★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Jerome Featherstone Jr; Ahead of the Learning Curve

When Jerome Featherstone Jr. entered the Baltimore Boxing and Fitness Gym for the first time in January 2012, promoter and gym owner Jake Smith figured he had another athlete with a brief fascination of the sweet science.

An elite wrestler at the prestigious Boys Latin High School in Maryland and the University of Oklahoma, Smith assumed Featherstone Jr. would spend a few weeks in the gym before calling it quits; something he calls the norm.

“I’ve had so many athletes that starred in other sports come into my gym to give boxing a shot only to realize it wasn’t for them,” said Smith, a member of both the Maryland and D.C. Boxing Hall of Fames. “I expected Jerome would be one of those guys who thought boxing would be a breeze because he excelled in another sport, before he got a rude awakening.”

Smith was surprisingly wrong.

Featherstone Jr. proved to be a natural from the moment he laced up a pair of gloves, displaying speed, power and footwork of a ring veteran. According to Smith, Featherstone Jr’s god-given ability, all-around discipline and eagerness to learn are unlike anything he’s seen.

“I’ve been around all of the world champions and top contenders from this area during the last 30 years. Jerome tops all of them at this stage. There are a lot of boxers who’ve been doing this their entire life and had tons of amateur fights that never displayed the kind of potential he has. If Jerome continue to progress, I guarantee you’ll all know who he is in the near future.”

Tomorrow evening, Featherstone Jr. looks to improve his record to 4-0 when he challenges experienced Darius Vann for the East Coast Middleweight title in the main event of a fight card pitting Team Baltimore against a squad from Philadelphia at Du Burns Arena.

In addition to the Featherstone-Vann match-up, there will be 11 Olympic Style bouts featuring each squad’s top talent. Thus far, Team Baltimore is 3-0 in competitions, defeating a team from the Naval Academy and twice besting a squad from Pittsburgh.

All bouts are sanctioned by USA Boxing.

♔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.

Teon Kennedy on the tragic obstacles he’s faced along the road to Guillermo Rigondeaux by On The Beak

Teon Kennedy (17-1-2, 7ko) of Philadelphia, who challenges undefeated WBA bantamweight titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux (9-0-0, 7ko), of Cuba, on Saturday, June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada as part of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley championship card, has had to overcome two fairly recent family life-shattering incidents that would have broken less-resolute fighters.

Late in 2009, Kennedy knocked out Francisco Rodriguez in the tenth round of their scheduled 12-round contest for the vacant USBA super bantamweight title. Kennedy’s elation at winning was short-circuited when Rodriguez collapsed in his corner, was rushed to the hospital and died of a brain injury two days later.

No one prepares a fighter for when the most tragic possible ending occurs in a fight: "When it first happened it was difficult, but as anyone in boxing knows that could happen," said Kennedy, who was 13-0-1 and 23-years-old at the time. "It could happen to me. Sometimes I do still think about it, but I try not to dwell on it."

Kennedy did not fight for six months, but he had the encouragement of his team as well as that of the Rodriguez family to get back into the ring.

He came back with three good wins, including a scintillating performance, a 12-round unanimous decision over then-undefeated prospect Julio Diaz, of New Brunswick.

The second life-altering incident occurred in mid 2011.

Kennedy was charged with a felony stemming from a shooting in Philadelphia. Those charges were later dropped, but it played on Kennedy’s mind as he prepared for a fight last August that, had he won, could have led to a match with undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa of Cuba, in a world featherweight title fight.

He went through with the fight last August and lost his first bout as a pro, a 12-round decision to Alejandro Lopez, of Mexico, in a lacklustre performance: "The legal issues were definitely in my head," Kennedy said.

"It’s hard to be falsely accused of something I did not do. That was probably the main reason I didn’t feel like myself."

He put his first setback and his legal charges behind him and he got back in the gym quickly. Boxing experts weren’t sure if he’d rebound, but he turned in a strong performance in his most recent fight, a draw against the once-beaten Chris Martin, of Chula Vista, in January in Las Vegas. Many observers felt Kennedy, the aggressor for most of the fight, deserved the win.

Kennedy feels that he has come to grips with the arduous road he has had to travel the last several years.

"Everything bad is in the past now," said Kennedy, who is looking to pull off the upset against the favored Rigondeaux. "I’m just focused on the fight. I’m still going to be aggressive."

Hitz Boxing presents The Belvedere Bash on June 21 at The Belvedere Banquets

Hitz Boxing presents The Belvedere Bash on June 21 at The Belvedere Banquets. Come witness the excitement of Mike "Hollywood" Jimenez, Irish Henry Coyle, Sergio Montes de Oca, Elijah McCall, Rockford's face-off between Anthony Linenfelser and Paul Settepani, and the pro-debuts of both PJ Cajigas and Simon Buettner.

McCall ready for Might Mouse

McCall ready for Might Mouse; Ultimate Fighter Championship Flyweight contender Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall Is more than ready for his rematch against Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson on UFC on FX 3.
♔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.

Scott "Cujo" Sigmon VS Kelly Pavlik on ESPN2

WORLD RANKED CRUISERWEIGHT B.J. FLORES WANTS UNDEFEATED LATEEF KAYODE

#2 WBO; #4WBA #4WBC world rated cruiserweight BJ Flores 27-1 (18kos) watched intently as the fight this past Saturday took place between Lateef "Power" Kayode vs. Antonio Tarver. He was hoping with the Showtime exposure that one of the two boxers would emerge as a star.

The bout ended in a draw. Neither guy moved forward, yet both received valuable tv time on a BIG time boxing network. BJ Flores was smiling.

"The cruiserweight division is definitely starting to heat up", Said Flores. Flores has been not only one of the most active cruiserweights in the world scoring 3 wins in the last 8 months, but has attracted very large gates in Springfield Missouri where he has a HUGE hometown following.

“Both guys fought well and Tarver started a little slow but came on down the stretch. He definitely Hurt Kayode and showed he can still punch. The decision being a draw was just. I was leaning towards Tarver but this fight was good for the division. Both guys fought well”

But one of the fighters is on the radar of Flores. Lateef Kayode.

Flores has desperately tried to secure a fight with the powerful Nigerian and now feels the timing is perfect.

“I want to make a formal challenge to Kayode. This is a fight between two top world rated Cruisersweights both trying to get into position for the world title. I need a fight like this to make a statement. A dangerous fight! A Big fight between two top #5 world rated guys on Showtime between us will be exciting and bring more notoriety to the cruiserweight division.”

“It’s no secret that I’ve wanted Kayode for a long time. After he beat Nick Iannuzzi , I contacted Gary Shaw Promotions immediately for a match between us. Well, they went in another direction and I fought Iannuzzi next to make a statement. They said the timing wasn’t right. I respect their decision. But now the Time couldn’t be more right! I have had 3 fights in 8 months and would love to face Kayode next. He has shown improvements and this fight can be big. We can do it in Springfield, Missouri and sell 5000 seats with this on Showtime or any network! But the truth of the matter is I will fight you anywhere. I just want it to be known that the money is there and we can easily make this happen”

“No cruiserweight can sell tickets in America like that so it makes perfect sense. Who else should Kayode fight with all the champions buys in upcoming defenses?? It’s a natural fight. Two top rated guys in America. We built up a VERY good fan base in Springfield and I want to bring a big fight back home. I am ready immediately!! Let’s get it done!!”

“This is the kind of fight I need. I respect Kayode and his manager Steve Feder. I respect Gary Shaw Productions. I know this will be a difficult fight and this will bring out the best in me. I need a challenge like this. GSP, my phone lines are open!”

PACQUIAO vs BRADLEY JUNE 9th

Boxing Returns to the Cordon Bleu‏

Kevin O’Sullivan and Felipe Gomez of New Legend, along with Jim Foley of Old World Boxing, have again teamed up with Wilson Naranjo of W.O.N. Promotions to put on a fan friendly show at the popular hot spot in Woodhaven Queens, The Cordon Bleu on Jamaica Avenue. And once again the promoters have stocked nine fights with some of the best young talent around.

Back in April, Jonathan Cuba was scheduled to fight in the main event on New Legend/Old World Boxing’s show at the Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, Queens, but it didn’t happen. Now with the opportunity to top the latest show there, Cuba, 6-3-1 (4), will face Edward Valdez, 8-8-2 (4), a hard hitting journeyman in the eight round featured fight which will be his first defense of the USA New York State Lightweight Title on the Friday, June 8^th, card. He won the vacant title last year with an impressive win over Ariel Duran after they had fought to a draw in their previous meeting.

Appearing on the show will be a hot prospect, the exciting undefeated light-middleweight, Frank Galarza, as well as another unbeaten prospect, Rafael Vazquez. Galarza’s record is 6-0 (3), while Vazquez is proving with every fight that he can bang with the best with his 7-0 (5) log.

Galarza, is excited to get back in the ring after scoring a scintillating two round destruction of rugged Jose Ramon Sanchez last time out. Vazquez had similar success in his last fight, crushing Jesus Bayron in three rounds.

Main Event

Jonathan Cuba vs. Edward Valdez in defense of Cuba’s NYS Lightweight Title in what is expected to be eight rounds of excitement.

Co-feature

Light-middleweight Frank Galarza, will be looking to make it seven wins in a row in a six rounder.

Also scheduled on the card...

Featherweight Rafael Vazquez also wants to extend his winning streak in a six round affair.

Light-heavyweight Alexander Mancera, 8-4 (5), facing tough Hamid Abdul-Manteen, 3-2 (0), in a six round affair.

Unbeaten super-featherweight Angel Garcia trades leather with Ian James, 1-5 (1), in a scheduled four.

Light-welterweight Mikkel Lespiere (Pro-Debut) will see action in a four rounder.

In a ladies match, Super-flyweights Vanessa Greco 1-0-1 (0), and Patricia Alcivar 5-1 (3), will get it on in a four round bout.

Welterweight Daniel Gonzalez will make his pro-debut in a four round fight.

Bantamweight Chris Arreaga (Pro-Debut) battles Daniel Hernandez (Pro-Debut) in a scheduled four.

ABOUT NEW LEGEND, OLD WORLD, AND W.O.N. PROMOTIONS

When three companies have a similar mission, it is often a good idea for them to work together for the greater good. Such is the case with New Legend Boxing, Old World Promotions and W.O.N. Promotions. They have the same goals and mindset; to not only promote fine boxing, but to allow their fighters to get the exposure and opportunity for the success that they crave.

Jim Foley started Old World Boxing three years ago, “So far we have worked with New Legend on all of our promotions,” explained Foley. “And I’m trying to find some Irish fighters to promote being Irish myself.”

To that end Foley, who is a former amateur boxer and boxes in the Masters, has a couple youngsters in Ireland that he hopes to bring here in the next few years. So far he has co-promoted shows at the Cordon Bleu with New Legend and they both traveled down to the Dominican Republic to work with promoters there and put on successful shows in that country.

New Legend is a company that has evolved from a boxing gym, to a managerial company, to what it is today, a highly progressive and unusual boxing promotions company that cares. Together they do something that is all too often overlooked; they give a damn about the young men and women who walk through the door of their headquarters in Ozone Park, Queens.

Felipe Gomez, a former New York City police sergeant, and amateur boxer, along with his partner, retired police lieutenant, Kevin O’Sullivan, run New Legend with the hope that they can develop a star. To that end they have been running shows, mostly at the Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, Queens, with great success.

W.O.N. Promotions was recently established by Wilson Naranjo, a successful businessman, who has been involved in boxing for several years. By partnering up with New Legend and Old World Boxing, W.O.N. Promotions is hoping to strengthen their support of local athletes who wish to showcase their skills.

Cornelius K9 Bundrage vs. Cory Spinks for the IBF Jr Middleweight World Championship

6/30 come see Cornelius K9 Bundrage fight Cory Spinks for the IBF Jr Middleweight World Championship - a Showtime Boxing event - and meet Oscar De La Hoya.

Bunch, Humphrey, Scott weigh in for 60 kg U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off in Times Square on June 7

Bunch, Humphrey, Scott weigh in for 60 kg U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off in Times Square on June 7

The three athletes participating in the U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 lbs. position on the U.S. Olympic Team in men’s freestyle wrestling have weighed in for the competition.

Making weight for the U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off were:

• Shawn Bunch, Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC)

• Reece Humphrey, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC)

• Coleman Scott, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)

The competition will be part of “The Grapple in the Big Apple” in Duffy Square in New York’s Times Square on Thursday, June 7.

Based upon the Olympic Trials Procedures, as the athlete who qualified the USA for the Olympics at this weight class, Bunch moves directly into the best-of-three Championship Series for the Olympic berth.

On April 27, Bunch placed third in the World Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in Taiyuan, China, which qualified the United States to compete in the London Games at 60 kg/132 lbs.

At 1:00 p.m. on Thursday in Times Square, a single preliminary match between Humphrey and Scott to determine which athlete advances to the Championship Series against Bunch.

Bunch will face the Humphrey/Scott winner in the first match of the Championship Series at 6:00 p.m. in Times Square. The second match will be held at approximately 7:20 p.m. If necessary, the third match will be held at approximately 8:20 p.m.

“Our 60 kg Wrestle-off is a big thing. We have our Olympic team set except at 60 kg,” said National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones.

“A lot of people ask me about how 60 kg has been a struggle to get qualified. How well can the 60 kg guys do at the Olympic Games when it took so long to qualify? I’ll tell you. I have as much confidence in 60 kg as any other weight class. Why? Because of the struggles they have gone through. I have seen it in their faces, their competitions, their training. It has been a challenge. It has been survival of the fittest. They are weathered through getting the weight qualified. I can’t tell you how good the attitudes are of Coleman Scott, Shawn Bunch and Reece Humphrey. We are in a great spot. We will do well at the Olympics at 60 kg,” said Jones.

Bunch was ranked No. 2 at 60 kg/132 lbs. on 2011-2012 Freestyle Team USA. He placed second in both the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2011 World Team Trials. He was a member of the 2009 U.S. World Team and has won two U.S. Open titles. He was an NCAA runner-up and two-time All-American for Edinboro and hails from Leavenworth, Kan.

Humphrey was ranked No. 1 on 2011-2012 Freestyle Team USA. He placed ninth in the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Humphrey won the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2011 U.S. World Team Trials. He is a two-time University World Championships medalist. He was an NCAA runner-up and two-time All-American for Ohio State and hails from Indianapolis, Ind.

Scott was ranked No. 3 on 2011-2012 Freestyle Team USA. He won the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, defeating Logan Stieber in the Championship Series. He went undefeated in five matches at the 2012 Freestyle World Cup. He was third at the World Team Trials the last three years and was a 2008 U.S. Open runner-up. Scott was a 2008 NCAA champion and four-time All-American for Oklahoma State and hails from Waynesburg, Pa.

The event will be held alongside the USA vs. Russia international freestyle dual meet set for Times Square in New York City, starting immediately following the first 60 kg bout during the 6:00 p.m. session on Thursday, June 7.

A card of high school and junior high matches featuring athletes from the Beat the Streets program will be held at 3:00 p.m.

U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS WRESTLE-OFF AT 60 KG

At Duffy Square in Times Square, New York, N.Y., June 7

Preliminary Match at 1:00 p.m.

Reece Humphrey, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC) vs. Coleman Scott, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)

Best of Three Championship Series, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Shawn Bunch, Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC) vs. winner of Humphrey vs. Scott match

U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM WRESTLE-OFF AT 60 KG/132 LBS.

DIRECTLY IN BEST-OF-THREE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

SHAWN BUNCH, Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC)

Third at 2012 World Olympic Games Qualifier in China, which qualified the USA for the 2012 Olympics… 2008 and 2010 U.S. Open champion… 2009 U.S. World Team member… Second in 2010 and 2011 World Team Trials… Second at 2009 and 2011 U.S. Open… Third in 2012 Pan American Olympic Qualifier… Second in 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials… 2011 Alexander Medved International champion (Ukraine)… Second in 2010 Heydar Aliyev Golden Grand Prix (Azerbaijan)… Third in 2010 Cerro Pelado (Cuba)… Second in 2009 New York AC International… Fourth in 2007 World Team Trials… Third in 2007 U.S. Open… 2007 Pan American Championships champion… Third in 2007 Medved International (Belarus)… Two-time All-American for Edinboro, placing second in 2005 and third in 2006… College: Edinboro… High School: Leavenworth, Kan… Born: March 19, 1983… Age: 29

IN PRELIMINARY MATCH TO EARN SPOT IN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

REECE HUMPHREY, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC)

Ninth in 2011 World Championships… 2011 U.S. Open champion… Third in 2011 Olympic Test Event (England)… 2011 New York AC International champion… Third in 2010 University World Championships… Second in 2008 University World Championships… Fourth in 2010 New York AC International… Fourth in 2010 U.S. Open… Fourth in 2009 World Team Trials… Fifth in 2011 Ukrainian Memorial International… 2009 University Nationals champion in both styles… Son of past World silver medalist and 1988 U.S. Olympic coach Jim Humphrey… Second in 2009 NCAA Championships… Third in 2010 NCAA Championships… Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion, and freestyle runner-up… Three-time Indiana state high school champion… College: Ohio State… High School: Indianapolis, Ind. (Lawrenceville North)… Born: July 31, 1986… Age: 25

COLEMAN SCOTT, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)

2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials champion… 2012 Freestyle World Cup champion… Second in 2008 U.S. Open… Third in 2010 and 2011 U.S. Open…. Third in 2009, 2010 and 2011 U.S. World Team Trials… 2012 Dave Schultz Memorial champion… 2009 Hargobind International Open champion… Third in 2010 Habibi and Movahed Cup (Iran)… Third in 2010 Pan American Championships… Sixth in 2010 Dave Schultz Memorial… Second in 2011 New York AC International… Second in 2009 Sunkist Kids International… Second in 2009 University Nationals… Fourth in 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials… 2006 U.S. Junior World Team member… 2006 FILA Junior Nationals champion… Three-time Junior Nationals champion… 2008 NCAA champion for Oklahoma State, and a four-time All-American… NCAA placements: 1st (2008), second (2007), fifth (2006), eighth (2005)… Three-time Pennsylvania state champion… College: Oklahoma State… High School: Waynesburg, Pa…. Born: April 19, 1986… Age: 26

Final lineups set for USA vs. Russia dual in Times Square on June 7 at ASICS Beat the Streets Gala‏

Russian 84 kg star Andrey Valiev will be competing in Times Square for the second straight year. Larry Slater photo

Talented young Russian team to face strong American squad as part of full day of wrestling

New York, May 21, 2012 – The final matchups have been set for the ASICS USA vs. Russia freestyle wrestling dual meet which will be part of “The Grapple in the Big Apple” in Duffy Square in New York’s Times Square on Thursday, June 7.

The Russian team will feature a number of the nation’s top young wrestlers, and will provide a strong challenge for the American team.

Two past Junior World champions headline the Russian roster, Andrey Valiev at 84 kg/185 lbs. and Shamil Akhmedov at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Three of the athletes placed a strong third in the recent Russian National Championships: Akhmedov, plus Kamal Malikov at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Eduard Bazrov at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Also wrestling are rising young lightweights Artas Sanaa at 55 kg/121 lbs., Akhmed Chakaev at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Dzhalaludin Kurbanaliev at 66 kg/145.5 lbs.

The U.S. team for the dual meet has also been finalized. It will feature four athletes who earned spots on the men’s freestyle team for the London Olympic Games.

The 2012 U.S. Olympians scheduled to compete in Times Square include 2011 World champion Jordan Burroughs at 74 kg/163 lbs., 2009 World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., plus their Olympic teammates Sam Hazewinkel at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Jared Frayer at 66 kg/145.5 lbs.

Also competing in Times Square is U.S. Olympic Team Trials runner-up Logan Stieber at 60 kg/132 lbs. New additions to the U.S. lineup include national team members Keith Gavin at 84 kg/185 lbs. and J.D. Bergman at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

The dual meet is part of a full day of Olympic-caliber wrestling activity in Times Square.

The U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 lbs. position on the U.S. Olympic Team in men’s freestyle wrestling will be also be held June 7 in Times Square. Reece Humphrey (Columbus, Ohio/New York AC) and Coleman Scott (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) will compete in a preliminary bout, with the winner facing Shawn Bunch (Columbus, Ohio/Gator WC) in a best-of-three series for the Olympic Team berth.

Two additional exciting Senior-level exhibition matches featuring top stars in both men’s and women’s freestyle wrestling will be held.

There will be a battle at 74 kg/163 lbs. in men’s freestyle between Cornell’s three-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake and two-time Olympian Matt Gentry of Canada. The women’s match will pit two-time U.S. World Team member Helen Maroulis against Ashley Hudson at 55 kg/121 lbs.

The competition will be held prior to the 2012 ASICS Beat the Streets Gala and Benefit, which will be held following the dual meet at Roseland Ballroom. Included in the Gala is the Beat the Streets Reception and Awards Ceremony.

All of the wrestling events held in Times Square is free to the public, and will be shown on the largest single-faced LED screen in Times Square.

ASICS BEAT THE STREETS GALA
At Duffy Square in Times Square, New York, N.Y., June 7

Final ASICS USA vs. Russia matchups
55 kg/121 lbs. – Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Artas Sanaa (Russia)
60 kg/132 lbs. – Logan Stieber, Monroeville, Ohio (New York AC) vs. Akhmed Chakaev (Russia)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Jared Frayer, Norman, Okla. (Gator WC) vs. Dzhalaludin Kurbanaliev (Russia)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Kamal Malikov (Russia)
84 kg/185 lbs. – Keith Gavin, Bethlehem, Pa. (Lehigh Valley WC) vs. Andrey Valiev (Russia)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – J.D. Bergman, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC) vs. Shamil Akhmedov
(Russia)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids) vs. Eduard Bazrov (Russia)

U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off at 60 kg

Preliminary Match
Reece Humphrey, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC) vs. Coleman Scott, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)

Best of Three Championship Series
Shawn Bunch, Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC) vs. winner of Humphrey vs. Scott match

Exhibition Matches

55 kg/121 lbs. - Helen Maroulis (Rockville, Md./New York AC) vs. Ashley Hudson (Wildwood, Mo./Gator WC).

74 kg/163 lbs. men’s freestyle - Kyle Dake (Ithaca, N.Y./New York AC) vs. Matt Gentry (Canada)

TENTATIVE ASICS BEAT THE STREETS GALA COMPETITION SCHEDULE
At Duffy Square in Times Square, New York, N.Y., June 7
1:00 PM – U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Humphrey vs. Scott preliminary
3:00 PM – Beat the Streets youth wrestling exhibition matches
6:00 PM - U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Championship Series Match 1 – Bunch vs. Humphrey/Scott winner
6:10 PM – 55 kg women’s freestyle exhibition – Maroulis vs. Hudson
6:40 PM – ASICS USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meet – 55 kg, 60 kg, 66 kg matches
7:10 PM – 74 kg men’s freestyle exhibition – Dake vs. Gentry
7:25 PM - U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Championship Series Match 2 – Bunch vs. Humphrey/Scott winner
7:40 PM – ASICS USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meet – 74 kg, 84 kg, 96 kg, 120 kg matches
8:20 PM - U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Championship Series Match 3 (if necessary)– Bunch vs. Humphrey/Scott winner

♔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, June 5, 2012

"Fights for Freedom” Sunday, July 1st Salita Foundation To Honor Israeli Athletes Murdered At 1972 Munich Olympics"‏

"Fights for Freedom”

*Exciting match ups, ringside celebrities, a special musical performance, a raffle, lots of surprises, and much much, more on "Fights for Freedom."

On Sunday, July 1st, Salita Promotions and Fight Factory Gym will bring you an exciting evening of boxing and entertainment to honor our Nation’s birthday.

This summer, during the week of Independence Day, at the Fight Factory Gym located at 24 Cobek Ct., Brooklyn, NY, fans can look forward to some exciting amateur boxing. The card will showcase 12 matches that will feature Golden Gloves Champions, US National Champions, 2016 Olympic hopefuls, and a special star studded musical performance.

Featured will be Fight Factory’s own 2012 Golden Gloves 132 pound Champion Vassiley Zherbnenk who
is looking to impress his fans as he comes home after his Golden Gloves victory.

Also on the show will be five time US National Champion, and 2016 Olympic hopeful light heavyweight, Sherif “Sugar Boy” Younan, who promises to dazzle New York fight fans with his virtuoso boxing skills.
The upcoming Olympic Games will mark the 40th anniversary of the massacre of Israeli athletes in Munich in 1972. The IOC, the International Olympic Committee, has denied honoring the innocent athletes who were murdered with a minute of silence at the opening ceremonies to commemorate their heroic participation in the international language of sports.

Salita Foundation To Honor Israeli Athletes Murdered At 1972 Munich Olympics"‏

Less than 30 years after the tragedy of the Holocaust, Israeli athletes went back to Germany to compete. In doing so they displayed an open mind, understanding, and the willingness to participate in an international event in a country that orchestrated the killing of 6 million of their brothers. In doing so the Israeli team demonstrated the definition of what an athlete is.

In one hideous moment in Olympic history, armed terrorists wearing masks held innocent young people hostage then proceeded to commit mass murder as the world watched helplessly. Eleven Israeli team members and coaches, plus a West German police officer were killed.

Unfortunately their memory will not be commemorated at the upcoming Olympics. This is very sad and unfortunate. It is upsetting to many people as it is to me, as a Jew, as an American, and as an athlete. A lot more can be said about this, but action speaks louder than words.

At my upcoming Fights for Freedom boxing show on July 1st which will take place at Fight Factory Gym, 24 Cobek Court in Brooklyn, NY we will see the participation of Israeli National Champion Akiva Dombroff, and the evening will have an honorary 10 count and a minute of silence in honor of the Israeli Team of 1972.

The proceeds from this evening will go, through the Salita Foundation, towards helping Israel's sports programs; specifically the boxing gyms around the country. If you are interested in making a donation please email salitafoundation@gmail.com

THE GOOD FIGHT

By Ron Ross

Dmitriy Salita is a fighter but not every fight is fought with gloves in a roped-off enclosure. And not every fight is fought for personal gain. Right now Dmitriy is fighting mad and readying himself for a fight that he never thought would have to be fought – and there is no backing off!

Ten years before Dmitriy Salita was born the world was witness to possibly the single most horrific, heinous act ever committed within a performance venue – inclusive of theater, musical entertainment, and athletic competition. On September 5th, 1972, eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team participating in the 20th Olympic Summer Games in Munich, Germany were ambushed and cold-bloodedly assassinated by a Palestinian hit squad called Black September.

This being the 40th Anniversary of this monumental tragedy, a formal request was made by the Israeli government for a minute of silence in honor and memory of those fallen eleven Israeli athletes at the start of this year’s Summer Olympics in London.

When this request was denied by Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, much of the civilized world was shocked and dismayed at this response. For Dmitriy, it was more painful and difficult to contend with than any blow he has ever received in the ring.

On July 1st Salita Promotions will be putting on the “Fights For Freedom” at the Fight Factory Gym located in Coney Island – 24 Cobek Ct, , Brooklyn, NY , a card showcasing 12 matches featuring Golden Gloves champions, US National Champions, 2016 Olympic hopefuls plus special musical entertainment. But now Dmitriy is going to turn the spotlight full focus on the true highlight. What the IOC did not have the guts or conscience to do, Salita, a young man with heart, soul and a strong sense of justice will fight the good fight – no gloves, no throwing punches, just standing up for what he believes in.

“At the show we are going to have a ten-count and a minute of silence for the victims of that attack. Unfortunately, the IOC, in a disgraceful display of cowardly behavior will not honor the victims of that attack, thus breaching the international language of sports. I am upset about it as a Jew and as an athlete.

Israeli athletes went to Munich with great expectations and enthusiasm. They went to Germany to compete in an athletic event in 1972 – less than thirty years after the Holocaust. They were true athletic heroes and it’s a shame and a stain on the Olympic community for politicizing this by not giving them the honor and respect that they deserve. I cannot stand by and permit this without doing whatever I can to memorialize these wonderful athletes.”

Dmitriy Salita won’t be wearing gloves on July 1st but he sure as Hell is fighting the good fight! And he will not be fighting this one alone. Besides the multitudes cheering his efforts and standing side-by side with him in moral support, Israel’s under-19 middleweight champion Hillel Dombroff. Is now being added to a card already featuring 2012 Golden Gloves 132 pound champion Vassiley Zherbnenk and five time US National Champion, light heavyweight Sherif “Sugar Boy” Younan.

♔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.

Video: Manny Pacquiao v Timothy Bradley documentary; Ricky Hatton breaks down fight‏

Pacquiao vs Bradley hits your screens on 9th June 2012. Hear the thoughts and opinions on the fight from Freddie Roach, Bob Arum and the fighters themselves.

The June 9 welterweight clash between reigning WBO champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38ko) and undefeated challenger Timothy Bradley (28-0-0, 12ko), set to be staged at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, will be broadcast internationally and has been picked up by UK station Primetime, who have released the documentary embedded below. Ricky Hatton, who will be calling the shots on air, has also broken down the fight.

Adamek – Chambers June 16th NBC Sports Network Fight Night card at Newark’s Prudential Center

June 16th NBC Sports Network Fight Night card at Newark’s Prudential Center features Tomasz Adamek vs. Eddie Chambers. Co-featured on the card will be Bryant Jennings vs. Steve Collins, Garrett, Indiana, 25-1,18 KO’s. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET. Prudential doors open at 6:00PM. The card is presented by Main Events in association with Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions and Goosen Tutor Promotions.
♔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.

Longtime Philadelphia Boxing personality Rob Murray, Sr. succumbed to cancer

The boxing community was saddened on Sunday when longtime Philadelphia personality Rob Murray, Sr. succumbed to cancer.

Murray was a well known fight figure for three-plus decades as he managed, trained, promoted and did almost everything around Philadelphia boxing.

Murray was the original manager of future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and also managed future world champion Steve Little. Murray trained Bennie Briscoe for a short period. Murray managed world title challengers Will Taylor and most recently guided the career of World Heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers and his brother Steve Upsher Chambers.

For the better part of the past decade Murray was the Director of Boxing at The Legendary Blue Horizon. As many of you know, Rob or “Big Rob” was one of Philadelphia’s outstanding boxing personalities. He was known for his WURD Radio Shows- This Week in Boxing and This Week in Sports.

Rob was married to Denise Blocker Murray and the proud father of two sons, Robert, Jr. and Raheem.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Sonya Lamonakis vs Tiffany Woodard June 14

Every time that Sonya Lamonakis (6-0-1, 1KO) steps into the ring, one thing is for certain, you are going to be in for a treat, especially when she is matched up against Tiffany Woodard (4-6-2, 3KO’s). The bout on June 14 will be third matchup between Lamonakis and Woodard, and if you had the pleasure of seeing either of the first two, you know that you will not be disappointed. Lamonakis owns two six-round decisions over Woodard, once each in 2010 and 2011. Now the two will have the chance to do it all over again when they face off in an eight-round female heavyweight showdown. It's not easy for Lamonakis to find opponents that want to fight her.
♔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.

FLORIANO PAGLIARA CONTINUES HIS AMERICAN DREAM ON JUNE 14TH IN NEW YORK CITY‏

On Thursday night June 14th at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, Floriano "L’Italiano" Pagliara will return to the squared circle when he takes part on the Lou DiBella’s Popular Broadway Boxing Television Series

Pagliara who has a record of 12-4-1 with seven knockouts will be continuing on his quest to live the American dream as the import from Cecine, Italy will be making his second New York City appearance over the past three months

For this bout, the popular IBF Mediterranean Super Featherweight Champion has set up training in the Aqua Villiage Water Park in his hometown of Cecine Italy near the Livornese coast.

Pagliara has become a major draw in the New York area as he quickly made an impression on the many Italian fans in the “Little Italy” sections of the city including the Williamsburgh Brooklyn neighborhood and on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

L”Italiano as he is referred to in America could have stayed in Italy and been very successful as he is a very popular attraction in the Tuscan resort coastal town where he routinely draws 3,000 plus fans for his bouts.

“People are just drawn to Floriano, he is very approachable and a pleasure to work with said Rich Komissar, Pagliara's American sponsor and matchmaker at RKO Boxing. “He works hard and promotes himself well. We had an overflow of people outside BB Kings looking for tickets to his fight on March 7^th. The place was sold out more than a week in advance. Even Floriano was surprised” added Komissar. We are getting hit every day by more and more people looking to know when his next fight is”

Another reason for Floriano's popularity is that he gets involved in community issues. He is a member of the Ring 8 NY Veteran Boxers Association which provides help to retired boxers. Floriano is hoping to become the official liaison to the retired Italian American fighters in the New York area. "Floriano cares as much as he works" said Tommy Gallagher, the veteran boxing trainer from New York who also is one of the directors on the board for Ring8 NY

Additionally Pagliara has recently become involved with the Cooley's Anemia Foundation. Cooley's Anemia is a blood disorder that mostly affects children with Mediterranean heritage. Children afflicted with Cooley's Anemia or Thalassemia are not expected to live much past their teen years. The mission of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation is to help in advancing the treatment and cure for this fatal blood disease. Floriano, with the help of local businessman and organization member Paul Tucci is hoping to become more involved with the Long Island Fund Raising Chapter. (www.thalassemia.com)

“The DiBella goup has seen the potential and the fan base that Floriano brings and as he continues to appear on Broadway Boxing, there are discussions for Floriano's fights to be syndicated back in Italy.”

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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Monday, June 4, 2012