★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Friday, March 23, 2012

FIRST ROUND PROMOTIONS PIERSON & THOMPSON READY TO ROLL ON APRIL 18TH IN NEWARK

On Wednesday night April 18th, Gabe LaConte’s First Round Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions presents a great night of boxing at the Beautiful Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark.

Two of the star members of LaConte’s growing stable Richard Pierson and undefeated John Thompson will be in the main event and co-main event respectively and will be looking to make big statements on the night of the 18th.

Pierson, thirty-one years of Paterson, New Jersey has a record of 10-2 with seven knockouts and looked like he didn’t miss a beat after a twenty month layoff when he took out Anibal Acevedo in one round this past February 17th in Nutley, New Jersey.

Pierson now feels with LaConte behind him that he has a chance to make a lot noise in his career.

“I felt good and I was a little rusty because of the inactivity”, said Pierson.

“I was happy that I won but I wasn’t satisfied as I wanted and needed rounds because I didn’t even spar a lot for the fight.”

Pierson will take on Joshua Snyder (9-6-1, 3 KO’s) of Berlin, MD

“I always never know much about my opponent. I am not bothered by it. It’s almost like fighting in the streets. You never know when you will get into a street fight and it’s kind of like the same thing as I don’t watch much tape anyway. I can’t complain how things are going, I know I will have an opponent and it doesn’t matter. The only guy I won’t fight is Mike Tyson”

Besides LaConte, Pierson has Lou Esa and Vito Mielnicki as part of the team.

“I have known Vito for years. I met him at the gym. Vito and Lou really take care of me and I know they really care about their fighters. Vito makes sure we are training and you don’t see that a lot and unlike a lot of people in this business, Vito has given me no false promises”

Thompson will take on Jamond Bourgeos (4-1, 1 KO) in a six round Middleweight bout.

The twenty-three year old former amateur standout from Newark is known as “The Apollo Kid” has been perfect in his six outing and notched his second knockout on February 17th when he took care of Laureano Laracuente in three rounds.

“I feel great and I am making progress in every fight”, said Thompson.

“Right now I have been building my name and I feel like a local celebrity.”

“In my last bout, I did what I had to do and I feel good about my performance. For this fight I have seen Jamond. I know he holds his hands up and just swings. I know I am on a whole different caliber. Anybody can just go in there in swing where I come with a lot skill”

“Vito Mielnicki and Gabe LaConte have moved me well. They have been keeping me active and it’s been great so far and I look forward to see what the future holds”

Those are just two of the bouts of a loaded night of boxing:

In a six round Bantamweight bout, Qa’id Muhammad (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City, New Jersey takes on Steven Johnson (7-4, 4 KO’s) of St. Joseph, Missouri

Tommy Rainone (17-4, 4 KO’s) of New York takes on Josh Hammaock (9-8, 6 KO’s) of Fort Smith, Arkansas in a six round Welterweight bout.

Mike Concepcion of Newark will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Aaron Kinch (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Newark will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Heavyweight affair.

Leandro Acevedo of Newark will make his pro debut against Marcus Clay (0-1) of Baton Rouge, LA in a four round Super Middleweight fight.

Joseliz Cepeda (5-2) of Newark will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Super Featherweight bout.

Joel De La Paz (6-0, 4 KO’s) will return after a sixteen month absence against an opponent to be named in a four round Super Middleweight bout.

♔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.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Carson Jones Ready to face Kell Brook!‏

USBA Welterweight champion and IBF #3 rated “Kid” Carson Jones has made a career out of shattering his opponents’ dreams.

The 25-year-old Oklahoman has impressive wins over knockout artist Tyrone Brunson, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams, world rated Said Ouali and title contender Michael Clark, but recognizes that there are plenty of fish to fry.

Enter brash Brit Kell Brook. Like Jones, Brook is a rising star who’s rated highly by the IBF. With a dynamic personality backed by an outstanding record of 27-0 with 18 wins by knockout, the Sheffield native’s widely regarded as the second coming of Naseem Hamed. Although he continues to improve with each performance and is fresh off a dominant victory over Matthew Hatton, many would argue that Brook is yet to challenge a legitimate contender; such as Carson Jones.

“Kell Brook thinks he’s more than what he is at this point,” said Jones, who has a 33-8-2 record with 23 KO’s and went from being regarded as an opponent to a top-tier contender. “He’s calling out Amir Khan but hasn’t earned the right to do. Beating Matthew Hatton doesn’t give him that luxury and we all saw what Saul Alvarez did to Hatton. Brook is decent but I’ve beaten better fighters and I’d gladly go to England to fight him!”

Jones manager Bobby Dobbs also sees no issue with his fighter once again entering enemy territory en-route to a world title shot.

“Carson Jones is willing to do whatever it takes to become champion,” said Dobbs. He has fought all comers since day one and if he has to go to England to knockout Kell Brook, then that is what we will do!”

♔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.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Bernard Hopkins taking a vow of silence when it comes to trash-talking Chad Dawson; by Denzil Stone - Atlantic City

Hopkins wants to prove he can beat another guy two decades his junior. Credit: Hogan Photos/Golden Boy

Hoping to emulate the veteran pugilists of yesteryear like Archie Moore, reigning WBC and lineal light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32ko) will defend his world honours on Saturday, April 28 at the historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, however, during the promotion, the 47-year-old has elected to refuse to engage in any verbal jousting with 29-year-old challenger Chad Dawson (30-1-0, 17ko).

Dawson, though, has other ideas. The southpaw, a former champion of the IBF and IBO titles with victories over Antonio Tarver (twice), Glen Johnson (twice) and Tomasz Adamek, has already crossed swords with Hopkins; a two round technical knockout in October last year that was later changed to a 'No Contest' as B-Hop was unable to continue due to suffering a shoulder injury following a fall.

“The first fight did not go as planned, but I’m confident I was going to win that night," said Dawson, who then alluded to the possibility that Hopkins was looking for an exit when they last fought but will not be able to find another when they box in New Jersey next month.

"Hopkins is going to have to face his fears," Bad Chad added. "Bernard tried to run away from me, but here we are again. I’m thrilled about the whole situation. I’m very excited to fight on the East Coast because a lot of my fans will be there to see me live. I know I’ll be ready come fight night."

Hopkins commented that he will leave the bad-mouthing to Dawson: "Chad can say whatever he wants, but I am not going to trash talk this one. Everyone knows what I am capable of in the ring. They have seen it over 50 times before in the last 20 plus years."

History-making Hopkins, inspired by Moore, aims to continue to place his name next to the Old Mongoose by making successful defences that belie his elder statesman status.

Moore was 44 years and 190 days when he triumphed over Giulio Rinaldi in 1961, while George Foreman was 46 years and 113 days when he defeated Axel Schulz. Hopkins, though, would surpass both with a win over Dawson: "I absolutely want to prove that I can beat Chad Dawson, another guy that is almost two decades younger than me and I am confident I will on April 28."

Alicia "Slick" Ashley retains her WBC Super Bantamweight Title!

Alicia Ashley land a right hand against challenger Maria Elena Villalobos on 3/17/2012 to retain her WBC Title, Photo: Alma Montiel

The pride of Brooklyn and Jamaica and Gleason's own, Alicia "Slick" Ashley (18-9-1, 1-KO) retained her WBC Female Super Bantamweight title by soundly defeating Maria Elena Villalobos (12-6-1, 5-KO) by unanimous decision in their ten round bout held in Mexico City on March 17, 2012. Villalobos who'd previously lost her WBO Female Super Bantamweight title to Ana Julaton this past September was no match for Ashley's truly "slick" style. With her win Ashley remains the oldest female world boxing champion. Speaking after the fight, Ashley is quoted as saying "I am thrilled that I was able to retain my title in fine style and I really want to fight in Jamaica next."

Prindle vs. Santos $100,000 Heavyweight Tournament Championship Added to Bellator 62

Everything is bigger in Texas – including the fight cards. Bellator Fighting Championships returns to The Lone Star State on Friday, March 23rd with a completely stacked night of fights at Bellator 62 live from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.

The night will feature the long-awaited rematch between “The American Soldier” Eric Prindle and Thiago “Big Monster” Santos to determine a winner from last season’s heavyweight tournament. The night’s main event, which was originally scheduled for Bellator 61 on March 16, was moved to this Friday because of a commission mandate due to Prindle battling flu-like symptoms. Despite the minor setback, “The American Soldier” is itching to not only get his hands on Santos, but to get that heavyweight gold.

“I’m just ready to get into the cage and end this,” Prindle said. “I’m a warrior and want my shot against Konrad.”

But Thiago “Big Monster” Santos doesn’t agree with Prindle’s game plan; and the colossal Brazillian wants to make sure that he’s the one that earns the $100 K and world heavyweight title shot.

“Now I’ve just got one more week to train and one more week to think about winning,” Santos said. “It sounds like Eric may have been sick, and I don’t want to fight with any excuses. I want to beat him at 100 percent.”

“It makes sense that this huge fight between two Heavyweights is coming to Texas,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “When Oscar Enriquez and his team at Ultimate Warrior Fighting approached me about bringing Bellator live on MTV2 to Laredo, he had all of the right pieces in place and he made the decision an easy one. With our first trip to Laredo already packed with world class talent, adding this Championship fight makes this one of the best event line-ups we’ve ever put together.”

Not only will Bellator 62 decide Bellator Heavyweight World Champion Cole Konrad’s next title opponent, but the talent-laden Laredo card will also feature the quarterfinals of Bellator’s $100,000 Season 6 Lightweight Tournament as well a host of Texas’ top MMA talent.

Coming off an explosive knockout victory over UFC veteran Kurt Pellegrino at Bellator 59, Patricky Pitbull (@PatrickyPitbull) is back and looking to start his ascent toward a title shot with a quarterfinal matchup against fan-favorite Lloyd “Cupcake” Woodard (@mmacupcake). Patricky has produced a number of incredible Bellator “YouTube Moments” and has his sights set on adding another highlight to his collection.

Former U.S. Olympian Judoka Rick Hawn (@RickHawnmma) is making the drop to lightweight and meets the dangerous Ricardo Tirloni (@Tirlonimma). Hawn compiled an impressive 11-1 record as a welterweight, but is confident the drop in weight will make him even more dangerous.

“I felt like I was sort of undersized in the last tournament,” Hawn said. “Everyone had a height advantage on me, and while I thought I made a good run in my last welterweight tournament, I think lightweight is going to be a better fit for me and just give me an advantage over everyone else.”

Also making the drop to lightweight is longtime Bellator veteran Brent Weedman (@brent_weedman). Always looking for a finish, “Weedman Nation” will be on full display as he battles Bellator newcomer J.J. Ambrose (@SuperJJAmbrose).

“I’ve already tested myself with a lightweight weight cut and I felt great,” Weedman said. “Over the last year, I’ve felt a little undersized as a welterweight, so I think lightweight is going to be a great spot for me. I’m excited to show off my new skills, and this tournament is stacked, so we’re going to put on a show this season.”

Rounding out an absolutely loaded tournament class, Rene “The Brazilian Bomber” Nazare (@Nazaremma) will square off with top prospect Thiago Michel. A product of Team Bombsquad, Nazare always has his eye on delivering the knockout, and nothing will change on March 23rd.

Bellator 63 - Live on MTV2 and Spike.com at 7/6c Friday, March 30, 2012

Welterweights kick off one of the most stacked tournaments in Bellator history. Several promotional newcomers look to make an immediate splash, while a handful of veterans are out for redemption.

Chris "The Cleveland Assassin" Lozano vs. Karl "Psycho" Amoussou (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

Ben "Killa B" Saunders vs. Raul Amaya (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

Brian Foster vs. Dave "The Caveman" Rickels (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

Bryan "The Beast" Baker vs. Carlos “Indio” Pereira (welterweight tournament quarterfinal)

Kopylenko, Akhundov Lifts Intercontinental Titles

On Saturday night at the Club Sportlife in Kiev, Ukrainians Vitaliy Kopylenko and Timur Akhundov captured World Boxing Federation Intercontinental titles with stoppage victories over Vasyl Tarabarov, also
from Ukraine, and Hungarian Arpad Vass.

Kopylenko, based in Switzerland and fighting in his native country for the first time since his professional debut four years ago, won the vacant
Middleweight version when he outworked Tarabarov for four rounds, taking
the initiative and landing the heavier shots. Before the fifth,
Tarabarov´s corner stopped the fight when their fighter claimed to be
unable to continue due to the affects of a liver-punch landed in the final
stages of the fourth round, making the official result a TKO in round
five.

With the victory Kopylenko won his first professional championship, and
improved his unbeaten record to 17-0 (8). Tarabarov, a former IBF and WBC
regional belt-holder and Ukrainian national champion, lost for the first
time and dropped to 22-1-1 (8).

In the second WBF title fight of the show promoted by Oleg Bruskov, Timur
Akhundov also won his first title in the pros as he stopped Budapest’s
Arpad Vass in three rounds for the vacant Featherweight strap. Both boxers
were active in the first two rounds, but Akhundov had the most success and
the visitor looked tired already at the end of the second.

After three knockdowns in the third round, referee Victor Panin from
Russia decided enough was enough and declared Akhundov, now 13-2-1 (5),

the winner by technical knockout. Arpad Vass fell to 8-4 (6).

It’s about Zab Judah being the best Zab Judah he can be. vs. Vernon Paris

Zab Judah, a three-time Junior Welterweight titlist and former undisputed Welterweight world champion, is ecstatic to fight in his hometown for the first time as a professional. “This is a great opportunity, because this is the first time that I will be fighting in Brooklyn as a professional. It’s a great feeling, and I think the last time I fought in Brooklyn, New York, was in the Golden Gloves.”

Brooklyn, the “thoroughest borough” which was once home to great fighters such as Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, and Eddie Mustapha Muhammad as well as to a plethora of legendary rappers like the Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z, is the perfect place for Judah to fight in, as the popular fighter has always connected with the hip-hop generation.

One gets the sense that the Brooklynite feels that he has to return home to reclaim some of the magic that made him a “super” prospect in the eyes of all who witnessed his amazing skills since his amateur days.

“I feel like superman, like how he came out of the booth and he became superman again,” explains Judah. “So this is the old Zab Judah all over again, I’m going back to my roots, Brooklyn New York, and when I come out of the booth it will be flying colors again.”

However, many are questioning just how much Judah has left at 34-years-old with so many grueling fights behind him. In his 16-year career, the fighter has shared the ring with the likes of Kostya Tszyu, Cory Spinks, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, and most recently, Amir Khan.

His performance against Khan last July has been cited as evidence that the veteran is not the same fighter that, win or lose, thrilled fans with his blazing speed, thunderous power and an attitude to match in his prime years in the sport.

Judah did not let his hands go enough against Khan to be competitive against the young and hungry champion. The Brit dominated the fight for the first 4 rounds until a body shot dropped Judah for the count in round 5.

“People are questioning me,” admits Judah, clearly aware of the criticism and the calls to perhaps call it a career. “I understand that everybody was a little upset at the last outing, but there are some things that are out of your control. It kind of hurts your feelings, because people are saying ‘that wasn’t a low blow, you got hit with a body shot.’ A body shot? Me? Come on, my body was tremendous. It was as hard as a brick. Amir Khan is no knockout puncher that can stop someone with a body shot. It was a low shot that jammed the cup right into my testicles.”

That loss aside, the Pernell Whitaker-trained Judah insists that the fire to succeed still burns in his belly and that it is fueled by his new found spirituality.

“Oh yeah, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has re-lit my fire, my fire is back, my hunger is there,” exclaims Judah. “I feel like Jesus when he was at the mountaintop 40 days and 40 nights with no food or water and this is how I am going into this fight. I hate going backwards and trying to explain, but everybody that knows me knows I have a heart like a lion. They used to say ‘he has too much heart, he’s too wild,’ and now they’re saying ‘he’s soft.’ You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t, but come March 24th you’re going to see Zab Judah and I’ll do what I do best. I think the respect that I deserve as a fighter will be given back at this fight to come.”

In Vernon Paris (26-0, 15 KOs), Judah is facing another undefeated fighter who is a decade younger. In fact, the 24-year-old from Detroit is as brash and cocky as a young Zab Judah was in his prime.

“I remember being in that kind of a position before. I was what Paris is trying to be,” reminisces Judah, now wise enough to know that talking tough does not mean a thing if one cannot back it up in the ring. “I was that kid once, the trash talker, the loud mouth, but it don’t pay the bills. March 24th is a boxing match, and that’s the only thing that should count for anything.”

Judah cites a lack of mental and sometimes physical preparation as the main reasons why he ended up on the losing end of big fights where he started fast and strong. Zab believes that the tricks he learned in 48 professional fights will be too much for a young, inexperienced fighter.

“It’s a 12 round fight, and I’m fighting a fighter that’s never been passed 8 rounds ever in his career. I’ve been 12 rounds numerous times with some of the top fighters in the world today,” explains Judah. “Vernon Paris is going into a depth of water he’s never ever swam and he’s going to find out there is no bottom.”

The fighter clearly counts on experience to be the deciding factor in this fight, but he takes exception to those who call him “old” at 34 years of age.

“It’s funny how they call you old at 34. I don’t understand what’s old. Old is experience and experience is great. I think that everybody that’s old in the game of boxing is great. If you watch the great Bernard Hopkins, he’s done it time after time. George Foreman has shown the world he can do it. I’m not comparing myself to these guys age-wise, but those guys are another decade older than myself. If you look at the whole [Olympic] team of ’96, myself, Antonio Tarver and Floyd Mayweather, we are probably the only three that are still rolling strong. People have to remember just last July I was a champion of the world. Now I’m coming back to rightfully get back what’s mine.”

So is there anything in particular about Vernon Paris that concerns Judah?

“Hopefully he shows up!” quips Judah. “It’s not just Vernon Paris, you gotta understand, he’s just the fighter at hand. It could be any fighter. It’s about Zab Judah being the best Zab Judah he can be.”

The fighter does have a message for his young opponent, however.

“You have to respect everywhere that you go. You can’t disrespect or bad mouth anywhere that you go and just expect to walk out there plain and calm. Vernon Paris is coming to Brooklyn City, New York. I don’t want anyone to say that this is a Detroit vs. Brooklyn fight, because it’s totally not. I love Detroit, I represented Detroit, I defended my world title on the Tyson-Golota undercard in Detroit, I have a lot of friends in Detroit and I love Detroit. The only one that is thinking something like this is Vernon Paris and his weak minded crew. At the same time, all that I ask the young man is to come in here and prepare for a boxing match. Come here and give respect and respect will be given back. Understand that you are going through Brooklyn, NY. You can’t come here with disrespect.”

Other than demanding respect, the Brooklyn native claims that he is rejuvenated and blessed that he has one more opportunity to turn back the clock.

“Anybody that knows me knows winning means more to me than anything. I could care less who it is, just that Zab Judah steps in there and be the best Zab Judah that Zab can be. It’s a blessing to be in the situation where I’m at. I was stopped on a low blow, and I’m back fighting for the number one spot for the IBF belt again. I’m excited again. I’m feeling like I’m 22 years old again. The fire is lit, my airline tickets are ready, my hotel is booked. Brooklyn is ready. That’s all I can say, this is going to be great.”

Friday, March 16, 2012

Kendall Holt vs. Tim Coleman March 16th, on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights

On March 16th, 2012 at Morongo Casino & Resorts in Cabazon, CA, Kendall Rated “R” Holt vs. Tim “Pit-bull” Coleman will collide at welterweight. This bout will be televised on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. It is a do or die match up for each of the two combatants involved, because both Holt and Coleman lost their last outings, respectively. They each lost to top upcoming young prospects. In many aspects, it’s a fight that could’ve happened at 140 a year or so ago on different circumstances. However, it will be going down this Friday, the 16^th, for a bit more than bragging rights. (Photo of Kendall Holt by Keisha Morrisey)

The Sweet Life; World middleweight contender Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin

World middleweight contender Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin(26-0, 20 KOs), rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Association ("WBA"), has been enjoying the sweet life since his last fight, in which the undefeated, rising star's HBO debut last November in Cancun resulted in a sixth round stoppage of Craig McEwan.

The 28-year-old bi-coastal resident of Los Angeles and New York City has been busy continuing to hone his skills, pushing his conditioning to the maximum, and marketing himself from coast to coast.

"Kid Chocolate" recently sat on the hot seat to talk about his sweet life:

Quillin's new advisor Al Hayman

"Al Hayman can bring me to another level. Look at the interest in his fighters. My co-managers, John Seip and Jimmy McDevitt, have been doing a good job and they'll continue to do so. They think adding Al as an advisor is a good idea, which proves to me how much they really care about me. Al's the right guy to market my story: I moved from the mean streets Grand Rapids to New York City, into a similar environment, just fighting and sleeping on floors to survive. I've learned a lot the hard way."

What Quillin's been up to

"I went back to New York City after my last fight. I sparred with Carl Froch when he was getting ready to fight Andre Ward. I went home to Grand Rapids where I started boxing. I was invited there to go to a boxing program as a role model for young kids at a boxing camp/clinics. In walked Jonathan Banks and Andre Dirrell, who I sparred with he's very talented. I was blessed to be in that situation. I went back to New York City and connected with Austin Trout, who is a world champion and real cool guy.

"In New York, I went to Gleason's Gym to support an amateur show and was a guest on a Sirius boxing show with Randy Gordon and Gerry Cooney. I also appeared on two HBO shows: On Freddie Roach and How To Make It In America."

Why Andy Lee fight fell apart

"I agreed to fight Andy Lee. There may be a lot of reasons why it didn't happen, but I guess it couldn't happen because of boxing politics."

Winky Wright Fight

"We both agreed by the Nevada Athletic Commission won't approve his license because of his age and inactivity. It's a risky fight I'm still willing to take. I weighed the risks and rewards. It's a risk because I could lose but it's the reward is beating a big name on my record. It can also get me closer to my world title shot that I've worked so hard for.

"Not fighting on the May 5th Mayweather-Cotto card in Las Vegas had nothing to do with me and Winky. We both signed and everything was in place. You can't stop haters, though. They're trying to bring me down. They don't understand the boxing business."

What's Next for "Kid Chocolate"

"They're still working on a date. It still could be May 5. There will be a May fight for me, maybe against Winky."

Team Chocolate

"I have a hard working promoter, Golden Boy, and a strong team with my co-managers John and Jimmy, Al Hayman as my new advisor, trainers Freddie Roach and Eric Brown, publicist Bob Trieger and Pablo Hernandez, who created my website and manages my social networking."

Boxing as his chosen occupation

"Boxing has been the reason I went from Grand Rapids to New York City and Los Angeles. After sleeping on floors and my other struggles, I've been a pro boxer for almost seven years. I have a nice car, apartment and been able to travel back and forth - Grand Rapids, New York City and LA -- and to other nice places like Miami. Boxing has provided me with the lifestyle I lead today and the best is yet to come."

FIGHTVILLE: MMA fighter Dustin "The Diamond" Poirer

Opens 4/20 in New York and Los Angeles, with nationwide dates to follow. Also available the same day via on demand and digital download.

Directed by Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker (“Gunner Palace,” “The Prisoner: Or How I Planned to Kill Tony Blair”)

Over the last decade, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has grown from a controversial no-holds-barred gladiatorial sideshow into a billion dollar phenomenon. MMA has eclipsed boxing as the dominant combat sport in the world, and is so popular that MMA fights regularly appear on U.S. network television – even as a longstanding ban remains in force in New York State. But far from Las Vegas, in sweat-soaked gyms and low-rent arenas across America, the big lights are but a dream.
Here, men fight to test their mettle, fortified with the mythic promise that an ordinary man can transform into a champion.

Directed by the accomplished filmmaking duo of Petra Epperlein and
Michael Tucker (GUNNER PALACE), FIGHTVILLE takes us to Southern
Louisiana, where a group of young athletes, including future MMA powerhouse Dustin Poirier, strive towards personal and professional greatness. The reward? A triumph that could ultimately yield an opportunity to compete professionally in the sport’s upper echelons.

FIGHTVILLE is a microcosm of life, a physical manifestation of the
American Dream and the relentless dedication required of all who hope to attain it. Here, men are not born, but are instead built through self-determination, hard work and faith. In FIGHTVILLE, that’s what champions are made of.

♔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.

New York Senate Includes MMA Bill in Budget Report

Monday, March 12 was an overall strong day for mixed martial arts fans, capping off with the news that the New York State Senate has included the bill to lift the ban on professional mixed martial arts as part of its 2012-2013 budget report. The 39 page report ended with a section called “New Jobs New York,” which included all of the Senate’s recommendations for increasing financial activity within the state. Among the items was a note in favor of legislation sanctioning the sport.

“PART II: The Senate proposes regulating the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and allowing such bouts to be held within the state,” the report reads.

While the bill to sanction MMA has passed freely through the Senate, it has thus far been stalled in the Parks, Tourism, and Sports Development Committee of the State Assembly. The chair of the committee, Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, has yet to place the MMA bill on her committee agenda to be voted on. The Senate including MMA in its budget proposal goes a long way to remind the Assembly that the sport is not something that can be swept under the rug.

In other parts of the country the administrative front has reported back with victory for MMA. On Monday morning it was announced that Wyoming has officially become the 45th state in the union to sanction MMA under its State Athletic Commission. Of the remaining five states in the US, Alaska lacks a governing body to cover combat sports, Connecticut and Vermont have sanctioned events on their reservations under Tribal authorities, and Montana allows for MMA but does not regulate it under its athletic commission. New York remains the only state in the union and one of the only places in the modern world where professional mixed martial arts competition is expressly banned under the law.

The Dewey Bozella story will air on ESPN

Dewey Bozella’s life changed forever when he was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for a murder he did not commit. Throughout his 26 years behind bars, Bozella found strength and purpose through boxing, becoming the light heavyweight champion of Sing Sing Prison, and made it a goal to be proven innocent and box professionally once he was released. ESPN Films chronicles Bozella’s journey from prison cell to professional boxer in 26 Years: The Dewey Bozella Story premiering on Thursday, March 16, at 8:30pm ET on ESPN.

Unyielding in his innocence, Bozella never gave up fighting - both in and out of the ring. He was offered more than four separate chances for an early release if he would only admit guilt and show remorse, but Bozella consistently refused to accept freedom under such conditions.

After a law firm took on his case and uncovered new evidence that exonerated him, Bozella was released and returned to boxing as a volunteer trainer to kids and aspiring fighters. When Bozella was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The 2011 ESPYs in July, he caught the attention of light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins and boxing great Oscar De La Hoya who then helped make his dream to fight one professional fight as a free man come true.

Directed by award winning producer/director Jose Morales, 26 Years: The Dewey Bozella Story follows Bozella on his quest to earn a professional boxing license at age 52, and sheds light on a man who never gave up fighting for his freedom. The film is narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Laurence Fishburne and includes interviews from Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, and Bozella’s wife Trena and attorneys.

Key Quotes
Dewey on why he continued to box after being released from prison: "I didn’t want to fight amateur. What I really liked to know was what it feels like to be a pro. And I believed that it was something that I needed to find out for myself."

Oscar De La Hoya before Dewey’s second attempt at passing his boxing license: "I don’t wish for the commission to look at his speed and his punching power. I want them to focus directly on his heart and think about what he has accomplished, what he has gone through to be right here today. Doesn’t get any tougher than that."

Dewey on how he felt going into his first professional fight: "Bring it. You can’t hurt me no more than I’ve already been hurt. Black eye, busted lip, busted nose, broken rib… you can’t hurt me no more. You can’t. I’ve been knocked down so many times I had no choice but to get back up or lay down and die.

"And I ain’t ready for that yet, so I’m going to fight."

♔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.

Alicia “Slick” Ashley Defending WBC Super Bantamweight Title against Maria Elena “The Rush” Villalobos on March 17, 2012‏

Alicia “Slick” Ashley Defending WBC Super Bantamweight Title against Maria Elena “The Rush” Villalobos on March 17, 2012. Brooklyn's own Alicia "Slick" Ashley (17-9-1, 1-KO) and currently the oldest female world champion in boxing will be defending her WBC Super Bantamweight championship against challenger Maria Elena "The Rush" Villalobos (12-4-1, 5-KO) on March 17, 2012 in Mexico City, Mexico. Maria Elena "The Rush" Villalobos, 39, is also no stranger to the ring having successfully defended her WBC Silver Female Super Bantamweight Title since last July 2011.

Macklin - Martinez: Final Quotes

Matthew Macklin:
“It's been a long road to get here, I've won everything along the way, the Irish middleweight title, the British middleweight title, the European Championship twice and should have added the WBA World Championship to that only to get stiffed out in Germany to Felix Sturm on a horrible decision. However I'm here now and sometimes things happen for a reason. Sergio's the lineal middleweight champion and the real world champion, he's universally regarded as the number one in the division and if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.

“I'm very honored to be fighting at Madison Square Garden, such an iconic venue and I'll be even prouder to win my first world title here. Bringing in World class sparring and setting up training camp in downtown Manhattan for 10 weeks doesn't come cheap so I'm very appreciate and grateful to my sponsors Goodfellas Pizza, Green Isle, Martin Donnelly and Sierra Communications for their kind and generous support.

Since I started boxing on St. Patrick's Day in 1994 at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham I always believed that I could go all the way in this sport. On Saturday it will be 18 years to that day when I step into the ring against Sergio Martinez who is not only the best middleweight in the world but one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport. With regard to Sergio there really is nothing bad to say and it's not my style to trash talk anyway but every dog has his day and he is 37 years old now and on Saturday night he's going to feel every single day of those 37 years and there will be a new middleweight champion.

Sergio Martinez:
"I dedicate this fight to my family and victims of domestic violence. It's a great, great honor to fight at Madison Square Garden and a life time dream. It makes me quite emotional.“

The card, which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® in the U.S. and on Sky Sports 1 in Ireland and the UK, is entitled, "THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up", and features Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez (48-2-2, 27KO's) defending his middleweight crown against Ireland's Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin (28-3, 19KO's). The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and will be televised live on HBO beginning 10PM ET/7PM PT and starting from midnight on Sky Sports 1.

Award winning artist Slone puts Macklin and Martinez on the canvas‏

Multi-award winning artist Richard Slone has revealed his latest work, a pre-fight canvas of Matthew Macklin and Sergio Martinez ahead of their eagerly anticipated clash in Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The piece depicting the St. Patrick's Day clash was commissioned by Macklin's manager Brian Peters and Slone relished the opportunity to depict the fight on canvas.

“It was an honor to paint these two gladiators in action. I wanted to capture the ferocity that a championship fight is all about. It’s going to be a great fight that continues the rich history of championship fights at Madison Square Garden.

“I’m thrilled to have been selected to paint the Martinez-Macklin showdown. Fights like this are fun to paint, because both boxers fight with such passion and heart. I try to portray that on canvas and give each viewer a chance to be close to the action and interpret the painting as they see it.”

Speaking on the painting, Brian Peters said, “Richard has painted some of the great fights and fighters in recent years sand I think this canvas is a fitting tribute to a fight of this magnitude. For an Irish fighter to headline a major, world title fight at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick's Day is something very special and I wanted to mark the occasion.”

Slone is the official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the official cover artist of the RING Magazine. Over the years his art has featured boxings biggest names including Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather amongst other while collectors of his works include Muhammad Ali, Hugh Hefner, Donald Trump and Nelson Mandela

Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva in the April 2012 issue of Marie Claire magazine

Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva

See who is the fittest. A Boxer (me), Ballerina, Yogi, Biker, or Runner.

FX’s Premiere of The Ultimate Fighter® Live Gets Off to a Strong Start

This Week the Series Moves to its Regularly Scheduled Time Period

Fridays Live at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT (Tape Delay at 10 p.m. PT/11 p.m. MT)

Coaches Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber Pick Their Teams Friday

With the First Live Fight Between Team Cruz and Team Faber

The series debut of The Ultimate Fighter^®Live on FX got off to a strong start Friday night (3/9/12, 9:00-11:38 PM) delivering 1.28 Million Total Viewers, 953,000 Adults 18-49 and 538,000 Adults 18-34, and ranking among the top five cable programs on Friday in Men 18-34 (#2), Adults 18-34 (#3), Men 18-49 (#4), and Adults 18-49 (#5).

The combination of The Ultimate Fighter^® Live and its lead-in movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, propelled FX to cable’s #1 rank in primetime Friday (8-11PM) in delivery of Adults 18-49 (933,000), Adults 18-34 (532,000), and Men 18-34 (352,000). In addition, The Ultimate Fighter^® Live (9-11:38 PM ET) was up +58% in Adults 18-49, +96% in Men 18-49 and +124% in Men 18-34 vs. year ago time period.

“We’ve been anticipating this day since FOX acquired the rights to UFC last summer and we knew it would be a special night for our network,” said Chuck Saftler, Executive Vice President of FX Networks. “The Ultimate Fighter^® Live makes Friday nights on FX the ultimate destination for MMA fans. We’re thrilled with the performance of the premiere telecast and we look forward to an exciting season ahead.”

Compared to other MMA telecasts on Friday evening, The Ultimate Fighter^® Live Season 1 debut significantly outperformed Spike’s repeat counter-programming of The Ultimate Fighter^® Season 10 by +189% in delivery of Adults 18-34, +162% among Adults 18-49, +208% with Men 18-34, and +167% in Men 18-49, and it also battered live MMA bouts on MTV2 by +703% in delivery of Adults 18-34, +947% among Adults 18-49, +568% with Men 18-34, and +842% in Men 18-49.

In the premiere telecast, which was televised live, 16 of the best unsigned fighters in the world took their first step towards glory as they won their first round tournament fights. The result was some of the most intense, emotional and action-packed bouts in TUF history, including a startling eight-second KO. In addition, fighters were offered a bonus of $5,000 if they succeeded in scoring a submission or knockout in their fight. A total of $40,000 was handed out. With the win, the victors now move into The Ultimate Fighter^® Live House for the next 12 weeks as they continue to compete for a lucrative six-figure contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship^®(UFC^®).

The UFC has transformed The Ultimate Fighter^® Live and it no longer is just a competition reality series; it is a LIVE sporting event.

The first season of The Ultimate Fighter^® Live on FX features fighters from the lightweight division (155 pounds). The fighters will train together under the supervision of their team’s respective coach. One fighter from each team will be selected by their coach to fight at the end of each episode and the right to advance in the competition. At the end of the season, one man will be crowned The Ultimate Fighter^® LiveChampion.

The coaches selected for the two teams this season are current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and former champion and current top contender Urijah Faber. In addition to their coaching duties, Cruz and Faber will be training for their rubber match this summer. The first time they met, Faber successfully defended his title against the rising contender, but Cruz was able to unseat Faber in their second match to capture the title.

FX’s coverage of the UFC this year includes two seasons (26 weeks) of The Ultimate Fighter^® Live, six major two-hour fight cards televised live nationally, and 14 live telecasts of preliminary fights preceding UFC pay-per-view telecasts

Ratings Source: The Nielsen Company (Live+Same Day)

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule includes a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series including Sons of Anarchy,Justified and American Horror Story, and acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer andWilfred. Its library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. The network's other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with college football and the UFC. For more information about FX, visit our web site at www.FXnetworks.com.

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