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Friday, May 25, 2012

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ: A SECOND CHANCE AT A LIFETIME GOAL

Delvin Rodriguez's life as a 32-year-old world ranked prizefighter, father and son looks to add another title on Saturday, June 2nd, as he gets a second chance to a lifetime goal, being called a 'world champion'.

Although known as one of boxing's true warriors with a recent five-year span facing only the toughest fights in the welterweight and now junior middleweight divisions, Rodriguez gets a second opportunity to become a world champion, a title he's worked towards since he was 10 years old when he had his first amateur bout.

With a huge crowd expected at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California and a SHOWTIME televised audience, Rodriguez will challenge WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion Austin Trout over twelve rounds.

Rodriguez first fought for the world title on August 1, 2009, against Isaac Hlatshwayo at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The bout for the IBF Welterweight Title, seemingly was won by Rodriguez over the twelve rounds as he controlled the action throughout only to be disappointed by the split decision loss.

Promoted by Star Boxing for most of his career, Rodriguez typifies fighters from a different era; with no tune-ups or "stay busy" fights on his ledger.

"Delvin has been terrific to promote. He's always challenged himself with each bout to face the highest ranked guy available, a fight that could lead to a world title bout. For him it's all about getting that world title belt and the fans and TV networks have been the recipients of numerous excellent battles he's been involved in," said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing.

Sporting a battle tested record of 26-5-3 with fourteen knockouts, Rodriguez has appeared on ESPN Friday Night Fights eleven times in numerous, action packed fights against other world ranked contenders.

On Wednesday, June 6th, Rodriguez will be honored by the esteemed Boxing Writer's Association of America with a nod to his "Fight of the Year" against popular Polish and world ranked junior middleweight Pawel Wolak at Roseland Ballroom in New York City on July 15, 2011.

In a bout promoted by Star Boxing and televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Rodriguez and Wolak engaged in a fistic battle that fans will remember for a lifetime. Despite it being his first bout at junior middleweight, Rodriguez was able to control the pace and successfully counter punch the overly aggressively bull-rushing style of Wolak.

The bout featured non-stop two way action amid a packed house of over 2,500 New York City fight fans who stood and cheered throughout, Rodriguez and Wolak emptied their tanks during each three minute round.

With the bout declared a draw, Rodriguez was determined, "I thought I won and I want to fight him again next" he stated in ring during the post fight TV interview.

Said DeGuardia, "It's a testament to Delvin's character that being involved in that type of draining, intense battle and that he'd want an immediate rematch. But Delvin thought he won and wanted to prove to the fans who watched that he could beat Wolak again, and more convincingly."

"So for weeks afterwards Delvin was calling me wanting the rematch. And while I'm working on it I bring up perhaps a bout in between, not a tune up, but just a different opponent, but he wanted Wolak again. "

Continued Rodriguez, "I wasn't interested in facing anyone else. Nothing had been resolved in the first fight so I wanted an opportunity to beat him, which I clearly did the second time. I had no interest in taking a sideways step for a different fight, I wanted to keep moving forward and that would mean beating Wolak."

"It really speaks loudly that he wanted to face Wolak right away. The first bout was such a hard battle, but he wanted to start 'Round 11' right away," continued DeGuardia.

"The rematch took place at Madison Square Garden on December 3rd on the HBO Pay Per View broadcast of the Cotto/Margarito rematch, a perfect opportunity to show Delvin again. Delvin would get his rematch on the biggest stage in boxing."

Stated Rodriguez, 'It really was a groundswell of support from the fans and media, particularly on the East Coast. They demanded the rematch and I was honored to have it take place at Madison Square Garden on such a terrific card."

In the rematch in front of a loud and boisterous packed house of over 22,000 fans, Rodriguez fought beautifully and brutally, working each round behind a terrific jab and excellent overhand rights. Scores at the end of the ten rounder were all in favor of Rodriguez, earning him the unanimous decision (100-90, 98-91, 98-92). Most impressive was, in spite of being substantially and clearly ahead, Rodriguez put on an unforgettable final round performance, brutally battering Wolak, and leaving nothing in the ring.

"I sat down on my punches more and really hurt him early in the fight. As soon as the final round started I wanted to finish him off, I didn't want to leave it in the judges hands" said Rodriguez.

Stated DeGuardia, "It's always a special night having your fighter win at The Garden and Delvin looked sensational. The two fights really were indicative of Delvin's career; a true warrior."

"Consequently it moved him up in the WBA rankings and now he's got a second shot at a world title against Trout and he's more than ready."

"For fans of Delvin there's not much for me to say, they already know about the warrior and person that he is. For those unfamiliar to him or his career, the best thing I can say is buy a ticket or tune in to the SHOWTIME broadcast on June 2nd. He's a special fighter and he's got a second chance at his dream."

Concluded Rodriguez, "My life is my career, my goal has always been to win a world title and that's my plan for June 2nd."

Tickets are on sale for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium are priced at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at AXS.com or by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

"Four Warned" features former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (29-6, 20 KO's) facing unbeaten Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KO's) in a 12-round cruiserweight fight, former undisputed junior middleweight kingpin Winky Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO's) returning to the ring to meet undefeated Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO's) in a middleweight bout, Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KO's) risking his perfect record and WBA Super Welterweight belt against Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO's) and IBF number one rated bantamweight contender Vusi Malinga (20-3, 12 KO's) facing IBF number five rated contender Leo Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO's) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title. All four bouts will be telecast on Saturday, June 2, live on SHOWTIME® (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. "Four Warned" is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions with Trout vs. Rodriguez being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz being presented in association with Branco Sports Productions. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T.

♔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.

Baltimore-Philadelphia matchup set for June 8!‏

Jake Smith of Baltimore Boxing Promotions announced that his team of rising stars will challenge Philadelphia’s brightest young boxers in an Olympic Style tournament Friday, June 8 at the Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD.

A longtime promoter, gym owner and trainer, Smith’s created a buzz in boxing circles by matching Team Baltimore with a squad from the Annapolis Naval Academy and twice against the City of Pittsburgh. In the aforementioned match-ups, Team Baltimore is 3-0, with each fight card taking place in front of a packed house.

“Fans are fascinated with the local rivalry angle,” stated Smith, who was a popular prizefighter in the Old Line State and currently trains many of the June 8 participants at the Baltimore Boxing & Fitness Gym. “The professional sports leagues have promoted this for years and it’s been a longtime goal of mine to do city vs city in boxing. I’m fortunate to work with some great people in other cities who’ve helped make these events a reality. To be honest, it’s no different than in basketball, baseball or football, because the crowd shows great pride for their city and the attendance has been outstanding.”

Topping the card is an East Coast title bout between rising star Jerome Featherstone and Darius Vann. A former standout wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, Featherstone served in the Marines following his college graduation. Prior to his colligate days Featherstone starred on the mat at the illustrious Boys Latin High School. Inside the squared circle, the Joppa resident and Baltimore native is yet to lose.

“This kid is one of the most amazing athletes I’ve ever seen,” stated Smith, who promoted top pros from Maryland, DC and Virginia in years past. He’s got excellent skill and if he was boxing all of his life, I have no doubt that he’d be on everybody’s list of top young fighters.”

In addition to the Featherstone-Vann match-up, there will be 11 Olympic Style bouts featuring each squad’s top talent.

All bouts are sanctioned by USA Boxing.

Undefeated Welterweight Sadam Ali

Undefeated Welterweight Sadam Ali talks about his June 2nd fight and 1st promotion at the Aviator Sports Complex

2x Golden Gloves champion Jennifer Santiago

2x Golden Gloves champion Jennifer Santiago talks about her pro debut that will take place on June 2nd at The Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight Eddie Gomez

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight Eddie Gomez talks about his June 2nd bout at The Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn

Sadam Ali's Worldkid Promotions press conference

Sadam Ali's Worldkid Promotions press conference from the Yemen Cafe in Brooklyn in advance of June 2, 2012 fight card at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn

WORLDKID PROMOTIONS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

On Tuesday afternoon at the Yemen Café, Sadam Ali’s Worldkid Promotions held a press conference in conjunction with the Inaugural Boxing card that will take place on Saturday, June 2^nd at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn.

Ali will not only promote the card but will take part in the main event when he takes on Franklin Gonzalez in the eight round contest.

Ali along with several other fighters on the card were at the Yemen Café and below are their quotes

SADAM ALI (14-0, 8 KO’S)—Undefeated Welterweight, Main Event fighter & Promoter

“This is my first main event and Promotion”
“The undercard fighters will start it and I will finish it”
“I have been training hard for five months”

EDDIE GOMEZ (8-0, 6 KO’s)—Undefeated Jr. Middleweight from the Bronx who will participate in co-Feature
“I want to thank Sadam for letting me fight on your show”

JUAN DOMINGUEZ (10-0, 7 KO’s)—Undefeated Bantamweight from Brooklyn
“I am grateful for being on this card and I will put on a show”

ARMIN MRKANOVIC (2-1-1, 1 KO)-Cruiserweight from Queens
“I have been training since September”
“I hope the sprinkler system is on because I expect fireworks”

STEVEN GAMACHE (2-0, 1 KO)—Jr. Middleweight from New York
“I am an action fighter, so I am going to put on a good show”

ZACHARY OCHOA (1-0)—Jr. Welterweight from New York
“I am happy to fight on the same card as the guys I grew up with”
“This is my time”

DINMUKHAMED NIYAZOV (1-0)—Jr. Welterweight from Staten Island, NY
“I have a great time and I believe this will be a crazy good show”

JENNIFER SANTIAGO (PRO DEBUT)—Bantamweight from Brooklyn

“its an honor and privilege to be the only woman on the card”

Thursday, May 24, 2012

MANNY PACQUIAO CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT ALONG WITH TRAINER FREDDIE ROACH AND HALL OF FAME PROMOTER BOB ARUM

MANNY PACQUIAO: Good morning everybody. Training is good and we are getting ready for the fight.

FREDDIE ROACH: We had a really great training camp the first 3 weeks in Baguiao – very successful – and the last 3 weeks here in LA has been great. Manny’s focus is the best I have ever seen. We are going against a tough opponent, a tough undefeated opponent in Bradley. I have watched a lot of tapes on him and have seen a lot of holes in his defense and we are going to take advantage of them.

Is Bradley’s style – leading with his head – a concern to you?

FREDDIE ROACH: Yes, Bradley does come in head first. We have been working on how to nullify that. We have a lefty fighting against a righty. The two heads may clash, that could happen and it’s something we have to be aware of and something we will be prepared for.

What is your take on the way you last fight with Marquez happened?

MANNY PACQUIAO: The fight was not that hard for me but I was having some family problems. I was in 100% physical condition for that fight against Marquez but I did have some family issues that I had to deal with. I also underestimated him.

FREDDIE ROACH: Marquez is always going to give Manny troubles. He is a very good boxer and very smart. We had a great training camp going into that fight but on the last week everything fell apart. The personal problems affected the fight and I don’t think Manny will let that happen again. All of the distractions around him caused him to fight poorly. He is very focused for this fight.

What has been the key to your success in moving up all these weight classes?

MANNY PACQUIAO: The fights are all different. It is not easy to move up in weight but I try my best. I have to work very hard to build up my strength and gain weight. I have to build up my stamina to maintain the added weight while preserving my speed and movement.

FREDDIE ROACH: That’s where the bigger challenges were – the bigger fights. We do have to feed Manny more than 5 protein shakes a day to keep the weight on. He performed very well in those weight classes. Moving up in weight classes was necessary because that’s where the challenges were. We needed to do that to be where he is today. Manny did well and we did it the right way with Alex Ariza with the diet and the protein shakes and it worked out well for all of us.

FACT: When Manny moved from lightweight to welterweight he was taking in up to 8,000 calories a day.

Could you elaborate on Manny’s focus for this fight? FREDDIE ROACH: Yes, his focus is very good. We don’t have days where he comes in tired a so forth because he has no nightlife whatsoever, besides the bible study. He is very focused on the fight. He and God are very close right now and he is just a better athlete – with no distractions – yes.

Were you concerned that the same-sex marriage comments or non-comments would be a distraction?

FREDDIE ROACH: The thing is everyone has an opinion in life and we are all entitled to our opinions, but I see no problem whatsoever. TMZ was outside he gym for a couple of days and we pacified them and that was it.

Do you feel you need to match numbers with Mayweather?

BOB ARUM: We aim to get the biggest possible numbers that we can get. We operate a completely different model from Floyd’s model and whatever numbers he allegedly reached or didn’t reach is really not relevant to us. It varies from fight to fight. The Marquez numbers, from the Manny fight in November, are certainly much greater than Mayweather’s numbers with Ortiz. You also have to realize that Mayweather was fighting one of our great fighters, Miguel Cotto, who is the number 3 PPV attraction, who has gotten great numbers on his own. So you have to factor all of that in.

Did you expect the firestorm over the same-sex marriage statement you made?

MANNY PACQUIAO: Did I know that my answer on legalizing same-sex marriage would create controversy? Yes. It’s a controversial issue. The reporter asked me about my stance on it and I answered his question. I am against legalizing same-sex marriage. That was all I said.

Will your commitment to religion reflect on your fighting in the ring?

MANNY PACQUIAO: When I committed my life to the lord I gave up many things that were not in keeping with what the Bible teaches. Boxing is a job and I do not look at it as anything more than that. It will not affect my job.

FREDDIE ROACH: No, Manny Pacquiao is fired up and ready to go. He is motivated. We have had great workouts and sparring sessions. We had four new sparring partners that came in for this camp. Everything is right where it is supposed to be.

BOB ARUM: From somebody who has visited the training camp a few times, the difference in Manny’s face is so apparent. He’s not as tired as he was and he’s not as worn as he was. There is a glow in his face. I think this religious awakening has been all good on his part. I am a little prejudiced because I am religious myself but I believe when young athletes find religion it will greatly enhance their careers.

Do you think we will see Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV?

BOB ARUM: Everything is on the table. Manny has this fight against Bradley. It’s a tough fight, and after the fight, as we always do, we’ll confer and decide on who the opponent will be and when the fight will take place. I haven’t discussed this with Manny because I never discuss future fights with a fight coming up. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss that and we also have a trip coming up with his family to Israel and we can discuss it then.

What aspect have you been working on to improve?

MANNY PACQUIAO: We work hard and we train hard every day to make sure we have a good fight for the fans on June 9.

FREDDIE ROACH: I have been watching Bradley a lot and he doesn’t rely very much on counter-punching. He is very offensive. He comes to fight which will make it a good fight for everybody. We have the game plan set after watching many, many tapes of Bradley. Manny should have a very good fight on June 9.

As a Congressman, do you come across trash talking?

MANNY PACQUIAO: I do not trash talk in boxing or in politics. I ignore trash talking directed at me. I don’t find it productive.

Are you the toughest public servant on the planet?

FREDDIE ROACH: That’s a stupid question.

MANNY PACQUIAO: It is hard to compare myself to other people.

What does Bradley do particularly well?

FREDDIE ROACH: He comes forward and is very aggressive. He is a well-conditioned athlete and we know we are in for a tough fight. Bradley is a good opponent.

Have you fought anyone strong like him before?

FREDDIE ROACH: No, because he is very strong and very muscular up top. I don’t think we have fought anybody that muscular. We have fought bigger ands stronger people, like Margarito and so forth. We have fought strong guys like him before, yes.

MANNY PACQUIAO: I agree with Freddie.

Do you feel Bradley will be in front of Manny?

FREDDIE ROACH: Yes, he will try to fight Manny. He will try to prove he is the better athlete – the better-conditioned athlete. We have a mover in camp so we are prepared if Bradley decides to move around, so we are prepared for anything he brings. It is my job to figure out what he may do differently. We make adjustments to prepare Manny for whatever may come. He’s ready for a boxer and I’m covering all my bases.

What is Manny’s advantage?

FREDDIE ROACH: Experience, speed and power. Experience is hard to deal with. Power will knock you out. Experience will make it a little easier for you.

MANNY PACQUIAO: Bradley is a different type of fighter and we don’t take this fight lightly. We have trained hard for Bradley because he is the type of fighter we cannot underestimate. Tim Bradley is undefeated and he is a champion.

MANNY PACQUIAO: I don’t know what Tim Bradley will bring in the ring on that night but we will be ready for whatever he brings. I know he will be 100% conditioned for the fight. We have practiced every kind of fight in the ring with four different sparring partners.

BOB ARUM: When you look at Manny’s opponents, the freshest guy he has fought will be Bradley. The others he has fought have been great names like Cotto, Margarito and De La Hoya and Hatton, but Bradley is not a great name but he is a great fighter and young and fresh. When you have a fresh fighter who has not taken a lot of punishment, he can be dangerous. The most important element with Bradley is his mind. He is a very, very determined young man. He is confident in his abilities and determined and that is a tremendous plus for any athlete. He feels as if his mind can take over. Some have doubts in their performance and it shows in up, whether it’s football, boxing or whatever.

It’s been a while since Manny has stopped anyone. Is he still the same fighter?

FREDDIE ROACH: I believe he is a better fighter now. He is more focused. If a knockout comes it will be a bonus. Bradley is a great fighter and he’ll be resilient, but I think you’ll see the best Manny Pacquiao yet.

MANNY PACQUIAO: I am doing my best in training. I stay focused and work hard to give a good fight.

MANNY PACQUIAO: My final words are I would like to invite everybody to watch my fight on June 9. It will be a good fight and there will be a lot of boxing in the ring. Thanks to everyone that was involved in the teleconference today and have a nice day.

BOB ARUM: I would like to see as many of you as possible in Indio on Thursday at Bradley’s workout. There are buses leaving from Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I’ll be there and am anxious to see him train and I know most of you are. I think it’s going to be a great fight – something special. Another thing that is special is the bible study that Manny participates in. Tonight in Manny’s apartment, we are going to shoot the bible study that many has been participating in and make it into a program which we will distribute. When an athlete has a religious experience it is a great thing and I want to show it to as many people as possible.

All-new editions of HBO’s all-access reality series 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY debut on Saturdays – May 26 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) and June 2 (9:45-10:15 p.m. ET/PT) – while the finale debuts Friday, June 8 (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET/PT), the night before the welterweight title showdown.

Congressman Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs), boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines, will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship crown against WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., Saturday, June 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The Pacquiao-Bradley world championship fight will be produced and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

SHOWTIME® BOXING ANALYST AL BERNSTEIN ENTERS AWARD SEASON PRIMED FOR THE SPORT’S HIGHEST HONOR AND MORE

Bernstein to be Inducted into International Boxing Hall Of Fame,

Honored with “Good Guy’’ Award by Boxing Writers Association of America,

Release New Book, “30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths About Boxing, Sports and TV”

Al Bernstein has always been a man that likes to stay busy, but the coming weeks may be a tad hectic – even for him.

As SHOWTIME Sports^® gears up for what will be a sizzling summer of fistic action, Bernstein will be preparing himself for his impending induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the honor of being named the winner of the Marvin Kohn “Good Guy” Award by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and the launch of a new book, “30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths About Boxing, Sports and TV.” All the while, he’ll continue to prepare for the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts on June 2 and June 23.

Just days after the respected, longtime broadcaster calls the June 2 quadrupleheader in Los Angeles on SHOWTIME featuring boxing legends Antonio Tarver and “Winky” Wright in separate bouts, Bernstein will be at The Copacabana in New York City to receive the “Good Guy” Award at the Copacabana on Wednesday, June 6 before heading to Canastota, N.Y., for the 23^rd annual Hall of Fame induction weekend ceremonies which takes place June 7-10.

Bernstein will join an elite group of “Good Guy” Award recipients. Past winners include George Foreman, Don Dunphy and Alexis Arguello. It is the second major award he has received from the BWAA. In 1988, Bernstein won the prestigious Sam Taub Award for excellence in boxing broadcast journalism.

Bernstein will enter the Hall after being nominated for the first time. He is only the seventh broadcaster (and first from SHOWTIME) to be inducted.

Since 1980, Bernstein has chronicled the sport of boxing on television as ringside analyst, play-by-play announcer, host and reporter. He has called more than 2,500 fights and 68 pay-per-view telecasts. Bernstein has been at SHOWTIME since 2003. He started on national television at ESPN in the 1980s.

Bernstein’s book, “30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths about Boxing, Sports and TV” (published by Diversion Books) is scheduled for a mid-June release. In it, Bernstein humorously tells the story of his 30-year run as the “voice of boxing,” recounting the people and events that made this a special time in boxing, sports and television. The upcoming book is Bernstein’s sophomore effort; in 1980, he wrote “Boxing For Beginners,” a historical and instructional look at boxing.

Before that, Bernstein was a featured writer for The RING Magazine and Boxing Illustrated. From 1974-79, he was managing editor of Lerner Newspapers in Chicago. During that time, he won the Chicago Newspaper Guild’s award for best news story – an investigation into illegal land deals by suburban officials.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

TRAINING CAMP QUOTES: ANTONIO TARVER & LATEEF KAYODE, "WINKY" WRIGHT & "KID CHOCOLATE" QUILLIN, AUSTIN TROUT, DELVIN RODRIGUEZ & LEO SANTA CRUZ

Training camp continues in full steam for the talented and confident boxers who'll be fighting on "Four Warned" - the highly anticipated quadrupleheader featuring a pair of boxing legends in dangerous assignments and two world championship fights on Saturday, June 2, live on SHOWTIME® from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

In the main event, former light heavyweight champion and current SHOWTIME boxing analyst Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (29-6, 20 KO's), of Tampa, Fla., will face unbeaten, hard-hitting Lateef "Power" Kayode (18-0, 14 KO's), of Hollywood, Calif., by way of Lagos, Nigeria, in a 12-round cruiserweight bout.

Former world champion Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO's), of St. Petersburg,Fla., returns to the ring to face undefeated Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (26-0, 20 KO's), of Brooklyn, N.Y., in a 10-round junior middleweight co-feature.

In the featured world title fights, WBA super welterweight titlist Austin "No Doubt" Trout (24-0, 14 KO's), of Las Cruces, N.M., will defend against third-ranked WBA contender Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO's), of Danbury, Conn., by way of Santiago, D.R., and IBF No. 1-rated bantamweight contender Vusi "Marvelous" Malinga (20-3, 12 KO's), of Johannesburg, South Africa, and unbeaten IBF No. 5-rated bantamweight contender Leo "Terremoto" Santa Cruz (19-0-1,11 KO's), of Lincoln Heights, Calif., will clash for the vacant IBF bantamweight crown.

Other than Malinga, who's still in South Africa, all the fighters on "Four Warned" train in the United States. Here's what the seven fighters said from their training camps:

Antonio Tarver

"I changed things up starting with my last fight against Danny Green. I ran when I needed to run and I got into condition. I didn't overdo it and over-train like I normally had to do in order to make weight. I had to kill myself to get down in the past and we're not doing that now. We're taking our time, working in the gym and working on strength and conditioning and we're being consistent.

"If we miss a day to get some rest, that's OK and it's not the end of the world. As long as I'm eating good, living right and getting my rest, that's the main thing. We're not going to beat ourselves up in sparring. If I get fatigued to the point where I'm not as sharp anymore, they'll pull me out. I'm doing things like the veteran that I am and we're doing it real smart.

"We're keeping things in perspective. It's about having my body catch up with my mind, because my mind is there. I'm sharp. The reflexes are still there as well, but the body has to catch up because when I put my mind on it, the mind is already there and I'm dialed in, but the body needs to get the endurance built up. Don't worry, things are coming along great and we'll peak on fight night.

"I'm working in Tampa with my longtime trainer Jimmy Williams and Buddy McGirt comes down three or four days a week. He'll also be down the week before we leave for the fight and he knows what we've got to work on. Jimmy and Buddy work together great and I think I've got the best of both worlds with these guys. Jimmy is a great guy in preparation and I think Buddy is the best trainer in the game between rounds as far as giving the proper instructions and making sure he has his fighter's attention and focus."

Lateef Kayode

"I've had a great camp at The Wild Card. I have a great team. We started early, so I've been working for a long time. It will be three months by fight time. I'm in the best condition ever. My body can take anything he throws at me. If he wants to trade, I will trade and if he wants to box, I will box. I can go 12 rounds without a problem, but there is no way he will be able to withstand the kind of punishment I will give him unless he plans on running away all night. Either way I am knocking this man out.

"If it goes the distance, they might try to rob me, so I am going to put Tarver to sleep before the 12th round. That way I am the judge and the jury."

Winky Wright

"Camp is great. We're ready to fight. I'm ready to kick some butt.

"It's been great training in Tampa, while being home to see my kids. It motivates me even more to have my family around, but I'm glad I went away to Phoenix for a month to get my body used to the intense training again.

"Now I'm just fine-tuning and getting ready for June 2. There are a lot of different things I'm doing in camp with my trainer Dan Birmingham, but you have to wait to see it on fight night."

Peter Quillin

"The day of the fight will mark the 32-year anniversary of my father leaving Cuba and coming to the United States. He arrived in the United States on June 2, 1980, so I have a stronger reason why this fight means so much to me. I'm living the true American Dream.

"Winky keeps saying he is coming to knock Kid Chocolate's head off. I really want to know who put a battery in this man's back. Now the fans will expect Winky Wright to keep his word, but I will continue to be the powerhouse that I am. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

"This camp has taught me that if I want to perform at the top level, then I have to prepare at the top level. You can expect nothing less from me - only hard work. I'm a fulltime fighter that believes the job can never be done. When it comes to boxing, there's always room for improvement and ways to get better.

"The atmosphere at Wild Card is really supportive. You feel like you are going into the ring with a posse of other professionals right there with you. I'm fortunate to have Freddie Roach and Eric Brown working (with me) six days a week and I'm also blessed to work with Brad Bose who does my condition training three days a week. My brother Chedrick and my father Pedro have been the key to me in this camp with their support and love for me. That's why I know I'm going to take Winky Wright to Pluto.

"Thanks to all my sparring partners for prepping and pushing me. I'm the sharpest I ever been.

"I can't relate to Winky's saying he's excited to be fighting on the same card as Tarver and that 'it feels good, it makes it easy to have your homeboy on the same card.' Winky makes it sounds like Tarver is going to help him fight me, but on June 2nd, it's just me and him. He'll wish he had Tarver's help.''

Austin Trout

"I'm training at Las Cruces PAL Boxing Gym, the same gym I've trained at since I was 10-years-old.

"Camp has been great. I'm focused. I'm in terrific shape. I'm right on schedule. My weight is good. All I need is for time to go by so I can get in there on June 2nd.

"I've been running six or seven miles a day and sprinting three or four of those miles. I've been sparring 12 rounds with 30 seconds rest with three different guys - Shiju Shabazz, Aie Han and J.C. Candelo.

"I want to dedicate this camp to my good friend Lavar Washington, a childhood friend who passed a few days ago.''

Delvin Rodriguez

"I've been training in the Adirondacks for the last four weeks and will stay here until I leave for the fight. This is my first time at this location, up in the mountains, and it's perfect, with no distractions and great running.

"This is my third camp with my trainer (former heavyweight contender) Fernily Feliz and we've had an excellent camp. Sparring has been terrific with Sechew Powell and Denis "Mama's Boy" Douglin.

"This is my third fight at 154 and I feel much stronger since moving up from 147. I don't have to worry about making weight."

Leo Santa Cruz

"This is a great opportunity to become a world champion. It will be the toughest fight of my career because I know Malinga will come very well prepared, but am very optimistic that I will win.''

"It's been a great camp. I've been training for almost two months and have had something like 95 rounds of sparring (with Julian Ramirez, Raymond Chacon and Joseph Diaz). I'm in great shape thanks to Jose Santa Cruz (trainer) and Daniel Garcia (conditioning trainer).

"This is a dream come true fore me. I am really looking forward to June 2nd.''

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