Hatton-Malignaggi on the horizon?

NEW YORK– IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi hopes to ink a pact early next week to confirm his dream deal: a two-fight arrangement culminating with a showdown against the world’s recognized No. 1 junior welterweight, Ricky Hatton, The Ring magazine and IBO title-holder.

Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi


“I’ve got to admit that, after the Cotto fight,” Malignaggi said, “I never thought that I’d get the chance to fight another great champion again. I believed in myself, but it was almost like I proved too much to everyone, that I had skills, but most of all, that I’m as tough as anyone who ever laced on gloves. I’m really grateful that Team Hatton looks like they’ll give me the opportunity to fight on Ricky’s big card in Manchester in May and then against him in the Fall in the United States.

“Ricky and I have a lot in common. Both our fathers were soccer players – his in England and mine in Italy – and we’ve both paid our dues and earned the respect of the fans and other fighters. The only marks on our records came against two great fighters, Mayweather and Cotto.

Ricky Hatton


What makes it so exciting is the big difference in our fighting styles. Ricky is rough and tough; an all-action fighter who takes advantage of everything he can to get the win. You’re never going to see a Hatton fight that doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat. Most of my fights have been boxing matches. The excitement was dictated by how aggressive the other guy wanted to be. If they brought it, they got it back times 10. I know I’m at the top of my game right now and that’s what it takes to have a chance against a great champion like Ricky Hatton.”

Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) captured the IBF title last June, defeating champion Lovemore N’dou (45-8-1) by 12-found decision, and Paulie successfully defended his belt in January with a 12-round decision against No. 1 contender Herman Ngoudjo (16-1).



“Everyone was blown away when they heard Ricky was going to fight at City of Manchester Stadium,” Paulie continued. “It’s going to be crazy over there! They’ve had a lot of quality fighters in Great Britain - Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank. They also had Lennox Lewis, but nothing like what Ricky means to them. Vegas was crazy last December and I know we can bring that atmosphere back when we go at it in the Fall. This won’t be a Friendly, more like a World Cup match, wherever we fight.

“My goal has always been to make the biggest and best fights, just like my great friend, Floyd Mayweather, has told me to do. A match-up between me and Ricky will be a Super Fight, one talked about for as long as there is boxing. No other fight at 140 matters.

Paul Malignaggi and Aaron Baraunstein


And before the fight, well, everyone knows that I talk a lot of smack, so Ricky’s not going to get any breaks there, either. Like with Floyd, me and Ricky can save seeing if we’re cool until once we’ve earned each other’s respect at the only place it counts – in the ring. There is no one, I repeat, no one I want to fight more than the No. 1 guy in the division - Ricky Hatton. Forget the money, forget the titles, this is about being the best. I know that if I get in the ring with Ricky Hatton, I’ll show him and everyone else what I’m made of, that I am the best 140-pound fighter in the world.

“I want to thank Ricky, his father, Ray, his lawyer, Gareth, who I met in Vegas, my team and everyone at Golden Boy and DBE for working so hard on this. I know I’m not always the easiest guy to deal with because I get so emotional over stupid stuff and open my mouth. I want to hype things up and get my chance to prove to everyone that I can walk the walk with the best. I’m ready to sign on the dotted line and prove to the Hattons and everyone else that Paulie Malignaggi is ready and up for the task of making this the biggest and best promotion that it can be. The best versus the best!
‘Magic Man’


If Ricky Hatton can beat me, then he can close the book on the 140-pound division. But no one’s beating the ‘Magic Man’ ever again. Me and Ricky are both professionals and know we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We both know that if we don’t win in May, our fight can never happen. Let everyone know that Paulie Malignaggi will do his part to make this happen and I’m counting on Ricky to do the same.”

CONTACT:Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
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Yuri Foreman: Ready to Move Up, by Jerry Glick

Jerry Glick reporting: The Aviator, located in Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field on the southern tip of Flatbush Avenue, looks like a great venue for boxing. Final Forum’s Sal Musumeci wants to bring boxing back to the borough that was once a hot spot for boxing, and the Aviator is made to order.

Jerry Glick interviews Bernard Hopkins


This is a new opportunity for Brooklyn fans to see their favorite fighters box in a new, spacious, modern venue right in their own backyard.

Headlining the Final Forum show called “Fists a Flying,” that is being co-promoted with Top Rank, will be undefeated NABF Junior Middleweight Champion Yuri Foreman, 24-0 (8) who now lives in Caroll Gardens, Brooklyn, but was born in Belarus in the former Soviet Union. His opponent is Saul Roman, 28-4 (24), who last time out outpointed former world Junior Middleweight Champion Kassim Ouma. Also competing on the April 3rd show will be Joshua Clottey, 33-2 (19), who will face tough, hard hitting Jose Luis Cruz, 34-3 (27).

Yuri Foreman


At the press conference, held at the Aviator, Foreman appeared to be in great shape, ready to step into the ring right now. He said that he is excited about fighting in Brooklyn for the first time.

“I fought many times in New York (Manhattan),” said Foreman. “But this is my first time fighting in Brooklyn as a professional. I fought in the Golden Gloves many times in Brooklyn.” He is very excited about fighting so close to his home.

Foreman knows what his foe, Roman, will bring to the table.

“He has some decent power; you can look at his record,” added Foreman. “He has 24 knockouts. He’s 28 and four, I’m 24 and 0. He has those 24 knockout but most of them against not so good opponents. He fought questionable guys but just recently he got a victory over Kassim Ouma.”

Foreman is expecting a big win in his upcoming fight and a good 2008.

“I expect to have a great and spectacular victory on April third, and after that I hope to get a title shot. April third is the first step.”

Foreman has a lot of talent in his weight class to target. The WBC champ is Vernon Forrest, WBA title is in the hands of Joachim Alcine, Sergiy Dzinziruk has the WBO strap, and Cory Spinks holds the IBF belt.

“I’m ready to fight world class fighters,” declared Foreman.

“This is more like the third step already,” he corrected. “They told me that after Tsurkan I would get an opportunity for a title shot. That was that and I guess this is another one. But I’m just focusing right now on Saul Roman.”

Foreman is hard at work getting ready at Gleason’s gym.

“I never go to camp,” said Foreman. “I am always home.”

Foreman’s manager, Murray Wilson, has plans for his charge that include a world title this year.

“Get past this fight, which I hope we will, and I’m pretty sure we will,” said Wilson. “One more tune up fight, and then I’m sure we’re going for the world championship. We’re calling out Alcine. That should be it before the year is out.”

Foreman is currently ranked sixth for Joachim Alcine’s WBA title.

The 27 year old Foreman is one of the current Jewish fighters, including, Roman Greenberg, and Dmitriy Salita among others, who are bringing Jewish fans back into arenas to watch boxing. There was a time when boxing was well populated with Jewish boxers many of whom won world titles.

Foreman is an excellent draw and is very popular. He is bright, young, good looking, articulate and charming. It also helps that he can fight.

PUNCHLINES

DERRIC ROSSY:

Also on Musumeci’s mind is his heavyweight Derric Rossy’s future. Rossy was on hand at the press conference (he is not on this card) and his most recent fight that took place in China against Ray Mercer was playing on the multiple TV screens over the bar.

“It is currently being entertained,” said Musumeci. “That Rossy will be matched with Hasim Rahman in early May at a site to be announced.”

Rossy, looking about 30 pounds lighter than he was when last seen in these parts, had a few things to say about his career. There have been other changes since he suffered his first defeat.

For one, Rossy appeared to box more than in the past when he fought the aging Mercer.

“Mercer is an old salty dog,” stated Rossy. “He’s older now, but he’s crafty. He took his time in there trying to find his moments. I just kept the same game plan, stick and move, stick and move.”

Rossy had a tough loss to then unbeaten “Fast” Eddie Chambers who dished out a beating; busting Rossy’s eye up in the process.

“I knew what I could learn from it and we learned a lot of things,” he added. “Went back to the drawing board and perfected a lot of things.”

Rossy said that his biggest improvement was his weight loss. He dropped those thirty pounds, and he looked it.

“I felt comfortable with my boxing, rather than being a bully.”

He feels the same way his promoter, Sal Musumeci, feels; that this is his break out year. That in 2008 he will reach all of his goals in boxing.

“We’re planning on trying to get a title this year,” said a very calm and confident Rossy. “The road to get there is open. And we are going to see who will be our obstacles in our way.”

He feels that he is ready to meet whoever it takes to get to the top.

“Pick your spot,” said Rossy. “Any one of them I think we could fight with, especially now. My confidence has never been higher and my conditioning has never been better.”

So this former college linebacker and defensive end has never looked back at his football days, saying, “I don’t know who that guy is any more, I’m a fighter. We’re fighters, we love to fight.”

THE AVIATOR:

Promoter Musumeci is not only excited about the show, but he has announced his intension to make the Aviator a home for his fighters.

“I want to promote my shows here in the future,” said Musumeci. “It’s a beautiful venue.”

Floyd Bennett Field is a historic airport in the southern most area of Brooklyn, NY; at one time it was a busy military base that is now used mostly for recreation. The latest addition to it is the Aviator; a large spacious modern facility with two hockey sized skating rinks, a climbing wall, a gym, and other accommodations.

On hand at the press conference was Dean Rivera who represents the Aviator. I had a few moments to talk to him about the facility.

“We took four hangars and refurbished them,” explained Rivera. “We have a 20 year concession with the National Parks to run the facility.”

Mr. Rivera talked about the storied history of the Brooklyn location.

“Many famous people have flown out of these hangars here including Amelia Earhart, and Howard Hughs; actually the picture on the wall is a picture of Howard Hughs flying out of one of these hangars that our sports venue is built in.”

“During WWII a lot of soldiers flew from here to go to the European theater,” explained Rivera.

“Until 1971 when it was de-commissioned, it lost the postal service contract which back then drove passengers on airlines. Once they lost that the other airports, LaGuardia, Kennedy (Idlewild), came around.”

After that the field lost its direction. It became a place to teach your teenagers to drive, and fly model airplanes, and other things along those lines, until Aviator was built with the intention of bringing people to use their sports facilities and revitalize the area.

“It’s about 175 thousand square feet on 25 acres,” said Rivera. We have just about every sport you can imagine; hockey, basketball, volleyball, football, and gymnastics.”

This venue looks like it will turn into a very good place to hold boxing. That is something that has been in the works for a while.

“We had Golden Gloves here,” said Rivera. “We had NYPD-NYFD charity boxing events here and we spoke to a number of different promoters, and Sal did approach us for this one event that was coming up; Sal was looking to work here.”

He added that it was good timing for everybody, it is certainly good timing for the fans.
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Providence boxing goes national; ESPN2 FNF show, featuring Jason Estrada vs. Lance Whitaker, on April 4 at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, RI‏

PROVIDENCE– ESPN2 Friday Night Fights comes to Twin River Events Center on April 4th as 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada takes on former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker in the 10-round main event on “Heavy Hitters,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment, Inc.

Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs), 27, completed his amateur career in the U.S. with an amazing 261-14 record. The Providence-native became the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. “Big Six” won a unanimous 10-round decision versus former world title challenger Charles Shufford in his last fight on January 25.

The massive 6’ 8” Whitaker (32-4-1, 27) has beaten former world champions Oleg Maskaev (KOs) and Al “Ice” Cole, as well as previously undefeated Robert Davis (22-0), and 2-time world title challenger Monte Barrett.

“Providence fans turned out in force last week (March 14), selling out Twin River, and I’m sure will fill the event center again and show people watching on ESPN2 that Providence is the true boxing center of New England,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “Jason is Rhode Island’s first Olympic boxer and he’s stepping up in class to fight Whitaker, who has fought some of the top heavyweights of the past decade, and beaten two world champions. We’re also putting hot cruiserweight prospect Aaron Williams, 9-time national amateur champion, on the card in the co-feature and some of the most popular, exciting fighters in New England – Joey Spina, Jarrod Tillinghast, Joey McCreedy and Iraqi War veteran Chris Traietti – on the undercard with a pair of very promising prospects, Diego Pereira and Isander Beauchamp.”

Like Estrada, unbeaten cruiserweight “Awesome” Aaron Williams (16-0-1, 11 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas but making Providence his second home, is taking a quantum step-up in class in terms of his opponent, former NABO/NBA title-holder Andre “Tombstone” Purlette (40-2, 35 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature.

Power punching Providence super middleweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (21-1-1, 15 KOs), popular unbeaten Providence light heavyweight Jarrod Tillinghast (9-0, 3 KOs), exciting Lowell (MA) light heavyweight “Irish” Joey McCreedy (7-1, 5 KOs), Quincy (MA) super middleweight Chris Traietti 701, 4 KOs) and Providence junior welterweight Diego Pereira (1-0, 1 KO) and Lynn (MA) flyweight Isander Beachamp (4-0, 1 KO) are scheduled to fight on the undercard. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Heavy Hitters” are priced at $35.00 (ADA stage seating only), $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and will soon be available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), or any TicketMaster location. CES is accepting ticket orders now at 401.724.2253/2254. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Heavy Hitters.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)


CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
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Don “The Predator” Frye withdraws Due to Injury; Will Provide Commentary for the Fight

New York– Today YAMMA Pit Fighting (YPF), a new mixed martial arts (MMA) organization created by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) founder Bob Meyrowitz, announced that “Masters Superfight” participant Don “The Predator” Frye has withdrawn from the organization’s debut due to surgery on his shoulder. Frye injured his shoulder while training for the YAMMA Pit Fighting April 11 pay-per-view event, in which he was scheduled to face MMA legend Oleg “The Russian Bear” Taktarov. Frye will still attend the fight and will provide commentary.

Frye will be replaced by legendary MMA fighter Patrick Smith, an American mixed martial artist and professional kick boxer. Smith gained notoriety in the early days of the UFC with his commanding wins in several memorable fights, including his defeat of Ninjitsu practitioner Scott Morris in UFC 2. The Denver, Colorado native stands 6 ft 2 in tall and weighs 230lbs., and has won five of his last six MMA fights.

Smith had been scheduled to face Taktarov in the UFC 6 tournament, but had to pull out of the match due to injuries suffered in an earlier tournament fight. Taktarov went on to win the tournament and capture the UFC 6 championship. MMA enthusiasts that have wondered what the outcome would have been had Smith not suffered the injury just may get their answer. On April 11th in Atlantic City, Oleg Taktarov and Patrick Smith will finally meet in a fight 10 years in the making.

“We regret to announce that Don Frye has suffered an injury and will be unable to compete,” said Bob Meyrowitz, Rope Partners. “However, I am happy to say that Don will be joining us on April 11 and will provide expert commentary for the Masters Superfight between Oleg Taktarov and Patrick Smith. We look forward to Don competing in YAMMA Pit Fighting in the future.”

The YAMMA Pit Fighting event, comprised of an eight-man tournament for the title of YAMMA Heavyweight Champion and two ‘Masters Superfights,’ will air live from the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on April 11, 2008. The other ‘Masters Superfight’ will feature Eric “Butterbean” Esch versus Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge. Tickets for the event went on sale March 8 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Trump Taj Mahal Box Office. The live pay-per-view broadcast is available in the United States and Canada through In Demand Networks, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVu, Viewer’s Choice Canada and Dish Network.

The April 11th event will unveil “The YAMMA,” an evolution of the traditional fighting structure that will change how the fight is fought and the strategy the fighters must use to win. This new “ring” has been specifically designed to keep the fighting more explosive and continuous.

For the first time in over a decade, MMA will return to its origins by reviving the hugely popular tournament format, in which fighters will participate in multiple fights on their way to claiming the ultimate victory, the title of YAMMA Heavyweight Champion. The format will test the endurance and skill of each fighter, as victory in each round is rewarded not with extended rest, but with another fight. Tournament fighting has long been a huge draw for dedicated MMA fans due to the non-stop action provided by fight-after-fight formatting.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster’s extensive network of 81 ticket centers throughout the Delaware Valley including Boscov’s, Marshalls and select West Coast Video and Gallery of Sound locations or call Ticketmaster’s convenient Charge-by-Phone service at 1-800-736-1420. For Online Information: www.ticketmaster.com

About Rope Partners

Rope Partners, formed by Bob Meyrowitz and Peter Kauff, have over a 20 year track record of pioneering successful ventures in the music, broadcasting and sports industries. As illustrated by their successes in building the largest independent radio syndication company, DIR Broadcasting, The College Television Network, the largest private television network in the United States, and Semaphore Entertainment Group the originator and founder of the UFC.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/yammapitfighting or www.yammapitfighting.com

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Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Macklin kicks off massive month for Irish Boxing

Yori Boy Campas, promoter Brian Peters and Matthew Macklin at today's weigh in for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night

A massive month for Irish Boxing kicks off at the National Stadium in Dublin tomorrow with the next Ladbrokes.com Fight Night. It’s the first of three big promotions all featuring Irish talent up against men with true world class credentials.On Saturday night it’s Irish middleweight champ, Matthew Macklin’s turn to take centre stage as he battles former World Champ Yori Boy Campas of Mexico.Seven days later in Letterkenny Paul McCloskey will also face a test of Mexican machismo when he battles former World Lightweight Champ, Cesar Bazan.

Then on April 12th Bernard Dunne will make his return to the ring in an intriguing clash with former IBF Super Flyweight Champ, Felix Machado of Venezuela.

“Irish boxing is buzzing right now,” said Macklin “and it’s great to be a part of that. I’m delighted to be headlining my own show and I think the general feeling is that my fight with Campas is going to be one for the fans. I think my style will really gel with his style to make it an exciting fight. He only knows one way to fight and that’s to come forward and throw an awful lot of punches but I’m ready to meet fire with fire.

“Ideally I’d like to try and outbox him because that’s why I’ve started working with Buddy McGirt as my new trainer. I think he can help get me back to using the boxing skills I had as an amateur but I know there may come a point against Campas where all that will go out the window and we just stand toe to toe. Part of me even wants that to happen because those are the kind of fight you can make your name in but I know Buddy will be trying to keep me very disciplined in the corner.”

A knee injury has put paid to the Irish Light Welterweight title rematch between Andrew Murray and James Gorman. Murray will still fight on the card against England's Leonard Lothian but won’t be defending his title after Gorman was forced to withdraw on Thursday night.

The Belfast man suffered ligament damage while out running and had to pull out of the fight following medical advice.

Meanwhile Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike “The Rebel” Perez will look to make it three wins from three in the pro ranks when he battles former Polish amateur heavyweight champion Tomasz Zeprzalka.

Perez, a former World Junior Champ in the amateur ranks has brutally despatched his first two professional opponents in under a round. Now based out of Cork the 22-year-old is already being tipped as a future heavyweight world champion.

Another former amateur star on the card is Dublin’s own Ian Tims. The Clondalkin native is a former Irish Heavyweight champ in the amateur ranks and he’ll be looking to get his pro career off to the best possible start with an impressive win on Saturday night.

Also on the card from Liffeyside is Leon Senior. Originally from Dublin but now based in London Senior will be looking for the second win of his pro career.

Unbeaten Belfast welterweight Willie Thompson also features as he tackles unbeaten Latvian Semens Moroshek while undefeated Polish super middleweight, Albert Rybacki will open the show against American Freeman Taft.

The first fight is at 7.15.

The full line up is:

- Matthew Mackin V Yori Boy Campas – Middleweight (10 Rounds)
- Andrew Murray V Leonard Lothian – Light Welterweight (8 Rounds)
- Mike Perez V Tomasz Zeprzalka – Heavyweight (6 Rounds)
- Ian Tims V Klaids Kristapsons – Cruiserweight (4 Rounds)
- Willie Thompson V Semens Moroshek – Welterweight (4 Rounds)
- Leon Senior V Sandris Tomson – Super Middleweight (4 Rounds)
- Albert Rybacki V Freeman Taft – Light Heavyweight (6 Rounds)

Live coverage of the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night begins on RTÉ TWO at 9pm on Saturday and is also available online at www.rte.ie.

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‘GOLDBERG TOE-TO-TOE’ SERIES; RETURNS WITH FRANK SHAMROCK AND CUNG LE

NEW YORK– SHOWTIME mixed martial arts commentator Bill Goldberg goes toe-to-toe with MMA stalwarts Frank Shamrock and Cung Le in the second installment of Goldberg Toe-to-Toe, now available at SHO.com.

Direct Video Link:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1460867964/bclid1460782779/bctid1463215402

Shamrock and Le, both world class mixed martial artists and both San Jose residents, prepare to meet in the cage when EliteXC and Strikeforce return to SHOWTIME, live on Saturday, March 29, 2008 (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Goldberg Toe-to-Toe is a new, unique video series from SHOWTIME Sports and available via a variety of online outlets such as the aforementioned premium network’s website, as well as news, sports and entertainment websites, user generated sites such as YouTube, and interstitially on SHOWTIME and its multiplexes.

Created specifically for the internet, Goldberg Toe-to-Toe is fast-paced, easily accessible, brief content (each episode approximately five-minutes in length), bringing viewers behind-the-scenes and into the lives of MMA’s top athletes. Witness the astonishing training regimens and get to know the true personalities of some of today’s most feared cage fighters.

In this installment, Goldberg goes through full-day workouts with both Shamrock and Le at their respective gyms in San Jose, exposing their different fighting styles and likeable personalities. See if Goldberg can match Shamrock on the exercise ball and in a sword fighting drill. Also, catch Le overpowering the 272-pound Goldberg when the two work on San Shou throwing techniques, the cornerstone of Le’s success in martial arts fighting.

For additional content including more video, photo galleries and MMA news links, please visit http://www.sho.com/site/sports/ShamrockVSLe.do

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Henry Crawford works his way to victory!; By Mike Indri

Henry Crawford works his way to victory!
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation


Newark, NJ - Having to wait more than 90 minutes because promoter Hilliard Edmond forgot the gloves - yes, the boxing gloves! - to be used by the boxers for the five scheduled bouts should have sent a message to the few people that actually came to the Robert Treat Hotel for this very under-publicized fight card.

After retrieving the gloves from his Maplewood home for the ten fighters and getting the debacle of a show to begin, the two hundred or so fight fans that painfully waited for some boxing action had to endure a shoddy undercard, which included six of the eight fighters making pro debuts. The hastily put together bouts did prevent another cancellation on behalf of Edmond promotions.

Luckily the eight round main event between highly regarded jr. middleweight contender Henry Crawford and Jerome Ellis, fighting out of Newark, by way of the Bahamas, somewhat salvaged the night for the new promoter.

Ellis's "Ali-shuffle" in front of Crawford during the introduction heated up the crowd, but is was Crawford who was firing up Ellis with his clean right hands, and stiff jab as the fight began.

A loser of his last three fights dating back to November of 2006, Ellis was a much better fighter than his very deceptive 11-7-1 record would lead to believe, and caught Crawford with several big punches in round two. One of the bombs actually sent Crawford's mouthpiece flying. Both fighters exchanged combinations and the fans appreciated the big time action.

Getting a "wake up call" slap from his long time trainer, Nettles Nasser, between rounds, Crawford settled down and began to box more in round three and made Ellis pay for his wide, knockout-minded swings. Each Ellis miss brought several hard body shots by the undefeated prospect.

Rounds four and five were all Crawford, and the difference was the jab and his superior boxing skill. A quick left hand caught Ellis clean on the chin and sent the stunned fighter to the canvas.

Henry Crawford and trainer Nettles Nasser


As long as Crawford kept to his fight plan of boxing smart and stinging the usually wide-open Ellis with his strong counter punching, win number nineteen was not far away.

Ellis was a good, hard test for the twenty-seven year-old Paterson fighter as there was not let up in the "Bahama Boomer" who continually was looking to make Crawford his eleventh knockout victim. Ten of the eleven Ellis victories have been by stoppage, and he was trying to catch his still learning opponent with that potent right uppercut and left hook.

Another solid Crawford left hand sent a dreary-eyed Ellis reeling into the ropes and down to the canvas for the second time in the fight late in round seven, and a questionable shot to the beaten fighter's upper back drove him back to the deck in the eighth and final round. With no quit in him, Ellis quickly bounced off the floor and gave referee Earl Brown an earful as he disputed the call. Both fighters were slugging away as the bell sounded to end the exciting bout. Judges Pierre Benoist and Lawrence Layton thought Crawford pitchout a shutout, as both scored it 80-69, while Al Bennet saw it 79-70 for the likable Crawford who remains unbeaten at 19-0-1 (8 KO's) with the unanimous decision win. The durable Ellis, who has only been stopped once, slips to 11-8-1.

On the Edmond Promotions undercard:

After the lengthy delay Passaic featherweight Victor Valenzuela started things off in a big way as the highly acclaimed former amateur champion promptly delivered some action to the patient crowd, bouncing a couple of quick left hand off the body and head of Antwon Holcomb.

Holcomb, fighting out of Indianapolis, Indiana and making his pro debut, was given the extra tough task of facing Valenzuela. Valenzuela caught the over-matched Holcomb with another nasty left to the head that dropped the stunned fighter. Obviously hurt from the blow, which knocked off the rubber band holding the dreadlocks of the Indiana fighter, Holcomb beat the count but referee Benjy Esteves wisely waved off the bout at the 1:05 mark of round one of the scheduled four round bout.

The promising Valenzuela is now 2-0 (1 KO), while Holcomb (0-1) drops his too difficult debut.

A "laugher" followed in a four rounder between two more young fighters making their pro debuts. Juan Guaman and Tawan Elman both proved they needed much more work in the amateurs as their "tough man contest-like" winging slap punches brought jeers from the sparse crowd. Guaman did connect with a right hand, which sent Elman to his canvas and looking to call it a night. After pulling himself off the deck and with Guaman looking to land again, Elman draped his arms onto the top rope and surprised referee Benjy Esteves by saying he did not want to fight on.


Credit to Guaman for his gutsy performance, as all fighters that enter the ring deserve their due - even Tawan Elman; who apparently decided against boxing as a profession, one minute and thirty-nine seconds into the first round.

Yet another four round battle of first time professionals followed!
Luckily this bout proved more entertaining, as Eddie Edmond and La-Take Williams gave it their all and scrapped out a four round draw. While Edmond appeared to land the more telling blows, the judges felt neither guy deserved to loss in this hard fought contest of novice junior middleweights.

Well trained Akima Stocks annihilated Angie Campbell in a scheduled four round female bout which served as an embarrassment to all involved in putting this match together, as well as the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board for allowing it to be sanctioned.

Stocks, fighting out of Newark, had registered knockouts in both her two wins, as well as having another fight she was in command of being stopped and ruled a no-contest; due to an accidental head butt which rendered her opponent (Michelle Garland: 06/01/07 at the legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia) unable to continue.

Campbell had never fought professionally, and looked like she hadn't even laced up a pair of boxing gloves before tonight's fight…she definitely had no business in the ring and that was obvious BEFORE the opening bell had even rung. Twenty-five seconds into the first round of this scheduled four round mismatch of 152-pound females it was all over; as Campbell had absorbed too much punishment from the dangerous Stocks, now 3-0 with three knockouts. Luckily Campbell did not get seriously injured.

Not one of the better run boxing shows and this type of event definitely will not get the boxing fan to return. Edmond Promotions had either make the commitment to higher quality and more evenly matched fights, or will be facing financial disaster once more.

Fortunately the Crawford-Ellis main event was an entertaining eight rounds and the fans got to see highly touted Victor Valenzuela get his first knockout win as a pro with his picture perfect left hook.


boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Former National Committeeman and YRNF Co-Chairman, Tim Kolpien, is in the news, Hockey return in Danbury not official, but close.

Former National Committeeman and YRNF Co-Chairman, Tim Kolpien, is in the news, Hockey return in Danbury not official, but close.
By Eugene Driscoll STAFF WRITER

DANBURY - It's not official, but it's darn close. Tim Kolpien, a businessman from Corning, N.Y., was in the city Tuesday talking to officials about bringing professional hockey back to the Danbury Ice Arena on Independence Way. Kolpien has a deal on the table with Floyd Hall Enterprises, the arena's owner. However, it hasn't been signed, which made Kolpien somewhat hesitant to talk publicly about his plans Tuesday.

An official announcement could come by April 1. Ideally, the team would start playing in the fall. Kolpien's plans were reported Saturday in The News-Times and have been posted on hockey fan Web sites. Meanwhile, Kolpien's general manager, Brendan Tedstone, is scheduled to meet Friday with Section 102 fans - a rowdy, rabid group of Danbury Trashers fans. The group is named after a section of the ice arena.
"We still need to cross our t's and dot our i's, but it's looking very good in Danbury," Kolpien told The News-Times. Kolpien owned the Valley Forge Freedom in Oaks, Pa. The team was affiliated with the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League, which suspended operations in February.

Kolpien said the plan is to form a new team in Danbury and a new league, the Eastern Professional Hockey League. While many look forward to a new team downtown, no hockey team has managed to stay in Danbury for more than two years. The Danbury Trashers, of the United Hockey League, packed the arena, but imploded after owner James Galante was indicted on federal racketeering charges. The New England Stars played in Danbury for a season, but the team and league folded, owing money to the city and to the arena. In general, teams and leagues in minor league sports have a tendency to come and go, which is why Mayor Mark Boughton was "cautiously optimistic" Tuesday.

"Danbury has demonstrated it will support professional hockey. The question is, can the team make money?" he asked. The mayor and Kolpien met Tuesday afternoon in City Hall to discuss the plans. "Minor league sports is a difficult business - there is no question about it," Kolpien told The News-Times. "Unfortunately, there are never any guarantees. "Having said that, we're coming in here with a very strong business plan and a very strong financial plan. Certainly we have the resources to make sure we conduct business in a transparent and honorable way." Kolpien's new league would serve as a development league for the ECHL, a hockey league that feeds players to the American Hockey League. "It's definitely going to be a higher-caliber-type hockey than the Stars," Kolpien said. "These are full-time players, for the most part. They are from all over the country. It is not going to be a team of local all-stars."

In addition to owning the now defunct Valley Forge team, Kolpien is president of Kolpien & Associates, a company that develops public relations and marketing plans for corporations and political campaigns. Kolpien's background is in politics. He served as campaign coordinator for former U.S. Rep. Amo Houghton, an upstate New York politician who served nine terms in Congress. He is also the president of the Apple Tree Group, a media and public relations firm, and was co-chairman of the Young Republican National Federation from 2005 to 2007.
http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8448994?source%253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html

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Jacboxer Tv Show now online

Jacboxer Tv Show now you can watch it online.. Or if you reside in Mahattan check it out Sat March 22 at 7PM go to Ch.56 or 83 if you have cable access. Or if you don't have cable or don't live in Mahattan you can watch itonline.. here http://www.MNN.Org Then go to Watch MNN Live on left bottom click on56/83 Same time 7PM ET or 4PM PT.. If you have comments or Suggestions email us. If you have a special event you want us to include on TV. Call:(212)252-2039 OR http://www.myspace.com/Jacboxer

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JOEY “MINNESOTA ICE” ABELL TO TAKE ON MAURICE WHEELER IN NEW MAIN EVENT AT LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON ON APRIL 11

PHILADELPHIA—Due to a suspension that had not been listed by The California Athletic Commission, / Jeremy Williams will not be able to take on Zack Page in the main event of a terrific night of boxing on Friday night, April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Knockout Artist, Joey Abell returns to The Legendary Blue Horizon to take on veteran southpaw and Philly native, Maurice Wheeler.

Boxing fans—FEAR NOT

Promoter, Vernoca L. Michael and matchmaker Don Elbaum came up with a more then suitable replacement as Blue Horizon fan favorite, Joey “Minnesota Ice” returns to take on Maurice Wheeler of Philadelphia in a scheduled eight round Heavyweight bout.

Abell, 18-1 with seventeen knockouts will be back in the Legendary Blue Horizon ring after fighting three fights out of the United States.

Abell, of Coon rapids, Minnesota built up a big fan base at The Legendary Blue Horizon due to his explosive knockout prowess. The 6’5” Abell scored five impressive knockouts at The Blue Horizon before suffering his lone, yet controversial setback when he lost via first round stoppage to Arron Lyons back on December 1st, 2006. Since then, Abell has racked up nine straight wins (eight by knockout) which includes two more vicious knockouts at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

The last time Abell stepped through the ropes at The Legendary Blue Horizon, he obliterated Levon Warner of Philadelphia in under a round as he scored two hard knockdowns which just added to his moniker as one of the hardest hitting heavyweights in the world.

Since the Warner fight, Abell made his second trip to Sweden and stopped Daniel Peret in two rounds.

In Abell’s last bout, he made his made his premium cable debut and scored a majority decision over previously undefeated Teke Oruh in St. Lucia.

That bout was seen all over the United States as the main event of the popular SHOWTIME boxing program SHO BOX: “The New Generation.”

Abell will be heading back to Sweden to take on Ratko Draskovic (28-7-2) on March 27th.

Wheeler, 10-11-1 with one knockout should prove to be a viable test for Abell.

The Philadelphia native is a southpaw spoiler who can give any heavyweight problems and can pull the upset if Abell is not on top of his game.

Wheeler’s record does not tell the whole story as his defeats have come at the hands of some of the biggest names in the Heavyweight division such as undefeated Malik Scott; WBO mandatory Tony Thompson; undefeated Alonzo Butler ; U.S Olympian Jason Estrada; and former world title challengers David Tua & DaVarryl Williamson.

Wheeler is coming off a fifth round stoppage loss to Adam Richards (19-1) last December 8th in Tunica, Mississippi.

An exciting under card is shaping for April 11th as Middleweight, Gee Cullmer of Philadelphia (13-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Anthony Little (7-10-1, 1 KO) of Akron, Ohio in a scheduled eight round bout.

Jr. Welterweight Steve Chambers (15-1, 4 KO’s) squares off with Jaime Morales (4-6, 2 KO’s) in a six round battle of Philadelphians.

Simon “One Punch” Carr (4-1-1, 3 KO’s) will be making his long awaited Legendary Blue Horizon debut when he takes on Jason Quick of New York (4-3-1, 3 KO’s) in a four round cruiserweight bout.

Mario Mina of New York will take on Pedro Calla of Peru in a battle of debuting Middleweights.

Anders Holmberg of Sweden will be making his professional debut against Andy Cornado (0-2) of Muskegon, Michiagan ina four round Heavyweight bout.

Kamarah Pasley (0-2) of Philadelphia will be making his 3rd consecutive appearance at The Blue Horizon when he takes on Jeremy Burnett (1-1) of Monroe, Michigan in a four round Cruiserweight bout.

Also scheduled to appear will be Jr. Welterweight Julias Edmonds (1-0) of Philadelphia, Lightweight Gearld Smith (1-0) of Philadelphia, Middleweight Will Butler (0-0) of Phoenixville, PA and Welterweight Calvin Goldwire (0-0) of Philadelphia against Opponents to be announced.

For all your traveling needs, log onto www.bluehorizontravel.com

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

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LOU DIBELLA TO BE HONORED AT COUNCIL FOR UNITY'S 2008 CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN GALA‏

Boxing promoter Lou DiBella, President and CEO of DiBella Entertainment and Diane Garnick, an Investment Strategist for Invesco, have been selected as honorees for the 2008 Council for Unity Champions for Children Gala. The gala will take place at 6pm on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at The Lighthouse Chelsea Piers.

Lou DiBella


The mistress of ceremonies will be Law and Order SVU’s Tamara Tunie, who plays medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner. Other special VIP participants include New Jersey State Senate President Richard Codey and 1997 Nobel Prize Winner in economics Dr. Robert C. Merton, the John and Natty McArthur University Professor at the Harvard Business School.

Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment in May of 2000 as a full- service sports and entertainment company, while maintaining its presence in the world of boxing. Mr. DiBella is the President and managing partner of the San Francisco Giants’ class AA minor league baseball affiliate, the Connecticut Defenders. He recently appeared in the Sylvester Stallone boxing film “Rocky Balboa” (2006) as the fight promoter who stages Rocky’s return to the ring. DiBella is currently a producer on the film “Love Ranch” which is being directed by Academy Award winner Taylor Hackford and stars Academy Award winners Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci.

Lou DiBella


Diane Garnick directs the Global Investment Solutions and Research Team at Invesco. She has published hundreds of reports that focus on portfolio construction, volatility, corporate actions, equity indices, exchange trade funds, futures, options, accounting and taxation. Ms. Garnick is the founder of The Ladies in Red, a charitable organization focused on charities geared towards solving issues faced by underprivileged children and women throughout the world.

Event sponsorship ranges from $25,000- $50,000 for President’s Circle table, $10,000 for Patron table, $5,000 for host committee table, and $500 per person. For tickets call 212.701.9440 or for more information on the Council for Unity please visit their website at www.councilforunity.org. The Council for Unity is a qualifying tax-exempt organization as described in section 501C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Proceeds from this event will enable the organization to continue its vital work on behalf of young people.

The Council for Unity is a not-for-profit children’s charity that has been resolving issues of safety, bias, bullying, and gang violence in schools and communities over 30 years. The Council is known for successfully reaching the unreachable child, and actively helps over 80,000 young people every day. Their mission is to empower young people, individuals, and groups with the skills necessary to promote safety, unity and achievement in schools and communities.

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'PRIDE OF ST. LOUIS'; WBC CONT. AMERICAS/WBA FEDELATIN CHAMP.– ALEXANDER vs. CALLIST and IBF JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – SPINKS vs. PHILLIPS

A pair of champions will be featured in "Pride of St. Louis" at Scottrade Center on Thursday, March 27. St. Louis natives Cory Spinks and undefeated Devon Alexander "The Great" will be showcased.

Spinks will defend his IBF junior middleweight crown against former three-time world champion and IBF mandatory challenger Verno Phillips while Alexander will risk his WBC Continental Americas super lightweight title against WBA FEDELATIN superlightweight champion Miguel Callist.

A multi-media event page featuring videos, press releases and more can be found at http://www.donking.com/events/prideofstlouis/

Attached and below please find a media fight week schedule.

Alan Hopper
Don King Productions

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Freestyle Awards after party‏; Spring Break Blastoff, w/Tito Puente Jr., Wednesday March 26, 2008 South Beach, Florida

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

'Ceramics at Work' Exhibition March 19 - April 25. Opening Reception (Save the date): Thursday April 3, 2008 at Gloria Kennedy Gallery‏

The Gloria Kennedy Gallery is pleased to present the ‘Ceramics at Work’ Exhibition. The exhibition consists of a brilliant collection of functional ceramics, all finely crafted by ceramic artistes.
Featured artists include: Charles Birnbaum, Bob Bruch, Yasha Butler, Greg Cochenet, Jim Connell, Nathan Falter, Jennifer Falter, Leslie Ferretti, Daniel Greenfeld, Ian Hays, Robbie Heidinger, Alisa Holen, Gloria Kennedy Brian Mahoney, Gordon Martz, Sara Mills, Stephanie Rozene, Joanne Shulman, Julie Singer, Ryan Takaba, Julia Terr, Jamin London Tinsel, Michel Louis Viala, Shumpei Yamaki and Joe Zeller.
The opening reception will be held on Thursday April 3, 2008 from 6 – 8:30 pm. Exhibition dates: March 19 - April 25, 2008. Gallery Hours 1 - 6 Wednesday – Saturday.

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www.BlackWomenNeedLoveToo.com

www.BlackWomenNeedLoveToo.com
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Bazooka; Chairman of Ratings Committee for The World Professional Boxing Federation and United States Boxing Council (WPBF_USBC)

Chairman of the Ratings Committee of the World Professional Boxing Federation and United States Boxing Council WPBF-USBC, recognizes the stellar performance Saturday March 15,2008 by Light Middleweight James Moore in Madison Square Garden, has been moved up in our rating from position number 6 updated to number 4.

As of the 18th day of Febuary, 2008 I have the privilege and honor of being appointed Chairman of Ratings Committee for The World Professional Boxing Federation and United States Boxing Council (WPBF_USBC).

I accept this appointment with honor and integrity.

Bazooka, Chairman of Ratings Committee
World Professional Boxing Federation United States Boxing Council
WPBF_USBC
See you @ ringside.

Everlasting.

IBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION, STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM FEATURED IN RING MAGAZINE; A six-page spread in “The Bible of Boxing”

Philadelphia— IBF Cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham is featured in the currant edition of Ring Magazine.

Cunningham (21-1, 11 KO’s) chronicles his title defense of Marco Huck in Bielefeld, Germany that took place on December 29, 2007.

Ike and Steve “USS” Cunningham


“Diary of a Road Warrior; an Exclusive First Person Report by Steve Cunningham takes the reader inside the mind and thought process of a world champion boxer as he prepares to defend his title 4,000 miles from home over the Christmas holiday.

Cunningham discusses in his own words about traveling to Europe for a third consecutive fight to display his talents and his mindset about his surroundings while his two children are back home in Philadelphia.

It’s a unique yet intense look into what a world champion is thinking and what he faces when preparing for a fight that would be seen by over 5 million people in Europe & read how the German boxing fans treat Cunningham before and after knocking out their hometown hero.

The stories do not end there as Cunningham was featured in the Philadelphia Daily News by Boxing Writers Association of America president Bernard Fernandez. The article, which was in Tuesday’s paper, gets Cunningham’s thoughts of the recent David Haye-Enzo Maccarinelli bout from two weeks ago.

To read that article click: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/sports/16774916.html

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Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Macklin ready for battle‏

Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Macklin ready for battle

Irish middleweight champ Matthew Macklin is eyeing up a big payday in 2009 – at the bookies! Ladbrokes are offering odds of 33/1 on Macklin claiming a world title next year and although he’s not a gambling man Macklin says he’ll be backing himself to go all the way to the World middleweight title.However of more immediate concern to Macklin is this Saturday’s Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin when he clashes with former World Champion Yori Boy Campas. Macklin says he’s firing on all cylinders following a training camp in Florida with new trainer and former two weight World Champion, Buddy McGirt. It will be Macklin’s first fight with the in demand McGirt in his corner having split with previous trainer Billy Graham towards the end of last year.

Buddy McGirt


“I’ve really enjoyed working with Buddy and being out in Florida was a great experience,” said Macklin. “It was just what I needed for this fight. I learned a lot from my time with Billy but felt it was the right time to move on. I need to get back to using my boxing skills a bit more and I think Buddy is the perfect trainer for that.”

Campas will certainly ask some searching questions of Macklin as a veteran of 102 fights. The Mexican’s reputation as one of boxing’s toughest warriors is well deserved having held the IBF Light Middleweight title and having shared the ring with modern ring legends Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad.

Campas is also remembered by Irish fight fans for giving John Duddy the fright of his life when losing to the Derryman on a narrow points decision in September of 2006.

“I think he’ll bring the best out in me,” said Macklin. “He’s a real name in the sport and he’s been in with everyone. Fighting these kind of guys really gives you that buzz you need to perform at your best and I just can’t wait for the fight now.

“I watched a few of his recent fights and he’s still very dangerous, you only have to look at the Duddy fight to see that’s he still carries a dig and he’s a great inside fighter. I certainly won’t have to go looking for him and that will suit me. I’ll be trying to use my boxing ability as much as possible but with his style it will be hard not to get dragged into a fight so it could be pretty explosive.”

The undercard for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night is headed by the Irish Light Welterweight title rematch between Cavan’s Andrew Murray and Belfast’s James Gorman. The two first met last December at the Kings Hall in Belfast with Murray winning on a technical decision after an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round left Murray unable to continue.

Hopefully the outcome will be more conclusive this weekend and with both men confident of victory it should prove to be an exciting affair.

The card will also feature Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike “The Rebel” Perez. The former World Amateur Junior Champion is a man in a hurry having knocked out his first two professional opponents in the first round. This weekend he faces two time Polish amateur champion Tomasz Zeprzalka as he looks to make it a hat trick of wins in the pro ranks.

Another former amateur star on the card is Dublin’s own Ian Tims. The Clondalkin native is a former Irish Heavyweight champ in the amateur ranks and he’ll be looking to get his pro career off to the best possible start with an impressive win on Saturday night.

Another Dubliner in action is Leon Senior with the London based super middleweight looking for the second win of his pro career.

Unbeaten Belfast welterweight Willie Thompson also features alongside a super middleweight clash between unbeaten Pole, Albert Rybacki and American Freeman Taft.

Tickets for the Ladrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 are on from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

The full line up is:

- Matthew Mackin V Yori Boy Campas – Middleweight (10 Rounds)
- Andrew Murray V James Gorman – Irish Light Welterweight Title (10 Rounds)
- Mike Perez V Tomasz Zeprzalka – Heavyweight (6 Rounds)
- Ian Tims V Klaids Kristapsons – Cruiserweight (4 Rounds)
- Willie Thompson V Semens Moroshek – Welterweight (4 Rounds)
- Leon Senior V Sandris Tomson – Super Middleweight (4 Rounds)
- Albert Rybacki V Freeman Taft – Light Heavyweight (6 Rounds)

Live coverage of the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night begins on RTÉ TWO at 9pm on Saturday and online at www.rte.ie.

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Andy Lee and Brian Vera; Official Boxing Weigh-In Thursday, March 20 2008 for Bout at Mohegan Sun, Friday, March 21st, presented by Pugnacious Promo

Andy Lee and Brian Vera; Official Boxing Weigh-In Thursday, March 20 2008 at 5:00 pm, Outside Mohegan Sun Box Office Friday, March 21st, presented by Pugnacious Promotions and Mohegan Sun Arena

Main Event:
Andy Lee (15-0, 12 KOs) vs. Brian Vera (15-1, 9 KOs)
12-Round Middleweight Bout

IN DETAIL: The exciting night of boxing features the Irish middleweight prospect Andy Lee (15-0, 12 KOs) taking another step toward the middleweight championship when he faces The Contender's Brian Vera (15-1, 9 KOs) at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, March 21st, presented by Pugnacious Promotions.

In the eight-round co-feature, super middleweight prospect Aaron Pryor Jr. (8-0, 6 KOs) faces his toughest challenge against rugged Alphonso Williams (10-3, 8 KOs).

Aaron Pryor Jr. and Iran Barkley


Tickets are $75.00, $40.00, and $25.00 and are available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office and through Ticketmaster.

Undercard bouts feature undefeated young prospects stepping up against tough competition, including Ledyard, Connecticut’s own light heavyweight prospect Brian Macy (2-0, 1 KO) and featherweights Guillermo Sanchez (3-0, 3 KOs) and Harvey Murray (2-0-2, 1 KO).
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On Nabaté's TV/Webcast Show Tonight!; Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden‏

On Nabaté's TV/Webcast Show Tonight!; Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden‏

Nabaté Isles Every Wednesday
March 19-Interviews from the Big East Tournament
on 'So Much to Talk About' @9pm (Eastern Time)
Channel 57 (Time Warner-Manhattan Cable)
Channel 84 (RCN-Manhattan Cable)
Streams LIVE: www.mnn.org, click 57/84 link
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Fresquez Productions, Inc. concluded its three-city media tour today; “Finally”- “The Battle for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy,” Holm-Sanders

LAS VEGAS– Fresquez Productions, Inc. concluded its three-city media tour today in Las Vegas with a press conference at The Luxor to formally promote the “Finally” pay-per-view event (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT), headlined by Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm and Mary Jo Sanders in “The Battle for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy,” June 13th live from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.



“Finally,” produced and distributed by Integrated Sports, will be available for live viewing on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Albuquerque favorite Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs) squares-off against Detroit icon Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) junior middleweight title.

The three other scheduled PPV bouts are also IFBA title fights: Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), versus Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), representing Ontario (Canada); Wendy Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, against Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), from Van Buren, Arkansas. Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, takes on Carina “La Reina” Moreno (16-1, 5 KOs), of Watsonville, California, in the fourth PPV bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, are on sale at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

Holm-Sanders Las Vegas Presser Quotes

Holly Holm: “I fought my first fight and there was no one there to see us. I moved into main events and national television. Now, I’m headlining a pay-per-view. I’m going to ttrain extra hard because Mary Jo’s ‘O’ must go. I will be ready.”

Mary Jo Sanders: “The more I keep hearing and talking about this, the more excited I get. Lenny is putting on this show to hopefully breakdown the walls in women’s boxing. It’s a phenomenal fight card with lots of action. You’ll see a lot of action on my part.”

Mike Winkeljohn (Holm’s manager/trainer): “All I can say is I expect fireworks from Holly’s fists on June 13th”

Jimmy Mallo (Sanders’ manager/trainer): “I want to thank Lenny for putting on a great show and we will now being to prepare for the fight. Again, I am surprised they took this fight. I don’t see it going the distance.”

Hollie Dunaway: “I’m thrilled to be fighting on pay-per-view and adding another title to my collection. I’ll be keeping an eye on the other fights on this great card because some of he fighters may be possible opponents for me.”

Lenny Fresquez (Holms and show promoter): “We are excited about being here in wonderful Las Vegas to announce ‘Finally.’ Holly will be putting her pound-for-pound reputation on the line for the IFBA junior middleweight title in what I consider the best female match-up to ever take place. I want to thank everyone who was involved in this week’s press tour. We have finally finished the television bouts with an all-star line-up featuring some of the best females to ever fight on an all-women’s pay-per-view. Corina Moreno will now be fighting Eileen Olszewski for the IFBA strawweight title. Fans are going to see a great night of action; four action-packed bouts for a low price of $24.95.”

Doug Jacobs (Integrated Sports, president): “It’s going to be a wonderful night of boxing from beginning to end. This is one of the best female cards ever.”

Judy Kulis (IFBA, president): “We’re thrilled to be sanctioning these fights. This is going to take women’s boxing to another level. It is a major step for women’s boxing and will bring a lot of exposure to our sport.”

FINALLY! The Battle for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy Live on Pay-Per-View, Friday, June 13, 2008, LIVE FROM ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

IFBA JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – MAIN EVENT – PPV
HOLLY “The Preacher’s Daughter” HOLM MARY JO SANDERS
7-Time World Champion, 3 Divisions 4-Time World Champion, 4 Divisions
IFBA, IBA, WBC, WBA, WIBA & GBU Welterweight Title-Holder IBA Middleweight Title-Holder
Albuquerque, NM Auburn Hills, MI
21-1-2 (6 KOs) 25-0 (8 KOs)

IFBA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – CO-FEATURE – PPV
CHEVELLE “Fists of Steel” HALLBACK JEANNINE “G9” GARSIDE
IBA Junior Lightweight Champion IBA Featherweight Champion
Tampa, FL Windsor, Ontario, Canada
26-5-2 (11 KOs) 7-0-1 (3 KOs)

IFBA JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – PPV
WENDY RODRIGUEZ HOLLIE “Hot Stuff” DUNAWAY
IBA Junior Flyweight Champion WIBF-GBU & WIBC Minimumweight Champion
Los Angeles, CA Van Buren, AR
18-4 (3 KOs) 21-6 (10 KOs)

IFBA STRAWWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 10 ROUNDS – PPV
EILEEN “The Hawaiian Mongoose” OLSZEWSKI CARINA “La Reina” MORENO
WIBA Flyweight Champion WBC Minimumweight Champion
New York, NY via Honolulu Watsonville, CA
5-0-1 (0 KOs) 16-1 (5 KOs)

EILEEN “The Hawaiian Mongoose” OLSZEWSKI


4 ROUNDS – SUPER FLYWEIGHTS
ANGELICA “Danger Girl” CHAVEZ ALINA BALTIZAR
Pro-Debut Pro-Debut
Albuquerque, NM El Paso, TX

(ALL FIGHTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
CONTACTS: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

DAVID DIAZ BACK IN CHICAGO, WAITING ON THE MEXICUTIONER‏

CHICAGO, IL- World Boxing Council Lightweight champion David Diaz is back in his native Chicago after his dominant win over Ramon Montano in Las Vegas, Nevada this past Saturday night. The Diaz/Montano fight was part of the HBO Pay Per View broadcast of Marquez vs. Pacquiao II “UNFINISHED BUSINESS”, a hard fought battle won by Pacquaio for the WBC Junior Lightweight championship.

As Diaz’s promoter Top Rank Incorporated has previously stated and Chairman Bob Arum reiterated at the post fight press conference Saturday night, plans call for THE MEXICUTIONER, Manny Pacquiao to move up to the lightweight division on June 28th to challenger for Diaz’s title. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casinoin Las Vegas would once again play host as they did this past weekend.

About his immediate plans, Diaz stated “We’re just waiting to here back about Manny’s cuts and how much healing time they need. We should know something in the next couple of days. Other than that I’m just looking forward to spending the holiday weekend with my family.

I’m doing fine, my bruises are healing and I’m ready to start camp at the end of this month if the fight stays on schedule."

About his battle with Montano, Diaz stated, “He was a real tough kid, but my conditioning really played a part in the second half of the fight. I hit him with some good, hard combinations in the later rounds but he showed a lot of heart staying in the fight."

In regards to skeptics who doubt his chances against Pacquaio, Diaz said, ‘I’ve heard it all before, it doesn’t bother me. When we fight its just me and him. He’s been a great fighter and has beaten some true legends so it’s a terrific challenge.”

Diaz also wanted to express his thanks to his growing legion of fans for their continued support
and advised them to visit his website at www.diazboxing.com

David Diaz is promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, managed by Jim
Strickland and trained by Jim Strickland and Mike Garcia.

For press inquiries, please use the contact information below.

Bernie Bahrmasel
DOUBLE B PUBLICITY INC.
Chicago, IL
boxing, entertainment, fight sports, film, literary arts, mixed martial arts, nightlife, politics, special events, performing arts, sports, worldwide

The Industry Cosign, The Video Mix Party ; A Networking Event, Release Party and Celebration of Shari Robinson's latest book, `Share My Love' and.....

The Industry Cosign, The Video Mix Party ; A Networking Event, Release Party and Celebration of Shari Robinson's latest book, `Share My Love' and the birthdays of DJ Wiz, Yalewa Melvin and Julie Als

The 5 W's



Who: The Industry Cosign, The Video Mix Party and booksbysharirobinson.com
What: A Networking Event, Release Party and Celebration
Why: To celebrate Shari Robinson's latest book, `Share My Love' and the birthdays of DJ Wiz, Yalewa Melvin and Julie Als
Where: Negril Village- 70 West 3rd Street (Downstairs in The Rhum Lounge )
When: Thursday, March 20th, 6 PM- 1 AM

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NO HOLDS BARRED: 2008 NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championship Preview with Bob Mayeri‏

NO HOLDS BARRED: 2008 NCAA Div. Wrestling Championship Preview with Bob Mayeri On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman speaks with our correspondent, veteran wrestling journalist and photographer Bob Mayeri, about the 2008 NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championship (http://www.stlsports.org/wrestling). This event takes place from Thursday, March 20, to Saturday, March 22, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. We discuss the relative parity which has emerged this season in college wrestling, and both preview the team race and list the favorites in each of the ten weight classes. We also discuss some ofthe important wrestling-related activities which will be going on between sessions of this tournament. The finals will be shown live on ESPN and ESPN360.com starting at 8:30PM EDT/7:30 PM CDT Saturday night, March 22. The quarterfinals will air on ESPNU and ESPN360.com Friday, March 21, starting at 11 AM EDT/10 AM CDT. The semifinals will be syndicated by ESPNU Friday evening starting at 7 PM EDT/6 PM CDT, so check your local listings. ESPNU will also carry the medal rounds live Saturday morning, March 22,starting at 11 AM EDT/10 AM CDT. To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link below and just press the play button on the player: http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-03-17T21_54_13-07_00 You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it). You can also listen to it through the NO HOLDS BARRED blog, athttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com, and MySpace page, at http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews,also by pressing the play button on the player. Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes athttp://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download. The NO HOLDS BARRED theme song is called "The Heist", by musician IanCarpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/). NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by: YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com). The producers of the original UFC and Live Nation (http://livenation.com/), worldwideleaders in live entertainment, present YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law. IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world'sfirst professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check outtheir regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, athttp://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html. Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year.For more news and info, check out their web site,GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/). BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more. Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. GladiatorMagazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com(http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/). FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews,and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts. Thanks, Eddie Goldman No Holds Barred bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/ The Boxing Standardhttp://boxingstandard.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


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GO HARD OR GO HOME; BET presents, "Inside the Ring"

GO HARD OR GO HOME- Hip Hop meets Mixed Martial Arts; BET presents, "Inside the Ring"

Introducing celebrities from the worlds of hip-hop, sports and Hollywood to the competitive ranks of mixed martial arts (MMA), BET showcases a twist to this exciting format with its new original series IRON RING premiering Tuesday, March 18 at 11 p.m. (ET/PT). See the encore Friday at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

IRON RING showcases mixed martial arts -- the fastest-growing new sports format in entertainment. The show pairs celebrity team owners, trainers and fighters to produce some of the most compelling match-ups on television.

Floyd Mayweather


Headlining the show is boxing champ Floyd Mayweather (with the assistance of hip-hop star Rick Ross) managing the Money Mayweather Boys, along with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Nelly representing Team Luda and Team Nelly (respectively); T.I. with the help of Big Kuntry, Young Dro, DJ Drama and Alpha Omega leading Team Grand Hustle; Juelz Santana and Jim Jones heading Dipset; and Lil Jon with the Head Busters.

Rick Ross and Aaron Braunstein


"When I heard BET was bringing IRON RING to the air ... I wanted to be involved in any way I could," said team owner Ludacris. "... What people will get out of IRON RING is that it's less about the man in the fight and more about the fight in the man."

With $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, these skilled competitors go toe-to-toe in the IRON RING using the combined fighting techniques of jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. From competitive team tryouts and grueling practices to the final face-off at the live championship, IRON RING not only exposes the hardcore sport of mixed martial arts, but also uniquely explores the human element by providing insight into the lives of the fighters and coaches.

TEAM OWNERS

T.I., Team Grand Hustle
Father, astute businessman, fashion icon, King of the South, future Hollywood A Lister, and Hip Hop standard Bearer. Atlanta-native T.I. holds all these titles and more. If you ask the thought-provoking MC if he's satisfied with his success, he'll tell you it's not enough.

Ludacris, Team Luda
His career shifted into overdrive in ATL. He's one of rap's most recognizable artists, and his recent success in the acting game should keep his visibility high for years to come.

Mayweather, Money Mayweather Boys
Floyd Mayweather consistently gives sensational performances in the ring. Floyd, now 28, started boxing at the age of seven. He is the son of former contender Floyd Mayweather, Sr. and has three children.

Lil' Jon, Team Headbusters
Lil Jon has become one of the most in-demand producers in music. He's craged his signature sound from chants and catchy choruses. His hitmaking has earned him thousands of fans nationwide.

Juelz Santana, Team Dipset
Born and raised in Harlem, Juelz started writing rhymes at the age of 12. Juelz, born LaRon James, has worked with Cam'ron, Jay-Z, Jim Jones and more.

Nelly, Team Nelly
Nelly is one of the most successful rap artists of the modern hip-hop era. From "Country Grammar" to "Hot in Heere," Nelly has been bringing the hits to the people as a soloist and collaborator. He's a three-time Grammy winner who's still on top of his game.
What is Mixed Martial Arts?

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a hybrid combat sport that incorporates boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and other disciplines.

Where did this fighting style originate?

MMA traces it roots back to the early Olympic sport called Pankration, where combatants faced each other with very few rules. Over time, similar sports evolved, and different styles of traditional martial arts were pitted against each other.

Are there rules?

Specific MMA rules vary between organizations, but eye-gouging, biting, hair pulling and strikes to the throat, spine and groin have been outlawed.

Modern MMA is inspired by the “anything goes” fighting contests held in Brazil. Early American MMA events were bloody and had no rules, which resulted in government regulation.

How does a fighter win?

The goal of a MMA match is to knock out the opponent, force the opponent to tap out, or to win by scoring more points.

Is all that kicking really necessary?

MMA is usually broken down into two categories: striking and grappling. Strikes include blows with hands, feet, knees or elbows. Grappling moves use submissions, choke holds, throws and take downs.

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POST-PARTISAN AMERICA?‏

POST-PARTISAN AMERICA?

The stunning victory of Senator John McCain as the Republican Party’s nominee for President of the United States was highly unlikely, and portends an interesting general election that may realign the party’s electorate. The Republican Party began suffering from an attrition rate following the end of the “Reagan revolution.” Coupled with the general political fallout from shortcomings of the Bush administration, the party may be in political free fall.

The resultant lost of the Republican Party majority in congress following major gains by the Democratic Party in the 2006 election, and the exceedingly low popularity of President Bush seem to have the Republican Party on the ropes, as the 2008 presidential general election begins. In addition, the political prognosis for the Republican Party in this season’s presidential election looks grim because of diminishing returns of the conservative wing (neo-conservatives and Christian right) of the party that heretofore, virtually controlled the political rhetoric.

While McCain has taken major political hits from the conservative wing on his intrepid journey to the party’s nomination, at the end of the day the maverick and independently minded Senator may ultimately be a blessing in disguise for the party. But Senator McCain may remain a nemesis to the polarized conservative wing of the party, as the candidate engages a general election strategy to win America.

According to many sophisticated political analysts Senator John McCain has the background, political history and disposition to generate unprecedented support from Black voters in the general election. Apart from the Senator’s controversial positions on some social issues that Black voters are inclined toward, John McCain is an authentic national hero, and his courageous stance against congressional earmarks, will likely resonate across the political spectrum.

Concomitantly, McCain will not be encumbered by the legacy of Republican Party social conservatism, or the hard line race based political rhetoric, real and perceived from the right wing. The advent of Senator McCain presidential candidacy is organically juxtaposed to many conservative political positions that are troubling to many Black voters, including Republicans. As a consequence, candidate McCain has the potential to receive unprecedented numbers of Black voters as compared to all of the other GOP presidential hopefuls.

(Photo by: Dana Mozie)


Boxing and fighting arts public relations specialist Keisha Morrisey, a former Republican Party candidate in 2002 and 2003 said, “I am fascinated with Senator McCain and the prospects for his campaign. In fact, I have reconsidered running for elective office in 2008 and I am looking forward to campaigning with the Senator as a grassroots candidate from Harlem.” Ms. Morrisey is a parent of a teenage son, under 40 years-old and a petite young lady who looks as though she is under 30.

(Photo By: Evan E. Edwards)


While McCain may be an elder and seasoned public servant, his message and history of independence and bi-partisanship has the political resonance of a new idea among a cross section of the American electorate. McCain’s campaign is propitious as the electoral demographic is on an independent political trajectory.

Apparently, the campaign of Barack Obama has tapped in to the political trajectory of independent voters and seems to be generating a new political calculus. Some suggest that the Obama campaign has revealed that a political paradigm shift is underway.

Veteran political analyst Alton Chase said, “Although McCain is facing a disproportional numerical disadvantage and an inspired and effervescent Democratic electorate, the final decision that will determine the Democratic Party’s nominee may result from a brokered convention that will fracture the Democratic Party along historical political fault lines. A vociferous internal political dubiety may develop that could jeopardize their prospects for regaining the White House in November.”

Chase continued, “In the presidential election of 1924 the Democratic Party had a brokered convention and the Republican candidate Calvin Coolidge won the election, carrying New York. The Democratic Party presidential convention of 1968 was brokered in favor of Herbert Humphrey over anti-war candidate Eugene McCarthy, and Republican candidate Richard Nixon won the presidency. It remains to be seen how the Democratic Party presidential nomination will shake out and what impact it may have for McCain.”

If the Democratic Party presidential nomination were over today it would be a virtual political photo finish, sending the ultimate decision to the domain of the Super Delegates and the preverbal smoke filled room. But the fat lady has yet to sing, so it ain’t over till its over.

Gary James (Photo By: Ysis James)


Gary James is an author, entrepreneur, and leader of the activist wing of the Republican Party. In 1984 his organization was tapped by the Reagan-Bush re-election committee to direct the state-wide grassroots campaign in the Black community, under the leadership of regional coordinator Roger Stone. James ran the state-wide “Black Desk” in 1986 for the GOP Gubernatorial candidate Supreme Court Judge Andrew O’Rourke. He was the delegate for Congressman Jack Kemp in Harlem’s 16th CD in 1988, during the congressman’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination. For more information contact ConsultingGary@aol.com or visit: www.blackpt.org
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New York’s Gov. Paterson Takes Office; "I am David A. Paterson and I am the Governor of New York State"

New York’s Gov. Paterson Takes Office



"I stand willing and able to lead this state to a greater tomorrow."

"There's been tension here for months and confrontation," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Brunswick), Spitzer's nemesis. "So I think there's relief. ... It's a new day and the sun is shining."


"Let me reintroduce myself. I am David Paterson and I am the governor of New York State!"








Honorable Lt. Governor David A. Paterson attends the Roy Jones vs. Tito Trinidad fight in January, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.


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