★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Monday, April 2, 2012

Carlos Takam Stops Botha, To Become New WBF International Heavyweight Champion

Takam Stops Botha, To Become New WBF International Heavyweight Champion

France-based Cameroonian Carlos Takam is the new World Boxing Federation
International Heavyweight Champion after scoring his biggest victory so
far on Saturday night in Noisy-le-Grand, France, stopping former World
Champion Francois Botha in the eleventh round.

The 31-year-old Takam, a 2004 Olympian, improved his impressive
professional record to 25-1 (20), while South African Botha falls to
48-7-3 (29), and could be at the end of the line after an impressive
career that saw him capture IBF and WBF world titles, and included fights
against some of the sport’s biggest names.

Botha fought well in the early rounds, and had his moments against the
lesser experienced hometown favorite, but as the rounds went by the
physical advantage and punching power of Takam took its toll, and he
slowly but surely began to wear the visitor down.

After the bout an ecstatic Takam praised Botha for putting up a good
fight, and promised his fans that the victory is only the first of many
big triumphs to come. It certainly was an impressive performance by the
winner, who could be in line to face WBF World Champion Michael Grant in
the future.

The Carlos Takam vs. Francois Botha WBF International Heavyweight title
fight at Gymnase Jean Richepin in Noisy-le-Grand was promoted by Joseph

Germain.

♔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.

No Holds Barred: Joel Resnick of RUFF, Martial Arts and MMA in China, World Martial Arts Show Rocks the Bronx

http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-01T14_42_48-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the successful World Martial Arts Show in the Bronx on Saturday, the connection between traditional martial arts and mixed martial arts, and the link of all of these with China, and interviews Joel Resnick, president and co-founder of the MMA company RUFF (http://www.ruffchina.com), based in Shanghai, China.

The World Martial Arts Show and Battle of the Dojos Extravaganza took place Saturday, March 31, at the famed Paradise Theater in the Bronx, New York. After martial arts tournaments during the daytime, the activities in the evening featured a martial arts, music, dance, and fashion show, as well as the presentation of the Life Arts Award to martial artist and actor Michael Jai White. Among the topics commented upon are how the mainstream media ignored this well-attended event, how it was enthusiastically received by its largely African-American and Latino audience, the fashion show which included a wearing of hoodies in tribute to slain African-American teenager Trayvon Martin, the different styles of striking and grappling on this show, the remarks by Michael Jai White, the relationship this event showed between the traditional martial arts and MMA and boxing, and, first and foremost, its importance to the youth.

Many of the organizers of this event are also involved with the practice of Chinese Shotokan Karate. Thus examined briefly is some of the history of how karate originated in China, the relation between traditional martial arts and MMA in China, including the practice of shoubo (手搏), a form of no-holds-barred weaponless fighting some 23 centuries ago, and more recent developments in the People's Republic of China.

This leads us into our interview with Joel Resnick, the president and co-founder of RUFF (Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation). We recorded it by Skype last Tuesday Shanghai time (Monday New York time).

"In a couple of years, the best fighters are going to be coming out of China," said Joel Resnick in this interview. "Like every other sport, when they get behind it and they really want it, they're going go get it."

We discussed how he got to China from Canada, why they just want to focus on running events in China, how RUFF is the only professional MMA organization sanctioned by the Chinese government through the Wushu Administrative Center which is the governing body of Chinese combat sports, why they adopted the North American unified rules, prefight medicals and fighter safety issues, their plans for a series of fights leading to title fights to crown China's first MMA national champions, their plans for TV and video, and much, much more.

Ju Hee Kim Retains WBF World Title

Ju Hee Kim Retains WBF World Title

South Korea icon and hero Ju Hee Kim showed exactly why she is the light flyweight champion with an emphatic 6th round stoppage over the game Ploynapa Sakrungrueng from Thailand to retain her World Boxing Federation World Title Friday March 30 in Seoul.

Before a packed University Hall of almost three thousand, Kim thrilled the many students at the university where she studied with a dominant display, and improved her impressive record to 16-1-1 (7). Sakrungrueng dropped to
5-2 (0).

After an even and slow paced first round, Ju Hee showed impressive skills
and a good work rate, while Sakrungrueng was always dangerous on the
counter. However, as the fight wore on the champion gained more and more
control, and finally overwhelmed the challenger in the sixth.

Ju Hee will defend again in North Korea at the end of the year. Special
mention must be made of WBF representative Moon Sung for his outstanding
contribution to the excellence of the event. WBF Supervisor in attendance

was president Howard Goldberg from South Africa.

Friday, March 30, 2012

CLETUS SELDIN RETURNS TO BATTLE ON MARCH 31ST AT THE PARAMOUNT

"The Hebrew Hammer" Cletus Seldin heads back to the ring on Saturday, March 31st at Star Boxing's ROCKIN' FIGHTS 3, at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island.

The 25-year-old Seldin has turned heads in the New York City area with his stunning knockouts in his last three bouts, raising his record to 6-0-0 with five knockouts since turning pro in July 2011.

At ROCKIN' FIGHTS 3, the former bodybuilding champion will face off against Rochester, New York's Marcus Hall, 5-4-1 (2KO's) in a scheduled six round welterweight tilt.

On January 28th at The Paramount, Seldin wasted little time against Tyler Pogline; drilling him to the canvas three times as referee Ricky Gonzalez called a halt to the carnage at the 2:25 mark of the opening round.

Recently signed to Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, plans are big for Seldin. "Cletus has the attributes to be very successful in boxing. Only six fights into his pro career and it's already obvious he has world-class knockout power and has a huge following. The fans are turning out in strong numbers and he's impressing them with his knockouts" said DeGuardia.

On October 22nd, Seldin fought on the undercard of the HBO televised Nonito Donaire/Omar Narvaez bantamweight world title bout at Madison Square Garden, "The Mecca of Boxing."

Seldin came prepared, stopping Jose Segura Torres in brutal fashion with Torres hitting the canvas three times towards a second round knockout in front of the sold out crowd of over 4,500 in The Theatre.

CHRIS ALGIERI HEADLINES ON LONG ISLAND SATURDAY NIGHT

"The Fighting Pride of Huntington, Long Island", Chris Algieri has returned home to headline ROCKIN' FIGHTS 3, a world class professional boxing card presented by Star Boxing this Saturday night, March 31st at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island.

The undefeated Algieri, 13-0-0 (6KO's), will battle Rochester, New York's Winston Mathis, 7-4-1 (2KO's), in the junior welterweight main event.

Although future plans for Algieri include medical school as well as pursuing a world title, he recently returned from his first training camp, joining numerous world champions and contenders in Oxnard, California, under the watchful eye of noted trainer and former lightweight world champion Robert Garcia.

"I went for three weeks and the training was terrific. It seemed like the whole gym had fights coming up this Saturday as do I so we were all on the same schedule" said Algieri.

"The gym has a very electric atmosphere. Most of my sparring came against Brandon Rios and Rolando Reyes. Training alongside world-class fighters like Rios and Kelly Pavlik was a great experience. Kelly and I worked out together and ran every morning and he really pushed me."

About returning to Oxnard, Algieri stated, "Next time I'll go back for a longer period. Although Robert won't be in my corner, his guidance while training out there was a perfect compliment to my trainers, Keith Trimble and Tim Lane."

In regards to fighting at The Paramount for the third straight fight and facing Mathis, Algieri said, "The Paramount is perfect, I've been home for just a couple days and my phone hasn't stopped ringing with people wanting to buy tickets. We've sold it out the last two times and should again this Saturday night."

"I've seen some tapes of Mathis' fights. He's an aggressive boxer who I'm sure is coming to win. But my team has put together a game plan and it's my job to execute it."

The Algieri/Mathis bout headlines the sensational seven bout ROCKIN' FIGHTS 3card.

Women’s MMA Promotion Invicta FC Joins Streaming Party

All-women’s mixed martial arts promotion Invicta FC announced today that their first event will stream live via the promotions website free of charge. The live stream has recently become the way for foreign-based MMA promotions to gain some traction inside the American market. But the Kansas City based Invicta sees it as a way for the new women’s league to reach more local fans.

“The live stream,” said Invicta President Shanon Knapp in a press release, “is the best way to give fans, no matter where they are located, the opportunity to participate and take in the action as it unfolds and, at the same time, establish the forthcoming Invicta website as an online destination for women’s MMA content.”

MMA promotions in the past that have been purely dedicated to women’s divisions have been somewhat flash in the plan in the US, which places Invicta in what is already considered an experimental position. To top it off, Invicta has brought together some of the most well-known free agents in women’s MMA, so its inaugural event will likely not be the most low-cost start up for a new professional promotion.

Invicta FC will debut April 28th at 8 PM EST at Memorial Hall in Kansas City. The first Invicta card is headlined by former Strikeforce champion Marloes Coenen in a rematch with Romy Ruyssen. The bout will also feature former Bellator fighters Jessica Penne and Lisa Ellis-Ward.

Ju Hi Kim Set For Second Title-Defense‏

Ju Hi Kim Set For Second Title-Defense

South Koreas World Boxing Federation Women’s World Light Flyweight
Champion Ju Hi Kim is set to make her second title-defense on Friday March 30 in hometown Seoul, taking on tough challenger Ploynapa Sakrungrueng from Thailand.

26-year-old Kim, 15-1-1 (6), won the WBF World title in September 2010 when she outpointed Jujeath Nagaowa from the Philippines, and successfully defended it last July with a unanimous decision over another Thai, Fahpratan Looksaikongdin.

Ploynapa Sakrungrueng, 5-1 (0), turned professional at seventeen in 2010
after an extensive Muay Thai career, and amazingly fought for her first
title in only her second bout, losing a decision to another Korean,
Yeon-Hee Kim, for a regional strap. Since then she has racked up four
straight victories, and at 19 years old has the advantage of youth on her
side.

WBF President Howard Goldberg will be ringside for the fight, and the
South African is certain it will be well worth the long flight from Cape
Town, saying: “I was in South Korea for Kim’s first title defense, and
it was a fantastic fight. She is a very entertaining fighter, and when you
pair that with the fact that Sakrungrueng is an immensely talented
up-and-coming boxer I think we are in for a treat once again”.

Besides the WBF World title, Ju Hi Kim has also captured a host of other
championships since her debut in 2001 at only fifteen years of age, some
of which will also be on the line against Sakrungrueng.

A sell-out crowd is expected to cheer on the national sporting hero as she
attempts to continue her impressive reign as queen of the Light Flyweights.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Jones vs Evans In Atlanta

The light heavyweight title is on the line as champion Jon "Bones" Jones faces "Suga" Rashad Evans! UFC 145 presented by MetroPCS live Saturday, April 21 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia!

Korean Zombie Battles Poirier Live In Fairfax

It's a battle of exciting featherweight contenders on Tuesday, May 15th when Chan Sung Jung and Dustin Poirier face off the in Octagon - UFC on FUEL TV Tuesday, May 15 live at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia
♔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 Heavyweights Take Over Memorial Day Weekend In Vegas

The world heavyweight championship is on the line as champion Junior dos Santos returns to the Octagon to defend the belt against striking star Alistair Overeem! Plus, former champions collide as Cain Velasquez takes on Frank Mir, and TUF winner Roy Nelson welcomes Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva to the Octagon! UFC 146 presented by Bud Light - Saturday, May 26 live at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas -

UFC Returns To New Jersey With Four Huge Fights On FOX

The UFC hits the IZOD Center in East Rutherford on Saturday, May 5th with a lightweight main event between rising contenders Nate Diaz and Jim Miller - plus, Josh Koscheck battles Johny Hendricks, heavyweights Pat Barry and Lavar Johnson collide, and Rousimar Palhares takes on Alan Belcher!

Full Card set for “Battle at the Boat 86”!‏

Halquist Productions has finalized all bouts for “Battle at the Boat 86”.

Headlining the card is a ten round lightweight showdown between Fort Worth, TX’ Jose Hernandez and Kenyan Peter Oluoch. Both men fought tough competition and gave highly favored opponents all they can handle. Between Oluoch’s 9,000 mile journey to Tacoma and Hernandez’ insistence on fighting toe-to-toe, this match-up already has plenty of intrest.

Crowd favorite and retired Marine Nate Serrano, 3-1 (1 KO), of Yakima, WA looks to get back in the winners circle when he challenges 6’2 Nick Balestra in a six round welterweight contest. Serrano, the area’s most popular fighter, lost his most recent bout and will need to be on his A game to emerge victorious.

California native Lisette Medal, 5-1-1, and “Battle at the Boat” veteran Sarah Pucek, 4-1-1, meet in a five rounder, while highly touted Ray Lampkin Jr., Isaac Tadeo and William Fernandez all make their pro debuts in separate bouts.

Internationally known actor, radio show host and personality Danny Bonaduce is serving as the master of ceremonies throughout the evening.

Doors open at 6 pm and the first fight takes place at 7.

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.

Boxing Night Featuring Super Middleweight Richard Pierson‏

Amore Cucina To Host Boxing Night Featuring Super Middleweight Prospect Richard Pierson

On Thursday, March 29 from 8 to 10:30 p.m., Amore Cucina Ristorante in Wayne, NJ will be hosting its inaugural ‘Boxing Night’, and the featured guest will be boxing super middleweight prospect and New Jersey native Richard Pierson (10-2, 7 KO).

Amore Cucina is one of North Jersey’s hidden gems, combining fine dining and gourmet Italian cuisine with a state-of-the-art sports bar and lounge. Known for hosting some of the area’s top musical talents, Amore Cucina is looking to expand with the Boxing Night.

“We are very excited to host Boxing Night, and have Richard Pierson as the guest of honor. Amore Cucina wishes him much luck on his upcoming fight, and we hope all of his fans come out and show their support March 29. It’s going to be a great night.”

On April 18, Richard Pierson will be fighting Joshua Snyder for the New Jersey Super Middleweight Title at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. Tickets are now available, and can be purchased at Amore Cucina March 29.

Richard Pierson will be available for photos and autographs, and Team Pierson will be offering giveaways and ticket raffles. Additionally, Amore Cucina will be offering the following specials:

“I am honored that Amore Cucina Ristorante, one of the most loved sports bars in Wayne, NJ, is having me as a special guest,” said Richard Pierson. “On top of that I will be able to meet the fans that came out and supported me in my last fight and thank them. I can’t wait to meet and greet everyone on March 29!”

Richard Pierson is one of the most exciting and talented super middleweights out there. He has the talent, drive and determination to fight for a world title in the near future. Outside of the ring he is a devoted father and active member within his community, lending his time to the Boys and Girls Club, as well as Fighters United Against Bullying.

The Fans Have Spoken: HBO Sports to Replay Mayweather vs. Corrales 2001 & Cotto vs. Mosley 2007‏

THE RESULTS ARE IN AND THE FANS HAVE SPOKEN:

HBO SPORTS® TO REPLAY

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. DIEGO CORRALES 2001

& MIGUEL COTTO VS. SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY 2007

AS A SPECIAL PREVIEW TO THE UPCOMING

MAYWEATHER VS. COTTO PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT

HBO Sports® held a fan vote to decide which classic fights they would want to see air on the HBO2 service leading up to the super welterweight world championship fight between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto. The fans have chosentwo riveting showdowns that highlight defining moments in the careers of both superstars.

On Friday, April 27 at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, April 28 at 12:00 p.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Mayweather vs. Corrales 2001 and Cotto vs. Mosley 2007. Mayweather, in one of the defining fights in his young career, dominated a much bigger Corrales and knocked him down five times en route to a 10th round TKO in January 2001.Meanwhile, Cotto out-jabbed and out-boxed Mosley, one of the best pound for pound greats, winning a 12-round decision to remain undefeated in November of 2007.

Both fights will be available 24 hours a day to HBO On Demand® subscribers from Monday, April 23 through Monday, May 7 as well as on HBO GO®.

Mayweather vs. Cotto takes place Saturday, May 5 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

FORMER U.S. OLYMPIAN SADAM “WORLD KID” ALI JUMPS INTO THE PROMOTIONAL RING AND STAGES INAUGURAL EVENT ON JUNE 2ND IN BROOKLYN

On Saturday night, June 2nd history will be made as 2008 U.S. Olympian and undefeated Welterweight Sadam “World Kid” Ali will make his promotional debut as he unveils World Kid Promotions which will stage a big night of boxing at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn.

Not only will Ali be promoting this action packed card but will be featured in the ten round main event.

Ali of Brooklyn is perfect in his professional career as he has a record 14-0 with eight knockouts and that combined with his fan friendly style, is establishing himself as one of the best Welterweight prospects in the world.

“I am truly excited to start my own promotion and give some great boxers an opportunity to display their skills on June 2nd”, said Ali

“I have a great team behind me and I believe that our company will not only be beneficial to my career but other boxers in the area”

He made a splashing pro debut on January 17th, 2009 with a first round destruction over Ricky Thompson in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Ali has appeared on major shows at Foxwoods in Connecticut and the Prudential Center in Newark where he was co-featured on ESPN and has been highlighted on HBO

In his last bout, Ali traveled to Poland where scored a fifth round stoppage over Boris Berg as a chief supporting bout to the Vitali Klitschko – Tomasz Adamek world heavyweight title bout in front of over 45,000 fans.

This will be Ali’s first bout in his hometown of Brooklyn.

“This is a dream come true to not only fight in Brooklyn but to do it on a card that I am promoting and it’s something I can’t wait for”

Ali’s opponent plus a full undercard will be announced 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.

FORMER WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE CHALLENGER JAMEEL “BIG TIME” McCLINE ADDED TO HAMILTON, NJ SHOW THIS SATURDAY

FORMER WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE CHALLENGER JAMEEL “BIG TIME” McCLINE ADDED TO HAMILTON, NJ SHOW THIS SATURDAY PLUS UNDEFEATED DERRICK “TAKE IT TO BANK” WEBSTER STEPS IT UP TO TAKE ON JOHN MACKEY; AS WELL AS UNDEFEATED PRZMYSLAW OPALACH; JUAN RODRIGUEZ AND JOE CUSUMANO TO SEE ACTION

Already a packed fight card, this Saturday night’s boxing event at The Hamilton Manor just got even bigger with the addition of former four-time world Heavyweight Jameel McCline taking on Livin Castillo in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

The show is promoted by Nedal Abuhumoud’s Nedal’s Promotions and Andre Kut’s KEA Boxing.

In the main event, rising Super Middleweight prospect, Derrick “Take It to the Bank” Webster (12-0, 7 KO’s) of Glassboro, NJ will take on his sternest test to date when he takes on veteran John Mackey (13-6-3, 6 KO’s) of Montgomery, Alabama in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

McCline (40-11-3, 24 KO’s) of West Palm Beach, Florida has been one of the most recognizable Heavyweights for more than a decade as he has wins over former world champions Al Cole & Shannon Briggs as well as wins over defeating former world title challengers Michael Grant and Cedric Boswell. McCline came up just short in fighting for the title as he lost to Wladimir Klitschko, Chris Byrd, Nikolai Valuev and Samuel Peter.

Castillo (16-11, 10 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ via Ecuador is a cagey veteran who has faced nothing but the top of the division as he has shared the ring with the likes of world champions Jorge Castro, Jean Marc Mormeck, Oleg Maskaev, Alexander Povetkin & Bruce Seldon; Title challenger Eddie Chambers as well as top contenders Chazz Witherspoon, Travis Kauffman and Derek Rossy. Castillo has a big win over then 18-2 Robert Hawkins

A terrific undercard has been assembled that will feature undefeated Polish import Przemyslaw Opalach (9-0, 8 KO’s) make his American debut when he takes on Sean Ryan Wilson (7-3, 2 KO’s) of Cambridge, Nebraska in a six round Middleweight bout

KEA Boxing’s undefeated Welterweight Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez Jr. (8-0, 3 KO’s) of Union City, NJ will take on the rugged Daniel Crabtree (3-4, 3 KO’s) of Hilliard, Ohio in a six round Welterweight bout.

In a six round Middleweight bout, Alando Swain (4-1, 1 KO) of Trenton, NJ will take on Eddie Edmonds (2-1-2, 1 KO) of Trenton, NJ

In a four round female Featherweight bout Mikayla Nebal of Ohio will make her pro debut when she takes on Nydia Feliciano (4-2-3) of Bronx, NY

Undefeated Heavyweight Joe Cusumano (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Virginia Beach, VA will take on durable Lonnie Kornegay (1-6-2) of Baltimore, MD

Rounding out the card will be Tyrone Luckey (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Middletown, New Jersey battling Philadelphian Ramon Ellis (2-7-1, 1 KO) in a four round Lightweight bout.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Closed Circuit Tickets For "Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" On Sale

Four Las Vegas MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts for "RING KINGS: MAYWEATHER vs. COTTO" on Saturday, May 5 as Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, Circus Circus and The Mirage open their doors for the closed circuit viewing. In addition to the world championship showdown between the undefeated Seven-Time World Champion Mayweather and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Cotto, viewers also will have the opportunity to witness WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez defend his title against future Hall of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley in the co-main event.Advanced purchased tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees. All seats are general admission and go on sale Friday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. PST at each individual property's box office outlets or by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711.This electrifying night of boxing is expected to attract fans worldwide to Las Vegas and Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, Cotto Promotions and MGM Resorts want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience this night of boxing royalty in Las Vegas style.

# # #

"Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The 12-round WBA Super Welterweight World Championship fight will take place Saturday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Canelo vs. Mosley is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions.

HBO's Emmy®-Award-winning all-access series "24/7" premieres an all-new edition when "24/7 Mayweather/Cotto" debuts Saturday, April 14 at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The four-part series will air for three consecutive Saturday nights before the finale airs the night before the super welterweight championship showdown in Las Vegas.

"Mares vs. Morel: Battle on the Border" set for April 21 at UTEP's Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas

"Mares vs. Morel: Battle on the Border" is a 12-round super bantamweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME^® Championship Boxing telecast airs live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Just prior to the action on SHOWTIME, preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Abner Mares and Eric Morel held a press conference on Tuesday, March 20, at Don Haskins Centerin El Paso, Texas, to formally announce their upcoming showdown for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight World Title on Saturday, April 21, live on SHOWTIME^®(9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Don Haskins Center.

A former Bantamweight World Champion, Mares (23-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, will return to the 122-pound division for the first time since 2006 to take on former Two-Time World Champion Eric "Little Hands of Steel" Morel(46-2, 23 KOs), of Madison, Wis. by way of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the 12-round main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtripleheader.

In a second world title fight, World Boxing Association (WBA) Bantamweight Super World Champion Anselmo "Chemito" Moreno (31-2-1, 11 KOs), of Panama City, Panama, will defend his title for a 10^th time when he faces Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico's David "Morita" de la Mora (24-1, 17 KOs).

Opening the telecast will be a 10-round featherweight matchup between undefeated consensus 2011 “Prospect of the Year” Gary Russell Jr.(19-0, 11 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., and Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KO's), of Vero Beach, Fla., by way of Vietnam.

Additional preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

What the participants had to say on Tuesday:

Abner Mares, Former Bantamweight World Champion

“This is a dream come true to be fighting for the WBC title. I never thought I would get this chance.

“Eric Morel is a great fighter. I have no doubt about that. He will be a world champion again someday, just not at 122 and not on April 21.

“I started my career at 122 pounds for my first 15 fights and then I moved down. I became the world champion there (118 pounds) and now it’s time to become a world champion at super bantamweight. My dreams are high. I’m definitely not going to stop.

“I’ve been on SHOWTIME four times now and you know I always bring a great fight. It will be no different on April 21.

“It will be a victory for Team Mares and for all the fans.”

Eric Morel, Former Two-Time World Champion

“I’m aware of Mares’ style, power, speed and what he is capable of doing. I know I can pull it off. I know I have the style and speed to do it and I’m going to do it.

“Boxing is not fair. You win and you take one step at a time and if you lose you take 15 steps back. I’m not planning on taking 15 steps back.

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m not going to let this opportunity go by. I will do everything in my power to be victorious.

“April 21 is going to be a great fight and it’s not going to be easy for either one of us.”

Eric Gomez, Vice President/Matchmaker of Golden Boy Promotions

“We have worked with Abner since the beginning and he takes boxing very seriously; as a champion and as a fighter and he represented Mexico in the Olympics.

“There is a great rivalry between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, so when you bring that into the picture it adds even more excitement to the fight.

“We know Abner has what it takes to be a world champion at 122 pounds and look forward to him showcasing his skills on April 21.

“Morel is very hungry. He has been up and down in his career. This is a great opportunity for him and I hope he takes advantage of it.”

Clemente Medina, Mares Trainer

“We are preparing extremely hard to be ready for another world championship. With all due respect to Eric Morel, we will not be denied.”

Frank Espinoza, Mares Co-Manager

“We are really excited to be here in El Paso.

“Abner Mares is the future of boxing. His performances with Yhonny Perez, Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agbeko have proved that he deserves elite-level status. On April 21, he faces another former World Champ, this time for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship and an opportunity to continue his dream to be boxing’s next icon.

“You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see the future of boxing in Abner Mares.”

Jose Guzman, Morel Trainer

“We have been training very hard for this fight, and we are looking forward to it.”

Chris DeBlasio, Vice President of Communications, Sports & Event Programming for SHOWTIME Networks Inc.

“We couldn’t be more proud to have this tripleheader live on SHOWTIME. We’ve been fortunate to have witnessed Abner Mares come of age on our network. He’s demonstrated his toughness and incredible talent by winning the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament last year. Now, with his move up to super bantamweight, Mares will take on a very tough opponent in Eric Morel in another important world championship fight.

“In addition to the three fights on the main network, we will have additional undercard fights live on SHOWTIME EXTREME, along with the SAP simulcast for our Spanish speaking audience.”

Jorge Vazquez, Executive Director of UTEP Special Events

“This is going to be a great event. We are excited to have SHOWTIME and Golden Boy Promotions here for another magnificent night of boxing.”

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