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Saturday, September 17, 2011

"STAR POWER" Mayweather vs. Ortiz

STAR POWER" is a mega-event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 from two world-class cities with three world titles at stake. Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz will face off in a 12-round fight for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Title from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will do battle in a 12-round fight for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Title from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Also live in Las Vegas, will be Erik Morales vs. Lucas Matthysse in a 12 round fight for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and an opening fight featuring undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas against top contender Josesito Lopez. The mega event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. Alvarez vs. Gomez is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Morales vs. Matthysse is presented in association with Box Latino Promotions and Arano Box Promotions.HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT / 5:00am BST (Sunday morning September 18).


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Friday, September 16, 2011

FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & MP3‏ 9/12/11 Reply ▼ Eddie Goldman


Leonard Ellerbe

Thanks, Richard. I'd like to thank everyone for coming on the call. We've had a great training camp. This has been probably our best training camp thus far. Floyd is working extremely hard for September 17, and even though he's working hard, he's found a way to also give back during this time. An example-last Friday, he Skyped with the troops in Afghanistan over, I guess it was around 2:00 a.m. and the reason why he did it was because he felt it was very important to be able to communicate with the troops and let them know how much he really appreciates what they've done for the country. He stayed on the phone with them, I think, it was over two hours.

During this time, he was able to give them a behind-the-scenes look at everything that he has going on in his life. For example, how he lives, all the wonderful things-like his cars and things of that nature, so it gave them a different perspective of actually to feel a part of what he has going on in his life.

Yesterday was a big day for us. We opened up the media to his Media Day, and during that time, we had the live stream on Ustream, and there were over 88,000 people that tuned in to watch Floyd have a great, great training session. It was an unbelievable turnout with the media we had on hand, and it was a truly, truly great workout. Without further ado, the six-time world champion in five different weight classes, none other than the biggest star in the sport, "Money" Mayweather.

Floyd Mayweather

First off, thank the media. Thank HBO. I thank my staff. Thank all the sponsors, Richard Schaefer-they call it Golden Boy Promotions, but I prefer to call it Richard Schaefer Promotion because he's done a hell of a job. Richard Schaefer is a great guy. I mean, Al Haymon, of course, I take my hat off to you every time. Kelly Swanson, thank you-you've been with me so many years. Leonard Ellerbe, you know, we've been through a lot but we're still going strong. We have a strong team, and nothing can stop us.

The media-what else can I say? You guys have helped us-helped not just Mayweather Promotions, but Golden Boy Promotions over the years go to the next level, and I'm very, very thankful for that. Come September 17, I want to go out there and put on another pleasing performance, and I'm pretty sure that Ortiz-I want to thank the Ortiz camp for participating in the promotions. They've done a hell of a job, but, like I said, you've got 24/7 coming on this Saturday once again, and I think they've got to come up with a different scheme.

I know the public is tired of hearing the same story over and over again, so I think they will come up with something creative this weekend. I just want to thank everybody on the line. Thanks for calling in. We can get to the questions now.

Q

Floyd, I would like you to, if you could, tell me about when you attended the Andre Berto/Victor Ortiz fight in April. I know you were there ringside. I just would like you, if you could, tell me what you saw in that fight. Were you looking at the moment-you were there to, I guess, enjoy the fight also, but were you thinking about I might want to fight the winner or did that sort of just come to you as the fight was progressing, or was that not part of it? And, if so, what did you see in Victor in that fight that made you decide, "you know what, this is a guy that I want to get an opportunity to fight?"

F. Mayweather

Just going to the fight, I didn't have any plans. I had plans of going to 50 Cent's house-I was going to his house in Connecticut. Come to find out, he only lived an hour away from the casino where the fight was being held. We just went normally as-just wanted to go see a fight. I don't really go to boxing like that, so I sat down and enjoyed the fight from the beginning. As soon as I walked in, the fight was interesting. I thought both guys were very impressive.

Victor Ortiz was the better man that night. I didn't have any plans. When I left, I was like man, I mean I thought in my head, "This guy-me and him get it on-it'd be an exciting fight." I was happy that the guy won a title, and then I thought when I spoke to him after the Marquez fight, he came over to me and he said some pretty generous words-some respectful words-and I said, "Don't worry. I know you had a setback before, but a true champion can take a loss and bounce back. Don't worry, you will be champion." And then, two fights later and now we're facing each other. Things happen like that in the sport of boxing.

Q

So was it really in your mind when you walked into the arena that I'm going to scout the fight as some type-

F. Mayweather

No, I wasn't scouting. I was going there just to watch. I wasn't scouting an opponent. I was going there just as a spectator just to watch the fight.

Q

Okay. I just want to ask you one other question. We all know about Floyd Mayweather's boxing skills. Obviously, that's been well documented. I wonder, would it be important for you or would you like to get a knock-out? Because it's been awhile.

F. Mayweather

It's not really that. It's just that these fighters go into survival mode. Once they're down on the scorecard or once they feel they have no chance of winning, they go into survival mode. Mosley did the same thing. Marquez did the same thing. These guys go into survival mode. Hatton was a little different. Hatton came to fight, and so, I get knock-outs if a guy comes to fight and put it all on the line, but once you get to the pinnacle, you get to Floyd Mayweather-you get to elite level, the guys-they go into survival mode.

Q

I wanted to ask you. You recently were engaged, so can you kind of talk about that and how that's changed you as both a fighter and a man and does that give you extra motivation heading into this fight on September 17?

F. Mayweather

No. It's just that with going through everything, it's always good to have a strong lady behind you-a strong person period, whether it's a best friend or a female friend. She has stuck behind me through it all and never judged me. She just said we live and we learn and no matter what it is-rich or poor, through it all I'll be here for you. That's why she's-I mean she's very important in my life.

Q

Can you also talk about the extremely long lay-offs? This is 16 months. So, is it a little bit more difficult for you to get back into the gym and get back into fighting mode and just stay sharp, or do you kind of train during these 16 months that you're down?

F. Mayweather

Well, I just try to be responsible and have discipline as a fighter, you know. Maintain my weight-I keep my weight between 147 and 150 even when I'm off. A lot of times people say is it what you eat-no, it's how much you eat. I don't overindulge myself in just food. I don't overindulge myself with eating. If it's something that I like to eat then I'm gonna eat it, but I'm not just going to pig out.

I work out. I love to play basketball a lot-even when I'm off. I'll be off because it takes-even if I fought two times a year, it takes six months to build the fight of this magnitude-to build up before it can be a huge blockbuster in pay-per-view. It has to be the right opponent. We have to have the right game plan.

Q

My last question following off of that is do you believe in the concept of ring rust when people bring that up?

F. Mayweather

Well, I haven't showed it thus far, so everybody's entitled to say certain things, but I just try to focus on going out there and doing my job.

Q

Hey, Floyd, it still seems to me that there are people out there, whether it be fans or promoters or other fighters who don't seem to understand just how terrific of a boxer you have been over the past 16 years and just how good you are. Does it bother you that there is still some doubt? It seems amazing that there can still be doubters at this point, but there are. Does that bother you and do you care?

F. Mayweather

Well, you got to realize that certain individuals call themselves boxing experts. I mean, I feel like what better fighter-if you wanted to patent your fighter or patent a style, what better fighter to use than Floyd Mayweather. That's not bragging or boasting. It's just I feel I have the remedy to know how to win, whether it goes the distance or a knockout. The main thing about life is winning in life. Who doesn't want to be-every reporter on this phone should think they are the best. If not, hopefully someday, they'll be looking to be the best.

So, it's more like you hear about all these-you got all these new guys that's around now, right. And then you say it's obvious Floyd must have been doing something right thus far because you have no fighters left from the '96 Olympic team, no fighters left from the 2000, no fighters left from the 2004-even from 2008. So you have to ask yourself where did these guys go?

I've been dominating the fight game since Victor Ortiz was nine years old until now and I'm still sharp. So, like I said before, I have to thank you for the compliment because, like I said, reporters like you keep me striving and keep me working hard and keep me in the sport.

Q

One last thing, Floyd. How important is it to you in your heart and perhaps for your legacy that you retire undefeated?

F. Mayweather

I feel like anybody-I mean anything can happen any given night. Anything can happen any given Saturday. Anything can happen, but, like I always said, if a fighter beats me, I want him to do it the fair and honest way because I've done it the fair and honest way for 16 years. No matter how much Floyd brags or boasts, no matter how much he talks about his money, when it's all said and done, I'm fair. I'm fair. So, I just want to be-the only thing I want to do-I want to be treated fair. That's all I ask.

Q

You talked earlier about guys who come to knock you out. You do the best against them. I was looking over a list of fights that I thought were among your top five best, and I wanted to know A) if those would jive with yours and B) if they would, in fact, be among your most rewarding. Three of them were Hernandez, Corrales and Hatton and against those guys, like you said, you ended up getting a knockout and they seemed to come to fight. Is that consistent with your thinking?

F. Mayweather

Exactly-because Hernandez is where it all started. With Hatton, it's just that I beat him when he was undefeated. And I beat Corrales when he was undefeated. I beat both guys when they were at the top of their games, and, of course, both guys-Corrales and Hatton-were both younger than me, once again, for those that don't know. At one particular time I felt disrespected when the Hatton fans came over here and kind of booed the National Anthem. That made me want to fight that much harder for my country, but, of course, things happen, and Genaro Hernandez gave me my first opportunity when I was ranked No. 8-the World Champion gave me my opportunity, so I have to be thankful for that.

What was so crazy was last night I was just laying on a sofa in my hotel room changing the channel and I said "Let me go through some of the numbers in my phone." Genaro Hernandez-I went to the Gs, and Genaro Hernandez was the first name that I seen. My eyes got kind of watery because I was like, "Man, it all started with him." I told him "Anything I could do to help you while you were in that situation, let me know." I don't care what it is and then a few months later he passes away.

You think about certain things like that or you think about Corrales-he put everything on the line to face me and to fight his heart out. It hurt him deep inside so he was mentally never right and then he got to drinking and then he got into a bad accident. What was so crazy is that he crashed right by my sister's house, so you think about certain things like that or you think of Arturo Gatti, you think about different fights like that. At the end of the day, it's like everybody that I face, they've got families, they have children, and so, you know, I think about things like that.

But first, when you were talking about rating the fights-yes, Genaro Hernandez gave me my first chance when I was at 130. The biggest fight at that particular time was Diego Corrales. We both were young, undefeated, and with the Hatton fight, once again, I moved up in weight class. I was at 147. He was moving up. He had beaten everybody that they had put in front of him and I had to go out and represent the red, white, and blue like I always do.

Q

Last question for you is what did those three fights, given the nature of each of the situations that you described, what did they bring out in you because you stood your ground-your marksmanship was especially there against Hatton. What did they bring out of you? What did they have in common?

F. Mayweather

They came to fight. Like Genaro Hernandez came to fight. We were banging toe to toe, and I think he approached it like the best man was going to have to win. That's how he approached it, and Hatton always, you know, approached fights like "I'm coming to win. Either you're going to get me or I'm going to get you." I think that even like after Hatton faced me, I don't think he was never the same and same thing with Corrales. He was never the same once he faced me.

Q

I have to figure that Victor Ortiz can't beat you skill versus skill. A lot of people say that the only way that maybe he can beat you is if you're age shows-if maybe you've deteriorated a little bit. I mean, you're 34. It happens to the best of us. I'm wondering if you've felt any drop off, any-

F. Mayweather

Excuse, wait, wait. You said it happens to the best of us. I think you're still writing this story, right?

Q

Yeah.

F. Mayweather

Okay.

Q

I'm just a writer.

F. Mayweather

Okay, well you said it happens to the best of us, so I've got to make sure we're on the same page.

Q

No-you're better than I am.

F. Mayweather

I'm not. No, no. We're both good. I'm just joking. I know what you mean.

Q

Yes. Have you noticed anything? Have you noticed any drop-off-maybe it takes longer to shake it out and get the muscles ready the next day? Have you noticed anything?

F. Mayweather

Well, if, hopefully, you know, a lot of people that weren't at my boxing gym yesterday were able to tune in on Ustream. They say I'm still looking sharp. They say I'm still looking young. When I say they, as far as the media and everybody that showed up yesterday, so I still feel strong when I get to the gym. Once I get started-because I'm a little different from any other fighter. I don't go to the gym. I don't shadow box. Other fighters shadow box. When I get to the gym, I just put my wraps on and get right in the ring and start sparring. So, I'm a little different from any other fighter.

Of course, I run at 3 or 4 in the morning, and, like I said, I don't think as far as me deteriorating or losing skills-I think I'm still very, very sharp-still strong. The reason why is because I don't think I've been in any just like toe-to-toe wars. I think when a fighter's in a toe-to-toe war-a lot of wars-it's wear and tear on the body, and I haven't taken no abuse, so I thank God for blessing me with this great defense.

Q

I think your defense is the best in the game and among the best of all time. I don't always write complimentary stuff about you, but I always do appreciate that you're in this sport-you're a fascinating character, so credit where credit is due. Last question is at the Manny Pacquiao press conference yesterday-him and Freddie Roach both say they think you are preparing to fight them because you're fighting Victor Ortiz, another lefty. I'd like your response to that, please.

F. Mayweather

Like I said before, on one note, they try and take me to the court room, right? I prefer to hold court inside the square circle. America is the country that I live in, and I'm all about being fair. I just truly believe if you the best-take the test, but a lot of times, like I said before, on one note, Freddie Roach, and I guess, Team Pacquiao don't want me to speak on them at all-don't want me to say anything about them at all.

So, I'm wondering why are you guys so worried about-if you had a Marquez press conference, why is Floyd Mayweather's name coming up if you feel like you're on the same level as a Floyd Mayweather. That's all I'm saying. Of course, like I said before, as long as he's attached to my name, he's going to make great pay days. As long as he can keep fighting Floyd Mayweather's leftovers or fighting the fighters that's already beaten-the media really has to pay attention to this.

They say Shane Mosley-they say Shane Mosley looked the best when he beat Antonio Margarito. His next fight was against Floyd Mayweather. I'm only fighting when he said that was his best performance, so his next fight was against me. So I beat Mosley then-you know what, he fights and gets a draw.

Like I said before, fighters are never the same once they face me. So after he fights Floyd Mayweather, he has a draw on his next fight, he fights Pacquiao, right. Once again, I beat him first. Okay. Antonio Margarito-after he gets beat by Mosley then, Pacquiao fights Margarito. Margarito beats-he cheats and beats Miguel Cotto and then that's when Pacquiao says I want to fight Cotto.

I beat Hatton when he was undefeated and then fights Hatton after I already beat him when he's no longer the same. So, Marquez called me out-now, once again, I took the Marquez fight. This is the guy that they had rated No. 2 ... I took two years off. Now they say that Floyd Mayweather, you know what, Floyd Mayweather is too big for Marquez but he's not too big for Pacquiao, but they are the same size.

A guy can come from-it's okay for him to go from 105 to 154 and say-and he gets a knock out and they say, you know what, it's all natural. If I went from 147 to heavyweight and was knocking down heavyweights, would that be all natural? That's what you got to ask yourself at the end of the day. Like I said before, I never accused anybody of doing anything. It's obvious that you must be hiding something if I say I'm the best-you say you're the best, so we fighting for the best belts. We fighting for the best titles. We fight in the best city in the world. We fight in the best country in the world. So why not have the best testing? That's all I ask.

The thing is I'm not just picking on one guy. Everybody that I face has to take the test because I'm saying this sport is a little different from how it used to be. It's tainted. So that's all I'm saying. Once again, the guys say, you know, I'm suing Mayweather for saying that I done this or done that. But you're still attaching your name to me. Y'all still speaking on me. Y'all speaking on me but y'all saying y'all don't want me speaking on you guys at all.


Q

Do you want Pacquiao next after Ortiz? Are you any closer?

F. Mayweather

It's like this. I said what I said about-I spoke on the situation enough. I spoke on the situation enough. There's no need for me to even speak on it because it's useless. If the guy wanted to fight, he could have been had the fight. Y'all know this. Why is it now all of a sudden I've been dominating the game? What was the guy in '97? What was the guy in '98? When LeBron James was playing basketball in high school, they said this kid is going to be a superstar. When Kobe Bryant was playing basketball in high school, you said this kid is going to be a superstar. Same thing goes for Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and every other athlete.

It's no different for me-me coming straight from the Olympics or Sugar Ray Leonard. Sugar Ray Leonard going to be a star. Same thing with Ali, same thing for Floyd Mayweather. All of a sudden an athlete is at 25 and just become good. Come on, man, let's make this make sense now. Some of us were born at night but not last night. Some were born in the day but not yesterday. Let's make this make sense now. And like I always said, my health is more important than money.

Q

Hey, listen, and this is not a criticism, but you have, probably of any fighter with the exception of maybe Manny Pacquiao, you've had more distractions between living in Vegas, living and training in Vegas. You've had some legal problems. Your trainers had health and legal problems. How do you put all the trouble behind you and just concentrate on fighting? It's got to be difficult.

F. Mayweather

Things happen in life. It's a roller coaster ride. You go through certain obstacles in life. That's what life is. Life is ups and downs. As long as I got a guy like Al Haymon, you know, in my corner. I got a guy like Al Haymon in my corner and a strong team, I just feel that no one can stop me. You know, everything happens for a certain reason. There are certain obstacles that are put in front of you with every situation that you're speaking on-that we're talking about right now.

Like I said before, everything is just common sense. It's like you never-as far as the Josie Harris situation. She said she got, if I'm not mistaken, she said she got stomped-punched, stomped, and beaten, but we have yet to see photos. And, it's no different from, like, she said okay, everybody knows where the highest child support-where we can get the most money for child support at is California. So where do you think she live at? Where do you think she lives now? California.

So when me and her were getting along and we were on good terms, she was living in Vegas. If she doesn't get what she wants, she says, "Okay, I'm going to California. If I can't get what I want, basically the system will make you give me what I want." So things happen like that. That's different between restraining somebody and holding somebody and saying relax. You're under the influence of prescription drugs. It could be prescription drugs, marijuana, and alcohol. You're saying you're not 100 percent coherent. Relax. Or just like the situation with the gate-my gate situation.

Anytime I come in the gate, they bother me. They follow me in the gate. They bother my guests, and I guess, you know, because I'm in a contact sport, so I know how the body can bruise. So when the guy said, "Okay, I'll poke him in the face." All of a sudden he got a red mark on his face. I mean, it's just crazy that when have-I've never known anyone to touch-to put their hands on a person with a gun on their waist. So things like this don't make sense.

Everybody that's on the phone listening right now-you go back to this attitude to fight. Go right back to this attitude to fight. When the chaos broke out-when everybody was going wild, I handled myself like a gentleman. I went right to the news corner and stood right there. When it stopped, I went back to work.

Q

So, are you saying that you believe people are out to get you, then?

F. Mayweather

I believe that things happen for certain reasons. I just broke it down to you-some of the situations, basically, that is going on. One of the situations that I'm with was a guy-basically a disgruntled employee. A guy that was with me who was a former drug dealer, confidential informant who, I guess, he told on numerous, numerous people. He ratted out numerous people, so he had bad blood. I told him I didn't want that around me. So all of a sudden, he has a problem-I'm out skating and he has a problem and says you know what, it's Floyd. But out skating with my family, but he says that I guess shots were fired from a Rolls Royce, and, you know, I had my children with me. These are things they say are going on.

Q

Does that stuff-that constant cloud of stuff around you-bother you at all? When you go into the ring, do you go in with a clear head?

F. Mayweather

When I go in, I don't focus on anything. I keep a clear head. I don't focus on nothing. My mentality going into the ring is it's going to be what it's going to be.

Q

One more question, Floyd. When you go in against Victor Ortiz, you're going to see two things that you probably haven't seen since Zab Judah and that would be a fighter in his prime, probably younger than Zab was, certainly, at that time, and also a southpaw. Are you prepared for that?

F. Mayweather

This has been the longest training camp thus far because we wanted to make sure that we was ready all around the board for a guy that's 10 years younger, strong, and got good speed. So we will be ready and that's why we held training a lot longer this fight.

Q

I think part of your ring genius is that you're able to just sort of take away what guys want to do and it just sort of limits their options offensively when they're in there.

F. Mayweather

We can call you a boxing expert.

Q

I don't know if I want to be called a boxing expert because that gets you in a lot of trouble, but that's just sort of the things from watching you over the years that I've noticed that you're able to take away what guys try to do. It seems awfully frustrating for them. I'm wondering, just from your perspective, when you do that, do you get a sense that, you know, that the fight is in your hands and at what point do you get a sense that that's happening-when you start taking away things from guys?

F. Mayweather

Like in the Mosley fight, for instance, the first round when we locked up, my mind-instantly-he a beat fighter. He's a beat fighter. I was too strong, too strong. Like, I could move him around with just my left arm, so I felt-no matter if he caught me with a big shot or not, mentally I said he's a beat fighter. And that's what I do going into a fight. Whatever a guy has that is his strongest point about him-whatever his strongest point is as a fighter-what we do is we believe in taking that away. And then what we do is we truly believe in breaking the guy down. If we see an opportunity to go for the kill, that's what we'll do.

But this fight, he's looking for the knockout, and I'm looking for the knockout, so I can guarantee you guys it won't go the distance. I can guarantee you.

Q

Now in this particular fight, you said that you're going in looking for the knockout. Does that mean that you're going to be more aggressive in terms of taking the fight to him?

F. Mayweather

Absolutely. Right from the gate I'm aggressive. No different from the Mosley fight. Even when I got hit with the big shot, yeah, I held on, but I kept coming. So, yes, for this fight, I'm coming straight ahead.

Q

Yeah. People get a sense that he may be the bigger guy, but you've been fighting in welterweight probably a little bit longer than he has, do you get a sense that this is the weight class that you belong at-that you're best at 147, even better than you were maybe at 130 or 135?

F. Mayweather

I think that these fighters are not disciplined. Just because a guy can put on just a bunch of water weight or stuff a bunch of food-you know, take a bunch of food down and be heavy-I don't think that's cool at all. I think it's about being responsible and having discipline. Me, myself, I just maintain my weight.

It's not that-see, right now, even with 10 days away, I know how fighters are. He's still probably 13 pounds over. He's probably weighing 160, right now or 157. It's hard to box at your fighting weight and be down. Like, right now, I weight 147-147/148. I can box a strong 12 rounds at 147/148. So even like for the De La Hoya fight, I went into the fight. I weighed 150 the day before, but when I got to the ring the next day, I weighed 148. I went into the ring weighing 148. And he weighed probably 168. So the weight really doesn't play a factor. It's really the skill because sometime the weight can put you into slug mode to where you can't really move and do the things that you're capable of doing.

Q

Just a final part of that question-do you think that you're a better fighter at 147?

F. Mayweather

Oh, yeah. I'm sorry.

Q

Do you feel like you're a better fighter at 147 than you were as a lightweight at 130/135?

F. Mayweather

I'm more comfortable at 147 because I'm able to work hard and eat whatever I want to eat. Like I can eat, I'm saying because I like to be comfortable. If some days, my chef don't cook, if I want to go out for pizza with my daughter, I want to eat pizza because I feel that I'm putting-I don't think-you know some fighters think like, oh, if I don't eat healthy, I'm going to lose. That don't have nothing to do with it. My skills are still going to be the same. I'm still able to go 12 rounds strong. But I think at 147-I'm more comfortable at 147 than I was at 130. Now am I a better fighter? Probably so at 147.

Q

You haven't fought many left-handed fighters. Some of the few that you have-DeMarcus Corley and Zab Judah-have given you a little bit of trouble. How do you plan to deal with Ortiz, him being a southpaw with power?

F. Mayweather

Okay, Mosley hit me with a good shot. I mean Mosley hit me with a good shot and he was orthodox. So it's not really that. It's just, you know, the southpaws I happened to face happened to be good punchers, and at that time when I fought DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, he was, of course, not now but then he was a strong, young, solid puncher-big puncher-who hit me with a good shot. We was fighting toe-to-toe. So those things happen-no different from Zab. Zab hit me with a good shot, but when it's all said and done at the end of the day, I always rose to the occasion and came out on top.

Q

So there's nothing about the stance in general that you find awkward or troublesome?

F. Mayweather

No, not at all. Not at all. Because I have, like I said before, I had good-very, very good work for this fight - very good work. Sechew Powell, Kassim Ouma, Deandre Latimore, and so those are the guys that's been pushing me to the limit every day. You know, boxing 10 and 12 hours on a regular, so I feel good.

Q

What advice would you give Floyd Mayweather to beat Floyd Mayweather?

F. Mayweather

That's a good question. I don't know. You mean you got different weight classes. You got a Mayweather from 130. You got Mayweather from 135, 140, 147. You have Mayweather at 154, so-

Q

The actual Mayweather.


F. Mayweather

I don't know. That's a good question. I don't know.

Q

Are you invincible, do you think?


F. Mayweather

Anybody can, I mean, anything can happen any given Saturday. I just try to prepare-I prepare myself. I always keep my fingers crossed. The only thing I can do is hope for the best and try to stay positive. Anything someone says negative I try to turn into a positive. I got respect for every fighter that's in the fight game, but when I'm facing an opponent-this is a hurt business. I'm in it to do a job, and I've got to be at my best when I go in there to do my job.

Q

You've talked a couple of times about moving to the UK, but you that you worry that you won't look as rich as you do in the U.S. once you change those dollars over to pounds.

F. Mayweather

I don't think that, you know, I don't think a few hundred million-it will still look good over there, I think.

Q

Is there any part of you that feels sorry for Ricky Hatton because he's recently retired?

F. Mayweather

I mean I take my hat off to Ricky Hatton-true warrior, true champion. I think that we had one hell of a fight when we did face each other. Whatever he's doing now I wish him nothing but the best and him and his family nothing but the best. I mean, the only thing he can do is keep his fingers crossed and hopefully he can go to the Hall of Fame one day.

Q

Okay. And Freddie Roach has said that he can beat you with both Pacquiao and Amir Khan. We were wondering, for you, which one is a proposition?

F. Mayweather

Like I said before, I already spoke on those situations-Amir Khan , once he faces the future of boxing, which is Jessie Vargas, my fighter, Amir Khan has a fight with Floyd Mayweather, but he must face Jessie Vargas first. You must earn-you've got to earn it. He just fought Zab Judah that I fought six years ago, so you know, don't fight Zab Judah-I fought a young, strong, hungry Zab, and he fought a Zab that's older-that's a lot older, but we want Amir Kahn to fight Jesse Vargas. We're looking for that fight. If Amir Khan gets past Jesse Vargas, then Amir Kahn has a fight with Floyd Mayweather.

And as far as Manny Pacquiao we said what we had to say about that in the beginning on the phone and there's nothing else to be said about the situation. If you're the best, take the test, and we leave it at that.

Q

If you could pick a fantasy ring girl, any girl in the world, who would you pick?

F. Mayweather

I already got my girl.

Q

Would she be a ring girl, Miss Jackson?

F. Mayweather

She can't be a ring girl. She's a girl with a ring on her hand.

Q

I wanted to ask-you mentioned earlier that you trained twice as hard for this fight. At your stage in your career-16 years in-what is more difficult?

F. Mayweather

You have to realize-Leonard said that. I said that we started training camp a lot earlier this time. I said Leonard said that we trained-he feels that we trained twice as hard this camp.

Q

Gotcha. At this stage, what is more difficult for you as far as the training goes-getting your body ready or getting mentally ready, you know still get up and do the training that you need?

F. Mayweather

It's like when I get to the gym, I'm like, "I got to go to the gym." So it take me awhile to get there. I'm always late to the boxing gym, but once I get there and I get going, I don't want to stop. Like yesterday I wanted to work out three times at the boxing gym. And then y'all sat in the gym yesterday because it was Leonard's birthday yesterday. Happy birthday, Leonard, once again. It was Leonard's birthday yesterday, so I told him he can go ahead and leave and I sat in the gym by myself and just looked around and just gave thanks to God because I'm like, man, everything started inside that ring right there and hitting one of these bags. To become a mega superstar and display your skills to the world is just a blessing.

People in my neighborhood always told me that someday I would be the biggest and the best boxer to ever put on a pair of gloves. When you're young, it just goes into one ear and out the other, but when reality actually sets in, I'm very, very thankful.

Q

From what you see from Ortiz, do you expect anything to be different even though he's going to be the bigger fighter from what you've seen in his recent fights?

F. Mayweather

He's really not the bigger fighter. You see fighters, like I said before, on 24/7. You start looking at certain things-I say, "what is going on with the sport?" Now, Victor Ortiz said I look at De La Hoya like that. Now you look at a guy who wears drag, does drugs, drinks alcohol, and commits adultery like a god. You say I've never been a Floyd Mayweather fan. I never liked Floyd Mayweather, but I mean, who doesn't respect Floyd Mayweather? Do you see the things that he's accomplished? Like I said before, you get mixed feelings from this guy.

What we call it from where I'm from, we call him a liar, so, I mean, he must step up and be honest. I guess he's a little upset about his payday that he's getting, but, you know, to get a Floyd Mayweather payday, you got-16 years of hard work and dedication, praise, and belief in a good team and you can be exactly where I'm at.

Q

Alright last question. Just a gut feeling based on what you just said. Do you think either of them are going to take that bet that you laid out yesterday?

F. Mayweather

I'm waiting. I heard no feedback. I'm waiting. What I didn't like from 24/7-it's something that I didn't like. I don't like how Oscar De La Hoya first, like I told Mosley-you guys probably don't remember. I told Mosley that he wasn't a partner in the company-in Golden Boy. I told Mosley that a long time ago when Oscar De La Hoya-Ricky Hatton was his fighter and then he talked bad about Hatton-how Hatton was small and then Marquez-how Marquez was small. Now, me-I was old. And then he talked about Mosley and how Mosley was old.

I mean, you're supposed to uplift fighters. We're here, like I said before, boxing is not dead, but the sport is dead when you've got guys that's been around the sport-you know one of the guys that paved the way in the sport is downplaying his own fighters. That's why, like I said before, I take my hat off to Richard Schaefer because Richard Schaefer has done a hell of a job with those fighters. We can't even call it Golden Boy Promotion anymore. We got to call that Richard Schaefer's Promotion. Okay. I got to get over to the gym. I got to have my training day.

Q

Floyd, how tiring of a challenge is Victor Ortiz for you? Is he an easy fighter? This is a hard fighter because you are 41 and 0. Do you think that Victor Ortiz is going to be a harder fighter than anyone that you did beat?

F. Mayweather

I'm not sure, but I think he's going to be tough competition. He's tough, solid, and strong. Strong, you know like I said before, they say he's the bigger guy. But it comes down to who wants it more? Skill sets-who wants it more? Who is more dedicated? Who worked harder? And, I truly believe that he's going to come out and be at his best and fight extremely hard. And me, myself, I'm going to go out and do the same thing.

I just want to give the fans a pleasing performance. What's so great about this fight is that Richard Schaefer and Al Haymon, and Leonard Ellerbe and the rest of my team and Kelly Swanson and everybody, and, of course, HBO, what everybody did was they had a brilliant game plan. Everything I asked of them they delivered as far as with the promotions. They delivered, so, it's going to be a star-studded event come September 17, and the best man will win.

Q

And two more questions, please. The first, do you think Victor Ortiz needs more than night of inspiration, like he had on Berto?

F. Mayweather

I'm not really sure. I think Victor Ortiz has a strong team and he, like I said before, he became champion because, once again, because of Richard Schaefer. Richard Schaefer said, once he took a loss in his career, but a true champion can take a loss and bounced back. Richard Schaefer said don't worry about that. He lined him up and got him some pretty impressive wins and put him back up in a position and when Richard Schaefer put him in that position, he took full advantage of it.

Q

Okay. The last question is the last time you were in a special date for Mexican people in America, the fight with Mayweather and Lo Hoya. You wore green/white/red. Do you think that anything special for this time with Victor Ortiz, another Mexican/American guy?

F. Mayweather

This is boxing. It's not a Mexican thing, a black thing, or white thing. It's the right thing. I like to bring entertainment to the sport. I don't think if I was loud talking and I wasn't backing it up-backing up all my loud talking, I wouldn't be where I'm at. I don't have any hard feelings toward anyone-no opponent that I face. It's just trash talking.

It's entertainment. It's fun. Just like 24/7-it's an entertaining show. If people are watching TV and all I'm doing is sitting at home and I didn't really have a story to tell or I wasn't entertaining, then they say, you know what, why is 24/7 even on TV? Because I didn't watch 24/7 before but I heard when I'm not on 24/7, it's a very, very boring show. Like I said before, I'm here to give the media, the fans, and the people-even the boxing fans and people that's not in boxing fans-entertainment on 24/7.

Q

The first one-where you talked about facing the Mexicans and you have nothing against them, but the publicity for this event has kind of been tailored to be, obviously, Mayweather, which is pushing the fight but also the fight that it's on Mexican Independence weekend. How does it feel to be kind of sharing that publicity and knowing that you may be the one to bring some damper to that angle?

F. Mayweather

When it's all said and done-when it's a fight of this magnitude, both fighters are winning. When you're going out and performing and doing something you like to do and guys are making good paydays, I feel that both guys are winning. Victor Ortiz-this is his biggest payday thus far, and it's going to put him-of course, he's gaining by-he's getting new fans. He's going to be in a different spotlight, but it's great for both guys. It's good for my fans and the people that like to come to entertaining fights and big shows to come out and see me and support me and hopefully the Mexican fans.

It's not really just that. The whole-the under card-Morales, Canelo, and Jesse Vargas-so list goes on and on. The whole card is entertaining, so, like I said, it's not a Mexican thing, a black thing, or a white thing, it's the right thing, and we have a great show.

Q

Speaking, the last question, appropriately about your legacy, what would it mean at your age and coming back from a long time away from the sport-over a year and a half. What will it mean to beat a fighter in his prime which has been the criticism of you recently not getting fighters when they're up and coming and in their prime?

F. Mayweather

You got to realize I beat Mosley. He's in his 30's. I'm in my 30s. I beat De La Hoya. He's in his 30s. I'm in my 30s. I think when I beat Hatton, I probably was in my early 30s and he was probably in his late 20s. When I beat Corrales he was in his 20s. I was in my 20s. So, there are always excuses. I think it's just that I make future hall of famers and good and great fighters look like ordinary fighters just because I'm not in a knockout/drag-out fight like certain fighters. And I'm not getting off the cameras-like Rocky, eight times with a busted eye doesn't mean that I'm not an all-time great or that I'm not the best fighter to go down in history. That doesn't mean I shouldn't go down as the best fighter in history.

I thought it was about coming to the sport, taking less punishment, winning, having all your faculties, and raising your family, and being a respectful man, and representing the red, white, and blue. That's what I like to do.

Q

One last question you mentioned the fact that fighters in the past that you've beaten them and that a lot of them haven't been able to recover mentally. Do you still see Victor as having a big future even if he doesn't make it past you?

F. Mayweather

Hopefully. Only can hope for the best. It's difficult when you're facing a guy like me. Of course, when you get in a fight of this magnitude, it's not the same way. You got the arena erupting-15,000 fans. It's different. He used to come to the fight, go out his hotel room, sign a few autographs, but once you get to this level, you're not going to be able to go out.

It's going to be real uncomfortable because I heard-let me apologize for him-because I heard he was kind of disrespectful to the writers and to the media on a conference call last week. So let me apologize for him because, like I said before, he's young. He's never been on this level before. I'm older. I've been here before. I know what it takes. 24/7-done that plenty of times, but it's different on this level. It's very, very different on this level. We must see how it's going to all play out September 17.

F. Mayweather

I just want to tell everybody thank you. Thank you for showing up to the boxing gym yesterday. Thank you for all the stories. I'm not just appreciative but my children want to thank everybody also and my team and my staff-Richard Schaefer Promotions. You're doing a hell of a job, Richard. Leonard, keep up the good work. Kelly, you know you're my sweetheart. Sometimes if I don't get things my way, you know I'm kind of rough, but we're going to keep doing what we've got to do and the whole Golden Boy staff, thanks for working hard. I want to thank everybody on my staff and thank all the writers. I appreciate you.

♔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.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

MARTINEZ PREPARED FOR BARKER - SAYS BARKER A MAN, CHAVEZ A POLLO‏

The #1 middleweight in the world, and top three pound-for-pound fighter, Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez (47-2-2, 26KO's) is preparing for "Dazzling" Darren Barker (23-0, 14KO's) feverishly, respecting his foe's amateur pedigree and undefeated professional record and putting the final touches on another hard training camp with trainer Pablo Sarmiento and top sparring in Oxnard, CA. Martinez will be putting his WBC Middleweight Diamond belt and Ring championship on the line against the European Champion Barker, on Saturday, October 1st, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. The show, entitled "Noche de 'Maravilla': Martinez vs. Barker" is being presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Sport, and Caesars Atlantic City, and is sponsored by Corona. The long awaited rematch between Andy Lee and Brian Vera will open the telecast. The show will be aired live on HBO's World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT.

"I have been training very hard and am expecting a tough fight out of Barker on October 1st," said Martinez. "Barker is coming here to the States undefeated and he intends to leave that way. I must be in top shape, both physically and mentally, to prevent that from happening. The fact that Barker is willing to step up and put his undefeated record on the line shows you that he has a lot of heart and that he is a true warrior, which isn't the case for all fighters."

Martinez went onto further comment on the current situation in the middleweight division, and lack of opponents willing to step up to face him, including current WBC belt holder, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

"I would love nothing more than to fight Chavez and take back sole possession of my WBC belt. Chavez is the one who has been afraid and continues to avoid the fight. He also seems to be an expert at pulling out of fights. If he can defeat Peter Manfredo, Chavez will fight me like the man his father was, or I will fight a worthier challenger for the WBC Middleweight belt that is rightfully mine."

♔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.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

WOMEN’S BOXING SUPERSTAR KALIESHA WEST WILL DEFEND HER WBO TITLE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

West will defend the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Female Bantamweight Title in Mexico against Jessica Villafranca on Televisa
http://www.boxingnews24.com/2011/08/women%E2%80%99s-boxing-superstar-kaliesha-west-will-defend-her-wbo-title-on-saturday-august-20/

On August 20, 2011, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Bantamweight Champion, Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (Moreno Valley, California, 13-1-3, 4 KOs) will defend her title at the Black Pyramid Casino, in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, against Jessica Villafranca (Nicolas Romero, Mexico, 12-2-0, 6 KOs), in a 10-round bout. West’s WBO title defense will be featured on the Mexican television network, Televisa, at 8 p.m. CT. The fight card titled, “Triple Corona,” is presented by the Mexican boxing promotion, HG Boxing.

Kaliesha West, who is twenty-three years of age, makes her debut with HG Garcia Boxing on the August 20 fight card. In July of 2011, HG Boxing’s promoter, Hector Garcia, signed West to join his impressive promotional roster that includes female world champions, Ana Marie Torres and Arely Mucino. West said, “I feel fortunate to be signed with an international boxing promoter who takes care of their female fighters. With HG Boxing, I feel that I am in great hands and that I made a great choice.”

Her father, Juan West, is her current trainer and has been her boxing manager since the beginning of her boxing career. He said, “I am thankful for Hector Garcia and HG Boxing. They believe in putting female boxers on a big stage, so that they can shine. HG Boxing is setting a good example for all boxing promoters in the world to follow.”

Jessica Villafranca is just eighteen years old, but has already fought fourteen professional fights. In her last bout, she earned a TKO victory. Juan West said, “I realized how tough the young, Jessica Villafranca is, after she contended for the Lightweight Title against Erica Farias. I am very confident in Kaliesha and have prepared her to face the best in the world. A manager knows that matching a fighter requires the right timing and opportunity. We have offered this title defense to many women, and for whatever reason, the opportunity was turned down.” Kaliesha West said, “It doesn’t matter who I fight. I will be ready and prepared for whatever my opponent brings.”

Juan West expressed his excitement in bringing Team West to Mexico. “The people of Mexico are passionate about the sport of boxing. In Mexico, boxing is featured on television almost every Saturday and everyone watches. Kaliesha will positively represent her mother’s Mexican heritage.” Kaliesha said, “Mexico is a country where the sport of boxing is very much appreciated. On August 20, not only will the boxing crowd who attends the fight get a chance to see my boxing skills, but a large television audience as well. I am looking forward to fighting before the Mexican fans that are supportive of women’s boxing. I plan to showcase my boxing talents in a spectacular way.”

Born in South Haven, Michigan, Kaliesha West began boxing at the age of ten. Her family relocated to Moreno Valley, California, and she became a decorated amateur boxing star, winning 98 amateur bouts, including the 2003 National Golden Gloves. She began her pro career in 2006, when she was just eighteen years old. On September 18, 2010, she won the vacant Women’s WBO Bantamweight title on the under card of the Mosley-Mora Golden Boy Promotions PPV, by defeating Angel Gladney, via a seventh-round knockout. The fight took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and was held during the Mexican Bicentennial Celebration

♔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.

Michael Perez vs Miguel Rodriguez; UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED FOR FRIDAY NIGHT'S PUNCHIN AT THE PARADISE 13 AT THE PARADISE THEATER IN THE BRONX

On Friday August 19, Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing are teaming up to present the latest installment of the "Punchin at the Paradise" fight series. The card, which will be broadcast live on TeleFutura's "Sólo Boxeo Tecate" will be headlined by Newark's undefeated prospect Michael "The Artist" Perez (13-0-1, 7KO's) taking on Miguel Rodriguez (7-2, 3KO's) in an eight round lightweight match-up.

Fighting in the co-featured bout of the evening will be the Bronx's 18-year-old boxing phenom Eddie Gomez (5-0, 4KO's) who will look to keep his perfect record intact when he takes on, Marcus Hall (5-3-1, 2KO's) in a six round jr. middleweight showdown. For Gomez, a two-time National Jr. Olympic Champion and 2010 New York Golden Gloves Champion, the fight on August 19 will mark the first time he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills as a professional in front of his hometown fans in New York. Gomez has tremendous speed and power in both his hands and proof of that comes in the fact that all four of his knockout victories have come in two rounds or less, including his most recent victory, a first round technical knockout over Jonel Tapia who at the time was 8-1 and 5 KO's.

Also scheduled to see action on the card are two Long Island natives, as former nationally ranked amateur and now undefeated professional, Mike "The Nassau Nightmare" Brooks (4-0, 1 KO) of Oceanside will look to remain unbeaten when he takes on Rochester's Jamell Tyson (2-2-1, 1KO) in a six round lightweight contest. Brooks had a standout amateur career which saw him become STAR BOXINGa two-time Metro Champion as well as a two-time Northeast Regional Champion before turning professional in late 2009.

In a battle of pro-debuting welterweights, Westbury's Rich Neves takes on Newark, New Jersey's Latwon Halsey in bout scheduled for four rounds.

Opening up the professional portion of the card, in another battle of New York vs. New Jersey will be New Jersey's Todd Eriksson squaring off against Queens' Borngod Washington in a four round light heavyweight match-up.

Also scheduled on the show will be two exciting amateur bouts featuring some of New York City's top up-and-coming amateur prospects and champion hopefuls; including New York Golden Gloves Champions Pedro Sosa, Louis Cruz and Wesley Ferrer. Sosa and Cruz, who both hail from the Bronx, are returning to the ring for the first time since competing at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Boxing Trials. Cruz is scheduled to take on New Rochelle's Bryant Cruz in a rematch of their highly entertaining scrap (Bryant Cruz W-3) that opened up Star Boxing's July 15 show at Roseland Ballroom, with Sosa taking on Long Island's Ferrer in the other scheduled match-up.

The night of world-class professional boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. Doors open at 6:30pm ET and first fight begins at 7:00pm ET. TeleFutura's "Sólo Boxeo Tecate" will be broadcast at 11:30pm ET / PT (10:30pm CT).

♔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.

WARD vs. FROCH: The Super Six World Boxing Classic Final - Oct. 29 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City‏

The stakes couldn’t be higher, the drama more intense. On Saturday, Oct. 29, two confident reigning world champions–one from America, the other from Europe–will collide in the eagerly awaited Super Six World Boxing Classic Final, a World Championship Unification, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. When the Super Six began, neither undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight champion Andre Ward (24-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland , Calif. , nor his World Boxing Council (WBC) counterpart, Carl Froch (28-1, 20 KOs), of Nottingham , England were among the favorites.

But through career-defining fights and remarkable drama both in and out of the ring, Ward and Froch have persevered and emerged as prominent members of boxing’s exclusive Pound-for-Pound list and are now poised for global stardom.

The Super Six World Boxing Classic was conceived by Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®, to match the best fighters in a deep, talent-laden division in a series of fights to see who would come out on top. Now, Ward and Froch are just one victory away from earning the distinction of being the undisputed No. 1 super middleweight in the world.

“I can’t think of two more deserving men than Andre and Carl to represent this tournament in the Final with a chance for one of them to hoist high the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup,” said Hershman. “The two survived the gauntlet – fighting one elite athlete after another – and rightfully deserve the division’s top billing.

“The Super Six was created to determine the No. 1 super middleweight in the world through an arduous run of championship level fights, but more importantly, to sustain conversation and piqued interest in these boxers before, during and between fights. It is clear that we have delivered that and much more.”

The winner of the 12-rounder will claim super middleweight supremacy, both world championship belts, The Ring magazine championship and the coveted Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup.

“Going into a fight of this magnitude, I expect the toughest fight of my career,” said Ward.

Froch echoed Ward’s comments regarding the enormity of the Super Six Final. “Not only is it for two world titles, but it’s for the tournament trophy and The Ring belt is also on the line,” said the WBC champion. “It makes this the biggest and the most prestigious fight to happen for as far back as I can remember.

“This has been a fantastic tournament. It has produced some amazing fights in our division, fights that certainly would not have happened otherwise. For the Final, we have a great fight between two superior athletes.”

Ward said, “The Super Six has given me the opportunity to fight the best and, so far, I’ve been fortunate to beat the best. It’s also given me the chance to do what I’ve always wanted to do and that’s become undisputed champion. This fight brings me closer.

“I salute SHOWTIME and everyone involved for allowing me into this tournament. We’ve all put our nose to the ground, and we’re still standing and heading to a grand finale. I’m excited to be part of it.”

The last boxer from the United States to capture an Olympic Games gold medal, the six-foot one, 27-year-old Ward won the WBA belt by upsetting Super Six co-favorite Mikkel Kessler with an impressive 11th-round technical decision in Group Stage 1. Ward retained the crown with lopsided 12-round unanimous decisions over Allan Green, Sakio Bika and, most recently, Arthur Abraham (last May 14) in a Super Six Semifinal. Ward will be making his fourth defense against Froch.

Coming into the tournament off a 12th-round TKO over Jermain Taylor, Froch took a 12-round split decision over Andre Dirrell in Group Stage 1. The 33-year-old Froch then lost the WBC belt on a close decision to Kessler in a thrilling Fight of the Year candidate in Group Stage 2, but regained it in his subsequent Super Six start when, after an eye injury sidelined Kessler and forced him to relinquish the belt, he masterfully outclassed a determined Abraham en route to a unanimous decision. Froch defended his strap and secured a berth in the Final with a convincing, hard-fought decision over Glen Johnson last June 4.

In what will be an intense, highly charged affair, Froch fully expects his power to be the difference.

“Ward is a boxer and mover who can be messy up close,’’ Froch said. “I can box when I need to and I have proven time and again that I can fight with the best of them. I have my natural fitness, a big heart, experience at the top level and the ability to take a punch.

“My punching power is far superior to Ward’s. This will prove to be the deciding factor.”

Style-wise, Froch compares Ward to an earlier Super Six victim, Dirrell. “They are similar,’’ Froch said. “Both can't punch and both are frightened of getting hit hard.’’

It wouldn’t be a major fight involving Andre Ward without an upcoming opponent questioning his ability or legitimacy. Ward is accustomed to it. In some ways, he almost expects it and, up to now, thrives on it.

“I don’t think Froch gets the attention he deserves in his country so he tries to get it in the United States ,’’ Ward said. “Fine, if it sells a few tickets. He’s certainly not the first to speak out against me and he won’t be the last. I think Froch likes to hear himself talk – except he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

“My thoughts going into this fight are plain and simple: I want to retain the WBA belt, win the WBC belt and The Ring belt and bring home that Super Six hardware. I’m a pro and locked in on that and being one of the best in the world. Froch can dominate through his tabloids; all I want is to dominate the night of the fight. What he must understand is it looks totally different on the inside of those ropes than the way it looks on the outside.

“But Froch is absolutely right (about my elusive style),” said Ward. “I don’t get paid to get hit. It’s not my job. I was taught right away not to get hit or take unnecessary punishment. I’m not in it to be Fight of the Year; I’m in it to be Fighter of the Year.”

The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Antonio Leonard Productions and Matchroom Sport in association with Caesars Atlantic City.

Dan Goossen, of Goossen Tutor stated, “Words alone don’t do justice to describe the talent, inside and outside the ring, of Andre Ward. Outside, he is someone you want to hug and admire because of his gentleman like qualities. Inside the ropes it’s a completely different story. He is an ornery man you don’t want to mess with; a real fighter.”

“As for the SHOWTIME tournament format, it is one of the best things to happen in boxing for many, many years,” Goossen continued. “When you have the best fighting the best in every fight, it’s great for the fans and our sport. Believe me, nothing will stop Ward from beating Froch and capturing the inaugural Super Six Cup and catapulting himself to that next level.”

From Eddie Hearn , Managing Director, Matchroom Sport, '' Carl Froch epitomizes everything that is great about this sport. He puts everything on the line every time he enters the ring, in short he is the ultimate warrior. Beyond the steel determination is a sharp and bright mind who when linking up with his trainer Rob McCracken, can devise game plans to overcome anyone in this division. This is a huge fight. It's the kind of fight that determines your legacy, a fight that you have worked your whole life towards. The Super Six Cup, two prestigious World title belts and The Ring magazine belt - Carl Froch will be Andre Ward's worst nightmare on Oct. 29 and will NOT be denied.

"The Super Six has been a breath of fresh air in the sport of boxing. It's almost like how boxing used to be - the best fight the best, forget the politics. It's given us great fights, great drama and you couldn't have a more fitting Final.''

"The history of boxing in Atlantic City is rich,” said Don Marrandino, President of Caesars AC. “Some of the greatest of all time have fought here including Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and, of course, Arturo Gatti. Our intent is to bring the biggest and the best boxing events back to our revitalized city. Andre Ward vs. Carl Froch in the Super Six World Boxing Classic Final is just that. I can’t wait for Oct. 29.”

Future announcements regarding the press tour, travel and ticket packages and tickets on sale date will be made shortly.

♔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.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT! BERNARD "THE EXECUTIONER" HOPKINS TO FACE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION "BAD" CHAD DAWSON ON OCTOBER 15‏


BELIEVE IT OR NOT! BERNARD "THE EXECUTIONER" HOPKINS TO FACE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION "BAD" CHAD DAWSON ON OCTOBER 15‏

believeitornot, THE OLDEST CHAMPION IN BOXING HISTORY BERNARD "THE EXECUTIONER" HOPKINS TO FACE

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION "BAD" CHAD DAWSON ON OCTOBER 15 IN "believeitornot: HOPKINS VS. DAWSON"

THE WBC AND RING MAGAZINE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT WILL TAKE PLACE AT STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES AND WILL BE PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®
STACKED PAY-PER-VIEW TELEVISED FIGHT CARD TO INCLUDE

ANTONIO DEMARCO VS. JORGE LINARES LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT AND KENDALL HOLT VS. DANNY GARCIA JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATION BOUT

It is hard to believe what WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins has achieved during his 23-year long professional career. He was the middleweight champion for ten years, notched a record 20 successful title defenses of that crown and at 46-years-old, has become the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title. It's also hard to believe that a young lion like former World Champion "Bad" Chad Dawson, who has wanted a shot at Hopkins for years, will finally get his opportunity to stop Hopkins from continuing his record-breaking journey. "believeitornot : Hopkins vs. Dawson" takes place on Saturday, October 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

In addition to this championship main event showdown, the televised pay-per-view undercard will also feature Antonio DeMarco vs. Jorge Linares in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Title and Kendall Holt vs. Danny Garcia in 12-round bout for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight Title which will also be an eliminator for the number one rating by the WBC and the number two rating by the IBF

"believeitornot": Hopkins vs. Dawson" is a 12-round bout for Hopkins' WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship Titles. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and Ripley's Believe It or Not, a new sponsor to the fight game who forged a relationship with Hopkins earlier this year when they made a wax figure of the future Hall of Famer, which will be unveiled during fight week in Los Angeles and displayed at a Ripley's Odditorium in the future. DeMarco vs. Linares is presented in association with Teiken Promotions.

"Chad Dawson has earned the right to challenge me for my titles and I know he's been looking for this fight for a long time," said Hopkins, who will be defending the WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Championships he captured from Jean Pascal on May 21. "But you've got to be careful what you wish for because, believe it or not, I will be prepared once again to beat father time and show the world what I can do. Jean Pascal underestimated me and Chad Dawson better not do the same. He is going to walk away empty-handed on October 15 and I will make history once again."

"Bernard has had a great career, but his believe it or not run as boxing's oldest champion is over now," said former World Champion Chad Dawson. "A strange series of events led to him getting my title, but this was all a temporary side story. I am the true light heavyweight champion of the world and on October 15, I will put the world back where it should be and reclaim my belt."

"The story of Bernard Hopkins is perhaps the most amazing story in boxing and he keeps adding chapters with each great performance," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "He is coming off of a historic victory over Jean Pascal and while most fighters would have rested or come back in an easy fight, Bernard insisted on facing a dangerous challenger in Chad Dawson and I have no doubt that he will amaze the sports world once again and remain the oldest world champion in history. On top of an incredible main event, fight fans will see two explosive matches in the opening fights as Jorge Linares takes on Antonio DeMarco and undefeated star Danny Garcia faces Kendall Holt. This lineup is a night of boxing you will not want to miss as the card is stacked with talent from top to bottom."

Said Gary Shaw, President and CEO of Gary Shaw Productions: "As a boxing fan, I almost hate to see Bernard's run at the top of the division come to an end, but sadly, that's what is about to happen. Chad Dawson is the rightful champion in this division and, like all good fairy tales, Bernard's is about to conclude. On the undercard we have two sensational match-ups for our fighters and I look forward to watching Kendall Holt and Antonio DeMarco emerge victorious."

"Not only does he refuse to rest on his laurels, but at age 46 Bernard Hopkins is taking on one of the best light heavyweights in the world in Chad Dawson," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. "We look forward to this matchup and the next chapter in Hopkins' history on October 15."

A future Hall of Famer, Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO's) has shocked the world by accomplishing more after 40 years old than most athletes do in their entire careers. A proud native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hopkins rebounded from a seemingly dead end struggle with life in the streets and a stint in prison to become an inspirational figure who has proven that hard work and determination will allow you to overcome any odds. After coming up the hard way in the ring, Hopkins won the IBF Middleweight World Title against Segundo Mercado in April of 1995 and he wouldn't surrender the belt for 10 years, defending the title a record 20 times against the likes of John David Jackson, Glen Johnson, Simon Brown, Antwun Echols, Keith Holmes, Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, Oscar de la Hoya and Howard Eastman. Following the controversial loss of his title to Jermain Taylor in 2005, Hopkins reinvented himself as a light heavyweight at the age of 41, shocking Antonio Tarver with a unanimous decision victory in 2006, but he wasn't done yet as he went on to defeat Winky Wright, Kelly Pavlik and avenge a previous loss to Roy Jones Jr., with the only blemishes on his record being a narrow split decision loss to Joe Calzaghe and a controversial draw with Jean Pascal. Even after all of those accomplishments, the best was yet to come, as the 46-year-old Hopkins decisioned Pascal in their rematch in May of this year, earning him the WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Titles and true boxing immortality.

At just 29 years old, New Haven, Connecticut's "Bad" Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KO's) has been considered one of the top fighters in the sport for years and despite his impressive 7-1 record in world title fights, he knows that everything is riding on his October 15 showdown with "The Executioner." The son of a former boxer, Dawson was a stellar amateur, posting a 67-13 record that included an under-19 National Championship. He turned professional in 2001 and fluctuated from middleweight to light heavyweight in his early years, winning a WBC Youth title at 160 pounds in 2003 that he defended three times. In 2005, he defeated Ian Gardner for the vacant NABO middleweight title, but in 2006 he decided that light heavyweight would be his home, and he quickly made his mark with a 12 round win over Eric Harding that earned him the NABF light heavyweight crown. In his next fight, on February 3, 2007, Dawson won his first world championship, decisioning 31-0 Tomasz Adamek. Over his next six fights, Dawson established himself as one of boxing's best as he scored two wins each over Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson and while he lost his belt to Jean Pascal via decision in August of 2010, a clear-cut win over Adrian Diaconu in May put him right back in line for another world title and the biggest fight of his life.

Hard-hitting Mexican standout Antonio DeMarco (25-2-1, 18 KO's) has been a favorite among fight fans ever since his exciting win over Nick Casal in 2007 and he continues to impress with his power and tenacious style. The former WBC Interim Lightweight World Champion and 25-year-old Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico native has notched knockout wins over Kid Diamond, Jose Alfaro and Daniel Attah. After suffering his only defeat in the last five years, a 2010 loss to the late Edwin Valero, DeMarco has learned his lesson and is well-prepared to regain his title and re-cement his place among the lightweight elite.

"I've been waiting for the opportunity to get the WBC title back for over a year and I'm very excited that it's finally here," said DeMarco. "Linares is a great fighter and a two-time champion, but that's what I want. I don't want an easy fight to win the title, I want to beat the best to know that I'm the best, and that's what I'm going to prove in October."

Nicknamed "El Nino de Oro" ("The Golden Boy"), Venezuela's Jorge Linares (31-1, 20 KO's) is one of the most accomplished 25-year-old fighters you will ever find, already having compiled two world championships in two weight divisions. In 2007, Linares won the WBC Featherweight World Title with a tenth round technical knockout over Mexican great Oscar "Chololo" Larios, then a little over a year later, he added the WBA Super Featherweight World Title with a fifth round stoppage of Whyber Garcia. After losing his belt in 2009, the exciting sharpshooter began his assault on the lightweight division, defeating top contender Rocky Juarez and former World Champion Jesus "El Matador" Chavez along the way. Now, he has moved his training camp to Hollywood to train with the legendary Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Club and will be more than ready for his shot at a third divisional championship against DeMarco.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to fight DeMarco for the WBC World Championship," said Linares. "I am preparing for this fight with my new trainer, Freddie Roach and his team. It has been great camp and I will be 100% prepared to win the fight on October 15."

A talented boxer who enters the ring with a compelling mix of speed and power, Kendall "Rated R" Holt (27-4, 15 KO's) is believed by many to just be hitting his prime at the age of 30. A former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, the Paterson, New Jersey native owns wins over David Diaz, Isaac Hlatshwayo and Ricardo Torres, and his highlight reel of knockout victories is one of the best in the sport. Fresh off of knockout wins over Lenin Arroyo and Julio Diaz, Holt is looking forward to his showdown with Garcia as he looks to climb back into the world title picture.

"I've watched Garcia on the way up and he's a talented kid, but I'm a man in this game and I'm ready to show it on October 15," said Holt. "This is Jersey vs. Philly and I know he'll be coming hard, but I'll be coming harder. He may be younger, but I'm hungrier."

Twenty-three year-old Danny "Swift" Garcia (21-0, 14 KO's) eagerly took up the challenge to earn his place among the revered Philadelphia warriors of the past when he turned professional in 2007, and he hasn't disappointed yet. He has sailed to a perfect professional record while putting himself in position to move into title contention. A winner of four of his past five fights by knockout, Garcia has already defeated top competition like Ashley Theophane, Mike Arnaoutis and former World Champion Nate "Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell, and nothing would make him happier than adding Holt to his list of vanquished foes.

"I have been waiting since I was 10-years-old to fight on HBO Pay-Per-View, now I have my shot and I'm excited," said Garcia. "This is my time to shine and I'm not going to let anyone take this opportunity away from me."

♔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.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Catching Up With Lamon Brewster!; By Michele Chong

Getting “Connected” with the Ex-Heavyweight Champ
http://www.fightingconnection.com

Former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster (35-6, 30 KOs) has been through a lot during his career as both an amateur champ and a professional world titlist.

From his hardscrabble youth in Indianapolis to his problems with notorious boxing promoters to his career-ending eye injuries, the man known as “Relentless” in the ring has experienced all the highs and lows of the sport he truly loves.

The highs? How about being the very last man to knock out the universally-feared Wladimir Klitschko?

The lows? How about four painful botched eyes surgeries?

He is now desperately awaiting a cornea transplant for his clouded left eye.

And then there’s all the rocky stuff in between.

Yes, the sweet science is a harsh and heartbreaking sport he has lived through, suffered through, and one he knows all too well. Not only has he shed blood for victory, he has also lost an eye while fighting for glory. The ultimate sacrifice in a prizefighting career he chose. But now the former WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion is choosing to help others in the fight community, hoping to build on this brotherhood of boxers he will always be bonded to with his brand new “Fighting Connection” network.

His passion is now focused on assisting and supporting others in the fight game.

If you have never met the hulking heavyweight, you might be intimidated at first sight. With his imposing stature of over 6′ 2″, the towering slugger does a convincing job of looking fierce and fearless. He is both, of course. But as I’ve learned Los Angeles-based puncher is also one of the most sincere, friendly, and yes, one of the nicest athletes I’ve ever met.

I’ve had the chance to get to know the boxer at various boxing events, charity functions and press conferences in and around town. We both attended a gala fundraising event hosted by female fighter Mia St. John. During this night, I got a chance to chat exclusively with the Indiana-born boxer at length. Since then, every time I see him, he is always upbeat, positive and bursting with hope and optimism.

This wasn’t always the case. He admits that after suffering through those multiple eye surgeries and waiting for the cornea transplant, he descended into a dark world of depression. With the failed operations, Lamon’s spirit reached rock bottom. But with his warrior mentality, he has rebounded and has found a new purpose and a new direction.

“I’m not bitter, I’m a very spiritual man,” the 38-year-old told me. “So now I’m going down a new path, a new avenue to assist others.”

Brewster lends a helping hand to combat dog fighting and also takes part in many community events to inspire children.

He’s now hung up his gloves after his last fateful bout in January 2010 against Robert Helenius in Germany in which his eye troubles were severely exacerbated.

The former world titleholder tells me of horrible situations he found himself in as a boxer fighting overseas, of dealings with shady and unscrupulous promoters (that probably comes as no shock to anyone), and hazardous “dirty tricks” that he feels were aimed at him during his career.

You could forgive him if he was contrite, angry or bitter, jaded or weary of staying in–and supporting–the fight game.

But the ex-slugger, who knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in their first battle, is counterpunching the negative aspects of the sport by building goodwill in boxing circles.

With not a trace of bitterness, Brewster has been gung-ho about launching a brand new organization and web site dedicated to all those involved in boxing and combat sports. As founder and president of this “Fighting Connection” network, he’s hoping to create a support system and social network for easier access in connecting people.

“It’s for fighters to find local gyms, sparring partners to work with, cornermen and more,” Lamon tells me. “It’s also where promoters, managers, ring card girls can interact. Everyone can sign up for free and connect all in one place.”

The San Fernando Valley resident reveals several humorous stories about the hijinks–and mishaps–he experienced as a young pug. When you’re on the road, boxers don’t always have local sparring partners, gyms, or cutmen to enlist. What if you’re new to the area? Or what if you’re in town for two weeks and you need a place to train? Well that’s what his “Fighting Connection” hopes to accomplish–a network where boxing aficionados can interact and connect with each other while fulfilling the fighters’ needs. “One stop shopping.”

The heavyweight is very passionate about offering this service through his site.

Brewster promises with a smile, “We’re going to be doing our formal launch very soon.”

He smiles a lot these days.

At last weekend’s event with the Burbank Boxing Club, the towering heavyweight was a huge hit at the party. Flanked by his beautiful wife, Juana, I met their three children, Shaniah, Shyla, Lamon Jr. decked out in their “Fighting Connection” T-shirts. Lamon also has an older daughter. As a former Golden Gloves champ and a silver medalist in the 1995 Pan Am Games, the beaming heavyweight was an inspiration to the young amateurs in attendance.

Brewster usually wears dark shades to cover his maimed left eye but on this bright and sunny day he went without sunglasses. His discolored eye is obviously damaged beyond repair but the kids and teens he met at the celebration didn’t even notice. All they saw was this former champ’s broad smile, hearty handshake and an openness to offer young amateur boxers advice, words of encouragement or a knowing fist pump.

It could’ve been so easy for Lamon to head down a different road, especially after suffering through so many debilitating setbacks. I often wonder why some athletes go down a path of despair and destruction through booze, drugs or reckless behavior while other champs pick themselves up off the canvas and go on to make a difference, a positive move to help themselves and others?

What is it about Lamon Brewster that didn’t cause him to completely fall off the deep end?

“I’m just blessed,” the humble boxer says, shaking his head. “I’ve got a great family and I’m truly blessed. Now I want to help others.”

Boxing has enough “black eyes” and negativity lurking around. The haters are always gonna be popping up and coming out of the woodwork.

Here’s one pugilist who’s choosing to offer a positive aspect of our sport. Spread the word.

While his own career was cut short by horrific eye injuries, Brewster wants to strengthen the boxing fraternity through his new and exciting “Fighting Connection.”

A strong and devoted family man, a deeply spiritual soul and a boxing loyalist till the end, “Relentless” Lamon Brewster refuses to quit.

He will keep fighting the good fight–and he will now fight to help others.

♔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.

Bellator 54; Eddie Alvarez VS. Michael Chandler, Saturday October 15th, Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City, NJ

A date has been finalized for Bellator Fighting Championships lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez's next title defense, as Season 4 tournament winner Michael Chandler will vie for the champ's belt Oct. 15 at Bellator 54.

♔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.

The UFC heads to Washington, D.C., with a battle for bantamweight gold between champion Dominick Cruz and Demitrious Johnson!

The UFC heads to Washington, D.C., with a battle for bantamweight gold between champion Dominick Cruz and Demitrious Johnson! Plus, heavyweights Pat Barry and Stefan Struve collide - Live Saturday, October 1 at Verizon Center - UFC Fight Club presale starts Wednesday at 10am ET

Main Card

Cruz vs Johnson

Barry vs Struve

Johnson vs Brenneman

Wiman vs Danzig

Prelims

Johnson vs Sass

Roller vs Grant

Edwards vs Oliveira

Easton vs Hougland



♔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.