SHOW ME SOMETHING GREAT Final Presser: Introductions and Face-Offs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxxSkJ6YG24

SHOW ME SOMETHING GREAT Final Presser: Fighters at Podium
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95lESHmTDAI

Video from Devon Alexander's media workout on Tuesday at Marquette Gym in St. Louis:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iom5A4AXCok

If you didn't get enough of the Don King video, Part 1, (http://www.youtube.com/theemcvideo#p/a/u/2/Gciajihiv1U) from his first day in St. Louis last week promoting this Saturday's fight card at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., check out Day 2:
http://www.youtube.com/theemcvideo#p/a/u/1/wbcYEhGBwjw

HBO Look Ahead: Analysts Jim Lampley and Max Kellerman preview Alexander vs. Matthysse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el-J3_yF1WI

HBO Promo: Alexander vs. Matthysse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33pw0vXeo2M

The winner of this match will become the top contender at the 140-pound weight limit.

Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud
vs. Yusaf “Mack Attack” Mack
IBF Light Heavyweight Championship

Tavoris Cloud returns to the Gateway City after successfully defending his IBF light heavyweight crown in a slugfest against former world champion Glen Johnson on Aug. 7 at Scottrade Center. Cloud won a unanimous decision by the identical scores of 116-112.

Cloud possesses an 81-percent knockout ratio, even though his last three fights were won by unanimous decisions. Possessing an aggressive style and a plethora of power in both hands, Cloud is a throwback fighter that likes to overwhelm his opponents with brute force.

His tenacity and vaunted power have caused other world champions to avoid facing him. Yusaf Mack does not have that luxury as he has been named by the IBF as the mandatory challenger to Cloud.

Mack is a 31-year-old veteran from Philadelphia. He remained unbeaten in his first 24 matches, fighting between middleweight and super middleweight. Mack settled in at the 175-pound light heavyweight limit beginning in 2008, and he promptly reeled off five straight victories.

He fought well in a pivotal fight with respected former light heavyweight world champion Glen Johnson in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on Feb. 5, 2010, before being stopped by technical knockout in the sixth round.

In his last appearance, Mack defeated Otis Griffin on March 4 in Los Angeles. This was an IBF elimination bout, which put Mack in line to next face Cloud. He is also the reigning USBA light heavyweight champion; former NABA and NABF light heavyweight champion; and former USBA super middleweight champion.

Bermane “B-Ware” Stiverne
vs. Ray “The Rainman” Austin
WBC Silver Heavyweight Championship

Emerging heavyweight Bermane Stiverne and title-tested veteran Ray Austin will meet for the WBC Silver heavyweight championship, which will have ramifications at the top of the division.

Stiverne has a staggering 86-percent knockout ratio with an equally stunning 14 first-round knockouts. Only two of his fights have gone the distance. Most of his victims have fallen prey to his powerful right hand.

Austin has hovered at the top of the heavyweight division for the last five years, having faced Wladimir Klitschko, Andrew Golota, Sultan Ibragimov, Odlanier Solis and DaVarryl Williamson, among others.

This will clearly be the toughest opponent yet for Stiverne. A win here would set up bigger fights in the future. Austin will be trying to prove that he is still a force in the heavyweight division.

Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne
vs. “King” David McNemar
Battle of the Undefeated for Cruiserweight Belts

WBA cruiserweight champion Guillermo Jones was to have defended his title against undefeated Ryan Coyne, but Jones suffered an injury in the final week of training. Coyne will now risk his WBC-USNBC national cruiserweight championship against undefeated David McNemar, from Parkersburg, W.Va. The WBA announced Coyne vs. McNemar will also be for their FEDELATIN international title.

Coyne graduated from St. Charles High School where he was named “St. Charles County Football Player of the Year” in 2001. He played collegiate football at University of Missouri from 2001 to 2002. Injuries shortened his football career, and he returned to St. Charles to pursue a boxing career while earning a bachelor’s degree from Lindenwood University in 2005.

He has made steady progress in his boxing career, maintaining an unblemished record since turning professional in 2006. He won the WBC-USNBC national title last summer at Scottrade Center in St. Louis by knocking out Warren Browning in the ninth round. Coyne also is known for having fought into the semi-finals during the fourth season of The Contender, televised on Versus, before suffering an accidental headbutt that forced him to leave the competition.

Coyne trains out of the Sweat Pound 4 Pound Gym in Clayton, Mo., under the tutelage of trainer Jose Ponce. The addition of strength and conditioning expert Matt Brown has helped increase his power.

Cornelius “K9” Bundrage vs. Sechew Powell
IBF Junior Middleweight Championship

IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage has an old score to settle with Sechew Powell. After a stunning fifth-round technical knockout over Cory Spinks in St. Louis on Aug. 7 to win his first world title, the Emanuel Steward-trained Bundrage immediately looked to avenge his first loss as a professional, which came at the hands of Powell in 2005.

Powell is a southpaw who won his first 20 fights before running into Kassim Ouma at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2006, where he lost by decision. His only other loss came against Deandre

Latimore in 2008, a defeat he avenged in his last appearance on March 3, 2010, winning a majority

decision over St. Louis’s Latimore in an IBF elimination bout that earned Powell the right to face Bundrage, the newly crowned champion.

Bundrage was also a fast starter, having won his first 21 fights before running into Powell. He later did what Powell was unable to do, winning a unanimous decision over Ouma in 2008.

Bundrage went on to face future world champion Yuri Foreman in 2009. The bout was ruled no contest after an accidental clash of heads in the third round left Foreman unable to continue. Bundrage immediately went on to take the title from Spinks in his next match.

Raw Quotes

Devon Alexander
vs.
Lucas Matthysse
Special Super
Welterweight Attraction

Devon Alexander: “Lucas say he gonna knock me out. The last guy that said that to me [Juan Urango] got knocked out. I don’t talk trash. I let my hands do my talking for me. Just like our T-shirts today say, ‘R-E-D-E-M-P-T-I-O-N’ is going to happen on Saturday night.”

Kevin Cunningham (Trainer and manager of Devon Alexander): “Devon doesn’t talk trash but I’ll say a few words. Here is a shout out to Cory Spinks. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have all this big-time boxing going on in St. Louis right now.

“We had a tremendous camp up in Colorado, and on Saturday night, Devon will be victorious.”

Don King: “It’s a Lou think in St. Louis, and out here in St. Charles were proud, and if you cannot hear us, we’ll say it a little louder. You see, this is the Show Me State. What does that mean? It means these fighters can talk all they want today, but come Saturday night they are going to have to show everyone what they are made of.”

Lucas Matthysse: “Look, I traveled thousands of kilometers in training and flying here for this fight, and I didn’t come to take a picture with Don King. I came to beat Devon Alexander, and I will.”

Eric Gomez (Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions, promoter of Lucas Matthysse): “This is going to be a hell of a card. Sechew Powell is good, Tavoris is like a young Mike Tyson, I’ve been watching heavyweight Bermane Stiverne for a long time, and I can’t wait for Saturday night. This is truly a historic card that Don King has put together.

“Thanks to Devon Alexander and his team. We think Devon is one of the top three junior welterweights in the world, and we think Lucas can win this fight. Lucas lost a close decision in the fight with Zab Judah, but he is ready to have the fight of his life on Saturday night.

“This is a great opportunity for Lucas. This is a great thing for him to be fighting Devon on HBO on Saturday.”

Tavoris Cloud
vs.
Yusaf Mack
IBF Light Heavyweight
Championship

Tavoris Cloud: “Missouri, it’s good to be back in the ‘Show Me’ State. Yusaf Mack, he a good fighter, so I heard. All that about him being the new champion ain’t gonna work. It ain’t gonna work, no sir. I’ll see Yusaf Mack in the ring on Saturday night.”

Yusaf Mack: “This city will be smokin’ when I get done with Tavoris Cloud on Saturday night.”

Ryan Coyne
vs.
David McNemar
WBC-USNBC
Cruiserweight
Championship/
WBA FEDELATIN
Championship

Ryan Coyne: “This was supposed the first world title fight for me. Didn’t happen. My opponent [WBA cruiserweight champion] Guillermo Jones may have stumbled while jogging and fell into Arby’s, if you know what I mean.

"I will only look forward now. I plan to put on a great show on Saturday. Fighting in The Family Arena is special for me because I grew up a few miles from here and I fought my last fight as an amateur here and my first fight as a professional.

"I give my opponent, David McNemar credit for stepping and taking this fight with me on short notice. In a couple of days I’ll probably give him a hug for saving this appearance for me.”

David McNemar: I’m 38 years old and I’ve been in this fight game for most of my life, and it’s been a blast. To be up here with all of these great athletes is truly an honor. I’ll give Ryan Coyne the best I’ve got.”

Bermane Stiverne
vs.
Ray Austin
WBC Silver Heavyweight
Championship

Bermane Stiverne: “I’m not much of a trash talker. I don’t trash talk. When it comes to boxing, I’m a business person, and I’ll take care of business on Saturday night. I am a heavyweight contender, and I will be a heavyweight world champion some day. I guarantee it.

“All that other talk you hear doesn’t mean a thing. On Saturday night, everything will be taken care of in the ring.”

Ray Austin: “It’s great to be fighting on this show against Bermane Stiverne. I plan to make the most of this opportunity.”

Cornelius Bundrage
vs.
Sechew Powell
IBF Junior Middleweight
Championship

Sechew Powell: “Cornelius Bundrage didn’t even arrive on time from Detroit to attend this press conference. I will show up on Saturday night to take his title back to Brooklyn.”

Cory Spinks
vs.
Shakir Ashanti
Super Welterweight
Attraction

Cory Spinks: “Thanks for coming out and listening to all us fighters talk trash. Cory Spinks is ready. Whoever this man is I’m fighting is in trouble on Saturday. I am so eager to get back in the ring. St. Louis will see I am ready to be a six-time world champion.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

World Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov Makes third title defense July 29 in Las Vegas

World Champion Beibut Shumenov defends title July 29 in Las Vegas‏. ‘Fire & Fury’ on Solo Boxeo Tecate show live at South Point Hotel Casino

KZ Event Productions announced today that World Boxing Association/International Boxing Association Light Heavyweight World Champion Beibut Shumenov will make his third title defense July 29, showcased on TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate show, live from South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

“Fire & Fury,” headlined by the WBA/IBA championship showdown between Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs) and challenger Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago, is being promoted by KZ Event Productions. Shumenov and his brother, Chingis, own and operate the Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions.

Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs), the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian who is now fighting out of Las Vegas, set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when he won (Jan. 10, 2010) a 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. Shumenov has successfully defended his WBA/IBA titles twice against No. 1 mandatory challenger Viacheslav Uzelkov (UDEC12) and three-time world champion William Joppy (KO6) last January in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in my adopted hometown, Las Vegas, where I won the world title,” Shumenov said. “I’ve lived in Las Vegas for a few years and I’ve wanted to defend my title belts here since I first won them. I have a lot of respect for my opponent, Danny Santiago, who has a lot of experience in big fights. In addition to my world title fight, we’ll also be showcasing world-class fighters, along with local Las Vegas favorites. This promotion will not only feature great boxing but Vegas-style entertainment, too.

“I’d like to thank Golden Boy, Don Chagrin, Guilty Boxing, TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo and our host venue, the beautiful South Point Hotel Casino. We’re all working together to make this a memorable night for everyone there and those fans watching on television.”

WBA #15 ranked Santiago (31-4-1, 19), fighting out of Ocala, Florida, is a two-time world title challenger. His signature victory was a fourth-round technical knockout of 30-1 Elvir Muriqi. Santiago was also featured on the third season of The Contender reality television series.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

CRUISERWEIGHT CONTENDER B.J. FLORES RETURNS HOME TO FACE NICK IANNUZZI ON JULY 23RD IN SPRINGFIELD, MO

INTERIM NABO AND NABA TITLES ON THE LINE THAT WILL HEADLINE A SPECIAL NIGHT OF BOXING AND MMA;

WORLD RANKED CRUISERWEIGHT B.J. FLORES FORMS DANGER BOY EVENTS PROMOTIONS THAT WILL DEBUT ON JULY 23RD IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI‏
Dangerboy events in association with Chavez promotions partners up with TJ Nobles to provide Missouri’s first hybrid MMA/professional boxing event!!

On Saturday night July 23rd, popular Cruiserweight B.J. Flores will return to his childhood home to take on tough Nick Iannuzzi for the Interim NABO and the NABA championship that will headline a hybrid card that will feature four Boxing and seven MMA bouts at the O’Reiley Center.

The shoe is promoted by Joe Kelly’s Titan Entertainment and Wes Slay Productions.

Flores, who now resides in Las Vegas has a record of 24-1-1 with fifteen wins coming by knockout will be making his fourth appearance in Springfield and first start since 2007 in his childhood home.

Iannuzzi of Tampa, Florida has a record of 16-2 with nine knockouts.

“I love fighting here and know this is the place where my roots were planted so its always exciting to come back here”, said Flores.

“"I am very much looking forward to getting back in the ring in front of my hometown Fans. This will be an exciting event with all the area’s best MMA fighters and 4 professional boxing matches! We are determined to bring a VERY high Quality show to Springfield Missouri."

“I have been STARVING to get back into the ring! Been training like a DOG! My last fight has simply made me more hungry and determined. I can’t wait to face another hi level opponent in this tyype of make or break fight. The winner of this fight takes a GIANT step forward and the Loser takes a GIANT step backwards!! "

In that last fight, Flores traveled across the globe only to put up a valiant effort in suffering his first professional loss to local icon Danny Green in Australia.

"The truth of the matter is, I have been waiting to get back into the ring because we were supposed to fight again in Australia and I had received countless emails and calls from them telling me of their desire to have me DOWN UNDER after the close fight with Danny Green. The people saw what they saw and for that reason Angelo Hyder and Danny wanted me back. It wasn’t until about 1 and half months ago that we found out they were moving in another direction. So I am now moving forward"

" I have a lot to learn and will be much better with keeping an active schedule and that is exactly what I plan to do. We have a great following in Missouri and I plan on fighting here every 3 months to keep me sharp and keep moving towards another title shot. Before my last fight I was off almost 16 months and you can never be at your best under those conditions. I will NOT let that happen again"!

“Nick Iannuzzi provides a great challenge. We had offered this fight to 8 different guys rated in the top ten in the US and ALL of them had turned it down except IANUZZI. This guy is coming off a very controversially loss to WBO #3 WBA #3 WBC #4 Lateef Kayode. Everyone saw the fight that night and EVERYONE except the three judges thought Iannuzzi had done enough to win the fight. He is tough and gritty and I thought he performed very well on SHOWTIME. Immediately after the fight I did a press release calling out L Kayode. However his camp responded by simply saying I am a racist and blah blah blah. Listen, I all want to do is fight! I don’t care where Lateef is from!! However, I will now look to the next best thing. Fighting the guy who all the SHOWTIME announcers had winning the fight. Nick Iannuzzi. I am looking forward to fighting for the NABO interim and NABA titles and gaining a rating with the WBO and WBA by facing a tough opponent. This fight will put me right back into position to fight another BIG fight! I am very UP for the challenge and looking forward to getting one step closer to another title shot"!

Flores is currently ranked #13 by the WBO and is a former NABA Super Cruiserweight; WBF Super Cruiserweight; USBA and NABO Cruiserweight champion

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

“The Big Brawl,” featuring exciting, unbeaten British heavyweights Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora and 6’ 9” Irish giant Tyson Fury, live July 23

The 12-round main event, pitting two hungry heavyweights with identical professional records, has world title shot implications down the road. Zimbabwe-native Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 12 by the World Boxing Organization, defends his BBB of C British and Commonwealth title against hot challenger Fury (14-0, 10 KOs).

The 27-year-old Chisora, fighting out of London, has twice had a scheduled WBO title fight cancelled against champion Wladimir Klitschko. “Del Boy,” who stands 6’ 1 ½” and weighed 244 ½ lbs. in his last fight, has twice stopped Sam Sexton, winner of “The Prizefighter Heavyweight Tournament,” as well as Mike Tyson-conqueror Danny Williams.

The current BBB of C English heavyweight title-holder, Fury is a proud, charismatic Irishman living in Cheshire, England, whose rapidly growing fan-base is spreading across the Atlantic to America. Named after “Iron” Mike Tyson, the World Boxing Council’s No 21-rated Fury is the cousin of world middleweight contender Andy Lee. In his last action this past February, the 261-pound Fury knocked out previously unbeaten Narcelo Luiz Nascimento (13-0) in the fifth round. Other notable United Kingdom heavyweights defeated by Tyson include John McDermott and Scott Belshaw. Fury, only 22, has dedicated his fight against Chisora to former world heavyweight title challenger and European champion, Sir Henry Cooper, who recently passed away.

Chisora only first step for hot heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury

Undefeated challenger Tyson Fury believes his July 23 showdown in “The Big Brawl” Pay-Per-View event against defending British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora, airing live from Wembley Arena in London, is merely the first step on his chosen journey

“The Big Brawl,” presented by Hennessy Sports, will be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, and Avail-TVN, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Check with your PPV provider for same day replay times.

The 22-year-old Fury (14-0, 10 KOs) will be challenging World Boxing Council (“WBC”) # 12 rated Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs) for his British and Commonwealth title belts in the 12-round main event. “This is a very, very important fight for me, especially having it shown live in the United States,” Fury said between training sessions. “We’re both 14-0 and don’t like each other at all. It’s a good match-up. I had to call him out recently because I was worried that he was going to pull out of our fight. All he’s been talking about is money. But my promoter, Mick Hennessy, is paying him more money for this fight than he’s made in his entire career. I’m really looking forward to July 23rd because, after I beat Chisora, the sky’s the limit for me. I’ll win the European title and then knockout one of the Klitschkos. I will be world champion.”

Fury is a 6’ 9,” 260-pound Irishman who was born in Manchester and lives in Cheshire, England, but as an amateur boxer he represented both England and Ireland because his father is from Galway and grandmother (on his mother’s side) hails from Belfast. His Irish Traveller family has a long history in boxing going back to bare-knuckles days. Named after “Iron” Mike Tyson, the WBC No 21-rated Fury is the cousin of world middleweight contender and former Irish Olympian, Andy Lee.

The personable, charismatic Fury believes Irish boxing fans in the U.S., naturally, are going to embrace him as he expands his market across the Atlantic. “Fighting on pay per view in the U.S. is good for me, particularly among the Irish over there,” Fury noted. “Once the Irish in the states watch me fight and get to know me, I’ll win them over and then I’ll go back over there to celebrate with them when I win the world title.”

Fury is deceiving, physically-speaking, largely because his obvious bulk defies his athleticism, which is a huge advantage for Tyson in the ring. “Boxers my size usually can’t move very well,” he explained. “I have good movement. My foot and hand speed is very good. I was blessed when God gave out talent. I’m in good shape now and will be in the best shape of my life for this fight. I’m a nice boxer with power. I’m going to use by height and range against (the 6’ 1 ½”) Chisora.”
EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Zab "Super" Judah Training Camp Quotes‏; Zab Judah vs Amir Khan July 23

Judah and Whitaker - Credits: Jayson Colon - FIGHTimages.com

Zab Judah: "When I went in against Matthysse, me and my team knew that I was going to beat him. Golden Boy thought I was going to be a stepping stone, so they sacrificed one of their pawns. Now they're going to come back and sacrifice one of their queens. It's check mate baby, you know it is!"

"I plan to be his (Amir Kahn's) worst nightmare. After this fight I plan on Team Kahn having a 62 hour watch on Amir Kahn. I plan on being the Freddie Cougar of his dreams. I plan on being Freddie Cougar to Freddie Roach. I'm pretty sure after this fight Freddie Roach would never put his golden boy and marquis fighter, which is Manny Pacquiao, against me in the ring."

Over the past five years, "I grew up a lot. It's not just about age, its maturity. It took me a little more time to figure things out. Now I am alive and alert and I have the great Pernell Whitaker in my corner. Having him in my corner exempts the whole Freddie Roach thing. Now I have not only a masterful trainer, but I have a masterful fighter too. Freddie Roach has a great game plan when it comes to boxing training, but as a fighter he wasn't that masterful. I have not only a masterful fighter but a great teacher, so I have the edge."

"Pernell Whitaker and Zab Judah is something like a movie. We started out together when he was still fighting and it turned out to be a great thing. We are now working side by side with each other. He's my right-hand man! He's pouring on all the great skills and accomplishments that he's done in his boxing career. It's phenomenal. He's good at what he does."

A win against Kahn would mean: "For the most part it unifies the division; it's a closer step to undisputed. I also think Amir Kahn is a good boxer. He has fast hands, decent power, but I think it's a sacrifice move what Golden Boy did here with Amir Kahn, and I think he (Kahn) will realize this once the bell rings."

"I'm from Brooklyn, I don't have problem taking the the long, hard, grinding road. I wasn't the golden boy. I wasn't the guy always in the light, the guy always first picked, but somehow I made my way back to the top with the thanks of Main Events and Super Judah Promotions. It says a lot to come out of the '96 team of great fighters, and to be one of about 2 of those fighters still standing on the championship level."

"Main Events has done a great job with me. It's a good feeling. I have a strong team. We're the underdogs going up against what they would call wolves, they do their jobs, I do my job, and we got a successful plan going on. I think we won't be stopped."

"July 23rd is about this: what can you bring as far as your skills; what can you bring as far as far your brains; what can you bring as far as your knowledge of boxing; what can you do inside that square ring; what do you do when you look across that ring and there's a hungry lion named Zab "Super" Judah looking you dead in the eye, anxious for the bell to go bing?' You either fold or you play cards. I'm going to play to win."

Kathy Duva: "Zab is being under-estimated. Everybody keeps talking about Zab being old, but he's not old and I don't know why people think he is. If you look at the top ten best pound for pound fighters in the world you'll find that the vast majority of them are older than Zab. He's experienced. He started professional boxing at an age much younger than most professional fighters. There's nothing wrong with experience. If you look at the history of boxing, generally the young talented fighters have run into a problem the first time they meet up with an experienced fighter in his prime. That's the real test. Lots of guys can come up and win titles, there are lots of titles that are available, but when you get in that first fight against that really experienced fighter, that's the real test. That's the test that Matthysse was not able to pass, and now Kahn is going to have to deal with the same thing. That's why we like this fight, that's why we like Amir Kahn as an opponent for Zab, because we believe that Zab is going to take him to school."

Khan vs. Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Super Judah Promotions and Kahn Promotions. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins 7/23 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Sergei "The White Wolf" Liakhovich vs.Robert "The Nordiac Nightmare" Helenius is on July 16 in Munich‏

SERGEI 'THE WHITE WOLF' LIAKHOVICH Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion & 1996 Olympian Liakhovich invites Helenius Into 'The White Wolf' Den July 16 in Munich

The delayed return of former world heavyweight champion and 1996 Bellarusian Olympian, Sergei "The White Wolf" Liakhovich is on July 16 as the Bellarusian Olympian takes on highly-touted, undefeated Robert "The Nordiac Nightmare" Helenius in Munich, Germany.

The 35-year-old Liakhovich (25-3, 16 KOs), rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Council, was supposed to be back in action April 9 in Newark after nearly a year-long absence, but an injury suffered in the final week of training camp forced him to withdraw. Instead of taking an easy tune-up, or sign a more lucrative deal offered by K2 Promotions, Liakhovich chose to make his Main Events debut against Helenius (15-0, 10 KOs), who is world rated among the top four governing bodies (WBO #2, IBF #3, WBA #8 and IBF (IBF #15), as well as No. 8 by The Ring. Helenius is a native of Norway but he lives and fights out of Germany.

"This is what being a true champion really is about," Liakhovich explained. "I believe you have to take risks to get greater results. Boxing is the best of all sports but its core is in earning respect as a fighter. I think you can accomplish that by taking risks. I had to do that in the past when I fought Dominick Quinn, who was America's top heavyweight hope at that time, and nobody gave me a chance when I went against Lamon Brewster. Both times taking risks paid off for me and this is not any different. My opponent is a good fighter. He proved that he deserves to be in the top 10 of the world by defeating Brewster and (Samuel) Peter. But he's never faced anybody with my skills.

"I was very disappointed I had to cancel my (April) fight, but I believe what happens is always for a reason, and sometimes things turn out the way you did not expect. I am glad I have this opportunity and I will take full advantage of it. I'm working again with trainer Kenny Weldon, who was in my corner when I won the WBO title, and doing things that I had stopped. We've also been working on a few new things to prepare for this fight. I think it's going to be a very good fight with two guys putting everything on the line."

Back in 2006, Liahkovich was on top of the boxing world having won a unanimous decision (117-110, 115-113, 115-112) against Brewster for the WBO crown, sporting a 23-1(13 KOs) pro record that included notable wins against world title contender Guinn and previously undefeated Friday Ahunanya. In his first world title defense, however, Liakhovich lost his belt to Shannon Briggs by way of a 12th round technical knockout with only one second remaining in the fight, in which Sergei led on all three judges' cards by scores of 106-103, 106-103 and 105-104.

After his fight against Briggs, Sergei was put on his old promoter's shelf and he has fought only three times since 2006, the last a ninth-round stoppage of Evans Quinn a year ago in Germany.

"I have to give a lot of credit to Sergei," Main Events CEO Kathy Duva commented. "From the moment he was offered the match with Helenius, he absolutely demanded that we make the fight. There are very few elite professional boxers who are willing to put everything on the line without a moment's hesitation, as Sergei did, and accept such a challenge. I believe that his experience and courage will carry the day on July 16th against such a strong opponent. Sergei is one of the most fan friendly fighters in boxing and we all look forward to a great match in Munich. We also look forward to bringing home the win!"

Liakhovich's Boston-based attorney and veteran boxing lawyer, Anthony Cardinale, got Sergei out of his last contract and negotiated his new deal with Main Events and the Helenius fight. "Sergei chose to take a fight that he could have easily avoided and made more money in a three-fight deal which was offered by K2 (two undercard bouts on the Wladimir Klitschko-David Haye and Vitali Klitschko-Tomasz Adamek cards followed by a guaranteed world title shot)," Atty. Cardinale noted. "His reasoning was a win against Helenius will make a world title fight considerably more valuable to him and his family than the deal offered by K2.

"If I were Helenius, I would be concerned because Sergei is getting into the ring a rested, top-conditioned, supremely motivated, championship caliber heavyweight with much more experience. This is not going to be a walk through like Helenius has had against out-of-shape, disinterested former champions just showing up for paydays. He is about to enter a hungry wolf's den and he won't come out undefeated."

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

GA Boxing Championship Bouts Announced (July 15th at The Buckhead Theatre) Jaidon Codrington; “Notorious” Nicole Woods ‏

Super middleweight Jaidon Codrington (20-2, 16 KOs) will face Alvaro Enriquez (11-8-2, 3 KOs) on July 15 at the Buckhead Theater in Atlanta. Codrington lost to Sakio Bika in the finals of the TV reality series “The Contender” in what many called the fight of the year for 2007. Now working for the Atlanta Police Dept., he has only fought twice since against marginal opposition. Also on the card is a clash of former IBF title challengers as Paul Delgado (25-10-1) meets Osrael “Pito” Cardona.

Local female boxer “Notorious” Nicole Woods seeks glory in the ring as she pursues a world title. Already a hero as firefighter, Woods will be featured in the Georgia Boxing Championship card on July 15th at the Buckhead Theater.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Undefeated Anthony Dirrell will take on former NABC champion Michi Munoz for the vacant Universal Boxing Organization™ Inter-Continental Super Middlew

UBO Inter-Continental Super Middleweight Title Fight, Anthony Dirrell vs. Michi Munoz July 2, 2011 in Flint, Michigan.

Anthony Dirrell Training Camp Videos
http://www.uboboxing.com/articles/article144.htm

Taking place during Fourth of July weekend, the event is billed “Fights & Fireworks”, and will be promoted by Leon Lawson Jr. of Dirrell Promotions.

Dirrell (21-0, 18 KOs) turned professional in 2005, and in his most recent fight scored a third round victory over journeyman Alberto Mercedes in May at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California. This will be his first crack at a championship in the paid ranks.

Having fought somewhat in the shadow of his more famous brother, Olympic Bronze medalist and Super Six Star Andre Dirrell, Anthony will be looking to make a breakthrough for himself in front of a hometown crowd. And the fact that the title fight is now confirmed makes the 26-year-old feel comfortable:

"It feels good because now I can work on certain stuff," Dirrell told the Flint Journal recently. "I'll probably find some stuff on the internet and just see how he works and it just feels good to know that it's finally set in stone and I can finally concentrate on one thing."

Michi “El Matador” Munoz (23-6, 16 KOs) is coming off a second round victory over Mike McGuire in February. The Kansas boxer has mixed with some big names, and his professional losses came against Vanes Martirosyan, John Duddy, Joey Gilbert, Carson Jones, Noe Gonzalez and Bronco McKart in a UBO title fight last October.

Indeed an impressive list of top-class operators with a total 152-19-2 record between them!

"We're just excited that we got the right guy for Anthony to give the fans an exciting fight," Dirrell's uncle and fight promoter, Leon Lawson Jr. said. "We wanted to pick the right opponent, we wanted it to be exciting for Flint and this guy right here is a tough opponent".

The undercard will include the return of lightweight Wes Ferguson, another native of Flint, and former IBO World Cruiserweight Champion and current NABF Heavyweight Champion Jonathon Banks from Detroit.


EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Feel the burn CES kicks off warm-weather season with hottest show of the year

Summertime boxing is about to hit record-setting temperatures as Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports unleashes its latest major-league fight card in the state of Connecticut.

Red-hot New Haven super middleweight Elvin Ayala (23-5-1, 11 KOs), a perfect 3-0 in 2011, and undefeated Polish heavyweight Mariusz Wach (24-0, 12 KOs), now fighting out of Bergen, N.J., return to the ring Friday, July 29, 2011 for “Heat Wave” at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville.

Ayala will star in the main event of “Heat Wave” as he searches for his fourth consecutive victory since his loss to David Lemieux in June of 2010. Since signing with CES, Ayala is 3-0 this year with back-to-back knockout victories over Joe Gardner (April 1) and George Armenta (May 6). Ayala’s bout on July 29 will be his first at Mohegan Sun since he defeated Mustafah Johnson by unanimous decision on Feb. 4, the first of Ayala’s three consecutive wins.

The new year has provided a welcomed change for Ayala both in and outside the ring. Upon signing with CES, the former world-title challenger also joined forces with a new management team and has since hired Peter Manfredo Sr. – the father of former International Boxing Organization (IBO) middleweight champion and “The Contender” reality television star Peter Manfredo Jr. – as his head trainer. Manfredo’s tutelage paid dividends on May 6 as a sharper, stronger Ayala stopped Armenta in four rounds.

For Wach, a native of Krakow, Poland, July 29 will be his Mohegan Sun debut and just his seventh fight in the United States. The 6-foot-7 “Polish Giant” recently signed a multi-year promotional agreement with CES in conjunction with New Jersey-based Global Boxing Promotions and will star in the 10-round co-feature of “Heat Wave.”

An alternate on Poland’s 2004 Olympic boxing team, Wach possesses the overwhelming size and knockout power to become a serious contender amongst the Klitschko brothers; current International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO) and IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko enters his July 2 showdown against David Haye with a 55-3 record and 49 knockouts, while his brother, defending World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Vitali Klitschko is 42-2 with 39 knockouts.

Wach hasn’t fought since Feb. 19 in Newark, N.J., when he knocked out Jonathan Haggler in the third round to capture the WBC Baltic heavyweight title. Among Wach’s other notable wins are a fourth-round knockout win over Galen Brown on Nov. 12, 2010 in Lincoln, R.I., and a seventh-round TKO win over Eric Boose in July of 2008 on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.

“Ayala and Wach provide the star power befitting of a summertime show of this caliber,” Burchfield said. “Elvin is as steady as they come. Now that he finally has the right people in his corner, there’s no doubt we will bring him back to the top of his division, and this next fight will be a step in the right direction. This is a fighter who gave Arthur Abraham everything he could handle and has been more than willing to compete with any fighter at any given time. He has a superior management team, a veteran trainer and a world-class promoter on his side. The sky’s the limit.

“We’re equally excited about Mariusz. The heavyweight division has been thirsting for new blood for quite some time, and in order to compete with the big dogs in this elite weight class, you need power. The Klitschko brothers have combined for 88 knockouts. That’s the same kind of power Mariusz has in his arsenal, and I can’t wait to watch him put it to use on July 29.

“With Elvin and Mariusz at the top of what will be another star-studded lineup next month, this is a rare opportunity to catch two future champions on the same night.”

“Heat Wave” will also feature the return of CES’ next generation of rising stars, including recently-signed Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (3-0, 3 KOs), who will put his perfect record on the line. New Haven’s best and brightest are also returning to action, most notably middleweight Ricky Dawson (4-0, 1 KO), super middleweight Greg McCoy (2-3, 1 KO) and welterweight Edwin Soto (6-0-1, 2 KOs) each fighting in separate four-round bouts. More details are soon to follow. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

BRANDON RIOS vs. URBANO ANTILLON, Saturday, July 9, at The Home Depot Center Live on SHOWTIME®

Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion “Bam Bam” Brandon Rios and two-time world title challenger and Top-Five-rated contender Urbano Antillon spent more time talking to each other than members of the media on Tuesday, but it didn’t seem to bother anyone attending the kickoff press conference for the July 9 showdown at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and televised LIVE on SHOWTIME®, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.)

Just moments after being seated on the dais – and about five feet apart – at the downtown Wilshire Grand Hotel, Rios and Antillon started in on each other, and didn’t stop until Antillon was about to leave the building with Rios shouting at him to, “Get out of my life and get out of this hotel!”

Rios (27-0-1, 19 KOs) said after the contentious and emotionally charged press conference that Antillon (28-2, 20 KOs) got personal and he didn’t like it one bit. “I’m a clown and I joke around a lot but this guy really gets under my skin and it’s not going to affect me in the ring,” he said. “If anything, it’s going to help me. He’s opening his big (expletive) mouth and talking about my wife. You don’t mention my family. I didn’t talk about his family.

“He made it personal. He named my wife and brought my family into it. And now he’s going to pay.”

Both Southern California fighters – Rios is from the north of L.A. in Oxnard and Antillon just a bit to the south in Maywood -- had to be separated at the podium after their faceoff photos, which led Top Rank President and CEO Bob Arum to say, “Remember, you don’t get paid to fight outside of the ring. I’m getting out of here but just remember I only pay for fights inside the ring.”

The co-main event will feature former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion Kermit Cintron and Carlos Molina in a 10-round junior middleweight fight.

Rios and Antillon were supposed to have met 13 months ago before a Rios injury halted the fight.

Also introduced at the press conference was three-time University of Notre Dame champion Mike Lee and Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta, an unbeaten lightweight from the Philippines who will make his promotional debut with Top Rank on July 9.

“I don’t Like Anything About You!” – Brandon Rios

“On July 9, Maywood Is Going to Be Champion.” – Urbano Antillon

Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank

Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved