Saturday, June 30, 2012

Coke 2012 Olympics Commercial: Marlen Esparza "Corner"

Coke 2012 Olympics Commercial: Marlen Esparza "Corner"

Before the press, before the fans, and before her trainers, there was always one person Marlen could count on.

♔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.

HAPPY 46th BIRTHDAY!!! "IRON" Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth - Live on Broadway

One of the world's most powerful and controversial figures comes to Broadway for twelve nights only! MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of the one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed by Academy Award nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.

Inside the Ropes With Women’s Boxer Trista Arnesen

Inside the Ropes With Women’s Boxer Trista Arnesen

This summer marks the first time women’s boxing will be held as an Olympic event, and in addition to showing the ongoing progression of the sport, it also shows that it is no longer a “Boy’s Only” club.

While Stanhope resident Trista Arnesen may not have immediate plans to embark on a journey to prepare for the 2016 Olympics—although it is not out of the realm of possibility—the 28-year-old finds her way to Aces Boxing Club in Boonton six days a week where she laces the gloves up and works diligently at improving at her craft.

Nearly five years ago Trista stepped into a boxing gym for the first time for the sole purpose of purchasing training sessions for her now husband.

“While I was there, I was told that they held women’s classes and that the first class was complimentary,” said Trista. “Needless to say, I loved my first boxing workout; I was addicted after that first night, signed up immediately and haven’t looked back since.”

What began as a hobby and a means of training has quickly transformed into working towards a goal—Trista has her eyes set on August to make her amateur debut under the tutelage and watchful eye of owner and head coach of Aces Boxing Club—Joe Zabry.

“I would love to step between the ropes and get my first amateur fight,” said Trista. “I’ve been training daily and really try to listen to the advice from Coach Joe and the more experienced boxers, and implement it into my training regime. If I’m able to take on a few fights, I’d love to do it.”

Outside of the ring Trista balances a full-time job with her married life, and come the fall she will be returning to school to finish her last semester of nursing school. Her genuine and personable demeanor she maintains with her fellow boxers is a testament to her character, although once she puts the gloves on it is all business.

On several occasions she has proven she is there to get work in, never shying away from a chance to spar with one of her male counterparts.

“I love boxing for a lot of reasons,” said Trista. “The small club feel, feeling the team environment shared between the other boxers at the gym. I like going in to spar and feeling like ‘one of the guys’ and not just some silly girl trying to do a ‘man’s sport.”

In any sport it is tough for a woman to feel at home when surrounded by a gym full of men, though Trista has established herself as a credible fighter with a vicious left hook and unrelenting desire to continue to get better within the squared circle.

“Boxing is appealing to me because it is a great cardiovascular workout and I love the sense of accomplishment it gives me,” said Trista. “I enjoy being pushed to train harder and in boxing, you can always be training harder.”

There’s an old adage in boxing…You play baseball, you play basketball, you play football…you don’t play boxing…you fight.

Trista Arnesen displays that conviction and determination each time she steps into Aces Boxing Club and goes to work with her team. A leader by example and someone other’s look to for motivation, the hard hitter with fast hands has the talent and desire to make a big impact within the women’s amateur boxing scene, and undoubtedly will find success in any endeavor she embarks upon inside and out of the ring.

“I’d have to say that I was extremely lucky to walk into the boxing gym five years ago and meet Coach Joe Zabry,” says Trista. “I’ve been lucky enough to be training and working out with him ever since; he’s an incredible coach and an all-around great guy. I love that he pushes me and doesn’t care what the excuse of the day is.

He wants his fighters to train harder than anyone else, and he makes sure they do, that’s for sure.”

♔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.

PROVODNIKOV STOPS REYNOSO IN TWO!!

WBO number-two ranked Ruslan Provodnikov scored a scintillating second round stoppage over Jose Reynoso in a scheduled ten round Jr. Welterweight bout at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.

The bouts were seen LIVE all over America on ESPN 2 and promoted by Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing

Reynoso tried to move in round one and showed off his awkward style from his southpaw stance.

In round two, Provodnikov started getting to Reynoso with short shots. He caught Reynoso with a huge right to the head that sent Reynoso down for referee Raul Caiz Jr.’s ten count and the bout was over at 1:52 of round two.

Provodnikov, 140 lbs of Berezov, Russia is now 22-1 with fifteen knockouts. Reynoso, 138 ½ lbs of Riverside, CA is now 16-4-1.

“This is a payoff for a long three month training camp. I spent the first two months with Manny Pacquiao”, said Provodnikov

“The priority was to work the body and finish on top. The outcome was because of the work with Manny as he moved a lot and it improved my footwork”

Christopher Martin scored two knockdowns on body shots and stopped Roberto Castaneda in round six of their scheduled eight round Super Bantamweight bout.

It was a close fight early with both guys getting in some quality offense. At the end of round five, Martin landed a perfect right to the body that sent Castaneda down to his knees for a knockdown. Martin tried to jump on Castaneda in round six. Late in that round, Martin landed a thudding left to the body that sent Castaneda down for a second time. Castaneda was up at the count of nine but the fight was stopped by referee Jerry Cantu at 2:31 of round six.

Martin, 122 lbs of Chula Vista, CA is now 24-2-3 with seven knockouts. Castaneda 120 ½ lbs of Mexico is now 20-2-1.

In the televised opener, Aaron Acevedo & Daniel Martinez fought to a majority draw in a four round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 for Martinez while that score was over ruled by two scores of 38-38.

Martinez, 130 lbs of San Bernardino, CA is 0-0-1. Acevedo, 129 lbs of Moreno Valley, CA is 1-0-1.

Oscar Godoy scored a four round unanimous decision over Roberto Crespo in a Welterweight bout.

Godoy, 146 ½ lbs of Watsonville, CA won by scores of 40-36, 40-36 and39-37 and is now 7-2. Crespo, 147 ½ lbs of Riverside, CA is now 4-2.

Friday, June 29, 2012

BUNDRAGE vs. SPINKS, RUSSELOfficial weights for Saturday’s night’s special world championship edition of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME®

Official weights for Saturday’s night’s special world championship edition of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME^® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

(Bout Card and Order Subject to Change)

BUNDRAGE vs. SPINKS, RUSSELL vs. PEREZ, LARA vs. HERNANDEZ

Saturday, June 30, 2012 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Indio, CA ShoBox

BLUE CORNER RED CORNER

MAIN EVENT - IBF JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE - 12 ROUNDS

Cornelius BUNDRAGE vs. Cory SPINKS

Detroit, MI St. Louis, MO

31-4 (18 KO’s) 39-6 (11 KO’s)

Weight: 153.4 lbs. Weight: 153.8 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS - 10 ROUNDS

Gary RUSSELL JR. vs. Christopher PEREZ

Capitol Heights, MD Culiacan, MEX

19-0 (11 KO’s) 23-2 (14 KO’s)

Weight: 126.8 lbs. Weight: 126.4 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS - 10 ROUNDS

Erislandy LARA vs. Freddy HERNANDEZ

Guantanamo, CUB Mexico City, MEX

16-1-1 (11 KO’s) 30-2 (20 KO’s)

Weight: 154.8 lbs. Weight: 154.2 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS - 8 ROUNDS

Antonio OROZCO vs. Albert CRUZ JR.

San Diego, CA Canovanas, PR

14-0 (10 KO’s) 9-3 (8 KO’s)

Weight: 141.8 lbs. Weight: 141.8 lbs.

FLYWEIGHTS - 4 ROUNDS

Javier BARRAGAN vs. Christian LORENZO

Indio, CA Los Angeles, CA

2-0 (2 KO’s) 1-0

Weight: TBD Weight: TBD

LIGHTWEIGHTS - 6 ROUNDS

Jesus HERNANDEZ vs. Luis MOLINA

Huntington, CA Nogales, AZ

10-0-2 (2 KO’s) 3-0-1 (2 KO’s)

Weight: 131 lbs. Weight: 131.4 lbs.

Five of the six fighters who will compete on a special world championship edition of ShoBox: The New Generation this Saturday, June 30, live on SHOWTIME^® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. participated in an open workout Wednesday at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center.

In Saturday’s ShoBox main event, IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Cornelius Bundrage (31-4, 18 KO’s), of Detroit, Mich., will defend his title against former Undisputed Welterweight World Champion and current IBF No. 1 rated junior middleweight contender, Cory Spinks (39-6, 11 KO’s), of St. Louis, Mo.

The co-feature will match 2011 Prospect of the Year, unbeaten Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., against Christopher Perez (23-2, 14 KO’s), of Culiacan, Mexico, in a 10-round featherweight bout.

The tripleheader will begin with a 10-round junior middleweight match between former international amateur standout and top rated 154-pound contender Erislandy Lara (16-1-1, 11 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, by way of Guantanamo, Cuba, against former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez (30-2, 20 KO’s), of Lynwood, Calif., by way of Mexico City.

CORNELIUS “K9’’ BUNDRAGE

“I’m telling people to tune in. I’ve been promoting this fight, so I’m quite sure a lot of people will be watching. I think it’s going to be a great performance. I’m going to go out there and give it my all.

“I didn’t expect I would fight Cory Spinks like that the first time. I expect to fight him differently this time, but I might just go out there and bulldog him again.

“Cory Spinks is not the champ anymore. I’m the champ now.

“I'm more experienced now. In my last fight I defended my belt against the guy I lost my first fight to (Sechew Powell) and went 12 rounds.”

CORY SPINKS

“Spinks is Spinks again. Spinks wasn’t Spinks the last time we fought. The first time, I didn’t train properly. I was sick. I had no mechanics. I don’t care who you are, if you aren’t right mentally and physically, you’re not going to be able to do anything.

“I want to fight for titles. It doesn't matter who it is. K-9 is still there on top, so he’s got to get it.

“Fans are going to see the total package on Saturday. I’m ready. I’ve been blessed with a gift. I didn’t have to learn how to box. I always could and I could fight anyway I wanted. I can sit down with you, I can box with you. I will do anything I have to [in order] to win this fight.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“There has definitely been more growth. I’m always learning. I’m more mature mentally and physically.

“I think it’s good to fight someone with confidence. I don’t want to compete against someone who thinks he’s going to lose. I want to fight against a guy who thinks he can win.

“He’s used to guys pressing the action, so I’m not going to press the action. I’ll use my power and speed.

“I’m a versatile fighter. I’m definitely not one-dimensional.

“I’m always anxious to get in the ring. I love the ring. I’m always in the gym…always ready and in shape.”

CHRISTOPHER PEREZ

“No doubt there have been a lot of upsets in boxing over the last few months. I’m hoping that I can be the next.

“On Saturday night, boxing fans will know who I am. I know Russell has fast hands, but I have my game plan to be victorious.’’

ERISLANDY LARA

“If I go out there and do what I did to Ronald Hearns (KO 1), no one is going to want to fight me.

“Freddy Hernandez is a very good fighter. I’m prepared for anything he’s going to bring, but he needs to be worried about what I plan to bring.

“I’m not frustrated that fighters avoid me. I just have to keep working hard and taking care of the fighters my promoter puts in front of me. The big fights will come sooner or later. These guys can run but they can’t hide.”

Bundrage vs. Spinks, a 12 round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. The ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, which will also feature rising featherweight star Gary Russell Jr. facing contender Christopher Perez and top rated junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara squaring off against former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez, will air live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The broadcast will also feature highlights of the eight-round fight between rising star Antonio Orozco and Albert Cruz Jr.

Rahman cancels! WBA Championship in Hamburg called off!

WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin will not be able to defend his title on July 14 in Hamburg. The fight night at the Alsterdorfer Sporthalle has been called off due to an injury sustained by the challenger Hasim Rahman. The number one WBA ranked heavyweight needed an operation to remove a cyst on his right hand and therefore is not able to fight Povetkin. To find a fitting replacement for a Heavyweight title shot in such a short space of time is unrealistic.

“I am very disappointed,“ said Alexander Povetkin after hearing of the cancellation. “The preparations were going really well. I am in great shape. Obviously I wanted to show that inside of the ring and do a good job.”

Jack Culcay and Edmund Gerber who were also scheduled to step into the ring on July 14, would have liked to fight in Hamburg. Chris Meyer, Managing Director of Sauerland Event: “All of us were looking forward to the event. But it is our responsibility to deliver world class boxing to the spectators inside the arena and the audience at home in front of their TVs. Therefore, after hearing from the injury of Alexander’s opponent, we had to cancel the whole show.”

If Hasim Rahman will remain the mandatory challenger of the WBA, lies in the hands of the association.

Hector Camacho Jr. Stops John David Charles With Devastating Body Shot In First Round‏

Hector Camacho Jr. Stops John David Charles With Devastating Body Shot In First Round

This past Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas, middleweight Hector Camacho Jr., stopped John David Charles just under a minute into the fight with a vicious body shot. This fight was the first time Camacho Jr. stepped between the ropes following an 18 month layoff, and showed the boxing world he is back and ready to make a contention run at the middleweight title.

“I feel great about the fight,” said Camacho Jr. “I would’ve liked to get some work and rounds in, but I was very happy that all of my hard work paid off. I love fighting in San Antonio. The love I get from the fans and supporters means as much as the win.”

Currently Camacho Jr. is looking to return to the ring in late July in Mexico, with an opponent to be named. The middleweight veteran is adamant about remaining busy inside the ring going forward. He currently has a bout with David Medina lined up for September, and a win against the slick orthodox fighter can propel him up the rankings and move him one step closer to a title fight.

“After the win we are right back to work,” said Camacho Jr. “My team and I have been focusing heavily on staying conditioned, and for the fight Saturday night we trained as if I was fighting 12 rounds. It’s all about staying strong mentally.”

Camacho Jr. has the experience and talent to continue to move up the middleweight rankings, and it is feasible that he can be fighting for hardware by the end of the year.

“Lastly, I want to thank all my fans and supporters here in San Antonio,” said Camacho Jr. “And of course Find A Dream, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of inner city youth by providing them with a facility to help better themselves and work towards a goal.”

Camacho Jr. is an active Board Member of Find A Dream and strives to spread the awareness of the cause and the continual good work they do in communities across the country.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS JUNE 29 ESPN 'FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS'

Tatina Anderson - 135.5 lbs. & Lizette Medel - 131 lbs.

World Boxing News: Hasim Rahman out of WBA title bout

World Boxing News: Hasim Rahman out of WBA title bout: Phil D. Jay WBN Editor Decision due on Alexander Povetkin challenger The World Boxing Association are to make a ruling soon follo...

♔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.

Tony Thompson facing Wladamir Klitschko on 7 July

It will be different this time.

That was the prevailing message from local heavyweight contender Tony “The Tiger” Thompson during Monday’s media workout at Headbangers Gym in Southeast D.C. Thompson did his best to convince a small contingent of local fight writers that he has a shot to upset Wladimir Klitschko and win the heavyweight championship on July 7 in Berne, Switzerland.

"Lady Ali" Jackie Tonawanda vs. Larry Rodania (1975)

"Lady Ali" Jackie Tonawanda hammer's a straight-right on the chin of Kickboxer Larry Rodania in a exibition fight at Madison Square Garden , NY .

Check out “Legendary: The Rise Of MMA In Asia ” documentary short

In spite of the recent demise of DREAM in Japan, MMA as a whole in Asia is truly booming. Legend FC has been one of the bigger names in the movement, and the fine folks at that promotion released this short documentary recently to give fans a closer look behind the scenes.

Filmed around Legend Fighting Championship 7 at Macau’s City of Dreams, “Legendary” takes a look at the rise of MMA in the Asia-Pacific against the backdrop of the February 2012 Legend Welterweight Championship fight between Bae Myung Ho and Li Jingliang.

REMEDY OF THE WU TANG CLAN FEATURED AT “FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM” AT THE FIGHT FACTORY‏

This Sunday, July 1^st, Salita Promotions and Fight Factory Gym put together an exciting show featuring twelve thrilling fights showcasing boxing’s hottest prospects dubbed "Fights for Freedom." A much anticipated addition will be Remedy, of the Wu Tang Clan, whowill be performing some of his songs including hits like "Never Again" and "Testimony" among others. Remedy is the Co-Executive producer of the "Wu-Tang Killa Bees: Return of the Swarm" album.

The Fight Factory, located at 24 Cobek Court in Brooklyn, will host this exciting amateur boxing event showcasing young talent in nose to nose competition.

Included on the show 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.

Another local star who will be featured is five time US National Champion, and 2012 US National Jr. Olympics finalist, light heavyweight Sherif “Sugar Boy” Younan who promises to dazzle New York fight fans with his virtuoso boxing skills. “Sugar Boy” is the son of one of boxing’s most respected trainers, Sherif Younan Sr.

Also ready to impress is Israeli National Champion Akiva Dumroff who is looking to make his US debut a successful one.

The announcing duties for the show, which begins at 6 PM, will be handled by the voice of the New Jersey, but soon to be Brooklyn Nets, David Diamante.

The evening will have a special ceremony; a traditional 10 count, and a minute of silence, to honor the Israeli Olympic Team of 1972 when eleven Israeli team members and coaches, plus a German police officer were murdered at the Munich Games by terrorists.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Roots of Fight - 'IRON' Mike Tyson Short Film

Roots of Fight is proud to honor the most devastating heavyweight boxer of all time, “Iron” Mike Tyson, with a new short film to commemorate Tyson’s three victories in 1988, including his demolition of Michael Spinks on June 27th, that earned him the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion title, but also the rare “lineal” heavyweight championship of the world. The stunning short film features Tyson and is anchored by boxing legend Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, with insights from Randy Couture, Forrest Griffin, and Snoop Dogg.

USA Boxing Announces the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games Staff‏

The coaching staff that will be nominated to the United States Olympic Committee to lead the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team into action in London has been set. 2004 Olympic Head Coach Basheer Abdullah (Fort Carson, Colo.) will serve in the same role in London while 2000 Olympic Assistant Coaches Candelario Lopez (San Jose, Calif.) and Israel Acosta (Milwaukee, Wis.) will join him as assistants. 2012 Women’s World Championships Team Manager Delilah Rico (Los Angeles, Calif.) rounds out the staff in the Team Leader role.

“We are sending a very experienced coaching staff to London with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team and we believe that their knowledge will be critical in aiding our athletes to perform at the highest level,” said USA Boxing Executive Director Anthony Bartkowski. “Coach Abdullah’s Olympic Games experience provides him and the staff with a huge advantage as the team prepares to face the world’s best boxers.”

Abdullah will be traveling to his fourth straight Olympic Games, having served as the Technical Advisor in 2000 and 2008. The 49-year-old Abdullah led the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program as Head Coach from 1997 to 2012 and has coached numerous athletes to national titles during his career. In addition, he served as the Head Coach for the past two Women’s World Championships as the female athletes prepared for their Olympic debut. The 2004 USA Boxing Coach of the Year, Abdullah has coached at every major national and international event, including the Pan American Games and World Military Championships and looks forward to using his expertise to guide the U.S. team to medals in London.

Acosta, who enjoyed a decorated career as an athlete, is returning to the Olympic Games for the second time. With 28 years of experience in coaching, Acosta also enjoys an impressive resume. In addition to his work in 2000, he served on the 2007 Pan American Games staff and has worked numerous international duals and competitions. He has coached multiple national champions over the past three decades and enjoyed numerous coaching awards, including USA Boxing Coach of the Year in 1992. Acosta most recently served as the Head Coach for the Women’s Continental Championships and Team USA won eight medals, six of them gold.

Lopez will enjoy a repeat appearance at the Olympic Games as well with his selection to the 2012 staff. A veteran of international competition, Lopez has led the Youth World Championships squad three times, most recently in 2008 as well as previously serving as Head Coach for the Women’s World Championships.

Rico has dreamt of being Olympic Team Manager since she first got involved in the sport in 2005. She worked her way up the ladder, serving in the important role at the Junior Olympics three times before being selected as the Women’s International Dual Series Team Leader in 2010. Most recently, she worked as the Team Manager for the Women’s World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China where the women won five medals.

All of the staff nominations are pending approval from the United States Olympic Committee Board of Directors.

Video Games: WWE 13 – Mike Tyson Pre-Order Bonus

Mike Tyson returns to the ring, Live the revolution with the “baddest man on the planet” when you pre-order WWE ’13. WWE ’13 is set to be available in North America on October 30th, 2012

Tyson returned to WWE on January 11, 2010 as a guest host on Monday Night Raw and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2, 2012.

Tyson, sporting a sleeveless DX t-shirt and black jeans — the same look as his playable character in WWE ’13 – interfered in the match, allowing Austin to secure the victory and ultimately abandoning his presumed alliance with the renegade faction.

TAVORIS CLOUD VS. JEAN PASCAL IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY, AUG. 11, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

TAVORIS CLOUD VS. JEAN PASCAL

IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

SATURDAY, AUG. 11, LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

Cloud: “Pascal’s style and my style are perfect for each other;
It will be a hell of a fight”

Pascal: “This fight will not go the distance”

In front of a packed room of television cameras, radio microphones and sports writers at Restaurant 9-4-10 within Montreal’s Bell Centre, undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., and popular hometown favorite and former World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight titleholder Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) held a press conference Wednesday to formally announce their upcoming world title showdown on Saturday, Aug. 11, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME® from Bell Centre.

There was a respectful but intense atmosphere to announce what could potentially be the division's best matchup in years between two young fighters in their prime. Hall of Fame promoter Don King, who promotes Cloud, waved Canadian flags while sporting his signature U.S. jean jacket throughout the press conference.

The co-feature will match Canadian knockout artist Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, (18-1, 15 KOs) of Montreal , against an opponent to be announced in a super middleweight bout.

At the press conference, SHOWTIME Sports® announced that future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins would be joining the Aug. 11 telecast as a special guest analyst. With his success in the light heavyweight division coupled with his firsthand experience traveling to Canada to take on Pascal and his legions of fans, Hopkins will offer a unique perspective and commentary to the viewers at home.

Here’s what the participants had to say Wednesday:

Tavoris Cloud:
“When I think about this fight, wow. Pascal’s style and my style are perfect for each other. It will be a hell of a fight. Nevertheless, I’m coming away with my title still intact

“I’m just glad to be here. Montreal is a beautiful place. I’m putting in a lot of hard work for this fight and on Aug. 11, I look forward to putting on a great show for you guys.

“Pascal could think he is the gatekeeper to bigger and better things for me, but I just come in and fight my fight.”

Jean Pascal:
“I have two words to say finally: I’m back. It’s been a long, long time but this show is going to be a great night for Quebec. I’d like to thank Yvon Michel, Greg Leon, Don King and Team Cloud for giving me a shot because I know I am a good boxer. He’s the champion and I really respect Cloud because he’s like me. He’s a good guy, a family man and he wants to fight the best.

“The reason why I took this fight is simple. It’s because of you guys, the fans. You want to see the best versus the best. I am the former world champion. He is the current world champion but unfortunately for him on Aug. 11, he is going to leave as the former world champion and I am going to be a two-time world champion.

“This man right here (Cloud) is dangerous. He is hungry but, with all due respect, I don’t think you are going to make your name on me. I know this is a big opportunity for you because I ‘m the door to success and big money.

“You’re a warrior like me and this fight will not go to the distance. I’m not saying that I’m going to knock him out. That’s not what I’m saying right now. I’m just saying it won’t go the distance which is why you have to tune in Aug. 11. I love challenges. I told Yvon, no tune up fights. Let’s face the guy at the top. That’s how I’ll get back on top. I hope Cloud comes in the best shape because I don’t want any excuses. And I won’t have any excuses either.”

Adonis Stevenson:
“I would like to thank SHOWTIME and Group Yvon Michel. I don’t have my opponent yet but he’s coming soon hopefully. Now the IBF champion is Carl Froch. It isn’t Lucian Bute anymore but I will be focused. Obviously, Aug. 11 is very important to me. I’d like to be the No. 1 (mandatory challenger for the IBF title) but no one wants to fight me. It’s always some reason. No money, no this, no that. I know that’s [untrue] but now I’ll just stay focused on the fight ahead of me.

“Emmanuel Steward is my trainer now. He is training Wladmir Klitschko and next week I will go to Klitschko’s camp and start my training there.”

Don King, Cloud’s Promoter:
“Bonjour to all the beautiful people of Montreal because this is like home to me. We had Sugar Ray Leonard here who changed the globe and took on Roberto Duran right here in Montreal. How did we get to Montreal? Because it’s one of the fairest cities in the world. We were looking for a neutral site and we picked Montreal. Sugar Ray Leonard came in and Roberto Duran beat him – because we got our fair shake in Montreal.

“Pascal has an opportunity now to take over for Bute (as Canada’s most popular fighter). Can he do it? He seems to think so but thunder is in the air. There will be lightning bolts striking so I don’t know. I think it’s going to be a devastating storm that night on Aug. 11.

“The Bell Centre is going to be the hour, the hour of the talk around the world. Not only is it going to be seen on SHOWTIME, it’s going to be seen around the world. It’s going to be a super extravaganza. It’s going to be a provocateur to titillate your taste buds. I know Pascal. I know how he has tried so desperately to be approved and respected by his fellow countrymen. So he is going to be giving everything he can and then some. And I know “Thunder” Cloud, he didn’t come up here to leave that (IBF Light Heavyweight) belt. Pascal is going to have to take it. And to take it, that means he is going to have to go up against the thunder the lighting and the rain.”

Yvon Michel:
“This fight is going to be not only the most important boxing event this year but I also believe that Aug. 11 will be the biggest sporting event of the year in Quebec.

“Each time we have a big event in Montreal, each time Jean Pascal is fighting, we have celebrities come out. For this fight will have the celebrity of celebrities, Don King, to co-promote the event. He is the only boxing promoter to be named one of the 40 most influential people in sports over the last 50 years by Sports Illustrated. And he is our prestigious guest here today.

“Tavoris Cloud and Jean Pascal have amazing power. Adonis Stevenson is the purest puncher I’ve ever seen. To have three guys with steel hands competing on Aug. 11, I think we’ll see two fantastic fights.”

Al Bonanni, Cloud’s Trainer:
“These are the two best light heavyweights in the world. SHOWTIME took the fight, not because they love us, but because these are the two best light heavyweights in the world. Unfortunately for Pascal, I have the best light heavyweight in the world.

“We’re training very, very hard. We started in Miami, Fla., five weeks ago and now we’re at Don King’s Gym in Ohio, across the river from here. So we can see Canada from where we’re training. Cloud could fight tomorrow. He’s 12 pounds off weight and ready to go. I thank you for the hospitality. I thank you for the money we’re going to make. And it’s going to be a great feeling to go back home with the belt again.”

Marc Ramsay, Pascal’s Trainer:
“I just really want to thank SHOWTIME, Don King and Group Yvon Michel for making this fight happen, to give us the opportunity to go straight back to the top. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’re going straight to the top.”

♔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.

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