Against all odds Former three-time champion Jose Antonio Rivera continues improbable comeback July 29th

Ex-champ Rivera joins lineup at Mohegan‏; After winning close to 40 fights in 15 years and capturing three world titles, Jose Antonio Rivera suddenly reached a point in his career he never thought he’d see three decades ago when he first put on a pair of gloves at 8 years old.

“Boxing wasn’t fun anymore,” said the former three-time world champion from Worcester, Mass.

Weighed down by personal problems outside of the ring, Rivera hit the wall in 2007 when he lost his World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title to Travis Simms. He announced his retirement shortly thereafter, only to attempt a brief comeback 10 months later that left him with an injured hand.

This time, it appeared Rivera (40-6-1, 24 KOs) was done for good, but the former welterweight and light middleweight title-holder proved you can’t keep a champion down for long, making his second comeback in May with a unanimous decision win over Luis Maysonet at the Palladium in Worcester.

Only three months removed from his 38th birthday, Rivera now has his sights set on a much bigger prize as he prepares to continue his comeback Friday, July 29th, 2011 on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Heat Wave” show at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Rivera will fight in a special eight-round light middleweight attraction on a show that features two championship bouts – a 12-round showdown between Kevin McBride (35-9-1, 29 KOs) and Mariusz Wach (24-0, 12 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International heavyweight title, and a 10-round intrastate battle between Elvin Ayala (23-5-1, 11 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., and rival Israel “Pito” Cardona (36-10, 28 KOs) of Hartford for the vacant WBC United States National Boxing Council (USNBC) middleweight title.

“I’m trying to push myself and test myself to see how much I have left in the tank,” said Rivera, who was born in Philadelphia and also lived in Puerto Rico before moving to Worcester as a teenager. “My goal is to get back into world-championship form.

“I want to ease my way into a couple of fights this year and by next year hopefully I’ll be knocking on the door of another big fight. … You’re only as old as you feel.”

Asked how old he feels, Rivera said, “Twenty-eight, both mentally and physically.”

How he feels mentally is arguably more important right now than how Rivera feels physically, especially considering the internal problems that derailed his career four years ago. His first comeback attempt in 2008 ended with a win over Clarence Taylor, but Rivera admits he still would’ve walked away again even without the subsequent hand injury because his “mind wasn’t right.”

“The injury was just the icing on the cake,” he said. “That gave me a more convenient excuse to retire, but the truth is I was still dealing with a lot of personal stuff, too.”

The idea of returning to the ring a second time was always in the back of his mind during his retirement phase, but Rivera didn’t pull the trigger until he knew he was mentally ready.

“I had to type up all the loose ends in my life,” he said. “As soon as everything was good, I said to myself, ‘OK, now is the time.’ Being mentally prepared is the key. I don’t care how strong you are. You could be a beast in that ring, but if you’re not mentally ready, then it all goes out the window.

“That’s what got me to take some time off. Everything going on in my life was affecting my performance and my career.”

On May 20th at the Palladium, Rivera proved he made the right decision with a convincing win over Maysonet, a Hartford native who entered the bout with 32 wins, including 25 by knockout. The former world champion struggled early, but settled into a groove later in the fight after solving Maysonet’s game plan. Rivera captured an eight-round unanimous decision, 79-73, on all three scorecards.

“I didn’t expect him to try to outbox me,” Rivera said. “He seemed hesitant to move inside. We trained for a brawl, and I had to adjust midway through the fight. His style kind of threw me off a little. By the time I warmed up in the sixth, seventh and eighth rounds, I was unloading on him.

“To tell you the truth, it went by so quickly. When I went back to my corner after the eighth round, the referee came to me and said the fight was over. I asked if he had quit and the referee said, ‘No, that’s eight rounds!’”

Rivera’s next bout on July 29th will go a long way toward determining whether his dream of winning a fourth world title – he captured the WBA light middleweight and welterweight titles, in addition to the International Boxing Organization (IBO) welterweight title – is a realistic premise or an improbable fantasy. One thing that’s certain is Rivera views his age as an advantage, not a roadblock, as he aims to follow in the footsteps of legends George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins, who beat the odds to win world titles at the ages of 45 and 46, respectively (Hopkins accomplished the feat by beating Jean Pascal the night after Rivera’s comeback win over Maysonet).

“A lot of people knock it, and that’s fine because it just gives me more motivation, but the great thing about being an older fighter is I bring a lot of experience to the ring,” Rivera said. “I know my body. Conditioning has always been the key to my success, and it’s one of the main reasons I became champion, but some of my losses were a result of overtraining when I was younger; I left it all in the gym. The things I took for granted back then are things I no longer take for granted anymore. That’s what makes it enjoyable.”

Rivera’s having fun again, and that could be bad news for the elite fighters in the 154-pound division.

“I just want another chance at a title fight, whether it’s the WBC, WBA or IBO – any of them,” Rivera said. “This is a great opportunity for me, and I’m excited to be on this card. I’ve always wanted to fight at Mohegan Sun and now I’ll have that chance. I’m just thankful Burchfield was able to make it happen.”

The undercard of “Heat Wave” features Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (3-0, 3 KOs) facing Russ Niggemyer (2-2, 2 KOs) of Hilliard, Ohio; New Haven welterweight Edwin Soto (6-0-1, 2 KOs) battling Jose Duran (6-5-2, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, Fla.; undefeated heavyweight Artur Spzilka of Poland (5-0, 3 KOs) facing Philadelphia’s David Williams (6-4-1, 2 KOs), and New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Johnathan Vazquez (4-0, 3 KOs) taking on Agustine Maurus of Lawrence, Mass., in Maurus’ debut. Cruiserweight Jose Torres of Springfield, Mass., will make his debut; super middleweight Greg McCoy (2-3-1, 1 KO) of New Haven will fight in a separate four-round bout; and super middleweight Keith Kozlin (6-2, 4 KOs) of Warwick, R.I., will face Woonsocket’s Reynaldo Rodriguez (5-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round intrastate showdown. Also, former “The Contender” reality television star Jeff Fraza (17-3, 10 KOs) of Haverhill, Mass., will face Pawtucket, R.I., light middleweight Eddie Soto (12-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

♔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.

Boxing returns on Channel 5 Al Bernstein calling ‘The Big Brawl’ action July 23

Boxing’s back on terrestrial television in the United Kingdom, starting July 23 with the worldwide broadcast of “The Big Brawl” event, which will be anchored by award-winning boxing announcer Al Bernstein, Channel 5 and promoter Hennessy Sports announced today.

British and Commonwealth heavyweight Champion Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs) puts his belts on the line Saturday night, July 23 against undefeated challenger Tyson Fury (14-0, 10 KOs) in the 12-round main event at Wembley Arena in London.

“The Big Brawl" will air live in the UK on Channel 5, the UK’s premier terrestrial network. “Boxing is a new venture for Channel Five and we want to create the very best impression,” said Mark Sharman, Executive Producer, S3 Media Ltd. “Fury v Chisora is a great match-up between two unbeaten heavyweights with world title aspirations, so we want a world-class expert to call the fight. They don’t come any bigger than Al Bernstein and I know the viewers will enjoy the benefits of his insight and expertise.”

Sports fans in United States will also be able to watch the “The Big Brawl” event on PPV, distributed in the U.S. by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, and Avail-TVN, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. (Check with your PPV provider for same day replay times.) The telecast is also available in Canada to all Super Channel network subscribers.

Bernstein, a highly respected boxing authority for more than three decades, will join blow-by-blow announcer Mark Pougatch at ringside for “The Big Brawl” call. He was a boxing analyst for ESPN from 1980 to 2003, covered boxing for NBC during the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, and has been a popular boxing announcer since 2003 for Showtime Championship Boxing.

“"While this fight certainly resonates for British boxing fans,” Bernstein commented, “it now has wider implications and interest. The winner has an excellent chance of fighting for the heavyweight title. But, that aside, perhaps the most salient part of this match is that it will very likely be an exciting shootout – something we don't often see in the heavyweight division. A lot is at stake and the styles of these two fighters should make it an entertaining match."

The headliner showcases a pair of undefeated heavyweights, sporting nearly identical professional records, fighting in hopes of rising from prospect to contender, especially with world title shot implications for the winner of this clash to settle it all.

Zimbabwe-native Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 12 by the World Boxing Organization, fights out of London. He has twice had scheduled World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) title fights cancelled against champion Wladimir Klitschko, who will be at ringside for “The Big Brawl.” “Del Boy” has twice stopped Sam Sexton, winner of “The Prizefighter Heavyweight Tournament,” as well as Mike Tyson-conqueror Danny Williams.

Fury is a 6’ 9” 260-pound Irishman born in Manchester and lives in Cheshire, England. His rapidly growing fan-base is spreading across the Atlantic to America. Named after “Iron” Mike Tyson, the World Boxing Council’s No 21-rated Fury is the cousin of world middleweight contender Andy Lee. In his last action this past February, the mammoth 261-pound Fury knocked out previously unbeaten Narcelo Luiz Nascimento (13-0) in the fifth round. Other notable United Kingdom heavyweights defeated by Tyson include John McDermott and Scott Belshaw. Fury, only 22, has dedicated his fight against Chisora to the memory of former world heavyweight title challenger and European champion, Sir Henry Cooper.

The 12-round co-feature showcases British Boxing Board of Control (“BBB of C”) Light Welterweight Champion Ashley “Treasure” Theophane in his first title defense against Welsh champion Jason “The Power” Cook.

Theophane (29-4-1, 7 KOs), rated No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation, captured the BBB of C light welterweight championship in his last fight by winning a unanimous 12-round decision against Lenny Daws (21-1-2) this past February in London. Ashley’s most significant victories to date have been versus Delvin Rodriguez (DEC10) and former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (DEC8).

The 5’ 9” Cook (28-3-1, 14 KOs), a former International Boxing Organization and European lightweight champion, has lost only three times in 32 pro fights, the last in 2009 to former World Boxing Association champion Gavin Rees by three-round decision in the semi-finals of “Prizefighter” tournament.♔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.

MAURICE HARRIS TO BATTLE DERRICK ROSSY FOR USBA HEAVYWEIGHT CROWN ON JULY 16TH AT RESORTS IN ATLANTIC CITY‏

MAURICE HARRIS TO BATTLE DERRICK ROSSY FOR USBA HEAVYWEIGHT CROWN ON JULY 16TH AT RESORTS IN ATLANTIC CITY. TERRIFIC TITLE BOUT HIGHLIGHTS BIG CARD OF BOXING PROMOTED BY CARLA HILL WITH A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY THE LEGENDARY EVANDER HOLYFIELD


On Saturday night, July 16th Carla Hill Promotions will present a championship card of professional boxing to Resorts in Atlantic City that will be highlighted by a USBA Heavyweight title bout between Maurice Harris and Derrick Rossy.

Carla Hill Promotions is headed by Carla Hill, who is the wife of former Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight champion, Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill.

“I am excited about this card and starting my first show off with a championship fight of importance”, said Carla Hill.

“Besides the title bout we have put together a terrific undercard that will feature many of the best fighters in the area. This is the kind of show that will lay the groundwork for some great events that we have planned in the future”

Future Hall of Famer, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield will be making an appearance ringside

Harris of East Orange, New Jersey has a record of 24-15-2 with ten win coming by way of knockout and is currently ranked number eight in the world by the IBF.

He turned pro in 1992 at the ripe age of sixteen years old. He has been in the ring with many of the biggest names in boxing such as former world title challenger Vaughn Bean; former Cruiserweight title challenger Dale Brown; Future world champions Chris Byrd and Henry Akinwande

Harris got his notice in a loss when he battled Hall of Famer Larry Holmes to a split decision that many at ringside and around the world watching on Television believed Harris should have been awarded the victory

He lost a six round war with undefeated Derrick Jefferson (21-0-1) in a bout that has been tabbed as one of the best Heavyweight bouts that HBO has ever televised.

He has big wins over David Izon (18-0); Jeremy Williams (34-2) and future world champion Sergei Liakhovich (16-0).

He won the vacant USBA title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Nagy Aguilera on August 6th, 2010.

Harris coming off a disappointing third round stoppage defeated to former world title challenger Tony Thompson on May 27th.

Rossy of Medford, New York has an impressive mark of 25-4 with fifteen knockouts and is ranked number-fifteen by the IBF.

Rossy began his career by winning his first fourteen bouts before being stopped in seven rounds by former world title challenger and highly regarded Eddie Chambers.

Rossy then went on to win three straight bouts which was highlighted by a twelve round unanimous decision over former world champion and Olympic Gold Medal winner Ray Mercer in Macao, China.

After losing to undefeated Russian contender Alexander Dimentrenko, Rossy went on a seven fight win streak as he beat the likes of undefeated William Shahan and former world title challenger Carl Drummond in a bout that was televised live all over America on ESPN 2.

That bout catapulted Rossy into a rematch with Chambers.

Unfortunately after starting out fast, Rossy dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to Chambers in an IBF Elimination bout.

In his previous bout, Rossy traveled to Germany but was stopped in five rounds to heralded Kubrat Pulav on May 7th.

An exciting undercard featuring many of the best prospects in the area has been assembled.

In a four round Super Middleweight bout, Troy Maxwell (2-2, 1 KO) of Galloway, NJ will do battle with Darrion Fletcher (1-1, 1 KO) of Evansville, IN

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Kyle McNutt (1-0, 1 KO) of Battle Creek, Michigan will take on Keon Graham (2-6) of Akron, OH

Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (7-0, 3 KO’s) of Atlantic City will put his perfect mark on the line when he takes on Hamid Abdul Mateen (2-1) of Hempstead, NY in a Light Heavyweight bout scheduled fof four rounds.

Thomas Hardwick (1-0, 1 KO) of Yonker, NY will take Rodelle Bolar (0-3) of Akron, OH in a four round Heavyweight bout

Electric Bantamweight Qa’Id Muhammad (5-0, 5 KO’s) taking on veteran Jason Rorie (6-12-2, 3 KO’s) of Winston-Salem, NC

Rounding out the card will be the son of former Heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, Middleweight Isiah Seldon (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ taking on John Michael Terry (3-19-3, 1 KO) of Portsmouth, VA

WEIGH IN FOR USBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT THIS FRIDAY AT 3PM ON THE BOARDWALK IN FRONT OF RESORTS IN ATLANTIC CITY‏

This Friday afternoon, the weigh-in for Saturday night’s USBA Heavyweight championship fight between Maurice Harris and Derric Rossy will take place on the Boardwalk in front of Resorts Casino.

The weigh-in will start at 3pm eastern and all participants in Saturday night’s card will be on the scale in advance of the big card promoted by Carla Hill and Carla Hill Promotions

Fans will have an opportunity to take pictures of the fighters as they prepare for battle the next evening.

♔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.

Bernard Hopkins on the Business of Boxing

Bernard Hopkins on the Business of Boxing
By Lee Hawkins

Light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins has done things differently in the boxing world. And in a sport where top-earning athletes can find themselves in financial crises, and sometimes bankrupt, Hopkins also manages his own career. Earlier this spring, at age 46, the three-time world champion made history when he beat George Foreman’s record, and became the oldest boxer ever to win a title bout.


Hopkins is an outspoken advocate for athletes taking as much control over their careers as possible, and for spending conservatively.

In a way, he says, his investment style is very similar to his fighting style. In the ring, he dances around and engages his opponent as little as possible, and so doesn’t get hit nearly enough as most fighters do.

In this financial world, he does the same. He is a self-proclaimed “conservative investor,” staying away from unnecessary risks.

“I’m a government municipal bonds, tax-free bonds guy. It’s not a big 15 or 8 or 9 percent return, but at the end of the day it’s safe money,” he said. “My lifestyle is in line with the dividends that are paid out of the bonds.”

He bristles when he speaks of athletes being encouraged by their advisers to leave their business affairs to others.

“No one in boxing came to me and told me the business of boxing. I was told the opposite. I was told, ‘Don’t learn about the business of boxing. Your job is to fight. Your job is to be the champion. This is what I do. I’m the manager, I’m the advisor, I’m the promoter. You concentrate on boxing, I’ll concentrate on the business points.’”

“’Why can’t I have both?’” he countered. “’You’re saying I should stay in the gym, I should train and concentrate on being the champion and being the labor. Why can’t I be the athlete and manage myself?’”

So, he said, “‘Let me try.’”

“And here we are, 26 years later.”

Video: More from Bernard Hopkins on being the oldest boxer ever to win a title bout and his life as an investor and a businessman.

♔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.

JOSEPH AGBEKO AND ABNER MARES HOST LAS VEGAS PRESSER ANNOUNCING THEIR AUG. 13 WORLD TITLE FIGHT TO DETERMINE BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL WINNER

JOSEPH AGBEKO AND ABNER MARES HOST LAS VEGAS PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING THEIR AUG. 13 WORLD TITLE FIGHT TO DETERMINE BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL WINNER Thursday, July 14 Noon PT At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Muse Hall

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight World Champion Joseph Agbeko and undefeated rising star and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Bantamweight Champion Abner Mares will meet to announce their world title fight in The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All set to take place on Saturday, August 13, 2011 live from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. and to be televised live on SHOWTIME.

The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All grand finale will take place on Saturday, August 13, live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The event is promoted by Don King Production and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.

♔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.

RODRIGUEZ-WOLAK EXCLUSIVE HEAD-TO-HEAD INTERVIEW FIGHT THIS FRIDAY AT ROSELAND BALLROOM ON ESPN'S "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS"

This Friday night, Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14KO's) and Pawel "Raging Bull" Wolak (29-1, 19KO's) will step into the ring against one another, in their highly anticipated ten round jr. middleweight showdown, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and being broadcast live on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" from the Roseland Ballroom in NYC. The match-up has the boxing world buzzing in anticipation, as both Rodriguez and Wolak have exciting styles, and as anyone who has seen them before know, they always come to fight and leave everything they have in the ring. Before the two combatants step inside the ring, they both sat down to give their take on the fight.

Q: Thank you guys for sitting down to talk to me before your big showdown. I'll start with you Delvin, how has training camp been for this fight."

DR: Camp has been absolutely great. I can honestly say this is probably the best camp I have ever had. I haven't felt this good in a long time, if ever.

Q: What about for yourself Pawel?

PW: Camp was very good, and very tough, but that's the type of fight this is going to be so I knew I needed a tough camp to get prepared.

(Pawel "Raging Bull" Wolak; photo by Keisha Morrisey)

Q: This will be your first fight at 154 lbs. Delvin. Do you think this is an advantage or disadvantage to you?

DR: I see it as a huge advantage for me. Like I said before this is the best I have felt for as long I can remember. I feel stronger and faster than ever my body is reacting so good from not having to cut the extra weight. I have a lot of boxing inside me and I feel like before my body couldn't react to what my mind wanted it to do. Now there is no hesitation, I do twelve rounds now and it feels like nothing. I'm in the best shape of my life and everyone will see that this Friday night.

Q: Pawel, what is your take on him moving up in weight?

PW: I'd have to agree with Delvin, now that he doesn't have to cut weight I'm sure he will be more physically fit and stronger than before. I'm expecting the best Delvin Rodriguez there is, and that's what I have prepared myself for.

Q: Pawel, you are rated among all four sanctioning bodies, some people question why you would take a fight like this. What are you looking to prove in this fight?

PW: I know Delvin is a dangerous opponent, but this is very important to me to be fighting on ESPN against someone like Delvin. Not only is this a huge test for me, but I know that every time Delvin fights on ESPN he draws huge ratings, so by fighting him I will be seen by a huge audience. I'm looking to expand my fan base, and fighting on ESPN against a fighter like Delvin is perfect opportunity to do that.

Q: You have had some very unfortunate decisions go against you recently Delvin, do you view this as your opportunity to erase those decisions and start off fresh in your new division?

DR: Yes that's exactly how I feel. This is great opportunity for me, I'm stepping up to 154 and in my first fight I have a chance to face a guy like Pawel where a win throws me right into the mix.

Q: You both are known for putting on exciting performances, without giving your game-plans away, how do you see the fight playing out this Friday night and can I get a prediction from both of you on the outcome?

DR: The only prediction I have is that it's going to be a great, and exciting fight. I know it's going to be a tough fight and that's what I have trained for. The way I feel right now and the way I have prepared I am very confident. My boxing ability is going to come out and shine in this fight. I know I must be on my A-game because Pawel is a very tough guy. I can't fall asleep with, must be alert at all times and because of that I honestly feel that he is going to bring the absolute best out in me.

PW:I don't know what's going to happen, ask me after the first or second round I should know better by then, haha. All seriousness though, I expect a hard, tough fight. The pace will be set very early, and we will see how the fight plays out. I expect the best of him and I know I am going to bring my best. Look there are no secrets here, I think most people know my style and they know Delvin's style. They know what I have to do and what Delvin has to do to be victorious in this fight. Whoever can execute and whoever stays most true to their game plan will come out on top.

Q: Is there anything either of you would like to say in closing?

DR: Everyone should expect a great fight this Friday night. Everyone knows that they are getting a great performance in this fight. This fight is very important for both of us, and we are going to put our heart and soul into every round. This is definitely one fight you won't want to miss. I think this is going to be one of best fights on ESPN in a really long-time.

PW: I think Delvin said it all. This is going to be a great fight. This sport is all about entertaining the fans, that's exactly what this fight is going to be. I hope everyone can make it out on Friday night, and if you can't make it to Roseland Ballroom be sure to watch it on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights".

♔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.

Star Boxing's upcoming "Knock Out Cancer" Boxing benefit

Star Boxing's upcoming "Knock Out Cancer" Boxing benefit, being done in assocation with the American Cancer Society and the Hunts Point Produce Market. The event, which will take place outside at the Market, will be headlined by Star Boxing's Joe "The Future" Hanks (16-0, 11KO's) taking on "Contender" Season 4 participant, Alfredo Escalera Jr. (18-3-1, 12KO's) for the IBA Heavyweight World Championship.


♔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.

Denis “Da Mommas Boy” Douglin tops McCants in Atlantic City!

Well regarded junior middleweight prospect Denis “Da Mommas Boy” Douglin outpointed hard-nosed Philadelphian Philip McCants over six rounds last Saturday evening at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.

Fighting for the first time since a shocking loss in February, Douglin effectively outboxed McCants, connecting with jabs, hooks and hard straight left hands throughout the contest. McCants proved to be game and displayed a great chin, but Douglin’s skillful performance earned him a clear-cut unanimous decision victory.

Scores were 60-54 twice and 58-56.

“It felt great to finally get back in the ring,” said Douglin, who had a bevy of fans cheering him on. “I had a very serious training camp and what happened in my last fight made me work even harder.”

He was also glad to get rounds in against a credible opponent.

“I’m glad I fought a tough opponent. I didn’t want to face a guy that would go down if I breathed in his direction. Phillip McCants is a solid fighter and this was the start of a new beginning.”

Douglin, who improved to 13-1 with 8 knockouts, has already returned to the gym and expects his next bout to be announced shortly.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.